Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday.
Recap of Worlds Here. Watching it was pretty believable and unbelievable at the same time. Seeing 7 belgium blue suits rolling through the finish line minutes ahead of everyone else while 60,000 fans are screaming was extraordinary.
Road for 2.5 hours on sunday. Good group and good weather.
This saturday is
STREETCRED! Don't miss it!
Road for 2.5 hours on sunday. Good group and good weather.
This saturday is
STREETCRED! Don't miss it!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
2012 UCI and SUNDAY
Check it out, 8 uci cross races in the US in 7 days.
6 of these dates are on the same weekend??? 3 races saturday, 3 races sunday.
19.9.12 CrossVegas - Cross After Dark Las Vegas, Nevada USA C1
22.9.12 USGP of Cyclocross Planet Bike Cup Sun Prairie, WI USA C1
22.9.12 StarCrossed - Cross after Dark Redmond, WA USA C2
22.9.12 Toi Toi Cup TBC CZE C2
22.9.12 Charm City Cross Baltimore USA C2
23.9.12 Steenbergcross Erpe-Mere BEL C2
23.9.12 Rapha-Focus GP Issaquah, WA USA C2
23.9.12 USGP of Cyclocross Planet Bike Cup Sun Prairie, WI USA C2
23.9.12 Charm City Cross Baltimore USA C2
26.9.12 Gateway Cross Cup - Cross After Dark Saint Louis Missouri USA C2
Historically, Starcrossed followed Crossvegas, then gateway, then onto madison for usgp. We planned our Manions date this weekend hoping madison would happen the following weekend but no.
Link to 2012-2013 UCI.
Road 2 hours today, way too hard than I should have considered I haven't been on a bike in 10 days. Tomorrow I hope to ride at 1 from volker, we'll see.
Setting the alarm for 7:30am to be sure the live streaming of the World Championships is going. Cycling Fans usually is ok, or you can't go wrong with Sporza.
Carbon Cleanse is still happening. Also have complete build kits, 7900 group with rotor 3d+ cranks(175mm, normally $660) with 3t cockpit, fulcrum 5 wheels, basically everything from THIS. Entire build kit is $2000.
6 of these dates are on the same weekend??? 3 races saturday, 3 races sunday.
19.9.12 CrossVegas - Cross After Dark Las Vegas, Nevada USA C1
22.9.12 USGP of Cyclocross Planet Bike Cup Sun Prairie, WI USA C1
22.9.12 StarCrossed - Cross after Dark Redmond, WA USA C2
22.9.12 Toi Toi Cup TBC CZE C2
22.9.12 Charm City Cross Baltimore USA C2
23.9.12 Steenbergcross Erpe-Mere BEL C2
23.9.12 Rapha-Focus GP Issaquah, WA USA C2
23.9.12 USGP of Cyclocross Planet Bike Cup Sun Prairie, WI USA C2
23.9.12 Charm City Cross Baltimore USA C2
26.9.12 Gateway Cross Cup - Cross After Dark Saint Louis Missouri USA C2
Historically, Starcrossed followed Crossvegas, then gateway, then onto madison for usgp. We planned our Manions date this weekend hoping madison would happen the following weekend but no.
Link to 2012-2013 UCI.
Road 2 hours today, way too hard than I should have considered I haven't been on a bike in 10 days. Tomorrow I hope to ride at 1 from volker, we'll see.
Setting the alarm for 7:30am to be sure the live streaming of the World Championships is going. Cycling Fans usually is ok, or you can't go wrong with Sporza.
Carbon Cleanse is still happening. Also have complete build kits, 7900 group with rotor 3d+ cranks(175mm, normally $660) with 3t cockpit, fulcrum 5 wheels, basically everything from THIS. Entire build kit is $2000.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Ebay.
Its a pretty safe bet that at about 25 days after the quarter I have a bunch of stuff I am trying to give away on ebay. 30 days after each quarter, I send a big fat check to MO dept. of Revenue for sales tax. This along with rent, credit card payments, house, medical bills, kids, student loans, makes for stress induced Carbon Cleanse.
