End of week ride

I braved the wind today and headed out to get a short ride in. The roads/paths are good except for a few areas.

Some drifting off the lake.

Path a little iced over.

The mountains have gotten some good snow over the past week. Breckenridge has received 34 inches since we were up last weekend. So, if CDOT keeps I70 open we will be heading to the mountian refuge for some family ski time. The temps in Denver will be in the 50s over the weekend, I'll pick skiing over biking for now.

Viable Wednesday

I was undecided whether to don the running shoes or brave the slick roads. I took the Waltworks and headed over to Red Rocks, it started out chilly and slick but ended up warm and slushy. The running shoes are going to have to wait.

A balmy 29 at the race track

The climb up Red Rocks

At the top

Waltworks

Slog up Rooney

Caucus'd

Joined the masses to partake in the democratic process last night. Quiz yourself to find your candidate.

Just looking

Went to a LBS today to start the search for the next bike to add to the stable. I had to nix the Cannondale due to standover height. The next step is to bring the IRD in to look at geometry and see what might be available for me without going custom. They offer DEAN which has the ability to make a custon frame. No impulse purchases.

In other news:
Ex-Violet Crown junior, Kristian House, has found another team to race for this coming year - Rapha-Condor-Recycling.co.uk. He raced for Navigators last year but is back in his native land of Great Britain. I wish him good luck.

Family time

Spent the day skiing with the family. For me it is nice to have an activity that the whole family can participate. The kids are getting good enough that the whole mountain is our realm, the only thing we are not skiing is the t-bar. It is so much fun to blast from top to bottom with no stopping. We ski the trees, powder, and terrain parks. No more steeps and bumps but still plenty of knee dropping fun.

January. .

The first month of the year is in the books, it has been filled with base work and skiing. The edginess has subsided as I ready the body and legs for a full year of cycling adventures. I may be adding a weekend of fun in Leadville during the month of July (depends on a trip south to sample the some live music). The pressure has been applied to visit the borderlands in 15 days but 14 hours of travel are not appealing.

I have been getting some inspiration from the trail running set, she makes me want to start hammering out miles and get some ink.

Kansas Recon

Spent the weekend around the Mount Hope area of Kansas checking out just how flat it is, the only contour of notice were the overpasses. The Dirty Kanza course is to the east and I do believe it will seem mountainous compared to where we were. Check out who is participating here. Any Front Rangers interested?

Harden Up

I just got this in the mail from Mr Roy, the leader of the Crossniac revolution.

Cowboy Up

I did some cross-training today at the National Western Stock Show.

Spin of the Edge

I took advantage of the weather on Sunday and knocked out an easy ride on the Waltworks. I have left the CX setup on it which works well for snowy paths and loose gravel on the roads. STP seemed to have been playing loudly in the head, all things are good.

The Waltworks with Grn Mtn looming in the distance.

A snowy trail along Bear Creek.

View of Mt Carbon in BCLP.

Playing catch-up

With a break from the weekend lunge sessions at altitude, spent to today catching up on those unfinished tasks lingering from before cx season. I did sneak in a short run to clear the mind. Tomorrow looks to be yet another perfect day so I plan to steal some time in the afternoon to get a nice ride in.

Dark sky causes

The edginess has begun to creep back into the legs, my mood is anxious for the upcoming year, the general feeling of restlessness has taken over. Their is no off-season for those whose legs have grown weary with age. Time to start spinning, even though the cold air has settled on the Front Range.

Berating has become the new motivating message being preached at the Anti-Gym, an old wrestling coach preferred this method and it had little affect on my motivation. Maybe this is my resistance to having a coach, I do hear the little voice in my head pushing me forward.

The bike search will take a slight detour as I check out the Cannondale line cross bikes. The Crossniacs have picked them up as a new sponsor. If the sizing doesn't work out, I will check our Dean and then PM.

Batteries Full

I spent the last two weeks living high in the mountains amongst the snow and vacationers. The experience reinforced whats important and served as a vital recharge for 2008. As I head into my 15th season of racing, I can look back proudly while looking forward to the challenges that await. My goals for 2008 are simple: continue to enjoy riding my bike and stay as motivated as I did in 2007.

With TransIowa off the calendar for 2008, I am planning on Cultcross, 18hrs of Fruita and Dirty Kanza as my spring races. Other races of interest include the New Mexico Endurance Series, 12hrs at Steamboat, and 24hrs in the Sage. Plus a full calendar of 'Cross in the fall with a tentatively planned visit to Portland.

