I decided for no good reason to document the commute this morning. The only rule was that all pics had to be taken rolling and posted in order. Typical, somewhat boring, slice of life.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Knowing the Score
"It's always best when things get whittled down," I said.
"which doesn't mean it's simple," I added.
There wasn't much to say for a while after that. It was 3am. Tired from an evening boiled down to conversation, vinyl and a turn-table. Boiled down like so many times before. Immediate. Simple. Shared.
Like Chicago with it's studio apartments, bands in small bars, drums set on milk crates and Maker's Mark mornings. Crouching in the corner of the practice space. Not saying a word. Not playing a note.
Always the music, always the friends, often the booze.
And for hours it had been gone. Amid the punk and the guitars and the beats. I had forgotten. It wasn't until I was on the couch that it filtered back. The anger that floats in and leaves like a dull breeze in summer.
4am came and slowly I remembered. You can't warn someone about something they already know. Everything boils away to nothing, eventually.
"So it was a good night?" she asked.
"It was."
"which doesn't mean it's simple," I added.
There wasn't much to say for a while after that. It was 3am. Tired from an evening boiled down to conversation, vinyl and a turn-table. Boiled down like so many times before. Immediate. Simple. Shared.
Like Chicago with it's studio apartments, bands in small bars, drums set on milk crates and Maker's Mark mornings. Crouching in the corner of the practice space. Not saying a word. Not playing a note.
Always the music, always the friends, often the booze.
And for hours it had been gone. Amid the punk and the guitars and the beats. I had forgotten. It wasn't until I was on the couch that it filtered back. The anger that floats in and leaves like a dull breeze in summer.
4am came and slowly I remembered. You can't warn someone about something they already know. Everything boils away to nothing, eventually.
"So it was a good night?" she asked.
"It was."
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Jesse Hits Velonews
Just opened the new issue of Velonews. Hincapie on the cover. Hit the Table of Contents and my eyes draw to an all too familiar face. Page 92. "Single Minded."
Congrats Jesse. You earned it.
Congrats Jesse. You earned it.
Monday, October 01, 2007
More Questions Than Answers
While I couldn't be more excited for Cross season, this is still the time of year when your mind wanders to next season and thoughts of what races keep you excited and what goals you'd like to acheive.
Next year hasn't really come into focus in the way this year was defined long before the calendar actually flipped to 2007. TransIowa and 9 Mile dominated the off-season landscape. Nothing sits out there in the same way for 2008.
Instead, I'm just asking myself a lot of questions.
The 100 miler series? It would require upping my technical game so I am not wasting so much energy on the bike. Maybe a stage race? Pricey but worth it once? I'm also into the idea of trying the Vapour Trail despite the altitude disadvantage.
Then there's the Evil Unicorns... what 24 will we show our casually competitive faces at next year?
As always, suggestions welcome.
Next year hasn't really come into focus in the way this year was defined long before the calendar actually flipped to 2007. TransIowa and 9 Mile dominated the off-season landscape. Nothing sits out there in the same way for 2008.
Instead, I'm just asking myself a lot of questions.
The 100 miler series? It would require upping my technical game so I am not wasting so much energy on the bike. Maybe a stage race? Pricey but worth it once? I'm also into the idea of trying the Vapour Trail despite the altitude disadvantage.
Then there's the Evil Unicorns... what 24 will we show our casually competitive faces at next year?
As always, suggestions welcome.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The 24 Hours of Rodney Dangerfield and that God Foresaken Lap
When I took off for my fourth lap at Granny Gear's 24 Hours of Landahl, the spirit and feel of the race were already well set. From Evil Unicorn perspective, we were rolling with substantial minutes in hand leading the Expert field, but were seven minutes behind first overall. It was a gap that likely wouldn't have existed had I not already been fighting with my tires and, frankly, I felt responsible for it.
From Granny Gear's perspective, the EU and other teams at the head of the race were a bit of a sideshow. The drama and storyline coming from the PA was the story of "The Toast," Josh Tostada, who was ripping through the solo series and the battle between the two series leading teams, The Athens Wrecking Crew and City Bikes from DC. In many ways, this was rightfully so. The series was potentially going to come down to this race after four races and the Evil Unicorn were only throwing a wrench in the works (but, we were happy to try and do so).
