Plymouth weekend.
For some reason this is the magic weekend.
Either is it because of the road trips for a couple years with Mark Nicholson, and the last year with him and Lindsey and all that. He crushed it when he raced there. CRUSHED IT.
I also met that G-ride dude, the Sachs kit poser who was either beating me or just beating me in the 3/4 masters races all year to that point on that fancy bike with carbon wheels and tubulars.
Slowly over the last pile of years it sort of marked a peak of my season. My super close friend Alfie came out one year, his wife surprised him for his 40th birthday with CX weekend with me. Was awesome.
Mark Introduced me to LPB there, met a few other very key people there to me.
The race is odd. Used to be just one day at Plymouth north, Tatar separated his collarbone the year i drove there with him. Then they added North and South. First time I beat Gary David was at Plymouth South. May have been my first top 10 in the open race. there. The field gets diluted. People are tired from CSI-CX and for various other reasons the fields are thinner but still pretty stacked.
Last year i got in the money on day two.
This year day one had a pile of the Cyclocrossworld.com riders show up. On a road racey course with an annoying but non-selecting mud pit. WIDE OPEN WATTS. AKA road race.
I had a nice terrible start, SLOW. swarmed by everyone. Suddenly i'm 10 riders behind CTodd! C-TODD!!! WTF? gap, sprint around dude, next guy gaps off, sprint around, next guy gaps, sprint around repeat until I get on Whitey's wheel.
I mean go figure there is HORSEPOWER at the front. Like MOTORING. Fuck. So finally go on Whitey's wheel and then there's a gap. This big watty looking dude in a spinarts gets gapped off and i catch up to him eventually and Whitey gets on his wheel and they chase me around. Vince passed me when i fuck up a corner and Aumiller says "nice job, you did that on purpose to make him work" No. I just fucked up the corner.
But there was one money corner. The sven line. HOLY SHIT. Ask whitey. we'd come into it and i'd gain a pile of bike lengths just from line choice.. FUCKING ZOOOOOOM. Was fun. Except for all the pedaling.
But that wasn't too bad. The 55+ guys on the course at the same time made it very interesting but not a big deal on Saturday as it was COMPLETELY wide open except for the drop into the woods over to the two track.
Wound up 11th. Check the times on the crossresults. Fuuuuck. I was the fastest of the slowest. 1:20 or so gap to 10th. No chance of making that group for me. but man it was fun racing bikes.
FUN
distracted a bit there that day and my two goals were very selfless and I met them.
The 6:30 am soccer game in the morning wasn't even too bad. Didn't get there as early as I wanted but I got there early enough. And L didn't totally kill my phone while i was pre-riding and racing.
And then that was day 1....
11th, stacked field. Beat Whitey (sorry chris, you've been going GOOD this year and it felt awesome to stay in front of you despite my fuck ups).
racing bikes.
FUCK YEAH
was fun
even solo dad for a couple days leading up to it and being totally blown out after NoHo... i seemed to be able to pedal okay. Shitty start but was fun. And I was racing the whole time.
which is the point. racing the whole time.
fuck yeah bike racing
heddwch
G
Monday, November 11, 2013
realized something just now
That strava stuff? Whats the point when you have crossresults.
Worrying about chasing a KOM/QOMs... climbing more riding more... social competition is a solid motivator for many people. And if it gets them riding more? Great. That's a good thing.
But once the racing starts, my racing, cyclocross season... Strava loses all interest. I am totally out of the habit of tracking every ride. Because all that matters is the actual race. The competition. Lap times between races are nice to see but race conditions change sometimes and the 8am race might have different traction than the noon race than the 3pm race. Those you race with also dictate pace. But. Bottom line.
You get a result. Sometimes a time, but always a place. You don't get to go back and do it again because you screwed up the start. Or slowed down before the segment ended.
You have one chance for that one race.
Will you have a good day? Will it be one of those magical days that happens so rarely?
Maybe you start off the day feeling like shit, but habit and routine and going through the well rehearsed checklist sets you up unconsciously to erase the feeling and lets you perform at your best.
Sometimes it just isn't there and sometimes you know it going in, sometimes you get a few laps in and that's all there is and it is over.
The results tell you that.
Sure the phenom that is Resultsboy created something cool and new. What did we used to do before it? Checked bikereg, before that some series had their own online results, sometimes you got them in the mail, sometimes you saw them in the back of a magazine. But usually you just waited for them to be posted and that was enough. A record of you being there. Competing.
Stepping up.
Yes it is a participation award to see your name there. but this is cross, it isn't about having a PR. there's no way to race yourself event after event, year to year. You're racing the people in front and behind you on that sheet. And there is only ever one winner in each race.
No, everyone is not a winner. Strava is cool to see where my friends are riding who aren't racing. I don't usually look at the times or the trophies just where, the routes, where they went. That is the cool part to me.
why this now? 'cause i'm not racing Eco-Cross today and have a minute to think i suppose and this was a thought that popped in my head to write about.
heddwch
G
Worrying about chasing a KOM/QOMs... climbing more riding more... social competition is a solid motivator for many people. And if it gets them riding more? Great. That's a good thing.
But once the racing starts, my racing, cyclocross season... Strava loses all interest. I am totally out of the habit of tracking every ride. Because all that matters is the actual race. The competition. Lap times between races are nice to see but race conditions change sometimes and the 8am race might have different traction than the noon race than the 3pm race. Those you race with also dictate pace. But. Bottom line.
You get a result. Sometimes a time, but always a place. You don't get to go back and do it again because you screwed up the start. Or slowed down before the segment ended.
You have one chance for that one race.
Will you have a good day? Will it be one of those magical days that happens so rarely?
Maybe you start off the day feeling like shit, but habit and routine and going through the well rehearsed checklist sets you up unconsciously to erase the feeling and lets you perform at your best.
Sometimes it just isn't there and sometimes you know it going in, sometimes you get a few laps in and that's all there is and it is over.
The results tell you that.
Sure the phenom that is Resultsboy created something cool and new. What did we used to do before it? Checked bikereg, before that some series had their own online results, sometimes you got them in the mail, sometimes you saw them in the back of a magazine. But usually you just waited for them to be posted and that was enough. A record of you being there. Competing.
Stepping up.
Yes it is a participation award to see your name there. but this is cross, it isn't about having a PR. there's no way to race yourself event after event, year to year. You're racing the people in front and behind you on that sheet. And there is only ever one winner in each race.
