Bike Tango

I wish I was as fast...

2011-05-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

as my bike looks.

The 2011 rig all cleaned up with a new saddle

2011-05-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

Cable Classic

2011-05-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

Cable was cold and muddy this year unlike last year's near perfect weather and conditions. I was excited to see where my training to date had gotten me and how the new rig would respond to the rocky and bumpy trails this course is know for throwing out.

The start was mad fast as always but this time I was fairly easily able to hang with the top 10-15 almost all the way to the single track. I was excited to actually be in good position and getting ready to settle in. But then some overzealous bulls decided that the best place to pass was on a wet, slippery, rocky, loose and leave covered down hill at 20 mph. We were still on a double track width trail with myself in the left rut and someone else in the right. Two guys figured there would be plenty of room to simultaneously pass down the middle. Never mind that the trail was barely three bikes wide let alone four. So, with them forcing through from behind, I got a pretty hard shoulder and my bars caught. Within 2 seconds I was down and tumbling on my new carbon bike.

Fortunetly there was a small break to the next group or I seriously would have been run over in this section. Scrambling to the side I viewed the damage.

Broken seat, broken shoe clamp, both brake/shifters were twisted, bars backwards, nice chips in frame from bars twisting, chain off and bar end off. The physiological damage of crashing the new carbon baby was hard to measure.

Over 15 minutes of messing around later and I was dead last. I spent the rest of the race using it as a long workout in the mud with my seat cocked to the side and a right shoes that was like a loafer . My shin muscle was seriously spent by the end from trying to keep it on. I still felt pretty good overall. The legs aren't ready for the punchy hills yet this early in the season bu that will come.

Oh well, I'm over it. Rubb'in is rac'in I guess but being a jerky bull still ain't cool.

2010-12-21T09:36:00.001-08:00

Race Day from ergon on Vimeo.

Cable Classic

2010-05-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Had a lot of fun this past weekend in Cable. Eight of us rented a condo at Lakewoods and it worked out great. So nice to hang out on Friday night and still get a descent night sleep with time in the morning for breakfast and race prep.
This was my first race of the season AND first one on my single speed.

I love the bike. Now I just need to teach my thighs to love a single speed. I'm still used to dropping the hammer on the fire roads and flats with a big ring and spinning up hills.
The start was fast as always on the long fire road roll out. I wish I'd had a cadence sensor--it would have said 32 x 17 wasn't enough. By the end though my legs were cramping on several hard switchback climbs. This bike will make me stronger but I still can't wait for my Jet to be done.
Speaking of, lil' Mikey got his last week so mine should be here any day now. Hopefully before the first series race or I need to go find myself about a 40 tooth ring for up front.

good to have the legs a bit tired

2010-03-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

after about 4 plus of riding this weekend. Mini solo time-trial on Saturday and than a planned Long Slow governed ride that turned into more of a long fast leg burner with madowg. Its great have someone pushing me a bit and to trade pulls with--especially in the frigg'in wind. I hate the wind. I'd rather ride barefoot in pouring rain without glasses on than fight the wind solo for three hours.

Air9 SS will be done soon, maybe even this week. Decided to build it now by swapping parts from the Jet so I have something to ride. Its' gonna be sweet. I'll post pics hopefully soon.

2010-03-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is a bit of a bummer. If I read between the lines it could mean I'm not actually going to me riding my new Jet until Mid May with shipping to US, Shipping to the shop, building, etc.

But, the new design does have me jones'n to get back in the saddle of this beauty. Check out the fat headtube. This by the way is what started my snowball effect of needing to replace my fork which led to new wheels, which led to no money.

gonna be sweet!! (in May or June or late Fall, whenever, ya know, in an "it's all good, whatever, I don't like riding much anyway just like to look at pictures" kinda way)

Have you heard about cyclocross???

2010-02-27T06:42:00.000-08:00

Felt really good tonight

2010-02-25T20:36:00.001-08:00

Workout at The Fix went much better tonight. Cranked out my number easily with energy to spare. Goofing around at the end I pounded out 842 watts but ran out of cadence.

Ooh, can't wait the the snow to go away!

Gotta break through

2010-02-23T19:51:00.000-08:00

this plateau I'm on with my workouts. Had a short time trial tonight--just full on for about 26 minutes after a 20 minute warm up. I'm frig'in tired. Barely hit my threshold goal and was hoping to breakout a bit. Next time.

On a positive note, my brother and his wife had baby a few days ago. Awesome. His name is Ryker. I'll work on polluting his little mind with thoughts of two wheels and crank arms soon--moo ha ha ha haaaa! Watch out brother, he'll be wrenching for my races before you know it.

The season is coming

2010-02-22T06:15:00.000-08:00

Every time I read somebody's blog I think about posting on mine...then I do something else instead.
Season is coming soon and I've been working hard at www.thefixstudio.com on their compu trainers. I can't wait to get my new Powertap with DT Swiss rim and get outside.
More drama with Niner and my stupid bike. Recap of 2009, got my bike a month after the first race, broke it halfway through the season, then had to send the thing back for a nationwide recall of the frame at the end of the season. That was October. I still don't have a bike.
Oh, and now I have to buy a new fork and wheels cause they changed the design--sweet.

Whatever, I just want it back and ready to go by the time trails dry out. I pysched for this year.

year end slow down & season recap

2009-11-08T17:49:00.000-08:00

I can feel the year shutting down. Holiday Season will be hear before I know it and I'm looking forward to skiing. After the last race I literally didn't touch my bike for about 6 weeks. Just the last few weekends I've been getting out for a few rides on borrowed mountain bikes and my road bikes. Good thing too cause I was on the verge of really getting lazy and, um, squishy in the middle.

On a quick season recap, I feel good overall about my finishing up my 1st expert season. Fitness definitely improved but has a long way to go to break into the top 10 on a consistent basis.

Many many bike & equipment drama issues that I don't want to revisit. In summary, ordered bike in February, received bike in May after race #1, broke frame mid season and waited for replacement forever, then had frame completely recalled at season end so that I get to missed riding for fun in the fall. Missed or rode an unfamiliar borrowed bike for 4 races. Awesome!