There's a trick to ebay, that recently I have come across. People in California spend a lot of money on bike stuff. They also get home from work around 6, drink a little, then a little more, then go on ebay to buy stuff. I've listed stuff at different times of days for various reasons. Some people have ebay blocked at work, while some don't have Internet at home. I've tried focusing on various time zones at different times of the day, California between 7pm and 9pm (west coast time) is the best time to do it, preferably wed/thurs/or friday. If you live in the central time zone, list your stuff between 9 and 11pm, its my only trick for ebay.
What sucks with ebay is your usually out 13% or so after ebay and paypal fees. If I sell some $1800 wheels for $1k, I see about $870, even though I probably paid $1200 for it, its not a healthy thing to do...so I try to price things at least 10% above cost so I don't lose out. Ebay has adds now, claiming they have saved families lives, finances, people lose jobs, and start selling their belongings on ebay to make rent, they do, they make rent, pay bills/mortgages, and eventually start working again avoiding foreclosure/bankruptcy, you name it, ebay sells it.
The other thing that sucks about ebay is 9 times out of 10, you barely get wholesale out of what your selling, even if it is brand new. Seems most the people buying on ebay do their research, know their stuff, or already have a hook up for good deals, and still want a better deal. Last spring I parted out 2 7900 groups. 1 group, used by a colavita/sutterhome racer had 15k miles on it, had been crashed with lots of scratches. The other was pulled off a brand new fp3, brand new super good. The brand new group sold for a combined $1400 while the used group went for $1280.
Between now and Saturday night I leave myself in a pretty vulnerable position. I'd do just about anything to sell something cheap, just to have some cash flow to make it to the end of 1st qtr, 2012, 11-6 friday, 10-4 saturday at 39th.
There's a trick to ebay, that recently I have come across. People in California spend a lot of money on bike stuff. They also get home from work around 6, drink a little, then a little more, then go on ebay to buy stuff. I've listed stuff at different times of days for various reasons. Some people have ebay blocked at work, while some don't have Internet at home. I've tried focusing on various time zones at different times of the day, California between 7pm and 9pm (west coast time) is the best time to do it, preferably wed/thurs/or friday. If you live in the central time zone, list your stuff between 9 and 11pm, its my only trick for ebay.
What sucks with ebay is your usually out 13% or so after ebay and paypal fees. If I sell some $1800 wheels for $1k, I see about $870, even though I probably paid $1200 for it, its not a healthy thing to do...so I try to price things at least 10% above cost so I don't lose out. Ebay has adds now, claiming they have saved families lives, finances, people lose jobs, and start selling their belongings on ebay to make rent, they do, they make rent, pay bills/mortgages, and eventually start working again avoiding foreclosure/bankruptcy, you name it, ebay sells it.
The other thing that sucks about ebay is 9 times out of 10, you barely get wholesale out of what your selling, even if it is brand new. Seems most the people buying on ebay do their research, know their stuff, or already have a hook up for good deals, and still want a better deal. Last spring I parted out 2 7900 groups. 1 group, used by a colavita/sutterhome racer had 15k miles on it, had been crashed with lots of scratches. The other was pulled off a brand new fp3, brand new super good. The brand new group sold for a combined $1400 while the used group went for $1280.
Between now and Saturday night I leave myself in a pretty vulnerable position. I'd do just about anything to sell something cheap, just to have some cash flow to make it to the end of 1st qtr, 2012, 11-6 friday, 10-4 saturday at 39th.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Seriousness
The title of THIS caught my attention. I was interested to see what it said.
Of the 10 things listed, I only fall under 1 of those things, number 8, and I never realized why I did it until now.
This article got me thinking that I am not as serious of a cyclist as I thought, or at least, my serious level is slipping.
Have I ridden my bike in the last 7 days? No.
Have I thought about riding my bike in the last 7 days? Yes.
Does the weather dictate whether or not you go for on a training ride? Yes.
Does the sum of all my families medical bills for 2011 value more than my entire bike/racing budget? Yes.
Do you do odd things through out the day simply because you believe they will make you faster? Yes.
What's the definition of a cyclist anyway. Road, cx, mtb, commuter. It seems the label is defined by the user. To some, a person who rides there hybrid 5 miles at the park once a week is a cyclist. To others, people who ride 5,000 miles a year (about 100 miles/week) wouldn't be considered a cyclist. Its weird.
Of the 10 things listed, I only fall under 1 of those things, number 8, and I never realized why I did it until now.
