Recycle Cycles

Bring on Winter, please

2012-01-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

It's about time.
I started riding to work on Feb 15th of last year and I rode today (Jan 11th).

My knees need some time off...

With one race to go

2011-11-07T04:23:00.001-08:00

Cyclocross Conspiracy 45+

2011-09-26T04:03:00.000-07:00

First 2011 Cross race for me, the new Kona Major Jake and those flashy white Lake shoes. I am very happy to say we all did well. I had only been on the new bike for a quick ride around the neighborhood the day before so my pre-ride of the course resulted in a quick pit stop into the Freewheel tuck before the race as my cassette was loose and rattling around.

Not a big group at the start even with the 55+ added in.

My start was MUCH better than last year when I missed clipping in and my left eggbeater turned into a shin peeler and took my out of the race and into the hospital. This year I was free and clear.

The course was much the same as the last few years with the added element of acorn’s littering the hair pin turns around the oak trees, those little buggers act just like marbles.

No run-ups this year as the ‘hill’ had enough of an approach that it was possible to ride it.

Charles Townsend form the 55+ passed me with I think 3 to go and I just could match his power on the open sections. He took first with me second taking the podium for the 45+.

Summit Hill and High Bridge

2011-07-25T04:33:00.001-07:00

KHS Track

2011-07-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

I think this maybe the last tweak with the KHS Flite 100, SRAM S100 track crank. I was rolling a 53x18 and now its a 48X17. Chain seems to line up OK. Time will tell.
I do enjoy the simplicity of a single speed. My ride to work and back is mostly flat so all I need to do is just turn the cranks over.

KHS Flite 100

2011-07-06T12:09:00.001-07:00

MNMBS #4 - Wheelhouse Classic - June 26, 2011

2011-06-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

Another hot race. For most of the race I had no idea what my place was. It was not until someone I passed on the long climb said I was in second that I knew.
Not that it would have made any difference, Pete Schow finished a whopping 4 minutes ahead of me.
The Wheelhouse has always been a love / hate race for me. It has two long climbs, one on dirt one of loose rocky gravel. I love the one on dirt. The stairway to heaven has always been tricky to keep traction on. First two laps I felt fine to be in the middle ring but could keep moment going. Last lap I just hit the granny. All three laps I walked the last 10 feet.
I’m not a fan of the rock garden – it spooks me to ride over greasy sharp rocks.

Afton Alps Race on Fathers Day

2011-06-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day.
Aria rode the kid’s race and got a medal and I rode the Comp class and placed first in my age group (27th overall).
It was hot and really hard work to clime those hills ever lap.

Feb 15th. Ride to Work - Work to Ride

2011-02-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

Go Veg

2011-01-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

Too Hot for TV: PETA's Banned Ads">

2010 MCF Cyclocross Rider of the Year

2010-12-20T08:24:00.000-08:00

The final CRY event, Mill City CX, was run in cold, dry, and windy conditions today. Riders struggled to stay warm in the 20deg temps. 5 of the 12 Categories were yet to be decided prior to the event, and after it was all said and done, the lead only changed in 1. By virtue of his win at Mill City, Adam Bergman secured victory in the Men 1/2 category. The Masters 45+ came down to the wire too, but Jeff Evanson had just enough points to hold off a hard charging Ladric Grant.

2010 MCF Cyclocross Season by the Numbers

2010-12-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

Number of events: 16
Total Race Entries: 2899
Average entries per race: 181
Largest turnout: 326 (MN State Championship)
Smallest turnout: 17 (Red River CX Challenge)
Average Lazer Sport CX Super Series Event Turnout: 146
Average Cyclocross Rider of the Year Series Event Turnout: 194

It's not a sport in Sweden

2010-12-07T05:23:00.002-08:00

Uppsala Sweden

2010-12-07T05:23:00.001-08:00

Mill City. Sat Nov 20th. Last Race for 2010

2010-11-22T08:25:00.000-08:00

My first obstacle to overcome was getting my bikes off the bike rack as the locks had frozen. A few minutes of heating up the key did the trick.
It’s not easy trying to get ready for a race when it’s that cold. Can’t really stretch in the car and warming up on the trainer just makes you sweat then freeze. I did one pre-ride lap on the pit bike. The course had a bit of everything.
Start was on grass/snow then onto a black top path for about 50 yards, then back on the snow, a few short switchbacks then back onto the black top for about 300 yards. This was my weak spot. The guys who race on the road all season just pulled away each lap. After the black top we ducked into the woods and made a sharp turn to ride across an embankment for a ditch. This was a slick spot. Glad I had new tires on. Down and back up the ditch and across the other side of the embankment. Through a mud hole and towards a sand pit for about 20 feet of running. Up and around some tress, then a short section before a barrier and a run up.
Down the hill and around the field before a few turns and onto the HILL. I had a few goes at making the hill before the start of the race. It was patchy snow, with frozen grass and ice. If I sprinted into the hill and took some speed up it I could ride the entire hill. Getting stuck or not making the hill then put you on foot which was hard to keep a footing on even with toe spikes.
Mark and me on the Hill:

At the top of the hill was a curving decent towards a double barrier and around some more switchbacks to the finish.
The course really favored someone who could power the road sections and was able to take switchback fast. Paul S was the organizer and this was a perfect race for him. As it would turn out – he took first.
At the start a few races decided to run the start as it was so slippery, I stayed on the bike and managed to pull into the lead by the first turn.