Back to a positive note, I broke the top 100 for the Chequamegon Fat Tire race. Stoked about that. Just crushed my time from 2007 by 17 minutes.

Bib # Overall Division Age Gender Finish Time Event
1203 95 84 11 93 02:22:06.4 Chequamegon 40

For the last race of the MNSCS series I finished 11th overall and accomplished my goal for the year of getting paid at least once. Granted it wasn't as big a turnout as some of the races but, I showed up, raced hard, and made at least my entry fee back.

I'm already noodling plans for next year. New training schedule, new bike (maybe), new goals. Getting excited again already.

Yah, I hear ya brother, preach it!

2009-08-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

8th at Buck Hill!

2009-07-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

Pretty stoked about it. I was determined to get a good start last night and started in the front row. Dropped the hammer at the gun and really pushed it. Was 5th going into the hill traverses and feeling good about it--almost in unbelief. My legs were hurting though and heart was maxed. I knew it would be tough to keep that pace. I stay with the top guys through a good part of the first lap but they just kept pulling away.
On lap three I was still in 5th when my front wheel skewer came open. Had to pull over to fiddle with it and a guy passed. Another caught back up to me that we had passed earlier. Then I was off my flow a bit. Ended giving up those last two spots but still felt like a strong finish.
Cool. Looking forward to next week now to do it again.

Danny MacAskill is unbeliveable unbelievable!

2009-07-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Mt Kato put me in the hurt locker

2009-06-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

The last couple weeks have not been stellar for my training schedule and I knew this was going to be a tough race. I'd already had a little time off earlier so it wasn't like I could call it a rest period. Anyway, I started a ways in the back but was determined to push it up Kato's first hill and get in a good position in for the single track.
It worked pretty well. I passed a bunch of guys up that climb and was feeling OK still. Was pushing my redline pretty hard though. The first lap was really fast for me. I was climbing the hill on lap two after about 21 minutes. But on that hill I started to feel chills. Yah know, not the kind when you are cold but more like from low blood sugar. I was starting to Bonk. My meal plan this morn was out of the norm and something wasn't right.
Soooo, the pace started slowing a bit but I was still fighting. The whole time I realized I was running very HOT though. 180+ on my HR monitor and I couldn't get it down. This was going to hurt.
I was sucking down my drink and grappling for Hammer gel in my pocket for a boost. I managed to pass a few more people on lap one and two but then just couldn't push any more. I settled in for a OK but not stellar finish until...
Lap 4 and 5 were a really bad experience. I have never seriously cramped in a race before. Maybe a few small twinges here and there but not full on cramps. I've seen guys pulled over unable to continue before but never had to deal with it myself.
Well on the hill up at start of lap four I was feeling my hammys tighten. Then I stood up to go around a comp rider and whoa. Instant lock up of my thigh. Sat down and my hams started screaming. Frick. Those laps were horrible. I gave up at least 10 spots. Including getting passed by Jenna Rinehart. Dang it. I know she is fast but dang it.
Finally, as I was coming down the Quick release on lap five, totally spent and locking up, I checked a big tree really hard on the last 90 degree turn before the final chute. Unfortunately a couple choice words flew and there were spectators at the bottom. Ooops, too late. My whole left arm and should are scrapped up pretty bad.
Anyway, that's it, thankfully. No broken bones an such. I felt like junk for several hours after. Even the Summit didn't taste that great. I know, heresy.

Back to the training schedule. I don't want that happening again.

Candadians can rock too...

2009-06-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day for a ride

2009-06-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a 60 miler with M.D. What a great day out. Decided to extend a familiar route that takes us from SW mpls/edina out around Minnnetonka Lake. Its always fun to explore new parts of the area. Headed toward Maple Plain then out to Baker Park Reserve. After that I'm not sure what happened. A few wrong turns and double backs later and we were finally heading the right direction southeast toward Wayzata to pick up McGinty.

Descent route if I can pull out the long stretches of single lane highway without a shoulder. Glad I'm still in one piece. Fun to explore though and I felt good.

Looking forward to next weekend's race at Mt Kato. Sweet single track. I hope to have my brakes working better by then. The whole last race was just a squeal fest. Swapped out the pads for Organics so I hope that works out better.

Mt. Dulac, my first podium in elite

2009-06-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

Granted it is only an age group podium but I got a medal. Although it doesn't feel completely legit because Andy, who is clearly faster than me, crashed somewhere on the 4th lap and started cramping so I was able to catch up. I hope he gets better.

Still, I felt good overall. The first climb at the start is brutal. Nearly all grass from the bottom of the ski hill straight up. No switch backs to rest, just full on leg power. Either stand and grind or granny spin--pick your pain.

I still haven't gone just full out on a start yet this season and it continues to put me in bad placing in the singletrack. If Dana's race pictures are in order I am about 22nd on the first lap and that is after passing a few people. That means I had to make up 10-11 spots throughout the race. One dude from PennCycle I passed even yelled kiddingly, "I'm sick of you passing me on the first lap, you need to get better starts." (at least I think he was kidding)

Photo chronological complements o' Dana Schoppe.

Ooh, that must have been a tough 1 1/2 mph corner--look at the concentration.

Dana getting a little artistic with the landscape shot. I'm easily up to 4mph here.

Weeee, downhills are fun....

Nice dopey smile as I ignore my rival's offer to shake on it

Oop, there's the fist pump--still apparently don't want to shake. I did finally come out of my daze and notice the guy sticking his hand out. At least I've got my recovery drink in hand and a back up in the ol' pocket. You don't see that on a roadie podium :()

With 3rd age group and 13th overall my first season goal to podium at least once is met. Payouts were only 9 deep this time. I've got a bit a work ahead but I'd love to get just one check this season too.

racing is going well as can be expected

2009-06-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

So far my race results are OK, not where I'd like them to be but acceptable considering my 1st year with the "fast guys" in expert.

