tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-369176692024-03-07T17:04:15.591-05:00Titanium Addictionaskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-42296410460853636042008-08-05T20:22:00.001-05:002008-08-05T20:22:38.732-05:00This widget has successfully logged in! Replace this text with your<br /> first post.<br /> <br class="khtml-block-placeholder"><br /> <br class="khtml-block-placeholder"><br /> You can use ⌘-B and ⌘-I to make text <b>bold</b> and<br /> <i>italic</i>.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-27344900288643426352008-07-11T10:44:00.001-05:002008-07-11T10:46:32.947-05:00FinaleI have concluded that I really am not interested in keeping a blog. My life just isn't that interesting to me, let alone the rest of the world. Maybe some day I will take it up again, time will tell.<br /><br />BTW - 2nd place GC at the BC Bike Race, won stages 6 and 7. Age appropriate division of course.<br /><br />Ciao!askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-86047244484066061712008-03-09T16:26:00.006-05:002008-03-09T17:15:51.818-05:00Lemonade to LemonsI am aware that the expression is when given lemons, make lemonade. However, I have the overwhelming feeling of doing this backwards over the past week and a half. Last weekend was this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kSJ0xIl65w-qYyltNjGAoylHtK6OxLh2yA4Rr6uK6EbMqKRiGL7n2nLHdbw_MTschf-NE4yZMgd_NRUev6_ZqG860OWO-cYE9Ml8tHS2SI0h9c-PAY4MbqW5LCWe_-08kM8l/s1600-h/100_0395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kSJ0xIl65w-qYyltNjGAoylHtK6OxLh2yA4Rr6uK6EbMqKRiGL7n2nLHdbw_MTschf-NE4yZMgd_NRUev6_ZqG860OWO-cYE9Ml8tHS2SI0h9c-PAY4MbqW5LCWe_-08kM8l/s400/100_0395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175857479047529874" /></a><br /><br />With these good friends:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2dKPG2YrMnOBhrOh0TeX1jSkmv4QWkLmSCdC_J6YzBF3kOJg8MmnJuyTVPcg3JoqpCpFiKxEHQl2Ut-rLxHI2glDgz4LJ7f1mx9dWaW5WD3XXuiIFAOLe6JUR3ULGZst18rZ/s1600-h/P2280340.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2dKPG2YrMnOBhrOh0TeX1jSkmv4QWkLmSCdC_J6YzBF3kOJg8MmnJuyTVPcg3JoqpCpFiKxEHQl2Ut-rLxHI2glDgz4LJ7f1mx9dWaW5WD3XXuiIFAOLe6JUR3ULGZst18rZ/s400/P2280340.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175861202784175522" /></a><br /> <br />and:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3-lbxq6BVZEU0f9AHYjGt1At6RhSYVRN_QN20w75vNm79364FJ9cZZjCWXrx7OhNLExByL6f0jLT3soXENqVq8JCEdtWeBuB-3-_ew88tsr1KADhHPLnK7b1oJhyphenhyphenGb7jUkO_/s1600-h/100_0398.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3-lbxq6BVZEU0f9AHYjGt1At6RhSYVRN_QN20w75vNm79364FJ9cZZjCWXrx7OhNLExByL6f0jLT3soXENqVq8JCEdtWeBuB-3-_ew88tsr1KADhHPLnK7b1oJhyphenhyphenGb7jUkO_/s400/100_0398.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175865021010101682" /></a><br /><br />For those of you keeping score at home, that is Aspen Mountain. I will let you all figure out who the players are.<br /><br />That was last weekend, this week has been nothing but snow and crap for Toledo weather. Limited outside riding and having to return to this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c07B1WhwF10B1Q-8wNrllOZW0SO-MWcUuCS9IIYMdd_6rRbJbZKsgq3xXbjCBCRpWKDhAt7LeWY-wuBvCWgcXhJGrdwhZs_Mo6tZtaCSM37uqX7C1bnjQR8Vwz9oGbau_Yml/s1600-h/100_0403.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c07B1WhwF10B1Q-8wNrllOZW0SO-MWcUuCS9IIYMdd_6rRbJbZKsgq3xXbjCBCRpWKDhAt7LeWY-wuBvCWgcXhJGrdwhZs_Mo6tZtaCSM37uqX7C1bnjQR8Vwz9oGbau_Yml/s400/100_0403.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175868405444330946" /></a><br /><br />Back to the lemons.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-10083695503074717462008-02-21T06:31:00.005-05:002008-02-21T06:47:34.563-05:00Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed.....Sorry, nothing blue.<br /><br />Here is my latest acquisition to be put together. It took longer than I would have hoped, but that is the way these things go some times. What is it you say? It is a Bontrager CX frame that I picked up off e-bay. It was made in San Jose and from what I can figure out, in the last year that Bontrager made frames themselves before selling out to the boys in Wisconsin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMDeRGv9fh7A6MEWtVIFdd2QFsTf8R9pHu0CpVyd95oEPKt-S0KojHk4O7jl-1mR4EgziHbEezNe_dm-yrbiqN5qwkMEyVWgACQruuB9MrsDZnG1EWO-MbS5xbnFdjF0UrAUV/s1600-h/100_0388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMDeRGv9fh7A6MEWtVIFdd2QFsTf8R9pHu0CpVyd95oEPKt-S0KojHk4O7jl-1mR4EgziHbEezNe_dm-yrbiqN5qwkMEyVWgACQruuB9MrsDZnG1EWO-MbS5xbnFdjF0UrAUV/s400/100_0388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169395805514877042" /></a><br /><br />I built it up with parts I had around. I know you purists are out there growling that I did not go with 'period' build. Somehow you will have to get over it, it would not have allowed the oh so clever title to this entry. Campy Chorus group, Bontrager Race X Lite cranks, Mavic rims on Chorus hubs, Thomson Seatpost, SLR saddle, and Deda bar.<br /><br />Something new:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJRWQ7Eser90JjPF_ow2rXYlnzyxSGp2bM7jpAWaLDJZBVD4ifCVwUPqio9PTVx6d7kDeZWaCcm_JuwPcgZa73DtqJdrDIEMLfyJvvT3oDk2KJjrwrw931lwzv0STwZXwUwrx/s1600-h/100_0390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJRWQ7Eser90JjPF_ow2rXYlnzyxSGp2bM7jpAWaLDJZBVD4ifCVwUPqio9PTVx6d7kDeZWaCcm_JuwPcgZa73DtqJdrDIEMLfyJvvT3oDk2KJjrwrw931lwzv0STwZXwUwrx/s400/100_0390.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169396733227812994" /></a><br /><br />Something borrowed:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPAh8k10lqOVDgOPvZEfhPY62inkp_QoaA0ftOgRxM43j3XguPOa2O3nNKJKuunbb5TiMZFNIGBGzuDB4_nNQnXNjdyolYsAHBDnbQH1Ecaquc0xSMwtIYVkhXms7KySKA-av/s1600-h/100_0391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPAh8k10lqOVDgOPvZEfhPY62inkp_QoaA0ftOgRxM43j3XguPOa2O3nNKJKuunbb5TiMZFNIGBGzuDB4_nNQnXNjdyolYsAHBDnbQH1Ecaquc0xSMwtIYVkhXms7KySKA-av/s400/100_0391.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169396956566112402" /></a><br /><br />In case you are wondering, I borrowed the lovely purple cable hanger. I am waiting for a black one to come in.<br /><br />Rhetorical question for the day: Why do people like to ride so early in the morning in the winter?<br /><br />On the good news front - my storage area has been built at my shop. Now my collection of bikes can live in peace without being ridiculed by the other members of my household. "is that a new bike Dad?" is a fine question when asked of me in private, but can cause great troubles when asked in the wrong forum.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-8182068264349062072008-01-19T15:17:00.001-05:002008-01-19T15:24:42.314-05:00Slow and HardNow that I have your attention - get your minds out of the gutter!! That would be my description of my ride at Brighton this morning. It was actually a lot of fun given the 17 degree temperature and blustery winds. There was about 1-2 inches of snow on the trail with very little underlying ice. It was completely rideable and I only missed a couple of small climbs where I couldn't carry any momentum into the hill. The downside of it was the constant work - no recovery whatsoever. Even slight downhills required pedaling. I ended up doing the Torn Shirt Loop twice and the Murray once. It took me almost 3 hours. My original plan was to try out a couple of different tire combinations, but once I saw the snow, I threw that idea out and just rode. I didn't think the feedback was going to be all that useful in the tire department.