POSITIVO ESPRESSO

Positivo Espresso Gobal Domination

2009-12-20T17:25:00.003+09:00

O.S. at Encino Velodrome, California, December 2009

Thanks

Lost among mikans

2009-12-19T21:35:00.002+09:00

Today was the day of the monster ride MOB had proposed a few days ago, and which I had endorsed. Maybe it is not a good idea to be overly ambitious - fate might just punish you for that.

MOB, James and I arrived literally simultaneously at the appointed meeting point on Kan One at 7:30am. No sight of Jerome, and as it was very cold (zero degrees to be precise), MOB didn't wait long before calling him. He had just woken up... Oh well, off we went without him.

It was a beautiful day - crispy clear air and sky. We had splendid view of Tsuiko as we took the back road on the northern side of the lake. But suddenly - a big bang, a shout. What had happened? MOB's chain had landed between hub and spokes, and this had torn the rear dérailleur apart. The second time this has happened to him this year - how annoying! This time it seemed to have been caused by a small wooden stick that had entered the dérailleur rather than bad adjustment. Worse - so this could happen to any of us!

James was quick to convert the bike into a fixie, so MOB was hopefully (awaiting confirmation!) able to make it easily back to Hashimoto station - mostly downhill from where we were.

James and I went on. Somehow I didn't feel in top form. My heart rate shot up above 160 at almost every hill, no matter how minor or short. Did I leave so much heart yesterday at the health check? Was it the skipped breakfast yesterday morning? Or just the very cold weather? Or maybe simply James's speed? He was zipping up hills as if they were down hills. No doubt he should go for C or even higher class in the next JCRC season.

The view from Yabitsu was stunning. Thanks to the extremely clear air, even Oshima was clearly visible, and of course the full coast line.

Needless to say, we were also spoiled all day by perfect views of Mount Fuji.

Down in Hadano, the plan was to head to Odawara and then start the ascent to Hakone, on the same road MOB took the other day. I wanted to avoid taking the easy option of heading straight down to the sea and taking busy route 1 to Odawara. Much better doing that on 2 January, with the roads cleared for the ekiden relay marathon. So I had found a series of roads that led from Hadano through the hills to Odawara, hopefully with relatively little traffic. That turned out to be true, in fact very true the further we got. I had missed a turn down the small mountain into the valley lying before Odawara. We kept climbing up and up instead, eventually ending on a mountain (Fudosan) that turned out to be one big plantation of mikans. The only traffic there were farmers heading into the hills for harvest, and actually truck (mini-van) loads of them.

We could not resist tasting some - very fresh and nice indeed!

By the time we had finished this picnic detour and finally arrived in Odawara, it was past 14:00, so we gave up on the idea of climbing up to Hakone and descending in the half dark and with likely very strong headwind to Atami, and called it a day.

A modest 121km with 1,300m of climbing.

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/jp/kanto/237126121492035850

Wanted to Buy - 59 60 or 61cm Road Frame

2009-12-19T18:27:00.000+09:00

Please forgive this "Wanted" classified ad.

I'm looking for a road bike frame I can build up and use on my trainer this winter and as a second bike for training rides thereafter. I don't usually see anything in my size on sale in Japan, so I'll buy from abroad (a store or via ebay) unless I can find someone who has one they want to sell here locally.

I'll probably be confined to the trainer (with a somewhat upright riding position) until my shoulder is well recovered, so the trainer will see its first sustained use in several years. But I dare not put my Cervelo frame on the trainer, since I cracked another frame on a trainer a few years back.

I need something less expensive than, but as strong as the Cervelo. I'll use the bulletproof set of wheels that Nagai-san built me recently, and try the "Powercranks" that I'm going to order. I've fit frames in the 59cm to 61cm (center-to-center, actual or virtual) sizes, with a 58-59cm (actual or virtual) top tube. 58 cm would be too small in most manufacturers (especially Trek). The geometry of my size 61 Cervelo R3-SL is shown at the bottom of this linked page.

Any ideas are welcome -- if you have a frame or more you want to sell, or if you have a strong recommendation. If I don't get any leads quickly, I'll go ahead and pull the trigger and order something from the US or UK so I can build it up in early January.

(P.S. As for other parts: I also could use a spare Ultegra or 105 gruppo (without crankset or cassette) if someone has that together with the frame, and also some 44cm handlebars (harder to find in Japan than smaller sizes). I have a bunch of parts already -- crankset, cassette, a nice new carbon seat post (27.2mm) that would be fine with a traditional geometry frame but is too short for me to use with the sloping/compact Cervelo), a very solid used Reynolds Ouzo Pro 1 1/8" carbon fork, FSA integrated headset, FSA 110mm (or 120mm?) stem for oversized (31.8?) handlebars, all waiting to be put on a bike, and I've ordered a spare saddle.)

Further Update - Shoulder injury -- and random thoughts on cycle commuting and Japanese health care

2009-11-30T18:02:00.017+09:00

Further Update: Checked in to Tokyo Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, they were able to reset the shoulder with me under general anesthesia ... without making an incision or cutting up my muscles/tendons. I'm out of the hospital this morning, with my upper arm heavily taped to my side/back for the next 3+ weeks so it does not "pop out" again. Seems like everything went smoothly, and the usual pleasant surprise with a bill that is probably 10-20% what it would have been in the U.S. and leaves one scratching one's head as to how they can possibly pay salaries of the docs and staff.

