One Week Down…? to Go

It has been one week and the pain is less prevalent now, but still lets me know that it is with me.

I went to the orthopedic surgeon on wednesday and he gave me some interesting news about my injury.

He basically told me the fracture was not from the impact (what?), but my Piriformis muscle (the muscle that is attached to the Greater Trochanter, is so strong that it actually broke the bone and pulled it away; which also cause the muscle to tear a bit. He also said that because this muscle is so strong, that it prevented the complete fracture of my upper femur. Hurray for strong muscles, eh?

This explains why it hurts like bleep when I make any sudden movements to the inside or outside. So basically I just sit and wait for this thing to heal up. The real bad news is that I will miss the entire Cranky Monkey series and the first CX race of the season-Charm City Cross…ugh. I guess, judging by what the doc said, it could have been a heck of a lot worse. I do have a great wife to take care of me and I can't ask for anything more than that, but she better be prepared for the next few weeks and dealing with a cyclist used to riding everyday and is wild mood swings! Anyway, good luck to those racing in the upcoming month or so and remember to stay single and ride rigid!

What the Heck is a Greater Trochanter?

Hmmm, that isn't suppose to look like that, is it?

What the Heck is the Greater Trochanter? No clue. Couldn't have told you. Maybe a treaty signed by two unknown countries to prevent the spread of Trochanters disease. Maybe the piece that you blow through on a set of bagpipes. Strangley enough, it wasn't any of those-go figure, right? Well yesterday I found out what it feels like to fracture one…it doesn't tickle. It is the part of of the upper femur that is located near the hip socket. Now, in 25 years of being on a bike; mostly mtb, I have never broken anything. Nothing. A few install injuries here and there, but nothing that compares to a trip to the ER to find out that you broke your dang trochanter!

Ah, it was a day like any other day for the shop ride. Lots of riders, most of them regulars. Temperatures were 70° and everything was perfect. It actually started out as being our fastest ride to date for the shop ride. We were averaging 21.6 mph and riding everything hard. I felt awesome, everything was looking good. We came on one of the more popular climbs on the ride and everyone was gathered tighter than normal (which I try to avoid). We were running about 20 mph. I was about to move to the left to get clear, when all of a sudden, the group slowed down in front of me and my front wheel caught the rear wheel of the rider in front of me and before I knew it, I hit the deck, and hitting hard. I got rear ended from another rider and everything came to a stand still. I was on the ground for what seemed like forever. Of course, the only thing I could think of was the bike. Unfortunately, when I tried to get up I couldnt move my left leg. Look up Tim Conways dentist skit-you will see what I looked like.

I got up and surveyed the damage to myself and the bike. My leg was pretty cut up, but my hip would not participate in my attempts to move forward. So I tried to lay down, but the shooting pain on the inside and outside of my hip was excruciating. We were about 5-6 miles from the shop and figured I would try to ride back…ahhhhh! Time for plan B, ride back one legged pedal style. Why didn't you get a ride back you ask? Well, I didn't know it was broken at the time and just figures it was a bad bruise and was just really sore. So I rode back one legged style and although it was tough, I had good company to shuttle my haggard rear end back. I have taken a pretty good ribbing about riding back, but again, who knew?

Well, so long story short, I will be off of the bike for at least 2 weeks. Of course to add to the humiliation of the matter, I am using my father in laws walker around the house. You don't realize how much you feel helpless until you are told to stop being active and are using crutches. It sucks. I think most of the pain is from the tendons on the inside of my thigh being traumatized. Either way, it hurts like @$%*!

So, the next few weeks are gonna suck big time, but I will rise like the Phoenix from the ashes of this great set back, YES, I will ride again! ok, thats enough of the poetic non-sense. See you on the trails.

Pondering the Pointless about Cycling (aka why we ride what we ride)

I know my posts have been very sporadic as of late, mainly due to baseball, but sometimes I need to take break from my mindless bantering…as well as you. So, working in a shop, I get to hear, see all sorts of things and conversations about, well…cycling and how it is a great way to stay in shape, fun with the family, good way to meet new people, but there is a dark side…a world seldom seen, just as real…but not as brightly lit…a dark side. Yes, I stole that from Dark Shadows, it works.

Yes, there are those of us walking and driving on this great sphere of potpourrious humankind (yes, I made that up) that feel bicycles are toys and serve no other purpose other than to provide entertainment for their kids. Now, there are those who can't afford a nice bike, I understand completely. As long as you ride a bike, I am happy, but don't question what we ride because you don't get it. This is for the population that doesn't get it; why we ride what we ride.

