Barcelona - 2009

Two weeks ago we went to Barcelona Spain to watch stages 6 and 7 of Tour de France. It was raining for most of the time but finally cleared up on the Sunday the day we left (go figure!). We where able to catch stage 6 but missed the start of stage 7. Finding a good viewing spot and figuring out all the times and where the riders will be takes a lot of work (and practice).

Barcelona is an amazing city, especially the architecture. Some of it down right odd (imo) but also very interesting. Very organic. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. The most interesting of the architecture is by Antoni Gaudi.

It seemed everywhere I looked in Barcelona I was reminded of the art style in Gears of War: Very Gothic and quite amazing! Note: my photos obviously don't do it any justice as I didn't have my Nikon or the time I would have liked.

We stayed in a hip-hotel called ME. It was very contemorary and not really kid friendly. The breakfasts where awesome. They had the most fantastic little chocolate donuts! It would be fun to spend more time as we where only there for 3 nights. The trip was short but sweet.

My 2009 Cannondale Hi-mod SuperSix

Last time I was in the states I picked up a brand new 2009 Cannondale SuperSix Hi-mod carbon frame set in a 56cm. I am in the process of building it up with SRAM RED and various other components. When finished, it should be quite nice (and fairly light). Other kit includes; cannondale hollowgram sl si crank, zero-gravity brakes, alien use seat post, easton ec90 carbon bars and more. Wheelset is still a bit undecided but until then, I'll be running my Mavic Ksyrium ES special edition rims.

I'm finding that building a bike with out my shop is tough. Not to mention trying to find all the right parts and tools in London! Just getting my SI crank off was quite an ordeal. I have my Ultimate pro stand and most of my tools but there is nothing like your own shop!

Finished!
I am now pretty much finished. The only thing left is a proper tape job (I'm using tape from my six13 for now). I went with Controltech manta bars and Controltech ipost seat post instead of the ones mentioned above and am going for an all black theme instead of the white.

Ride: This bike is STIFF. While fairly comfortable, I must say, it is a very stiff and quick bike (I am also running full carbon components; carbon railed Arione saddle etc.). When you put the pedal down, this thing goes (the Hollowgram cranks are awesome). To be honest though, I think my Litespeed 6/4 titanium frame would be better suited for the terrible roads here in the UK. Did I mention the roads here in and around London suck?! For being such a "bike friendly" place, they really don't maintain the roads (or anything for that matter) very well. Over all, it's a great bike and I'm happy with my purchase.

After a nasty blow out the other day, I decided it was time for new tires. Today I installed a set of Michelin PRO3 Race tires. So far so good. Not too wild about the grey center color though. After a short 20 mile ride today they seem to stick nicely and ride smooth.

Back in London

Wow, this blog thing is tough to keep up to date!

After spending 2 weeks in the states, I'm back in London. It's always fun to go back to the USA and see all the things that you've missed and the things you don't. Like the nice wide streets and our house in Kirkland. While in the US I was able to hang out with my buddy Scot and see his cabin (on 5 acres) in C'deleane Idaho. It's a great place up on the hill with a nice view of the lake and mountains. He has a great place along with some very nice neighbors.

I also stopped off in Leavenworth to try and work on our 22 acre porperty, tri-cities to see my dad and Pullman to see my mom. Pullman has changed to much yet is still the same. I wonder if they'll ever repave Grand street!! Pullman could use a good make-over. It's tired.