I kept the lead until the long blacktop section where I moved into 4th. Coming back across the embankment, Paul was at the front, the second racer fell holding up the 3rd guy, I managed to pull around them and found myself now in second with Paul having a gap.

And that was about it. I gained on the run-up and the big hill, Mark pulled away each time we hit the blacktop sections and that’s how we finished. Paul first, Mark then me.

Gopher Goose Poop Gallop

2010-11-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

I am happy with my result. At the start line I didn’t know if I would even be able to finish one lap. I was a bit hesitant, expecting my back to call the race off at any moment but at the end of the first lap I found myself in the front group and was able to get a gap between me and the chasing group and Jeff Evanson and Jim Bell of the front. That’s just about the entire race. I kept seeing Paul McKinney on ever turn looking as calm as always. Just about the same gap every time.

So on the last lap I eased up a bit thinking I better not push my luck with my back – that’s when I crashed in the sand at the top of the hill. I was just getting my chain back on when Paul churns by me kicking up sand. Damn, the race is on again for 3rd. I jumped back on, gave a firm shove on my left shifter to get it sort of back into place. I was in the wrong gear to attack on the hill but was able to chase back on as we went onto the gravel road. I took the front on the downhill towards the hairpin.
I had a clean turn and sprinted the rest of the way to the finish with Paul charging hard behind me.
With Jeff taking the top spot he will move up to first in CRY point, Rob will move down to second leaving me hanging onto the 3rd with one points race to go.

Pain Management (HTFU or be tactical)

2010-11-05T08:51:00.001-07:00

Most weeks I ride to work, just under an hour each way. It’s a great way to spin off the weekends race stiffness. Not this week. This week has all been about pain management. Last weekend’s race did my lower back in. Normal injury in the 45+ group. I could hardly walk after the race. The following days are a blur of sharp pain, extra strength pills, stretching and a few hot baths. Sucks!
It’s Friday, the next is Sunday. What to do, HTFU and race? If I do that I could just lock-up on the first lap and be done for the season as we only have two more races in the Cross Rider of the year calendar. I could start the race and DNF if I feel it’s not going well with a mind towards the last race or I could skip this race and focus on the last one… what to do.

Still on the Podium

2010-11-01T10:40:00.001-07:00

Red Barn 10/30/2010

2010-10-31T08:49:00.000-07:00

Race started well, I was in a group of five chasing the leader. During the first lap I didn’t know that someone was off the front. It was odd as the guy must have gone into the pit on the second lap as when I came through the start/finish line we were announced as the leaders and they flipped the lap card for us!
Then perhaps on the 4th or 5th lap a group of riders gapped up and shortly after that I hit the ground hard. My back was hurting before the crash, all those goofy 360 barriers torque my back each time.
After the crash I switched bikes (Orange was messed up) but my tempo, my back and will was gone.
Limped in for 8th place. But that’s cross, one day you win the next it’s hard to even finish. The rest of my day was a blur of Advil, stretching and pain.

Green Acres 2010. 1st Win of the year

2010-10-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Last week I said I had to work on my starts and I had that in mind as the race started and elbows bumped. I usually would have fallen back a bit. Not this time, I pushed on and as we made the turn to the hill for the first time I was in the front.

As it turned out I would hit every lap in the front.

During the race it seems that there are some mistakes you know you’re making at the time. Others it takes some time. Why did I slog through the mud section lap after lap? It was so slow and took so much effort to get through that congealing mud. In hind sight, once I hit walking speed I should have got off and run!

1970 Cross Sprint

2010-10-19T12:01:00.001-07:00

Big Ring Flyers

2010-10-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

I have to work on my starts. Front row start but slipped into the teens by the first turn in less than 30ft?
Perhaps in the back of my mind I think I can move up, problem is if something happens and I get stuck somehow then the group at the front just gets too much of a gap.
My other excuse is that I knew there were no run-ups so I switched to my light weight SIDI shoes. I should have stayed with my time tested Lake MX165’s. The problem with the SIDI is that they are too stiff to run in and I had problems getting back in the pedals.
I also need to work in fast turn hairpins. This race I was in the drops and I just didn’t seem to be able to flip the bike around the turns. After the last lap I rode the half course after the finish with the hairpins and stayed on the hoods and it seemed like I could get through the turns faster.

More pictures from Wirth

2010-10-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

The pit crew:

Wirth 10/10/10

2010-10-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

Good Race today, tucked into 6th/7th for the first few laps then gapped up to the main group with 4 laps to go. Things looked like everyone was content to stay in a pack. As we came to the last section before the finish with 3 to go, I push up to 2nd, then the next corner up into 1st. I just wanted to get the stairs without a bunch of people in front of me. As someone pointed out as they yelled at me when we hit the stairs, ‘these were made for you Ladric’.
We had walked the stairs every lap. When I took the lead, I got my wish and it just about did me in.
With one lap to go two other riders came up and I dropped into 3rd. At the stairs for the last time I pulled into 2nd. Jeff Evanson from Flanders was just off the front. Way to fast to catch.

