Off Season Questions

Here are some questions milling about my mind. If you have answers, I would love to hear them.

Is there a good reference out there for someone trying to remove simple sugars from their diet? I am trying to visualize what my fridge and cabinets will be filled with. The concern: Watts.

Is a CTS program worth the money for someone like the Snob?

Should I go with the Black Band of Anger for my birthday?

Are basemiles better on a geared bike, since no matter what the road does, you can still spin?

And finally, Jesse Lalonde asks, What would Danzig Do?

Pure Sweet Sunday

Great Day. Base miles in the morning with Jeff and Corey. Grateful Bread. Ride to the races with Johnny and watch everyone play hammer and anvil.

Here are a few of my favorite moments, Kodak style.

Sam and Matt playing engine and caboose. So that's how their team works.



Tony with the Folks From Lincoln banner making the run-up a bit easier. If you didn't see it, the key moment of the A race was at the base of the run-up. With Brad Cole coming up in front of Tony, Cole took a digger and went down hard, Tony gave him a quick look and, without getting over excited, powered up the hill. To Cole's credit, the next time he came to the hill, he tried to ride it to make up time. He wasn't going down without a fight.




My little man, Mohawk and I enjoying the show.

Press Row.

Matt working it fixed gear style. Note the socks. Those may need to become a mandatory part of the CW Team Kit.

Matt was also a part of the Banter Moment of the Day. Through the first couple of laps, some cat. on a Slingshot was stuck on Matt's wheel and not pulling through. Johnny and I wanted that to end. As Matt and Slingshot boy came through the barriers, Johnny yelled, "Get that Coaster off of your wheel." Then, after the two weaved their way to the start/finish line, Matt looked at John and said, "You need to say your sorry." Classic.

The Snob Recommends

"A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. This has nothing and everything to do with endurance. It is my current read and my read of the year and will be no matter what else I pick up in the next month and a half.

Here's a taste:

"I don't want safety or support. I want there to be me and whatever I have to face, be it alcohol or drugs or something else. I want there to be a fight because I know how to fight. There will be a Winner of that fight. If it's me, I walk away and I have beat the shit that I didn't think I could ever beat and move on with my life. If it's not me, at least I get it over with."

Grab your library cards or borrow it from me.

Back to the light and fluffy. Dejay Birtch, who apparently can't deal with cramped German automobiles, has an interview in cyclingnews today.

Of interest, Dejay says, "what I'm trying to work out with Gary Fisher (Birtch's primary racing sponsor), is to do some multi-stage endurance racing with Cameron Chambers; Trans Alps, Trans Rockies, Cape Epic, that kind of thing. That's where the sport is going. "

On a related topic, I have decided to refer to Sam and Cameron as simply, "Sameron."

Mark Your Calendars

Game ON!! Trans-Iowa V.2 will take place on April 29-30, 2006.

What bike to ride? Hmmmm.

What's the course look like? Double Hmmmm.

My question is, can I take this guy along? He certainly helped Frischy.

Needless to say, I'm pumped.

After

Before

Where are my LobsterClaws?

In case you haven't gotten the good word, our pedalling commute may be a bit brisk in the morning.

As if you could forget, CROSS is in town this weekend at Pioneers. Warning, I am bringing pom-poms.

Those of you who are considering TransIowa, might want to do a bit of browsing. Guitar Ted finished a recon of the course this weekend. The pictures of the 'B' roads don't do them justice. Look at the pics, the imagine riding through the ditch and up on to the high edge of the field; that was TI05. You'll also notice I have added Jeff's blog on to my links.

Anyone heard further rumors about a TransKansas?

Weekend Randomness

Thomas Frischknecht won the Ruta today and is the first non-Costa Rican to do so. Apparently he had a motorbike riding with him for support to negate the homefield advantage of the locals. Smart.

In terms of riding, it feels almost like the weekend never got started. There starting and stopping in the group ride on Saturday eroded the time I had so the ride felt really short. No one's fault, just one of those wierd mornings were things don't flow, including a chain-throw which somehow shot my bike out from under me, but left me standing. Strange.

Later in the day, I went for a short jog and somehow managed to tweak my back about 15 minutes into it. Good gravy. I took that as a signal to rest and plan out my off-season training, which made Sunday a coffee and family day.

Wasn't the barista in this pic at the pub crawl with the rest of the nuns?

Wasting Time with Frame Colors

Apparently, visuals have been my theme lately.

I've spent too much time lately wondering what looks our friends at IF can come up with. It's too easy to start looking through their gallery, then turn around and see what other riders have done with their frames. I most likely won't even ride an IF next year, but it's still fun. I would imagine you can do the same with Serotta and others. (Too bad my favorite paint scheme falls under the "might as well get Ti" category.)

Let me know how you like the new blog look. There are also uncomfirmed rumors of double-images, which I am not getting from my machine. Critical eyes are welcome.

Rides this weekend people? Sam, Corey, Rick, who's with me?

How about Endurance Cyclist of the Year?

You've seen its various forms on Velonews and read the MTB Omaha post with North American Male Cyclist opinions, but how about the endurance set? Somehow I doubt we will see this option in the year end issue. Endurance Cyclist of the Year.