The new cx bike decision is being mulled over but it looks like I'll go with local custom builder.

Last 2008 Ride

The Black Hearts CX Rally is in the books. I donned the wool and rode around Grn Mtn to meet up with the other brave souls partaking in Furious George's rally. Drank a quick 12 oz energy drink before departing to BCLP. A loop at the park consisting of snow, whiskey and playing cards we stopped at RRV for some coffee before the death march up the C470 trail. After another energy drink, rolled home with a tailwind but still rather frozen. Great way to end out the season.

Check here for some photos.

The next few weeks will be dedicated to knee dropping fun with the kids.

10 days

Thats what the side of box said, 10 days. I considered that 10 days was a relatively short period of time and I needed to cleanse the body of deadly toxins. So for the past 10 days I cleansed, and it made me feel as though I was sobering up from a 6 week drunk. I didn't lose weight or have some out of body experience, just a 10 day headache, some acid flash backs, and the shakes. Tomorrow I will start reintroducing toxins during the BHCX rally, maybe with a flask of Stranahans.

Blackhearts!

Don't forget the big, big rally this weekend

CX Season Finale

The Colorado Cyclocross State Championships were last weekend, it was cold with plenty of snow. My goals for the season were to get a call-up for states and finish in the top ten overall in the ACA's BCR (Best Cyclocross Rider). Both goals attained!

I have taken the week off to catch up on stuff and get that pesky shopping done. I do wish I was in the frozen mid-west drinking beer and ringing cow bell.

Slowly plodding on...........

'Cross season is winding down.

Contributions here are slow to materailize.

Time will soon come to unvail the 2008 objectives.

Winter is around the corner.

Inspired

Picked up these two items at the race last Saturday.

Goodbye..........

Just finished the transaction to sell our beloved Westy. 9 years it has been hauling the crew to bike races, folkfests, and campsites.

What should I replace it with: Steel or Ti, custom or production.

On the short list of options: Sycip Cross Dresser, Stl Planet X, PM Wolvenberg X, or a Vanilla/Speedvagen. Other options could be Dean Torreey, Moots, Ira Ryan, Black Sheep, Waltworks, or wait for the Axe. I could go with a Ridley, Redline, Salsa, Gunnar, Alan, Felt, and the list goes on......

Season Ender

The commuting is coming to an end for this season, I will be hoisting the tandem into the rafters this week as the temperatures are getting a little cool for the children. I keep telling them it hardens them up for ski season but they are not buying it.

Boulder Cup Photo Dump

TransIowa

Version 2 - WET!

Version 3 - Completed!

TIv4 will see me watching from the sidelines. I think Mark and Dave are going to put on one heck of an event, kudos go out to the two of you. Look for me at TIv5!

I am thinking Dirty Kanza in 2008.

Today's Grind

A little snow to start out the ride.

Into the mist.

The daily pain!

The path towards home.

Velocrazed

Not a bit of racing this weekend, which was a welcome break after the past few weekends. Instead spent some time with the family at Veloswap and hanging around the house. No great finds at Veloswap but managed to find some old Campy shift levers, purple grips, clothes, and schwag. I checked out the Blacksheep booth for my next bike and also found a Campy laiden Colnago in my size, passed on all (waiting to sell the Westy). Ended up with a bit of the crud, picked up from the kids, so no racing on Sunday. Next weekend is the madness in "The Republic" so I will break out the cow bells for some serious spectating. A couple weeks of training before finishing out the season.

I am working with the Crossniacs to get an ACA team for Colorado racing. Interested? More to come.

I be muddled

As I take my mid 'cross season break the mind races with plans for next year.
What team?
What events?
What focus?
What new bike?
What else to explore?

Tomorrow is Veloswap, maybe weaving my way through thousands for misc bike parts will bring some clarity.

Sun/Snow

Good/Bad, Warm/Cold
Pretty much sums up the weekend of racing.
My affinity to racing poorly in Boulder continues even with the advantage of being called up to the front line with 90 some odd racers behind. It took about 5 laps before the legs got to feeling good and with a surge at the end managed a pathetic 33rd.
Day 2 brought snow and colder temperatures. Picked up Chad and headed up the Evergreen. After some poor driving on my part and the ex-linebacker's pushing abilities we managed not to get stranded on I70. The IRD after exposure to sleet and snow was not in a cooperative mood - the rear wheel freewheeled in both directions and shifting was non-existent. The WW on the other hand was ready. I swapped out the rear wheel and went into the race with the plan to start on the IRD and switch to the WW once it sorted out. The plan worked well and I was able to finish 10th. Chad after blowing out the knees pushing the van finished around 2oth and ex-teammate Brian braved the elements for a solid finish.
I collected some more points and remain in the top ten for BCR.