I have had a few conversations with said population and it usually starts with, "Why do you spend that kind of money on a bike?" or "I don't see the purpose when I can by a bike from a department store." Well, just like Pete Seeger said "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a time to reap that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; and I think a time to ride your bike and have fun…not real sure about that last line, but it works. Ok, so back to my original thought.

What I find amazing is what people are willing to spend on cars. I often will throw that in the conversation. "Why do you drive a 60k vehicle?" The usual response is because it drives nice, it is safe or (the one I have most) because I can. Now, some of these people that are driving expensive vehicles that come into the shop are the most guilty, very nice, but guilty just the same. They want a safe vehicle for their children and family, but go to Wal-Mart or any other store that claims to sell bikes and get their child the biggest turd, let alone unsafe turd they could find. I do understand that buying a 200.00 bike for a three year old is a bit much, but these are parents with kids that are 7-11 years old and ride 3k+ bikes themselves. Now I am not saying it wrong to own an expensive vehicle, I am just making a point about the strange disconnect that people have with cycling.

So, here is what I tell those people why we ride what we ride.

Cycling to me is not just for fun, but a way of life. It is an expression of what makes us who we are. It is not just something to do when you are all out of things to do. Yes, it can be a fun "toy", but it is much more than that. I see them as a social and environmental tool. They are like the guy with the baby in the park…everyone gathers around and ogles over the baby. Bikes can be that way to (weird, I know, but true). When was the last time you were in your car and drove up next to someone else at a light and started a conversation about cars or anything else? Right, you don't even give the person in the car next to you the time of day. Gotta get to work or go to the store… I need to focus damn it now leave me be! Nowwwwwwww, ride up next to someone on a bicycle and watch what happens. See, that is it…people are afraid of human interaction anymore. I will text you this or I will email you that. People have lost the ability to communicate with each other.

This is what makes cycling so freakin' awesome. It doesn't really matter what type of bike it is, cycling brings people together in a positive way. It doesn't matter if you are a commuter, weekend warrior or racer, cycling is a positive mark in this day of sometimes negative change. You can ride up next to someone and you will always get a hello, or a smile and maybe even ride a little with them. Now there are some bike snobs that will look down on some that have lesser bikes, but I don't consider them cyclists at all. They are cyclings version of any of those stupid "reality" housewives shows…clueless.

Why do I ride a 5k road bike or a 4k mountain bike? Because I ride at a certain level and it requires a certain level of bike. Could I ride a 300.00 bike in a race? Sure, would I end up in the ER for a month, probably. Does that make me an elitist? No, it makes my an intelligent consumer that knows what is needed or required for a particular level of riding.  I always tell people who question what or why we ride "if you see bikes as just toys, you obviously spend too much time in a car." Now, I always have fun with these types of people, it is always in jest, but in truth as well.

Bikes are a thing of beauty. Simple, efficient vehicles that have changed in form and unfortunately function as well. I would challenge anyone to do a commute to work or ride with a bunch of other cyclists and see what happens. Visit your local bike shop and just stop in and talk a bit and get educated on this great sport of cycling. Heck, watch a bike race and say that it doesn't get a bit exciting.

So why do we ride what we ride? It is simple…bikes just make people happy. period.

Bring it on Home Nabbing 1st at 12 hrs Cranky Monkey

At some point, you reach that age where you sit back and think, "wow, it is time to take it easy and just enjoy riding my bike for the sake of riding." Well, that time…aint here yet. I feel like I am in the best shape I have been in in quite some time. My eyes are going south, but as long as I can hear the trail, I am sitting pretty good.

This past weekend was the weekend of the 12 hours of Cranky Monkey. I have always loved this race. I have won it before (with a 17 year old as I was 42) and I have finished 2nd more times than I like to admit. One of those times being last years sufferfest at Quantico with my endurance events race partner Liz. So this year it was redemption time in the co-ed duo field! Lord can I get an Amen!

Only 11 hours and 58 minutes to go...

This year's event was held at Schaeffer Farms. I have raced there in the past, but this would be the first 12 hours there. This would also be one with out my always sensationally ravishing (yet quietly comical) wife Bambo (no, that is not her real name). Anyway, I remembered this venue as fast with a lot of little climbs. What I found was, roots and rocks and the climbs felt much different than before; like I am older or something and my body is telling me that you need to take it easy…stupid body. Each lap was 9.3 miles and 1000ft of climbing; pretty tough. It was cloudy and the chance of rain was spotty at best. You know when things seem to be not quite what you want them to be, but you're not sure what it is? Well what it was, was the fact that both of us thought that each other was going to bring a tent. You don't have one? Man, I thought you had one…well together we have none. Not a good day to have none. I am sure we looked like some bike derelicts just looking for a place to hang for a while…sad. I should have put out a hat and played "I'm a Loser" by Beck and maybe we could have raised some money to buy an umbrella.

