DanO's Racey Thoughts

V18: Riding With (a) Purpose

2011-10-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

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I've been tending shop at Volker on 18th St. while Britton is busy with other things. It feels great to be commuting to work again! Road training gets stale quickly and it's hard to get motivated, but having a goal, a pursose, a mission, a destiny(!) keeps it intersting. Depending on my route, it's between 17 and 20 miles down there, so I'm getting almost 40 miles a day. Sometimes I take it easy, sometimes I go hard. No worries, just good fun miles- all on the old winter SS.
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We got some brand new Velocity Blunt SL 29 rims in and I built them up around C-4 hubs. Wow, are these things light! I have Blunts on my 650B and I was curious how the SL version would look. They are a bit narrower than the regular Blunt but are still wider than most XC rims. Also the rim is flattened in profile at the nipple holes instead of having a shallow point- it looks much more finished and solid. If you have a disc-specific cross frame, these would be da bomb.
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How great is wool? Seriously. I'm not one of those weirdo Wazis. I wear plastic clothes quite alot, but yesterday it was 33 when I left in the morning and 60 when I returned home. I wore Swrve knicks and a bamboo t-shirt with a wool Volker jersey- same thing, both rides- and was perfectly comfy. Awesome! If you don't have any Swrve clothing, you're life is missing something.

SL-M732

2011-10-08T12:16:00.001-07:00

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This Shimano shifter is the first piece of my new bike. It's the only thing left of one of the first mountain bikes I ever owned- a sparkly purple Specialized Rockhopper bought at a pawn shop in Manhattan, KS in 1995. It will come back to life soon. I haven't got much nailed down yet but I'm thinking 4-5" travel frame with 120mm up front. I want XC handling and lightness. The XT thumbie will be the centerpeice of a 1X8 drivetrain featuring a shortcage (Dura Ace maybe?) deraileur. With a 13-23 or 26 cassette, it's high and tight gearing but after riding SS for the last 10 years, 8 speeds should be more than sufficient.
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Rode WYCO Lake yesterday and picked my way through some of the new trails. Those trails are coming together nicely. Just need about double the milage and WYCO will be fantastic. Speaking of fantastic trails...
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I met Tom Park at Swope this morning and we had a great ride. He was on his 29er SS and I was on my 650 SS. Speeds seemed to match up nicely between us and Tom is a great bike handler so it's a breeze to ride with him. I gotta get out there waaay more than a couple of times a year.
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I pulled my foot out on a tech section and tweaked the back of my leg on something- I guess I whacked it on the empty pedal. It's tightened up quite a bit since I got home. I'll see if I can keep it loose for tomorrow's race. If it's too tight, I won't race. In years past I wouldn't even give it a thought, but with money being tight, I don't want to throw away 35 bucks on a show-n-go. It sucks, but that's the reality of the situation.

Boss Cross Day 2

2011-10-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

More fun times.
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4th in Masters and 5th in SS today. I was tired after yesterday's effort and there were some fresh guys that showed up. Went hard all the way through the Masters race and then wasn't feeling real great about another round of pain after that. I lined up and decided I'd do what I could in the SS- my fourth race of the weekend. I went hard all the way through, so I'm happy with my weekend.
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It was a hard shock to the system. A good one.

Boss Cross Day 1

2011-10-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

Fun course. Spectrum of variety. Great to be on the bike going hard and racing again.
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Got 5th in Masters. Those old dudes are fast! WTF??
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2nd behind Kent W. in the SS. TCPC went 1-2-3-4 with Britton finishing in 3rd and Lyles in 4th. Rad! Britton and I rode together most of the race. I gassed out and had to take it down with 2 laps to go but Britton stayed with me and made me earn it at the finish. That dude is a good team mate.
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More racing tomorrow. I feel good tonight but I know 4 hard races with all that sand running is going to have me on the floor Monday or Tuesday. Oh well-oh well-oh well...

Boss Cross 1-2 Pre

2011-09-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

Rode over to the BC course at Barry Platte this afternoon. Looks a lot like past editions but some different corners. Some wicked off camber stuff with roots looks to be challenging and fun. Long stretches of sand. Looking forward to racing tomorrow for the first time in a oolong time. If you want to see how cross is done right, come out tomorrow. Or else miss out- dummy!
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I haven't been training at all. I used to train like a Pro but I outgrew that shit. Mostly just been going out and doing fun rides wherever and whenever I feel like it. Not sure if that exactly the BrettS plan but it's gotta be close. Anyway, I'll have fun tomorrow mos def.
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I live about 3 miles from Barry Platte so I'm planning to pack a bag and ride one bike and ghost the other over. That way I won't have to drive- that's a good day already! See you there.

Royal Jelly

2011-07-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

I've got a malfunction in which my body does not create a certain enzyme that aids in the detoxification of my system. In particular, I'm low on enzyme UGT1A1 which causes me to have a high level of unconjucated bilirubin. Normally it's quite forgettable and it's not an issue but when I have an episode, I feel exhausted, tired, and very low on energy due to the increased toxicity in my system.
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I was diagnosed about 15 years ago and haven't really had to give it much thought except for a couple of times. However, over the last week I've really got into bad shape. I'm sleeping 12-14 hours a day and still need more. Can't ride more than 5-10 miles without just about completely shutting down. It even fatigues me to walk up and down the stairs.
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I've never tried to do anything about it before b/c I was told there was no remedy and that it was a very mild and harmless condition. Well, to most people it probably is, but as a cyclist- particularly one building for late season form- it's frustrating bordering on infuriating. So, I've done the requisite internet research and came across a few bits of witchcraft.
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The first thing I'm trying is Royal Jelly. It's super-honey. It's the superpower stuff that a regular bee is fed in order to transform it into a queen bee. It really does that! Supposedly the B vitamins in it counteract my enzyme deficiency and the other stuff in it is super energy food. It's like crack honey. I'll try it for a month or so, or until the jar is gone and see what happens. At the very least it's got great natural sugar and carbs. Hitting some of this stuff just before a race start might be just the thing. I don't think there is a test for it yet...

Arkanthaw Reprise

2011-03-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

When me and the boys did our annual Arkanthaw trip this winter, I missed out on the epic Womble day due to illness. I rode Letherwood and Syllamo our first two days but then got deathly ill on our drive down to Hot Springs and spent the next two days firehosing out both ends (once again, my apologies, guys). I can't begin to tell you how terrible it was sitting in the car at the Womble trailhead watching everyone else roll away for a 6-hour singletrack adventure.
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So... the other day, Michaela told me she has to attend a certification class for her job and it's in Little Rock, and would I like to come along and bring my bike? Well, there's only one answer to that question! We'll be down there from Monday through Thursday. Weather looks great except for a chance of T-storms on Tuesday. I can work around that. The plan is to hit Vista, Womble, Burns, and Camp Robinson.
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I've been spending some time this winter/spring trying to figure out some routes where I can get at least 100 feet of climbing per mile. I hadn't been able to hit that mark until today where I got 2600 feet in on 23.5 miles. I hit all four lakes in my area- Waukomis, Houston, Riss, and Weatherby and the bumby terrain in between was enough for me to hit my goal. I have another route that nets me 3600 feet in 38 miles but I'd really like to find something that's 4000+ in 40+ miles. There are some great hills between Plate City and Smithville that I haven't logged yet, so maybe I'll get my 4k-40 or even a 5k-50 out of some of that. Need that and some strategic headwinds to train for Hermann.
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Yeah, the ride today in the cold and wind reminded me why we pack up and take our mtbs to Arkansas every winter. Kaze ano nyuh hyakoo!!

The Airplane Move (truth be told)

2011-03-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

First off, I heard that Plastic Pie is going to possibly include a speed metal version of "Sin Wagon" by Dixie Chicks on their next album, Pink Pencil. Think about that.
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How have I lived this long without a propane torch??
... Hmmm, I think I just answered my own question.
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Just tonight- yes, just tonight- I discovered that the valve is variable on the side carbeurator. It takes me awhile on some things. Kinda like, I realized just tonight- just tonight!- that my favorite album of all time is Jailbreak by Thin Lizzy (for just tonight).
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What's your favorite TooL song?
...I bet it's not what you just thought of.
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The great thing about TooL is that if you're kickin' it and you're loading up a playlist and you throw some TooL in the mix and then you start getting into it halfway through the song... you got lots of time to fetch some more.
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Here's a quote that can come in mighty handy in just the right situation. This is from one of my favorite people of all time:
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"Get your clammy cabbage collectors offa me!!"
-Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrane

It's all nice on ice, alright

2011-02-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

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I've kept myself buried in the underworld of Autumn Ridge- particularly in one small hole- since the beginning of the year. The good news is that it's starting to look like a house done there. The bad news is that the Northland is quickly running out of beer. The sauna is working marvelously, so I'm told. GF loves it. I haven't been in it yet. Perhaps this summer when it's blistering hot out I'll feel like a relaxing squat in a 150 degree wooden box. I only crave ice cream in the winter.
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Been listening to a lot of Modest Mouse while I work. Mixing in some Jim & Jenny, Ry Cooder and Kings of Leon too. Kings of Leon-ha! I know. Actually, their first record, Youth & Young Manhood is quite good. It's like a diet version of Motorhead with the oil removed and replaced with extract of Dead Milkmen. But now, obviously, their Cliff Burton has died- which is the musical equivalent of TV's jumping the shark.
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My shimano pedals have seen more bottle caps this year than cleats. That'll change soon. Our first TCPC ride is Saturday and we've pretty much got rides scheduled every weekend hence into eternity. It should be a super team this year assuming everyone is who I think they are. I haven't been riding much. I haven't been outside much except to shovel the drive.

I Hate Squirrels, Part 3

2011-01-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

I ran over another squirrel today. I was at the front-right of a double paceline with a dozen guys behind me. So, when I saw the squirrel shoot out onto the road, I held my line and hoped for the best. The best would've been for the little dude to turn a 180 and head AWAY from the approaching swarm of maniacal machines- but we're talking about a squirrel here... with a squirrel-sized brain... and a squirrel's sense of mortality. So, the critter darted into our path and I got him with my front tire right across the back- Wha-WAMM! We all rode on and all was cool except my front fender took a hit and was jarred lose.
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Other than that, the Belton Gravel Grinder was awesome. Great to be out on the bike mos def. Well, I had a another spoke break but I simply took that as a sign that I need to start losing weight and training again. The Grinder, yes, was very good. John Williams put together a great route that took us from Belton to Drexel and back. We passed through this weird little kitchy old towne (really weird) place on the way to Drexel. But that's par for the course in sub-rural Missouri. I love that stuff. Kansas is so purpose-built and to-the-point. Missouri is queer... because it can be, I suppose.

Manion's Cross 2 wrap

2010-11-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

I didn't race yesterday b/c I was busy conducting this circus. The second edition of Manion's wasn't as hilly as the first- so I guess that makes it the second most hilly cross race in the midwest. But forget the climbing, it was the wind that was the biggest factor. 30mph gusts had a lot of racers riding in packs.
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I hope everyone enjoyed the course and had a good time. Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered their time and energy to make this a great event. SC said it best, "It take's a lot of folks to put on a cross race, and while it's a lot of work, it's absolutely worth it". Props to Chris Locke of Cowtown for the course markings, Tallgrass Brewing for the suds, John Williams of Pot Pie fame for the good eats, the entire Colavita Cross Crew (!), and of course, Jody at Manion's for letting us play all over his hillside once again.
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See more great photos like the one above HERE.