Gunni Photos

It's about the bike

Gunnison, CB, and Salida it is all about the bike, maybe it's only a townie (bike) but in my book that's still a bike. I went to Gunnison for a 'cross race which was the best course of the year set in one of the best places, if you want to read about the races go here.

I drug the family once again in my pursuit of middle aged stardom to Gunnison which was abuzz with parents weekend at WSC, elk hunters, and BCR point hunters. Saturday brought a glorious start to the day, after the cowbells stopped echoing in my head we sat at a cafe on the main drag watching the alternative transportation at its best. The town was filled with folks riding to the big game, from the the farmers market, or just heading off to who knows where.

After basking in the college town feel, we head to the ski town just up the road. As we detoured thru what could be considered the new face of Crested Butte the number of bikes parked in front of these newly constructed villas was mind boggling. Kick stands were optional as many homes had artisan crafted bike racks sitting out front. After a Pabst and pizza at the Secret Stash it was back to Gunison for day two of racing.

The sleet that made for slippery race fun did not make for good family fun, so over the pass we went to Salida. Admired a pair of Moots fully loaded undoubtly on some grand adventure across country. Saw Greg from Salvagetti in Bongo Billy's hanging out in paradise for the day. Talked 29ers with the folks at Absolute Bikes before heading off into a snowy south park on the way home.

A weekend of high altitude cross.

We headed up to Breckenridge so I could partake in a weekend of racing in Frisco.

Day 1
I awoke to a glorious day in the mountains. At a balmy 37 degrees on the thermometer, I decided to ride down to Frisco as my warm-up. I bundled up and headed out the door for the easy spin to the race. I quickly warmed up and was border line overheated as I rolled into the Nordic Center. I met Eric from Breck on the ride down and had a nice chat. Picked up the awesome sweatshirt, which I sported most of the weekend when not on my bike. The legs felt okay, not real snappy. I got the call up for my 14th overall in the BCR competition which gave me a front row starting position. Dean yelled ‘go’ and off we went. I have been getting great starts this year (thanks to Jared’s training tips) and went into the first barrier in around 5th position. I slide back a bit after the first lap but still feeling good. On the second lap I ran smack into a tree after one of the 180 degree turns, this thru my off for a bit and allowed a couple guys to get up to me. The legs slowly faded and ended up 18th. I was a little disappointed because the legs felt flat. It was good to see my ex-teammate Brian giving 'cross a try. The beer flowed as Dave Towle kept things lively, which is the best way to spend an afternoon watching bike racing with the family.

Day 2
After an evening hanging with Bil, we woke to chilly morning. A cool 23 degrees on the thermometer but no snow and sunny skies, I bundled up once again for the ride down to Frisco. I rolled into the Nordic Center with plenty of time to check out the new course layout. I got worried as Dean said that only the top ten were going to get call ups, he ended up calling up the top twenty and I secured another front row start. The start went well as I tried to hold my ground up the first climb. I was around 10th until I took a digger into the dirt when the front wheel washed out on one of the many loose corners. I tried to keep the tempo high but made a tactical error following two riders and letting two riders attack going into the hill. They dangled in front of me until the end. Wound up 14th. SC headed up for the day and scored another impressive finish (21st) on the Vanilla.

I had a great weekend of racing with new and old friends. We forgot the camera at home so no pictures. Next stop Gunnison.

Boulder y Lakewood

'Cross season is swinging into full gear know that we got to race in the Republic of Boulder. Ambled north in the Westy headed for Research Park known for short track racing and 'cross. I got the call up, front line was pretty sweet as we rocketed the asphalt start. I was sitting top ten after the first lap when the abnormal loss of breath had me struggling for wheels. Fell back into 25th. Boulder Racing is always known for sporting a SS class I figured more punishment was in order, cruised the SS race passing some Cat 3s and completely wrecking the body. Loaded up with some Negro Modelo (not exactly Belgium) for the next days racing.

Since no points were up for grabs I chose the Waltworks for Sundays pain. I was in a pissy mood and armed with the proper tool got to work. The course was awesome - finished out the weekend with a 16th. Even got a Pabst as fuel for the ride home.