Here is a Video on YouTube from the race.

Check out this crash in the mud

JR Ranch Cyclocross Race, 10/2/76

2010-10-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

I pulled off 5th, good start to the season considering some of the new over 45 riders this year!
No pictures but here is a set from Flicker.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/andersonbikes/sets/72157625081095432/

Chequamegon Fat 40, 2010

2010-09-13T12:36:00.001-07:00

The start.

First Fire Road.

Chequamegon Fat 40
Year __ Time____ Place ___Pace
2010 __2.46.08.04___255 ___ 14.7 mph (39th out of 255 in age group)
2009 missed
2008 __2:37.19.05___205_____15.5 mph (38th out of 294 in age group)
2007 __Did not get in this year.
2006 __2:47:24.10 __324 ____14.66 mph
2005 __2:34:14.08 __188 ____15.9 mph
2004 __2:57:45.13 __316
2003 __2:44:56.97 __245 ____14.9 mph
2002 __2:50:29.11 __173 ____14.5 mph
2001 __2:40:37.22 __157
2000 missed
1999 __2:45:38.88 __145 ____15 mph
1998 __2:41:18.82 __167 ____15.29 mph
1997 __2:43:26.89 __182 ____14.69 mph

Wheelhouse Classic, Red Wing, MN, July 4, 2010

2010-07-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

Freewheel Folic in the Mud

2010-05-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

Not a fun start to the season. Waiting 2 hours to start the race after all the rain.
I was still in my car as they got everyone ready to race, I jumped in the back of the start line just in front of the single speed group.
Finished 17th in group, 2nd in age group.
Here is picture from the first lap when we are all nice and clean.

March 9th - Ride to Work

2010-03-11T04:25:00.000-08:00

It was wet, the path was covered in snow in places, it was muddy and it was a bit cold but it was great.

Last Race = First Win

2009-11-26T07:00:00.001-08:00

It was a sunny morning; the frost had just cleared the ground when the 30 min race started. I cheered, yelled encouragement and then had the worst water handoff in the history of 2009 MN Cross season when I managed to push Chris off his bike. The 30 min race had the hardest course to ride, it was incredibly slick with sections that racers couldn’t walk let alone ride without falling. It doesn’t take away from the fact that I managed to get Chris to hit the ground yet another time that day. As soon as the race was finished the officials changed those sections to cleaner lines and during my 45min race, they changed some of the sections mid-race.

I lined up with the notion of placing 2nd or 3rd once again. The allusive win had been locked up by Gregory or Paul all year. It seemed like when Gregory was not at a race then Paul or Bill had good legs that day. As we existed the sand pit it was just us three again; me, Gregory and Paul. I lead the first two laps with Gregory pulling around me on a few straight sections. It seemed that I could gain on all the off camber technical sections, I would gain distance on the barriers and would gap slightly in the sand (long legs = less steps). Note: Paul had raced the day before running away with the Win.

I would take the lead then Gregory and around and around we would go. Half way into the two laps to go lap it was still the 3 of us with a nice gap on the chasers. We ran the stairs at what seemed like an easy pace, I was in second. As we crested the hill and prepared to traverse around the side of the hill I accelerated past Gregory and sprinted to the top of the gravel road. I looked back as I tucked down and hit the big ring – I had a gap. I swung wide into the corner and pushed hard towards and into the technical section; I could hear the tires tear at the ground. Now I had to go for the win with a lap to go. I came into the barriers and the sand as fast as I could run (in part because my brakes didn’t slow me down much!).

But how sweet it is to be cheered on towards the finish and what a great way to end the season. I big shout out to Natasha and Aria for being such good sports about me having a ‘season’ of weekends and to Chris for his endless good attitude.

Images:
Caroline http://www.carolineyang.com/
and
Natasha http://www.natashadschommer.com/
and
Chris http://www.1miledesign.com/

Back to School Cross

2009-11-10T04:26:00.000-08:00

No call up and I was late to the line which resulted in being several rows back at the start. The 45+ were also in with all the young punks in the B group. I sprinted the start, cutting down the side and pulled into 6th place and that’s where I stayed until the hill. The hill was the only defining section of the course, whoever could climb moved forward. I moved into fourth place and second in my group with Gregory out front. It was a hot day for a cross race and no ‘official’ water hand-ups allowed I followed the two Ridley riders ever lap as they got water at the top of the hill. After 5 laps I flagged down Chris and asked him for a hand up.
I really enjoyed the race; I felt like I did my best and made no mistakes. Now I have just one more race before I hang up the race bike for the season.

2009 CRY Standings

2009-11-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

Close, very close

Red Barn Oct 31

2009-11-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

Finished 2nd to Paul. Now every race is for 2nd in CRY.

Green Acres Oct 25th

2009-10-26T11:09:00.001-07:00

The Sunday races are getting a bit easier. Again I was late due to bad directions, rushed to get ready and jump into a pre-ride lap. It looked like it was going to be a technical race with one long climb to separate the field. I had a good start with a clean line on the hill and fell into about 5th place, by the end of the first lap I was in 6th but after that I just kept moving forward until I was on Paul K’s wheel which seemed rather surprising as I could hardly see him on the horizon the day before. We went into the bell lap together but I was able to gap him on the hill and keep it to the finish for my second 2nd place finish this season.

