Murrysville CX Race Report (Mother!!)

Yesterday. Oh yesterday. A day of sun, 45 degree temps and 2 hours of rolling WPA roads on the Campeon. Now fast forward to today. Gray, rain, mud, 37 degrees, cold, wind, wet, and a 40 minute Cross race. It was perfect Cross weather and I am a VERY imperfect Cross racer. The following is the final installment of "The (Behind The) 8 Ball Diaries"...
I was up early this a.m. to coffee up, eat up, and dump out. Then it was off to Murrysville to try another Cross race. It's no secret I am NOT a Cross racer. But it IS fun to go out and race in November, I'll give you that for sure. Even if it DOES hurt like hell. That's the point for me. Make my body do things I'm just not used to.

As I drove along Route 48 I was pretty geeked that all the supposed rain had yet to materialized. By the time I hit Route 22 10 minutes later a light rain had started. By the time I reached the venue it was a steady rain. Oh well, it IS a Cross race, and God knows misery loves company.

I got the Mamasita ready, registered and chamoised up. The rain was coming down steady and it was cold as titz. I could not wait to start riding. I headed out and immediately noticed how much more of a REAL cross course this was. Two run ups, two sets of barriers, lots of twists, lots of off muddy off camber stuff, and a nice stretch of pavement to the Start/Finish.

I was less than impressed with my pre ride. I just felt REALLY slow. Then I came into the parking area to find a dude looking for folks signed up for the "C" race that did not have a U.S.C.F. licence. Yeah, that would be me. I would need to buy a one day licence for $10. WHAT? Suck racers (that would be me) on mountain bikes, doing a "C" race for prize table shwag need licence? Despite my disbelief I headed to the registration area to pay up. Problem was, I only had a few dollars in cash on me. So I bought about 25% of a one day licence. This is not the first time this has happened to me. I don't mind paying it, they just need to mention this up front so folks have the casheesh.

I wanted to get another pre ride lap in, so after I took care of the license stuff I headed out for another go. Again I sorta felt shitty on the bike. The course was a sweet course, but just did not play to my lack of Cross skills. As I headed up the pavement to the start finish line I thought three things... "I really could use a drink of water" followed by "damn, I have to piss." Followed by "SHIT! They're lining up to start!!!". So I pulled right up, waited about 15 seconds and GO!!!!!!!!

I think there were about 16 folks in the "C" race. 2 seconds after the start whistle, I think 13 of them blew by me on the pavement. I hadn't felt THAT stupid on a bike since the last road race I did about 7 years ago. 2 Miles in to that race I was dropped by the pack, and rode the next 23 miles solo. At least this time there were a COUPLE behind me. EDIT: Oddly I did that road race on a cross bike and now I'm doing Cross on a mountain bike.

I tried to shake off that humiliation of being dropped like steaming dog turd and just race. I passed a couple folks when we hit the grass and mud. I started feeling better mentally right after the first run up. Running up that hill with the cold rain beating down, feet digging into slick mud, folks screaming in my face (Don)... It just felt so freaking "primal". I would have bit the head off of a live rabbit "Ozzy style" if a spectator would have held one in front of me.

Sadly, all of that "primal" adrenaline really didn't help me race any better. I just could not keep up with the Cross bikes. Every time I closed the gap on a group or pulled around someone, they would pull away or catch me when we hit a flat or the pavement.

As I crossed the finish line on my next to last lap the time keeper yelled out that me and the dude right in front of me (my "nemesis") were 10th and and 11th. Frig! I'm 11 down?? Shwag was 10 deep, and I figured if I was gonna ride in this slop I at LEAST at least wanted some prize table shwag. So I did my best to catch him!

I passed him on the first run up. He then passed me. Then I passed him on the second run up. He then passed me. We stuck together through the first set of switchbacks. On the second set, he spun out in a turn. I dismounted and ran my ass off around two switch backs, got back on and pulled away from him. When we hit the lower stuff near the 2nd set of barriers he caught me. I hung with him again until the pavement when he put a nice gap on me. We hit the Start/Finish about the same time still in 10th and 11th.

The last lap we pretty much did a repeat of the previous lap. There were times I had a good 20 bike gap on him. I was pushing the big ring, wheezing, and out of breath. We hit the pavement and he blew by me. FRIG! I cruised up to the line in 11th place. My steady endurance race ass was handed to me ROYALLY by the Brothers Of Cross. I hold nothing against them for that. I end my "two race Cross season" with more respect than ever for those folks that race Cross. I'll be back!! MAYBE even on a Cross bike!

At least I avoided DFL by a few spots and had a great workout in the mud. Congrats to Pro Bikes Co-Big Cheese Todd S. for coming in 2nd! Great job! I was also happy to help support a local race. There aren't many of them. Gotta race all you can! Joe R. and company did a great job putting on the race. Super PRO.

I got changed and watched Don, Brad (A.K.A. Mr. Kiss of The Hops), Aaron and Pro Bike's Tim race the "B" race. They all kicked ass and Tim The Enchanter (A.K.A. The Dude That Just Built My Wheels) won on a Cannondale F29! So much for my Cross bikes are faster theory! Truth be told Tim is just ballz out fast no matter WHAT bike he's on.

I had planned to watch the "A" race but I was shivering uncontrollably, so If figured it would best to warm up and head home for some beers and some hot chili. I hear Steve-O won. Congrats!!

All and all a nice way to end 9 straight days in the saddle. Next up, I enter a Triathlon (JOKING!!!)

Later.

Yikes!

Well today went MUCH more like a me in a Cross race should. The start whistle blew and before you could say "loafing oaf on a mountain bike" I was passed by 11 or racers on cross bikes. My ass was officially handed to me. Cold, muddy, wet, rain, sleet, did I say wet. It was Cross at it's best and me just trying not to finish DFL. I accomplished that, got a hell of a work out in and had some fun. Wanted to stay and watch the "A" race, but by the time the "B"s were done I was nearly hypothermic and split for home. Full race report later.

Later.

The Calm Before The Storm

With a CX race tomorrow I had a plan to not do much bike wise today. But after a morning of hawking shit on eBay, I could not resist temps in the 40s and sunshine. I also remembered that A. I am not a Cross racer, B. I'm racing to avoid intervals on the trainer, and C. The weather is gonna suck the hairy asses of Ma & Pa Nature tomorrow. So "get" whilst the "getting" is good.

I threw a few layers on, got the Campeon off the trainer, put my regular wheel back on, and hit my standard road loop with the plan to go easy and slow to avoid blowing out my legs TOO much before I attempt to race Cross again tomorrow. Going "easy" on a road bike on the roads of Western PA is easier said than done. Even just doing some slowish seated climbing my heart rate would get up around 80% of max. I'd hate to see it when I stand and am trying to make good time. Why do the planets have to be aligned just f*cking right for a bike computer to work?? Magnet lined up with sensor within spec, batteries are good... and NOTHING. My top speed was 0 MPH, my average speed was 0 MPH, and my distance was 0 miles. I would have like to have pulled over and smashed it with a rock. At least I had the HR monitor to occupy my time. I'm finally learning the secrets of guiding my way through the monitor's menu, sub menu, sub-sub menu. Again Rocket Scientist = Person who can figure out the workings of a HR Monitor.

