Monday, September 26, 2011

I am pneumatically challenged.

Quad 'Cross? Flat.
Road riding down on the Cape? Flat.
Suckerbrook? Flat.
A day of relaxation on the freestyle bike? Flat.

That's all within two weeks...

Suckerbrook had a fun course with a fast field. I flatted on the first lap, was in absolute last place when I hit the pits for a bike change, and tried to work my way back up through the field as best as I could. My back wheel on the pit bike felt a bit squishy too, so I was waiting for the 2nd flat. It never happened. I've got all new rubber on both 'cross bikes, let's see if I can keep the air on the inside for Gloucester.

Sucker Brook Race Report via Carnac the Magnificent!



"The Greek credit rating , Jamie at Sucker Brook 'Cross, any pretense your sister will have a white wedding."

Suckerbrook Slide Show

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Hey, nice rack.

A few years ago, Mike Lawless welded together a pretty cool bike rack that we used at many races. Someone borrowed it (?) and it was never seen again. I was on the verge of purchasing one, but, I decided to see what materials I had around the house, to see if I could make one. Well, lo and behold, I had everything but the hinges, and for those, I used a store credit I had for the hardware store. Total cost, $0.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Quad Cross

Well, it's been nearly a week, and I'm sure you're anxious to hear about my first 'cross race of the year. To be honest, I was waiting for someone else to write about my race, as it seems, if you're truly an important person, other people write about you.

But alas, no one from Cyclocross magazine has called to get any quotes, so I guess it's up to me.

My goal was to have fun, and I nailed it. A full summer of training to have fun has paid off, and I'm hoping to carry this fun fitness all through this year's cross season. Because, really, isn't all about the fun?

Friday, September 9, 2011

Oh no you DIDN'T...


Not sure what happened today... most of these last few years racing 'cross, never did occur to me to even THINK about racing on a single speed 'cross bike. That is just nuts. Even recently, When Jay-Mo and D-Nice noted the new, Zaconato sponsored New England SS CX Series did it even cross my mind, so to speak - to consider any of that sort of foolishness.

But then with QuadCross all but out of the question due to family schedule issues, I see that at 3:30pm that crazy. mixed bag of nut-jobs takes off. I'm no speed demon, and the old Subaru is slow - but I know I can make it to Maynard, MA by 3:30pm - even if I jump out of the car, pin on my number, and hit the start line. WTF, right? We only live once...

...in a fluke, if I do get there prior to the Elite field start - guess what? I'll race that mother too. Honey Badger don't care - he's crazy! I don't know how these things happen - but who am I to try and alter the cosmic trajectory in life...? I'm sure all you early morning hammers will be long gone before I even start driving to Maynard - but I'll keep the gang updated here.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Wildcat Epic 100 (By Pete G)

Forget what you’ve heard about the Wildcat Epic 100(the bad stuff anyway). Bath salts and time keeping issues aside, this is a great mountain bike race. I grew up just south of the Shawangunk Ridge and in about 1990 started my storied mountain biking career there.

The Wildcat Epic is a prize in itself for me, and for anyone who has the legs to grind out 100 fast miles over two days. It’s a full throttle sprint to sweet climbs that lead to incredible 50-mile views. Duck Pond Carriage Way, Cardiac Hill, and Castle Point Carriage Way take you up, up, and up to vistas that let you see a long way. It’s amazing how far one can see.