Finally A Sunday

Today is finally a day where I can just blow my afternoon in my garage. Its raining and freezing so I cant ride. So I present the below. I need to add my computer but this bike is unbelievably light. And I am pretty sure there is nothing more beautiful.





And yes, I weighed it with the chain in the water bottle holder.
The bike came with the Easton SL fork, but I ordered the Wolf SL. The wolf is made by alpha Q and requires an aluminum insert. Even with the insert, the start nut, and the headset race, the wolf was 15 grams lighter than the Easton SL. Plus the bike just looks more aesthetically pleasing with straight blade-aero wolf.



So if anyone needs a brand new, never installed, uncut steerer all carbon Easton SL, I have one that I need to sell. $250 would make me happy and is way cheaper than you can buy anywhere else. 1 1/8th.

December 20th

I waited a day to pen this because I felt that I might have said something I that would have been unbecoming of a gentlemen yesterday. Long story short, I received the email from Wharton around 11 am. I could tell within the 1st sentence that I had been waitlisted. The admissions committee took their time getting to the part where they actually say waitlisted. My heart and soul hurt yesterday.

Mostly it is because I was hoping that this giant question mark of "what am I doing with my life" would be all wrapped up in a nice little package. I have been praying for months that I could stamp some direction into my life with a finality feeling with the navy and a new and promising MBA program. Wharton happens to be a school with the earliest decision date. Well, yesterday, I received the wait 3 more months email. The good news is that Wharton didnt say no and I still have a very good chance. Most of the people who apply to the top schools apply to Wharton. So, if they are good enough for Penn, they are prob good enough for HBS, Standford, Kellogg, ect. Some of those people will be accepted at mulitiple schools and will decline their admissions offer to Wharton and then I will be able to swoop in like a hawk looking for a mole in a corn field.


Of course this entire scenario only considers one school. I interviewed at Darden on Monday. It was an absolutely beautiful campus and the people there were very cool. I can see myself there next fall without question. And I am buying my plane ticket for the Berkeley interview today. I am also considering applying to Columbia and Kellogg. That would mean a decent amount of work over the Christmas break, but nothing unmanageable.

Long story longer, I was not feeling well yesterday. I instructed a simulator with a kid who was the best student I have had to date. That was good. But when I got home I just didnt feel like doing anything. So I pushed on multiple layers of clothing and went out on the road ride. I kept looking for things that would make me feel better. There were a couple notions that gave me at least some pride. The first is a Velonews ad for Assos clothing:

"Suffering on a bicycle is noble as it reflects the full blooming of the will." Noble indeed.

The second was this penny that I found. As you can see, it was heads up so that must be a luck converter. The only problem was when I lent down to pick it up, the penny was tarred into the blacktop. No penny for me. My heart sank a little further.

I then proceeded to get a flat and have the spare tube blow too. Flats are so rare for me because I pay so much attention to the road and what I am riding over. So this really pissed me off. Add in 39 degree temps and this was an unfun situation. Finally, I got a break when a college kid pulled over and offered me her floor pump. I got the tire fixed and was on my way back home.

The rest of the ride wasnt that bad. I rode past sunset and enjoyed the fact that I could even be on the bike. My mother taught me early to count my blessings. I have many and I know it. I am thankful for each and every one of them. I got a sweet light which lit my way over the Berkeley bridge, through downtown, down Granby to Princess Anne. At the corner, this girl in a Saturn had a flat. So pushed her car (in my speedplay cleats mind you) into a gas station parking lot and changed her tire for her. That good deed made me feel better about myself and she was very happy she had some help. If I keep getting kicked in the face today at least I can improve someone else's day.



What a day.


Long shadows usually mean cooler rides. How epic!


Night riding is pretty cool, maybe not the best idea for safety, but still pretty cool.

Visual Stimulation

It seems that most people prefer pictures to words. "OOOOhhhhhh shiny things" says Homer. SO here's a cool pic I snapped in San Diego. I was at the Wave House watching people eat it on the simulated wave. I am telling you, San Diego truly is God's gift to us. I pray that my career finds me out there again.

37 Degrees = Awesome

Wick and I enjoying some winter riding. Snow flurries would have made it a truly epic morning.