This article got me thinking that I am not as serious of a cyclist as I thought, or at least, my serious level is slipping.
Have I ridden my bike in the last 7 days? No.
Have I thought about riding my bike in the last 7 days? Yes.
Does the weather dictate whether or not you go for on a training ride? Yes.
Does the sum of all my families medical bills for 2011 value more than my entire bike/racing budget? Yes.
Do you do odd things through out the day simply because you believe they will make you faster? Yes.
What's the definition of a cyclist anyway. Road, cx, mtb, commuter. It seems the label is defined by the user. To some, a person who rides there hybrid 5 miles at the park once a week is a cyclist. To others, people who ride 5,000 miles a year (about 100 miles/week) wouldn't be considered a cyclist. Its weird.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Mountain Bike
I built my d29 carbon jamis up ss on saturday. 17.9 lbs with pedals and I even left the big chainring on the crank.
Nothing crazy for the build, crest rims, barro race tnt tires, x9 aluminum crank with both rings, pancake brakes, easton ec90 post, ritchey wcs alloy flat bars, ritchey alloy 260 stem, even a little tensioner...oh I guess 1 crazy thing, THIS. I tried selling it new for $300, it didn't go, so it went to my bike.
I've been writing about how it sucks I can't get a 32-36t chainring for my 1x9 setup with bb30 cranks because of the stupid 120/80 bolt pattern.
Turns out, Home Brewed Components has had this problem sorted out this whole time.
They've got a 120mm bashguard and 80mmbcd rings from 32-36 in different colors.
I will hopefully opt for the spiderless ring on a bb30 crank. This will save a ton of weight with an mrp 1x guard.
Should be no more than 19lbs 1x9 with 11-32 pg980 cassette. If I want to save weight, I can drop a pound going to barro race folding tires or stan's raven tubeless tires. Or I could get the stan's gold wheelset, dropping 1/2 lb.
One day, there will be M35 Cranks.
Nothing crazy for the build, crest rims, barro race tnt tires, x9 aluminum crank with both rings, pancake brakes, easton ec90 post, ritchey wcs alloy flat bars, ritchey alloy 260 stem, even a little tensioner...oh I guess 1 crazy thing, THIS. I tried selling it new for $300, it didn't go, so it went to my bike.
I've been writing about how it sucks I can't get a 32-36t chainring for my 1x9 setup with bb30 cranks because of the stupid 120/80 bolt pattern.
Turns out, Home Brewed Components has had this problem sorted out this whole time.
They've got a 120mm bashguard and 80mmbcd rings from 32-36 in different colors.
I will hopefully opt for the spiderless ring on a bb30 crank. This will save a ton of weight with an mrp 1x guard.
Should be no more than 19lbs 1x9 with 11-32 pg980 cassette. If I want to save weight, I can drop a pound going to barro race folding tires or stan's raven tubeless tires. Or I could get the stan's gold wheelset, dropping 1/2 lb.
One day, there will be M35 Cranks.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Car for sale.
My wife got a new car with payments and we need to sell this one. We haven't driven it since October, its been kept up really well. Its a good car, I'd be fine selling it to someone I know, its a good car.
I'll be at the 39th st. store today from 10-4, the car will be there so if you want to take a look, come by.
all the info. here.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
More on Dieting.
HERE is a lot more info. on dieting.
The main thing I am taking from this is the H20. Drinking lots of it will help curb my appetite. I know this. I plan on drinking 14oz before each big meal and drinking 8oz before I put anything in my mouth. I am home with 2 babies 4 days a week, it is hard not to eat all day, since I am feeding those babies all day. Making myself abide by the H2O rule will help I think.
Sleep is also pretty important. I do need this, I get up a few times every night. It is hard to go to bed at a consistent time. Especially since the 5 month old does what he wants.
In a perfect world, I would lay down at 10pm, and wake up at 6am with a couple of interruptions. Then do 1/2 hour of exercise, maybe running, or stair jumps, or planks, anything.
The drink coffee and eat something. I am trying not to eat carbs like cereal and oatmeal, so I a looking for alternatives. Usually its fruit, banana most likely. Maybe I need to start making eggs.
Then mid mourning yogurt/fruit snack.
Lunch. Soup sound good. I have really bad blood pressure, last time it was 161 over 90. I'm trying to stay away from sodium, most soups and instant meals has it, lots of it.