Overall the ride was sweet. For once I nailed the layering, and wasn't too cold or too hot. The sun was titz and the legs felt great compared to yesterday's 1:30 of Rail Trail mush. There were more than a few folks firing guns along the road today. One set of folks looked to be firing semi (I hope!) automatic rifles at nothing in particular. The other dude was a hunter that fired off a shot just as I was passing behind him. Not sure if he noticed that he was firing in the same direction as a natural gas well about 50 yards to his right. That had "disaster" written all over it. Moron.

The Not Cool Part Of The Ride: Some dude that came barreling around the corner in his big ass Chevy pick up and was all jacked off to find a cyclist (me). He started blowing the horn and giving me the international hand signal for "what the f*ck?". I returned the "what the f*ck?" and upped him a "go f*ck yourself!" gesture with a twist of "come on back!". Not sure what I would have done if he had. I guess I would have just bled all over him or started crying. I know it wasn't cool or smart to do such a thing. But hicks like that really chap my ass.

I got so used to many of the mountain hicks, that for the most part don't give a f*ck. Urban Hicks are a whole different breed. In the end I just got my heart rate down and took comfort in the fact that the "tough guy" couldn't ride twenty feet on a bike let alone do the races that you and I do.

I also took some comfort in the fact that the dude probably never read the manufactures "roll over" warning that comes with most trucks and SUVs. He'll be a stat soon. I just hope I'm not one sooner due to a jack off motorist like him. OK my rant is done. Sorry. It wasn't cool.

Tomorrow's Cross race could be epic. It will be bad enough for me racing the first race, but with temps in the 30s and a rain snow mix forecasted, by the time the "A"s hit the course, shit is gonna be N.A.S.T.Y.!! Sucks that the weather looks so sucky. Wifey and the B-Man were gonna come check it out, but that looks doubtful. Anxious to race and spectate tomorrow. Hope to bring a little "winter warmer" with me, a cow bell, a bikini, and some new heckles for Team Argyle in the "B" race, and Steve-O, Pfluger and Solo Goat in the "A".

Time to have a couple brews and get my ballz ready. What, did your really think I would attempt another cross race in hay-noose weather without the aid of some Turkey Ball Mojo?? Pfffft!!!!!!!!!!!!

Later.

P.S. Can someone please go buy my shit on eBay. If you don't, B-Man won't have a Christmas this year :(

OK, that was a lie, I just want to pay off my wheels. Sorry.

Used Chamois Bits

Before I got spin my legs in the crisp November sun,

I wanted to clue you all in on a couple Flea Bay items I gotz going...

'06 Salsa Delgado/XT Disc Hub 29er Wheel Set

Trek 2200 (size 60) with Bontrager Carbon Fork,
Bontrager Carbon Post & Ultegra Crank

I also have a set of used Bontrager Mustang 29er hoops that I haven't put up yet.

Leave comment or e mail me if you need more info. Will end auction for locals with cash in hand ;)

(I feel like the biggest whore right now. Oh well, I'm sure I'll get used to it.)

Later.

Gray Friday

Black Friday, blah, blah, blah. I'm sorta sickened at the celebration of over-the-top consumerism that IS "Black Friday". But I joined the f*ck in for sure! OK, I wasn't out buying Christmas gifts out the yin-yang, but I DID make it to Pro Bikes to pick up my wheels. I enjoyed the hell of seeing them, feeling how FREAKING light they are (by my standards), and installing them on the Dos Niner when I got home. Tim C. did an incredible job building them and I swear I lost over a pound of rotating rate to boot. After I calmed down from all the Velosturbation, I then proceeded to feel guilty for buying them for the rest of the evening. In the end I'm just saying "F*ck it" I have sweet wheels. End of story. Although I DO foresee a credit card balance transfer in my future.

I was gonna blow off doing a ride today, but then Wifey was able to split work early, so I figured I'd do a quick 20 miles on the rail trail to burn some turkey calories. EEsh, I burnt some for sure! The trail was a tad mushy, and my speed hovered around 12/13 mph when it normally is around 15/17+ mph. The chilly air and wet limestone threw me a nice beat down for sure. While others dealt with "Black Friday", I dealt with "Gray Friday" in the form of gray, wet limestone and a gray late November sky.

I started around 3:50 p.m.. That meant I had to bring some lights with me. So I mounted up the Princeton-Tec SBIII on the bars. Have I mentioned that the 2009 Switchback 3 is going to TWICE as bright as the current model?? TWICE as bright and still getting about 6.5 hours of burn time on high. That's sick. SICK! Can't wait to do some comparing in the near future. (F.Y.I. ALL the switchbacks received upgrades this year. Even the tiny "rectal exam ready" SB One is now twice as bright. Shhhheittttt. P-Tec is gonna kill it this year.

Sometimes I think I just MIGHT be taking too much stuff on a ride! Just on the bars was a computer, light, and heart rate monitor. Then there was a camera in my jacket pocket, an iPod in my jersey, and a cell phone in my pack (for in case I would stroke out or something). Jezzus 8ch I don't have that much shit on my office desk!

With a CX race on Sunday I just might do a low key road ride tomorrow or nothing. The legs feel like frozen shit-sickles right now. Time to chill and let a couple beers course through my brain and some White Trash Mexican food course through my colon.

Later.

Pushin The Big Ring of Thanks

Sweet day here in Western PA. Crisp, sunny, and ripe for gobbling a gobbler. Perfect day for a ride too. Too bad I wouldn't be riding. Although I almost cut out early to hit a ride with a certain Boy Wonder, I just couldn't do it with the prospect of cooking a full meal through the day and all the poop that comes with it. Hope they had a good ride. Thanks for the invite Ian!

I did find time after cooking up some Sweet Potatoes to do an hour on the trainer to burn some calories, and I have to say it was a good workout. I won't bore you with details, all I'll say is that it was big ring-tastic, my legs are toast, and my ass is now like that of a rush week baboon. IF baboon's indeed went to college and pledged fraternities. Then again frat boys are a tad baboon like...

So enough time wasting, time to get showered and finish my cooking. Then I'll be Givin' up some "Thanks", for mending blood clots, regained hearing, two legs and the fitness to ride and race with, good friends, family, a great son and a kick ass wife that never blinks an eye when I have a crazy race idea, buy expensive bike parts, or ask her to come camp in the woods and be my pit crew.

Later.

Rolled With South American Goodness

I had to pass on an invite to roll some long steady base with Don/Brad/Aaron today to do REAL exciting stuff like clean all the freaking JUNK in my house up before folks come over for Thanksgiving tomorrow. I am SO anti toy right now! How many Spider Man figures does one person need?? And don't even get me started on B-Man's Spider Man figures!!