Some folks who could merit your vote:

-Dave Weins. Crushed it in both Leadville and the Vapour Trail.
-Cameron. Do I really need to add anything here?
-Ernesto aka. Sologoat. Pushed Eatough at "Worlds" to finish 2nd and won nearly everything else he entered.
-Eatough himself. "World Champ."
-Jeff Kerkove. Got screwed out of his biggest goal, regrouped, then crushed it both locally and in Japan.
-Mike Curiak. No hamster wheels here. Set a new record in Alaska.
-Dejay Birtch. SS "Worlds" and National Champ.

You get the idea. Who have I forgotten? They all get mad props. Opinions?

I believe the proper name for this would be the "John Stamstad Award."

'Derailleurs are for Failures'

As some of you know, lately I have become a bit obsessed with single-speeds. It's pretty easy to trace things back to the source; a conversation returning from Leadville between Jeff, Mohawk and myself. By the time it was over, Johnny had offered the Fascist Killer to convert and it was game-on.

It didn't take long to see benefits. I am a mechanical nitwit, so life was easier there. But more importantly to me, it helped make me faster. It's funny how you ride better when you have to carry speed as opposed to over-braking, then cranking it up again. It was nice to longer be dropping back through the winding sections at Wilderness then having to fight back on. (If you haven't seen it yet, and I am sure you have, there is also some interesting comments on Folks from Lincoln in regard to 'why?').

It's now reached a level where I plan to race SS in any short races next year, while gearing up for anything longer. With two possible exceptions, TI and Leadville. Cameron and I discussed the prospects of racing TI on a single speed. It's also been done before by Todd Scott (4th) Patrick Humenny (5th) and others. I had also planned on racing Cross single-speed until life intervened.

To me the best scenario is two mountain bikes with identical dimensions, one single and one geared. That way, you can switch back and forth without causing your body to ask, "WTF?"

The quote used as the title of this post is lifted from Jesse Lalonde's site (see link on the side). Jesse won the Single Speed World Championship bike race, but not the carts.

I say ride it all, geared, single, fixed. It's all bikes and it's all good.

By the way, the pic's of Matt Slaven.

Low Drama Weekend... Priceless

It's hard to be snobbish when everything goes smoothly, but I will take it anytime.

Before Corey and I left for Wilderness, I got to talk with Johnny at the hotel, about bikes, life and his needle dropping neighbors who just lost their privacy curtain. We apparently share the same fall clean up gene that kicks in about this time of year. Strange but effective and neighborhood friendly, drug-addled neighbors being the exception.

It was nice to have Corey back on the bike. Without a doubt I have ridden with Big Skinny far more than anyone else this year, so it really felt that things were back to normal.

Below is an actual x-ray of Corey's leg.

Corey and I kept expecting to see the CVO and the rest of the rolling caravan but popped out in the south parking lot without a sighting. Not wanting to push Corey's leg to far, we headed to LBC to say hello to Sam. Of course, there was the usual bike chit-chat, but it's also always a bit more and that's what makes it sweet. (Even if Corey kept wanting to discuss bodily functions. )

There was also this bit of eye candy. Me likey.

Mr. Bike Shop Owner fared a bit better today, but still must not have been quite himself (scroll down to page two). I haven't bothered to do the math, but if you glance the the points standings, I would think he sealed the deal.

Remember my post about the 3 Peaks race? Of course you don't, but Keith Bontrager has a nicely written piece about it on CyclingNews.

The Assorted Saturday

Shrugging off a couple of no-shows, I rode gravel this morning at around 6:40. I tried to do a bit of photo journalism for the snob site, but ended with four very mediocre shots and one excellent one. The latter shot is being saved in an attempt to make a header for the blog. This will be a new level of geekdom for the snob, so we will see how it turns out.

The ride itself was nice, if a bit brisk. It's sad that TI jumps into my head every time I hit the farm roads. Speaking of, if you are considering it and also wondering what the bike of choice is, check out the following discussion. I haven't chimed in yet, but probably should. After about 50 miles last year, I was wishing I had ridden my cross bike. This year the plan will be a 29er with thin tires. I'd like the best combination of rolling spead plus some float. After having ridden in the grass on the edge of cornfields last year during the 'B' road section, getting some bounce per ounce seems key.

Speaking of 29ers, Intense appears mating big wheels and VPP technology. Check it here and here for your morning read over espresso.

It appears Mr. Bike Shop Owner had a rough day down South, but I couldn't find the details yet. Let's hope it's nothing that will impact tomorrow as well.

On a positive note, you have to love the people at Grateful Bread. I walked in and ordered a dozen scones, only to discover that the $10 and $5 bills I was holding were actually two 5 spots. No worries, just bring it in later today. Not to mention, when I arrived there were no scones out so the lady goes into the back and boxes them up fresh from the oven for me.

Now if they only served espresso.

Get It Done, Fellas. Get It Done.

The Mid-America Cross Cup has it's final weekend starting tomorrow and the local crew is one-two and looking to close it out.

Keep it smooth and fast fellas.

The Inspiration - Joel Gion

Joel Gion, formerly of the Brian Jonestown Massacre is primarly to blame for the current facial hair setup.

Here he is seen in the movie Dig! riding a conveyor belt saying, "Here we go top floor. Ladies underwear. Illegal Drugs and Cigarettes."

The fact that the chops tied into cycling so nicely was just icing on the cake. (And enough people have asked that it's worth its own post.)

Chops In Modern Cycling: Part V

Most of the shots I have seen of Deejay Birtch have involved a full beard and not chops, but we're giving DeeJay clearance, Clarence. This Soul Ride victory celebration picture shows great chop potential, so he's in.

