Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Wet and Winter


I spent the longest winter of my life stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. The weather there seemed to be 35-40 degrees and raining most of the time, and I’m starting to think that West Texas has become another Washington State. Our unusually wet and cool weather this winter is causing me to spend more time on the indoor trainer than usual, and I’m even getting some use out of the heavyweight polypro gear that I purchased while living in Colorado. Never fear, however …. we’ll be into spring and summer soon, wishing for some rainy 40 degree days.

If you missed my latest newspaper column, it’s posted on the Web at http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2010/feb/05/venture-off-road-for-a-change-and-give-joint-a/. For the next couple of months, I’ll be writing a weekly column for the Saturday paper (instead of every other week) while another columnist takes a sabbatical from writing. I’m always looking for interesting topics to write about, so drop me an email if you have a good topic in mind. (Email bcullins@verizon.net).

The 2010 Trail Running series is in full swing, with two of the here events completed. Results to date are posted at http://www.roadlizards.org// (select the “results” tab on the upper menu bar). This series is an event that I started back in 2007, and it has grown from a handful of participants the first year to 116 for race # 2 in 2009.  Based on attendance thus far, it appears that the 2010 series events will have about as many runners as in 2009. . One of the good side effects of this series is that I’m seeing more people take their running workouts off road, which is arguably safer and better on the body than constantly pounding the pavement. The final event of the 2010 series will take place on Saturday, February 20th, with the action moving to San Angelo State park. An event flyer is posted on-line at http://www.roadlizards.org/Upcoming%20Races/2_Page_FLYER_-_SARL_Trail_Series_2.pdf.

I’ve got a new poll up on this blog, asking if you think that San Angelo is making progress toward a “culture of fitness and wellness”. Be sure to take the poll and put your two cents worth in. The poll is located on the right side of this page.

Many people are starting to think about the warm weather that’s just around the corner, and cycling seems to be on a lot of people’s mind. I’ve received numerous inquiries asking for information on used bikes and related equipment, so I’ll start including “Equipment for Sale” as a part of each blog update. If you have something for sale or trade, send me a brief description, picture, and price and I’ll add it to the list.
Equipment for Sale

Giant OCR Limited: A beautful carbon fiber  road bike, almost new, size should fit anyone between 5’2” and 5’8”, full carbon frame and fork, 10 speed Ultegra, triple crank, includes a set of carbon aero bars. Price $900, retailed for over twice that much. Contact Dean McKenzie at dpmck@juno.com, or (325) 896-2083.







Cannondale R1000: 53 cm compact geometry road bike, Ultegra components, Mavic Open pro wheels, double 53/39 crank set, should fit anyone who is around 5”7”. Price $400, contact Dean McKenzie at dpmck@juno.com, or (325) 896-2083.







Upcoming Events

Feb. 20: Trail Running Series race #3, http://roadlizards.org/Upcoming%20Races/SARLTrailSeries_2009.pdf

March 6: Green River Run 5K and 1-mile run/walk, www.roadlizards.org/Upcoming%20Races/Green_River_Run_2010.pdf

April 10-11: Fort Davis Hammerfest cycling stage race, www.txbra.org/db/events/2010FortDavis.pdf

April 18: Striders Duathlon, Middle Concho Park, San Angelo, www.ironheadrp.com/striders/index.html

June 6: Fredericksburg road race, www.txbra.org/events/event.asp?EventID=1978

Who Do I Follow On The 'Net?

The response from readers regarding my final newspaper column in the San Angelo Standard Times (which several people referred to as the &quo...