SpeedyChix

Cross Season, Training, Coaching

2010-11-23T17:42:00.000-05:00

2010 season observations while racing CX :
- not training for it doesn't make it hurt more than having trained for it
- riding in the woods chasing deer is not equal to a cross-specific workout
- one is simply slower without training
- run ups are really really slow without the training
- it's still loads and loads of fun
- the season is almost done (it's gone quick)
- the folks who I've worked with as a coach this year are RIPPING IT UP this CX season
- I must write myself a training plan ; )

CX Season is well underway

2010-10-18T17:09:00.000-04:00

It's my favorite time of the cycling season .... Cyclocross!
Doesn't matter how much or how little you've trained, it always feels the same ; )

It's Kale Season (Community Supported Agriculture)

2010-06-29T21:34:00.000-04:00

Greens in Peanut Sauce

This is from the Simply in Season cookbook and an excellent way to use up some CSA kale

In a large skillet, saute in 1 T of oil a chopped onion and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic. If you’d like, you can add a chopped tomato and simmer for 2-4 minutes.
Add 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4t tumeric, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp cloves, and cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Add 1 lb of kale or collards (8 C) and 1/2 C water, steam until greens are soft. Stir occasionally.
Combine 2-3 T chunky peanut butter and 1-2 tsp hot water and add to the greens, stirring and cooking to coat evenly.

Works as a side dish or on its own with some brown rice.

Long time that this blog has been pretty silent

2010-04-07T12:14:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's been a long haul and not much in the way of posting going on here. It's been time to overhaul the look for ages so that part it done. Perhpas now I'll start to post a bit more!

The last year found me facing a major challenge, happy to be here to share that all reports are looking great so far. Here's looking to more of those.

Got in a few CX races last fall, those HURT, but then that's a part of CX. Doing it on no training was an interesting experience. If all goes well, I'll be training this year. Sorting out the what/how/serious or not on the biking front. In any case it's a blast to be back on the bike.

Did an intro to biking clinic for women last month along with Andrea and that was a lot of fun. Hopefully we'll get to do more of those.

CX redefined

2009-09-07T19:26:00.008-04:00

It's been just over eight months since I heard the words that sent most of my plans for this year to another place. Nearly five months away from aerobic activity. Fitness redefined. But the great thing is I'm slowly getting my energy back. Still find myself hitting the wall some days, just run plain out of energy. Over time it'll settle into the new 'normal'. All in all though no complaints. I've been very lucky.

CX season is here and the first races are this week. I'll be out there , love CX too much to miss it. But with only have about ten minutes of 'race' in the tank it'll sure make the rest of each race a real interesting time! Goals for this season are pretty simple: have fun.

If you're looking for a coach to help you reach your goals? I'm taking on new athletes this fall. Expert coaching cert from USA Cycling and working on finishing up the power certification. So not all of my plans and goals for this year had to wait! The coaching business is moving forward.

Fight like Susan

2009-08-06T18:40:00.004-04:00

Many of you follow FatCyclist. For those of you who don't, it's been an incredible journey.
The sharing and community that developed around Susan's battle with cancer was incredible.

Fight the good fight every day.

There is no guarantee you'll see tomorrow and we need to embrace each day and each moment fully.

Laugh often and ride.

Monday No-Drop @ Burchfield

2009-08-03T21:32:00.001-04:00

We had another good group tonight, 15 or so. Had a younger rider so we spit the group up a but to cover both those who could ride farther/faster and the newer riders. Good time. Deer sighting. Did some technique and skills work with the youth rider.

No pics, lots of smiles and fun though!

Thriving beyond cancer

2009-07-12T16:25:00.004-04:00

This cactus is a bit of a metaphor for me this year.
Comes through the winter and is all beaten down. Bits of it missing. There isn't that much to it after being covered in the heavy winter snows. This spring, it looked pretty rough. But that cactus is tough. It is a survivor. Now it has lots of new growth and more blossoms than it's ever had.

Full of life!!!
Thriving.

State CX Race

2008-12-07T20:10:00.005-05:00

Weather was the word for the day.

Loads of snow at Waterford, Robert and crew did a stellar job of making the course a superb one to ride. A few super fast sections mixed in with some that were almost silly slow to remain upright. Thinking the lack of heat kept a few of the regulars away today. Temp got all the way up to 18-19 degrees by the start. Solid NW wind took the windchill into single digits. The sun though came through and was shining on us for the day.

Bicilibre did a fine job representing with Andy taking home the win in the men's 45+ race today. Things came together nicely for me as the season draws to a close. Repeat of last year's place for 2nd in the elite women. Fun day of racing, lots of folks braved to cold to cheer us all on.

Thanks to Kinetic Systems and Tailwind for a stellar job!

Even got to make it to the little guy's 3rd birthday party. Racing CX and playing with the grandson all in one day. Pretty sweet.

CX State Race Tomorrow

2008-12-06T19:57:00.004-05:00

Forecast is more of what this past week has held. Chilly and there's quite the layer of snow down already.

Here's a shot from set up today (pic is by/from here)

Roller Tricks: It's almost that season

2008-12-01T21:55:00.000-05:00

Perhaps given the snow and cold

Get yourself some Cyclocross Magazine

2008-09-09T22:09:00.002-04:00

View my page on Cyclocross Magazine

Visit Cyclocross Magazine

End of the mtb season = start of CX!!!

2008-09-08T21:22:00.000-04:00

What can I say? Okay, I've been missing a LOT in the blogsphere.

My final mtb race of the season was this past weekend. Woke during the night to the sound of rain. Again later. Got up and it was still raining. A quick look at the weather radar indicated I'd be following this weather across the state and racing in rain. Okay, good warm up for the CX season. Training and prep have been delayed as I've continued to struggle with some lower back and hip issues. But, I CAN ride the bike and that is a very happy thing. So it was load up the van and hustle to that race.

Fall is in the air and that means ONE THING! Boyz and Grrrrls it is time for cyclocross. Break out the cowbells and get those tubulars glued on!

Matt shot a bunch of video from the Stony race and put this together.

Been biking, not posting...

2008-07-07T21:40:00.004-04:00

Have to say that I've been having much fun and just don't seem to get to the blog. Do you really care what I've been up to? Heck...you're all off having a good time too.

Quick summary of the spring
Marin, CA: had a great opportunity to go to Adnan's PCG camp. Awesome experience. Stellar riding, scenery and food.

Bedford, VA: what has become an annual training trek. Good for the baseline each season.

Cohutta 100: kicked off what has been a wet race season. Awesome race, fun times, endless climbing. Final twenty miles are so much fun!

Mohican 100: ended up doing the 100k. This was a training race and the way things were going, taking the shorter route seemed to be the best thing. Rare that I listen to reason in the midst of a race.

Brighton XC was in there somewhere. Legs still tired from the prior weekend, lower back normally chills out on the bike. This day....it was two hours before it finally got quiet. Race was still a bunch of fun.

Lumberjack 100: Awesome! Everything came together for this one. It all worked great. The Eriksen 29er hardtail is the bike of choice for this course. The pit crew was perfect, the trail...well there were those bog sections after all the rain. But the rest of it rocked. Even some appropriate CX 'barrier' work in there. Feeding went good until the final 90 minutes of the day. Glad the race was nearing the end there. Good folks on the trail. Mixed it up with a bunch of folk. Had crazy luck at the awards that evening too.

Since then? Taking my 'winter' break. Not riding much, kayaking some and riding easy. Soon it'll be back to "work" training. Maybe a couple XC races to keep me motivated, A couple long CX events after summer and then a late start on regular CX. Looking forward to it.

Summer is here....even if wet and loaded with mosquitoes. Get out and ride!

Meanwhile, check back. I'll get some pics added to this post.

What makes a great day on the bike?

2008-06-22T18:57:00.001-04:00

Being on the bike makes most any day a good day.

What's it take for a great day?