What ended up somewhat lost though were some great rides by some other teams. The Bike Tek team rolled us all in the end, posting consistent times and getting labelled as "concrete baggers" by a few of the other teams. There was also 4 Fast Over 40, a team of Masters riders including Cameron Chambers' Dad Doug, ripped the place to second place overall as well. As we sat at the awards ceremony, I thought of the Rodney Dangerfield line. The guys that killed it weren't getting the sweet swag, but did deserve and earn some respect. (Not to mention, another rockstar single rigid team, PC Load Letter, which included Craig Stoeltzling rocking the joint on a fixed gear.)
Which brings me back to my fourth lap, our 16th as a team. As I've documented to the point of overkill, my skills in the rocks are suspect and my first three laps were full of dabs. I had gone from trying to save my energy for the rocks each lap to just making my way through them and then trying to unload on the open and flowing sections of the course. As I rolled out though, I decided to bash my way through the rocks, no dabbing, no unclipping, just trying to ride through mistakes and go.
Through mile four, things seemed to be going well, I was nearly out of the first highly technical stuff and had, despite pinballing around, ridden nearly the whole thing without a foot down. Unfortunately, on a quick uphill left, my back tire found the edge of the large rock and rolled my tire completely off the rim. Knowing there was no way to reinflate it, I threw a tube in and stayed on the march. The tire was a touch soft due to my hurry to get rolling again, but nothing crazy soft so I stayed with the plan and kept hammering.
I felt good in the circumstances as I hadn't been passed, even during the flat and was entering the portion of trail where I could wind it out. Just before entering the last section of rocky single track, there was an open field where I regrouped, spinning out the gear and drinking a little water to hit a mental reset.
I rolled the hard left into the trail, kept pushing past the "shooting range" sign and flow well until the somewhat rocking stuff turned to the truly technical. I knew I had about a mile left of the rough stuff and was looking forward to emerging on the open plateau again. I should have never considered it. PSSSTTT!!! There was no question now. I didn't even look at it at this point. I just started running. I passed another guy working to fix a mechnical and he said, "That's the smartest idea I have seen all day," referring to my running the section. I replied something about the wheel and the running not being by choice and he wished me luck.
As the trail openned back up, I ran to the top of the short climb and then did something fairly stupid. I tried to pump my tire back up. Tubeless with a handpump insist going to work, of course, and about half way through tilting at this windmill, I got my head out of my ass and started running again.
Four guys passed me as I ran. Tostada asked me if I needed help, which was cool. I pulled off to the side as he passed which may have save me from puking, then resumed the position, flailing along trying to keep a good pace.
The final section of each lap was through an open field toward the start/finish tent and I felt like a complete dumb fuck running in. As I neared the table, I saw Mark anxiously waiting, mumbled something about my rear tire, and tossed my bike about 20 feet to the side in frustration (it, of course, pulled a 'ghost rider' and simply rolled through the tent, coming to a soft stop in a completely anti-climatic fall). I got the baton and card out, got Mark on his way and collasped against a pole, waiting to catch my breath.
I sat there for quite a while. In some ways, it was simply to recover. Primarily though, I was waiting for the other Expert teams to come through. We ended up keeping our lead by about 12 minutes in the class, but our chance for the overall was shot.
As you all know, Mark, Nate and Sam then shot down the reemerging dreams of the other teams by closing things out in the finest style. It may have shone most near the end of the race, but it was obvious throughout that the Evil Unicorns had each other's backs. We met each guy coming in as a team, took bikes, cut oranges, offered help, and did what we could for each other.
Sometime in the late night MOD looked at me and said, "Nine Mile, next year?"
"I've got some unfinished business there solo."
"Yeah, I get that."
"Let's find another one."
"Absolutely."
It turned out to be a unanimous feeling.
Look for the Evil Unicorns again in '08. Maybe we can even get MOD to run rigid. We've got the whole off-season to work on him.