Finished 11th and 8th so far at Buck Hill with my bike. Something south of there with a bike I borrowed. Buck is a great training race and I love that the same guys come out each week so I can gauge my progress or lack there of.

Afton was brutal. I can climb I guess but it is not my favorite. That seems obvious but some sickos out there live for the climb. My legs get burnt out carrying my 180lb a$$ & not so light bike up those steeps at Afton. Finally wused out and had to use my granny / granny gear on Manhandler the last two times. It takes a long time to get up that when you only move 1 foot for every pedal stroke--geez. Finished 6th age and 18th overall.

www.skinnyski.com

http://www.dschoppe.smugmug.com/

Bike update

2009-06-15T05:02:00.001-07:00

I've got a bit to update as I've been putting off posting till I uploaded pic of my bike. Lame excuse. Now that a lot of people have already seen the green lighting (I don't really have a name for it yet) I'm finally posting some pics.

Check out the sweet detailing

It still needs some set up although I'm getting fairly comfortable after a few races on it. With the Propedal on and the fork locked it climbs like a hardtail. Most of the time I don't mess with the suspension though because it is so smooth. I'd like to shed a little weight but any extra grams at this level get really pricey. Currently at 26lbs. More review later.

the blahs

2009-05-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

totally got em. I need the endorphines of my bike.

Unloaded the last bits of old equipment today via craigslist. For some weird reason I get a bit sentimental with old bikes and wheels and stuff that's been good to me. Can't keep it all.

Off to the Chiro tomorrow. Let's hope I don't need and MRI. Although it would be nice to know if I did actually tear something so I don't make it worse. I read a bit about "Tennis elbow" and something calld "handlebar palsey" that affects the Ulner nerve. Very common for cyclists and especially from doing what I've done in the last week--overuse, gripping & twisting with constant and abrupt vibrations on an ill fitting bike.

Training is out for a few days

2009-05-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Went to the Chiro today for a look at my arm. Definetely a tendon thing. Could even be torn a bit. He stripped it and taped it. Need to rest for a couple days. If the swelling doesn't go down then maybe an MRI. Awesome!

Hard week for me

2009-05-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well the ongoing saga with my bike may finally get resolved this coming week but that means I had to do my first two races on borrowed steeds. So, this past Thursday, not having been on the dirt at all yet, borrowed a bike from Cory that I'd never ridden, and headed down to Buck Hill. Seemed like a good idea. Actually the bike fit fairly well. Thing is it was a single speed. Now don't get me wrong the two other times I've ridden a single speed I liked it, but they take a little different skill set to develop. This one was fully ridgid too, another user preference to adjust for. I actually had quite a bit of fun and learned a bit grinding up the hills past my geared brethern who decided to grab a fist full of gears. Very good training tool and I definetly going to pick one up...after I get the one I'm waiting for. I finished, but definetly not where I want to be. Came in like 18th I think. Definetly need to be getting in the top 10 at Buck.

Anyway, the thing I didn't realize with a fully rigid SS is that I'm not suppossed to hang on so tight. Ya, my right forearm informed me of this the next morning. I ended up with some sort of overuse type injury from squezing the life out of the bars down the hills and grindin' up them. The muscles on the top inside are about 3xs the size of my left arm.

Sooo...I iced it all the way to Cable on Friday afternoon to get ready for the Cable Classic.

This was after I picked up Cory's other bike to borrow for the race since he was going to use the SS. It is a 29er Slingshot with rigid front fork.

Slingshot is a company that makes frame that replace the downtube with a cable and spring. Very funky. Looks like it will break but is actually worked well.

Here again the first time I rode the bike was a 10 minute warm up pre race. Good thing we are about the same size.

That race was a suffer fest for me. I was burnt from Buck, my arm hurt like crazy, and it was like 30-40 degrees and muddy. I was wiped out afterward. Finished 30th at 1hr 36mins so it could have been worse.

The weekend plan was to also race the MNSCS opener today but I was just too burnt out and my arm is huge.

Pretty bummed about not doing the opener. I figured it was better than suffering for several laps and then crashing cause I can't control my borrowed bike with a bum arm.

At least my cold is finally breaking and I can cough junk out. Dang I sound like a winer.

I'm torked off enough about my start to this season that I plan on bringing my game up a notch to Afton.

still sick and no bike

2009-05-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

This is turning out to be a fine season so far. On my second week of being a mucus factory and getting tired of it. I actually don't feel so bad but going on a ride gets ugly. Cycling nose blows are fine for little wimpy dribbles but a real job of expelling these nasty sinuses and...well watch out.

Oh, and that medium size two wheeled thing with dirt tires I need to race...yeah, still no sign of it. (for those non discerning types that was dripping with sarcasm)

fricken' frackin' frickity frack

I hate being sick

2009-05-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

I feel pretty crappy. Mostly in my throat. I'm not usually one to stay home from work but this hit me pretty bad yesterday--could barely make it through my first client meeting. And with all the flu going around I figured it would be better not to get others sick if it is something serious.

The worst part for me is not knowing what to do with myself AND have the weather so nice and inviting. I swear I can hear my two wheeled friend calling out from the dark corner of our garage to take him out on the open road.

"Sorry my friend, I wouldn't want to let loose a cycling nose blow and get you sick too. "

rain is not so wonderful me thinks

2009-04-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

With rain in the forecast for the next couple of days I decided to get out of bed earlier this morn to get in a couple hours beforehand. Seemed simple enough. Forecast wasn't for rain to start until 10am or later.

First problem was I didn't get rolling till a tad after 8 so I knew it would be close. It was damp and misty but fairly pleasant. Then as I hit the greenway going west I realized the wind was at my back. This would present a challenge.

I headed out to Wayzata nice an easy. But then as I started south to make my way back the rain picked up. Great, it is only a tad after 9, so much for the forecast. Not really an issue until I started back east into a nifty headwind.

The rain wasn't a torrent by any means but at 20mph into a headwind with the temps seemingly dropping by the minute I started to get a bit uncomfortable. This is when it occurred to me that the rainjacket I passed over in favor of my longsleeve 'cotton' jersy maybe was a mistake. Hmmm...

