All will agree that we have been way behind with introducing electronic chip timing in races here in Sweden. So when SCF posts that it is finally time, perhaps we should celebrate. But 1000kr??? The AMB chip used by Denmark's DCU only costs 750DKK. And I paid only 100DKK for the Lapio chip to race in the Danish CX-Cup. So why should it cost 1000kr for a chip here? Someone is winning on this deal and we deserve to see the numbers. With that price it feels like we cyclists are also paying to finance the system.

But more importantly let's now look at the cost for a motionär to try out licenced cycling in a race:
Club membership: 500kr
Club clothes: At least 1500kr
SCF licence: 700kr
SCF chip: 1000kr
That brings us to a total of 3700kr before you even pay any start fees. And that should kill any desire to give the sport a try, especially when there are other sports that are cheaper.

If my calculations are wrong then make a comment below. We have a right to know where all this money is going.

I know. I am not a very good Canadian at all. But I just can't take this cold weather. Winter has appeared too fast so my body has not adapted yet to a Göteborgsk -15C even though I have been trying all week. The clear message came on Thursday when I made superb 100m sprint, missed the spårvagn I was trying to catch and immediately had trouble breathing. This was at a time when I had twice as much clothes on as I would in a race situation and I had only been outside for about 5 minutes. This should not happen.

So I just didn't see the point is risking my health in Vårgårda, especially when I am not really even healthy. I read about a kikhosta explosion right now and my symptoms could be a mild form. To be honest I have no idea because I always react differently. I have been having an Actimel every morning for about 2 years now and that does help to prevent those little small colds. By the way any yoghurt will do the same thing, I just find it more convenient with the Actimel. But I still get the larger flu and colds yet I don't really feel as sick as I probably am. Training also tends to make me feel better if I am a little bit sick. But really this is all dangerous because I never really know when I am seriously sick anymore.

Since most of us are at the gubbe age we should be taking our health more seriously. While training helps to delay some problems they still come sooner or later. Earlier this year my father has a routine screening check for cancer and they found some and were able to remove it before it spread. He was very very lucky. But I know that he had high blood pressure for many years before they discovered it and that made it harder to treat with medication. So we really need to listen to what is going on inside of our bodies.

I know I have a reputation of DNSing and to be honest the majority of those before this year were money-related. I couldn't afford it and I realized that at the last minute. But this year's DNSs are all health (except Sunne) so I don't know whether to see that as positive or not. Anyway it has been a nice CX season and a lot of people should be thanked for that. And hopefully conditions will be a bit nicer for Luciacrossen next weekend.

Since Sunday I have been running around feeling all cheery because I feel normal again after my cold. And yet I have still been waking up with a sore throat and I still sneeze and cough at random intervals through the day. So I suppose I am not really healthy afterall but that does not seem to be bothering me. The bother of the week is obviously the weather. And normally I am all for snow but the timing now was not the best considering the races this weekend.

My biggest problem is the temperature because the forecast is looking like around -12C for Vårgårda and -20C on Friday. And to be honest the only clothes I have that can take these kind of temperatures are ski clothes. Yes, I now introduce the term byxvurpa...which is a fall that is caused by catching the crotch of your baggy ski pants on your seat during dismount. I already gave a preview of this at Introcross a few times. Which brings me to the next issue of how they are going to prepare the course. If they shovel/plough the course it will be slippery as hell all the time and those that happen to have a set of skis in the depå will be at a great advantage. In fact I wonder if covering my tires with Blue Extra would give me more grip? Or I guess -12C is getting into the Green or even Polar range of waxes.

I have paid my money mostly as a donation because Vårgårda CK was kind enough to arrange races when other clubs gave up and cancelled for no good reason. And that should be rewarded. But with the current weather conditions I will actually be faster and warmer if I carry the bike and run the whole course. Cross half-marathon anyone?

Yes, I know. The tanga joke is getting old now. And Tånga Hed in Vårgårda and Tångacrossen in general has nothing to do with a tanga...unless they turn the event into a julmarknad and sell them next to socks, salami and langos. But with the snow coming down and my cold basically over I am in my usual silly mood again. Yippee!

But I will freeze my ass off next week if there is any of it left after my brisk walk on the trails in Paradiset yesterday. Nice way to celebrate being almost healthy...a 90 min hike that left my face burning. It was a lovely walk though. I will have to see how I fix the problem with my leg warmers because the official GCK ones are too small while my old MCK ones fit perfectly. Hmm...style miss indeed. Then I might as well wear black socks, put a mud flap on the back and add some reflectors.

Anyway, next weekend may be the last I manage for this year because I am rapidly running out of money and that would make a Copenhagen weekend more complicated. But that doesn't matter.