In addition, Deejay took was the first SS man at both the US Nationals and "Worlds" 24hr events.

I'll take "Badass" for $100 please, Alex.

"Another Animal Entirely"

Mike Curiak just posted details of The Grand Loop race on MTBR, including photos and link were you can read accounts of previous attempts. While this could prompt another round of "pipe-dream" comments, this is exactly the kind of blend between adventure racing and mountain biking that fires me up.

Read it and weep.

THOR's Hammer

Random Notes and Observations on a solid weekend.

- When you're an espresso freak, it really hurts when your machine flakes on you before you ride to Platte. Long day, no espresso. However, that was nearly the only negative of the day.

- Okay, the wind wasn't my friend riding out to Platte, but that just reminded me of TransIowa, so it was good. Sort of.

- Cameron and Sam came up and said hello just after the start of the Sport Field looking like members of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Apparently, they worked it like rockstars the night before. Cameron and I chatted quite a bit throughout the day and, as I believe CVO said, he's just a solid guy who I think we'd all love to have around more, even if he wasn't blazing fast. Just a great guy.

- Travis failed to rock the chops, but it was fun both watching him race and hearing him answer the various questions posed. Well spoken and articulate. No wonder he made Chops In Modern Cycling.

- Supporting Sam's "Your bikes suck" theory, as the raffle came to the point where the wheels were given out, Cameron looked at me and said, "You could use those, couldn't you?" Ummm Yeah.

- Over 2K was gathered for THOR. Props out to John and the LBC crew. While I am sure it was a labor of love. Putting on an event like that is never easy. Nice job to everyone involved.

- Finally, the realization hit that I need to go to more local races, so expect the Snob to be rocking the Single Speed Category next year. Good times.

See You at Platte

Depart Cycleworks at 7am.

Ride SS style to Platte.

Take it from there.

Sherlock Holmes

Applying strict analysis to completely circumstantial evidence, I have reached the conclusion that we will have not just one trans-state race to enjoy next year. But two.

I submit to you, that the Trans-Kansas will be coming to us in May of 2006.

Exhibit A: Mr. Kerkove's post from Friday, October 21st.

Exhibit B: Guitar Ted's post from Wednesday, October 26th.

Either that, or it's that bastard Colonel Mustard.

Now if I could just track down William Shippert.

By the way, don't we know some people, who know some people down in Kansas? People who may even work in a bike shop in fact?

Moving on to 2006

It's funny how the mind and body connect. Once Cross was out for me this year, I went from wanting to go out and try to get better everyday to having no interest in training hard. This last week has been about commuting to work, some exercise ball stuff while watching the World Series and that's about it. My get up and go has got up and went. Therefore, I will be playing the role of cheerleader this weekend at Platte. By the way, sweet Platte River Riot artwork to whomever designed it.

2006 planning now begins in earnest. Time to get the winter Y membership and lose more weight.

As long as 06 doesn't turn out to be as foul as 05. The Snob is hoping it looks a little something like this:

New Weapon from the kids at IF: Ti Deluxe of the 29er variety. Paint scheme is a well-kept secret.

Trans-Iowa is a must. (Note promo on the right side.) Sam, Tyler and Rock are verbals. Whose gonna be the first Lincoln-ite to finish it?

Leadville appeals to me if I do the Leadman (which is all of their races including the 100 mile run) or on a Single Speed. Just doing it again to do it, not so much.

The Endurance 100 is new to the radar. There is an interesting thread on it here. Primarily single track you say? Please elaborate.

Another consideration is an AR this year. The only problem is how slim the selection is anywhere nearby when you feel like at least 24hrs and maps are a must.

Note on the pic. No, I did not let that guy borrow one of my bikes. Why do you ask?

One Question Interview

Even though I couldn't make it up to Omaha over the weekend, I still wanted to bring the "One Question Interview" to the Snob so I emailed Sam to get the ball rolling.

EnduroSnob: During Sunday's race, what was one non-race thought that popped into your mind?

Sam: It kind of has to do with the race, but I remembered a quote from Paul Sherwin. I think I first heard it last year, he used it again this year. "Deck to engine room, we need more power." That was right between turn, speed up, oxygen, brake, turn, gas, oxygen, more oxygen, shit this ground is soft, pedal, turn, OXYGEN dammit, can't you people hear me?

Congrats on the two top tens, Sam. Be warned I will be going cheerleader on you during the next cross weekend.

Not one hyperlink in this post. I feel lazy.

Costumes

It's mid-morning, rainy and I'm sitting drinking espresso, listening to Broken Social Scene while my crew just chills. By all accounts I should be racing a bit of single speed cross today, but oh well. I don't know anything about Standing Bear, but maybe some mud will even make an appearance. Hope everyone goes hard, feels strong and has a blast.

I started to spend some time this morning looking at some 29er info, but came across a post from Guitar Ted, co-conspirator/creator of TransIowa that led me in a different direction. "29ers, Punk Rock and Zealots."

Wherever the loose and floating connection between Punk and Bikes is, that's where I seem to want to be and remember it first getting framed for me by Hurl on the CRC Site. My first thought wasn't that the read was cool, but that it simply made sense to me. Apparently, it makes sense to a few other too. The Ashville band "Dead Things" gave a good example in 2002.

In an interview with Singletrack Magazine, Travis Brown commented, "I think that a timeless characteristic of the cycling industry is a healthy desire to be unique and I think there will always be individualistic minds there that we can count on for something new and fun." Similiar notion in a different context.

