Pack Fodder

Greetings Readers!

I’ve been sick, again. Can’t seem to shake this bug, tomorrow is the SSCXWC08. I’m nervous. I won’t be racing the SSCXWC race cuz no way I can hang with those guys, but I will be racing my race. I haven’t really been on the bike since Astoria trying to get well. I’m gonna give’r a go tomorrow, but I’m nervous……

I damn near bought a Felt Breed today, damn near. I test rode a 51cm and loved it. I’m hankering for a SS CX. Iffin my pal Tim would have manned up and put the plastic down, I would have followed suit. Sweet bike for a stock SS, another level over the San Jose and the Singlecross IMHO. I think racin’ cross with a SS would be fun as hell. I love my Langster. Anyway, did I say that I’m nervous?

Race Report tomorrow…….

I’m nervous, hope I can manage a 45 min output and don’t stink it up too bad. I sure wish I had me sum teammates out there…….

Cheers!

Greetings readers!

After a stress filled work week the family and my pal Tim decided to hit Mcmenamins to celebrate the end of the work week. I had called ahead to insure that the Irish Stout on Nitros was still pouring, and it was. Delish. Good Grief that’s some tasty beer! My Pal Tim worked me over like a fat steelhead with a treble hook stuck in it’s cheek, and after a few pints goaded me into a mtn bike ride this morning.

I had forgotten, it’s been a very long time since I’ve been on a mtn bike ride. I’m thinking back to 2004 prolly. Just so you know, road fitness and mtn bike fitness are two different things. That was some very technical, tuff single track. And I loved every damn minute of it. Again, I had forgotten just how much I loved mtn biking. It’s my roots, I started in the dirt and it felt real good to get back to basics. Trust me, they’ll be lots more mtn biking in my future.

Back in the day, I had a Gary Fisher Sugar. I think it was a 2000 model year. It had a Cane Creek rear shock and it was like riding a pogo stick, I soon sold it a year or two later and went back to a hardtail swearing off full suspension forever. A few weeks back I had the pleasure of test riding a Santa Cruz Superlight, I couldn’t beleive how nice it rode. It didn’t take long, a mile or so into the trail today and I was amazed at just how well the suspension worked together. There was no pedal induced bob, and the rear shock worked in complete harmony with the fork.  I’ve ridden Brown’s Camp many times and there are sections that I’ve never cleared, today I rode right up them. I’m very impressed indeed. Initially I was concerned about not having a lockout on my rear shock, but not any more, it climbed extremely well and gave me some real confidence as I cleared some nasty technical stuff, not to mention the descending properties. I can see why the hardtail has suffered in recent years, the new technology in rear shocks and suspension designs has come a long way indeed. I’m sold baby. That was damn near as much fun as a cross race.

Sorry for the blurry pics as I wasn’t the one taking them. My pals Titus, and my Santa Cruz.

Just ridin’……..

The roots were nuthin’ for my superlight.

As with any riding, no matter the niche, flats are part of the experiance.

What a great ride, I loved it. Problem is, I fear I burnt a few matches today and I’m just not going to be as fresh for tomorrow as I would have been had I rested. Some things folks, are just worth the risk.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

After taking a few days off the bike to recover from Sunday’s efforts I’ve been back to my old commuting ways the last 3 days. Tired legs I had coming home today, tired legs. Tomorrow will be just a light easy ride to spin out the legs and that’s it. I’ll be resting for Sunday’s race tomorrow afternoon. It’s going to be 90 degrees and very dry and dusty. Not, repeat Not, cyclocross weather by any stretch. Like the rain and muck, I can no more control the weather when it’s dry and hot than I can when it’s pouring and cold. You just gotta block it out and give’r.

I was reading the RSCF yesterday; one, cuz I like Richard Sachs. And two, I dig his bikes and his love of CX along with his team even though he’s on the east coast. I bought a set of Grifos from E-Ritchie and found him to be really cool as a person, and to deal with atmo.  I saw that his new brake sponser is ZG, taking over from last years sponsor: Cane Creek. I’ve long loved my ZG’s on my road bike and saw some pirate pics of the cross prototype canti’s that are going to be up for the masses and was chomping at the bit to see them for real. Here they are……. Uber pimp, no?

