Wearing It With Pride By Andy Schultz

Ahhh, the dog days of summer.  A time of sun, heat, and lightning.  Of barbeques, family reunions, and weddings.  Of rivers, beaches, and lakes.  Of  tanning, swimming, and embarrassment.  

Yeah, that’s right, embarrassment.  For the last few years of my life, summer has become an awkward time for me.  A vast majority of my time outside during that time has been on my bike.  There aren’t too many better ways to spend your time but it does lead to some issues.  I have a serious farmer’s tan.  The distinct line that lycra creates and my propensity for dark tans has created a monster.  My arms and lower legs are dark (think old, well-oiled leather) while my upper legs and upper body are blindingly white (think field of virgin snow).  And the best (or worst) part is the distinct line between the two colors.  For most of the year other cyclists are the only ones to see my tan lines and I wear them like a badge of courage (mine are darker and more distinct then yours so I must be riding my bike harder and longer then you) but as summer comes around and the temperature starts climbing, the urge to head to the lake or river for a swim changes things.  Suddenly I have to expose my tan to the world.  It shouldn’t be that big of a deal but when you take your shirt off and it looks like you are still wearing a white t-shirt with nipples on it you hesitate a bit.  Now I know there are steps I could take to minimize the awkwardness like rolling up the sleeves on my jersey or laying in the sun with only leg and arm warmers on but it would only make a small difference.  For now I’ll endure the whispers, snickers, and occasional “You’re suppose to take off your shirt before you go swimming” that get hollered at me from across the river and embrace my farmer’s tan as the semi-permanent tattoo that is a tribute to the sport I love. I miss The Cycling House in Tucson, AZ. Also, The Cycling House in San Luis Obispo, CA is amazing for cycling rides on the California coast.  We’ve found that the HED Wheels have performed amazingly at The Cycling House.  Being able to ride the HED Jet 6 wheels day in and day out is a great way to test a wheel.  Training with Power at The Cycling House has never been easier now that TCH demo’s the new Powertap SL and the wireless pro.  Training.

Quick Race Report

Mid-July found Andy and Sam Schultz (Cycling House Cooks) hopping in an airplane and heading for the East Coast for several races.  The first race on Andy and Sam’s East Coast stint was in Windham, NY.  Sam was flying and rode himself onto the first NMBS XC podium of his young career.  Sam was 5th with Andy shortly behind him in 7th. The next race on the brothers schedule was the prestigious USA Elite National Championships held in Vermont.  Sam podiumed again with a 5th place while Andy hung tough to round out the top 10.  From there Andy went back to Durango to work on darkening up his tan lines while Sam headed North to Quebec, Canada for two World Cup races.  He placed 24th in Mont Saint Anne, and 34th in Bromont.