Jackson Meadow Oct 24

2009-10-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

I really need to work on my directions to these races, almost every weekend I’m late after following the wrong directions from the linked maps or not having enough directions to find the place. Luckily Chris has an iPhone and is sometimes at the race before me.
Saturdays race was in the scenic location of the hip housing community of Jackson Meadow. For most of the race I was strung out by myself, Paul and Gregory just over the hill and a few chases yo-yoing behind me.
The last lap I just coasted in. It was an uneventful race, only having to stop once on my third lap after I noticed that that clunking sound I was hearing was my front wheel not on tight at all. I am so glad it didn’t come off. Finished 3rd

Grifo Challenger 34

2009-10-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Hollywood Cycle with a quick turn around on my wheels. I dropped them off with Jay in the afternoon and was able to pick them up the next day.

Tire Issue Weekend.

2009-10-19T09:28:00.001-07:00

Last week I noticed that my ‘Trebon’ used Dugast tires were showing some wear. They had tuffs of material tasseled out the sides and rubbing on my brake pads. I sent out for some advice. It seemed I could just deflate them, cut off the extra bits sticking out the side and then re-seal the edges.
I let them sit over night with high pressure.

Saturday: Baker Orchard. The ground was firm but I feared my tires failing on me so I kept the pressure high. I got a good start and tucked behind Hollywood on a SS for the first lap which pretty much cooked my engine. My tires were much too hard and it was like riding a washboard. My forearms and lower pack were killing me. I managed to for 2nd place.

Sunday. Hudson. Not wanting to suffer again, I let the pressure down to my normal cross psi. Everything was looking peachy and a first place was at hand thanks to Paul K also rolling his tire (twice) until the start of the bell lap when my rear Dugast just gave up the race and rolled off and fell apart. I now had to run a football field through the double back sections, towards my pit bike, then past my pit-bike (how cruel is that) back halfway down the field again, over the barriers and back to the pit. I was toast. During that run the chasing group gleefully past me. I finished 6th.

Dugast!

2009-10-16T06:22:00.001-07:00

How do these look?

DNS / HTFU / 3rd

2009-10-12T08:30:00.001-07:00

Saturday: Corcoran Mud pit. I was really looking forward to racing Saturday. Got all ready, didn’t get a call up (just the winners of the last few races) and started in the front row anyway as it was an open muddy field anyway. Left foot clipped in, mashed down and right foot slipped out of the eggbeater (shin peeler).

I managed to take off a peel of shin skin about 4 inches long and hit my shin hard enough to make it go numb (for a moment). I though it better to stop, clean up and try again on Sunday. I drove home using the cruse, shooting pains up my leg. Scrubbed it clean and iced packs for an hour.

Sunday: Wirth. I was thinking this would be a good race for a sore leg as it wouldn’t have any run ups, didn’t last year! Not this year…. I managed to collide with two other races on a remount at the top of the stair run and fell onto my left eggbeater…. Finished in 3rd place.

Hudson on Saturday / Orono on Sunday

2009-10-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

I tucked into the back of the group of riders waiting for the start at Hudson, I felt like I was just going to be in the way during the race. A few hours sleep the night before, family has cold etc etc. Anyway – what the heck, I got a call up. Damn, now I have to race.

I had a blast, I love the technical stuff and was glad there was no run-ups. Finished 3rd in my age group.

Sunday morning hurt but I got myself motivated to show up again and again I get a call up (only just). I was going good until I ran out of lungs on the second lap. My lap splits were all within 4 seconds of each! Finished 4th in my group.

Pork Chop Challenges

2009-09-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

First Cross race of the season. Started off well, little rushed to get to the race and get ready. Did one loop before the start and lined up in the second row. Pretty fast first lap and I moved up a few spots. Going into the midpoint on the second lap I was in 4th place but then took a down hill corner way to fast and went skidding out of the course and thought the tape, I managed to swing it back into the course just before the double barriers but I was in the completely the wrong gear to get back on (I tired and came to a dead stop).

By the time I got my act together again at the top of the hill I was now at the back of the race. It took me about four laps to move back up again.
Each lap I kept moving up but ran out of laps and more importantly, energy. The lead group was just out of reach. I finished 5th.
Pictures: Skinnyski.com

Godspeed

2009-09-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Thinking Cross

2009-09-15T04:12:00.001-07:00

Afton Cyclocross Race Oct 25th from Ladric on Vimeo.

Buck Hill Birch Bump MNSCS #7

2009-08-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

I had a grudge with this course. Last time I raced it (local Thursday night race) I trashed my front wheel.

I had company, brother Chris came out to cut his teeth for the first time. He borrowed by K2 Full suspension, dropped the seat down about a foot, road around the parking lot then pretty much pulled into the starting line for the race.
There are two places to pass on this trail, the first dirt single track climb if you ride the ruff and then the short dirt road before the tight single track switch backs. The last place is the short open area as you open back up onto the main face of the ski hill.