<br /><br />I think I am having circulation problems in my hands and feet. They seem to be getting very cold more easily than I remember in the past. Even had trouble with warmers in place today.<br /><br />Some day I will find people who are willing to ride with me on days like today. As Robert suggested, might be time to start a winter riding series. Maybe make it a competition - points awarded for miles, quality of miles (more points for trail rides than road rides), bonuses awarded for temperature extremes, ... I am open to suggestions.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-36402859573962161262008-01-16T19:51:00.001-05:002008-01-16T20:04:36.787-05:00Tough - Not so MuchI like to think I am a reasonably tough rider. Able to get through 100 mile mtb races, etc. Lately I have been thinking I can hang with Danielle and Robert in the toughness department. This is my list of why I think I can at least lube their chains for them while they are getting ready for one of their marathon rides:<br /><br />3.5 hours by myself in the rain/freezing rain<br />3 hours on wet roads on a windy 40 degree day<br />3.5 hours on a sub-30 degree day<br /><br />But somehow none of that compares to riding in my basement. I have the hardest time doing workouts on the computrainer in my basement. I am only capable of at most 2 hours. And for that to happen, I have to really not pay attention to the time. I have learned that action and comedy movies are the best. I tried a 'chick' flick on Tuesday and it was a disaster. I have a problem in my house in that most of the movies we own are chick flicks. Might have something to do with the fact I am the only male mammal in a house of seven. Maybe I need to get some race dvd's or something.<br /><br />Anybody have any suggestions to work on my mental focus?<br /><br />Not feeling so creative in the blog department - duh.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-4085118771563007892007-12-26T08:37:00.000-05:002007-12-26T08:44:30.992-05:00What a Day!I love skiing on Christmas day. I am not Christian, so it is just another day for me. I am happy for everyone that gets to celebrate it, sad for those that have to work on what is a holiday for others, even more sad for those that have to work and the day means something more than a day off. I am generally happy for me on this day. The normal routine is going to a movie and having Chinese food - the only things generally open.<br /><br />This year we are in Colorado and got to enjoy 8-10 inches of very dry powder on Christmas day. WOOOHOOO!!! It was great! Virtually no lift lines and lots of fresh snow to be found. Planning an early assault on the mountain today before everyone else gets there rear ends out. Hoping to convince someone to go with me, but if I have to go it alone, so be it.<br /><br />I could go on about the skiing, but it might bore you, in case you weren't already bored.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-45566936561684207882007-12-24T09:00:00.000-05:002007-12-24T09:17:07.176-05:00I still don't understand....Yesterday was travel day for the family. A seemingly simple trip from Toledo to Aspen involving a car ride, two planes, and a shuttle bus. Not exactly a logistical nightmare by modern standards.<br /><br />Everything started off just fine, even to the point of only one of my teenage daughters being bitchy at 6 in the morning ( a small miracle). I dropped off everyone at the curb with our mound of gear and proceeded to the parking garage - Another miracle - I found a spot in the garage without having to resort to parking outside! The check in went smoothly and I managed to make it through security just after the rest of the family - sometimes can be as much as a half hour difference.<br /><br />Our flight to Minneapolis was delayed by 20 minutes waiting for someone to make their connection. Funny, they have never waited for me. I wonder what it takes to be on that list? We took off and it was a relatively smooth flight. Upon arrival, we had about 20 minutes to cross the MSP airport to our next plane. I was sent ahead for food and we all managed to make it. Now the fun begins.<br /><br />Everybody has boarded the plane, but the door does not get closed. The pilot comes on the PA and announces that they have the wrong database in the control software for landing in Vail!!!! Hello - isn't there a checklist somewhere that should tell them this ahead of time. We are going to be delayed a half hour. No problem, we are not trying to catch another plane. Apparently loading the database is not quite as simple as putting some new software in your Mac. 3 hours later we are ready to go. During the 3 hours, they were kind enough to let us off the plane to search for some high quality terminal food. Funny thing was, they wouldn't tell us how long we could be away from the plane, they might leave at any moment - nice... While we were sitting there, I had the view of the luggage conveyor coming on our plane. Every now and then someone would come by and throw a suitcase or skis onto the conveyor - so they piled up. Keep in mind it was like 10 degrees, windy, and snowing at the time. At one point, a suitcase fell off one of the little trucks and lay on the tarmac about 75 feet from our plane for about 45 minutes. At least 10 luggage trucks drove right past it without stopping. So much for that increased terror threat and not leaving your bags unattended.<br /><br />We finally took off and made it to Vail where we were to catch a shuttle to Aspen. That all went very smoothly, including hearing the horror story of a college kid coming in from Madison, it took him 36 hours. Made our trip look pretty simple.<br /><br />A week of telemark skiing here I come!!!<br /><br />Happy Holidays everyone!!askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-34526215381300700012007-12-16T17:40:00.000-05:002007-12-16T17:56:32.300-05:00Day 2 of NatsThis was the big day for me. The race for the national championship. I had absolutely no hopes of winning, as the announcer said later in the day - this was the "Steve Tilford Invitational". With Steve in the front row and me in about the 10th row, time to just get some experience and have some fun. By the time we raced, 3pm, the course was pretty similar to the day before, lots of mud and grass. They had slightly altered one off camber section to give more options on how to attack it, but other than that, same routing. <br /><br />From the start, it was going to be fun. Hauling up the hill to the first turn, the anticipation was high for the carnage to begin. Most everyone made it through the first turn onto the grass, not so for all the classes. The crashes began shortly thereafter and Tilly just rode away from the mere mortals in the crowd. I was doing a good job of picking people off and avoiding getting tangled in crashes for quite a while. Then I had one of my own. Not surprising given the slippery conditions, but it caused me to get tentative in my head. I proceeded to give back a few spots over the next couple of laps. I then screwed my head back on and started racing on the last lap. I managed to get a few of the places back and had some fun again. I ended up 34th. I am pretty confident I can do better, just a mental problem that can be corrected. Will I ever beat Steve Tilford, no.