Fingers crossed he actually makes a full length version.
Aug 10, 2010
Jul 24, 2010
Saying goodbye to an old friend
Today I received word from my mom that my beloved friend Bubba the box turtle had died.
Bubba and I went way back. Fourteen years in fact. That summer I got my first real mountain bike, a Schwinn Moab 3. One day I was riding through the spillway below the damn at Tuttle Creek Lake. A flood three years earlier gouged millions of years of soil and rock from the surface of the spillway, leaving behind the bare bedrock that once formed the sandy bottom of a giant inland sea during the Permian Period. The terraced surface of which was now a perfect place for a 14-year-old wanna be mountain biker to ride.
Our paths crossed as my front tire rolled over his shell, sending him tumbling sideways.
I picked him up and dusted him off, noting that he had a small chip on the back of his shell but was none the worse for our encounter. Rather than set him upright and allow him to continue doing, whatever turtles do... I dubbed him 'Bubba' and promptly stuck him in my jersey pocket. Not one release any reptile or amphibian I found, I decided to bring him home and cordon off a 10' x10' section of our backyard which would become my turtle nature preserve and his new home.
Bubba seemed quite content with his surroundings. He would even come when called — knowing there was a worm or strawberry to be had by making an appearance. In the winters he was housed in a small box in the basement, where he would hibernate until it was warm enough to return to his summer residence.
He was fully grown when I ran him over in 1996 and lived quite happily in captivity for 14 more years. Not a bad life for a turtle.
Bubba and I went way back. Fourteen years in fact. That summer I got my first real mountain bike, a Schwinn Moab 3. One day I was riding through the spillway below the damn at Tuttle Creek Lake. A flood three years earlier gouged millions of years of soil and rock from the surface of the spillway, leaving behind the bare bedrock that once formed the sandy bottom of a giant inland sea during the Permian Period. The terraced surface of which was now a perfect place for a 14-year-old wanna be mountain biker to ride.
 |
I picked him up and dusted him off, noting that he had a small chip on the back of his shell but was none the worse for our encounter. Rather than set him upright and allow him to continue doing, whatever turtles do... I dubbed him 'Bubba' and promptly stuck him in my jersey pocket. Not one release any reptile or amphibian I found, I decided to bring him home and cordon off a 10' x10' section of our backyard which would become my turtle nature preserve and his new home.
Bubba seemed quite content with his surroundings. He would even come when called — knowing there was a worm or strawberry to be had by making an appearance. In the winters he was housed in a small box in the basement, where he would hibernate until it was warm enough to return to his summer residence.
He was fully grown when I ran him over in 1996 and lived quite happily in captivity for 14 more years. Not a bad life for a turtle.
 |
| Bubba the Ornate Box Turtle (19?? - 2010) |
Jun 30, 2010
Mid season race recap
Logged on to blogger today to find a myriad of new and exciting options for me to play around with. Maybe it will motivate me to post regularly though I doubt it. All work and no play has definitely been taking it's toll on my riding and racing. Without further ado here is my mid-season race recap:
Bonebender 3/6 Hour -- 2nd 6 hour solo singlespeed, 11th overall.
Despite the threat of rainy weather that comes with putting on an April race, conditions could not have been better. I like my trails like I like my women — fast and tacky.
Syllamo's Revenge -- 6th U29, 9th singlespeed, 36th overall
In spite of the torrential downpour and threat of impending tornado-deth, the Bad Goats had a good showing. Can't say I cared much for the trail — bench cut trail section mile 14 look and rode just like bench cut trail section mile 40. Would it have killed somebody to trim the trail back? Because those briars almost killed me.
Robidoux Roundup -- 3rd Cat 1 Men, 19-29
I intended to race marathon only to arrive just as the marathon class was lining up. Expert it was!
Dirty Kanza -- DID NOT FINISH (for the third freaking time)
I raced the inaugural DK200 in 2006 and finished 5th. Each subsequent attempt has been met with fail. This year I thought I had it in the bag. My legs felt great, my nutrition and hydration strategies were spot on. Even the extreme heat was not bothering me. But I choose my tires poorly; Hutchinson Piranhas are too soft and fragile for 200 miles of Kansas gravel. On the upside, I was able to cover the event for Dirt Rag Magazine. Look for my write up in issue #151.