I have to work out the breathing issues, but that is what doctors are for. Medicate to win! or at least breath.

Supercrossed

The solitary gravel road section

Gravel path of pain

One lap to go

Over the speed barrier (Poached from UltraRob)

I had a solid race down in the shadow of Pike's Peak. Things seemed to click as i got a decent start sliding again into 5th as we hit the dirt. I held my position well until a rider went down in front of me which slow me down enough that two chasers were able to get on my wheel. A slight bobble in a rough bumpy section and they gased it passing easily. Worked hard to get back up to them but the damage was done. Ended up 8th.

Brecksuffercross

The first race is behind me and I am stoked for what lies ahead.

We went to our mountain refuge and were join by SC and family for a weekend of family fun and racing.

Toed the line in the first race of the season not really knowing what to expect. The start was fast as I slid into fifth and just tried to find my pace. A solid first lap kept me in a top ten position, then the combination of allergies and elevation took hold of my lungs. I felt like an asthmatic gasping for air, short shallow breaths were all I could muster. The legs began to turn squares as I dropped slowly back losing places rapidly. Finally with 3 laps to to I felt some sense of recovery and tried to get a spot or two back. Notorious gave me much needed encouragement for the last two laps pushing me to the limit of what I could do with little oxygen. Finished up in 14th in the 35+/Cat 4s. Had to go to the inhaler just to get some lunch down without choking. SC rocked the Vanilla SS for cool 19th place. Notorious was riding high up in the Cat 3s before succumbing to a flat.

I did meet up with some of the Crossniacs and managed to volunteer some time course marshalling.

SC pulled out this quote:
"Tonight we drink, for tomorrow we ride"

Brecktobercross

Let the pain begin.

Colorado Alps

Spent the weekend in Ouray doing this:

While Rene did this:

She ran the Imogene Pass run in a time of 3:58.41 placing 433rd out of 1103 finishers and 22nd out of 76 finishers in her age group!

Finding Rhythm

School started last week! Which means I have 4 days in which I have a 3hr chunk of time to complete all my domestic duties (training, wrenching, etc.). It adds a bit more rushing around but it is a good exercise in time management. 'Cross training starts in earnest tomorrow.

So far we have been able to commute to school on the Tandem for most every trip, 3 round trips per day. I am on the hunt for a Burley Piccolo trail a bike to make the commute easier but they are not easy to locate.

In other news.....

If you have not made plans for late April 08, then TIv4 should be written in. Looks like GTed and Mr Pals are teaming up to bring us yet another great Iowa gravel adventure.

Por Los Runners

Just wanted to give the wife some props for running up Pikes Peak this past weekend in a time of 4:12.50. She placed 124 out of 485 female runners. Her next big run in Imogene Pass which is from Ouray to Telluride.

Next phase

With school starting next week, an increase in the available training time will be focused back to the dirt. Lots of 'cross practice with more days playing in the dirt than on the tar. The ACA has put up an awesome fall schedule of 'Cross events. The plan is to finish up the season in KC at nationals or take a mid-season swing out west for sscxwc. The travel for this cross season will be greater than in the past with weekends in Breck, Frisco, and Gunnison.

I can't wait to read this new rag dedicated to only one thing. Also, check out this site from Breck 'cross contingent, I am liking the Lion of Flanders logo. I will be flying some Crossniac colors this season.

The IRD is getting back together slowly. I have been riding the Waltworks mostly with a set of Speed King Cross tyres (700x35) pushing a 32x14. I am toying with the idea of mounting a set of drop bars on the Waltworks but still undecided.

I am not sure if I am more excited about 'cross or that the kids are going back to school.

Hiatus

After a quick trip to Iowa and Chicago, back in the foothills with preparation for the start of school and 'cross taking up much of my time. Brief recap of the trip: Heading east into the humidity that is the midwest making a stop in Lincoln to pillage the farmers market eating all things unheathy. First visit was M'town where we played tennis, rode bikes, ate sweetcorn, and visited ISU. Then on to Chicago with a stop in Dubuque to ride the tram and eat pizza. In Chicago we rode bikes, visited downtown, boated, and drank beer. All in all a great relaxing end to the summer.

Getting the 'cross bike built back up, decided to add gears back on with the idea of actually trying to have a decent season. The Waltworks will be called into service as my backup bike and for those few SS races. The 'cross specific workouts have begun with the first race in Breck only a month away.

Time to stock the fridge with Hoegaarden! (and some PBR)

Midwest

Marshalltown Sunrise