Manion's Cross 2 Update

2010-11-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

I spent the day out at Manion's finalizing the course. Notable changes:
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But before that... I have to tell you something... Manion's- as you know- is a military auction house. As such, the good folks of Manion's have access to explosive devices that you and I do not. I'm not making any promises, but we could have some serious percussive power for our starting gun...
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And now the changes:
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1. Racers will still stage SANS BIKE in the barn and start by running east out of the barn. You can see that now there is a "S" curve to navigate instead of a straight stretch. This fixes a lot of conflicts we had with the LeMans start... and it's gonna be damn fun! After exiting the end of the "S", racers will grab their bike in the open area and proceed- with haste- onto course.
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2. Notice the stretch after the final gravel crossing before heading back to the barn. We straightened this out in preparation for the finish. That's an uphill finish, friends. Prepare, commit, engage, and succeed.
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3. Barriers are flopped to the backside of the course.
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D. Not a change, but just a reminder- our DJ is The Best. He plays your favorite songs and the greatest music you've never heard but touches you deep inside. Our DJ likes to touch.
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Remember to bring your canned food Cranksgiving donation (5 cans gets you a call-up) b/c you're going to want to have first choice of where to place your bike and you're going to want to be on that front line at the start.
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And finally... Just to let y'all know, I was listening to alot of Ween when I designed the course.

Manion's Cross 2 preview

2010-11-16T06:39:00.000-08:00

As you can see from the course map, a lot more of the racing will be done up on the flatter part of the hilltop. There will still be a nice painful climb- but only one this time! We'll go through the barn again and we've added a unique Manion's style LeMans start we're calling the "LeManion's" start.
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Course will be approximately 1.6 miles and it will be run easterly through the barn. The "stitches" section is downhill and most of the climbing occurs after you leave the pond and head towards the pit area. Notice the pit is double-sided and it's located next to the parking area- no toting bikes and wheels halfway around the course!
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Bring 5 canned goods to donate to the Cranksgiving effort if you want a call-up! See all the latest info at the official Manion's Cross blog.

DeStad Cup

2010-11-14T19:41:00.001-08:00

Get up, come on get down with the SICKNESS!

DeStad 2010 was awesome. Weather couldn't have been better... well, if I had my way it would've been colder and sleetier, but for the general populous-racers and spectators- it was close to perfect.

Course was brilliant with long power stretches divided by periodic tech secitons- corners, steeps, and whatnot.

I signed up for the the SS and the Open races. Won the SS by a pretty good margin and then immidiatley realized I went waaay too deep for no reason considering I was lining up again, with the uber-fast guys, in about 20 minutes. C'est la vie. It just felt so good to go full-on Kev's Mom in the SS and even though I knew I was out there by myself I just wanted to go faster, faster, FASTER!! I paid for it in the Open. I died a thousand deaths, but that's good for me in a German masochistic "whip me Master" sort of way.

What a beautiful day.

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Adam continues to get stronger- finished 7th-I think. Jake scored a podium! And Andy got back on the podium in the 2/3 race. Casey did well in his first race as a Team member. Nice showing, TCPC.

DeStad Cup preview

2010-11-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

DeStad is going to be fun!
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Worked on the course at St. Mary's today. It was very wet from all the rain and the ground was quite squishy. But Chris had two blowers out there plus the gang raked the entire course, so it should be dry by tomorrow. Actually, it should really hook up well with all the moisture in the ground now- maybe just a few wet spots. A few wet spots are always good.
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I rode a couple of laps after we staked it out and it seemed long. That could've been due to the soft ground and long grass (Chris says they'll mow it early tomorrow morn), but I'm thinking 7+ minute laps for the Open race- and I'm not referring to myself, I mean for the fast guys. But, counteracting the soft ground is that the course is pretty wide open and fast. With the exception of a few tight corners and a couple of steep run-ups, its just fast and flowing. It's going to be a race for the fast/strong and not so much for the technical rider... to my dismay. Of course all this could change depending on the changing conditions tomorrow.
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A course is a different-colored horse after a couple hundred passes have been laid on it.
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Regardless of all this, I can say without hesitation, it'll be fun. I've said it before: It's hard to go wrong at St. Mary's.

Crazy Cross Barriers

2010-11-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Aaah! My eyes!!! Trip on these! Andrew painted our cross barriers at the First Fridays party at Volker last night. He got the first one done and it's just crazy looking. Andrew says the second one will make your eyes burn- what?! Check out his other work HERE.

Michaela and I hung out and watched Andrew work, then went down to Cellar Rat for some wine tasting and biscotti. Then we headed down 18th towards Grinders for some pizza but we couldn't get in. So we ended up grabbing a slice at The Art of Pizza. I highly recommend the Garlic Knots- just make sure your date eats some too.

Boss Cross #3

2010-10-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

The third Boss Cross race was at little Barry Platte Park just 4 miles from my home. Andy and Regan were in town from Manhattan so we got up on Saturday morning and cruised over together.
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The best thing about the race Saturday was the Colavita Corner. Wow, the crew was out en force! Racers were either delighted or scared or a little of both as they exited the second sand-run.
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I did the Masters race as a warm up at 11. My legs felt dead for most of that race but started to wake up some near the end. I took it easy for the last 5 laps b/c I wanted to save myself for the SS.
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Britton lined up on the front with the leader's jersey on for the SS race. I started right behind him and when the whistle blew we went into the first corner with a couple other guys at the front. Britton got out front right away and I jumped onto a couple of guys wheels and marked them for a few laps. Britton was moving on, so with about 4-5 laps to go, I jumped the guys in front of me and spent about 2 laps working my way up to Britton. He and I rode together for a bit and on the bell lap, he attacked and proved that he was deserving of the General Lee jersey. I tried to follow him but couldn't pull back the 15 second gap.
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Andy got another win in the 3 race and took over the jersey in that cat. So we now have two Colavitas in leader's jerseys! Andy's race was awesome- he battled 2nd place dude all race until the last lap where Andy put it down and powered away. Truly inspirational. That's why we race!
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Race evaluation: Great course. Good vibe. Toilet situation sucked. Thanks for the beer once again, Boulevard.

Pee-proof pants

2010-10-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

Swrve pee-proof pants.
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My GF, Michaela has a pomeranian and by default, I have a pomeranian. A known characteristic of pomeranians is that they have 'excitable urination'. My question is this: If you're breeding dogs, and you're breeding in, or out, certain characteristics, wouldn't you breed out the excitable urnination??? Seriously. Apparantly this is an endearing quality amongst pomeranian owners. So...
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I rode up to Zona Rosa tonight with the intention of using my Dick's Sporting Goods gift certificate but only made it as far as the bar. I was sitting there drinking when my good ol' friend Will from NYC called and said he just landed at KCI. So he came over and we had a drink and dinner and some laughs and then I headed home. Oh, I had a steak cooked Pittsburg Rare- that's basically bloody and cold inside and burnt on the outside- haven't come to a ruling on that just yet...
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Anyway, I rode home and on the way stopped and grabbed a sixer of Lunar and in my own excitement of arriving home and opening said beer and seeing said dog, I forgot about the most prominant pomeranian trait... excitable urination. I encouraged her up on my lap and she jumped up and proceeded to let loose. Only, here's the thing. I was in my Swrve knicks and as she let loose on me- tongue wagging- the pee beaded and cascaded right off me and onto the couch. Couch be damned! These pants are awesome! I jumped up when I realized what was happening and suddenly I realized the miracle that had occured. There was absolutely no pee on me! No pee on me! No pee on me! Sing it with me, "No pee- uh-uh- On me..." It shed right off, I tell you! Incredible.
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So, just one more great thing these pants do. I live in these on the bike in fall-winter-spring. Now I know I can love my dog Sadie in them with no worries. Rad.

Smithville CX

2010-10-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

photo by ROGER

Did the SS and the Open race at Smithville today. The course was awesome. Very similar to last year but with a few extra turns thrown in that made it slightly more technical. The beach was far more easier to ride this year b/c the sand was a little wet and it packed up nice. Some ruts formed but it was still fast and the bank up from the wet area was way hard and fast. Cross Guru thought he made the run-up unridable this year, but he's going to have to try harder if he wants to keep me from pedaling up it- bwaaah-haa-ha...
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I was excited to start the SS race on my new White Ind./Sun wheelset. Britton and I both got a good start and went into the first turns with the front riders. He and I rode with two other riders for a lap and a half or so and then he shot off the front coming out of the lake. I got onto Hammontree's wheel and stuck there for awhile to see if Britton would ride away with it. He dangled for awhile and then started to pull away a little, so I went around Hammontree and Britton and I finished out the race together in front. We got 1-2. It was my first win in awhile.
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In the Open race, I got stuck behind 3 pile-ups within the first minute of racing. It was over before it started for me. I finally got through the bottleneck of the first few turns and started cruising but I was either trying to go way too fast and overcooking everything or Vittoria Evo's suck compared to Michelin Muds. I was all over the course and couldn't hold a line with the Vittorias so on the second lap I pitted and traded my geared bike for my SS with the Michelins and finished out the race on it. I was having more fun on it anyway. I managed to catch and pass a few fellows but more importantly, I had a blast on the awesome Smithville course.
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Teammate Andy won the 2/3 race so he and I mixed our 6-pack winnings of Weston Brewing Festival Ale and Wheat. I'm enjoying one of each now.

It's A L I V E ! ! !

2010-10-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

The SS is up and running again on a new set of wheels. White Ind. ENO and H2 hubs laced to Sun rims. White Ind. is so awesome. I told Britton what I wanted and he had the stuff from W.I. in hand 4 days later! I also splurged and got a W.I. trials freewheel. It's got great engagement with 72 points but what I like the best is that it's perfectly round! I can tension my chain just right and there are no tight or loose spots- beautiful.
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I'm running 39-18 at Smithville this weekend. Rain is in the forecast and I'm hoping and praying that it gets sloppy. I'm really not in good race condition and sloppy conditions would help me a lot by slowing the fast guys down. Then it becomes a bike handling game.
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Rumor: Manion's Cross II! Actually this isn't even a rumor anymore. There will be a second Manion's Cross coming in November. I went out and started scoping out a new course tonight. There may even be a double barn-burner. And pavement. More info. coming soon...

Eat or Race?

2010-10-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Money's tight. Had to drive down to Wichita to complete my duties as president of the Kansas Association of Mappers and to pass the torch to the next pres. Spent money I didn't want to and now I'm on an all-time tight budget. So, I used my race money for tomorrow to buy food tonight. 20 bucks got me all this stuff at Dollar Tree:
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I'm riding over to the BLVD Cup tomorrow to support my team and hang at the Colavita Corner. I'll get back to racing soon, but I'll have to pick my battles carefully. For now, it'll be nice to get out on the bike and enjoy watching some racing after a week spent on the road in a suit.

Blue Bomber

2010-10-09T16:54:00.001-07:00

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This is what I'll be kickin around on this winter. This was my first real high-performance road bike. Dave at The Pathfinder in Manhattan, KS gave me a great deal on it after it'd been sitting in the shop waiting for a home for a couple of years. That was in 1995. It's been dressed up many different ways since then and it's been across the state of Iowa more times than I have. It was the first bike I took on Ragbrai. Together with a borrowed red Specialized Allez, my friend Corey and I rode every mile as The Blue Bomber and The Red Rocket, respectively. The Turd Rocket and the KYBO Blaster came later... but those are different stories.
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I can already feel the good this thing is doing me after just a few rides. It's great to be back on a SS again. I'm using a geared hub wheel on the back with a QR but as long as I keep it clamped down tight and don't wag too much when I stand up, it stays put. Most the rest of the stuff is "junker" parts but somehow they seem to work together well on the ol' junker Paramount.

