Agent Picolax thread

In July 2007 a contributor to Singletrack Forum started a thread explaining that he had been scheduled for an endoscopy procedure and that he had been provided with 2 sachets of Picolax and instructions on what to do with them in preperation for the procedure.

Other contributors to the forum then started to enter their advice etc. in relation to the original posters predicament.

I was introduced to thsi gem last night and found myself crying with laughter at time so, Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit for your delight- Agent Picolax

Half Century

Today I are mostly be celebrating my 50th Birthday.

Hippo Burpday to me
Hippo Burpday to me
Hippo Burpday Secret Cyclist
Hippo Burpday to me

That is all.

Now THAT is what I'm talking about!

Well done to Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavandish and the rest of Team Sky Pro Cycling for what you have achieved.

Today, Wiggo became the first British rider to win the Tour de France and Cav became the most successful sprinter in the history of the Tour with his 23rd win (and 4th succesive Champs Elysee victory). I do believe that Cav is also the first wearer of the Rainbow jersey to win on the Champs.

Please excuse me whilst I go and work off the celbratory BBQ and Belgian beer I have just honoured them with!

P.S. Dear Your Majesty, I think Mr Dave Brailsford deserves a Knighthood.

Tour de France 2012 a week in

Well, that is the first week well and truly done. What a week!

I can't believe how tense and nervy the proceedings have been. Crashes are common place as the first week progresses due to nerves and tension but this week has been remarkable. A number of genuine contenders for the GC have suffered and lost time. It is now clear to see why keeping your GC contender near the front of the race is so important. keeping close the the front of the peleton keeps him ahead of where most crashes occur and, in the event a crash happens near the front, everyone else who is a GC prospect is going to be in the mix as well and there is less chance of loosing time aginst your main rivals.

A couple of high points for me. The way Sky bossed the race and kept cadel in their sights on stage 7 with Chris Froome getting ahead of the charging Aussie and taking the stage was awesome. This was topped off nicely by Bradley wiggins taking the Yellow Jersey which Fabian Cancellara had done a grand job of parading up till then. The second high point for me was the antics of FDJ Bigmat Team Manager Marc Madiot as he was encouraging stage leader Pinot Thibaut to his stage victory was awesome-n true passion!

The first big Time Trial today. Lets see how it pans out.

Vive La Tour!

Tour de France 2012- SWMBO and I go to Liege

She Who Must Be Obeyed and I returned from our trip to Liege on Sunday evening and I have just uploaded my photos from the expedition. Once again we (or at least I) had a great time. Liege is a nice City to visit with lots of cafes and taverns to allow the continental street culture to bloom. We ate and drank and were generally very merry.
Here are a few pictures for your consideration-

Team Sky Pro Cycling at the team presentation on Thursday evening

A stroll around the City led us here-

373 steps to the top! Here is the post ascent view-

and I was thinking about the hoot it would be descending on my old bike patrol steed.

SWMBO needed a short rest before continuing-

Fuel was available at the Expo that ran from Wednesday evining to Friday evening. A rumour has it that Belgians produce some of the best beer in the world-

We agree!


We did a recce of the prologue route and picked our spot on the exit to the roundabout on Quai Paul van Hoegaerden between Pont John F Kennedy and Pont Albert 1er. We left the hotel at 8:30 a.m. and were on plot by 9:00 a.m. where we sat and waited. After a while other spectators started to arrive and riders started to do the route to warm up and get a feel for the route-

Wiggo

Spartacus

Cav

EBH

Vino (SWMBO has a soft spot for him)

Graham Watson turned up and doubtless did a far superior job of capturing the moment than I did

A little while later a retired French bloke showed up as well-

They then got down to doing the route for proper-

Though not everyone had luck on their side

Cav on his timed run

Yukia Arashiro (for whom SWMBO has another soft spot)

Some folk seemed to be having a ball

Though I don't think I saw Dave Zabriski smile all weekend (love the Captain America look!)

Vino again

Not sure who (open to suggestions) poss Valverde?

Cadel going for it

SWMBO soaking up the atmosphere

Me doing the same

We then took a walk to where the pit lane had set up earlier. Team Sky have gorgeous vehicles

and if you look carefully, at least one comes with a factory fitted Bradley Wiggins

I'm not posing for this one, honest

Elsewhere, I found a car with Scarponi's bike on the roof (lovely looking machine)

I noticed a nasty gouge on the bottom bracket. I expect it will buff out

There was also a stand set up by a Brussels bike museum which included this beautiful Pederssen (sp?)

It was then back to the hotel to nurse our sunburn.

Next morning we set out at 8:30 again and located ourselves on Boulevard d' Avroy on the outside of the turn where the route entered Rue Pont d' Avroy. We waited for a couple of hours, collecting caravan schwag until the peleton arrived-

After they had disappeared down the route we relocated a few yards away still on Boulevard d' Avroy as they made their way back along the other side of the road and out of the City

Jens contemplating the pain he is doubtless going to cause after uttering the immortal words "Shut up legs!"

Cadel in relaxed mood

but not as relaxed as Tommy V

SWMBO is a diamond for organising the travel etc. I must keep telling her I love her!