It was decided that I would be the lead-off guy and get us on board quick. Normally I don't try to get too close to the front on these events, but today was not going to be the case. I headed in around 12th and quickly moved up to around 7th. I quickly found out that it rained earlier and it was like an adult slip n slide only roots aren't as easy on the body as grass is. No crashes, but just relentless pounding on the arms and legs. I brought 4 kits to change into and by 3 or so, they were all wet, muddy and quite frankly I would have rather rode naked. Careful with those dangly things. My socks were soaked, my shoes felt like moon boots and my helmet smelled like a stable, but we were winning.

Riding the rigid singlespeed certainly made my technical skills take it up a notch just a bit. My first lap was a scorching 48:27 (good enough for 10th overall for the day). I felt a little tired, but not bad. I came in and Liz was off, but not before telling me that her tire on her geared bike got broke, so she was off on the ss. One thing about Liz is that I know what to expect and when to expect her in. My lap put us 2:12 ahead and Lizs lap added another 5 minutes. We never looked back. Our lead built on every lap, well except my third. Just as I head off, the skies opened up and I swear I saw Noah's Ark. It was wet, muddy and borderline sketchy. I basically took it easy to ensure my streak of non-hospital visits due to cycling. I turned in a 56:12, which took 3 minutes from our lead. That would be the last time.

Again, as the day went on, my times got a little bit faster. Liz continued to put out consistent times as well. Now, I love numbers and most of my time in the pits was spent at the timing tent to keep track of our times and 2nd and 3rd place too. By 4:00, we were sitting comfortably 21:32 minutes ahead of second. Those are numbers that I can live with.

During these races I love to mingle with some old friends and getting a chance to meet some new "friends" as well. Scott McGill was next to us and allowed use of his trailer to change and get dry between laps and of course play with his dogs. Never officially met him before, but now that is no longer the case and chalk up another friend thanks to this great sport we call cycling. I just love being able to catch up with guys that you just pick up where you left off. I am going to call out some people that I have raced with, raced against and just happy to call them friends: Don, Joe (won the 3 male division), Vijay, Adam, Chris (who won the solo male), Christian, Scott and Bill (won the 3 male cat) and Jeff. These guys are great competitors and even better people.

These races are completely different from the shorter times races. You are competing with others, but you get to talk to them and discuss how the race is unfolding (and lying about how good you feel and you could ride all day like this) and what each other is feeling. It can be really nerve racking at times and you have to start to figure in some race strategies to get you to the end.

Top 3 in Duo Co-Ed

I knew by 5:00 that (barring any mechanicals or injuries) that we had this thing in the bag. We were up by 31:00 at that point which allows for some breathing room for sure. I was super happy with how I rode. I got faster as the day went on and was able to hammer through some pain and fatigue. I really was able to stay focused-wet roots and rocks have that effect I suppose. I ended up with 6 laps and 55.46 miles with 6527ft of elevation. Liz also got in 6 laps. We finished with 12 overall and 1 lap ahead of 2nd…that is what I call a victory my friends.

This isn't meant to sound conceited or anything, but I love the fact that I can hammer on a rigid ss and put out times that are pretty close to guys half my age. Hey, an old guy has to keep that carrot dangling in front at all times. Seriously though, It does feel good to be able to go out there and stay competitive and be able to hang with those young rodeo clowns.

I am glad that Liz finally got her top spot in this race. She is an awesome teammate and a fierce competitor to boot. I wish my wife was there to enjoy our victory, but she is allowed to take a break too.

12 Hours of Cranky Monkey Recap

It has been sometime, but I am still here and have all kinds of stuff to bore you with.

In the mean time, I will post on our latest attempt at the top spot in the co-ed duo division tomorrow, but I will say that we are no longer bridesmaids…and in grand fashion.

Ritchey P-29er First Impressions

Normally I would put a few more miles under a bike before I give my two cents of useless and most of the time, worthless point of view on a particular ride. I am going to step out of my comfort zone and give it a shot.

You know that feeling of anticipation you get when you know something cool is coming your way and you cant wait any longer only to be let down or you let yourself down by getting too excited? This is one of those times that the build of the excitement did not disappoint. I have waited a long time for Ritchey to make the 29er version of the original steel beauty from the early 90's. I was not financially set to have one of my own back then, but working in a shop does have its perks.