_________________________________

Update: The shoulder movement was not returning as quickly as it should have -- I cannot turn my arm outward or lift it up. I had my 2nd follow up visit yesterday to the doctor and still nothing showed on another x-ray -- so he had me CT scanned. The CT scan shows very clearly (1) a portion or the back side of the "ball" joint of my arm into my shoulder socket was crushed in the impact against the shoulder socket -- nothing that won't heal with time and still plenty of bone left all around it, but also (2) the arm is dislocated ... not all the way out of the shoulder socket, but about 1.5-2 cm shifted back from where it should be, and the jagged edge of the damaged part of the "ball" joint is riding/catching on the edge of the socket, which is why I have very limited movement, and also which prevented it from "relocating" to the right place on its own.

I'm going in Tuesday afternoon, for surgery, general anesthesia, Wednesday morning. They will try to "relocate" the shoulder and if that works, they won't need to make an incision.

If it does not, or looks like it risks further damage ... then they will do surgery to achieve the same result. Seems like the doctor wants to do this ASAP, says the longer I wait the harder the relocation will be/more damage to the non-bone parts. So I'll just get it done ... at least it is a major medical center with a good reputation from what I know (Tokyo Medical Center - Komazawa) ... rather than hunting for the best shoulder doc in Japan or hopping on a plane to get someone in the U.S. to deal with it (as some of my colleagues have said I am crazy not to do, given their perception about the difference between the higher end of orthopaedic surgeons in the U.S. and Japan, as well as their desire for an English fluent doctor). We shall see.

P.S. Maybe next time (if there is a next time) this doc will believe the patient when he says it hurts so much there must be a break or dislocation -- turns out there was both!

___________________________________________________________________

Original Post:

Komazawa Dori was a solid line of standing traffic on Thursday morning last week around 9AM. After passing Komazawa Park, at the Jiyuu Dori intersection, I could see not only the line of cars but also taxis blocking the shoulder that usually serves as an informal bike lane, so I went onto the sidewalk at the far side of the intersection, in front of the National Medical Center, slowing my pace.

The sidewalk is at an angle, tapering as it moves away from the corner, and a signpost of some kind blocked my view straight up the path. As I rounded the sign post, I came face to face with a college student (Y.O.) on a mamachari, going at full speed as he rounded it from the other side, starting to get a proper line to cross the intersection (late to class?). I swerved to try to avoid him, but we brushed left shoulder to left shoulder. At my very slow pace, and with my motion already to the right, that brush was enough to drive me off the bike and shoulder first into the pavement. ... If I had hit Y.O. head on, I probably would have done some serious damage to him, helmetless and probably 1/2 my weight, but as it was, he stayed upright and came back to see if I was alright.

I was not -- I lay on my back, a stinging pain in the shoulder immediately following impact. I could not move my arm. Anyway, Y.O. helped me over to the conveniently located National Medical Center, and spent the next 2 hours with me as I went through check-in, then by wheel chair to the orthopedics department, then down to x-ray/radiology, then back up to the orthopedics department, then to the sign out line, then the cashier. The bill was 6240 yen (US$70) without insurance. Then we walked across the street to one of several conveniently located pharmacies to get two types of pain killer and another medication to take to counteract stomach problems from one of the painkillers (another 3000 yen -- under US$35).

Fortunately, the orthopedist gave priority to a large foreigner writhing in pain and I did not need to wait long. I was skeptical when told there was no sign on the x-ray of a broken bone or dislocation, even though I could see the xray myself ... but was assured that, yes, it really could hurt THAT MUCH!!!!, even without either a break or dislocation. ... I've since heard colleagues mention scary phrases like "rotator cuff" (an injury one received upon being slammed shoulder first into the boards while playing hockey ... with a four month recovery period including rehab?). Maybe I will get my first MRI after I stop back at the orthopedist on Wednesday for follow up? Doesn't everyone get an MRI at some point in Japan (where the government-mandated cost is something like 10-15% the equivalent in the U.S.A.)?

The pain has gradually subsided over the intervening 4 days ... but it is only today that I can type at all with my right hand reaching the keyboard, and only with my arm very carefully positioned and without much stamina. And I'm still on painkillers and wearing a sling for the rest of the week--I hope no longer than that.

1. I may have a warped perspective, but I think Y.O. bears at least 75% of the blame for this accident, because he was going way too fast for an obstructed view part of a sidewalk, and did not seem to take evasive action. That said, my bike was not harmed, my insurance will cover any of the (modest, in Japan) medical costs, and I really did not see the point of calling the police or filing a report for an accident that occurred on the sidewalk, as opposed to going straight into the hospital for treatment.

2. I blame myself for deciding to ride on the sidewalk. I thought this stretch of fairly broad sidewalk, with very limited access from either side and relatively low traffic after passing the hospital entrance, would be safe, but sidewalks are a much more dangerous location than streets, in my view, since you are much more likely to have a Y.O. appear immediately in front of you, or to have a high school kid with gym bag come running out of a stairwell just as you pass. The only way to ride safely is to preserve an ability to defend oneself, and that is harder on the sidewalks.

