Breaking Up is Hard to Do...Hockey & Punk Aint

So I've been stuck in Ike ravaged Galveston Area for a few months and am back in Austin. My girlfriend broke up with me on December 7th...A day that will live in infamy personally for reasons other than Pearl Harbor.
Came back to Austin and watched the Hanson Brothers (NOMEANSNO incognito).
The next day I went to see the Dallas Stars lose to the Coyotes. Marty Turco stood watching as the game winning goal floated into his abandoned net. To salt up the wound a little more an empty netter to end the game.
I was sitting next to some little punk wearing an autographed Turco sweater. He had been verbalizing his 12 year old coaching commentary. It was quite annoying. When Marty let in the game winner, I stood up and yelled profanity that Turk had to of heard. This kid parents left the game early. Good for them.
Took the train back to Fort Worth.
The Stars currently have an IR full of All Stars.
I got Lehtinen's number put on my sweater at the Arena. At least that was cool.

Traverse City Prospects Tourney

Cool to watch the future of the Dallas/Texas Stars franchise today. James and Michael Neal shined. It was also nice to see the Ludwig name on the blue line again. They honored the Stars sweater by knocking off the St. Louis Blues for co-manager and Blues/Stars legend Brett Hull.

Bear Vs. Teacher on a Bike = Internet Wins!

Photo by MICHAEL GALLACHER/Missoulian

Jim Litz has a broken bike helmet and bruised ribs to show for the 25-mile-per-hour collision with a 300-pound black bear Monday morning while riding his bike to work from his home in upper Miller Creek. “I was lucky. I was truly lucky, because I accosted the bear and he let me live,” Litz said, while recovering from his injuries Tuesday afternoon at his home.

Jim Litz is accustomed to pedaling past 300-pound black bears on his morning commute to work.

“I've come close to them this time of year,” Litz said, clutching his side and grimacing. “I know bears. The entire creek bottom is just hammered by bears. That's the beauty of living here. But typically, they're crossing the road and I have plenty of time to avoid them.”

That wasn't the case during Litz's Monday morning ride down Bear Run Creek Road, up above Miller Creek. The 57-year-old man passes slender serviceberry branchlets and dogwoods festooned with bear feed, and frequently spots the animals noshing berries on his way to work at Target Range Middle School, where he teaches science to seventh- and eighth-graders. Usually, the animals barrel off the road and out of sight.
*
This time, however, Litz was clipping along the dirt road at 25 mph when he came upon a rise, spied a massive black bear 10 feet in front of him, and pedaled directly into the animal, T-boning its broad side.

“I didn't have time to respond. I never even hit my brakes,” Litz said.

He tumbled over his handlebars, planting his helmeted head on the bruin's back, and man and beast went cartwheeling down the road.

The bear rolled over Litz's head, and its mass cracked his helmet. As the duo toppled over one another, the bear clawed at Litz's cycling jacket, scratching his flesh from shoulder to buttocks before scampering up a hill above the road, where it stopped and whined.

Litz's wife drove by soon after and took her husband to Community Medical Center, and he immediately called Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to report the unusual collision. Game wardens told him they didn't think the animal was seriously injured, but was more likely suffering from some bruised ribs - just like Litz.

“Yep, that's my bear story,” Litz said Tuesday afternoon, too sore and bruised to go to work, but certain that he'd be back in the saddle by Friday. “That day it just happened to be on that particular corner of the road, and all the stars were lined up against me.”

The rib contusions are painful, and the scrapes down his back aren't pretty, but Litz figures he made out on top given the circumstances.

Litz's wife rides her bike to work, too. But she drives down past the feeding gauntlet on Bear Run Creek Road and parks along Miller Creek Road before pulling her road bike off the roof of her car.

As for Litz's bike, a cyclo-cross, it survived unscathed aside for the front wheel coming slightly out of true. But pointing to his cracked helmet, Litz hopes the story inspires his students to wear their helmets.

“I was lucky. I was truly lucky, because I accosted the bear and he let me live,” Litz said. “I truly respect them. They're beautiful creatures.” By TRISTAN SCOTT of the Missoulian

Politics?

During a conversational 15-minute speech, Obama poked fun at himself telling the crowd that when he was photographed last weekend riding a bike with his children, he looked like Urkel.

