Well look whats arrived....

Like a very small and excited child all my packages have arrived sooooo I'm very happy.

Excuse the backdrop of my dodgy office futon, instead focus on the feathery light carbon bar and sparkly chainset. I've of course realised I can't possibly continue with my existing shifters so in a completely unnecessary capacity I am on the look out for dura ace or ultegra shifters (more likely ultegra). This will give me a neater and sweeter shifting front mech (current 105 is pre 5700 so only comes in a triple that you have to sweep through). I think the best bet is Jan sales although there are a few deals on already that I almost crumbled with.

I have also got to battle the temptation to fit all this now however with the first snow this morning this decision has been made a little easier for me. That being said the new seat (Arione) is already on and it felt noticeably lighter then the standard BG one as well as being more comfy (My gentleman area is deffo happier!). Realistically I'll get it all on (inc of new shifters ;)) 1st March and it will be interesting to see if I notice any difference what so ever. I will photo and weight before and after so we can see the effect but I must of lost a kilo off the bike all in. This should mean the bike tips in just under 8k's but I guess we will have to see (If my wife reads this she will discover new depths of geeky sadness in her usually out going and "normal" husband).

Training is still going ok, really enjoying my running at the mo and after hell runner in November I aim to do a local 10 miler in Jan and an 8 miler cross-country near my parents (In the Wyre Forest).

Thanks for reading

Steve

PS forgot to say also couldn't resist going for the Ultegra front mech too!

This Marmotte thing is getting expensive

Training through these dark cold mornings is going to be tough and this is the 1st year I'm going to train all through winter avoiding the turbo trainer. I've decided that best way to motivate myself is to load my credit card with upgrades for the bike. I have justified his approach with a sound logic based on:

1. Upgrades will make my faster up all those hills
2. The sheer expense will lay heavy on my mind and ensure that the burden of guilt will mean I've got to get out and use the stuff
3. This time of year there are lots of deals, they are practically paying me for this kit
4. I'll train on the current components through winter and then with the arrival of spring transform my bike like a swan into a gravity defying speed machine.

To be honest cycling to me is 90% about the kit, its all just highly engineered wonderful stuff. I'm sure like lots of others, I bought my bike in a fairly rash moment based on the "deal" and probably wouldn't of chosen the model I purchased and the budget would of been at least double what it was! The reality is that the bike is great, really comfortable and handles well so with that in mind let the upgrades begin.

I'll attach pickies when I take them but in summary:

Bike Now:

Specialized Robaix Elite 2009 model
mostly shimano 105 and standard mavic wheels

Purchased parts:

Dura-Ace 7900 Chainset inc of BB
Ultegra rear mech and brakes (6800)
Shimano RS80 Wheels
Fizik Arione Saddle
3t team ergonova bar
3t pro stem

I'm looking at Dura ace levers however cost is a little silly so I'll keep a look out for a bargain.

I've based all the above on the fact that if I crumble and end up getting a new frameset it can all be transferred accross....watch this space (SL4 anyone?)

I'm Bl&*dy In

Well after scanning the forums and expecting a few days to be able to sign up for the 2012 Marmotte I by chance read entries were open and so signed up immediately. It turns out this was just as well as it sold out in less then 24 hours, I bet the French just love us roast beefs invading their sportiffs!

So whats the plan.......

1. At least a sportive each month if possible including the Fred Whitton and Tour of the peak

2. No slacking during he winter with at least one long ride each weekend of no less then 40 miles

3. Loose weight and try and get body fat to 8-9% for the event

4. Get logistics sorted

Target

I'd like to do the course in sub 10 hours which is a big ask for me.....we'll see about this one ;)

So with all the above in mind I'll keep a track of the build up and add some pictures to this site and then I can look back and:

See where I went wrong/right*        delete as appropriate

SteveH