Wednesday, January 11, 2012

2011 Awards

2011 was a year to savor on the bike. Our membership has grown right along with the power numbers of the Dough core. It is a common occurrence on rides to field the question "So why are you the Doughboys?" At our genesis, our team name was self-evident, and reflected in the high ratio of XL and larger orders on our initial kit. Some big guys remain in (and around) the club, and that is a great thing. Our core message is one of inclusion. We are not a snooty, machiatto sipping bunch of leg shavers. Well, at least we aren't snooty. Introducing folks to the fun of cycling should always be one of our main objectives. Whether you take the bait (and/or swallow the hook) is up to you.

2011 Highlights-

The following improved form in 2011: 
  • Panozz raced in an HCD kit early in the year, before hooking on with the serious outfit of 787. He moved from Cat 5 to Cat 3 in one season, proving he is both gifted and dedicated. And maybe a smidge crazy.Mike's evolution from gifted dabbler to hard core racer dragged the group forward. Several guys signed up for personal training, including AT, Ullrich, Hoodie and Me. For all of us this marked the first time we had any instruction in the art of endurance training. For me, it has been pretty consuming. Austin has been in an economic bubble, defying the doldrums that afflict other parts of the country (and world). Our cycling obsession has assisted the GNP of ATX. You are welcome Obama. 
  • AT actually listened to his coach, and got a helluva lot stronger before receding into the working world. We want you back AT!
  • Ullrich kicked himself in the ass (Liar Liar-style) and worked hard on the bike and less so at the table.
  • I must say that I have made some modest gains in 2011.
  • Hoodie rapidly became the groove of the club. Best musical ear, best in-ride pics, biggest comedian. (While I am actually funnier, he is technically bigger.)
  • Vijay logged some real miles during the year. Without a coach. 
  • Tyler started the year with flat tires and no miles. He ended with the now hackneyed nickname "honeybadger" due to his style of riding with conviction. Particularly at the conclusion of group rolls!
  • Dykes has somehow begun to generate wattage with his mind.
The following went to seed in 2011:
  • Wulf, Z, Dan, Klitch, RyRob, Fitzy. Draino. Guys, time to look in the mirror and realize the error in your ways. Focus on that accumulation of middle aged evidence around your midsection.
The following held form in 2011:

  • Scheible, MC, Stanton, AT (who gained, then gave back).

The following bought new rigs in 2011:

  • Scheible bought the coolest bike that is not in my house. ProjectOne blackout with di2.
  • Vijay purchased a sweet Cervelo.
  • Stanton purchased a sweet Cervelo, again. This is technically not a first. He does have a custom steel bike on order for 2012. Can't wait to see it!
  • I welcomed a Firefly Stainless into my family of n+1 rides. 
  • Charlie joined the Trek brigade with an excellent Madone.
Rider of the Year - Ullrich
Ullrich has literally worked his ass off in 2011. Carving off years of physical self-abuse (McDonalds, OpusOne, etc), he has begun Phase I of his mid-life comeback. Well done Ullrich. For a middle aged Dad, that is.


Before


After




Picture of the Year- Storm Rising
This was taken shortly before the hardest rain we had in the summer of 2011. It was a blast.

Song of the Year - Finally Moving, Pretty Lights
This will get your techno on. And increase RPM. And HR.






Costume of the Year - 
Dykes as Tinky Winky...Priceless




Line of the Year- "I got a Big Tank!"
Hoodie has uttered this many times. The first was at the Driveway, when we were in line for our 3rd free beer.


Post of the Year - Andice for Christmas
This surprised me, but won in a landslide. Of course, the guys responsible enough to vote were middle aged Dads,