The Parts:

So here is a quick run down on the important stuff. The frame is made from Ritcheys own Logic II tubing with sliding dropouts, which retail for 999.99. The website claims 4.74lbs. in a large frame and it weighed exactly that. Cant remember when a manufactures weight was spot on. The head tube is a thing of beauty in itself. It is machined and almost comes close to a 1" diameter, but flares out to accommodate drop in bearings. The welds are very nice and smooth. It can be run as geared (why) or ss thanks to the Tange stainless dropouts. Im a Bontrager harlot, so nothing but Keith's best was invited to this

monocog party: RXL stem, wheels (dt swiss made hubs), bar, XXXL post, saddle, Sram XO crank with MRP 32t bling ring, Niner carbon fork, Avid Elixir CR brakes and 18t niner cog to round out the package. All told, this beauty comes in at 18lbs. 13oz. in a large frame.

Now many things are going to affect the way a bike rides and handles, component selection (which Iwould highly recommend what I selected) is going to make a huge difference. I am old school so I like it low baby low. No spacers on the headset and a 110mm  -7° stem.

The Ride

I will start by saying I no longer own my Superfy SS. Gone (not forgotten). Honestly, I don't miss it. I finally had a chance to put some miles on it this last weekend at Bakers (58.1 to be exact). This is the perfect course to test your rigid singlespeededness..sss.ss. Lots of roots and rocks and twisty, tight single track. I have never said this about a bike before, but this is THE best riding bike that I have had the pleasure to throw a leg over. Why? After 7 laps at Bakers, it is the first time doing that race that I have come away feeling good. No fatigue or saddle soreness. I didn't feel beat up afterwards. I would highly recommend the Niner carbon fork; it compliments the steel frame perfectly and keeps the front end tight and stiff. Man, good thing this is a clean blog. Compared to my Superfly; a fast bike in its own right, but stiff. This frame gives you the right stiffness but still feels very, very comfortable. It handled the tight, twisty turns just like a 26er and light enough to flick around yank it over obstacles. I felt very fast…seriously. This thing just went. I haven't noticed any unwanted flex in the bb area or the sliders. My only small complaints was that the seat post did slip a bit at times, but added some paste and all was well again. The other minor nit pick is the use of Campy bearing for the headset (which use a 41.8 bearing OD), not major, but if you need one in a pinch, not something shops have sitting around.

Final Thoughts:

So, I sold the Superfly hoping that I wouldn't regret doing so. I sold my favorite race bike with its own share of podium spots. I sold a bike that weighed 17lbs. I sold my Superfly for a bike that I wish I had before I bought my Superfly…thats all I have to say.

2014 Bakers Re-cap

This is what 5th place looks like

Yes, another year and another great day for racing on the farm. Bakers was, as usual, another hammerfest of epic proportions (ok, maybe not epic), but none the less, pretty darn exciting and of course fun.

This year the temps were in the 80's and limited wind; couldn't ask for better conditions.

For the last three years, I have raced three different classes: 2 person male open (2nd place), 2 person co-ed (3rd place) and the ultra competitive 3 person co-ed (5th). This year I teamed up with my usual female counter-part in Liz, but we added Alex to the mix this year and teamed up for the 3 person co-ed.

Now, I can honestly say that I knew we would finish pretty high up because of our make-up. Lipstick

My wife loves my clash

and blush can really make a difference in how a man feels about himse…wait a minute, this is not going in the direction I thought it was. I have raced against Alex for years and knew what to expect from him. Last year, I was a little cautious with my first race with Liz, just because I had actually met her AT Bakers for the first time right before the race. I quickly realized that I didn't need to be cautious at all and quickly gained a new friend and race partner. So this year, we were poised to quick some butt.

Now, I look over the numbers in every category, not just the one I am in. I know what teams are going to be there until the end and the ones who will decide when to call it quits. I know from the past races, that the 3 person co-ed is a very competitive class. Super fast women and men, so we were not going to have an easy task at all. Now everyone on our team is 45+ years old and the teams that finished 1-4 are all in there 20's and early 30's; not hard to do the math here now is it?

Just good times with my friend Matty O'  from AFC

I was extremely happy with how I rode. It was the best Bakers I have had, at least from a consistency stand point.  My lap times were very close and got faster as the day went on-38:18, 38:17, 38:54, 37:43, 37:29, 40:13 and 46:35 which was a slow lap just to ensure a 5th place finish. I ended up doing a double night lap for Alex because he wasn't to keen with riding at night. All good. We finished in 5th place with 19 laps for the day and the Ritchey rode amazing. The farm is littered with roots, ruts and rocks everywhere and the bike handled it without a whimper. It was the first Bakers that I didn't come away feeling like I had just been beaten in the streets of downtown Baltimore and left for dead. The Bontrager RXL (dt swiss hubs) were super fast-no joke. I felt fast and the wheels certainly helped in that arena. I was passing geared guys all over the place and my frien Mark Stahl said he had trouble catching back up to me (he is fast) on his geared rig. He finally gave up. I had it geared at a smart 32x17 this year-perfect. I did throw a chain a couple of times, still not sure what caused it, but no big deal.

