Planet CX

Laatste Ronde: Reconsideration

2008-08-20T02:55:32Z

Today I went out for a ride. My plan was to do Prune Hill — six steep hills each with pitches in excess of 10%. Since I figured it might rain, I brought along my rain bike which also doubles as my pit bike for cross racing. It’s about a centimeter shorter than my road bike and the seat isn’t as long. It’s great for cross, fine for most rainy day riding, but not so good for steep hills since I like to slide back on the saddle. I’ve also been timing this route for a few weeks and today was perfect weather — cool and overcast.

By the time I got around to setting out on my ride, the roads were dry and I wished that I had brought my road bike since it would have been much faster (more comfortable) on the hills. Oh yeah, my rear rim on the clinchers I used for cross training had given up the ghost a month or so back so I’d swapped out the rear wheel on the rain bike. This morning when I was getting the rain bike ready, I threw on a spare wheel I should have scrapped. The bearings were a bit crunchy and the freehub wasn’t too free.

Once I got underway, I discovered that the start/lap button on my Polar HR would stick so I wasn’t going to be able to time the lap. I rode the couple or three miles over to Prune Hill and made the turn onto Dahlia. As I shifted into bigger cogs as the road pitched up, I discovered that the shifting on the substitute wheel was imprecise and once I got to the smallest cog, the rear mech played a little tune on the spokes. When I got to the 18% section I turned around, daunted by the laundry list of little inconveniences. Did I mention that I accidentally brought my shoes that are a half size too small? Or that I didn’t put the bottle cage on the bike and was carrying water in a borrowed bottle in my back pocket?

I’d talked myself out of riding those hills. I had worn myself down with a litany of trivialities. Once at the bottom, I was disgusted with myself. Who gives a rats patooty if I’m slower than my fastest time. No matter how long it took me to ride those hills, they were going to make me stronger. I turned around and headed back up Dahlia and finished out the rest of the hills. I was about three minutes slower than my good times. But so what? I was putting stresses on my legs — stresses that were going to pay off.

I felt pretty good when I was done.

Steve Tilford: Criterium Nationals 2008 and previous time…..

2008-08-20T02:55:24Z

OK. Haven’t been writing much about bike racing lately. I’ve mainly been moping around the country trying to emulate a bicycle racer. I raced in Superweek some. Never finished worse than 20th. Never better than 10th. In the Chicago $$$$ Criterium, I was 2 places out of the $$. Then Tour of Kansas City. All [...]

Duckman: Stuff.... Just Stuff.

2008-08-20T02:50:01Z

Not much going on here since returning from Fool's Gold. There's always a bit of a letdown upon returning from a race, at least for me. Racing is my refuge, my escape. Coming back down is, eh, a bummer sometimes.

Also, I work 2 miles from Bristol Motor Speedway and this week, the population of Bristol Tennessee will grow by about 125,000 by the end of the week. I know they'll spend a gazillion dollars while they are here. Doesn't make it any less of a PITA for the rest if us.

In addition to being a great race and event, Fool's Gold was also the first road trip for the Toy Box. I left Friday after work armed with TomTom, XM, 80gb of stuff on my Ipod, my bike and gear and a few copies of Guitar World, all inside my car with room to spare.

Once I hit the mountains in North Carolina and North Georgia the Element's true spirit came out. This car is part Rally Car and part Cargo Van. I'd go deep into corners, downshift, stab the throttle and repeat. All the while giggling like a school girl.

Even pesky road blocking 18-wheelers were no match and got passed with ease once the road was clear. Oh and I got 26mpg down and back. That's not bad for a 4wd car with the aerodynamics of a cinder block.

I love this car.

All the parts are here for Frankenbike and I know the question on everyone's mind is WTF is a Frankenbike?

Frankenbike is the unholy union of the state-of-the-art and dysfunctional anarchy. It is the creation of a mind that's not quite right. While it's not ready for the world just yet, I have a few teaser pics for now.

Enjoy.

Mud and Cowbells: A cyclo-crossin' family!

2008-08-20T00:25:02Z

Awesome to see. Our best friends, the Balls, have outfitted the fam with the M& C love. This is the gentleman and my literal brother who is responsible for my 'cross addiction....having introduced me to how to REALLY train and what cross REALLY is many many years ago.

THANKS YOU GUYS! I am almost at my $100 in 'profit' I am planning on moving to the VPB!

Vanderkitten:

2008-08-19T22:37:26Z

Road Racing Diva Caves to Temptation

Believe it or not we get a few requests for sponsorship. We read every one, consider the resume and what the needs are , get stupid busy and forget to follow-up. Christie Cooley knows us all too well... Christie is a local Road Racer here in the Bay Area, is HOT, has a great sense of humor and FAST. She approached VK for sponsorship (or maybe we offered), and we never followed up.

Christie, on the other hand, was insistent upon making good on her end of the deal, and out of temptation put the super-hot VK stickers on her race bike and said, "See, I'm doing my job!". Of course, had she received the VK gear we had promised, she would have a super-hot VK shirt on in the photo!

So, Christie, thanks for representing Vanderkitten to the fastest 2-wheeled crowd in the world! You can check out Christie's racing at the next AFM event in Northern California in the 650 Twins class racing her Suzuki SV650!

