What's on your bicycling "Wish List?"

**dlb2** · December 3, 2013, 06:02 PM

Ah yes, Christmas time is here and with it comes visions of new goodies that we'd like to see "under the tree" if you will. So lets forget about the audio gear for a few minutes and focus on what every rider wants. New stuff!!! Is there anything that you lust after?

For me it would be a shiny new Pinarello Dogma 65.1.

and a pair of Sidi Genius 6.6 Vent Carbon's.

.

**RedSectorA** · December 3, 2013, 06:21 PM

I want EPO

Got all the gear and still don't go fast enough!

**Matt715** · December 3, 2013, 07:54 PM

A gas motor.

Seriously though, I would like a bike computer so I can find out what I think are long rides are actually short.

**dlb2** · December 3, 2013, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by RedSectorA

I want EPO

Got all the gear and still don't go fast enough!

Ain't that the truth! I can go longer, but I never seem to get any faster!

Originally Posted by Matt715

A gas motor.

Seriously though, I would like a bike computer so I can find out what I think are long rides are actually short.

Hey Matt do you have a smart phone?

**Matt715** · December 3, 2013, 08:32 PM

Yes I do, but I keep it stowed away when I'm riding in case I eat dirt.

**dlb2** · December 3, 2013, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by Matt715

Yes I do, but I keep it stowed away when I'm riding in case I eat dirt.

I do the same and keep mine in a seat bag. You can use the Strava app to track rides/distance. Before I had my Garmin I used it and it worked great. I just turned it on before I left, stuffed it in my bag and saved the ride once I returned.

**socfan12** · December 3, 2013, 09:38 PM

Simple, a new saddle for me.

My sit bones have been aching the past 3 months or so, really cramping my rides.

Beyond that, a new set of wheels...

**dlb2** · December 3, 2013, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by socfan12

Simple, a new saddle for me.

My sit bones have been aching the past 3 months or so, really cramping my rides.

Beyond that, a new set of wheels...

You better not take any chances and buy some new bibs with that saddle!

Those new Mavic Cosmic Carbone 40's are sweet!

**gooch** · December 3, 2013, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by dlb2

Ah yes, Christmas time is here and with it comes visions of new goodies that we'd like to see "under the tree" if you will. So lets forget about the audio gear for a few minutes and focus on what every rider wants. New stuff!!! Is there anything that you lust after?

For me it would be a shiny new Pinarello Dogma 65.1.

and a pair of Sidi Genius 6.6 Vent Carbon's.

.

Sign me up I want one two only in black

**Bobvin** · January 2, 2014, 12:30 AM

I want to be kissed by the podium girls!

But, sadly, old dudes don't make it to the podium.

I like the EPO idea, but make mine Secretropin.

**NorthStar** · January 2, 2014, 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by Bobvin

I want to be kissed by the podium girls!

But, sadly, old dudes don't make it to the podium.

I like the EPO idea, but make mine Secretropin.

Are you into doping too Bob? --------------------------------------------------------------- Just in case

________

Happy New Year!

**RedSectorA** · January 2, 2014, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

Are you into doping too Bob?

Would wine be considered doping?

Bob, growth hormones is/will be the next big thing for us aging athletes.

Interesting read on some journalist/ultra cyclist in his late 40's who tried the full cocktail.

Drug Test | Fitness - Health and Fitness Advice | OutsideOnline.com

**Bobvin** · January 2, 2014, 03:55 PM

Isn't this a fine can of worms...

Late last spring, my wife and I signed up for the Anti-Aging program offered at ProSports Club in Bellevue, WA. (Now that we have moved to Portland, I really miss the ProClub—it is the largest sports club in North America, just a really fantastic place to train. The spinning classes [about 4 times per day] would frequently have 20-40 folks in for the class, and they had about 75 spin bikes in that room. The place had 2-3 dozen individual "personal trainers", a staff of 6 MD's, lots of physical therapists, and several different buildings. There is nothing similar in Portland.)

Anyway, the Anti-Aging program mostly follows protocols of the A4M (American Acadamy of Anti-Aging Medicine). The key being bio-identical hormone therapy which for me does include bio-identical testosterone supplementation (not the same as the synthetic low-T products advertised on television). The goal is to get your T levels back to what they would typically have been 10-15 years prior to your current age. At this point, about 8 months into the regime (which also includes vitamin supplementation and lots of blood draws to monitor levels) I will say I do indeed feel 10-15 years younger than my 56 years. I get up without aches and pains, I have much more energy, and I recover faster from training. In my case, my doc typically won't begin to add Secretropin until after a year on the bioidentical hormones. This is because often the body will begin to elevate the HGH naturally as a response to the other hormones being supplemented. In my case, the last blood work showed the natural HgH had risen substantially from my prior blood work a couple months prior.