Afternoon nap. Are you serious? Maybe if the stars align right, I get both babies asleep and there isn't a mountain of work to do. Grown ups don't take naps, not real grownups. If any grown up has a shot at this, I do.
I never drink coffee after 4, actually, never after 2, but I will drink green tea till 4.
This article claims from 4pm to 8pm is the best time for workout, to improve muscles. I remember my friend in college, he played d2 ball, he claimed that lifting early in the morning is best. I don't really care, any work is better than no work.
With dinner add flaxseed and fish oil. I have flaxseed and use it, this shouldn't be so hard.
Gotta stretch more this year too. I'm doing more running and on certain days I can't run I spend time doing lunges, stair jumps, you know, stuff that makes you sore. So stretching a few times a day is another goal.
The main thing I am taking from this is the H20. Drinking lots of it will help curb my appetite. I know this. I plan on drinking 14oz before each big meal and drinking 8oz before I put anything in my mouth. I am home with 2 babies 4 days a week, it is hard not to eat all day, since I am feeding those babies all day. Making myself abide by the H2O rule will help I think.
Sleep is also pretty important. I do need this, I get up a few times every night. It is hard to go to bed at a consistent time. Especially since the 5 month old does what he wants.
In a perfect world, I would lay down at 10pm, and wake up at 6am with a couple of interruptions. Then do 1/2 hour of exercise, maybe running, or stair jumps, or planks, anything.
The drink coffee and eat something. I am trying not to eat carbs like cereal and oatmeal, so I a looking for alternatives. Usually its fruit, banana most likely. Maybe I need to start making eggs.
Then mid mourning yogurt/fruit snack.
Lunch. Soup sound good. I have really bad blood pressure, last time it was 161 over 90. I'm trying to stay away from sodium, most soups and instant meals has it, lots of it.
Afternoon nap. Are you serious? Maybe if the stars align right, I get both babies asleep and there isn't a mountain of work to do. Grown ups don't take naps, not real grownups. If any grown up has a shot at this, I do.
I never drink coffee after 4, actually, never after 2, but I will drink green tea till 4.
This article claims from 4pm to 8pm is the best time for workout, to improve muscles. I remember my friend in college, he played d2 ball, he claimed that lifting early in the morning is best. I don't really care, any work is better than no work.
With dinner add flaxseed and fish oil. I have flaxseed and use it, this shouldn't be so hard.
Gotta stretch more this year too. I'm doing more running and on certain days I can't run I spend time doing lunges, stair jumps, you know, stuff that makes you sore. So stretching a few times a day is another goal.
Road Season
Here's my hope for the road season. Lots of sunday only racing until I hit herman/martin where I hope to be fast. Then I'll try to be fast tour of kc/lawrence. Look out for some "gran fondo drop rides" to happen to fill the weekends I'm not racing.
2-26 Froze Toes
3-4 Perry RR
3-11 Perry RR
3-18 Perry RR
4-1 Perry Roubaix
4-7 Colavita Crocodile Rock, Perry Lake MTB RACE.
4-15 Bazaar RR
4-21,22 Tour of Herman
4-25-29 Joe Martin
5-6 Auburn RR
5-11,12 Tour de grove.
6-2-3 Riverfest crits, wichita.
6-8,9,10 Tulsa Tough
6-22-24 Tour of KC
6-30 Lawrence Circuit
7-1 Lawrence Crit
2-26 Froze Toes
3-4 Perry RR
3-11 Perry RR
3-18 Perry RR
4-1 Perry Roubaix
4-7 Colavita Crocodile Rock, Perry Lake MTB RACE.
4-15 Bazaar RR
4-21,22 Tour of Herman
4-25-29 Joe Martin
5-6 Auburn RR
5-11,12 Tour de grove.
6-2-3 Riverfest crits, wichita.
6-8,9,10 Tulsa Tough
6-22-24 Tour of KC
6-30 Lawrence Circuit
7-1 Lawrence Crit
Monday, January 16, 2012
cake
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Dr. K made this in our microwave in 2 minutes. Yes. Its a huge coffee mug full of steaming chocolate cake w/nutella.
1 egg.
4 tblspn self rising flour
4 tblspn sugar
3 tblspn cocoa powder
3 tblspn nutella
3 tblspn milk
3 tblspn olive oil
Add icecream/whip cream if you truly want to be fat!