Obama Pledges Funding for Cycling


CHICAGO, IL (BRAIN)—Barack Obama, in a private 20-minute meeting with members of the Bikes Belong board of directors, told them if he were elected president he would increase funding for cycling and pedestrian projects. And the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee also said he would support Safe Routes to Schools programs.

He also told them he seldom makes promises on what he would do if elected president, but that this was a promise he would keep. Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong, laid out the industry’s position on boosting funding for cycling-related projects and for Safe Routes to Schools at the meeting.

Stan Day, SRAM’s president, said that Obama “gets it.” He pointed out that Obama understands that bicycles can be part of a solution to issues as diverse as health care, obesity, energy and environmental policy. “He does his homework and he can connect the dots,” he said.

Tom Petrie, president of Velimpex, who flew to Chicago Thursday afternoon, said he didn’t expect to hear Obama lay out a specific agenda for the bicycle industry. “However, it was refreshing to see somebody trying to unite the country instead of trying to divide it with wedge issues. I find it refreshing and, frankly, necessary,” Petrie said.
—Marc Sani

Okay, based solely on this issue (and there are others I care about), I am supporting Barack.
However, lets examine bicycles in recent politics.

When John Kerry was running for president he was photographed riding a Serotta Ottrot. It is a $8000 custom road bike. Obviously very specific and something an avid cyclist would choose for himself. Note the Sidi Genius cycling shoes.



W rides a Trek Fuel 9.8. A carbon fiber $3100 "American" mountain bike. Who the hell rides carbon fiber Mountain Bikes other than racers and douche bags? Note the running shoes. The bike was sent to him by John Burke of Trek. Do you think you would ever see him ride this anywhere other than his ranch? Probably not.

Here's a picture of fomer President Jimmy Carter on a Rivendell. Note the casual attire, no helmet, and loafers. I admire his sense of style. No longer a focus of media attention, he looks like he riding for fun.

The image of Barack shows him on a Trek Hybrid. Much less expensive. He's wearing everyday clothes and pulling a tag-a-long with his kid. I won't bitch about the low rear tire pressure and cross shifting (rookie mistakes). Looks a lot like what an average voter can afford and would most likely ride. Kudos to Obama. Urkel aint so bad.

You can also get these sweet spoke cards at www.obamaspoke.com

Star's Season Done

Good grief.

TURCO!!!

Marty stops 38 shots on net, comes up big with his first professional win at the Joe Louis Arena, and he assists Joel Lundqvist to a game winning goal. Spectacular. Perhaps, I've been too hard on Turc in the past, but I've only wanted him to succeed.

STARS FORCE GAME FIVE!!!

Eriksson gets the first one. Modano gets the game winner. Morrow ices the cake. Turco locks it down with 33 saves! Eat your brooms detroit!

In a Hole But Not Dead...Osgood's an Amazing Actor

Okay, Ribeiro's slash was cheap, but Osgood's butt-ending Ribs was neither an accident nor "professional". Osgood's rolling around on the ice was comical at best. I wonder if Chris Osgood believes his own bullshit.

FINALLY BRING ON THE WINGS!!!!!

Oh my God! 4OTs. Eat my ass Roenick, Cheechoo, Marleau, Pavelski, Thornton.
MMMM. Victory!!! Morrow and Turco are Superheroes!!!
Richards played well... Damn, I'm tired.

I Don't Really Wanna Say, But...

The Stars Own the Shark Tank.

San Jose worked hard all year for home ice. The Stars are thankful. Dallas dominates the South Bay Ice. Dallas has posted an incredible 8-0-1 record over its last nine games at the HP Pavilion.
The Sharks couldn't capitalize on a one point lead going into the third.
Brad Richards effortlessly stole the puck from Joe Pavelski to sink it past Nabokov and erase the Sharks lead. Mike Modano picks a sweet spin around feed from Zubov to one up the tally. Richards sends Hags a biscuit from behind the basket. Hags lathers it with enough butter to slide it through Nabby. Nabokov is pulled. Hags salts the wound with an empty-netter to send another California audience home miserable.
Josers prepare for a Texas Blackout!

Morrow Comes Up Big in OT!

First period is a duel of net-minders. Both Nabokov and Turk block ten shots each.
The San Jose Sharks score first in the second frame. Mike Modano rips a one-timer off of a pass from Ribiero to even things up. Ribs wraps the puck around from the back of the net to set up a Morrow tap by Nabokov for the lead.
After a barrage of scoring chances, Cheechoo muscles through Robidas to get one past Turco and sends it to overtime.
Robidas feeds the puck from behind the net to Norstrom. Matty offers Morrow a sweet one-timer hungry for the back of the net.
Dallas starts this series with positive momentum.
Of course none of this has anything to do with my new "Spirit of '99" Surly Cross-Check that I built up for this series. Photos coming soon.

