Entertain Me

12.7.2006 | 11:28 am

You know what’s a really good TV show to watch while you ride your rollers or trainer? 24. I’m currently in the middle of Season 2, and have Season 3 all ready to watch as soon as I’m done. (For those of you who care, I watched the first season five years ago when my twins were infants. My wife and I would record episodes and then — during the 3am feeding — watch the show as we fed the girls. My memory of that season is, um, vague.)

There’s a problem, though. Robert Lofgran — my trainer — has me doing around two hours on the trainer/rollers each day, which equates out to three episodes per workout (because, blessedly, there are no commercials on the DVD version of the show). Which is to say, a season of 24 isn’t going to last me very long.

So after I exhaust Seasons 2 and 3, I can get myself Seasons 4 and 5. No problem. That doesn’t exactly get me through the winter, though, does it? Which brings up a question: what should I watch next? I’m thinking of getting a NetFlix subscription and need recommendations for good videos to fill my queue.

Wait a second, though. I don’t want you to start posting your ideas quite yet. You see, I have very stringent trainer/rollers video watchability criteria, and the only suggestions I want must conform to these exacting requirements:

  1. No subtitles. I like foreign language films, but not when I’m on the rollers. Every few seconds to make sure I’m not drifting off one side or the other.
  2. Must not require my full attention every single second. When I go into the red zone, I seem to lose the ability to comprehend English. Moving pictures stop conveying meaning and become nothing but colors. The whole world contracts into just a couple simple things: My legs and my lungs. So intricate plots may not be a plus.
  3. Must be action-packed. I have noticed that my cadence sags when a show goes into a long, heartfelt, dialogue scene. Sad, tender scenes are even worse. I’m not saying I want a movie containing nothing but fistfights and car chases, but I’m not saying I would be adverse to such a film, either.
  4. Martial arts sequences a definite plus. I remember the last time I got serious about using the indoor trainer; I watched every single Jackie Chan movie they had. Jackie Chan movies are awesome for watching while exercising.
  5. Must not star Kevin Costner. I’m sorry, but I simply cannot abide that guy. At all. In any film. Seriously, I cannot think of any films he has been in that I’ve enjoyed. (Except perhaps A Perfect World, but I think that was because Clint Eastwood negated the Kevin Costner effect.) Of course, I haven’t been to any of his recent films because I’ve learned my lesson, but I haven’t seen any previews that make me think that I should reconsider. 
  6. The movie cannot be entirely inane. I once had the clever idea of renting a bunch of Jean Claude van Damme movies based solely on the certain knowledge that the fight sequences would be stellar. The problem was, in between the fight sequences, all van Damme movies slam to a halt while the poor sap tries to act. And then I feel embarrassed for him for trying to do something he is simply unable to do (act), feel embarrassed for the director and scriptwriter for their utter failure to execute a film that tries to be something it’s not (i.e., it’s not anything but a series of kickboxing matches), and — worst of all — become embarrassed for myself for having selected this video.

So, with these unassailable criteria in mind, what should I watch while riding the rollers/trainer this winter?  

PS: If you happen to have a really excellent collection of cycling videos — road and/or mountain — you’re willing to loan me for the Winter, I’d be willing to offer some serious preference points toward the next giveaway (I’m not yet sure who will be the sponsor of the next giveaway or what they’ll give away, but I will say that there are two new potential sponsors I’m talking with, each of which would have some pretty excellent prizes to give.).

97 Comments

  1. Comment by bikemike | 12.7.2006 | 11:36 am

    fatty,
    real easy, just do Angel, the tv series. long enough to get you through the winter and doesn’t have the suck factor that Buffy the Vampire Slayer had.
    Great fight scenes with multiple (cover your wife’s eyes) babe scenes. Smallville is another. Neither require Phd’s but enough action to kepp you rollin’ along. Good luck, it’s 78 degrees here in florida, i think i’ll go for a ride.

  2. Comment by Tim D | 12.7.2006 | 12:03 pm

    Fatty, try Hell on Wheels http://www.amazon.com/Hell-Wheels-Rolf-Aldag/dp/B000B5XSTE. I’ve not seen the English version, but the original german one was great. Other DVDs that are a must are La Course en Tete, which is great cos there is no comentary, just lots of footage of Eddy Meckx, and Stars and Watercarriers. Both are great. I’ve just got Northern Exposure series 3 for my wife for christmas. I’ve also just got Sky+ and a DVD recorder, so I will be in a position to record all of Eurosport’s cycling coverage next year and burn it to DVD. Doesn’t help you now, but if you know someone who can convert PAL to the US standard, you can have a stock of stuff for next winter.

    Tim

  3. Comment by dug | 12.7.2006 | 12:05 pm

    you need all the ski videos made by tgr (teton gravity research) and matchstick productions. you know where i live, ask me for a list.

  4. Comment by Scott R | 12.7.2006 | 12:05 pm

    Try the HBO series Rome. It was very good. An oldie is The Prisoner with just enough late ’60s psychedelica in the latter episodes to keep your head as well as your wheels spinning. If you like scifi Try the new Battlestar Galactica or the new Doctor Who series.

  5. Comment by Tom N | 12.7.2006 | 12:13 pm

    My recommendation is The HBO series The Wire. It is without a doubt the best program on television. Be warned though, it is totally addicting.

