The convert to dirt
Ok, I'll admit it, when I decided to race in the Mellow Classic it was a complete whim. I've never been much of a mountain biking guy. Sure, I had taken the occassional romp in the woods but for the most part, my miles were either logged on the road or on the track (bmx). I also discovered rather quickly that difference between a good XC Race bike and a bad one is about 7lbs and $3000!
Now, I may not have $3000 to throw at my bike, but what I do have is — a crazy, blinding, tireless obsession to scour the internet for deals and information. I've managed to land a titanium frame for under $600 and upgrade to Easton carbon bars, a thomson stem and SLX cranks for around $200. I'm shaving weight slowly, but it's also not breaking the bank. More importantly, I'm gaining knowledge and finding the resources to help continue that.
Here is what I've learned so far.
#1. There are amazing deals to be found on eBay, you just need to be patient, and know how to look. My favorite method for deal finding is to deliberately misspell words. If you're looking for a Thomson stem....type Thompson. There is a pretty good chance that there is a stem out there, and I guarantee...there aren't many people watching it.
#2. While Jenson USA and Pricepoint are still my first stops for online shopping, I'd recommend picking up a Mountain Biking magazine. There are a ton of advertisements for smaller companies all desperate for your dollar. No one is going to tell you where the cheapest prices are, you have to go find them.
#3. Make friends with the guys at your Local Bike Shop (LBS). I can't tell you how many times I've walked in with a broken something or other and those guys have come to my rescue. I can't promise that their prices will always be cheaper, but what they can offer you is knowledge. Take the time to linger in the shop. If they are working on your bike, hang around if you can. You'll not only be able to learn a thing or two but these guys are plugged into what's happening in the biking scene. LBS's are the hub of any biking community. They'll tell you about swap meets, events, group rides, or even take you out on one of their rides. Be forewarned...if you do go out riding with them, chances are they are going to be 10x the rider you are.
#4. Titanium is sexy and flexy.
Winter Riding
I'm no meteorologist, but it does appear that from here on out it looks like riding in 30º weather is now the norm and not the exception. The cold weather, however, does bring a few advantages. For one, the amount of riders/runners/dogs has been reduced by more than half. Nothing against any of my fellow brethren, but sometimes you're just in the way. Secondly, those of us out there in the cold immediately form a camaraderie that isn't shared with the fair weather riders. Fact is, there is something communal about suffering.
Ear muffs, snow hat, 2 jackets, 3 shirts, winter action hero spandex, and winter gloves. One plump blueberry.
Rocked and rolled in Frederick
I built the Dean Duke up this weekend. Unfortunately, I lost a fingernail in the process! FYI: disc brakes are basically spinning knives.
For the bikes inaugural ride and my first attempt at clipless pedal mountain biking I decided to head out to Frederick MD. I'd been wanting to hit those trails for quite some time. I'd heard great things and was anticipating a day filled with fast single track and challenging and taxing climbs. Craig from Germantown Cycles was the acting ride leader. As for me, I played the part of ride buffoon...and it was a role I performed with great vigor.
Frederick offered all of the challenges I had been expecting and then some. The 'some' came in the form of rocks, rocks, rocks, and more rocks. In fact, less than 100yards into the ride I was thrown off the bike after launching myself off one rock and into a tree. And so went the day. About 30 minutes in I took the cleats off my pedals...enough was enough. About 1hour in my crank arm fell off. Thankfully, I was able to located the bolt. NEVER EVER BUY TRUVATIV FIRE X cranks. NEVER. Oh, I also managed to lose my keys on the ride.
Despite all the mishaps, the ride was great fun and I can't wait to get out there again. Out of the 5 riders only Craig managed to escape without a horrific looking wreck.
As for how the new bike performed – I honestly can't say. I had never ridden on anything that severe with my Jamis so I have no frame of reference. What I did learn was that on a really difficult course, I am not ready for clipless pedals.
I managed to track down some photos of what it looks like out there.
This is what it looks like out there. Courtesy of bundokbiker's flckr photostream
Courtesy of bundokbiker's flckr photostream
Courtesy of bundokbiker's flckr photostream
Incidentally...that is one crazy looking bike! I need to learn more. Courtesy of bundokbiker's flckr photostream
My new best friend
Have you ever walked into a gym and seen the guy on the stationary bike with what looks to be a small kiddie pool of water beneath him? Well, today that guy was me. I had sweat dripping off my fingers, elbows, ears, nose...you name it and it was dripping sweat. It was one of the best workouts I've ever had on a stationary bike and I owe it all to my new best friend – the heart rate monitor.