After another 10 miles I actually couldn't feel my hands and when intersections appeared I just closed my eyes because, gee, I can't use my hands either.

When I finally got home after 45mins in steady really cold rain I immeadiately went to the shower to peel off my gear and warm up. Good times.

Team Open house today and a hammer fest ride

2009-04-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Another season kick off at the PeaceCoffee HQ. Nice to see everyone out again. I didn't get around to say to as many people as I'd have liked but will see you at the races.

Man their coffee is good. I even appreciate it more after hearing how they make it. Pretty cool

Dowling, Brad, Mikey, Flanders and I went out afterwards for what was to be about 50miles to Minnetonka Lake and back. It took forever to get going but once we had everyone together and got jammin we hit it hard. Pretty frickin hard I might add. Don't think we cruised below 22mph except on hills. Much of the time we were hitting 25+ for steches at a time. Then Dowling would sprint. Dang that hurts.

All in all I felt better than expected. I can't climb with Mikey and Dowling but they don't get out of my sites and I keep motorin and can catch and pass when they get tired. We opened it up several times too. It feels good to lay down a 30+ sprint for as long as I can hold it with mates in tow. Why does a knife like pain in the thighs and bursting lungs feel good. Not sure. I'm sick I think.

I need my dirt bike to see what the legs can do in the woods.

Just around the corner

2009-04-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

the season, its a comin'. Still lots to do. I need more time. Geez, I go read Brendon's blog, Swanson's, whatever. Seem like they've been training all winter. I need more base. And bigger lungs. Crap.

Ok, let's see I started race Sport in 2005. Well a handful of races. Then started training a little. 2006 I win Sport. 2007 I hurt my back and only race a bit. 2008 I win Comp. Now I'm moving to expert--with two real seasons of racing in my resume. Friggin' idiot. I'm going to get my head handed to me.

Excuse my freak out. Its just that I turned 34 a few days ago and recently been having little age related freak outs. Wierd, just realized that. Maybe that explains the way too expensive bike I just ordered from OneOnOne. The bill is going to hurt but the ride will be o' so sweet. Luv it luv it luv it. Pics to follow...if it would ever get here.

It's all about the music

2009-03-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

It moves me man. I can't tell you how many times it gets me out of a funk, mellows me out, washes me over. Thank God for musicians man. I can feel it but I can't play it. Dan Auerbach anyone? Just a freak of blues nature. Can't wait to do a ride at Leb Hills with him on my playlist.

The season looms...

2009-03-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

Training isn't going exactly as I'd like but pretty well. It is hard to get all the hours planned in on my trainer. The boredom I can handle but my rear gets sore just sitting vs an active ride. Plus I feel a little burn out after several days in a row. Maybe someday when I have 2000sq ft training gym with a large screen for virtual training rides I can put in 15 hrs/wk during the winter. Ya, then...

Back in the real world, I wish this weather would clean up. Took my training tire off to go riding during the short stint of nice weather which happened to be a rest week unfortunetly. Now its been sucky and I'm too lazy to put it back on.

So I've been running on the tread mill. Not a runner. More lumbering actually. In fact, to keep my heart rate low enough I can't even run that fast. Who cares, I'm a Mt biker, don't need no stinking running shoes--bah!

My weight training is going to help, I can tell. Into a lift phase that calls for 40-60 reps--frick that hurts. The first two phases were low and medium reps for power building. This is for muscular endurance. Doing 40+ squats in one set at a medium pace burns baby! We'll see if it helps on those long hill climbs.

still waiting on the new bike. pics coming when I get it.

On track with my training but I need to get outside

2009-02-28T07:28:00.000-08:00

Still on track although it is tough to put in all the hours I've planned so far on my trainer. I'm doing about 85% of it so far. Too hot & stuffy in the basement plus my significant other doesn't appreciate the aromas I generate.

Sunny days need to come soon.

Can hardly stand the wait for my new bike. It is going to be fast. Stans rims with the Raven tires. Might be able to get to about between 24 and 24.5 lbs. Fairly light for a full susp 29er. Love it.

New season, new training plan, new soreness

2009-02-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, it has been awhile since the last post. Get over it. Now it is time to get busy.

Actually I'm into my third full week of serious training. I was beat last week and had to skip a day. Hope I'm not doing too much. My training goals have me working hard but I've got to get enough rest.

So, here is what I have planned:

Base 1 for 3 weeks: roughly 8-9 hrs per week with two weight training days

R&R for 1 week

Base 2 for 3 weeks: roughly 9-10 hrs per week with two weight training days

R&R for one week

Base 3 for 1 week: roughly 10-11 hrs per week with two weight training days

R&R for one week. This week is the Spring Cup opener.

So far so good. I'll start my build phases after this while I'm racing.

Planning on Expert this year but geez the extra lap will probably suck. It still has to be fun so if every race is a suffer fest than I'd rather bump down to Comp.

Looking forward to a possible new ride. Working with OOOBS to build me a new Niner Jet9. Thinking about the getting Vanna White vs. black but this Kermit Green is kinda cool too.

Anyway, we'll see if I can afford it. This racing thing is expensive.

Anyone wanna buy my Mamasita?

Heat, humidity, and a bent disc

2008-07-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

That's what I got Sunday at the Memorial Classic. Very cool course, lots of tight single track with nice berms, log piles, and fast down hills. I didn't even mind the heat... until this

wait, here's a better angle...

OK, now I’m no mechanic, but I don’t think I should be able to see the side of my disc while looking at the edge of it. Anyway, that might explain why it felt like I was going uphill the whole friggin’ way. Oh, and the extremely annoying metal on metal grinding sound. Hmm…going have OOOBS see if they can figure it out.

The best part is that it happened about ½ way into the first lap so I had plenty of time to get used to the extra effort of turning my wheel. Mostly I just thought about $ signs as I wondered whether I tweaked my $750 wheelset or the $850 frame. “Ahh, its nothin’, keep moving,” said the devil on my shoulder. “And don’t mind the blood gushing out of your leg either. It’s only a flesh wound. If you weren’t such a ninny you would have cleared that ¾ inch log and wouldn’t be cryin’ about it now.”