Fun and Community
Usually, when people talk about mtn. biking, they talk about how it used to be, how it is way worse off now. Back in the 90s there were lots of pros making $$, and lots of races that had tons of participants with awesome prizes. Some say road and cyclocross took away part of the mtb racing success.
Road might have healthier following, but I'd argue that mountain bike racing is way more healthier than road, and maybe even cyclocross on the national scale. I don't mean local kc races. In KC we are fortunate to have one of the best cx race scenes with 100-250 participants at each race with a full calendar.
With mtn. bike racig, so many variables play a part in the success of the events, most of it being the weather. A mtn. bike race in kc with over 80 participants would be considered a big success while if a cx race or local crit had only 80 participants for the day, it'd be a complete failure. Its a really tough discipline to promote regionally.
Back to why I think mtn. racing is healthier for Regional races.
Look at registration for all big races. Look at Ouachita. People set their alarms early, and it filled up before I had breakfast. I wasn't registering, but most races like this are super successful and fill up in minutes. Look at leadville 200. You have thousands of riders signing up years in advanced with 20,000 riders on the waiting list.
This was just an observation I made, when I got an email saying that the best stage race in the midwest had their registration open. I checked the confirmed riders, and...click.
Organized racing has jumped a lot of hurdles, it has sustained sustainable success over this "tough economic period." I'd still argue that it will be worse. Even if the economy improves. It isn't because Strava is stealing all the weekend warriors, and it isn't pirate mtb racing, alleykats, "Worlds" style group rides are fulfilling everyone's competitive drive.
I think it has to do with Fun and Community. Races that maintain these attributes should continue their success.
Its been really good weather this winter. I went for a short 30 miles ride on sunday, I saw tons of riders out. Hopefully we'll see a lot more participants at races this year since everyone is able to get out and ride.
Road might have healthier following, but I'd argue that mountain bike racing is way more healthier than road, and maybe even cyclocross on the national scale. I don't mean local kc races. In KC we are fortunate to have one of the best cx race scenes with 100-250 participants at each race with a full calendar.
With mtn. bike racig, so many variables play a part in the success of the events, most of it being the weather. A mtn. bike race in kc with over 80 participants would be considered a big success while if a cx race or local crit had only 80 participants for the day, it'd be a complete failure. Its a really tough discipline to promote regionally.
Back to why I think mtn. racing is healthier for Regional races.
Look at registration for all big races. Look at Ouachita. People set their alarms early, and it filled up before I had breakfast. I wasn't registering, but most races like this are super successful and fill up in minutes. Look at leadville 200. You have thousands of riders signing up years in advanced with 20,000 riders on the waiting list.
This was just an observation I made, when I got an email saying that the best stage race in the midwest had their registration open. I checked the confirmed riders, and...click.
Organized racing has jumped a lot of hurdles, it has sustained sustainable success over this "tough economic period." I'd still argue that it will be worse. Even if the economy improves. It isn't because Strava is stealing all the weekend warriors, and it isn't pirate mtb racing, alleykats, "Worlds" style group rides are fulfilling everyone's competitive drive.
I think it has to do with Fun and Community. Races that maintain these attributes should continue their success.
Its been really good weather this winter. I went for a short 30 miles ride on sunday, I saw tons of riders out. Hopefully we'll see a lot more participants at races this year since everyone is able to get out and ride.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Ride and Resolutions
I am really happy to get some descent miles this week. Having a sitter 2-3 hours a day so I can ride, makes a big difference on my mood.
Didn't get out until 5 or so on Wednesday. It was dark, starting to snow, freezing. Road about 8 miles when I was jumping some railroad tracks and the phone flew out of my jersey crashing and ending my strava ride. Before that I flatted at mile 1.
I'm pretty sure the cause of the flat from Tuesday was the ruffy tuffy strip I had in the rear. The strip was 1 piece, and there was some excess and it was all crinkled right where the little hole was. Put in a new tube, did not reinstall the liner strip, aired it up to 80psi and off I went. The first section was one of the tougher sections as far as no dirt, just tons of rocks. I pinch flatted. I still can't believe it. 28mm tires with 80 psi should be able to hit anything...not this thing though, whatever it was. I used my last tube, I should have some time today to ride. I'm keeping it on mostly pavement today if I can help it. 30degrees today and some snow, not a lot, it covered the ground.