3. Even when I stay in the street, however, I often recently come face to face with cyclists riding the wrong way on the shoulder, forcing me into traffic to avoid them. I always try to scream "hantai houkou" (wrong way) as I pass ... but I'm fighting a losing battle against the umbrella-bearing, mobile-phone-screen-viewing, wrong-way traveling cyclists of this town. There are more and more cyclist commuters in Tokyo with each year, most of them quite responsible, to the point of being ridiculous -- waiting at red lights at minor intersections even when there is no cross traffic nor a policeman in sight! In general more cyclists are a good thing because cars are more likely to expect and anticipate you -- but it is not so great when there are no bike lanes or other real accommodations. And I see more and more cyclists zooming right in front of pedestrians who are trying to walk across the street, terrifying them like something out of a Lucas Brunelle video of messengers racing across Manhattan, flitting through lines of traffic and pedestrians like schooling fish (There were 3 of these Brunelle videos among the short films I saw at Bicycle Film Festival, even crazier, much crazier than this one on Youtube -- music by ÜBERDOSE! -- from a few years back). UPDATE: You can see more Lucas Brunelle videos and material at his official site, including similar Stockholm and London rides ... but not yet the new NY rides I saw at Bicycle Film Festival.

4. I also am painfully reminded that the traffic, and risks, are much worse if I ride in at 9AM than if I leave home at 7:30AM. Now if I could just teach the clients to keep early hours, I would be fine.

5. The National Medical Center is impressive in at least one way. I have never seen so many elderly Japanese in a single place -- the equivalent of at least 10 or 15 country villages all sitting in the waiting areas around this hospital complex. Average patient age must be creeping over 80. Is this what the restaurants and trains of Tokyo will look like in 30 years? If it is, I don't think I want to be here to see it (at age 77).

6. What a great business the pharmacies across from the medical center have -- the one I visited, Terada, had an endless stream of customers, keeping 8-10 pharmacists busy at all times filling prescriptions. The shelves and bins were overflowing with more prescriptions, just waiting to be picked up.

I'll provide an update when I have a better idea of whether this is a 2-week, or a 4-month recovery and rehab path, and when I know what my injury is called -- something more technical than "tenderized/smashed up soft bits inside shoulder area").

Cycle Sports Decemeber Issue

2009-11-23T13:14:00.006+09:00

I normally do not promote the purchase of Cycle Sports or any other publication except fencing (pardon - fanzines), but the new issue of Cycle Sports is simply too good and too thick to be ignored. For about 600 Yen you will get the magazine, the new Shimano catalog for 2010 plus the guide to the Cycle Mode exhibition in December.

The Shimano catalog is a good reference for prices. Shimano for cycling is, I believe, a little bit like Toyota for cars. One wouldn't buy their road bike parts for good design necessarily, but the pricing is (relatively) reasonable, the reliability and quality is excellent and spare parts are readily available almost everywhere in Japan. And they have the innovative products as well. If I would like to have something good looking on my bike I would prefer Italian, French or American parts perhaps. The DuraAce (hollowtec) crank set is of such pronounced ugliness that it hurts my eyes.

In the main magazine there are also some good articles about a Japanese "Toge" (Mountain passes) today and 30 years ago, conquered by the same guy. Why we can see that roads and infrastructure has improved and cycling technology has come a long way as well, cycling clothing is much more functional today but still designed in a way that we can be sure to laugh about in less than 10 years to come.

In the main magazine there are also stories about Bryon's Computrainer, Tom's new obsession Cyclocross and some infos about long fingered gloves and shoecovers.

This is the right stuff for the (occasional) train rides.

Call to ride : Saturday, December 19th

2009-12-16T22:26:00.005+09:00

Start :
FUTAGOTAMAGAWA STATION 06:25hr (Jerome and Eric)
later meeting points possible

Route :
from Futago along the Tamagawa to Tamagawahara and then along One-Kan and Tank Road to Hashimoto Station (Second meeting point at 8 AM)

Tsukui North road to Doshi Michi at the Yabitsu entry and up to Yabitsu Pass.

Down on the other side to Hadano, on a Rindo branching off from the main road at the observation parking space (not ridden yet).

First escape point :
Hadano station, return with bike bag by Odakyu Line

Through Hadano and the like to road #1 in direction Odawawa and Hakone. Up to Hakone on the old Tokkaido.

Second escape point :
From Hakone over Jukoku pass to Atami, back with bike bag and Shinkansen

Along Ashinoko lake to Gotemba and up on Mikuni pass to Yamanako.

Goal :
Kawaguchi or Fuji-Yoshino Station
[for those who will make it]

So far in :
Jerome, Eric, James, mob

Type :
long stretches of ups and downs followed by a 400m climb up to Yabitsu (moderately steep), nice and fast downhill follows

Flat thru the wastelands

Followed by a 700m climb up to Hakone

To Atami: the most beautiful downhill road in Japan
To Yamanakako : most gruesome climb up to Mikuni pass, extremely steep & demanding

Speed :
As most of us are out of shape : competitive.

Weather :
Should be dry, but cold, in the 0 - 5 degree region.

Everybody is welcomed to join us (Positivieure, Cattenis, TCCler, NFCCeuse, anybody.
Drop a comment.

ON / HOFF SWITCH

2009-12-16T12:19:00.002+09:00

Thanks to Snoogly for this one.

Cyclocross Nationals Gear. Everything must go!