I did finish…finally. First time I wanted to hurl afterward. Oh, and my head hurt. It was pounding actually. All for the glory of MNSCS racing!

Bluff Rider

2008-07-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

Fun race, no problems, rode fairly well. Kept the rubber side down all the way to the end even with some of the steep chutes like this:

Fun singletrack. I finished 4th overall but overheated and ended up dehydrated. I felt crappy the rest of the day, yesterday, and part of today. That's what happens when I only drink a bottle and 1/2 over an hour and 30 plus temps that had to be high 80s or low 90s. Looking forward to a couple weeks off to recoup and get some endurance rides in.

Dirt Spanker

2008-07-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Good day overall even with the rain. Rode up with a couple bro's, placed 1st Age group and 3rd overall. Yes it rained off and on and yes that sucked a bit. Running semi slicks on wet roots and sticky mud gets a bit beyond exciting. It gets scary. Went down about 5 times. Dana got a cool shot of me though. The black and white is sorta classic. Plus you can't tell how non tanned this Danish boy is.

Last night at Buck

2008-06-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

Good race, I kept the rubber side down this time and broke the top 10. Sweet, top 10, I never expected that. This is mostly attributed to the new rear brake pads I put in right before the race, in the parking lot...myself thank you. Now I know how to lube my chain and put in brake pads too. Oh ya, and air up my tires. As Kevin put it, "Those must have been really light pads."
Anywho, got a little better start this time, but still not great. Only like dog dookie this time down from the horse dook one last week. If I can make to the rabbit variety I'd be happy :)

Pretty uneventful until the end. CJ had taken a digger from near a collision with somebody which helped me catch and pass him about 1/2 way through the 2nd lap. He tailed me hard though. I'd out climb him, but he'd catch me in the single track. The next 1 1/2 laps I thought he was just playing with me and I knew I'd need to be ahead at the bottom of the last climb. Right before the last big downhill he yelled out "I'm coming for you Nelson!" I tried to think of a snappy one liner but had nothing--I was close to fried. When we hit the bottom I stood up and flogged it with CJ coming hard. We were pretty close until the last couple hundred feet when I edged him. I was spent but it felt good.
Point me the carmel colored, liquid carb recovery drinks please...

Buck Hill update for 6/12

2008-06-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

I'm having a good season at Buck it seems. Don't know if the competition is getting weaker or I'm getting stronger but I've been able get in the top 15 now three times.
Last week's race was on the tail of a bunch of rain so the course, though tacky, was a bit squirmy in some corners. I got an absolute horse dookie start (again) and probably over half the pack was in front of me into the single track. This served to make me a little angry only further fueled by being stuck behind a bunch of slower riders through that first section. When I hit the paved climb at the top I had enough motivation to put it in the big ring and hammer the whole way up making up at least 10 to 15 spots. The rest of the race I just concentrated on making up time and was closing in on CJ into the last lap. With about 1/3 of a lap to go I caught my front tire in some deep, wet sand in the single track and supermanned with my bike in tow. Right on my head too friggin' pedal still clipped in. I always feel like a disabled turtle with the combo of bike on top, shoe clipped in, riders bearing down. Anyway, when as I got going I realize my seat was at about 45 degrees making for not such a smooth pedal stroke. Too bad though cause the two dudes I passed earlier were now hooked on my wheel. I rode this out for a while till I yank the seat a bit straighter and kept pushing on. Out of my rhythm now these guys were hangin' on and both tried to sprint past just before the last big downhill. I saved it knowing I needed to be first into the last climb. When we hit that climb it was an all out, wheel to wheel sprint all the way in the gate. In fact the score table had to come clarify our numbers. That's a good finish.
The rest of the night I spent picking sand out of my hair...

Buck Hill #3, training, etc...

2008-05-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a little behind on the posts lately so here's a little bit of everything to catch up. Not that anyone's reading--if there is I'm sorry for you. This, unlike a blog to sell stuff or make political comments or whatever is, like I said in the beginning, a meaningless rambling about my life so I can look back in a few years and see what goofy stuff I did and wrote about.

Anyway...

Buck Hill #3 was great last week. I finished 13th (I think) right behind Mike Minneti. That's the main thing. I hung with Minneti. Granted he was on a single speed. An old one. With rust on it. Might even be a heavy steel one. But the point here is that I hung with Minneti. Dude has legs the size of our elm tree out front and lungs that fill most of his body cavity.

The start got a little sketchy. I was in the second row ready to attempt sticking to B Moore's wheel (insert laugh track). The gun went off and before I even got in 2 strokes the guys on each side of me both leaned their bikes into me as they started their sprint. I got pinched and almost fell over. Plus I felt like if I'd tried to recover I would have taken one out, and there would have been dominos. So I end up dismounting and running with my bike between my legs trying to protect any potential unborn racers from the effects of my top tube. I was a little pissed. Both Moore brothers' wheels were long gone and the field behind me was getting feisty. So I took one more stride, jumped on, and threw down. I passed most of the field to make it about maybe 20th into the singletrack. Cool. I have a chance.

Somewhere along the way Dana caught this pic of me going over the logs.

Why am I in the air you ask? Well, because by this point Mike had caught up to me and, in typical fashion, was heckling me to get going. Geez, my legs hurt and my lungs were exploding, and he's like trying to have a conversation. On a bunch of climbs he was on my tail and would be like, "stand up and pedal." Good times...

So, training has been going well. I've been able to get in some good rides the last few days. Went out to Murphy with Brad and Kevin. That trail is great for training. Got to try Brad's Bianchi SingleSpeed. First time on a SS and I liked it. That is how I'll learn to stand up on the climbs and keep momentum. I got back on my bike after a lap and felt faster. I wasn't shifting as much and was standing up more. Is a new bike in my future? Hmmm...

Looking forward to Buck this Thursday and a smoother start.