I also had the pleasure of taking the Soob to get it's state inspection today (scam!!). But not before the plate registration sticker ripped into 3 pieces as I tried to apply it to the license plate. Great. F*cking great! Later I get a call from "Ronnie" the mechanic to let me know new brakes and rotors are needed. Money for my new wheelz just went to the Soob, now the wheelz will need to have a date with with Mr. A.P.R.. I smell a financial bailout for a dumb ass mountain bike racer. Or is that gas? Smells about the same.

I did find an hour to get some saddle time in and suffer. Going as hard as you can for 30 seconds is really not that hard. I don't know what the big deal is?? Oh, I guess it's a big deal when you do it 20 times. Frig. THAT'S gonna leave a mark.

I was so busy today I found myself forgetting to eat. I like to stay on a breakfast/10:30 snack/lunch/3:00 snack/dinner schedule. I ate breakfast, and the next thing I knew it was lunch time and I wanted to get my workout in. So I rolled a burrito, STAT!....

Mmmm, re-fried beans, cheese, salsa, all rolled in a big ass warm tortilla... Ah, actually NO! It's smashed banana, peanut butter and ground flax seed, rolled in the aforementioned big ass burrito. Damn it was good. I swear I'd eat an old wet dish rag if it was rolled in a burrito.

Damn! I have more shit to do... Including going to the grocery store. The night before Thanksgiving.... WTF? I'm a glutton for freaking punishment! OUT OF MY WAY OLD LADY I GOTZ A TURKEY TO BRINE!!

Later.

Slack?

Nope, not slacking. Busy tonight getting posts up on the Pro Bikes site. This week was a Three-Fer. Blog posts from me (same as below), Don P., and Aaron. and a couple of other pics. Updated the blog with links to other team member sites.

My new wheels are officially done, filled with latex and tubeless. Now I just need to come up with the jing to pick them up. HA! Hope to get them late this week or the weekend. From what I've seen of them they are looking damn fine. Project 2009 Dos Niner Race Bike is gonna be sweet!

Speaking of jing... I'll be posting a few items for sale here in the next few days. I have a set of XT Disc/Salsa Delgado 29" wheels, and a road "package"- An almost 5 year old Trek 2200 road frame (size 60), with 53/39 Ultegra crank, Bontrager carbon fork, and Bontrager carbon post. Pics and info to come.

I am officially done with work until next Monday- Hell freaking yeah!! I need to squeeze in a TON of house shit and 7+ hours of riding in. With the snowy wet weather we're in for over the next few days, it should be interesting to see if that happens or not. If not I'll just get all hopped up on turkey and gravy shakes.

Why do you have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the menus on a heart rate monitor. WTF??

Later.

Bruceton Mills, CX Race Report (WTF??)

The 8 Ball Diaries, Part I: W.V.M.B.A. Bruceton Mills, CX
November 23, 2008

The last time I attempted a Cross race was 5+ years ago at a Month of Mud cross race. That race was more of a bastardized mountain/cross race. Since then I've been steeped in the world of Endurance racing. Races lasting 5 to 24 hours. Races where I try to find a groove, ride 'till bonk, puke, and nearly pass out. Good stuff. Who knew I could do all that, and do it in under an hour racing Cross???

OK, OK, I guess Fatmarc, Mr. Rich Bilson, Brad, Don, Aaron, Gerry P, Steve-O, Big Al, and a ton of other Cross-Heads knew, and THAT is why many of those folks have been so persistent in getting me to try Cross. Most were also quick to give warnings of the potential addiction. I've been needing to add something to my fall & winter riding to motivate me. The Month of Mud Series was going to do that, but then I had that little Deep Vein Thrombosis "issue" to take care of, so I had to abort the series before it even started.

Even though I'm still ridding myself of the DVT and on blood thinners, my Doc gave me the all clear to race. So I signed up for the Murrysville Cross Race on 11/30. Then I saw that there was a W.V.M.B.A. CX race happening down in Bruceton Mills, WV. I was interested, but not sure if I wanted to do it or not. I mentioned it to Don, Aaron, and Brad. They were all doing it, so NOW the peer pressure was on.

Race weekend came, and like sorority girl hopped up on Rohypnol and Wine coolers, I caved easily, don't remember much, wanted to puke. I also feel more than a tad violated to boot! Even though the race's web page was updated Saturday to say "YES! We are Racing.... The snow is only a few inches and the course will be plowed down to the grass/dirt/gravel." I STILL found myself in the Soob, on snow covered, narrow ass WV back roads looking for dirt road turns, mail boxes, and barns.

After a few missed turns and some back tracking I found my way to the race venue on a private farm. They had a few more inches of snow than we had back in the W.O., but they were indeed plowing out the course. Who needs course tape when you can just plow the course? I would be racing the Mamasita (as would Don P.). I put on my new Ergon grip (sans bar ends), upped some pressure in the CrossMarks, Locked out the Reba and kept her in the BIG ring. Many of the other racers were on mountain bikes too, some even on full suspensions, so I wasn't too out of place.

Not being a Cross racer, or really even that much of an XC racer, I did the born again virgin type thing and signed up for the 45 min. +1 lap "B" (Sport) race. The other guys would be doing the "A" (Expert) 60 min. +1 lap race after mine.

Pre riding the freshly plowed 1 mile-ish course, was nice. The ground was still a little frozen and the course had not been ridden too much, so there were no real issues. This would of course all change over the next couple hours. Lap times would be pretty quick, even with the snow and mud. There was only on pair of barriers, and one small climb. There were tons of twists, turns, and slick false flats.

12:30 brought race time and 13 "B"s lined up at the bottom of a gravel road drive way. I was unsure about how my start would be. I haven't had to do a fast start in close to 6 years! The "gun" went off (OK, it was a dude yelling GO!) and I big ringed it up the gravel road as hard as I could.

I was surprised to see only 2 other racers with me when I hit the top. As I made my way around the twists and turns of the first part of the lap I tried to get in a groove, but I was freaking anaerobic and would pretty much stay that way for the next 50 minutes. The lead to riders in front of me were on cross bikes, by lap 2 I would be passed by some dude on a Cannondale MTB.

I was by myself a lot on the course and that made it hard to want to keep pushing as hard as I could. I just kept telling myself that folks were right behind me. The laps were quick and seemed to all run together. I have no idea right now how many I even did. I do remember certain events during laps but it was all sort of a haze. I remember thinking- "Wow, snot, spit, saliva, and sweat is just pouring out of my pores, nose and mouth. I really should close my mouth. NO!! DON'T YOU'LL PASS OUT!!" So I just let it fall out.

Don, Brad and Aaron were great! Every lap Don was in my face with a cow bell, and with there only being 13 guys and 4 women out on the course, around the mid way point Don, Brad and Aaron spun their legs on the course behind me. Don was "motivating" me the whole time and added such gems as "YOU'RE NOT WEARING A HEAR RATE MONITOR ARE YOU?? NEVER WEAR A HEART RATE MONITOR AT A CROSS RACE! YOU WON'T LIKE WHAT YOU SEE!!"

I wantedto tell Don "thanks, but shut the f*ck up!!" but my brain/mouth/lungs would not work together. So I just laughed and enjoyed it. Don's screams can be very soothing. OK, that's a lie. It did help though.