Of course, the philosophy major in me could break all of this apart really quickly into commentary about existentialism and pigeon holes, but why bother. Right now this little costume fits really comfortably.

I'd still love to be racing my bike.

Or maybe I'm just bored.

Fame and Fortune Await.

The new and improved TransIowa site has Emily front and center. Hopefully, she won't be the only woman to take the start this year. The Rock has already been asking me questions about lights and logistics. It's nice to have friends that over think things as much as I do. Team OverAnalysis in the house.

In endurance on the other side of the world, The Crocodile Trophy is going on in Australia as we speak. Thirteen stages through the land of Oz. Only twenty people took the start and only one was a woman.

Visited the hotel last night to learn a few tips from Mohawk and watched Corey working a wheel. Looked completely like an art meets science situation. Good thing Johnny has my back.

Time to research 29ers.

The Snob Suggests

A sunset ride through Wilderness.

The comeback kid (Jeff) and I rolled through the park last night and I really wish I had taken a camera. Sure, there were the usual fall colors and brisk, cool air, but as we started back from the South end of the park we were met with a grand sunset with the sky painted with various reds and oranges, then had the cloud steaked full moon beaming down on us heading home on the Rock Island.

If we would have only had a touch of the Ludwig-Van, it would have been perfect.

Btw, if anyone has room for a Snob and his bike heading up to the cross race Saturday, I could use a ride.

One Question Interviews - Coming to a Race Near You?

In the midst of espresso enjoyment this morning, I visited CyclingNews and found my way over to Dave Zabriskie's website. Apparently he has been posting One Question Interview throughout the year. The Snob highly recommends you visit and give it a read. Here's an example:

DZ: Thor what does it feel like to have the coolest name in the peleton?
TH: I didn’t know it was a cool name.
DZ: Trust me it is.
TH: O.k. then. It feels pretty cool then.
DZ: Thanks for the interview.

Dry, subtle, what could be better? I may do this at cross races this year. Seems to fun to pass.

Great ride today. Out for an hour on the gravel solo, then met up with Jeff to flow through Wilderness and enjoy the fall. If it wasn't for the aroma of fresh horse droppings, it would have been perfect.

Saturday Sundries

Woke up at 6am and was sitting outside drinking a mocha waiting for the Jeff at 6:30. I am not a fan of early mornings. By 7am, we were cruising through Wilderness and at roughly 7:30, just went down in a 'S' curve, the victim of wet soil and matted leaves. Kneecap to top tube. We cruised it in from there. I am convinced I am a jinx for those who ride with me. I come away unscathed from the Dave and Corey head-on, then Jeff gets the rug pulled out from under him. It's like I am a riding version of Murphy's Law lately.

Cameron is sitting in the 12th spot at Moab as of about 10 minutes ago. His teammate, Nat Ross is in the lead.

The new cross rims hit the shop today. Hopefully, the hubs will be soon to follow. Time is running short.

I cannot believe how much I am enjoying riding the single speed. I am really looking forward to cross SS style. And with the way I ride...

Will There Be Chops?

In case you haven't been keeping up, Travis Brown and Cameron Chambers will be at Platte on the 29th. Two National Champions at endurance events in 2005 (Marathon and 24hr respectively.) There will apparently be a question and answer sessions with them. If Travis is clean shaven, of course then enquiring minds will want to know, "Travis, where are the chops?"

Speaking of Cameron and 24s, he'll be rocking Moab with the help of Sam this weekend. Live updates to be had on the Granny Gear site, just follow the link.

Jeff and I will be single speeding it through Wilderness in the early am. I predict espresso galore for the Snob shortly afterword.

3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross

Roughly a month ago, I posted some information about the Iron Cross race. Well, in a patch of boredom I decided to research the inspiration for the race, the Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross event.

In what I found to be a happy surprise, this race has been running for 44 years. It's an obsession with riders from all walks of life. In fact, this gent has set up a blog focused only around this race. It reminds me of a conversation Kris, Rick and I had at Leadville regarding people who do the race year after year after year. In the end, we didn't really get it. Of course, I could see myself becoming that way about TransIowa, so no stones being thrown from me.

I can't help but think about how the 3 Peaks would be a great race to schedule a race calendar around. Vacation in Europe. You already speak the language. Crush yourself for day. Grab a spot of tea and fly home.

Snob Favorites on a Roll

Like Butta'

Jeff Kerkove scored the express win over the weekend. Fly to Japan, kick ass, fly home. Now we need to get Kerkove, SoloGoat and Cameron all in the same event. Maybe some chops as well.

Wilderness is great right now. Do not delay. The Avey-a-tor and I went out last night and swung through SS style.

Endurance News Fit for a King

Chalk another win up for the Sologoat and, of course, riders sporting Chops. We need to get the Goat up against Cameron simply because those would be too cats I can pull for as a spectator.

TransIowa just got more difficult and a bit longer as well. The key difference. NO SUPPORT. Only a dropbag at the halfway point of Algona. If the wind is anything like last year, I may have to grow the chops extra thick for this years edition. Btw, they are also accepting 75 riders this year, but given how quickly the thing filled up last year (a day and a half) I wouldn't expect anything less this edition. Browsers at the ready!! The caption for the recycled photo will now read, "What do you mean no help?"

If you haven't checked it out yet, Sam I Am, took some more time out of his allotted 15 minutes of fame in Bicycling Mag.

