Precision Bikes Racing Uniforms - 2011 Order

Happy New Year to all of you!

I know Xmas has come and gone, but you still have time to buy a new race kit for yourself so you can squeeze one more gift in for 2011! That's right, we are ready to place another order with Hincapie Sportswear for our race uniforms, which will utilize the same design from 2010.





We are going to order the Velocity line from Hincapie Sportswear, which is their Pro Level gear (same kit Team BMC uses). Despite a few minor issues last year, the Hincapie gear has been well received with great reviews from our riders, both new and experienced.

To view gear for sizing/fit information, please visit this link.

I experienced a steep learning curve last year by not charging tax and trying to make up the difference by selling extra gear to Precision Bikes customers. Bad move on my part. Our initial order was over $13,000, which went on my credit card, and I ended up $900 short somehow. So this year, I will require that all orders add 8% tax to the order total.

We must meet at least a minimum of 10 orders per item, so it is recommended that we stay with the below pieces. If there is something else you would like to purchase, email me, and I will see if there are others interested in the same option. Here are the available items and their cost....

Jersey - $89.00 ($87.00 for ladies)
Bibs - $97.00 (Bibs aren't available for women, but shorts are $88.00)
Speed Suit - $150.00
Skin Suit (Short Sleeve) - $117.00
Wind Vest - $86.00
Gloves - $25.00
Arm Warmers - $28.00
Leg Warmers - $34.00

To place your order, please email me your items at jasonmeaux@gmail.com Please include PBR-"your first initial and last name" in the subject line. Example: PBR-J.Meaux. This will help me catalog all of your orders. After you send me an email, please total the cost of the above items you would like to purchase, multiply that amount times 8% for taxes and mail be a check to the below address...

Jason Meaux
105 Caroline Street
Scott, LA 70583

I plan on submitting the final order to Hincapie on January 14th, 2011, which is 10 days from now. If I don't have your check by then, you will have to wait until the next order for gear.


Please email with any questions you may have, and I hope to see you on the road soon!

Jason Meaux

Tired of the "Oil Spill - Plane Crash" Analogy

I’m really getting tired of the "Oil Spill - Plane Crash" analogy.  This is one of the largest environmental disasters we've seen.  It has the potential to destroy many lives here along the Gulf Coast, along with our already diminishing wetlands, but our residents seem to care more about pumping money into the oil machine than the ecological destruction and those that will be left without income.  So does this mean our oil field workers are more important than our fisherman?  More important than our restaurants?  More important than our environment?  More important than the entire seafood industry that supplies America with half it's seafood?  When will we look at the situation for what it is... GREED!  If you have worked in the oil field, you know that this "accident" was surely preventable, but BP, like most other oil companies, wanted production over safety.  I wish we, as Louisianaians, would not ignore the true magnitude of this issue.  Yes, many of our residents make their living through the oil field, but does that mean we have to ignore all other variables in effort to continue drilling away without stopping to take a breath, and learn how to prevent this from happening again?  What happens if this incident repeats itself a mere month from now on a different rig?  Can't happen you say?  Seems like they said that about the BP/Deepwater Horizon debacle too.  Please read more into the situation and think for yourself instead of repeating such a poor analogy, it's getting old.

Festival Prize!

Man, was that a great festival or what?

Since I was out of town for work till Friday evening, we couldn't make our Festival debut until Saturday, and what a great time we had.

We brought both kids and took in the great music, food, and sights until they were delirious. Then we brought them to the Grandparent's home, and Laura and I went back for round two.

We hooked up with the infamous Morrow's and the party began! Unfortunately, we had to drop Laura off at the Tipsy tent since she volunteered with her coworkers to sling drinks. Then Tony and Jenny decided to show me their favorite artist Kelly Guidry. Since the vodka & beer was plentiful, I had a good buzz going as we walked into Kelly's tent, and needless to say, I was amazed at the quality of his truly original art!

