Multi Terrain Ride

I wanted to ride the Dos Niner today to make sure it was still functioning after Saturday's KSFSchmalzest, but I also wanted to give the Boyce trails one more day to dry out. They were probably fine, but if I can avoid a trip through Monroeville (cars, people, traffic lights, etc.,) I will. So I did a quick two hour multi terrain ride.

So I hit the rail trail, then poached some double track stuff and then through in a big ass climb. I hadn't been on the rail trail in months, and it was sort ok/not bad/tolerable to ride a just a steady pace. the 12 or so miles that I was on it was enough though. Saw a big fox on the double track. One of the bigger ones I've ever seen. But then again, I've really only seen two or three in my life. Bugger was too quick for a pic though.


The climb at my turn around point was fun. Only a half mile or so long, but with an average gradient of over 10% in that short half mile, it was a taint rubber. I could hear the mocking voice of D-POW in my head telling me I would never be a man if I use my granny gear, and the only slightly mocking voice of D-POW telling me I MIGHT be able to muster the manliness of a 12 year old boy if I used just my middle ring. So 12 year old boy it was. I figured it matched my intellect. The big ring is way too macho for me, and really never entered the equation.

Like I said I hit a few miles of posted double track/ATV stuff too, but it was pretty lame and not all that fun. But it was not the road, and not limestone, so that is SOMETHING I guess.

Tomorrow looks to be my day for a bit longer of a ride, we'll see how it goes and where that road/trail leads me.

Not to steal from my friend GNAT, but I'm gonna talk about cameras. Of course GNAT talks about serious pro level type cameras, I'm talking digital point and shoots. The type that you stuff in jersey pocket to ride with, not take pro level pics.

I sort of have a digital camera problem. As in I have too many (FOUR!). But they all serve a purpose I suppose. I have a Canon PowerShot A1100 and dig it. It's great for close ups, higher rez stuff I use for XXC, or when speed is not an issue since it has some serious shutter lag. It might TECHNICALLY be the best camera I have but not THEE best.

I also have an eBayed Fuji FinePix Z1. I paid only about $75 for it, and it takes really good pics and is super small to throw in a jersey, but it too suffers from some shutter lag and also often boosts color a little too much in Auto mode. If I'm boostin' color I want to do it on my terms with PhotoShop.

My FAVE camera is the closing in on
technically vintage Kodak EasyShare CX7430.

I'm pretty sure the camera was released in 2004 which makes it like freaking 6 years old. My old place of work used this camera to take pics of used cars for ads. All the reps hated it and tended to somehow f*ck up almost every pic they took. I on the other hand saw it's potential and bought a complete kit on eBay about 3 years ago for about $50. It's not great for close ups or product type shots, but as an one the bike camera it is the BEST.

Why? I can operate it with one hand, with full fingered gloves and it has the least shutter lag of any point and shoot digital camera I've ever used or owned. I ALMOST lost it on Saturday's ride when it jumped ship from my feed back at some point. BUT as luck would have it Brad ran into two guys he knows as we were leaving the parking lot after lunch and they found it. I wasn't too worried though because I knew I had another freshly eBayed one on it's way to the W.O.

The new ESCX7430 arrived today and it looks mint and works perfect. The best digital camera that $25 can buy! Yes, I'm stock piling 7430s. Cause you NEVER know when one is gonna jump ship again! While my Canon gets used a ton, the EasyShare gets used even more. BTW this is not a review on all EasyShare models. I had newer model that was about $120. It sucked asssssssssssssssssssss. I was gonna sell it, but it broke before I could. Frig!

All pics today were taken with the EasyShare. Don't base these shots on what the camera does, because I generally have some PS Actions that I like to use on my shots to make them a bit unique.

Later.

Back At It

Now fully recoverd from the weekend's ride and 2 days into the Tracy Gold Slim Fast plan, I had some time to squeeze a nice 2 hour road ride in today. Felt pretty good, enjoyed the sun, sort of didn't enjoy the head wind I had for half of the ride, or the cross wind I had for most of the second part, but sort of did enjoy the tail wind I had for remaining part. Get that? Headwind- boo, crosswind- grrr, tail wind- good.

Nothing to write home, just a solid ride doin' may thang. One highlight was seeing a HUGE turkey cross in front of me on the road and then take off and fly right about me for a good 20 yards or so. They are so HUGE and fun to watch take flight.

If you're a fan of big wheeled bikes (and from the looks of it out on the trails, many folks are), you may have on occasion checked out Twentynineinches.com. Well, if you happen to visit in then next 6 months you may see something sort of familiar...


Yep, it's time to try to get the word out about XXC. What better way to start then with a small annoying blinking web ad on one of the best sites for info on all things BIG wheeled. One of the hard bits about getting the word out about a mag, is that most advertising seems to be done IN magazines, and how many bike magazines want to advertise another bike magazine? So OPERATION ANNOY PEOPLE WITH A BLINKING BUTTON AD AND HOPE THEY CLICK AND BUY SOMETHING has now commenced. 29inches works for XXC, because while we are both "bike media," the focus of XXC is the magazine and the mountain bike EXPERIENCE, NOT the web site. 29" is about the tools to do the ride. XXC is about using those tools to enjoy a day (or more) in the saddle.

The weather looks to be good the next week, so I hope to get more pavement in, followed my more dirt, followed by some other pavement with a side of dirt. All while taking in about 13 calories a day, and only letting food "rent" space briefly in my belly. I'M KIDDING! Not sure I've ever gone a day eating less than 2,000 calories. LOL!

Later

KSF'ed Up Weekend

What is the KSF'ed Up Weekend? It's a little bit of a race, little bit of a ride, a lot of hurt, and ton of fun. The K.S.F'ed.W. went down in, around, near, up, down and over the Kanawha State Forest in West Virginia. Home to one of the toughest XC races on the W.V.M.B.A. schedule, and NEAR the home my endurance freak/friend Brad.