Swayze

2010-10-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

Damn, that was hard.
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I'm tired all over... even my nipples are tired.
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Stopped at CVS for a 6 pack on the way home and saw they had BLVD 12s on sale so I grabbed one of those instead. Kind of a crooked ride home with that in one hand. I thought it might straighten me out but it didn't... so now I'm just going to get bent.
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Waiting for my Colavita pasta with oil,basal, rosemary, parmesean to get done... One more Pale Ale.
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Oh, good turnout tonight for the race. If you missed it you'll want to be there next week. Good crowd, nails-down racing, and a special surprise...
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RIP Pat

180 at full speed

2010-10-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

Put some wheels on the ol' Paramount and rode it down to Volker for the Monday Recovery Ride. I'd forgotten how much fun that thing is to ride. I used a bunch of spare parts to build it up including the Sugino messenger ring I won at last year's Barnyard CX and an old wheel I've been using on the trainer. It worked OK but a real SS wheel with a bolt on hub would've been better- I threw the chain twice going down to Volker. Got horn-blasted by two successive semi trucks crossing HOA. Then I got cut off from the left by someone pulling onto SW Tfwy and squeezed into a parked car- that's when the second thrown chain happened. I swatted the guy's hood and cursed him and he just stopped (in the middle of SW Tfwy!) and starred at me and let me finish. That was nice of him, I guess. Some days.
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Once I got to Volker, things got better, except Britton wouldn't let me have any malt liquor. I tightened down the skewer to the point of metalurgic compaction, added a rear brake, and we set off for our group ride. A couple of mechanicals later (not mine) and a short ride around midtown landed us at McCoy's for post-ride refreshments.
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Then the ride home... The ride home was incredible. Crisp night air. No wind. Darkness. And me alone on my bike. I negotiated my way through downtown and across the river, then up through Briarcliffe and into Riverside. I hit a stride heading into Northmoor and never stopped pedaling full-gas the rest of the way home. Every light turned for me and every intersection was clear. I was in one of those rare ride states where you don't feel yourself doing anything. No breathing, no work. Just the scenery wooshing by. Beautiful.

Can you hear me knockin'?

2010-10-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

Just got back from Vampire Weekend at Starlight. I highly reccomend. Wow. I haven't got a good dose of energy like that since Franz Ferdinand in Larrytown many moons ago. Those boys know what they're doing.

Raced my first Open race today at Boss Cross 1. Finished 21 out of 28. Meh... Didn't get lapped, so that is a minor victory. Winkler was en fuego- that shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

Britton grabbed the SS leader's jersey which is a nice General Lee lookalike, er motif... well it's a shrine I tell ya! Anyway, awesome jersey and the BK got him some. Good luck hangin' on to it tomorrow.

Here's some pics of friends:

Patrick Swayze!

2010-09-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night throwdown starts in a week.

Bring your B and a half game.

WE NEVER FORGET

Cross practice

2010-09-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Team cross practice tonight. Did some 10-20 second sprints around the soccer field at Roanoke with a pretend barrier thrown in. Pretend barriers are sure a lot easier to get over.

After awhile I was having a hard time keeping the malt liquor down. So it goes.

My back feels supreme right now, but it'll tighten up as I sit hear in front of the computer/TV/wall tonight. Perhaps I should just ride all day long... every day... forever...

I just like THIS SONG.

Manion's Cross

2010-09-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

Manion's Cross went very well. We had a good turnout and we gave away a ton of Colavita pasta, oil, and balsamic vinegar. Coffee, waffles, Boulevard beer, and In-a-tub tacos too!

Thank you everyone who came out and raced and had a good time. My apologies to those who puked and/or cried. Yes, the course was very hilly and hard. Not a typical cross course, but as they say, variety is the spice of life. Sprinkle a little cayenne pepper on that.

The landowner seemed to be pleased and dumbfounded at the same time. Cross will do that to the unsuspecting, I suppose. There's a good chance we'll be back here again next year. Or possibly sooner...

More info and reports HERE. And at kansascitycross.com

Update #1

2010-09-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

Electrochemistry is the new smoke & mirrors is the new ball bearing. Fall for it.
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Mangez une pomme.

Y a w n

2010-09-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hi. I've been sleeping. Had to get up to fix a cup before cross season. Check THIS.

Giro picks

2010-05-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

I'm going with an all-Italian podium:
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Filippo Pozzato

Michele Scarponi

Damiano Cunego

I'm not sold on Wiggins as a true team leader, Vino isn't good for more than a couple of days (without dope), and Evans will head backward during the last week.

I'm riding Stage 14 to Asolo- the day before the PROs, of course. Monte Grappa can't be that much harder than say... Crooked Rd. out of Parkville, can it???

Wow, two great American holidays, back to back! First, Star Wars Day (May the 4th be with you) and then Cinco de Mayo. Fellow Crackanooner Will and I rode down to El Plaza via Southwest Blvd. yesterday afternoon. Boy Howdy! That joint was jumpin' like a fresh can of Mexican Jumping Beans! We latched onto the Spin Pizza ride and then drank Spin out of Mighty Arrow before heading to Sol for more Mexican madness. A final stop at Harry's was enough to set me up for the ride home. Finally got home at 11:30 after 7 hours on the bike (and in bars). Yeah, I think I'm ready for the Giro.

Snopp!!

2010-05-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

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Any one syllable word made of any combination of 'snap', 'crack', or 'pop' will give you a good idea of what carbon failure on impact sounds like. And yes, that includes "CRAP!" I was going top speed through heavy rain down the north side of Briarcliff Drive when I caught a chuckhole. Tire held great- the rim seems to have taken the brunt of the impact. That's the (+) I'm taking out of this- that the tire held and I didn't go down.
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Lesson: Remove shades in rain at first drops.

ToHermann Stage Race - Hermann, MO

2010-04-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

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Once again, Jeff and his crew rolled out a top-notch Tour of Hermann. And this year, the weather was perfect. I knew I wasn't in the shape I wanted to be in order to compete, but I also knew that wouldn't keep me from having fun anyway.
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Stage 1: ITT, Saturday morning.
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I left the start house at 9:13:30 and finished my 11 miles in a very disappointing 29+ minutes. I knew I wasn't good, but I'd lost nearly 2 minutes on my own time from last year! Sheesh! I started out trying to hold a certain gear but I just couldn't get comfortable and find a rhythm I could sustain. Eventually, I found a good rhythm but it was waaay too slow and I finished a miserable 40th.
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Stage 2: Crit, Saturday afternoon.
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The crit is why I come to race in Hermann. It's just freakin' fantastic. It's a gut-check climb followed by a bomber downhill with a couple of short flats dividing the two. My start was terrible- I ended up at the very back of a 50-some rider field and cat 3's are just too fast to try to make all that ground up. The race started fast and I was hanging on for dear life- gasping and wheezing- for the first few laps. Eventually, I found my legs and started to go around riders on the climb and on the downhill. It was my first crit of the year and I could feel I was too tentative around corners, but I tried to make up any lost time there on the downhill. Nobody was matching my speed going down and I was able to jump positions there and then shed riders for good on the climb. I didn't care what position I was in. I was having a blast pulling myself back up through the field. I was feeling better and better as the race went on and I was sorry to see it end at lap 12. I finished in 22nd over a minute behind the winner, but I think I lost at least that much time or more on the first couple of laps. Just gotta start way stronger next time.
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Stage 3: 60 mile RR, Sunday morning.
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I felt good on Sunday morning. I'd put in a hard effort in the crit but so did a lot of others so I liked my chances for finishing in the field. I didn't have aspirations of winning but I figured I could stay with the pack and see what happened at the end. The first climb was humbling but I felt good at the top and on successive climbs. Unfortunately, I was on the back and was yo-yoing like crazy. It was such a huge field and there was nowhere to move up. After one lap I was nearly vertigo with mental exhaustion from trying to fight for the wheel in front of me, then hit the brakes, then accelerate once again, only to hit the brakes, etc etc etc... so on and so on... I know, it's the name of the game at the back. That's why I hate it back there. I'd rather pull! But I just could NOT move up. Maybe I was more tired than I thought. We hit the big monster climb on the start of the second lap and I shot out the back with about 15 others. Not looking forward to trying to catch back on to the back of a fast-moving packed field, I turned off course and wound back done through the holler and rolled into the Tin Mill Brewery. I wasn't disappointed in my decision- I knew I was in poor shape. Next year I'll finally finish the road race. Baby steps.

Dam Race, Perry KS

2010-03-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

Finished eighth today
But that's out of eleven
Good news and Bad news
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Cat 3 faster pace
Lost contact before last lap
Alone to finish
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Good racing today
Had fun following fast guys
Must train harder now
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Warm temps refreshing
Beats the hell out of winter!
Yearning for springtime

CX Season Wrap

2010-01-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

There seems to have been a lot of accusations of "sandbagger" flying around this year. I had this term leveled at me in serious fashion even though I did not win one single race this year- a lot of podium spots but no wins. Give me a break. STFU and ride hard. Yeah, there are a few 3's that need to cat up, but like myself, I'm sure they're apprehensive, if not downright scared, to jump into the Open field. I catted up anyway. I'm a 2 now and we'll see what happens next year. Luckily (Ha!), I'm old enough to race the Masters if I so choose. I want to race where I'm challenged. I think the best race is where you're on the brink with a guy in front who you're chasing and a guy behind you wanting to take you out. I just want competition that makes me faster. I'm pushing for a 2/3 race next year.
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Seems I race cross much better after a few beers than without. Not sure how that will translate to road... just kidding.
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Race of the year? For me, it was Barnyard Cross in Manhattan. I scored a first in the SS class and even though the usual suspects weren't there from KC, it's nice to race your hands as you cross the line. Looking forward to next year's race. I'll start a rumor: This might be the KS State Champs race for 2010- I hope so.
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Best venue ever? St. Mary's, Leavenworth. Amazing. The perennial cyclocross playground. I won't miss a race held here. Won the C.4 Championship there last year and the C.3 Gold there this year, so it holds a special place in my heart. I'll take my grandkids there someday...
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I love my Curtlo cross bike more every time I ride it. OX Plat w/ banana stays. Stiff it is not. Don't understand why anyone would want a stiff cross bike. My SS it considerably stiffer and it's so much more of a bear to handle on course.
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I did 3 SS races this year and turned in a win and two 2nd places on my On-One Pompino w/ Origin 8 carbon fork and 39-18 gearing. Funny, After lap one or two on the geared bike, I settle into one or two gears anyway.
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Team Colavita had a big cyclocross contingent this year and that made me very happy. Steve V. was most impressive. His relentlessness and methodical improvement were inspirational. Andy W. scored the C.4 KS State Championship. Brittion slugged it out in the Open class. Joe and Adam were always a threat. Nathan and Eric E. were always there to throw down. And Eric Stull? I think Stull's case was classic Love/Hate with cross. I hope he goes again next year. Jane had some great rides too. We need more girls in cross!
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Looking forward to next year; Masters, Open, SS, whatever... Now begins the long, hot road "training" season.

Epic Cross

2010-01-16T16:52:00.001-08:00

Sadly, today's Epic Cross race ends the cross season. I got 2nd behind Songer in the SS again and won some more beer (Hear that, Joe?). It was the sloppiest conditions I've ever ridden in- very fun. This was the most spectator-friendly race I've been to. Due to the tight layout and the pseudo effigy mound running down the center of the field, you could see the entire race easily except for where we disappeared for about 10 seconds behind a snow bank. Mark and Epic staff layed out a nice course. Again no barriers. Is this a Series 60 thing or a heavy snow thing?
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Big THANKS goes to Roger who cleaned off everyone's bike after they raced. You rock, Rog!
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Season wrap-up and thoughts and some parts reviews coming soon...