  6. Comment by seth | 12.7.2006 | 12:14 pm

    By far the best trainer/rollers entertainment that I have used to date is HBO’s Band of Brothers. Each episode is about an hour long, they are very well written, have a ton of action, and it makes you understand and appreciate more what “the greatest generation” did for our nation. Plus it doesn’t get boring to watch them a 2nd or third time.

  7. Comment by TFloyd | 12.7.2006 | 12:18 pm

    Try the HBO series The Wire, Deadwood, and Rome. All have great acting and great action. Deadwood and the Wire have been on for multiple seasons, so there are many hours available.

  8. Comment by barry1021 | 12.7.2006 | 12:29 pm

    BikeMike was half right. Get Buffy too, and start with that. That’s 12 seasons total. Season Three is amazing. Really. No Really. Joss Whedon is a genius, more creative than even you. My teenage daughter is embarassed that her dad is a Buffy/Angel fan but there you go. That’s what makes me special. Then there are always the Coen Bros.

    b21

  9. Comment by Tim D | 12.7.2006 | 12:33 pm

    Great, just re-read my comment and realised i’d used the word great to describe how great these great videos are. Can I have a thesaurus for christmas please?

    Tim

  10. Comment by TidusBlue | 12.7.2006 | 12:46 pm

    The Simpsons. I think they have at least the first 10 seasons out on DVD now, that should last quite a while and it’d keep you entertained. Also, you could try some older shows like Miami Vice or something. For movies I would go with stuff like Die Hard, X-Men have a lot of action and you don’t have to really pay attention, Mission Impossibles. I’d say Jet Li movies, but most of the good ones have subtitles.

  11. Comment by clydesdale | 12.7.2006 | 12:50 pm

    My suggestion would be The Lord Of The Rings box set. Great action, good mountain secenes for climbing days. The Godfather Trilogy is good also but maybe too much dialogue and Italian food. Other series’ of movies are good because it makes you want to get on ro stay on the trainer to see the finish.

    “The Tour Baby” and “Cobbles Baby” are good though not long enough.

    Definately not Star Wars Trilogy because, well, then we would find you in an Ewok costume in your Mom’s basement someday and you would trade all your cool bike stuff for action figures and collectables.

  12. Comment by Adam | 12.7.2006 | 1:00 pm

    I am amazed no one has mentioned this yet! Get a blockbuster online membership. Then get freaks and geeks the series, also all James Bond movies. That will occupy you for awhile, and not enough plot to ever challenge any of those brain cells of yours! Follow that up with Steven Segal movies, though those might fall under the Van DAmme category, though usually they are a little more intelligent than that, plus they have some pretty corny lines that are somewhat funny. Could go with some older classics: Star Trek, Kung Fu the series, etc.

  13. Comment by Adam | 12.7.2006 | 1:02 pm

    I forgot also: Starsky & Hutch the series, Knight Rider, oh and the greatest of all A-Team! Great watching for some action with three minutes of plot.

  14. Comment by Tayfuryagci | 12.7.2006 | 1:04 pm

    Alias definitely. Has Jennifer Garner too! Haba-Haba!

  15. Comment by Jon | 12.7.2006 | 1:06 pm

    The best thing for me is watching professional cycling: Preferably the Tour, but almost anything will do. I find that for some reason, when I ride while watching them ride, I try to be like them.

    I start thinking thoughts like: “Your on your way, Jon, don’t quit now. Just wait until it warms up after all this hardcore training. I’ll be unstoppable.”

    I start to feel like I must be a professional recovering from an injury or something. I start to think about how everything in my life must change to make me better, faster, stronger. I don’t even desire any junk food while doing this, I only think how I need to improve. I can see my goal on the TV, and I need to do everything I can to accomplish that.

    I actually enjoy the suffering while I watch professional cycling. Somehow, my poor mind thinks we’re connecting in some way. “I feel your pain, man. I’m suffering right along with you.”

  16. Comment by BotchedExperiment | 12.7.2006 | 1:11 pm

    TFloyd, Deadwood was the most profane and base show ever to be put on TV outside of the Netherlands. It’s perfect for Fatty.

    Two hours a day. On rollers. I didn’t think that was even possible for anyone who isn’t getting paid 6 figures to ride their bike.

    I have the ‘98 and ‘99 tours. They’re about 10 hours each. You can borrow them.

    Now let me get this straight, because I want to make sure. You’re saying Waterworld isn’t the best movie ever made??? What’s wrong with you?

  17. Comment by Genghis Khan | 12.7.2006 | 1:12 pm

    If you enjoy the Science-Fiction, try Sci-Fi channels Farscape–four or five seasons, I believe. It’s not too serious and has a bit o’ action sprinkled throughout to boot! Then, when you are done, send ‘em my way–I stopped the cable subscription before they stopped the series. Sigh.

  18. Comment by Tayfuryagci | 12.7.2006 | 1:17 pm

    I too am saying Waterworld wasn’t the best movie ever made. Warr of the Worlds (or some other title like that) was. With that scientologist guy. and little girl, and another dude. You know lame’s the new cool.