This ride/race was Brad's gift of pain to his friends that on this day included me, Don, Montana, Rob, and a few of Brad's Charleston Crew (Aaron was supposed to be there, but was off doing Aaron things in NYC). We were treated to 40 miles, over 6,000 feet of climbing, fast single track, hidden game path "trails," SLOW up hill grinds, insane calf muscle exploding hike-a-bikes, and even MORE insane steep, rocky, rutted, OH SHIT! down hills! At the end of the day I wasn't sure weather to thank Brad or punch him in the face.

The day started with 5 of us doing 20 miles and hitting some of the amazing trails that are part of the Black Bear race course, then stopping for some pizza back at the parking lot, picking up a few experienced local friends and heading back out for more.

I knew going in I would be the slowest of the group. No big deal but my slow, steady pace is light years behind the speed and skills of the other four guys. And the locals we added for the second 20 had way more experience on those trails, as well as bigger, more man sized balls for the freakish descents. The goal was to enjoy a day in the saddle fast or slow with friends, and enjoy some food and good beer at the end. And that is exactly what I did.

Me and D-POW rocking the XXC Kitz

At about mile 35 I was descending a trail off the back of the group (of course) and heard a swift "snap" sound, looked down and saw my derailleur dragging along my bike. DOH!!! So I stop, pick up my bike and start hoofing down to meet up with the group and access the damage. As I approached I saw a few guys hovered over Don's Mamasita. I figured he must have flatted or broke a chain or something. I soon found out Don ALSO snapped his derailleur off. DOUBLE DOH!! Unreal!!

So with the help of the prepared with every tool known to man locals, we set about to get back up in ridding. Don would convert to a single speed and since I read the pre-event e mails from Brad and heeded his warning/suggestion to bring an extra hanger, I would continue on with the epic with all 27 gears, rather than walk back to the car and avoid the pain that was yet to come. Although I think the only gear I was recently using was 22/34 by this time! LOL!

We were soon off and even sooner at the base of another hike-a-bike. After stepping, sliding and clawing up, we were back on our bikes. At least until Don's chain jumped, jammed, locked, and bent his skewer. DOH! Chain need to be broke, etc, and now Don was done. I was starting to run out of water, drink, and desire and as Don started off on his coast/hike to the car and I could feel the envy creep into my mind.

Hike-a-Bike #4 or #14 I can't remember.

There was still more climbing, more hike-a-bikes, and more genital shrinking downhills to do. It seemed that the last 5 miles went like this- hike-a-bike, ride a bit of a ridge line with me lagging far behind, do a ball busting down hill, have me ask if the ride is about done, and repeat.

Looking back at the very UN-planned La Ruta hike.

I was starting to get a little bit bitchy and getting tad frustrated by my inferior abilities on the bike, but there really was no option but to keep on keepin' on. In the end I made it just fine, and it was worth it. I experienced some new trails with some great friends, met some new folks, and had a great time.

There was some loose score keeping for climbs and descents, I really didn't figure into any of that (Montana crushed), but still took home some hardware in the form of the KSF'ed Up Weekend Lanterne Rouge trophy. Thanks Brad. I think.

We spent the entire day rolling, hiking, and bleeding over KSF, then headed back to Brad's crib to watch basketball, drink beer, eat chili and burgers. What a fantastic day. Big thanks to Brad for the early season memories, the burnt bacon, and the hospitality. You done good.

Me, my attorney, and some mid ride pizza.

I did learn some things over the weekend- Brad is gong to crush some events this year, folks will be hearing about the Montana ('91) for quite a few years to come (fast and skilled!), Don should read his e mails and watch walking down stairs, Jamie Oliver needs more than an English accent to keep the folks of Huntingdon from their pizza and chicken nuggets, Clash of The Titans sucks (sorry Montana), I know nothing about basketball except how to do a chest pass (thanks Brad), Rob is one of the strongest riders I know, I need to push bigger gears, ride more dirt, drop 10+ pounds and stick with my new Slim Fast program that is endorsed by Tracy Gold.

Later.

P.S. Big Thanks to Rob L. for the use of some of the pics. I took the others. No thanks to me, they're not that good.

Lack Of Plan and The Plan

Today I found myself wallowing in planlessness (Word? Is now.). Some rain was moving through at my ride time, so I pushed it back a bit, then got caught up doing house stuff, and DOH! I'm starving now! Crap. Oh well, ride aborted, treadmill used to sweat out some calories de Mexicana, bike prep done, and chamois' cleaned.

In the end my planlessness (see it's catching on) was OK, because the next two days will be filled with plans. As I mentioned after last week's Tour of Irwin, this week has me at yet another underground event. This time in the form of an informal mountain bike "race" (or group ride with winners, losers, prizes and beer) that involves many miles of a southern West Virginia trails (steep climbs, rocks, roots, mud, rocks, steep descents, and rocks) courtesy of my trusty race companion Brad, as well as a few friends, teammates and fast guys.

To say I will be hanging on for dear life is an understatement. I am quite able to ride 50 to 100 miles of dirt, but usually at my pace with various levels of bonk. To keep up with this group of freaks I will need a small miracle. They are faster, younger, fitter, and have more balls. BUT! I have no doubt it will be the social event of the spring for dirt worshipping, debutantes such as myself.

I'd like to get more into it, but I haven't got the time or permission to do so. I know it's going to be pretty KSF'ed Up though. Time to go make a sacrifice to the Omni Present Spirits of Ned, Tinker, and Johnny T, maybe even Bobke, in the hopes that they will deliver me from the depths of the West Virginia woods with all bike and body parts.