I was able to keep the Mamasita upright most of the race. I only had one dab/fall on a rutted section that was slick with mud and snow. My front tire shot to the left, I unclipped and saved it without too much damage to body or bike. Other than my boyz below yelling at me to be more careful!

I was SO freaking happy for the "bell lap". "ONE MORE!" they screamed at me as I passed under the Viagra finish line banner (I kid you not). I tried to keep the same pace, but every lap I could feel myself getting slower, especially on a couple of the muddy false flats. Just as I was about ready to hit the gravel road climb to the finish line I spied a dude on a mountain bike behind me. Frig! Who's this kat?? Where the hell did he come from?? I wanted to pull ahead put the hammer down and try to lose him. Yeah, that didn't really happen. I stood, put in a few hard RPMs and that's all she wrote. Dude spun up the hill for 4th place and I rolled across in 5th.

Awards were 5 deep, so I walked away with a small trophy and a tub of Heed from the prize table. A belly full of chili, a couple free beers, and a some seared lungs. The 'Burgh area folks did well at the race. I got 5th in the "B" race, Don and Brad got "4th" & "5th" in the "A' race. Pittsburgh bike messenger/D.O.R.C. "Stick" got 2nd and WPA area fast as shit racer Joe Ruggery got 1st easily on board a sweet (or should I say spicy?) Chili Con Crosso. That makes two Mamasitas and one Chili Con Crosso with podium spots today.

Aaron was able to pull a very respectable finish despite stopping to pump up a slow leaking tire three times. And as Aaron was quick to point out, if nothing else he was one of the only guys to have his team kit match his bike. I really can't believe he had the finish he had with those tire issues. Great job.

All in all it was a nice re-introduction to Cross racing. It was cool to kill it for 50ish minutes and still have enough left in the tank to hang out, watch the "A" race and have some fun. In most of my races if I'm watching folks race, SOMETHING has gone horribly wrong, and I spend most of the time cursing those racing under my breath as I pack my shit up. This was a welcome change and I'm pretty geeked to try it again next week. If nothing else Cross is helping me get outside and maybe avoid doing intervals on the trainer one more week! And yes, I can also see why this racing could be addictive.

Looking forward to next week, hopefully a bigger crowd, and more suffering, as I get a feel for racing under an hour. Funny bit tonight- I came down from upstairs after work wearing my bike shorts ready to go spin for a half hour before my body weight workout. Wifey says "what the heck are you doing? You just raced yesterday" To which I said- "yeah for like 50 minutes!" She's used to the 3 to 5 days it takes me to get ANY legs back after and Enduro.

Cross. It's the Devil' work.

Later, more random pics below...

One Down

Race #1 of my two race Cross season is in the books. It was a blast! Mud, snow, a good group of folks and a good time. I'll post a race report tomorrow, but for now I'll just say it hurt. A LOT! But in a good way, and a different way than I'm used to hurting in a race. There were 13 guys in my race. I ended up 5th and took home some shwag.

More tomorrow, I've been going non stop since 7:00 a.m. and I'm about to crash!!! (PULL UP! PULL UP!)

Later.

A New Day Dawning...

Big day bike day today (OK that's a lie). With Wifey sick AND having some social "chick stuff" obligations with a friend getting married, B-Man and I were on our own most of today. So we headed to the movies to see Bolt. I had NO expectations from this movie, but I have to say it was one of the funnier kid movies I've seen (Bee Movie came close).

The f*cking hamster in Bolt rocked. I know, I know... I've now lost ANY hipster cred I once had by saying a cartoon hamster in a Disney movie "rocked". No amount of indie rock listened to, or art house flicks seen can can save me now. Frig! Anyway it was a blast to hang with B-Man on what is normally "Mommy & Brennan Day". B-Man rocks! PERIOD! End of discussion. No Ifs/Ands/Buts. Seriously...Forget about it.

Later in the day Wifey came home from a day out at some "day of beauty" crapola gig with her girlfriends sporting newly trimmed up eyebrows, nails, etc.. Much to my disappointment a "Brazilian" was NOT in the cards today. But hey, I like to think that ONE day it COULD be. What?? Give me a break! I'm a 37 year old man entering like his 12th year of marriage, I need all the mental massaging I can get! Just kidding of course. OK, I'm not.

Later in the day I stuffed my ass into 3 layers of clothing and hit the Rail Trail with the Mamasita. Today went MUCH better than last week. I made the appropriate saddle height adjustments, so the Lake winter shoes posed NO problem today. I must say Tim The Enchanter at Pro Bikes was 100% correct on the Endura Lobsters. They kicked ass!! My hands were actually sweating and it was only 30 degrees! SWEET! Thanks for the recommendation Timmy-C!!

Snow covered about 70% of the Hell Trail today and the temps were indeed cold. I felt nice and toasty most of the time and for the first half of my 1:30 on the trail I put the hammer down as best I could. Tried to give the meat sticks a little wake up call for what they may encounter at tomorrow's Cross race down in W.V.

Wifey asked me if I'm feeling excited for tomorrow's race. "Yes and no" I told her. I mean this really is NOT my scene, but it will be an interesting experiment. As a sub-talented endurance racer attempts to race Cross on his mountain bike after a fall/early winter filled with health issues and little anaerobic work. It will be cool to try something new, even if I make an ass of myself. Who cares? Getting out, getting a sweat on, and supporting the bike scene in WV/WPA is what I'm most concerned about. Secondary goals include not finishing last or DNFing.

I'm sure most of you have probably heard about the new DVD/Movie- "The Nine Ball Diaries" about CX racer Tim Johnson. Well I figured I'd do a little documentation of MY 2 races CX season this year....

Look for The 8 Ball Diaries over the next two weeks. If you think me attempting Endurance racing is a scene, wait 'till you get a load of this shit. One marginally talented goof, on a 26 pound 29er mountain bike racing cross. THIS should prove to be both funny AND sad.

Time to eat and carbo load with a few beers.

Later.

Larry's Gloves

Yikes! What a day. Alright on my end, but Wife got UBER sick. Doctor's office waiting room vomit was involved, fever, chills, Strep Throat, and God knows what else!! NOT a good day for her. Hope she bounces back to enjoy SOME sort of weekend. Yikes!!

With the weather dorks calling for a high of about 30 tomorrow, and me hoping to get a couple to few hours of riding in, I picked up some Endura Lobster Mitts. Tim The Enchanter swears that my hands will sweat right off the bones in them. He better be right!!! My hands are always the coldest during winter rides. I think Larry would approve...

Still hoping to make an ass of myself doing a CX race this Sunday down in Dubya-Vee. The weather looks to at least be sunny on race day. The Mamasita is set to roll for some West Virginia cow pasture Cross. I'm sorta geeked for a new experience. If nothing else it should make good Blog Fodder.

In Blood Clot news, my Doc told me I have to go back to the injections again. F*CK! Just when I thought I was done sticking myself in the belly, she brings 'em back. Freaking blood!! Who needs it?? Oh, wait, I guess I do. Frig.

Time for some rest.

Later.