Everything comes together. I get on the bike and nothing aches. In the middle of the ride the legs don't feel the effort, the breathing seems easy. The focus stays completely in the moment with all senses engaged. No wandering off thinking about the to do list. Carving, sweeping, dropping in, rising up, perfect balance. Flow.

Happy Mudder's Day

2008-05-11T19:09:00.001-04:00

Happy mudder's day to all of you.

More posting later. I've been crazy busy but have gotten in some fun stuff the past two months.

Thanks to you who've posted comments. I will get back to you.

Women in Cycling History

2008-03-08T11:55:00.004-05:00

Alfonsina Morini Strada was the only woman ever to participate in the Giro d'Italia along with all the guys. The year: 1924. Alfonsina was as high as 41st place in the GC, in a race where the shortest stage was 250 km. Roads were unpaved, no cushy team support vehicles for the riders so they had to do their own repairs and take care of themselves.

A crash caused her to arrive outside the time limit on one stage so she was officially out of the race. But she was bringing so much attention to the race, that the officials allowed her (and some of the guys as well) to continue. She completed the Giro 38 hours back of first. Still, she made it. Many had abandoned during the race.

A more detailed history and other cool cycling history can be found at this blog.

A more recent standout in cycling history, Audrey McElmury, was the first US female to win the World Road Championships (Aug. 1969). A more complete listing of accomplishments of this Cycling Hall of Famer can be read here. There's also a nice "At the Back" article about her in the March 10 ('08) issue of VeloNews.

Nice bit of cycling history (since I'm tired of reading about the UCI/ASO/Pro Team arguments).

A week of inside

2008-03-08T11:46:00.003-05:00

There were a couple of sweet days out there but working the regular kinda day job doesn't often allow me to get outside during the week. I'd told myself that I was going to ride outside today regardless. Morning came, no fresh snow. Fifteen degrees, windy and overcast. The kind of day I'd head to the woods with the mtb but there is still too much snow out there. Just not the kind of day I'm ready to log long hours on the open road. At least, not right now given the past couple weeks of fighting off the winter crud. So......off to the basement for another stellar installment of quality trainer time. DONE. Good stretch of time. Knowing that I'll soon be riding outside is adding motivation to the rides.

Riding Outside

2008-03-03T21:37:00.008-05:00

So what's the big deal? In a word: change. it was quite nice to get outside and ride some naturally varied terrain with headwinds, some sloppy pavement, hills. Bit of a change from the trainer rides of late. Though I've really enjoyed having enough winter to XC ski in. Just finding myself more and more ready for winter to head out for the year.

Knew that it wouldn't all be snow-covered roads and even this one wasn't too bad early in the day. This pic also proof that the sun does shine here (this pic is for you 'Mr. now I live in always sunny Colorado').

Though some of the views were a bit non-varied. In this sea of overcast white, there is a small out building with a flight windsock. Just reinforced that the wind was coming into my face a lot faster than the weather report had suggested it would be. Not a problem, made for a nice quick ride back.

Every ride is a good ride. Get out and ride your bike! Or run, ski, whatever it is you do. Make the most of it.

Mud up! Looking back Looking forward

2008-02-26T21:10:00.003-05:00

Since winter is hanging on and most of the training is inside (just say ice and snow) might as well watch some action from last December. Schedule is up for next year!!

Frostbite and Whiteouts

2008-02-11T12:26:00.000-05:00

What a great weekend of XC skiing. Though Sunday might be the coldest I've been out in. Was -4 degrees (F) when we left the trail head. Winds were steady at 20 mph with gusts. The trail we were on is mostly sheltered so the wind was only a nasty factor for short periods of time. Though windchill of -25 or so doesn't take long for it to be a factor. Even managed to overdress by a layer.

Fresh coyote tracks, a ruffled grouse taking off, opening up the drifted ski tracks. A fun time out there.

The drive was something else with the fresh snow in the wind creating near total whiteouts at times.

Ready to go again!

50 v.2 Making any sense?

2008-02-09T12:24:00.000-05:00

For those of you following along at home....
Next 50 are shiny and bright.

Fifty Years of Birthdays

2008-02-04T20:57:00.000-05:00

Pretty cool...

Winter or not?

2008-02-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

The climate is made up of “weather”; whether it is nice out depends on whether it is raining or not. Well, it's raining. Seems the snow we had that was great for XC skiing is now being rained on.

Check this site out for more word fun.

Winter Riding: 50, 34 and 9 degrees??!!!

2008-01-20T19:41:00.000-05:00

Weekend? Check
Winter? Check
Ride inside? No way.

January has sure been mixed weather. So even if it hasn't been enough snow to XC ski on, the biking has been happening.

Two weeks ago I spent Saturday inside on the trainer, pyramids and more. So I really wanted to get outside for the long ride Sunday. LJ and Ti Addiction joined in for the ride. We drove to the south until we were out of the thick fog caused by the warm temps with a foot of snow on the ground. It was about 50 degrees, raining some but we were outside. Those are some REAL flat roads but good to ride.

Last weekend Saturday was sunny, a couple degrees above freezing and dry roads. LJ and I rolled a few hours on the road. Nice day. Sunday would be more of the same, only on trail, right? Plan was to meet up with a bunch of folks for some mtb riding. Turned out to be a 'stupid fun' outing. Seems that the sunshine I left at home was the last I'd see that day. On the drive over it was into rain, then slush, then snow-covered roads. Thick, wet, heavy snow and 34 degrees. Fender? At home. Oh well, I was there and I was going to ride. It was near instant wet butt. A couple inches of slush on the trail made for a fun time, if wet and chilly (or is that silly?). Lots of fun for a couple hours.

This weekend has the state chillin' in single digits. Not to be stuck inside on the trainer for a long stretch until I'm forced there, I headed to the woods for two hours of playtime. Light blanket of snow, mostly frozen track. Made a new set of tracks in the snow and did a couple loops. Had a tire that decided it didn't need to hold air so I took that to be my sign to call it day. Sun was over the horizon and the temps were dropping farther down in the single digits and the batteries in my heated gloves were about done. Another great winter ride!

So don't be hiding inside, layer up and head out!

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T19:00:00.001-05:00

I'll get around to posting about CX Nats and stuff since, but for now:
Happy New Year to all of you.

Blogging?

2007-12-20T20:06:00.000-05:00

Should I resolve to be a better blogger? To post a bit more often?
How often should one update a blog?
What kind of things do you find interesting to read about?

Let me know what you think.

In the meantime, when I again have better connection...I'll post up a bit more about Nats.
Maybe a bit of year end reflection?

If the blog continues....it is overdue for a facelift.

Kansas City CX Nationals (KCCX)

2007-12-15T23:31:00.001-05:00

Photos courtesy Andrea Tucker

Weather has been something else for this year's National race. Each day has had its very own character. Friday was mud over icy ruts after the a.m. races have mostly icy ruts. Sunday looks to be most like Saturday: icy and cold, maybe another dusting of fresh snow.

Friday was the race I've really trained for since Iron Cross. That's when I decided I'd do the rest of the CX season and aim for a trip to Nats.

The weather has made the course a bit more demanding as it was superbly muddy. Slick. Not a fast power course but much more a technical finesse course. A very good day at the races. Made the bronze podium step!

Maybe more later, connections are hard to come by with all the racers here. But then again...I'm slow on the blog front. Didn't ever get to posting the snowy KissCross / Holland race. That was fun too.

State USCF CX Race

2007-12-04T21:49:00.000-05:00

Weather forecast: perfect for CX racing! It's been super nice all season so it's finally bringing some appropriate CX weather.

Result:

Early in the race:

Result:

Super course, absolute blast of a race. The snow, mud, fog, goo and all of our intensity made for one exciting race. Thanks to everyone, including all of you who raced and all of you who cheered us each on. More cowbell.

Photo thanks and credits to Steve and Matt

CX: Does it get any better than this?

2007-11-26T20:35:00.000-05:00

Sunday? Must be time for some CX!!! Time to make good use of an opportunity to do a pair of races in large fields. Off to GR for some KissCross, yes, the home of racing for beer. Founders mind you.