I will have the the full muddy, bloody, rehash on Sunday.

Later.

Day, Hours, Whatever

Great day in the saddle. Day, few hours, whatever. Found me a new loop, and I'm pretty geeked that it comes in at about 42 miles and a bit over 2,300' of climbing.

My legs felt pretty darn OK after yesterday's yog on the treadmill and last week's ride binge. In fact I was pretty stoked about the whole ride. The only downside was at about mile 37 when I had some words with a driver. Or I should say he had words for me. I was cruising over some small rollers in Buena Vista (what the great view is, I sure don't know), and a black Mustang comes to a stop sign, goes to pull out, I slow down, he sees me and to my surprise did not pull out in front of me, in fact there was not even the real potential for an incident. But Mr. River Bottom Dweller felt the need to yell at me "YOU KNOW THERE'S A BIKE TRAIL RIGHT DAHN'NARE!!"

The trail "dahn'nare" (that's WPA speak for down there) is the Yough River trail, AKA the rail trail. I wanted to explain calmly to the man (I call him "man" but he was like 20) that yes, I know there is a great, traffic free, flat trail down the block from where I was, but that the riding I do is what some MIGHT call "training" (I call it riding my bike 'cause it rocks) for something grander... Long races in dirt, on my mountain bike, with lots, and lots of hills. And if I am to maintain ANY semblance of being only slightly above a normal BMI, and any hopes of placing even close to the upper mid pack in any race I do, I must ride more than just the rail trail, and in the woods. That sadly, on occasion, I must ride on the road. And as long as I follow the traffic laws (which I was), I am entitled to do, and he as a motorist, whether he likes it or not, has to respect it.

BUUUTTTT, we all know it did not turn out like that. I first just gave the WTF? shrug, then yelled back "what trail??" (it was in plain site), he yelled something again, so I pointed out to him that he was a nick name for a fecal producing orifice, used a hand gesture to prove my point and rode off.

I admit, my reaction was not cool. I should have ignored it and kept riding. Maybe I'm a bit thin skinned in light of that whole Tony Kornholer thing, or maybe it was reading Dicky's blog post this a.m., where he mentions a local that was recently struck by a car and killed, or MAYBE I just know that I was within my legal rights and did nothing to provoke this man's rage. If I had been in a car and prevented him from pulling out, would he have yelled "YOU KNOW THERE ARE OTHER ROADS RIGHT DAHN'NARE!!"

I also admit, that so far this spring I have been on the receiving end of some generosity on the roads more than once. Waves, road workers letting me get up the hill before they stop traffic, friendly chats with folks as I climb a hill at 4 mph, etc., The thing that chaps my ass is that I rode for 2:40 today and 2:39:30 of that was perfect. But some dude's oddball anger pissed on that ride mojo. Why do I let it bother me?

I also hate that instead of blathering on about how kick ass this loop was, and how I stealthily avoided being bit by that German Sheppard again, and how I have fallen back in love with my Campeon, I blathered on about some stupid dude, who I should have just ignored. Grrrr!

Oh well, typing this crap-ol-la has helped me vent. Wifey is in D.C. to get her ALJ test on tomorrow so big heeps of good luck to her and safe travels back tomorrow. The B-Man and I rocked tonight with some dinner in front of the tube and some Zeke & Luther. Good times... good times.

"oh yeah, I'm felling looooose"

Later.

What A Change!

Wow, from 70 degrees yesterday to 40 degrees and rain today. YIKES! I took the day off the bike yesterday and got mad amounts of XXC work done, felt good to let the legs rest a bit. I planned on going today, but I'm not gonna to lie to you... after riding in 70 degrees and sun on Sunday and getting an early bike tan base, I think I could have got more excited about a cold coffee on white bread enema than a ride in the cold rain. So I p*ssed out and ran on the tread mill. I know, I know, somewhere a weathered, wet and win blown Belgian mumbles "p*ssy" under his breath, takes a swig of a Duvel and then passes a big old frite-fart in my general direction. I deserve it.

The good news is since I got so much work done yesterday and today, I can extend my ride tomorrow. At least I hope so. I might feel like a stepped on turd after running today, and of course inhaling all that generally directed frite exhaust from the aforementioned pissed off Belgian. And again, I would deserve that. I miss when penance was saying a couple Hail Marys.

Later.

Going Underground

I had roughly 12 hours in on the week, and after yesterday's dirt binge, my slack ass could have done nicely with a day off the bike. But warm, sunny temps and an invite to the underground road race for mountain bike types- The Tour of **** made it just too difficult. I mean who could pass up an 8 stage road race where 6 of the stage are steep, nose of the saddle in you rectum type climbs, and one of the stages is a PBR chug?? Some races (even more than normal) are gifts- meaning they are to be done. To be enjoyed, and to just be taken in for how racin' surely started out many, many years ago... I have a bike, you have a bike, let's see who can get to the top of that bitch of a hill first.

So the race plan was that 15ish folks would meet at the race directors house, in a housing development in Westmoreland County, put some money in the hopper, do a bunch of climbs, keep score, and see what happened. Sure there were are couple of part time roadies (Aaron) and SURE there was the freak of nature that is The Pflug, but for the most part you had a range of folks that were everything from freaks (Pflug again), to hard core mountain bike freaks (Don), to weekend warriors, to people like me (not sure what exactly I am, and that is probably best left undiscussed.) Basically what you had was a bunch of guys doing what I guess could be termed a "hick alley cat." Meaning there were no fixies, no tight fitting jeans, and no uber hipsters. Just folks wanting to feel some pain, talk trash, and have a beer at the end.

Derby that shit.