Wheels, cores, etc., etc.,

Stopped in Pro Bikes today to pick up a couple road tubes. When I walked in. I was greeted with the site of my new wheelz. Tim The Enchanter had just finished them, and was in the process of asking Jesus Jason what tires I was going to have them "Stan's up" for me. SHHHHWEEET! Eventually I want to get Maxxis Ignitors on them, but the pair of Ignitors I have are worn out and I don't feel like buying new rubber right now. So I'm just gonna have them put on my IRD Fire Pro 29ers. The IRDs are an excellent everyday trail tire and since I won't be logging a ton of miles on the Dos anytime soon, they will do just fine. Come race season I'm sure I will opt for the Ignitor, or an Ignitor CrossMark mix. Who knows? That's months away. (Crap!)

Now to pay for 'em :)

______________________________________________

Did up Body Weight Workout #2 Tonight. Another killer. I'm still trying to learn correct form on some of the moves, but I'm sure that will come in time. After 30 minutes of that, I went for a quick jog around the neighborhood. This time no walking, all running. Felt good to be out in the cool crisp air. I would have rather been on the bike, but I've been lazy about having my bike shit ready to go for post work rides. I'll be on it next week since the real shit starts Monday. On the trail, in the Stankment®, and maybe even a Spin class or two.

Pain, suckage- It's in how you inflect...
(The tones are grouped in clusters)

Speaking of pain, training and what not. I'm gonna return the HR monitor I bought the other day when it comes. FLA-DK (AKA Koko) gave me some down low on the potential suckage of the one I bought based on some of his issues with said Garmin Foreskin 50™. On top of that I saw one at the shop today that I can get for about $40 cheaper and is better suited for me. Oh well, you live, you order shit, you return it. Thanks for the info DK.

Another race posted today. The 2009 12 Hours of Cranky Monkey will be on June 27th, 2009. This is a sweet race. Right now it's between going to the land of Lumberjacks & Motor City Bail Out Madness for the The Big M.F. or doing the Cranky 12 solo. I have some plans in the works to hit a few hundies, but if that doesn't happen the Cranky will be a sweet option. Plum Grove Pete busted my ballz today about how I ALLEGEDLY said I was through with endurance lap racing. I was forced to point out that I said that I was through with 24 HOUR lap racing in 2009. 12 hours is just fine.. So see I'm only HALF DONE with endurance lap racing! :)

Later.

My Lady Hump (day)

'Tis Wednesday- The Feast Of The Hump. As in over the hump. As in now that this Godforsaken day is over we will be closing in on the weekend. This week has been pretty laid back. Not much riding and not much else going on. It's kind of nice, but I'm anxious to start gearing up for 2009 next week. I may end the week by doing the W.V.M.B.A. Bruceton Mills CX race. Not 100%, but I kinda dig the idea of doing a race that takes you through af freaking barn! Beer tent/shmeer tent! In West Virginia you get a barn and cows...That sorta rocks!

I think one or two other Pro Bikes brothers and sisters will be attending as well, so it might be nice to get out and race. Could be a nice warm up for next weeks Murrysvile CX race. Speaking of the Murrysville race, there's a nice course description up over on Joe Ruggery's blog. Check it out. Although I'm not sure "C" racers on mountain bikes like myself really need too much info other than knowing when the last lap is! :) It's gonna be brutal for me. Not sure slow and steady fits in with the CX race mentality, but I'm about to find out. Maybe they'll let me race the C, B, AND A, race if I just start at 10 am and keep going? I doubt.

My Lady Hump...

Thanks for the info Aaron. Much appreciated. I guess I talk WAY too much about wanting to wear housecoats, shaving my legs and cold weather induced nipples? There IS a 31% chance that this blog is written by a man. so they COULD be wrong I guess. I hope.

I have to go wax my bikini area. It's a jungle man.

Later.

The Caving Process (It's sad)

For folks that frequent the Soiled Chamois it must be interesting and a bit sad to read rants or proclamations of mine, only to watch as I slowly give into a whim, training method, bike choice, "must have" product, or vice of the week. Hey at least I can ADMIT that I do that sometimes. Admitting you have a problem is the first step in caving in...

So I admit that I am in the process of caving to the Stankment®. It's pull is too strong. It lacks snow, cold wind and darkness. I does not lack "stank", dust, an old nappy carpet, a few spiders, a locked and loaded iPod, a stationary trainer and the ability to get at least two fitness specific work outs in per week. So there I said it. Next week if the weather continues to suck I will be doing a couple sessions a week in the basement.

What I will promise is to NOT let myself do any base workouts on the trainer (2+ hours) OR write about riding the trainer. I have in the past and really I have to say what the f*ck was I thinking?? Seriously, why would I mention that? Who cares? Then again who care about ANY of what I just wrote? (Way to make your readers feel good.-Ed.)

I believe I also recently had some sort of rant about heart rate monitors. How I won't buy one, they always break, etc. etc., Well surprise! I friggin' bought one today. I was "this" close to buying the Garmin 305 that Sissypants recommended. I opted to not spend that much coin for options I don't need (right now) and found a good deal on the Garmin Forerunner 50 HR monitor. EDIT: Upon re-reading this post, I realized I missed a grand opportunity to be sophomoric. The Garmin Foreunner 50 will of COURSE be named the Garmin Foreskin 50™ in subsequent posts.

I think it has about everything I want. I should also be able to download info to the computer too. We'll see how that goes. The deal came with a wireless cadence and speed sensor too, so that will help with workouts a bit. For once, I would LOVE to get more than one season out of a HR monitor. Will the Garmin be the one?? I won't be holding my breath. EDIT: Seems that a Mac "patch" is yet to become available. I guess I will have to manually enter my info into my TrainingPeaks account for now. Oh well- Keepin' it "old school".

Random ISSSUES..

Today I left work and I saw one of my co workers (an older woman) walking in the parking lot. I thought to myself- "I bet you when she goes home she puts on a "housecoat" to shlep around the house in". The kind that my grandmother would clean house in, or some sort of Tales Of The City Mrs. Madrigal Hippie dress. Then I thought to myself- "Damn I bet that's comfortable. It would be the ULTIMATE in fat pants!!" In case you're wondering "fat pants" are PJ bottoms or sweat pants, most often worn this time of year to lounge around the house in to be slack and comfy. You know, let the winter fat hangeth out! :)

I can't begin to tell you WHY I let myself think of a co-worker in a "house coat". I also can't say that I would ever wear a freaking "house coat". What I CAN say is that I AM keeping my options open. That way there's NO way I look like I caved on another promise.

Later.

Randomness.....

Monday brings snow, B-Man with Doctor diagnosed Scarlet Fever, me home from work with said Scarlet Fevered B-Man and blog randomness.

First I have to say I didn't know anyone could even GET Scarlet Fever in the year 2008. Apparently it's similar to strep throat, but causes fever and a red rash. B is doing fine, on antibiotics and will get to stay home from school until Wednesday. I on the other hand will be going back to work tomorrow. Boooo!

