It’s been a long while since my last post. There has been a lot going on and most of it is blog worthy, but with my addiction to facebook and the new job I can’t seem to find the motivation to blog it down. This past weekends events were fun and memorable in their own way and I want to get my thoughts down while there still fresh.
Tribble Mill 12 hour
After experiencing uncooperative weather at the last 2 12 hour races I signed up for this race in hopes of getting in some actual miles in a “race” scenario. I convinced myself that 12 hour solo SS was a good idea and convinced Becky to mimic my actions. Our mileage has been lacking, to say the least, in the last couple weeks so our performances would be questionable at best. We prerode the course a couple of weeks back and I had a good feel for gearing and lap times. I knew it was going to be fast race with minimal climbing. Something I didn’t seem to notice on the preride was the rooty downhill’s.
As the race drew near Mike, aka Jim Dangle, let me know he would be making an appearance and his much better half would be there to help with support. JD and the better half showed up at the house early race day morning and grabbed some sleep in the spare bedroom. We were up early, ate some breakfast and off to the race. We arrived an hour and a half before the race. Becky was nice enough to go out the day before and set up camp. She snagged a great spot with permanent shade along the race course right after the start/transition area. Turnout was great. The race was held at a county park that has unlimited multiuse trails, that not until recently SORBA has started to make a presence and develop a working relationship.
Becky, JD and I lined up for the parade lap start. My older brother and his youngest, Jonah, showed up to cheer us on and enjoy the park. As the race began, I was next to Becky, but I wanted I moved through the field as best I could to get a good spot heading into the ST. The course had 7/10 of a mile of double track before we hit the real trail. I pushed the pace with JD on my rear tire and we were passing folks as the trail allowed. I was a tad out of my comfort zone with pace for a long day in the saddle, but the crowded trail demanded we go fast. We got stuck behind a geared rider who would not yield and our pace slowed. The geared rider slipped around a turn and we made our move. We continued to push past other riders and hit the first decent climb of the day. The climb has short burst then gradual up and repeats itself about 7 times. I was behind a geared rider who spun out and I steered off the trail to avoid him. JD jumped at the tiny gap on the right and tore up the climb. I battled around the geared riders to catch him, but he was gone. I continued to push all the way to the finish. I changed bottles at the pit and the better half said he had a minute on me. I took off for another fast paced lap.
I continued to push outside my comfort zone due to the congestion on the trail and not wanting to be passed. Towards the end of my 2nd lap, my pace started to fade and legs felt tired. I grabbed another bottle with some special electrolytes and started my 3rd. My pace slowed, heart rate slowed, but the legs felt like lead and I could feel the inevitable cramps flaring up. I continued to ride and felt tired and noticed every root my rigid fork hit in my hands and shoulders. I could not get any sort of rhythm going. I slogged through a 4th lap and my ribcage and chest felt like it was cramping. This is new, I thought. I found it hard to breathe and I knew I was dehydrated. I managed to finish the lap and I took a break. It was still early so I thought I may be able to get in 10 laps for 80 miles. That would best my current mountain bike mileage of 65 at one time. I enjoyed a liquid sandwich and before hopping back on the bike I noticed my seat had slid back on the post from where it started. I didnotice while riding my legs was hurting in a different place; I was also getting rubbed more than usual. I adjusted the saddle and knocked out 5 and 6 with no real memory. I rolled in from 6 and Becky was in the pit. She looked tired and said she wasn’t sure if she was done or not. I rested and ate everything I could get my hands on. Becky joined me for another lap as we rode, my legs seemed to hurt less, they had a little spring in them. I started to get a rhythm on the ST and was able to sit and grind the climbs. Becky and I finished the lap and she called it a day. Brother Dave showed back up with his family in tow and some much needed Tylenol. (Big Thanks)
JD rolled in as I was getting ready to head back out. He had already knocked out 9 laps in 8 hours, but he had lost feeling in hands and fingers. I tried to talk him into another lap, but he made the smart move and called it a day. Lap 8 went by quickly and I was feeling great. The longest climb of the day was at near the end and I started to cramp while seated, but I would stand and they went away. Finished 8 and it felt faster than my first lap of the day. Lap 9 was identical to eight. Put the light on for 10, but it was still fairly light out so I figured I could finish without it. Halfway through 10 another SSer caught me and we finished the lap chatting about anything and everything. It was good to have someone to talk with as the sun went down in the woods. I rolled across the finish line with 11:03 on the clock and to cheers from my fellow riders turned support crew. They were packed and ready to go. My back was completely locked up and JD informed me my body would pay me back for the extra effort. I hobbled back to the truck and we went in search of big ass burritos.