Cyclocross Magazine: Star Crossed: Official Opener Of the North American Cyclocross Trophy

2008-08-19T22:27:09Z

Full Speed Ahead and Gerk’s Ski and Cycle Return As Co-Title Sponsors. Foundation Bank signs on as Elite Race sponsorFull Speed Ahead Star Crossed presented by Gerk’s Ski and Cycle , the nation’s first twilight cyclocross race, is returning on September 20th to King County’s Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA. Star Crossed kicks off the US ‘cross season for the 7th consecutive year under the bright lights of the Group Health Velodrome. This year Star Crossed will be the first UCI level race in the US and the first race in the new North American Cyclocross Trophy (NACT) that spans the entire United States. Inclusion in the tour and our already proven formula of great racing, spectator friendly course, beer garden, and music should add up to another successful and record breaking year for this event.

The North American Cyclocross Trophy begins this (more…)

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Christine "Peanut" Vardaros: Do riding, Bee Stings, and Drugs Go Together?

2008-08-19T21:28:15Z

I think NOT - especially for pro cyclists. I found that out a few days ago when i was stung by a bee on the collarbone while on a bike ride. I've had a couple of serious reactions to bee stings in the past so I was prepared for it. I immediately pulled over, grabbed the Epipen from my pocket and waited for the anaphylactic shock to kick in before pricking myself in the leg.

I didn't do it right away in hopes that i wouldn't need it. Because if i do, it means a few hours dealing with paperwork to get myself in legal cycling status. I would have to fill out a medical form, get it signed by a doctor, then fax it in to UCI (Cycling's international governing body), USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency) and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and hope everyone receives and approves it. If, for some reason, it does not find its way to the right people and i am drug tested, then my name will pop up on cyclingnews.com as a druggie. Then it's no cyclo-cross, no road racing, no life. Unfortunately it is not allowable to have the forms on file for such potential emergencies. Pity because it has been the cause for a few dropouts in major cycling events such as Christian Vande Velde's premature departure from the Tour de France in (i think) 2001.

Luckily I didn't die but my whole chest swelled up and turned deep red. The pain and itching was simply unbearable. This led me to another dilemma. How can i stop the itching without using creams or pills that won't get me in trouble with the doping agencies? It's tougher than most people think to find supplements that are not on the doping substance list. I never think to take drugs until situations like these pop up.

A few years ago, while waiting to be drug tested after a World Cup, I sat with another racer who was battling a nasty flu. While i sat there thinking about what i want to eat for dinner, he was freaking out because he was on five different drugs for the flu. He said he checked the drug lists to make sure they were legal but it is hard to know for sure. When I got stung by the bee i thought of him and opted to suffer through it and not take chances.

Now that a few days - and sleepless nights - have passed, the pain and itching have thankfully subsided so i can start focusing on things other than my bee sting. It would be great if, in addition to the prohibited drug list, we were given an approved list as well!

Mandy Lozano: Back in The 'Ville

2008-08-19T19:32:50Z

I missed my little condo. I even had it cleaned beforehand so that when I arrived, haggard and smelly on Sunday night; it maintained the quaint tidiness of my summer reminiscing.
I will post a substantive account of my journey (including a dog vomiting on me, being leered at by 38 tattooed goons in one day, and changing my entire outfit while on cruise control)...but until then you must read the words of my hero, Barbara Kingsolver:
"For most people everywhere, surely, food anchors holiday traditions. I probably spent some years denying the good in that, mostly subconsciously - devoutly refusing the Thanksgiving pie, accepting the stigma my culture has attached to celebrating food, especially for women my age. Because of the inscriptions written on our bodies by the children we've borne, the slowing of metabolisms and inevitable shape-shifting, we are supposed to pretend if we are strong-willed food is not all that important. Eat now and pay later, we're warned. Stand on the scale, roll your eyes, and on New Year's day resolve to become a moral person again.
But most of America's excess pounds were not gained on national holidays. After a certain age we can't make a habit of pie, certainly, but it's a soul-killing dogma that says we have to snub it even on Thanksgiving. Good people eat. So do bad people, skinny people, fat people, tall and short ones. Heaven help us, we will never master photosynthesis. Planning complex, beautiful meals and investing one's heart and time in their preparation is the opposite of self-indulgence. Kitchen-based family gatherings are process-oriented, cooperative, and in the best of worlds, nourishing and soulful. A lot of calories get used up before anyone sits down to consume. but more importantly, a lot of talk happens first, news exchanged, secrets revealed across generations, paths cleared with a touch on the arm. I have given and received some of my life's most important hugs with those big oven-mitt potholders on both hands."
Can I get an Amen?!

Belgium Knee Warmers: Doubt

2008-08-19T17:14:28Z

When the sh*t goes down and the screws are turned, we all wage the war against the ingress of doubt. Like cold, salty ocean water, doubt will find its way inside a breach and then... it's only a matter of time before the ship goes down.

Following an effort so hard that it leaves the eyes bloodshot and your feet fried, a rider tries to sort out the race's details. How can one's fitness vary so greatly on back-to-back days? All things being equal, one can point to doubt.

At times, denying doubt is harder than any of the physical efforts doled out. When the group is strung out into a razor sharp point and riders begin popping, doubt becomes tough to ignore. At that moment, the difference between a good day and a bad day is determined by the mind's willingness to ignore the persistant whisper of that f*#ker doubt.