As I mentioned the other day, Salsa Big Mamas are shipping to many dealers. If you want to see the frame, and a built up Big Mama head over to M.G.'s blog. He has some pics of the frame and his final build and promises to have some feedback on the frame soon. I REALLY want to try this frame out, but I don't see myself getting one. As I mentioned before, I'm just not sure that the Big Mama fits into my 2009 race plan. I think that 2009 will best be left in the hands of the Dos Niner and the Mamasita. Yes, the Mamasita. She has worked her way back into my heart. I plan on rolling the '09 Dos Niner and the '07 Mamasita. With some upgrades of course! ;) UPDATE: M.G. just added some more info and video. Hmmm now I'm second guessing myself!! BASTAGE!!

I spent last night working up my Annual Training Plan (ATP). Think I got it all planned out (to the best of my abilities). So after a few weeks delay my "training" for 2009 will start on November 24th. Part of that plan will of course include some strength training. I'm not a fan of weights, so I don't plan on using them, or joining a gym. Most leg work outs will be done on the bike, and the rest of "strength training" will be core and body weight workouts.

I had the chance to do a trial workout today that was completely my own body weight. The only equipment needed was a chair. I have to tell you, I've lifted weights in the past, but I found the workouts boring and I really didn't get that much out of it. TODAY's workout had me sweating like a pig with a date for the slaughter house, and my legs shaking like a meth addict in day 2 of rehab. In other words in about 40 minutes my ass was kicked without one weight in site. Just me, a chair and a B-Man handing me a towel to dry off with. To get a look-see at the work out I did check out the www.mtbstrengthcoach.com web site and the Day One of Body Weight Training demos. Good stuff.

OK, that's all I got. Time to make some diner and continue my marathon watching of one of my new favorite shows- Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. Dude just said "the gastro version of morning wood" in referring to Spanish food (IN Spain). That's good stuff.

Later.

The Sunday "Frig" Ride

Today did NOT go as planned on several fronts. 1st, my normal trip to my Dad's house to visit and ride was aborted due to B-Man rocking a head cold. So it was just laying around the house most of the a.m.

After some house cleaning stuff with Wifey I got the all clear to hit the rail trail for a couple hours. Since it was in the high 30s with flurries, I had to first track down all of my cold weather gear and start the layering process.... Gay Man Shirt (Wifey's term for my long sleeve winter base T), knee warmers, tights, bibs, 2 pairs of socks, a jersey, winter gloves, balaclava, wool cycling cap and a pair of Lake winter shoes (bought off of Andew Freye last season).

The end result of my layering is me looking even dumber than usual (although warm)
and a bit like a terrorist/bank robber.

Off to the rail trail I went with a plan for 2 to 2.5 hours of tempo riding. iPodious was set with 2+ hours of muzak to get me through the boringness of the R.T and I was looking forward to burning off last night's re-fried bean burrito bake. I started off... Immediately I felt all cattywompass on the bike. WTF??? Then it hit me! The SHOES!! The Lakes have a MUCH thicker sole and throw off my saddle height. I felt like my saddle needed raised over an inch! I thought my knees MIGHT hit my chin. I usually keep a multi tool in my bike box in the car, BUT I took it out to install the new Ergon grips the other day and didn't put it back. Frig!! I also usually keep my regular shoes in the box, but I took them out yesterday to dry. Frig!

OK, It wasn't the shoes it was my own friggin' stupidity!!!

I figured I could make do with being askew for two hours. Then a rain/snow mix started. Now my desire to be in the rain/snow, on a rail trail, feeling like shit position wise was right at about ZEROE! So I took a wiz on the side of the trail, and turned around. Aborting the ride and finishing with a whopping 30 minutes on the bike. It took me longer to get all those layers on then did to ride! Once again I say- FRIG!!

If the weather would have been better I would have just drove home, got a tool and headed back. BUT then again if the weather was better I WOULD NOT HAVE NEEDED THE FRIGGIN' WINTER SHOES!!! Good grief!! A winter ride Catch-22 of giant friggin' proportions!!

So a day of sloth it is! Laying around, eating junk food (OK, not sure Kashi GoLean Crunch counts) and having a couple Sam Lights. We now have a dusting os snow on the ground and I have come to grips with the fact that I indeed will have to lube and ready my stationary trainer, and that I need to organize my Annual Training Plan for 2009.

I still plan to avoid the trainer as much as possible, and refuse to let it rule my winter as in the past. But my desire to get quality work outs in and enter 2009 ready to race is stronger than my desire to not be in the Stankment® The biggest down fall is that for '08/'09 I will need to use my Salsa Campeon on the trainer, since I never got around to building up my old Trek to use on it, and the Booger (an old Jamis) has official shit the bed in a variety of ways. Now I need to sweat guard my Campeon and switch out my rear skewers to avoid damage to my "too sweet for me" red Salsa Flip Offs.

Time to write today off and start anew tomorrow. NOW I just need to buy a friggin' HR monitor. Than again, maybe I'll go back to perceived efforts? Not sure I fancy the idea of buying ANOTHER HR monitor. EVERY SINGLE ONE I HAVE EVER BOUGHT HAS DIED A HORRIBLE DEATH!! Just so you know that was all caps because I was LITERALLY screaming that. If you get get me a quality one on the cheap, let me know, but for now I think I just might go with P.E.. How will I know when I go anaerobic? When I can't breath, my legs are screaming and I vurp lunch on the Stankment® floor! :)

Later.

Super Soaker Saturday

Although I was not thrilled in the least to wake up to the above radar images, I couldn't help but say "rain/shmain, it's Saturday- Time to ride!" Really, the temps were not bad, in the 50s, and yes it was raining and would rain for 99.5% of my ride today, but it wasn't a storm or a downpour, just a steady drizzle.

After Wifey got back from her a.m. run, I donned a fresh chamois (direct from Hammer and ripe for soilage), found my rain jacket and boogied out the door. I hadn't done my local road loop in months! I can get pretty burned out on it, no matter how many ways I mix it up, but today it felt nice and fresh. It's not a long loop, only about 30 miles, but the cool drizzle would make the ride feel much harder and me like a cold wet dog.

I guess it was sorta like a loop in (cold wet) dog years. Maybe instead of saying I did a 31 mile loop, I'll say I did a 50K loop? Kilometers are sorta like the "dog years" of measurement. They make it SOUND longer, PLUS I can sound uber pretentious by throwing around metric lingo even though I live in the U.S.. OK, Metric System- ON!

I started off with the Craft rain jacket on, but that would only last a few K before my core temp was up and I was baking me inside the thing. Even though the drizzle was pretty cold, it wasn't killer, and a base layer, arm warmers and jersey would be enough.... for a while at least.

The constant drizzle pretty much soaked me and at about the 24K mark I was cold. So I pulled over and got the rain jacket back on and threw a wiz. Ahhh, much better. Nothing like riding in a cool rain to A. make you wet, and B. make you have to wiz like freaking steer about every 10K.

My legs felt nice and spanky and it felt good to be on the Campeon. There wasn't much traffic out there today and often I found myself in a complete Zen state. It was so peaceful to roll through the rain with nothing but the sounds of tires on wet pavement and drizzle hitting my helmet and jacket. Those sweet sounds reminded me to throw a big thank you to the Big Guy upstairs for any assistance he may have had in getting my hearing back to near 100%.

