The Mis-adventures of a Bad Mountain Biker

A party followed by another party!

2012-02-13T20:21:00.001-05:00

Last Thursday was the first of many 29th's birthday for the burrower. In celebration for the event she wanted to have a nice quiet evening at the house with good friends. Instead we got the usual gang.(if any of them reads this, kidding)Her wish was to have a family dinner night making homemade pizza followed by a kinect party. She got her wish. After it was decided that the women folk go to the living room the men were then in charge of making the homemade pizzas. For once this is a decision the women would not regret. Onions, sausage, pepporini, mushrooms, peppers, chicken, bbq sauce, and probably a few other topings in which I forgot to mention all made it onto one pizza or another.

The girls banished from the kitchen

Angus using our bud light rolling pin.After stuffing our faces and bellies it was time to work off those carbs with a little excercise, kinect dance central 2 style.

The burrower and Ashley getting jiggy wit it

Pretty sure I won this round...

And they lost their man card early in the night.Finally just before midnight everyone went home, full, exhausted, and only partially drunk (not the drivers though)And then the party after the party, the last race at the Winter Short Track. This was the party to end all parties even though the high only reached about 40 degrees. The crowd was huge and rowdy. Afros, wigs, tu-tu's, even a pinata (thanks Mutt for the pic)

I almost had it, but the guy after me smashed it down. After the race I did get the candy though. I count that as a win in my book. Before I get to my little recap I just need to backtrack a bit and I don't feel like deleting everything else and starting over. I did manage to get off work early on Friday, headed up to the Sun and Ski shop, picked up some winter riding gloves and hit a quick lap at Shermans branch. I posted a respectable time for February, better than my time last August. Then on Saturday I was too lazy to load up the mountain bike, so I just hit my local hills in the Research park on a roadie ride. Which gets us caught back up to Sunday...So Sunday we get to the track a little earlier than usual and I still manage not to warm up, but layer up in attempt to get warm in the freezing weather. Robert layering up

I ride 2 laps around the parking lot and then line up in the 2nd row left side, my usually starting place. Neil yells on the intercom "Racers..Go". There is a pile up on the right ride as some riders have problems clipping in. I take this to my advantage and hop into the woods in around 8th place. This is the first time all series I have been in the top 10. The trail was dry and fast and I used that to my advantage. I ended up staying with the leaders through the actual mountain bike part of the course and even put a small gap on the guys behind me. And then we hit the fire road. All of the guys that couldn't hang on the downhill ended up passing me on the uphill. Damn roadies. Another 2 laps and I finally settled into my rythem and eventually started picking off one rider at a time. I bombed down the single track, feeling my tires squeal under pressure and hitting the berms and then try as hard as I could on the climb out.

I posted my best last at 3:51, 8 seconds faster than previous laps, and finished a full 2 minutes faster than the last week. I guess the moral of this story is the more you ride, the faster you get. I might have to try doing that more often to get faster. Succuss!!! I did stay around for the single speed class afterward to watch Mr. Hagarty,

teammate Steve Pep,

and Mr. Conginality, Dave Elliston

Then the awards ceremony at East Blvd Bar and Grill. I didn't win anything, but I really dont need an excuse to drink beer and talk bikes. I think the next race is going to be the Killer 3 down in SC. Until then...

YEAH BOYYYY

On the Road again...

2012-02-04T15:04:00.001-05:00

I have decided to make this post just like a picture book as a picture is worth more than 1000 words. At least even a bad picture is better than 1000 of my words anyway.After race 2 lackluster results (but great pictures as always by the burrower)I have a family commitment in Knoxville Tennesse so race 3 of the series was out of the question. But if you really wanted to see me in mandex here you go...

I have nice legs....and goofing off in the tent afterwards

We fastforward our journey through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains on a Saturday morning

4 hours (and one unnecessary bathroom break later) Where me and the burrower me my rents

Dad not used to the paparazzi and had no comment when asked about the ice shortage in the Sahara Dessert...Grabbed some late lunch at a local microbrew

Walked around downtown Knoxville

Thought about going for a swim....

Got back to the hotel to get pretty for the reception

Even the rents managed to clean up decently

Saw my god-parents who I had not seen since my wedding, and I don't even remember the last time before that

Got the picture with the happy couple

Drank way to much (no pictures of that or the aftermath that occurred) and retired early for the night. And by early I mean we passed out before the bars were closed. We awoke the next morning not hung over (luckily) and had breakfast with the rents and god parents and then packed up and drove back home to Charlotte. It was a fun afternoon to be had in TN and went by way to fast but I still never learned how to speel Tennese correctly while I was there. Maybe next time. I appreciated Jon and Megan for inviting us to their ceremony. Maybe next post will be a little wittier and less reliant on the pictures, but probably not.

Status update..Just like facebook but less interesting

2012-01-19T18:56:00.001-05:00

You might have to excuse my spelling, as I am starting my Thursday off right with a little (big) glass of rum and coke. 'Tis the only way to get Thursday going.So just a recap from last weekend in which was the first race of the Charlotte Winter Short Track series. Weather was perfect, about 55 degrees. Cool enough were you didn't need to bring a lot of fluids, hot enough where you weren't freezing your ass off. I love the Carolina winters. I was feeling good going into the race. Went to church early in the morning, grabbed some breakfast, then headed on over to Renni park to do a few warm up laps. Luckily because it was the first race and a HUGE turnout they were running a little behind. That just gave me more opportunities to warm up...or to go out on a warm up lap and break my chain and walk back to the pits. There was still another field that had yet to start and finish their race so I wasn't too concerned with time as I did the walk of shame up the gravel fireroad. Luckily I caught Robert, one of the allen wrench monkeys for my new shop team this year Sun and Ski Sports who was able to shorten the chain and get everything all dialed in for me. I took it easy on a few more warm up runs as I didn't want to jinx myself with breaking a chain during the race. The race before my group, 19-39 sport, finally ended and my group got ready to go. It was a large field, 31 overall for my age group, and then about 30 for the 40+ group. That is a lot of people on .8 miles of mountain bike singletrack.I went off with a bang, or about as fast as I could. I ended up going into the first turn in about 20th place. Since this event draws a lot of roadies, they are fast on the gravel climbs so I wasn't concerned with catching those in front of me, just making sure those behind me didn't pass. About 3 laps in I noticed my mistake I made earlier in the day. No, it wasn't about the chain breaking, but about how I ate a bagel sandwich only about and hour before hand. Cramps. Bad ones. Laps 4-6. After pushing through those I finally settled into a rythem and had in my sights 2 people in my class. I caught one of them at lap 7,and one at lap 8. It is a new feeling for me to be able to pass people that late in the race. Most the time the leaders pass me on these short races. Well, they did, with 2 laps to go. Not to shabby holding on that long.All in all I took 24 out of 31. Although the results might not show it, I was happy with that standing considering there is always sandbaggers to deal with, along with roadies who use their brakes the entire downhill to slow everyone down, and then on the smooth climb just take off with their tiny 120 lbs bodies. And heres the part everyone loves...pictures. Courtesy of the burrower.

These white jerseys are not going to be white after this next weekend...

The Mutt picking his nose...

Thats about all I got. The burrower will be there again next week, so maybe she can have some fun with her new camera and find some different angles. Till then..

Ready to Race!

2012-01-10T20:41:00.000-05:00

With the Winter Short Track series just days away you might be wondering what I am doing to train and get ready to rock it out... The answer is nothing really. Yes, due to the wonderful weather in which we are having here so far this year I have been out on the bike more often than last year, and after doing a few hot laps with The Mut I don't feel like I am ready to die, this is probably the best shape I have been in in the last few years I have been racing. While on the ride to the Reni Short track, the Mutt reminded me that I still need to write up what I got for Xmas. Since it is a rough economy, and well, I usually buy whatever I need me and the burrower decided to put a cap of 7 gifts for $70 dollars, so that means things get intersting.First gift...how we now settle arguments in the Bleffer household.

I am undefeated!!!! And I also never have to take out the trash again due to a 6 round bout in which I won by TKO.In addition to some other stuff, my big gift was this, a survival strap.

In addition to them making a quality product and donating funds to the Wounded Warrior ProjectAnd finally, thanks to the G-Ma (and her not exactly knowing what she got me) I am now one of the cool kids to have this Yes the Awesome Strap. I let her pick the colors, and although its not the first choice, the functionallity is still the same.

And since my hulu episodes are almost done while writing this, I think I will have to have a recap of some other time of my adventures off the bike from Saturday, Ill give you a hint, if you read the mutts blog, mine will be the same.

Happy New Years day!!!

2012-01-02T13:12:00.001-05:00

Or a day late. Whatever. Usually when I read these things it is a wrap up of what happened during the year...this blog will be no exceptions. But since I know a bunch of people that read this are reading challenged with words, there will be pictures.The first half of the year was a blur. I did some winter bike riding, got to play in the snow, but mostly was getting ready for married day.

Short track - circa January 2011

Dogs didn't mind the snow, at least for a little bit

Annual snowboarding trip with the guys.February - Well, looking back through my pictures, not a lot happened that month so we will skip ahead.March - My buddy B. Lee got married. It was a local wedding and a good time was had by all.

I am sure there are more pictures, I just dont remember how I labeled them and this is the only one I could findApril - was a party month! I was lucky enough to have all my best friend come to Charlotte (for those that didn't live here) for my bachelor party weekend. Needless to say, they left exushted and feeling a little bit dirty, just like a bachelor party should end.

The burrower also had her bachelorette party here.

May - Married day. Busy month, lots of pictures, wedding in Iowa, honeymoon in the Bahamas. Lots of pictures that cant all be posted on here.

I just liked how the colors turned out in this one.

yup, were bad-asses

Staying classy in front of the Buscalade in D-port

Another fun night in the BahamasI also completed my first 24 hour race. It was brutal. And after all the traveling, not easy. But is was a great experience and I still want to do it again.

My Trusty Steed - The Culprit getting all dressed up and ready to go.

Ready for night riding, that way when I fell into the ravine they could find me easier.June - Can't seem to find much going on there, maybe a housewarming party? I seem to remember rain....

July - Down to ATL to see the 'rests for the 4th. Stopped by the sweetwater factory for a little taste test.

August - Wedding, this time in Boston-ish area.

Staying Classy

We wore those sunglass all night because our future is so bright....And then my disappointing race at Uwharrie - one of my few DNF's. I blame it on all the beer.

Sept - Another birthday, some festivals, and another wedding, Jersey Style

Ok, so were were actually in S. Jersey, closer to Philly than the fist pumping.

Thomas Jefferson farted in that chair that the burrower was sitting in. It had to be true, there was a plaque for it.

Another quality picture ruined by me.Oct - nothing too crazy, just trying to end the year alive

Happy Halloween!!!November - wow, looking back, no major events, at least not in picture form.December - Ugly Sweaters!!

And that was the year in picture form. I think I hit most the highlights. I had a fun year with great friends. Cliche, but I hope this next year is as much fun as the last (although I would like to take a vacation without having to be there for a wedding is my goal for 2012). p.s. I apologize for the formatting, I just spent to much time uploading pictures that I really didn't care how the typing played out, so deal with it.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-18T08:03:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to you if you are reading this, or happy holidays, whatever your religions affiliation is. Its been over a month since my last post and I would like to say I have been busy the entire time, but really I have been lazy when it comes to non-essential things such as blog post and bathing.Since it is the end of the year I would like to give thanks to the Burrower for putting up with my antics throughout the year.

That's right, thumbs up right back at you! She was there for Warrior Creek, 6 hour race, and my first 24 hour race, Burn 24, in which she promised she wouldn't let me die riding my bike for that long straight. She puts up with me riding on the weekends, and coming home smelling like sweat and booze (I love early morning rides with booze), and just putting up with me in general, mostly because as of this year she has to officially do it for the rest of her life. Sucker.Other than that I am thankful to have great friends, some of which who ride bikes, and some that don't, that are always there for a good time.For the past week I have been feeling under the weather, I have tried sweating it out, didn't work, killing it with alcohol, didnt work and and running out of ideas. So I apologize for the rambling and crappy(or crappier) post than usual, but I just wanted to wish everyone a good time for this upcoming year. Dress warm and go ride!

Fun on Three Wheels

2011-10-30T11:42:00.001-04:00

Since I work for a company that deals with a lot of non-profit universities and hospitals all of the employees are encouraged to give back to the community. This year I have volunteered to mentor a young student at one of the local elementary schools. I figure this will be a good learning experience for me to help some underprivileged child in some way since I always had everything I needed growing up. This will be one of my first times donataing a significate amount of my time instead of my money to help others in need.But don't worry, I also decided to donate my money as well to a national 501c 3 corporation (you know the kind where you get the write off). This years donations is going to IMBA or the International Mountain Bike Association. They build trails, help advocate bikeing as a healthy lifestyle, and also have some pretty sweet perks if you want to take advantage of them. The reason why I keep rambling on and on about volunteering is to lead up to this....the employee giving campaign in which the company will match dollar for dollar up to (I believe its) 1.2 million dollars for charity has an annual tricycle race. This is the 3rd year in which I entered it. The first year I helped win the trophy.

I couldn't find the picture of the trophy, but here is me from the first year. The goggles make me more aerodynamic. Last year the team got knocked out in the quarter finals.

But this year I wanted a little more than a picture, and got a little creative. Take a look at how easy we got out of the first round. The format is a 4 person team, 2 male, 2 female and you ride then switch riders. You will get the idea after watching the video. I am the 2nd rider. YOu see how fast we got past the other teams? Thats skill.And here is where it went wrong in the quarter finals.Although it would have been nice to win the trophy again, it was all for fun (mostly) and all for a good cause.

Time for an update

2011-10-13T18:14:00.000-04:00

Except I haven't got one so I will try to ramble on for a few sentences, maybe post a few pictures. 2 weeks ago it was my birthday, I turned somewhere in the area of 29. After a while I just stopped counting. Round numbers such at 30, 40, 50 dont scare me. They are just numbers. I just try to survive one day at a time, and how many times I have circled the sun just isn't that relevant. With the weather turning great I have gotten out to ride for fun again. Nothing like wearing shorts and a t-shirt, not having to worry about carrying 4 lbs of water just to get through the train. Its a great feeling and great time of year. Also in another update I think I am about ready to drink the kool aid.

Last time I tried a 29er bike, the experience wasn't a good one. I didn't like the way it fit, the way it turned, how bulky it was. That was a few years ago and things have changed. I just happened to be at the USNWC when the Trek demo showed up all the way from the Cheesehead state.I got to ride a nice full squish 29er, and although it was nice, it just wansn't for me.

Then was the hardtail superfly.

I think due to how much I suck at climbing up a side of a hill, the hardtail is the way to go. I climbed goat hill without a problem. I see why people like these big clown wheels.I also did have some fun playing with a downhill bike.

A little overkill on the flat land, but I did get a taste going down the old downhill course, and man this thing rides like a Cadillac. It was smooth no matter what you rode over and you just felt like you would be floating.Well, this weekend is the 4th annual Beer Olympics, and although it might not be as organized as in the past as we are getting the partners together only a day before, it is sure to be a good time. Let me know if you want to play, we are always looking for other countries to pretend to represent!

End of September - in a Nutshell

2011-09-30T13:46:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day of September and the weather has finally started to cooperate. No more boiling temperatures at 9 pm, rain forecast is close to 0 percent, which is nice considering that Noah called, he wanted his Ark back, and I have vacation days to use. I could have used them during the summer, but it was just too damn hot. Now the weather is close to cool in the prime riding hours, a nice cool breeze on your back as I ride through the singletrack. These days are my favorite.I took today off partly because it is my birthday on Sunday, and partly, I looked at the weather forecast. I ate a light breakfast and headed out to the local racetrack, Shermans branch. Since it was during working hours there were only a few cars in the parking lot when I got there. It also means I get to ride as slow as I want to without anyone catching me. I have been having a problem lately when riding of my body overheating. One of these days I will get it checked out, until then, I just keep riding. Another fun thing about riding when it is not crowded is that all of the animals are out. I was lucky enough to see a squirell (one of many) who had a deathwish and decided to run on the biking trail. This is basically what it looked like.

Yeah, those squirells were about ready to go all West Side Story on me.I also managed to startle a deer while I was out there.

I didnt see a rabbit, but doesn't mean they werent working in pairs to get the next rider.And finally Bart was kind enough to give all the members of the team a Podium T-shirt. Since I will never get on the podium, I am just going to call it a regular t-shit and wear it as such.

Rocky went ahead and inspected it. He didn't pee on it so I assume it passed.Not a lot going on here much anymore, the summer has wound down, don't have any more weddings for the year (and as far as I know none next year either) so it is nice to get back into a routine. Hopefully I can guilt some of my buddies to go riding with me tomorrow, weather is perfect again, and well, I am going to pull the birthday trump card if they decide to wuss out because it has been way to long since I have been riding with friends. Hopefully I will have some good pictures for you from the celebration on Saturday. If you want to stop on by after reading this, party starts at 630. And if after reading this you dont want to stop by, well, just drop off the beer and leave.

Conclusion of Summer

2011-09-17T09:34:00.000-04:00

Today it was 52 degrees when I woke up. Today is a high of around 71 degrees. This is cold for a lot of the southerners around here as they are started to get bundled up and starting up the heater. I am just happy to turn the A/C off after 3 solid months. I am sort of glad it is over as now I have excuses why not to ride. "Its getting dark to early, its to cold, it rained" anything just to not ride. In a way I am sort of glad this summer is over. All the traveling across the country is done. No more wedding gifts to buy (or receive). I get to sit outside and not sweat my ass off drinking a nice cold beer Friday after work. Yes summer has its advantages, but so does fall.My latest mis-adventure was up to New Jersey for a wedding just last week. Me and the burrower had a mutual friend from Charlotte move up there and then she found somebody and blah blah blah, another wedding. Instead of flying, we decided to drive there. Its only about 9 hours or so, a nice easy day trip from the Queen city. Driving up north and right when we hit the Virginia state border, it started raining. Im not talking about a little drizzle, but the hurricane rain just came down. It didn't stop until we hit Delaware.