I will add that, while I have not been training much, I have been able to get through the stress of buying and selling a house, moving to Portland, and having my business contents (and also my stereo gear) stolen during the move—without getting sick. My sweet wife wasn't around much to help as she was in corporate housing in Portland for a couple months, so I basically covered the move and my business alone. There were times the stress level was pretty damn high, and I think if this life event would have come before we started the BIHT (bio-identical hormone therapy) the stress would have taken a much greater toll. (I do think having been in pretty great shape headed into the move helped a lot too.)

And I can drink wine with less impact in the morning!

My wife thought I looked funny carrying around Susan Summers book "Bombshell", but she's probably the most visible and vocal advocate. Her book is worth reading even if you come away with differing opinions. I'm a believer in this approach to wellness, and personally I don't see too many folks aging "gracefully", but instead I see most folks getting up in years having more and more ailments. Now that I have the resources, I don't want to age out before I have the chance to do so many of the things I couldn't afford as a youngster.

**NorthStar** · January 2, 2014, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by RedSectorA

Would wine be considered doping?

Wine is a well accepted drink in our society Dan, and many people in France drink their liter every single day.

Wine is good for you, and it is certainly not doping.
{Cannabis is also good for you, and Colorado knows that too.}

Bob, growth hormones is/will be the next big thing for us aging athletes.

I'm no expert on that matter Dan; I'm myself all 'au naturel' - what I need I take directly from the nature surrounding me -
the bees,

the queens,

and the trees.

Interesting read on some journalist/ultra cyclist in his late 40's who tried the full cocktail.

Drug Test | Fitness - Health and Fitness Advice | OutsideOnline.com

Thx for sharing.

**NorthStar** · January 2, 2014, 04:15 PM

Bob, you and your wife, just be a little more patient; help is on its way - marijuana legalization also in Washington state.

**dlb2** · January 2, 2014, 04:35 PM

Dan, I remember reading that article a few years back. I just read it again and it really is amazing how these drugs can alter a regular guy's performance. He mentioned something in the article about thinking that world class athletes use these drugs to get that extra 10%, but after he started using them in his daily regimen he was amazed at how much better he performed and recovered. It really is intriguing to me of how we might be able to develop drugs like HGH that help us live better lives without the bad side-effects.

Which is what Bob (Bobvin) brought up in his post...

Is it possible to live a happier, healthier life just by exercising, taking supplements and perhaps taking something to get our testosterone levels closer to what they were when we were younger?

I don't think marijuana use will do it though.

**NorthStar** · January 2, 2014, 04:54 PM

I want to live forever! ...For eternity! ...I want to be immortal! ...Where do I sign to get my daily dose?

________________

On a serious note about the topic at hand: It is extremely sad that competition in cycling (and many other sport activities) has let the power of money infiltrate so many minds and let drugs take over so many bodies!

I bicycled all my life, and still am, but for my own good happiness sake. ...I follow my own rhythm, and not a corrupted one invented by man and its greed for power, fame, control, and superiority complex!

The best wish? Get on my bicycle more often and pedal. ...Go canoeing too, and snowboarding (& cross country skiing).
...Plant a tree, or two.

Is this a Health thread or a way of traveling (see the country side) one? ...Planes, trains and automobiles.

**Bobvin** · January 2, 2014, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

I want to live forever! ...For eternity! ...I want to be immortal! ...

The best wish? Get on my bicycle more often and pedal. ...Go canoeing too, and snowboarding (& cross country skiing).
...Plant a tree, or two.

Is this a Health thread or a way of traveling (see the country side) one? ...Planes, trains and automobiles.

I'm with ya Bob, I wish to be able to ride more too, it is one of my great joys in life. Each year my wife and I seek out a bike tour to join, she's into castles so we end up in Europe on her years to choose. I love the great American (and Canadian) west and Rocky Mountains, so I tend to pick rides in the states. And while many of the folks on the rides are more senior than us, we still like to make a strong showing, not so much to finish first or arrive first but to be able to do the long or more difficult routes each day of the tour. There is a certain pride in being one of the "fit" ones on a ride, and being able to keep pace with any young hot-shots that come along (or the tour guides).

And since riding is a joyful way to improve your health, I think the thread easily morphs back and forth.

My wish list this year is my thankful list: one thing the highway robbers didn't get is our bicycles. I moved those myself, thank the Lord. But I will be buying new shoes, and I can testify to the fancy Sidi's in the opening of this thread. I really liked the ones I had (the robbers got those).

Finally, those Pinarellos are nice framesets—but I'll put in my plug for the good fellows at Cyfac. IMHO you will get a superior ride on a Cyfac 'cause they'll build it just for you: Cyfac Carbon | Custom Carbon Fiber Frames - YouTube. I found my test ride on the Dogma showed it to have too little vertical compliance (for me) and on very rough roads I felt every pebble.