Image courtesy John Pierce, Photosport International

Crossniacs: New Sponsor

2008-08-19T17:03:02Z

Colorado Crossniacs, August 19, 2008

We would like to announce a partnership with the Golden Bike Shop. They will be providing support and services for those Crossniaces racing in Colorado (and even those visiting from lower elevations). They offer a wide selection of ‘Cross bikes including Salsa, Felt, Spot, and BH. Check out their blog for Front Range happenings.

Cyclocross Magazine: Cyclocross Magazine Launches Comprehensive Cyclocross Calendar

2008-08-19T06:27:10Z

You’ve asked for it and we’ve built it and now it’s ready! We’ve launched the most comprehensive national cyclocross and clinic calendar. And we’ve done it in typical Cyclocross Magazine style, comprehensive and big. After all, if we’re not the place to find a cyclocross clinic or race, then we’re pretty much good for nothing.

We’ve done our best to grab every race and series, big or small. It’s got clinics and training races too. Sort, search or filter any way you want:

Dream of lining up in front of Sven Nys? Sort the races by UCI status to build your evil plan (and then call a shrink).
Want to avoid the UCI races because you like more than one set of barriers? Filter them out.
Got horizontal thoughts? View our slick timeline view.
Narrow by state, region, or date, we’ll help you plan the ultimate ‘cross race road trip (that should have started last Tuesday in Virginia and end in Norcal with the February 14th race in Santa Rosa).
Looking for a particular race? We’ve got a text seatrch field.
Want to add a race to your online calendar? Click our add to google and get personal reminders. (more calendars like Yahoo! and iCal coming if there’s demand)

Check it out at http://cxmagazine.com/calendar It’s also listed on our top navigation bar as well.

One small heads up: The hamsters we saved from The Humane Society that power our servers aren’t on EPO, and such functionality and 400 events take a while to load, especially if you’ve got a slower machine. But don’t fret…we’re getting the hamsters altitude chambers, a care package from Roche, and pictures of the late Pantani to put in their jersey pockets.

Back to the good stuff…if you want to see a race, clinic or event that’s missing, drop all the relevant info in the comments below the calendar, we’ll add them quickly. Northern friends rejoice, Canada is coming shortly.

And here’s how you can help keep us building and improving our online resources: Spread the word! http://cxmagazine.com/calendar Email your friends or throw a blog post or forum board post our way. Based on the requests we’ve had, we think your buddies will thank you.

Thanks to Jacob Sisson, Eric Lowe, and Nick Keough for their great help with this project.

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Mud and Cowbells: You do it to yourself...

2008-08-19T04:59:56Z

....You do. And that's what really hurts.

Up yours Thom.

Hotel room. SF. I am so nauseous I want to call my wife like a child would call out for his mom. I can't sleep. It feels like I am being squeezed around my stomach and chest with a vomitous death grip. God help me if I have to cough.

9 days. WTF. Lots of plans sullied. I need to listen and I am clearly not hearing.

Race Cyclocross: Blood Trails will have you wishing for a chainring to the throat

2008-08-19T00:56:25Z

“You can’t outride death” is the tagline to this mountain biking themed horror flick. Two messengers embark on a romantic weekend of mountain biking in the mountains of Canada, only to find themselves on the run from a homicidal downhiller. It sounds like the perfect horror movie, but turns out to be the most painfully boring cycling-thriller ever made. Watch it and you’ll be begging for the downhiller to chop the messengers to bits so you can go for a ride, clean out your garage, or do your taxes.

The best parts, however, are all in the trailer below. Watch closely, and enjoy.

http://www.bloodtrails.com/

Cara McCauley: Stuff for sale, 2008 version!

2008-08-19T00:01:18Z

Somehow today I decided it would be a good idea to sell stuff on ebay, then realized that ebay isn't such a good deal anymore when you're selling little things. Or anything. So, I sent this out to a few list-servs and posted on a few bulletin boards... but thought I'd post here in case there are any lurkers interested, as well...

(ah, yes, I am alive... I should probably post a story sometime, but not tonight...)

Clutter, Clutter, Clutter! Won't you please take some of this off of my hands and help me pay for a race or two this fall?

email me if interested, caraapplegate AT g m a i l ....

FSA Gossamer MegaExoCompact Cranks, 170 MM, 50/34 chain rings, silver crankarms, comes with bottom bracket as picturedBrand new never used, came off a built up ‘cross bike I received last year
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/FSA_Gossamer_MegaExo_Compact_Chainset/5360021893/$110

Lake CX 190 Road Shoes, size 42.5. Good as new with box. Used 2x before affirming the size runs a bit large. MSRP $130
http://www.all-about-the-home.co.uk/lake-cx190-silver-road-bike-shoes----free-delivery-377-p.asp
$40

Black Dog Bikes short sleeved jersey by Primal Wear, NWT, men’s Small.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mccauley.cara/ForSale/photo#5081871307999342146
$25

Tour de France Polka Dot Climber’s Jersey by Nike, NWT, Youth XL.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mccauley.cara/ForSale/photo#5081871986604175138
$30