Track Stand Approach (always find an uphill)


Stuck it. And then the one hander.

Early Sat Mornings Can Be Tough

If Wick hadnt shown up at my house at 730 this morning, there is a 100% chance that I would have just rolled over. I woke up, put on my new pearl long wind/winter pants and stepped outside. It was fricking (I love using that word--mostly because Elliot Reed uses it excessively) freezing.

We drove out to the Contes ride and saw only Bill Gilmer at the start. Wick and I were the only punks who slept in as everyone else was already up riding at 715. We put in a nice 40 in a "not too bad once you are riding" 37 degrees. I am blessed. I cant wait for April and May.

Wick and I also have an ongoing competition. Whenever we come to a red light, whomever holds the longer trackstand on the bike is the world champion. I spent a couple months on the velodrome back in 97 and actually was the national 7th placed collegiate kilo racer (only 7 guys qualified)! Of course I have yet to be beat in the track stand world championships. I submit the above pictures to display how to execute the perfect one handed trackstand.

7 Days Later

THis week was all in all pretty slow. I have found that turning 31 (on monday) wasnt nearly as difficult as not being in my twenties proved to be. But Norfolk was blessed with 81 degrees on wednesday. I already have 150 miles in this week. Wow. Thats pretty decent considering its december. My thoughts keep wandering back to Admissions Teams' decisions and I am pretty much going crazy. A couple of fellas in my squadron are applying to B schools too. We chat and get ourselves all frantic considering the interviews or lack thereof.

So I am doing my best to concentrate on the prospect of suffering. I contend there are few people who truly understand how sweet it is really suffer on a bike. Being at that redline, finding that limit is a difficult thing to do. Training now allows me to push that redline further away--allows me to go harder. Most of my favorite VA memories are on a bike. I love everything about it. I love the technical aspect of all the different types of gear. I love the training. I love the people who truly understand why I ride. They exist. I am thinking about my friend Kevin at Cross Nats. Good luck pal. I am thinking about the amazing opportunity that T Karnes has as a member of the Hincapie Juniors Team. Mostly I am thinking about how to continually find time to ride as other priorities take demand of my time and life. I must be crazy to go out in 38 degree temps and put in 50 miles. Thats just stupid.

Anyway, there is always trash to distract us. Nip/Tuck took a wrong turn last week but came back strong this past Tues night. I finally figured out why my mom and sisters recorded Days of Our Lives for 10 years when I was growing up: its just fun and takes your mind off everything for an hour. Does this mean that I watch soap operas? Trash, absolute trash, but a lot of fun!

Slow Friday

Christmas is Upon Us!!!




It has been a while since I have thought about my blog. But I spent some time this morning researching other MBA admissions candidates journeys and now think I really need to post some ideas here. I know that only 4 people read my blog. But having the potential for someone who doesnt know me well to read it is an interesting thought.





I am happy to announce that I am 100% complete with the Wharton application process. I interviewed last week and was indifferent about the process. I thought the interview was going well until the last 10 mins. My interviewer was a female ex-Isreali army seargent. The interesting thing is that 10 seconds previous to my name being called, the interviewer was an Air Force Academy graduate and was at USAFA during my exchange semester at USAFA. I noticed him because he had hair down to his shoulders, a big grin (happy to not be in the military anymore), and an F-15 tie pin. So, 10 seconds may have been the deciding factor in my MBA fate. Equally frustrating was the recognition of a good college friend on the Wharton admissions staff AFTER my interview. I found (message to Garcia) his number and it was awesome. John Collins showed me around, displayed to me how crazy this time of the year was, and took me to class. He introduced me to a bunch of MBA students and basically sold the school to me (as if I need to be sold on Wharton). It was funny because he kept talking about me having to choose between Wharton and other schools. I kept telling him that I needed to gain acceptance somewhere before I could make any decisions.





The idea of a choice is a wonderful prospect, but very heavy right now. Maybe I am having that mid-round "I have not been asked to interview for HBS or Stanford" mental crisis. Thus far I have completed my interview for Wharton (decisions released Dec 20), have interviews with HAAS and Darden, and am waiting on Stanford and HBS. I have been meaning to apply to Columbia but have been enjoying not crushing myself with applications this past month. Perhaps my heart is heavy because the big 31 falls this Monday. For interested readers only: I bought a hot pair of new shoes for my birthday--Sidi 5.5 Carbon in all white! Bringing this idea back around, having heard from Wharton, Haas, and Darden, I really wish I would have heard something from the other two schools. Discouraging.





