Winter Bike Build

My winter project this year is a bicycle build, since I have yet to replace my stolen Redline Conquest. It is something I have always wanted to do and now that I have the time and money set aside... I present to you the SOMA Double Cross. Here is the beginning of what I shall soon be commuting, racing, touring, cruising and all things 2 wheels on. I have been slowly acquiring parts and pieces to complete this bicycle through various sources.

The first step for me was to have my frame prepared for the build. I took my frame to the local bike shop, Velo Bike Shop, and had them do some tool specific work. They faced my bottom bracket and head tube; chased the bottom bracket and any other brazed on threads (such as the rear derailleur hanger and luggage rack mounts); and reamed the seat tube of any burrs that could damage my seat post. This is likely crazy bicycle jargon to many, but it basically removes any unwanted paint buildup from areas where perfection is needed. That is right... perfection. I cannot wait to be zippin' through traffic on this bad boy or perhaps circumnavigating the Olympic Peninsula on a multi-day trip. More to come as parts arrive!

40 Yards

Exact words per my friend Rob's email:

"Thanks to our incredibly powerful and influencial friend, Jonesy, the time has come for T-Bone to prove his kicking prowess! This one-time high school place kicker and current nature guru will have the opportunity to showcase his skills (or lack thereof) at the home of the 2010 NFC West Divisional Champion Seattle Seahawks; the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, WA.

Mr. T-Bone will be placed inside the indoor training facility, at the 30 yard line, and will have one (1) attempt to kick a 40 yard field goal. If he is successful, he will claim his just prize of a steak dinner at any restaurant establishment in the Greater Seattle Area. Obviously, failure to accomplish said goal will result in him treating Mr. Robert R. Leslie to a medium fillet mignon at Daniel's Broiler.

Now, Mr. Christiansen brought up a fair point that NFL field goal posts are narrower than high school, therefore Mr. Leslie is willing to renegotiate the deal and offer T-Bone one (1) extra point attempt (ball placed on the 10-yard line) prior to his 40-yard fg attempt. But please be advised, those will be the only two (2) kicks attempted of any kind once on the hollowed grounds of VMAC.

Those parties included in this email have been invited to attend this epic wager. Mr. Leslie will supply the offiicial football to T-Bone prior to leaving for the VMAC. The kick will take place directly off the field turf and T-Bone may select any of the attending party to act as holder.

Here are the necessary details:

DATE: SUNDAY, FEB. 6

MEETING TIME: 11:30 AM

ARRIVAL AT VMAC: NOON

PRACTICE PAT ATTEMPT: 12:10

FG ATTEMPT: 12:15"

I will let the picture below speak my words.

Let it be known that neither this picture nor any words can describe the feelings after watching the ball travel end over end, in what seemed like slow motion, through the uprights.

After a drizzly day of practice on February 5 with a ball that was not quite inflated properly I was confident in my accuracy, but not sold on my distance. Figuring that a fully inflated ball and the adrenaline of the moment would give me the edge I needed, I ended my practice and was confident. Sunday morning came and my dearest friend and fiance Andrea kept giving me words of encouragement! The moment was drawing nearer. We all arrived at the facility and I was taken back to my days as a competitor in the Track & Field arena. I was mentally prepared and focused. We were greeted and taken on to the playing field... wow was it amazing! The energy from the field felt very powerful. As we walked in and were astonished by the facility I began to get nervous. Crossing the 30 yard line, which coincidentally had an "X" on it, was the point of peak nervousness. It seemed so far! During the practice kick at the 10 yard line I simply thought to myself, "kick this as you were kicking the 40 yarder," to get a feel of my power. The ball was set and... kick... GOOD, with ease. This is all when the nerves settled a bit for me and when Rob began to feel the tension. The walk/jog/stretch/hop back to the 30 yard line felt good. This time looking at the "X" seemed much more attainable. The ball was set and... music plays from a smart phone (Eminem) and I do not take much time. The ball is set and... kick. It starts out a tiny bit wide right, but enough to miss and then about halfway through the ball starts to curve in. At this point all I can think is, "now its good, it just needs the distance." Again, time was in slow motion. Waiting, waiting and... GOOD! Holy S$%t, I cannot believe it. Well I can, but at the same time it was an unbelievable feeling. Rob dropped to the ground and I began running and jumping for joy! Accomplishment and joy were pouring out of my smiles.

After winding down quickly we made our way out of the field and were given a tour of the facilities. Incredible. Many thanks to our host Mr. Jones for a great opportunity and tour!