No, everyone is not a winner. Strava is cool to see where my friends are riding who aren't racing. I don't usually look at the times or the trophies just where, the routes, where they went. That is the cool part to me.
why this now? 'cause i'm not racing Eco-Cross today and have a minute to think i suppose and this was a thought that popped in my head to write about.
heddwch
G
CSI-CX report of sorts
or maybe it is relief for some, no blabbing here for too long. Busy, too much going on in some ways, writing time has gone poof.
the CSI race was already a while ago. Ah the saga of that. The busted cat on Meatball, fixing it with can, spokes and hardware cloth. Driving it up, hanging out, racing, pitting in both the UCI races... hanging with Jerry and Noah, racing sunday pitting in one of the races got my photo in the pits in VeloNews online.
The racing was racing, and was good. Battled a bit on Saturday, back and forth, blew up on lap 4, recovered a bit. Was fun. Got a bit too far foward i think on the first lap even with a bad start. Pretty much because i was able to pass a dozen people on the first two times up the run up.
Kind of made up for a junior who decided to make a super dumb pass going into Pit 2 the first time. He takes the dumb line. Me and some other old master guy were hitting the turn just right, no brakes and kid blasts around us, then totally washes out and we chain reaction pile into him. Shit Show. Dumb move. And at least I was fortunate enough not to have anything seriously fucked up. Massive bruised on my bicept, smashed my left hand a bit at the index knuckle. bike and tire smashed across my quads, but worst and most critical bit was the shifter. Right shifter was bend in 45 degrees. I pushed it back out but it was loose. I ride in the hoods pretty much 99% of the time. Sometimes i even sprint in the hoods (and win the sprint for whatever place). So it was loose, and the last two times through that new woods section well I was basically trying to steer with left hand and brake with right but not steer. Was kind of dumb, almost ate it, was slow, no good. Last time through there though AFTER riding through and with the shifter SUPER loose, i kind of realized. Why not go into the drops????? duh. Shit. Well i did and passed M. Kelly back (he caught and passed me through that woods section).
Nothing was broken, just needed to tighten it back up. But it was kind of interesting. more interesting was Resultsboy's comment "you are looking respectable" while i was racing. or something like that. But yes. Day one. I was racing. Abysmal start but I worked past and through people until i blew and a pile of them all dropped me hard. oops. Weather was great though. Course was fun. Becca stepped up and raced the UCI race. Righi helped calm her down with solid advice about the move. It was the right move to move up and not race the 3/4 race. Then I wandered around saying hey to people eventually made it back to the pits to hold the Honey Squirrel's bike. Left Meatball and my bikes in the park and got in the TRUCK and headed to the hotel. I might have even slept a little. Still wide awake at 2am for an hour or so, then dozed off until 4:30 which my body said HEY TIME CHANGE? FUCK YOU WE WAKE UP NOW. I tried to keep dozing until it was time to head down for the hotel breakfast, stuffed face full of food. and coffee. and more food.
Got to the venue, rode a lap. signed in, did some stuff, rode another lap, some more stuff, rode a lap or something eventually getting to the start. Skinny Craig was less than boisterous but still said he'd see me later. I had a better start but not a great one, more relaxed though and w/o the run up there was a bit different race feel. Shorter laps. Day one in the ball field start I bounced off of Motram in the traffic, maybe more we just kind of kept each other up as people jostled for position. Sunday? Same place a junior tried to stuff his bike in traffic under Shawn into the tape and crash himself and shawn landed on top of him. That little irish dude was PISSED. But I got through cleanly and just watted my way up to a good wheel or two and pedaled my butt off. Stayed in line, passed a few here and there that were opening gaps. Eventually winding up on Kyle's wheel. Until it felt really slow in some sections. So i passed him. And dropped him and rode up to the next group. and through the next group. one of the groups had skinny craig, going backwards because i saw him and then he was gone. Caught up to Jerry too. He was going backwards but then I dragged him around on the fast pedally sections until he felt better and then dropped me on the turny stuff bridging up to the next group. Was a blast racing though. Good stuff. Pitted again for the UCI women's race, and then hung out moved things around out of meatball into Becca's car (ride home) and got ready to go. But then there were no keys to be found. Lost. Her. Keys. ho boy.... eventually (after i was dark and only the JAMfun/CSI crew were there) they showed up at the registration and we were able to leave.
I got points, MORE verge points, on day two. ME?!!! WHAT? yup. Bumped up my start position by probably NOTHING but still more points is more points and if i manage to have a good start and hold that position maybe i can not blow up and get more points next time. Granted Al has 420 points and I have a massive 12. It is seeming to be undeniable, i'm going better this year than i have ever.
I was super tired though on monday, all week last week. oof. exhausted. stressed. everything. super bad emotional day on tuesday on top of everything and then i tried to do the Union Velo training race. Had a good two laps and then... nothing. Couldn't go fast. Couldn't get out of my own way. so i just rolled around, chilled. turned the bike. hung out on the bike... felt good but was odd to be so dead. Monday was off the bike, tuesday i did ride in and ride home before the training race. then wed on the bike but thursday was off the bike. I did manage to get legit openers in on Friday, wisely or not i book ended the openers with a commute into work and back. But at the start of the opener workout my legs were horrible. By the time we rolled back they felt much better. Plymouth weekend though. that was last couple days. and will be a separate entry. Hopefully soon....
heddwch
G
the CSI race was already a while ago. Ah the saga of that. The busted cat on Meatball, fixing it with can, spokes and hardware cloth. Driving it up, hanging out, racing, pitting in both the UCI races... hanging with Jerry and Noah, racing sunday pitting in one of the races got my photo in the pits in VeloNews online.
The racing was racing, and was good. Battled a bit on Saturday, back and forth, blew up on lap 4, recovered a bit. Was fun. Got a bit too far foward i think on the first lap even with a bad start. Pretty much because i was able to pass a dozen people on the first two times up the run up.
Kind of made up for a junior who decided to make a super dumb pass going into Pit 2 the first time. He takes the dumb line. Me and some other old master guy were hitting the turn just right, no brakes and kid blasts around us, then totally washes out and we chain reaction pile into him. Shit Show. Dumb move. And at least I was fortunate enough not to have anything seriously fucked up. Massive bruised on my bicept, smashed my left hand a bit at the index knuckle. bike and tire smashed across my quads, but worst and most critical bit was the shifter. Right shifter was bend in 45 degrees. I pushed it back out but it was loose. I ride in the hoods pretty much 99% of the time. Sometimes i even sprint in the hoods (and win the sprint for whatever place). So it was loose, and the last two times through that new woods section well I was basically trying to steer with left hand and brake with right but not steer. Was kind of dumb, almost ate it, was slow, no good. Last time through there though AFTER riding through and with the shifter SUPER loose, i kind of realized. Why not go into the drops????? duh. Shit. Well i did and passed M. Kelly back (he caught and passed me through that woods section).