There were some added bonus points for road side sightings- Underwear, Pontiac Fieros, porn, etc., I of COURSE scored with an underwear sighting! One of my 2 points on the day! Yep, while pushing solo through no mans land between the freaks at the front, and the folks at the back I spied me some Joe Boxers and took my first point of the day.

It's ain't about the bike- it's about the gutchies, fool!

But sadly I was not the only one to find a pair this days, as the cat below took in a pair of God knows what sort of panties and had the balls to pick that shit up.

Mr. Race director put on a hell of a race, and it was the perfect way to cap off a great week in the saddle. Pflug took home the win on his Salsa Podio (VERY sweet ride) and probably scored more cash than a Granny Gear 24 hour race winner (and some Pro XC races), some guy who's name escapes me (Heff?) took 2nd, and Aaron took 3rd in full XXC kit! SWEET! Me? I did about how I expected. Off the back of the fast guys, but in front of the slower group. Sort of how I race all the time. I did pick up an extra point for coming in 5th in the PBR chug and THAT gave me enough points to be almost last on the day. LOL! All a great time though.

The chug.

The worst part of the day was when I THOUGHT that we were racing to the PBR stash, and I put the hammer down as hard as I could down hill and through a series of rollers to the designated finish. I took the win! Oh wait.... We weren't racing there? Ohhhhhhh.... Yeah I knew that, I just needed to open the legs up a bit! LOL!

Mr. Race Director does the math on the stage.

Today's ride got me into the teens this week in hours. I'll take that shit. A great ride to end a great week. There is yet another underground event in my future, this one of the "off road variety," that will make today look like a walk in the park. I'd like to tell you, but then it really wouldn't be underground, would it? LOL!

Aaron rocks full XXC kit, Don give his version of "the look," and I sadly add
to my collection of photos of Don and Aaron's asses.

Oh well, somewhere in Thailand there is a European business man willing to spend BIG bucks for photos like this. If he only knew he could satisfy his pervyness right here! Speaking of pervyness, I have the itch to watch some Polish Women's Volleyball. Damn that shit gets me goin'!!!*

Later.

*Relax, I'm joking!! Anyway, I'm more into watching College Women's Volleyball on the Big 10 Network. OR track and field. Either way....

Amazing!

Friday.

What an epic (for me) week in the saddle. The Campeon has been resurrected and delivered the goods like meth headed pizza guy (not sure what that means). I got out to ride the roads near my Dad's digz yesterday, and they did NOT disappoint. Some of my fave road riding is the back roads and farm roads of the Scottdale/Mt. Pleasant/East Huntingdon/Dawson area (Pflug knows what I'm talkin' about).


I did up a sweet low traffic ride with some good rolling climbs, plenty of sunshine and good legs. The ONLY thing that took away anything was an occasional head/cross wind, but it wasn't enough to lesson the overall "titz" level of the ride.

There are a few rides a year that I do to test my fitness. This ride was one of them. I know the climbs, I know the roads, and I know what my body feels like when I'm "on" and I know all too well what it feels like when it's "off." And it was so on today, that I felt a little weirded out. I'm not saying I could keep up with the local fast guys, or "compete" at a higher level. Just saying I know when my fitness is good and it was GOOD on today. Very stoked to be feeling like this in March!

Vintage and perfect.

My family used to buy bottled milk from this farm when I was real young. I used to beg my dad and brother to take me to see the cows, only to be scared out of my mind when I got near them. Glad to see they are still around.

What's the deal with the lackluster pic above? I had to get a shot of this scene to as a reference for the following.... As I cam up the farm road (a bit further down the small climb) I saw the tractor rolling through the dirt, and I thought it was just tilling up the field. Hunks of wet mud were being sprayed all over and even being tossed out into the road near me. Just as I thought "big deal, what's a little mud?" I recognized the throat coating scent of cow shit. That wasn't mud it was manure!! LOL! I was laughing out loud as I rode along, thinking how I almost rode head long into a literal shit storm!

As I finished the last 100 yards or so of the ride, I spied the B-Man and my Dad down at the nearby creek, so I looped down to see what they were up to. B-Man wanted to show me some minnows in the creek. So I laid my bike down and headed down close to the small creek for him to show me. I was then able to tell him how I played in those very woods and around this very creek when I was his age. Having woods near a house, even a small patch, was better than any playground. B., then helped up the Campeon for me and the three of us headed back to the house. Good times.

On to today's ride...

I had heard via Don and Montana that the trails at Boyce were in fine condition, so my goal was a multi hour dirt ride there today. I once again wanted to test the legs and test some changes in nutrition, namely I using Perpetuem in my bottle again, and once again wearing a hydration pack. I love not riding with a pack, but I felt like at the end of last year (especially at the SM100) I was not drinking enough and paid the price with epic bonks and dehydration.

It had been some time since I was on dirt, so I also wanted to work getting the feel for dirt back. With the Boyce like and flattish LBD race coming up I decided to find a nice loop and pound out a few laps trying to be consistent as possible.


So I went with a nice 7 mile section of the park that had what I wanted and pounded out 4 laps on it. Ended up being about 3:25 or so, with slowing for hikers (including 4 camouflaged teenagers, one wearing and Iron Maiden t shirt) and dog people. The only real mud to speak of was a couple open field sections.


The rest of the ride was mostly tight single track, bordered with a TON of thorns. I got so freaking cut up! AND to boot one nasty thorn limb ripped my new XXC shorts! UG!!!! Oh well, got me a back up pair.

Overall felt good, and the nutrition and pack all went down well. Saw a bunch of other riders out enjoying the trails and that is always nice to see. I'm closing in on 13 hours so far this week, and tomorrow should put me up and over. If I can get up and at 'em in time, I may be joining some folks for for some feats of strength on the road. If not I plan to hit the pavement solo.