Grote Prijs - Shawnee KS

2010-01-11T05:26:00.000-08:00

Lots of snow and ice. Mark and crew did a nice job clearing the course but there were still a few dangerous ice patches. Hey, it's racing in January! It was a flat and would-be uninteresting course other than the snow and ice, so as it were, it was quite fun and a little too interesting in a few spots.
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I got 2nd in the SS class after riding without sitting down most of the race- not that I would've been seated that much anyway. I crashed halfway through the first lap and when I picked up my bike, the saddle was nosed straight down. I rode around to the finish like that and asked if I could step off the course and grab my tool to fix it. I was asked if it was in the pit- it wasn't- and I was told "no". So, I pounded it with my fist until it was close to where it was and stopped a couple more times throughout the race to perform the same beating ritual.
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With about 6-8 laps to go I saw a rider lying flat on his side right in the middle of the course. It appeared as though he'd suddenly grown tired and decided to nap. I stopped and asked if he was alright- no response. So, I stepped off my bike and hailed him again-nothing. I threw my bike to the side and kneeled down and poked his shoulder as I talked to him and he finally started to move. He sat up and I talked to him a few moments as I went through the progressions learned in Red Cross training. As I sat there, I watched everyone else in my race cruise by, but finally a couple race officials showed up and I was able to jump back in the race. I spent the rest of the race making up positions but I was unable to catch Stephen Songer of 360 who got first.
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Great beer was provided by Boulevard and my 2nd-place prize was a 750 of Seeyoulator doppelbock- nice! Joe A. commented that I'm the Master of winning alcohol. I take great pride in that.
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One more race: Epic Cross on Saturday. It's gonna be Epic, bra'h!

Sounds of cross

2010-01-04T18:49:00.000-08:00

Started compiling next year's cross race soundtrack- very important stuff. To me it is. Approaching paramount even... So far:
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Red Snapper
Meat Puppets
Blur
Guns 'N Roses (sorry)
Gogol Bordelo
Talking Heads
Steve Earle
Tito & Tarantula
Muse
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Rage Against the Machine
Scissor Sistors
Eels
Soundgarden
Dandy Warhols
The Hives
The Who
The Spin Doctors (why not?)
Ween
Jethro Tull
ZZ Top
Ministry
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Barnyard Cross - Manhattan

2009-12-13T16:50:00.000-08:00

8 inches of snow 2 days before raceday helped to create the funnest cross race of the year. The Bad Goats had blazed a 10-15 feet wide swath along the entire course running around the grounds of the Manhattan Area Technical College, but there was still enough of the white stuff on the course that it was the single biggest factor in how it rode. Temps were well below freezing for the SS race at noon, so it was hard and fast but icy around the corners. The singlespeed field of 7 riders started about 30 seconds behind the 4's, including good friend and Crackanooner, Dustan. I was able to grab the win ahead of mostly local riders- I think there was only one SS'er not from Manhattan.

Then it was time to drink beer. Lots of beer. Barnyard beer... Granite City beer... Mickeys... more Barnyard...

By the time the 3/4 race started at 3, the temps had climbed into the mid/upper 30s. The snow turned to water in some places, mud in others, and remained solid in others. A section of the course threaded through a wooded area where there was a considerable layer of old leaves, branches, wood chips, and even some abandoned cement blocks! All this debris combined with the snow made for a particular nasty section of trail. You can see Andy, above, navigating through this area. The mountain bikers definitely had the advantage for this one.

The course looked so wet and nasty by the end of the 3/4s that I decided to have one more go at it and I entered the Open/1/2/3 race. 9 of us started at 4 and the temps had started back down towards the freezing mark again. By mid-race, small ice patches were forming and the whole 1.5 miles was an ever changing menagerie of mud, grass, ice, snow, sand and water- beautiful! I got some beer handups from T. Park and Michaela and was engaged in an ongoing snowball fight with John Waller and company. I rolled across the finish in 5th and nobody came in behind me. I guess the tandem mountain bike didn't work out too well for the Bad Goats. Others were probably more interested in getting back to more Barnyard brew.

Big THANKS to Apel, Patterson, Stamper, and the rest of the Bad Goats for putting on a super cool race! This one's on the calendar for next year already.

random thoughts...

2009-12-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

Admittedly, I was apprehensive about moving to KC. After all, I'd been in Manhattan since '95 and on my own in the sticks for the last 5 years. Well, I'm happy to report, I'm loving it. I'm not seeing Michaela as much as I'd thought- she works some hard hours to the tune of 12-hour overnight shifts- but it's working out. Suburbia? Not so bad. I've traded the gravel nets across the Flint Hills for farm roads and winding blacktops between Parkville and Smithville. I'm not missing work, however I am starting to fret a little over the lack of incoming finances. I've not started writing yet but I am thinking about it alot.

The above photo shows the space afforded me in the basement to construct a workshop. I'm looking forward to the process of building it from the ground up with workbench, shelves, lighting and everything. As if I needed an excuse to spend more time with my bikes.

I was thumbing through some notes I've kept over the years and came across this gem of a quote by Dana Catlett: "My pharmacist had to tell me my shrink had died". I remember jotting this down on the back of Ken Miner's business card after a debaucherous night of intoxicated bike riding many moons ago. A group of us were sitting in 75th Street Brewery after a Frank Tuesday event. We'd seen the Elevator Division that night at one of the bars we stopped at and... well, nevermind. It's amazing how much a square piece of paper can hold.

14 is a good number.

I'm thinking maybe I could create an exercise regimen that could be fun and, more importantly, marketable. I was inspired by Roberto's insistence that you don't need to buy a bunch of commercial exercise equipment to get a good workout. Additionally, I've been reading up on Yoga techniques lately. So, I've come up with a few exercises that anyone can do and everyone should do! It's basically a collection of physical movements that humans used to engage themselves in but no longer do because of technological advances. It's easy and cheap but you'll have to buy the book to find out what it's all about. Here's a teaser:

"Wash the Clothes"

It's basically a simulation of scrubbing clothes on a washboard then gathering them up and hanging them out to dry. Some folks won't know what a washboard is so they'll get an education as a bonus. There's some dance steps involved, but that's basically it. Yeah, that's money in the bank.

When you were a kid and you got going on the swing, did you ever really think you just might go all the way around?

Flyover at Duck Creek

2009-11-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

While visiting Michaela's family in Dallas over the Thanksgiving holiday, I had the chance to sneak into a local race. There was no mistaking I was racing in Texas- hot temps, flat as a pancake, and Lone Stars emblazened on most jerseys. Although there is no solution for the weather or inexplicable Texas pride, the organizers did make up for the lack of elevation differential with a contraption called "The Flyover". As seen in the photo above, it was a large set of stairs on one side followed by a steep ramp down the other. Neatly tucked below the large bridge structure was another smaller ramp which we navigated just before turning sharply and climbing the brige. I'd seen pics of these structures, but never before had a chance to ride one. It was fun, but I'd still prefer a good 'ol natural climb.

As I said, the course was super-flat. It was dry too with few obstacles to slow you down except a tiny patch of light mud and the requisite baracades and sand pit. The corners were wide and sweeping too so it was flat-out almost all the way through.

I was late getting to the line and slotted in on the last row. The wide straight start allowed me to get up to mid-pack before the first corners but The Flyover was near the start and I got caught up in the traffic jam on that. I knew I didn't have a chance at a top placing so I settled in and started picking my way up past riders on subsequent laps. Eventually I found a rider to pace with and we rode the last half of the race together. The promoter seemed to be friends with him and was giving him placing and time checks on our way around and from his info I finished in 8th. But when I looked at the sheet they had me in 15th. I don't know, seemed like I was much better than that- it wasn't that big of a field. I didn't protest though. Whatever, I had a fun race and felt fortunate that I got to experience The Flyover.

For sale: Zipp 303 wheelset

2009-11-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

Zipp 303 clinchers w/ shimano freehub body

2008 model year ridden less than 500 miles. Near new condition. No crashes- I never even flatted on these.

Dimpled carbon, bladed spokes, and super smooth bearings = speed!

$1400

See craigslist ad for contact info.

DeStad Cup: Kansas State Championship

2009-11-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

On a wet, windy, messy Sunday at St. Mary’s, I earned the Cat.3 Kansas State Cyclocross Championship. In doing so, I learned two things: First, I’m clueless as to how to train for a race. And, secondly, I absolutely cannot judge my own fitness level.

I’m sick of talking about it but I’ll mention my sore achilles one more time only for context here- I’d been nursing a sore achilles for a few weeks and during this past week I stayed off the bike completely exept for two mellow 20 mile rides. So, going into the DeStad Cup, I figured my chances of really making a go for the podium were about as good as flagging down an ice cream truck in hell. Nevertheless, I decided to race and have fun- after all, it is cross! So, I relaxed on the sidelines and watched all the other races in the morning and even enjoyed a few frosty beverages.

The morning races were wet but not sloppy. But the rain picked up around noon and by the time the Open class started, the course was well on it’s way to slime. I knew whatever small patches of traction left for the Opens would be chewed up and regurgitated back onto the course by the time the 3/4s started, and that got me thinking I might actually do alright. I love mud. I love rain. I love sleet. And I love the cold! As we lined up, I was giddy with excitement- It was still raining, there was standing water everywhere, and the temps had dipped into the upper 30s with a stiff NE wind.

The start was typical of my meager sprinting ability. I lined up front and center but went into turn one in 8th or 9th. Eric Stull faired better so I quickly went around a few riders to get onto his wheel. I followed him through a few turns and then he let me go around. Once in front of Stull, I zeroed in on Doug Stone and passed a few more riders to get onto his wheel. I followed Doug for awhile and finally squirted (literally) around him on one of the sloppiest corners on course. I kept accelerating down the long wet straight and when I looked back after a few more corners, I had a gap. Well, there was no letting up after that!

Chris Hershey was the only rider still ahead of me and I breifly entertained thoughts of corraling him. But after I slid out and went splat trying to get through the soup down by the pond, I gave up on that. Instead, I settled into a rhythm that would allow me to hold off Doug. Hershey was riding strong and I thought another effort to bridge up to him would risk me blowing up completely. Hershey was from Missouri, you see, so I was fighting for the KS State title at this point. We finished up in that order: Chris, Me, Doug. Chris got a great win, I earned the State Championship, and Doug sealed first place in the series.

I had completely surprised myself. And I’m sure a few of my competitors were surprised as well. I actually felt bad b/c I had talked to Rob Schultz before the race and I acted- honestly- like I wasn’t going to be able to do anything. Lesson: STFU about injuries. Just go ride- everyone has their issues.

Veteran's Cross

2009-11-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

Photo: Philip Wilkerson, more HERE.

Back to St. Mary's U. for another round of the De Stad Van Kansas Series. Another great course lined out by Chris and friends. Very fun once again.

I've been nursing a sore achilles and I wasn't sure how it would respond under race pressure. The race started fast down the flat stretch of brick road and I squeezed into about 6th position before jumping off into the grass then I quickly moved up to 3rd just behind Doug Stone. My ankle felt good so I pushed on with Doug for awhile trying to keep Mark Cole within sight. Doug and I swapped positions once or twice and then he began to pull away from me. I was alone in 3rd for a bit and then my ankle started hitting me with a sharp pain. Rather than risk doing more damage, I eased off the gas and resigned myself to ride it out in a lower gear.