The course was great and Dirty Spokes put on a good show. The weather was warm, but not too bad. The trail seemed to get rougher as the day went on.
I had a great time and I am so proud of Becky for knocking out 6 laps I made her sign up for 12, but if she had entered the 6 she would have easily finished mid pack. I am happy with my 80 miles considering the amount of training I haven’t done. Huge mega props to Jeanie for running support for all of us.
Next on the schedule: Drama Queen
Pics to come as they show
Monday, July 13, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Yargo 12 hour MTB race, A (very) Dirty Spokes production
Becky and I signed up for the 12 hour co-ed duo and brought the singlespeeds for a day of fun. We parked the truck, registered and set up our site. Space along the race route was limited so we were left with a spot about 100 ft off the course. My brother Dave and his oldest son, Big E, showed up for the race start. I lined up in the back, not to concerned about my starting position,mistake. The race started with a parade lap, and I slowly worked my way forward. 3 minutes in and we hit the singletrack. My poor starting position left me behind a large number of geared riders, who didn't understand the finer points of singlespeeding, like space, momentum and momentum. I know the course quite well and it is a SSers delight. Lots of drop ins and swoopy singletrack that when hit at speed and minimal brakes can equal tons of fun. Behind geared riders I am leg pressing, track stand, leg press, track stand. We hit some small uphills and I make my break for it. I easily pass 10 riders in less than a minute. More climbing and more passing. Now I'm moving along at an acceptable pace. I catch another group of riders. I didn't want to be a jerk, but I got the feeling some of the other riders were unsure how to pass or how to get passed. I just started shouting "pick it up boys" and "open it up through here". Riders started getting the message and would either move over or pick it up. The course was a little muddy in spots from the previous nights rain, but the once it got packed in it was going to be fast. I came in from the first lap, put the chip on Becky's leg and off she went.
I hung out with Dave and Big E, then went to the start line to wait on Becky. I didn't even have my helmet on and Dave yells "here she comes." I throw my gear on take the chip from a smiling Becky and take off. The course is now smooth and wide open. I rewarmup and get in a groove. I may go 2 laps I am feeling so good. I pick off one carrot after another. I pass one guy who wouldn't yield the trail after I asked for a pass. I just sprinted by at first chance, he had earbugs in and obvioulsy couldn't here me. Music's a little loud bro. I joined up with another SSer and we were cooking. Then the thunder rolls and the heavens open up. Torrential downpour. We continue to ride hard on a flowing creekbed. We pass a bunch of riders who were questioning whether to continue. The rain stops after about 3 miles, but the damage is done. The trail is underwater. We press on to the finish. I roll up to Becky and and let her know, "This is going to suck".
Becky has limited mud riding experience so I was curious to see how it would go.
Lap 3: Mudfest
Becky rolls in as I stand and wait listening to stories of riders who just finished. One guy says he passed a girl on a SS who had hit 5 trees and was crying. I was worried for a second and then thought, Becky doesn't cry. She rolls in and the only thing clean was her smile. I take off, mud, mud, mud. Finish and Becky is ready for her third lap. She rolls in dirtier than the last lap. She says she is done and I don't blame her. I tell her we are in 4th and 3rd is in reach, get the lights ready for my night lap and some food. Lots of food. I do another ridiculous mud lap. Spin, spin, mud, mud, climb, climb, spin, spin. I complete our 7th lap, check the standings. I would have to catch 3rd place, who were out on there 8th in order to podium. I asked Becky " you good?" she responded "yah". I agreed. I had some energy left in the engine, plenty of time, legs were spent so we conceded. The 5th place team did another lap and passed us. We ended up in 5th out 8. I would have had to ride 10 minutes faster than my previous daylight lap to podium.
Who cares? My big brother Dave brought wings, a pub sub and beer. I made the right choice.
Becky, post lap clean up
Post race
SirGold is a dirty boy
7 laps, 86 miles, 20 lbs mud, 1 pub sub, 2 bike washes, 4 rewashes.
Becky had the fastest lap (on square wheels, ask Hodge)
Bring on DSG... Team BockandCallSS will bestow its awsomeness on its unsuspecting victims.