Sugoi women’s jersey, size L, gently used, Orange/Black.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mccauley.cara/ForSale/photo#5081877557176758258
$10

Briko “spire” sunglasses, black frame with polarized dark gray lenses. Acquired & used during 2004 season, sitting on a shelf since. No scratches or super obvious signs of wear
$10

Ritchey WCS Road Seatpost, 27.2 x 300 mm, new on package
http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Seatpost+WCS&vendorCode=RITCHEY&major=2&minor=19
$30

Ritchey WCS Road Classic Oversized Aluminum Handlebars, 31.8mm diameter, 40 cm, lightly used for 1 season
http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Handlebar+WCS+Road+Classic+OS&vendorCode=RITCHEY&major=1&minor=15$30

Specialized “Team” Glove short fingered black & red, new in package, size M
http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/product/2814/SPECIALIZED_BG_GEL_GLOVE_2007
$15

Hincapie Short-fingered Gel Gloves, Black, size Small, brand new
$15

Also, the BMW-BIanchi website has Defeet Air-e-ator socks and Wool-e-ator socks fo sale, you should get a pair because they have magic in them. For serious!
http://www.bmw-bianchi.com/uniforms.php#socks02

Duckman: The Devil Went Down To Georgia - Again!

2008-08-18T15:54:33Z

I loaded up the Toy Box Friday and headed for Dahlonega Georgia and the 2008 Fool's Gold 50/100. It was also run in conjunction with the Nimblewill Festival and a NUE Series race as well. There was a lot going on. For me, it was supposed to be more of a training ride than a race since my fitness was a little off from my time off the bike in July and early August. I did suffer my way through ORAMM but other than that, my longest ride in about 8 weeks was less than 2 hours. Misty and Kris from Vassago were going to be there to give away a sweet new Vassago Optimus Ti frame to one lucky amigo and my plan was to ride the 50 mile event and then hang out with them for the rest of the day since we don't get a lot of contact other than emails or text messages. Plus I had never met Kris yet so I was looking forward to that too.
First thing on the agenda was getting there and finding my room for the night. I ended up in a bunkhouse with some of the guys from Addictive Cycles and after brief introductions and some getting stuff ready for the race, it was bedtime.
Saturday morning and a few cups of 53x11 coffee and I was um...... still sleepy. Luckily after a few words from Eddie O, I had a nice 4 mile climb to Cooper's Gap to wake me up. Not being sure if I packed my legs or not and not really wanting to get caught up in the KOM race at the top of CG, I lined up in mid pack. 100 or so riders funneled into 8 feet is always fun and I just kept cool and started picking off people on the climb. For the first 3 miles it's not so bad but then it kicks up at the top and I began to hurt. By then I could see the front of the pack and I just tried to maintain that spot but my legs were screaming bloody hell. I wanted to push and just then I heard Bruce Dickman shouting encouragement - I knew that meant the top wasn't far and relief. Over the top I cruised a bit and chatted with a couple of other s/s guys but I wasn't feeling great at all. The dust on the FS roads was choking me and messing up my contacts and by the time we hit the first section of singletrack, I was staring at the back wall of my pain cave. Looking at my computer, I realized I had at least 4 more hours to go. Yay me.
The singletrack was nice and flowing and it ended up serving to help me out a bit. I started feeling better and catching a few people here and there. At the first Check, I filled one bottle, grabbed 4 fig bars and was out in less than a minute, leaving at least one singlespeed behind. over the next 10 miles, I went from feeling good to feeling great. It didn't make sense but I wasn't going to argue with it. At the second Check a lady calls out my number and says 4th singlespeed.
"Excuse me?"
"What did you just say?"
She informs me I am the 4th singlespeed that has passed there. I made sure she didn't mean the 4th singlespeed after the other 10 had already went through and grabbed some more figs and went on. Ah hell, now I had a race to ride. I just assumed I was sucking and it turned out I wasn't doing too bad. Every time I passed someone I looked for gears until I came to one guy on a singlespeed. I just kinda rode behind him for a bit to see how he was riding and then ended up passing him. I am not sure if he was a 50 miler or a 100 miler but I assumed that I was now in third. I tried to keep on what I was doing before and that was just maintaining a steady pace, not wasting a lot of time or energy and not crashing. Every time I passed someone with drivetrain problems, I was happy I had no shifters or derailleurs to mess up.
Somewhere after the third Check, I got a cramp and stopped to massage it out and before I could get started again, 3 singlespeeds passed me. Dammit! I rode after them and ended up getting back by all of them (two had flats, I'll take it) and all was well again. Well for a short time anyway.
My day began to unravel in the last 10 miles of the race when cramps began to overtake me. I cramped so hard and so violently that my legs frequently locked up completely. Shit it hurt! I looked down and my quads quivered and looked as if there was some alien crawling around under my skin. It was freaky. I'd ride, cramp, slow down and massage, ride, cramp, stop, rub, ride and repeated this process a dozen times over the next 10 miles or so. The final blow came in the last two miles of the race when I cramped really hard again and six guys on singlespeeds passed me before the end of the race. Oh I was pissed!
I don't know what happened. It wasn't that hot and I did the same thing with the same drinks, amounts, e.t.c that I have done all year and it has worked. Why now did I have this trouble?

I don't look too happy but I was actually ecstatic because I was done but a little pissed because of the cramps that held me back.