The team as a whole was spot on every lap as well. These types of races, especially near the end require a bit of strategy in order to keep pace, so it is great to have a team that you know how fast they are and when you can expect them in to the timing tent. It was a good fit this year and everyone was very excited to be there and just keep churning out laps. Liz was her usual, consistent self and is a great competitor. I am lucky to have her as a friend and team mate. It was also cool to finally get to race with Alex and not against him. Spending all the time running didn't hurt his riding abilities at all.

This is by far one of the best races around. The people, the course and the promoter all make it worth the drive and the time spent racing. You can catch up with people that you don't always get to chat with on a daily basis, but that is what makes the whole mountain bike scene what it is. You just pick up where you left off just as if you had just spoken with them the other day. I also got to see Jonathan Zawacki (friend of the shop) on the trails with the AV kit in all of it glory. At one point, I came up behind him and told him I was passing on the left…he paused and then yelled out "F-you, you are gonna have to earn it!" I had to keep myself from laughing out to hard for fear of choking on the dust, but that is what makes these races fun. Shout outs to Jon, Marc and Jeff Calderone, Robbe Smith, Ray Mercado and his crew and to all of the other cool people that I call my bros in the mtb arena that were all in attendance and of course my wife who always supports me on these crazy days.

This year saw a lot of crashes, some on the "eeeks" scale, but everyone was alright in the end. I came away unscathed. My wacky nutrition for the race was: saltines, peanut m&m's, water and Heed. I felt great all day. No soreness, no fatigue, no cramps…perfect.

If you have never tried a race such as the Bakers Dozen, think about it. You will make some lifelong friends and you may just have a bit of fun to boot.

Looking forward to Bakers

I think, wait…the word I am looking for escapes me…the word is MIRACLE! Yes I will actually have a race this weekend! Bakers Dozen (13 hour lapped race) with Liz and Alex and we are looking to throw it down. Thirteen hours of mountain biking ho-down in Leesburg, Va. This is one of my all-time favorites and the last two years has seen a second and a third…aint gonna be nothin' but first this year. Again, this is my first 3 person coed, so it will be a lot of fun. The last four years, I have done solo and two person. The three person format will allow for some much needed rest in between laps. We have always done doubles (doing two consecutive laps, instead of one on and one off). This year we will be competing against 25 other teams of three, so giddy-up partner and ride hard.

I am super excited to FINALLY get to race my new Ritchey P-29er SS. Now if we could just get Alex to make the move to the dark side and get rid of those stupid, loud and obnoxious extra weight, we would be perfect. I haven't decided on the gearing yet, but in the past I have run 32x18 and spun out rather quickly, so I will probably run a 32x17 set up.

So, it is first or nothing this year and I couldn't ask for a better team.

On another note, here is the rankings (by points awarded by Strava based on how high up in each segment you place). Not bad for a 46 year old monologging fool. 6th out of 2200+ riders aint too shabby. the only 40+ year old in the top 10 I might add. I think it is very cool to be able to ride hard and see how you are progressing (or digressing in some cases).

Kids Health and Fitness Expo

This must be a sign of getting old. I missed my first AFC Sugar Hill Race at Patapsco since it was started in 2009. Why…I attended a children's health expo. Actually, it was a lot of fun. It was geared towards kids so this was right up my alley.  My wife is in charge of the unit at that hospital and they asked if I was interested in participating; lots of kids, chance for some Tom Foolery? I am in!

It was held in the immense PG county learning and fitness center and this place was HUGE! Indoor olympic pool, full gymnastics center, indoor track,

weights and that is just the first floor.

I got a chance to meet some great people and a ton of kids; my favorite being the PG county jumprope squad. They spent at least an hour on the bikes I had set up on a couple trainers. Each one trying to out do the other. The tall girl in the first photo, Saela (12 years old) was the most impressive of the girls. She pedaled for 30:04 for 5.47 miles and then proceeded to the jump rope competition-go get em Saela! Of course, not to be out done by a girl, Joshua (11 years old) pedaled for 41:00 and 8.43 miles! I think that our group was the most popular booth by far.