What a blast. The course: Start, hard right around the pool house switching from pave/brick to dirt to grass, around some fenced area, 180 degree around a tree (and its roots) directly into the first pair of barriers. Some flat twisting grass stuff and bam: in the face wind on a long pavement section, hook left onto some two track, a bit of mud and water, some singletrack, a couple of nice patches of sand, grass, fast stuff, then the climbing. A nice little bump (Danielle, is that where I almost put you in the stairs? It's all a blur), gradual rise to take the edge off ya, a 90 around a tree and that's that where three (or was it nine) logs to run over and then run to the 'top' (read fake flat) to remount only to have the final climb left. Over the top, off the back side with a 90 left around loads of roots on to the whoop of the course: off camber and downhill to the next ride em cowboy 90 off camber, up hill, downhill off camber turn one final sweeper and haul butt baby and charge for the pines. Take those too tight and it's a face full o' limb but what a line! This section ruled. A couple of quick turns and right at the pond on the slick stuff (glad it wasn't real wet) and ground hog field to the final choppy sidewalk, one last set of barriers in the sand. A fine uneven section of broken pavement and dirt to remount on and a short sprint for the line.

B Race: there were 50-60 of us. Super cool. Had a good starting spot and got a pretty good start. Loads of riders and lots of fun ensued. It was over all too soon. I was 14 or 15th. Cool. Second gal (Danielle was up ahead).

Nikki from the Huntington Challenge came up for the race. She's been bit by the CX bug. Andrea and Chris from Lansing. A couple other new faces. Shivering. Glad to line up for the second feature.

A Race: Took a spot that I thought we be near the back of that group. Turned out to be three-quarters back or so. Ended up being about right. More madness ensued. I remember thinking that the first five laps of this race didn't take much longer than the original five. Otherwise it was mostly a blur. The off camber section was shaping up nicely and the two tree 'wraps' were getting darn near 'flowie' by then. I was in the low 3os for a finishing spot. But the real deal was having done a pair of these in a day. Wow. Danielle was great company to have out there for the rinse/repeat too. Don't know if any of the guys did a double.

Overall great day. Super course. Huge incentive to make sure you grabbed a wheel before the wind/pave section. Making time on the singletrack and sand. Sweetness.

Just a few short weeks of CX season left.

Thanksgiving and into the weekend

2007-11-24T18:27:00.000-05:00

Those of you who know me understand the whole just add trees thing and mountain biking. This year has been so much better.

Thursday we had a bit of snow and it was like winter wonderland out in the woods. Coming out of a wooded section to be eye level with a field of frost and mist? Awesome. Another section of trail littered with wild turkey (I'm sure they were happy to be alive). Saturday went back for more. Did a couple hours on the mtb and then back out for some tune up on the CX bike. Great times

Just add trees

2007-11-20T21:03:00.001-05:00

CX Season: The best time of year

2007-11-05T22:09:00.000-05:00

Been bad about posting, writing about racing, etc. I've missed the CX season most of '05 and all of '06. Suffice it to say: I'm REALLY enjoying being out there racing again. Fun. Added in the mix is the fields are larger which makes the racing even more fun. Vets Park was a dbl. event weekend.

Sunday was even livelier with a keg of beer. Located near the run up, the "lubed" spectators provided the healthiest cheers for Battista as he took a beer per lap! Add cowbells, dogs, and some trombones, it was a blast.

Photo from Sunday's race is courtesy of Matt McCluskey.

Fun with Iron

2007-10-22T20:45:00.000-04:00

This is great, check it out.
It's Liz Schleeper's fun with Iron Cross

More Views of Iron Cross

2007-10-19T09:20:00.001-04:00

Iron Cross V

2007-10-17T22:35:00.001-04:00

Perfect weather and the course conditions were awesome. What a great day. This was my third time racing here and far and away the best set of conditions.

After almost missing the start of my last CX race I wasn't going to manage to do that for this one. The group that organizes and puts on this event do a super job. They really want to make it a great event. We asked if the women could have a separate start with a good time gap off from the men's fields. Done deal. It was great. Made the opening trip around the CX course the most fun it has ever been. Left that section of the course in the front trio. Stayed there for most of the lower section of the long climb before my traditional slide back into the field got started.

Mixed it up with the TriPower gals, Liz and Carol as well as one of the YBR riders off and on. Separated a bit and then rejoined Carol after WigWam (powerline hike). On the fly down the fast road Carol wisely stopped to check out what she thought was the turn. Um...it was. I was down the road a mile in a hurry only to have to climb back up. My fault as the course was really marked the best it ever has been. Had to get my head 'settled' after that 'tactical' error.

Powered up the seemingly endless climb after CP3 and very thankful I'd swapped out my drivetrain for some lower gears. Paula had a dark patch of riding in here and walked a bit. After the nastiest of the gravel 'road' descents it was blast by CP4 and into the singletrack again. Pushed on to try to make up more lost time in here. Ended up riding with a group, cleaning most all the track in this section. One more short hike and it was upward toward the gravel road that would soon hit the fast pavement.

Frustrated that I was here with all these riders rather than slightly up ahead (due to my course extension) I was determined to make a break for it. One by one each rider started to get off and walk. One rider remained ahead of me. She was slowing on this singletrack hill. I encouraged her to stick with it (as well as wanting to let her know I was right on her wheel). She dabbed just a few seconds later. I veered left to avoid her, over a small log, and back on up the rest of this track. Onto the gravel. It was time to motor with what was left.

Soon it was the turn onto pavement and a super downhill run. 40+ mph a left at the T-intersection. This left two large rollers and one small between me and the finishing circuit of the CX course.

As I blasted up the drive into the Y, Josh from DC was there, having finished just a few minutes earlier. It was almost too much fun to go through the 'death spiral' one final time to get to the finishing set of barriers. As I came off the bike to run them my legs cramped and I almost ended up ON the barriers rather than going over them. A quick turn of the legs and it was over the barriers and the finish line. What a great way to spend a day.

It was super, I took huge amounts of time off my last race there and slotted in tenth for the day. Paula came in just a few more minutes. Jason....well, he was hurting a bit and rolled in a bit later. Danielle had super race as well. The terrain is great, scenery beautiful and the folks at the event are superb.

Excellent fall day, lots of fun and a very well run and supported event. It's a ride/race you need to put on your calendar for next year.

Iron Cross

2007-10-13T08:43:00.000-04:00

Weather is shaping up to be super this weekend. The PA turnpike was 80% under construction but traffic still flowed. I'll be enjoying the race course tomorrow so much more.

Today is the CX mini relay with Danielle and Paula.

Looking forward to a fun weekend.

What's coming up

2007-10-09T23:33:00.001-04:00

Here are a couple shots that Mr. Kisscross took in 2004 when we were at Iron Cross. It's gonna be fun!!!

Drivetrain

2007-10-08T23:45:00.001-04:00

Ever have one of those wrenching sessions where it seems you're doing everything twice and the end result isn't 100%? Just had one. Simple enough, set up the CX 9-spd, wide range rear, der. swap. Ended up having to replace both cables from the shifter, cut the chain too short in the event I have a mental lapse and cross chain, shifting just isn't as crisp as I like it. It's just a bit noisy and not quite as quick on the shifts as I like. Okay, so I am spoiled by 10-spd, less to do with that than the short reach/small hand levers on 'em. Dislike making major changes like this the week before a long race but didn't want to mess with a fine running bike before yesterday's race.

Here's to it coming together this week.

Riding Racing Riding Racing

2007-10-08T19:12:00.000-04:00

Ah, fall has come. That means it's cyclocross time.
I'm finally out racing again. Very glad to be back at it.

This past month has been a super fun two-day race in the rural burgs outside of Ft. Wayne. A pair of 70 milers. Nice mix of road, gravel and mtb trails. A few water crossings and what seemed like miles of barrier tape strewn through a half dozen county parks. Super fun race.