Revenge is best severed from the podium.

Singletrack Attack Race MNSCS #6

2009-08-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.mnscs.com/ has all the details.
You have all been to races like this – the place you line up is the order you finish unless you
A) sprint the ‘prologue’ gravel road and the one 20 yard stretch of double track to move up.
B) riders are kind enough to pull off the trail to let you pass.
I did both and moved from middle pack to 3rd place entering the single track. I emerged on the other end after an hour and a bit in second place in the 2nd wave that I started with and 13th overall.
I have no idea how the chap who got first in my age group managed to get first overall – how did he pass all those riders in the single track?

Memorial Classic

2009-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Fun day, FSA wheels finished the race 1st in my age group, 8th overall.

Goodbye A6, Hello S40

2009-07-03T13:02:00.001-07:00

Orange

2009-07-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

Green Machine

2009-07-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

Afton Alps Race #2

2009-06-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

Rather than race the Comp race and complete 3 laps at 1.15 in the afternoon when it would probably be 85 and sunny, I went with the option of the morning Sport class with fellow Crossniacs Mike and Erik.
We all lined up at the back, Mike and Erik on single speeds and me being in the 45 + group. As expected, Mike sprinted down the side of the field and as I can not help myself, I chased after him. Some where in the first 50 yards I must have passed Mike, he reappeared just before the Bridge Loop on the second lap. We completed the last lap together until the last descent were youth got a gap and managed to move up a spot as Mike past a rider in the last 3 feet!
I finished 1st in my age group and 17th overall. Mike was in Second in his age group and 15th. Erik took it easy for his first race on a new collar done.

Not this year.

2009-04-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

Greetings, it said. You were not among the 2500 selected for this year’s Fat Tire Festival. It’s only the second time since 1979 that I did not get in. I even chipped in an extra bit for trail upkeep. Guess I should just think of it as saving cash that I can use for going up to Duluth for those first two Cross races.

Ride to Work

2009-02-26T04:51:00.000-08:00

It was a little sketchy both directions, going to work and coming home. The paved sections were good – just a few spots with snow and ice.
In the morning the gravel was nice and firm still frozen but on the way home it was like riding in porridge.
Felt good to move my legs and the novelty of it was exhilarating.
Lets hope the weather holds and I can park my car until fall (and perhaps have the oil leaks /brakes/etc fixed)

Winter Modifications

2009-01-20T05:15:00.000-08:00

Back to the drop noodle bars with interrupter cross brakes.

And flat (rise) bars for Natasha's road bike.

Cyclocross Results 2008

2008-11-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

8) State CX 10th for those with gears - 14 overall. To cold.
7) Lake Rebecca Nov 9th - 3rd
6) NSC Velodrome Nov 8th - 4th
5) Afton Bikery Oct 25th - 4th
4) Hudson YMCA Oct 19th - 1st
3) Wirth Oct 12th - 3rd
2) Corcoran Oct 4th - 3rd
1) Porkchop Sep 21st - 4th

Lake Rebecca

2008-11-11T10:07:00.001-08:00

It’s was so cold. I had the same kit on as Saturday (washed) when it was 30 but on Sunday it was 20.

I had a good start and was in the front pack along with teammate Erik on the new C-Dale.
Finishing the first lap I was frozen to the core. I could not feel my hands let alone my fingers. I could not feel my face and my chest was cold – not good. I just could not find the power to hang on and faded back. It was not until the last lap that I had got my temp up to were I could push.
In the end I finished 3rd in my age group.

NSC Velodrome

2008-11-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

Finished 4th.
30 and windy.

Red Barn C Race and Single Speed

2008-11-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

I was being 'good' this weekend and did not race so I will not be sick all of next week.

Red Barn C and Single Speed Race from Ladric on Vimeo.

Afton C Race

2008-10-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Untitled from Ladric on Vimeo.

Afton 45 plus race

2008-10-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

Afton Cyclocross Race Oct 25th from Ladric on Vimeo.

Oct 19 45+

2008-10-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hudon YMCA Oct 19th

2008-10-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

It was nice to have the B race split into age groups. There where 13 riders and I was able to get a front row at the start. The start was a little odd. The woman went first then two minutes after that the official just blew the whistle (no ready, set or even a count down). I found myself in 3rd place going into the second half of the first lap. Moved into 2nd at the first barrier and then into first exiting the first set of chicane. Paul McKinney was a favorite to win the race but luckily for me he had chosen to ride his single speed with to small a gear and was spinning out. I passed him about 50 yards before the pit area where he then stopped to switch bikes to something with gears. At the point I just sprinted to get a gap and rode like a mad man to keep the gap until the finish.
It was great to win a race again but this time with beautiful girls at the finish.

Wirth Oct 12

2008-10-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

Update - Oct 20th. They finaly posted the results. Looks like I placed 11th in the Mens B race and 3rd in my age group.

Just as we where loading up the car to go to the race, Chris called "Bring the mountain bike". I quickly pulled off the stroller hitch and a few other casually items and loaded it up.
As with the Boom Island race – things were a bit disorganized. No sign-in sheets and it took some asking about to even find the race back in the woods.
I did not have a good starting position, probably around 5 rows back. The course had one open stretch that allowed riders to pass, and one place just before the finish that had a open space.
I did what I could to push myself forward, I will have to wait a few more days to find out how I placed when they post the results.