2009-12-15T14:42:00.001+09:00

"I am looking for a good home for all of my cyclocross gear. You will need a large garage or basement to house my collection. With the 2010 cyclocross season 9 months away just think of all the time you will save if you buy all of my stuff.

My loss is your gain. I am selling everything I own that involves cyclocross. I had the car packed and was headed to Bend for cyclocross nationals. The weather report and course conditions sounded brutal. I searched deep into my soul, and I have become too soft to finish my 2009 CX season. This sport has broken my heart and crushed my dreams for possibly the last time. Everything must go. Everything is included. If you win this auction you will have everything you will ever need to race cyclocross, and look like a complete pro. I have decided that I enjoy buying cyclocross stuff more than racing it. So do me a favor and buy it all. Unfortunately for me I will probably buy most of it back piece by piece on Ebay later this summer when my mental stability and optimism return. Maybe I will return in 2010 rocking the one cog? Just think how much simpler and cheaper that would be. My motivation is high.... my spirits are low. Everthing listed below is real and is yours if you BID."

As seen on eBay

He adds the following in his write-up..

"99% of cycling is looking cool, and you are going to look like a damn rock star. I am including what is left of my ENDUROX CHOCOLATE recovery drink. About 1/3 of the can is left. This stuff will make you fart like mad, but if you mix it with some milk and coffee it tastes like Starbucks."

History of the Bicycle

2009-12-15T12:27:00.000+09:00

"The bicycle was named after its inventor, Robert Bicycle, a Dutch man who, dissatisfied with having to walk to the cheese shop, created the first two wheeled human-powered vehicle in 1972. Due to the non-existent petroleum requirements that the bicycle presented, its use quickly become popular with social workers and crystal healers and within just a few years, the smell of patchouli oil became inescapable even within the comfort of one's car on the freeway. Although primarily regarded as a woman's hobby, bicycle riding has since gained popularity not only amongst the homosexual male community but also people who enjoy wearing Spandex® of all persuasions."

I didn't know that.

There's more...

"I am often asked why my Spandex® bicycle riding costume features eight hundred and thirty corporate sponsorship logos even though I do not actually have a sponsor. The reason for this is simple. For every thirty male bicycle riders there is one female bicycle rider and, as in nature where the most adorned peacock gets the peahen, the male bicycle rider with the most brightly coloured Spandex® and most corporate sponsorship logos gets to mate with her."

Do you want a dinky to the shop? - www.27bslash6.com

TOKYO ENDURO RACE RESULTS

2009-12-13T17:25:00.018+09:00

MEN

Winner 33 laps 3.56.38 hr
4. TCC A (Thomas, Sergey, DeeJ, AlanW) 33laps 3.58.03
22 NFCC 30 laps
36 Catteni Positivo Torino 29 laps
41 TCC C 29 laps (David, YellowGiant,...)
45 Catteni Positivo Trevis 29 laps
70 Catteni Positivo Napoli 28 laps

WOMEN

Winner 28 laps 3.55.02 hr
2. TCC G 28 laps 3.59.38 hr

MIXED

Winner 32 laps 3.53.41 hr
5 TCC A PE (Tom, James, Kaori, mob) 31 laps 3.57.39 (=15th place in men cat)
11 Catteni Positivo Milano 29 laps

More to come. First a bath and some food.

All results are here:

SUNDAY

SATURDAY

Cycle Mode 2009 Impressions

2009-12-14T13:09:00.012+09:00

International press at the Cycle Mode 2009. F.l.t.r : James M., Woshington Past, Dominic H., Bloody White Press, David M., Michael K., Bradford Hill Climb Observer

Much as been said and written about the Cycle Mode 2009 already and there is very little to add. Except of course for a few photos from my personal angle. This year I looked in particular for two things, cycle cross bikes and cycle cross tyres. I found many other things.

A dummy display raped by a group of local distributors.

Ceeco time trial bike, customized for a rightwing emeror worshipping pro team.A possible alternative to the Selle SMP saddle, seen at the Cherubim booth.The cross bike of Pina Bausch.
The proper usage of orange color schemes on bikes.Cycling wear : The famous cycling jacket by Rapha. Of course they didn't got the orange color right at the collar and the sleeves.Cycling underwear : As shown by James breaking all records on the SKINS trainer.

Tokyo Enduro Race Report

2009-12-14T12:05:00.009+09:00

A team I may consider to join.

I woke up at 6.30 hr in the morning after having dreamt that my connection flight from the island of Huahua to Seoul has been canceled forever. These are the times of dreams I normally have before a day at the races.

However, for the credit of this trace I have to say that the weather was much better than for the same race one year earlier. One year earlier I decided to stay in bed after looking out of the window. This year there was no excuse. As this is one of the only four races I can actually ride to from my home (the other ones being Yokohama Stadium Endurance, Tour du Japan Tokyo Stage in Oifuto and Fuji Hill Climb), I couldn't possibly miss it.

For some reason, the Tokyo Enduro is a jinxed race for me. The first bicycle race I ever attended, not as a racer but as a spectator, was hold in October 1990 on precisely that track in Tachikawa. I came to watch my former youth idol Joern Kinzel, inventor of the famous Kinzel K1. Since that it has always been my dream to race there, I applied in 2005 to attend the possibly first Tokyo Enduro, only to find myself unable to attend because of a very bad ear infection. In 2006 I missed the deadline for application. In 2007 I don't recall what has hindered me to attend, but something did. And last year I registered but decided not to ride because of the weather.