  19. Comment by joe | 12.7.2006 | 1:17 pm

    sweet – as I was reading your question, I was thinking to myself “great… it’s going to be up to me to be a complete geek and recommend Buffy, Angel and Firefly”, but I see bikemike and barry1021 beat me to it! And barry1021 is correct – bikemike is only 1/2 right.

    Get Buffy (7 seasons), Angel (5 seasons) and Firefly (1/2 season). If you want to do it “correctly”, start with Buffy S1-S3, then starting with S4, you can alternate discs (or full seasons) with Angel S1-4, because they have some crossovers between the shows. You might want to read start with S2 of Buffy, though, because you can be turned off by Buffy S1 because it’s easily the worst season. S2 and S3 are top-notch TV, though. You could watch some or all of S2 just to convince yourself that it’s worth watching, then go back and catch S1 to get filled in on the back stories.
    Then Angel S1 hit-and-miss, but once you hit Angel S2 and beyond, you’ll be wanting to stay on your rollers all day long because each season basically runs like a 22-hour movie.

  20. Comment by allan | 12.7.2006 | 1:19 pm

    I’m throwing in another vote for Buffy and Angel. I use both for long trainer days. I also do repeated viewings of V for Vendetta and Boondock Saints.

  21. Comment by Genghis Khan | 12.7.2006 | 1:21 pm

    Oh, yeah–you’ve got a few seasons of E-Ring, The Unit (No, not nasty!) and West Wing, though the last is good, but a bit cerebral and fast on the dialogue at times.

  22. Comment by sans auto | 12.7.2006 | 1:31 pm

    Breaking Away and that other cycling movie, you know, the one with Kevin Costner as an elite cyclist (American Flyers?)

  23. Comment by joe | 12.7.2006 | 1:48 pm

    even as much as I’d like to support Netflix, I also have to 2nd the recommendation for Blockbuster Total Access, especially if you have a Blockbuster store nearby.
    I started with it about 2 months ago on the free trial, and i’m hooked.

    For $15/month you get unlimited movies by mail per month, up to 3 at a time. So far, same as Netflix. BUT, instead of mailing the movies back, you can take the envelopes with the moves into a Blockbuster store and exchange them for in-store movies for free! i.e. you walk in with 3 envelopes you got in the mail, and you walk out with 3 in-store movies without paying anything. PLUS, you can print off a coupon from your account for an additional 1 free instore rental per week, AND 1 free instore rental per month. So it’s possible to walk in with 3 envelopes and walk out with 5 movies without paying anything. Plus, when you return them to the store, they get checked in and the next items in your online queue are shipped faster instead of mailing them back and waiting for them to get to the warehouse.

    In my Blockbuster queue right now for TV series I have:
    - Veronica Mars (haven’t seen it, but i hear it’s as close to Buffy/Angel as you can get on TV right now)
    - Weeds – Showtime show, supposed to be really funny
    - Curb your Enthusiasm
    - 24 S1-5
    - Arrested Development S1-3
    - Lost
    - Battlestar Galactica (again, tainted by the “geeky sci-fi” sigma like Buffy/Angel, but supposed to be really good)
    - Sopranos
    - Entorouge

  24. Comment by MTB W | 12.7.2006 | 2:03 pm

    Wow, you must be serious about taking on Lance. The only workout I am getting is on my stomach muscles by eating lots of christmas goodies. Lofgran, we appreciate you whipping FC into shape, but watch out, he is wily and may try to outwit you!

    I would reccomend “The Collective” and “Roam” DVDs but they are both only an hour long, unless you go through all of the extras. Simpsons are a must and they are a ton of seasons to choose from. I also second the LoR trilogy.

  25. Comment by KT | 12.7.2006 | 2:04 pm

    For a short but absolutely mind-blowing and thrilling video, try “Climb Dance”.

    Not bicycle-oriented, sorry…. but some of the most fantastic driving by one of the world’s best rally drivers.

    Trust me.

  26. Comment by KeepYerBag | 12.7.2006 | 2:19 pm

    Two words: Merchant Ivory.

  27. Comment by Il Falco | 12.7.2006 | 2:22 pm

    OK biggie, what is going on? Two hours per day? On an indoor trainer? Did you know it’s early December? You can forget about that nine hour Leadville time you have always strived for. If you keep this up your goal should be sub eight hours. I’m serious. Way to go. Really, what are your goals? What races do you plan on entering? This is so unlike you, what triggered the change? Please elaborate.

    I second the Band of Brothers suggestion. It is Pearl Harbor Day after all.

  28. Comment by Scott R | 12.7.2006 | 2:33 pm

    If you want to chuckle try The Chris Isaak Show. It was on Showtime for a few years. If you want to laugh try the South Park series. There are several seasons worth of shows available.

  29. Comment by librarymouse | 12.7.2006 | 2:34 pm

    These boxed sets and feature films can be expensive. Check with your local librarian and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much is available through your local library system. Once the librarian shows you how to order dvd’s online, you can do it all from your home computer. I haven’t had to pay for a movie or TV series for years. My personal favorite inspirational film (and it’s soundtrack) is still Run Lola Run. It’s too bad you can’t get outside to ride. I feel very lucky this time of year.

  30. Comment by BotchedExperiment | 12.7.2006 | 2:39 pm

    Librarymouse, you are right, but the library system for Utah county is antiquated, so you can’t reserve anything, much less do so online. The library system for Salt Lake county is fantastic. Fatty should move.