Corcoran Cross Oct 4th.

2008-10-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Great race. Finished 3rd.

Here is some video of the 4th race. Cheers.

First Cross Race this season

2008-09-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Started in 3rd place.

Finished in 6th and 4th in my age.

Porkchop Cross - St Cloud

2008-09-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

The first Cross race if the season. Tough age group. Finished 4th and 3rd in my age group (45+).

Chequamegon Fat 40

2008-09-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

Chequamegon Fat 40
Year __Time____Place ___Pace
2008 __2:37.19.05___205_____15.5 mph (38th out of 294 in age group)
2007 __Did not get in this year.
2006 __2:47:24.10 __324 ____14.66 mph
2005 __2:34:14.08 __188 ____15.9 mph
2004 __2:57:45.13 __316
2003 __2:44:56.97 __245 ____14.9 mph
2002 __2:50:29.11 __173 ____14.5 mph
2001 __2:40:37.22 __157
2000 missed
1999 __2:45:38.88 __145 ____15 mph
1998 __2:41:18.82 __167 ____15.29 mph
1997 __2:43:26.89 __182 ____14.69 mph

Chequemegan this Saturday

2008-09-10T09:40:00.001-07:00

Getting close. As fate would have it - I now have a cold...
News:
Looks like we will have some Cross Riders this year:
American Jonathan Page of Oudenaarde, Belgium, a silver medalist in the 2006 World Cyclocross Championships.

All better

2008-08-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

It took about 3 weeks before my ribs stopped annoying me. Back to putting some miles in.

Costochondral Separation

2008-07-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

As a post race note – turns out I had separated my rib from my sternum on Saturday (wrenching on a bottom bracket). The race on Sunday must have aggravated it as I was suffering. It hurt to even breathe. Looks like I am off the bike for a few weeks until my rib stays put. Until then I have to not breathe hard and wear a chest compression strap.

What are the symptoms?
A rib injury causes pain and tenderness over the place of injury. You may have pain when you breathe, move, laugh, or cough.

How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will review your symptoms, examine your rib cage, and listen to your lungs. He or she may order a chest x-ray to look for rib damage, lung damage, or bleeding around the lungs.

How is it treated?
To help your injury heal, your provider may recommend that you:

Rest.
Put an ice pack over the injured rib for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until the pain goes away.
Take an anti-inflammatory or other pain medicine.
Wear a rib belt, which your health care provider may suggest for very painful injuries. The belt works as a girdle for your chest and helps support your ribs. It limits movement of your ribs when you cough, breathe, or move your body in other ways. This helps decrease pain. If you wear a rib belt, your provider will give you breathing exercises to help you avoid lung complications.

Pictures from the Tour

2008-07-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Some nice pictures form Le Tour

Memorial Classic - Red Wing

2008-07-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

It all started with Mike punching the start line.

I found myself doing well.

Then we all hit the hard stuff.

I was able to keep the rubber side down.

It all ended well - what a surprise.

FPA

2008-07-01T07:18:00.001-07:00

And what is HTFU? and like everything else - product tie in.

Nice Mud

2008-06-24T06:21:00.001-07:00

Not to early to think of Cyclocross

2008-06-18T04:23:00.001-07:00

Afton Avalanche

2008-06-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

Finished 21st overall and 5th in my age group. It was the first race and second ride for the KHS Tucson with a rigid fork. I think the K2 would have been a better choice for the race. It lighter than the steel KHS and would have been faster on the tricky downhill sections – but the KHS has a certain je ne sais quoi.

XRP

2008-05-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

Almost forgot about this bike. The frame was purchased on a whim from Performance. I rode it for one summer. I was just wondering were those parts went.

KHS Tucson 29er

2008-05-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Let's start with the stock version from KHS
Looks OK. It's not until you put it all together that you notice how much all these low end parts weigh. It's like they are made out of cast iron.
My plan from the start was to take the Fisher XTR bits and move them to the Tucson. So most of that is now done.

Next to go will be the Blaze cranks once I get the new bottom bracket tool.

The headset fell apart after the first ride so that will need to be replace. It was almost all plastic!
The other part of the tank that will need to be replaced is the Tora shock that just under 5lbs.

That will be replaced by a ridged fork of some kind. Perhaps one from the solo-one.
Then, depending on how it rides, I may convert to a single up front. That was the plan for the Fat 40. But if she is still tipping the scales on the large size I may need gears for the hills.
Update:
Cranks changed to XTR.

changed out the Front shock for a Orange Niner (thanks Ben).

Now I understand Scott

2008-05-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

I out to Battle Creek last weekend. I had an epiphany.
I remembered many years back when I did a 24 hour race with Mike, Scott and Scott. One of the Scott's turned up with a bike covered in mud. I thought he just wasn’t taking this event seriously. I knew that Mike and I had both disassembled and assembled every part of our bikes and cleaned and polished all the working parts and replaced anything worn.
As I rode my k2 around the Battle Creek and noticed that the chain needed cleaning, the suspension was low, the cables were sticking and my tire had a patch of tread missing. Not only that but I had only tubes and no pump.
Why....I have a toddler at home. Just like Scott did all those years back.

