As many of you know, one of my specialties is examining events, imagining trends in them, and then predicting future events by painting with broad strokes based on those findings. I find this approach particularly effective when it pertains to topics of which I know less than nothing. In many ways, this is the same thing meteorologists do, so in that sense it is very fitting that my current prediction is for the weather of the 2013 Cobbled Classics.
I consider Het Volk to be a harbinger of what is to come for the major classics coming about a month later. By ignoring all data points that don’t support my assumptions, my study has conclusively demonstrated the following points:
In light of this, it was with great relief that I noticed that while the weather was cold for Het Volk, it was also dry. Which conclusively shows that the bergs in de Ronde and the trench in Roubaix will be coated in heaps of slippery mud. Thank Merckx, too; it’s been too many years of dry weather for my taste. For those of you smart enough to sign up for Keepers Tour, this will be epic. And yes, I know its not called Het Volk anymore. (We have a few open spots left on the Tour, so get in while the getting’s good.)
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@G'rilla Shame, I was looking forward to seeing that new bike. Fat tyres would have been taking things a bit far and it wouldn't have been fair to spoil Brett and Frank's party.
Who is bored and needs some video? The sound track is most insane. Enjoy.
@Dan_R
You have Deda frames?!?
For future VSPs we should do some kind of betting on whether or not the Schlecklette will finish. At the very least, free points!
@Deakus
Praise be to Merckx, SBS in Aus. will be televising all the spring classics in their entirety.
I'll have to delve deep into "the suitcase of caffeine". Can't wait.
@G'rilla
Best way is to ask/suggest "Passing on your left/right, when you're ready." Typically this would happen on a climb where you would power past, or just before a descent.
Generally, just being immediately behind someone for any period of time should give them the hint that they should give way. Communication is the key though, and as per the MTBA rules, the rider in front has the right to refuse the pass if they feel it would endanger them in any way.
@DerHoggz
But that's like giving away free points.
@El Segundo
That does depend on where across the country you're situated...they'll be live if you're in the eastern states, central or WA & you'll be taking big chunks out of your internet data usage streaming it because they don't want to eat in to their normal schedule.
@Gianni
Love the choice of 'Bad to the Bone' for le Blaireau!
@G'rilla
You are straying from the path, my son! We obviously need to ride together soon. Tubulars, 25mm. Ti SEX frame (thats how I assume CX is pronounced, no?). Bring the Dugasts as spares incase its chaos. Easy is as easy goes.