I finished up in 16th while watching a couple of team mates- Dave and Andy- have a great race. Dave edged into the top 10 and Andy finished his first 3/4 race in 14th after winning the 4 race earlier. I was hoping to see Eric Stull come by me as well, but Dave told me he'd broke a chain as he went around me.

In all, it was great fun once again. I especially enjoyed the little kicker on the way to the back side. I caught some good air on it. My apologies to Roger for almost running him over while trying to show off- although I'm sure it's not his first close encounter with a racer.

Next week: Back to St. Mary's again!

Smithville CX

2009-10-25T18:47:00.001-07:00

Another great race in the De Stad series. The course was very similar to last year but with the added pleasure of The Beach- a 50 or-so meter length of soggy sand along the sunny and beautiful shores of placid Smithville Lake. Ahhhh, what a wonderful place to spend a leasurly Sunday afternoon- or burning your legs off whilst holding down breakfast. That's some fine cross.

I had fun and felt great other than some sore legs from working out with Roberto the day before. Boy, Roberto reeeally did a number on my ass! Nate S. and I took advantage on Saturday of a free 'Power and Endurance Training For Cyclists'. We pounded on tractor tires, climbed ropes, jumped on things, ran, and skipped, and jumped. It was fantastic but it left my legs quite sore. That's my excuse for finishing 7th- HA!

Ate a Minskys pepperoni pizza and watched Evil Dead II with my girlie this evening. It has been a fantastic weekend.

My boy Andy is looking stronger every race. He scored another 2nd in the 4 race flying the Colavita colors for the first time. Adam K. looked good too. Michaela has stated she will do her first race in Manhattan on Dec. 12- looking forward to seeing that!!

Chris Cross - St. Mary's U

2009-10-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

If you ever saw Christian Hosoi fly his famous Christ Air 7 feet above the lip of a halfpipe back in the day then you know where my inspiration came from for this barrier leap.

The St. Mary’s campus is the most beautiful spot for cross. I’d imagine the hardest part about designing a course there is deciding which features to leave out. I’m glad there is still another race there this year.

Bad legs and clumsy: From the start, I couldn’t get it together and things just got worse as the race went on. I had a front line position for the uphill start but ended up going into the first turn in about 15-20th postion b/c I could not get clipped in. I was able to use the wide course to catch back up to the lead group quickly but I could feel that my legs weren’t there. I just didn’t feel like I could get any power and I actually got stiffer as the race wore on. It felt like trying to swim through honey. And to make matters worse, I felt clumsy and hesitant on the barriers. So I spent the whole race fighting myself but despite all my trouble I still managed to grab 3rd place.

It was lonely out there. The first 4 positions got sorted out after lap two and from then to the finish everyone held their position and the gaps between us all just kept growing. At one point Mark Cole stumbled on a barrier up ahead of me and I was able to catch him as he fumbled with his chain. But I seemed to be stuck in low gear and couldn’t get around him and he pulled back away. It was a frustrating race, but sometimes it just be’s that way. I still had fun and enjoyed the course immensly- I just wish I could’ve loosened up and found a rhythm. Looking forward to coming back soon.

It was great to see so many Manhattan faces out there. The best local result was Andy Wiens grabbing 2nd in a photo finish just ahead of Mike Ellis, a KSU rider. Awesome 3-up sprint finish in the cat.4 race!

Boss Cross #2, Parkville, MO

2009-10-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, I wasn’t sure I’d make it down to English Landing Park the next day for BC #2, so I didn’t have expectations for this race- that seems to be a good mental state for me going into a race.

I arrived at the park on Sunday morning and saw the course strung out everywhere. Yes, I know that is the nature of a ‘cross course, but this one was really piled up on itself and I had to stand near the first double crossing for a couple of minutes before I figured out where everyone was coming from. Some of the dog-walkers and joggers in the park must have really been freaked. The tread was worn in from the race one day earlier and the soil was near perfect. There were two corners I consistently slid out but everywhere else it was full speed ahead. Jump, dive, and brake late were the orders of the day.

I had a great race. I slid into 5th position from the start and stayed with the 2-6 riders for most of the race. Mark Cole disappeared off the front early and it was obvious it’d be a race for 2nd. Two guys got a small gap on 3 of us after the rider just in front of me stumbled and we got held up. I spent almost two laps chasing down the 2-3 riders and had Rob Schultz go around me briefly. Then he started to fade and I went back around him and another rider and then zeroed in on 2 and 3. I caught them on the backside straightaway along the railroad tracks and they sat up as soon as they saw I was on. My instinct said, “Kill these guys now!” and so I launched and didn’t look back until I was riding through the finish with 2 laps to go and saw I had a 10 second gap. I held the gap on the last 2 laps and rolled across in 2nd. I never saw Mark.

Britton got 2nd in the SS race and that seems weird to me. Not weird like carrots-in-orange-jello, but weird like throwing a glowstick in an open flame. It’s bazaar but then delightful once you realize it’s possible.

Diamond Blackfan CX

2009-09-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

photo: Jane Adams

Aaaahhhhh! FINALLY, cyclocross season begins!!! Now we need the weather to come around. It felt great to get out on the grass, gravel, sand, and... wooden bridges? Well, anything goes. Awesome course but I hated the cowtown barriers- but whoever placed those should be proud-brutal.

I got 3rd in the 3/4 race and Joe A. scored a podium spot in the Masters. Eric looked strongest of many teamates in the 4 race and landed in at 10. Man, that was a huge field! Cross is here to stay I guess.

I was so happy to see all my mates out to race. I was afraid that Colavita might fade into the shadows come cross season but that's just not gonna happen. I'm so fired up right now I don't know if I'll sleep.

Much love to all those yelling and making noise. At some races, your friends are lined up just right around the course so that every time you really need some help, they're there. Today was like that.

Quote of the Day:
"I'd puke but I don't have the energy."
-Steve V.

Piriformis

2009-09-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

Piriformis is a pear-shaped muscle that runs from the bottom of your spine through the hole in your pelvis and out to your upper leg. Mine is bad. After enduring ,literally, a pain in my ass all summer, I finally went to my ortho today. From what I could decipher from the doc's analysis, I've got reduced power and mobility in my left leg b/c of it and further inflamation could start to cut off nerves causing more problems down my left leg. The piriformis doesn't actually relate directly to any cycling motion, which is why it's so frustrating. It's a muscle that controls lateral leg movement- which you shouldn't be doing if your stroke is true. Nonetheless, it's surounded by all my other ass muscles that I DO use for cycling and when it's not happy it causes all kinds of problems. I don't need any more problems. After years without illness or injury, I've been hit with both this year. I start PT on Monday. Hopefully "Chad" has warm hands.

2009-09-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 3, Kansas City

We'll meet at a yet-to-be announced location and carve a meandering trek towards the American Royal BBQ where we'll carve into some hunks of meat.

More details coming soon...

CONTEST: First person to respond here and name the album I've ripped off gets free beer at all stops before the BBQ!

I hate squirrels.

2009-08-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

A mosquito is tiny. It has a tiny little spec of a brain; the size of a flake of dust. Yet it is infinitely smarter than a squirrel. I don’t understand it. A mosquito can smell your ripe blood up to 2 miles away and follow your scent for its meal. It can maneuver its body to avoid your swats. It can finagle its way through screen holes at night in order to get you while you’re sleeping- screen holes on screens that us big humans with our big human brains specifically designed to keep mosquitoes out.
A squirrel has a brain approximating the size of a walnut; shelled. Compared to a mosquito, the squirrel should be able to grasp quantum physics. No. The squirrel cannot grasp quantum physics. The squirrel cannot grasp the basic laws of physics. The squirrel doesn’t even possess a basic understanding of mortality.
Case in point: I was riding home last night and while descending the steepest, longest, fastest hill on my ride, I noticed a furry lump in the middle of the roadway near the bottom. It looked like a squirrel carcass and I assumed it had been hit by a car like so many squirrels before it. As my speed approached 40 mph and I approached the lump of fur, suddenly it sprang to life! The squirrel jumped to its feet and skittered across the roadway directly into my path; then stopped and spun and bounded in the opposite direction; stopped again, turned a 180, and raced for a short distance back in front of me... All the while, I am jerking and flinching and leaning left and right, desperately trying to avoid this crazed little maniac. I was in full aero tuck with my hands way out on the brake hoods (if you’ve ridden or seen mustache handlebars, you know there is no way to brake from this position).
Finally all the laws of physics made themselves known and our paths crossed. The little bugger was still spinning and skittering about when my front tire met him. Luckily (for both of us) I merely ran over his tail. At the moment I crossed over him, I remember thinking I wish I had wheels made of blades. But after it was over, I was just glad to have stayed upright. Immediately I grabbed the brakes so I could sit up and turn my head around in order to scold the stupid stupid stupid little creature. That’s when I noticed there was a car just behind me with passengers watching the whole ordeal.

2009-08-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

30 miles, 6 stops. No excuses.

No more Mr. Niceguy

2009-08-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Mr. Lindy is ready to dance.

Changes from last year:

IRD carbon cranks and D/A BB replaced SRAM cheapies
1cm shorter stem
No more cheater aeros
Replaced the 32h D/A/Open Pros with 28/24h White Ind/Sun Venus- my crit wheels
Also, trying out some Origin 8 bar wrap. It's really rubbery and sticky, and not very stretchy... La, la, laaaa..... It's cubic, prismatic, and pseudo-holographic! It's hypoallergenic made of corrugated plastic!

RAGBRAI

2009-07-30T12:27:00.001-07:00

For those who know RAGBRAI, I had the classic experience- enough said.

For those unfortunate naïve few who don’t know what RAGBRAI is, here’s your primer: RAGBRAI is an acronym for The Des Moines Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. Every year, approximately 15,000 cyclists from all walks (rides) of life meet on the western side of the state along the Missouri River and take a weeklong jaunt across the state to the Mississippi River. Each of the 37 editions has been a different route but they always travel west to east with designated overnight stops along the way.

The folks who participate in RAGBRAI span the entire spectrum of lifestyle preferences- from family churchgoers, farmers, and factory workers to amatuer racers, triathaletes, and sports enthusiasts, to college students, partyers, drunks, and all-out hellraisers. I fall near the back end of that spectrum b/c those are the folks I’m most comfortable with, but I appricate the fact that RAGBRAI summons them all. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you came from, or what you’re into- in July, in Iowa, we ride bikes.

This year, our team’s bus was out of commission, so the Crackanooners jumped on with Team Kamikaze and joined forces for the week. We couldn’t have hoped for better adopted teammates than the Kamis. They shared our same views as to when it’s time to drink (always) and when it’s time to get up and ride (late!). I want to thank Terrance and Skip for taking care of business so we could play all day. Also, Dirty Timmy deserves recognition for his endless entertainment. Tell us again about the kybo fleamarket, Timmy. And to all the rest of Team Kamikaze, I hope to see you again next year!

So it’s back to sobriety and normallity for me. After a week spent living in the sun and laughing with friends, it’s hard to be back in the cage. Alas, like most good things, it can’t last forever. But the memories always will.

Tour of Lawrence

2009-07-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

After racing the past two weekends, I’ve continued to feel better and better. I’m getting power back and now I’ll start working on getting the level of endurance back up with some more saddle time. RAGBRAI is coming up in a few days, which means a weeklong jaunt across Iowa on my SS in a semi-intoxicated state. On the one hand, it’s 400+ miles on the bike. On the other, the relaxed- sometimes downright slow- speeds and lack of nutritional management (read: beer-guzzling) keep me from considering this anything than vacation. It remains to be seen how it translates to my preparation for the next Tour of KC in August.