<br /><br />Anne G. nailed 3rd place in her race, Anne S. nailed 6th in hers. A good day MI sceners in KC!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdzEbFX3hEbvNQ_P_N3lLGSF7FOpm0LXAs38c_34k2-AxwzTcpUkN2rhB41kP8nmGnvQ8kkmeYVv4GGaE4SJ5v04GMniWsxcB7HASN7galJXcTpOmr33EKNFhMqVVGtbMw6ju/s1600-h/100_0371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdzEbFX3hEbvNQ_P_N3lLGSF7FOpm0LXAs38c_34k2-AxwzTcpUkN2rhB41kP8nmGnvQ8kkmeYVv4GGaE4SJ5v04GMniWsxcB7HASN7galJXcTpOmr33EKNFhMqVVGtbMw6ju/s400/100_0371.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144707934677251746" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgJwL_Oz_pCPflO_HQe_qAFzluEiWcGVREQPQKUrFzc3OOr6mae2Xc_hDsqX7MEIQnG8BHKbfdmNqCMfZarlurbBbEwSODwRsZ_O9rl3DbDI9vp2FMYM-eKiRpAgYxg-OcSaJ/s1600-h/100_0375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgJwL_Oz_pCPflO_HQe_qAFzluEiWcGVREQPQKUrFzc3OOr6mae2Xc_hDsqX7MEIQnG8BHKbfdmNqCMfZarlurbBbEwSODwRsZ_O9rl3DbDI9vp2FMYM-eKiRpAgYxg-OcSaJ/s400/100_0375.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144708153720583858" /></a>askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-51360027178951290662007-12-13T16:22:00.000-05:002007-12-13T17:21:44.596-05:00Somewhere In There....Somewhere in this picture is a front derailleur:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLe1MgOw8ME4McuPUMlitJyvuFK0jvoTNwhkTKMvFfYbhT8uM6qT_fzqhHl2CASxnFiUTaYqo-o4L7z9tXG6o-3-mA8RQBehQS68CHXilr34HgBj4Wtp6AemBP5Y4kbFKVs1v/s1600-h/100_0368.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLe1MgOw8ME4McuPUMlitJyvuFK0jvoTNwhkTKMvFfYbhT8uM6qT_fzqhHl2CASxnFiUTaYqo-o4L7z9tXG6o-3-mA8RQBehQS68CHXilr34HgBj4Wtp6AemBP5Y4kbFKVs1v/s400/100_0368.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143581381897802098" /></a><br /><br />Here is the rear derailleur:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyfmQsIXuktGyZPcHVTK7hs3yWy51HPnF5iouFHLSDms5UANHMUdKFmpdDWwaQamOaZ4ElV_rEOySPofVMGZd8x6HrovcmkVRufbh52eEF2q0CP0bCug2y1v5aqss6jCblxyB/s1600-h/100_0367.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyfmQsIXuktGyZPcHVTK7hs3yWy51HPnF5iouFHLSDms5UANHMUdKFmpdDWwaQamOaZ4ElV_rEOySPofVMGZd8x6HrovcmkVRufbh52eEF2q0CP0bCug2y1v5aqss6jCblxyB/s400/100_0367.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143581751264989570" /></a><br /><br />The complete picture:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_yLp_cbzj3hUJGy8P-cUqtCsqqLqcxIXD2-ERzhT59CFwlJm3jDNQ1itvLakwRioaBeDLEjbVKRARVWqGMsSmR4JmLcS6huNBWxh0FVjlpsPETd6O7G8d0sbNQFFCYl5j_LF/s1600-h/100_0365.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_yLp_cbzj3hUJGy8P-cUqtCsqqLqcxIXD2-ERzhT59CFwlJm3jDNQ1itvLakwRioaBeDLEjbVKRARVWqGMsSmR4JmLcS6huNBWxh0FVjlpsPETd6O7G8d0sbNQFFCYl5j_LF/s400/100_0365.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143583726949945746" /></a><br /><br />So the question is how did I make this mess. Wellllll, it was a beautiful day in Kansas City today. The sun was shining, and they just had a few days of freezing rain. I raced the last race of the day. The earlier races apparently were pretty icy and snowy. The temperature warmed up to the mid 30's and things began to melt. My start position was around 60 out of around 120. I have never been in a close quarters race with so many people before. There have been more at some of the longer races, but it is very different when you know you are going to be on a 1.9 mile circuit with so many people. The start was crazy, but manageable, nobody did anything stupid. The turn off the pavement was 90 degrees through a dip and up a rise, great potential for trouble so I purposefully stayed to the outside of the turn and all was good. I went down in an off camber turn on the first lap, recovered quickly and was back in business. It was to be a five lap race. The key was apply power when prudent and be smart the rest of the time. By the time it was over, I finished 9th. <br /><br />I am pretty happy with the results, could have been a bit better without the fall, maybe 6 or 7, but not much better than that. It was a fun time, although the usual cyclocross pain was involved. Tomorrow is the big race!!askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-12467014984175751362007-12-06T19:59:00.000-05:002007-12-06T20:29:16.017-05:00The UnveilingHere it is:<br />Force Group<br />Bontrager stem, bar and wheels<br />Eriksen seatpost (what did you think)<br />Selle Italia SLR saddle<br />Avid Jagwire cables<br />TRP Euro X brakes<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01kUPGxBZbygXhCfXbS9E7Ev_ttJhcfltUWR83qPxjyDPlc_i9tbzNRSAI47yJtZtC-PjvCAGesBq68-dEOuvBoesydXWCbg_0CjWzmzFc0XZXoBEtguNDnZZy1_wz_RTLofr/s1600-h/100_0360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01kUPGxBZbygXhCfXbS9E7Ev_ttJhcfltUWR83qPxjyDPlc_i9tbzNRSAI47yJtZtC-PjvCAGesBq68-dEOuvBoesydXWCbg_0CjWzmzFc0XZXoBEtguNDnZZy1_wz_RTLofr/s400/100_0360.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141035329579700530" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjt678wHchUYSpNNJgz1lj9LYxZSkOJ8puPfheMHX57rUsD83J9-JFVdUbgAaQ1bcyET3LKam3nUW_GfSLOqKVweOdUCoL9ScICZJMf_HdwguYUeOaIGn4mG3H9tMokPesevpK/s1600-h/100_0361.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjt678wHchUYSpNNJgz1lj9LYxZSkOJ8puPfheMHX57rUsD83J9-JFVdUbgAaQ1bcyET3LKam3nUW_GfSLOqKVweOdUCoL9ScICZJMf_HdwguYUeOaIGn4mG3H9tMokPesevpK/s400/100_0361.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141035677472051522" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4h7TPO6HcAtV4TCQ88ZvIpJZPWnZGbez8HjVGNaXweYlRV0W0lDJVNmrI1kV3Ae1POoS9dzYBAHfYwhCFqCeejA_mcq-aXlXHM8i_eTZokS7SSLunBC9RUFNM8eF-ltUxFyB/s1600-h/100_0362.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4h7TPO6HcAtV4TCQ88ZvIpJZPWnZGbez8HjVGNaXweYlRV0W0lDJVNmrI1kV3Ae1POoS9dzYBAHfYwhCFqCeejA_mcq-aXlXHM8i_eTZokS7SSLunBC9RUFNM8eF-ltUxFyB/s400/100_0362.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141035926580154706" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwwDYr6MsOtqyEa5NU5t6TwyK-Rd8uBfedoXRf0GFdhUAuNV-1EBsNNIgvqDZ5l648VQ4znpjuOpwBhG-eux1E5W2h3MtfWtqyggroLS8Af3B0C2VIN6EP9Sr4gbkngHNncPS/s1600-h/100_0364.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwwDYr6MsOtqyEa5NU5t6TwyK-Rd8uBfedoXRf0GFdhUAuNV-1EBsNNIgvqDZ5l648VQ4znpjuOpwBhG-eux1E5W2h3MtfWtqyggroLS8Af3B0C2VIN6EP9Sr4gbkngHNncPS/s400/100_0364.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141036257292636514" /></a><br /><br />Things that might change: saddle going to white, losing the jagwire 'covers', and changing from Bruce Gordon cable splitters to DaVinci. Constructive criticism is always appreciated.<br /><br />I know it's not titanium, but it sure is nice looking in my opinion. I am hoping to ride it a few times before I take it to nats as my backup bike.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-24966124623951186932007-12-01T19:49:00.000-05:002007-12-01T20:02:48.456-05:002nd Trip to ColumbusI made one of the few good decisions of my racing career this weekend. I decided to go to Columbus for a race rather than Waterford for the MI state champs. I think it is going to be a mess tomorrow! Good luck to all taking on the elements - i will be thinking about you while I enjoy Spamalot at the local theater.