After a lonnnnnnng winter, this week has been a real gift. I'm sure the WPA weather will be pretty psycho the next few weeks, but glad to have weeks/days like this.

Later.

Nothingness

No ride on tap today. Just some casual work on the inevitable multi casualty train wreck that is XXC and then hanging with my main man.. B-Man. Big "man" day for us- out on the town in Monroeville hitting the office supply store, getting hair cuts, the bike shop, and the beer store. OK, the last one was just for me, but I wanted to pick up some Torpedo, and did.

At Pro Bikes I picked up a new and super cheap computer for the Campeon. My current one has been fading in and out despite new batteries, sensor adjustments, etc., for over a year now, so it was time for us to part ways. Always had good luck with the uber cheap Sigma computers, so that's what I went with.

I also FINALLY remembered to pick up a new Power Link. Lost my stashed one during some ride at some point a long time ago, but don't want to got into a race season without one. Better safe than sorry. Even with the simplicity of the Power Link I'd bet two piles of suck that I would still end up walking out the woods, but hey, at least I'll have one on me.

I was VERY close to picking up a new CamelBak, but opted not to. My current pack is too big for lap racin', and my race-ish Deuter Pack is lacking a bladder. BUT I found an old C'Bak bladder on the floor of my basement (not kidding) and am stoked to say it fits my Deuter just perfect. Just needed a series of disinfectings to get the stank out. At least it didn't have any VISIBLE black spots in the tube like the bladders I threw out last month! I guess I'll find out how well I cleaned it after I use it. 8 hours on the can will = EPIC FAIL. Anything else will be a money saving success.

Looks like all is go for a nice road ride tomorrow, maybe some dirt on Saturday and POSSIBLY a friendly road throw down with some local two wheeled miscreants on Sunday. Right now I need to dial some things in/on the bike/me ready for Leesburg, so I really hope dirt happens.

Later.

Different With The Same Results

I had a plan to ride a new route today for my road ride. And I did. Sort of. The ride (according to Mapmyride.com) was 39.5 miles with 1,975 feet of climbing. But as I started out somehow forgot a turn or two (head lodged in rectum) so I did a slightly different variation that ended up being only 32.09 miles with just 1,552 of climbing. It was still an amazing day in the saddle, weather wise at least.



My legs have felt better, and I've had better luck on rides... At one point I dropped my phone/car key when I attempted to get my tip sheet out of my pocket, and had to u-turn back for it. Then my computer was fading in and out, so I tapped it with my fingers and the next thing I new it was flashing "UNIT." As in "suck my" I assume. On a couple of the roads that I haven't been on in a while, I discovered some WPA pot holes the hard way, by hitting them at speed and sending a jolt through the forearms that triggers me to uncontrollably blurt out "F*CK!"and to instinctively pray that there was no pinch flat or tacoed wheel! BUT it those things are the extent of my luck during a ride, I'm pretty OK with it.

Even if it wasn't my planned ride, it was still a great day to be in the saddle. B-Man is off school the next two days and Wifey is IN the office the next two days, so my work day will be a bit ephed, and my ride day will be a bit ephed. But I will get to spend some Q.T. with the B-Man and maybe even get out for an evening ride or a ride out at my Dad's digs.


The XXC Banner arrived today. Look for at it at the races. Stop by, buy a T shirt, heckle me for throwing up on my top tube, have me throw Heed (or top tube vomit) at you if you do heckle/don't buy a shirt, etc., etc., LOL!

Check this pic from CyclingNews.com...

Better yet is this from the piece on Pozzato-

"I've no problem admitting that I had to look up the word metrosexual on Google to know exactly what it means after Andy Schleck described me as 'a talented rider but with a metrosexual exterior' in his blog. Now I know what it means, I'm happy to admit that, yes, I am a metrosexual cyclist. I know some people find it funny that I want to look good on the bike but I don't care. Remember, only God can really judge me."

Yes, Filippo only God can judge you, but I'm pretty sure I heard that wacko conservative dude on CNN say that God sends Metrosexuals to hell because it's "sick and wrong." AND that you shouldn't be allowed to have kids or marry. I don't really get why the dude is so against Metrosexuals, or why God would care about Metrosexuality, when there are wars and stuff going on.... At least I THINK it was Metrosexuals the dude was talking about, I was sort of shaving my legs in the shower when the story was on.

Gotta moisturized and trim my nose hair.

Later.

Enjoying The Non Laziness

Spent the a.m. dealing with some XXC Bizness in which I secured a new advertiser for the coming issue. While I prefer to have space for text/images rather than ads in XXC, I have an idea to attempt to reach more readers, and I can only do it if I get few more advertisers. So in addition to the fine folks at Salsa, ByeKyle, and Bikeman.com, a new one came on board today, and brought me ONE step closer to where I need to be to make said idea come to fruition. Few more steps to got though.

Also got the first article for Issue #7 done. Very happy with it. After that It was time to hit the road on the Campeon again. I am QUICKLY getting real used to the bike again. Not sure what I was thinking logging SOO many damn road miles on the mountain bike? I mean I KNOW wanted to ride some bigger loops, with my treasured "shit roads" thrown in, and I wanted to get used to riding the Mamasita for longer hours, and I know it was a great workout, but dddamn I forgot just how quick one (even as slow as me) can feel on a road bike, or even a cross bike.

I suppose much of my procrastination may have just been some laziness. I generally don't think myself too lazy , but I believe I may have been a tad too lazy to swap tires from the trainer to the road, too lazy to get the new tires on, too lazy to learn how to adjust my derailleur. Oh well, all done now, and enjoying the road for now. Until some jack off screams "Go Lance!" or "Get the f*ck off the road!" then I'll make a quick retreat to the safety of the woods.