Confederacy of a Single Dunce

How's this for train wreck preparation for the duathlon this weekend? First, instead of prepping for a Sunday race, I thought the race was on Saturday and believe that until about 10:15 Friday night, we Jeff gave me a call to tell me I had it wrong.

So, Saturday I took the Giant out for a spin in Wilderness to keep the legs fresh, but managed in the process to break yet another spoke on the rear wheel I have been nursing along with since July. Note to self. If you are going to be a cheap ass and not buy new equipment when you need it, you better be prepared to suffer when it fails. Of course, I discovered this little problem at roughly 8pm so while I did make a couple of calls to try to resolve things, it was pretty useless.

I then decided to make lemonade by riding the Fascist Killer out to Platte and simply helping out, but sleep right through my alarm. Overall, just a genius weekend. I did discover that Jeff had, essentially, saved the day for me by leaving a note on my car saying that he had brought a wheel for me and that once I got to Platte, we would make it work. Of course, the family needed our one car so that was out as well. Thanks though, Jeff. It means a lot that you tried like that.

On the good side of life, I did have a great ride through Wilderness and around the gravel roads down South. It was certainly a Mind Clearer, which is Snob vocularly for a ride that helps you work all of the build up crap out of your head.

Here's to well made plans and not knowing how to execute them.

Nebraska Cycling - A Bit of Perspective

Recently, we have been considering plans to go back to Indiana for Thanksgiving. In the process, I discovered that I can take my cross bike and race in Indianapolis over that weekend. If you look at the link, you'll see that the event, on the surface, doesn't seem to have nearly the following that our Nebraska Cyclo-Cross Series has. While there is something comparable to the MidAmerica Cross Cup in the Ohio Valley Cyclo-Cross Series, it's the lack of depth around Indianapolis and in Indiana that's really interesting. (which is also a round house compliment to this cat.)

Indianapolis is the 12th largest city in the country, but lacks the scene we have in the Lincoln/Omaha area. I used to work at one of the larger stand-alone bike shops in the country, Bicycle Garage of Indianapolis, but was just amazed at by the cycling community once we moved here and I started working at CycleWorks part-time.

The point of this little diatribe isn't to crack on Indianapolis, but to simply voice an appreciation for what exists here. No scene is perfect, but if you look at what's happening with the effort toward the Wilderness Loop, you see the positives far out weigh the negatives.

Apologizes for the rant, but I hated Lincoln when I moved here, so you can see I have come a long way. Now if we can just get CVO and the waraxe bob to cruise through Indy cranking the MPU and spreading some soul, I might be more excited to go back.

We now return to your regularly scheduled snobbery.

This Most Foul Year of our Lord, 2005.

Corey is now out of physical action for an extended period of time. C-Funk has a clot behind his left knee that is requiring him to take two shots a day in the stomach for five days. He's got the medical details available at the House of Cornbread.


As H.L. Mencken said, sometimes you just have to "raise the black flag and start slitting throats."

Secret Training Callout: Part I

Remember this quote from the D Street Blog not too long ago?:

"I'm only racing if you race. I'm out of shape also. Jay Thomas"

Apparently, Mr. Bike Shop Owner's been holding out on us a bit. 2nd and 4th for the first two races of the Mid-America Cross Cup.

Cloaks and Daggers.

The Grand Loop

Awkward. Yesterday opened with riding promise and potential and ended up being a lot of nothing. In the morning, prospects were high that Corey, Jeff and I would roll. Then No, then Yes, then maybe then the afternoon, then just Corey and I, then just me cruising through Wilderness and riding a touch of gravel against the wind. Boring but good. The kind of day were I would be tempted to ride with an iPod. I did also sneak a run in so it wasn't all bad.

There is some news from the endurance racing world to report. Apparently, Mike Curiak will be hosting a second race called the Grand Loop. "The Grand Loop is a remote wilderness race that is 350 miles." (That's via Jeff Kerkove's site.) This is the kind of thing that excites me. The only way it could be better would be route choices.

Apparently, there is also a push to make RIDE424 the site for all things endurance racing. I'm down, as Karl Etzel, from what I have read really seems to want to do it right.

Up with Wilderness. Down with Hamster Wheels.

Break Right!! Break Right!! NO LEFT!! LEFT!!

Nothing like a head-on at Wilderness. Corey and I had been out for a couple hours on a gravel/Wilderness Combo affair, when we decided to take one last pass from North to South at a pretty good clip. Shortly after the suspension bridge, where you can hold nice pace through every turn, Dave Draus was holding a similar tempo but heading North.

If it could have been caught on video, it would have been a great adventure in rodeo clown style mountain biking. Dave and I both started to break right, respectively, which usually works well, but we were actually to the inside of each others right side so I darted left, narrowly avoiding the worst possible scenario, but that left Dave heading straight for Corey. By the time I had fallen my way into the briars at the side of the trail, Dave and Corey had found themselves piled up together with their bikes; a mass of tall skinny guys and 29ers.

While the three of us gathered ourselves and talked about it being one of the strangest crashes we had experieced, Dave found his left hand to be pretty swollen. As we rode out, it was clear this was more than just a bump and Dave was riding one handed out of the park. It could have been a lot worse, but I still feel badly for Dave.

Dave, I hope the x-rays are negative. Take care.

How Old is Too Old?