And then it happened... one of his pieces spoke to me! No, it didn't contort it's wood frame and actually speak, but I had to have it right then and there, so voila the wife and I now own the gorgeous piece of art seen below...


But, there is a problem. I acted quite selfish and never thought to consult Laura on such a sizable purchase (remember the vodka & beer?), so I have violated the marriage code and will be paying the price!

And some payment to the yin yang cycle of life was doled out first thing Sunday morning as I joined the crew of cyclists for the 62 mile metric century leaving from the festival at a bright and early 8am. Normally, that time frame isn't a problem, but after being quite inebriated the night before and only getting 5 hours of sleep turned out to be a vicious monkey that hopped on my back and tried to strangle me during the ride! Felt like I was riding in mud the whole time. OUCH!

But in the end, it was a great weekend, lots of family time, good riding, and we now own another piece of great art, which I will be paying for... uh... for quite a while!

Litespeed Archon T1

I know some of you have asked for a few detail pics of my new steed, so here ya go! And check the die-cast memorial sticker for my Dad. Rest In Peace Pop!

Precision Bikes Time Trial

First Precision Bikes Time Trial of 2010 and guess who was able to snag a top-ten finish? That's right, the Rhino grunted his way into the coveted top-10 for the first time!

I was hurting at the end due to the CRAZY wind that always seems to plague Saw Mill Road, but overall I am quite happy with my performance.

Look below for my Garmin Edge 500 data and you will see that my heart rate rose on a slow and steady incline, which is what I was shooting for. I didn't want to blow up right out of the gate so I tried to pace myself with the intention of maxing out during the last mile. It helps when you listen to your mentor (thanks Wielrennerke).

Had a blast! Thanks to Mark Miller and Precision Bikes for hosting the Time Trial, and thanks to Eryn Schilling and Nestle for the refreshments.

Macca's Paper

I don't have a desire to ever race a triathlon. Not only are my ankles broken up from Motocross, but my swimming history includes only two simple facets from my past - swimming while teaching water survival and floating in the water with various alcoholic beverages.

So no, I will not be seen competing in this insane sport. But one must respect the athletes that do. Whether you watch the Cajun Man Triathlon here in Lafayette, or sit behind the Tri-Geeks on the Saturday morning rides as they pull your ass all over Acadiana, their athletic prowess is humbling.

Even so, I still can't understand them at times, yet there is one particular triathlete I do get, and his name is Chris "Macca" McCormack. Macca is an oddity of sorts within the racing world, particularly in respects to cycling. Obviously he is fast as the Shinkansen bullet train out of Japan, strong into any headwind, and can go for days, but interestingly he rides without Power Meters, Heart Rate Monitors, and Threshold & Zone Training.

How many of us do the same? I reckon not many at all. I know how I get all "geeked out" when I see new technologies arrive at Precision Bikes, and can't wait to buy 'em all. So after reading an eloquent, motivating piece composed by Macca, describing his riding style I almost felt embarrassed since I use a Power Meter and Garmin Edge.



Think about the facts... Macca WON Kona, the single event that is considered the pinnacle of Triathlons in the entire world! And he did so using perceived effort, completely devoid of a power meter or heart rate monitor.

His training aids have always been desire! Put that shit in your fucking pipe and smoke it! Desire my friends!

So what can desire and an amazing friendship coupled with dreams do for you?

Read this to find out!

Still not a fan of Triathlons, but I am definitely a fan of Macca, who is now Rhino-Approved!

Red's 80 Mile Ride!

Phew, I'm having trouble just staying awake long enough to finish a little blogging due to the exhausting ride we had this morning.

As usual, the chatter begins with the requisite "Yeah, we're just gonna do an easy 80 miles... not too fast." Humph. Bullshit! Not that it is any different than any other ride we take on since someone always seems to go off the front at speeds that creep into uncomfortable territory quickly.

Well, this morning was a little different, but not in the sense that the speeds would be elevated. Problem was the speed was instantaneously fast in the Red's parking lot since the Rhino was 5 minutes late. I guess the best word to describe the next 15 miles was OUCH!