Bonebender 3/6 Hour -- 2nd 6 hour solo singlespeed, 11th overall.
Despite the threat of rainy weather that comes with putting on an April race, conditions could not have been better. I like my trails like I like my women — fast and tacky.
 |
| Speaking of which, here I am with the little lady... |
In spite of the torrential downpour and threat of impending tornado-deth, the Bad Goats had a good showing. Can't say I cared much for the trail — bench cut trail section mile 14 look and rode just like bench cut trail section mile 40. Would it have killed somebody to trim the trail back? Because those briars almost killed me.
 |
| Syllamo was my first ride on the new ride. |
 | ||
| Plyometrics in the form of jumpshots were our recovery workout. |
Robidoux Roundup -- 3rd Cat 1 Men, 19-29
I intended to race marathon only to arrive just as the marathon class was lining up. Expert it was!
 |
| The trail was 50 percent bridge crossings, 50 percent right-angle turns. |
Dirty Kanza -- DID NOT FINISH (for the third freaking time)
I raced the inaugural DK200 in 2006 and finished 5th. Each subsequent attempt has been met with fail. This year I thought I had it in the bag. My legs felt great, my nutrition and hydration strategies were spot on. Even the extreme heat was not bothering me. But I choose my tires poorly; Hutchinson Piranhas are too soft and fragile for 200 miles of Kansas gravel. On the upside, I was able to cover the event for Dirt Rag Magazine. Look for my write up in issue #151.
 |
| Not my lucky number. |
 |
| Left to right, Gerald Hart and Tanner Marshall setting the pace. Next up: Sunflower State Games, Laramie Enduro, Rapture in Misery, Midwest Singlespeed Championships, Kansas City Cup and whatever else life throws my way. |
Mar 13, 2010
Out West
I spent last week in Cali, Morgan Hill to be precise.
I had the chance to test some new products, hangout with some cool people and I even learned a thing or two.
On Thursday we rode the Sea Otter race course. I was most definitely feeling the effects of our long Kansas winter.
"Trail conditions" were less than ideal. I use quotes because anyone who has ridden or raced at Laguna Seca knows it's more dirt road and double track than actual trail. An abnormally wet winter brought much needed rain, but also created giant sinkholes and axle-deep ruts in many places.
Coming off a water bar on the first descent I managed to maneuver out of harms way, narrowly missing a man-eater of a sinkhole. One of my buddies, a known Team Segal nerdowell, was not so lucky — he rode straight in, crashed in spectacular fashion and came away with a broken collar bone.
At least it was a loaner bike.
I had the chance to test some new products, hangout with some cool people and I even learned a thing or two.
"Trail conditions" were less than ideal. I use quotes because anyone who has ridden or raced at Laguna Seca knows it's more dirt road and double track than actual trail. An abnormally wet winter brought much needed rain, but also created giant sinkholes and axle-deep ruts in many places.
Coming off a water bar on the first descent I managed to maneuver out of harms way, narrowly missing a man-eater of a sinkhole. One of my buddies, a known Team Segal nerdowell, was not so lucky — he rode straight in, crashed in spectacular fashion and came away with a broken collar bone.
At least it was a loaner bike.
Mar 11, 2010
Racing 2010
My 2009 'cross season ended abruptly due to a dislocated patella from Barnyard Cross.
Ok, that's a lie...
The dislocated knee cap was a result of "dropping it like it's hot" whilst dancing after Barnyard Cross. It would serve me well to remember I am no longer a kid — when I dance, there will be consequences.
In any case, I've been doing my best to get healthy over these long winter months. I haven't been able to log as many base miles would have liked, but I did manage to secure two things that will motivate me to get in race shape.
The first is a transfer entry to Ouachita. This year's registration filled up in the blink of an eye and I missed it.
The second is this:
It weighs 2.6 lbs and is made of something the engineers at NASA are referring to as "carpet fiber."
Ok, that's a lie...
The dislocated knee cap was a result of "dropping it like it's hot" whilst dancing after Barnyard Cross. It would serve me well to remember I am no longer a kid — when I dance, there will be consequences.
