What Did You Give? What Did You Get?
Merry Christmas!
So what bike-related gifts did you give? What bike-related gifts did you get?
As for me, I gave Rocky a helmet cam (and gave myself one, too). That, grinchishly, is the only bikeish Christmas present I gave. (And those don’t even ship for another week. Bah humbug!)
Unless you count that I’m helping my friends get into the Leadville 100 (as someone who’s done it 10x, I get grandfathered in without having to go through the lottery). That’s a pretty nice gift, right? Right?
What I Got
Bike and training-wise, this has been an extra-awesome Christmas. Here’s what Santa (ie, my wife) gave me:
- Panasonic SDR-S150: This is a teeny-tiny camcorder that records MGEGs directly to SD and SDHC cards. It fits easily in a jersey pocket and will be perfect for filming friends as we go mountain biking. Takes decent still shots too. Yay for miniaturization and device convergence! (Note to self: get neoprene carrying case before taking this on a ride.)
- Atlas 1025 Snowshoes: You know how I had a hankering to get out the ol’ snowshoes a week ago or so? Turns out that when I moved to WA a couple years ago, I either sold or gave away all my snowshoes, and just didn’t remember. Now I’m all snowshod again. I’ll be marching on Tibble tomorrow. Hey, maybe I’ll bring the camcorder with me.
- Smartwool Socks: You can never have too many. My wife, noting that my current green Smartwool socks are approaching threadbareness, bought me several pair in a new color: grey. Stylin’.
- Three Twin Six T-Shirts: When I was asking readers what they wanted for Christmas, a few of you pointed me to Twin Six, who I personally believe are designing the coolest-looking bike jerseys and t-shirts around. Sneakily, my wife bought me three of their shirts: the Crank Army T, the Ride T, and the Cross T. Huzzah!
Your turn!
PS: Banjo Brothers’ Big Bad Bulky Biker Bodyfat Challenge Update: So far, I’ve received more than 30 bets (most of which I have accepted), which means — if I lose them all — that I will probably need to come up with around $2100 to cover all those jerseys.
Haven’t made your bet yet? There’s still time! Click here to read the post about the challenge, and then click here to join in.
PPS: With the B7 Challenge being an active forum, it’s attracting all kinds of spam. Sorry. Let me know if you’re good at dealing with this kind of thing and are willing to help out.
Comment by Lins - Australia | 12.25.2006 | 3:34 pm
I am well pleased as I did well in the “things for bikes” department: tools, sunglasses, components. For Mothers Day this year I received a bike work stand so my husband is really getting into the idea of bike bits as presents.
I did a bit of a gulp when our son unwrapped his present from my brother (who has all sorts of contacts including manufacturing for the Aust army). Our son graduated in Dec as an Officer and goes to his first posting in Jan. He unwrapped a waterproof version of the army kit bag with his name, service number and Australian Flag embroidered into the top flap. Seeing that Aussie flag was a stark reminder that he could end up on the “international scene” sometime soon. This Xmas was special because he won’t be here next year.
Comment by Lins - Australia | 12.25.2006 | 3:43 pm
Oh and the best present of all was that South East Queensland got some RAIN late on Christmas Day! You guessed it: we need rain desperately.
Comment by Born4Lycra | 12.25.2006 | 3:54 pm
Pair of Mapei Bibs size 2XL and entry fee into the Tour Down Under Challenge ride which is day 3 of the tour. Same route earlier start. The fee includes TDU bike top – last year I was not sure whether to order a 5XL or 4XL size (even after trying them on)and went for the 5XL in hindsight should have got the 4XL. This year it was a toss up between XL and 2XL and I went for the XL. That’s the best pressie really still that’s enough of me talking about me so what do you think of me?
Comment by Caloi-Rider | 12.25.2006 | 4:12 pm
Electrolyte pills (does anyone know if Enervit are pretty good?), shorts, arm warmers, a seat bag … that’s about it. Still, I’m thinkin’ I made out like a bandit on this one. That’s gotta be the most bike-related gifts I’ve ever received.
Comment by bikemike | 12.25.2006 | 5:17 pm
I am giving my girlfriend’s son his first road bike when he gets back from his dad’s in Orlando next week. He (his dad) is in the Army and is home on leave from Korea for two weeks. So, we wanted to wait until he comes back to give it to him. He’s 10 years old and very excited. The bike is a Giant OCR 3 and we’re doing it in the women’s model so the brake levers are a shorter reach.
A customer of mine donated some very slightly used Carnac shoes to my shop the other day and there is a size 43 that fits him pretty well. The boy gots big feet.
We are all looking forward to starting the new year off right by taking our first road ride together. Seeing him get the bike will be extra special.
MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone, please be safe whilst out riding in the coming new year.