Lets just say it made for a miserable 8 hour drive that took closer to 10 total. While we were up there we did have a few hours to kill before all the wedding type stuff was going on and decided to head into the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.

And yes, I bought the Fanatic dinner before I touched him like that. I am a gentleman after all.We did all the historic stuff, walked were Ben Franklin walked. Sat in a chair that George Washington farted on...etc etc.

I licked the Liberty Bell. Tasted like Freedom.

Me in front of the first bank in the U.S. And yeah, I made it rain Benjamin's there.And finally something almost biking related. I know that it takes me a long time to warm my body up when I ride so I want to try to increase my anaerobic threshold (Yes I used spell check for those words). The burrower also wanted a piece of home excercise equipment so we compromised and got this bad boy.

I know its no replacement for hitting the trail, but hopefully I can drop a few extra pounds and learn to increase my heart rate for a longer period of time. Its all hopefully right? It just might be another expensive piece of exercise equipment that becomes a laundry rack, only time will tell. Later today is the Lake Norman Beer Fest up at the Galloway Hooker in Birkdale. I am sure I will have a few good stories and pictures to tell after visiting that.

What hurricane?

2011-08-28T07:24:00.004-04:00

So checking this world wide web thing Friday night and all the news type websites were talking about the hurricane. Good news is that it headed north, the bad news is that it is causing a lot of damage higher up on the east coast. Hopefully people evacuated when they were told to.

But since it did head north, that left the central part of North Carolina free of rain (at least of any real measure) and on a dark and windy morning my journey to Uwharrie for the Battle of the Carolina's started. Driving my box on wheels with a bike on top in high wings is always an adventure, but eventually me and my trusty pit crew, the Burrower, made it in plenty of time for the start.

After checking in and putting on my number plate (Number 2, this is the lowest number I had ever gotten, almost made me feel like a ringer) I headed to the start line for the pre-race meeting. These were the events in chronological order. If you notice there was no warm up. Im supposed to ride 50 miles, I don't see the need to ride 2-3 to warm up. After talking with the MaddSS, DirtyBikeLoveDave, the Mutt, and a few other of the usual suspects it was time for the race to start. I took my place in the back of the group and then headed off.

Now this course is no typical Charlotte trail, this is like the mountains, real climbing, rocky and rooty descents, and I would soon find out that I just was not ready for it. The course was a 5 lap 10 mile loop. It had been a while since I had ridden there, but I figured by the 5th lap I would know the course pretty well.

The first lap was pretty uneventful, just the normal hustle and bustle of people changing up positions and figuring out their pace. The climbs were brutal, but I avoided the granny ring for the first lap and was able to power through at a pretty good pace. After the brutal climbs comes the bone shaking descents. My body was not ready for these either. My bike and my body (which luckily was attached to the bike) were getting shaken up real bad. But lap one finished without incident.

The second lap was pretty much the same, touch climbs, still feeling good, brutal downhills etc. Nothing much to report there. It is when I came through on my 3rd and just happened to be final lap. There was a mild climb right after the fire road and my body was done. Legs just stopped working. No cramps, no pain, just no power. I back-tracked to the pit area and saw the burrower ready with her camera, waiting for me to come through. We talked a little bit and then my fearless leader Bart convinced me it was all in head. I went out on another lap. This lap was painful. I walked up most the uphills, (which was a lot) and then rode the brakes on the downhills hoping to smooth out the ride. It didn't work. When I dismounted the bike to walk, my vision got blurry. As much as I wanted to finish this race, I don't believe it was in the cards for that day.

As the burrower often points out, "you are closer to 30 than 20 right now". Physically that is true. I can't expect to go ride for 50 miles, when the most I had done all summer at one time is 20. This type of thing happens when you grow up I am guessing, traveling, weddings, time with friends, and I just didn't put in the miles I needed to complete this goal. I hate to sound like a Chicago Cubs fan, but there is always next year. Sorry for being long winded without any picture, but here yo go, the burrower set up shop at the start/finish line and took a few, at least while I was doing the last few miles of trail.

Me cruising through the last 2 miles.

The Mutt on Patrol

Chase cruising on through.

Daniel on a SS rigid, he regretted this lack of a suspension.

Summer in Full Swing

2011-08-16T17:26:00.007-04:00

With the 100 degree temp's in which we have been having for the past 2 months, these 80 degree days are a blessing. But during that heat wave there was still a lot going on, even at the risk of heat stroke.

After hearing of all the people completing the Booty Charity ride there was the Charlotte Criterium downtown. With one of the largest money prizes in the country there was a lot of action going on. First up was the women. I don't think I could keep up with these ladies, and when they crash, they crash hard.

One of the ladies was actually down and didn't move for about 10 minutes. They stopped the race for medical attention. She did get up and walk off her own power, but didn't continue.

Continuing on, my first top 10 finishes of the season for the Wednesday night race series occured. Granted the number of racers in my class was 11, 10, 7 respectively, but finishing does get you points. Now I am tied for 10th in the overall standings for my race class, not because of my stellar finishes, but because consistency pays off. I might get my race fees back in prizes this year. Score.

On the vacation front, I just got back from Boston for Cashley's wedding festivities extravaganza. Saw Fenway Park, the fishing town of Gluscester (I am sure I spelled that wrong but I don't care) then partied and got drunk at a lot of historical places.

See, Fenway Park

The double point, I am that cool.

Cleaning up nicely. Oh yeah, the burrower doing her thang as well.

The newly happy couple

A drunk historical spot, sponsored by Allison.

Big Buck Hunter, I won a lot of beer playing that

They wouldn't let me play with the guns. Apparently I'm on some kind of list.

That water was 61 degree. That is damn cold.

If you want to see the rest, become my Face-friends and in the subject line put "nude pictures" (I just want to see if you will do it)

Surrender the BOOTY!!!!!

2011-07-30T11:55:00.009-04:00

Todays post is a collection of short stories. My life isn't interesting enough to keep a full weeks worth, so I save it up and try to remember the past 2 weeks.

Starting yesterday night was the something's annual Booty Ride.

Once again this year I didn't pull the trigger and sign up, but luckily everybody in Charlotte is there supporting the riders for cancer research. I myself donated as my mom is a cancer survivor. And I need her around to be my designated driver when I go to the brewery tours.

Thanks mom for supporting my drinking habit!

Since I didn't sign up but some of my friends did, please go ahead and support them.

We have Little Miss Sunshine

And my save the world co-worker Lindsay

Or even any of my Queencity Teammates

As of yesterday over 1 million dollars has been donated for cancer reseach, so please use this as a tax deduction.

In terms of my lackluster career as a bike racer, it continues to be lackluster. The past 2 races I have gotten my first top 10 finishes, the first race there were only 9 people, but the 2nd one there was 11. Progress? Probably not. But survival is a tactic in bike racing when the weather is up over 100 degrees.

I also signed up for my arch nemesis of a bike race, the Rivers Edge 50 mile Marathon. Goal this year is to complete it in under 5 hours. If the weather continues to be close to boiling point it will be close. Looking back I have come far in terms of riding. My first year's time was 6 hours 30 minutes. Last years was 5 hours 45 minutes. I think that it is a reasonable goal to shoot for. Especially since I have a 6 hour and 24 hour bike race under my belt this year.

Try to stay hydrated and cool, its damn hot out there, and please donate!

Same old, same old

2011-07-16T21:35:00.012-04:00

Its been a whole lot of nothing going on here. I made the executive decision about 3 weeks ago to trade in both my little hatchback and the burrowers little sedan, to get......a small SUV for her.

She has always wanted one, and well, I think I got a good deal on it. So what is good for her is good for me. Except that left me without a vehicle. Now, normally that isn't so bad as I can ride my bike to work, and we have locker rooms there to shower and change in. Yeah for tax breaks to build those facilities. On the other hand I haven't had a chance to get to the trails to ride as most are a little too out of the way to ride a mountain bike to. My trail time was limited.

On the other hand I got some of my car insurance premium back, as well as lost a couple pounds with the 3 weeks of commuting to and from work. Only got caught in the rain one time. All that changed yesterday when I finally was able to pick up a vehicle for cheap. Requirment....that it runs and I can put my bike on it. I will be hitting up the trails more reguarly now, again.

But looking back over the past few weeks there were some other minor note worth events that happened. Went down to the original dirty south, ATL to see the rents. Even got to stop and go to the Sweetwater Brewery. Not much of a "tour", but one heck of a social gathering.

Me and the Burrower.

Dad having a brew.

Me and the designated driver...I mean my mom.

I actually don't know these people, but they wanted their picture taken (he did anyway)

Me and the burrower also went to the Georgia Aquarium. We watched dolphins, and made funny faces at the fish.

And finally, most importantly. I got my limited edition St. Ambrose University Bicycling jersey. I ordered this back in February, and finally it came. Lets just say it looks sexy on me.

And most importantly the fighting bee.

The weather finally didn't completely suck today, so hopefully trails tomorrow. I have a vehicle, the bike is ready to go, should be fun. Until then.

No new updates

2011-06-27T21:16:00.009-04:00

Its become that time of year again where I have settled into a routine. I guess that is good in a way, I know what to expect. After the spring in which I had it is nice to get to get into a rhythm. At least there has been a lot of this.

And this.

I seem to have taken to the Pale Ales type beer lately. At least when I am going for quality and not quantity. Its nice sometimes to just have a good beer along with some steak, mushrooms, corn on the cob...mmmm Sunday night dinner all over again.

I did try to go ride this weekend, but my dinner just wasn't sitting well so I called it quits, and lucky I did because on my way home I get a call from the burrower saying a pipe burst. At least I was only 2 miles away. Goods news is that I come to find out that a pipe didn't burst, but just came out (somehow after 2 years). Crisis averted.

I did have some other issues with the culprit, obviously they were all operator error. I left my camelbak on the bike while I was at work and Gatorade ended up leaking all over the brake rotors.

Not the quickest or quietest way to stop with all the junk on it.

I did need to change the pads anyways.

I never knew how much heat was generated from brakes until I saw the burn marks on the back. Pretty cool.

I am not sure when the next time I am going to get to ride on the trails is again as we are currently down to one vehicle and going down to ATL to see my parents for the long weekend. I ended up trading both my car and the burrowers car in for one Kia Sportage.

Its in the cards for me to pick up a beater to get me around town, until then I am going out on my morning commute on my road bike. Not necessarily a bad thing, I have been lazy since getting back from the wedding, and this really makes me not have any choice. At least it means I am getting some exercise and can eat more to balance it out. Have a good 4th of July. Remember to celebrate the greatness of this country by blowing up a small piece of it!

Kidding, its time to celebrate our Independence and to remember what this country stands for!

Moving on but not moving up

2011-06-17T16:28:00.009-04:00

At least not in terms of my standings in the races in which I enter. I have been trying to get out on the bike at least 3 times a week, and twice on the trail. So far the weather has been pretty good, its getting warmer, but that is to be expected this time of the year in the south.

Also the summer seems to have calmed down a bit, at least in relation to the spring in terms of weekend commitments (not to be confused with anybody being committed). With all of the riding I have run into a few issues with my articles of clothing. Mainly not having enough riding gear to get me through the week. On the plus side, the burrower has finally given up putting my clothes back in the drawers and just hanging them up where I can grab them quickly. Score.

(also a shameless plug for Queencity Bicycles)

If you look at my results from the past couple of summer series races, well, they suck worse than...I can't think of anything so here is a bunny to put it into perspective.

Up until last race at the USNWC, my legs felt horrible. They felt like most of you probably look. Yeah, that bad. But this last week they felt good. I mean real good. To bad by the time I finished the race everyone was already at the bar. I am trying to get out of survival mode for finishing races, and I am coming close, but taking a month off in the spring with an unlimited food and drink honeymoon is rough (but worth it) But I can handle that, my next challenge is the 50 mile race there. If I keep the legs in shape, that August race is going to be a piece of cake. I do have one nemisis that keeps holding me back though, and it has for years. Beer.

As you can tell, I obviously had to many trying to post this picture.

Weather looks good for this weekend, I have the newly official in-laws coming into town so hopefully I can get a few rides in while attempting to do other husbandly duties. I apologize for the 2 weeks off, but there just wasn't much to talk about. I wasn't about to put out stuff just for the sake of it (cough cough Mutt)

Burn 24 (wrap up)

2011-06-02T18:48:00.010-04:00

Since I waiting 2 hours at the mechanics shop for them to put on my tires, and my car still didn't even get into a bay, I am just in the mood to keep this short and sweet.

(stole this one from the mutt)

I think I left off just finishing up lap 4 (or 6) I can't remember. But things started to get a little hazy at that point. As you might know (spoiler alert) I am not a fast rider by any means, and had been on the bike for around 6 hours. I was getting a little loopy. I was lucky enough to have Jason bring his bike and go out with me on lap 6. It was nice having someone to talk to on the trail that had no intention of passing my slow ass. I took in a burger (or 2, I can't remember) some cliff bars for the trail, filled up the camelbak with powerade and headed out for my first night lap. This also happened to be my first night lap ever.

Luckily Bart loaned me a Seca 1400. Man that thing was bright. As I went out for that nice casual lap I realized that I was getting a little loopy in my head, and sloopy on the trail. The roots were starting to dew over and get slick and I ended up walking some of the trail. I did manage to pass my local dirt diva Little Miss Sunshine. We actually finished the lap together.

Thank you Mutt for the tag.

I that was just the finish for lap number 7 (I think). After that details get a little blurry. I know that I was standing at my bike looking around the tent and all I could hear was the Burrower "what do you want/need?". I just looked around and finally got to asking for a refill of the camelbak. I went out for another lap.

I don't really remember much that last lap. I have learned that your body starts to shut down after long periods of time in extreme conditions (this one being heat). I didn't want to eat or drink or even use the bathroom. To date I had ridden only a 6 hour race. Here I was on hour 12 and I was delirious. I did manage to finish lap 8 sometime around midnight before calling it quits for the night. When I came in luckily the pit crew was still almost sober and helped me gather some food, take my bike, and point me in the direction of a hose for a quick rinse off before bed after me playing a game of charades and pointing and grunting at what I wanted to eat and drink.

I think it was a little after midnight when I finally passed out, dead to the world.

I awoke the next morning around 630. My alarm was set for 645 as I had ambitions, I had goals...and I also had a sore ass from riding 12 hours the day before. Erik made breakfast of eggs, bagels and oatmeal for me as I looked at my bike the entire time. It was a showdown. Me against the culprit. I put on my last dry set of riding clothes and finally hit the trail around 8:20. I only managed to do one lap before calling it quits. I was just too tired and to sore to continue. I ended up 15 out of 22 entries with 9 laps in the mens solo open.

At first I was disappointed in my results, I wanted 15 laps (or 100 miles) but looking back there were a lot of things that couldn't be avoided. The heat, the rain the night before, the lack of riding before hand due to other commitments, the beer, etc. I also spoke with a lot of other riders who had been riding since before I was born and they were just doing their first 24 hour race. I have been riding for 3 years now to put it into perspective. They had a really nice base to fall back on. I wanted a challenge, I got a challenge. I will continue to strive to do better next year as Erin already signed me up as she just likes to have an excuse to camp and peoplewatch. I'm already training for it....

Here are just some other pictures from the Burn in which the Burrower took or I stole off the F-book.

Glow bracelets, not just for raves anymore

The morning fog rolling out. I just thought this was a cool picture.

Looked at this one again. There is a guy wearing underwear and cape in it. Why would I not post it?

I am sure more will post up online somewhere, but until next week, enjoy.

Burn 24 hour Race (1 of at least 2)

2011-05-31T17:23:00.004-04:00

Lets just start off saying that I survived my first 24 hour mountain bike race. I was (dumb, stupid, stubborn, unprepared, determined) pick one.

But I finished it. There were a lot of things that were going against me for my goal of 100 miles. The weather. It was hot. Damn hot. It was close to the mountains and not even June yet, but the temperature was still up around 90 degrees. Also, it rained the day before. Judging by the mud puddles it was a good amount. Also with mud there is the extra effort in which you need to put in. The wheels just kept on spinning on the first laps but the bike wasn't going anywhere. I guess I just put out to much power on the climbs that the bike couldn't keep up... Well, as long as I am lying to myself, I might as well make it a good one.

Look how naive I look, all ready to go.

I managed to get 2 laps in before coming into the pit area where my dedicated (and at this point still sober) pit crew awaited. (A big thank you to all of you for showing up and helping me out, it would have been rough without you). There was the always faithful and helpful Burrower, the traveling man Erik, Sunscreen Erin, Skipping Jason, and Potty mouth Amy who decided to show up for the weekend. The first exchange was a little rough as they didn't know how long I was going to be out on the trail, how many laps I was doing at one point. Logistics in which should have been thought of before the race but looking back, a few minutes didn't hurt resting off the bike.

The trail was still a little slick when I went out for laps 3 and 4. I could feel the pace of the group getting a little slower, and mostly my pace getting slower as well. I still had about 20 hours to go at this point, so I really wasn't in much of a hurry. The rest of the pack also started to thin out just a bit as well, I wasn't getting passed as much or doing as much passing. I think the heat and course took its tool on people earlier than expected. I managed to come in after the 4 lap unscathed and just fatigued. My neck had been bothering me for a week and I couldn't turn my head back to the right, but that didn't matter as long as I could look forward. At this point I took in a few cliff bars, some fruit snacks, filled up the camelback and kept going for lap 5. The rest is to be continued.