In any case, I've been doing my best to get healthy over these long winter months. I haven't been able to log as many base miles would have liked, but I did manage to secure two things that will motivate me to get in race shape.
The first is a transfer entry to Ouachita. This year's registration filled up in the blink of an eye and I missed it.
The second is this:
It weighs 2.6 lbs and is made of something the engineers at NASA are referring to as "carpet fiber."
Dec 18, 2009
Midwest Mountain bike racing is back!
This just in from the United Federation of Dirt. Please help spread the word!
KANSAS CITY, MO: We are thrilled to announce the 2010 United Federation of Dirt [UFD] race calendar. The UFD consists of a
collective group of promoters, trail builders and racers unified in the goal of bringing dirt lovin’ good times to the Missouri and
Kansas region.
For 2010, we are promoting 17 traditional cross country mountain bike races divided into two leagues. The Eastern League is
comprised of 8 races and the Western League will be hosting 9 races. The Endurance League brings together 4 races focused on
long distance and the ability for the human spirit to suffer. The events will take place on some the best singletrack that the
region has to offer, including the ever popular Castlewood State Park, Spanish Lake, Wilson Lake, KS and newly minted Swope
Park.
In addition to the 17 cross country races and 4 endurance races, we are pleased to announce the return of the Short Track Dirt
Crit Series to the St. Louis area and the Kansas City region. These weekly training races will be the perfect way to keep the legs
a moving and the body acclimated to racing on dirt.
And lastly, the UFD is proud to announce that these events will be under the sanctioning of USA Cycling. This is just the
beginning of many exciting things to come for the 2010 season. We are still in the early planning stages and working to get all
the pieces in place to bring you the best racing experience around. Look for more announcements soon…fun in the dirt is what
it is all about.
Eastern League XC races
Western League XC races
For more information check out UFD online:
Web: www.unitedindirt.com
Facebook: United Federation of Dirt
Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedindirt
KANSAS CITY, MO: We are thrilled to announce the 2010 United Federation of Dirt [UFD] race calendar. The UFD consists of a
collective group of promoters, trail builders and racers unified in the goal of bringing dirt lovin’ good times to the Missouri and
Kansas region.
For 2010, we are promoting 17 traditional cross country mountain bike races divided into two leagues. The Eastern League is
comprised of 8 races and the Western League will be hosting 9 races. The Endurance League brings together 4 races focused on
long distance and the ability for the human spirit to suffer. The events will take place on some the best singletrack that the
region has to offer, including the ever popular Castlewood State Park, Spanish Lake, Wilson Lake, KS and newly minted Swope
Park.
In addition to the 17 cross country races and 4 endurance races, we are pleased to announce the return of the Short Track Dirt
Crit Series to the St. Louis area and the Kansas City region. These weekly training races will be the perfect way to keep the legs
a moving and the body acclimated to racing on dirt.
And lastly, the UFD is proud to announce that these events will be under the sanctioning of USA Cycling. This is just the
beginning of many exciting things to come for the 2010 season. We are still in the early planning stages and working to get all
the pieces in place to bring you the best racing experience around. Look for more announcements soon…fun in the dirt is what
it is all about.