<br /><br />The race today was in Upper Arlington at some park - I think it was called Lane Park. It was a tight little course with a lot of off camber turns, a barrier/hill run up, another set of barriers, and a couple of pavement sections. It was pretty fun actually, much better than last weekend in Granville. I raced the A race, and put myself at the back for the start. Since I don't know any of the players, no need to get in anybodies way too early. There were about 15 in the field. It became apparent within the first 1/2 lap that a guy in an Abercrombie & Fitch kit was going to win. He ran away with it. I had a good ride for the most part, with only a couple of small bobbles. I used a couple of guys to make my life easier for a few laps and then passed them. I rode with a couple of guys for probably 5 laps (out of 10 total). I attacked them coming into the bell lap on the start/finish straight and popped one guy on the barier/runup. The other guy was hanging tough until another little up hill where he bobbled and I gapped him off. He then fell in another turn and I rode away for what I think was 5th place. I had wanted to beat the guy that was 4th, but could not quite close down the gap. It was a beautiful sunny and cool day, tomorrow looks like a different story.<br /><br />Time to start the final count down to nats!askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-90989163617699269662007-11-26T07:07:00.001-05:002007-11-26T07:29:01.252-05:00Thank you Robert and Tailwind!!Okay, so I don't have worlds of experience in cyclocross racing, but I have done enough races to appreciate a decent course from a bad one. The Ohio state championship course was pretty darned Mickey Mouse. As Tim Saari put it, kind of like a backyard barbecue course. For those in the Toledo area, think Paige/Mark's house course (please don't take offense, just not a 'complete' course).<br /><br />The start line had no more than 75 meters to the first 180 degree turn and uphill. The distance from the last turn to the finish line was about 30 meters. I did not stay for the finish of the elite race, but I hope there wasn't a sprint finish. It would be pretty dangerous in my opinion, think gravel/pavement in the last turn with metal barriers about 4 meters wide. In between the start and finish were a couple of nice sections interspersed between some fairly silly chicane sections. Add to this the way the starts were set up and you have a fairly poorly run state championship, in my humble opinion. The B, Masters 35, and Masters 45 were all on the course at the same time. The elite women and men were on the course at the same time. It was good for me to have that many people on the course when I was racing just to get a little more used to the jostling and positioning required in the turns, etc.<br /><br />Now for the race. I had no idea what to expect of the competition in the M45 class since I have never raced cx in Ohio. Mark W. was there from the Flying Rhinos, so I knew at least one other person. We had a nice field, in the 15 person range. I was in the second row at the start and was in the top 5 as we made the first turn. It was a bit messy through the first lap figuring out who was in what group. Near the beginning of the 2nd lap, Mark and I were together and figured out that we were 2/3 with a bit of a gap to the 1st place guy. We had a bit of a gap on the 4th place guy, but not enough to forget about him. In the 4th lap, disaster struck. I came into an off camber turn a little too hot and went down. Although I was back up pretty quick, Mark had gapped me and the 4th place guy came by as I was getting going again. I was not able to get back on their wheel and ended up 4th. As is usually the case in cx, one small screw up can take you out of a spot or two. I felt I was riding okay other than that mistake. The 'sand' pit was actually an old clay tennis court that had been let go from a maintenance perspective. It ended up being no big deal as it was fairly moist and did not provide much of a problem once the path was ridden in.<br /><br />All in all, a good day racing once again. The weather was nice, the place the race was held was a really interesting old mansion (Bryn Du Mansion) in Granville. It is really unfortunate that the promoter did such a poor job of setting up the course and the registration process was a joke as well. To the point of the trying to charge an extra $10 over the preregistration fee when nothing was said on any of the information prior to the race (near riot situation). Results were posted as handwritten sheets with nothing but bib numbers. Once again, thank you Robert!askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-19783978009993664702007-11-19T19:37:00.000-05:002007-11-20T17:01:07.837-05:00What's been Up?Since my last post I have been to Boulder, raced at Munson and have a new bike.<br /><br />I took my daughter to Boulder to see the University of Colorado. She has been accepted there and they even were kind enough to throw some scholarship money her way, so we thought we owed them a visit at the very least. We opted for the 'Student for a Day' tour program. We arrived on time for our big adventure - interestingly enough, they charged us $15 each for the privelege of the tour. They did a nice job of presenting the school, tour, presentations, etc. They even broke us into groups - students and parents, for a panel discussion led by a group of students. It was pretty interesting, especially after Erin and I compared notes afterward. Same questions were asked but from the opposite side of the answer. The students that led it were interesting and we learned a lot. It turns out the $15 must have been for the delicious meal we were served in the dorm. Let me just say, dorm food still stinks. We sat by ourselves at a fairly large table. We were joined by 3 Navy ROTC freshmen in their dress blues (in honor of veteran's day). They were friendly and provided some insight into the dorms, etc. that was very helpful and not spun by the marketing folks of the University.<br /><br />That night we had dinner at Andy Hampsten's house. It was great fun and very helpful to get the town person's perspective of Boulder and the University. The next morning, Andy and I went for a ride. 4300 feet of climbing later, I was one happy camper! He is a great guy and was nice enough to not leave me in his dust.<br /><br />Yesterday was the Munson Park race of the Tailwind Series. It was cold and windy as usual at Munson. The course was similar to last year with a couple of different twists. I felt reasonably well and hoped for a top ten since Jeff Weinert and Mike Wissink were out of town. I rode pretty solid with a few technical bobbles, but nothing too serious. I rode with Joel B. and Mark W. for the first few laps. Then dropped Joel and rode with Mark. After two more laps, I gapped Mark and rode the rest of the way by myself. I had visions of catching the 6/7 riders, but could not bring the gap down to the point of that being in the realm of possiblities. I was 8th, somewhat satisfied with the ending. The best race of the day was the masters 35. Ron put on a clinic in how to use strategy to win a race. It was great to watch.