Last Minute Changes

2011-05-26T17:15:00.004-04:00

Everyone always says doing last minute changes to your bike usually results in failure. Thats why I went ahead and did them last minute before the Wednesday night summer series race. That way they wouldn't be last minute before the Burn 24 hour mountain bike race.

I went over to the Mutt's secret headquarters. I have been running the same tubeless tires for 2 years now and needed to replace them. It also gave me a chance to get rid of the front tire in which I didn't like, but still rode for 2 years. The Continental King 2.4. I just don't think it was right for the Charlotte conditions of sand and clay, although when I went to Colorado last year for nationals it held its own.

Instead I opted for the tried and true Kenda small block 8 on the rear and Nevegal on the front. I took some pictures but the card doesn't work with my 5 year old laptop. I will have to post some later.

In other news Queencity Bicycles Bart has loaned me a Seca 1400 for the Burn. Thank you Bart for that and I will definalty use it to its fullest and try to blind some squirells for you. Thats all for right now, sorry no pictures, but I am going to the bar and then off for a family dinner. What a way to train for the weekend right? Till then.

The Honeymoon

2011-05-25T21:35:00.013-04:00

And no there won't be any of the "good pictures" on the blog. I took video of it....and put it on youtube. So there.

After getting Married on May 7th, the burrower and I went back to her home town of Galesburg to do a quick opening of gifts and re-pack the car. After arranging everything to our liking in the vehicle we took off around 3 central. Then felt disheartened as we changed the clock to 4 right away and seems we had lost an hour. We ended up driving just past Indianapolis before stopping for the night. We completed the journey back to Charlotte and got home at 7 on Monday. Our flight for the Bahamas left at 7 am on Tuesday. Talk about a quick turn around.

When we got to the Bahamas at Sandals, our resort for the week, we were greeted by a glass of champange for both of us. Way to take the edge off, right before noon. While they were getting our room ready we were taken to a buffet and started eating...and it didn't stop the entire time we were there. I will just take the easy way out and say that all we did we drink, eat, drink, sun, volleyball, drink, eat.

The burrower choosing her drink of choice for the night.

I disconnected the call, they were charging me like 4.99 a minute to call.

The closest I got to a bike was the water bicycle.

Turns out, they can get flats just like land bicycles.

We had to be towed back to shore

Which basically brings us back to the present time. Or within 2 weeks. I might not have time to discuss my previous 2 Summer Series races, but due to all the eating and drinking and not riding I have been doing, theres really not much to say. On the other hand this weekend is Memorial day and you should know what that means. The Burn24. My first 24 hour mountain bike race, and I am choosing to do it solo. I will probably spend the next 2 days getting everything together. Food, camping supplies, ammunition, possibly bike and biking clothes, but not sure if going to have enough time.

The Wedding Day (very picture heavy)

2011-05-23T21:18:00.011-04:00

Getting up to the midwest a week early and finishing up the details, (dj, favors, photographer etc) the big day finally came. The plan was to meet the burrower at Vanderveer Park before the ceremony at St. Ambrose for her big reveal to me and to take some pictures. The men got dropped off at the park first and we were greeted by an unusual sight. For those of you who have seen the movie "Role Models" there were people there larping.

Me taking it all in...

somebody probably should of helped the guy who had his legs chopped off by a nerf sword.

Then finally my beautiful burrower showed up and we started the picture taking.

The guys with the bride.

Everything went off without a hitch,mostly because she still decided to go through with it.

Afterwards off to my favorite college bar

Didn't find any pictures on the f-book of us at her favorite bar, but looking forward to the photographers pics of those.

And finally the reception

Everything was good, a fun time had by all. Tomorrow if I have time will be Bahamas pics, then probably back to the same old bump and grind blog. I might still throw pictures of me in that bikini if I get enough responses though.

I'm Back!

2011-05-22T15:55:00.010-04:00

Well, just physically, mentally I am still on vacation in the Bahamas.

That is me and the new Mrs. Burrower in front of the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas.

All the wedding planning finally paid off as we got married on May 7. I need to everybody who reads this that fact, so they can remind me next year to get her a gift or something like that.

We left the Queen city of Charlotte the Saturday before and headed up to her hometown of G-burg. Due to my history of mountain biking and getting hurt, bringing the Culprit was out of the question. (BTW, I am going on chronological order of the past 3 weeks, and if I run out of things to talk about I will just show pictures of me in a bikini).

Mountain biking is hard to come by in parts of Illinois.

Nothing but corn. The town also did have a bike route, but it crossed the train tracks.....twice.

But along with a boring road ride through corn and train tracks there was also planning and getting ready for the wedding that was happening in a few days from our arrival.

Me and the burrower getting together the party favors/guest table numbers for the big day. Enjoy the pictures, theres still about a week more of them to come. Oh, and send your condolences to the burrower for agreeing to go through with the wedding.

Back in 2 weeks

2011-04-29T15:27:00.002-04:00

Things have been busy here. Ive gotten to ride in the first 2 of the Charlotte Mountain bike series races. It seems my times haven't improved from last year, but my placement has. Eh, it happens. Anyway, going to be gone. If this is your only source of entertainment, you need to find something better to do with your time. Enjoy!

I'm Sorry

2011-04-21T17:43:00.007-04:00

That I took a 2 week vacation from posting anything. It is just pretty hectic around here as the house has been in shambles with all the of guest we had here for my bachelor party one weekend and the burrowers the next. Lets just say it was a great time had by all and almost no biking gone done. I'm ok with that.

2 Thursdays ago I had the crew come into town to visit and start my marriage off right. with a big ass party. Cranky dan, shitbrick, web, kope, chuck, squeaks all crashed at the party headquarters here. Despite being one sleeping arrangement short we all survived it and had a great time. Downtown Thursday for alive after 5 concert. Friday car show, Saturday white water rafting, beer, bar, strip club. I wont get into details but it was everything a bachelor party should be.

I had a few days reprieve in which I was lucky enough to go to work (to rest) and then the burrower had her party the next weekend. Although there were half the amount of people staying at the house, it got just as crazy when all of the girls came over. That weekend me and Jason were the DD and I will tell you I might have to do that more often to watch all of the drunk people stumble out of the Epicenter at 2:15 am in the morning, including our significant others. To keep things simple here are a few of the pictures, but if your my face-friend you already have these and have tagged yourself anyway. If not enjoy, and these are all the pg-rated ones. To get the good ones you will have to message me for them.

The sombrero/mountie hat.

start of a great saturday.

Im the front paddle on the right....

The burrower and bridesmaids, well the only ones that were ok to get up to raft the next day after some madness downtown.

Oh yeah, there was a race last night for the start of the summer series. I will probably cover that sometime next week, right in time for the next race.

Finishing up Warrior Creek 2011

2011-04-07T11:37:00.008-04:00

Sorry for the delay, as if anybody reads this cares, but yesterday was just to nice out not to ride, I managed to get in 3 laps at N. Meck park, even saw the Mutt out there, who declined to ride another lap with me. Wuss

After an hour an a half on the slippery, slidy, muddy trail I came into the pit area fr the 2nd lap. After some confusion on my pit crews part on what I would need, it was determined to fill up my 2nd Cambelback, take some gel packs and a banana and I was off. Right off the pit area I found Lunchbox there willing and ready as always with his camera.

14 Miles in and already looking like I am in pain. It started off pretty well, I kept my pace up and the trails were drying good due to the high wind and traffic on them. About halfway through i got hit with a rather large branch in which I think my arch nemesis the squirrels were chucking at me.

Ill get back at them one day. Also they managed to push some smaller trees down in front of the trail where I was riding, luckily I was able to avoid those and continue on with my ride.

Another major issue in which I had was that I hadn't trained for this race. Now that comes into play with my legs cramping up. I burned a lot of energy on the first lap spinning out and trying to climb muddy hills, so by the 2nd lap my legs were pretty burnt out. Although they weren't locking up completely like I am used to, they just refused to move. This resulted in me taking a stroll through the woods while pushing my bike. I did appreciate having the new and improved 30 gears install by John at QCB to run through, but sometimes gears are not the problem, it is the person. The terrian is much tougher than I have experienced here in the Charlotte area mountain bike and I just wasn't prepared. But then again when am I ever? That would make for a boring race report.

I was not alone in my leg cramping problems as there seemed to be a group of us in which made it up some climbs, walked others, and just rested. The passing and being passed made for interesting conversations. Finially, the 2nd lap was completed. I finished it in the same time as the first, 1 hr 30 minutes. Not to bad, at least I was consistant.

For the final lap it was pretty uneventful. The trail dried up and was getting fast, the hills I continued to struggle up riding and resorted to walking. As I was finishing up the 3rd lap, I saw Lunchbox again with his camera, lucky it was a good shot of me crossing the rock garden.

After that it was the home stretch to the finish line.

My last lap I finished with a time of 3 hrs and 50 mintues estimated. I did have time to go out for lap number 4, but my body just didn't want to cooperate, and I don't blame it. As I was speaking with a lot of the other guys, it turns out there were a lot of people not in shape and declined to go out for another lap. That definatly made me feel better. Although I finished a pretty respectable (for me anyway) 49 of 99 mens solo, some of my teammates finished better. The owner and fearless leader Bart did 40+ mens duo with Robert Mobley and won the division. Congrats!

I have some other big news about riding bikes, but I have my bachelor party to attend to starting in a few hours, so there probably won't be riding this weekend, but plenty of beer and stories. Ill probably post up some of the pics that the burrower took that haven't been uploaded to the F-Book yet and the news of the year (at least biking related) for me.

Sorry for the delay

2011-04-05T21:32:00.002-04:00

but had some things come up with the 90 mph winds and this happened.

Had to run and buy a chainsaw, and spend time trying to dislodge it from the tree, then grocery shopping getting ready for my bachelor party..yeah, the race report can wait till tomorrow.

6 Hour of Warrior Creek Recap - Volume 1

2011-04-04T19:39:00.007-04:00

Here in the lower Piedmont area of North Carolina the weather was cooperating for a nice long day in the saddle. As me, the burrower, and the culprit woke up ridiculously early to ride a bike towards the mountains. As we headed up I-77 and turned North/Northwest onto highway 421 towards Wilkesboro, the burrower pointed out something in which set the tone for the first half of the race. "Looks like it rained here."

Not only did it rain but once we got the course it looked like it poured. This was going to be a cold sloppy mess. We arrived at Warrior Creek in plenty of time and set up shop with the Mutt and the Mrs. Mutt. (I would suggust reading at least some of his non-sense to get different and probabably more articulate version of the race). I went to the registration table and signed in, not sure how it happened, but I also ended up with an extra t-shirt. Score one for the burrower for coming up to the table with me. At this time I also made an excutive decision about another race in the future that I had been pondering about for a few months or not, but I will save that for a different post.

Although I got there in plenty of time to unload, get my gear on, set up my music, listen to the pre-race instructions, line up and go...I did happen to forget something. Oh yeah, the warm up. This usually happens to me when I have plenty of time. I settled myself near the back 1/3 of the pack (which is where I usually finish anyway) and waiting for the starting horn to go off. Race started right on time and 300 riders rolled out on a chilly and damp morning.

The ride up the service roads was used to thin the field out, but what usually happens, this time included, you get rookie riders busting their ass to beat people there, and then hold everyone up about 2 miles in. Plus to make matters worse, the trail was slick. And when I say slick, I mean there was a layer of mud on the trail from the rain that made it almost impossible to get any sort of traction on the uphills, escpecially when I was running a small block 8 in the rear.

Now, you might be thinking that I would be streatching the truth about the condistions just to make me seem like a bad-ass who purposely decides to ride 6 hours in horrible conditions *which I am* but I was not stretching the truth this time. Check it out for yourself.
Thank you burrower for the pics.

It was brutal, the back tire spinning out on uphill sections, mud getting thrown in my face from the riders in front of me, all along the woods you hear "brake" and "rider down" from the constant struggle to stay up on 2 wheels. Well, the mud, the strugging to stay upright, the hike a bike up the bike while holding your bike upright sums up lap one. I believe I made it in 1 hr 30 minutes. Not to bad considering having to deal with traffic, mudslides and other natural disasters. Ill try to recap the other laps tomorrow, until then heres some more pictures.

The Culprit at the beginning, look, its white.

Me and Queen City Bike team member Chase at the beginning.

BIKE PORN!!!!

2011-03-29T16:55:00.006-04:00

Yeah you read that right. Its a busy week here at my household, getting the bathroom finished, starting the season of yard work. I did finally get my shiny parts in like I was hinting about. Shimano's 3x10 drivetrain. It shifts smooth. I was only able to get out on the trail for a few hours on Saturday to test it out. I also had to break in my new Manitu R-Seven Fork. Lets just say that the first few big hits at the WWC I was a little worried about it, but it held up just fine and I think it will be good to go for this weekend for the 6 hours of Warrior Creek. I am hoping the rain holds off and the trails are nice and tacky to ride on.

I dont have a lot of time today, but here are some pictures of the new and improved culprit.

Here is the after pic, I am showing it first because it is pretty, like a flower.

Is 30 gears enough? Probably not but thats as many as they make right now.

White on white fork, looks so smooth.

And the before pic, you can see how much work I put into it.

Well, gotta go finish up some stuff, ill try to be clever some other time, until then enjoy the new stuff.

Finishing Up

2011-03-22T16:49:00.006-04:00

So where I left you yesterday was with a lot of pictures and links to click. I hope you took your time to click all the clicky things.

I think where I left off was that I was headed into the single track just ahead of the one poor soul who left his gears at home. As I really start to get peddling and getting my heart rate up I had a pain in my side. For once I didn't hit a tree, but it was a stomach cramp. I haven't had one of these while mountain biking in a long time. And it hurt.

I did manage to pass one of the riders in front of me on one of the climbs about 2 miles in, but it was short lived as my side was continuing to be in pain. At the same time both the guy I passed and the single speeder passed me on one climb. Last place again. I would like to say that I made a valiant effort the 2nd half of the race and made myself a contender for a mid-pack finish, but that would be a lie. I finished the race in last place.

I think I am done with the Southern Classic Series for this year. With my busy spring schedule, 2 weddings, 1 bachelor party, 1 bachelorete party (designated driver for that) 6 hour race, honeymoon, easter and traveling all in 2 months, I think it is best I just sit it out.

In other bike related news, I did try new grips on my borrowed steed.

I was a little worried that with the larger handle I wouldn't be able to grip the bar as well, but that fear proved false. I also missed having the bar ends last race as well, those were a nice comfortable addition to the bike to make it feel a little more at home. I can't wait to get the on the culprit.

In other news my new "shiny parts" finally came in. I dropped off the culprit this afternoon at Queencity Bicycles and am going to let John do his magic putting them on. I hope to have everything done by Friday as I need to get some hours for riding in. Only 2 weeks until the 6 hours of warrior creek, and I haven't ridden any longer than 3 hours this year.

I think I am done writing for the week here, I might post some pictures up once the culprit gets back in action, but until then, I will try to have some good stories about the wedding that I am going to this weekend.

Hobby Park Race

2011-03-21T17:31:00.009-04:00

This past weekend was the 2nd race in the Maxxis Southern Series up in Winston-Salem. And probably my last race in that series for a while.

See, proof I was there

I awoke early after staying up too late to watch the basketball games, although I did restrain myself and only had one beer while I was out.

On to the story, I was actually there with plenty of time to spare. A well prepared racer would have taken this time to warm up, get to know the course. And then there was me. I ended up shooting the perverbial shit with Dave. It is a relatively short course by this series standards, and that didn't help my cause at all and it started with a tough hill climb on pavement that they use for soap box derby cars, and it was steep. I think the Mutt has a picture of it on his bloggy thingy, check it out if you really want to see it. Upon the crest of the hill I was 2nd to last going into the singletrack. I only manged to beat some poor soul who was riding a bike with one gear. Why? I don't know, they make them with up to about 30 now.

Oh, I also wasn't riding my own bike again as I am still waiting for my new shiney parts to come in. I did have some new equipment in which I thought would make me a faster rider. Ergon Gr2 Grips. I bought them hoping I could get them autographed by the one and only Sonya Looney , but to no avail.

Ill probably have to settle for Dicky to get an autograph.
(both photos stolen from their own reputable sites)

Its time for dinner here, I added a lot of stuff for you to click on to get directed away from this site, I will leave you hanging how the rest of the race went, or you could just ruin the surprise and google for the results, either way it wont be pretty.

Finishing Up

2011-03-16T16:45:00.004-04:00

Well, were I last left was I had one lap down of two, no rear brake, and witnessed a horrific crash between a rather large somebody and a small somebody. I think somebody described that type of reation to me one time as "physics"

In retrospect I probably should have pre-ridden the course, you know, to get a feel for it, look out for the climbs, descents, one jump in which threw many a rider off their bike. But I didn't. I thought that all of this road training I was doing was going to at least make me mid pack competitive. I was wrong. This course was more challenging than I was expecting and I paid for underestimating it. It reminded me a little of my trip to Nationals in Colorado, except the course was harder. My hats of to the suckers that did it for 6 hours that day. Anyway the point is that I was suffering.

To make matters worse I was just starting to catch up to people with about 7 miles to go. I kept seeing them in my sights on all of the switchbacks as I crept closer and closer.

5 miles, I start making a pass on a rider, and then another one same section. I see a few more riders a few hundred meters up. Closer and closer I was coming up to them. 3.5 miles left and all I hear is "thud thud thud thud".

