If only life was this simple.

How to build a bicycle with basic tools: DIY Bicycle

I found this interesting tale over at Prolly is Probably. Apparently a Swedish guy has managed to build a bicycle using failry basic tools and equipment. Prolly was even kind enough to translate the whole step by step thread here.

Check out his trueing station.

The arrival of my Ritte Racing kit

Today was a good day, a very good day. When I returned from work, there was a package in my mailbox. Within this package was a shiny new kit from Ritte Racing  (pronounced “Rit-uh” or @ritteracing for you twitterazzi folk). Like a child on Christmas morning I tore into the package. When I pulled the jersey out my first reaction was shock. "Uh-oh, I'm in trouble".  The so-called 'large' jersey looked like it was cut for a barbie. Standing beside me, my friend Sarah chimed in with more than a hint of mockery..."I can't wait to see this."

To the bedroom I went, prepared to put months of sloth and gluttony on display. As I began to slide the bib shorts up and on Sarah screamed, "THEY ARE TOO TIGHT, TOO TIGHT...YOU'RE DISTORTING THE LETTERS!!!"  With all the courage I could muster, I continued. When I finally got the bib shorts on and the straps up and over my shoulders her reaction changed. "Huh, they actually make you look skinny."  YES! God bless bib shorts. Clearly these were designed by a slightly overweight man because, for those who haven't worn them, the extra 4-6 inches of lycra above the waistband work very much...No wait scratch that. They work exactly like a girdle. So today's revelation for me was this. If I see someone who looks fat in a lyrca bib. Oh my, oh my, oh my...I know it, and you know it. You're fat.

Next up was the shirt. It was more than a tad snug. My arms slide thru the sleeves about as well as a jolly rancher fits down a straw. Pretty sure anything south of my delts will have to perform with about 50% less blood. But, I'll make do. I mean, it was only tight around on my arms. Besides, the kit looks that good.

SERIOUSLY. The kit LOOKS THAT GOOD. It's beautiful. I'm assuming it's the work of Spencer Cannon who is the creative spark and architect of Ritte Racing. If it's not. I'm sorry. Blame Spencer.  The sweeping stripes make me feel as dangerous as a razor. The colors, inspired no doubt by a creepy uncle with a killer black velvet panther poster, attack you with unforgiving awesomeness. In fact, after contacting an Actuary, we've determined that I'm precisely 126% better looking when I wear it. The powers of this kit are that extraordinary and should immediately be tested for illegal pheromones.

But, all kidding aside. My favorite part of the kit...was firmly planted on my derriere. "WHERE'S THE PUB AT?"  Like they say, it's all in the details. Now...if I can only find riders slow enough to appreciate the joke

If those letters weren't so distorted you could read, "Where's the pub at?"

Practicing my post race recovery