Again, cross is on my mind. I have yet to make a single move toward putting the Redline together. It appears that many of the CW gang will be going SS for cross, which makes me wonder if the SS category is going to go the way the Marathon race did. Many A/Expert racers putting the Snob to shame. Probably, but who gives a shit? In related ponderings, I wonder who the oldest rider to move up to A's has been and how old he was. Seems like a nice goal to shoot for since it's not happening now.

If memory serves, Cameron Chambers will be at the mercy of our man Sam this weekend, getting his bikes prepped for Moab. Seriously, if you're Cameron, how good do you have to feel with Sam guarding your back?

CVO posted regarding the duathlon course, which looks hard and fun. Me Likes!! Is anyone else going to do the thing solo?

Just made plans to hit Cafe Italia tonight. If you get a chance, try that place out. The Snob hails it as the best espresso in Lincoln.

Walk Idiot Walk

When I woke up this morning, the chill in the air made me immediately think of Cross. How sad is that? The above pic is from the Indy Cyclo-Cross Series in my former home state. It appears they are doing some sort of LeMans style start, which prompted me to think, "WTF?"

Speaking of Cross, things are already under way in Europe and Jonathan Page, our National Champ three years running, has already raced twice. It sounds like if he could keep from flatting he'd be right in the mix with the top dawgs.

I went for a run last night on the Rock Island, both for the duathlon and cross purposes. It's amazing how many people are out there with no lights well after dark. I wasn't happy and my legs weren't happy. I felt fine aerobically, but was stumbling around like a drunken sailor. It was like my muscles had forgotten how to run.

If you are wondering about the Post Title, that's just the song I was listening to when I wrote this. It's an easy one, but points awarded for correct identification.

Chops In Modern Cycling: Part IV

Ernesto Marenchin, aka Sologoat. Sure, he's sporting peach-fuzz chops, just like our boy Corey "Big Skinny" Godfrey, but he's rocking the endurance race scene.

The Goat took second at 24hr Worlds, took nearly every, if not every, 8 hour race he entered, and won 24hrs of Big Bear as well. Chief Rocka!! He also took the line at TransIowa, but only made it to Algona shortly before the Snob, which shows that everyone has a bad day every now and again. Keep your eyes on this cat.

My prediction. Eatough goes down next year and the Goat takes it.

Running on Empty

Platte River Duathlon in a few weeks. Should be fun and interesting. I missed on early season race this year as it was the same weekend as TransIowa. Hopefully, I can represent well this year.

Speaking of TransIowa, the word is that the course is set and that the updates should be coming much more frequently now. Jeff Kerkove and Guitar Ted are the masterminds behind this little sufferfest. As long as the gnomes return, I will be sitting online ready to go when registration begins.

Song of the Day: A Change is Gonna Come by Swervedriver.

Bummer of the Day: Sheppard's Open Letter about getting busted. Having had a mildly promising baseball career ended by a torn rotator cuff, the snob feels for him.

Weekend of Sundries

Lots of cycling related items of the weekend, starting with the moment of silence and drinks raised to my man Jeff Avey. The curtain went down on his career at Cycleworks Sunday. I know Jeff and Nisha don't really have a defined path in front of them yet, but it will be cool to find what they do when they get their route chosen. Much love to them from the Snob.

I've now shown up for the night ride through Wilderness with inadequate lighting. Nothing like learning from your mistakes. However, if you follow Sam who's rocking this, you don't really need much.

Jeff Kerkove recently updated his site and in his last post asks about Sam's boy Cameron Chambers, wondering if Cam's healthy and ready to go. I thought it best to keep the mystery alive.

It was mainly a "junk mile" weekend on the Fascist Killer, but I did go to Wilderness Saturday and try to do some Homework. Warmed up for 20 minutes, cranked it as best I could for 60 minutes, then cooled down on the Rock Island heading home. While in the park, I only saw two people, Paul Chapman (who I was able to say 'hello' to as we passed) and Mr. Bike Shop owner, (who I saw while cross-eyed at about minute 45). Chalk the no hello up to inadvertant snobbery and being worked.

Despite the fact that I will be getting my ass crushed, the Redline is officially going to go SS for cross. So if you were considering it but worried about coming in last, I've got your back. Literally.

"What do you mean, 'been with Sheryl'?"

I found this picture and have just been in smartass mode since. Others that come to mind include:

Travis to Lance - "Seriously, you really can't grow chops?"

Travis thinking - "Look at Lance going all tough guy. I could take him."

Trek Worker thinking - "What a couple of premidonnas. Is it five o'clock yet?"

The guy between Lance and the Trek worker in the foreground thinking - "Hey, if I put my hand to my chin, I'll look just like Travis Brown."

Your turn and I think everyone whose ever posted here is more clever than I am so the beer is on me for the best caption.

One Million Reasons not to, but...

For whatever reason, this race floats around the back of my brain constantly. The Iditarod Trail Invitational. I brought this up at the shop once and found even those who enjoy a good sufferfest thought I was nuts. Any race that has to say "evacuations from the course are the racer's responsiblity" intrigues the hell out of me. I can't be too crazy. There are two records recognized for this race due to different courses and changing regulations. The names attached to them are Mike Curiak and John Stamstad.

Maybe I should see how commuting through the winter goes first, eh? Still... 07 isn't that far away.

You TOO should have Chops!!

Two cases in point.

One. The Saga of RockD. The additional facial hair could potentially have served as air bags, cushioning our friend's impact. Now let's get the scabs healed so we can add chops to the Kramer like afro the Rock often sports.