I didn't really have anytime away from questions and a ton o' fun. The kids were really more inquisitive than I originally gave them credit for. Some really had some knowledge of cycling and asked some pretty good questions. All told, everyone  logged an amazing 34.67 miles. If that isn't inspiration enough for you to get out and ride, then maybe synchronized swimming is in your future.

There was quite a few activities for the kids to engage in. Alex tried his hand at tennis and he just picked it up like he knew what he was doing. We had one of the instructors come over and asked if Alex was interested in playing, but driving to PG county aint gonna happen on a weekly basis.

I think all in all it was a success. I got to hang out with some cool kids and the kids went home with a better understanding of cycling health and fun. Now, don't go thinkin' that I am gonna missin' races all over the place all the time! Really, these are the kinds of things that missing a race or two is ok.

Thanks to Twyla Cathion and my beautiful wife with her help today from Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital for having me.

Fun from Abroad

Cyclists are brothers and sisters by nature

I have to say, working in a bike shop was never my plan. I am an artist by design. Yes, by design. I would have thought that I would be running a quaint little design studio churning out all sorts of cool and maybe not so cool marketing and advertising hoopla. Nope…bike shop.

Every now and again, you get to meet people that I would never have had the opportunity and the joy of meeting. That is where Warren and Esther come in. I will be very blunt and quick-26000+ miles through 38 countries in 3 years http://estherwarren.wordpress.com ; that is what they have accomplished so far. No big deal right? People do that all the time…suuuuurrre they do. We have had the chance to give their bikes a complete makeover, mud facial, massage, ok not really, but the bikes did get outfitted with all kinds of replacement parts; including four new wheel builds, fenders, chainrings, etc. Lots of work, some challenges thrown in for good measure, a little cup of luck and you have a great recipe for success!

Lots of shops, but ours got the chance not only to do the work, but to get to know these two from the British Isles. Remember when you were a kid and you thought that everyone else had an accent but you? It is still true:) I guess the coolest thing about their adventure (not to take away the overall accomplishments), but just the people, stories and the scenery that I can only imagine was simply amazing. Yep, jealousy is sure to follow. Also just found out that Esther is an artist as well. You can view her wonderful watercolors on their site. Warren has a great eye for photography, something that is a must have for an adventure such as this.

I have to say, as an artist for 20+ years in a corporate environment would never have allowed this type of interaction with these wonderful people from across the Atlantic. I will get to see them again next week before they head out on their tour of the US and see them off. As Warren says "It will be the dogs bullocks."

Ugh...

I really couldn't come up with a title that truly encompassed my feelings of the is years winter in Maryland. I know people in Michigan and Alaska will think I am whining-I am, but not really about the temperatures, but the rain and snow seemed  to somehow have a master plan to thwart any attempts at letting us dirt merchants have our way with, well the dirt.

Racing is something I love to do. I love the competition, the camaraderie and just getting out there and pushing your body beyond and sometimes to the point of being introduced to Mr. Coma. Racing makes you faster and you don't meet a better group of menses and womenses anywhere in any sport. By now, I would have had 4 races under my belt, instead I have a ton of road miles and no races…nada. At first, when the first and second race was postponed, I was ok. They were rescheduled until the end of the month. Well it is the beginning of the next month and unless your name is Wilbur, you are not in a real jovial mood in regards to racing or riding for all that matters.

My training was on track and the stars were aligned and the birds were signing and well…ok. So it looks as if the next "scheduled" race is my favorite-Bakers Dozen. I will be teaming back up with Liz as usual and this year we are adding a great person and rider in Alex Mata. Alex and I have been racing against each other for some years now; although he has been running more as of late. Why, your guess. Anyway, we have a real good shot at the top spot (something that has eluded me for some years now.) No more bridesmaid…well maybe in some other life.

I am going to close with my chin up and my hopes high knowing that soon, I will be basking in 90° temps and all will be right with the world, or at least my mountain bike world.

Now we just some pigs and all will be good

Ok, honestly in the 25 years of riding the off-road velocipede, I have never seen a winter like 2014 here in Maryland. A few years back, we had a monstrous 2 week dumping of the white crap that totaled 44" in two storms. Sure we have had more snow than others, but there was always a freeze that would allow for some frequent dirt excursions. Heck, there were times that I even enjoyed a break and hit the road dare I say,
but this year, yes this year has been what can best be described as a "caliginous cornucopia quagmire." Sorry, couldn't really put three words together that started with a q.

So anyway, I have been on the mtb 3 times in 3 1/2 months, I mean I change my underwear more frequently than that for pete sake. The above shot is how our trails here have looked for 95% of the season so far. How do you guys in Washington deal with this on a yearly basis? There were four races to start the march season and all have been postponed until the last weekend in march or the first week in april. We just had 8" of snow this past monday-just to add insult to injury. I finally get Trace to do some more off roaring ventures and ole man winter is not having any of that either.