Initial reaction is typical ZG machineing, excellent. Aesthetically stunning and I’m sure they weigh nothing,  not to mention a ZG price tag to go with. But, I can’t help but wonder about the style of arm that this type of canti uses? I.E. Avid Shorty’s, Cane Creek’s, Tektro’s, etc. = minimal leverage. This type of design just doesn’t stop nearly as well as a horizontal arm much like a Paul Neo, or Spooky, Froglegs, etc. Why would ZG put R&D into an inferior design? Move those arms out to the side, like a Paul Neo and we’d sure as hell have something to up roar about!

What I’m really wrapped up about  is TRP’s new Euro type brake, available in alum, carbon, and at $300 scrill and a whopping 104 grams, magnesium.  Pictured is the alum version and is a mere $49 a pair.

Having long run Paul brakes on my crossers, I’m itching to try these new canti’s out next year. There light weight, have the basic horizontal arm design that produces much more leverage and stopping power and there inexpensive. How can you go wrong? Either way I’ll be waiting to hear how the Sachs team likes the ZG’s and planning on running the TRP Euro’s instead. It’s never too early to start planning for next year.

Miles ridden today, 25

Miles ridden 2008, 3325.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

I feel shafted, like I’ve been missing out. Sheltered is more like it. All these years of gears, and I’ve just now discovered the joy of the SingleSpeed. I never thought I could do it, or, like riding SS. As Ned Overand said, “if your not wearing out your derailleurs your not shifting enough, shift early, and shift often” So I’ve honed my skills like a true journeyman, I work that cassette like an artist works in oils. I can shift front and rear in combo without throwing a chain. I’m a shifting afficionado. So, I didn’t think I’d take to one cog. Plus, I’m no masher, I go for the easy gears on the climgs like a sissy with no knees. Mind you I’m not spinning 120 in granny gear to get up a 5% grade, I’m not that bad. But, I’m not pushing the 53 up Germantown either.

It was my pal Ken, him and that Aussie I pass all the time on my way in to work. They started it, got me all intrigued about the simple life. I’ve been looking for months, looking for the right bike to come along. I found it in the Langster. I had an S-Works E-5 road back in 2003. I loved that bike, should have never sold it, I digress. The Langster reminds me of the E-5, only not as fast. It rides great, fits me well, and I got it at a bargain. What’s not to like? I was worried about the gears, never having ridden SS before. But it would seem that the stock 42/16 gears suit me well, I can cruise along at 17/18 miles an hour with not too much effort and I only have to get out of the saddle on the steeper pitches. I like that I can’t cheat, I can’t shift down and take the easy way up. Works me just fine, thank you.

I love it. I feel like I’ve opened the next chapter in the evolution of a cyclist. (took me long enough) I suspect that my SS is going to see a lot of miles this summer commuting and running errands. I’ll still break out the correct tool for the job on road rides and cross stuff. But the SS has offically arrived and I now don’t see me without one. I could…. even forsee me, racing in the new SS Master’s old fart class for cyclocross. Uhh, K-man, can you get on that please…..

Miles ridden today, 21

Miles ridden 2008, 1866.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

I was spent this morning. After a hellacious day on Friday and a long day visiting my Dad in Chehalis yesterday I was wiped out. Zero motivation to get on the bike this morning. Morale was low. Mom was supposed to ride with me but her bum leg was bothering her and she opted out. So, I was solo, again. It took some prodding, but I drug my ass onto the bike and went out for a spin. Earlier in the week I had planned on doing 50 today, no way that was going to happen. We had some flippin’ wind this morning too, adding to my less than ambitious mood. All I wanted to do was hang out at the back of the pace line and suck wheel. Nope, I had to work out front by myself.

By the time I got to the end of Tile Flat I had had it. This wind sucks. I turned right and headed home. Now it’s not often I take the short way home, I’ve done that maybe twice in the last 9 years. I just wasn’t having that wind today, nope not happenin’.