Lots of people have resolutions this year. I usually don't make resolutions. I try to make lifestyle changes on the fly, as they are needed, or when I see something wrong. Its crazy to think that people realize that they need to stop smoking, or drinking in excess, or not exercising, or eating fast food everyday, sometime during the summer and wait 6 months before they make the necessary changes, whether that be for a month, a week, or a day.
I am hoping that 2012 brings a few changes, I want to keep my diet good this year, I started around November, trying to drink less, and avoid processed foods/drinks as much as I can. I also am hoping to ride my bike more. Do a few longer races like Joe Martin...something like that. Something that's going to hurt.
I'm not too mad about 2011. I stayed healthy most of the year, 2010 seemed like I was sick all the time, especially all of cross season. In races, I tried the best I could, and didn't give up. I didn't let misfortunes piss me off so that I didn't ride a good race. There were races like Tour of Lawrence, Campus Circuit, where after 2 or 3 laps, the 100 rider field had turned into about 30 riders, and they simply road away. I was going as hard as I could, legs, lungs, it was all there head down pedaling, and they just road off. Most riders dnf'd, I stayed and road the whole race getting lapped by 15 or so guys on a 5 mile loop. I wasn't embarrassed, to get dropped, it was a hard course with thousands of feet of climbing. Plus it was hot. I got a good day of riding in and on paper it looked like I did ok, with good usac points. There were probably 30 guys who dnf'd after just 2 laps who could have easily beat me. Other races, like Cross off Cancer, I had bad luck, dropping my chain loosing 10 places after being in 2nd. Then crashing twice, riding off the course, still battling to the front to get 3rd, that's probably my favorite result.
I think my main resolution this year is making a conscience effort to "invest" into my diet. I usually eat whatever is cheapest, satisfying. This year I will do my best to buy local, fresh, natural, good for you food.
I've been drinking a ton of tea. I got some good green tea that I drink all day, usually 2 bags with 2 liters of water. I usually keep it in a thermos, and when the baby needs milk, I used the tea to warm the milk. I've always just heated up water to warm the milk, and then through the water out, making the tea makes me feel like I"m not wasting.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Tuesday ride.
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Road a bunch of dirt again. With 3 miles to go, rear goes flat. It was 6 by then, I was 3 miles from the house with frozen hands and it was dark, so I just road it home. I don't recommend doing this.
Monday Ride.
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Got in some good dirt miles on monday. Got lucky. Dr. is working in coffeyville, about 30minutes from her parents house, so around 2pm grandma says she's done with chores for the day so she can watch the kids. I road a ton of rocks. All the nice dirt roads got graded and there were tons of rocks everywhere.
I put 27mm challenge roubaix tires on last week. 85psi and off I went. It was like riding a fs bike on trail, super smooth and cushy.
Today I am not so lucky. There are some sick calves that need "worked", ground that needs "broke", and taxes to do.
So I am with the kids and am trying to "plank" a minute or so every half an hour, I don't remember it being so hard.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Strava
I've been meaning to write my thoughts on strava ever since I downloaded the free app onto my wife's phone Christmas Weekend.
I went for a 1 hour ride last night while my wife put Benon to bed. I didn't use strava, and the ride was quite unfulfilling, like it didn't count. The whole time I was pedaling it was as if it didn't matter. It was cold, windy, and super dark, it kind of sucked.
Strava has won a few awards as being the best new product in the cycling industry, it is a worthy winner. The program is simply amazing, being able to get all that data from your ride is very useful for most cyclists, I would guess even more for non racing cyclist. In fact, I would even go as far to say that strava will actually hurt the racing scene, or it could benefit.
Racing is competition, it is the reason most cyclists decide to race instead of just ride bikes for fun. With strava, you are able to make any ride competition. You feel good on a Saturday morning ride? Why not go to all your buddies best times for each climb and see if you can beat them? Why pay $25-$45 to go race, travel time, risk injury, in hopes of glory when you can use your strava and post it online for all to see how you whupped on your "fast" friend at a designated climb. Wait for the perfect, when you have a 20mph tailwind, then just wait for the metro bus to fly by and hop on.