This entire MBA process has made me really take a hard look at my life. Staying in the Navy is definately an option. But I doubt that I would be challenged intellectually in the next 11 YEARS. Sure, there will be difficult times (like plowing through sand with whilst carrying an m16), but I just dont see myself growing much. So leaving is the right thing to do in that respect. However, the financial security and health benefits are decent. I doubt that I will ever work with some of my greatest friends and get to have lunch with them on a daily basis. Just today I ate lunch with 9 guys who are all just awesome guys. As aviators, we share this unique perspective and confidence in a narrow age range that probably doesnt exist in many business circles. But then again, who risks their life on a daily basis and gets paid as little as we do?





Long story short, thanks for reading and enjoy the Christmas spirit. Count your blessings and do something everyday that gives you peace! My beautiful pre-lit wally-world $29 Christmas tree brings a smile to my heart everyday. Thanks for the prodding sis.

Mom is going to be so proud!

I never thought anything would come of my last name, except for the obvious call sign - "Over." Wait, thats not true....
it's still a funny read:

http://www.gamjams.net/2007/12/top-10-local-ra.html

And finally, do I need these shoes to celebrate my birthday this Monday? I think so:

Happy Thanksgiving!

This fun young girl sold me a burrito and was sassy with the shirt.



Effen vodka? Yep. Effen Vodka!




This guy is a prince and a cancer survivor! Happy Thanksgiving.



A couple quick pics to ponder.





The best is without question the photo of Brett's T-shirt. Good thing he already has a high heel wearing 20 month old son and a precious 4 year old daughter!



This thanksgiving was spent sleeping in and enjoying 75 degree windy weather. I am watching ozzie (shippy's dog) and loving it. I also got a good ride today. That made me feel very good considering my total rides for the month of oct and nov have totalled less than my fingers.

I promise to update more and give my mother my Christmas wishlist. Anyone have any suggestions for what I should ask for?

I want the move 24 Solo where Chris Etaugh almost dies trying to win his 7th world title in 24 hour solo mtn bike racing. And I think I need some pink troy lee gloves for the winter time. Hot baby, hot!

Travel time

This guy had a simple approach....




Challenge all comers, weight weiners unite.



This is a beautiful bike. Next years will be white....



Can it be done any better?


So we were out in the middle of nowhere utah up at 8000ft about to drop the hazard trail. Whilst there, a fine gentleman surprises us all with his helmet stickered creed. The above says it all. Turns out, the hotel he works at is being renovated so he has 5 months paid vacation. Not too bad.

I got an interview at Wharton. That is such a wonderful thing because it feels like a little bit of reward for the enormous amount of work that I have been doing this past three months. If anyone has any suggestions or contacts, please pass them my way.

We also had our first team meeting of the new year. FINAL KICK was there giving as the primary bike shop support for the team. Thanks geno for stealing the first 58 white R3 cervelo. Mine is coming someday I was promised. And thanks geno for being our forefront with the help. I usually find that the "old and creepy" approach never fails. I have no idea why it didnt pan out differently for our group.

Just a couple other pics above to challenge friends who ride 58cm bikes or any other bike for that matter. 14.85 with standard pedals and bottle cages is absolutely respectable.

Its sunny San Diego tomorrow for me until Sunday. I have some work to do and noble canyon to ride.

A couple more MOAB pics

Riding At the top of the world is cool




Shippy thought ninja challenge was a joke so he made his own--over a 1000 ft drop


Recentering complete

The Dark Ages

Adam picked friends and I up at the Airport following our 4 day Moab, 3 night vegas "recentering." Upon my home arrival, I was pleased to find a pink Chris King headset that I had bought on ebay and a brand new Giro Ionos (thanks Mary). I have always loved receiving mail ever since I went to the boat school and mail was your only contact with real people in the real world. Anyway, Adam made claim that it took him a while to figure out how to turn on the heat in the house--this morning when he woke up, he could see his breath.