After my ride I decided to go on down to RCB, and have a look at the Langster. I’ve long wanted a Single Speed and the right one just hasn’t came along. It’s hard to fit me on a stock bike, and after checking various geometry charts the Langster looked to be my starting point. Plus, I had a tight budget in mind and there just aren’t a whole lot of Single Speeds that fit those two criteria.

What sparked my interest was the city theme’s. The Langster had these cool variations, NY, London, Boston, and Seattle. I dug the NY and London bikes, but I fear they would just be too much temptation for a thief to pass up. Most likely I wouldn’t have one of them very long before being swiped. I thought the London bike looked really cool in person and I dug the track bars, but too much temptation for what my intended use is going to be. This is going to be an errand getter/commuter, and I’ll have to lock it up and turn my back on it. Don’t think that would be wise with the NY, Boston, or London.

I was after the non bling version, the basic Langster. And to my delight, they had a 2007 model left over from last year that I actually liked better paint wise, and was 10% cheaper. I rode it, dug it, and I am now the proud owner of my 1st Single Speed. I got it dirt cheap and I’m thrilled. Hell I’ve spent more on a set of wheels people than I did on my Single Speed!

My 2007 Langster, Bone stock.

They say you only need one……gear that is. Sugino Cranks, I was pretty happy bout’ that.

One cog, 16t. I love horizontal dropouts.

another side shot.

You forget just how stiff a Phat Aluminum BB can be, there’s no flexin’ going on here…

That’s it, my very 1st single speed, tomorrow I’ll throw a cheap computer on it (I’m anal about odometer mileage on my bikes) and I’ll start commuting on it Tuesday. I’m pretty stoked.

The knee is a little better (I think) I tested it today with some pretty hard big ring efforts up some pitches and it seems to be ok, well not ok, but at least I’m not limping like last weekend. I’m choosing the half full approach and assuming it’s going to gradually get better. I hope to get in some good riding this weekend. (I know it’s Sunday, and I’m already looking forward to next weekend) By then I’ll have another weeks commuting in and hopefully it will be even better.

Miles ridden today, 20

Miles ridden 2008, 1823.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

If you’ve been frequenting this site you know I’m a big Independent Fabrication fan. As a Planet Cross owner myself I can appreciate the craftsmanship that IF churns out with every frame they build. I was on there site and cherry picked these photos of this sick ass Shot Peened Ti Planet Cross. I just had to share. Not only is the frame exceptional, but the build is top notch as well. What an absolute thrill racing this fine steed would be! And yes, the bike does make a differance!

I love all the little details, the Kent Erikson seatpost, the Spooky straddle carriers on Paul Neo brakes, and the FSA Ceramic Bottom Bracket. American Classic carbon tubulars, with Dugast Flying Doctor 32’s. SRAM Force drivetrain, and a Ritchey WCS bar and stem.  I don’t know the owner, but congrats to him on one hell of a build!

This is one Mighy Steed!

Ohh, how I would love one of these! I’d change nothing but the pedals and saddle.

Cheers!  

Greetings Readers!

From a purely aesthetic vantage, there is nothing cleaner and more pleasing to the eye than a fixie. The absence of brakes, brifters, derailleurs, and cassettes leave nothing but frame/fork, cranks, and wheels. Exquisite in its simplicity, the geometry is left uncluttered and there for all to see. The lines are beautiful.
 
I love single speeds, and the absence of brakes takes it even further. This is a mix of old and new, Track style. There is roughly 60 or 70 years difference of time in-between these two frames. Yet very little has changed.
The Bicycle in its purest incarnation, speaks beauty in an artistic form. Note the spacing in-between the fork and tire, downtube and tire. The machine is pure function, yet airs a subtle elegance all its own. 
 
Having stumbled across these, I had to post them. Maybe I’ll take up track racing, as a secondary mistress to cross……. :)

Old…..

New….

Click on the pics to enlarge them.  