Stars Advance, Heros Emerge, Sharks Must Die!

The Dallas Stars eliminate the previous Stanley Cup champs in six games. The series mirrored the 2003 Ducks victory over Dallas. Retribution! The Stars dominate every third period and get performance from suprisingly outstanding rookies as well as seasoned vets. Zubov is skating. Robidas is a superhero. Two goals in game six in 52 seconds to send the Ducks home miserable. Mike Modano drops off an empty netter for salt in the wound. Purty!

Up next, the hated Sharks. This will be good. Two Pacific Division foes to start this run. We know this cast of characters. We have a history with Jeremy Roenick. Thornton, Cheecho, Marleau, Ozolinsh, Nabokov... Prepare. We are about to shit in your Shark Tank.

Lock It Down Boys!

I knew the Ducks weren't going to lie down and give up the cup. They came out strong and brought it to us. The thing I find encouraging was the strong finish. Two third period goals by the Captain. I'm excited for game four. Win the next two and make the fifth game hurt in Anaheim.



"Lock it down" is the theme in the room this year. In the arena, we are told to 'Believe'

Let's make the AAC mean something. Take it to em Reunion Arena style!

Blackout!

Stars forward Steve Ott said the players are pushing for a "blackout" in Games 3 and 4 at American Airlines Center by having all fans wear a black jersey or black T-shirt. Other teams have had "white-outs" and "red-outs," but the Stars are wearing all black at home this year.

"It's something we're trying to accomplish," Ott said. "If everyone does it, then by a few games in, we should have a pretty neat looking blackout out there."

-Dallas Morning News

The Scorpions cover looks like someone getting cross checked into the boards hard.

5 Goals, 5 Different Players!

Ducks squander home ice advantage. The Stars are hungry and feasting on Duck! Scoring came from Richards, Erikkson, Modano, Lehtinen, and Ribiero. Bertuzzi didn't hurt anyone but himself. Turco is again excellent. Damn, I'm glad March is OVER!

We got History....

Granted none of these guys are even playing for the Stars anymore, you learn to hate that Duck logo even though it's a flapper now and not the quacker. I love both Severyn and Sydor, but Darryl was a fool to come back and scuff with Brent.

Ducks Demolished

Ott, Erikkson, Lehtinen, and Morrow light the lamp. Turco puts on a clinic for all to watch. Dallas was physical and punishing. The power play is Kicking. Pass the Beer and Doritos, it's ganna be a good run!

Playoffs Start for the Stars Tomorrow

I'm getting tired of first round knockouts. I hope the boys are hungry this time. I seem to recall the last time we faced the Ducks in the playoffs, we could not get a puck passed Giguere. I smell Duck blood.


It's time to drink from your cup once again. The playoffs are on, Baby!

Holy Crap, General Motors Bought Specialized!

The company that gave us the Stumjumper and the 1998 TDF Great Festina Doping Debacle is merging with the company who brought us the Hummer. I really don't know what to think about this. I threw away an old pair Specialized gloves today. Maybe that was an omen. What does Ned Overend think? This has got to be an April Fools joke.

WTB Stout 29er

Just discovered this tire from WTB. It looks so good I could just drink it. My Monkey needs a new pair of shoes!

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

RETRIBUTION!!!

Dallas demolishes the Kings 7-2. The Stars hold a lead in the third period! Robidas, Eriksson, Barnes, Morrow, Hagman, and Lehtinen all show team effort in bringing it to the Kings. Hopefully they can use this as a spring board for success in the playoffs. Yes, I know it's the worst team in the West, but sometimes you need a little confidence booster when you are slumping this late in the season.
I just got the new Reebok black sweater. I wore it for the first time. I'm sure this has nothing to do with the win. Okay, maybe that's a lie. ;)



GUINNESS BIKE AD

Make March End!

March 1, 1-3 loss to Preds
March 5, 1-2 loss to Coyotes
March 8, 1-3 loss to Avs
March 9, SO the Avs 3-0 (an anomoly)
March 13, 3-5 loss to the Red Wings
March 15, 3-4 loss to Canucks
March 19, 1-2 loss to Ducks
March 22, 2-4 loss to the Kings
March 37, 2-3 OTL to Sharks
BELIEVE?