Cable Classic #2

2008-05-19T04:33:00.000-07:00

This turned out to be a great weekend. Left on Friday afternoon with a great group of guys and got into Cable about 6ish...just in time for the rain. The whole way up the weather looked good with just a little sprinkle off and on so it was lookin' like I'd miss a mud race. I was a bit worried when it broke loose but then Saturday turned out to be gorgeous. Sunny but cool enough for arm warmers is about all. Perfect. Hah, sorry guys, my Classic initiation didn't include your Cold & Muddy horror stories. Mike cooked some great pasta and I packed about as much as my stomach would fit with some room left for a few Heinekens. I also loaded up on pancakes and eggs and oatmeal the next morning. I should have been set with carbs but I'll get to that later.

There were about 240 racers this years for the 23 mile sprint. I kept hearing about how fast the start was going to be and how I needed ride my guts out to the single track for about 2 miles. They were right. When the gun went off the pack took even the pace truck by surprise and over took it within the first 100 feet or so. It actually was a bit dangerous because the truck just was in the middle of everybody. What the heck were they thinking. Anyway, I thought I was riding hard enough and would sit in but was getting passed a lot. Probably about 45th going into the singletrack. I had a lot of passing to do.

The singletrack was great. No mud, nice and tight, technical--more my skill set. However, there were about 20 or so trees down throughout the course that required a dismount and hike cause of the wind the night before. That sucked. The very first one I completely botched. I pulled of the trail and as I started my dismount my front wheel fell into a hole and I toppled over onto my still clipped in leg. I felt like an upside down turtle flopping around as about five guys passed. Could have been worse--maybe. Anyway, I got through that and into a rhythm. Started moving up places for awhile. The trail was very technical and super rocky and root filled. Very bumpy making for a full body workout. Things were going well except that I forgot to eat. I was feeling decent until about mile 13 or so about and hour into it. My body decided to quit. I knew I'd been running over my redline at about 185 due to the friggin' trees and the difficult bumpy trail so I should have slowed a little sooner and made sure to eat.

I just popped. I got woozy & my handling was gone. As hard as I tried my body was refusing. In fact I saw my heart rate slow to 167 and it still didn't want to go. Of course I was getting passed back by all the guys I caught earlier. After a few Cliff Shot blocks and water I started getting back into the flow but never back to where I was. I hate being passed.

The last 3 miles of flat loose railroad bed were hard. It was windy, I was tired, and I could just feel a group catching me. Finally at the pavement section with about 300 yards I tried to sprint it out. Turns out is was just enough to hold off Brad who had caught me after passing him about mile 10. We came in one after the other at 39th and 40th at about 1hr 48 mins.

I'm a little disappointed with my finish but also know it isn't a critical race. I figure that I was on pace for a bout a top 25-30 finish if I hadn't bonked. But hey, that's racing. Knowing how to stay healthy, when to eat and drink, how to cross huge trees, etc is all part of the deal.

Mike had come in with a strong finish as 15th and TJ at 26th (I think). The four of us rode back to the start for the cars and just beat the rain--good timing. I'm not sure where Kevin and Cory came in cause I didn't see the timing sheets but they were waiting when we got back.

Good food, good beer, and good conversation to finish up the day. I was beat and in bed by 10:00pm.

Sunday was another great day of weather. Brad, Mike and I headed to Telemark to ride some of the sweet trails without having to race. Just as we get there Mike bunny hopped a one inch stick and his frame let out a load CRACK! Broke in two places. The carbon just decided it was time to fail. He was bummed out but a good sport and let Brad and I go do a lap while he walked back to the cabin. Thanks Mike. It was a lot of fun to practice flowing that stuff. No hurt just fun.

Great weekend--I'd do it again.

Cable Classic

2008-05-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

Heading up to Cable tomorrow for the Classic. I've never done it before but hear its a blast. I also hear that its always muddy. Not sure how those two go together. If I had a personal mechanic that would strip my bike down after the race and rebuild each time than great.

At least there will be beer. Thats the real reason I wear a heart rate monitor with a Kcal counter so I can convert to the number of bottles of stout.

Erik's Spring Cup--MNSCS #1

2008-05-12T05:16:00.000-07:00

Good times. The weather turned out to be near perfect after all the wining I did the day before. And even with all the rain the last few days the course was actually in really good shape except for a mud-hole large enough to lose a VW in. Couple other tire sucker spots too but really not a big deal. It was actually quite fast.

So anyway, I had a lot of nervous energy pre-start that I was trying to mellow out. Going in to just my second comp race I really didn't know what to expect from the pace. I also was a little unsure about the four lap length and whether I'd bonk on the last one. In 06' I raced sport and won the series for my age group and then in 07' I was getting a business going so my training was sporadic and I only made it out for the one race--I digress.

The start horn blew and I worked the prologue to the top 15 spots before going into the single-track. I felt like I was hanging just fine. In fact I started reeling guys in and working my way to the front. Actually a little surprised by that and was wondering if I was going to hard. Coming out of the second lap I got after it on the pavement and went to the front of the the five guys I was following. Then the wind hit me, everybody started pace-lining me, and I realized it wasn't such a good idea. So after we rounded the finish area were headed back to single track I pulled up and pushed into the pace-line. I didn't want to blow my energy leading everyone around.

This group was moving along pretty well and we started lapping some of the other riders. Then as we were coming around a sharp corner I missed timed a crank stroke, caught a pedal on the high side of the berm and spun out and laid my bike down. Not smooth. Of course a few passed me but I got back on and a couple guys coming up the we had dropped let me go ahead. Worst part about something like that is the energy loss in the fall and getting going again, and having to bust my can to catch the guys I was with.

I passed a couple more riders and was pacing with two guys into with three others off the front we were bringing up 4th, 5th and 6th. Lap four was mostly filled with getting around riders that we were lapping and trying to stay in 6th place. I knew that I needed to save energy for the last sprint on the pavement and around the ball-field. As we came out of the woods and hit the pavement the two guys ahead of me turned it on but I caught them and squeezed an inside lane. One was able to get back around me on the tight corner but I lost momentum and couldn't hang. It was down to a sprint for 5th which I pulled out even though I felt like fainting. Its a great feeling to win a sprint at the finish like that.