The other weekend was a local race. We rarely have those so it was a treat to catch the Kisscross race at Adado Park. I did a loop of the local mtb trail, biked into town, did the CX race, more road time and finished up the day with more trail time. Getting ready for the trip to Iron Cross. Danielle and Paula are both going. Get to see some other folks I've not seen for a few years on this trip too.

Yesterday was an eastside USCF CX race, Stony Creek. Insane heat for CX. NOT very CX-like at over 90 degrees.
Danielle came along for the race too. Nice to have company for the trek over to the race and back. Paula stopped by to watch and help drink the Bells Oberon that made this CX race complete. So maybe the heat wasn't so bad after all? Taking third made for a great start.

Borrowed Content & Inspiration

2007-08-22T20:10:00.000-04:00

Today's inspiration comes from none other than the author of Frazz

Some people train so they can race; I race so I can train, so the all-important workout doesn't get shoved to the back burner so easily. Nothing inspires like knowing you're going to get your butt kicked in the next race if you don't train. The fact that I get my butt kicked anyway is completely beside the point.

-Jef Mallett, a former bike racer and current triathlete and cartoonist. His strip, "Frazz," appears in 150 newspapers across America.

This inspiration is all the more key right now as training time has gotten run over by work. That which makes the biking possible. At least the work stuff ought to clear out a bit faster than the broken bones of the past two years!

The pic from this CX blogger

Slammed

2007-08-20T20:09:00.000-04:00

Been working loads. Trying to get in a bit of riding.
Meanwhile check out what I have been seeing a lot of days on my way to work. Rarely get Sandhill cranes around here. Very cool.

Iron Cross Plus

2007-07-30T22:29:00.000-04:00

This remind anyone of a climb in an early edition of Iron Cross?

See more vintage CX history here. Now that's cyclocross! No tame city park riding.

Specialized Shoes

2007-07-28T22:25:00.001-04:00

Liked the road version so much that I picked up a pair of the carbon mtb shoes. They got a really nice test at the Lumberjack. SWEET. If you're looking for a roomy toe box (height) w/o excess width these are super.

Deer in the woods

2007-07-28T22:20:00.000-04:00

So I've been a tad lame about blogging. Back into that mode of thinking about dumping this thing.

Tour: I've never watched or read so little about it in years. The last few stages though have drawn me back in a bit. The TT today was good.

Been riding in the woods a lot of late, fun. Been so dry the trails are hard pack and fast. Almost hit a deer out there yesterday.

CX season is sneaking up fast.

Lumberjack 100: Badger rolls with me to 9th

2007-06-24T15:06:00.000-04:00

The race for me has to have been the single hardest ride I've ever done. And yet, it left me feeling really good. Having met my major goal (making the distance) and one of my minor goals at the race was a huge plus. Finishing 9th (and had I been paying attention it would have been 8th) was a super bonus. In some ways I think making it to the event and completing it this year meant more to me than it could have in prior years. It was a great day and a lot of the Badger and Founders Ale crew were there. Rick Plite : Mr. Kisscross once again organized a stellar race. He does a super job. He's already getting the CX series lined up. Dennis was my stellar pit crew. Kept me fed and cleaned up each lap. Was ready with the ice water for the head each time through too.

One Liners:
- Solo sub six road century on Tuesday and then the Lumberjack ultra Saturday
- Chris Eatough/Trek: rolls through finishing three laps not too long after I've finished two. He's an animal at 6:49 for the race. Danielle Musto/Slingshot at 8:47 for the women!
- I must have a sign on my butt that reads "draft me" based on how many guy's took a long draft
- 65% completion rate for all riders
- One blister from shifting so much for so long
- Triceps that I hope become strong in relation to the degree of ache during and after the race...BUMPY day and one slightly sticky fork.
- Sit bones that are a bit sore. The Badger 29er did a great job taking the sting out of it
- Longest I've ever spent on the bike in one day, let alone a mountain bike

The bike was just a bit dirtier than me when it was over.

One very cool experience. I think I'll have to do another one of these.

Syd (Badger) took 4th including almost a 30 minute time out after leading into the pits after her second lap. Lack of fluids got to her. She rallied back and hauled to make a great finish. Sydney has been tearing it up both on road and off. She should be flying by CX season.

Paula (Founders) railed on the SS. She's been doing a bunch of the 100s and it shows.

Badger / Cannondale Caffeine 29er head to head

2007-06-08T21:36:00.001-04:00

Last week the Cannondale demo truck was working its way through the state. The ever welcoming and cheery Jason E. was manning the truck. I'd popped over to the trail and ended up taking Jeff B. on his maiden Burchfield loop. He selected a Rush for his tester and I took out C-Dale's 29er offering. Have to say that Lefty fork is sweet. The demo bikes have WIDE bars on them so that made things a bit unusual for me in the handling department. Shod with Nanos this bike flew. I rode the rock garden and more. It is a very nice riding bike. I was quite impressed. This rode and handled lighter than it lifted. The front end was easily brought up over things and the rear stayed hooked up.

Next loop it was back onto the Badger. This bike has a slightly shorter wheelbase (matches my 26" bike) and higher bottom bracket. These are nice advantages on a trail like Burchfield with its tight/twisty sections and logs. The Cannondale rolled that stuff wonderfully but I had to watch for catching the chain ring.

My body position is also better on the Badger (better weight distribution) and I'm more comfortable on it. Part spec is better too. The C-Dale 29er is an able ride in want of a couple of upgrades. But at the price point is one fine ride, a custom frame alone can surpass the cost of the trail-ready Cannondale. If I was shopping for my first 29er today, they'd get serious consideration. The ride of it was much nicer for me than the GF29er.

Thanks to Cannondale, Jason E. and Jeff B. for a fun ride. Props to Rob Pennell/Badger for the fine frameset he built me.

Next up; FS 29er review or Lumberjack 100 report. Check back!

MTB Riding and Racing Again

2007-05-29T00:15:00.001-04:00

Yes, I'm back on dirt. Been missing it. The confidence is starting to return and I've been putting in more miles off road than on. I like to 'escape' to the woods, it is quieter there. Road is fun but there are just days I want to be on the trail.

A XC race a few weeks back and last weekend was a mtb stage race. Super fun. The Badger is one smooth riding frame and the big wheels sure add to that.

Big thanks to Steve Balogh for the pic

Vintage Ride Anyone?

2007-05-17T21:52:00.000-04:00

My first mtb...
classic lugged steel
clean
one long wheeelbase

Pro Cycling: When did it get so ugly?

2007-05-17T21:12:00.000-04:00

Seems this is the face of Pro cycling today. I've lost most of my interest in following the Giro. Not like cycling is spanky clean. It has it's history...but the past decade?

This IS a true face of cycling.
Greg LeMond. My earliest inspiration to ride.
A poster of this race scene hangs in the basement/workout room. Those hours on the trainer in the winter...it keeps me going.

Here are today's real racers

Brilliant Traffic Engineering

2007-05-05T07:54:00.000-04:00

This one comes from the UK.
"One of the most important factors in maintaining a cycle-friendly environment is to control vehicle speeds. Derbyshire County Council were so concerned about the excesive speeds reached by cyclists riding uphill ... that they introduced these novel cycle lane speed humps. Initially, there was a concern that speeding cyclists might simply ride on the road to avoid the humps... the scheme has been effective in keeping the mean speed of cyclists below 20mph."

You can find more of this unfortunate cycle route planning 'humor' here.

Comfy Road Shoes / Specialized Body Geometry

2007-04-29T22:54:00.000-04:00

Having worn Sidi shoes for years I decided it was time to check out Specialized's Pro Carbon road shoe for women. These have proved to be super comfortable and fit great. Toe box is roomy but not overly so if you have narrower feet. They have all the Body Geometry ergonomics and carbon soles. The ratcheting strap has a screw that allows you to move the strap closer to your ankle or toe (three settings). Easy to do. Helps dial in the fit. The usual ratchet strap and two additional Velcro ones get the job done. The uppers breathe and are supple, durable (so far) and light. You can tune the fit more via Specialized's series of insoles.