Its funny because I just dont like the heat. I kept the house at 69 until I got my 1st bill this summer. I have been pushing up the air conditioner by a degree so that my bill would come down. I am now at a barely livable 73. So I like this time of year when you actually need to turn on the heat. I think it is cool when you wake up in the morning and can see your own breath in your bed. YOu sleep better that way right?

Long story short, I feel like its the Dark Ages. The Dark Ages was a term used to describe the time you would return to the Academy from Christmas break until spring break. You had nothing to look forward to and would just have to struggle through the 10 weeks. Its not that I dont have anything to look forward to, its just that I would rather do other things that what I should d0. The fun is over and now its time to get back to the last 3 applications. Parts of me dont want to do any of it. I just want to ride my bike.

Its 130 and I watched Nip/Tuck when I got home. What a train wreck. But a fun train wreck.

I can see this is turning more into random thoughts than anything meaningful. So I just wanted to say congrats to Tyler for scoring a Hincapie spot. And K-blog you look good in SR green/teal.

MOAB IS COOL

Bryan and I travelled all day on tuesday and picked up Kurt in St. George, Utah. A long day to say the least and we arrived in Moab at 3 am Moab time. Slept about 5.5 hours and woke up to build our bikes. We found a shuttle and rode 1.5 hours up to Hazard country trail. Rode 5.5 hours down Hazard, Kokepelli, UPS, LPS, and Porcupine trails. Awesome. Here are a couple pics and a video.

As Long As I Play My Cards Right.....

I can get myself another mtn bike tatoo

Google Phone? Iphone crusher?

A little surfing brought this to my attention? Is it real? Will it be the end-all be-all digital device? Will google's stock rocket to $1000?

Two more days to Fat Camp

What a group of fellas! This trip was in spring 04. Noah ripped apart his arm and I was certain that Doug wouldnt survive. But it was the most memorable mtn bike trip I will ever have. Awesome!


Look at this landscape!

So Bryan, Kurt and I are headed to fall fat camp on tuesday. Nice. Basically, we are flying to vegas, then driving to Moab, Utah, the mtn biking capital of the world. The 8 hours a day for 5 days will bring us back all lean and mean. Very cool.

Important is the retreat from the crazy admissions process I am struggling with. I read the essays of a current GSB student who used to be in my squadron. The guy's essays should be published. Everyone should read what he had to say. It had that kind of impact on me. His essays also made me feel like I had little to no chance to get into the GSB. That may be true, but I have found some resilience and have always been a little defiant in nature. Any school would be foolish to pass on the opportunity to have me as an active member of its student body (at least thats what I keep telling myself).

So today will be spend looking outside wishing I could enjoy this amazing fall weather. But I am goign to live in my pain cave working on my writing, improving my written communication portion of applications.

Most importantly, its only two days until I get to enjoy the landscape pictured above: one of God's truly amazing gifts to the world. Plus a couple nights in Vegas with the fellas after the riding wont hurt.

I have a Maverick Bicycles t-shirt that wins the quote of the month:

Everything in Moderation, Even Moderation

Ride for the Roses in Austin

Very early morning start with Shelly, Cezanne, and me waiting for Chris (in line to drop off the junior Chris swim team).
4 mins later the sun had come up

A little too chipper for mile 60

Easily showing wear of the distance

Look at these guys! True longhorns for your viewing pleasure.


What a weekend. I had to opportunity to spend some time with wonderful people and together we raised more than $2000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Very cool!

I arrived in Austin late sat night thanks to Carolyn and Lips. I got a room and walked around a bit soaking up the Austin scene. I had been there plenty of times before but always enjoy 4th-6th streets when there is agreeable weather. To be honest, it very much reminds me of San Diego (except for the unbearable heat in the summer).

I picked up Chris and Cezanne on sat afternoon and we enjoyed a nice dinner with Shelly. Not really carbo-loading, but good tapas anyway. We woke up at the crack of dawn to get to the start. Shelly rode the 60 mile and Chris and I got a horrible start position for the 90 miler. So basically, we rode the entire 90 miles with one of the two of us pulling. I was hoping to find a group of twenty or so that would be willing to work with/for us. So we pushed at a decent clip for the 1st 1.5 hours with no luck. We cross at least 10 cattle guards and one creek (no kidding). I guess someone fell while walking across the creek and broke their arm. Ouch!