**RedSectorA** · January 2, 2014, 06:59 PM

Hormone replacement therapy des not seem to be allowed except for medical reasons in Canada where it seems to be more accepted in the USA. I have to admit I am still leery about them though as I am not sure about their long term side effects. We are feed alot of crap (physically and literally) by the food and drug industry so I try to stay as far and away from them as I can. That being said I like Bob would not mind going back 15 years.

Just my opinion BTW.

**NorthStar** · January 2, 2014, 07:10 PM

I just came back from a short bike ride; exalting! ...I saw two horses, two young female horse riders, two squirrels, two hummingbirds, mountains, lake, trees, sheep, cows, wineries, and all that natural beauty.

I feel good too, physically, not just mentally.

Yes Bob, bicycling is both healthy and an enjoyable way of travelling.

* And I wish that your insurances will take good care in all fairness about your unfortunate event.

**RedSectorA** · January 2, 2014, 08:13 PM

No riding outside for me today, we hit a high of -25 Celsius.

**Bobvin** · January 2, 2014, 08:16 PM

Hey Dan, I too was (and continue to be) skeptical, though I did enough study to find the problems associated with hormone therapy have been related to synthetic ones vs. the bio-identical variety.

A doctor here in the Seattle area (actually Tacoma, WA) runs the Tahoma Clinic, an extremely well respected practice that is mostly alternative approach. The Dr., Jonathan Wright, MD, is also an naturopath and his offices were once raided by the FDA, guns drawn and all. He was guilty of performing vitamin B injections (Oh the horror!). When I learned he was an advocate of BIHT and had been using same for almost 20 years it reduced my anxiety enough to consider it. I am glad I did. Backing up a decade in terms of how I feel has been most welcomed.

And the fact there is frequent blood work and numerous follow up visits with the Doc also gives me confidence. The body of research is over 20 years old now, and from what I've learned the risks are few compared to the rewards, and without any of those crazy disclaimers you hear on commercials regarding side effects.

But, you never really know?

**NorthStar** · January 2, 2014, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by RedSectorA

No riding outside for me today, we hit a high of -25 Celsius.

Dan, we are hovering between +8° and +16° Celsius here on the south Vancouver Island of British Columbia, Canada.

...Pretty much steady like that for the last two weeks or more (last week we hit +20° Celsius one day). ...Happy riding!

P.S. We need a small bicycle emoticon (smiley).

________________

* I've read stories of tons of snow and freezing cold in all the East of the USA and Canada.
...Plus power shortages here and there because the heavy weight of snow and ice on tree branches snapping and falling on electrical power cables, and transformers exploding!

Here we have tons of whales just having fun playing in the warm waters of the Pacific ocean. :whalesmiley:

Be good.

P.P.S. By the way, my thermometer doesn't even go that low (-20° Celsius is the lower limit).
And +50° Celsius is its upper limit. ...My thermometer was made in the Sahara desert; Morocco of North Africa.

**RedSectorA** · January 2, 2014, 09:47 PM

Gun drawn to raid a clinic for vitamin C injections,LMFAO. Tax payers money put to good use

**dlb2** · January 2, 2014, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by RedSectorA

Gun drawn to raid a clinic for vitamin C injections,LMFAO. Tax payers money put to good use

Dan, put the gun down. Just try these...

**RedSectorA** · January 2, 2014, 10:11 PM

Doug, been using off and on something similar called Redoxon. Does work wonders when feeling the winter blues.

Anyways tomorrow I am heading to my family physician to get a prescription for an anti inflammatory drug to rid myself of my chronic muscle pains I have had the past few months. The fun of growing old........

**RedSectorA** · January 2, 2014, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by Bobvin

Hey Dan, I too was (and continue to be) skeptical, though I did enough study to find the problems associated with hormone therapy have been related to synthetic ones vs. the bio-identical variety.

A doctor here in the Seattle area (actually Tacoma, WA) runs the Tahoma Clinic, an extremely well respected practice that is mostly alternative approach. The Dr., Jonathan Wright, MD, is also an naturopath and his offices were once raided by the FDA, guns drawn and all. He was guilty of performing vitamin B injections (Oh the horror!). When I learned he was an advocate of BIHT and had been using same for almost 20 years it reduced my anxiety enough to consider it. I am glad I did. Backing up a decade in terms of how I feel has been most welcomed.

And the fact there is frequent blood work and numerous follow up visits with the Doc also gives me confidence. The body of research is over 20 years old now, and from what I've learned the risks are few compared to the rewards, and without any of those crazy disclaimers you hear on commercials regarding side effects.

But, you never really know?

You are right Bob, who really knows! I'm just not ready to try it. Anyways as I race in the summer I'm probably not allowed to do hormone therapy (then again I honestly don't know).

**NorthStar** · January 2, 2014, 10:54 PM

Do you know the worst part from getting older? ...Not getting any younger.
The best part? ...There is none.