  31. Comment by Jimmy | 12.7.2006 | 2:39 pm

    Hola,

    Long time reader, first time post(er) blah blah blah.

    You must watch:

    1) Deadwood. Action packed, and if Kevin Costner turns up he will quickly be disposed off and probably fed to pigs. A wonderful show and almost shakespearean in its obscenity. Best not to watch with children around.

    2) Firefly, Arrested Development and the Battlestar Galactica remake. I gave the latter to my girlfriend this morning as part of her birthday present and we ended up watching it a 6am to get a couple of episodes in before work. It’s that good; don’t be deterred by the cheesy cover.

  32. Comment by Lofgrans | 12.7.2006 | 2:41 pm

    Wow, you have to be fast to reply to this. I’m actually going to post before I read all the comments.
    First things first, use Blockbuster not Netflix. Here’s why:

    Each year Bob and I get DVD’s via mail to get him through the hours on the trainer. First year was blockbuster. We had no problem except they were a little slow in getting there. The next year we tried netflix. We got the DVDs in better time but 3/4 were too scratched to watch. I’m not kidding. It was aweful.
    Blockbuster has offers on their website where you can get the first month for free. You can take the DVD back to the store and pick up an in-house DVD at the same time your returned DVD is scanned and they send you your next DVD in the mail. So its like you’re renting two at once.
    I like blockbusters website better too. I could go on and on- trust me, use blockbuster.

    As far as movies here are some of the favorites Bob and I have enjoyed:
    Supersize me- nothing else will keep you more motivated to stay on that trainer than watching some guy get fat. Watch the extra where they do a mold test.

    Glory Road/Miracle/Seabiscuit/Invincible/Remember the Titans/etc.- any sports movie where they come from behind. I’m pretty sure there’s another, but I can’t think of it. There is action, they all have great acting and when you’re getting your butt kicked on the trainer an underdog story is perfect.

    American Flyers and other such cycling movies- no explanation needed

    Robots/Madagascar/Shrek/etc.- personally, I love funny cartoon movies with adult appeal. Just leave these for more mild rides. You don’t want to bust up laughing during a zone 5 power start or something (for the record, I don’t know if there is such a thing as a zone 5 power start). Plus you’re family can watch these with you so you are multi-tasking- family time and training together. Bob and I have had 3+ successful years like this.

    Oceans 11 or 12/Bandits/Transporter (don’t watch #2, it was the most retarded movie I’ve seen in a long time)/Italian Job/Fun w/Dick & Jane- movies where the bad guy is actually the good guy. They have humor, action, maybe a little romance. Great all-arounders.

    Other:
    National Treasure
    Count of Monte Cristo
    Knights Tale
    Pirates of Carribean
    Annapolis
    Firewall
    Braveheart
    Spy Game
    Truman Show
    Rookie
    Last Samurai
    Harry Potter Movies (geeky, I know. But as you are a self proclaimed geek…)
    Lord of the Rings- not my personal favorite, but they’d probably keep you going
    Field of Dreams…ha ha, just kidding. Just wanted to see if you were still with me.

    Rate some movies on the website so that they can provide recommendations, they give some pretty good ones.

    That’s my longest comment ever I think. Phew! I’m outta breath.

  33. Comment by Lofgrans | 12.7.2006 | 2:43 pm

    Oooh, thought of one more. For an old classic try The Great Escape.
    Also, don’t buy 24- you can rent it as well. Unless you really do want to buy it.

  34. Comment by MTB W | 12.7.2006 | 2:47 pm

    Oh yeah, Rocky.

  35. Comment by Lofgrans | 12.7.2006 | 2:53 pm

    I second the vote for xMen and all such comic book movies. If that doesn’t classify me as a geek…
    Alright, that’s it for me. Three comments for one post is more than enough.

  36. Comment by b | 12.7.2006 | 2:53 pm

    KT – hats off to you: that is a very very very awesome video. Way too short to train too, and I defy anyone not to slow down their pedaling and just coast, slack jawed, in awe at Vatanen’s driving skills (and huge cojones!). I love the part where he comes over the crest into the sun shine and continues driving at that pace one handed whilst shading his eyes with the other hand.

    Oh, and the bug. :-)

    Oh: for those that haven’t seen it: http://youtube.com/watch?v=8P-sAbVNde4

  37. Comment by barry1021 | 12.7.2006 | 3:20 pm

    Wow, all these Buffy/Angel/Firefly fans. And I thought it was only watched by 16 year girls and me (you’re not all 16 year old girls are you??) Joe: good synopsis.
    Let’s see, Fatty comes home from work, kids and wife waiting at the door, and heads to the basement/garage for two hours of bike work every day all winter. I have a new slogan for your jersey, Fatman:

    “24-7. It’s all about me.”

    b21

  38. Comment by Mr. Toad | 12.7.2006 | 3:20 pm

    I like a lot of these shows for entertainment, but if it doesn’t give you an emotional charge it’s no good for the trainer. Forget the Sci-Fi, you need war movies. Band of brothers is great, the Thin Red Line is good as a one off… but to keep you going through the winter, you need a long series… you need epics. My suggestions are the Sharpe’s collection or Horatio Hornblower. Both set during the Napoleonic wars, Sharpe on land, Hornblower at sea. Calvary charges, broadsides, “once more into the breach, good men!” and all that. Sharpe clocks in at 25+ hours, Hornblower is 10+.