The Stars continue to fail miserably. The King's game Saturday, I had to endure in person.
San Jose last night, Oh my God! Modano's breakaway with no results. What the hell is going on here??? Mike had Nabokov beat! One point OT loss. Still sucks.
BEWARE THE ICE OF MARCH!!!

What the Hell is Wrong With the Stars!?!!

It's looking like Dallas will play Anaheim in the first round of the playoffs. Dallas has lost six of the last seven games. They've gone from first to third in the Pacific. Most of these losses are Dallas being on the wrong side of on one point games. Yes, Norris Trophy nominated, Sergei Zubov has been out since January with a foot injury, but The Stars should be dialed and seasoned for a playoff run at this point in the season especially against division foes. I blame myself for not following closely enough. I am off to Dallas to fix things with my fan support. I'm hopping a train to Dallas for the Kings game. I'm sure I will be the difference! Of course L.A. is the worst team in the conference, but usually crummy teams like to battle it out for pride and spoil shit from the outside looking in. Whatever the case... KILL KINGS!!!

...More to come.

This Video...

makes me wanna dance like Steve Zissou.

Do The Test

Went to the Air Raid Show the Other Night@Red7

Saw Naked Raygun,Complete Control,Hex Dispensers,Shot Baker,Municipal Waste,Cancer Bats,Dub Trio,Iron Lung,The Architects, and Fight Amputation.

I went to see Naked Raygun, but I enjoyed quite a bit that night.
My favorites were Fight Amputation from West Berlin, New Jersey; Iron Lung from Seattle, Washington; Cancer Bats from Toronto, Ontario; The Hex Dispensers from ATX; Municipal Waste from Richmond Virginia,; and of course Naked Raygun.

I didn't bring my camera, but I caught some video with my phone when I remembered during Naked Raygun that I could...I may add this later via Bluetooth.

I got to the show relatively early and really enjoyed Fight Amp. Slow and heavy, but bright and catchy..if that makes any sense.

Iron Lung is a two man, guitar and drum band. Really fast and relatively brutal. The drummer rants with a witty snip as entertaining as they are relentless.

The Cancer Brats are a super high energy metal band. The vocalist brought as much energy to the stage as I've seen in a long time. While the music might have lost me the performance wouldn't let go.

The Hex Dispensers delivered a wonderfully nostalgic retro punk with full respect to The Ramones and the era when that shit got me really pumped. Driving drums and and catchy vox set to faithful rhythm.

Municipal Waste took the stage and true to reputation, wreaked havoc on an adoring audience. Lots of beer bong, snide stabs at the band performing behind them, Body surfing, Ceiling dives, and slam dancing like I haven't seen since the 80's. They music fast, tight, and fully charged.

By the time Naked Raygun came on I was exhausted. They totally rocked as I would have expected and remembered (I saw them sometime in the early nineties at The Cannibal Club). I stuck around for several songs and heard my favorite, Walk in Cold.

My beer budget for the evening, strained back, jammed thumb, and jacked knee all needed me to go home.

I mounted my Specialized- commute -hopper and split.

Weird thing ...I have never seen so many Brooks Saddles downtown. I felt so incredibly hip!

My Pista

My Bianchi is getting a lot closer to kick ass with my new cranks.

Campagnolo Record Pista cranks
Deda Pista Bar and Stem. Campy Record Headset.
Brooks Swift for good measure, as Merckx looks on.

New Ozone Jerseys

Today's "Group" Ride

View Larger Map

Rode this Bianchi 928 T-cube Veloce. Vytis was sick, so I woke up and went to the shop to lead a group ride. No one showed up. I decided to do it anyway.

Brad Richards 5 Points in Opening Debut

Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist come to Dallas for Jussi Jokinen, Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern, and a 4th round draft pick.
In Richard's debut he gets five assists, he helps Hagman get his first NHL hat trick, and allows Turco to have a sloppy ending.

The Surger!

Pretty damn awesome.
The Guinness website explains the details, The Surger is an ultrasonic device that activates the dormant nitrogen in the Guinness Draught Surger can.
www.guinness.com/us_en/surger/

Campagnolo Record Pista Crankset

Tomorrow, I will receive my new Pista cranks from QBP. I bought the bottom bracket over a year ago anticipating this purchase. Finally, I'll get them! Big Grin.