**RedSectorA** · January 2, 2014, 11:17 PM

Wisdom my friend, wisdom. We older guys always forget that, insofar as youth is concerned it partly resides in our brain, stimulate it and you can feel young again. Actually this is why I still race bikes, I'm with a younger crowd that are pushing me above my normal limits and that makes me feel younger.

Then what I lack in strength I make up in experience.

**NorthStar** · January 2, 2014, 11:23 PM

Wisdom of course Dan. I can sense that in you.

**Myles B. Astor** · January 3, 2014, 12:03 AM

Originally Posted by RedSectorA

Wisdom my friend, wisdom. We older guys always forget that, insofar as youth is concerned it partly resides in our brain, stimulate it and you can feel young again. Actually this is why I still race bikes, I'm with a younger crowd that are pushing me above my normal limits and that makes me feel younger.

Then what I lack in strength I make up in experience.

image.jpg

**RedSectorA** · January 3, 2014, 12:26 AM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

Wisdom of course Dan. I can sense that in you.

Haven't spoken to my wife have you........

**NorthStar** · January 3, 2014, 12:59 AM

Should I?

**RedSectorA** · January 3, 2014, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by NorthStar

Should I?

Let me spoil the conversation, no much wisdom here!

**RedSectorA** · January 3, 2014, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

image.jpg

Read it Myles? Worth reading? I like these kind of books.

**Bobvin** · January 3, 2014, 10:26 AM

Dan, last summer I entered the WA state time trial championships just to put a gauge on my fitness. In the geezer category, of course, lumped in with anyone over 50. (Amateurs, ex-pros, seasoned triathletes, etc.) The fellow who won that category also beat everyone in the 34-50 crowd, and was only surpassed by 6 younger cyclists in the 20 sumpthun-34 crowd. I forget his actual time but it was in the neighborhood of 45 kph over 40k.

I didn't get his bio, but those seem like juiced numbers for a +50 guy. I wouldn't mind turning a sub 1-hour TT!

And... Aches and pains are much less part of my day since I started BHIT. Damn expensive though (said the guy with the hi-end audio gear!)

**RedSectorA** · January 3, 2014, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by Bobvin

Dan, last summer I entered the WA state time trial championships just to put a gauge on my fitness. In the geezer category, of course, lumped in with anyone over 50. (Amateurs, ex-pros, seasoned triathletes, etc.) The fellow who won that category also beat everyone in the 34-50 crowd, and was only surpassed by 6 younger cyclists in the 20 sumpthun-34 crowd. I forget his actual time but it was in the neighborhood of 45 kph over 40k.

I didn't get his bio, but those seem like juiced numbers for a +50 guy. I wouldn't mind turning a sub 1-hour TT!

And... Aches and pains are much less part of my day since I started BHIT. Damn expensive though (said the guy with the hi-end audio gear!)

Race as a Cat 4 in the Tour of the Battenkill last year, in the last hill at marker 60 (ish) I was passed by the leaders of the Cat 5 race. The hill is steep at around 18 percent incline, I'm huffing and puffing while going through the motion, these two guys passed me at the double my speed while chit-chatting and showing no sign of strain. It's a fricken 18 percent hill we are talking about. The chase group came about 2 minutes down, 10 guys all redlining to try to pick up the leaders. If you ask me I will say the leaders were juiced up big time. It's unfortunate for anybody to risk their life just to win a race.

A few years back they caught a few guys juicing up in the local amateur circuit, it's not as if they will have a big payoff out of this. Human nature I guess!

**Myles B. Astor** · January 3, 2014, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by RedSectorA

Read it Myles? Worth reading? I like these kind of books.

Am reading and the subject of neuroplasticity is of great interest to me. In part Dodge like Levitan in This is Your Brain on Music, dispels the ages old held notion of brain localization, left brain, right brain and specific centers controlling specific actions. In its place is a more modern look at primary and secondary neural pathways in the brain and how to recruit secondary pathways to overcome brain trauma, loss of certain senses, stroke, etc. so no matter how old we are, it's always possible to affect changes to the brain.

**RedSectorA** · January 3, 2014, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

Am reading and the subject of neuroplasticity is of great interest to me. In part Dodge like Levitan in This is Your Brain on Music, dispels the ages old held notion of brain localization, left brain, right brain and specific centers controlling specific actions. In its place is a more modern look at primary and secondary neural pathways in the brain and how to recruit secondary pathways to overcome brain trauma, loss of certain senses, stroke, etc. so no matter how old we are, it's always possible to affect changes to the brain.

Thanks, I guess I will put in my next amazon purchase.

**NorthStar** · January 3, 2014, 05:42 PM

Yeah, I too love reading that kind of stuff. ...Good for the wisdom.

Thread: What's on your bicycling "Wish List?"