  39. Comment by DerekB | 12.7.2006 | 3:21 pm

    Buffy all the way. . . great story line, lots of martial arts action, no need to follow the whole thing. . . 7 seasons to watch, each episode over 45 minutes long. Good stuff.

    My wife started watching Buffy when she was pregnant with our first boy and I thought, “What a stupid show,” without ever sitting down to watch. Our local TV station was running two back-to-back episodes (in order from episode 1) every weekday afternoon. Well. . . I sat and watched and was hooked. We were such addicts that we could not miss an episode and spent two hours in front of the TV every afternoon for almost two months. We were even happy that she gave birth on the weekend (yes, unfortunately it took ALL weekend. . . I have never complain about intervals on the trainer again after watching her complete a 50 hour interval of birthing). Even weirder, at one point a nurse came in and said, “Hi, my name is Buffy, I’ll be your nurse tonight.” We thought, “Riiiight. . .” but she was really named Buffy.

    Anyhoo. . . Buffy is good.

  40. Comment by Bob | 12.7.2006 | 3:22 pm

    Battlestar Gallactica Seasons 1, 2, 2.5, why 2 and 2.5, Who knows
    HBO’s Rome (NC 17 for sure)
    HBO’s Deadwood (If its good enough for Swindlehurst)

  41. Comment by Rick S. | 12.7.2006 | 3:38 pm

    Dug nailed it. Get yourself some ski videos. Great music, great views, and no plot to follow. Let’s ride this weekend. It sounds like you need to get out of the house.

  42. Comment by Al Maviva | 12.7.2006 | 3:57 pm

    Glasshoppa, you can spin hours on tlain-uh, only when learn to turn brain off.

    Serious. Last year, riding the trainer was hell, 60 minutes at the most. Now? I can go as long as I want. Just shut the brain off, and spin. Quit paying attention, just get stabilized at whatever zone you are doing, then spin away, keep a rhythm and stop thinking.

    This approach doesn’t lend itself to workouts with varying effort levels, however. I have no way to make a 90 minute effort aimed at improving your lactate threshold more bearable. Nothing will make that pleasant.

  43. Comment by JP | 12.7.2006 | 4:17 pm

    Two hours a day on the trainer? You must have an iron will. Were I on a plan like that I am sure that by March I would never want to see another bike. Yuck!

  44. Comment by Carl | 12.7.2006 | 4:52 pm

    Fatty,

    I am in the same boat. Lots of hours on the rollers, nothing to watch. It gets annoying when I am flipping channels during the commercials. I just want to suffer with ease. (If that is possible).

    With that being said, I have to support some of the previous votes. You cant go wrong with Cycling videos. I have the 2001 Tour if you want to borrow it. That was the year of “The Look”. If you work hard enough, maybe you will be giving “The Look” to Armstrong in Leadville. That would be awesome!

    As far as movies, the possibilities are endless, but I like Band of Brothers, Rocky I and IV, Breaking Away, Prefontaine, Without Limits, Days of Thunder, Top Gun…

    As for the TV shows, you cant go wrong with The Simpsons or Arrested Development. I also really like Lost. Alias looks good, but I haven’t seen many episodes.

    Good Luck and congrats on the new site. It is really good.

  45. Comment by Jill | 12.7.2006 | 5:30 pm

    My vote is any kind of ski, snowboard, BMX or kayak porn (already set to its own motivating music) and VHS tape recordings of old XGames events, if you can find them.

  46. Comment by librarymouse | 12.7.2006 | 5:31 pm

    Just thought of another good library resource. We have books on CD that you can load onto your MP3 player. Many excellent cycling-related reads come in this format. Maybe fatty’s library offers some form of inter-library loan arrangement with Salt lake. (It’s not as much of a hassle as it sounds.)

    I saw a surprisingly good documentary recently called Riding Giants. Not about cycling at all but somehow deeply connected to the spirit of cycling. I recommend it highly.

  47. Comment by Jeremy | 12.7.2006 | 5:59 pm

    You can have my copy of that CSC documentary “Overcoming” for any Banjo Brothers swag. Was that too subtle to get a prize? The best part of that DVD is the part dedicated to Jens Voight.

  48. Comment by K | 12.7.2006 | 6:26 pm

    Mmm, yes Firefly, then the movie Serenity. Smart, funny, great action.
    Pleased to see a few others who have an appreciation for it.
    There are some great imax-geared documentaries about speed and motion; not sure if they are available on dvd, but they’d be in the same vein of stuff that Jill suggests. Awe and envy are always great motivators.

    It was 78 degrees and sunny here today, by the way. I miss seasons. : (

  49. Comment by greg | 12.7.2006 | 7:04 pm

    Fatty,
    Frist off, if anyone else already said this sorry, I’m not reading 50 comments. Netflix recomends movies based on movies you rate. After you sign up and before you can add movies to your queue, you have to rate about 50 movies. Then based on your ratings, it recommends movies. It’s very likly you’ll perfer the movies Netflix recommends to the ones your human friends suggested.

  50. Comment by greg | 12.7.2006 | 7:07 pm

    Kung-fu Hustle – I had to do it.