So all propped up and riding against a strong headwind I made my way up to Tachikawa. There were many riders out at the Tamagawa, most of the probably heading in the same direction and it was hard to restrict myself not become to competitive as I wanted to keep some power for the race. I arrived and met Tom just by chance at the gate. James and his family got already in and set up a place and a tent at a very convenient place to the pit stop. The TCC riders were also coming in and we had a few chats but just as we, everybody was nervous and in a hurry to get ready for the race. The Catteni Positivo guys also came and set up their tent just next to our one. The first part of our strategy went very well.

That is, that James, our first rider went to the startline early and got into the top 50 or 100 rider group so that he could hang out with the fast guys as long as possible. He did just that for the first seven laps and when he made the last of his laps he sprinted ahead of the group, entered the pit and changed to Tom so that he could also enjoy being part of the fast group. After four more laps Tom changed to me and when I came out of the pit there was no fast group to hang on to. This is really the key to win the race, if you are alone on the track, there is no way that you can go fast for a longer period of time. So I did my four laps all on my own, killed some wheelsuckers and passed to Kaori who did her part and passed to James again. The president of Corratec, shooting at random riders who don't use his bikes.

After a while I went to check the results at the monitors and saw that all of the TCC teams were doing very well and that we were in 9th position in the mixed class. We were way faster than our original plan which was based on the idea that we should be faster than the winner last year.

Well, as I mentioned already for the Motegi race: Racing has not become easier and the competition is becoming stronger year by year. We are not racing against an ever faster competition but also against age and our chances to win are very slim indeed now. For example the mixed team from Catteni Positivo, that made 2nd place last year came in 11th this year, full two laps behind us.

James made a very good run that and put us back into podium reach, by the end of his tour we were in fifth place and 2 minutes away from the third placed team. Tom made further time good and passed the baton to me with about 40 minutes to go. As the pit closes 15 minutes before the end of the race we decided that I would do three laps and then pass to James for the last two ones. Again I was alone on the track but after a while I found one guy one could keep up me and we were pulling each other until we were overtaken by a fast group of five riders to which I could hang on.

Later after moving into the pit and checking the results I realized that one rider in this group was the 4th placed mixed team. I should have stayed out with the fast group and ride to the end as I was also feeling good enough to stay with them, but I decided to stick to the plan and handed over to James. This cost as not only one minute time because of the pit stop but James was now alone on the track again which cost further time. I moved out as well, waited until James finished his first lap and then drafted him 2 km or so before I ran out of gas again.

In the end we made respectable 5th place in the mixed cat, but I am sure that we could have made podium if we would have had better race infos and reduced our number of pit stops.

I guess this is the lesson from the race:

1. We need to get wired.
2. Four riders = three pit stops

Anyway, we had a very good time. Tom's wife also provided us with some nice Belgium waffles which fueled us up through the race. Nichibe-san also showed up to support us. TCC had a very strong showing. I helped James to pack the tent and transport all the stuff to his car, then I went on to the next race which consisted of a 35 km ride back home which I had to make by 5 PM as my wife wanted to go out and I had to take care of the kids. I finished 5 minutes behind the deadline.

Night Cycling, Central Tokyo - The Ride

2009-12-13T17:04:00.000+09:00

Some of my younger colleagues are taking this bicycle commuting into the office, well, into the office. I'm told it is forbidden by the producer/director/actors to watch this without speakers on, since the music is integral to their art.

Almost Coastal

2009-12-13T13:21:00.005+09:00

Having ridden a couple of times to Kamakura on the coast via Route 1 from Gotanda and not particularly enjoyed the route, I was excited to see Tom's ride from last week - Kitakamakura Enoshima Loop.

Enoshima, always wanted to try that and Tom'll know a good out of the traffic route.

With Garmin Connect far easier to use these days and the ride sitting there staring me in the face, I thought, 'I'll download that, ride out to where we it crosses the river and start the navigation function on my Garmin 705 and simply follow it" Easy-peasy.

Dominic in a less than sensible moment had agreed to come along too. Off we went, leaving TAC at 7am, arrived in good time at the 'route crossing' point at which time I dived into the Garmin menu and started the navigation.

This worked very well for about 3 minutes until the incensed beeping started. "U-turn as soon as you can". We did. Much to the excitement of a tuned-up Subaru driver. Found our left turn, now a right turn facing the opposite way, but all good as it counted down the metres and indicated where to go.

A short, sharp climb. Of course, it's Tom's route, remember. Then it dawned on me. I knew where I was. This was where Adam had introduced me to some mountain bike trails behind the golf course, near the top of the climb, back when I wouldn't be seen dead in lycra shorts. Those were the days.

Anyway, I digress. We progressed at this point rather well indeed, many lefts and rights, and all very straightforward to follow. Of course, absolutely no idea whatsoever where we were, but we had GPS so who cared. If I'm honest, a couple of wrong turns, soon corrected, but all in all, pretty good.

Or so I thought.

We cycled past Tokaichiba station and then it went kind of awry. The Garmin wanted a left turn and common sense said straight on. Dominic suggested topping the water bottles off and then decide.

That done, we, well me really, decided to follow the Garmin. It had done an excellent job to this point so give it the benefit of the doubt.