I have been on the road and the trainer trying to sort this whole power meter thing out, so I haven't been slacking, but this weather has also thrown off my training for the second straight year. I was ready to go for the 8 hours of Patapsco, and the Snow Miser had other plans. Sugar Hill? Yep, Snowy brought more of that wet, cold white garbage again. All I can say is that we need more of his brother Heat Miser to put an end to this pig size smorgesboard. Am I complaining, I do believe I am. I have a beautiful new Ritchey SS just waiting to be raced and I am slowly losing motivation health points each day this goes on.

Why couldn't I have been born in Arizona or some other place that thinks snow is the 90's one-hit wonder rapper that spent more time in prison that on the charts-if only he had an Informer. That was bad…

Well, I am going to quit this writing and go sulk in the pit of despair along with my other dirt merchant friends who have had to call road biking their home. Over and out...

Just some good pics of a future star…maybe?

Thats my boy…

Alexs' final stats (in-house/travel team combined)

Batting:
.387 avg.
21 doubles
2 home runs
36 runs scored
18 rbi's
32 stolen bases

Pitching:
0.84 era
36 innings
4 - 1 record
12 hits
62 strikeouts
5 walks
(1) no-hitter

Race season is a comin'

Well, it is finally here and this winter has been horrible for training, but still grinding my way through it.  Yeah, riding when it is 16° out doesn't do a whole lot for certain parts of the male anatomy (remember the Seinfeld episode with George and the pool)-yeah, like that. March 9th I will be heading to Patapsco with my female comrade Liz to endure 8hrs of cold and fun. This isn't our first race as co-eds, but our first as single speed teammates... Heck yes! It has taken me an entire year to get her to come to the dark side.

I expect this race will be a bit rough being so early in the year and with a lot of elevation; 1053 ft per 8.7 mile laps. Liz and I have done super awesome in our races-all podium finishes, so I expect nothing less from us. I am dying to get my leg over my new steed. Looks like my first ride will be tomorrow with Trace since the trails will be frozen after tonights 16° temps...oh joy. I can't wait for the nonsense to move on. Anyway, I am really looking forward to this year and see what this old body can still churn out on the monocog machine.

19lbs of shear beauty

Power to the people

I knew that I didn't have the willpower to withstand the call of the wild. I mean, I really didn't see the purpose or even the remote possibility that this would be something that I should attempt. I have friends that use them and swear by them. I have read many reviews and articles on different types and pros and cons of each of them. Really, what can a 46 year old ss mountainbiker hope to gain from this? Well, I am not really sure. Numbers are awesome...performance numbers are even more awesomical..um...er.
Numbers can be a bit sneery too, especially since they are true facts and figures; there is no hiding from them. Hear rate has been the mainstay for training forever. There are still athletes that use this, including myself. Yeah, I know about drift and all that hoopla, but it works and as you get older and know your body, I think it is still a great way (and the cheapest) to train. Sooooo, where does this lead to in terms of power meters and how it will fit into my training?

Well, since I am relatively new to this whole deal, I feel that the two of the can work together in perfect harmony and maybe even compliment each other. More later...

Ritchey P-29er Teaser Pt. 2

Well, here it is and I don't think I have been this excited about a bike in a long time. Here are some pics to dream to tonight.  It came in  a lot lighter than I thought (with heavy tires to boot). All told, 19lbs. When I switch to the newer tires, the bike will come in at 18lbs. 12oz. Thats what I am talking about. Frame weighs exactly what Ritchey's site claims - 4.75lbs. Welds are clean and the head tube work is awesome and uses drop in bearings. Anyway, enjoy.
Parts are as follows:
Bontrager RXL Wheels (DT Swiss Hubs)
Bontrager RXL Bar, stem and carbon saddle
Bontrager XXXL Seatpost
Bontrager RXL Grips
Bontrager XDX Tires
Niner Fork
Niner 18t cog
MRP Bling Ring 32t CR and Spider
Truvativ XO crank
Avid Elixir CR Carbon brakes
Shimano XTR CL Rotors
Crank Bros Eggbeater SL pedals

Something cool this way cometh

Just a teaser until it arrives next week...

I have always wanted a Ritchey frame ever since I saw my friend Kirby's P-23 from around 1994 or so. Of course, my hopes of ever riding one seemed hopeless until good ole' Tom made a 29er version of that beautiful rig and did it right with sliders. The frames weighs in at 4.73 lbs for a large...very nice. Just a run down on the parts- Niner carbon fork, Bontrager RXL (dt swiss) hubs, RXL bar and stem, RXL carbon saddle, XXXL seat post, XT brakes and cranks. All told, it should come in at around 20.5 lbs., maybe less.