2010 United Federation of Dirt Race Calendar
Eastern League XC races
- March 14: Leadbelt XC. St. Joe Park (Mark Grumke)
- March 28: Mesa Lost Valley Luau (Matt James)
- May 8: *Greensfelder ( (DRJ Racing)
- June 12: *Missouri State Championship. Castlewood (Big Shark/Pfoodman)
- June 27: St.Charles County Parks (Ghisallo Sports)
- Aug 8: Trailblazer Blitz. Spanish Lake. (Trailblazer Bikes)
- Aug 22: Cyclewerx Crankfest. Cape Girardeau, MO (Cyclewerx)
- Sept 25: *Council Bluffs (ICCC)
- Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit Series– 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29. Dirt Crit Final Blowout XC race - 8/1
Western League XC races
- March 28: Lawrence River Trails. Lawrence, KS (Curtis Martell/Free State Racing)
- May 1/2: Wilson Lake Fat Tire Festival. Wilson Lake, KS. (Doug Chambers/Golden Belt)
- May 8: Robidoux Roundup. Krug Park. St. Joseph, MO. (Randy Tracy/Craig Hoppe)
- June 6: The Down and Dirty. Warsaw, MO (Mac Vorce)
- June 20: Cramp Alexander. Emporia. KS. (Matt Brown/High Gear)
- June 27: Crocodile Rock. Perry Lake State Park. Perry, KS. (Lyle Reidy/HSP/Bad Goat Racing)
- July 25: Sunflower State Games (Curtis Martell/Free State Racing)
- Sept 12: Tour De Lizard. Arkansas City, KS (Bobby Smith)
- Sept 19: Kansas City Cup (Federation Championship). Swope Park. Kansas City, MO. (Ron Acklin/HSP)
- Short Track Dirt Crit Training Series –Thursday Nite Throwdown: June-August Timeframe
- April 18: Bone Bender 3/6 MTB Odyssey. Smithville Lake. Smithville, MO (Chris Locke/Cow Town Cycling)
- June 5: Dirty Kanza 200 [DK200]. Emporia, KS (Jim Cummins/HSP)
- Aug 14: Rapture In Misery [RIM] 6/12. Crowder State Park. Trenton, MO (Doug Long/HSP)
- Oct 9: Burning at the Bluff (Mesa Cycles)
For more information check out UFD online:
Web: www.unitedindirt.com
Facebook: United Federation of Dirt
Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedindirt
Dec 4, 2009
Cross racers gone wild.
Got this video from Jesse Antony.
I think Trebon and Wicknasty steal the show.
I think Trebon and Wicknasty steal the show.
Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!
Nov 17, 2009
De Stad Cup Mudfest
Here's the video from Sunday's muddy race at St. Mary's College.
Click here for the full race recap.
Click here for the full race recap.
Nov 16, 2009
Cyclocross bikes are the new fixies...and mud is the new black.
Race recap will be posted shortly on the Bad Goat Blog, in the meantime entertain yourself with this...
Nov 8, 2009
Alleycat Aftermath
The 2009 Dirty Apple Alley Cat was a success. About 80 riders streamed out of triangle park to checkpoints across Manhattan.
The checkpoints included: Besting a fellow racer at Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat before proceeding; running through the isles of Hyvee to check the price of a case of Jones Soda; and taking a headshot, stomach shot or slap in the face...you choose.
Big thanks to Twhet and Thomas Krap for organizing this event, and thanks to the sponsors who supported it: Chrome Bags, Salsa Cycles, Surly Bikes, All-City, Velocity USA, El Duke Degreaser, Tallgrass Brewery and Chipotle.
Photos from the Dirty Apple can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedirtyapple/
The checkpoints included: Besting a fellow racer at Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat before proceeding; running through the isles of Hyvee to check the price of a case of Jones Soda; and taking a headshot, stomach shot or slap in the face...you choose.
Twhet getting everyone registered
Mark Smelser bought the pain train
SNES Competition (pics ripped from Facebook)
How bad to you want to win?
Headshot!
Post race party
Fellow Bad Goat Zach Dubas, right, took the win
Big thanks to Twhet and Thomas Krap for organizing this event, and thanks to the sponsors who supported it: Chrome Bags, Salsa Cycles, Surly Bikes, All-City, Velocity USA, El Duke Degreaser, Tallgrass Brewery and Chipotle.
Photos from the Dirty Apple can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thedirtyapple/
Nov 5, 2009
Last call for the Dirty Apple Alley Cat
This Friday, November 6
Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Triangle Park Manhattan, KS
What you can expect: According to race organizers Twhet and Thomas Krap, you can expect to hurt.
These guys have put a lot of work into this event. They've lined up a lot of great sponsors, including: Chrome Bags, Salsa Cycles, Surly Bikes, All-City, Velocity USA, El Duke Degreaser, Tallgrass Brewery and Chipotle.
There is going to be over $750 worth of prizes for those who compete!
Facebook event page
Details from the organizers:
1) In no way am I or anyone liable for your actions.
2) There will be fun.