Shit. Flat tire. I probably should of had her fix it, it would have taken less time

As I was struggling to fix it I realized about 4 minutes in that I needed another tire lever tool which I didn't pack. As I am struggling around asking other riders if they have a $.99 piece which could save my race, the riders I just past are now flying by. After asking, another rider throws me one out of his jersey, but at this point it was to no avail for position, just to ride back to the finish line.

I checked the final results, 21 of 23 total, on a bike that wasn't mine, missing a rear brake, and getting a flat tire. Not good by any means. But I did take away something from all this.
1. Ride your own bike
2. Check bolts before racing
3. Always carry a spare tire lever.
4. Maybe get in shape.

I have another race this weekend, so unless I get something new to talk about, I will post up next week.

The Starting Line

2011-03-15T16:51:00.005-04:00

After discussing yesterdays adventure of trying to get to the race I might actually talk about the race itself. Best I start at the beginning.

Since I am still waiting for my new shiny parts to come in, I was allowed to borrow Jays Kona "The King" for the race, on a condition that I buy him a drink, and don't break anything. Also sorry for the crappy pic but it was from the cell phone.

After taking it on a test ride for about 3 miles I decided this would do, plus I like the color and that is all that really matters. After all of the mayhem and madness of trying to get everyone registered for a 6 hr race, pro class, expert class while dealing with losing an hour of sleep and jumping on one foot while eating a twinkee (I made that last part up) the race was ready to begin about an hour later than scheduled.

I lined up and then took off with the rest of my class. As usual I let the fast guys go ahead and I just waited patiently for my turn to head into the woods and into the single track. After about 6 turns I was catching up with people who started to fast. A little quicker than usual but I wasn't complaining.

I am just riding along, minding my own business on a trail I have never rides before (and wisely decided to race without ever seeing it) and I start to run into race traffic. This is a new experience for me as I am usually the race traffic and never have to deal with going around a slow person. A few miles and a few passes later I get bottlenecked into a hike-a-bike section. This is one of 2 in which I was going to find out.

About 6 miles into a 9 mile lap I started to notice that something was wrong with "The King". The rear brake was getting a little, whats the word for it? Sucky. yeah, thats the word. I kept pulling it hoping for some stopping power and it just wasnt working.

When you pull the brake all the way like this, and nothing happens, it is going to be a long day

By the end of the first lap I was right were I wanted to be, near the back middle of the pack with plenty of energy. I also was without a rear brake. This was not part of my plan and had to adjust how I rode to make sure that I didn't break a bike that wasn't mine. As I crossed the start/finish line I noticed one of the Clydesdale racers (200 +lbs) mashing his pedals and zooming up behind me, I kindly moved over to the side to watch him pass when out of nowhere a 78 lb 12 year old girl comes right into the course.

She darts in front of him and knocks his handle bars. She is thrown to the ground and he gets bucked from his bike. I didn't bother to stop and see how they were doing as it happed right in front of the ambulance so they were better prepared to deal with the issue than I was. I did see her start to get up as I walked past but she looked like she was in shock. The Clydesdale was lucky he didn't get thrown into one of the 4 foot around boulders in all the chaos, that really could have been bad for everyone. On a side note I am pretty sure they were both ok as he finished the race behind me and I can only hope the little girl was ok, but having learned a lesson about physics.

That is lap one, complete.

Tomorrow, the final lap and the letdown finish.

First Race Report of the Season

2011-03-14T19:47:00.007-04:00

It wasn't all smiles on the course on Sunday:

Photo and street cred to Lunchbox

For my adoring fans who check my facebook account for updates you probably already know the lackluster result of 21 of 22. I would like to say that I just suck that bad at racing and hang up the number plates for good. But I am at least a few spots better than that.

It all started when Siggy picked me up at an early bird special 6:15 in the morning. Although the course was only about 2 hr 15 minutes from Charlotte, it was his first Southern Series Race and he was ready to go in my driveway before I had my breakfast ready. Even though the race wasn't until 10:00 am it turns out we needed the time due to some crappy navigating my yours truly. His phone/GPS died along the way before we got to the split off point in Greensboro. He was smart enough to print off the directions on paper though. I was not smart enough to follow them.

When the GPS unit off I made the executive decision to keep going on the incorrect route and we headed east towards Raleigh instead of North towards Virgina. After about 20 minutes I realized my Christopher Columbus set of navigation skills (he was looking for India) and we had to re-evaluate our plan of attack to get there. Turns out we were close enough to the directions from Raleigh that we ended up taking the back roads through wonderful places such as Yanceyville NC

This was about all we saw until we got to the race course. Smelled a lot of good stuff though

We ended up late enough to have to park off site due to the attendance of the race. Although it was only about 3/4 of a mile from the start, it was enough to be a bother.

Well, I need to possibly stretch this out for another few days so I think I am going to leave the actual race report till tomorrow. Ill get back to it then, the images and stories are burned in my head.

It smells like burning....

2011-03-07T17:10:00.004-05:00

Ok, so a Ralph Wiggum quote is about all I have to come up with this week. Wait, I can do better.

And what has been burning has been my legs recently. I keep putting in all of these road miles in the vain attempt to be remotely competitive this year. I also had a chance this weekend to get out on the trail a little bit before it rained. I got to ride with The Mutt, and Dirty Party Cycle at Whitewater center, but only managed to get in about 7 miles before what the DPC called "Pretty Female Obligations" Not the knitting club that the Mutt was referring to earlier today. I should tell him that I got a scarf for him though.....

I also managed to see the MaddSS, but he was with one of this teammates doing a real race pace so we decided to let them go.

I am still waiting for my new shiny parts to come in so I can build back up the culprit. I am almost positive they will be in by the 6 hours of Warrior Creek, but not quite confidant they will be in by this Sunday for the first race of the Southern Classic Series in VA. Well, the good news is that I do have a back up plan, in fact 2 of them. Both my friends have offered me their bikes in case mine isn't ready. I guess that is payback for almost making it fall off the rack last time we rode together.

I don't really have much else going on, just waiting as this is the start of a long list of weekends full of activities.
March 13 - Race in VA
March 20 - Race in Winston Salem
March 27 - Lake in Sanford? Possibly?
April 2 - Warrior Creek
April 9 - My bachelor party
April 17 - Ericas Bachelorette party
April 24th-ish - Easter
May 1st ish - Drive up to Iowa
May 7th -ish - Get Married
May 10-16ish - Bahamas
May 24ish - Burn 24?

Ive got to nail down some of these days, or just turn the page on the calendar. Have a good week and I should have something from VA for you then.

Nothing new to report. So I am reporting nothing

2011-02-28T16:57:00.006-05:00

I know it has been about 2 weeks since I last updated, but really there hasn't been a lot going on the past 2 weeks to even report. In terms of getting ready for Warrior Creek, I have been sitting on my ass.

I think last week I did get out on a ride at the WWC for a lap, but really nothing exciting happened besides dreading my fitness level for a 6 hour race.

This past weekend was some of the best riding weather a person could have asked for, but again I slacked. Well, let me rephrase that, I spent productive time doing other things non-biking related. Got the oil changed, stopped by Lowes and Home Depot, was thinking Bed Bath and Beyond, but there wasn't time.

Ok, only the first two statements were true, but the quote needed to be finished. After that the burrower had to go to her 2nd job at Holy Angels Once again, please donate either your time or money to this place. It has some of the best people you will ever meet here.

Afterward I went to the UNCC baseball game with a few friends to kill the afternoon off, and then back home to recoup after a late Friday night out at a bachelor party, but thats a different story all together with a lot of Waldos and dollar beers.
Click here for some great pictures of that.
All photos courtesy of Leo and Eli Devinney.

Sunday was pretty much a wash as I pretended to remember how to play soccer. Its been 2 years since I picked up a pair of boots and attempted to kick a ball. Lets just say it was ugly to watch. Oh, yeah, I am also in pain as my legs are not used to moving in multiple different directions anymore, just in circles.

I will try to post something later this week if something fun comes up, but until then I am just going to go enjoy this lovely 80 degree North Carolina Weather. Don't hate me to much for living the dream

Party like its 1989

2011-02-15T19:40:00.010-05:00

On my lunch ride today on the greenway I came upon the realization that I am tired. Not sleepy tired, but my legs are really tired and worn out.

If you look carefully you see that the past 4 days I have been on a 2 wheeled pedal power vehicle. And if you look even closer I have been a slacker except for the Winter Short Track Series (which by the way I took 22 of 47 total for the series.) Not to bad but not great either. To bad this series has a roadie biker aspect to it. Damn roadies. Throw in some roots and twist and turns and those guys wouldn't last 2 laps at the whitewater center.

I am trying to make sure I put some mileage on the bike as it is less than 2 months to the famed 6 hours of Warrior Creek. Yes the famed race in Wilksboro that sold out in less than 36 hours. Last year I took 54 of 108 solo male riders. Right at the middle point. I hope to improve upon that this year and complete another lap for a total of 5 lap of pain and suffering and not just 4.

In other non-biking related news it was the burrower's birthday downtown trip. Guess where she wanted to go?

Its not detention but close.

It was declared a good time had by all as the gang was learning how to "pop it and lock it." If you look closely you see that all of the girls are watching how to do the dance in the mirror with a teacher up front.

It was sort of like jazzercise but with Journey

With lessons provided by this guy

So that about sums up this weekend, at least the pictures that I am allowed to show without a written consent. There were some naughty ones with this babe that you will just have to use your imagination for. (the one on the right by the way is the one I was inferring to)

I think this is about it for the week with random musings and updates, but they should be happening more frequently now as the days are getting longer and warmer and I wont be stuck inside after work. Till next week.

The Good (Beer) The Bad (Beer) and the Ugly (results)

2011-02-14T18:23:00.006-05:00

Well the 5 race short track series is over and it was declared a good time had by all. Since I wasn't in the running for any of the prizes or even a podium spot, or even a top 10 finish, or a top half finish....I am just going to stop as I am making myself sad, but decided to race anyway.

The burrower and her friend Sara also showed up to be my race photographer. She got all artsy with this one.

I actually look like I am ready to race.

It was a big field that showed up for the mens sport race, 27 racers. That number is important because at one time I was number 27 of 27. After my average let the fast guys go in front of me start and hope to be in front of the extremely slow guys I lost my chain on lap 2. Personal experience has taught me that it is hard to pedal when the chain isn't spinning the rear wheel thingy correctly as my DNF from race number 2.

After the chain fell off I had to wait for the entire rest of the field to pass by. I decided not to be that guy and get in the middle of a train. I am sure they all appreciated it, but then began my journey of climbing my way up the pack. I did end up picking off a rider a lap for a total of 10 laps for the 45 minute race. Thats right math majors, it means I took 20 of 27 for all the liberal arts readers.

The burrower also managed to get a few other pics of me, and they are all of my good side.

That about sums up the race report, I did well considering how many damn roadies there are that show up for this thing, and all of the other riders that actually ride in winter and now look out the window wishing they were riding.

After the race Bart had his favorite sponsor (ok, so its my favorite too) rep from Widmer Brothers drop off some beer at the shop for some pre-awards ceremony adult beverages. This was my beverage of choice.

We then headed over to East Blvd and Grill for the Awards ceremony. Great Sponsor and a fun place to hang out.

I think I have to end this now as my batter is about to die, but I will probably have more tomorrow about something or another.

New and Exciting events....are not happening here.

2011-02-01T16:53:00.005-05:00

Well, since the burrower is snowed in the Midwest I have been livin' la vida loca.

Ok, not really. I wake up, go to work, come back, pretend to be productive etc.
Plus she took the camera so I can't even document what work I haven't been doing around the house. Wait, that benefits me, never mind, retract that last statement.

On biking related notes I have learned that riding a 26 inch hardtail is an adventure in itself. After being spoiled for 2 years with the Culprit, I had forgotten the bike that got me started. It was neglected for so long and now it is revived.

Of course by doing this I canabolized the culprit. (Stupid spellcheck didn't pick that word up). Seat, seatpost, stem, fork, handlesbars, all of these are items that I took off one bike to build my short track bike up.

Parents, there is partial nudity here so please use caution with exposing your children to this filth.

What that means is that I now have a reason to get some new shiny stuff for the culprit. The stuff is ordered and hopefully en route. It will get me close to 2 complete bikes. Maybe then I can ride with friend, if I had any.

The main reason for the hurry up on the build up of the culprit was that I have been racing with the hardtail and 45 minutes is rough on the legs with a 40 tooth crank. I cant imagine 6 hours of warrior creek with it.

So basically it means that I will be getting stuff in the mail shortly to fix up the culprit into its former self again. I will keep you updated as things arrive. Until then, at least I'm not digging 18 inches of snow here.

A Slow Day

2011-01-31T17:51:00.006-05:00

With the burrower gone doing all of the formal wedding planning stuff, and me waiting patiently by the phone to give her my input (as if it matters) it was been a quiet couple of days of me living like a bachelor.

I refuse to wear pants now, but I will save those pics for my pay site if you really care to look. I got up early all weekend, went to the home improvement stores, Queen City Bikes for a new chain, grocery shopping and was home by noon on Saturday. What did I do without football all Saturday?

I don't honestly remember, but you can be sure I wasn't wearing pants while doing it. I did find a few hours (mostly spent goofing off in the garage) to make a bike stand.

Sorry for the crappy pic, the burrower took the real camera and I had to make due using one of those cellular calling devices to take the picture.

Plus it gave me an excuse to be out in the fresh air of the garage and to use my circular saw.

Sunday was short track race 3 day. Since I had nothing better to do I was there for the start of the beginner mens class, almost 2 hours before my own race. You think I would have used that time to prepare and get warmed up. I didn't.

Also with the burrower gone I lost my photographer. Here are some pics by lunchbox. I should feel special as he didn't even take any of his dad. I guess he must like me better.

Looks the same as last week? well sure, but this week it was 70 degrees out and it was some awesome racing weather. And I finished the race. To bad I took 19 of 22. I still consider it a success as last year I was finishing last in beginner so I'm taking baby steps. 2 more races to go and then the after party at East Blvd Bar and Grill, the title sponsor, it was a good time last year and should be a good time this year. I think I should have enough garbage to keep you entertained tomorrow if you want to check in again, but I doubt it will be this high quality of post so don't get to disappointed tomorrow. I warned you.

Trip the the mountains

2011-01-26T16:30:00.007-05:00

Its been a little cold and wet for biking up there, but cold and snowy means that I still get to have some fun. Jason, Ryan, and I took our annual ski trip to the mountains in Boone.

It started out waking up even earlier than I usually do on a work day to load up the car and head out. A little over two hours later we were at the base of the mountain and the weather was starting to get a little dicey. The wind was picking up around 35 mph, snow was starting to fall, the clouds rolled in. It did not look good for our trio of rugged winter outdoorsman.

Since we all had our own gear we paid for the lift ticket, got suited up, and got right on the lift with the foreboding weather.

After a 10 minute chair lift up, it was time to see if I remembered how to snowboard from a year ago. The answer was maybe.

All and all it was a good day, the sky cleared up, the wind stopped almost entirely, Skisugar wasn't making snow in our faces, I came home with no broken bones and only a bruised ass from falling on it.

Notice I am the only one with the helmet. I am also the most accident prone so it was a good choice to wear it. Trees do not discriminate against when your riding a snowboard or riding a bike. And I have hit a lot of trees on my bike.

It was a good day to take off work and go boarding, I got to use my equipment that I got while I was in Iowa (yes they have ski-able hills there) so it doesn't feel like a complete waste of a former xmas gift. Got to spend a day with my friends doing something we love and got to be outdoors in winter. It was a good day.

I think this will be the last post for the week. Tomorrow I need to get off work a little early to take the burrower to the airport and then I get to pretend to be a bachelor for a few days. I cant wait for her to get back though.....there will be a lot of dishes that need to be cleaned.

I thought of a clever title for this post...

2011-01-25T16:33:00.008-05:00

But I forgot it. Besides, the fun pictures are already posted, they have action, adventure, disappointment. The only thing missing was a crash, so here you go.

You think I would learn my lesson, of working on a bike and then going out and racing on it. Well, I don't think I will ever learn that lesson. Anyway a recap of the mess that is my life on Saturday. It started out by getting some new bike racks by Inno. Remember the post from 2 weeks ago? Me either. But here was the end result.

I was tired of the tailgate of my high performance sport utility hatchback always being blocked by a hitch rack. I do understand the risk of putting one of these bad boys on and keeping my car garaged and I am willing to accept that risk.

Onto the biking news I did delay putting one of them on the kia in order to put the on the parts. Works pretty well except when you need to spin the pedals.

Of course I do need to say thanks to The Mutt over at B-43 for letting me use his tools to make this job go faster. And thank him for being an average bike mechanic.

He is for hire and works for beer in case anyone needs his magic touch.

Well the bike is put together, all I need to do is go get another chain and I should be in business for another mid-pack finish this Sunday. That is the goal anyway. My primary photographer is going out of town this weekend to work on stuff for the magical and exciting day which is my wedding day (and no I didn't say that stuff just to suck up, but now that I think about it I might need those brownie points when she comes home to a dirty house) So I might not have any pictures of me failing this time. But there should be a race report.

Oh, and I need to recap the trip to the mountains still, no biking this time though.

Lets start at the end and then work to the beginning...

2011-01-24T16:51:00.013-05:00

I tend to do things backwards. Mostly because it is more work that way, and usually a better story. I learn my lessons the hard way. So instead of going in order of fun/exciting events in chronological order (thank you spell check for change chrological for me) of day off on Friday and going to the mountains, bike build, bike race, I am just going to reverse it.

And I will start at the very end and pictures probably say it best.