This is Tom's route..

This is NOT Tom's route..

With the Garmin spending more time re-calculating (note to the manufacturer, this should be replaced with "thinking") and then getting stuck and in need of a re-boot, then telling us to turn right, and me ignoring that every time, well we ended down on Route 16 with a dilemma.

We both needed to be back in central Tokyo by 1pm, which meant we had an hour to play with. Continue for 30 mins then U-turn and head home? Na. Go now. We headed along Route 16 until Route 1, then hammered it.

Quick tea break at Starbucks in Gotanda (Positivo approved), then home.

I didn't achieve my goal.

I didn't see the sea.

I did get out on the bike and had a great ride in broody, overcast conditions.

Lessons.

What looks like a turn to the Garmin, can in fact, be a slight bearing only off to the left or right.
The unit needs more RAM.
The unit needs a faster processor.
Wouldn't hurt to look at a map once in a while.
Better still a map printed off with Tom's route on it.
Choosing to field test this functionality in the suburbia that is Greater Tokyo wasn't the brightest idea.

Garmin Connect - Almost coastal

I trust Tom, Michael and James are proving to be speedier up at the Xmas Enduro

Ice skating and Chris Horner interviewed, for your viewing pleasure.

2009-12-13T15:26:00.000+09:00

Cross

2009-12-09T10:57:00.003+09:00

"Cross" Part I

"It's the aspect of the sport that I've chosen to perfect"

"The Thoms" Part III

"Pain & Pleasure" Part IV

P.E. Approved mask???

2009-12-12T21:38:00.006+09:00

People wear masks on the trains, in the streets, at the bank ATM, in the grocery store, the classroom or office -- making this an even more anonymous society than it otherwise might be, but I always see very few cyclists with masks. And the ones that do wear them look very uncomfortable ... I guess they want good filters to keep out exhaust and particulate, and they need a tight fit because the surgical mask won't do much during intense exercise.

I was pleased to see in the Nikkei English version online that a solution is being offered. This could be just what we have been looking for to use as our Positivo Espresso-approved mask.

I think it MIGHT be possible to achieve the same result (and look) by taking a certain article of women's undergarment, folding the cups together (for double extra pollen filtering, and some face-plant padding) and jury rigging the straps:

This could be THE look for our team photo next year, especially if we want photo in our suits, before the next year's kit arrives. A brief excerpt from the Nikkei:

Friday, December 11, 2009
New Mask Keeps Pollen, Dust Out Of Cyclists' Way
OSAKA (Nikkei)--Major sports eyewear manufacturer Yamamoto Kogaku Co. will launch in March a mask that protects bicycle riders from airborne dust and pollen.
This mesh mask prevents heating around the mouth and boasts better sealing around the nose. A disposable filter, usable for a week, attaches inside. A fastener holds the mask in place, making it easy to put on or take off.
The mask comes in gray, blue and pink. It and two filters will be sold as a set for 2,625 yen, with a filter 10-pack to cost 2,100 yen.
(The Nikkei Dec. 11 morning edition)

Cycle Mode -- Makuhari Messe

2009-12-12T18:28:00.004+09:00

I enjoyed a trip out to Cycle Mode today. In addition to a nice chance to chat with David M. and his friend and co-worker/racer Zac R. of RGT Enterprises/Assos importer, I ran into Thomas of TCC -- whose face I recognized but was not sure from where. He quickly picked me out -- the guy with the sling from the P.E. blog photo. I wish him (and everyone else) the best of luck in tomorrow's Enduro. Also saw Bryon, who is promoting his Computrainer business, and who eventually headed off for lunch with his father-in-law. I started to explain to David M. that Bryon had had an accident earlier this year ... but David had read about it on the blog.

I took some one-armed photos before heading back, exhausted. I wonder if James Huang (who seems to be credited with every photo at every bike show that shows up on Cyclingnews, among other places) needs a partner? Maybe there is not just one "James Huang" but a David James and a Henry Huang, who formed a company, hired a bunch of photographers, and now take tens of thousands of photos a month??? In any event, click here to go to a gallery of photos -- some great eye candy -- De Rosa, Pinarello, Specialized, Tomassini, Mavic, of course Cervelo, etc., etc.!!!

Some of the photos require explanation so I'll add them below in the post as well.

Juliane will be happy to know that Intermax had a good display of Lightweights ... though they did not seem to draw much of a crowd. I met a Japanese guy working there (said he was named "Mark") who said he had worked with Juliane during the hand-over. I also mentioned that Juliane was saying "wouldn't it be great if Intermax led some Japanese cyclists to Transalp." Mark said Juliane had suggested it ... and did not explain whether or why they were/were not doing it ... which I took as a "not doing it" or "not doing it yet" response. Too bad.

But the most interesting display of Lightweights were on this devilishly hot machine:

And Reynolds now has a wheel (the RZR -- name sounds like a Motorola cellphone) that they claim is the lightest in the world. It looks to me as if they have "borrowed" a few ideas from Lightweight for this product, based on the shape of the spokes and the way they attach to the hub.