Nothing was broken, just needed to tighten it back up. But it was kind of interesting. more interesting was Resultsboy's comment "you are looking respectable" while i was racing. or something like that. But yes. Day one. I was racing. Abysmal start but I worked past and through people until i blew and a pile of them all dropped me hard. oops. Weather was great though. Course was fun. Becca stepped up and raced the UCI race. Righi helped calm her down with solid advice about the move. It was the right move to move up and not race the 3/4 race. Then I wandered around saying hey to people eventually made it back to the pits to hold the Honey Squirrel's bike. Left Meatball and my bikes in the park and got in the TRUCK and headed to the hotel. I might have even slept a little. Still wide awake at 2am for an hour or so, then dozed off until 4:30 which my body said HEY TIME CHANGE? FUCK YOU WE WAKE UP NOW. I tried to keep dozing until it was time to head down for the hotel breakfast, stuffed face full of food. and coffee. and more food.
Got to the venue, rode a lap. signed in, did some stuff, rode another lap, some more stuff, rode a lap or something eventually getting to the start. Skinny Craig was less than boisterous but still said he'd see me later. I had a better start but not a great one, more relaxed though and w/o the run up there was a bit different race feel. Shorter laps. Day one in the ball field start I bounced off of Motram in the traffic, maybe more we just kind of kept each other up as people jostled for position. Sunday? Same place a junior tried to stuff his bike in traffic under Shawn into the tape and crash himself and shawn landed on top of him. That little irish dude was PISSED. But I got through cleanly and just watted my way up to a good wheel or two and pedaled my butt off. Stayed in line, passed a few here and there that were opening gaps. Eventually winding up on Kyle's wheel. Until it felt really slow in some sections. So i passed him. And dropped him and rode up to the next group. and through the next group. one of the groups had skinny craig, going backwards because i saw him and then he was gone. Caught up to Jerry too. He was going backwards but then I dragged him around on the fast pedally sections until he felt better and then dropped me on the turny stuff bridging up to the next group. Was a blast racing though. Good stuff. Pitted again for the UCI women's race, and then hung out moved things around out of meatball into Becca's car (ride home) and got ready to go. But then there were no keys to be found. Lost. Her. Keys. ho boy.... eventually (after i was dark and only the JAMfun/CSI crew were there) they showed up at the registration and we were able to leave.
I got points, MORE verge points, on day two. ME?!!! WHAT? yup. Bumped up my start position by probably NOTHING but still more points is more points and if i manage to have a good start and hold that position maybe i can not blow up and get more points next time. Granted Al has 420 points and I have a massive 12. It is seeming to be undeniable, i'm going better this year than i have ever.
I was super tired though on monday, all week last week. oof. exhausted. stressed. everything. super bad emotional day on tuesday on top of everything and then i tried to do the Union Velo training race. Had a good two laps and then... nothing. Couldn't go fast. Couldn't get out of my own way. so i just rolled around, chilled. turned the bike. hung out on the bike... felt good but was odd to be so dead. Monday was off the bike, tuesday i did ride in and ride home before the training race. then wed on the bike but thursday was off the bike. I did manage to get legit openers in on Friday, wisely or not i book ended the openers with a commute into work and back. But at the start of the opener workout my legs were horrible. By the time we rolled back they felt much better. Plymouth weekend though. that was last couple days. and will be a separate entry. Hopefully soon....
heddwch
G
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast
Repeated over and over again.
For everything. Applicable from music to military.
Usually the start of the season finds me helping a few people who need to clean up their technique on the bike. Kind of has been like that since I needed the help cleaning my shit up.
I was inconsistent for a while. Christine Vardaros helped a pile, Skinny White Dude did too. And watching footage and thinking about it. Probably Cronoman and Solobreak provided some good tips.
But.
I was inconsistent. Until.
I slowed it down. A lot.
To the point it felt sill, stupid and a waste.
But you know what?
it works.
Specifically talking about the application of getting on and off the bike in cyclocross I am.
I spent a bit of lunch re-reading some old posts, trying to find where I got it from. Maybe Solobreak's steel trap brain hasn't rusted enough and he remembers but I can't find the original source of the 1000s of dismounts/remounts before racing. I want to say it was old Mud and Cowbells or something. I've since given up looking.
Like scales on a violin, you start slowly. Warm up slowly, then as you hit every note perfectly you can start speeding up. But if you speed up before you're ready intonation goes to hell and you're going to fuck up.
Why bother?
hard to say really. mostly because it seems to be just elegant to do it right, and doing it right allows you to not be limited by speed, no top end, just your top end.
it is faster. you save valuable seconds doing it smoothly. if you can get on and off effortlessly and the person you are racing is wasting energy, that might be a place in the race, just because you were smoother.
Or it saves you the embarrassment of landing on your wheel or something. Sure that happens even to the best, an ill timed rock bounce of the back wheel when you're tired at the end of the race can be a disaster even with perfect skills.
Is there real value to it? I think so. I believe there is.
If you want to succeed, or just do your best, Cyclocross gives you the opportunity to focus not just on pedaling fast, but on this whole side of minutia, bike, tires, pressure, shouldering bike, running, barriers, stairs, remounts, turns, sand... mud... Not just going as fast as you can pedal.
It is still a bike racing competition and honestly if you've got the legs and the technical nature of the course doesn't totally baffle you, you can fuck up the remounts and everything else and still win. Might not be pretty but, the results still count.
Slow is smooth smooth is fast...
100-200/session. Walking pace, just fast enough that you can sit on the saddle w/o pedaling and not fall over.
This is when having someone help with how you do get on is key. Visual feedback, hand position head, arms, all that.
For me counting 1, 2, 3 then getting on was the key element. CV helped with that tip. Left foot, right foot, left foot, swing knee over and slip forward on saddle keeping moment going forward and then pedaling. not up and down. you're moving forward. Not deflecting energy or wasting it or smashing your leg/thigh/junk on the saddle. Not getting air. just moving foward just high enough to clear the saddle and get on.
Slowly.
Walking pace. On, swing leg over, drop off, 1 2 3 on, pedal, off, on...
slowly. Let the neurons figure it out, not training muscles, you're training a neural network, teaching the proper firing sequence. Ingraining it. Learning it.
after 200 slowly, speed it up a touch. go faster. not much faster.
get that 200 done... speed it up a little more... 200...
speed it up even more... 200...
final 200 should feel super smooth and super fast.
As always do these on soft grass, no need to bruise feet trying to dismount and run on hard pack in cycling shoes.
I have had a few extra thoughts about it this year. One after watching Lars VDH at the top of the stairs. He gets on and pauses before beginning to pedal. not pauses momentum, but he just gets on and coasts, before pedaling.