This weekend was the inaugural Tour of Lawrence composed of a crit and circuit race held on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The crit was a flat pinched 8 through downtown Lawrence with the Start/Finish on Mass. Street. I didn’t have high hopes for myself so I decided before the race to help our fast guys by working at the front and trying to cover attacks. As I suspected it would be, it was fast from the whistle. Initially, I was unable to move up in the pack and I loitered mid-pack for the first few laps. Eventually I found Thomas and as soon as I moved up next to him he asked if I’d seen the break go off the front. I hadn’t of course b/c I’d been sitting back in the pack picking my nose. But as soon as I heard a break had gone a bell went off in my head and I jumped to the outside to get to the front. I was on the front of the group as we crossed the line and I could see the break ahead so I continued on full throttle until I bridged up. I worked with the two other riders for just over a lap and then we got swallowed up. I was in some pain after that so I sat at the back for a few laps and then made my way back to the front where I saw several Bike Shacks assembled in formation. Just as I came up, three of them stretched off the front and got a small gap. I was sure they were going to try the same move that earned them 1-2-3 at Longview last weekend and that’s when I heard Bernie Mack say, “Oh hell no!” So I quickly jumped up and squeezed into their group and blew up their organization. That was cool. After that I drifted forward and back a few times and managed to stay out of the DFL slot while Stull was sprinting for the podium.

For Sunday’s circuit race, I’d set the goal of finishing in the top 5 and fully expected to at least hit the top 10, so I was disappointed to cross the finish in 15th. The race was 4.4 miles of bumpy terrain on the KU Campus with one signature steep pitch topping out to leave 500m of flat and wide roadway to the finish. The rest of the course was all up and down and I was digging it. Despite the short distance (22 miles), I figured this was my kind of race. I went well for the first two laps but at the beginning of lap three the crit-like pace got me and I couldn’t hold on to the lead group. My legs just stopped working and despite all my effort, I watched the pack go away, leaving me wheezing in around 25th position on course. I was bitterly frustrated at the scenario unfolding but I was determined to fight to the end. I settled into a rhythm and got control of myself. Eventually I picked up Stull and we rode together until we spotted Steve. I kicked it up to latch onto Steve’s wheel and, unfortunately, I’d lost Stull in the process. But then we picked up Chris Hudson and we worked together to churn out a respectable pace. Hudson is a beacon. He’s so steady and smooth and turns a good speed. We traded pulls for a lap and a half and I was really able to relax. With a half lap to go, I accelerated and went all out until the finish, reclaiming about a dozen positions in the process. I wasn’t happy with finishing 15th but it felt good to have the kick to finish it out. That’s been lacking lately and I’ve sorely missed it. When the mind wants to go faster than the body is able, it just plain sucks.

Breakthrough Tour of KC crit series

2009-06-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

It was good to get back into some races this weekend. It felt good to be back in the pack. I finished 2 of 3 races and won a couple of primes in the process, so I can’t complain about the weekend as a whole although I am still quite frustrated with some health issues I’m dealing with.

Friday’s Longview crit was O.K. I won an “also-ran” $50 prime and then fell off the pace and finished in 19th. It was brain-boiling hot for our 5:45 start and I cooked myself attacking for the prime. Stull hung in there, cross-eyed as he was, and nabbed 6th. I was disappointed to find out Bike Shack took 1-2-3 on a break. Wow, that should never happen. I never saw them get away b/c I was near the back at the start and apparently they got away near the beginning. Shame on whoever was on the front and watched them ride away.

Saturday in Lee’s Summit was a bummer. It was raining and I love racing in rain so I was feeling kind of jacked up- maybe too jacked. We were all together as we finished lap 2 and a prime was announced. I shot off the front and got a big gap but coming around turn 3, my rear wheel slipped a little and I pulled my hamstring trying to hold everything together. I stayed upright but I had to sit down and try to work out my cramp. I kept looking back waiting for everyone to fly by me but it took forever and I nearly coasted across for the prime anyway. I was just barely pipped at the line, but by then I was more concerned with my leg. I tried to ride another lap and stretch it but it wasn’t working so I DNF’ed on lap 4.

Surprisingly, Sunday was a good day for me. I felt O.K. and hung in the lead group, won a beer prime, and finished with the pack. There was an officiating decision at the end where we went from 5 laps to go then to finish lap with no warning. I was catching my breath at the back of the pack at the time and couldn’t move up to do anything but luckily Stull was in a good position at the front and came away with 4th. Dave finished in front of me as well. I got around a few guys on the back side and on the finish stretch there was only one more rider I could possibly catch so I dug in and got him by a half bike length at the line. It felt great to finish off a race even though it was a sprint for 18th.
Congrats to Matt and Nate on a couple of 2nd place finishes. Remember Nate: Look for the car with the blinky lights.

Northland Ride

2009-06-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

For those interested in joining me, I'll be riding up north on Sunday morning. We've got two choices: 45 mile hilly or an alternative that is shorter but with more intense hills. Either ride starts/finishes at Michaela's house- 8900 N. Polk Ave., KCMO, 64154. We'll decide tomorrow which to do.

Directions to Michaela's: Get yo azz north of the river via I-29 or 169 and turn onto 152. If you're on 29 you'll take 152 E, from 169 you'll want 152 W. Take 152 to Green Hills Rd. and turn north. Immediately after crossing over the highway turn left on 88th St. Then Right on Camden, Left on 88th Ter., Right on Polk.

We will average 17.834 mph

We ride at 10.

Call my cell if you want advice.

Boo hoo

2009-06-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

I just read through my last post and realized how whoa-is-me it sounded. Somebody kick me in the shin! In my defense, the unknown spawns despair. After yesterday’s ride, I know a lot more and hence, I feel a lot better. I rode at about 70-80% for an hour and felt just dandy at the end of the ride. I wanted to do a few more hills but stopped myself. I figured out where I’m stressing my leg. It’s on the first few pedal strokes after sitting down after a standing climb. I’ve always tried to go hard all the way over the top of climbs- perhaps I’ve gotten lazy in my geary ways and need to stand a few more revolutions before sitting back down. Perhaps I need to get back on the SS for my commute. Health is coming back too. It’s all systems go. Battle speed…

Down Time

2009-06-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Whether I needed a break from riding or not, I got one. I haven’t felt right since sometime around the Iowa races and my health got slowly and progressively worse after returning from that weekend. It started out with a general tired feeling and grew over the next few weeks into all-out fatigue. I’ve been getting slowly better for about a week now but for awhile I was literally coming home from work, eating and collapsing on the couch. I was sleeping 12-14 hours a night and still couldn’t muster energy to do anything during the day. Eventually, headaches were added to the equation and finally some restricted breathing- just for good measure, I suppose.

About 2 weeks ago, I stopped riding. My daily routine was: Work, eat, sleep, and that’s all. Aside from a weekend mtb ride, I’ve put in less than 100 miles since Iowa at the end of May. I tried to get in to see a doc here in Manhattan but there are no openings- not even my own doc of 14 years could see me! They told me that since I hadn’t been in for over 3 years, they dropped me from their patient list- wow. Whatever, I’m getting better now anyway. I figure whatever it was, I’ll be that much more immune to it next time.

That brings us to last Sunday, when the Kansas Age Group State Champs were going to be taking place in my backyard. The route would follow the same roads I ride nearly everyday. I still wasn’t feeling 100% but I figured I’d give it a go. Not having been on the bike in awhile, I thought it best to get out on Saturday and ride the course one time. It felt great to be moving the legs again and pulling air deep into my lungs. I had installed my new IRD carbon cranks and I was having fun feeling those out as well. The ride went well and I even turned in a pretty good time. But after I finished up and stepped off the bike, something that felt like a hydraulic vice grabbed me just under my left ass cheek. I knew what it was instantly and I knew what caused it. A pulled muscle- probably groin. And it was my own fault for riding too much, too hard, too soon. Ouch, that wasn’t going to help during tomorrow’s race. I went home and iced it and tried to stretch it but it was still extremely tight on Sunday morning so I didn’t race. I marshaled a corner instead. Something or someone did not want me in that race.

Sometimes it just be’s that way.

So, now I’m back to square one. I figure the only thing to do now is start from this point with the objective of getting back to top form around September. Hmmm, what happens on two wheels around here starting in September that I could possibly be interested in?

Tonight I’ll take a slow and easy ride and see how the leg feels. Same goes for tomorrow. This weekend I’ll try a longer ride and I’ll build up to where I can ride the ToKC for starters. Maybe show something in Lawrence. Then maybe expect a result for the August ToKC.

Snake Alley Crit and then some!

2009-05-26T10:07:00.001-07:00

On Friday, the Team packed into my Suburban and Michaela shuttled us all over to eastern Iowa for a weekend of racing. We’d all be doing three races in three days- the legendary Snake Alley Crit bookended by the Wapello-Burlington RR and the Melon City Crit. It was the furthest from home we’d traveled for a race this year but it was a bargain considering all the racing we’d get in one trip.

There was no hiding my excitement for the Snake Alley Crit. With a steep technical climb and long and speedy downhill, this was going to be my kind of race! But first there was The Wapello-Burlington RR. I figured this short 33 mile point to point race would serve as a great warm-up for the Snake which would take place the next day. After we got a few miles into the race, I realized I was feeling good and so I decided to make a little noise at the front rather than just roll along in the pack. Actually, there was no ‘just rolling along’ in this race. It was high tension and sketchy from line to line. The only safe places were off the back or off the front. I considered both options and quickly started moving forward.

My time at the front was very active. I chased down an attack, then went with 3 other riders on a break that got reeled in, then went on a solo break. Nothing stuck and it was obvious this was going to be a sprint finish. Near the end I was still feeling relatively good despite the work I’d put in so I decided I’d try something on the last hill before the finishing straight. Unfortunately I was boxed in for almost the entire climb until just near the top where I was able to break free. I went over the top in first position and saw a wide open long straight downhill to the finish in front of me. With only a bikelength or two on the pack, I knew I was doomed. I’d just seen Matt, so I decided to ramp up the speed and stay on the front as long as possible in hopes that it would help him out. With about 600m or so to go a rush of bikes went past me and Matt was on the front. It was a longer-than-normal sprint and Matt crushed everyone for the win. I’ve received some compliments on my leadout in that race, but I have to say that it was all Matt. I’ll need to pedal a lot faster to truly help Matt out. I think the only thing I did was screw up the rhythm of some of the other short-distance sprinters. Congrats to “Packenwood” for the win and thank God the whole team survived that affair.

The next day was looking great for the Snake Alley Crit. Beautiful sunshine… right up until 10 minutes before the cat 4 one o’clock start. Suddenly there were gray clouds moving in and it started to sprinkle on our warm-up lap. I am a standing climber and I feared the wet bricks would ruin my weekend. But fortune smiled on us and the rain quit before the end of warm-up.

We lined up in order of our registration. That put me on the sixth row and I knew it would take a monster effort to get to the front. The Snake Alley gets in name from a steep brick alley comprised of 7 switchbacks over it’s 260 feet. The key is to shake yourself free so you don’t get stuck in the bottleneck at the base of this thing. We hit the Snake shortly after the start line and there was absolutely nowhere to move up. I trudged along with the crowd while grinding my teeth on thoughts of other faster riders getting away in front. Finally, we hit the top and went into the wide open downhill. I was able to kick over the top and immediately get around a handful of riders then pass more through the S-curves. On subsequent laps, I kept repeating this scenario until after 12 laps I finished in 11th place. I dug deep and never took a second off during this race, so I’m proud I was able to claw my way up through the pack, but at the same time, I can’t get too excited about finishing out of the top 10. That stings a little. Next year...