<br /><br />Now for the big news, I received delivery on my custom Nobilette frame last Friday. I wanted a bike that I could travel with and have as many options as possible for ride options. I had Mark design it for cx geometry and clearances and S&S couplers for traveling ease. Here it is:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmkS_a0yffXM1ksjNXOwpk-KoYGC1TAP0drP8clhJ0KP475v9nMmOF32c3YEttsrBRkrSsrou349HxFAj0Y3pNDWCDMv0vrXbRSEUMjdnQSg3DH8f2mWlPXg7v1u9a0Ql-yE5/s1600-h/NOBILE~2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmkS_a0yffXM1ksjNXOwpk-KoYGC1TAP0drP8clhJ0KP475v9nMmOF32c3YEttsrBRkrSsrou349HxFAj0Y3pNDWCDMv0vrXbRSEUMjdnQSg3DH8f2mWlPXg7v1u9a0Ql-yE5/s400/NOBILE~2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135045573079172642" /></a><br /><br />Here is a view of the head tube:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPCqbZg6IGaLk7LdERJHENKJrtjpUgcCA6RT4NwIPWpcSKCNFa7JGooJCZKIZwkjLatjItOPZcTCIJiur_atpRcZbAaJ5b1a8eSix8vnH-UcGq6Lth73CnnJ8P7hc8ixpERq-/s1600-h/NO9499~1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPCqbZg6IGaLk7LdERJHENKJrtjpUgcCA6RT4NwIPWpcSKCNFa7JGooJCZKIZwkjLatjItOPZcTCIJiur_atpRcZbAaJ5b1a8eSix8vnH-UcGq6Lth73CnnJ8P7hc8ixpERq-/s400/NO9499~1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134722909366093330" /></a><br />Believe me, photos do not do it justice. The finish was done by Spectrum Powderworks. These guys are amazing.<br /><br />I hope to have it built up in the next week or so. Looking at a Force group and some set of wheels that I already have. We'll see.<br /><br />Pondering this whole blog thing. Does anyone really care what I have to say? Does it really matter? Is it just some therapeutic egocentric excercise? Read it now, it may disappear.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-40129808885736923132007-11-05T09:28:00.000-05:002007-11-05T09:48:13.478-05:00It's a Team ThingVet's Park is a really fun place for a cx race. It is in Ann Arbor, one of my favorite towns, and it has some interesting elevation changes. And as a bonus - no sand pits!<br /><br />The plan for the weekend was to race Elite on Saturday and then see how I felt on Sunday to determine whether I raced Elite again or Masters. I went through the registration process and here is my number:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2bZH7kuiQBGALIB_0f5bmmXL8pI8z4eRX3jtSP2JzNuEETbLzBkARO45I6p_rLv7BBIgBEEYdYFR_Q_gZ2kH3sXZisK4gAN3-i4P-FrTrnKjOKBk_uII0cm2JsxfY_c8yKIK/s1600-h/100_0345.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2bZH7kuiQBGALIB_0f5bmmXL8pI8z4eRX3jtSP2JzNuEETbLzBkARO45I6p_rLv7BBIgBEEYdYFR_Q_gZ2kH3sXZisK4gAN3-i4P-FrTrnKjOKBk_uII0cm2JsxfY_c8yKIK/s400/100_0345.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129363991568021362" /></a><br /><br />The same number that my team mate Ron drew down in Louisville! We definitely have a good team vibe going this year! If everyone were healthy, it would be even more fun.<br /><br />I warmed up and thought the course was going to be fun. At the line it was the largest field since Davisburg, I think. At least it felt like a big field. Given my past performances, I was not expecting a whole lot, but I had certain people that I felt I should be able to handle. The first lap was it's usual fire fight - I'm just not that fast. As the race settled in, I figured out who my competition was and began to work on them. At the end of the day I ended up 14th out of 23 starters and was reasonably satisfied with my effort. I seem to do well on the runups, managing to pass people along the way. I had one very near disaster with about 3 laps to go - I heard one of my spikes catch the top of the first barrier on the run up. I managed to keep my balance and get through, providing some near entertainment for the crowd on the hill.<br /><br />Sunday dawned a bit cooler than Saturday and I was feeling my age, so I opted for the Masters race. It would also provide for some more family time later in the day. This was a small field, I think 7 or 8 in the 45+ crowd and a nice women's field, 10-12 I think. The 35's had a group of around 15-18 and they were starting a minute ahead of us, so there was potential for traffic along the way. The Flying Rhinos were there in force, they had 3 in our group. The start was pretty exciting with me ending up 2nd wheel at the first turn. At the first fast section, I was trying to pass Joe Brown of the Rhinos and we nearly tangled up, fortunately we both can handle our bikes fairly well and nothing bad happened. It set the tone for what was to come. Keith Rigge attacked on the first lap and gapped Joe, Mark and I by a few seconds. I was concerned that I was going to get hammered by the Rhino boys if the chase was on, but decided to let them do the work for a while. On the second lap, i attacked on the run up and that was the end of that. I was in chase mode from there on out. I used the 35's when I could and slowly closed the gap on Keith. Catching him with 2 to go. I rode his wheel while I recovered and then attacked on the run up. Again, that was all I needed to drop him. Using the 35's even more on the last lap and a half. Along the way, I managed to bloody up my right knee without ever going down, some of the passing was a bit tight to say the least.<br /><br />It was a fun weekend and I felt good about my efforts. When is the real cx weather going to get here?askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-70516604300548599462007-10-17T20:29:00.000-05:002007-10-17T20:30:19.525-05:00Stony Race ReportIt was hot. I sucked. 'nuff saidaskhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-78475395095598916582007-10-17T19:46:00.000-05:002007-10-17T20:29:33.516-05:00Afraid of Heights!!The last day of the Vegas trip was going right at one of my biggest fears - heights. The agenda was to go to Zion Canyon to hike Angel's Landing and then go ride somewhere.<br /><br />For the uninformed, Angel's Landing is a formation that is 1050 feet above the floor of Zion Canyon. It is accessed for the first 80% of the way by a walk/hike up a path that is pretty comfortable to walk. From there on up, it gets interesting. There are 'steps' cut into the rock in places, chains anchored along the way, and just plain scrambling with death being the reward for screwing up.<br /><br />I'm not carrying it, you carry it:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XoHLYDpni1KIVBG9gLQJC8JN1CwTa1KwlQZtu-UFR2A0gaTIP7EJp1z06DB2IbRAmmbFP7IkwHXS1YxQ4jvhlufe38g1xejNXeTRDv0PxjH60auRxXs8OBijzJtLLqCsYM83/s1600-h/100_0293.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XoHLYDpni1KIVBG9gLQJC8JN1CwTa1KwlQZtu-UFR2A0gaTIP7EJp1z06DB2IbRAmmbFP7IkwHXS1YxQ4jvhlufe38g1xejNXeTRDv0PxjH60auRxXs8OBijzJtLLqCsYM83/s400/100_0293.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122475788437033202" /></a><br /><br />View from the top:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BAzVh40riPtWmhwpIUxBHJbhdCzteyMMbAs8WX0yE1MY51pUUa6fKF4yzCp5nDMq0ed_w8xSHD2Asf7FMNKGeImM8tltIuJGOPeEMpHvSUGEGDFUFL85DB1LXghY6TyhSAKm/s1600-h/100_0298.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BAzVh40riPtWmhwpIUxBHJbhdCzteyMMbAs8WX0yE1MY51pUUa6fKF4yzCp5nDMq0ed_w8xSHD2Asf7FMNKGeImM8tltIuJGOPeEMpHvSUGEGDFUFL85DB1LXghY6TyhSAKm/s400/100_0298.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122476819229184274" /></a><br /><br />Vegas Drake relaxing on top:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgDA9rMi3vm4CC3qfqF6PmPQErIywOSg0S2g3rpWEnwhdbeZbteCozXQ4-gNWWWSW47Yq8Vrij5jhE9GHyh3PYnEsXRcAdWrJH4JoMI3hg6EuQlXtD5RQYg2s4bMhovremEq_/s1600-h/100_0299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgDA9rMi3vm4CC3qfqF6PmPQErIywOSg0S2g3rpWEnwhdbeZbteCozXQ4-gNWWWSW47Yq8Vrij5jhE9GHyh3PYnEsXRcAdWrJH4JoMI3hg6EuQlXtD5RQYg2s4bMhovremEq_/s400/100_0299.