Would be a great drill to watch or build forward skills after remount. get on and coast, no pedaling. no smashing pedals to cover for poor technique or loss of momentum.
I know pretty much the readership either doesn't give a shit, or already is as smooth or smoother than me getting on and off the bike.
but, this has been sort of brewing in my brain for a month or two. Finally getting it out.
Maybe it was triggered by the #likeavos video:
http://www.cxhairs.com/2013/10/30/likeavos-1-0/
either way it is a sputtering burst of non-cranky writing...
deal with it
heddwch
G
For everything. Applicable from music to military.
Usually the start of the season finds me helping a few people who need to clean up their technique on the bike. Kind of has been like that since I needed the help cleaning my shit up.
I was inconsistent for a while. Christine Vardaros helped a pile, Skinny White Dude did too. And watching footage and thinking about it. Probably Cronoman and Solobreak provided some good tips.
But.
I was inconsistent. Until.
I slowed it down. A lot.
To the point it felt sill, stupid and a waste.
But you know what?
it works.
Specifically talking about the application of getting on and off the bike in cyclocross I am.
I spent a bit of lunch re-reading some old posts, trying to find where I got it from. Maybe Solobreak's steel trap brain hasn't rusted enough and he remembers but I can't find the original source of the 1000s of dismounts/remounts before racing. I want to say it was old Mud and Cowbells or something. I've since given up looking.
Like scales on a violin, you start slowly. Warm up slowly, then as you hit every note perfectly you can start speeding up. But if you speed up before you're ready intonation goes to hell and you're going to fuck up.
Why bother?
hard to say really. mostly because it seems to be just elegant to do it right, and doing it right allows you to not be limited by speed, no top end, just your top end.
it is faster. you save valuable seconds doing it smoothly. if you can get on and off effortlessly and the person you are racing is wasting energy, that might be a place in the race, just because you were smoother.
Or it saves you the embarrassment of landing on your wheel or something. Sure that happens even to the best, an ill timed rock bounce of the back wheel when you're tired at the end of the race can be a disaster even with perfect skills.
Is there real value to it? I think so. I believe there is.
If you want to succeed, or just do your best, Cyclocross gives you the opportunity to focus not just on pedaling fast, but on this whole side of minutia, bike, tires, pressure, shouldering bike, running, barriers, stairs, remounts, turns, sand... mud... Not just going as fast as you can pedal.
It is still a bike racing competition and honestly if you've got the legs and the technical nature of the course doesn't totally baffle you, you can fuck up the remounts and everything else and still win. Might not be pretty but, the results still count.
Slow is smooth smooth is fast...
100-200/session. Walking pace, just fast enough that you can sit on the saddle w/o pedaling and not fall over.
This is when having someone help with how you do get on is key. Visual feedback, hand position head, arms, all that.
For me counting 1, 2, 3 then getting on was the key element. CV helped with that tip. Left foot, right foot, left foot, swing knee over and slip forward on saddle keeping moment going forward and then pedaling. not up and down. you're moving forward. Not deflecting energy or wasting it or smashing your leg/thigh/junk on the saddle. Not getting air. just moving foward just high enough to clear the saddle and get on.
Slowly.
Walking pace. On, swing leg over, drop off, 1 2 3 on, pedal, off, on...
slowly. Let the neurons figure it out, not training muscles, you're training a neural network, teaching the proper firing sequence. Ingraining it. Learning it.
after 200 slowly, speed it up a touch. go faster. not much faster.
get that 200 done... speed it up a little more... 200...
speed it up even more... 200...
final 200 should feel super smooth and super fast.
As always do these on soft grass, no need to bruise feet trying to dismount and run on hard pack in cycling shoes.
I have had a few extra thoughts about it this year. One after watching Lars VDH at the top of the stairs. He gets on and pauses before beginning to pedal. not pauses momentum, but he just gets on and coasts, before pedaling.
Would be a great drill to watch or build forward skills after remount. get on and coast, no pedaling. no smashing pedals to cover for poor technique or loss of momentum.
I know pretty much the readership either doesn't give a shit, or already is as smooth or smoother than me getting on and off the bike.
but, this has been sort of brewing in my brain for a month or two. Finally getting it out.
Maybe it was triggered by the #likeavos video:
http://www.cxhairs.com/2013/10/30/likeavos-1-0/
either way it is a sputtering burst of non-cranky writing...
deal with it
heddwch
G
Monday, October 28, 2013
Chain talk time
have you exhausted your bottle of chain lube?
Need some more? Out of Pro Gold samples?
Want something that works as well or better?
Pick up some of that EVerLube. Make a gallon of your own for $10-$15. Then fill all your old bottles you have saved and share and convert your friends to this stuff. Sure it doesn't have some big fancy label or decal or brand name behind it but if an OBRA and NECX racer can agree on a lube then, it has to be good.
Dave Moulton put a post up on Friday about how to lube a chain.
I'm not a huge fan of using the gasoline, but it would work too. Mineral spirits work better for me but then again Gasoline is cheaper and may work even better. Fumes though, ugh. At least the odor-less mineral spirits are really actually almost odor-less compared to gasoline.
I mix my chain/lube in a 1:3 ratio of 0W20 synthetic motor oil to mineral spirits (the nasty kind, not the 'green' kind) following the tried and true and well vetted ErikV recipe.
I also actually use a Park chain cleaner thing (fill the chain cleaner with the lube, recycle in screw top jar after cleaning chain, top up with fresh stuff now and then and let junk settle and create sediment layer on the bottom of the jar). Followed by wiping down followed by fresh clean lube.
Or if after a cyclocross race I will hit the chain with the park chain cleaner full of my chain lube mix, then wash the bike down with water and soap. Chain is then brand new clean and silent.
Once the bike and chain are wiped down and dry I hit it with a good soaking of the lube, and if the next race is going to be a dry one I'll wipe the excess off very thoroughly, if wet and muddy I will just let it dry with the excess and sometimes add a second coating to double up the lube going into mud and stuff.
Big key to the post that caught my eye more than the lube similarity is the quick link removal trick. Many people have a problem removing quick links without the special tool. that's the other beauty of Dave's post.
And also.
GeWilli recommends running a Shimano Chain with a SRAM/KMC whatever quick link that is the right width for the chain. I've been doing it for ever even though I don't remove my chain to clean it.
have fun, get dirty, clean up and stay lubed...
heddwch
G
Need some more? Out of Pro Gold samples?
Want something that works as well or better?
Pick up some of that EVerLube. Make a gallon of your own for $10-$15. Then fill all your old bottles you have saved and share and convert your friends to this stuff. Sure it doesn't have some big fancy label or decal or brand name behind it but if an OBRA and NECX racer can agree on a lube then, it has to be good.