I ended up 10th in 5:31.

I ate, took a shower and fired off a phone call to home and by then Misty and Kris were there bearing gifts in the form of some excellent Highlands Brewing Co bounty that they most graciously shared with me. We sat around and they sold a few more raffle tickets for the Optimus. I got to meet George from Bike 29 and we basically had a big time as the rest of the 50 milers and 100 mile racers finished. It was good to see Misty again and to finally meet Kris and talk bikes and cars (he has an orange Element too!) Jeremiah Bishop won the 100 mile race in 7:39 - an impressive time on this course. Later he wandered by the Vassago table and was looking at the frame. I congratulated him on his race and asked how he did it. He said "It's all I do", "I eat, sleep, train and race"

Sounds easy huh?

As the day wound down, we all said goodbyes, I ate again and headed home to sleep in my own bed as opposed to another night in a bunkhouse ( no offense to my roomates but my bed is more comfortable).

It was a great race, I didn't plan to do well and I ended up doing better that I expected. I rode well and had great legs all day until the cramps came. My Vassago worked perfectly. No mechanicals, No flats, No crashes. It was a great day.

Picture pilfered from Natalie. Thanks!

Belgium Knee Warmers: A Group Effort

2008-08-18T14:17:48Z

The season begins the same way every year. Like moles emerging from the earth, cyclists crawl out from the confines of their basements, spinning classes, and lone winter workouts. Everyone has the same intention: get out, join the group ride, and connect with fellow riders. For some, it's another season, picking up right where they left off with the last. For others, it's their first season riding with a group; they struggled through the last season, building form and fitness and a comfort that comes from long hours on the bike. For newbies, there may be apprehension to join the mix, especially the bubbling, swirling brew that makes up the group at higher speeds. Novel to them are the rules of group etiquette, how to ride in a paceline, how to move about in the field, and how to play nicely with others.

Here are a few rules I like to follow when out with 65 of my closest friends:

A paceline is an effort to save energy - When riding in a paceline, remember the effort is intended to benefit the group; to ride faster than you would as an individual at a reduced effort and provide you time to recover immediately following a hard effort. When it is your turn to pull through, stay consistent in speed and take your pull smoothly. Once you pull through to the front of the return line, ease up the effort every so slightly to allow the next rider an easy merge in front of you. This helps to keep the flow of the group smooth and eliminates the need to chase down the rider in front. Again, the whole purpose of the paceline is to work as a group.

Avoid surges - Surges are short, abrupt increases in speed. They waste everyone's energy and require the group to constantly reestablish the rotation.

Be a good wheel - This is a broad statement, but apply it as you will. To me, this means, keep a steady flow when riding with others, no herky-jerky, yo-yo moves. Keep the power distribution smooth, and soft pedal to control your speed and time yourself so you don't have to use your brakes unless it's absolutely necessary. Avoid bumps and holes in the road by giving the riders behind you fair warning. In some cases this means a subtle point or a verbal cue "hole," but try to reduce the amount of shouting, it creates confusion and no-one likes the startle effect it can produce. When you're at the front and responsible for the group behind you, look ahead, and when an obstacle approaches, give the group the benefit of a smooth lateral movement that begins 10 seconds in advance. This way there is a smooth avoidance. As a rider behind, watch the riders in front of you and mimic their line if you trust the wheel in front of you. A trusted wheel is sure to avoid obstacles.

Shoulder check - As you pull through to the front of the pace line know where your back wheel ends. Coming in too close to the rider behind you can spell the end of half of the group's season. Pulling in a bike length ahead at the front of the group means everyone has to chase to close the gap you have just created and this creates undue work.

Euphoria strikes when the speeds are high and a group of riders synchronizes their efforts (especially when the effort is difficult and the oxygen flow is strained). If you want to witness the perfect paceline, watch a Tour when the team time trial is the order of the day. A properly executed paceline can be a magical experience.

Photo Courtesy: Graham Watson

Suffering in Cyclo-Cross: downers groove

2008-08-18T02:37:27Z

US Crit Nats

Rahsaan Bahati Wins. Tony Cruz a no show at the podium.

time for some more duct tape dude...

A2 Training: HEKMAN 3RD AT US PRO CRITERIUM CHAMPIONSHIPS !!!!!

2008-08-18T01:24:55Z

Let me repeat that: Mark Hekman just grabbed the bronze medal at the US PRO criterium championships in Downers Grove, IL. This comes exactly one year after crashing and breaking his heel in the 2007 amateur edition of the race. I couldn't be happier for Mark. The pic above is not from crit nats, but will have to suffice until we get one.

Those who know Mark are familiar with his laid back style and sense of humor. What they often don't realize is the unbelievable amount of work he puts into his cycling profession. Of all the athletes I have had the pleasure to work with over the years, Mark has by far the ability to sustain the highest training work load. The other thing that really stands out is his consistency of race results. Week in and week out all year long Mark performs.....He has had some really good results this season, but 3rd today is some great payoff for all his efforts.

Also a big congrats to Marco Aledia and the entire Inferno Racing team for Marco's 2nd place in the elite amateur crit championships earlier in the day!

