Thursday, November 12, 2009

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Schoolyard Cross













Thanks to the CO Posse Photag, Angie!


Monday, November 09, 2009

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Elite Women

The Elite Women racing for second as KfC dominated the field.

Boulder Cup Elite Women from Michael Beck on Vimeo.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Castle Cross

Here is a nice sequence of photos from Angie R.







Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Boulder CX #3

My lovely wife shot some video of me racing in the 45+ race at the Boulder CX Series #3. It was cold and snowy, perfect cross weather.



Boulder CX Series #3 from Michael Beck on Vimeo.




I'll work on posting some content soon...

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Monday, October 05, 2009

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Anvil

With the strength of steel
I'll show you how I feel
All the weak will kneel
For the strength of steel
Your mind begins to reel
With the strength of steel
Makes your blood congeal
I have nothing, nothing to conceal
For the strength of steel
For the strength of steel
Only power to reveal
With the strength of steel
And a love that's real
For the strength of steel
A metallic meal
With the strength of steel
And with my approved seal
With the strength of steel
To you I make, make my appeal
For the strength of steel
You've got to have a metallic meal
Just for the love and strength of steel
For the strength of steel

Friday, October 02, 2009

Mountain Calling

Mountain "calling to the faraway towns
Now that war is declared-and battle come down"

Frisco will not be a mere skirmish.



Go to www.routinelegworks.com for more.

Hup, Hup, HTFU
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Monday, September 28, 2009

BV


I raced there but did not have an Irish Coffee.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Colors

Leaves fall to make way for winter snows with the re-birth of green to follow. These changes happen whether or not we notice. For this reason, stop and assess, so you may change accordingly. Ride fast thru fallen leaves.



Friday, September 25, 2009

Dust Collection

"I am not on my road bike during cross season" Marianne Vos, so the de Rosa will get a rest and much needed makeover.


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Thursday, September 24, 2009

The Syndicate


As we have begun in earnest the CO 'cross season, I am overwhelmed with the prospect of getting to race the whole season. The routine is in place as workouts are specific to increasing speed and suffering. I have been easing into the race scene as I prepare for a solid weekend in Frisco.
Remember to apply sunscreen, the sun still shines in the fall.
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Monday, September 21, 2009

Big Red Country

Prior to the invasion of Texas into the once quiet Big 8, my only impression on Lincoln was that of the whipping they gave ISU every year and that of my home town neighbors fervor. As time passes and new friends are made, those scoreboard images and the sea of red have been replaced with the color gravel. Hence, 14 hours in the car (without Ipod) made for intraspection while listening to songs like "Rocking the Beer Gut" and "Fat Bottom Girls." Throw in 13 hours of riding gravel with over 9000 ft of climbing, Lincoln nite life, and some couch surfing (thanks loads, Cornbread!). I came back to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with a vision for 2010. Vive Gravetes!





Friday, September 11, 2009

Neglect

I find myself in a perpetual spiral into the abyss of autumn while the rest of blogdom keeps typing away. The future holds more details. Stay tuned, I hope to be back soon.



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Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Open

Open of business


Friday, August 28, 2009

And as we wind on down the road

"When I look to the west,
And my spirit is crying for leaving"

I head east in search of Zen,
Viva la carretera de grava.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Seeking Solace

The urge to ride has yet again been stoked by the beginning of the nine months of learning. The chill is creeping back as summer nears its end.


Gravel

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Pulling Thru

The legs have been heavy after a stint in the thick air of Iowa, so I have been sticking the nose into the wind every chance I get. It may be painful, it may not feel right, but it what needs to get done. Lotoja looms in a month and maybe some more thick air and gravel prior.

The routine will come soon enough. 'Cross will be upon us soon.


.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

A little Altitude

Spent some time in the thin air hanging with friends.
A Colorado refuge

Monday, July 13, 2009

Gravel to be explored

In an effort to continue the "Colorado Gravel Project", I eyed this road that leads to Basalt with a possible turn to Leadville. A study of the map and some local recon will be the next order of business.








Friday, July 10, 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Bayou Salado

On June 27th, two cyclists headed out from Breckenridge on a journey through South Park to Salida. We climbed steady out of Breck up to Boreas Pass before dropping into Como. Chad took full advantage of his power and was able to win the 1st sprint. From there it was south, where a tail wind blew us to Hwy 24 and into the hamlet of Hartsel. The Muscle showed his talents as he pulled away getting the 2nd sprint. Meet my Wife and kids in Hartsel at the Merchantile for a quick reload before heading on to Salida. We rode steady to the last climb up out of Bayou Salado and into the Arkansas River valley. After a long descent, we arrived into Salida. Once again, out foxed and out gunned, Chad took the final sprint into Salida. We headed straight for Amicas to replenish our depleted bodies. As the winner of the Sprint Competition, Chad will get the traveling trophy which is the Surly flask filled with what is on hand and his name etched in history. I had a great day and an even better riding partner!

Look to the fall for this event to happen again in a slightly different format.


Chad coined the phrase "Colorado Gravel Project", more to come on this. Viva Colorado Gravel!!



Start Line

Approach to Boreas

Shadow Rider

The Views

Weapons atop Boreas

The road goes on forever

Some tar

Look back

Intersections to nowhere

Last climb

Chad and the Arkansas river valley

Descent

Finish line











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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Searching Deep

Racing 30lbs heavier


The time has come to clear the mind of clutter, race the legs back into shape, and grasp for the brass ring. No more wallowing in self pity.


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Monday, June 22, 2009

FDR 2009

The annual Father's Day Ride is in the books.

Gathering of new and old friends.


Waiting for the gun to go off.

We're off


Stragglers.

Bear Creek Lake Park for the warm-up.


Approach to Mt Falcon (Red Rocks in the background)


How I rolled


Mt Falcon climb



At the top

The Divide looms in the distance


Lair of the Bear

Done!


Hat, a soon to be released Leg Lube, and a beer.


The rub down