Dave Moulton put a post up on Friday about how to lube a chain.
I'm not a huge fan of using the gasoline, but it would work too. Mineral spirits work better for me but then again Gasoline is cheaper and may work even better. Fumes though, ugh. At least the odor-less mineral spirits are really actually almost odor-less compared to gasoline.
I mix my chain/lube in a 1:3 ratio of 0W20 synthetic motor oil to mineral spirits (the nasty kind, not the 'green' kind) following the tried and true and well vetted ErikV recipe.
I also actually use a Park chain cleaner thing (fill the chain cleaner with the lube, recycle in screw top jar after cleaning chain, top up with fresh stuff now and then and let junk settle and create sediment layer on the bottom of the jar). Followed by wiping down followed by fresh clean lube.
Or if after a cyclocross race I will hit the chain with the park chain cleaner full of my chain lube mix, then wash the bike down with water and soap. Chain is then brand new clean and silent.
Once the bike and chain are wiped down and dry I hit it with a good soaking of the lube, and if the next race is going to be a dry one I'll wipe the excess off very thoroughly, if wet and muddy I will just let it dry with the excess and sometimes add a second coating to double up the lube going into mud and stuff.
Big key to the post that caught my eye more than the lube similarity is the quick link removal trick. Many people have a problem removing quick links without the special tool. that's the other beauty of Dave's post.
And also.
GeWilli recommends running a Shimano Chain with a SRAM/KMC whatever quick link that is the right width for the chain. I've been doing it for ever even though I don't remove my chain to clean it.
have fun, get dirty, clean up and stay lubed...
heddwch
G
Sunday, October 27, 2013
canton...
Another dry and dusty race. Just the 12th annual Canton cup. Definitely smaller turnout this year but th pointy end of the field was strong in most of the races. At least in mine.
I totally blew the start. Rolled the dice on which side and rolled wrong, then let caution tap my brakes in self preservation rather than push it. And wound up in pretty close to last, 35th-40th maybe. not many behind me at the turn into the field.
But it was a pass fest after that. Pickingoff big groups on the first two laps, then one at a time.
Finally had a solid sprint to take 10th place.
Legs were great the whole time, felt like puking at the end.
It was good. But holy crap was it dusty. billows of dust in the mown grass path. the run up was a disaster. Rain.
We haven't had much, nice for bike commuting but not so much for the soil and the cyclocross conditions.
Anyway. Next weekend is the big daddy of the CX races. I call it NoHo, some call it CSI... official title is long:
23rd Annual Cycle-Smart International /Shimano New England Professional Cyclocross Series Rounds 5 and 6/ Verge Series Round 7 and 8
if you can at all make it, as a spectator or a competitor this is the race to go to. Sausage tent, Beer, kick ass course, great venue, solid intense racing. F'n legendary.
I will be there. Hopefully with the rest of the ENGVT team.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
is there a quintessential CX short video?
I asked the twitters, maybe the blogosphere friends have more links to add?
The thought behind the question was if you could pick just one video to show to someone so they would understand the sport, what would it be.
the verbatim question:
If you could only pick one short video to explain CX what would it be?
what came up?
so... there was the big pile of funny snarky smart ass comments and the completely unhelpful ones.
But mixed in with comments were a pile of great links.
And there are of course the gold mine of resources that Henry has curated and filmed, but linkage over to the left is kind not right it seems but most of his stuff is over on his youtube account: http://www.youtube.com/user/henryj49
now on to the results of the informal poll
The thought behind the question was if you could pick just one video to show to someone so they would understand the sport, what would it be.
the verbatim question:
If you could only pick one short video to explain CX what would it be?
what came up?
so... there was the big pile of funny snarky smart ass comments and the completely unhelpful ones.
But mixed in with comments were a pile of great links.
Before that though, this often is my choice. Wish I had gotten my hands on a copy of this DVD:
now on to the results of the informal poll
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Too nice of a day
Thought about driving. I'm taking about some of my art this afternoon so I have three prints in the box. Zipp 303 spokes came in to the shop yesterday. Gotta get that squared away.
It is just too nice if a day to sit in the car.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Check the SVENNESS 2.3
Over here: http://www.cxhairs.com/2013/10/18/svenness-2-3/ awesome breakdown and analysis
Tips and stuff for everyone who is a student of CX racing.
here's the embedded bit though.
#SVENNESS 2.3 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.
Tips and stuff for everyone who is a student of CX racing.
here's the embedded bit though.
#SVENNESS 2.3 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
quick food comment
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22810464
it isn't that new, but the data sort of supports a very loooooooong held position of mine.
NO SKIM/FAT FREE DAIRY PRODUCTS. It is just so not smart. Agree or not, science seems to
The publication certainly may not be totally conclusive but it makes sense, a lot of sense.
I'm not saying dairy should ever be a big part of your diet, or even a part of the diet, but when/if you choose a dairy product, go with one that is not a reduced fat/fat free option. it will make a difference.
it isn't that new, but the data sort of supports a very loooooooong held position of mine.
NO SKIM/FAT FREE DAIRY PRODUCTS. It is just so not smart. Agree or not, science seems to
The publication certainly may not be totally conclusive but it makes sense, a lot of sense.
I'm not saying dairy should ever be a big part of your diet, or even a part of the diet, but when/if you choose a dairy product, go with one that is not a reduced fat/fat free option. it will make a difference.
Eur J Nutr. 2013 Feb;52(1):1-24. doi: 10.1007/s00394-012-0418-1. Epub 2012 Jul 19.
The relationship between high-fat dairy consumption and obesity, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease.
Source
Division of Public Health Sciences, Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Mail Stop M4-B402, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA. mkratz@fhcrc.org
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To comprehensively review the data on the relationship between the consumption of dairy fat and high-fat dairy foods, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease.
METHODS:
We have conducted a systematic literature review of observational studies on the relationship between dairy fat and high-fat dairy foods, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease. We have integrated these findings with data from controlled studies showing effects of several minor dairy fatty acids on adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors, and data on how bovine feeding practices influence the composition of dairy fat.
RESULTS:
In 11 of 16 studies, high-fat dairy intake was inversely associated with measures of adiposity. Studies examining the relationship between high-fat dairy consumption and metabolic health reported either an inverse or no association. Studies investigating the connection between high-fat dairy intake and diabetes or cardiovascular disease incidence were inconsistent. We discuss factors that may have contributed to the variability between studies, including differences in (1) the potential for residual confounding; (2) the types of high-fat dairy foods consumed; and (3) bovine feeding practices (pasture- vs. grain-based) known to influence the composition of dairy fat.