Picture courtesy of The Mutt

That summed up the race on Sunday. My first ever did not finish. I should have seen it coming, I was doing average at the race, all of the other new shiny shifty parts were working almost seamlessly considering there was no break in period, and then this happened. I blame my mechinic, which is me for trying to reuse a pin on the Shimano chain. By doing so it stretched it out and popped off. Score one for SRAM and quick links.

Up until then I was riding along, minding my own business. There were a lot of people out on the trail taking pictures and I managed to get a hold of some of them. This is the fun part of short track. Some of the crowds are still drunk and hollaring from the night before waiting for a crash. And they bring cameras.

Thank you Burrower and Lunchbox for the action shots

Another good one by the Burrower, stupid tree got in the way. She was waiting for the next lap to get another action shot, but alas, there was no more.

On the other hand, all of the other stuff in which I put on the short track bike held up good. I think I will just save those wasted 4 hours of my life for tomorrow. Here are some more pictures.

Thanks Alex Hawn for posting these public on the F-Book

Tomorrow, how I wasted my Saturday afternoon.

More progress, but still inadequate

2011-01-19T19:20:00.006-05:00

Yup, the title about sums it up. Still putting more pieces/parts on the short track bike.

Mounted derailers and shifters, but didn't connect the two.

Put on the front tire, but still didn't align the brake to it.

Basically I am building a bike without actually doing actual building of it. It looks like progress is being made, but in reality, not much is happening.

Still on list of things to do.

Put on Casette - (I will probably do this one tonight while watching my rerun of Glee

Don't they all look happy? Well they don't have the short track race looming over them in 3 days.

Oh yeah, before got distracted, still on the to do list...

Chain - put on
Cranks - need to secure, then put on chain
Derailers - adjust - first need to secure cranks, then put on chain and cassette.
Grips - well, that one is just easy and within my capability.

In other news I got a mystery package from the UPS man.

No its not bike parts, but it is bike related. I would like to build that (great, another build project which is going to take to much time and effort.) before this weekend as well.

Anyway, I will keep you all updated with progress of the build as events unfold.

Setting myself up for Failure

2011-01-18T19:15:00.010-05:00

I have found out it is hard to ride when your chain looks like this.

My mechanical skills are basically zero. Sometimes they are even less than that. I don't know why I got the bright idea to try and build a bike from the ground up, but I did.

And I have gotten past the point of no return. I wanted to build a hardtail for the Winter Short Track Series. And I probably should point out that I took 18 of 25 in sport class. I guess that is better than 14 of 15 in beginner class like last year. I probably could have even been in the top half of the pack if the Culprit wasn't acting up.

After a few runs to Sun and Ski to pick up some tools, it was time to let the destruction begin. Bottom brackets are a pain in the ass to remove. Especially when they haven't been serviced in 2 years.

After fighting with it for about 15 minutes finally got the SOB.

Then just a quick install of the new FSA 386 crankset. Still needs some work but just to get the pieces in place and off the floor.

Past the point of no return, now I have 2 un-ridable bikes.

Getting the bikes all naked.

And starting to build them back up.

I know its not much, but if I am able to get this close to ridable (is ridable a word?) It should be good to go for race 2 on Sunday. All I need to do is
1. Tighten the bottom bracket
2. Secure the cranks
2b. Add new chain
2c. add new cassette
3. Add shifty parts
4. Adjust shifty parts
5. Do something with brakes.

its not looking good folks.....

Racing Begins and other Shananagins

2011-01-17T08:32:00.013-05:00

You say Shannagins one more time....

What kind of shannagins can you pull? Snow day for one. Due to the icy conditions, I took a much deserved day off. Mostly because I slid down the hill to my subdivision and decided it was best to go home and play video games.

The burrower and Rocky.

Although me and the Burrower are from up north, our dogs are definalty southern. Complete wusses and don't want to be out in the snow for any length of time.

The lead sled dog Jasper, who is just confused by the snow.

After going back the next few days to pretend to work it was time for the race 1 of the Winter Short Track season.

Due to the snow melting it was predicted it was going to be a mess. The prediction was right. Good news is that I am almost positive I didn't finish last, or even 2nd to last. Also good news is that the Culprit is still in good shape and didn't have any wrecks. The bad news is that I really need to put together my short track bike.

Due to all of the mud getting into the drivetrain, and the fact my drivetrain needs to be replaced anyway it made for an interesting couple of laps in which I got a lot of chain suck. What that means is that the chain just stopped moving. Making it difficult to ride up hills. Which apparently is part of mountain biking, about half of it actually. In addition to the bike ride as exercise I also was able to get a jog in...in mountain bike shoes, while pulling the Culprit up around the rock garden.

I could continue to tell you how dirty and messy it was, but I think I will just show you. It tends to be easier this way. BTW, the Culprit started the race as a white bike.

The start.

I am taking this race way to seriously...

Taken at "High and Tight"

Dont ride the trails after a rainfall...or thaw.

The bike got a sponge bath after this ride.

And thank you Burrower for taking the pics, and more important doing the laundry.

So Begins A New Year? Maybe I should get a new attitude.

2011-01-06T17:04:00.006-05:00

New years is supposed to bring a new resolution. I dont have one. Even though it is a few days after I guess I could make one. I mean, I have all year to break it so why the rush to make it?

Maybe I could shave?

Dishes?

Nah, the burrower took care of those. She says she always waits for the "dish fairy" to show up. I guess it didn't happen this time.

Ah screw it, not even going to bother making one besides to always drink beer and always have a good time. Although I might break it by drinking rum...

Anyway since Santa (and by Santa I mean fiancée and family) were pretty good to me even though it was a tough year financially for all of us, I got some good stuff. Although the burrower didn't get me anything biking related, I did get a nice watch holder. I think she just didn't want to keep organizing all of them on the dresser.

The rent's got me a kick-ass remote.

Then the sister and grandma chipped in and got me some long legged-mandex and hat.

So that means I get to ride to work in almost comfort. Which is good because I did ride to work Monday-Thursday. I am still trying to justify the cost of that road bike. With gas prices rising, it shouldn't be long now. It also gives me a chance to ride and get in shape for the short track series. I tried to stick with the usual routine I had late last year. Monday hill climbs, Tuesday sprints on the green-way.

Wednesday I did a change of pace and went with a run with my former marine buddy who kicked my ass. I am still sore which made for a fun ride into work and home.

So after all of this I should make the biking resolution of not sucking at races. Well, after my performance last year it shouldn't be to hard to do.

I am also going to spend the next few days updating the look of the blog, maybe add a calendar. You know, make it look like I actually know what I am doing instead of just winging it every week. Anyway, see you all on the short track in 2 weeks.

The Usual End of the Year Thank You

2011-01-01T08:10:00.005-05:00

I was sooooo close to my goal of 1000 all purpose miles this year, off by less than 4. Of course that means that I would have to get an official odometer for both my bikes, and I just don't see myself doing that. So I might have hit my goal, or I could be way off. Either way I don't care.

But this was a good year for me riding. Considering this was my 2nd full year riding a mountain bike and moving up a class for racing, I think I did ok. More importantly I had fun and made a lot of new biking friends.

Southpark Cycles....err...Queen City Cycles kept my bike going all year long. Even better than that, Bart didn't kick me off the team this year for all of my lackluster race performances. Appreciate that.

I raced out of town a lot this past year and it was nice to see some other trails and what they had to offer. I am glad for all of the work that the Tarheel Trailblazers do to make all of the trails in this area top notch.

I did my first 6 hour endurance race at Warrior Creek. It was the most fun I had suffering since my last endurance race, the Rivers Edge 50 mile marathon, which I did again this year. I smashed last years time by over an hour. Progress? Maybe, but I also learned a lot about how to ride, and more importantly, nutrition. Who would have thought that food and drink during a 5 hour race would be important in 95 degree heat?

I went out to Colorado and competed in the USA Cycling National Cross Country race. That was an adventure.

I guess this is the part where I put down goals for this coming year...well I don't have any besides get faster. At least it is obtainable as Speed Racer I am not. At least not on my bike, but I am downing beers, so it all evens out. It is going to be a busy year traveling on the personal front. My wedding in Iowa, honeymoon somewhere warm TBD, Cashley's wedding in Boston, then possible weddings in Jersey? Illinois?

How am I supposed to work those into my biking schedule? I signed up for the 6 hours of warrior Creek again, one of the lucky few who got in before it sold out in 36 hours. maybe the Burn 24, as I really want to make myself suffer (depends on the honeymoon schedule as I doubt the Burrower will let me bring a bike with us) Tree, Shaker, Grind on the Greenway, all of these are potential endurance races that I would like to do.

In additon to the Southpark cycles gang, all of the other shops in the area that make Charlotte an amazing place to ride a mountain bike, my sponsors as well. And all of my loyal 4 readers. I will try to make these post more entertaining for you, even if I have to distract with a lot of pretty colors and shiny objects

A whole lotta nothin'

2010-12-21T16:45:00.006-05:00

Yeah, I can say that and spell every word wrong because I can, and because I am a horrible speeler. On top of that, the title is true, there is a whole lotta nothing going on right now biking related. The holiday parties have calmed down as it is close to xmas, and me and the burrower are staying here for the holiday. Anybody in town that needs some psuedo family let me know, I am more than happy to bring the spiked egg nog and end up like Uncle Eddy.

Yeah, it has been a little chilly and wet around here to go riding the trails, and just to windy to want to try and brave the road. I did manage to get out on Sunday for a few miles on the road bike though, I only could stay out long enough to not feel some parts of my shins, mostly because I refuse to wear leggings.

I was able to pick up a good deal on a limited edition, long sleeve, south park cycles jacket. They are limited edition Bart has decided to move the location and change the name, so look for that coming up. Anyway he has a heck of a lot of deals on everything, mostly because why move stuff when you can sell it? Here is said jacket.

With under Armour, jersey, and that jacket my core was toasty in the 40 degree weather and blocked the wind pretty well.

In other news me, the burrower, and Erin and Angus went to the Lowes Motor Speedway Christmas lights spectacular. I really didnt care about the lights, but as soon as I found out I could drive on the track it brightened by day. I only hit 70mph the first time, but 80mph the second time we went through. Not bad for 1.8 liters of fury with 4 adults in the car. Here is the video.

If I am to lazy to write before X-mas, have a good one, and hope all of your bike part dreams come true.

Patrick

Ugly Sweater Time

2010-12-14T16:23:00.007-05:00

Oh yes, with me being the scrooge I am (and I really am, not just playing around, Christmas is a lot of extra work in which I really don' care to put into my free time) I did take part in our 3rd annual ugly sweater Christmas party. Mostly because I enjoy getting a little tipsy.

There were the usual suspects there, The Burrower, J and A, Cashley, Erin,B-lee and Allison even some guest appearances by Benji (who is a roadie but I still talk with him), so former co-workers and new friends.

After getting rowdy and loud it was time for the White elephant exchange. This is where you see who your real friends are by who steals what. We were blessed with a lot of alcohol that got stolen, but the real gem of the exchange was this...

Thats right, the holiday gift everyone wants to give but no one wants to receive, the shake weight. Why did this get stolen multiple times? I have no clue, but pretty sure Frued knows.

After multiple fights over the shake weight, beer, and board games the night continues on down in the basement....

The burrowers gingerbread house.

The foosball table o' death

And the winners of the contest. He won because he had the ugliest pair of pants.

Other than that, I need to get back on the bike, like everyone around here, but it has just been so windy that it is not even fun to walk around, much less bike. And with 4 weeks till the winter series, I might be in the Clydesdale class with how much I have been "enjoying" the holiday. Until next time, keep watching the shake weight video.

Finally, the Reveal

2010-12-13T16:26:00.008-05:00

I know last weeks suspense was just to much for many of you, and a few lucky souls had the opportunity to see what was in the works, they just were lucky enough to show up at our 3rd annual ugly sweater contest. Those post and pictures might just show up later this week if I get enough reader response, or just any proof someone reads this thing.

This year I am going to try and race 2 bikes. I am going for a short track/less than 20 mile 26inch hardtail, and a full suspension for anything longer than that or endurance races. I will make exceptions for the full squish when I race Beaty though. I hate that place.

Also I am going to try changing up the drivetrains, as I hinted last week. 2x9 here I come. Going with a 27/40 FSA afterburner.

I should be ok to handle anything in which Charlotte trails throw my way on a hard tail. I still do need to set build the thing. Another cool feature about new stuff is the SRAM cassette.

This will look pretty sweet as I was able to color match with my mavic wheels.

Style points count for the final standings right?

I asked the Mutt for some help over the weekend, but after I was speaking with Little Miss Sunshine on the F-Book she stated they had a holiday party in which they were in charge of making 17 trays of jello shots. I really can't blame him for putting his priorities in correct order. I did the same thing and wasn't in a whole lot of motivation to move off the couch due to my own previous nights activities.

Also this past weekend me and the burrower had a "required" church function for our marriage thingy coming up next year. Good news is that the weather was pretty crappy during it so I didn't feel like I missed anything. Bad news is that the weather was crappier on Sunday so couldn't ride at all this weekend. I am going a little stir crazy as I haven't been on the mountain bike since following the MaddSS and Mrs. MaddSS around Fisher farms for about 18 miles or so. It also has been bitterly windy so I haven't even had the motivation to ride the roadie to work in the morning. Hopefully I can get a few rides in before the winter series coming up in a month.

Also the Maxxis Southern Classic Series released their 2011 schedule, good news is that I should be able to hit most of those next year. Maybe between the extra road miles and not being as bad of shape as last year I can get some top 10 results when there is more than 10 people racing. It is a stretch goal, but one in which I have.

If I get the motivation, and have all of the participants in the ugly sweater participants sign releases I might just get back on the blog this week. And hopefully some more biking somehow. Good news though, the shortest day of the year is coming up, and that only means the days get longer, and more biking to be done!

Time for a Change

2010-12-07T16:22:00.008-05:00

So comes the time of year where new parts for the ride are in order. I carefully (by guessing) calculated every mile spent on every bike so far this year and for the life of the bike.

I do this on the little guestimate tool on Bicycling dot com site. So far just short of 1000 miles for the year on all my bikes (a large push at the end playing roadie might make me get 1000 for the year)

It also tracks the miles on the individual bikes themselves. I have almost 1000 for the Culprit over the life of the bike. That is a lot of miles on a drivetrain. Sure I changed tires, wheels, brakes, but I haven't changed the drivetrain (does this give you a hint yet at the change?) What is it going to be? Doing the single speed thing? 2x10, 3x10? 3x9? There are just so many different options now a days it almost works to peoples advantage to have the different types.

The local UPS website says the man in brown daisy dukes is bringing me a package later today. Hopefully it will show up.

And hopefully I will be around to sign for the delivery.

Now the issue is how do I put said unnamed but hinted at parts on the bike? I might have to ask my neighbor as he enjoys putting together parts and then taking them off again. Or I might as The Mutt if I can borrow R2D2 for a few hours and pay him in adult beverages.

With the Short Track Series coming up in a month I should be good to go by putting it together then.

In other news, this Thursday is the Southpark Cycles annual holiday party. I am pretty sure all are invited as Bart posted on the THTB forum. Just bring some canned goods so that he can donate to charity. He also says that there is a major announcement. I could drop clues about what it is, but I honestly don't know. I am not one much for the Christmas time so waiting for presents and waiting for fun or good news really doesn't bother me.

Me and him get along great.

I also don't turn on the Christmas tree lights or the outside lights in which I put up. The burrower does enough of that for both of us spreading the holiday cheer and what-not. I just drink the holiday beer.

Final side note, ugly sweater x-mas party, my place, Dec 11 around 7. Let me know if you want to come. This is about as much holiday I can tolerate, an abscure amount of xmas lights on a sweatshirt plus being tipsy, knocking on neighbors doors singing carols, and even doing bad things to a reindeer. Those pictures are not allowed to be shown by court order.

Once I get everything figured out on how to work new stuff, I will post up pics and let you know, until then...Ralphie, don't shoot your eye out.

How to Stay warm in winter, and other musings

2010-11-29T17:02:00.015-05:00

In English class I was always told to start a story with an attention getter to grab the audiences attention. I never was very good at English though. But how about a picture? Those are supposed to be worth 1,000 words right?

What do you think of? Maybe cleaning up after puddles and puddles jr?

Trust me, they are not as innocent as they seem in this picture.

No actually I am using the poop bags for help with staying in cold weather riding. When I woke up this morning and made the usual bad decision to ride to work it was a balmy 34 degrees. Since I don't really want to go dropping over 100 George Washingtons on a new pair of shoes I did the next best thing. Put the doggy poopy bags over my feet and slide them into my shoes. Not only does it block the wind from getting through those pesky foot vents in the shoe, it also acts as a sort of a sauna to help keep them warm. Oh, and the bags are also good for picking up poop.

The other piece of cold weather gear in which I would recommend would be the Gore Windstopper gloves.

With a coupon and a gift certificate from my birthday the total for these quality gloves came out to $20. Not to shabby for a $50 pair of gloves. So far they work as advertised. Wind does not get into them leaving my hands warm. I have yet to try them in sub-freezing tempertures so I guess that will leave a review for when I do the short track series updates.

On the riding front I did have the pleasure of going with the MaddSS and the Mrs. MaddSS for a easy (to them) ride at Fisher Farms up in Davidson. I am sorry I left the camera at home as the new portion of the trail has some great photo ops of riding some boulders. I also spend some time bailing out on those said boulders trying a new line. I went 0-5 with it, but I will definalty try it again. If your not falling off the bike, then you probably shouldn't be riding it as you don't challenge yourself.