And it doesn't stop there! Asheville superstar Lauren Franges (Tibco) won the Saturday warm up race in Downer's where VeloSports coach Laura Bowles (Advil) was a driving force in the 4 woman winning break.

.
a2
Leadville report coming soon...I promise!

Mud and Cowbells: The inexplicable lightness of being...a father.

2008-08-17T22:28:12Z

You have more power at your fingertips than those dudes who sit in those high-tech chairs at NORAD with key codes and access to annihilating the world.

That is, if you are a parent.

We have massive responsibility to ensure these kids see a path through the junk that life seems to be laying in front of them these days. And no, I'm not going to posture here and say how to do it, what kids should have their brains planted with to 'turn the world around', what the 'right' method of parenting is. You are all doing a fine job I'm sure.

But man, what a responsibility. They want to be us. They observe and absorb everything. From the manners you display with the person taking your order at a restaurant to, in my case, how I have my Oakleys jammed in my helmet when I come home shattered from a ride. It's all the little details and they have the power to read those nuances more prolifically than you take them for.

And I love it. And I live for it. And I digress....

Enforced rest this week.....mercifully as I overcooked myself with Dubba, Von and Andy today on the undergoound Sunday cross ride. I am not healed. I am stupid. I literally had to take a nap for the pain was out of hand. Challenges are funny things, no? I seem to fabricate them for myself quite effectively. But I can not stand not being there. Always afraid of missing something....

But, again I digress.

Dwayne Letterman: Been A Long Summer

2008-08-17T16:16:08Z

This summer has been pretty hectic and seems to have flown by. Had a lot of good rides though some of which were very demanding. Haven't raced any and only done one TT. I feel stronger than this time last year, but I can't climb anymore? I guess loosing two months of riding in the spring has gotten me behind and still haven't gotten down to the wieght I was this time last year. Cycling is such a hard sport. Most of us have to put in a lot of effort just to be mediocre.

The best part of riding this summer has been the buddies. Thursday nights especially when we all pile into Buck's pizza after the ride for Pizza, Libation, and Laughs. We've had a lot of laughs and it's amazing what you see sometimes, like the picture my friend Jonell took. Gas prices are high, so I guess if you have a BIG KID you're feeling the pinch and have to get rid of them. Maybe they could work out a trade with the parents of little kids?

The end of summer means the start of Cyclocross. I've been up to my elbows in organizing the ole' MSG and a new race this year near Meadow Creek Mountain Cyclocross. Lots of good things coming this fall can't hardly wait. Running will have to start soon, as well as weekly CX training at Kiwanis park. Cool thing is there will be a training series in Hendersonville. I can't wait for that.

Cyclocross Magazine: New Poll - Express Your Feelings on CX Rules

2008-08-17T15:07:56Z

We finally added a new poll. Check it out on the top right of our site, and let us know how you feel about the modern cyclocross rules.

Our last poll was pretty interesting - seems like there was no clear favorite to our Issue 2 content - there was pretty even distribution among the votes, with the top being our mammoth project of interviewing all the cyclocross national champions, followed closely by Christine Vardaros’ column, her interview with Bart Wellens, and our Singlespeed Overdose article that featured coverage of SSCXWC, a how-to, and tensioner reviews. Our look at Hup United and the eBay sandbagger auction weren’t far behind either.

So that tells us either all our articles pretty much suck, or we’re doing a good job of having something for everyone. We hope it’s the latter!

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Cyclocross Magazine: Alpha Q Sticks a Fork in Cross Vegas, OVCX Registration Opens, Promises Barriers

2008-08-17T06:30:19Z

Promoters are starting are busy adding the finishing touches to their early season races. Here’s the latest on two of these races:

Alpha Q Joins CrossVegas as Supporting Sponsor

Alpha Q/True Temper, makers of super premium carbon forks, bars and stems ridden to victory by countless racers, has joined CrossVegas as a supporting sponsor. The international caliber cyclocross race takes place September 24th in Las Vegas during the Interbike tradeshow.

Vince DiMarino, Sales and Business Development Manager, announced the partnership and described the reasons behind the Memphis, Tenn. based company’s decision as ‘a natural extension of our love of competition. Cyclocross is a rapidly growing part of our business, and we want to be part of the spectacle that CrossVegas brings to thousands of Interbike attendees.”

Alpha Q will present the Wheelers and Dealers race, a cyclocross race for bicycle industry members with categories that include: retailer, manufacturer, importer, media, distributor and advocacy. The 30-minute race starts a full evening of racing and fun at the Desert Breeze Soccer Complex in west Las Vegas, a short distance from the famous “Vegas Strip.”

CrossVegas co-promoter Brook Watts described (more…)

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Laatste Ronde: Cross Crusade schedule is UP!

2008-08-17T00:53:33Z

My OCD has paid off. The preliminary schedule is up! The big news? A double weekend at Astoria for Halloween. Alpenrose kicks off the series and is followed by Wilsonville (Memorial Park again? I liked that venue) and Rainier HS. Barton is on tap after Halloween and then two TBA dates complete the scehdule. Not on the schedule are the two USGP races over the first weekend in December.

Mud and Cowbells: Something Carbon this way comes....

2008-08-16T16:54:03Z

I'm late late late. Typhoon's still stretching on my RD-488's but a second set still need a home to get them selves glued on to. very late this season.