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122477244430946594" /></a><br /><br />One of several chipmunks begging at the top - tough way to make a living:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMVSbpmjHZs3T-QTERyMDQ42K6OHCbt9aybZVq-6KhUmuH1bpLGBGu4SEh0LWwAUr8QSPiW-nVAcLvUcmpb4xRCSGyU9tHFJVuilZo2CQZelvW2ToQIiCUu2t5Dm2ytfWT9rm/s1600-h/100_0301.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMVSbpmjHZs3T-QTERyMDQ42K6OHCbt9aybZVq-6KhUmuH1bpLGBGu4SEh0LWwAUr8QSPiW-nVAcLvUcmpb4xRCSGyU9tHFJVuilZo2CQZelvW2ToQIiCUu2t5Dm2ytfWT9rm/s400/100_0301.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122477661042774322" /></a><br /><br />From there we stopped for lunch just outside Zion Canyon and headed for the JEM trail. Billed to be nice riding, not as tough as Gooseberry. It became a little bet more challenging for me in the parking lot. As I rode over to the trailhead sign, I noticed some shifting difficulties. As I was starting to diagnose the problem, I noticed the derailleur at a slight angle - went to give it a nudge back into place and the hanger snapped. After a few minutes of wrenching - I was riding a single speed for the afternoon. The trail was a hoot - not too technical, lots of rollers and then we got to the Virgin River rim. We rode right along it, sometimes as close as a foot from the drop off (probably 100 feet down). It was very cool!! Here are some random photos from the day:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXFf4Qbs4OrM3R7VCk2f__AWkiAh_BtJEg6kv_4bWyHagKwd5KLON56W2KBH0jPMv1TQ9A0lLCbY9ARjEH6A-E2kEmUIQhDl_8S2ZeLwA10VifFrfc0GZaGc_YK6NevzYv2d3/s1600-h/100_0305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXFf4Qbs4OrM3R7VCk2f__AWkiAh_BtJEg6kv_4bWyHagKwd5KLON56W2KBH0jPMv1TQ9A0lLCbY9ARjEH6A-E2kEmUIQhDl_8S2ZeLwA10VifFrfc0GZaGc_YK6NevzYv2d3/s400/100_0305.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122479537943482690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmUkZ70JW_tsOdZcISb6FNVk4eOYAbweS2-dh0p6a-yOViWt50tiymzR9KLhhepTwWUVSY6c1_IcfkfEXACuRYgQGxqvVm7cgDFVJchwAkhQwtl3jj74-ZRw1EDSHGknIR_Zm/s1600-h/100_0309.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmUkZ70JW_tsOdZcISb6FNVk4eOYAbweS2-dh0p6a-yOViWt50tiymzR9KLhhepTwWUVSY6c1_IcfkfEXACuRYgQGxqvVm7cgDFVJchwAkhQwtl3jj74-ZRw1EDSHGknIR_Zm/s400/100_0309.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122481930240266610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgS0JVF03bM_wpthyphenhyphenieBbQdIVzD_hNKBJyca72WPFMGvnJuq6C_anXyRbYXc2KJgzMcvKZY5DMz2bX37kLdsuvj4EvBzTGsaPc_tO9ioAdSueOOekKoUwMIRj490a_hDjOvj3/s1600-h/100_0311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgS0JVF03bM_wpthyphenhyphenieBbQdIVzD_hNKBJyca72WPFMGvnJuq6C_anXyRbYXc2KJgzMcvKZY5DMz2bX37kLdsuvj4EvBzTGsaPc_tO9ioAdSueOOekKoUwMIRj490a_hDjOvj3/s400/100_0311.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122481616707653986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsptthn8q5D1BWVoxKTtXk_U0ylDYxgOf1k3qvKM61yfX6YYGCQqBQTmF_W-nI21BKvfPKSUI8QAC4rXKc_nBI4P7snoju0GLpwvdCXyzpqCWf7PgDrfansQDqOhVE2KhWC5O0/s1600-h/100_0307.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsptthn8q5D1BWVoxKTtXk_U0ylDYxgOf1k3qvKM61yfX6YYGCQqBQTmF_W-nI21BKvfPKSUI8QAC4rXKc_nBI4P7snoju0GLpwvdCXyzpqCWf7PgDrfansQDqOhVE2KhWC5O0/s400/100_0307.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122482278132617602" /></a><br /><br />If you look carefully at the second to last photo - that is a van at the bottom of the canyon. I think someone forgot to set the parking brake.<br /><br />The lesson for the day: I can overcome my fear of heights if I keep my concentration in the 5-10 foot range. Any more than that and my heart starts to come out of my throat.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-27278301158316953572007-10-11T21:25:00.000-05:002007-10-11T21:44:19.458-05:00Gooseberry MesaThis is a must ride place!! We had no real idea of what to expect, just people telling us that it was a great place to ride. Unfortuantely, I failed to take any photos on the trail and my helmet cam neglected to function once the boundary of the parking lot was passed.<br /><br />Big Joe suiting up for the ride:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgQXcXug_wf9YHJ-GlqRtPP4ydVEiFss376fzWNLt8MUH-KTw12568nR4cmvw7Vfre0Nr6NM83aBrrNlv_NwS2-JzggnALmu8_vxt6zJ6T2UPe44CEJGQrg-wrWYuBcxyVb1l/s1600-h/100_0292.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgQXcXug_wf9YHJ-GlqRtPP4ydVEiFss376fzWNLt8MUH-KTw12568nR4cmvw7Vfre0Nr6NM83aBrrNlv_NwS2-JzggnALmu8_vxt6zJ6T2UPe44CEJGQrg-wrWYuBcxyVb1l/s400/100_0292.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120271555386151122" /></a><br /><br />They said it would be a 3 hour ride, it was just short of that. There was some blood spilled in the group, but not excessive amounts. No broken bones, but a helmet needed to be replaced.<br /><br />Here is a Google Earth view of the mesa:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u19C-URSVN3MuLhoL9wv02UZLGL2KD21tWHJrpBcIL28I2cZv8DxGeaQfvbG1Aq00tamwvsP_Ms4sTWi5MWfj9Gk1Ll_hswty3y_b4lwEFpHvGtEezmYv1MK9pQs0E5w3qYg/s1600-h/Gooseberry+Mesa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0u19C-URSVN3MuLhoL9wv02UZLGL2KD21tWHJrpBcIL28I2cZv8DxGeaQfvbG1Aq00tamwvsP_Ms4sTWi5MWfj9Gk1Ll_hswty3y_b4lwEFpHvGtEezmYv1MK9pQs0E5w3qYg/s400/Gooseberry+Mesa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120274377179664610" /></a><br /><br />It actually appears inverted in this photo due to the layers of Earth. I believe calcium carbonate and iron oxide are the white and red layers respectively. Very cool!! The dropoffs were in the 800 foot range. Riding within a couple of feet of the drops was intimidating but manageable. The most worrisome factor me was actually the wind - it was howling up the face in spots. I can't imagine if it was really windy that I would feel the least bit comfortable.<br /><br />The day ended with a great dinner at the Painted Pony in St. George. Truly wonderful food with only average service.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-58197053264660439422007-10-04T18:57:00.000-05:002007-10-04T19:17:30.203-05:00Off to St. George, UTI went to the show for a couple of hours to meet with Kent. Purpose was to talk about the modifications to the seatpost design for carbon railed seats. Ended up wandering around to show each other what we thought was cool at the show - an absolute hoot!!<br /><br />Had coffee with a friend that I went to college with and then time to leave Sin City.<br /><br />A two hour drive from Sin City is the southern Utah city of St. George. A fast growing community of mostly retirees and Mormons (think Warren Jeffs) among some beautiful mountains near Zion Canyon. We knew it was going to be good when we spotted this sign across from our hotel:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurX8v80Yma2ZnuIUPLmqF6254h1TEbbLWHj555U0AHTaR7nr63bzAe0lWLxBkLiXLgVVJkGfM41jAJbRlj-765uFf1POFvoSr-hoDZal0uVwYU76ZPtSRdDpdyzJJOCGQiCQm/s1600-h/100_0280.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurX8v80Yma2ZnuIUPLmqF6254h1TEbbLWHj555U0AHTaR7nr63bzAe0lWLxBkLiXLgVVJkGfM41jAJbRlj-765uFf1POFvoSr-hoDZal0uVwYU76ZPtSRdDpdyzJJOCGQiCQm/s400/100_0280.