And in other news the Charlotte Auto Show came to town so me and the guys went down there to check it out.
Before we were even able to get our admission tickets, an attractive female (I think they hired her to do that for a reason) approached us and asked if we wanted to drive some cars. Heck yeah. After crossing my fingers that I passed the breathalizer test we got into our respected vehicles.

I ended up in a 64k Yukon Denali Hybrid and GMC Terrain as my choices. Nice rides, both of them.

B Lee and his truck.

Casey in his Camero. He actually couldn't come out of the car for a few minutes after driving it if you know what I mean...

Look at that smile.

And just because I can, here is some guest appearances by local celebraties taking time out of their busy day to take a picture with me.

Fall is in the air

2010-11-20T13:34:00.010-05:00

You know how I know? Because the calendar said so. Oh, and the reason I bought the house, the trees.

Had to have some fun with the camera settings with all of the colors

The weather has been so great here. After the morning chill is done it has been some of the best riding weather all year. I think the 3 weeks I have been playing roadie during lunch and going to and from work have been paying off on the trails. My cadence has gone up, although I think I have lost some of my leg strength. I am looking forward to trying in staying in shape during the winter and hopefully it wont be so wet like last year. I went crazy not being able to ride for 2 months.

I did get an email from Bart at Southpark Cycles with some good news. Winter short track series has been set up!

I have been looking forward to this since last year. Last year I did the beginner class (still came in almost dead last every race) but that was the last time I did the beginner. I figured I enjoy riding so much the more time and more miles on the bike the better so I moved up a class after that (and still had my ass handed to me). I am determined to be in shape for this series.

In other news, the burrower had a goal for this year in which we just did. The Turkey Trot. She had 2 goals, one. Enter a 5k run in which she gets a t-shirt. 2. Beat her time last year of 57 minutes. 3. Goal of 45 minutes.

Congrats, she did all 3 and just completely smashed her record and beat her goal. Time was 39 minutes 27 seconds. I am not sure if she is hooked on this running thing fun time, but it is great seeing her meet her goal.

Weekly Update

2010-11-14T16:14:00.009-05:00

It has been probably the best riding weather this year so far, but due to the time change it has been hard to take advantage of it. I guess the good news is that I have been trying to get my cardio fix in at lunchtime on the roadie bike. The mallard creek greenway is actually pretty busy around lunch time in the university area. A lot of runners, hikers, and even roadies taking a extended break from work I am guessing.

The highlight of last weeks "training" rides was going on the greenway and passing a group of roadies. While that in itself isn't funny, the look they gave me riding with baggy shorts, t shirt, and helmet with visor passing them was. Needless to say I didn't look back and they didn't catch me. Score one for a mountain biker. I don't think they knew who they were dealing with.

It has been almost three weeks since I got to ride The Culprit on actual trails, and I was jonesing for a real bike ride. Yesterday I attempted to go ride the local trail at Fisher Farms up in Davidson, there was a few miles of added singletrack up there that I wanted to check out, unfortunitly I wasn't able to do so. Due to an accident on I-85 I was stuck for 20 minutes going 2 miles. I got off on the exit, a little frusterated but still willing to ride, when I hit another traffic jam.

Due to people wanting to see this bozo I couldn't get past anybody on a two lane road. Stupid Renaissance Festival

I ended up not even getting close to the trail and turned around and went home and decided to drown my sorrows for missing out on a perfectly good day of riding. This is what I should have looked like, all happy and intoxicated (from riding).

But this is what I ended up looking like.

Since Saturday was a waste of a good day to ride I was determined to ride Sunday, and I woke up early and hit up my favorite local trail (mostly because they sell beer there) at the Whitewater Center. I did take some pictures of the new bridges on the figure 8 loop, but I formated my computer last week and some reason my SD card reader isn't working. (EDIT, found the driver I needed, here are the pics)

I don't feel like messing around with it right now so just believe me that the bridges are there and they defiantly help with the water run off problem.

I think that about wraps it up for rides this week, only 10 miles on the trail, but about 30 on the road. Not to shabby, but looking forward to staying in shape for the winter short track series in 2 months. Maybe I won't come in last place in the races this year.

Stupid Rain

2010-11-05T08:21:00.005-04:00

Yeah, I took today off. In retrospect I should have taken some more days off in the summer, but I was looking at my calandar and haven't taken a day off since August. My sanity at work has about had it and I could use a 3 day weekend, just like most folks.

I took it off with the intetntions of going riding today but with the rain the past couple of days the trails arnt going to be open today but hopefully tomorrow. Oh well I am sure I can find something to do today. But probably not.

I ended up going with a roadie friend of mine last night to the Race Across the Sky movie. How much fun can a normal person have watching a mountain bike race movie? A lot actually. The race was more of the side-plot with who wins and what time and all of that competitive stuff. What a normal person would get out of it is that like most events like this, it is a competition of the human spirit against themselves, to push themselves to limits in which they normally wouldn't have.

People were riding for a purpose, to support their friends and family in their fight against cancer, to show themselves that even though they have MS they can still ride this brutal race for 7 years in a row, to do it while being blind, and even the people who just want to expand their horizons and push their own limits.

Oh and movie spoiler, Levi won, but you probably knew that. It made me want to go out and ride, but it doesn't really take much to make me want to ride so that might be an over statement. But it does really make me want to do this next year.
Burn 24. Thats right, a 24 hour race. It should be a good time, at least thats what people who suffered through it before tell me.

I think I have spent to much time on this post on my day off, so we will see what this weekend brings. Hopefully the trails dry up to have some riding fun. Enjoy this weekend. Bye everybody

Don't Call me a Sell Out

2010-11-01T19:54:00.008-04:00

Yeah, I finally took the plunge....and got me a road bike. (Thought you were going to say 29er huh?) I am not going to drink that Kool-aid. I ended up getting one online at Bikesdirect.com. Although I am on the Southpark Cycles team the quality of bikes there is just a little bit out of my budget for a road/commuter bike. I spend my money there on mountain bike parts.

It didn't take long to put it together, just as advertised.

Put a few more pieces in the right place..

And here it goes. Nothing was tightend yet, just wanted to see how it would look in the back of the garage.

And the final photo after everything was put together

I had an extra set of crankskins

You can never have to much camo on a bike. And thanks to The Mutt for an extra set of SPD's to put on it

I took it for a spin around Ikea and didn't have any problems.
And then today started my "training" for the winter short track series. Not that I really expect to win, but not to come in last every race would be a nice change of pace. Any races under the 2 hr mark I just cant seem to get going fast enough fast enough (say that 3 times fast) to come close to the top of the ranks.

Today I rode to work, a nice casual 3 mile ride. I then took a few hours off the bike to help some customers, and then decided to run some hills in the business park. A 45 minute 9 mile ride at lunch and then back to work.

The part that sucks about riding to work, is always riding home, and after the hill sprints in which I did my legs were burning for the ride home.

Well that was all biking related that happened this weekend. But I do have some good pictures from Halloween, maybe that will be tomorrow.

Last Post of the Season (very picture friendly)

2010-10-28T17:36:00.018-04:00

What is the end of the blogging season? I honestly don't know. I know that with the time change coming up, the summer series completed, most of the endurance races done for the year and cyclocross season coming up, riding time will be at a premium so the blog will updated less frequently. I will try to do it more than once a month though so keep checking back.

The reason in which I there was such a lull in the blogging was I had to send my wheels back to Mavic. Between shipping them there for warrenty work and interbike going on, The Culprit was out of commission for over a month due to this:

Ok, it wasn't just a broken spoke. Southpark cycles got that part taken care of within a day or so. It was there was some debris in the hoop of my front wheel and had to send it back to the manufacturer. That is what took so long. I missed some good riding time during the early stages of fall but did have some fun not being on the bike.

There was a wedding I went to for the burrower's co-worker down in S.C. (those pictures might show up later) My birthday party.

A lot of beer was consumed that night.

The beer olympics

I was the Candian team. Go Mounties!

Yeah, that hat is made out of a Bud Light box. I took 2nd place, but I really wished I wouldnt have. I was in bed in the fetal position till about 3 pm.

I got the burrower (left) on the bike, and she confirmed, she does not like it at all, at least off road. I am still trying to convince her that she is a roadie. She enjoys smooth roads, repetition, and no excitement, go figure.

I was able to log some miles in the TIAA-CREF charity trike race.

And the Junior Achievement owl

Go Charity!!!

My parents stopped to visit for the first time. Spent some time with them picking out some pumpkins.

Yup, I am a little kid and want to be carted around

Any Business Majors read "Atlas Shrugged"?

So yeah, thast why I haven't been on the bike a lot. Been busy weekends living life.
My new goal is update only 2x a week, but to make this quality post, like this, but maybe a few less pictures. Enjoy them

Looking at you till next time!

A mixed post..

2010-09-22T17:00:00.005-04:00

Sorry about not writing yesterday, my goal is usually Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for those of you keeping track. Thursdays and Fridays I usually start the weekend festivities and think I can find more productive things to do with my time than appease the masses.

This is a mixed post because I want to finish my week of riding but sometimes life events happen that get in the way. I was fortunte enough to know Val while she was alive. Me, Erica, Erin, Ashley, and Angus all went to the service for her funeral to support our friend Liz. Liz and Val worked together for a long time and we all knew that Val's sudden death would hit her hardest. Erica was nice enough to pick her up from the airport yesterday and drop her back off today. Myself, Ashley, Erin, and Angus all made plans to get off of work to be there to attend the service.

As I got off work early I came home to pick the group up to go, I was expecting to walk into a quiet house. I should have known better. Liz was getting ready, being goofy, Erica was egging her on. Another one of Val and Liz's former swim instructors was there hanging out and laughing. It was a sight to see. Everyone was remembering the things Val used to do when she was getting ready to go out, and those are some good stories to hear. Laughter was rampant through the house.

On the way to the service we kept telling the stories of the crazy stuff in which she used to do and how she always made all of us laugh. The service started at 2 and when we arrived at a little before 1:30 the church was full, like standing room only full. We made sure that Liz was able to see the service and the rest of us just sort of stayed out of the way. Also the entire city of Concord was there as her father is the police chief. I am happy that they were there to support the family, but that didn't leave a lot of room for the people that knew her and that were seated outside and couldn't even hear the service. Our crew was lucky enough to hear bits and pieces from the front room of the church and halfway through Liz broke down crying and came down the stairs. In orderly fashion I grabbed her and made my way through the crowd the Erica was right behind her trying to comfort her.

While trying to find some shade we made our way to the reception area. Liz declined to go in because it was to hard to see the pictures of Val. It was hot enough that the state troopers followed us into the shade and set up shop waiting for the procession. When Liz opened up her eyes she was suprized to see about a dozen of NC's finest stating right next to us. Erica was also trying to comfort her by telling some Super Trooper Jokes.

We all laughed. They did not.

After the service ended Liz made some plans to meet up with her former co-workers at the Flying Saucer, later that night. We hit up Stool Pigeons right after the service, had some beer, some food and then walked to the Saucer.

I was happy to go 2-0 in pool against Casey, who showed up after work, and Angus. But mostly I was happy to see our friend Liz in the comfort of people that care about her. Then we came home and finished the job and I am almost out of spiced rum...damn. I think I'm done writing for the day. It was a long day yesterday for a lot of people.

Side note, I did get to go riding this past weekend and still need to write about it. To bad I wont get to ride this weekend even though the Burrower is headed out of town. Figures, I get the weekend to myself and can't even ride.

The week of riding continues

2010-09-20T17:07:00.007-04:00

As the weather has finally started to turn cooler (well not that days, those are still 90 degrees here in Charlotte) the nights have become great to sit around and enjoy.

Last Thursday Dan (stock photo below, he is on the left)
and I made plans to go ride at the WWC. As I was waiting for him to show up I ended up seeing some of the Southpark guys, Bart and Kevin, going for what I believed to be a social ride. (Heres another pic stolen from the F-Book of the team, Kevin is 2nd from the left next to me, Bart is 4th from the left sticking his butt out showing our awesome sponsor Widmer Brothers Beer).

Well, I was wrong about the social pace but Bart and Kevin were nice enough to pull both of us around the WWC. We did one quick lap of no options and went back to the parking lot to pick up another rider (didnt get his name). But the 2nd lap we did all of the options and really booked it. I usually don't go as fast as we did, but it was different being pulled around the course instead of having everyone beat the crap out of me and never look back. I was informed that we a complete lap in a little over an hour. We booked it on the green trail as I had a quick mechanical and had to dismount. Bart, Kevin and the other rider took off while Dan waited for me to fix the chain. We made the decision to try and catch the group and I put the Culprit in the big ring. I was able to catch up and saw them on the straightaways. So close, getting closer each turn to the group, and then the turns came. I was going so fast and pedling while turning that twice my pedal hit a small stump while I was leaning into a turn that I got bucked off the trail, twice. I just quit trying to chase at that point and turned my attention to the more pressing matter. Beer.

There was a nice mellow band there last Thursday, sitting outside in the cool weather, a couple beers in my hand, it was heaven. Sadly I received a phone call from the Burrower who had news that one of our friends had gone missing two days prior.

I just found out Sunday morning with a wake up phone call that Val Hamilton had been murdered. Here she is on the left with our other friend Liz on the right.

I also found out today they caught they guy who they think is responsible. Here is a link to the article.

Althought we only met a few times Val was a great person. Always a pleasure to be around and in great spirits at all times. Her quirkiness and positive attitude will be missed. I don't have enough kind words about how she made everyone feel comfortable around her and how she was the first one to laugh at everything. I really don't have any other news about the services but I heard the funeral will be tomorrow. Sorry to leave this on a negative note, but you just don't ever think that you will know the missing person on the news.

I apologize

2010-09-15T19:18:00.006-04:00

Yesterdays post was a little weak. Just one of those days at work in which nothing happened. Absolutly nothing, nothing good, nothing bad, just sort of a waste of calories. I spent a decent part of the day looking at bike parts and day dreaming of how to pimp my ride.

Today was better, although the boredom continued more of my co-workers were in the same boat as me and we ended up killing time together.

I also got this text message from Rocky this morning
"I am not happy with the current way the house is being run. I feel it is a dictatorship and I move that we change it to a democracy. I want to propose a one vote per paw rule"

He then decided to take a nap. Damn lazy dog. Luckily I vetoed his proposal but it was nice way to start the day.

Other than that I went on a ride today at Shermans Branch again. I ended up getting really lazy and decided not to shift the bike. It worked out well for the most part. Put the chain in the big ring and just cruised. Got out of the seat a few times, spun like a hampster a few times, and it was just a relaxing ride.

On my way out I ended up seeing The Mutt who was thinking like I was and that a mid-week ride was in order. He stated he wasn't feeling well and that he hoped to sweat it out of him. I am glad I am not the only person who decides against better judgement that sweating your butt off is the best way to get healthy again.

Coming home I called the burrower who was running late and asked what was for dinner. She wasn't home yet but said she wanted to make some healthy veggie burger stuff. I really wasn't on board and decided to fend for myself. Porkchop sandwhich and waffles it was.

I know this may sound weird and I had this discussion with some friends on Saturday about how I don't enjoy food. I don't enjoy making it, I don't enjoy eating it. I eat to survive. But I do drink to enjoy. I will gladly take a burnt burger for dinner as long as I have a nice beer to drink. That is just my personality, I enjoy my beer.

I am probably done for the week, maybe a ride tomorrow somewhere, and a ride on Saturday as the burrower is putting in a little more time at Holy Angels so I will have the morning free. That means biking and football! Hopefully I will have some good stories from the weekend. Have a good one.

Err..

2010-09-14T18:30:00.004-04:00

Yeah, not much happened this weekend. College football, beer. Went out to dinner to celebrate a friends birthday, came home, more beer. Sunday, went on a nice social pace ride at the branch of Sherman, easy 22 miles or so. About the highlight was hearing that the one, the only, Team Dicky aka Rich Dillen was on the trail as well. Apparently he got his "shifty parts" he needed to get his ride in order. Oh, and I didn't get his autograph, maybe next time.

I really have upgraditus (that a word?) but also have broke wallet so the two cancel each other out. Here is my Santa Claus wish list if anybody wants to donate free stuff to me. I promise I will think about thanking you, but probably not.

2 2x9 crankset, thinking truvativ or I might go with the slx. Need one for my hardtail and one for the full squish.
2 11-34 tooth rear cassette
1 XT rear derailer
1 set up lighter wheels
1 new front fork, air shock, 100MM
1 new rear shock, lockout option required
1 road bike. Dont care about components, as long as it rolls I am happy.

Please send all of these to me or just drop them off at the house.

Thanks,
Patrick

Are you ready for some football!!

2010-09-13T19:41:00.006-04:00

Since the burrower worked all weekend it was open season for me doing what I do best. Absolutely nothing. I am going to try and stretch out an entire days blog about nothing and if you are reading this I am succeeding.

Saturday morning I ended up waking up early (like 6 am) to watch Jason and Casey compete in their first triathlon. I thought about signing up but just got lazy. You know how that goes. The first swim portion started at 7 and I was there moments before dive time. Because it was just a small one through the HOA in which Casey lives in it was not a mass start but a staggered time start. Good news I brought my camera to get pictures. Bad news I forgot the memory card in the computer. Fail. There were pictures taken of the guys as they were racing but they haven't been posted to the F-book yet for me to hijack.

Jason ended up getting the best time in the mens 19-29 age group, but Casey ended up winning the prize, a pair of socks. After we checked the unofficial results it was deemed that Jason actually won and they messed up the order. Casey still didn't give the socks back.

Since the race got started so early I was back at home by 9 to start and watch some college football.

In case you are wondering I am a Iowa Hawkeye fan for football and they just demolished the Iowa State Cyclones. Good, no one likes them anyway.

