My ass hurts....

Yup, you read that correctly, the past two weekends I have spent over 10 hours on a bike minimum.  I know that doesn't sound like a lot if you compare it to the amount of hours that most roadies spend on a bike, but this is mountain biking, a totally different sport.  Stand, sit, recover, stand, turn, root, climb, root, sit, stand, you get the picture, its not easy on the rear end. 

Last weekend I went up to Lake Norman State Park.  After racing Anne Springs a few weeks ago, I figured that Lake Norman has about the same elevation climb as Ann Springs, minus the roots, plus the mileage.  Win-Win.  I awoke early Saturday and headed out there for some big miles, at least for me.  I ended up doing the entire 3 loops  and Mombo before I finally was able to ride with a friend of a little bit.  In case you're not my face-friend, here is the go-pro.  Be warned, it's not very exciting as there are not any crashes, but it does show the great and flowy trail.

Total mileage for the day, probably somewhere between 55-60 miles. Total time: 5 hours.

Yesterday I met up with my former Queen City Cycles teammate Russ for some early morning fun at the WWC.  We have always passed each other either getting on or off that trail at ridiculously early hours so I knew the 7:15 start time would be no problem for him. 

I really wasn't feeling it the first  2 laps (they were not full laps, we did skip weigh station and gas line in case he reads this) but at over 10 miles a lap, regardless of options, it was a rough time for me.  I didn't eat very well the night before and it came back to haunt me.  We took an abbreviated 2nd lap to get back to the parking lot as he had a honey-do list for his new home, and I was picking up a new riding partner, Josh, at 9:30.

Josh and I hit up the new East Main section first, then went on to ride the entire WWC (minus the weigh station because I hate it).  It took some time but my stomach finally started feeling better around the 3 hour mark and I was beginning to find some flow and lucky for me Josh was having a hard time finding his lungs, but after a while we started to get some pace under our belts.  We had a good ride talking about nothing and everything in particular, stopping when we wanted to, going as fast or as slow as the conversation dictated.  Total ride time for the day...4 hours.


You might be wondering why I am putting so many hours in  on the bike.  Even if you're not I'm going to tell you anyway, the Tree Shaker 8 hour mountain bike race.  I could have just signed up for the 4 hour version, but I am not that smart.  This event will also tell me if I can do the 24 Hours of GA in the end of October without too much suffering.

Finally, there is always room for a new equipment review.  Guess what it is yet?

Still confused?

 Sexy looking

 I ordered a set of Xpedo SPD pedals.  I sent an email thanking them for sponsoring a Charlotte riding for the winter short track, and they sent me a coupon code to try their product.  

I ended up ording their lowest level of pedals, but to my surprise they still weighed less than the Shimano XT pedals.  Winning again.

I left them on their easiest setting for the first time and had no problems getting into them.  I do need to adjust the tension to make it a little harder to get out but that isn't the pedals fault, that is just me making sure I don't use them to strap myself to the bike and can't get out. They adjust ability of the pedal is very easy as well.  Just one hex wrench and I am good to go.  After 4 hours on the trail, I think they are a solid investment and will serve me well.  I think that's it for the day, I might have some better stories for next week, I mean, I will be on the bike for 8 hours, something funny or painful has to happen to me - right?

End of September - in a Nutshell

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.

Burn 24 (wrap up)

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.

Last Minute Changes

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.

Finishing up Warrior Creek 2011

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.

6 Hour of Warrior Creek Recap - Volume 1

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!!!!

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

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.

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

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.

A Slow Day

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.