3) Party afterwards featuring TERROR TRACTOR, DROPJAW, and maybe some more loud, live, awesome music.
4) The course map will be posted no sooner than 24hours before the race starts.
5) Pre-registration gets you a t-shirt $10; Day of $12 no shirt
Late breaking news from Twhet:
"Tomorrow, there is a race.
I rode what I thought was the fastest route yesterday, and clocked it at somewhere around 15-20miles, there are 9 checkpoints, and it took me about 1.5 hours to complete.
Meet tomorrow at triangle park, I recommend that you bring a helmet, light, lock, and pen with you. also, try to be there close to 7pm.. I know it doesn't start until 7:30pm, but try.
You should be prepared for fun, and lots of it!!! bring all of your friends.
I will post more details to the facebook event page tomorrow around noon, and I will also have them at The Pathfinder."
Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Triangle Park Manhattan, KS
What you can expect: According to race organizers Twhet and Thomas Krap, you can expect to hurt.
These guys have put a lot of work into this event. They've lined up a lot of great sponsors, including: Chrome Bags, Salsa Cycles, Surly Bikes, All-City, Velocity USA, El Duke Degreaser, Tallgrass Brewery and Chipotle.
There is going to be over $750 worth of prizes for those who compete!
Facebook event page
Details from the organizers:
1) In no way am I or anyone liable for your actions.
2) There will be fun.
3) Party afterwards featuring TERROR TRACTOR, DROPJAW, and maybe some more loud, live, awesome music.
4) The course map will be posted no sooner than 24hours before the race starts.
5) Pre-registration gets you a t-shirt $10; Day of $12 no shirt
Late breaking news from Twhet:
"Tomorrow, there is a race.
I rode what I thought was the fastest route yesterday, and clocked it at somewhere around 15-20miles, there are 9 checkpoints, and it took me about 1.5 hours to complete.
Meet tomorrow at triangle park, I recommend that you bring a helmet, light, lock, and pen with you. also, try to be there close to 7pm.. I know it doesn't start until 7:30pm, but try.
You should be prepared for fun, and lots of it!!! bring all of your friends.
I will post more details to the facebook event page tomorrow around noon, and I will also have them at The Pathfinder."
Nov 2, 2009
Back to the Interweb, Part 2: Post-Interbike Musings
This year I joined forces with the Bike Magazine crew to do some Web / multimedia coverage of Interbike. I'm rather jaded when it comes to "latest and greatest" spiels, but very now and then a product catches my eye because it's innovative, makes life simpler, or makes me ask,"why didn't someone think of this sooner?"
Here are my top three products from the show.
Here are my top three products from the show.
Interbike Video: Pedro's New 8-bit Multi-tool—the Tulio from Bike Magazine on Vimeo.
Interbike Video: Exposure Lights from Bike Magazine on Vimeo.
Interbike Video: The new DT Swiss Tricon wheelset from Bike Magazine on Vimeo.
Oct 30, 2009
Back to the Interweb: Part I
Real life has taken precedence over E-living, and life has been good.
Cyclocross season is well underway. Cross starts earlier every year; I'd prefer the season to start in October and go through February. But as long as I'm racing, I'm not complaining.
My plan to race myself back into shape seems to be paying off. Every weekend I've been feeling stronger and have slowly been creeping my way up in the standings. For some reason I've been riding like a squirrel — making little mistakes that cost me time — silly crashes, dropped chains and bad line choices. I'm hopeful that repetition through racing is the solution.
Jan 6, 2009
Back from the backwoods of Arkansas
I spent the first weekend of the new year backpacking in Arkansas, Devil's Den to be exact.I love winter camping. It's the only time I really get to use all the cool gear I've accumulated over the years — cold weather means I can sleep in my mummy bag, rather than spend the night sweating on top of it!
Jaime, my partner in crime, was up for exploring each and every cave and crevasse we came across. She's also one heck of a camp cook.
I'm planning a return trip soon. This time with my brothers and our bikes.
Any takers?
Dec 28, 2008
Back online, last race of the 'cross season
Cross season was long, painful and mostly dry — nationals and today's race were the exceptions. Boss Cross #3 was a fast course turned painful slog thanks to risings temps and melting snow.