These get a check em out rating if you're shopping shoes. Another big plus, in the carbon sole shoe range, they cost a lot less than the others.

Hard to Imagine

2007-04-12T20:18:00.000-04:00

Just last week....riding in this beauty.
The snow and tenacious winter here has lost its welcome.
Ready for spring to come back.

One sweet ride!

2007-03-30T22:20:00.001-04:00

This is the sweetest riding road frame I've ever been on.

It's going to be a hard daily choice what to ride: road or 29er. For the next week it'll be LOADS of road. Blue Ridge Mtns.

Where can you find that concrete turkey: on the road to Arrivaca (sw of Tucson, AZ).

Concrete critters

2007-03-15T19:22:00.000-04:00

In keeping with past posts from bike-related travels I've yet another roadside 'animal' for your viewing pleasure. I'd offer a prize for the first person to identify where this bird lives but not sure yet what that prize might be. But don't let that stop you from guessing.

Speaking of simplify...

2007-02-25T21:46:00.001-05:00

Been thinking yet again of stopping this blog thing. Maybe at some point moving it over to a small web site or not. There is sort of a community thing, the circle of bloggers you keep up with via reading the blog vs email or phone. But it all takes time.

The sands of time ignite urge simplify?

2007-02-25T20:17:00.001-05:00

I've been on a real 'cleaning' bent....getting rid of things, giving some things away, moving out lots of bike parts that oh, sort of collected (bike stuff, a real favorite). This gem is on its way to a new home in Seattle.

Just seem to be on an early modified spring cleaning bent. Not totally sure about the origin of it. Maybe a bit of mental release. I'm still slowly realizing that is was ten years ago that the whole gradually accelerating parent care thing started. I guess when the grains of sand drop on you one by one you don't notice how deep they've gotten around you. A couple weeks back I felt better when I woke up than I had in over two years. It was startling to me. So here's to a fresh new year! I'm ready for spring.

Staying Cold

2007-02-05T22:03:00.000-05:00

Winter deep freeze. Some of the drivers were real impatient to get on
the road this a.m. so their windows were all frosty. I'm going to
assume that's why I was faced with a car going the wrong way on a one
way today while heading to work. It'd be a bit late for someone to be
heading home from the bar.

Zanier Heated Gloves do the job.

2007-02-04T20:38:00.000-05:00

Been working, training and not much time to blogging. Sleep has been scarce too.

I have had the chance to really make use of my super cool (er hot) Zanier gloves. This was the warmest gift I've ever received. If the weather doesn't turn I may start wearing them around the house too.

The gloves have rechargable NiMH batteries. The three heat settings provide 86 degree heat for 10 hours, 98.6 degree heat for 4.5 hours and 131 degree heat for 2 hours.

In the past I've used lobster mitts and charcoal packs, more liners and still ending up with funny colored numb digits. These heated gloves have been really nice for long road rides when the windchill was 15deg. or XC skiing in our recent weather.

If you have from Raynaud's Syndrome these are a super help too.

Stay warm!

Winter arrives

2007-01-15T19:52:00.000-05:00

No real news for most of you...winter has shown up all icy too. This past weekend was a bit of a travel and some winter trail hikes. Chillin' and getting ready to ramp back up.

Signed up for Syllamo's Revenge. Maybe turn it into a bit of travel/trail week.

Sweet Riding & a Poll on Why Blog?

2007-01-07T21:07:00.000-05:00

Wow, nice to be doing three hour rides outside here in January! LJ came this way and we hooked up with E-man, a couple of collegiate racers and tri racer. Good pack and plenty o' pain for the day. Overcast skies much of the ride, 38 deg and wind that shifted around to be in our face a lot today...but it was dry. We finished up before the snow came today. Is winter really going to show up? Looked more like Christmas today.

Polling: Why do you blog?
Speak up about the whats-n-whys of your blogging.

Riding in an Awesome New Year

2007-01-04T22:02:00.000-05:00

What have I been up to besides WAAAAY too much computer updating at work?
Another winter ride without snow and just a little bit of rain. The wind? Well it sure what sweet on the return. The ride was with these two:

Check it out here

Ignore the hobbit in the pics...

Waiting

2006-12-28T21:39:00.000-05:00

Hard to be patient...anxious to see/build/ride the BadgerCX. Been spinning the 29er some but mostly on the pavement these days. With rain, high river and these unseasonably warm temps not much local trail riding.

Holiday food has been dangerous.

Wild Weather

2006-12-22T20:05:00.000-05:00

Just over a week ago, same evening: near sunset there's a rainbow. Later the same night? Northern Lights. Very cool. Road trip between.

Warmer than crazy this week. Not to loose out on the great opportunity it was a nice long road ride Sunday. Another three hour trek. Sweet. Don't get low 40s and some sun this time of year.

Given the weekend schedule I may end up doing some epic trainer rides this weekend.

The other night, the trainer episode was broken up by watching Offroad to Athens. If you haven't seen it, good soundtrack makes it even better.

Tagged

2006-12-22T17:11:00.000-05:00

I've needed to take care of my 'tag' for a couple weeks.
Here goes:
1. Three other majors along the way: Engineering, Landscape Architecture, & Industrial Design. Attended three colleges/universities while at those majors
2. Cycling is my first 'real' sport
3. Debeaked chickens (long before college)
4. Pale & Amber Ale's are a real favorite
5. In a seeming minority who like black jelly beans and ginger (not together)
6. Tooled leather for over a decade

I'll be reaching out to tag a half dozen.

Good weekend of riding

2006-12-11T21:46:00.000-05:00

Almost temp extremes this weekend. Yesterday was a high of about 25 and 15mph winds. Making it low teens for wind chill. The route: flat and windy. Open fields. Good long ride.

Today the temps were up to 40, sun made a repeat visit. Winds too. Took a route that was more sheltered. It certainly was nice out riding today. Got in six hours between the two days. Legs are a bit tired. LJ came up for a ride today, my tired legs slowed her but it was a nice day to be out.

2007 Started this week

2006-12-08T21:50:00.000-05:00

That's right, you don't need to go look at your calendar, I know it is still 2006 on there. But as far as how this past year went for me...I'm putting it behind me. Did the State CX final race last weekend. Why? Not because I was all trained for it (let alone in shape for an hour of hard riding). It had a whole lot more to do with finishing up a pretty rough year AND giving me a fitness check / motivation to start working on 2007.

It would give me a way to look ahead, a physical marking point. What better way then to go to a cross race? Lots of people there I hadn't seen in a long time, people cheering for you and encouraging you no matter how you're doing. Plus, when you're riding that hard you aren't able to think about anything else. Sweet!

Raptors

2006-12-08T17:05:00.000-05:00

Big weekend for raptors around the house.

This cool fella spent 45 minutes hanging out here. Normally he'll make quick visits but this day maybe he thought the song birds would forget he was there and come to the feeders anyway. Sharp shinned hawk. Neat.

Here's one that isn't so neat. While I was off to the CX race, D-man was riding his mtb at the local trail. Thought he heard the chain slapping the stay...seems it was the ti giving way. He came out of it really lucky since he was going pretty slow up a grade. Sure shook up his riding companion, a friend of ours who was out on just his second mtb ride.

!2 Days of Christmas Remade

2006-12-07T22:39:00.000-05:00

LJ has been doing a big renovation on the bathroom in her new digs. Started out simple enough when she found a couple of bad boards in the bathroom floor. It turned into a full-fleged reno when she picked up a whirlpool tub at the discount shop. She recently sent this over and it seems appropriate in this season to share it.

12--Runs of Romex
11--Feet of plastic
10--Marble tiles
9--Feet of ducting
8--sheets of plywood
7--Screwdrivers laying
6--sheets of drywall
5--Sq ft of mosaic tile
4--feet of heating mat
3--2x6's
2--Lighting fixtures
And a giant bathtub out the living room at last in the bathroom!!!