In the route below, you will see a little nub where I continued northbound on Pinhook until some runners informed me that the group turned on the Breaux Bridge Hwy. Backtrack at breakneck speeds... OUCH!

Finally caught them when they were getting close to St. Martinville. Felt like shit, but Eric Bernard (looking great in Will Jones' new 4th Dimension Kit) pulled me into the pack over the course of a few miles.

Here is my boy Wielrennerke...



My goal was to complete the 80 mile ride with the group, but all of a sudden our large group was whittled down to me, Mark Miller, Ruud Vuijsters, Eric Bernard, Eryn Schilling, and the Mongoose. We fought the wind often during the day causing my ticker to moan a bit, but the pedal was hammered down when we turned onto the Henderson Levee. With speeds hovering between 25 and 27 for many miles the Rhinoceros was feeling a little nervous to say the least! But I hung on as long as possible and was quite surprised that my heart rate never did spike too much, but it was obvious that my legs are in need of some improvement!

At mile 60 or so, we stopped at a coffee shop in Breaux Bridge where I had the pleasure of playing some Johnny Cash and Bob Seger, of all artists, with a young banjo player. Quite fun!



After a double espresso, we were back on the road. The speeds didn't reach that of the Levee portion, but my jello-legs weren't feeling well, which prompted Eryn Schilling to push me along a few times to keep me with the pack. And Eric Bernard came through in a clutch a second time and pulled me into Red's from the Breaux Bridge/Pinhook intersection.

Here is data from my Garmin Edge 500, which is AMAZING! Pick yourself up one at Precision Bikes.

Mississippi Ride

On Wednesday, I was in Jackson, MS for work and luckily I brought my bike along. Last year when I first starting riding, I competed in a TNT Century in Lake Tahoe, and while there I met a cool cat named Chris, who resides in Jackson.

I looked him up and we did a quick (but painful) 30 miles in the hills north of Jackson. I was excited by the different types of landscape that included smooth roads, lakes, large rollers, and tons of wildlife, an NO, I didn't miss the trailers and litter-filled, pot holed pavement we are often forced to traverse around Acadiana.



Our ride was also filled with a little excitement as well! In the above picture, we stopped so I could take this picture here...




It's not the greatest picture, but the lake was truly gorgeous to ride around. The crazy part is that right after we road over the crest of the hill seen in Picture 1, two large black labs decided to play with Chris (that's what happens when you're first over the hill - lol). They chased him, one on each side for over 1/2 mile when they finally decided to push him into the ditch! Chris sank half his front wheel into the mud, and appeared to land ass-first into the ditch!

I immediately got off my bike and began challenging the dogs to a duel with the intended outcome to mimic this video. Chris just kinda chuckled and cleaned his bike and hopped back on.

Great time!

Kids Love Dad's Bikes!

It sure is fun to watch my two children (Sophia & Amson) drool over my biking! Amson seems to be a little more attached to the bikes than Sophia.



Everynight before going to bed, we simply say "okay Amson let's go look at the bikes before we go to bed." He literally runs to the stairs and heads straight for our workout room. He walks/runs towards the bikes, then comes to a complete stop just before what looks like will be a head-on collision. Next he saunters around the bikes gently reaching out a hand to pet the wheels and the frame.



I've made a decision not to push any sort of sports on him as I've experienced that at times and it makes it loose some of the competitive appeal. But if he wants to cycle, I will definitely help, support, and encourage him along the way.

Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit

I was honored to book a great band at Grant Street on Friday night. We didn't get te turnout I had hoped for, especially for such fantastic music, but it was still a great experience.

Jason Isbell & The 400 unit will be back in the fall so get ready.

Mawmaw & Pawpaw

Laura and I took the kiddos down to visit my Grandparents, and boy did we have fun!

Climbing 5% Grade Sans Wheel

Mad handling skills story here...

