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

Circle Racing

It's a wrap. The Tuesday night activity of racing in circles has come to a close. I was able to meet both goals for the series, garner some points and gain some fitness. This was a good way to maintain base for 'cross season and to finish up the summer in good form.

More road, less dirt

Where do the days go? The summer schedule has been busier that ever - kid activities, spousal running ambitions, and racing in circles. With the end of summer almost in sight the mind is starting to turn back to the dirt/ 'cross. I have taken the past few months to fuel that roadie urge. It has helped to be racing on a fairly new team that currently has the desire to race. Some off my teammates my be more movitate than I to move up a category but my reasons for racing are plain and simple - Fun! I have been able to race at least once a week for the last two months, which I have to say has really done wonders for fitness and overall joy of cycling. I don't have that mid-summer feeling of burnout or not wanting to ride, instead the desire to continue to race/ride is even stronger. I was hoping to end my road season with some good racing in Salida or catching a few days of SuperWeek, but they will have to wait until next year. This will be a good lull of activity if I want to have the motivation to continue racing until mid-December.

A couple links to prepare for my favorite season:

Race CX

CX Elements

Bicycling Touring

A bike tour is just that a tour on your bike, it is not a race or a reason to out perform the other cyclist around you. To tour is to view the country side less traveled with the support of many volunteers working their hearts out at strategically placed rest stops providing cold water, encouragement, and food. Who exactly participates is a tour? The whole gambit of cyclist – from racers to mere novices riding high end bikes to those well aged.

The collection of hardware.

Why did I participate is a bike tour this year? Well, the team made a commitment to raising money for MS and the MS150 was the obvious vehicle to do that. The experience of riding a tour is something that I haven’t had in a few years. The mindset that one must obtain is one of a moderate pace with frequent stops. In order to set my mind correct I decided to give the Borthwick a rebirth of sorts. An Eno hub, some new bars, and a modest gear were all I needed. The Borthwick is my old hand crafted stead created in a Marshalltown, Iowa basement, which has taken me on every MS150 I have ridden.

The Borthwick.

I convinced a fellow teammate, Brian “the Hammer”, to ride the century options each day on a fixed gear. There turned out to be four fixed rider but we were the only two to ride back to back centuries. The routes were far from easy even for an experienced cyclist sporting a derailleur which raised the challenge for those of us fixed. The hardest part was the end of day one when we skirted Carter Lake and Horsetooth reservoir with constant ups and downs, the downs being the most draining. An over night stop at the CSU campus before doing the route in almost reverse with the century loop heading up Rist canyon a bit before heading to the nasty climb up Horsetooth reservoir before rejoining the rest of the masses. Rollers to the finish in Broomfield reeked havoc on the already tired legs. We finished, completing 200 miles in two days on fixed geared bikes and I raised 700 dollars for MS.

The Team.