Chris and I soldiered on and enjoyed the scenery. At the start of the ride Lance claimed these were the roads responsible for 7 Tour victories. At mile 40 I started to understand why. We had only ridden 2 hours but it felt like 3.5. And all the roads were paved, just not really smooth. You know exactly the road I describe, definately not smooth but still hard and was probably paved in the 40s. A couple times I had to open my mouth so that my teeth wouldnt chatter!

Cezanne brought me a coke at mile 60 and that probably got me through the ride. 6000 feet of climbing coupled with only 3 training rides in the past 6 weeks creates a non-effective solution. But I still enjoyed the ride (after convincing Chris to wait for me a couple times). It was fun because Chris would crush me on the climbs then I would just roll down the hills enjoying the 40lb advantage I maintain over him.

For those of you who dont know, Chris and two of his 3 brothers have had some type of cancer. All survivors. Chris had bilateral testicular cancer and is free and clear now. He did offer me some synthetic testosterone before we started. The same kind of ointment Floyd would have used if he did cheat. I thought about it but then was thankful I had blessing of health. I wouldnt wish what he and Brett Holdiman had to go through on anyone.

Moms then came over from Houston and the 5 of us had dinner. Wonderful. We ate at Trulucks in Austin and it was probably the best seafood I have ever enjoyed. Very classy place.

All in all, a wonderful weekend. However, I am still $200 short of my fundraising goal of $1500. So, if you have the means, please donate $10 at

http://austin07.livestrong.org/yellowrice

Can't wait for next week and fat camp in Moab! What a life I lead.

LIVESTRONG FUNDRAISER RIDE!!!!

SPONSOR ME ON MY 100 MILE RIDE FOR CANCER FUNDRAISER

I know that most recognize the fact that Lance won 7 tours. HOwever, most people do not know that Lance spends near all of his time fundraising for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

I am very fortunate that Carolyn and Lips donated a travel voucher for me to go Austin and ride in the Lance Armstrong Ride for the Roses. Please Donate anything you can by clicking on the link below. Its a tax writeoff! You'll feel better about yourself!

I am leaving on Friday the 12th, will meet up with Chris Brianas, and ride 100miles on Sunday. Chris is a cancer survivor and a classmate of mine. Just seeing him ride makes this entire cause worthwhile. Please donate!

Please CLICK HERE to sponsor my 100 mile ride and DONATE!!!!

THE ONLY WAY TO LOOK GOOD IN LYCRA......

K-blog, the only way to look good wearing lycra while not on a bike (is to not be a man).

SNL - Lazy Sunday

Special, hipplestein, this is all you.

Guilty Pleasure

I hate to admit this, but I am addicted. First, I am addicted to caffeine. Its aweful for you, unless you are on your bike. Then you have a good excuse. Second, it is important that I watch both of these shows. Most of you have probably heard of Entourage. But Nip/Tuck is a special show. It glorifies yet very much criticizes the ethical boundaries pressed with plastic surgery. Mostly, it teaches America to be happy with who they are. Its a sort of learn to appreciate yourself show. And its not for young mclovin (dont watch it or your mom will claim I am a bad influence on you!).

Anyone know where I can find a decent deal on a used Dura Ace SRM? I want to be fast next spring.

Credit where credit is due

A little teamwork at state crits...

So I just got off the phone with my 1st complaint about my blog. You dont update it enough! Well, you never leave any comments! (you can leave comments by just clicking on leave comment) I expect more out of you....

I started this thing because my boy K-blog inspired me. I found myself checking his blog daily and thought it was a cool way to improve my writing and tell the world about myself.

The Blogfather: Credit where credit is due......(click here mom!)

From there, I started to look at other people's sites. Very nice. Some people have been blogging for much longer, hence, the blogfather. Which is probably the coolest name since its namesake. Most importantly, I have found that bloggin is best with a ton of pictures. So I am going to start improving my attempts at that also. If you know me and are a complainer, leave a comment.