A third of the course was faster on foot than on the bike.
Still a fun race, and a good way to end the season.
There are three more local 'cross races, but I'm burnt out. I'm ready to ride my bike in the woods, with friends, for fun.
Here are some shots of today's mudder, compliments of Roger Harrison.
Power washing is overrated.
Real men use the Missouri River to clean their bike, then jump in to clean themselves.
A third of the course was faster on foot than on the bike.
Still a fun race, and a good way to end the season.
There are three more local 'cross races, but I'm burnt out. I'm ready to ride my bike in the woods, with friends, for fun.
Here are some shots of today's mudder, compliments of Roger Harrison.
Power washing is overrated.Real men use the Missouri River to clean their bike, then jump in to clean themselves.
Sep 6, 2008
Weekend in review
I've been absent from the interwebs for a few weeks, school is back with a vengeance. I've still managed to have fun on the bike though.
I headed to Manhattan last weekend and joined their monthly Critical Mass. They had a fairly good sized group. Those kids are much more civil than the rable-rousers here in Lawrence.
Saturday was Cruise the Blues, if you're not familiar with the race, it's a uniquely Kansas cycling event. Nestled in the middle of central Kansas is Doug and Tracey Palen's farm. In addition to being a farmer Doug is also a passionate mountain biker. He has created a network of fast flowy singletrack which meander through his fields and pastures. Dodging cornstalks and cow patties is part of the experience.
The race loop is approximately 13 miles of hardpacked goodness. The trail was not as buff as it has been in years past, thanks to a downpour the week before the race. Nothing five hours of racing can't remedy!
My teammate, Cycle City's very own John Waller, and I launched our assault on the men's five-hour "glory" field. I had a good first lap and John had an even better second. Unfortunately for me, the previous night's overindulgence in cheap beer and pulled-pork sandwiches would not be silenced — a counter-attack on my stomach was launched. I hurriedly exorcised the demons in the nearest johnny and just missed my teammate riding in. We lost some time but still managed to hold off third place. We went home with money in our pockets. Not a bad weekend. Congrats to the dynamic Chambers duo for taking home the big win!
I headed to Manhattan last weekend and joined their monthly Critical Mass. They had a fairly good sized group. Those kids are much more civil than the rable-rousers here in Lawrence.Saturday was Cruise the Blues, if you're not familiar with the race, it's a uniquely Kansas cycling event. Nestled in the middle of central Kansas is Doug and Tracey Palen's farm. In addition to being a farmer Doug is also a passionate mountain biker. He has created a network of fast flowy singletrack which meander through his fields and pastures. Dodging cornstalks and cow patties is part of the experience.
The race loop is approximately 13 miles of hardpacked goodness. The trail was not as buff as it has been in years past, thanks to a downpour the week before the race. Nothing five hours of racing can't remedy!
My teammate, Cycle City's very own John Waller, and I launched our assault on the men's five-hour "glory" field. I had a good first lap and John had an even better second. Unfortunately for me, the previous night's overindulgence in cheap beer and pulled-pork sandwiches would not be silenced — a counter-attack on my stomach was launched. I hurriedly exorcised the demons in the nearest johnny and just missed my teammate riding in. We lost some time but still managed to hold off third place. We went home with money in our pockets. Not a bad weekend. Congrats to the dynamic Chambers duo for taking home the big win!
Aug 19, 2008
Rapture in Misery
I've raced and ridden at Landhal many times, I don't think conditions have ever been as good as they were for last weekend's Rapture in Misery. Mild temps and tacky hardpack made for ideal race conditions.
There's a bit of wisdom that says one should never race on untested equipment. Excellent advice, but I always seem to mix things up before race day. Many things have been mixed up this season and I've done what I can to make the best of it.
For this year's Rapture I was on a new frame, new drive system, and a squishy fork—first time I've spent any significant amount of time on a suspension fork in over a year. For endurance racing at Landahl I welcomed the chance to run suspension; it was nice to be able to plow through rockgardens, even when fatigue set in.
It did take some getting used to. Halfway through my fourth lap I crashed hard. There's a sharp left turn over exposed rocks and roots where, instead of braking, I lift the rear end and pivot on the front wheel to conserve momentum through the turn.
