Saturday, June 07, 2008

IM Shipments

Got some good stuff in today. I'll be testing these out on my last long-ish ride this weekend; they seem way better optically than these cheepo's I train in. I bought some more of the cheepos too - after all, they do work.

I got some new cleats for my shoes. Nothing like a nice set of cleats. I've taken out my liners on my bike shoes - the largest size of tri-cycling shoes is still just a bit too small for my feet, and taking out the liners went a long way to preventing hot foot. Yes, it was hard on the feet for those first few long rides, but I'm used to it now. Makes it nice in transition. Oh yea, my last long ride I noticed one spot on the bottom of my foot felt like a nail being driven through it. Well, actually, it was a screw. One of the screws to my cleats, on both shoes, goes in so far that I can feel it inside the shoe. So, I'll be using a washer or something to try to make sure that screw can't be felt inside the shoe anymore. I'm sure that with the liners in there'd be no problems, but that just won't work for me in a long ride.


I also got a new Profile Design aerobottle. Mine was (is) 3 years old, and kinda nasty looking. The new ones come with a top, of all things - so we'll put that to the test, refilling and whatnot, tomorrow as well.


Got my bike back from the shop. They did a tune up, replaced the shifter cables, trued the wheels, lubed it all up - definitely a whole new bike it seems. I had the bottom bracket bearings replaced - before you could pull on the pedals away from the bike and there was some play to them. Not good. Now there is absolutely no play at all. The mechanic said he had to take blow torch to it to get the bearings off the tube. Nice. He also said that it was the last set of bearings he would be able to replace on that Bottom Bracket. This set was the second replacement. Guess I should start shopping for a new BB.


Also got a box to ship my bike in from the LBS. This has to be done on Monday or Tuesday. That's gonna be a reality check. The big day is upon us! I'm really looking forward to strapping on those Zipp 808's (rented from http://www.racedaywheels.com/) and seeing what I'm made of on that course. Bring it!

19 comments:

Unknown said...

Gear!!!

TRI-ROB said...

Isn't the prep for the mission the most meditative of all things...

Breathe...

Bullet said...

Nothing like a few new toys to get you pumped up for a race. Enjoy!

Oly said...

I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do too.

I know your gonna smash it!

Taconite Boy said...

Your going to have a GREAT DAY. Cant believe I get to tow the line with ya!

Kate said...

Bigun!

Can't wait to follow you! Wish I was racing too but I am planning on living vicariously. Good luck, good luck, good luck.

Steve Stenzel said...

Sweet new gear! And you actually ride without the liners in your shoes?!? That would beat me up!!

Jenny Davidson said...

I appreciate the loving tone in which you describe this bicycle maintenance?!?

left.right.repeat said...

You da man....ship the bike. The hay is in the barn.....

Enjoy!!! All will work out.

We need your bib number.

Fe-lady said...

Sweet gear!

Bring it Bigun!

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

Looks like you are getting ready to go! I love the new shades!

Supalinds said...

HOLY SHIT...it's time Bigun, it's time!

Aero bottle, gonna need that - thanks for the reminder :)

S. Baboo said...

Hmmm, an areo helmet AND 808s. This will be a serious throw down. I can't wait!

Anonymous said...

Why not forsake the quicker transition time for the comfort of your normal biking shoes? You will probably feel a lot better on the bike and generate more power. In a long race, you can afford to lose a couple of minutes in T1 and T2.

Why take the chance of a painful ride?

Just a thought.

Bigun said...

...because the reason I went without inserts is not for a fast T1, but for the comfort of a bigger shoe.

"I've taken out my liners on my bike shoes - the largest size of tri-cycling shoes is still just a bit too small for my feet, and taking out the liners went a long way to preventing hot foot"

I added washers to the screws holding on the cleat and that did the trick - no more screw ends poking into my feet.

Thanks for reading...all's well with the biguns footsies!

Anonymous said...

Just discovered your blog. I was just trying to be helpful.

I admire your grit and determination. Good luck in Ironman.

tri-mama said...

Oh yea! Gearing up and moving out!

Anonymous said...

Looks like your ready! It's good to see Profile Design finally put a top on those bottles. First time I tried this aerobottle I lost half my liquid when I hit a bump. You won't have to worry about running and biking in + 95 degree heat - the weather in the NW is still cool. Tell how the new shades work.

IronTriTim said...

Bigun can you recommend your bike shop, gonna be in venice just before IM FL and will need to get my bike tuned.