Trip to Silcon Valley

Just got home from 4 days in paradise. I took a few days off and went out to check on our pal DP (a.k.a. DQ). As many of you know, he accepted his dream job working as a professor at Specialized Bikes. Specialized has an education center called Specialized Bikes Component University - SBCU. For more info check here.

So, I headed out to hang out, ride and get a custom fitting done.

Custom Bike Fit

Donny scheduled some time at Concept Cycles. They have a state-of-the-art facility where Donny completed my custom fitting. When I say it was comprehensive I mean we spent just under 3 hours not including the usual 45 minute interview to access my goals (since he has coached me for almost 10 years).

In the end, he made several changes to not only my bike set-up (raised my saddle height, move my saddle forward. Raise my stem (resulting in lowering my overall presentation to the wind), but made significant changes to my shoe and cleat set-up. With each adjustment he recorded new video from the front and sides. The subtle, incremental changes were almost shocking when we compared the first video with the final video. Not only did I get a great fitting, but I learned so much about my body and how the components can either work with, or against me. It was truly eye-opening.

The next day I got a good change to ride for several hours mixed terrain to fell how the new fit instantly produced results in performance and comfort.

This is the waiting area at the bike fit studio. Concept Cycles charges $300 for a custom fit.

It is hard to see from the this pic, but the monitor is 60" wide. Also note on the wall to the left there were opaque images of races being alternated via a projector. Very nice touch. Also notice the very cool backlighting displaying a nice selection of peddles. Right below the large monitor is one of 3 video cameras that capture every angle.

DQ doing a track stand in front ot IBM corporate headquarters. Morgan Hill is smack in the center of silicon valley.

Although this area is not necessarily known for its wineries, there are dozens in the area. One of my favorite stops after a hard day in the saddle was a nice wine bar called "The Reserve". Lindsey and I got well aquainted.

Again, apologies for my poor camera phone. I did not loose any weight despite riding roughly 300 milkes in 4 days. One of the reasons was the increadible California cuisine. Pictured here is a delicious barbqued pulled pork sandwich with smashed purple potatoes.

The rides were over the top - perfect! Great climbs, little traffic and spectactular views. Pictured here is a nice section of switchbacks. Notice the grape vines in the distance. Lots of those around.

This section of road was part of the 2005 Tour of California. It was also the location where Palo Bettini and Tom Boonen were filmed for the Specialized commercial (the one where Palo is clicking though the gears and he says "I am Spacialized").

On day #1 I arrived early enough to join the noon class ride. Each week students from retailers from around the world come for training on products and bike fits. Each day for at least 2 hours, the students and most of the employees head out for a bike ride. Monday through Thursday the pace is pretty mellow because there are many defferent levels. But on Fridays, things heat up. I got to ride with 2-3 former pros and national champions. We headed out for a 90 minute hammer fest that included a nice 4-5 mile 6% climb.

Arriving at the front entrance. Pretty impressive little place.

A "gassed" Louie at the top of Coe Climb. After the Friday hammerfest everyone else headed back to the office (if you could call it that) while I took a stroll out to Coe Climb. As it turned out, Coe was 10 miles of 16+%. Notice the mist in the backgorund. I am not sure of the elevation. I'm pretty sure I was on cloud 9.