Look left. Tree Farm's set up. RD800's and Typhoons Light and super strong. I'll be running it this year. Mmmm.

There is rain like you wouldn't believe here in the Republic. Cold too. Belgie style. But I can not see getting out there and risking a fat cold which is going around with the kids having that awesomme booger nose syndrome....and school hasn't even started. So intervals on the rollers today instead in the garage. The ribs make me feel like I need to vomit when I am laying down but riding it seems OK as long as I do not take in huge volumes of O2. Wrist is healing like a champ. I wish it were the other way around.

Nothing's been perfect for this year's lead up but I am still psyched for the changing of the leaves. I need to be an opportunist this year. No goals but smiles. Sincerely.

More news forthcoming.

Oh, and if I see you on the road, RAISE YOUR HAND TO SAY HI. You are not some PRO in the middle of an interval on Broadway. You get a hall pass if you are liquigas guy.

Photo credit: Jeff C's awesome photog wife.

Cyclocross Magazine: New Product Spotlight: Gary Fisher Presidio Cyclocross Bike

2008-08-15T23:11:52Z

Earlier this summer Trek Bicycles ended its relationship with Greg Lemond and stopped its Lemond brand of bicycles. But with the Lemond Poprad being such a popular ‘cross bike, in part due to its steel frame, Trek has kept the OEM steel ‘cross bike alive with a new Gary Fisher Presidio model. Friends of Cyclocross Magazine spotted this bike at Trek World this week as one of a handful of new Gary Fisher road bikes. That’s right, Gary Fisher road bikes.

Why is the ‘cross bike called the Presidio? In 1998, the Cyclocross National Championships and Saturn Super Cup Finals were held in the historic Presidio Park in San Francisco. Tim Johnson, a die-hard New Englander, said that about those races: “Ask anyone that saw the races in the Presidio. They’ll tell you that those two days had some of the best bike racing ever. I’m not talking just cross races, but ANY bike racing.”

Trek sent us specs on the new model, and the new bike’s biggest difference from the Lemond Poprad is its new ‘09 SRAM Rival drivetrain with carbon levers. The frame, fork, and wheels remain the same, but the price jumps more than $300 (in part due to the weak dollar) to $1979.

We’re not sure if Gary Fisher himself has ridden the bike or approved its current design, but the man is very familiar with ‘cross, having finished with three top tens at ‘cross nats in 1975-77. And in 2007, he was back at it again, racing several Norcal races on his 29er.

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Laatste Ronde: Dedication or crazy?

2008-08-15T20:38:53Z

I was out doing cross drills at lunch today. When I finished, it was about 95 degrees but it felt hotter. There is a park adjacent to my work that is a fairly good place to practice. There aren’t any run ups but its got shade and not many people — no one other than me today. The “revelation” of the day is that I’d done with the step through. I’m way more relaxed with the dismount off the back and I’ve got it dialed for faster approaches.

I am trying hard to be in some kind of shape come October. We’ll see what happens.

Christine "Peanut" Vardaros: Still Thinking About the Ardennes Camping Trip

2008-08-15T19:29:26Z

Last week Jonas and I went camping in Bouillon, Belgium. We really lucked out on the best spot imaginable. While most of the Ardennes camping spots are riddled with semi-permanent trailer parks doubling as camp sites where people are living on top of each other, we snagged a river-side spot with an absent neighbor on one side and an empty lot on the other. It felt like we were all alone along the river.

Every morning started with French pressed coffee coupled with fresh bread delivered to the camp site via a bakery truck that swerved in and out of the lots honking his horn.

After eating so much that we were ready for a nap, we instead 'suited up' for our trail hike. I got to break in my brand new custom insoles made for my walking/running shoes which worked amazingly well. We hiked and hiked and got lost, then hiked some more, hitched a ride with strangers when we found ourselves many kilometers off our pre-planned route, then hiked the rest of the way home. It was the first time that my legs felt fresh from that much hard walking - thanks to the insoles (and the doctor from Kortenberg who made them)!

When we werent out hiking or getting lost while hiking, we sat by the river with our red wine in hand while watching passerbys. We saw fishers catching nothing and little kids drifting away on oversized tires while the parents chase them down alongside the river. But what i found most entertaining was the kayakers.

Every boat that passed was completely unique - some contained Dutch tourists obnoxiously yelling across the river as if they were the only ones on earth. Others held little kids who had no idea what to do with the paddle and relied on the river to pull them downstream. And every once in a while, we were passed by semi-professional-looking seasoned kayakers who flew by us in a flash. Inspired by the fast ones, I decided to give it a go figuring it can't be that hard to do it.

The next day we were out on kayaks playing in the river. It was a perfect day for it - sunshine and 28°Celcius. Within thirty seconds of hitting the water i realized it may be harder than it looks. About 1km down the river we took a brief detour to our tent to pick up a little courage in the form of a bottle of wine.

After our first glass we decided to paddle in earnest to work off the alcohol calories. Jonas went first - we flew! I was next. I put my head down and paddled my ass off. When i looked up i realized i had done a perfect circle. I guess my right arm is stronger than the left. Of course I glanced back at jonas and casually said I meant to do that.