Thinking about a move

2006-11-28T21:52:00.000-05:00

Looking at taking the blog to Wordpress
Any of you used it?

Also thinking about stopping the blog.

Time will tell. Have a couple of reviews I've been going to post.
Just seem short on time to do it up right.

Biked this past Sunday. Took a break from things and as LJ said, put down a bout of anger-gy! Working through a few grief and loss issues.

YourMTB.com

2006-11-28T21:48:00.000-05:00

Take a trip on over to this site and see what you think.

Training Tunes?

2006-11-14T20:56:00.000-05:00

What is the favorite play list for some of you? It's about that time of year where more of the training happens inside than out. Looking for some suggested tunes to load up.

Road with the SpeedyChix

2006-11-13T21:01:00.000-05:00

Time for some "off season"easy rides right? Hooked up with LJ and Alicia for a fun ride. T1 was doing some home improvement assistance for LJ so he came out too on his little wheel SS (complete with SRM).

We consume coffee, laugh and finally get around to prepare for the ride. Another fine overcast uniformly 38deg day. Ahh, the shoulder of winter. Hey...little wind and no rain? It's great to be out there.

Start is a bit brisk for my CX tired legs. I'm lagging with Alicia (who's already been out once this day). So she made me feel really good by letting me give her a tiny push on a couple of bumps in the road. Lots of laughter, a couple of deer hanging out in the road, and just a hint of sun as we finished up the day.

Oh...and LJ did NOT dissapoint on the route selection. A bit of gravel + a hike a bike section. My kinda ride!

Playing in the mud again!

2006-11-11T20:16:00.000-05:00

What a fabulous weekend. Decided it was time to give it a try. Kisscross racing was at Manhattan Park. True to form, it rained heavily in the days leading up to this race. The result? MUD and lots of it.

I really didn't know what to expect from myself having not done any intensity for months. So I lined up at the back of the field. Geez, didn't take long to see the folly of that. Oh well, I was really happy to be there and had a smile all the way across my face for the entire time. I've missed this a bunch!

Here's a shot of Founders team member Nate during the A race. One of my favorite spots on the course.

And what might have been the cleanest part of me...

Enjoyed this so much I'm going riding again tomorrow. A road ride with some friends over in Ann Arbor. Should be a good time again.

Riding the big 29er wheels!

2006-11-09T20:32:00.000-05:00

Been getting out pretty regular now. Working on getting comfortable riding slick stuff. Wet leaves, roots and stuff out on the trail. Just not in any hurry to end up with another concussion.

Being outside and in the woods is among the category of really good things in life. Lately the boyz at mtbr 29er forum have been after postings of 'dirty' bikes...ones that have actually been ridden. Here's mine.

I still am amazed at how this bike rides. Rob nailed the fit and handling. Great mix of tubes. All the best things of steel and it is still light too. Sweet riding bike. Makes me smile.

Riding and Running Again

2006-10-30T22:16:00.000-05:00

Back to the fun stuff. Took the Badger out this week with some skinnies on it. That bike shines. Playing in the leaves on the trail.

This weekend was a stupid-fun run. Mid-30s and not too far out it started to rain...high winds and then some snow in there too. Came in shivering.

Today? It looked nice and sunny and warm out there. Me? Trapped in the office all day. Sure hope we get one more of those stellar days before the temps stay cold for months.

Ride often....smile more

Reflections

2006-10-03T21:19:00.000-04:00

Been thinking a lot lately. Have to say that's a lot easier to do when you're not in a concussion-induced fog. Much of the thinking has surrounded deciding what to make of the tail end of "the bike season". I'm usually full on for CX now. Couple of races under the tires. Not this year. I'd really worked to get back the lost fitness from the broken ribs earlier this year. This last 'incident' put the brakes on in a slightly different way.

Concussion

A single word. The ramifications of mutilple head impacts to the ground...not good.
This last 'crash' wasn't really even a crash. Nothing fast, simple stuff really. The easy kind that happen when you just bobble on a trail. But the result from this impact was worse, quite possibly due to the frequency with which my head has met the ground over the past 20 months. As i've said to a number of you, it is like all the possible injuries I've avoided or been fortunate to avoid over the past 15 years of cycling have all caught up with me.

After living through a couple of fairly scary weeks and sleeping more than I ever knew I could things started to head back to normal. A hint of the usual energy, a bit less tired, things got me kinda excited again. Wanted to get back on the bike, get training, barrier practice for CX. Then another simple bump let me know my head wasn't ready for any jarring.

This past weekend was my first real ride, a nice LONG road ride. I hurt like crazy the next day. But what a great day! The sun was out, the wind was still a summer's wind. Soon enough it will stay cold. Thanks to a small group of you for the company mid-ride too.

I started this post out writing I'd been thinking a lot. Much of centered about biking. What really is most important to me about biking? The freedom that comes from doing it. The clarity of mind, the rush of the ride. It is the experience of riding. Focus. Stress relief. Life balance. The racing is a nice plus but it isn't the reason I ride. So it'll just be a couple of cross races toward the end of the season this year. For now....I'm VERY happy that I can get back to riding. And even more happy my head has cleared up and things seem to be 'heading' back on track.

Thanks for reading.

Laugh often!
anne

CX on delay

2006-09-21T21:30:00.000-04:00

Yes, I've been neglecting the blog. Funny how life can intervene and mess with things. I suspect I'm getting close to finding a bit of time to be able to post up a few of the recent musings.

Getting real geeked about CX season, had a bit of a setback though, seems this last time off the bike resulted in a significant concussion. So a slight delay of game.

Anxious to see the new Badger CX frame! The 29er will soon have a stablemate.

For now though...sleep reigns supreme.

Whoooo Hooooo

2006-08-18T22:04:00.000-04:00

Ribs are officially healing. Not all the way yet but enough that I can finally ride off road again.

Getting really wound up for CX season. Celbrated by hitting the trail with the CX rig tonight. Almost got taken out by two deer. Then a couple kids riding the wrong way. Wrapped up the night just missing a skunk. I'll need to get out there earlier next time.

Very cool news: Rob is building up a CX frame for me. This should be one VERY comfortable ride. After some discussion it will be all steel (no carbon rear end). Stay tuned, I might have some pics up here late September.

Getting ready for a nice two week push on the road bike. Looking forward to a super season.

Laugh often!

Fine Badger Indeed!

2006-08-03T21:46:00.000-04:00

The Mighty Orange Badger 29er

Those of you that have followed along know that Rob Pennell of Badger Cycles built up a super sweet 29er frame for me. I’m a shorter rider (as 29ers go) and had asked him to consider S-bend seatstays which he did put on it. In the end the tire clearance we were after just couldn’t achieved on a frame as small as I needed. Knowing that I was anxious to get this frame and have it for Ouachita in March, Rob pressed on and finished it up.

After that race he took the frame back to rework the rear end. It now sports some sick seat stays and talk about clearance! Yowza. Loads of room there now.

Since I broke that batch of ribs late May I didn’t get much of a chance to ride it after it came back. Well, I’ve been on it a few times now and just have to say this bike sings! What a ride. It doesn’t take long to forget I’m riding a hard tail.

The handling is superb. Steering input from the saddle is the best I’ve ever had. The custom fit means I’ve been able to ride this bike for hours and not end up with a sore neck or back. Rob has the rider mass/weight distribution dialed.

Life, Spirit, a batch of custom selected light tubing make up this frame. The filet construction is a look I’ve always been partial to. This bike is rolling art. It is as much fun to look at as it is to ride. Makes for a very nice combination.

Some of Rob’s newest work is even sweeter looking. They seem to just keep getting better and better.

How’s it look? Take a peek. Final build was under 24#. The Industry Nine wheels are sub 1500g and spin up FAST. The whole package is incredibly responsive, especially with the CX 42s on there.