After I put the baby to sleep I went into the shop, took the k2 down to the frame, cleaned and greased all the moving parts and put it back together with some new bits.

Ride to Work - Work to Ride

2008-04-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

April Fools snow has almost gone and it was time to ride to work.

New shoes worked well - kept the feet nice and warm.

Time to post a picture of my work horse.

influenza B with pneumonia.

2008-03-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

It's been four days and I am starting to feel better. The antibiotics are helping with the pneumonia in my lungs; a new side affect has been nose bleeds. Too much aspirin type blood thinners and nose blowing.

The Flu

2008-03-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

I hate being sick. Last night my temperature was over 100 but I felt like I was trying to sleep in an igloo with a breeze. At some time in the night I finally got up to get an aspirin, that’s when it hit me. I was freezing cold and shivered so violently that my muscles cramped. I made it to the medical cabinet and found a packet of Advil liquid gels (who knows from when) and crawled back to bed. It was sometime in the morning that I finally felt warm again.
Off to see the doctor this afternoon.

2008-02-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

I think I have enough
.

KHS Team

2008-02-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

remember to recycle

May 26th Update.
It seems that I need a steep seat angle. 74. With the slack KHS, my seat ends up so far back from the center of my cranks that I need to move the seat all the way forward on the rails. I will need to get a Thompson zero offset to make the seat correct. The other issue with the seat angle is that to correct it I loose a bunch of top tube length. To correct that I would need a long handle bar stem - 140mm..

The KHS a 10 speed. I am keeping the Alan as a nine speed... more to come on that.

So Close

2008-01-30T05:54:00.001-08:00

This XTR is a bit close. I changed out the big ring for something a little bit more modest (46), and had to muck about with the derailleur again. It's just not the right tool for the job. As you can see it's almost hitting the rear tire and the cage rubs on the front teeth when it's in the big ring. I think I need a slim road derailleur.

I think the XTR needs a large tooth rage drop between rings. When I used the 53, the derailleur was higher upon the frame and so the bottom of the derailleur cage missed the smaller ring - problem with that is, it rubbed on the rear tire. I could use a smaller ring and keep the 46. Stay posted, I will see what I have sitting around.

Getting geared up for spring

2008-01-27T08:40:00.001-08:00

The first few races of my spring season will require more gears than I use for cross. I will need a double up front and to do that I will need a front derailleur. As luck would have it, the Gary Fisher and the Alan use the same tube frame size on the seat tube. That would leave the Fisher with just a single up front (42) and nine in the back.
I fitted out the Alan with a 36/53. It's not perfect and the derailleur rubs a bit on both ends of the gear range but it will do for now. There is also not a hell of a lot of clearance between the rear tire and the cable clamp on the front derailleur - this would not work for cross.

I also took off the top mounted interrupter brake levers and used a shorter stem. The other modification for this spring configuration was to go back to IRD fork. It's a bit heaver than the Alan (Pinarello) all carbon fork but it doesn't have that massive clearance between the tire and the top of the fork that looks a little goofy unless you are ridding fat cross tires.

State Champs

2007-11-18T18:19:00.000-08:00

It was cold and it was wonderful. What a fun race to end the season on. Make no mistake it was hard

and there were temptations.

The race had a bit of everything and the wind off the creek had a chill of winter in it.

The last race of the season always brings out a festival spirit ion everyone.
and even in the middle of a race, some riders took time to reflect on the season.

Crossniacs

2007-11-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

Now this kit has some teeth.

Velodrome Cross

2007-11-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

The velodrome race was a fun surprise. I had originally planned on racing Baptist Camp but got the days switched. The velodrome race looked like it was going to be flat and boring. It was fare from that.
This was another classic cross race (without a hill or big run-up) but the mud, the mud was excellent.

Long Live the Pink.

W.Runton

2007-10-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

Great picture of my childhood playground.

Thanks Rob for sending it on.

Back to St Olaf

2007-10-29T04:19:00.000-07:00

The day started out cold with frost on the ground. By the start of the B-Race, the sun was up and it was perfect for 45 minutes of maxed out heart rate.
For the first time this season I was in the front row at the start. Not wanting to waist this opportunity I was keen not to miss the whistle, perhaps a little to keen...when another rider pulled out I jumped also before the start. I did a half track stand to acknowledge 'me bad' then took off as the whistle was sounded.
On the second lap coming down the gravel and rock path, my rear tire got a flat.

I was able to ride the rest of the downhill and run to the wheel pit. But that wheel change put me in the back of the race. From then on it was all about having fun and pushing hard.

Powderhorn

2007-10-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

There is always that little nagging feeling that you may have left something behind on your way to the race. My glasses.

It was a good day for a race. Other than waiting around at the start line for 20 minutes. The girls came out to cheer me on (top right side of picture)

A great part about a cross race at Powderhorn, hills.

And then the A-race.