PB Goes Extra Mile

The Rhino doesn't do skinny bicycle seats well. Yes I do have that "girth" issue to deal with, among others, but I went through multiple seats until Mark "Killer" Miller turned me on to John Cobb designed Adamo. (Click here to see a glowing reveiw of John Cobb's work on Joe Friel's Blog, and yes it is "that" Joe Friel)



That is still the saddle I ride on my road rig, but I needed something different for my Time Trial Machine. Fizik did NOT work, so Mark quickly changed gears and loaned me a V-Flow Max...


As you can see, this is similar to the above Adamo, but the sides end up meeting without a taint-crushing nose pointing into my nether regions, preventing "My Boys" from swinging naturally.

So was I happy? Of course I was (and so were my boys). But a problem arose in that I kept the saddle on my lovely trek. How is that a problem? Well, Mark believes so strongly in John Cobb's designs, that he let me borrow a saddle to try it out, and being the selfish prick that I am, I kept it longer than I should have because it was so damn comfortable!

Well, my new seat was installed on my trek last night at the Precision Bikes Satellite Shop, so Mark will be getting his loaner back.

So go check out John Cobb's latest designs at Cobb Cycling, and drive straight to PB and ask Mark for a loaner so you can test out the latest & greatest saddles on the market.

Viva la Trek!

Man she looks sweet huh? Wielrennerke put a nice shine on her via the Precision Bikes Satellite Shop.

Getting anxious to start the Saw Mill Road Time Trial.

My New Bike!

See you at the Red's Ride this Saturday with my new bike!

Sideways Bike!

This is a first for me! Click HERE for video.

Saturday Bliss

Fantastic 55 miles with Wielrennerke this morning.

Bicycle Saddle Porn (click pictures for more)

Bicycle Roller Racing

Ever heard of Roller Racing?

Looks pretty darn fun...





Click here for the explanation and here for many more pics!

Ruud Thinks He's Funny!

Yeah, I should have logged out of Wielrennerke's computer, but we all make mistakes from time to time. However, Ruud keeping his hair short is no mistake as you see what the results are when he lets his gorgeous locks grow!

But alas, he is correct. I would LOVE to have a Colnago in my stable of steeds, but all in due time my dear friend.

Colnago CLX

Hi, it's me, The Rhino aka Jason Meaux again!
Thank God Ruud didn't clutter my blog with all kind of sh*t..
Anyway, I would like to introduce my new ride to you, a Colnago CLX. I just love the geometry of this bike and needless to say I have to have a Colnago..
I'm also considering some Campagnolo Bora wheels.....
I didn't talk with Laura as of yet, so please... after reading this post, don't be calling her to congratulate her on my new ride. I really like to surprise her with this one ;)

Wielrennerke posting as the Rhino ;)

What a fool is Jason???
To post to his blog from Wielrennerke's laptop, leaving the clinic without signing out from his account....
Just imagine what could have happened.... it is a good thing I love Jason like a son ;)

So all I can say is: "Happy Friday", we'll be on the bikes, roaming the roads tomorrow, and subsequently driving the "GILES-SUBARU-PRECISION BIKES- OUTBACK in an effort to support Team Precision Bikes at the ROUGE ROUBAIX on Sunday.

But boy, was I tempted to post some crap on here!!!

Greetings,

Wielrennerke ;)

Cycling Beer!

Since I have not been partaking in drinking games during this Lenten season (a first for me), I have been missing my beer. Maybe if I did go to church, I could pray and offer a few bucks to ease my longing of the best carbonated beverages this world has to offer. I just need to wait a little longer.

And once the Bunny Rabbit comes hopping around the fucking corner, I will be ready to pop the top on one of my favorites... good ole Fat Tire, which is brewed by the famous New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado (let the homepage pictures revolve a bit to see some of their cool cycles).

I was lucky enough to spend some quality time there many times visiting friends and have come to realize that their beer is stellar. Not only do all of their flavors taste exceptional, but their flagship beer has a gorgeous picture of a bike on the label!