Finally on Sunday, we’d wrap things up with the Melon City Crit. This was the fastest crit I’d ever been in. The course is laid out on the avenues meandering through Weed Park in Muscatine and it was a beautiful venue. Despite the long straight downhill and the climb before the start/finish, it was still too flat for me. Nevertheless, I held my own and was having great fun riding in the pack until I was forced into the curb with just under 2 laps to go. I bobbled but I stayed upright. I clipped back in and set off all the alarms in my chase back to the pack. I finally caught the back just as we crossed the line on the bell lap. At that moment the speed ramped up and I couldn’t hold it. I fell off and rolled around the last lap with the moto on my tail. Eric S. looked great and finished near the front and Matt and Britton were both looking good for the cat 3 podium until a crash held up Britton and took Matt completely out. Still, it was great fun and the whole weekend is one for the books.

Auburn RR

2009-05-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Sunny and coolish warm with soft breezes- lovely day for a bike ride. Matt got in an early break with two Specs, so me, Stull, and Steve just hung out and watched Bike Shack chase. It was a good chase but I knew Matt and his new Specs friends were too strong to be caught. I was just hoping Matt wouldn’t get suckered by double attacks at the end. As it turned out, Matt whipped them both and took the win!

Joe got caught up in a crash midway through the first lap that happened just behind me. The rider on my wheel got (sounded like) a front puncture and went down and took a handful of guys with him. That’s the third race this spring that the rider just behind me has crashed and caused a pile-up. I must have a vault of karma. For anyone reading this, I guess the lesson is: You don’t want my wheel.

So, it was a day spent critiquing Bike Shack’s rotation and chatting with various riders. Eventually, the chase sputtered out and a few secondary break attempts started to go. Steve locked on the front and pulled the group most of the way back to the first one, then Eric and I got on the front and watched for others. Around 80-90K in, it became apparent that everyone was tired and any attack was pretty half-assed.

Things ramped up with about 10K to go but nothing stuck. I put in my own attack on a far-too-small riser with about 2K but I didn’t get anywhere either so I went again at the 1K mark and got a little space. But I was caught before the 200m line. A lot of riders assumed it was the finish and sat up but I kept going and got out in front again. But I was caught once again just before the finish and rolled across next to Stull in 7th.

We hit Blind Tiger at 37th and Topeka Blvd. afterwards. I highly recommend the Road Runner for post-ride refueling. Large chicken breast layered with brisket and covered in lots of cheese and pico with a side of beans and rice. Wash it down with one of their brews. I went with the maibock… then the pale ale… then the IPA…
photo credit: Philip Wilkerson

Wilson Lake MTB Trails

2009-05-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

B-duh, B-duh… “Wiiil-sooooon”

With cancelled Arkansas plans, the GF stuck at work, and my work caught up, I found myself in the rare situation of having no obligations for the weekend. I said “No” to both the Joe Martin Stage Race and Syllamo and instead went to Wilson Lake. I’d heard about these trails many times but had never experienced them, so on Saturday morning I loaded up the MTB and a cooler of beer and headed west to bag me a Wilson.

I’m not a roadie- or so I used to say. Now I don’t know. What I do know is, my passion for biking comes first from mountain biking. But after 15 years of serious dirt lust, this spring I’ve thrown that aside in lieu of truly discovering the road in the form of racing for TCPC. Make no mistake, I’m hooked on road racing. But still my soul lives in the dirt and the longer I go without it, the emptier I feel. So, this weekend I popped open the tank and filled up on some dirt-loving good fun and came home feeling fresh, strong, and bright.

There are 15 miles of trails at Wilson split between three major loops with many cut-offs and bail-outs throughout the system. The trails are unique in that there really is no tree cover or vegetation to hinder your view. So, at any hilltop, you can see the trails strung out in all directions winding all over adjacent hillsides. If I had to describe the trails with one word, it would be “switchbacks”. Describing a jeep road in Colorado, C.W. McCall writes in a song that “it looked like a bunch of Z’s and W’s all strung together”-similarly, the trails at Wilson are a bunch of S’s and C’s all strung together. As far as I know I was the only rider on the trail on Saturday. Had there been others, we could have high-fived each other while riding on opposing sections of trail- that’s how much they fold back on themselves! That coupled with the fact that you can literally see miles of trail at a time makes for a strange experience.

It took me a few miles to catch the rhythm of the trail but once I did it was all smiles. It’s definitely not a place to test your top speed. There are way too many tight corners for that. Instead you want to push your speed to the brink of washing out and then stay just inside of that with kicks of the pedals coming out of each corner. There are a few sandy and rocky climbs but nothing of any serious length and, surprisingly, there are some fast and somewhat lengthy downhills. I especially enjoyed the slalom course through the limestone fence posts.

Incidentally, Wilson Lake is known as “The Clearest Lake in Kansas” and the lake, the rock formations, wildflowers, collared lizards scurrying about, and other wildlife make for a beautiful day of riding. Outdoor flushing toilets and showers with warm water made a great day grand. I can’t explain the tranquility and inspiration that comes from doing your business while starring up at blue skies and puffy white clouds.

“I must inquire Wilson, are you still having fun?!”

commuting

2009-04-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

After an extended winter break, I'm finally getting back to a regular commuting routine. It feels oh-so-good to be riding to and from work again. With all the racing action and my travels this spring I haven't been able to settle into a routine. I've only been ride-commuting once a week and sometimes not at all. But over the last few weeks I've been riding 2-3 times a week and I can feel that 4-5 days a week is just around the corner- Woohoo!

I live in a remote area north of Manhattan on the shores of Tuttle Creek Lake, so for the first 6 miles I traverse some pretty rough gravel roads just getting to civilization. Then it's 6 more miles of smooth winding hilly blacktop as I make my way away from the lake and out to a state highway. Once I jump on the ample Highway 13 shoulder, it's 8 miles into town and another 2 through town to work. I usually complete the 22 mile trip with a stop at Radina's Bistro for a fresh scone before heading to work for a shower and change. Then I've got all day to look forward to the ride home!

Home is 300 feet higher than work and I pass over 3 large hills each between 1/2 mile and 3/4 mile long with pitches between 6 and 10 percent. Then halfway through the gravel sector I have my favorite little darling- a 80 meter 20% kicker that has ever changing conditions between loose powdered gravel, mud, washboard, and hardpan. Then it's 3 miles across open range where I sometimes have to give a couple "yeehaws" to clear the cattle off the road. What fun.

I am truly blessed. It's a battle sometimes just getting on the bike at 6am but it's ALWAYS worth it.

I hate birds.

2009-04-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

It's not bad enough that the whipoorwills keep me awake all night with their incessant car alarm-like bleating. Or that the crows make sure I NEVER sleep in past sunrise. This morning on my ride into town I took a lark to the face.

It's burn season in the Kansas Flint Hills and that means the air is swamped with a smokey haze. Not so good for the lungs, but it makes for the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. This morning I was JRA enjoying the bliss of a brisk morning ride under a beautiful multi-colored sky when... WHACK! --poof of feathers, then a limp body lodged in the crook of my shoulder. I brushed it off while continuing on but it left a nice little scratch along my cheek bone and my eye is a little puffy. Hope that little ____er didn't give me avian flu.

Tour of Hermann - All up and down

2009-04-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

The rolling hills along the Missouri River with German vineyards occupying the steep-sloped hillsides makes a great backdrop for racing. Throw in cool temperatures and some overnight rainfall with sprinkles during the day and it was perfect!

Stage 1: Individual Time Trial, Saturday morning

10 miles of flat and straight out and back. I had calculated the time I wanted to achieve, based on last year’s results, at 24 minutes flat. I thought I could hit this number without digging into reserves that I’d need for the upcoming crit and road race and still get a pretty good result. That plan worked well except I came up 37 seconds short of my goal and the overall times were slightly faster this year- that was enough to push me waaay down the standings. I finished just outside of the points. I was disappointed with that but still felt good b/c I knew I’d saved a lot for the other races.

Stage 2: Criterium, Saturday afternoon

Wow. Wow. Wow. What a course. 1.2 miles of all up and down. The start/finish was located at the gates of the Stone Hill Winery situated atop one of many hills surrounding Hermann. The climb up to Stone Hill is short at just over 200 meters, but it’s 8% pitch (my best guess) was enough to separate out the true contenders. Once across the line, the road levels out along a ridgeline until the course turned 90 degrees and dumped us straight back into town at 45+ mph. Then, a couple of hard and fast corners brought us right back to the base of the Stone Hill climb. Awesome.

I got 2nd on the prime lap and crossed the finish in 5th. At three laps to go, two riders got away from us and were able to stay and finished 30 seconds ahead. So on the final climb, it would be a sprint for 3rd. I was with a group of 6 riders ahead of the rest of the field as we hit the base of the climb. When I jumped up to start the climb, I skipped my wheel. Immediately, I was at the back. But I was able to regain my momentum quickly and came around 3 riders. I gave it everything and was closing on the 4th placed rider but I blew out just before the line and settled into 5th. What a beautiful painful ride!

Stage 3: Road Race, Sunday morning

I wasn’t sure how my legs would race on Sunday morning after the TT and crit on Saturday but during our neutral roll threw town, I was enthused to be feeling pretty good. The parade ended at the edge of town where we hit the first of a series of relentless climbs. There was not a single stretch of flat road for the first 15 miles and this first climb just happened to be the biggest of them all. At the front, riders bolted and poured it on and the entire field of 50+ riders was immediately strung out. I hung on to the top 10 over the top and was feeling blown out but after a few more climbs I started to feel better and actually started to work with a few other riders to pull back a break of 5 that was getting up the road. All was good in the legs and the mind, but on each successive climb, my left cleat was slowly unscrewing itself until finally at around the 7th climb my foot began ejecting itself and I was unable to get clipped back in. I was on the front of the chase, so I pulled off and waved the others through. I continued to ride, soft pedaling with my left leg but I could tell that wouldn’t last long. I began begging for a screwdriver and when nobody had anything to offer, I stopped and waited for the wheel car, praying they had tools onboard. Unfortunately, after searching the truck for a few minutes, no luck. So, I threw my bike on and climbed into the back seat with a broken heart.

Looking back, I could’ve finished the ride but at the time I had tunnel vision of finishing at the front and watching the back of the 4’s filter past while sidelined at the wheel car just made me give up. Even with that bit of bad luck though, it’s my favorite race ever. So beautiful, so so hilly, and so much fun.

Final Spring Fling crit

2009-04-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

I felt lazy and unmotivated this weekend- not a good way to be going into a crit. I thought maybe I’d feel better once the race started but as each lap passed I just kept counting down to when it’d be over. It wasn’t as though I was struggling- I lead the group during several laps- but I just couldn’t shake the ‘care less’ attitude from my mind. Frustrated, I resigned myself to doing what I could to help Matt b/c he was looking his usual powerful self. I tried to pull for him and tried to give him some relief on the front and finally tried to spring him on the last lap, but the timing was so odd that I’m not sure I wasn’t just getting in his way. Brad didn’t seem to be enjoying his day too much either and we rolled across the line together near the back. Crits are something I haven’t decided if I love or hate yet and it’s looking like it might take awhile to figure out.

Looking ahead, I’ve got the Tour of Hermann this weekend and I’m VERY motivated for it. Like many of the races so far this spring it’ll be an unknown and a learning experience. It’ll be my first time trial as well as my first stage race and I haven’t any idea how I’ll fair in that situation. This year, there have been a couple of races where I felt I finished lower than I should have b/c I was too reserved. In Hermann, I plan to be more aggressive. It looks like the final 600m is pretty technical with 3 90-degree corners before the final sprint to the line. I’ll be doing everything I can to get to the front before that mess.