I hung out with Dave and Big E, then went to the start line to wait on Becky. I didn't even have my helmet on and Dave yells "here she comes." I throw my gear on take the chip from a smiling Becky and take off. The course is now smooth and wide open. I rewarmup and get in a groove. I may go 2 laps I am feeling so good. I pick off one carrot after another. I pass one guy who wouldn't yield the trail after I asked for a pass. I just sprinted by at first chance, he had earbugs in and obvioulsy couldn't here me. Music's a little loud bro. I joined up with another SSer and we were cooking. Then the thunder rolls and the heavens open up. Torrential downpour. We continue to ride hard on a flowing creekbed. We pass a bunch of riders who were questioning whether to continue. The rain stops after about 3 miles, but the damage is done. The trail is underwater. We press on to the finish. I roll up to Becky and and let her know, "This is going to suck".
Becky has limited mud riding experience so I was curious to see how it would go.
Lap 3: Mudfest
Becky rolls in as I stand and wait listening to stories of riders who just finished. One guy says he passed a girl on a SS who had hit 5 trees and was crying. I was worried for a second and then thought, Becky doesn't cry. She rolls in and the only thing clean was her smile. I take off, mud, mud, mud. Finish and Becky is ready for her third lap. She rolls in dirtier than the last lap. She says she is done and I don't blame her. I tell her we are in 4th and 3rd is in reach, get the lights ready for my night lap and some food. Lots of food. I do another ridiculous mud lap. Spin, spin, mud, mud, climb, climb, spin, spin. I complete our 7th lap, check the standings. I would have to catch 3rd place, who were out on there 8th in order to podium. I asked Becky " you good?" she responded "yah". I agreed. I had some energy left in the engine, plenty of time, legs were spent so we conceded. The 5th place team did another lap and passed us. We ended up in 5th out 8. I would have had to ride 10 minutes faster than my previous daylight lap to podium.
Who cares? My big brother Dave brought wings, a pub sub and beer. I made the right choice.
Becky, post lap clean up
Post race
SirGold is a dirty boy
7 laps, 86 miles, 20 lbs mud, 1 pub sub, 2 bike washes, 4 rewashes.Becky had the fastest lap (on square wheels, ask Hodge)
Bring on DSG... Team BockandCallSS will bestow its awsomeness on its unsuspecting victims.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
SS Dirt Gaps
Weatherman said 65 and sunny, how bout 55 and cloudy on the other side of the mountain. The plan was 40 miles and 4 dirt gaps in the Blue Ridge WMA. We were both unprepared for the weather, so we froze for about 4 hours.
Looking good early. Single, 29 and lovin every minute of it!
Heading up Cooper Gap, clearish skies
Heading to Hightower Gap, where'd the sun go?
Still smiling in the fog. Notice the T-shirt, it was the back up cold weather gear
Bikes chillin after a brutally cold 4 mile descent down Rock Creek Rd. to the Fish Hatchery
I missed a turn and added 10 miles to the ride. We stopped in Margeret for some coffee
Love the view. Hated the road. Becky got introduced to SSing on rolling pavement. No smiles. See the fog covered mountain. We came from there and have to go back over it. 8 Mile climb anyone?
The bikes earned there rest and so did Becky.
50 miles,4 gaps, 2 Moe's Burritos.
Looking good early. Single, 29 and lovin every minute of it!
Heading up Cooper Gap, clearish skies
Heading to Hightower Gap, where'd the sun go?
Still smiling in the fog. Notice the T-shirt, it was the back up cold weather gear
Bikes chillin after a brutally cold 4 mile descent down Rock Creek Rd. to the Fish Hatchery
I missed a turn and added 10 miles to the ride. We stopped in Margeret for some coffee
Love the view. Hated the road. Becky got introduced to SSing on rolling pavement. No smiles. See the fog covered mountain. We came from there and have to go back over it. 8 Mile climb anyone?
The bikes earned there rest and so did Becky.
50 miles,4 gaps, 2 Moe's Burritos.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Niner ariseth
After months of waiting, debating, deliberating and annoying the living hell out of Becky I have finally got the gold niner built and rolling. The latest bump in the road came in the form of the gold fork. I had plans to just ride the KM fork I had to see if I liked the frame and the new geometry. I was telling Hodge of my plan at there new coffee/bike shop that is 15 minutes from my house. His response was to get Cody on the phone with Niner and demand they hook me up with a fork. His logic "you can't warranty a frame with a new frame that has different geometry and not include the fork". Cody got on the line with Frank from Niner and negotiated a deal on my behalf. They sent me the gold fork and charged me employee price plus shipping. I have no problem saying Addictive is the greatest bike shop in the world.