Comment by barry1021 | 12.25.2006 | 5:19 pm
Oh I was so bad I was good. All the ravings about Smartwool-well the company is now owned by Timberland, where two of my cousins work, so I picked up three pair at a good price. But where I was so bad, so very bad was….I bought a Moots Psychlo cross bike from a bloke down under for riding in Arizona, and then the next day grabbed a Strong travel frame with couplers off EBAY. So weak, so very weak. Just need to explain to the wife what the boxes are in the garage the next time we get out there….it was kinda funny tho. My wife and I do a funraising for a national charity, we raise a lot of money and we are eligible for a gift. Last year we got a low end Trek MTB for AZ. SO this year I asked her what she wanted and she said another Trek, we need more bikes out there. OK honey you got it!!!
Merry CHristmas to ME. Hey the family did OK too….
b21
Comment by KatieA | 12.25.2006 | 6:00 pm
I got nothing bikey. :( Which means that the B7 Time Trial will be ridden on the $200 Huffy Mountain Bike that I’ve had for 3 years.
But I did get a “roar & snore” pack for Taronga Zoo here in Sydney – where I get to sleep at the zoo and be a keeper for a day – which completely rocks.
Actually – would a foot spa count as a bike-related thing? It will soothe my poor feet after riding (or running)…
Merry Christmas all – hope Santa was good to you, and that you gorged yourselves on tasty morsels. I think I ate about 1kg of prawns.
Comment by Bob Dobbs | 12.25.2006 | 7:18 pm
I got a very cool Castelli jacket, it gets cold and wet in Indiana – and an Great CD of Pirate Ballads, Sea songs, and Chanteys called “Rogues Gallery” – brilliant for any obscure music fans out there, from my girlfriend. I gave the girlfriend a package of new to biking gear. I got her a Cateye micro wireless (she’s always asking me how far we’ve ridden), a nice retro images jersey (she was even disappointed that they covered the nipples from the original French advertisement – have to love that), and her first set of shoes and clipless pedals. She asked me, “Will I fall down?” The only thing I could say to her was I fell 2-3 times (in the most embarrassing situations: traffic, bike friends, most embarrassing – alone in the garage) myself. Happy Holidays.
Comment by Another fat cyclist | 12.25.2006 | 8:13 pm
I got nothing, but I gave my kids bikes. My son graduated from tricycle to support wheels, and my daughter from support wheels to death trap (16 inch frame, no support apart from moi running along, ready to catch her if she loses her balance). Since my wife doesn’t ride I will be trying to get the kids into it.
Comment by Born4Lycra | 12.26.2006 | 12:28 am
Just read your blog properly. You’re married to Santa and he’s a she!!!!!!!
Comment by regina | 12.26.2006 | 7:04 am
king of the mountain Giro Atmos. it makes me feel all whimpy inside, and I live in Nebraska, the land of big wide FLAT. I used to think there were hills here, mountains even but then I did a JDRF ride in Ashville, Nc, and I have never thought that again. Also got a a road Id bracelet check them out at http://www.roadid.com/id.asp?referrer=2258 very cool. and a bike thong for the trainer http://www.saris.com/p-172-bike-thong.aspx so that I can always reach the remote. All that and a baby milo hoodie with monkeys all over it, it is pretty sweet, from the youngest son, and the last David Sedaris book missing from collection, I cleaned up.
Comment by rick | 12.26.2006 | 7:09 am
got a spiffy garmin edge, a joe friel training book, 2006 tour dvd (2 disc set), a sweet ass castelli vintage wool jersey and a gift cert to http://www.bikeman.com. santa was nice to me.
Comment by BotchedExperiment | 12.26.2006 | 12:22 pm
I got two pair of cycling gloves that I returned and got a new headset and a CO2 head/controller.
Comment by Rick S | 12.26.2006 | 12:27 pm
Gave my wife a Polar F4 heart rate monitor (and some other non-bike related stuff). I bought myself a new Niner Air 9 MTB…..what, that’s fair, right?
Comment by Scott | 12.26.2006 | 12:59 pm
I hit the jackpot, Speedplay pedals and a Garmin Edge 305. I think my wife is trying to tell me to get off my fat butt and lose a few.
Comment by DOM | 12.26.2006 | 2:14 pm
I scored a Gore cycling jacket. Should come in handy on those cold Pennsylvania time trials if Fatty accepts my challenge. Should fit better if I make my goal weight, too.
Comment by LMouse | 12.26.2006 | 3:03 pm
I was once given some sound advice concerning my married sons and their wives: “Mind your own beeswax and write big checks.” And that’s exactly what I do on Christmas and throughout the year. It seems to go over well. As for the little ones, all girls, it’s all Disney Princesses all the time. You can’t go wrong.
Alas, no one I am close to shares my passion for cycling, so I end up with a lot of REI gift cards, which I save until the big sale in February. This year, though, I did receive a Nano, which I looooove for both cycling and hiking. And a pay-as-you-go cell phone because everyone is convinced that I will eventually get hit by a truck.