There were lots of "alternative" materials for bike frames and parts. A bamboo (though not as cool as the truly integrated bamboo frames from Boo Cycles):

An all wood bike from a Taiwanese manufacture (the reps seemed happy to find an English speaking guest!):

Wood wheels on a Tomassini (Eco Cycle approved):

The Delta 7 lattice framed road bike:

I was delighted to see the Cherubim bicycle that won "best track bike" at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show last year, and get to talk some with one of the Cherubim frame builders. I've got to stop by their shop someday. (You can see the award plaque in the lower left corner of the first photo -- though these photos do not do it justice).

I even got to try the Compex electro stimulation machine -- for training your muscles without lifting a finger. (My left bicep feels stronger already). check out the gallery for more -- especially those beautiful Cervelos -- hard to believe they are Canadian instead of Italian.

Troubles for the Quintessential Euro Cyclist?

2009-12-05T21:45:00.014+09:00

They say that bad things come in threes.

First it was my shoulder injury last week.

Then it was James' rear wheel rim dying this morning.

Now I read the news that Paolo Bettini, former world champion/olympic champion/Italian champion and recently retired one-day classic racer, is being investigated for 11 million Euros of tax evasion. The old "I live in Monaco" scam. People always forget requires that it requires that you actually LIVE in Monaco (or at least outside of Italy), if you don't want to pay Italian tax on all those winnings and that endorsement money.

I've always thought that Paolo was a special cyclist. He is the clearly the inspiration for the Official Rules of the Euro Cyclist -- could never have been compiled were it not for him, with his gold accented world champion's shoes and helmet. (I was reminded of the rules recently thanks to an email from F2P of Singapore forwarded by our friend David M. at RGT Enterprises, importer of Assos and other Euro-approved gear -- see the display at Cycle Mode).

Of course, I exaggerate Paolo's role. I should also give top billing and extra credit to Mario Cipollini, another former world champion, who serves as an even greater inspiration to the Euro cyclist than Paolo. So I was amused to read that Mario, too, is now being investigated for tax evasion, along with some other Italian sports heroes, though Mario must be a little embarrassed that his evasion is so much, um, well, SMALLER than Paolo's, and happened so long ago.

You would think if these guys all wanted to claim Monaco residence and given how they like to pose for the cameras, they would at least get together for a photo op in Monaco (maybe with Rebellin and the other F1 drivers), instead of at the start of a Tour of California stage.

Some photos of Paolo and Mario in happier Euro cyclist days (thanks to Google's image search engine):

New mountain destination awaiting PE approval ？

2009-12-11T09:07:00.004+09:00

Maid Cafe Popping Up In Yamanashi Mountains

KOFU, Yamanashi Pref. (Nikkei)--In the mountains to the west of Tokyo, one restaurant operator is looking to turn around falling sales by opening an establishment where customers are greeted by young waitresses dressed up as French maids.

Ristorante Syokora -- a local Italian restaurant operator -- expects its first "maid cafe," to open in Showa Town on Dec. 15, to attract gaggles of male patrons. At maid cafes, customers are customarily greeted at the entrance by a curtsy and a soothing phrase: "Welcome home, Master!" The phenomenon took root in Tokyo's Akihabara district, and is now spreading far and wide.

Ristorante Syokora plans to open one maid cafe per year, targeting annual sales of 100 million yen during the first three years.

The Kofu-based company will offer about 10 dishes at the cafe, with these to be taken from the menu of the Italian restaurants. While this total is only one-fourth of what is listed on the Italian menus, the cafe will also boast an original rice omelet creation, on which the maids will cheerfully write the "master's" name in ketchup.

(Source: The Nikkei Marketing Journal Dec. 9 edition)

Photos from PE team dinner

2009-12-04T23:59:00.001+09:00

Trailblazing five new passes into Nagano-ken

2009-12-08T23:59:00.003+09:00

I headed out on Tuesday to explore a new route into Nagano-ken. The idea was to take as many passes yet unknown to me as possible.

It was a beautiful early morning. When the sun was rising as I hit the Tamagawa, there was still frost on the ground. The sky was crystal clear.

Discovery pass no. 1 was the small hill starting beyond Higashi-Ome station and leading into Saitama, yet without name. Shall we call it Ludwig's belly because it is so flat?

Instead of heading straight and taking the shortest way towards Yamabushi Toge as we usually do, I went north and took Yamao Toge, discovery pass no. 2 (OK, not quite - I had done it once with MOB on a criss-cross through the area around there). At 250m, it is 130m lower than Ozawa Toge, but also amounts to a detour of a few kilometers.

Then the usual approach up Yamabushi Toge - nothing new here.

Disovery pass no. 3 was to take a southern approach from Chichibu-shi towards Ogano. Much nicer than taking route 299 or even the short-cut, but quite a bit longer and with a pass that requires some climbing.

After my first and last pit-stop for the day at the combini shuten in Ogano, I rode through the Nishi-Chichibu Natural Park with its dam up to Yakyu Toge, elevation 840m. This was discovery pass no. 4 and the first "real" mountain pass for the day. It is my fourth pass from Saitama into Gunma, aside from Shigasaka, Tsuchisaka and Kaze passes. It is by far the nicest climb, on a small rindo-like road with no traffic and up a beautiful valley. Well, there was some traffic in the lower part - dumb trucks and other building site traffic that was repairing the road so that it would be easier to pass for other dumb trucks that would do further repairs so that more building site traffic could pass... It is sheer madness!