So I plugged in my iphone and my two most nagging issues were resolved by the firmware upgrade. I can now select which ringer I use for text messages and I can use itunes!

I think the pricing strategy was beyond crap. I am very greatful I received my iphone as a gift. I never would have spent that kind of money on a phone. Thats 1/4 to a dura ace SRM! I also saw the new cervelo r3 from interbike. If that bike doesnt make you want to get out and ride, you may need to get out more!

As always, looking for advice from anyone going through/gone through the B school application process. I am so close to being done with my first app. Say a prayer for me!

That last essay is out. Its just no good and not telling enough. Liz, thanks for the edit. I very much appreciate it.

This Friday I am headed out to the carrier for some student attempted qualification. There is nothing more scary for a pilot than to NOT be flying and watching someone else make mistakes where there is such a small margin for error. So I have that to look forward to.

Plus my first round of essays is due tuesday afternoon. My goal is to get them up on Sat. Wish me luck!

And keep posting blog-father and mclovin! I need your distractions to keep me sane!

jw

New Ideas, post your thoughts

So I am down in FL flying everyday. That part is cool. Except that it is hotter here than in VA and my plane's AC is broke. SO it gets up to about 110 in there as I am flying my 3 hour missions. Sweet. I sweat so much that I stop sweating. I always thought that was bad.

I have not been studying for Bender vs GMAT II, but I have been working on some essays. I am taking my shot and the timing is good for me to go to school next fall. That is already established. If you dont have dreams, what do you have? So I am really putting in the time with these essays. I hope that you may find the below and interesting read. I would much rather be putting in miles. But I think this break from the bike will do me good. To be honest, there really isnt much I'd rather do than go suffer on the bike for a 2 hour bully-ride. We truly are blessed to know what it means to be a rider.

The worst part is, I sold my vortex to a prof at Darden and now I can find his number! F!

So after some serious disappointment that I not did perform smashingly on the GMAT, I have realized that I get another shot. Wow. Its not so much a realization as it was a thorough scouring of several websites and the understanding that most school only want your highest score--unlike the LSAT. MBA programs want to show a high GMAT avg so that they can a elitist review when it comes time for rankings. So the good news is that I will take it again and perform better. Bad news is that I have to study all the while preparing my own essays and getting my superiors (and Gags) to work on recommendations.

All this means that the bikes are getting serious neglect. Damn shame.

A serious question in the world is why steal. I was disheartened to learn today that B & K Shipp had two bikes stolen out of there garage. Sickening. I think you know that my house was broken in to, and many items were taken last year. So to learn that one more person was robbed in my neighborhood upsets me. THe good news is that they will probably get some nice cash from insurance and will most likely be able to get newer and better bikes!

Dopers Suck and Robbers SUCK!

Through my fall time fun there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A couple of friends and I are headed to MOAB for 4 days of fat tire heaven. If you are a fat tire kid and want to go, let me know! Maybe we can meet up.

jw

Sick. Literally and figuratively. I scored above average on the GMAT, but no where near what I was hoping. And now where near what is average for the schools I was looking at. Oh well, still going to shoot out some applications and say some prayers. So thats the figuratively portion of sick.

Second, I scored some kind of disgusting head cold and can barely move. That might help me sleep better in the long run.

And always remember to crank that soldier boy! as mclovin would....

Absolutely no reason!!

There is absolutely no reason that I should be up at 1217 the night before I take the GMAT. I guess that I am justifying my actions because I have studied more than 100 hours for this damn thing. I just want it to be over.

This weekend, moms was in town. What an absolute blessing. I think that as her only son, I have a special relationship. Momma's boy I guess. I dont care what you say, there will always be merit to being a momma's boy. I am a momma's boy. I very much enjoyed our time, especially our time on the beach. Very nice. She jumped around in the water like a kid. Made me feel a little old to be honest, but it made my soul feel good to see her enjoy life like that. And that joy that I felt is the only thing that makes missing the most epic ride of the year easier. Shenandoah mtn 100 was this past weekend. K-blog just finished posting his write-up. Nice.

So wish me luck tomorrow and dont feel too bad. I have a 7 day trip to Moab scheduled for post MBA school application time. What a life! I cant wait. Just to tide me over: