What A Day!!!

Today was the sort of day that was so freaking good it's hard to believe. I mean it was freaking boss!! The weather was perfect with temps in the 70s, a nice breeze and the sky a glorious shade of bright "might be sun, might be clouds" Pittsburgh gray.

So I loaded up the Element with the El Santo and gear and headed to Boyce park for some chamois time on the El Santo. The trails where so bone-dry and I probably could have got away with my Panaracer Trail Blasters rather than the Fire Pros. In other words conditions were SWEET!

At the time of departure my new shipment of Hammer goodies had not yet arrived, so I had slum it and go with Gatorade, water, fig bars and 1 new Hammer Bar (which was great by the way). I was feeling pretty good and the El Santo was rolling great. I ended up with 3 hours of saddle time and a little over 26 miles. 98% of it twisty single track. My only stops where to shove some food in my mug and to duck under some fallen trees. My actual ride time was about 2:57. SSSSSSSweeet. I was feeling a bit taxed at the end but I blame that on not having the goods for my multi-hour nutritional routine. The El Santo rolled great too. Not flats or mechanicals, even though there were plenty of sticks on the trail eyeing up the XT rear derailleur.

photo by: Mr. J. Fallenlogopuss

Post ride I stopped at a new to me beer store in Monroeville and picked up some Stoudts Scarlet Lady for me and my Scarlet Lady (Wifey).

Made my way back home and was greeted to a wonderful sight: Bikeman.com threw up all over my front porch! Yes! The Dos Niner, parts, Bikeman.com hand built wheels, Hammer Gels, and my new Lazer Genesis Lid had arrived. Ohhhh yeahhh.

What a glorious sight!

The new Dos Niner frame is unreal!! I swear it feels lighter than the Ti hard tail I sold to get it. Wheels are in motion for the build to happen and I should be able to post some comments within the week or so. I'll also have some impressions of the other items in all those boxes, including the Reba 29er, Lazer Genesis and more. Stay tuned.

If you remember a couple weeks ago I made mention about how I was watching Wild America with B-Man and there was talk of masturbating Wild Turkeys, I scoffed until I saw THIS!!!!!......

I don't know who was more embarrassed, me or him.

What a great day. Gonna finish it off with a beer or two, some Mexican food and some crime fighting.

Later

Digging Up Some Rants

Not much going on today. Pushed some weight on the leg press last night so I did som active recovery by digging out and bush in my back yard. Got the El Santo shined up for tomorrow's multi-hour suburban park assult and that's about it.

So I see that Granny Gear is having what they call their 24 Hour National Point Series. Real cool idea. The drawback is that you'd have to be Donald F-in Trump to race it all. Can you imagine?? 6 races x $330 + registration fees, camping fees etc., You would be looking at close to $2,000!!! Great beard of Zeuse!!!! That's not even including travel expenses etc. I'm still not ruling out Big Bear, but I'm 98% sure I plan to race the Hardcore 24 and the Mohican 100 a couple weeks before and STILL not come close to a Granny Gear solo entry fee. I'm not gonna get in to the whole "it's hard being a race promoter bull shit" I'm sure it is, and I know I wouldn't want to do it and I'm damn glad there are people who want to do it. I just have to decide if I'm $330 worth of glad.

It seems like there are about 3 different kind of promoters not including NORBA & UCI: 1. Puts on a race to entertain some folks, get the word out about a cause or raise money for something. 2. Just wants to get a lot of like minded people together to enjoy what they enjoy and maybe bring some folks and thier wallets into paticular town or happening, and 3. One that trys to make a living off of being a promoter, charges, some serious coin to make up for the fact that this is their livelyhood.

I don't begrudge people for trying to make some jing but if this, but if this is your "job" why don't you work the sponsors more for funding, prizes etc., and lower the prices so you could get MORE people racing. The more folks you can turn on to racing the more of a chance you have they'll be back. That's just my thoughts. Maybe I'm just jacked that my pockets aren't as deep as they used to be. Who knows.

At last years Lodi Farms there were over 60 Solo racers at like $35 plus the jing they got for T-shirts etc., hell that was over $2,000+ that they got JUST from the Solo field. Last year's Big Bear there were like 11 Solo racers. Big deal. Yeah that's $3000+ but at Lodi that money is going back into keeping those trails open, putting on the race and making improvements to land that I believe was donated. The Hardcore is cash in going to the Boy Scouts. I guess I've made up my mind. Maybe it's NOT 100% but it's DAMN close.

While I'm on the subject, hands down the BEST race I've ever done was the '05 Wilderness 101. $135 got you a supported 101 mile race, camping, CoolMax T, food, beer, pint glass, cash payout for top 3 or 5 per class, (can't remember) and swag prizes for like 60 deep!! Kudos to Shenandoah Mountain Touring for putting on a kick ass race. With it being part of the National Endurance Series it's gonna kick even more ass in '06.

I'll be hitting Mohican and the 101. Plus when your a shlep like me out there just to push himself harder than the last time, doing his best and having some fun THIS is the sort of FAQs you look for on a race registration (taken from the Mohican 100 race site)...

Q: Do I need to bring my own beer for the post race party or is it supplied?
A: No need to bring beer! You will have EARNED your beer if you finish.

Word.

Do you have a favorite race? If so, sound off, I'd like to hear. What made it great? The trails, people, location, racers, support, costs?

That's it. Time for fight some crime or die trying.

Later.

Wednesday Night Gym

With the time and the weather changing for the better in the next few days I paid a visit to the gym tonight to put in an hour on the stair master and then hit some weights. Even once the weather and time change I plan to hit the gym every so many days to keep the muscles in check, at least until about May or June, then I'm putting the membership on a 3 month hiatus.

It's been a week or so since I was at the gym, but you wouldn't know it from the hurt I put on that stair master. Had it up to 85 (whatever 85 stands for, I just know it's hard) sweating like some damn fool and had the heart rate up. I still love the looks I get from people when I'm on the stair master, especially the ones from the "no resulters" reading while they're on the machines. They have these looks like "Why is he sweating so much?" "He's like, breathing hard" and "Why is the pasty skinned sweaty guy with shaved legs staring at me?" (ooops, that was from the girl in the sports bra, my bad).

I gotta say, the gym did wonders to break up the winter training, but I won't miss it too much. The season is here and it's time to ride. Ride the road, the trail, the bike paths, alleys, side streets, whatever, just strap on a chamois, get on the bike and ride. To steal a line from Majo League Baseball "I LIVE FOR THIS!"

Weather looks good here over the next few days so I'm taking a vacation day on Friday to get a multi-hour single track ride in. If the legs feel spunky I'm hoping for 3 to 4 hours. I'd like to used this a gauge to see where I'm at and what I need to improve for the M.A.S.S. 6 hour race coming up at the end of April.

The Dos Niner and goodies should be enroute as I type. It would be nide to get the stuff by the weekend so I could get it over to master mechanic, bike guru and good friend Tom ASAP.

In other news I talked to Big Al on the horn today. Looks like I'm going to start posting some blog entries from the Chamois over on the Bikeman.com site. Gonna have my own little place to post this dross.
We're hoping some other racers (RICK) will also start putting some stuff up too (RICK) and build a nice selection of entries from team members (RICK) so customers and fellow racers (RICK) can see what the team is up to.

Not sure if it will go by The Soild Chamois or not. Might just go with Tales From The Chamois or Chamois Tales or something as little less in your face than the Soiled Chamois (eeeeew, there's a visual).

Got a review of Hammer Nutrition products up on the Bikeman site too. I noticed a couple places I ehped up spelling/grammer (there's a shock) but it looks pretty good. Easy to review something when it's that good.

That's it. Later.

2 Down

Found out today that the Dos Niner should be shipping out from Bikeman.com World Headquarters tomorrow. Along with a TON of other goodies. The UPS man is gonna be hatin'. Got the frame, plus my REBA & SRAM stuff, not to mention my new Lazer Lid, Sock Guy/Bikeman.com base layers, Hammer Nutrition order and more! Can you say depletion of one PayPal account?? Speaking of the Dos Niner there's a cool review up over at Bikeman.com by fellow team member Steve Morse. Dude is 6'4" I can't even imagine him on anything other than a 29er.

No ride tonight. Hung out with the B-Man. Watched some taped coverage of the Criterium International. His idea I swear!!! D.K. you'll love this- I had B-Man putting a plastic cup up to his face and going "Luuuuuke, I AM YOUR FA-THER..." It was freaking sweet!!!

Book recommendation: Off To The Races, by Samuel Abt. Good stuff. Really gets in to a LOT of races, not just the Tour, but the Giro, Roubaix, and just about all of the big and small spring classics over the past 25 years. It's great 'cause you can just pick it up anywhere. Don't have to read it cover to cover. I will say I don't find this dudes writing style all that exciting, but it's still really interesteing.



Other reading: The Cycling News Nat Ross interview. Solo Freak, 29" Ambassador...Beer drinker.

Cheers!

Now THIS story is pathetic.

Later.

Good Monday???

Not many times have I had a good Monday. How many times can going back to work be good. As you would think work had little to do with the goodness of today. Just felt really productive.

I did get some really good feedback on tha cover design for an upcomng special section (I thought it was lame, alright it IS lame but give the people what they want I suppose). Got approved to get the Element refinanced and a better payment (SWEET!), weather was crisp and sunny, got my Hammer Nutrition Endurlyte order, made my camp site reservation for when I head out to the French Creek 6 hour race. I finished the day with a 1:20/12.5 miles ride at Boyce. The trails were dry, the legs felt good and the El Santo was spot on. 120/125 SPV seems to be the ticket for Boyce.

So all in all a very good Monday. Suppose it wil be down hill like a bullet now. Kidding.

There was one sad note. Reading Adam's account this a.m. about the tragic accident that took the life of cyclist Bill Corliss was a real kick in the stomach. Please keep Bill's family, Adam and the rest of the group that lost a friend, and fellow cyclist in your thoughts and prayers. ANYTIME a cyclist is hurt or involved in something as tragic as this, it really hits home. What we do is so freaking fun we sometimes forget the potential for danger that is there. So the next time you're out riding, feeling that special feeling we all get at some point during the ride, pump those good vibes out towards Utah, there's some people out there who could use it.

Later.

Tonight's Blog is Brought to By the Letter E.

First, no ride today. Rested, hung with the family and did some work fixing a piece of molding on the Element that was bent from that hit/run side swipe a couple months ago. I was 95% successful. Hardly noticeable now. The next step is getting some goo to try to get rid of white scratch off the door.

This week I start build 2/Race. I will continue trying to work mountain bike rides whenever possible, more on the week nights since I can squeeze in a fast 1 hour tempo right after work and be out of the park before sun down and in the process work on the skills and get used to the fit etc.. Longer road rides will be done on the weekends to keep endurance up. Then start winding down for my first race on April 22nd (the 6 Hour M.A.S.S. Enduro).

Speaking of the Element. I mentioned how I thought I was going to be forced to get rid of it to free up some extra cash for us. I looked at Hyudais, KIAs, and other low end sedans to try to get a lower payment. But then Wifey and I talked. What if one of us gets a better job in the near future and then we're stuck with a car we hate and be missing our beloved Element. We had planned on keeping the Element way beyond it's payoff, so we said "what the Eph, lets keep it, try to get it refinanced and pay more when we can" YESSSS!!!! Wheels are already in motion and my black bread truck will be hauling me and the Salas to the races this year.

More E. E-Caps/Hammer order placed tonight. Bikeman.com is carrying even MORE E-Caps and Hammer stuff this year so it's really works out for a guy like me. Plus I find that ordering from Bikeman I can usualy get it sooner. Got me 3 jugs of Hammer Gel (vanilla, banana, and espresso), two big jugs of HEED, and 1 mega sized Perpetuem. I can't wait to get it. I've been going cheap lately and using Gatorade (which hardly works and is too freaking syrupy sweet) and real food like fig bars, which are great, but hard to chew during some rides.

I also have some Endurlyte capusules coming from Hammer HQ that I was able to get nearly free due to one of my Mid Atlantic peeps taking advantage of the 15% savings available through the Hammer's customer referal program. Anyone interested in saving 15% on your first order with Hammer? Drop your e mail in the comments and I'll get you the info pronto. You won't be sorry.(Unless of course Hammer/E-Caps is really a cult and we all go Jim Jones during a race someday. Of course in it's own way that would be really freaking funny. Or sad, but mostly funny)

Cool thing about Hammer- I place dthe order, get the stuff on the cheap and I see on my order receipt that they threw in a free sample of their new Nutrition Bar and of dose dispenser. Thanks Hammer!

Final news. Mushy family stuff. Got my first return "I love you" from the B-Man tonight. B-Man rocks.

Oh yeah, Mix III is up. Had it up before, took it down, but it's back. Proud of this one.

Later.

Ahhhhh I Needed That!

Got up early this a.m. hung with B-Man while Wifey went to help a friend move some stuff in to her new digs. Then B and I headed to the car wash. He LOVED seeing the Element go through the wash. Then we headed down to the local car dealer to look at some cars. Wifey and I were thinking of trading in the E. for a SUPER cheap ass car to lower our monthly payment costs. But after being underwhelmed by the prices right now, and the fact we both love our E. I think we're just gonna suck it up for now.

Since the weather man was wrong for two days in a row and we missed any REAL precipitation, when Wifey got back I chamoised up and headed to Boyce. The trails were PERFECT. Dry for the most part and the wet stuff was pretty tacky. Did 2 hours at a steady tempo and hit almost 19 miles of singletrack. Only stop was to throw a wiz. Tried to concentrate on keeping the pedals moving in nice circles on the ups.

Dropping the stem on the El Santo worked pretty well. I up the air in Manitou 3-Way a little too much. Ride was just a LITTLE harsh. Had it at 125/125. Should have put the main chamber at 120. I did slow the rebound down a bit, but it could have used another click or so. Had the Fox set at 85.

The new trails at Boyce rock. Nice way to add some miles in.

New mix is available for Podcast download or get it HERE. From now on I will just be adding some links on the right. Updating occasionally. This IS a bike blog after all. Plus spinning season is ending soon. Yessss.

Saw they cut the marathon out in AZ down to 4/14 miles laps rather than 5 due to heat. Whatsupwiththat? I mean you pay for 5, and as I commented on D. Harris's blog, If the XC guys want to crush the pace and go off hard and blow up that's their problem. Planning nutrition, hydration, pacing etc., is what makes Marathon and Endurance racing so great. Plus you plan a race in the Arizona desert, what did you expect?? Oh well I wasn't there and if I was I probably woulda ended up with heat stroke.

Lastly I added a patch from cooler-than-F clothing company Twin-Six yesterday to one of my Bikeman team jerseys. Right now it's held on with a super tough clothing glue. If it doesn't hold the abuse I'll need to get someone to sew it. Ohhh Tommmm is Chris busy??? HA!

My work here is done. Later. Go get some miles in!

Later.

The Real Friday Post

OK First things first. Got an hour in of steady spinning on the trainer tonight. Nothing too rough, just chillin' and getting a sweat on. Followed the work out with some Turkey/Spinach Meatballs and Whole Wheat Pasta with diced tomatoes, red sauce and low(er) fat mozzeralla cheese. Washed down with a Penn Dark. To quote the hot, round in the back, mildl annoying Rachael Ray "Yum-0".

Think I got my Soiled Chamois Mixes set now. I was a mix tape junkie, but with the advent of the iPod and me getting one a few years ago, I got lazy with my play lists. Using Roxio Toast, Jam, and now Apple iTunes and Podcasting I became reborn in my mixes and like to share. Most are done to spin to. Startin slow, finding tempo and then chilling. I had some trouble getting things set up, but I think I'm good to go now. My apologies to anyone who may try to access stuff from older posts. It's gone. New links will be up very soon on the right. Now read this...

Now for the not official at all but gonna say it anyway fine print: These sounds here for easy access for peeps who might wanna do some spinning to it or for personal enjoyment. They are NOT to be sold, etc., etc., If you like anything you hear and want to know more about it or who it makes it, where to buy it etc., post a comment and I'll get the info to you. These mixes are done by me, strictly for fun, to inspire you and me on the bike or trainer and to spread the work about good music . If you choose to download a mix and not use the podcast version it's at your risk. Don't be talking smack on me, bikeman.com or any other sponsor of mine. Ya-hear? Enjoy, spining those legs or just chill to pre/post ride. Just get'yer chamois soiled!!! Also when using remixes from remixers, DJs and mashers I will alway try my best to give them the props they deserve. Thanks.

Alright. We're kinda starting over here so bare with me people. This is the first to come your way. iTunes podcast suscription link, you can paste this link into the iTunes "subscribe to podast box: http://switchpod.com/users/jasondean/feed.xml or Save Link Target to Desktop

Chamois Mix I, 32:10 (playlist to come)

That's about it for now. WIll try to get these going so as to update in you iTunes as needed. Hope you have fun with this. Hope to get outside tomorrow afternoon on El Santo. Could use some mud.

Later.

Friday's Work Post (Bored Out of Feeble Mind)

Looks like Kerkove's heading to AK to race, Ernesto is in AZ to race the 1st of the all West NORBA marathons (not that I'm bitter about that) and I'm here in PA to sit on my trainer for 2 hours Saturday. Nice.

1st race is less than 1 month away now and I'm pretty geeked. The M.A.S.S. 6 Hour Race at French Creek. Heard it's really rocky so the El Santo will be the weapon of choice most likely. 4" front and rear to smooth things out.

This is a rest week so I'll probably max out this week at only 5 to 6 hours. Did one SUPER hard effort Monday and then been kinda jacking around since.

Lowered the stem on the El Santo last night. Swapping two spacers to the top. On last week's ride the front end popped up a couple times on a couple climbs, so I felt like I need to get down a little more.

That's all for now.

Later.

B-uh-uh-uh-UG MAN!...

Today was the whole windshield bug thing. Ride aborted.

Busted!: Being An Idiot

When a jersey looks this cool I see nothing wrong with pairing it with jeans.

You watch it will be all the rage. Bike jerseys worn with jeans. Just like the late 80s fad of "bike shorts" as fashion....Yikes! More camel toes than you could shake a stick at.

Another great thing about the Argyle jersey is the placement of the horizontal stripe. Right at nipple level. NO one wants to see dude nipples through a jersey. Way to go guys!

I did wear my new Twin-Six jersey during my hour spin tonight. Did an hour of what I call my Alpe D'Huez TT work out (Also known as the Alpe D'Moldy Basement work out). Start spinning easy for 10 minutes, then every 10 minutes you drop a gear, increasing tension. Usualy go from about 100 RPM to about 70 as it goes on. Finished with 10 minutes easy spinning. Listened to a new mix I got in the hopper. Hope to post tomorrow.

I noticed recently that I find myself wearing my Bikeman.com, Salsa and now my T6 duds even when I'm just training. I have some other gear, but always come back to the race and sponsor wear even when holed up in my stank basement.

I think this is the reason: When I'm out on the trail or road I love looking down and seeing my team kit. It motivates me to push a little harder knowing others have put some faith in me. I also like the idea of people seeing the kit and getting the names of stuff I dig out there.

When I'm on the trainer I like looking down, seeing the jersey or shorts, or spying my Salsa on the other side of the room. Next thing you know there's some giddy up in the legs. It also helps that the Bikeman and Twin-Six stuff is pretty freaking boss, and for me if I can't BE fast, I minds well LOOK fast. HA!

Of course it also helps to train in the race stuff so you know how certain items fit durng the long haul. What chaps your ass or rubs your pits. Don't want to find out 6 hours into a race that those new team shorts you got rub your "boys" like a cheese grater do you?

That's it. Gotta get some ZZZZZZZZZs.

Super Star DJ, Here We Go...

Tuesday was uneventful. No work out scheduled. Tonight will be 1:30 - 2:00 hours of something. Most likely some time on the bike indoors. Temps here are hovering around 35*. Not fun.

Added some Podcast fun stuff in the link area. Hope you enjoy. Switchpod.com and Roxio Jam 5.0 utilized.

Got my Argyle jersey from Twin-Six yesterday (Thanks Brent!). The XL fit is perfect. Hope to have some picts up soon.

Gotz to get to work. Art needs slung.

Later.

Soiled Chamois Podcasting

THESE HAVE ALL BEEN MOVED TO THE LINK BAR AT THE SIDE OF THE PAGE. THANKS! If you gotcherself some high speed internet and wanna hear a pretty sweet mix, it's 50:11 long. It has everything from RJD2-!!!-M83-Radiohead-The Streets- and much more. One of my faves to spin to. Hope you enjoy. We'll call it the Sounds of Chamois Soilage: Vol. I.

Later.

Moving Fast and Going Nowhere

Got two hours on the trainer tonight. Included one 30 minute TT at threshold and 30 minutes of slow, knee splitting, Ulrich like, seated climbing intervals. The rest was spin-ups and down to warm up and cool down.

Legs are spent. I can't help but wonder what 2 hours of constant spinning vs. 2 hours of reg ride time = in actual RPMs. If anyone has used a computer with a candense counter and compared, let me know.

In music I continue to search the net for new items. Found this gem. Some of today's best boot-remixers and mash up artists have a go at one of my 90s faves. DK you might dig.



Later.

Mmmmmmm Poggio and Jelly Sandwich....

How did I get to the point that a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich is a real f*cking treat?? I mean eating one of these bad boys is like eating cheese cake to me. I like 'em for breakfast, for lunch or for a snack.

My version isn't even like the above. I have it on some ass ripping 100% whole wheat bread, low fat peanut butter and strawberry preserves. Damn, I love 'em.

Starting to make some plans for the French Creek MASS endurance race at the end of April. Looking into a camp spot near the venue to park the Element. All I need is a place to take a dump, heat up some food and not have to worry about getting raped by a gay trucker. I did hear there a cabins near there too. Hope to have some plans firmed up in the next week or so.

The Dos Niner and all the goodies should be here possibly this week. Sweet!

I also pulled the trigger on getting the new lid that Lazer is hooking Bikeman.com this year. All I read and hear about the new Genesis sounds top notch. Big thanks to Lazer for hooking the team up with some SSSSSSSerious savings.

Pozzato and Boonen 1 & 4 at Milan-San Remo Sporting Lazer lids.

Anyone watch this race today? The Speed that the peleton caught the break after the Poggio was UNreal!! Pozzato kinda lucked out sitting on the breaks wheels waiting for Boonen to catch up. When it looked like that wasn't gonna happen he stomped it. 'Tis road racing. Glad I don't do it!

Hope all had a good weekend and got some miles in. I got 1:15 on the trainer today before family obligations. Good weekend in the saddle though with some fresh dirt and Salsa yesterday.

Later.

My New Beer Drinking Shirt...

Hanging out at home tonight. Wifey wanted to go to Mad Mex for a Chic-Pea Chili Burrito. I said "Balls!" I can make it better and save us some jing. She scoffed, but by the end of meal agreed, it was the shit.

If anyone wants to know how to make it, let me know, I'll post. Except Rick, you're banned from the kitchen after f-ing up the pizza rolls. HA!

Wifey took this pict of me sporting my new Alpe D'Huez Big Ring Brew Pub T-Shirt from Twin-Six. It's freaking sweet.

Wanted to get some picts up of the jersey, but it's enroute to Twn-Six World HQ for exchange for an XL. You can also get this design on a bad ass jersey. Twin-Six items are available at a LBS near you. Velogear.com and REI.com also carry the goods.

DK, please notice the pint glass holding the 12oz. of Penn Dark. Thank you very much.

One more music note: "Obtained" a track from the new Morrissey CD "Ringleader of the Tormentors" today. It's called "On the Streets I Ran" not sure if it's the final studio version or not, the last line of the song he sings for God to take variety of people to death before him... including "People from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, just spare me!" I LOVE IT! If we should all be so lucky. Sing it Moz.

Ok, done posting fot the day.

Later.

Music Post: You Have Killed Me

Mucho thanks to Graham for a new mix link: http://www.thesmashmix.com/ . Thanks brother.

Some real good mixes on there including one that has a remix of one of my all time favorite songs: Suedehead by Mozzer (Morrissey) as well has one of his new songs. Speaking of the ambiguosly gay British pop star, found a link to the video of his new single "You Have Killed Me". I love the shots of the crowd in this.

Also, here's a link to a live BBC radio recording of the Arctic Monkey's "Fake Tales of San Francisco"

Like the lads say: "KICK ME OUT, KICK ME OUT!"

Later.

Tight & Slippy

Ahhh to be back on dirt was blissful. Hit Boyce Park for a couple hours. Trails were in ok shape but pretty "slippy" as we say here in WPA. Thin layer of mud on most trails combined with dead grass made the Panaracer Fire Pros like rotating bird nests. Made for some interesting cornering in the tight single track at Boyce.

Ran into Tom, Ken, and Bob on the trails. They were about finishing up and turned me on to a mile or two of brand new single track. Yessssss. New trails were great and will be better when they have a chance to dry out after being broken in this spring.

The El Santo was great. I feel MUCH more comfy on the '06 this season. The new lower top tube allowed for the feel of better weight distribution and the extra inch was a ball-saver on a couple unexpected dismounts on the new trails. The pound or so of weight the bike some how gained from last season was unoticable and even less so with 15 pounds of mud on the bike. Overall the first impression is an A+.

Got in a sssssslow 2 hours and about 15.5 miles. Hell of a work out though with the slippy climbing.

Later.

The End of A LLLLLLLLLLLong Week

This week could not end soon enough. B-Man was a bear due to illness and that throws the whole routine out-a-wack. All's good now.

Should have the Dos Niner (parts and frame at least) next week. Cool.

Taking the El Santo on real dirt tomorrow. Yessssssss. Probably Bavington. That place drys great. Hope to get 2 to 4 in.

Here's a somewhat random thought that I almost put over on the MTBR.com forums, but thought better of it so as not to ruffle feathers.

There's a bit of a controversy right now in the endurance community about the proximity in dates to the Granny Gear Moab 24 and the 24 Hour "Worlds" in Conyers in October. Where will the big guns go etc... My thought are these... Granny Gear will probably pay out more, if it's anything like last year, so if you think you got game go there and get some dough in the piggy. If you want to be known as the guy who brought down Chris Eatough or came damn close, go to Conyers. I of course will be doing neither, but would RATHER do a Granny Gear before Adrenaline, BUT I'm closer to Georgia than Utah so I'd still do "Worlds"

Another note, and correct me if I'm wrong. They call it the Solo World Championship. It's NOT UCI sanctioned, and it's only ever taken place North America. It should be called the North American Solo Championship or something and if I was the UCI I'd take legal action for using the name as part of it.
It's just like Adrenaline said they're the World Championship, so it's FACT. Balls I say.

Not that I wouldn't LLLLLLLLLLLOVE someone calling me the Solo World Champion.

Later.

Taking The Good With The Bad

So B-Man was pretty sick yesterday, so he stayed home from day care today. Which means I stayed home from work. First we (me and B.) ran down to my office to organize some deadline stuff for the production department, then home to chill till it was time for the Docs.

It was movie time. Given the option of of Madagascar, Jimm Neutron or the 2003 Tour. B-Man picked the Tour. THAT'S MY BOY!!

Later it was off to the Docs. He's got a virus and some lung goop. Meds issued. Doing good.

Once we got home it was his nap time. Wifey got home and relieved me of my duties and I chamoised up and took the El Santo out on the rail trail and road for a couple hours. Man I'm tired of riding in wind and cold temps. Bring on the swamp ass!!!

Not much to comment on the new El Santo. Looks different than last years (better), but rides the same.

Gotta split, got me some homemade oven fries to scarf down.

Later.

Mash Up Wednesday

Crazy day. Had a 2 hour trainer ride planned, but the B-Man is still fighting off the flu or something and was NOT up for a visit to Papa-O's while Wifey was out teaching so I spent the evening watching Jimmy Neutron's and playing with the off/on again sick B-Man.

Once Wifey got home around 8ish I got on the trainer for an hour of casual spinning. At least I got something in. Peanuts were a bad choice to snack on an hour before. In as peanuts, on the top tube as peanut butter. My bod just can't digest that kinda fat that quickly.

Got my box of goodies from Twin-Six today. Hope to get some pict up tomorrow of the T-Shirts they sent. I'm exchanging my size Large Argyle jersey for the XL. Keep in mind when ordering that the T6 jersey's are cut between Euro and U.S. sizes. I misjudged the size of my guns (kidding of course) and length of my torso. If you like a little more room in your jerseys error on the size of one size up. I'm notorious for returning jerseys. Half my jerseys are Larges the other XLs. I need to either lose more weight, or gain more.

Soiled Chamois reader Graham asked the other day where I find some of the "mash-ups" I listen to on iPodious. Just in case you don't know, mash-ups are remixes of sorts where two songs usually from different artists are blended together to create a "new" song of sorts. As an aging hipster doofus I'm happy to tell: One of the best sites is Team9.net. And this is one is one of my new faves. Explore the net there's bunch of stuff out there. Enjoy!!

Later. Gotta get some sleep.

One Word: Meadow Soprano

Not much going on today. Rest day. Weather has turned to the top side of the witches teet. Yikes! 75* yesterday 35* today. Looks like back on the bike for more trainer time Wednesday. Had been going to the gym on Wednesday's but with the first race 5 weeks away I'm gonna focus on "on the bike" fitness.

Getting pretty anxious for the Dos Niner's arrival. I love the El Santo but the Dos Niner is exciting because it's a whole new bike and style of bike. I think it's gonna fit my style of riding just fine.

Looks like all my bike purchases have inspired UKraig to do the same. Exit one carbon Trek. Enter one Colnago. Sweet stuff! Or I guess I should say that's the Dog's Bollocks!"

Why are rest day's so hard?? I continue to think I should be doing SOMEthing. Tonight it was push ups while making dinner. Before I knew it I had 4 sets in and some tasty J-Man-Mexicana.

Added links to the side bar. "Race Resource". East Coast peeps might dig these. Got yer WVMBA, MASS, ETC., ETC.,

Ayone catch the Soprano's on Sunday. Good stuff. Better was the shot of Meadow dancing/stripping. Jeeezussss!

Later.

Mmmmm Garlic Flavored Water

Kinda felt like shit all day, just dragging ass a bit. But got home chamoised up and got on the trainer for 2 hours with a healthy dose of Muscular Endurance/Lactate Threshold Intervals at around 7/8 PE (Scale of 1-10). I did 1 hour of 10 minutes "on" 1 minute off for a total of 66 minutes of intervals. The rest of the time was 30 minute warm up and the rest was cool down spinning. Felt pretty good.