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117636094733848722" /></a><br /><br />We decided to pick up the bikes before the shop closed Friday evening. Once there, we decided to go on a short ride on a local trail to shake our legs out. We headed for Bear Claw Poppy trail just outside of town. Once again, GPS and map issues delayed our arrival at the trail, but not too bad. Here are the opening bike adventure photos:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhma-BiW-gMpPGTverJGmhVX805_u7ACTPx8ZxqBsbCNpV7uWBSQc6lQPkTKyqoO2nXIiDysr70QXdm8g_D2WfOT8miFWqfQR1LeMgI3ObcfvguN7gL66yhZMSarNf3ZoXNvNKJ/s1600-h/100_0281.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhma-BiW-gMpPGTverJGmhVX805_u7ACTPx8ZxqBsbCNpV7uWBSQc6lQPkTKyqoO2nXIiDysr70QXdm8g_D2WfOT8miFWqfQR1LeMgI3ObcfvguN7gL66yhZMSarNf3ZoXNvNKJ/s400/100_0281.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117637658101944482" /></a><br /><br />Beginning of the trail system:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kD4AYnOzx5db7a8trsF_SN1aCD2clfR9RwDwgVk6ytHRvJ4MBYiEDgD3da17QEtiZJTEwsY9tMyDh-j6Knhq_Jv21wL8472XUOJNyHGPpdlX5Occp4oWTPaIzq9LPoYzxkH_/s1600-h/100_0285.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1kD4AYnOzx5db7a8trsF_SN1aCD2clfR9RwDwgVk6ytHRvJ4MBYiEDgD3da17QEtiZJTEwsY9tMyDh-j6Knhq_Jv21wL8472XUOJNyHGPpdlX5Occp4oWTPaIzq9LPoYzxkH_/s400/100_0285.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117638053238935730" /></a><br /><br />The sunset as I was getting back to the car:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-5RG6N3p-IMF2H_qBCE0k-ppg_pC_byqJ-qkzT5orUTWvQ6e-nh1fy6Dc15QKi45RT3YzLl5bgf4phcCsBY5kqkgOsym4qUwyygEg1YXh9URMORzziVHP6gVnmvo4Oteubqx/s1600-h/100_0290.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-5RG6N3p-IMF2H_qBCE0k-ppg_pC_byqJ-qkzT5orUTWvQ6e-nh1fy6Dc15QKi45RT3YzLl5bgf4phcCsBY5kqkgOsym4qUwyygEg1YXh9URMORzziVHP6gVnmvo4Oteubqx/s400/100_0290.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117638435491025090" /></a><br /><br />The day ended with dinner at Two Fat Guys Pizza. Not great, but pretty darned good. It was a very good day!askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-63061700150614682362007-10-03T21:17:00.001-05:002007-10-04T18:55:12.080-05:00Day Two in VegasOkay, I know everyone is expecting lots of photos of the show - ain't happening here. Here is my one photo from day two:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9b-lz-aXXHzfBQi2YbwMmUd6FoimK7J6L7E0BLCo040CM6czaIYrkxXBtpc7tz-p7R_vf-2YShb6CTRonWIx-OFLJHRIUgfoyn_zpILUSkEbdMzKaksF91u4e-jIjRHT7IDw/s1600-h/100_0273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9b-lz-aXXHzfBQi2YbwMmUd6FoimK7J6L7E0BLCo040CM6czaIYrkxXBtpc7tz-p7R_vf-2YShb6CTRonWIx-OFLJHRIUgfoyn_zpILUSkEbdMzKaksF91u4e-jIjRHT7IDw/s400/100_0273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117300215406399586" /></a><br /><br />I have no idea why I took it, but there it is.<br /><br />The show was it's usual overwhelming self. Lots to see and do. My only real accomplishment was meeting with Schwalbe about their sponsorship of me for the coming year. Fun and exhausting day. Highlights: Krieg Cycling, Schwalbe, Rol Wheels, Select Cycling, Ergon, Deda, FSA, and others I can no longer remember.<br /><br />4pm was the pool party. More like beer by the pool. Wasn't nearly as eventful as last year. Not a very sunny day, or hot enough. fun nonetheless. We headed to a great restaurant called Pieros at 6 for a 7 o'clock reservation. Purpose was to have a cocktail in the Monkey bar (so named for it's decor). Beginning of the end for one member of our party: "I'll have what he's having". Response: "One is not enough, and two is too many". The affected party did not make it to #2, but also does not remember ordering dinner. We had wine during dinner and capped it off with some grappa.<br /><br />It was off to the crit race. We struggled again finding parking at the race. Mandaly Bay is HUGE! We finally got it done and headed for the race. Two of us made it near the start/finish area and had a good spot by the rail. We ran into Steve and Ron and had a great time. The previously affected party did not make it that far and stopped at the first spot they could find. The race had just started as we got there. It was very fast, of course my perspective is skewed - it wasn't like a cx race or a hundie. Comment from the inebriated member of the group as he watched with his head on the rail - "they're going too fast". There were many crashes and primes on nearly every lap. It was again a loud and rowdy crowd, although no racers picking up currency and beers from the crowd.<br /><br />Jumbo-tron near the start finish line:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuJlnOMj9-qlUOKNtvIb_2hIeQwiq6i1sXpxTHBf9xfltwGgGOa6uFwR3jh8zml8Fb9Hpvmldvim-P1ecZsiKZWNtXiIW3_xG030L-zluC5iw3MwBZKR-bRvARQ345fEmORqg/s1600-h/100_0276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuJlnOMj9-qlUOKNtvIb_2hIeQwiq6i1sXpxTHBf9xfltwGgGOa6uFwR3jh8zml8Fb9Hpvmldvim-P1ecZsiKZWNtXiIW3_xG030L-zluC5iw3MwBZKR-bRvARQ345fEmORqg/s400/100_0276.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117633590767915122" /></a><br /><br />Hard to get a picture of the race, soooo fast:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPiG95AlJo0PLC6LN4wkYCM5i8sLwIS1rnOTOorjPRaBf2CfRDCp7ctWQeeutK_vMYExIozVMq0aTGxlz43w9dRhfI4jPSRwPb9_im8AmmUaxPpX4LgLw9lqbHUluXvhgZIX0/s1600-h/100_0278.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPiG95AlJo0PLC6LN4wkYCM5i8sLwIS1rnOTOorjPRaBf2CfRDCp7ctWQeeutK_vMYExIozVMq0aTGxlz43w9dRhfI4jPSRwPb9_im8AmmUaxPpX4LgLw9lqbHUluXvhgZIX0/s400/100_0278.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117634119048892546" /></a><br /><br /><br />We made it safely back to the Mirage and crashed hard.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-18381666968228657082007-10-03T20:56:00.000-05:002007-10-03T21:13:33.795-05:00Day One in VegasIt started like any other trip out of town. Everything was going smoothly until we got on the plane. The pilot came on and informed us that there was a maintenance problem that would be taken care of in a half an hour. Two hours later, we were informed that a tire had been changed along with the brakes on one of the wheels. I never even felt the plane getting jacked up - pretty amazing that they changed the tire on a 200,000lb machine with 200 people on board and I couldn't even feel it happening. Once the pilot was satisfied, we were off. The problem with this delay was that we were now late to the show. Instead of 5 hours the first day, we were reduced to 2.5 hours.<br /><br />We got to the show and headed in to check out the show. We separated due to different interests and people to see. At the end of the day was Cross Vegas. The plan was to pick up the Eriksen's and head out to the race around 7ish. Even with a GPS unit in the car, we struggled to find there hotel. We finally found them at 7:30 and headed out. We completely missed the women's race (a trend). We found the beer garden and found a good spot at the top of a hill with a 180 degree turn. The race started and boy was it cool!! A front group of 11 formed and they lit it up!! Not that anyone else was particularly slow, but they couldn't bridge up. As the race developed, those further back began to pick up dollar bills and beers from the crowd. It was a loud and rowdy crowd!! Here is a picture of Molly Cameron with bills tucked in his lid and carrying a beer:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHKpgUIf-TGfPXFSxV0rsqD0o1K8VjHzS1Ac-sCbsEthLpiZpgdFD-VJ5sExMCfUWB61ZWDCA52kaVdN1RyO6NtuaXl2YtqRgazMbZwkCSGaCMHak4_eivyxRNlKj5IHRvGYI/s1600-h/100_0271.