Now the bike
They also beefed up the chainstays and used chromo on the rear triangle. It takes out the "bounce" I used to feel on the old Niner
Nuff talkey, need ridey
Now the bike
The newer geometry definitely makes for a faster handling bike.
Some of the other improvement are the EBB. Not sold on the design yet, but it held up well through 36 miles at Yargo on Sunday.
They also beefed up the chainstays and used chromo on the rear triangle. It takes out the "bounce" I used to feel on the old Niner
We also added this to the stable. Becky loves it. Gave up the Vassago frame for it, but it is totally worth it.
I've been on the fence regarding the Cohutta 100. I considered doing the 65 again and shooting for a better time than last year. I decided, this year, to make smarter bike race decision. Last year I got in over my head on a couple races and left them completely unhappy with my effort. I know I can finish the 100, but the thought of being on the bike for 12 hours isn't that appealing at this point. After ScraffyZ offered me his 65 entry at a discount, I took it as a sign and committed to the 65.
Nuff talkey, need ridey
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Gears Shmears
Becky got a 29er SS this week. We took it to Chicopee Saturday, she did 14 miles. I had more technical issues with the Niner, so my ride ended early (don't want to talk about it). We hit Yargo today. Becky did 2 laps = 24 miles. Heading up the only long climb (gas line climb) Becky says to me "gears shmears". I just smiled and thought to myself "I know". Welcome to dark side. Pics later beer now.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Tanasi.... technicalities
After the rain filled weekend last week, Becky and I were all geared up for a weekend of riding. We spent Saturday riding the road, handling responsibilities and tearing up a crawfish boil. Sunday we had Tanasi on our minds. Great place to get miles of ST without repeat laps. I am upping the mileage for Cohutta and Becky is trying to maintain BadLass status. I should have known there would have been problems when I found out on Friday that SirGold aka Goldie would not be ready, more on that later. Today went like so:
Coffee, then run to the store to get dog food.
Quick maintenance, pump up Becky's shocks, air up the tires, add a bottlecage to the frankenbike KHS (currently the "go to" steed).
Load up bikes and dogs, lunch on the way.
Forgot chain lube, floor pump, gloves for Becky. Should have called it a day.
3 mile pave climb , Becky's bike is ghost shifting. Trail adjustment
Becky gets a flat and we work on repairing it, knock out brake pads installing wheel, fix it and we're rolling. Tire appears to still be leaking, hit it with the last bit of CO2 we have. Seems to hold.
Becky wrecks hard on rooty trail next to river. Walks it off. Finish Brush Creek.
Cross bridge, head back to truck to check on dogs.
Sidebar: last time we road Tanasi, we took the dogs. They loved the river and the trails. We would walk them, ride, then come back. They would nap in the truck until we returned. They had a blast.
We return to the truck and are chatting up some folks from Ohio. I borrow their pump while Becky goes to let the dogs out. Day is over.
One of the dogs got sick and left breakfast all over the front seats. The back seat (dog seat) was fine.
The smell was awful. I used the newspaper to clean up most of it.
We drove home with the windows down and 14 hard earned miles under our belts.
A pitcher of margaritas at the local mexican joint eased the pain and smell a little.
At my current rate of training, I will not be ready for 100 dirt miles. So, i am going to take the riding time as it comes. If the schedule opens up, I ride. The only goal being getting miles on the bike.
Now speaking of the bike, or SirGold aka Goldie and technicalities. I de-parted the Jabber and went down to Addictive to have the headset and BB traded out. Bear in mind, Addictive is 30 minutes from my house and 30 minutes from work (for the next 2 weeks at least). They were getting bikes ready for the 6 hour race on that Saturday, so I left it. I knew i was going to rain all weekend, so I planned on picking it up the following week. Matt calls me the same day I dropped it off. BB bracket won't work the new EBB requires a 73mm shell (would have been nice of Niner to mention that). I have to order one in, should be here early the next week. Next week comes. "Cody, how's Goldie?" "Dude, we installed the new BB, but the spindle is to short to clear new beefier chainstays. We have to order a 73mm x 121mm." They ordered the correct size and it should be here next week. I guess Niner assumed everyone would use an outboard BB and spacer sould be used. They didn't mention the need for a different BB if using square taper. Would have been nice to know in the week I waited to go pick up the frame. Could have ordered it then. Something that irks me about Niner. All new technical information is given in threads on the Niner forum on mtbr. They don't have it on print or on there new website.