Two. Geoff Kabush. Check the cyclingnew.com diary regarding post world festivities. If you still don't believe, check the fiancee.

VIVA LA CHOPS!!!

The Fun has arrived

It's Monday. I'm in worker bee mode going through my Inbox when the phone rings and my good friend Mr. Avey informs me that a Conquest Pro frame has arrived with my name on it.

Smiles, Everyone!!! Smiles!!

Now the question is, build it up and race it SS or geared? Opinions?

Blogging at a first grade level

I am a bit frustrated at the moment because Corey sent me some nice pictures from our Platte Homework foray, but I can't seem to get them to upload. I would assume it's because the file size is so large, but don't have the patience to work at it beyond this. Travis Brown rocking cross style. It's in the air. Of course, my friends at Redline don't hurry up and replace my frame, you'll all have to deal with me going cheerleader on you while you race.

Speaking of Travis Brown, he wins the Marathon National Championship, but had shaved the chops. Think of the potential a National Championship in and endurance event rocking chops. The Snob would have been so happy, but alas, it wasn't to be. No points awarded, Travis.

I worked the short shift at the shop today, taking the place of the Rock as he mends. Working at the shop is like putting on a pair of jeans you haven't worn since summer started. A bit stiff at first, but after a short while it's all familar and comfortable. One guy came in and bought a Trek 820 and then wanted the "other" unbuilt color. I told him Wednesday would be a realistic expectation for it to be built and ready, knowing full well that the shop wasn't that backed up. He received a call a few hours later and now thinks we are kings of customer service. I love that. Under promise, over deliver.

Heal up Rock. You're not getting out of an AR that easily.

Homework Grade: Incomplete

Corey and I did indeed roll out to Platte on Wednesday for our Fight Club style homework assignment inspired by Sam. C-Funk rolled on his IF 29er and I took the Fascist Killer SS equipped at 32/16.

This would be only my second time riding the Killer on singletrack and the first was at Wilderness. Mistakes started to pile up quickly. Before I even made it down to the course, I overshot a turn no thinking about the fact I wasn't running discs.

As we started riding up the big climb, Corey looked over with a "you better get your ass moving" look on his face. As the climb tiled upward for the first time, I clued in and got up out of the saddle, holding possibly the slowest cadence I have ever held up over the top. Ouch. Should have warmed up before that.

Shortly thereafter, I went down on a sketchy section of the new trail. Not really a tech section, but certainly something that may need to bit of maintence. (Corey knew the term for the worked needed, but I was clueless.) We actually rode for a while after that without incident and I seemed to be constantly out of the saddle. Finally, about two thirds of the way through a lap, my left calf cramped and I had a new location for one of my calf muscles on the inside of my leg instead of the back. Ouch again.

I cruised to the end of a lap, left Corey to do another and went back to the access road and did intervals up it until Corey finished up. I found quickly that if I didn't get out of the saddle the leg was okay so started cranking it up.

Gagging Fit: Check.
Sour Stomach: Check.
Actual Vomit: Negative.

Final Grade: Incomplete.

Dammit Chris. Not you.

I have always thought of Chris Sheppard as a pretty cool rider and paid attention to his results. He always seemed like one of those guys on the cusp of doing really well but never could get over the hump.

As many of you have probably read, Shep just got nailed for EPO. Two year suspension. Fired from Haro. Game Over.

Here's what I find interesting. This is what his former employers had to say about it.

“We’re obviously disappointed with this news,” said Jim Ford, Haro’s President/CEO. “Chris has been a great ambassador for Haro and the sport of mountain biking for many years. Despite the serious nature of this situation, we still view Chris as a good person who made a bad mistake.”


"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attibute of the strong." -Mahatma Gandhi

Chops in Modern Cycling: Part III

Geoff Kabush. Skillz? Check. NORBA XC Champ? Check. NORBA STXC Champ? Check. Canadian Cross Champ? Check.

Chops? But of course!!

Kabush also has some enjoyable reads in his journal entries on cyclingnews.com.

Homework assignment at Platte tomorrow. Corey and I will be heading out from my office at 4:30. Parking lot at five.

Don't worry, I'll bring mouthwash.

Homework Assignment

"I ran. I ran until the muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid.

Then I ran some more."

I'm giving myself a homework assignment. Ride until I puke.

Platte. Wednesday night.

I want to breathe smoke.

Cross Endurosnob Style

Inspired by a race in England called the "Three Peaks," the Iron Cross is 60 miles and 6,000 climbing feet of cross pain.

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever." - Keats

What about AR?

The Snob received an anonymous email today with the simple question, "What about adventure racing? Everything on your blog is about cycling." Point taken.

Let me clarify what I will and won't be referencing here on the blog. If the event doesn't make you navigate, it won't be spoken of. If it's not at least 24hrs in length, no thank you. Novelties and "special events," not bloody likely.

Some of you should be prepared to have me try to con you into this: MMM FUN!!

For the dreamers like me, the Primal Quest will be in our backyard (for an expedition race) in 2006. (That 8k for entry is pretty tough to pull off though.)

Side note: Anonymous doesn't live hear. If you post, own it and put your name.

Who's riding tomorrow night?

"This Machine Kills Fascists" with One freaking Speed

Mohawk Industries, in association with Avey Parts and Supply bring you the rebirth of the Fascist Killer.

On the way back from Leadville the idea was broached about turning John's old Specialized into a single speed. Mission Accomplished. After cobbling parts for a bit, Jeff's donations allowed us to finish the beast last night.