CONCLUSIONS:
The observational evidence does not support the hypothesis that dairy fat or high-fat dairy foods contribute to obesity or cardiometabolic risk, and suggests that high-fat dairy consumption within typical dietary patterns is inversely associated with obesity risk. Although not conclusive, these findings may provide a rationale for future research into the bioactive properties of dairy fat and the impact of bovine feeding practices on the health effects of dairy fat.
- PMID:
- 22810464
- [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- PMCID:
- PMC3597284
getting way behind
And so little time to catch back up. Or not.
This coming weekend is an off weekend. Have no plans to get in the car and drive a while to race. Need a break from the car or just time to get out for a long road ride and make the muscles do something more than intensity for 40-50 minutes.
We'll see what the weather does, but anyway. Providence Race weekend.
And yes. Totally don't get how it is the Providence Cyclocross Festival Cyclocross (#PCFCX) seems redudant but it sort of goes with the weekend. So awesome in some many ways, and so many routine details we take for granted or that seem obvious completely overlooked.
BEFORE I START THE RANT:
Bottom line. I love this race. I love the course, I have a great and deep appreciation for all that everyone involved in the event did. I just hope at least some of these 'issues' are addressed next year and years to come.
This coming weekend is an off weekend. Have no plans to get in the car and drive a while to race. Need a break from the car or just time to get out for a long road ride and make the muscles do something more than intensity for 40-50 minutes.
We'll see what the weather does, but anyway. Providence Race weekend.
And yes. Totally don't get how it is the Providence Cyclocross Festival Cyclocross (#PCFCX) seems redudant but it sort of goes with the weekend. So awesome in some many ways, and so many routine details we take for granted or that seem obvious completely overlooked.
BEFORE I START THE RANT:
Bottom line. I love this race. I love the course, I have a great and deep appreciation for all that everyone involved in the event did. I just hope at least some of these 'issues' are addressed next year and years to come.
Friday, October 11, 2013
A departure from CX
Around the internet some stuff gets seen by everyone...
some stuff we stumble upon...
this i found as the most recent post at http://cabinporn.com/
rare is the gem that draws out the emotions...
(click through and view full screen in HD - this short film doesn't suck)
JACK from Grace Jackson on Vimeo.
but this did for me...
I've always battled internally between the desire for social interaction with the comfort of silence and being alone away from everything. The reading of my youth is probably responsible for most of that, Edward Abbey, Farley Mowat, Tom Brown's the Tracker... there are piles of others.
But in many ways my passion for cycling, and racing bikes is not compatible with the desire to have an off the grid tiny cabin alone in isolation... and I suppose that is where Jack's story resonates even deeper with me, in that it was a retreat for him until it was just him. at a point where with drawing makes sense.
My deep connection to the outdoors, to the tall trees of the Pacific Northwest, drew me into my professional field, and remains a part of me that sometimes gets lost in the challenges of life. I suppose in a way you can say Cyclocross is me embodied. A bit of pavement, some urban aspects, mixed with dirt and you're out there ultimately alone trying to do your personal best. It might be a stretch i suppose.
The surprising element was realizing that "Jack" is Jack English the bow maker.
http://bobtowery.typepad.com/bob_towery/2010/05/new-series-the-legend-of-jack-english-day-one.html
http://www.independent.com/news/2013/jan/30/jack/
I've run across his story a few times over the years with the connection in the music world. My bow is well suited to me. Basically a Viola bow. Thick and heavy, too much of both in the opinion of my sister the professional violinist. But combined with my deeply resonating violin and my slower 1st position play when i can/asked style, it works. I would never get enough use out of a bow Jack made to make it worth seeking one out, but the emotional connection makes the short film and the stories about this remarkable individual even more touching.
Honest truth, I had tears in my eyes at the end of this short film.
some stuff we stumble upon...
this i found as the most recent post at http://cabinporn.com/
rare is the gem that draws out the emotions...
(click through and view full screen in HD - this short film doesn't suck)
JACK from Grace Jackson on Vimeo.
but this did for me...
I've always battled internally between the desire for social interaction with the comfort of silence and being alone away from everything. The reading of my youth is probably responsible for most of that, Edward Abbey, Farley Mowat, Tom Brown's the Tracker... there are piles of others.
But in many ways my passion for cycling, and racing bikes is not compatible with the desire to have an off the grid tiny cabin alone in isolation... and I suppose that is where Jack's story resonates even deeper with me, in that it was a retreat for him until it was just him. at a point where with drawing makes sense.
My deep connection to the outdoors, to the tall trees of the Pacific Northwest, drew me into my professional field, and remains a part of me that sometimes gets lost in the challenges of life. I suppose in a way you can say Cyclocross is me embodied. A bit of pavement, some urban aspects, mixed with dirt and you're out there ultimately alone trying to do your personal best. It might be a stretch i suppose.
The surprising element was realizing that "Jack" is Jack English the bow maker.
http://bobtowery.typepad.com/bob_towery/2010/05/new-series-the-legend-of-jack-english-day-one.html
http://www.independent.com/news/2013/jan/30/jack/
I've run across his story a few times over the years with the connection in the music world. My bow is well suited to me. Basically a Viola bow. Thick and heavy, too much of both in the opinion of my sister the professional violinist. But combined with my deeply resonating violin and my slower 1st position play when i can/asked style, it works. I would never get enough use out of a bow Jack made to make it worth seeking one out, but the emotional connection makes the short film and the stories about this remarkable individual even more touching.
Honest truth, I had tears in my eyes at the end of this short film.
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
Thoughts... a sermon maybe
Riding home in the pouring rain on Friday... a speech, really a sermon, started to form in my head.
Chipstick had made a few suggestions about how to honor Amy D at the Singlespeed race... saying a few words was maybe something brought up.
(note: i made a revision to the 'sermon', and I make keep tweaking it a bit as things pop in my head that I meant to put in there originally)
Chipstick had made a few suggestions about how to honor Amy D at the Singlespeed race... saying a few words was maybe something brought up.
(note: i made a revision to the 'sermon', and I make keep tweaking it a bit as things pop in my head that I meant to put in there originally)
couple links... some comments
This guy. Love him.
gets it...
http://www.fatmarc.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-gift.html
And what I think is probably one of the best books with advice about training, and getting fast... even if i haven't really applied everything there to trying to get fast, it is a great read:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Obree-Way-Graeme/dp/1408196425/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
Back on the shelf i guess. Been a while since I've read it. Maybe time to re-read.