I have been into a lot of Electronic music and remixes this season for my work outs. Here's the big ass mix I have going on iPodious right now:

Sweet Cow (Zeefungk Mix) Chicken Lips
Good Clean Fun (Chicken Lips Dub Mix) Clearlake
La Fool D'Argent (Stone Roses vs. Air vs, Marvin Gaye mashup)
Lonely Soul (featuring Richard Ashcroft from The Verve) U.N.K.L.E.
Dare (Soulwax Remix) Gorillaz
Beat Connection LCD Soundsystem
Vapor Trail The Crystal Method
Just Let Go Fischerspooner
Krafty (Phones Reality Remix) New Order
Assessment (C-Swing Bootleg Remix) Beta Band
Can't See Me (Bacon & Quarmby Vocal Dub) Ian Brown
November Has Come Gorillaz
Dangerous (Sensual Mix) Depeche Mode
Retreat (Phones Remix) The Rakes
Tribulations LCD Soundsystem
Take Me Out (Daft Punk Remix) Franz Ferdinand
Guilt Is A Useless Emotion (Mac Quayle Vocal Mix) New Order
Tranquilized Final Cut
Fog vs. Mould For The Length of Love (Remix) Interpol
I Feel You (Babylon Mix) Depeche Mode
Reign (False Prophet Remix) U.N.K.L.E.
Out Of Control The Chemical Brothers
Physical Nine Inch Nails
Swastika Eyes (Jagz Kooner Mix) Primal Scream
Setting Sun The Chemical Brothers
Personal Jesus (Pump Mix) Depeche Mode
Banquet (Phones Disco Edit) Bloc Party
Out-Side (Depth Charge Remix) Beta Band
Here to Stay (Felix Da Housecat Mix: Thee Extended Glitz Mix) New Order
I Believe In You Final Cut
Battle (Unkle Remix) Blur
Don't Save Us From the Flames M83
Rabbit In Your Headlights (featuring Thom Yorke of Radiohead) U.N.K.L.E.

Maybe I should do a Nick Martin and sell this bad boy. 3 Hour + electronica goodness.

My new rider profile is up on the Bikeman.com web page. Check it out.

So I have two bottles for tonight's ride. 1 big bottle of sports drink and 1 bottle of plain water. Apparently when the bottle containing my plain water was last washed it was after a meal made with mucho garlic. The water tasted like garlic. I almost puked! J.H.C.!!! We need a dishwasher stat!!!

The rest of Saturday....

Headed over to Tom's house to pick up the new El Santo.














Very pleased with the build up and look sweet as F. The only thing is that with switching from the RaceFace cranks and the new frame with added gussets etc., I seemed to have gained about 1.5 pounds and I even have some no-tread Panaracer Trailblasters on (that I use on dry trails). Little concerned cause it's a bit of a piggy right now.

Tom did a great job as usualy building it up. Thanks T.!

Saturday night did not turn out as planned. Wifey and B-Man were to go to St. Patrick's day party and I was bailing do to my anti-social behavior. But B-Man got a fever and we all ended up home together. B-man slept and Wifey and I enjoyed some Tröegs and some of my White Pizza Rolls...
















These bad boys are real easy to make. This is how to make one; 1 roll of Pillsbury Pizza Crust (unrolled) Rub down the dough with Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dice up some fresh garlic and put on dough, Put big giant hand full of fresh spinach in the middle Hand full of artichoke hearts (or other topping of your choice) Big giant hand full of Mozerella cheese. Roll the bad boy up and bake on greased cookie sheet at 400* for about 10 min.

Now enjoy with a nice Hoppy beer.



















Paris-Nice on OLN today from 5 - 7 p.m. Eastern. Hope to just relax today and watch.

Legs are tired. B-Man is feeling better. Might visit Papa-M for a while

Later.

Saturday Post: Uno

Up early this a.m. with B-Man to eat breakfast and watch Wild America on TV. This is kinda our tradition. Today was Part II about the Wild Turkey. Kinda boring until they got to the mating and Marty says:

"The "Tom" and the hen begin their fertalization, another lesser "Tom" wishes to join, but knowing his place, has to be content to watch and masturbate"

WHAT???? Now I won't be able to eat turkey again without thinking of a masturbating turkey. And people thought it was "choking the chicken"!!

Weather was in the low sixties and bright sunshine this a.m., but by 11 or so when I started my ride the gray of Pittsburgh moved in. For those of you who've never been here (consider yourself lucky) we get very little sunshine here. The sky is usually white to gray. White being our "sunshine", gray being, well, gray.

Temps were warm enough for just shorts, but I wore a base layer and arm warmers too. Should have gone with knee warmers. Knees got a little tight from the cooler temps towards the end.

Planned a longer ride, but my tip sheet feel out of my pocket 3/4 of the way in, so I had to go with what I knew. Hit one of my fave climbs, I swear the grade is 45 degrees in spots, covered with tiny bits of gravel in spots, with a few switchbacks thrown in. I was going 4 mph, rocking back in forth, snot spewing forth etc., Must have been a real scene to the cars coming down the hill.

Ended up with 2:10/32 miles or so. Hit 41mph on one down hill. Sweet.

I Love Not Working...

So I took today off and it was packed full of action. 1st I had to go to the Post Office to mails out some wheels I sold. Done. Then I went to get the Element an oil change and tire rotation. Whilst it was being serviced I went over to Starfucks® to get a giant ass cup of coffee and waste 45 minutes listening to peoples conversations while I pretended to read the NY Times. I left thinking that people hanging out in Starbucks at 10 a.m. on a weekday are pathetic. (including myself).

Then it was home to clean up some dishes and take advantage of my Six-Six-One grass roots sponsorship by ordering up some new hand gloves...
Then it was time to chamois up and head out on the Trek for some bike time (or as D.K. calls it "road head"" , Nice!). Had a pretty good ride. The winds calmed down a bit from the 30-40 mph gusts of the a.m., but it never did get as warmed as they said it would. I was STILL feeling the effects of the Wednesday night "nut drop" on the leg press. Might be time that exercise goes away. Or at least me doing 5 sets of 270lbs. x 10. Yikes.

Ended the ride with about 31 miles and 1:50. Funny what not being bogged down with six layers of clothing will do for your time. This ride was taking me 2+ in January.

Tom called this p.m.. The El Santo is done. Yessssss! Hope to pick up Sat. or Sun. He says it looks sweet . I can not wait to see it. I'll post some picts when I pick it up. Hoping to hit the road again tomorrow. Think I'll go longer but slower. It's supposed to be in the 60s. OOOORRRRR I could shoot over T's and get the El Santo then head to the woods. Hmmmmm.

Added some of my Mid-Atlantic area freaks (or Bloggers, it's your call).
He who rides Spot and enjoys a good beer....
and he who races MTB to race CX (which is just nuts!)...

Later.

Spinning Whilst Sore and Doing Some Thinking...

I had planned to do some big gear intervals tonight, but my quads were still sore from last nights leg-press-fest at the gym, so I did an hour of some easy spinning with a few seated hill climb intervals.

I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow. 1st of the year. Need to get the Element's tires rotated, etc., and oh yeah get out and ride I hope. Got me new rings/cassette/chain on the 2200 so it will be nice to get out and try it out.