My first single speed jaunt was my commute to work. Even though my mind kept wanting to shift, it was a sweet, sweet commute and I can't thank John and Jeff enough for the generosity.

You may see the FK riding the last mtb race of the year, single speed category with Corey providing vodka tonic handups along the course.

Cheers.

24 Hour Race Reports

Two Endurosnob favorites raced over the Labor Day weekend, both kicking ass in the process.

TransIowa mastermind Jeff Kerkove put the training he had put toward Worlds to good use by crushing the field in Iowa over the weekend. Always one for a good race report, he even includes a nice snapshot of race food vomit this time.

TransIowa racer and Big Bear kingpin Sologoat took second in the 24HOA worlds race. He enjoyed the luxery of riding in the rain for all 24hrs. In some ways, taking second to Eatough is like a win, but I suspect the Goat is already plotting on how to make up the ~30 minutes he lost by.

Hey Sam, no Cameron Chambers at Worlds?

Still debating the idea of trying a regular XC race before the season ends. Thoughts?

Warning: The Fascist Killer is rising from the dead.

Chops in Modern Cycling: Part II

"My chops? They're about this thick."

Travis Brown. I don't know that I can quit call him punk, but I dig him anyway. Not only does he rock chops, but always seems to throw out the original bike setup. Moustache barred SS during a NORBA short track, pink one-off single speed in Cross Season, with the latest being the 69er (26in wheel in the rear and 29in in the front.)

He's also got a daughter named Zara and describes fatherhood as "a higher plane of existence."

Word.

Long Live Long Rides

Rock D dropped the following Comment on my post regarding races for next year. I would love to hear what thoughts this prompts in everyone's minds.

"during one of the hikeabike sections at leadville, I had time to reflect on why I ride bikes.

I ride to go places and to get great stories. I realize, now, that I have taken a detour these past few years and have been trying to go places fast, not exactly what I started out to do nor do I do it fast at all.These races are fun(?) and are the source of great stories.

Do you suppose they would/could be just as much fun if say, you did the Kokopelli trail in two three days at a nice pace? Do we always have to race, so to speak?

Just wondering, if you think so, think about doing the White Rim trail, should be doable in about 4 days, sometime in Feb or early March."

I really considered a lot of this heavily over the last few days, particularly on a gravel grinder I did solo last night. More of my thoughts on this to come, but bring it on...

Racing, Long Rides, and the balance between them.

Thanks, Rick.

Can you hear me now??

And the answer was a resounding, "NO."

Big Skinny tried his best to impersonate a cell tower on our way out to Laramie this year by standing on the back of Jeff's famed Taurus known as White Lightening.

In addition, we debunked an urban legend and Corey and I are hoping to end up on Myth Busters for our efforts. Please note, a big puddle will not improve your cell reception. There is a large red pool of transmission fluid near the front of White Lightening in this photo.

It did not improve our situation.

Plans for Next Year

Some emails with Rick and Sam's Comment regarding TransIowa made me decide to open the floor to suggestions. Ultra Endurance Cycling Events the Snob should consider for next year, whose got thoughts?

Right now the draft board looks a little something like this:

Montezuma's Revenge: Voted the World's Worst Race

Leadville: Considering the Leadman Five Star sufferfest, all of their events, including the 100 mile run.

The TransRockies: A little suffering with a friend. "Dude, this hurts."

Kokopelli Trail Race: Like the bike section of an AR, but soley on the bike.

Vapour Trail 125: If the profile doesn't make you think twice, cut the check.

You don't see the TransIowa listed because it's a lock. I was going back as soon as I stopped in Algona.

I am interested in getting some other thoughts so fire away.

Chops in Modern Cycling - Part I

I'd say this is a new feature to the Snob, but everything's new at this point. Bob Roll, aka Bobke, possibly the man to blame for the current configuration of my facial hair. It might be fair to call Bob a renaissance man. He was the first American to compete in both the Tour DAY France and a MTB World Cup. Not bad at all. Here, we see Bob doing his best Johnny Cash. That's the sad side of his "colorful personality" on OLN, it keeps the casual fan from understanding he was one hell of a rider.

Leadville statistics of note:
Flats: 3
Cheers for the chops: 5+

"The hurricane is back in Lance's eyes, and it's aimed right at Trailer Park Ullrich." - Bob Roll

Jeff Kerkove banned from 24HOA World Championships

Why do bad things happen to good people? Usually it's because other people are stupid.

Jeff Kerkove, co-creator of the TransIowa, was recently banned from racing in the 24HOA World Championship because he posted some criticisms of the 24HOA events on www.mtbr.com. Visit Jeff's blog and follow the links to make your own, informed opinion. http://jeffkerkove.blogspot.com (I'd recommend keeping this one in your favorites.)

My read? Stuart Dorland is working on raw nerve's from the downward trend the 24HOA events have taken and Jeff's posts put him passed the point where he could rationally deal with some sophmorish comments and some healthy constructive criticism. Read it and let me know what you think. Better yet, let Jeff know.

Can you imagine building your season around one key race as a pro and then having the organization ban you?

I call bullshit.

Let's try this again

If you've taken a look at the blog in several months, you've noticed that I essentially let it die. After Laramie and Leadville, I think it makes sense to start things fresh again. I found myself cutting and pasting descriptions of each race into emails to various friends and family. I'm too lazy to continue that kind of work.

The snobbery will continue...