Next technicality, from the annals of mtbr. My current Reba fork will not work on the new improved Niner geometry. It apparently has a 38mm rake. Before this dilemma, I had no idea what rake was. The new Niner forks have a length of 470mm and 45mm rake. Steel runs you $179 (not offered in Gold) and the new carbon is $350 (not available until May). I have a Karate Monkey fork on the KHS and it goes 468mm with 43mm rake, pretty close. I guess I will run the KM fork and see how it goes. I could go with a ODIS fork, 468 and 45 rake and it would look cleaner. Buuuut, the the KM works out, there is a local paint shop that may be able to make a color match for about $40. We'll wait and see.
That last issue is the most technical research I have ever done on a bike. I went SS to limit all the technical mumbo jumbo.
Anyway, hopefully I will have the bike by the end of the week. No pics, forgot the camera too.
Later, Player
Coffee, then run to the store to get dog food.
Quick maintenance, pump up Becky's shocks, air up the tires, add a bottlecage to the frankenbike KHS (currently the "go to" steed).
Load up bikes and dogs, lunch on the way.
Forgot chain lube, floor pump, gloves for Becky. Should have called it a day.
3 mile pave climb , Becky's bike is ghost shifting. Trail adjustment
Becky gets a flat and we work on repairing it, knock out brake pads installing wheel, fix it and we're rolling. Tire appears to still be leaking, hit it with the last bit of CO2 we have. Seems to hold.
Becky wrecks hard on rooty trail next to river. Walks it off. Finish Brush Creek.
Cross bridge, head back to truck to check on dogs.
Sidebar: last time we road Tanasi, we took the dogs. They loved the river and the trails. We would walk them, ride, then come back. They would nap in the truck until we returned. They had a blast.
We return to the truck and are chatting up some folks from Ohio. I borrow their pump while Becky goes to let the dogs out. Day is over.
One of the dogs got sick and left breakfast all over the front seats. The back seat (dog seat) was fine.
The smell was awful. I used the newspaper to clean up most of it.
We drove home with the windows down and 14 hard earned miles under our belts.
A pitcher of margaritas at the local mexican joint eased the pain and smell a little.
At my current rate of training, I will not be ready for 100 dirt miles. So, i am going to take the riding time as it comes. If the schedule opens up, I ride. The only goal being getting miles on the bike.
Now speaking of the bike, or SirGold aka Goldie and technicalities. I de-parted the Jabber and went down to Addictive to have the headset and BB traded out. Bear in mind, Addictive is 30 minutes from my house and 30 minutes from work (for the next 2 weeks at least). They were getting bikes ready for the 6 hour race on that Saturday, so I left it. I knew i was going to rain all weekend, so I planned on picking it up the following week. Matt calls me the same day I dropped it off. BB bracket won't work the new EBB requires a 73mm shell (would have been nice of Niner to mention that). I have to order one in, should be here early the next week. Next week comes. "Cody, how's Goldie?" "Dude, we installed the new BB, but the spindle is to short to clear new beefier chainstays. We have to order a 73mm x 121mm." They ordered the correct size and it should be here next week. I guess Niner assumed everyone would use an outboard BB and spacer sould be used. They didn't mention the need for a different BB if using square taper. Would have been nice to know in the week I waited to go pick up the frame. Could have ordered it then. Something that irks me about Niner. All new technical information is given in threads on the Niner forum on mtbr. They don't have it on print or on there new website.
Next technicality, from the annals of mtbr. My current Reba fork will not work on the new improved Niner geometry. It apparently has a 38mm rake. Before this dilemma, I had no idea what rake was. The new Niner forks have a length of 470mm and 45mm rake. Steel runs you $179 (not offered in Gold) and the new carbon is $350 (not available until May). I have a Karate Monkey fork on the KHS and it goes 468mm with 43mm rake, pretty close. I guess I will run the KM fork and see how it goes. I could go with a ODIS fork, 468 and 45 rake and it would look cleaner. Buuuut, the the KM works out, there is a local paint shop that may be able to make a color match for about $40. We'll wait and see.
That last issue is the most technical research I have ever done on a bike. I went SS to limit all the technical mumbo jumbo.
Anyway, hopefully I will have the bike by the end of the week. No pics, forgot the camera too.
Later, Player
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