Has the heat wave finally moved on?

2006-08-03T21:19:00.000-04:00

Whew, is this what it would be like to live in Phoenix in the summer? Burning my hand on the car shift knob?

Check out the storm front that cruised in here on Sunday, it's the same one that ended the 24 Nationals early.

The temps dropped about 15 degrees and the clouds were almost spiralling like a horizontal corkscrew. Wall of wind blasting them along. Glad I got in from my ride about 15 minutes before this thing blew in.

No Ride on this bike!

2006-07-30T20:25:00.000-04:00

Putting a fresh chain on the bike today before I was going to go for an epic. Well instead I found that my seatstay was cracked!

I'll be sending this bad boy out to Merlin. Sure hope they want to fix it. I've NEVER broken a frame, let along a ti one!

So a change in plans and a different ride.
No cracks on this sweet ride:

Viva Le Tour!

2006-07-23T22:30:00.000-04:00

What a great three weeks of racing. Lots of surprises this year.

I spent a lot of time on the road bike today. Had to wait for some deer to cross the road. Four hours with the efforts in the last hour. Sunny and a nice breeze. This is all build up to regain what I lost during my 'time off' the bike. Ramping up for a few solid weeks of training in preparation for CX season!

Check out this great article by Daniel Coyle (Outside Online)
http://tinyurl.com/jwlyx
or
http://outside.away.com/outside/features/200607/tour-de-france-2006-floyd-landis-1.html

How to look like an Armadillo

2006-07-22T22:16:00.000-04:00

Today after watching the Tour (what a great one, eh?) headed out on the mountain bike. Okay, before you get all wound up...I spent most of my time on the road. But for the little bit of time I was on the EASY trails at Burchfield I had on my super rib vest. Not that I expect to go down out there but right now if I showed up at the docs with my ribs injured again....it would be all over. Certainly will make one work on heat acclimatization. Add a hydropak and we're talking layers of stuff to hold in the heat and block the wind. But it was all worth it!

Riding, riding, riding

2006-07-21T22:10:00.000-04:00

Gotta love it. After a rough ride on Thursday, today was a great stretch. Met up with Leslie. She's just a week back from Master's Nats (where she took 3rd)and getting her legs back into shape after the mountains. I was ready to ride steady so a recovery ride for her and a workout for me. Made for a good match on the road. We ended up rolling almost three hours. Great day.

Riding the road

2006-07-19T22:25:00.000-04:00

Saw my 'rib' doc today. Seems that the cough I'd had for months and the fact that the four broken ribs are all togehter things are taking the long end of the healing time. Last visit he thought he'd give me the okay to return to mountain biking end of this month (with protective gear). Negatory.

Move pavement in my immediate future. But I'm just REAL happy to be riding.

Here's a pic from a recent ride. Given the time of day it's titled "Rush Hour"
I love finding new gravel roads. This one was better than a lot of the pavement and of course the lack of cars was nice too. Lots of options to ride with LOW traffic.

Been grooving the heat of late. Heat index a bit nasty this past weekend but I sure am enjoying being warm!

Badger's Back!!!!!!

2006-07-19T22:19:00.000-04:00

Those of you that have followed along know that Rob Pennell of Badger Cycles built up a super sweet 29er frame for me. I’m a shorter rider (as 29ers go) and had asked him to consider S-bend seatstays which he did put on it. In the end the tire clearance we were after just couldn’t achieved on a frame as small as I needed. Knowing that I was anxious to get this frame and have it for Ouachita in March, Rob pressed on and finished it up.

After that race he took the frame back to rework the rear end. It now sports some sick seat stays and talk about clearance! Yowza. Loads of room there now.

Since I broke a batch of ribs late May I didn’t get much of a chance to ride it after it came back. Well, I’ve been on it a few times now and just have to say this bike sings! What a ride. It doesn’t take long to forget I’m riding a hardtail.

The handling is superb. Steering input from the saddle is the best I’ve ever had. The custom fit means I’ve been able to ride this bike for hours and not end up with a sore neck or back. Rob has the rider mass/weight distribution dialed.

Life, Spirit, a batch of custom selected light tubing make up this frame. The filet construction is a look I’ve always been partial to. This bike is rolling art. It is as much fun to look at as it is to ride. Makes for a very nice combination.

Some of Rob’s newest work is even sweeter looking. They seem to just keep getting better and better. Learn more at www.badgercycles.com

How’s it look? Take a peek. Final build was under 24#. The Industry Nine wheels are sub 1500g and spin up FAST. The whole package is incredibly responsive, especially with the CX 42s on there. Photo essay follows.

What a crazy heat storm

2006-07-17T22:16:00.000-04:00

One massive localized strom blew through here tonight. Check out this radar pic. 1.5" of rain too!

Injury and Time

2006-06-21T19:40:00.000-04:00

Almost a month already since that last post? Time is going way too fast. Well in some regards it is. When you're counting the days until you can go back to the doc and see if you can ride the bike again each week can SEEM long.

Remember that skill clinic I wrote about? Seems that the last day I mistimed one of the new things I'd learned and ended up leaving the bike. It wasn't until five days later that it was confirmed that I'd broken four ribs.

Of course since I'd made this trip planning to do more riding after the clinic I still headed that way and hooked up with Hunter near Bedford. Knew I didn't want to show up at home hurting this bad and riding often hurts less than the time off the bike. Hunter took me out to ride some of the most incredible trails/routes there. Nice looooong climbs, multi-hour rides, lots of heat and humidity too. It was epic and a blast. Much of the time is a bit of a blur due to pain. But wow! I want to go ride there again when I'm 'whole'. Thanks for the tour Hunter!

Once back in Michigan I got things checked out and finally 12 days post impact got to see my favorite sports med doc. He helped out with better pain management options but ruled out biking until he saw me again. Something about the risk of puncturing a lung if I fell. It's one thing to loose a few weeks of a season, another to take that kind of a risk.

So once again...I was going to miss the Lumberjack 100. Glad to see it taking off, I might finally get to ride it next year!

Back to today: ribs are making good progress and I can ride (only on the road) and have to have company. That is exciting news for me!

More concrete critters

2006-05-29T21:42:00.000-04:00

Remember those pink elephants from March...
These aren't quite as large but what is it with stuff like this?

Went for an epic mtb ride today. All up or down. Sure not what riding in Michigan is like.

Gene Hamilton's Mountain Bike Skills Clinic

2006-05-26T19:18:00.000-04:00

So here I am back in Virgina, real close to D.C.
Made the 10+ hour drive yesterday along with hundreds of very loud Harleys. Did I know it was Rolling Thunder weekend? When the Harley crew descends on D.C. for Memorial Day weekend? I do now.

Lack of sleep haunts me yet today but the clinic has been great so far.
Lots of skill drills and I finally learned to do both coaster and pedal wheelies. The first pedal wheelie I surprised myself by getting three pedal rotations in before the front end came down. The second one didn't go as well so I apparently overcompensated on my third effort and promptly pulled the bike all the way over (Did I manage to hit the rear brake??? No.) So I hit the pavement real hard, backside. Ouch.

Clinic is very cool and fun. Learning sure makes one tired. Could be the sudden summer heat too! Later.

Badger Badger Badger

2006-05-24T19:25:00.000-04:00

Badger v2 has made it! Sleek-n-slender seatstays with LOADS of clearance are the order of the day with this frame. Sneak peak here. Final build pic and ride impressions to come later.

What can I say?

2006-05-19T19:14:00.000-04:00

Other than I'm lame? Reality is just too busy. You all know how it goes. So things like this go to the end of the list and languish. Have some fun stuff to post up but just haven't gotten it here. Like the pics and the whole experience of the Peaks Coaching Group Training Camp almost two months ago.

Or how Midland Forest and Cone races went (or didn't)

Or how I've trashed two der. hangers in less than a month after 20+ years of not having done it once.