  51. Comment by heartcondition | 12.7.2006 | 8:32 pm

    Fatty,

    I go with either the HBO set Band of Brothers or a cycling video. I have the past 10 tours and never tire of watching them. Time flies as I keep up with the pros. Plus when the hearing goes out due to the level of exertion, with Paul and Phil, you know what you missed… Lance Armstrong, Lance Armstrong, Lance Armstrong…

  52. Comment by b | 12.7.2006 | 8:45 pm

    How about pr0n? :-)

  53. Comment by teamfubar | 12.7.2006 | 9:40 pm

    Someone said it earlier, the Simpsons, though there are only 8 seasons. I have all 8 (a mail swap for the first Fat Cyclist jersey?) would be good, although I think you’d miss some of the subtle humor during the red zone blackouts. Also, how about the Star Wars series. Watch ‘em in order. We all know the stories. They are all about 2 hours in length. They have enough action to keep you busy and when they are pod-racing or on the speeder bikes on Endor you can pretend you are either a young Anakin or Luke and channel the force!

  54. Comment by Lins - Australia | 12.7.2006 | 10:19 pm

    I’d mix it up on different days or even during the session:

    Tour de France (keep glancing at their cadence and match it, especially on hills), CTS workouts (45-50′ long) then finish off with the entertainment (movie/series)

  55. Comment by Bob | 12.7.2006 | 11:15 pm

    Gritty: The Wire is the best show I’ve ever seen. You may want to check out Homicide, another Baltimore-based cop drama. Training Day and Reservoir Dogs would also do the trick.

    Good bad movies: You can’t go wrong with Road House, Under Siege II, and Rocky III.

    Smart movies with a kick: If I were going to train for Leadville before April, I’d watch the Godfather movies, The Seven Samurai, The French Connection, and Three Days of the Condor. And Jaws. “I’ll find him fer three, chief. But I’ll catch him — and kill him! — fer ten.”

  56. Comment by Lurch | 12.8.2006 | 5:44 am

    Nah, If I were the kind to ride indoors (I’m not – just put the studded tires on yesterday)…I’d have to watch suffering movies. I’d want to see other people suffering more than I am at the time. Not dying, just drawn out credits to credits suffering. Can’t be one with anyone suffering in the cold though, that’d just makes me feel like a wuss for not riding outside (I’m not saying that anyone that avoid riding outside in the winter is a wuss – they just haven’t found peace with their “inner snowman” yet).
    Oh, you couldn’t go wrong with “Fargo” or “Scent of a woman” – two of my all time fav’s. Dunno, maybe SEEING the snow in Fargo would make one cold.

  57. Comment by Rocky | 12.8.2006 | 8:25 am

    “Angel” series (Bikemike is right) and Charisma Carpenter is, well, charismatic; “Seinfeld,” though there is no fighting; “Lost”, seasons one and two, which I have; all of the Peter Sellers “Pink Panther” movies; and then go see dug.

  58. Comment by Tayfuryagci | 12.8.2006 | 9:03 am

    What’s with all of you and your Angel/Buffy fixation? Sheesh, I thought they were lame. Well I did until they introduced Michelle Trachtenberg to the show. Then I though the show was lame with a hot chick.

  59. Comment by Nathan | 12.8.2006 | 9:06 am

    I’d start on LOST. You can get season 1, or I could loan it to you, and season 2 is also available, and you’d be all caught up for the restart of season 3 in February if you watch the few fall episodes on ABC.com. Its just as addicting as 24.

  60. Comment by Bill | 12.8.2006 | 9:23 am

    Fatty:

    As much as you hate K.C., American Fliers is a TERRIFIC movie for the trainer…the bike racing scenes are just awesome. Just FF though all that boring crap in between, and throw down the hammer when the bike scenes come on.

    Breaking away is another terrific one. Especially the parts with the Italian race (Cinzano 100). Set to Mozart, the score produce a nice pace during the race scene.

    Also, if you subscribe to Cycle Sport America, you get free videos with your subscription….Road to Paris, and any number of 1day classics are available.

    Best of luck in Leadville this year.

    Bill

  61. Comment by Bill | 12.8.2006 | 9:27 am

    Whoops, My bad…its set to Rossini, not Mozart.

  62. Comment by DP Cowboy | 12.8.2006 | 10:05 am

    Hey Fatty!
    I have a box of old(er) VCR tapes that include World Championships, etc….not the best quality, but pretty good….they are always fun to watch. You can borrow them, but I need them back (is 2-3 months okay?)
    DPC

  63. Comment by sara | 12.8.2006 | 10:55 am

    Alias-Watched 4 seasons on DVD, ready to start season 5, very addictive
    Arrested Development-Hilarious
    Buffy-Great fight scenes and funny
    Sopranos-Great show
    Law and Order-One of the longest running dramas on TV

  64. Comment by Tayfuryagci | 12.8.2006 | 11:09 am

    Finally another Alias fan. Get me JJ Abrams’ number, we want a sequel to Alias!

    And Fatty if you haven’t watched it you gotta. It has great fight scenes and cool tunes.