I knew I wouldn't be out too long today, only about two hours, so I didn't want to take in too many calories during the ride. I I rolled with only a two bottles of Ghettoade®. I took a gel and two "fun sized" Milky Way bars just in case I got out longer or had a major bonk. In the end I think I only drank about a half a bottle of G-Ade and ate nothing. Nothing like riding 50K on about 60 calories and a half a bottle!!

My crank was soaked, my nether regions shriveled up Sunmaid style, and my hands flirted with rot. Just from 50k!! Eeesh, if I had gone longer shit would have just started falling off of ME and my bike. Tonight is going to lube-tastic. You know, for my bike. Of course if I GET to bust out any lube the day just got a bit better!! ;) Sorry.

Of course I would have loved to have got a longer ride in. BUT I am pretty happy to be getting a 50K loop in in the middle of November. Tomorrow will be a bigger challenge since temps are supposed to drop tonight and the "S" word has been mentioned a few times.

One of the final cool parts of my day was saying enough is enough of the Light beers shit and treating myself to a few fresh bought Sierra Nevada Celebration Ales. One of about 2 or 3 good things about this time of year. I of course will have to limit myself to 2 or 3 so as to avoid monkeying with my bloods PT levels, But I figured since I'm only letting myself have beer on Saturday night (for medical AND weight loss reasons) I'm going to enjoy a REAL beer!! And I gotta tell you it is tasting pretty damn good. BTW the '08 Celeberation Ale is HOP-FRIGGIN'-TASTiC! Mmmmmm.

Lastly- Some Salsa tid bits. I got a few product updates via my old team Bikeman.com yesterday. It seems that Salsa dealers should have at least a few Big Mama's in stock as well as some of the Salsa 2009 Team gear. The 2009 Kit is friggin's sweet and I gotz me some crossed fingers that an item or two makes it from Salsa HQ to my ass in 2009.

Time to get in the White Trash Mexican cooking Zzzzzone and bean it up!!

Later.

Another One Down

Another week in the books. And again I must say "THANK FREAKING GOD!" This time of year (November through January 2nd) is my most hated time of the year. I just can't get happy. The weather, the holiday's, the darkness, etc., It just sucks. No big. I know it will pass when I step up my off season training in a week or so, but I am being a bit of a dick around the house to W&B. For that I apologize. Only a couple months to go, so no use bitching.

Now on to other stuff...

So Roberto Heras is racing La Ruta eh? Former 3 time Vulta winter, former Armstrong teammate, former (?) doper, etc., Why does it seem that mountain biking (our sport) becomes the "safe haven" for Roadie Dopers? First Floyd, now Heras?? Seems like roadies both retired and banned gravitate to dirt once they have nowhere else to go. Way to find a loop hole in rules. Sorry to see it happen. I don't begrudge anyone for wanting to embrace the life that is being a Dirt Worshipper, but I hate to banned racers from the road getting press when there are XC racers who have busted their asses for years and can't even pay their bills.

Part of me as been checking daily to see, and secretly hoping, that he will fall on his face. Sadly he seems to be hanging in there in 6th on G.C. even after some bad chain luck in Stage 3 (poor him). What is HUGE, and much cooler than a former dopers in the race, is seeing Harlan Price in 13th place on G.C. right now, in what is arguably one of the hardest mountain bike races in the world. That's cool.

Oh well, time to digest some Turkey Ballz and check the weather for tomorrow. Things are looking to be pretty shitty over the next week. Time to bust out some real ballz!

Later

A Run? Schedule Talk & Clean Bills

I have NO idea what got into me tonight! Maybe it was the full moon? Maybe it's Wifey in full on Turkey-Trot mode? Or maybe it was just that I didn't have all my shit together to go for a ride tonight? Whatever it was, SOMETHING possessed me to go RUNNING tonight!

Now hold on a minute, don't go thinking I was out there putting in big miles. It was 30 minutes of walk one block, run two blocks, etc., etc., The last time I did anything even VAGUELY resembling running was at the start of the 24 Hour Champion Challenge, and the last time I went for an official "run" was probably 6 years ago. So I didn't want to blow my knees out right away. There will be plenty of time for that later.

Running kinda cool, but it did lack something! Not sure what it was... Oh yeah, it lacked my ass in a saddle, atop two wheels, a chain, crank, etc., etc., Just kidding. It was a nice change, and it worked into my "avoid the trainer at all costs" theme for 08/09. I think I would enjoy trail running way more, but figure if I'm gonna be on trails in the woods why wouldn't I be on my mountain bike?? :) I will say it was nice to be able to do it and the only thing I had to worry about was my knees. Cardio wise I can run no prolem, it's the pounding my legs take that hurts!

It was good to be outside, good to work a sweat up and good to feel my legs hurt a bit. I don't see me signing up for any 5Ks just yet, but a quick run now and then will help to mix things up a bit this fall and winter. OR cripple me, one of the two.

_________________________________________________________

After my morning shower, I sat down to drink some coffee and check e mail. As the first drops of double strength French Roast (AKA-extase liquide) hits my veins, I see an e mail from Don P., getting everyone all fired up to race by sending out the proposed 2009 W.V.M.B.A. schedule that was on the whav-imba boards.

Of course I NOW would be spending all my free time at work today with a calendar, a pencil with a good eraser, and a bad case Wannaracenowitus. My main goals for 2009 are of course endurance events. But I also would like to do some XC races. So far this is what I came up with. Races in BOLD are "A" races. The rest are written in sand and skipable.

April 05th Chief Logan State Park (XC)
April 18th- Leesburg Bakers Doz (Solo)

May 03rd- W.V.M.B.A #2 Challenge at Mountwood (XC)
May 09th- 12 Hours of Elanor (Solo)
May 17th- W.V.M.B.A #3Tour De Lake
May 30th- Mohican 100 (N.U.E. #2)

June 20th- Lumberjack 100 (N.U.E. #3)

July 05th- W.V.M.B.A. #6 Race To Lil' Moes
July 19th- W.V.M.B.A. #8 Valley Falls
July ??th- Wilderness 101 (N.U.E. #5)

August 2nd- W.V.M.B.A. #10 Lake Hope
August 16th- W.V.M.B.A. #11 Dirt Derby
August 30th- SM100 (N.U.E. #7)

Sept. 13th W.V.M.B.A. #14 Bob Evans
Sept. 20th W.V.M.B.A. #15 Appalachian Classic

My main goal for 2009 is to try to hit 4 or 5 N.U.E. races. Then a 12 hour race or two. That would give me 6 enduros in '09 and then fill in some weekends with some XC racing to try to improve my speed, and race skills. Since I've never really raced XC (other than a few here and there about 5 years ago) I'm gonna start in Sport Vet (35+) and see how it goes. As the W.V.M.B.A site says "Upgrade carefully, downgrading never looks good!".