I did a poor job of executing this maneuver on my fourth lap. I leaned too far over the front and, as the fork rebounded, shot off the front, landing hard on my right side and twisting my right knee. I stood around for a few minutes, catching my breath and making sure my knee was still in working order. One racer, Kyle Shour, passed me while I getting myself back together. I struggled to catch Kyle, but he was hauling and my knee wasn't having it. I decided to try and make up time slowly over the next few laps—bad choice.
Of all the pit crews at Landahl mine was far and away the most spirited, thanks in no small measure to the free beer provided by the fine
folks at Heartland Sports.
Every time I rolled thru the pit raucous cowbells and empty beer cans greeted me. Unfortuntely, in their exuberance they mistakenly thought the racer who passed me was a lap down and relayed this golden nugget to me. I figured I was still in first and rode conservatively the rest of the day.
I ended up taking second, and had I known Kyle was not a lap down, I would probably have still finished second.
New Bike.
I'm not one to rant and rave about bikes until I get some time on them, but I'm enjoying the fit and handling of the Spot. It served me well this weekend—the belt-drive was certainly a conversation starter. More on the new bike in a future post.
There's a bit of wisdom that says one should never race on untested equipment. Excellent advice, but I always seem to mix things up before race day. Many things have been mixed up this season and I've done what I can to make the best of it.
For this year's Rapture I was on a new frame, new drive system, and a squishy fork—first time I've spent any significant amount of time on a suspension fork in over a year. For endurance racing at Landahl I welcomed the chance to run suspension; it was nice to be able to plow through rockgardens, even when fatigue set in.
It did take some getting used to. Halfway through my fourth lap I crashed hard. There's a sharp left turn over exposed rocks and roots where, instead of braking, I lift the rear end and pivot on the front wheel to conserve momentum through the turn.
I did a poor job of executing this maneuver on my fourth lap. I leaned too far over the front and, as the fork rebounded, shot off the front, landing hard on my right side and twisting my right knee. I stood around for a few minutes, catching my breath and making sure my knee was still in working order. One racer, Kyle Shour, passed me while I getting myself back together. I struggled to catch Kyle, but he was hauling and my knee wasn't having it. I decided to try and make up time slowly over the next few laps—bad choice.
Of all the pit crews at Landahl mine was far and away the most spirited, thanks in no small measure to the free beer provided by the fine
folks at Heartland Sports.
Every time I rolled thru the pit raucous cowbells and empty beer cans greeted me. Unfortuntely, in their exuberance they mistakenly thought the racer who passed me was a lap down and relayed this golden nugget to me. I figured I was still in first and rode conservatively the rest of the day.
I ended up taking second, and had I known Kyle was not a lap down, I would probably have still finished second.
New Bike.
I'm not one to rant and rave about bikes until I get some time on them, but I'm enjoying the fit and handling of the Spot. It served me well this weekend—the belt-drive was certainly a conversation starter. More on the new bike in a future post.
Jul 31, 2008
Jul 29, 2008
In my search to create what friends have dubbed "The Josh Patterson Fantasy Bike Shop," I've found a great way to build a wheeled cart for my Park TS-2 truing stand.
I love building wheels—I find it very relaxing. Something about taking many disparate parts and creating a single strong, functional structure is very rewarding. One thing I've always wanted to build was a cart to hold boxes of spokes, spoke prep / linseed oil and my tensiometer. Well, I came across a ready-made solution.
I picked up a microwave cart, for free, and drilled holes in the top to mount my truing stand. It holds everything I need. I can wheel it around the shop, I could even roll it into the house and build wheels while watching Desperate Housewives.
I could.
I love building wheels—I find it very relaxing. Something about taking many disparate parts and creating a single strong, functional structure is very rewarding. One thing I've always wanted to build was a cart to hold boxes of spokes, spoke prep / linseed oil and my tensiometer. Well, I came across a ready-made solution.
I picked up a microwave cart, for free, and drilled holes in the top to mount my truing stand. It holds everything I need. I can wheel it around the shop, I could even roll it into the house and build wheels while watching Desperate Housewives.