Good luck on the B7 Challenge, everyone. I think fatty has an edge because of all the pressure he’s put on himself to slim down by Leadville, but that can easily backfire if he’s a stress eater. It’s anybody’s challenge to win–go for it!
Comment by Jsun | 12.26.2006 | 8:15 pm
Its our baby’s first Xmas, so most of the gifts with my name on them were actually for her. I don’t remember asking for a Curious George book-?
Without bias, I believe she is a genius 5 month old. She somehow managed to order, through the internet no less, a copy of “Off Road to Athens”, the story about the US mounatin bike team’s struggle to make the cut. I am saving it for the bike/roller nights and its the best incentive I’ve had to get on that stupid contraption.
It’ll have to wait until the family leaves next week. Until then I am stuffing every scrap of sugar coated shtuff I can find down my gob without a bit of guilt. Gotta love the holiday season and the Colorado blizzards for excuses to fall outa shape.
By the way FC, I mean Elden, As one of your newest old friends, I will be sending my LT100 in with yours right?
Comment by OFD20 | 12.26.2006 | 9:18 pm
Got a burley trailer for the 8 month old future grand tour winner, and shoe covers. No helmet for the baby yet, so no ride yet. Since I signed up for B7 I’ve gained 7 pounds. I’m in trouble.
Comment by Tim D | 12.27.2006 | 1:40 am
The only bike related stuff to hit the D household was a chain splitter and a puncture repair kit for No.2. We did get a total of 40+ hours of DVDs between us though (none to do with cycling). No.3 has made me a CD rack at school, but I can’t have it til the teacher has marked it.
Comment by Derek | 12.27.2006 | 7:24 am
Despite many, many hints about bike gear (socks, twin six shirts, wheels, winter gloves, etc), the wife didn’t get me anything bike related. My Mother-in-law did get me two pair of smart wool socks, which I’m honestly more excited about than anything my wife got for me (two sweaters, two board games).
However, the major gift I gave to my wife was also, in part, a gift to me. A woman I ride with was selling a used (for 1 season) 2005 Fuji Newest, which I picked up for $375. I did a full frame and drive train clean in the basement and let me tell you – it’s one nice starter bike. Still needs some new bar tape, wheel truing, and some adjustments to the brakes, but it fits like a glove. I’m hoping she’ll join me for weekend rides in the spring and summer. She seems pretty excited about it.
Of course, fearing she’d see right through my “gift for her, but also for me” plan, I also bought her some gifts for just her – including a gift certificate to the spa, and various other womanly things. If she doesn’t end up getting into riding, then I will say I was screwed this Christmas!
Comment by Sandie R. | 12.27.2006 | 8:33 am
I did pretty good in the bike related gifts arena this year. I got pink cables for my 06 Stumpy, socks (not smartwool but still nice), a new computer for my Terry Isis road bike that is on order, and a dvd called Off Road to Athens about the mountain bikers trying to earn their spot on the 04 Olympic team. For those of you who thought there was no crying in mountain biking have not see this dvd.
Comment by mbonkers | 12.27.2006 | 11:41 am
I got a bike related gift that will take me a couple years to use fully. I got a membership to the adventure cycling association, and the full transcontinental bike route mapset. Figuring to use it in summer of 08 to ride across the country. 4,200 miles is doable, right?
Jealous of all that got smartwool socks though, I didn’t get any despite raving about how much I loooove them to everyone I know. Mine are a bit threadbare.
Happy new year all.
Comment by C | 12.27.2006 | 3:01 pm
It was a Christmas for bike stuff this year. I bought myself (with the wife’s permission) a new Chervil tri bike and my first set of rollers. I did get in a bit of trouble for making sure that they worked properly before it was Christmas so I had to give them a cleaning before I could bring them into our livingroom Christmas morning.
I also got new pedal from my in-laws for the new bike. They bought me pedals two years ago for the bike I got that year. I bet they think it is a bit odd to spend that kind of money on bike pedals.
Fatty – I also got a nice present from Giro – they replaced my two year old Pneumo that broke at about the same time as your helmet, so if you haven’t sent yours back you should.
Comment by Alister | 12.27.2006 | 7:36 pm
A pair of sweet bright yellow Saunier Duval bibs, a 1924 edition of the Complete Works of Rupert Brooke, and a two hour ride in freezing (well, 10C) rain and wind. That’s a good Christmas.
From me: nothing bike related, as my girlfriend just purchased a newy and got heaps of gear with it, and my father has spent most of his retirement money on bikes and bike gear.
So it was alcohol and jewellery from me. Who says I don’t know how to impress?
Comment by listless crab | 12.30.2006 | 1:14 pm
I did very well from a cycling perspective. I had asked Santa for some of the Twin Six shirts. He didn’t come through with those but did manage to cough up a Gerolsteiner Team t-shirt and a ‘Ride first’ shirt – both from Specialized.
Santa also promised he is making payments on my new SuperCaliber 29er.
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