This through the twitters a bit too... somewhere... I dunno
http://www.ironguides.net/triathlon-on-a-low-carb-high-fat-diet/
I'm pretty sure it is impossible to race CX on a restricted LCHF diet. Might be fine if you just race once per weekend and maybe train at CX level stuff once mid-week. But back to back there just isn't enough time to replace all the lost glycogen. Obviously having a killer fat burning motor is key to success and body shape and power to weight. But like sprinting, CX is short, high intensity the whole time. This isn't a Triathlon where you can rely on steady state aerobic fat burning for a big part of the event. This is Cyclocross. You don't race that day, all day even, and then the next day for a Tri. You can't. But CX?
training for CX... i've hashed out so many theories and ideas of the years, trying this, that, getting amazing advice, ignoring it, following it, tweaking it.
I have something that sort of works. when I do it. But racing three days in a row, after racing two in a row the week before, with a not light pedaling week in between there was room for one very specific work out last week.
one. in addition to the commute.
hill sprints... in shoes. running shoes. no bike.
Not a long run. Nope. Sprints done just after the bike commute so everything is warm and loose. Jog up and over the couple hundred yards to the spot. three sets. easy, medium, hard. 17-18 sec first one, 14-16 second 11-13 third. same distance. walk back down after each.
Was going to do them this morning. Ran out of time. Life. it gets in the way. Kind of sad looking at the next pile of weeks. Racing on Saturday, then nothing sunday, and nothing the following weekend. But I think that is going to be good. I'm exhausted after this last batch of stuff. Going FLAT FUCKING OUT since quad cross.
And now my two rear race wheels are fucked. busted spoke, blown sidewall. need to make something work for Saturday then address getting everything ready for maybe Canton I guess.
On the plus side maybe w/o the weekend stuff I can focus on some solid training blocks. Maybe even head up for a Tuesday night training race somewhere.
Also. a good pile of CX races and I feel human again. Happy almost. Very strange.
heddwch
G
gets it...
http://www.fatmarc.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-gift.html
And what I think is probably one of the best books with advice about training, and getting fast... even if i haven't really applied everything there to trying to get fast, it is a great read:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Obree-Way-Graeme/dp/1408196425/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
Back on the shelf i guess. Been a while since I've read it. Maybe time to re-read.
This through the twitters a bit too... somewhere... I dunno
http://www.ironguides.net/triathlon-on-a-low-carb-high-fat-diet/
I'm pretty sure it is impossible to race CX on a restricted LCHF diet. Might be fine if you just race once per weekend and maybe train at CX level stuff once mid-week. But back to back there just isn't enough time to replace all the lost glycogen. Obviously having a killer fat burning motor is key to success and body shape and power to weight. But like sprinting, CX is short, high intensity the whole time. This isn't a Triathlon where you can rely on steady state aerobic fat burning for a big part of the event. This is Cyclocross. You don't race that day, all day even, and then the next day for a Tri. You can't. But CX?
training for CX... i've hashed out so many theories and ideas of the years, trying this, that, getting amazing advice, ignoring it, following it, tweaking it.
I have something that sort of works. when I do it. But racing three days in a row, after racing two in a row the week before, with a not light pedaling week in between there was room for one very specific work out last week.
one. in addition to the commute.
hill sprints... in shoes. running shoes. no bike.
Not a long run. Nope. Sprints done just after the bike commute so everything is warm and loose. Jog up and over the couple hundred yards to the spot. three sets. easy, medium, hard. 17-18 sec first one, 14-16 second 11-13 third. same distance. walk back down after each.
Was going to do them this morning. Ran out of time. Life. it gets in the way. Kind of sad looking at the next pile of weeks. Racing on Saturday, then nothing sunday, and nothing the following weekend. But I think that is going to be good. I'm exhausted after this last batch of stuff. Going FLAT FUCKING OUT since quad cross.
And now my two rear race wheels are fucked. busted spoke, blown sidewall. need to make something work for Saturday then address getting everything ready for maybe Canton I guess.
On the plus side maybe w/o the weekend stuff I can focus on some solid training blocks. Maybe even head up for a Tuesday night training race somewhere.
Also. a good pile of CX races and I feel human again. Happy almost. Very strange.
heddwch
G
G-ster Day 2 '13 edition
Rewind a bit...
Gloucester day two?
Yeah we need to cover that I think. Mostly because I think I had a good race. I say I think because it was a loooooong time ago.
Gloucester day two?
Yeah we need to cover that I think. Mostly because I think I had a good race. I say I think because it was a loooooong time ago.
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
providence cross weekend
was a roller coaster, both in cross results points, emotions and everything...
maybe i'll get to write about it soon enough
write about anything
sorry...
i know...
will have to make time...
some how...
heddwch
G
maybe i'll get to write about it soon enough
write about anything
sorry...
i know...
will have to make time...
some how...
heddwch
G
Friday, October 04, 2013
Total FREAK OUT TIME
Lets pause a moment, set the grief aside and have a moment of celebration of Amy.
Racing bikes.
But I made a mistake.
I checked how many people were registered for PVD in the elite 35+ race
we usually have a nice number. 50-60 riders in the 35+ 1/2/3 field.
WE HAVE 91 FASTFUCKINGDUDES REGISTERED FOR SATURDAY
HOOOOOLY SHIT
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK
But then I have Verge points. Starting no worse than 45th or so, maybe higher depending on who shows up who has points and what not.
But that means there are likely two rows of people starting right behind me that ARE GOING TO BE GOING REALLY REALLY HARD AND FAST WHO WANT TO GET POINTS!
This.
is going
to
be
very
interesting
Oh shit
i gotta leave and ride home and wash bikes and lube chains and get ready for
SINGLE SPEED FREAKOUT TIME TODAY
At work for the morning, then race home. try to figure out something to eat THEN GO RACING
and it may be raining out there. Racing in rain? Awesome. Riding home, not so stoked about it.
I MAY NEED MORE COFFEEEEEEEEE
or not
Racing bikes.
But I made a mistake.
I checked how many people were registered for PVD in the elite 35+ race
we usually have a nice number. 50-60 riders in the 35+ 1/2/3 field.
WE HAVE 91 FASTFUCKINGDUDES REGISTERED FOR SATURDAY
HOOOOOLY SHIT
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK
But then I have Verge points. Starting no worse than 45th or so, maybe higher depending on who shows up who has points and what not.
But that means there are likely two rows of people starting right behind me that ARE GOING TO BE GOING REALLY REALLY HARD AND FAST WHO WANT TO GET POINTS!
This.
is going
to
be
very
interesting
Oh shit
i gotta leave and ride home and wash bikes and lube chains and get ready for
SINGLE SPEED FREAKOUT TIME TODAY
At work for the morning, then race home. try to figure out something to eat THEN GO RACING
and it may be raining out there. Racing in rain? Awesome. Riding home, not so stoked about it.