  65. Comment by axel | 12.8.2006 | 11:32 am

    Fatty, you have lost your way.
    2 hours on rollers in the garage while watching bad TV – I don’t think they even did that to the Gitmo inmates.
    Kill your television, sell the rollers, help Botched cure cancer, spend more time with the kids, spend more time with the lovely and talented Ms Fatty, or make some good mashed potatoes – start by killing the TV and it will all fall into place.

  66. Comment by the weak link | 12.8.2006 | 12:03 pm

    Sleepless in Seattle delivers. You’ve Got Mail will keep you going. The new Pride and Prejudice packs a potent punch.

  67. Comment by BentRo | 12.8.2006 | 1:07 pm

    Fatty – I recorded Tour of Calif and several other races this year which were televised on OLN including TdF. I removed the commercials. I can burn you some DVDs and mail them to you if you would like. I will email you me contact info.

  68. Comment by TFloyd | 12.8.2006 | 2:30 pm

    Botched – so what’s wrong with base and profane? I always thought it would be interesting a get a group of eight-year-olds together to watch Deadwood, then return them to their parents with their new-found vocabulary.

  69. Comment by Argentius | 12.8.2006 | 3:06 pm

    Hey there fatty.

    Dunno if you’ll get this through all the 4 million comments you get these days, but you mention a racing coach and a heart rate monitor.

    It doesn’t work on MTB rides, but I picked up an iBike recently and for the price ($400 retail, $279 on sale some places) it’s pretty darn decent. I reviewed the sucker on my blog…

  70. Comment by brett | 12.8.2006 | 3:29 pm

    bike pron!!
    huckfests like digger’s northshore series, union, roam, reunion, collective, “down” series, “disorderly conduct” series, “kranked” series, superheros (sic), and most fox racing vids are cool. the fox ones seem to be higher budget with higher production value.
    “new world disorder” is amazing, and has a nice angry soundtrack.
    “jib” is cool because it has more technical riding/trials stuff. if you want to absorb info skills via osmosis, that’s the way to go.

  71. Comment by BotchedExperiment | 12.8.2006 | 3:33 pm

    TFloyd, I didn’t say there was anything wrong with it, I just said that Deadwood takes the prize for excess. However, you should know that in real life Fatty says “poop”.

    dug turned me onto an online edited version of Pulp Fiction where everthing but the F-word was deleted from the movie and the clip was still more than 8 minutes long! I think it was called the f-ing short version.

  72. Comment by Luciano | 12.8.2006 | 3:48 pm

    Hi Fatty,

    I too, like to raid the fridge when the children are going to bed. Since I’m the only one that likes chocolate ice cream, I pull out the 1/2 gallon carton and scoop small spoonfulls. I tell myself I’ll eat less that way instead of actually serving a portion into a separate bowl. I’m not fat but I’m constantly struggling against the 7-10 lbs that automatically insulate the frame at the end of racing season. My wife always knows what I’m doing because she can hear the drawer open and the spoons rattle.

    Try keeping track of your miles on line: http://www.entryworks.com Use the JoT online training Log (Journal of Training).

  73. Comment by Caloi-Rider | 12.8.2006 | 9:18 pm

    Fatty, I don’t know if it’s been mentioned, but I’d be willing to lend you my Off Road to Athens DVD. It’s a little on the documentarial side, but it’s mountain biking.
    Someone mentioned Roam–I’ve seen a few minutes of it, and it looks really cool. If anything, that will keep you excited about riding despite long, boring hours on the rollers.
    I must mention that if you buy the 1998 TdF DVD, you get a bonus DVD with highlights of Tours in the ’90s. It’s not extremely long (and my version has mismatched sound), but it’s cool to see Greg LeMond take off on Chiapucci.
    Just let me know if you’re interested in something I have–my wife would be delighted to have them out of the house for a while.

    P.S. Warren Miller films–I hate skiing, but I could watch Warren Miller stuff for hours and still be entertained.
    P.P.S. I recently saw some footage from rock climbing films (http://bigupproductions.com/), and that stuff’s pretty freakin’ awesome as well.
    P.P.P.S. Dances with Wolves, mebbe? Your wife will have to wake you up and clean up the drool where you fell unconsciously asleep during your training session.

  74. Comment by Caloi-Rider | 12.8.2006 | 9:22 pm

    P.P.P.P.S. I think Lofgrans has some good movie taste there–Glory Road, etc, etc. That list ought to last you a while.
    Here’s the trailer for the climbing movie thing (only the actual footage on NBC world of adventure sports was WAY cooler!!!): http://bigupproductions.com/bigUpSite2/movies.html?14&ArchTeaserLarge.mov&282&480

  75. Comment by spin echo | 12.9.2006 | 9:00 am

    All of the above — plus I like all of the misc. dying/climbing on mountains documentaries/movies — something about watching people who are more miserable than I am makes it all easier.

  76. Comment by MTB W | 12.9.2006 | 9:11 am

    Rock climbing reminds of another cool and hilarious DVD by Peter Mortimer and includes the gut busting antics of Timmy O’Neil, a bunch of boulder climbers in Indian Creek, along with Biscuit, the rock climbing dog (or it might be Biscuits offspring – I don’t remember), and some slacklining. Also Front Range Freaks with the same crew and Biscuit. I have only seen clips of these at outdoor film fests but the 15 minute clips had cool outdoor scenery, good action shots and Timmy’s funny comments (including a gut busting “rap” of crack climbing).