The best part today's ride was that my limit screw adjustment worked and I didn't drop a chain once. A small miracle for someone with my inability to wrench. The other great part was seeing more sun. I was sucking at the teet of Madam Vitamin D like a starving new born.


I will say at times my skills on a road bike leave a lot to be desired. Mainly my ability to misread a shift! Then there's my cornering in descents... Oh well there are worse things to be bad at I suppose. Just thank the Bike Gods that I'm not on YOUR group ride.

More of the same followed by similar in the coming days.

Later.

Not Easy, But Easier!

Returned to the road today and ACTUALLY used my road bike. GASP! First time since late last summer. I have to say, it was indeed nice to be back on it. Granted I had to skip some roads of recent loops because they are a muddy, gravel, pot holed mess, but my standard 2 hour loop was just fine! I forgot what it was like to go 22+ mph on the flats and not hear the whirl of knobby rubber.

It was also nice to ride, and better yet- climb without feeling like I was using my entire body to get the bike moving up the hill. The Campeon (as I have it set up) is not a feather light road machine, but it IS significantly lighter than the Mamasita. I was able to rely more on my cardio and leg than I can do on the mountain bike (on the road). It was a nice 2 hour workout with only some minor mechanical hiccups- I dropped a chain twice entering climbs, switching from my big ring to the small. Have to check the limit screw on the front derailleur I suppose.

Other than the dropped chain issue, it was fun to be on the Campeon again. Plan on riding it more and trying to strip some of the winter bulk I put on from trying to throw around a 26+ pound bike on the road and 12 oz. beverages in the house. Don't get me wrong, I know more than a few pounds are from my love of all things yeasty (No, not a panty-less fat chick in leather pants! Beer, pizza, and bready type foods) but I'm hopeful the more cardio friendly road bike will help slim my thickening thighs a bit! LOL!

Hoping to get back out tomorrow for some more miles. Also hoping for slightly warmer temps, some sun, and some dyer roads.

Later.

So NOT Pro

What a great week on the bike. Well at least for me. Sure there are Pros putting in huge numbers, tracking watts, heart rate, hematocrit levels, and playing pseudo SAT math games like "what are the chances of a random piss test today?" I am SO not one of them. I rode a chamois hair cling on under 11 hours this week and all but 30 minutes was on the Mamasita, enjoying the finest in Western PA shit roads. Not one mile was completed in a controlled "zone." I really don't have zones other than the following...

1. Coasting
2. Thank God for tail winds!
3. I think I could ride all day...
4. This burns, but is totally doable...
5. This climb could end any time now.
6. F*ck! This burns!! Bad!
7. Mother....
8. I think I swallowed my tongue.
9. And there it is... VOMIT!
10. Who would have thought laying on the side of the road/trail could be this good?

I also doubt many Pro types (code for everyone from REAL Pros to Sport racers who take themselves WAY to seriously) were out riding their mountain bike on the road or would ever be SEEN riding their mountain bike on the road. Although, there are some that do, and I know who they are.... And I know they're down with what's hip. (you couldn't see but I just gave the secret "I know you know it's hip." hand gesture. Sorry, I can't really say what it is).

So what did I do to end a week with good hours? I did the logical Spock like thing today-- I rested. And it felt goooood. It also gave me a chance to go over the Mamasita and see all the shit wrong with it. Brake pads- fried. Rear break piston- frozen. Fox Fork- needs an oil change, etc., etc., So me and B-Man were off to the shop to drop her for some love from my fave wrenches.

I also needed some road tubes, a new pump, and some bottle cages. All was picked up PDQ at Pro Bikes Monroeville. You know you have a great shop when A. You walk in and you automatically feel you are among friends, and B. The head mechanic/manager pops in on his day off, just 'cause he digs his job, and without even being asked, is helping a customer (not me, I don't count), on his DAY OFF. Speaking of Mr. Head Mechanic/Manager... good luck to him this week, as he's going under the knife for some knee surgery. Speedy recovery to him. Anyway you can get my bike done BEFORE you go under the knife??? LOL!

Once home I was able to continue with my Sunday project of getting the Campeon ready for some spring mileage. I have been on the Campeon (my road bike, the Salsa Campeon) about 1 to 2 times since August of 2009. Freaky! I got sucked into some funky and fun road loops that had me on rail trails, farm roads, back roads, and pavement, all were best done on my Mamasita. But, I do SORT OF miss the feel of a road bike. So I got her OFF of the trainer, dealt with some faulty old tubes, put the spanky Maxxis Detonators I bought last summer on (the best training tire EVER!!), made sure she was shifting, not shitting, and added a new bottle cage. Nothing says PRO like mismatched bottle cages, mountain pedals, heavy puncture resistant clinchers, and the want to do nothing but get long miles and saddle time in. NO crits, NO road races, NO pissing contest group rides. Just time and miles baby. Time and miles.


All things Campeon SEEM to be all A-OK, but I won't know for sure until I get her out this week. Sadly many of the roads I've got used to riding will be off limits. Too many pot holes, too much gravel and too much mud. But I think I can break her in pretty good and once again get my legs used to the feel of my road bike... A bike I will always love, but sadly only ride on a surface that will ALWAYS be a second or third love.

A busy non ride day. Time for some food.

Later.

Dancing With The Octopi. Saturday Ride.

Mid to high forties, misty rain with the threat of heavier stuff to come. What the hell do I wear? I figured best to error on the side of too much- wool socks (standard), knee warmers, arm warmers, rain jacket and my cool weather Endura gloves. At time I thought this was a bad choice, and that I was going to be too warm. And at times I was, but after multiple brief showers, muddy road spray, and at a few encounters with a speed stifling head wind, I was glad I wore what I wore.