The descent on the other side is very steep and the road not always particularly good. It is then a long ride up a broad valley until a short climb starts to Shionozawa Tunnel. I was tempted to avoid the tunnel and do the actual pass, but adding almost 400m to the climb would have cost too much time to make it to my final destination.

Down on the other side, it was the final climb of the day (discovery pass no. 5), first through a broad valley with lovely farming houses, then up endless turns. From the border to Nagano-ken which is somewhere up on the climb it was almost 100 curves up to the top - the Saku authorities had put up signs counting every single curve (another ingenious way of wasting tax payers' money). As one ascends, rocky mountain tops emerge and eventually one reaches almost similar elevation to them.

Very beautiful in the setting sun.

From the moment I had entered Gunma, almost everything was frozen. It was a cold day, despite the bright sun, and the afternoon sun was not able to reach the bottom of the valley in many places. Up Taguchi Toge (1,140m) it was very cold, a few degrees below zero. My hands and feet turned into ice blocks on the way down, despite my peddling (the road is not steep at all).

I lost my way temporarily trying to take a new approach to Sakudaira shinkansen station, which cost me 10-15 minutes and meant the last few kilometers were in complete darkness.

210km in all, with 2,600m of climbing.

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/jp/kanto/810126051893752642

Good manners count...

2009-12-02T14:45:00.008+09:00

The Nikkei Weekly - November 30, 2009

Speeding cyclists pose threat

Health, green issues get people on bikes; poor habits result in pedestrian collisions

An increase in accidents involving pedestrians is forcing the city to place limitations on a popular cycling course in Tokyo. Some of the plans under consideration include building a platform that separates the pedestrians from the cyclists and enforcing speed limits.

Some municipalities have changed street names to emphasize the pedestrians' right of way. A strong awareness of health and the environment is turning more and more people into cyclists, but these cyclists need to find a safe way to coexist with pedestrians.

"Watch out for pedestrians" and "Reduce speed" are among signs that dot Fuchu Tamagawa Kaze no Michi, a 9.4km road alongside the Tama River in western Tokyo.

Cars and motorcycles are not allowed, but the road has been the site of collisions involving pedestrians for about 10 years. According to Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Fuchu Police Station 2007 and 2008 saw 23 accidents - two serious ones in 2008- involving pedestrians. The main cause was the excess speed of cyclists, who were unable to get out of the way in time and collided with pedestrians.

Fuchu spent about 12 million yen ($134,830) through last year building speed bumps into roads with frequent accidents. This fiscal year, the city plans to install signs along the route that appear like the road is narrowing to encourage slower speeds. A 53-year-old man who commutes by bicycle said, "The only way to tackle this is for cyclists to reduce their speeds."

Machida city recently renamed the 14.5km stretch used by both cyclists and pedestrian known as the Sakaigawa cycling road. Complaints from pedestrians about cyclists - from rudeness to accidents - have increased in recent years. The city said the name erroneously led cyclists to believe the road was for them only. The name, Sakaigawa Yukkuri Road, reflects the fact that pedestrians have the right of way, city officials said.

Bicycle accidents involving pedestrians are on the rise even in the city. According to the National Police Agency, there were 2,942 bicycle accidents in 2008, a 4.5-fold increase from a decade earlier. Part of the increase stems from the fact that a growing number of cyclists are riding faster, sports-type models.

According to a nationwide survey of 100 bicycle shops conducted by the Tokyo-based Japan Bicycle Promotion Institute, sports-bicycle sales per store jumped 45% in fiscal 2008. In the last three years, sales of other types of bicycles have stagnated, while sports-type bicycles are rising 30-45% compared with previous years.

Many people are buying sports-type bicycles for the first time to combat the onset of metabolic syndrome and save on gas costs, observers said. Most of the sports-type bicycles are racing bikes, which can easily hit speeds of 30-40kph. If the pedestrian walking ahead makes a sudden turn, cyclists have a hard time avoiding a collision. The bikes are quiet and pedestrians may have trouble noticing them.

Arakawa emergency riverside road, also known as Arakawa cycling road, has adopted speed limits. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, which manages the road, has called for a speed limit below 20kph - the speed at which a cyclist can easily stop. Signs warning speeders have been placed at 91 locations on the road.

Good manners count

Residents of local municipalities are pushing for separate roads for pedestrians and cyclists, but officials say roads do not have enough shoulder space nor can they be widened to create separate paths for both. The reality is urbanites on foot will just have to count on the good manners of cyclists for peaceful coexistence.

Masahiro Mashimo, former racer and leader of a hobby cycling team, acknowledged that it would be ideal if pedestrians could be separated from cyclists, but said in tight spaces, "speeding is a bad idea."

News Flash - Kazahari to close to motorcycles

2009-12-11T13:39:00.003+09:00

... on a temporary basis starting Dec 15 ... from Tomin no Mori down to Okutamako. Too many accidents, and 5 motorcyclist deaths since 2006.

Read about it (in Japanese) here.

Positivo Espresso approved Jizo-Sama [地蔵]

2009-12-08T14:12:00.005+09:00

At the start of One-Kan, just next to the Tamagawa bridge and Yanokuchi Station on road #9, there is the only officially approved Jizo statue which provides the necesary protection against all kind of traffic accidents and evil car and scooter drivers. Please make sure to say proper prayers when passing along as otherwise you will be drawn underground by the pinchers of hell.

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