Been doing some thinking about my 06 schedule. The biggest problem this year (and I need to be very careful here or end up banned like someone else we all know) is a certain 24 Solo in WV this year. The entry might be a little steep for me. It's so close though! I would hate like hell not to do it.

An alternative plan would be rather than spend $330+ on that race would be to drive up to NY for the Hardcore 24 (formerly the 24 Hours of Cutler) on June 17/18. Entry is only $100 and overall Solo winner gets a Trek 9.9 OCLV team issue frame (SHWING!). I'd save $230 + all the other fees!! But I'd be driving 5.5 hours instead of 1.5 hours. Hmmmm. Gotz to think about this. Not doing "the race in WV" would allow me to possibly do the Mohican 100 in Ohio too. Hmmmm. Much to think about.

Tom called tonight and said my El Santo should be ready to go over the weekend sometime. He's the man. As I've said a hundred times, I'm NOT mechanical at all. Tom's taught me a lot, but dude just get's it done right. Without him I couldn't do this. Thanks man!

Non cycling news. I've been HUGE into a podcast called the Ricky Gervais Show. You may recognize him from The Office (BBC Original Version) or the HBO show Extras. I've been listening at work and have been laughing like some kind of damn fool!!! One of the funniest things I've heard in a while. You can download the 1st season free at iTunes or at rickygervais.com I think season #2 will be $1.95 per 30 minute show. I'll pay. Worth it. Here's an audio/vido sample done with some bears.

That's it. tomorrow. Coffee. Ride. E. Beer. Crime-Fighting. etc.

Later.

Wheels Are In Motion...

Gym tonight. 1 hour on SM followed by weights. Legs feel real good, but it's funny how cutting back the upper body stuff has made me a little sluggish on the weights. Could have just been a little tired too. (and sick of lifting)

Heard from Big Al at Bikeman.com today. My Salsa Delgado rims are in, so once the wheels are built we should be good to go on getting the Dos Niner soon. Sorry Rick, but hey you'll have more jing in your pocket.

I've gone back to getting the Silver Rock Shox Reba 29er. I was set to get a black OEM version for a few less dollars, but it may not be in till sometime in April, so I'm going with the aftermarket one. I wanted the silver anyway and plus this means I'll be getting all my bling sooner.

Also, Bikeman.com is in the process up updating their website. New bios etc. should be up in the coming days. Looks cleaner than before. I dig.

That's about it.

Later.

Pass The Cheese, Fool!

Why do my unwashed bike gloves always smell like corn chips?

I understand why they smell. I sweat like a fat lady's thighs, but why corn chips?

Looks like Boonen finally put on some damn gloves today as he pulled out win #2 at Paris-Nice


I wonder if his gloves smell like corn chips?

Nah, probably frites...

Thats it. Gym tomorrow.

Later.

MONDAY NIGHT INTERVALS

Monday night means anaerobic intervals...


And sometimes the puke bucket. Just kidding. I did get in 1.5 hours tonight. A 20 minute warm up followed by 40 minutes of 1 on 1 off intervals. Felt good. Finished off with some seated hill climb force intervals and then steady spinning to cool down.

Watched the Paris-Nice prologue. Kinda boring, but makes you feel good to know the Classics are starting up, since you know spring is around the corner. Yessss!



Boonen Takes Stage One. Rocking the rainbow jersey, Lazer lid, and NO GLOVES?? It was freaking COLD there today and no gloves! Put some gloves on, what's the matter with you??

Speaking of Lazer lids... Lazer is team Bikeman.com's helmet sponsor. Last year I was able to pick up the Lazer Blade on the team deal. Was not impressed. Fit was off. Should have went a size smaller and the retention system kinda sucked. The helmet always ended up on the back of my head like I was some 10 year old kid who wears it like that.

This year Lazer is back on and offering the Genesis (normally I would automaticly DQ this lid for the name. ANYTHING that makes me think of Phil Collins is viewed with EXTREME caution.



BBBBBBut. This is a sweet looking brain bucket. And Lazer totally revamped the retention system. You can read an indepth review over on Pezcyclingnews.com. Scroll down to the pict of Dr. Evil for the Lazer review.
I thinkng of going for it, but I'd like to get some input on sizing from some other team members before I do. Lazer is offering us a generous deal, but being that I need to wear a helmet for 24+ hours sometimes AND sometimes have a light attached for 10+ hours it needs to be comfy and fit right on my noggin.
If I don't go Lazer it will be the Bell Sweep XC or Giro E2.

That's it. No ride tomorrow. Me and B-Man doing our thang whilst Wifey teaches.

Later.

Race To The Sun

Paris-Nice started yesterday. Replay airs on OLN today (Monday) from 3:00 p.m. eastern. to 4:30 p.m.. So set your tapes. Unless of course you don't have a job. Then just sit your ass down and watch it.



Be nice to have something new to watch on the trainer tonight.

Later.

I guess I kicked it up a notch...

Did some looking back at my annual training hours over on TrainingPeaks.com .

From October 31st 2004 to March 5, 2005 I had 77 hours of training in.
From October 31st 2005 to March 5, 2006 I have nearly 140 hours in. Yikes.

I know these numbers are just a piss in the ocean compared to some of the other guys, but for having a full time job, wife and kid I'm pretty happy so far. Hope that the increased hours have been quality hours and not just a waste of time. I gotta give Wifey some props for giving me the time and support to try to improve this year. Thanks!

Later.

Saturday & Sunday

Saturday's 30 degree highs and my road bike still over at Tom's left me no choice but to hit the trainer for the 3rd day in a row. This time it was 2 hours of LT intervals. 30 minute warm up followed by progressively longer intervals with 1 minute easy spins inbetween each. Started with 1 minute and worked my way up to steady 10 minute intervals. Legs were fried at the end. Good. *Side note: I've been out of HEED for a week or so and want to wait a little bit to do a bigger order of Heed, Perpetuem and Gels from Bikeman.com so I purchase some Gatorade. Worked well enough but I noticed at the end of the session yesterday I had salt stains on my shorts. Something I never see when I used HEED. Hmmmmm.

Heard from Twin-Six the other day. Gear and goodies should be coming my way this week or so. I'll post some picts when I get'em.

Sat. night was fun. Just hung out with Wifey enjoying some Tröegs and baking up some Baked Nachos with ground Turkey and vegies. There was crime. It got fought. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, know-whata-I-mean?