I picked one up yesterday after reading Chris Carmichael's book The Lance Armstrong Performance Program. Chris is a big believer in 'zone' training, and lets be honest, it's hard to argue with the results.
So, I went out and purchased a heart rate monitor, (two if you count the piece of junk Sigma PC14 that froze up while trying to program it) and gave the workout a shot. There is something incredibly motivating about it, hearing that alarm go off reminded me of a coaches whistle. Any time I felt like slowing the alarm would deter me.
The Sportline 1025. So far – so good.
Next stop, Austin Texas
I decided that the race in Austin was too good of an opportunity to pass upon. So, I pulled the trigger last night and registered for the race. I also went ahead and booked a room at the famous, yet incredibly scary looking Austin Motel. Oh, did I mention that the sign might be the most phallic looking sign ever created.
I can't wait to get down there. Speaking of a down note. I found out that Mellow Johnny's bike shop will not rent Mountain Bikes for racing. So, now I'm forced to figure out how to get my heavy ass Jamis down to Texas.
Today I got my USA Cycling License
Today I registered with USA Cycling so that I can begin competing in events. I can honestly say that I primarily signed up in order to compete in one event. The 2009 Mellow Johnny's Classic @ Juan Pelota's Ranch benefitting the Lance Armstrong Foundation. It's taking place on November 21st in Austin TX. Registration for the race itself is on Monday October 5th at 12:01am. I really hope I can work out the logistics of getting down to that race. It's clear that I'm going to completely outclassed, but I think it's going to be a great experience if I can do it.
Lance's Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop. Click to check it out.
Dusted by a SE LAGER
I took the MTB bike out for a 30 mile ride saturday afternoon on the Mount Vernon bike trail. Granted my Jamis isn't ideal for riding on the pavement, however, I generally take pride in my ability to not get passed by other rides. Saturday I was not so fortunate. One of these SE Lager's blew past me as if I was standing still. In a desperate attempt to salvage my pride, I stomped on the pedals and kept him within my sights. Granted...this is pretty open terrain so sights could mean... 10yards or 100yards. When I finally caught him, (because he dismounted) I was to out of breath to even ask him about the bike. So, I just pedaled on home with my wounded pride hidden behind my sunglasses.
Second place is the first loser. But I’ll take it!
Made the 2 hr drive today to race with my old roommates Ian and Adam at SOMDBMX. After 3 days of rain, the clouds parted, and made way for the blazing sun. We all signed up for a 1 day ABL pass. $10 dollars got us a paper plates with magic markered numbers and the chance for a trophy. Just like my old roommate Ian said, I had first place all wrapped until they brought in a ringer. In the end, I took home 2nd place.
Myself (2nd place), Ian Stoddard, Adam Costello (3rd place)
Back in the saddle again
It's been about a month since my last ride. Doctor's orders and Sarah made me stick to it this time. But. I met with him yesterday and he pretty much told me it was either surgery that likely won't work or daily pain. So, I'm just opting for the daily pain and will now jump right back into my routine of riding, ice, heating pad. Good times.
The bmx season is lost for me this year. I ride so infrequently that I think there is no hope for improvement. I'm still going to try and squeeze in another race or two if possible. I love being on that GHP so any chance I can find to ride I will. Speaking of loving that GHP...I can't tell you how many times I find myself contemplating candy apple green colored purchases. Bright shoes, bright sunglasses... You name it.
On a sad note (more sad than the ineffectiveness of the 3 epidurals injections to my spine) I found a career ending crack in the headtube of my Casati road bike. I've never owned a bike that I was as instantly comfortable on. But, unless I want to wind up with a fork through my heart it's time to let her go.
A dark day indeed
Epidural injection Round 2
So...I got my round of lumbar epidural injections yesterday. Much easier when they put you to sleep. My previous round of injections I took without a sedative. Nothing like a couple of needles in the spine to brighten your afternoon.
I'm going to have to put the racing on hiatus for a little while now. My orthopeadic surgeon was pretty riled up when I told him that I had been racing less than a week after my previous injection. REally sucks though, because nothing worse than sitting around when you feel fit enough to ride. The way I figure it, I've had these 2 herniated discs now for over a decade. I wouldn't know what it was like to not be in constant pain...so why change things.
I really hope I get the clearance to ride again because I'd like to make it up to Trumbull CT for the Constitution Classic. I used to live in that area so I definitely have some friends there, but more importantly, my brother Josh would be able to drive down from Providence and race the event with me.
This and that
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