The only other pictures I took this weekend was this one of my weekend activities.

Yeah, thats an empty glass which held rum and cokes, beer cans, xbox 360 controllers, a ps3 controller, and a plate of table scrapes left over from the dinner the night before. It was a good Saturday of beer, football, video games and leftovers. Can't beat that.

Summer Series Finale

2010-09-09T19:43:00.008-04:00

I apologize for not posting yesterday but I was a little pre-occupied during my normal blogging period. Its not easy working your butt off all day at a computer then coming home to write on the computer. Ok, it is easy, but very very boring.

Anyway the reason why I missed yesterdays post was simple, the season finale of the Charlotte Mountain Bike Summer Series.

I left work a few minutes early to get down to the WWC in time for the race and didnt have any issues with finding a parking spot. I even got a good view of the Southpark Cycles team van.

Also as I was getting ready I was greeted by Scott at Sun and Ski sports. I was informed that they were actually putting up some swag for some prizes. I love to hear that as right after Southpark, that is my next bike shop of choice. I always get treated good when I go there and they even fix my bike when I am there and don't have to wait. I guess that is what happens when you buy a few bikes from the place.

Also I was greeted by The Mutt who was kind enough not to take off my open door.

After getting ready and gear ready I made my way down and registered. In doing so Bart was ready to take the teams pictures. I didn't bring the camera for that. I will poach that picture when it gets posted.

I haven't done a lot of the Wednesday night races as I have been trying to save up for a wedding for me and the burrower. I felt the team needed me as we were only 4 points ahead of the Trek store in the team category. Well it turns out that everyone from the Southpark team was there and we had like 8 riders. I think that the Trek only had I believe one of them. Not fair odds for them but I will take it.

After the team pictures the races started up. There were 9 in my catagory and I went into the woods ahead of one rider. I kept up with the group until the first fireroad and then they left me. Stupid 14 mile sprint races. Not long enough for me to get my mojo going. Somewhere in the middle of the first lap the 9th place guy ended up passing me on an uphill (imagine that huh). Right about that time I ended up passing another rider in my class as well. Net gain/loss=0. All was going good until I got passed by the entire Southpark team (who is in an age group above me) right before the Toilet bowl.

The 9th place rider was following me closely throughout the toilet bowl and I ended up talking to him. Apparently he only had his granny gear. That really didn't make me feel any better that he was keeping up with me on his small ring. But right as we were going up a short climb on the toilet bowl my chain got stuck and his ended up breaking under the stress of the climb. At that point I knew I didn't have last as long as I finished the race. Thats usually how I get my points, finish the race ahead of the DNF's.

The rest of the race was pretty much without any real action as everyone finished before me and it was getting dark in the woods. The good news is that I made the finish in time to get to the awards ceremony.

Even though I didn't finish in the top 10 in my class this year to get some swag the Southpark team did end up taking 3rd place overall. What Bart didn't realize is that there was prize money associated with it. As soon as he heard that I saw the wheels turning in his head about how much beer that could buy. I don't blame him for thinking that at all. Also a few of the Southpark guys ended up finishing real well in their classes. I am unsure if there was any podium spots for them as it was loud inside the bar, but I know there were a lot of top 10 finishes for the team.

Shut up and ride

getting the swag

Doug getting his first prize bag in 3 seasons

It was a good racing season and I am going to miss just hanging out with a bunch of racers. We all know that the reason I race is for the friends I meet out there and not because I am expecting to win. Good season, good friends to race with, and looking forward to doing it again next year.

I may or may not post tomorrow depending on what the burrower has planned for me in terms of social responsibilities. Have a good weekend and the weather should be perfect, go ride.

Travelin' Man

2010-09-07T17:27:00.002-04:00

Well it has been a little over a week since my semi-sweet victory (for me anyway) at the Rivers Edge Marathon and I haven't been on the bike since. In fact I have stayed away from it until taking this 3 day Labor Day weekend down in the original dirty south, Atlanta.

Before I left I did a little work around the garage to clear up some space for what I thought was going to be a new addition to the fleet, less on that probably tomorrow. Now I have a decicated shelf for my gear and a seperate area for the Culprit and the rest of the fleet. Also I like putting up the race plates of where I have been and some stickers. I am a sucker for stickers.

It works out well because I can just open the garage and get fresh air, open up the hitch rack on the Kia for a work stand, and watch a rerun of 2 and a half Men while working on it.

After leaving work on Friday, I loaded up the dogs, burrower and the Culprit and drove down 85 south. Dogs werent real happy with traffic but who could blame them. Got stopped outside of Greenville and outside of Atlanta due to accidents on the road. The trip and Saturday were pretty uneventful. Just some shopping and going out to dinner with the rents.

Sunday I was rewarded for good behavior with a trip to the Olympic site of the 1996 Mountain bike race. Well it is also where the Equaestion events were held.
this is an old TV stand

wrong way

slick rock

I think this trail would have been a little easier if I wasn't hung over. It was a litle over a year and a half since I was last there and I have learned a lot about biking since then and also gotten stronger and a better bike. I do remember walking a lot more last time than this time, even though I had less to drink. I also learned that granite is not forgiving, even on a full suspension.

Tomorrow is the last race for the Charlotte Mountain bike series and I think I will enter it just because. I didn't do a lot of races this year to save some money for the wedding but I do miss hanging out with the group of guys after the race. Also since I haven't done a sprint race in a while it could be interesting. I will let you know tomorrow how it goes.

Some Final Thoughts from the Race

2010-09-01T20:10:00.010-04:00

When you are out on the bike for 5 and a half hours your mind tends to wander between dodging trees, squirells, hikers, and the occasional turtle. Sometimes it is just how much fun you are having. Sometimes you wonder why you are choosing to spend your Saturday morning waking up early and deciding to ride 50 miles in the end of August. One good thing that everyone always has after a ride like this is a story.

The talking of the best part of the trail in which you rode smooth as butter through, or just commenting what a great place for a race the Whitewater Center is if you have never been there. Another thing that first time racers finally understand is the mountain bike community. There was no shortage of people offering up assistance to help in any way. A guy I did some Southern Classic series didn't have any support crew or a tent to rest up in. Without hesitating I offered him space in ours and even pimped out one of my own pit crew (Erin) to help him exchange water bottles. After all was said and done he helped me out by offering to carry some of the gear up to the car.

This sort of helping each other out community is what makes this sport great. Like the racers who helped the injured riders off the course even though they sacraficed their own time to do it.

Ok, enough with the gushy stuff, heres what people came to see. Great minds in action.

Yeah, this guy was his own doctor and prescribed some IV fluids for himself. The irony was that he was only doing the duo race. Really? IV for only 25 miles and you call yourself a mountain biker? Wuss. Man up and cramp up like a man. Thank you Burrower for those quality pictures.

So after the race I was dying for a beer. Ok, I was just thirsty but didn't want to drink so we at some early dinner at the Rivers Edge Cafe. I was hungry but didn't want to eat. Thirsty but didn't want to drink. The whole body shutting down thing came into play. Gross fact here. I wasn't able to go to the bathroom until 6 at night even though I kept downing fluids like a mad man. 9 hours total. Told you it was gross. So struggling through eating my burger even though I was hungry we made plans to head up to Birkdale at the Fox and Hound.

After salivating over the food in which I wanted but didn't have the stomach to eat I was able to down a few beers. That gave me a good buzz. I also was pounding down water like it was going out of style. Apprently the waitress got a little frustrated with Dan and I's constant request to refill water until the Burrower put her in her place and told her that we had a big day. As if she couldnt read the shirts.

Yeah, we were those guys with the matching shirts at the bar. If someone didn't like it, F*$% them, we deserved the shirts. Oh, and after that the waitress became a little more friendly. She must have just figured out we were studs.

Oh, and here is one with the Burrower wearing my John Casey (yeah thats right, the kicker) jersey.

Thats pretty much all I can think of at this point about the race. Not to bad considering it probably took me a few hours less to write this series than actually ride in the race. Of course next year I am hopeing to change that. I think I am done writing for the week as tomorrow is the start of the weekend and will be off drinking beer, and then a 3 day labor day weekend in which I am going down to the original dirty south, the ATL. Still debating on if I am taking the bike down there to ride. Let me know if I should take it, all votes that come in will count double against my better judgement.

Rivers Edge Race Report (2 of 2)

2010-08-31T18:53:00.005-04:00

Well after my first lap I was feeling real good. Not tired at all, no cramps, no fatigue, I was ready to roll for another 3. Lap 2 was pretty uneventful, I kept up the same pace from the first lap and kept on going. I rolled into the pits and was greeted again by the Burrower and Erin and their new friend from the pit next door. I never actually got her name, but her husband, John, was a roadie from the Ashville area doing his 2nd mountain bike race ever. I come to find out that he pulled a sub hour lap there. Damn roadies making the rest of us look slow.

I loaded up with some water bottles, some food and a gel pack and continued on. By this time the racers were all spread out throughout the trail and you didn't see as many people anymore. This lap I was starting to get a little tired and a little hot. I kept drinking my water and poweraid bottles, eating gu packs and moving on. I made it up all of the climbs on the trail nice and slow but without any problems. The only issue I did have was that I crashed. Luckily it wasn't hard, but as I was going down the trail I had my front brake hand on my bar end resting and I wasn't able to make the turn. I locked up my rear brake and slid my rear triangle into a tree and I went face first down a hill off the trail. I stayed down there for a few minutes just resting and wondering how I could pull off three laps "training" without any issues and on the day of the race just end up crashing. Luckily there was no injury besides a dirty jersey and scraped up legs. The Culprit made it through unhurt as well. I ended up at the last climb starting to feel a cramp coming on and I knew the last lap was going to be painful.

By the third and final pit stop I was a little out of it. It was hot, I ran out of fluids on the previous lap, and my legs were starting to feel tired. While on the last pit the Burrower and Erin plus their new Ashville friend loaded me up with some new waterbottle concoction that was supposed to prevent cramps. I took a bottle of that, a bottle of powerade and a bottle of coke. Yes, the sports drinks of champions. I was so out of it I saw it in the cooler and pointed to it asking for some but the words didn't come out. I just kept pointing at the cooler as my mind wouldnt put the words that I wanted a refreshing glass of carbonated sugar. After about the 4th point at the bottle I was able to say the words and was granted with a sports bottle full of it. I went out on the trail for my final lap.

While on the start of it I ran into the 9 year old boy doing it solo as I passed him going up a hill. I said a few words of encouragment to him, but I don't think he needed it, and I kept on going. I give this kid a bunch of props for doing something like this so young, and turns out he ended up completing 3 full laps. 37.5 miles by himeself. Good job for him.

Also on this lap I ended up starting to get the bad cramps. I felt them coming and made the executive decision on all the tough climbs to walk up the hills instead of trying to ride up them. It was a smart move on my part as although I felt like crap, I was able to keep moving.

I wasn't able to make it up all of the trail though, there was one switchback right after the canoe trail access in which my legs locked up. Now if you have ever had this happen it is such an unusual feeling not to be able to move your legs. As I feel over on the side of the trail I was luckily able to reach down and pull my bike off the trail so that some other sucker who was still on the course at this time could pass. At this time the 9 year old comes by and we start a conversation while I am trying to get my legs to bend.

As I then continued on what at this time is considered a painful journey, I ended up peddling past a man who was doing his first race. I figured that out by looking at his bike. It was a rigid bike, flat pedals and V brake ride from the 1990's. He asked me how far he had left. By that time I informed him the worst part of the trail was over, but still over 6 miles. He informed me that he was doing a team race and this was his motivation to get in shape. I always like hearing those sort of stories as they create mountain bikers for life.

By this time I was already over 5 hours on the bike, tired, sore, a little banged up when I see the Mrs. MaddSS and my friend Dan pass me right before the last section of doing the Green trail. I yelled at Dan to wait up, but he was tied right to the Mrs. back wheel. I was able to catch them on the downhill as my legs wouldn't work on anything going uphill. I believe that last section of green trail was the fastest I went all day. Me and Dan where following the Mrs. and she was kicking some major ass and passing everybody. I was trying my best not to get dropped as was Dan. For the last 4 miles she pulled both of us around on the trail at a breakneck speed. As we pulled up to the final turn Dan turns around and ask me if I want to pass. I decline as if it wasn't for him and Sherry then I wouldn't be going this fast. He didn't want to pass her for the exact same reason. She did all the pace work so she deserves to finish in front. I wouldn't of had the finish any other way, Mrs. MadSS, Dan and me, all within 2 seconds of each other. Congrats to her for getting 2nd in the Womens class and for Dan for finishing his first mountain bike race ever. And even for me who beat my time from last year.

Mentally I wasn't all there at the end but Sherry was really out of it. All she kept saying was that she ran out of water halfway through. Luckily the MadSS was there at the finish with a bottle full of water to drink and one to pour on her head. Me and Dan declared our finish a draw.

Well that was the end of the race report, I will probably continue tomorrow with more random musings of 5 hours alone on the trail, or the festivies that happened afterward, or even just some other final thoughts about the race. Meanwhile the burrower only snapped a few pictures of the race so here they are. Thank you Burrower for them.

Rivers Edge Race report (1 of 2)

2010-08-30T18:46:00.004-04:00

This past Saturday was all about redemption. Redemption from the course in which had gotten me addicted to endurance mountain biking racing. 50 miles, no stopping and one of the toughest courses in the Charlotte area.

I really don't have a vendetta against this race, I just had a rough go of it last year with a time of about 6 and a half hours. After doing that once I just wanted to better my time. My goal time was 5 hours and 20 minutes. Sadly I did not meet that goal, but did quite a bit better than last years time. 5 hours and 40 minutes was the total time in which I ran the 50 miles in. I had been training for this race for the better part of the summer.

The first lap as usually for me was pretty uneventful. At the starting line I didn't even see the MaddSS go as he was shooting for a podium spot. I started in the back of the pack and decided that would be the best place to work up from. I lined up with one of my new riding partners Dan, and his co-worker Paul. The reason in which he did the race this year was because I did it last year. His goal was to beat my time from last year. He did, but I will get to that later. I quickly left him at the start and got my race pace on. Not knowing who was racing a team means that any one faster than me could have only been doing half the distance that I was. Probably a smart move on their part. Just before we hit the singletrack I passed the Mrs. MaddSS, I said good luck as then used my gears to get past her.

Right off the bat in the technical Figure 8 section of the course I saw one rider down. He was one of the regulars in the local races so I know he knew the course and knew how to handle a bike. I believe he ended up with a broken clavicle from the fall. Also right before the exit of the figure out one of the top female races was down as well. She is a speed demon and actually was in 9th place in the mens Cat 2 series. As she walked off the course the burrower and Erin (my very supportive pit crew) heard her asking someone if she would be ok for the final Wednesday night race for the Charlotte Mountain Bike Series so she could be in the top 10. I hope she is ok because she deserves it.

Well so far I have a lot written, not bad considering I was only about a mile and a half into the race when all of this took place. Since I know this course like the back of my hand I knew where to take my fluids in and where the best places to pass were. I knew how long the climbs where and how to spend my energy. After speaking with a few people while riding, and just chatting with the other races. I spoke with people who have been doing this for a long time, and those who this was their first race. Man did they choose a tough one to start out with.

Thank you Mutt for the picture

While on the green trail on my first lap I ended up passing one of the Burrowers co-workers husband. We actually randomly met up in Wilksboro at Dark Mountain early this summer. We chatted for a few miles, just keeping the pace. It is so much easier to ride when you keep a conversation going. As we went into the pit area I dropped him and picked up my supplies for the next lap. The burrower and Erin just happened to pick up a random in the tent that confused me for a second, but I took my water bottles and then took off, leaving the co-workers husband behind me. Since I keep rambling, I guess I will have to keep this them going all week. The burrower only got a few pictures of me during the race, but some other interesting ones as well so stay tuned.

Ready to Race

2010-08-25T19:14:00.007-04:00

So basically every since I have finished last years 50 Mile Marathon I was looking forward to doing it again, this time a little bit faster. I think I am on goal to beat last years time. I have been riding a lot more this year, I have another year of "base" riding under my belt, I have for the most part figured out my nutriution and fluid intake while riding. Yes, I am ready to race. I am not going to be in competition for a podium spot, or even a top 10 spot, but I just want to try and do better than last year.

Also helping out is that the weather has cooled down. I still mean that in relative terms as this summer the average temperature was somewhere close to 100 degrees plus humidity. Try training in that and then when it is supposed to be just 90 degrees with a large drop in the humidity level, it feels like paradise.

I went for a ride today as well. Just a nice easy lap over at the local race track of a trail, Shermans Branch. No problems, everything was smooth, I found my prime heart rate to keep up the pace for a little over of 5 hours of riding (I am hoping for a 5:15 finish time). The bike is geared up and ready to go. Just need to give her a quick bath and lube (couldn't we all use one or both of those sometimes?)

I do apologize there is no crazy stories or pictures to go with this issue, but I will post some non-biking related motivational posters to help you pass the time at work. Enjoy as I will probably not write tomorrow or Friday in preparation for the race.

A slow Weekend

2010-08-24T20:43:00.004-04:00

Well after a fairly full Saturday with a day full of events I really don't have anything to report for Sunday. Started off by me and the burrower getting all holy at church. I was hoping that the rain prediction was wrong and the afternoon showers wouldn't happen. I got what I wished for and headed off to the WhiteWater center for one last pre-course ride. I only managed one lap due to the heat and I just didn't feel like biking when I got out there.

The good news is that this weekend is fore casted to be a lot cooler than the 90+ degrees plus lot of humidity. Finally.