Sunday is an off day. Let my legs recover from the past 3 days workouts and then back on the trainer Monday night. Weather looks like it's gonna warm up here later in the week. Might take a vacation day to get some riding in.

Later.

The 26 vs. 29 Debate. Chamois Style

So respected endurance racer Dave Harris has been doing some testing on his 26" Trek Fuel and his '05 Dos Niner to see which one is more effecient. I've been reading his tests over the past month or so and then it was finished (for now) with a comparison at his solo effort at the Old Pueblo 24 Hour race a couple weeks ago or so.

He got everyone all fired up with his results. In his opinion and the data he took he believes the Trek 26er was faster. I do not dispute this. But I do have some thoughts. I posted over on MTBR.com but so did about a billion other riders, so I thought I'd just copy/paste my post from there and then follow up with some stuff...

"I think there may be more to look at than just wattage/numbers etc. I can believe the 26er is faster, sure, why not? I think these numbers all make more sense for XC racing than Enduro racing. IMHO the test was done on two great bikes. Both great for endurance racing. Comfort plays such a big part of this racing. If we were JUST going for speed the test would have been done up against a super light-weight weenie-v-brake using-carbon fiber rigid fork hard tail.

I did my first solo on a Ti hard tail Great bike, climbed great etc., But in following races I had a 4" FS bike. I was faster and turned more laps on the FS cause I was blazing through rock fields I had to walk on the HT. This year I plan to use a 26" FS for technical courses and Solo 24s and the Dos Niner for marathon events and shorter multi hour events. Course conditions will play the most part in which bike I choose. Here on the East Coast there aren't too many smooth courses. Rocks, roots, rocks, mud, rocks and last but not least- rocks.

Mabe it's I'm not good enough of a racer to get down to nitty gritty details like wattage per bike on given laps. I know in the end I'll end up riding the bike that leaves me feeling the freshest at the end.

I also admit I'm not the brightest bulb in the batch and all those charts and #s meant nothing to me. I would have gotton just has much as him just saying- my legs felt snappier on the 26 rather than the 29 or tell me which bike handled technical section the best. The faster rider is the one riding past the rider walking in my opinion.

Just me thoughts. I know they mean nothing, just my 2¢"

So that's what I posted over on mtbr.com. Since then apprently Cyclingnews.com as also done a story on Dave's findings. I think this was pretty lame journalism on Cyclingnews.com's part. I mean they do a good job of pointing out that he likes both bikes and what not, but overall being that equal amounts of laps were not done on the bikes so I think until a more controlled test can be done this is all just opinion and as I mentioned it appear that about 116 or so riders over on mtbr.com have an opinion on this. I also thought it was poor judement to include the commment about looking to sell his Don Niner now. But then again I'm pretty partial to Salsa being sponsored by them and all.

Apparently Salsa has offfered to give Cyclingnews.com a Dos Niner to conduct a test before they print someting like that. (post #6)

I also want to be clear that I'm not part of the 29er "cult", hell I don't even have one (yet). I also plant on using my 26 full suspension AND my Dos Niner to race on this year, depending on terrain.

There are a good deal of other folks local and national who's opinions I value and have e mailed with, talked to or read their thoughts before adding the 29er to the stable. Here they are...

Gerry
Ernie
Adam
Jason
T.J.
Marc
Buddy
Cameron
Nat
P-Man (A.K.A. Salsa)

These are all racers that get it done on a 29er. I'm not saying they win and do well because of the 29er, the bike is NOTHING without an engine. But these are enough people that I admire to give it a shot. I mean what the F?

Oh well I'm still TOTALLY F-Ing Geeked to have the Dos and the El Santo this year. Thanks to eBay, Bikeman.com and Salsa Cycles.

Later people.

Friday Night Fun

Thank God this week is over. Seemed endless. Got on the trainer for an hour tonight. Started in 39x27 and worked my way down 1 gear every 5 minutes. then after 45 I did a 5 min ball breathe by standing for 5 and then a 10 min spin cool down. 2 hours planned tomorrow.

Salsa El Santo In Da Casa!

Came home for lunch today and was lucky enough to be here when the UPs dude brought my new Salsa El Santo.

I couldn't wait to see it and was not dissapointed. It's freaking SWEET looking!!



The color is soooo sweet. Salsa needs to do a new photo shoot for the web site. The red is so much more vibrant. The lower top tube should be sweet too. Save my boyz from taking any knocks. If the Dos Niner frame is HALF as sweet I'll be freaking geeked.

Here's run down of the parts that will be on the El Santo:

06 El Santo Frame (20" frame with Manitou Swinger 3-Way shock 4")
05 Fox 100 RLT Fork (100mm)
Mavic 717/Shimano XT Wheels
Shimano XT Crank (175mm)
Shimano XT Rear Derailleur (Rapid Rise, long cage)
Shimano XT Front Derailleur
Shimano XT 9 Speed Trigger Shifters
Shimano XT 9 Speed Chain
130mm Ritchey Pro Stem
RaceFace Deus Headset
WTB Grips
Dimension Stubs Bar Ends
Hope Mono Mini Disc Brakes and Rotors
Salsa Pro Moto Bar (Flat of course, I don't dig risers.)
Salsa Shaft Post
WTB Rocket V Race Saddle (this one might have to go. Cushy but numbs my nuts. Might go Fizik Nisene if I can get Al to track one down)
Panaracer tires of some sort. Probably Fire Pro 2.1s to start with.
Some cheap ass 26er tubes.
Cat Eye Micro Wireless Computer (I guess I'm part of Kerkove's plan for CatEye world domination)

Sent Big Al my build for the Dos Niner today. I'll be wating on fork for a while The Reba 29er is back ordered at QBP as are my Delgado Rims.

Went to the gym tonight. 1 hour on the SM followed by my weights, for a total of 2 hours. All bike the rest of the week. (Yesssss).

That's it. Later.

Giving Me Fits

So I've been obsessing over size and fit of the Dos Niner.

After doing the figures a million times, bothering Big Al at Bikeman.com like 400 times with babling emails, I have the overall cockpit difference between My 20" El Santo with a 130mm stem and the 20" Dos Niner with a 120mm stem being 4.3mm (for you Euro and Canadian types) and 0.16942" for we here in the "fity-states" . I think I can live with that. Standover will be basically the same on both.

Gym tonight. Down to like 1 or 2 days a week there now. Fine by me.

Later.