  77. Comment by MTB W | 12.9.2006 | 9:14 am

    Oops – forgot to mention the name of the climbing DVD – Return 2 Sender. My bad – the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet.

  78. Comment by lurkette | 12.9.2006 | 10:06 am

    Fatty, I think you should watch this, over and over: http://teamchainreaction.com/video/hungerford/.

  79. Comment by MTB W | 12.9.2006 | 11:04 am

    Any of the New World Disorder dvds.

  80. Comment by tayfuryagci | 12.9.2006 | 12:47 pm

    80 comments? Man, that’s just wrong.

  81. Comment by bld | 12.9.2006 | 2:00 pm

    how about die hard I and II…lots of action and, well, no need to pay attention to the plot.
    As for cycling videos, any of the old tours (pre-armostrong) are nice to watch, especially from the Indurain years (that guy has style).

  82. Comment by KatieA | 12.10.2006 | 2:48 pm

    South Park, and lots of it. You have 10 seasons.

    Not only will you be entertained, but any small child watching with you will no doubt learn several new words to impress your wife. Ever heard a 5 year laughing hilariously at something, stopping, looking at his Mum and going “what’s a lesbian?” Gold, Jerry, GOLD. :)

  83. Comment by BJAS | 12.10.2006 | 6:09 pm

    Try the boxed set of ‘Red Dwarf’.

    The only downside is that you might fall off because you are laughing too much.

  84. Comment by walter | 12.10.2006 | 8:23 pm

    I just ordered a second TiVo box so that I could tape junk tv (Comedy Channel, Overhaulin’, ESPN, etc.) to watch while on the trainer (not coordinated/brave enough for rollers… not to mention not nearly patient enough to go 2 hours on anything that doesn’t move!).

    That aside, I have accumulated a fair number of cycling DVDs that I’d be happy to lend you:
    2001 Tour (4 hr version)
    2005 Giro (6 hrs)
    Scott Coady’s “The Tour, Baby” and “Cobbles, Baby”
    Overcoming
    Hell on Wheels (subtitles, in violation of one of your rules, but still worthwhile IMO)
    Chasing Lance — might be motivational for you!
    Road to Paris
    Breaking Away

    Let me know if you’re interested in any of these… Good luck!

  85. Comment by buckythedonkey | 12.11.2006 | 12:23 am

    Get the boxed set of “Life on Mars”. One of the better dramas to come out of the BBC in recent years. Meets all but one of your criteria (no kung fu).

    Oh, and I am averse to your usage of the term “adverse”. Tut!

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Mars-1-Jane-Featherstone/dp/B000E9X0A4/sr=8-1/qid=1165825162/ref=pd_ka_1/026-6904970-1851606?ie=UTF8&s=dvd

  86. Comment by DeeperSouth | 12.11.2006 | 1:38 am

    The Triplets of Belleville may be the only film ever to win (relatively) wide theatrical release that is actually about riding on rollers (sort of). It may be too good to waste on training but even if you watch it from the couch the theme tune, Belleville Rendez-Vous and the sound of grandma’s whistle should keep you spinning.
    It is French, but as far as I can remember there are no subtitles because there is no coherent dialogue in the ordinary sense.

  87. Comment by Taocat | 12.11.2006 | 6:49 am

    I have the perfect movie for you: “Equilibrium”. It stars Christian Bale and Taye Diggs. It’s got some kick-ass fight scenes, some good suspense, a good interesting plot line with some twists thrown in, and yet, you wouldn’t need to follow every detail to keep up.

    “Kung Fu Hustle” is also good – very much in the style of the old Kung Fu movies – and you should be able to get english language on the DVD and avoid subtitles.

  88. Comment by MTB W | 12.11.2006 | 8:35 am

    Wow – you really didn’t know what you were getting into, did you, by asking for reader comments on this topic. Has there ever been this many comments on one post? BTW, I am just rambling on since there is no way you will actually work your way through all 87 comments to get to this one.

  89. Comment by tayfuryagci | 12.11.2006 | 11:40 am

    umm… Where’s fatty? contrary to his habit He didn’t give any feedback to the comments. It’s been quite a few days too. Shall we worry?

  90. Comment by BotchedExperiment | 12.11.2006 | 12:37 pm

    He mentioned in a previous post that he was going to New York City, so I assume he’s got better things to do than to write this silly blog. Like eating bagels and hanging out with post-avant guard heroine hotties at exclusive parties.

  91. Comment by Olivia | 12.11.2006 | 12:58 pm

    I recently borrowed Seasons 1-3 of Nip/Tuck from a friend and became quickly addicted. Didn’t think I’d like, but I did. No martial arts, but otherwise quite entertaining and very addicting. Other than that, I heard Lost is very good.

  92. Comment by Sara Wilson | 04.4.2007 | 11:54 pm

    Excuse, and what you think concerning forthcoming elections?

  93. Comment by emma | 04.9.2007 | 1:41 am

    cool blog!

  94. Comment by Timoty | 04.15.2007 | 10:09 pm

    cool blog!

  95. Comment by Tima | 04.17.2007 | 11:04 pm

    nice photos of this blog

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  97. Comment by Watch Veronica Mars | 06.26.2009 | 1:44 am

    I like to watch Veronica Mars episodes as well Lost. I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.

 

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