Like I said, not a lot went on this weekend. I did manage to take my brand new car out for a ride at Birkdale. Got a prime parking spot too.

Yup, if you look in the background my Geek Squad beatle got a spot right next to the door. Meanwhile my friend Jason decided to take the risk and park his car in the street.
What a sucker.

Tomorrow I just have a nice, casual lap planned at Shermans Branch, just to loosen up the legs a bit. If your interested let me know, I will be there around 5:15 or so, but will definaltly wait if someone else wants to show up.

A non-update update

2010-08-23T20:06:00.006-04:00

Yes,
Things have been slowing down here the past week in preparatin for ramping up for the Rivers Edge Mountain Bike Marathon.

Started with a nice easy stroll in Ready Creek Park chasing a damn Frisbee all over the place. This wasn't my first time playing but it was the Burrowers. I don't think this will be her favorite past time, but I do think I can get her to do it again when the weather cools down.

FORE!!!!

And the Burrower takes pretty good action shots. This might have to be her new hobby.

After that we came home and were excited to hear that our friends wanted to try to see if we could tube on their pontoon boat.
The water was so hot though it wasn't even fun to swim in. But after discussing some other sports options for the summer it has been a challenge from Jason to do our first Tri-atholon. Yes ladies and gentleman I will be attempting to swim. Now this is funny because I float like a rock. A big rock.

The answer was yes.

We also went to the bar to watch the Panthers play. Lets just say this is how we felt when the offence took the field.

And just happened to see this bloggers wife out and about, she wasn't with him so I am sure she was trying to upgrade. Really can't blame her. Have you checked out how crappy his blog is compared to mine? I have more pictures and that is the real measure of blog-dom

One thing at a time though, more details on that later if I remember to sign up. Otherwise enjoy the pictures of me in swimsuit, even though there is a life raft on top of it. Maybe even write a post tomorrow about a bike ride. I don't know if there will be time.

And now a word from our sponsors

2010-08-19T19:45:00.012-04:00

Ok, not really, but I have been trying to branch out with my online networking.

I was searching around the "web" as the kids call it now a days and stumbled across a site in which regular athletes can get hooked up with "sponsorships" with companies in which they use everyday, or get exposed to new ones. The site "Hookit" seems to work like any facebook or myspace page, except the twist is that it is used for promoting yourself as an athlete vs. complete social networking.

So searching around I set up a profile and added some pictures, some race results and boom. I have a profile. Well after a few days I ended up with an offer from a mountain bike accessory company, Crankskins. So I went ahead and ordered some of their gear and a few days later I got swag in the mail.

I love swag. I am not sure that they knew I am a middle of the pack racer and just needed some additional stickers or what, but they gave me more than I ordered. I just ordered the camo ones and the free stars and stripes ones but look at all of this

Also got a additional set of camo crankskins, some clear ones, and some hookit stickers. It really doesn't take much to make me happy. Needless to say they went right on the bike. I opted for the stars and strips on The Culprit.

And might as well put one on the ride that gets the ride there.

I put one on my parts rack....errrr, the burrowers ride.

And I had a cable rub on the frame

And probably could have been avoided if I would of had the frame protectors provided by Crankskins

And problem fixed.

So with the downpours we have been having here this week I haven't really had a chance to ride so I have just gotten creative with the extra skins and the camera. This is what happens when mountain bikers get bored. More of this to come next week as I still have a few extra skins to pass out to fellow racers. Maybe even a coupon code for them to get their own as well.

I apologize

2010-08-18T22:08:00.002-04:00

Power went out, I should have a new post by tomorrow, maybe even something about my new sponsor

You ready for some girl on girl action?

2010-08-17T19:53:00.009-04:00

Those were the opening words the rabid announcer said as we walked into the Grady Cole Center just outside of uptown for the last home bout of the Charlotte Roller Girls sponsored by PBR

Although our neighbors have gone to almost every roller derby match in Charlotte it was a new experience to me and the burrower. With names such as Pamela Ander-slam and Puncher Peahole how could this not be considered family friendly entertainment? First match was the "B" squad or the "Bedazzlers" as they like to be called.

After whopping up on the competition they ended up winning 164 to 54 or something like that. The Blond Bombshell had a few big rounds and ended scoring like 45 points or something like that by herself. I wish I gotten a good picture of her as she looked like one of the few girls who, well how do I put this delicately, one of the few who couldn't kick my ass.

At halftime there was also a prize giveaway sponsored by that wonderful hipster beer PBR.

I ended up with a headband and my neighbors let me borrow the matching wristband to complete the outfit.

I fit right in.

After the B squad finished their rout, the "A" team or the "All-Stars" took their turn. It started out as as a one sided match not in favor of the home team, but with 6 minutes left in the 2nd half they were starting to make a game of it. The crowd was roaring, the girls throwing elbows and each other, and the jerseys were getting tugged in places that most jerseys could only dream of getting caught up in.

Not a bad night for me, got some rub on PBR tattoos, a PBR headband, PBR pins, and just for poops and giggles, I even had a PBR. After all they do for the sport of roller derby, I think they deserved my business for the night.

Deer in Headlights

2010-08-16T18:55:00.005-04:00

Have you ever seen your life flash before your eyes? Well The Culprit almost saw its life end on the inner loop of I-485. It had the end of the rack on Jay's car and well lets just say that the bladed spokes of the Mavic SLR catch more wind than a normal spoke. That and a combination of 75 mph. I was sitting in the back seat when I almost pooped myself seeing my baby hanging only by one strap off the rack. I screamed like a little girl for him to stop the car. He turned back at me and said "quit joking".

I replied back to him "have I ever joked about my bike being in trouble?" Needless to say the car was stopped immediately. Well after double strapping it on the rack we ended up at Shermans Branch and met up with Casey's co-worker Dan (who just bought a new Stuntjumper and who also has me in his sights for the 50 Mile Marathon.

I was leading the group on a nice social pace when my front wheel lost traction and slid out from under me. I ended up having to bring it into Sun and Ski Turns out I bent the rear detailer hanger. While it was in there the shop mechanic confirmed what I already knew was coming. The Culprit wasn't going to live much longer. It has been 2 full season and almost 1000 off road miles later. It was going to need a new drive train sometime soon. I let him clean it off and adjust all the cables in hopes of living just a few more months. For a big box store, they always treat me well there, and even knew when the Burrower had her surgery and asked about her when I stopped in. A quality crew there. That was my Wednesday night social ride.

Saturday I woke up early to put in some miles at the USNWC. I was able to get 2 full laps in by myself listing to the likes of Fall Out Boy and Taking Back Sunday. When I finished I saw Jason's car parked next to mine. Needless to say I waited for him to come back so maybe we could get a drink at the bar. As I was recouperating from a solid 25 miles in I saw him and Casey walking back to the car. Casey ended up having a pinch flat and needed to get the pump to fill up the tube. After the tube was put back in I headed out for a quick lap of the North and South loops there, purposly avoiding all of the options. We did mangage to do the gas line climb as Jason had never seen it so we hit the downhill portion and then headed in. Nothing to crazy on the ride, no cool pictures taken as this was "training". But I did have a new experance later on in the day, but that will be for tomorrow. And then stay tuned...I my super secret item in the mail on Monday

Finally got it fixed!

2010-08-11T21:26:00.007-04:00

I was talking about my old Haro hardtail bike. This bike is a little bit of a monster with pieces and parts from all over the place. The brakes and wheels are from the The Culprit when it got upgraded. The fork is one in which I traded with my neighbor Leo because the stock one was locked up from the wonderful winter short track series. The part I was waiting on was a crank arm.

I stripped the old one switching pedals from flats to clipless a while back. I didn't want to spring for a new crankset for this bike, especially since the plan is to upgrade the culprit and then move all that stuff over to the hardtail. So I decided to donate my time for parts at Trips for Kids.

I ended up getting a crankset but after I got it home I realized that it was a road crankset. Rookie mistake. Turns out that the crank arms were the same type and after borrowing the crank remover tool from Leo I was able to get it back together.

Since this is my current commuter bike I really didn't want to mess with clipless pedals at all but I hated my feet coming off while pedaling so I went with the old style of clipped in pedals. I know this wasn't exactly exciting post with good pictures, but I can tell you that the Mutt put in his guess yesterday about new stuff coming my garage. I am waiting for confirmation of it shipping and then I will definably keep you updated one the news.

Up in store for you tomorrow....weekday group ride at Shermans branch which ended up being a little more difficult than it should have been, even for a social ride, and in store for the weekend, more "training" for the 50 Miler

Getting Ready for the Ride

2010-08-10T20:01:00.004-04:00

Sunday was supposed to be a nice leisurly day for me. The Burrower was off working her second job at Holy Angels and I was planning on a few easy laps at the WWC by myself.

The MadSS had other ideas. After confirming with him the night before that it was going to be an early 7:53 AM start time I decided not to take a chance and dive into my drink of the night.

Ok, so I only had one sip, just to see how it tasted, and to my surprise it was pretty good. I am not a wine person but this stuff wasn't horrible.

To continue on with the story it was hot, and muggy and well, he is just to darn fast to keep up with, even though I have 26 more gears than he does. Luckily the Mrs. was there and she kept our wits about us and made sure we didn't go to fast and just blow up out of exshaution. We did 2 full laps, all of the options and our fast lap was about 1:23 (well it was for me, for him it was a few minutes faster). Not to shabby considering we took a rest break to made sure we stayed hydrated right after finishing goat hill and the gas line climb.

I even had a chance to try out my new biking equipment.

Thats right, thats is Tommy and Rocko in sweatband form. I am bring the sweatband back!!! Plus for only the low low Hot Topic Price of $.98 how could you not have a sense of nostalga?

Like all great bloggers (or just the few I read out of complete and utter boredom and click here for a good time B-43) I am working on something to make me either A) Better rider B) something that makes me look cool or C) I am just trying to keep your attention until the next post. Your choice, pick wisely....

Uptown Festivities and Beer Pong

2010-08-09T17:33:00.010-04:00

Well the weekend has come and gone and I finally got in my fix at some riding. With the burrower working most of the day Sunday at her 2nd job to try and save for our wedding, I felt like I had to be a good husband in training to spend the day doing whatever she wanted to do.

We tried the being holy thing and woke up to go to Saturday 9 AM mass. Turns out that it was re-scheduled for an anointing of the sick mass. Its a Catholic thing, if you don't get it, dont feel bad. That mis-adventure didn't last long so we went to pick up her car at our friend Erin's place where she left it the night before. Probably a good thing as she had just a little bit to much to drink that night.

After that it was stopping by to drop her car off for an oil change, going to get her ring inspected to make sure all of the stones wouldn't fall off of it (greatly appreciated by the guy who bought the thing), library, and then back home. We even washed my car and then she got tired, so I kept the generosity going and washed hers by myself. I know this sounds like a ho-hum day and you may be wondering where I going with this in relation to biking but there is a point.

While we were washing the car she heard a commercial. Dare I say it? Thats right, Criterium racing uptown.

50k purse for the winner! Well since I don't have the roadie skills to race it, she asked if I wanted to go. Hell Yeah!!! I may be almost complete in breaking her in to this whole biking thing, as long as she doesnt have to get on a bike.

Man those guys are fast. Here are some still shots I took at the back end of turn 1.

Three laps into the race I noticed something diffrent, like missing 70 riders crossing the turn. Turns out someone in the front went down. Through all the carnage I saw riders head into the nuertal pit zone. One by one they were checked by the medics and then allowed to wait for the pack to come around. I saw the guy who got the brunt of the fall, he was walking with frame in one hand and fork and front wheel in the other. Face torn up and bleeding. He got a new bike and went out. But he only made it another 15 minutes before deciding that it wasn't worth it.

That was definalty an experiance to see, and the burrower even liked it for a short time as well. But during these events everyone brings out their favorite ride. Like this one.

Its not going to win any races, but looks cool.

I did get my biking fix for the day and then it was off to meet up some friends for a friendly game of beer pong. Well there is nothing friendly about this game the next morning, but we play it anyway.

Guess who made the game winning shot?

Actually it wasn't this guy he just got in front of the one who did.

I really have no idea why they were doing this, but please refer to that we were playing beer pong and not a lot makes sense all the time.

So that was Saturday in a nutshell, just like everyone else's except not.
Tomorrows post, How I get my a$$ handed to me by MadSS....again

More Travels

2010-08-05T17:33:00.005-04:00

Well after working for a week after coming back from Colorado, it was time for another "vacation". Ok, it wasn't a vacation it was a wedding in Michigan. One of these days I will get a vacation that doesn't have a wedding attached to it. Me and the burrower also had to do was get our our wedding plans in order. Well to get past the boring stuff and just let you know we did get a lot of it done while we were up there.

After that I headed up to D-port IA to spend a night with Cranky Dan and a night with Sh#Tbrick. Well after multiple beers later at both places, a tux fitting it was then off to visit my high school buddies Chuck and Kope. Lets just say they are jealous of my made ping pong skills.

Yes, I went something like 16-3 for wins in ping pong, I am just that damn good.
Also on my tour I ended up going to Navy Pier to watch some fireworks, drink some beer, and just relax. I never understood abstract art...

Besides utter domination at ping pong and another 900 miles put on the Kia it was time to head off to Michigan for the wedding of my old roommate Web. Oh yeah, I guess I still had to write the best man speech....

The Wrap up and Back in Action

2010-08-03T20:33:00.007-04:00

Sorry about the delay in getting back to this for all of my fans (and I thank both of you) but it has been really busy around the household. Drove through 13 states and 3 time zones in the past 3 weeks and really didn't have any time to devote to the blog.

I am back and settled in so the routine should be starting up again.

Finally the wrap up of the Nationals Race in Sol Vista.

First off the starting hill really seperated the men from the boys. I was one of the very little boys as the field took off and I was pretty much left in the dust. The first climb was brutal. Almost straight up and a lose dirt, I couldnt get any traction and couldn't push a harder gear. Although in retrospect it was faster to walk up it than to try and ride.

Most the field was gone by the time I got up to the top but it was a rough course and I knew there would be a few stragglers who couldn't maintain the pace. As we went through a little more singletrack and then up another fire road I saw my first victim. Sitting on the bike trying to catch his breath. I just kept peddling and eventually caught another one.

Heres the the rocky singletrack. You had to choose your line wisely otherwise you would end up dabbing your foot.

After climbing for what seemed like hours I finally reached the top.

Estimated altitude topped out around 10,000 feet.

And someone had some confusion with the signs.

After the decent which put some of the berms at Warrior Creek to shame the first lap was done. Time to climb the hill again. Didn't make it, lost traction in the loose dirt again. After passing another rider I dropped my chain and had to flip the bike over. After wrestling with it for a few minutes I got it back on. Turns out those precisions minutes would be the difference in a top 10 finish.

Another mile into the trail I stopped upon one of the younger riders. I asked him if he needed anything. Turns out he needed a CO2 cartridge. Also turns out that he was only on his first lap. Poor kids parents had to be worried about him as he had to be in last place by a long shot. Another minute gone.

After struggling through the altitude and the heat I ended up running on someone in my class. The rough part was there was no place to pass in the past quarter mile as it was all banked downhill turns. I ended up coming behind him by .10 of a second. I just wish there was a straightaway at the end to get a sprint to show off my one skill.

12 of 16 place. Not to shabby. Those few minutes messing around the chain and playing trail fairy giving away my CO2 cartridge and tire leavers cost me some time, but it was an experience. Plus I got to drink beer, which might have been my downfall as well. I still have some other pictures to put up from the Denver area trails so getting the fun part out of the way for all you racer bois.

The Mis-adventures of a Bad Mountain Biker

A party followed by another party!

On the Road again...

Status update..Just like facebook but less interesting

Ready to Race!

Happy New Years day!!!

Merry Christmas

Fun on Three Wheels

Time for an update

End of September - in a Nutshell

Conclusion of Summer

What hurricane?

Summer in Full Swing

Surrender the BOOTY!!!!!

Same old, same old

No new updates

Moving on but not moving up

Burn 24 (wrap up)

Burn 24 hour Race (1 of at least 2)

Last Minute Changes

The Honeymoon

The Wedding Day (very picture heavy)

I'm Back!

Back in 2 weeks

I'm Sorry

Finishing up Warrior Creek 2011

Sorry for the delay

6 Hour of Warrior Creek Recap - Volume 1

BIKE PORN!!!!

Finishing Up

Hobby Park Race

Finishing Up

The Starting Line

First Race Report of the Season

It smells like burning....

Nothing new to report. So I am reporting nothing

Party like its 1989

The Good (Beer) The Bad (Beer) and the Ugly (results)

New and Exciting events....are not happening here.

A Slow Day

Trip the the mountains

I thought of a clever title for this post...

Lets start at the end and then work to the beginning...

More progress, but still inadequate

Setting myself up for Failure

Racing Begins and other Shananagins

So Begins A New Year? Maybe I should get a new attitude.

The Usual End of the Year Thank You

A whole lotta nothin'

Ugly Sweater Time

Finally, the Reveal

Time for a Change

How to Stay warm in winter, and other musings

Fall is in the air

Weekly Update

Stupid Rain

Don't Call me a Sell Out

Last Post of the Season (very picture friendly)

A mixed post..

The week of riding continues

I apologize

Err..

Are you ready for some football!!

Summer Series Finale

Travelin' Man

Some Final Thoughts from the Race

Rivers Edge Race Report (2 of 2)

Rivers Edge Race report (1 of 2)

Ready to Race

A slow Weekend

A non-update update

And now a word from our sponsors

I apologize

You ready for some girl on girl action?

Deer in Headlights

Finally got it fixed!

Getting Ready for the Ride

Uptown Festivities and Beer Pong

More Travels

More Trip Stories