Training Crit

2006-05-01T21:42:00.000-04:00

Well, seems that the epic on Saturday just wasn't enough. I headed to A2 for the last of the spring training series crits. Plus I had a box full of new SpeedyChix (AAVC/SalonXL) team kit to deliver.

I felt surprisingly good after Saturday's ride. I warmed up mostly off the back of the B race. I'm hoping that for 2007 they flip the order of these races so we do the women's race first and then can burn up any remaining energy in the B race. In any case I had to make sure I kept a bit in the tank for our short race.

They split our field so we were small groups. Most of us were all on the same team making for limited dynamics. Threw down some attacks, got a pair off the front, soon we got another teammate away solo. That left us in a 3 on 1 quartet. This is where I was having trouble behaving. I kept wanting to attack but knew I shouldn't. The individual racer made a couple of really solid efforts and woke us from our slumber as we entered the final two laps. I made one last jump to draw her out and hoped to leaver her a bit tired so LJ and Wendy could sprint by for the finish. Mission accomplished.

Then to make the weekend complete once I was back home I started to work on that new pile o' mulch. Oh, the deal here...last Saturday I took care of a 10 yard pile. At least this one is smaller.

Sweet Ride Today

2006-04-29T19:43:00.000-04:00

Okay, so maybe I'll get back in and post a few things from our Virginia bike camp to this blog...but for now I'm moving forward. Work and general life stuff conspired to keep me off the bike all week. Well, I did get out Tuesday for 90 minutes. So by today I was wanting to ride BAD. My legs had been hurting (I think my muscles were saying good bye). The ribs have been cranky all week. Might was well put it to them today!

Hooked up with some long distance mtn bikers. We spun out 70 miles and the Polar claims over 4000' of climbing. Sure would like to see a power file from today.

Mix of Island Lake, pavement, gravel, random singletrack and the Poto. Return to Island Lake. Just have to say Jim put together a great route. To all the guys I rode with today...you put me in the hurt locker and kept me there a LOT of the ride today. Super great ride. Somehow I think that crit tomorrow is going to take a lot of effort.

Sunny day with a solid east wind. Certainly provided major incentive to NOT loose a wheel when we were on the road. Perfect weather today for riding. Trails were in great shape too.

Still here

2006-04-19T21:41:00.000-04:00

Hi
Just in case you've been checking in for updates...they are still in the works. Life sort of intervened with this side project. Photos and tales from riding in Virginia to come. Um, how about another week?

Danielle is off to Cohutta 100 this weekend. I'm heading out for some long days. Got in a super good ride today. A nice change from all the yard work and landscaping that has been going on here. Although I enjoy that, but sure got sore digging holes. Past weekend we replaced the plants we'd taken out a few weeks earlier. Clay...rocks...roots all in a single hole rather than out on the mtn bike trail.

Later

Virginia Bound!!!

2006-04-01T21:04:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, we're off. LJ and I headed south to Virginia today. Time for our annual trek to a great bike camp. The drive went really quick and we got over the Blue Ridge mountains in the daylight! Only one deer delay.
Here we are with the peaks behind us.

Ouachita Challenge Weekend

2006-03-31T00:45:00.000-05:00

Wow, am I behind. Take a few days out of the normal workweek and head out on a four day, 2000 mile road trip and suddenly I'm behind.

Oh...after being along the Mississippi River...I'll never complain about how flat it is here (or try not to).

Danielle has my favorite shot from the weekend on her blog. On the drive down we found not one, but TWO pink elephants! What is not visible in that pic is the SECOND pink elephant with horn rims on.

After a stop to eat some great Mexican we continued the drive.

Saturday we knew we were getting close when we came by this stop.The trees were just starting to bud. The rocks are just a hint of what was to come later in the weekend.

We had a super nice pre-ride, did the main gravel hill to the single track. Stopped for a couple of photos along the way. Here are my travelmates, I'm stylin' the new Founders jersey.

The town that this race starts from has a population of just over 200. The graduating classes number about a dozen. The race that these folks put on though is incredible.
Here's the landmark at the final turn just before the finish.

Race day: just below freezing, a hint of frost. Got in a chilly warmup and then we lined up. Rob Pennell (Badger Cycles) stoped by to wish us well. Fun to meet a number of people who I'd only talked to by phone or read their posts on the mtbr 29er forum.

The sun was out and warmed the day nicely. It eventually hit 60. A very fast neutral roll out got us to the gravel road, folks jockeying for position. After a brief wait we were off. Sprinting on the gravel two track. This road climbed for quite awhile and eventually we got to the singletrack. The trail was sweet. I was feeling really good. The density of the monster rocks increased until at some points I was almost bouncing my way through them. Occassionaly they would bring me to a complete stop. On and off the bike a bit doing some running too.

There was a gal from Texas that I was trading places with, she finished fourth. Danielle had a stellar race and had a solid finish for second.

I’ve been racing a lot of years. Finished races with a separated shoulder, cracked ribs, etc. but I’ve never had a DNF. I now have my first one. I’m still not clear what happened to my rear der. but after fishing that woody vine out of a cage that was pointing toward the sky, it wouldn’t shift right. I'd also knocked my wheel out of true. The rubbing rear wheel I could deal with but the inability to get out of the four largest cogs was a problem. The chain skipped gears when in the 4th or 5th cog. I could use 6-7-8...nice tall gears for the more LEVEL portions of the course but certainly not what I needed to get up the remaining mountains.

Repeated dismounts to physically move my chain from the larger cogs back to the middle got old quick. There didn’t seem to be a reasonable or realistic way to continue that for another 35 miles. I stopped and disassembled things, looked them over. Put it all back together. Continued on the trail. Same problems.

Well...it was a good race while it lasted. So with a heavy heart I abandoned the Ouachita Challenge. I’d already gotten through the worst of the rock gardens and was looking forward to the Womble trail. It will have to wait for another time.

Trying to remember to only use a limited set of gears in the rear and the middle or large front ring I found my way to the cut off to start my return to the school in Oden. I got my head back on straight, thought about all the good things from this trip and put in a few climbing efforts on the return ride. I soaked up the views of the mountains, the greening under story of the woods and the sunshine.

By the time I had to sprint from an unchained dog I was back ‘on game’ Was focused on the positive. Disappointed I couldn’t finish? For sure. Angry? No. Guess those years of experience helped me refocus and make the best of things. We had a great pre-ride on Saturday, I got to do part of the trail. Had a good time.

The riding there is unlike anything I’ve ever encountered. The rocks of the Michaux State Forest are probably the closest but the density, size and sharp edges of the Ozark rocks is something.

The climbing was epic and the Badger was an awesome bike to ride at OC. The big wheels: awesome! I just may have to make a return trip.

You can read a bit more at the Founder's team site

Riding Trails

2006-03-21T20:48:00.000-05:00

YES! The weather has been super and Yankee was in shape to ride Sunday. Met Danielle and Toni (read recipe for suffering) to do a few laps. It was great to be out there. Sunny but it stayed right around 32-33 with windchill tossed in.
Rode the Badger. Wow. Four hours and my hands/wrists/back did NOT hurt. This is a first. Great fit on this bike. Its making the trip to Ouachita. The bike rides and handles superbly.

Here's a pic of Danielle doing a trackstand during our ride. It was the only time all day I was ahead of her. Okay, so it was after she had stopped and then soon after she came off the bike too. I think Toni had already blown by.

Cross Training

2006-03-18T20:43:00.000-05:00

Today was going to be a nice long road ride. I got sidetracked early this morning. We'd had some serious wind a few weeks back and a tree had come down on our fence. So we went out to repair that. Next thing I know we're tackling a bunch of tree removal, trimming, pruning, hauling. Six hours later I limped into the house, barely able to grasp the door knob. It was great to have this all done but not quite the planned training for today.

The pick axe got pretty heavy before I finished. A small sampling of today's effort is shown here for your entertainment.

Hope I get recovered for a mtn. bike epic Sunday...a real trail ride! Yup! Going to actually ride on a trail before Ouachita. I can't believe that is a week from now.