2007-10-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

and then about 20 feet on....a 3 inch rusty nail ended my B-Race. I ran back to my spare wheels but I ran back down the course rather than all the way around the course. So, off to sign up for the A race. I change wheels and pulled out the nail from my rear wheel.

Hats off to anyone in the A race. An hours plus a lap is a long time.

4 minutes b-race...

2007-10-14T17:30:00.000-07:00

Lake Rebecca

2007-10-08T04:47:00.001-07:00

80 degrees is not cross weather (excuse #1) and having a baby at home doesn’t always allow for a timely departure from home (excuse #2). I managed to be the 3rd rider to the start line but after 10 minutes of riders trying to squeeze in I started in the second row. It was a ‘fast’ start with several riders on each side of the road trying to get out of the ditch, handle bars and all other bit’s of bikes got tangled as we took off.
This race has always been set up a little odd. The water bottle handoff is placed at the end of the fastest section of road…and the wheel section was just before that with no ‘pit’ to pull off the course into.
The photo shows the finish line tent on the left. The wheel ‘pit’ is just about 40 yards before that (at the bottom of the slight descent), the water handoff is just about where this picture was taken from.
The race was uneventful until the finish, coming down to the finish (where I had lost the sprint to the line last year and placed second) two people yelled to slow down! Slow down, this was the finish line, a place to sprint…. Turns out the group of riders just in front of me had hit a bystander. A woman and her baby.
I didn’t know this until about 10 minutes latter. I rode from the finish line down the course about 200 yards to get out of the way of other riders finishing and to catch my breath. At this point I was able to take a path off the course that goes back to the start / wheel pit area.
I picked up my spare wheels and started walking back down the course towards the parking lot looking for Natasha and Aria. I had gone about 20 feet before I overheard a race official say to a park ranger that a woman and a bay had been hurt. Suddenly I felt panic rush over me. I dropped my bike and wheels and quickly walked after them.
It was not my girls. I hope the organizers of the race rethink the course layout.

Sunday Muddy Sunday

2007-10-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Now this is classic Cyclocross. The Orono race has usually been dry and fast with the only obstacles being the volleyball sandpit, run-up and the distance itself. The hours of rain the night before and during the A race had made the course water logged and muddy. The schools running track hand standing water on it, the twisty grass sections on the far side of the course was converted into slick wheel sucking mud and the run-up a test of balance and perseverance. Those without spikes slipped.

I had a blast. After the first lap I had to hop off the course to remove my glasses as they were completely fogged up and with all the mud on them I could hardly see. I was better of riding without my prescription, plus it added to the grainy feel of the race. After loosing a few spots during my vision pit-stop I was able to slowly gain them back passing a few riders each lap.
I feel like I read the course well, finding places to run rather than ride and pass riders or make ground in the process.
My only regret was not changing out my wheels and riding with my ‘wheel pit’ wheels as they mud thinner tires with more tread that would have cut through the mud better.

2007-09-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Sep 23rd. Porkchop Challenge.

What a hot day to be my first CX race of the season. My legs felt fine but my lungs are so out of shape. My heartrate was pegged at 175 the entire time.

What’s important, other than not crashing, is having a good time.

Single Speed Modifications

2007-07-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

A few more changes.
The Le Tour has gone 'Back in Black' and the Traveler is now 'Big Red' and it's time to let them both go and build up a new Cross pit bike.

Raleigh Super Course

2007-04-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful ride. The steel frame and easy geometry soaks up the road.
I moved the original mavic wheels onto the Le Tour as they would not take an 8-speed cassette. The Easton wheel set fits nicely with the black and red color scheme.

I upgrade to Nitto Noodle bars and changed out the brake levers with new Cane Creek SCR levers that are very comfortable. A bar end Dura-Ace provides the rear shifting along with period Dura-Ace derailleur. The front shifter is stock.

Gary Fisher Procaliber

2007-04-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Fisher has seen 5 Chequamegaon Fat 40 races, a few 24-hour races and just about every mountain bike race in the Midwest of the years. It will soon be converted into a single speed, which will hopefully stop me from racing it, as my lower back cannot take the stiff ride these days. Many years ago when I would actually (occasionally) win races it was all worth it but these days a comfortable balance between speed, control and comfort is required.

The Procaliber was also used for my first year of cyclocross. At first I just removed the water bottle cages but then I decided to add drop road bars. To do this I just needed to add a brake assist 'Problem Solver' pully onto the v-brakes to increase the amount of cable pulled when using road brake levers. I used Modolo Morphos shifter/brake levers with some success.
The Fisher was converted back as you see it now after I purchased the Bianchi Access.

K2 Razor Back

2007-04-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

The K2 is so smooth to ride, and with the ability to lock out both the front and rear suspension, it is as versatile as any hard tail. Even with the XL frame, I needed to add to my collection of very long seat posts. One changed would make would be to take into account the BB ground clearance on a full suspension bike and that the crank arm will become closer to the ground as the frame drops! As you can see from the picture, the chain stay is horizontal without the weight of a rider. I would also have increased the length of the chain stay to allow for the large feet of the larger rider on an XL frame. Even with my size 13 feet I have kicked the derailleur with my heel.

What could replace the K2?

Dream bike BMC Fourstroke02 :)