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHKpgUIf-TGfPXFSxV0rsqD0o1K8VjHzS1Ac-sCbsEthLpiZpgdFD-VJ5sExMCfUWB61ZWDCA52kaVdN1RyO6NtuaXl2YtqRgazMbZwkCSGaCMHak4_eivyxRNlKj5IHRvGYI/s400/100_0271.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117297582591447122" /></a><br /><br />After the race, we headed for sushi. The Osaka Bistro is probably my favorite sushi place ever. We had nine of us and sat at a tatami table. We had a great waiter and basically we told him to just keep bringing whatever the chef was up for, we would let him know when we were done. Great conversation and food ended the evening around 2am.<br /><br />What a great day!!!!askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-12716165890670288742007-09-29T08:04:00.000-05:002007-09-29T08:07:18.496-05:00More to Come!"You are not well"<br /><br />"Floor it"<br /><br />"They're going too fast"<br /><br />"Vegas Drake"<br /><br />Just a few of the quotes for the trip, as soon as I get a cable to upload pics - I will have a complete post. Video included.<br /><br />Good luck to everyone at Bloomer tomorrow!!askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-29590226183684442172007-09-23T19:51:00.000-05:002007-09-23T20:12:04.582-05:00Springfield Oaks CXA beautiful day in the neighborhood to say the least. This is the site of my first ever cx race, so I had to make it back. For all you nostalgia freaks out there, my first cx race was last year. Still new to this gig, so I am still trying to make my own history. Decided to race Masters this time, discovered that B's don't pay and masters do.... I got to the line and since I am new to the Masters group, don't really know the players just yet. Matt Barolli and Joe Brown are really the only ones I can spot so far. At the line, Joe commented that there was a fair amount of out of town talent in the pool, okay by me.<br /><br />The whistle blows and we are off. At the end of the first straight, I was 3rd or 4th wheel. By the time we got to the barriers, I was in front. I held that spot until about 1/2 way into the 2nd lap when I was caught by a guy from North Carolina. I grabbed his wheel and we had a nice gap going. The 2nd time through the barriers we were still tight and through the off camber stuff, until the last up hill. I dropped my chain and he dropped me like a bad habit. I could not catch back on. I just rode my race and maintained 2nd to the end. I had a little help from Adam in the 35's and used his wheel on the bell lap straight away as it appeared as if another guy was making up some ground on me. Turns out he flatted and ended up 5th.<br /><br />Ron took 4th in the 35's and Rachel rode very well for "feeling like she got hit by a car" when she arrived at the venue, taking 7th. A good day for Bicilibre!!<br /><br />Next reports will come from Sin City and Interbike. Should be good!<br /><br />Still need to remember my camera.askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-53558522382844713772007-09-16T20:15:00.000-05:002007-09-16T20:40:55.189-05:001st CX Race of 2007!!Today was the first cx race in the neighborhood. The day started with picking up Rachel and Adam at Rachel's house. I was actually looking forward to the ride, I usually don't have anyone to ride with to the 100 mile races - go figure. The coffee was brewed and we were off. I don't think we were a mile into the ride when Rachel was already asleep in the back - might as well go by myself. Fortunately Adam was awake the whole ride and we had a nice chat.<br /><br />Ithaca is actually not far from where I spent my formative years, so I had limited expectations for what it was going to be like. Turns out, the park was very near the middle of town and was a nice little city park wih an awesome playscape, a sledding hill and what I am pretty sure is a pad to put a skating rink in the winter. <br /><br />We got the registration out of the way and proceeded to do an easy pre-ride before the c race. The course did not seem all that interesting at first blush. There were some odd transitions in some sections, and a particularly odd barrier section through some pine trees. We then saw a bit of the c race and got suited up. Then we jumped into a harder pre-ride/warmup. I managed to bite it at the step section - in warmup. Didn't manage to get out of the cleat - a bit embarassing to say the least. Slight loss of blood, but otherwise okay.<br /><br />B's, Masters 35 and 45, and elite women were going at 11am. I had not idea how I was going to do. I was planning on racing the elite race later as well. The race started and they nearly forgot to get a rope out of our way as we entered the first turn. I had lined up behind Adam with the intention of letting him take the hole shot, it worked like a charm. I was in 3rd spot going into the first turn into the grass. Somehow Adam and the other guy in front of me were led astray by the other guy and I took the inside line and never looked back. I just kept pushing through the first couple of sections to the first barriers. We were still fairly together at that point. I cleared the barriers made the turn downhill and remounted. There was a left hand turn at the bottom - thank goodness I was in front at that point. I could hear the crash behind me. I pushed harder knowing they were in a jam at that point. I just kept pushing and was never in any real trouble from that point on. Technically it was a good race. I got better at my lines each time around and did not falter on any mounts/re-mounts. I managed to beat all the 35 and 45's and most of the B's who had a one minute head start on me.<br /><br />After the race, my right calf became a complete knot and still is. I am pretty sure it is from my stupid crash in warmups. It kept me from toeing the line with the elites - a bit pissed about that, but I will recover with time and therapy.<br /><br />The elite race was fun to watch. Wissink, Weinert and Saari took it to the rest of the field and stayed away. With about two laps to go, the W's put Saari too far into a hole and he never recovered. The W's got into a sprint finish from the stair runup to the finish that was won by Mike. A great finish!<br /><br />Thanks to JB for putting on a great race and bring on the next race!!<br /><br />I have to remember my camera next time!askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36917669.post-51534498460181352782007-08-27T19:46:00.000-05:002007-08-27T19:52:08.453-05:00What a Vacation!My coach gives me the week off. First time in a very long time that those words have come out of his keyboard. Absolutely nothing on the calendar for me last week. Struck me that I had a couple of options: a. Do nothing b. Do anything I wanted. I chose option b and had a nice week of riding just for the fun of it. Mind you, I neglected to take it easy on myself:<br /><br />Monday: 1:30 of easy riding<br />Tuesday: Tuesday Night ride with the MVW - never an easy ride, hammer fest.<br />Wednesday: Easy ride on fixie<br />Thursday: NO RIDING<br />Friday: couple of hours of riding around on the fixie<br />Saturday: Sprint intervals with RS - not so pleasant<br />Sunday: Breakfast ride - similar to Tuesday, only almost 4 hours of riding<br /><br />I think I need a vacation from my vacation. Now on to cx training!!askhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15800568636795570502noreply@blogger.com5