In the end I ended up 1st in my age group and 5th overall. Descent results for #1 and actually a little surprising. I may actually have a shot at winning my age group this year.

*Picture courtesy of skinnyski.com

Weather be dang'd

2008-05-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is going to be wet. Stink. I hate getting my paint dirty. And the gears. I hate getting mud in the gears. Other than that its OK. Except for the wetness. Oh, and I don't like slidin' around in the mud. Yah, my paint, the gears, the wetness and slidin' in the mud. Other than that it won't be bad. Unless you add in the cold. Shaping up to be a good race tomorrow except for that. It's not that I mind the rain. Just this other stuff. Oh, and cleaning my bike up afterwards. Other than that I'm good.

First race of the season and with the new rollers

2008-05-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

I was a little worried after reading all the crappy reviews of the Pythons going to Buck tonight but they must have been smokin' somethin. The combo of stiff Mavics and the fast rolling Python rubber put me at 16th tonight. I've never broken the top 25 at Buck. Seriously though the rims and tires work fantastic. There is a little drift in the hard corners but it is controllable and with smooth brake work I think it will just get better with the season. I think the larger 29er contact patch makes up for a lot of sins in the handling and pedal mashing arena.

The race was a blast. I felt decent although my HR monitor was working over time. Averaged 178 for the race. I wanted to quit about lap two but somehow kept soldiering on. If I could get a little more endurance built up and some smoother handling I could maybe break top ten. I really think a big part of my finish had to do with the sprint at the begining of the race. I've never gone out so hard for fear of blowing but this race series is all about making it to the single track in the front pack otherwise you are screwed. I put it in the big ring and let it rip up the starting hill and end up the first time ever I didn't have to get off my bike to wait for the pig to squeeze through the singletrack entrance python.

Anyway, this is just the first outing. We'll see how I do at Harmon for the MNSCS opener. The new lower geared cassette will pay off there (thanks again Gene.)

First test ride on the new wheels and rubber

2008-05-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

I was able to get out to Hillside Park in Elk River last night for about 45 minutes. It was one of the only places that is dry right now. Long drive up there but I needed to test out the rubber before trying to race it tonight at Buck Hill.

First the wheels. Mavic Crossmax 29.They are stiffer and more responsive. The weight loss (a bunch from the tires too) makes the bike feel like a different machine. It is noticeable from the time I pick it up out of my truck. I can accelerate, hop, yank around corners, climb, much easier. I really feel quicker.

Now the tires. Hutchinson Python 29er 2.1s. Some of the quickness is the low rolling resistance. These tires are fast. They roll forward very well. The cornering was OK but I definitely noticed the narrower width from the Karma 2.3s. I also noticed that lack of sidewall nobbies. The nobbies just stop on the vertical as if they didn't expect me to lay my big down into turns. Makes me a little skittish until I get a little more ride time. I wasn't all all pushing it--just wanted to get a feel.

Corners--pretty good. A couple of small wash outs but I was able to correct. After reading a bunch of negative reviews of these tires and how several guys were lossing it in corners I'm a little hesitant. More later.

Climbing--seem OK. Most improvement from the weight. Seemed to spinout once in a while but nothing big. This could also be influenced by less weight.

Ride--Descent. Obviously less cush than the 2.3s but still comfortable. I ran them at 28psi this first time out. Not sure how low I can go yet before they start burping.

The real test is tonight at Buck. I just hope I am not bleeding when I get home.

My baby lost some weight!

2008-05-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

My mamasita is sexier than ever. She was beautiful before of course, I never let her know she was a little chubby, at least not to her face, but at 27.4 lbs she was a heavier hardtail. Her she is before with the original Salsa Delgado wheel set and Kenda Karma 2.3s.

Then we had a heart to heart cause' 27+ lbs just isn't going to do for a hardtail in the comp class this year. After her diet of Mavic Crossmax wheelset, slightly small cassette (11-32), light ass rotors (Gene picked em out) and Hutchinson Python UST 2.1s, she lost over 2.5lbs! That is huge. Of course so was the bill, but hey its only money right? Here she is now trimmed down:

I can't wait to try the slimmed down mama on the dirt. I've just taken her around the block and the weight decrease and lower rolling resistance is immediately noticeable. I'm a little concern about the cornering stability and durability of these tires after reading several negative posts about them but I couldn't always tell the negatives were aimed at the 29er version or just the 26ers.

Thanks to Gene and the OneOnOne guys for getting me set up.

Why Whisky is not a good training drink

2008-04-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

I have some friends who are would be whisky aficionados. It makes for a good night but not a good morning. After "sampling" one too many varieties on Saturday night I realized on Sunday morning that there are some fairly good reasons to avoid learning the about whisky during pre-season training.

1) Each shot has 200 to 220 calories
2) Five shots are enough calories to equal 1/2 lb
3) Usually shots are followed by or preceeded by beer
4) Beer also has calories last time I checked
5) Beer and whisky make me hungry
6) Food craved with alcohol usually d0es not include raw veggies, fruit, or low fat anything
7) Food has colories
8) Whisky makes my head hurt in the moring
9) Training rides aren't fun with a hurting head
10) Pounding headaches aren't enough activity to burn any calories

In the end lots of calories and fat followed by a headache followed by a nonexistant training ride tends to hammper training. This is a difficult but important point to grasp.
BT

No Ken Woods Race for me

2008-04-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

I was totally planning on the Ken Woods Memorial race today until our lovely MN Spring weather showed up. I like to road race a little but I'm not dedicated enough to suffer through temps of 35 degrees and light snow (yes snow). Last time I did the race in 2005 it was pouring rain, cold, and I flatted at the end of the first lap. I'm not taking it as an omen or anything but I just am not willing to take the time, spend the money, and burn one of my race "matches" to go do that today.

On a happier note, it is the PCR open house today. I'm excited to get my new black kit and meet the new line up of peeps this year. Plus some beer afterwards.