It will get here just in time for race season to start and put it through its paces.

2013 and Feeling of Age

I initially thought 2013 was going to be a phenomenal year on the bike. I had ideas of top 5 finishes at every race and feeling like I was 25 again. I mean who doesnt want that at 46 right? I had trained smarter, and longer than before and felt like I could tackle the world.

Well it started out that way. I had a 5th place finish at Snotcycle, a dismal, but albeit 5th at AFC Sugar Hill, 3rd at Bakers Dozen and 2nd at the 12 hr of Cranky Monkey. All was looking great and then it hit me, for the first time in a long time, I decided to pull the plug on the race season. It was a strange feeling, but I just didnt want to get involved in anything else. I just wanted to ride for the sake of riding without worrying about my LTHR or what zone  I needed to be in while watching my this and that. I have to admit, I enjoyed it.

Funny things happen when you let loose and just have fun; somehow I got a wee bit faster. I set  alot of personal goals this past year (most of which came on the road of all places).

I put in the most hours, rode the most miles and blew away my previous personal records by 100. Heck, I even joined some Strava running challenges.

Strabbaranks is a cool website that tracks riders based on their locations and ranks them based on a points system for the segments you have ridden on Strava. I ended up 6th (still ongoing) out of 2000+ riders in the Maryland, Baltimore area. The only one over 40 in the top 10 which is pretty cool. So, in some ways, I still can bring it when needed, but not on a more consistent basis as my younger folk.

I learned alot about myself as a rider as well. I pushed myself harder, but I also found that I dont recover like I used to. I was stronger on the climbs and on hard efforts, but wasnt able to lay down an attack like I was used to doing, which was a bit depressing at times.

I also learned that you can have an impact on other riders as well and not really know it. Trace works with me at the shop and we started riding together more and more as the year went on and hill day became a staple in our rides together. Jim, who is 66, rides a lot and is a strong rider for his age also rides with us on a daily basis. It was very cool to see how these two progressed throughout the year and became much faster than last year. As some of you may know, I love to tackle anything vertical. The more Everest it gets, the more fun it is. Over the course of a few months, they went from "casually" riding hills to attacking on a more consistent level. Now, I am not saying it was because of me-not at all, but it does show how you can have a positive influence on other riders that want to further their riding level.

I spent alot more time on the road bike then ever before, too. Must of the reason due to trail conditions. We have quite a few hills around the shop, so that became my regular routine on the road. None of which are "easy" attempts; well I guess it all depends on what you classify what your attempts are.

I realized that I am not getting any younger. I still hold my own with the younger guys, but it definitely was quite evident that I am going to have to work a bit harder to maintain a certain level of riding.

To be continued...

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone has a great CHRISTMAS! That right; not xmas, holiday or whatever retail people have made it into. It is Christmas whether or not you celebrate it, is up to you, but it is what it is; the birth of Christ. Enjoy!

Is it that Time Again? Pt II

To continue on...

I think a lot of people fall into the "I only ride _____ bike" syndrome. I know people that would never set foot into the clipless pedals of a mountain bike and vicee versee. Nothing wrong with that, but they miss out out on the extra benefits of what the other disciplines can offer. For me, riding the road bike in the winter is great. It is crisp, clean and the cold air keeps you moving; unless the temps get to be unbearable-than it is time to mount the dirt (or ice) machine. Of course, I ride the mountain bike all year round, but the winter offers some interesting rides depending on the weather round dees here parts.

I guess what I am getting at is base miles can be a bit on the snoozey side if you dont add some variety in the mix; yes this does include some trainer excursions as well. I know it is super convenient to just ride out of the front door on the road bike and do the same old same old. I have to agree that sometimes I go through those spells, too. It can be a bit of a drag to get everything loaded in the car a drive somewhere to ride your bike, but the mountain bike has so much to offer. From a great workout to getting in some great scenery. Most of all, it is just a great way to take a break from the mundane (and be honest-a little safer).

Now, this doesnt mean that you have to go out and feel like you have to throw it down as if you were on the road-and honestly, you aint gonna do that anyway. Just get out and enjoy this time of the year and meet some super cool people as well. Funny thing is, you will find more people willing to ride the trails when it is 30º then you will find roadies.

So, do yourselves a favor and swing from both sides...yep, pun intended and throw in some rides that you wouldnt normally do on another bike during this upcoming boring base mile blast. Who knows, you may even enjoy yourself.