I lucked out in that the heavier rains didn't come until I was well done with my 3 hour tour of what is sort of like Pikey territory (if you've seen the movie Snatch (not a porn). The roads I hit today were a collection of WPA's best/worst. The sort or roads that always smell like dead carp/urine/mud and I would NOT be surprised to someday see a dead body along side. There must not be garbage pick up out on these roads, because every front lawn is just littered with everything imaginable. Car parts, food, bones, beer cans, boxes, shit, you name it. Yikes! Not to mention the burns. I passed more than a couple burns with the yummy smell of burning plastic in the air. Mmmmmm.

One of my fave spots to get pissed at, is a sign that says "No Littering! Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful," and it is surrounded by about 15 beer cans, and various fast food packages. Oh the irony. What are you gonna do?? For the most part the ride was great. I was in a good temp zone and the legs felt good.

At about 2:30 I hit a flat 2 mile straightaway that I usually cruise at about 17 mph on my Mamasita, and about 20+ on the Campeon. Today there was a stiff head wind and I was going 12. I wanted to cry. By the time I made it to the final few climbs of the day I was feeling the effects of the headwind, rain and the now chilly air (glad I overdressed). In the end I finished up with a bit over 3 hours. And that put me at about 11+ hour so far this week. A welcome change from the 4 or 5 hours a week of trainer time.

Wrapped up the day with some chicken burritos and Bells Two Hearted Ale. Sure, some sun and dry conditions would have been nice, but I have not complaints on this week. Good stuff.

Later.

EDIT: I love that pic. I wanted to add that. The layers of sky/dirt/grass/dirt/road are great.

Top Shelf

Wow, the Ride God's paid me back for skipping yesterday's ride to support the B-Man. The weather geeks were calling for some rain, but what WPA got was maybe the best weather day of 2010 so far. Sunny skies, mid 60s temps, and my ass aching (in a good way) to be in the saddle.

With the mid 60s temps it was time
to ditch the duct tape vent controls...

And to roll with bare legs for the first time in 2010!
Can I get hell yeah???? Ohhhh yeah!!!

The meat sticks were giving off a glow so white, a few cars high beamed me for blinding them. Sorry... my bad. Need to tan up a bit.

I also had a chance to try out my
newest (non cycling) cycling gloves....

My F'Inlaw got me these Sears Craftsman gloves for purposes of using them for odd jobs around the house, Craftsman's intentions I'm sure. Little did he know they are the SAME as just about every glove sold in your LBS. They even have snot wipes and a nice padded palm. I don't know if they cost more or less than Trek/Spesh/Name Brand of Your Choice Here gloves, but what I do know is that they were free (to me) fit great, and are better than almost all the cycling gloves I currently own (and I own 4 or 5). Not to mention they match my high zoot spanky XXC kitz pppppppppperfectly. Thank you Papa-O'! I wonder if I can get that boss Craftsman tool replacement policy on them if I rip them up? Scoff at their Ham & Egger style, I don't really care. I mean when I first started riding (about 17 years ago, YIKES!) I wore flowered gardening gloves that were laying around my parent's garage. LOL!

Back to the ride- It was titz! 3 hours and a ton of climbing. One new hill (Kangaroo Hill) at 2:35 was a STEEEP ass climb that had me caving for the granny like fat man in a bake shop. It was sad. The ride as kick ass though and kicked my ass. Just a perfect warm, sunny day in the saddle. Yes Don, I used it on the road, it was that or walk!

With Big Bear in the shitter and their promoter talking shit like "numbers are down, riders aren't spending cash on racing, etc.,) I am going to head to the Mohican 100 with my Pro Bikes peeps (+Rob and Brad) to race in June. They are racing the 100 miler, I think this year I might try the100K. I've done the 100 miler 3 times now, not to mention I know my limits these days and by then I will have a 13 and 9 hour under my widening belt. If I feel good, Mr. Mohican says I can upgrade at check in. Win/Win. Unless it get canceled, with MY luck it will!! LOL.

Off the bike tomorrow. Have a layout to get done some bizness to talk, and some web stuff to do. God I love Spring!!!

Plans Written In Sand

Had a plan to get a ride in this morning, but needed to work on some stuff first. Just as I started working, the FedEx truck pulls up and drops of a box of XXC kits! 2 days early!! FedEx is now forgiven for last weeks blunder.

Well now I can't work! I'm all caught up in lycra goodness. They came out sooo good! I took some pics but the flash f'ed all up the pics. Look all washed out and I had not good natural light. I am 100% stoked about the jerseys. The bibs I love too, but in hindsight I wish I would have not put the logo on the side panel. Gets a LITTLE distorted when they're on, but then again, maybe that's just my fatty-fatterson legs?

I then sort 'em out, make sure I got all the goods and proceed to get kitted up in my new duds for a ride. It's still chilly out there this a.m. so I start looking for my knee warmers. And look, and look, and look. Found one... and look, and look. I've now wasted 25 minutes looking for a f*cking knee warmer. I probably don't even need it at this point! Keep in mind that I took them off in the bedroom yesterday. How far could it go??

Then I hear my e mail *beep*.

It's Wifey, she forgot that B-Man had some sort of musical gig at today, and his kindergarten class would be doing a ricital. She thought it was next week, can't leave work, he'll be hurt if no one shows up, yada, yada, yada. Hmmm... No way I can get a ride in, get home, shower, and make it to his school in time. DRAT! So the ride was aborted, I spun my legs for a half an hour, sent out most of the kits, and got ready to enjoy 2 hours of non stop dance action. LOL! And I'm glad I did. Granted I sat for 1:50 to see B-Man for 5 minutes at the end, but seeing the look on his face when he saw me, made it all worth while. There will be time enough to ride tomorrow.