Frickin' Frackin license tabs!!

2008-04-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

Dang it. Just got a ticket for $105 for expired tabs. Frick! I haven't been getting notices to renew for a couple of years. There goes my new carbon bars.

Bibs, lycra, and other bike gear

2008-04-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

I get so sick of hearing uninformed, obviously unconnected radio personalities, co-workers, and other random out of shape people complain about how cyclists where tight fitting lycra. "Why do they have to do that?" one radio DJ said. Friggin idiot. Why do swimmers wear speedos? Why do track stars wear basically a loose speedo? Why to Runners take their shirts off to run? Why to hunters wear camo? Why do radio DJs comment about crap they have no idea about?

I think you all know the real answer--cause it looks sexy and we'd wear it to parties and work and on dates if only the shorts were a little longer.

Overtraining??

2008-04-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

I'm tired. This week has been Yoga on Monday, Crit on Tuesday, weights Wednesday morning and a 2 1/2 hr PCR group ride on Wednesday evening. This of course after rides on Saturday and Sunday. I took yesterday off cause I was really tired (and it was raining which was convenient). I need to spin today to get ready for Ken Wood's tomorrow.

Maybe its the rain, I don't know. I just hope I'm not getting burnt out yet.

PCR Training Ride

2008-04-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I made it to my first (of many) PCR training rides. Friggin' windy out but I was feeling good. I was worried cause I had been to the gym that morning and my trainer just wrecked me. I go to Discovery Strength. Awesome. 30 minutes of sadistic hell actually. They push each set to failure and then make you do another rep. It sounds awful cause it is but it works.

Anyway, I felt surprisingly good and even kept up with Brad. That guy is a freak. I'm not sure how old he is but he can take it to any body I've seen on a skinny bike.

Cooliest thing about the ride, well, two actually. We went out to Woodbury from Birchwood Cafe. On the out the wind was at our backs and we were cruising at 30mph. On one stretch, I had gone back to pull a team mate up to the group but he was fried and told me to leave him. So I took off to catch, who else, but Brad. I was seriously flying at 30mph on my own and my HR was dropping. Yes, it was windy. Oh ya, we had to ride back in that. It sucked.

The other thing that happened was when Brad and I got back into St. Paul (we were the only two left) we caught a bunch from the Birchwood team just before the Ramsey hill. Brad looks at me and says, "Oh ya, Birchwood. We gotta take em' up the hill." It was cool. We had to sprint up to them cause' of a stoplight and caught them at the base. My legs were going but Brad cruised up the hill past almost everyone and kept going. I trailed them to the top but at the crest when everyone was fryied I dropped the hammer, hard. I wasn't really trying to be an ass but, hey, I had to catch my ride home. Brad was like 100 yrds up.

It was fun. Dropped em all like a brick. When I finnnnnally caught Brad he's like, "ya, that's how we ride." or something profound I was too tired to remember.

My First Criterium

2008-04-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

So I completed my first Crit last night. The Tuesday Night Worlds Series at Opus Business park put on by Loon State. I had watched the Hopkins Crit last year but that was my only exposure. Basically I had a vague idea that you need to stay with the lead group like in a road race and wait for the sprint at the end. The problem was when I got to the end I wasn't sure it was the last lap. Ya, sounds pretty stupid now but at the time I say the counter say "1 Lap to Go" and was wondering if that meant one more before the final sprint lap. You see at the end of the second to last lap I saw a few people starting to pull away of the hill and I didn't want to get stuck. So I stood up and started catching them and thought, "hey, I feel pretty good, might as well keep going." That was my attack. Nicely planned out. Well, me and one other guy passed the "1 Lap to Go" sign and he turned to me and said, "Is this the last one." Apparently it was his first too. It didn't seem like people were catching us so I hesitated and let up a little. The two of us lead until about 1/3 up the last climb. I realized that for sure this was the last as I rounded the corner and say the finish. Well, I had given up too much and ended up falling back as some guys fresh off a group chase stood up and hammered. I dug in a little but my race sprit just wasn't coming out. Oh well, think I finished in top 10 anyway.

Looking back I should have stood up with conviction at the same place I did, killed that hill and opened a nice gap. Then, if I hadn't let up I probably could have come around and still fried just a bit at the end but come away with the win.

Next Tuesday I'll have conviction.

pics here: Skinnyski.com

2008-04-09T18:32:00.001-07:00

So basically I've been playing around with all the layouts and setting and such so I don't have to write. Its for my own good. I think its cause I'm worried I write something that:

a) offends somebody
b) is incorrect
or
3) compromises my professional life

Hmmm...writing it out like that makes me feel a little gutless.

Here's the deal. I love my wife, bikes, music, and all things philosophical. How can I get into too much trouble with that. Not like anybody is reading--cept the gov't, big brother, the all knowing eye. They're probably at my door right now. Alright fine. If anybody is reading this, well, deal with it. If you are a client, don't worry, I keep it a little more serious at the office. In fact, taking care of you so seriously is why I need to let out the stress away from the office with bike, music and, well...bloghing or blogging or whatever the heck it is.

Peace out home brutha!

(Oh, and if you're a client, what I meant to say was, "I will see you later. Have a good evening.")

BT

Bon Iver...my new favorite band

2008-04-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

My first blog...don't screw it up

2008-04-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have no idea what I'm doing and only vaguely understand the pull to set up my own blog (come on, everybody's doin' it). Ok, bad cliche'. My college ENG101 prof would not be proud. Guess I blew this one already. Damn, er dang, or whatever. Can I swear on this thing?

OK, so really, why am I doing this? Well, #1, I like to ramble. I know this because my wife tells me so. Kinda like this, "Hey, you're rambling, shut it or get to something important." I have no idea why, I mean...

So the other day I was driving down 100 and this guy just...

Wait, where was I? Oh, ya, the rambling part. I have no idea why but I going to work it all out here. A spewing forth of words, and feelings, and misspelled, grammatically incorrect sentences.

Dang, I'm tired now. That was like 50 words or something. I'm taking a break.