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

This is the best road ride I’ve ever done. It’s got everything. I don’t do it often as it takes the whole day to drive up to Hood River, do the ride, and then drive home. So it’s a real treat when I get the chance. Mom took the day off with me and we had a great time!

I’ll spare you all the details and let the pics do the talking. I could have taken hundreds today, but that would take days to upload. As many as I took, still, just doesn’t do it justice. But here they are anyway. Enjoy!

Here’s Mom showing me how it’s done.

Looking east out over the Gorge…

Mom, checking out the view.

Looking south behind us from the viewpoint.

these cool succulants were growing out of the rock walls, they were beautiful.  

the scenery is jaw dropping.

The flowers were incredible, every color you could think of. They were all blooming today, and all over the side of the road.

Heading up to Rowena point.

Looking down from Rowena crest, that is one killer descent!

That’s our route, heading east to The Dalles.

Mt Hood peaks it’s head out over the Gorge from Rowena point.

What a great ride!

Are you kidding? The road is lined with a white fence! Beautiful……..

Looking up to Rowena point as we climb….

Old barns from days gone by…..

Got to stop for refreshments.

Volcanic rock was everywhere…

Heading into the Mosier Twin Tunnels.

coming out the other side…

This is one hell of a ride, if your a roadie you owe it to yourself to do this ride. The scenery is breathtaking. Especially in the spring and in fall when the leaves change colors. The landscape is Volcanic rock, the Gorge, Ponderosa Pines and White Oak. Flowers are everywhere and the geographic formations are stunning. The Bike riding is twisty and fun, with two climbs up to Rowena Point, and two awesome chester cheeta grin descents. There are no boring long straightaways. Plus coffee and lunch stops as well. I hope to ride it again before winter sets in.

I felt pretty good today, it’s hard to not have your morale soar when on a ride like this.

Miles ridden today, 44

Miles ridden 2008, 1642.

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

I went out this morning for a nice spin in the country, I tried to leave all the existential stuff behind and just go out and ride my bike, given how tired I’ve been the last few weeks. The legs were tired today and I stayed in my 39t ring. Usually I ride in the 53 and work the larger cogs, today I worked the smaller cogs in 39. My speed stayed about the same, and I tried not to work too hard. I also resisted the desire to chase down anybody I saw up ahead of me. Something I have a bad habit of doing. There were lots of people out today on a 70 degree day.

I went back and checked last years spreadsheet and I think I’m farther along that last year at this point, however I didn’t put in as much training either. So I’m still dissapointed in that I feel like I should be farther along than I am. Another mile and hour faster avg speed would have me feeling a little more confident. Cross is still 5 months away, and I’m hoping running is going to help. But I’m dissatisfied with my progress so far. I’ve only 3 more months of base building before I start adding those tough intensity intervals to try to boost up my anaroebic threshold so I can crank like a mutha for 45 mins. I had a dream last night I was racing cross, too bad I had to wake up.

I have to drive tomorrow so I’ll probably go for a run when I get home. I’ll commute Tuesday and Wednesday, drive in on Thursday and go running when I get home, followed by commuting on Friday. That’s the plan anyway, we’ll see how it plays out…

All this self coaching leads to a lot of ambiguity, and unanswered questions. I’m trying to go by my gut, train smart and leave out emotion, that folks is hard to do. I really would like to be doing the weekly crits, but I think it would be detrimental to me at this point.

Miles ridden today, 41

Miles ridden 2008, 1283

Cheers!

Greetings Readers!

Found this beauty and had to share. I love it, its pure funtion and looks killer to boot. Tony Pereira is a local builder here in PDX, and is churning out some really nice bikes. Check the barrel adjuster on the rear brake cable stop, nice!

Here’s the build:

Tony the Pear frame and fork.

Chris King headset

Thompson stem and post

Deda Bar

Chris King hubs laced to Mavic Reflex tubular rims with Challenge Grifo 32mm tubular tires.

Paul brakes, Neo front, Touring rear.

SRAM Rival drivetrain, 1X10

You can see more Photos HERE.

I’m sure that this beauty will even look nicer covered in mud!

Cheers!