Problem is that one can only purchase their great beers in Texas, so a road trip is in order. The New Belgium Brewery is also very much into cycling and even gives each employee a beautiful cruiser after 1 year of employment, and encourage their employees to drive less and ride more, particularly to work.

Check out some of their cool links here and here.

Precision Bikes Keeps Families Together

Every time I walk Into Precision, I feel like it's Xmas all over again. Best bikes technology can provide, shoes, wheelsets, jerseys, aero helmets, whizzing of tires spining on the mechanic's stand, and wratcheting of wrenches. Ahh, what place huh?

Well besides all the high-priced carbon and race gear, Mark keeps a steady supply of cool family tools too. From cruisers for the wife to the coolest kid cart one has ever seen he has it all.

My two kids absolutely love this cart, so we (me, wife, and two kids) are on the bicycles every chance we get. And I'm sure it will change to every day one the wife gets her new Phat Cycle in from PB.

Anyhow, check out Sophia and I taking the cart for it's first spin!

I'm Gonna Miss My Moonshine

I'm not religious and really don't care for the Catholic church, but my posse (MM and Wielrennerke) have invited me to participate in the 2010 Lenten festivities by giving up drinking.

Normally I would laugh and make a joke about the Pope's funny ass hat, but I could stand to loose a few pounds and what better way to get a jump start on this years training than to drop weight?

So last night I finished the last 4 shots I had of Catdaddy Moonshine next to the fireplace with a toast to the "great pontificator" since I'm sure he is also knocking back a few before the upcoming drought.

My Son Loves Precision Bikes

Took little Amson to the bike shop yesterday and to say he loved it is an understatement. He was obsessed with spinning the rear wheel of Cole LeBlanc's Argon 18 that Josh was working on.

Can't wait to buy him his first bike!







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Wielrennerke Therapy

After discovering that I have two small tears in my knee (one in the Meniscus, and one in the PCL), both pictured below, I was worried to say the least.


,
I have still not heard from my doctor, but Physical Therapist Extraordinaire, Sir Ruud Vuijsters (in his infinite wisdom), requested that I have the MRI results sent to him as well. After having a look, Ruud thinks that both tears may be small enough to avoid surgery, so he asked me to let him work on my knee. How could I refuse, right?

Well, here is Ruud's weekend therapy...



After a very slow and light hour spin on the Litespeed (complete with new custom training mat), which I'm amazed I was able to due, I think my road to recovery may be quicker than first anticipated.

Thanks Ruud!

Rhino Hobbled!

Looks like an injury has caught up with me!

Took a MRI yesterday and waiting for the good Dr. to call me with the results. My main man Wielrennerke passed an eye on the results and thinks that there are a few minor tears that may be able to be treated with rest, therapy, and application of ice for reduced swelling.

Looking for a similar diagnosis from the Doctor!

Rouleur Has Arrived

My dear friend and cycling mentor, WIELRENNERKE, has given me a fantastic Xmas gift... a LIFELONG subscription to the greatest cycling magazine to ever exist-Rouleur.

Over the last week I've had multiple deliveries left at my front door; Saints shirt, Saints Scott Fujita jersey, AMEX Platinum credit card, phone parts, etc. Well all the afore-mentioned items were simply left at my doorstep, but something as valuable as Rouleur... no sir! A simple ticket was left saying that I must physically pick up the merchandise since I was not present to sign for it. Why? Because the two, that's right, two issues I received are priceless and worth my mother's right eye. So here they are...





Aahhhhhhh. Perfect reading material for my flight to Miami to see the Saints kick some colt ass!

Thank you Ruud!

T-Boy Bernard

Here is a rare sighting of Eric "King of the Parking Lot" Bernard's long lost cousin, who is definitely afflicted with the family devotion to bright colors!

But hey... we know no one will fuck with this Bernard either!

How About a Naked Ride for Festival?