Joseph Sheehan RR, Leavenworth, KS

2009-04-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful race… if you like riding in wind, cold, rain, sleet, and snow!

Before I talk about the race though, let me say CONGRATULATIONS TO NATE AND KAREN SCHOTANUS who were wed on Saturday. It was a wonderful wedding and a great reception (despite my MC’ing). I was honored to take part.

After a beautiful sunny spring day pondering love and celebrating nuptials, Sunday’s cold dark morning came hard and early. Actually, at 7am, it was as warm as it was going to be all day. The race started at 8:50am. The rain started at 8:40am. And the temps started dropping before that. I changed three times before the start and finally settled on fleece knicks with three layers on top- wool/longsleeve jersey/rain jacket. Incidentally, the rain jacket I just got from Volker the day before saved my day.

Wind was the order of the day, with rain- then driving sleet- and finally snow, mixed in. Brad W. and I briefly discussed strategy before the start and settled on: “Just Survive”. Unfortunately, Brad dropped a chain midrace and couldn’t get his fingers to work well enough to get it back on. Ask anyone in this race and they’ll tell you they had no feeling in their hands after about 20 minutes of racing.

It was a battle through the head and cross winds all the way out to Atchison. Then we turned around and had the wind behind us on our way back. As soon as we turned with the wind, two 360’s jumped on the front and started shoveling coal. Chris from Renaissance and a couple of SKC’s latched onto them and I got on their wheel. For the next several miles it was a matter of hanging on. Anyone still in the race was strung out in a line. I looked at my computer at one point while cranking hard to keep up on a flat section and it read 58kph.

Finally after 10 miles they let off the gas and nobody else wanted to take control. Then just after I saw the 10K sign, Chris started surging off the front and forcing everyone to chase him. At this point I was getting pretty deep and wondering if I’d last to the finish. Things were turning white in my periphery and it wasn’t snowing anymore.

Then, in a dreamy haze, I saw the 150m sign. At first I just kept cranking up the hill with everyone else while my frozen brain slowly processed it. Then it hit me: 150 METERS!!! I jumped up and lowered my head. I got around 4 riders but was unable to get up to a SKC and Bike Shack rider still in front of me.3rd place. My first cash payout. I actually left for home 10 bucks richer! As I write this, I am still warming up…

Colorado rap

2009-03-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

The rotton, no-good, stupid snow ruined most of my biking plans but Michaela and I got out on Saturday in Ft. Collins and rode a lap around the city on their most excellent bike path network. Within 24 hours of getting hit with over a foot of snow, the bike paths were cleared, swept, and dry. In fact, the bike paths were in better shape than the roadways. Give it up for the FC! It was still cold and very windy, but a ride's a ride, right?

Did the requisite brewery tours too and drank lots of local brew.

Scoped out a great ride on the way back out of the mountains as we were driving home. I'll be riding the Central City-Nederland-Estes route wence I return.

Rocky Mountain Low

2009-03-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

Whaaa Whaa Whaa Whaaaaa...

30+ mph winds and heavy snow. White-out conditions. Starring out the window of my hotel room feeling like the kids in The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. I wish that cat would come around right now.

Guess I'll open a beer and get on the trainer.

Rocky Mountain High

2009-03-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

I’m headed to colorful Colorado tomorrow for some high-intensity altitude training. Not really, but I do hope to get a couple of nice rides in. I’ll be based in Golden, so if anyone has any route suggestions, please let me know.

I’ve never ridden a bike above 6800 feet- previously I rode up to the base of Harney Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota- so I’m a little nervous as to how I’ll react to the thin air. I usually puke right at 9981 ft., so it should be interesting.

Over the weekend, Michaela and I will be hanging around Fort Collins. Mostly b/c there’s lots of good beer there, but we’ll be on the lookout for some good rides in that area too.

Double up at the Dam

2009-03-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

The the 3rd and final Dam Race was this weekend and I finished out my Cat 5 "career" in brilliant form bringing home another victory. That gives me the series crown for the race.

With the C.5 series captured for Colavita/Parisi, I was looking ahead to the 4 and 3 races where Brad W. and Britton K. were in contention. I was feeling O.K. after a little rest and a frosty carb-loaded beverage, so I convinced the USCF rep to cat me up on the spot so I could help Brad out. I figured I'd do what I could as long as my legs held up and then fall off the back if that's what it came to. As it turns out, I felt great and stayed at the front with Matt and John for nearly the whole race. There was never a moment when Colavita/Parisi was not leading this race except for the short-lived 2-rider strong Velotek attack, which I swiftly chased down.

Matt put in the big turns initially and John and I helped him as much as we could in the final couple of laps. At one point all three of us were on the front ala Damage Inc. On the final lap Matt got out the big stick and I think he and Brad rode off half the field before we even got to the hill! I stayed close but I didn't have anything left in the legs after 11 trips up the hill and I had to watch several riders go around me. I got a few places back near the top but just missed out on top ten, landing on 11.

Still, a Cat 5 1st and a Cat 4 11th in back-to-back races isn't a bad days work I suppose.

Congrats to Britton on earning the Cat 3 crown and to Brad who earned the Cat 4 crown even though he wasn't awarded it. And to Jane for another 1st Place and the series win for the Women. Team Colavita/Parisi Coffee definately put our stamp on the Dam.

Photo credit: ROGER

Dam Race 2: Victory for Colavita/Parisi!

2009-03-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

The 2nd of the 3 Dam Road Races went well for me. Not only did I collect a win for Team Colavita/Parisi Coffee, but I also got the maximum bonus points for topping the hill first on the first lap. So, with Matt not finishing the series in Cat 5, that puts me in the driver’s seat for the overall series win. I’d like to see Matt race one last time in C.5, but I feel like I helped convince him to cat up on Sunday so he could get into a race (he missed the C.5 start time) and now I don’t feel like I should talk him into coming back to 5’s. The guy is where he belongs anyway, and I’ll join him after this weekend. That’s going to bolster our team’s C.4 squad but it’s going to leave a hole in the C.5. Hopefully Joe, Steve, and Eric will take the reigns- more about Eric in a second…

The race started quite mellow and we were all rolling across the dam starting to get warmed up when I heard a yelp and then the chilling sounds of bike and body hitting the ground. Luckily it happened two bikes behind me and only one rider went down. The group slowed a bit for a minute or so and then we were on our way again. I did a great job of staying near the front without putting my nose in the wind for the entire first lap until we got to the hill. With points up for grabs, I moved to the front and set a high pace while remaining comfortable. It was enough to thin the front down to about a half dozen riders. Halfway up the climb, just past Roger’s little carnival, a couple riders moved around me. I got on their wheel and followed them just long enough to collect myself and then I launched around their right side. Nobody reacted soon enough to stay with me and I was able to sit back down and motor acorss the line in first.

Except for another crash on lap 2 or 3, which I heard about later, the middle part of the race was mostly uneventful.

Coming up to the final climb, I was in about 8th wheel. I thought I was in a good spot coming around the corner heading into the climb but somehow I got boxed in with three riders side-by-side in front of me and a couple more on my left. I knew the Bike Shack and Monster/CRRT riders directly in front of me were the riders to watch so I stayed pinned directly behind them and didn’t panic. We rode most of the climb in this way and I started to get nervous when I saw the brown park sign. Just then, the Bike Shack rider verred to the right just enough to make room for me to squeeze between him and the Monster/CRRT. I powered between them and as soon as my bars were clear of theirs, I stood up and went for it. They followed me but I rode away for the victory!

As good as the victory felt, I got even more amped up watching Eric Stull sprint for 3rd in the B race. He and another rider threw down coming up the final climb and Eric came out on top. Eric had initially surged ahead but the other rider came back and nosed in front of him. I was screaming at Eric as they approached the line and somehow he found just enough something from somewhere to get back in front. It was awesome!

Me new race bikey

2009-03-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

I know- It’s not the bike, it’s the rider. Still, it’s a lot more fun to talk about the horse than the jockey. The bike is a bit eclectic. Yes, those are brand new Zipp 303s and yes, that is a very inexpensive steel frame. But inexpensive doesn’t equate to cheap, at least not in this case. Main tubes on the Smoothie are heat-treated and butted Tange Prestige and the stays are butted CrMo. The welds are good and everything is straight. Soma calls the color Pearl White but it’s more sparkly than pearly- think ‘pixilated pearl’. Regardless, it’s a beautiful color and I dig the subtle gray lettering that is clear-coated over.

I’m most impressed with the IRD Pegasus carbon fork. It’s the all-carbon flagship offering from IRD and the dimensions are exactly what Soma specs for the Smoothie frame. The frame and fork work together wonderfully with nary a hint of schizophrenia between the two.

So what’s with those Zipps? You’re wondering why a guy who can’t afford a nice hi-tech carbon frame can afford a pair of high-end carbon hoops. The fact is, I can’t afford either. I paid $5 for those wheels. Yes, FIVE BUCKS! I won them in the raffle drawing at the 2007 CX Nats in KC. Someone else walked away with a brand new SRAM Red group, which I would’ve preferred, but I’m not complaining.

The rest of the parts are stuff I had in boxes or hung on other bikes that I’m not using at the moment. It’s mostly 1999/2000 Dura Ace with the exception of the brake calipers which are circa 1987 105 single-pivots and those are getting replaced with new dual-pivots soon.

Overall I’m loving the ride. I’ve only logged about 300 miles on it but from the very first ride I noticed it’s quite forgettable. I mean that as a compliment. It’s an overused expression, but this bike really does disappear underneath me. I’ve found that I rarely think about the bike when I’m riding it. My only complaint is that it’s a bit more on the slow side of neutral than I prefer. I notice that, at high speeds, if I want to make an adjustment to my line, I’ve got to think about moving the bike rather than it just being instinctual. That equates to me having to lean a little more than I’m used to but that’s a slight modification to my riding style I can deal with. Besides everything works together beautifully and I can't complain about a 18.5 pound steel race bike for less than a grand.

A final word on why I chose a steel frame. 1) I love steel. I’m not a luddite, but it’s difficult to argue against the inherent ride quality steel provides- especially for a rider/racer of my caliber. Why do you think most of the carbon frame reviews you read all make comparisons as to how well it matches up to the steel counterpart? 2) Soma is a cool company and they make cool stuff. And 3) It was cheap… and available. Sometimes that’s what you go with and you get lucky. And I did. Wait, are we still talking about my bike here, or my girlfriend?

Special thanks goes to Britton at Volker Bicycles for hooking me up!

See you at the next race.

Dam Race

2009-03-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

The first road race of the season is in the books. Cat 5s started at 10:30- waaay too early. That is reason enough to work hard to cat up. It was cold and windy but at least it was from the west and that pushed us across the dam. KU Matt was off the front right away and we left him out there for the better part of the first lap until I put in a small attack just before the first hill climb and got out in front. KU Matt came back to me and passed me before the line and collected the full mountain goat points. I got 2 points for getting second.

The second lap was more of following Matt but on the third lap, I led the front group across the dam and back down below. I found myself in front at the beginning of the last climb to the finish but KU Matt and a CRRT rider went around me and I finished in 3rd.

I was a little dissapointed b/c I felt I hadn't given it full effort at the finish but it's all a learning process at this point.

DanO's Racey Thoughts

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Double up at the Dam

Dam Race 2: Victory for Colavita/Parisi!

Me new race bikey

Dam Race

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