One key thing you'll notice is the lack of a 24 hour solo. I have no desire for a a 24 right now. I won't rule one out of course, but right now I'd rather do 12's and Hundies. The 24's just put my body through the ringer and after the last couple months of clots, deafness, and a million doctors visits I want to enjoy racing more. I think I can get everything I want in racing in under 13 hours! I also have some ideas of my own, for some UNorganized endurance rides in the mountains this summer in the 50, 75 and 100 mile range.

I've never felt better about my goals for a coming season. I think trying to focus on events like the N.U.E races are what I need. There's really no pressure. Just go fast for 100 miles and see what happens. No worries about a podium. Not in this lifetime. I just want to enjoy racing, ride some fresh dirt, see some new places, meet up with some old friends and meet some new ones. The same goes for the XC stuff. I'm looking at them like going to school. I need to step up my race skills and the only way I can do that is by racing. If I do well, fine, if I suck- fine. It's all training, it's all an experience, and it's all mountain biking. So it's all good!! :)

I can't wait until spring to look back and see how I revamped the above schedule. I'm sure this is not the first time I'll be posting my "schedule" only to change it two days later. Sorry. But you know and I know that I'm a putz.

____________________________________________________

Lastly- I hit the E.N.T. Doc today and had my hearing retested. BIG improvements and he's confident that I should get just about all my hearing back, and that the tinnitus should leave in time too. SWEET! I also go a call from my regular Doc today and she said that she got all my blood tests back, and as far as she's concerned my blood is normal and shows no sign of any serious issues that could have caused my blood clot or cause another. But she does want me to see a hematologist in the future so they can double check everything. So if I'm lucky I'm looking at a few months on blood thinners and then nothing! At least I hope!! Either way, I can ride and race and that's sweet!!

Later

Bar Endless And Fancy Free

Came home to find a package of grip via Ergon today. The GP1 Leichtbau in flashy PRO team green. In case you wondering "leichtbau" means "bad mother f*cker" in German. Seriously, I like looked it up. OK, OK, it translates into Lightweight Construction and the grips did indeed feel much lighter than my current GR2/Bar End grips.

Anyway, since I had to do some quick maintenance on the Mamasita I figured I'd mount them up. First I needed to get a new tube in the front due to a pesky thorn that some how entered via my sidewall. WTF? Not sure how that happened? But a flat is a flat (I hope I didn't just utter the bike maintenance equivalent of "it is what it is"?? Dear God I apologize if that is the case.

After a quick tube change it was on to the new Ergons. The first thing I noticed was how light they felt compared to the GR2's with bar ends that I currently run. The grip it's self of the GR2 is not that heavy, it's more the magnesium bar end. It's always seemed a bit heavy. The GP1 Leichtbau is the titz! I thought that it would feel strange without bar ends but it actually feels great! Not 100% if I would run grips without ends on my endurance rig (I like to have a lot of position options), but on the Mamasita which I use more for XC style riding and training (and soon as a CX bike!) they feel great.

Installing them was not as easy as Ergo grips usually are for me. I found that when I loosened the clamping screw up enough for them to slip on easily, the screw was not engaging when I would then go to clamp it down. I tried several times, not sure what the issue was. I solved the problem by not loosening the clamping screw as much and then giving the grip a few taps with a hard back book (for lack of rubber mallet). Worked fine on the alloy bars I run, but I would have NOT done such a thing if I was running carbon bars. After I finally got them where I wanted, the clamp tightened just fine, and the all is right. Again, big thanks to the fine peeps at Ergon for the hookup. Much appreciated.

I think I posted a link to this dude's site before, but it has since been updated and has a TON of Euro CX races available for viewing and download. You have to register to see and download, but it's free and worth it. I HIGHLY reccomend it. It's one of my new favorite time waters both at here and at work (sshhhhhh!).

Decided to pass on the Southern Cross race. If it was closer I'd be in, but driving 20 hours round trip in January for a race that's not a priority race, just isn't going to happen. If it was in the 5 hour range, I'd be in fo show. Looks like a grat race. Who know's maybe I'll end up down there for Fools Gold in '09.

OK, time to go update the Pro Bikes blog with some pics from Timmy Cs' race a few weeks ago.

Later.

Night Creature

Got my first taste of tight single track in a good while tonight. I hit Pleasant Valley Park in Murrysville for a quick 1:15 of completely legal night riding. Yeah, there's only about 3ish miles of single track right now, but throwing down a few loops got me a nice workout and a chance to burn some calories outside under the lights.

Tonight was the first time this year I got to utilize my night riding permit issued by Murrysville. All I had to do was call and check in with the Murrysville Police Dispatch before I went, take my permit with me, and that was that. It will rock more once more trails are built there. It was sweet to get some miles in and not have to worry about Johnny-law. Really cool of Murrysville to work with folks on this. Now we just need to get the county to step up with Boyce Park!!!!

ONE more day NOT in the Stankment™ on the trainer. The Stankment™ is something that I am going OUT of my way to avoid this winter. I will night ride, ride in shit weather, hike, run, ski, walk, skip and jump to avoid it. If and when I do ride it, I plan to avoid those stupid 2 hour sessions that I would do. I'll use it for some intervals when the snow flies, but I figure life is too short to be holed up in the basement.

Rode the Mamasita tonight. Tonight was the first ride with my new Race Face CF seat post. WOW! What a difference from my old Salsa Shaft post. It by no means made the Mamasita "plush" but my ass could really tell the difference in trail chatter. Carbon seat stays + carbon post = happier ass. It looks pretty freaking cool too! Of course if it shears off in my seat tube during a ride or race I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune about carbon fiber. HA!

I came DAMN close (and still might) to registering for Southern Cross today. A 50 mile forest road race in Ga-ga-ga-Georgia mountains. I thought it might make a nice long weekend trip this winter for me, Wifey and the boy. Shack up in one of the cool little cabins at Mulberry Gap. Only 50 entries are available and 31 are gone. I just can't imagine driving 10 hours to do a race in January. I guess it's my Northern mentality. I just keep imagining Pennsylvania in January and not Georgia. I'm sure it won't be warm, but I can't imagine it would be freaking 10 degrees either. Hmmmm. Even if I don't do the race, after seeing Mulberry Gap, we might have to go down in Spring or Fall of 2009 just to ride and hang out. Looks sweet! Wifey said she's into the idea of going down, but I'm gonna sleep on it and make a decision tomorrow if there are still spots open.

Deafness Update: I am hearing much better in my left ear now. It appears that the steroid worked. It's still not 100%, but I'll take it. I was really spooked there for a while not knowing if it would come back or not. I still can't shake the faint high pitch buzzing, but I'm hopeful that will leave someday soon too. I enjoyed the sound of every leaf crunching under my wheels tonight. I did NOT enjoy the sound of my front wheel going flat as I rolled my bike into the house tonight. Frig!! 3 flats in the last 2 rides! WTF???

Lastly- Hammer Nutrition is having a BIG ass sale! On food AND clothing. I don't even use that much Hammer stuff anymore, but their deal on bibs is sweet! $36 with S/H. Sweet deal! Ordered up a pair last night.

Later.