Here is an action shot from last year's Duke Half-Ironman.
Posted by Hello

Is there anything better than someplace goofy to stick your head for a photo? 

Haven't posted any updates in awhile.  It's hard to believe it but my 20 year HS reunion is upcoming.  I am not ready for it!  In 1984, I promised that I would drive a shiny red Ferrari to it and I still don't know anyone that can loan me one!

I am really looking forward to seeing about 5 people of the 585 in my graduating class.  The venue looks interesting.

How do model train stores stay in business anyway? I passed one just down the road from "Rick's Discount Groceries." I guess there are enough people who want to eat cheap groceries that these places can do well. Maybe I will open a chain of "Discount Fire Extinguisher and Smoke Detector" stores.

It would be really cool if this guy would finish writing this book. Handyman Home Page Although I've found it extremely helpful to my endeavors so far.

I've decided to go ahead and use the company logo (yawn) for the van. I need to show Jim that his logo really does suck and that he should have it professionally re-done. How many effective logos can you think of that use 5 colors and 5 different fonts? Also, a wood handled hammer is so blase.

Advertising is key in this business. I am going to call the Observer to see what kind of regional (ZIP targeted) media they have. I need something that targets south Charlotte in particular.

I did get a call from Dave Ham for some under-deck improvements. Thank you Shannon for the referral!

GRAND OPENING WEEK

This week is the official grand opening of Classic Handyman Charlotte. I am still working the kinks out of the advertising. It seems like nobody wants to put stickers on my van!

On the other hand, USPS is doing great in the Tour so far!

My own triathlon training could be better. My sleep hours are too irregular along with my eating.

[ Thu Apr 10, 10:45:35 AM | Eric Banks | edit ]
BIKE LESSON #2

Michael E crashed hard on Saturday morning. Now he needs the following: New helmet, new shoes, new fork, new shorts, new jersey, and new skin on his back. It's amazing how much momentum a 150 lb body has at 30 mph. I mean that from the standpoint of just how much friction is required to stop such a body in motion. I am sure the dog he hit won't be chasing any more bikes for awhile.
[ Fri Apr 04, 07:43:59 AM | Eric Banks | edit ]
BIKE LESSON #1 (From two days ago.)

I almost crashed my bike this afternoon. I was coming down a hill in Percy Warner Park (by the driving range) and was going faster than I realized. Today's lesson is "Always pay attention to the road when speeding at 35 mph down an unfamiliar hill." You never know when the road is going to turn suddenly and it is surprising how long it takes to stop a bike (probably due to the tiny brake pads and tire contact patches.) I remember thinking (as my front tire left the pavement) that "This is going to hurt." Luckily I rolled through some gravel and into some high grass without a lot of ruts. I was able to stay upright and finally stop. It was reminiscent of Jan Ullrich's off-road excursion while racing Lance Armstrong in the TdF of 2001, except he rode off the side of a mountain at 40+ mph.

[ Fri Apr 04, 07:31:48 AM | Eric Banks | edit ]
Ran 5 miles last night. My lower legs are really sore. I wonder if the my new Asics 2080's are to blame? I have also been running harder though. I am going to switch back to the Nike Air Max's and ease up a bit to see if the pain eases.

JT park triathlon is coming up on May 3. I still need to lose about 10 lbs so that I won't be humiliated by Andy. I have a brick bike/run on Saturday I am looking forward to. Except for biking alone. I feel much safer in a group but my plane doesn't get into Charlotte until about 10 am. Everyone has usually gone by then.
[ Thu Apr 03, 03:21:31 PM | Eric Banks | edit ]
Well this is my first post to my new Triathlon-only blog. Yippee!