On my second try i went a little sideways and we ended up wrapped in trees along the bank. To prove that I was effective somehow, i turned to jonas, pointed upwards at the blowing branches and said, " Look at how much wind I made." He laughed so hard that i think i fooled him again into thinking i planned that route. And to think I accomplished all this on just one single glass of wine. I'll never know what i could have done with two since I spilled my second glass when trying to duck my head under the branches. Maybe i should stick to cycling...or trail walking it seems.

To balance out all the nature stuff, we checked out the little neighboring towns by scooter, stopping briefly in each for a quick drink or bite to eat. Some of the cafes had incredible views so extraordinary I could almost believe they were fake. We happened to drive through one town just as they were having their weekly market. I love markets so i was thrilled to stop and check out the stuff. It took us about four minutes to confirm that they had the same crap as all markets around the world so we got back on the scooter to head home.

Our four minute detour cost us dearly though. We would have made it back to the campsite completely unscathed from the heavy storm chasing us through the past few towns but instead it nipped at our toes for a litle bit before dumping on us about five minutes from home. There has to be nothing worse than arriving at a campsite frozen and wet.

It is now back to reality. Training for cyclo-cross is top priority at the moment and all is going well. Thanks to that little break between road and cyclo-cross seasons I feel fresh, motivated and ready to train for cross.

Today was my first offroad ride on the cross bike. I spent the whole time with the corners of my lips glued to my ears. I'm sure many of you can relate.

The bike projects are starting now too. First project is gluing the tubulars - I just started to prep the Reynolds wheels and Challenge Grifos. Next is to change the Speedplay cleats on my Specialized shoes. Photos of my projects to come...

Thanks for reading.

Mud and Cowbells: You've got to love boulder...part deux

2008-08-15T14:47:59Z

So I CrackBerry pic'd this Ducati a few months ago and rolled my eyes (but still, thought it kind of cool). Yesterday on my lunchtime ride, I spied this baby. Complete with RockyMounts Lariat tray. Sick.

You've gotta love Boulder....

Race Cyclocross: It’s still summer

2008-08-15T05:12:56Z

I still have road tires on my cross bike, so took it easy on the way up the euro climb. It’s a hundred degrees out, and the steep climbing with a backpack full of nerd stuff made me feel rusty. I passed one of those Ronde stencils on the way up, and thought about how bad my arms hurt after that ride.

When I got home, Steven and I talked about all varieties of angles, diameters, and techniques for drilling out stems. We figured it out.

I walked into the basement, and it smelled like tubular glue.

Jump to the Olympics. Who is going to win the MTB?

Michael Phelps? Sven Nys? The worlds tallest man riding on dolphins?

Cyclocross Magazine: Cutting the Fat Part I - Time for a (bike) diet?

2008-08-15T00:26:27Z

This is Part I of a three-part bike diet series by weight weenie Jeremy Burlingame and was published in our premier issue of Cyclocross Magazine. Part II was published in Issue 2, and Part III was published online in July ‘08.

If there was ever a good reason to be fanatical about shedding pounds off of your bike, it has got to be the sport of cyclocross. With the sport’s repeated bike lifting and shouldering, as well as its constant accelerations, “needing” a lighter bike is easily justified…everyone wants to go faster. The thoughts of winning your local cyclocross race, districts, or heck, even just so you’re not last place in the C race might be driving you. You might not be as obsessed with a lightweight cyclocross bike as I am (yet), but hopefully this column will demonstrate that it’s not hard to lighten your bike. In this issue, I’ll focus on three steps to shed a few pounds off your rig.

Step 1: To enjoy a lighter bike, you first have to change your mentality. You have to admit to yourself that your bike has a weight problem. Stop the denial! Understand that the weight of everything matters. Little things add up to big things. And big things are harder to carry up muddy hills. Shifting your focus and making a lighter bike a priority is the first key step.

Step 2: Second, you need to know (more…)

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Mud and Cowbells: Road to Roubaix

2008-08-14T22:58:57Z

The movie was a success last night. Pretty darn good little flick! Hearing Henk Vogels talk too was great. The man has some stories about Roubaix. Love that guy.

What also was cool was setting up a table for the Valmont Bike Park and inviting the hoards of movie goers to come in close and hear about the good stuff they are about to have at their disposal for off road riding...all for FREE. We had quite a few folks Buy Bricks as well right there on the spot...which was SUPER cool. Bliss had his laptop and aircard set up and we literally took orders! SO COOL. The community was pumped to hear about it.

Moving on, the wrist is healing but the ribs are giving me a horrible time. Ironically, I can ride OK without taking in huge breaths but sitting and sleeping are still tough. But alas, like a sick child home from school who's mom brings him a toy, so the White Sex have arriveth. Lance and the TRP gang provided me with this most unbelievable set of TRP EuroX Magnesium cross brakes. I have lusted these for some time....since I hear that they had taken all this consumer feedback and implemented SO MANY features to really move the ball forward. SICK! First, the weight is surreal. One would expect carbon to be this light. These, yes, are lighter. The adjustments are many. Barrell adjuster for micro adjustments to the straddle cable when you change wheels to accomodate for rim thicknesses as well as TOE IN! All the little things...

These babies will be going on my black Rock Lobster and I'll be moving the EuroX Carbons to my white one.

More stuff to do to get ready for cross in terms of body and bike. First, get healthy.