______________________________

Tonight I get an e mail from a friend... Seems the 24 Hours of Big Bear is now canceled. This was going to be huge for me. Not that I was racing (the 24), but with Nationals so close to home I was going to cover it for the mag, and do a lot of mag pimping. I was also going to race the 12 hour event. Now that's gone. Making it now the THIRD race on my schedule to get moved to a time that I can't race it, or be canceled. On top of that I had already registered when there was a link working and I'm out $75 (I really don't see GG refunding anyone any money, but I hope I'm wrong). And on top of THAT there was a thread on MTBR.com about the reg, and I was like "oh yeah, you just click this link and it takes you to the reg..." Then two weeks later the link is dead. And on top of TTHHHHHHAT I'm sure that a few other folks went ahead and registered and now I look like a big dick head for telling folks. I could give two shits about my $75 (other than that's like a weeks salary, LOL!) but some other folks plunked down the insane amount of cash that GG asks to race a Solo ($300+) and may be out cash too! I will never. EVER. EVVVVVVVVVVVVVER even attempt to race a GG race again. EVER. Pissed that ANOTHER race has been canceled, but feel like TOTAL shit, that folks may be out money because of a link I posted.

What a day! I want a beer. Ain't got none. For the record, I found my knee warmer at 7:45 pm in the dryer!!! WTF? Hope to make up for lost ride time tomorrow.

Later.

EDIT: XXC Kit Pic

The Underestimation of Time & Roads.

After yesterday's ride, I was not left with much time to get all the work done that I wanted. I was able to ship off 20+ mags and t shirts, and get an XXC banner ordered up (to take to races), but was left with little time to get any of #7's layout work done, or get too much of my house husband duties completed. So today I made sure I was on the road a half hour earlier and planned to do just 2 hours.

Well, a couple poor choice in roads, and a couple underestimated climbs, and I lost that extra half hour damn quick. A couple roads (like the one above) were sketchy due to the mud and ruts. Sometimes there was a nice dry path to ride, but other times it was slick mud and even a little ice and slush (it was 10am and not too warm yet). Lets just say worn Maxxis CrossMarks pumped up to 45 psi are not real keen to the mud and ice. But it was all good, that's what make "road riding" 'round here fun sometimes.

View from the top of one of the long farm road climbs.

Temps were good enough for a lighter jacket and knee warmers. Had I started about an hour later or so, I could have got away with just knee/arm warmers. But I didn't, so I didn't.


Came home to a second box of XXC Mags that needed mailed out. Most of these were destined for Germany, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. I think my hand got worn out writing out customs forms!! I also found out that the XXC jerseys and bibs/shorts will be in this Friday. VERY geeked. But also nervous to see how my design looks in person and on fabric. Fingers crossed.

Gotta split. Need to turn out some work before bed.

Later.

The Brunch Ride Gone To The Dogs

Very happy to have returned to the almost daily (at least for now) routine of the Weekday Brunch Ride. Two to three hours of saddle time squeezed in the mid morning brunch time hours. At the time when take out lunch menus are being passed around most offices, I sneak out from the glow of my Mac screen to get my cheeks in the saddle. I love it! Sure there are the drawbacks- Not working during the day means I have to do more at night on many occasions, and there is that whole "not getting a real pay check" thing. But once my cheeks hit the saddle those issues are quickly forgotten.

Temps got into the low fitties today, but during "brunch" they were still hovering in the low 40s. NOT complaining by any means. I was stoked to be in the sun, and see the snow melting. Plus I was plenty warm. At times I thought I would get too warm, but in the end, I was layered just perfectly. Had I got a later start, kneed warmers and a vest may have been good enough. Maybe tomorrow.

I feel so doggone.

I continue to have a love hate relationship with the dogs of WPA. I don't own a dog, but I sort of dig dogs. I don't dig dogs that aren't on leashes and chase me. And I DEFIANTLY do not dig BIG F*CKING BALL SWINGING GIANT TOOTHED GERMAN SHEPPARD'S that come out into the road and nip me in the ass cheek whilst their owner goes about his business with a chain saw as I stand in the middle of the road yelling "GET BACK!" And planning my course of action if the dog bights again, or ACTUALLY latches on to me. Best part was there were "Beware of Dog" signs up all along the fence. But there was NO "Beware of Dog, Because We Don't Have Him On A Leash and We're Not Watching to Make Sure He Doesn't Maul Somebody" sign.

After a minute of standing frozen in the road yelling, at the dog (it didn't really listen), and the owner just cutting away with the chain saw I was finally able to creep away. After I got about 15 yards up the road I looked back and saw a woman in her night gown out on the porch telling "Lady" or whatever the hell it's name was to get back. Yeah, better late than never chicky.

I didn't bother going back or mentioning that it nipped at my ass. I figured it didn't break the skin. I had Wifey take a look at it, and it turns out it did break skin. So she applied some medicine too it etc., As she applied the goods, I casually mentioned that "some people call this foreplay." With that she picked scab and poured some antibacterial medicine to it.

At least it was a kept dog and not some hobo mongrel. Plus like they say "A dogs mouth is cleaner than a human." I suppose as long as it didn't just get done sniffing a fresh toby or licking it's own nugget region I'll be fine. LOL!

Dispyte the ass nip from the dog, it was a great ride. Temp keep getting better, and I loving having my routine back. Dare I say my "identity" back! I kept the ride on the short side at 2:10, but I KNEW I had some thing to get done as soon as I got back...

First box of 'zines came at 1:15 and were out the door by 2:15. Next box should be here tomorrow. The mag is also currently available at MagCloud.com on the cheap during their Spring Sale. Only $9 until March 21st!! Keep in mind mags ordered from MagCloud will NOT come with a digital copy and stickers as the ones on the XXC site do. But it IS cheap(er) until 3.10!

OK, time to rest up for tomorrows brunch feast.

Later.