I could.
Jul 22, 2008
First Race Back: Shawnee Mission Six Hour
I've been back in the U.S. for three weeks. Europe was great, Croatia was gorgeous, but I was off the bike for six weeks...and I hadn't been riding much before I left. Getting back in the saddle was a rude awakening.
I don't think I've been off a bike for a solid six weeks in many, many years. Since getting back, I've been spending my mornings logging in base miles on the road bike. Prior to this weekend, I hadn't ridden my mountain bike since April.
No better way to get back into the swing of things then a six-hour singlespeed escapade!
I mounted some fresh rubber, filled my water bottles and off I went. This was the first Heartland race at Shawnee Mission Park and the trails delivered. Very fast and flowy, with enough rocky sections to make things interesting.
Saturday was hot and sticky. I was looking forward to it. I knew I was not in shape for this kind of event but was counting on my secret weapon to give me an advantage, provided I could turn over consistent laps. The hotter it is the better I seem to perform, relative to others. The reason: I don't cramp. In 26 my years of existence I have never had a cramp.
I had a good start, there was a long grass section leading into the singletrack. By the time we hit the trail everyone had figured out where they needed to be. I traded laps with several singlespeeders of ill repute, Skip from Lincoln and Team Seagal from Saint Louis. The STL crew rolled in deep, nice guys too.
My first five laps felt good. After that, my lack of fitness began to show—I could maintain a consistent pace, but couldn't attack or power up the short climbs. I took a long pit stop to relax after my sixth lap and felt haggard for the last two laps. My hands took a beating from my rigid setup; towards the end I had to brake thru the rough stuff.
I came in from my eighth lap and called it a day. Considering my current level of fitness, I was more than content with a 3rd place finish in Men's 20-29 .
After the race I was looking forward to hanging out with my singlespeed compatriots around the beer cooler, but it was not to be.
"There can't be good living where there is not good drinking."
-Benjamin Franklin
One thing that makes a Heartland race a Heartland race was absent this weekend.
Apparently you can have alcohol in parks in Johnson County.
Boo Hiss.
Things I learned this weekend:
I don't think I've been off a bike for a solid six weeks in many, many years. Since getting back, I've been spending my mornings logging in base miles on the road bike. Prior to this weekend, I hadn't ridden my mountain bike since April.
No better way to get back into the swing of things then a six-hour singlespeed escapade!
I mounted some fresh rubber, filled my water bottles and off I went. This was the first Heartland race at Shawnee Mission Park and the trails delivered. Very fast and flowy, with enough rocky sections to make things interesting.
Saturday was hot and sticky. I was looking forward to it. I knew I was not in shape for this kind of event but was counting on my secret weapon to give me an advantage, provided I could turn over consistent laps. The hotter it is the better I seem to perform, relative to others. The reason: I don't cramp. In 26 my years of existence I have never had a cramp.
I had a good start, there was a long grass section leading into the singletrack. By the time we hit the trail everyone had figured out where they needed to be. I traded laps with several singlespeeders of ill repute, Skip from Lincoln and Team Seagal from Saint Louis. The STL crew rolled in deep, nice guys too.
My first five laps felt good. After that, my lack of fitness began to show—I could maintain a consistent pace, but couldn't attack or power up the short climbs. I took a long pit stop to relax after my sixth lap and felt haggard for the last two laps. My hands took a beating from my rigid setup; towards the end I had to brake thru the rough stuff.
I came in from my eighth lap and called it a day. Considering my current level of fitness, I was more than content with a 3rd place finish in Men's 20-29 .
After the race I was looking forward to hanging out with my singlespeed compatriots around the beer cooler, but it was not to be.
"There can't be good living where there is not good drinking."
-Benjamin Franklin
One thing that makes a Heartland race a Heartland race was absent this weekend.
Apparently you can have alcohol in parks in Johnson County.
Boo Hiss.
Things I learned this weekend:
- Maybe a suspension fork is not such a bad idea.
- Hutchinson 29er Pythons are great race tires.
- The key to comfort on a hardtail during a six-hour race is a Ti seatpost combined with a women's saddle—WTB DEVA—my ass has never known such decadence.
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