Strava is genius. I haven't used it yet to test any records, maybe eventually I'll get a pt and garmin500 to do so, for now I plan on racing lots this road season, getting big miles so I can win some cx races next year.
If I have time this weekend, I'm going to try to convert my d29 carbon frame to ss. See if I can get the magic gear right. 27x15, 37x21, 32x18, or 26x16 are all close.
I went for a 1 hour ride last night while my wife put Benon to bed. I didn't use strava, and the ride was quite unfulfilling, like it didn't count. The whole time I was pedaling it was as if it didn't matter. It was cold, windy, and super dark, it kind of sucked.
Strava has won a few awards as being the best new product in the cycling industry, it is a worthy winner. The program is simply amazing, being able to get all that data from your ride is very useful for most cyclists, I would guess even more for non racing cyclist. In fact, I would even go as far to say that strava will actually hurt the racing scene, or it could benefit.
Racing is competition, it is the reason most cyclists decide to race instead of just ride bikes for fun. With strava, you are able to make any ride competition. You feel good on a Saturday morning ride? Why not go to all your buddies best times for each climb and see if you can beat them? Why pay $25-$45 to go race, travel time, risk injury, in hopes of glory when you can use your strava and post it online for all to see how you whupped on your "fast" friend at a designated climb. Wait for the perfect, when you have a 20mph tailwind, then just wait for the metro bus to fly by and hop on.
Strava is genius. I haven't used it yet to test any records, maybe eventually I'll get a pt and garmin500 to do so, for now I plan on racing lots this road season, getting big miles so I can win some cx races next year.
If I have time this weekend, I'm going to try to convert my d29 carbon frame to ss. See if I can get the magic gear right. 27x15, 37x21, 32x18, or 26x16 are all close.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
MTB
Ever since I got my mtn. bike, I've wanted it 1x9. It hasn't happened cuz its bb30 shell, and I don't want to run an adapter. No one makes a 32, 34, or 36t ring for either the 386 or the 120/80 bcd so I've been out of luck for a while.
I'm going to order this. Also might try a 37t e.thirteen ring as well. We'll see how that feels with an 11-34 on the back. Also going with this. Dropping 1/2 lb. from my already light white bros. rigid carbon fork. I should be riding a 20lb. bike before long.
Gears are so complicated. I was completely satisfied with my fully rigid steel jamis exile setup. I hurt my legs too much with it, since most of my trail riding days are recovery days I thought I needed gears.
I'm going to order this. Also might try a 37t e.thirteen ring as well. We'll see how that feels with an 11-34 on the back. Also going with this. Dropping 1/2 lb. from my already light white bros. rigid carbon fork. I should be riding a 20lb. bike before long.
Gears are so complicated. I was completely satisfied with my fully rigid steel jamis exile setup. I hurt my legs too much with it, since most of my trail riding days are recovery days I thought I needed gears.
Monday, January 2, 2012
knee
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It still hurts. Bruised it in 3 different places on Saturday. I road some more and it feels better. Seems to hurt worse when I'm not riding, especially when I wake up from sleep. It is getting better though.
Went to the Parisi Cafe before and after our ride on sunday. It was really good coffee. Everything is good there and not expensive either. Probably going to start meeting there every saturday morning. We'll know for sure later.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
#Rapha500 Day 7, final. 55 miles.
Road 10 miles in the morning. Then road another 20 toandfrom the local cyclocross race. At the race, I road 2 miles to warm up, then 13 laps of the 2.5k course for another 20. Then another 3 to finish.
The race went ok. A local clif bar pro was in town. Me, Shadd, and him were off from the start, then 1/2 way through the first lap I crashed really hard on a 180 going way too fast with way too much pressure in my tires. Stuck my right knee in the ground real hard and knocked my front wheel loose. Started running while loosening my skewer, straightening my wheel, then re tightening. Thankfully I didn't crash again and ended up 8th.
Awesome race, great course, free beer.
The race went ok. A local clif bar pro was in town. Me, Shadd, and him were off from the start, then 1/2 way through the first lap I crashed really hard on a 180 going way too fast with way too much pressure in my tires. Stuck my right knee in the ground real hard and knocked my front wheel loose. Started running while loosening my skewer, straightening my wheel, then re tightening. Thankfully I didn't crash again and ended up 8th.
Awesome race, great course, free beer.
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