Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Ultimate Training Video

Forget Spinervals and Ventura's Real Rides and journey back to a time of finer things.....when Huffy was a quality bike company and helmets weren't necessary.

Cycling For Success


Enjoy the Rocky-esque Montage and tasty guitar riffs.

-Arthur

Friday, December 4, 2009

Finding the Inner Belgian?

Its the Fall and I'm sure many riders across the ECCC are not only training themselves, but also offering guidance to the young new bucks of the collegiate cycling community.

Despite the cost to my own training, I can say with confidence that helping the new guys (or rookies? I haven't figured out which term sounds better) is one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had as a cyclist thus far. I think this all stems from my less than rosy introduction to the cycling community. When you tell a salesmen that your budget for your first bike is $400 and he scoffs in your face, its not very confidence inspiring. But, I digress. That's a rant for another day.

Anyway back to the subject at hand. One of my rookies (Decision: Use the term interchangeably!) and I were talking the other day and he was worried about his recent performance on the bike which he felt wasn't up to par. After reassuring him that we all ebb and flow on the bike, I said you need to find your inner Belgian. The remark wasn't that important and I mentioned it in a jokingly and off handish sort of way.

His response: "What's so special about the Belgians?"

Trust me when I say that he was properly educated. Included was a lecture on how most people think of the French and the Tour de France when they first get into cycling. I guess more of a rant than a lecture...I dislike the French. Accept Brice Feillu, he's ok in my mind. Maybe Charles de Gaulle too.



BOOM!

The Koppenberg

the Tour of Flanders

Paris Roubaix

Ghent-Wevelgem

Ah the Classics!

Don't get me wrong, I like the Tour de France and I watch it intently. But nothing compares to the racing in Belgium. The mud, the rain, "Belgian Paste", the cobblestones.....it does everything to dispense rumors that road cyclists are a bunch of Nancy-boys. I believe the word we can use is Epic.

As if this new guy wasn't properly convinced, I proceeded to drop the figurative A-Bomb of Belgian Superority:



Eddy! Boom! (Insert mushroom cloud image)

I sent the rookie on his way to wikipedia land to research "The Cannibal"....

His response?

"So this Belgian is a real OG?"

Ah yes an Original Gangster indeed!

-Arthur

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Blogtastic

Well, I finally got around to it and joined the ECCC Blogosphere. Figured it was time to join the fray and make sure everyone knew what Delaware was up to.

I guess I can start off by explaining the title of my blog. The intent of the title was not to nickname myself the Small Wonder. Anyone who knows me or can remember what I look like, would realize the irony immediately. "The Small Wonder" is actually our old state motto. Our governor changed it to "Its Good to Be First", but that seemed just a bit too pretentious for a blog concerning bicycle racing.

We've been busy this fall replenishing our ranks for the upcoming Road Season. Its been a blast showing the new members the 'ropes' and watching them improve. We even managed a few skills-specific rides.

We're all readily awaiting the upcoming season and the ECCC ambiance.

Until then more training is necessary!

-Arthur