I MAY NEED MORE COFFEEEEEEEEE
or not
Thursday, October 03, 2013
gutted RIP Amy
I'd opened this to write about G-ster day two.
Can't now.
Finishing up lunch i got a text. A friend just said they felt sick, then a DM saying they really felt violently ill. I was oddly just out enjoying the sun after lunch, in the sun, glorious summer day in early october.
Initially I thought, someone got something at Night Weasels, but then in the DM over to regular twitter section and saw...
my whole feed.
every
single
tweet
finally scrolled down through, not knowing how, or where she was or what happened till i got to one that said:
"American cyclocross racer Amy Dombroski has been hit and killed by a truck while training in Belgium."
and the incredulity and fear as to what happened were instantly replaced with absolute gut wrenching horror, sadness... and tears...
Dombroski
People talk about #NECX as having a distinct identity sometimes. We do. We identify like a family. A big fucking dysfunctional family but we are, a family. Some of us only talk in person, but we relish the time together when we all do get together. We can't wait to see each other again at the next race, or on the street, or for coffee, or beer.
We take for granted that we will see each other again....
Life is fragile. It is delicate.
a memory:
The Boston Luna MTB chicks spearheaded by Roz brought Amy down for a woman's CX clinic one year (a few years ago now). They held it at the old MRC course in Wrentham. Greg W and I were there, he had his daughters and this friend of his, Rachel trying cyclocross for the first time. My daughter did the clinic, had fun, why? Because Amy made it fun. It was a hugely positive experience for my kid. And Rachel is now a CX racer.
This weekend is going to have a layer of sadness on top of the celebration of bikes. At least it will for me.
Amy will be missed...
http://instagram.com/p/fA80yXsJ3P/
https://twitter.com/CyclismasEditor/status/385829866672648192/photo/1
https://twitter.com/MMDMcMahon/status/385833299291435008
Can't now.
Finishing up lunch i got a text. A friend just said they felt sick, then a DM saying they really felt violently ill. I was oddly just out enjoying the sun after lunch, in the sun, glorious summer day in early october.
Initially I thought, someone got something at Night Weasels, but then in the DM over to regular twitter section and saw...
my whole feed.
every
single
tweet
finally scrolled down through, not knowing how, or where she was or what happened till i got to one that said:
"American cyclocross racer Amy Dombroski has been hit and killed by a truck while training in Belgium."
and the incredulity and fear as to what happened were instantly replaced with absolute gut wrenching horror, sadness... and tears...
Dombroski
People talk about #NECX as having a distinct identity sometimes. We do. We identify like a family. A big fucking dysfunctional family but we are, a family. Some of us only talk in person, but we relish the time together when we all do get together. We can't wait to see each other again at the next race, or on the street, or for coffee, or beer.
We take for granted that we will see each other again....
Life is fragile. It is delicate.
a memory:
The Boston Luna MTB chicks spearheaded by Roz brought Amy down for a woman's CX clinic one year (a few years ago now). They held it at the old MRC course in Wrentham. Greg W and I were there, he had his daughters and this friend of his, Rachel trying cyclocross for the first time. My daughter did the clinic, had fun, why? Because Amy made it fun. It was a hugely positive experience for my kid. And Rachel is now a CX racer.
This weekend is going to have a layer of sadness on top of the celebration of bikes. At least it will for me.
Amy will be missed...
http://instagram.com/p/fA80yXsJ3P/
https://twitter.com/CyclismasEditor/status/385829866672648192/photo/1
https://twitter.com/MMDMcMahon/status/385833299291435008
Buy My Cahbon Bike
Please so I can get one that fits.
Long story? Blue/CXracing both sort of fucked up. They listed the EX as being made in a XL size. So I ordered and XL. Oh, wait what? They shipped a L? Well lets slap a 130mm stem on instead of my normal 120 and lets see if it works. Kind of like what happened to the cranks, Oh you have 180 bb30s? for that price? Great. You sure they are? YES. Okay. Hey before is send them and know you need them for this weekend, and can get them to you, they are 177.5 not 180... Le Sigh. So that's the short story of how i wound up with a bike that fits but is too small to drive well. Put it this way. I can easily ride a wheelie on the White blue, not on this bike. and the body position (hoods, saddle, BB) are nearly identical.
It worked pretty darn well. until I started racing on the White Blue XL as a single speed/pit bike. At Warwick when I flatted the big difference was weight. But swapping the lighter wheels onto the White bike makes it pretty damn tolerable and evens it out. Still heavy but being able to corner and drive it better/faster is well worth the weight penalty.
So.
Who wants this EX? anyone? Not crashed (well i've eaten shit riding it but not structurally). Not brand new but it was a $1650 list frameset. Just selling frame, so I can just plug and play a better fitting bike in its place. Somewhat sad to try and unload it, it works great as a road bike, bars flipped a million CMs of drop. Speedy. Rides and handles very much like the Klein in terms of stiffness and shit the rest of the ENGVT team is rocking these to much better results than I can deliver.
Long story? Blue/CXracing both sort of fucked up. They listed the EX as being made in a XL size. So I ordered and XL. Oh, wait what? They shipped a L? Well lets slap a 130mm stem on instead of my normal 120 and lets see if it works. Kind of like what happened to the cranks, Oh you have 180 bb30s? for that price? Great. You sure they are? YES. Okay. Hey before is send them and know you need them for this weekend, and can get them to you, they are 177.5 not 180... Le Sigh. So that's the short story of how i wound up with a bike that fits but is too small to drive well. Put it this way. I can easily ride a wheelie on the White blue, not on this bike. and the body position (hoods, saddle, BB) are nearly identical.
It worked pretty darn well. until I started racing on the White Blue XL as a single speed/pit bike. At Warwick when I flatted the big difference was weight. But swapping the lighter wheels onto the White bike makes it pretty damn tolerable and evens it out. Still heavy but being able to corner and drive it better/faster is well worth the weight penalty.
So.
Who wants this EX? anyone? Not crashed (well i've eaten shit riding it but not structurally). Not brand new but it was a $1650 list frameset. Just selling frame, so I can just plug and play a better fitting bike in its place. Somewhat sad to try and unload it, it works great as a road bike, bars flipped a million CMs of drop. Speedy. Rides and handles very much like the Klein in terms of stiffness and shit the rest of the ENGVT team is rocking these to much better results than I can deliver.
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
G-ster '13 edition day 1
Day one... we got here already to this point where I was there...
that sentence made more sense when i wrote it the first time, i think referring to the back story post... lets got through the race though, in very impressionist broad brush painting style:
that sentence made more sense when i wrote it the first time, i think referring to the back story post... lets got through the race though, in very impressionist broad brush painting style:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