From Granny Gear's perspective, the EU and other teams at the head of the race were a bit of a sideshow. The drama and storyline coming from the PA was the story of "The Toast," Josh Tostada, who was ripping through the solo series and the battle between the two series leading teams, The Athens Wrecking Crew and City Bikes from DC. In many ways, this was rightfully so. The series was potentially going to come down to this race after four races and the Evil Unicorn were only throwing a wrench in the works (but, we were happy to try and do so).
What ended up somewhat lost though were some great rides by some other teams. The Bike Tek team rolled us all in the end, posting consistent times and getting labelled as "concrete baggers" by a few of the other teams. There was also 4 Fast Over 40, a team of Masters riders including Cameron Chambers' Dad Doug, ripped the place to second place overall as well. As we sat at the awards ceremony, I thought of the Rodney Dangerfield line. The guys that killed it weren't getting the sweet swag, but did deserve and earn some respect. (Not to mention, another rockstar single rigid team, PC Load Letter, which included Craig Stoeltzling rocking the joint on a fixed gear.)
Which brings me back to my fourth lap, our 16th as a team. As I've documented to the point of overkill, my skills in the rocks are suspect and my first three laps were full of dabs. I had gone from trying to save my energy for the rocks each lap to just making my way through them and then trying to unload on the open and flowing sections of the course. As I rolled out though, I decided to bash my way through the rocks, no dabbing, no unclipping, just trying to ride through mistakes and go.
Through mile four, things seemed to be going well, I was nearly out of the first highly technical stuff and had, despite pinballing around, ridden nearly the whole thing without a foot down. Unfortunately, on a quick uphill left, my back tire found the edge of the large rock and rolled my tire completely off the rim. Knowing there was no way to reinflate it, I threw a tube in and stayed on the march. The tire was a touch soft due to my hurry to get rolling again, but nothing crazy soft so I stayed with the plan and kept hammering.
I felt good in the circumstances as I hadn't been passed, even during the flat and was entering the portion of trail where I could wind it out. Just before entering the last section of rocky single track, there was an open field where I regrouped, spinning out the gear and drinking a little water to hit a mental reset.
I rolled the hard left into the trail, kept pushing past the "shooting range" sign and flow well until the somewhat rocking stuff turned to the truly technical. I knew I had about a mile left of the rough stuff and was looking forward to emerging on the open plateau again. I should have never considered it. PSSSTTT!!! There was no question now. I didn't even look at it at this point. I just started running. I passed another guy working to fix a mechnical and he said, "That's the smartest idea I have seen all day," referring to my running the section. I replied something about the wheel and the running not being by choice and he wished me luck.
As the trail openned back up, I ran to the top of the short climb and then did something fairly stupid. I tried to pump my tire back up. Tubeless with a handpump insist going to work, of course, and about half way through tilting at this windmill, I got my head out of my ass and started running again.
Four guys passed me as I ran. Tostada asked me if I needed help, which was cool. I pulled off to the side as he passed which may have save me from puking, then resumed the position, flailing along trying to keep a good pace.
The final section of each lap was through an open field toward the start/finish tent and I felt like a complete dumb fuck running in. As I neared the table, I saw Mark anxiously waiting, mumbled something about my rear tire, and tossed my bike about 20 feet to the side in frustration (it, of course, pulled a 'ghost rider' and simply rolled through the tent, coming to a soft stop in a completely anti-climatic fall). I got the baton and card out, got Mark on his way and collasped against a pole, waiting to catch my breath.
I sat there for quite a while. In some ways, it was simply to recover. Primarily though, I was waiting for the other Expert teams to come through. We ended up keeping our lead by about 12 minutes in the class, but our chance for the overall was shot.
As you all know, Mark, Nate and Sam then shot down the reemerging dreams of the other teams by closing things out in the finest style. It may have shone most near the end of the race, but it was obvious throughout that the Evil Unicorns had each other's backs. We met each guy coming in as a team, took bikes, cut oranges, offered help, and did what we could for each other.
Sometime in the late night MOD looked at me and said, "Nine Mile, next year?"
"I've got some unfinished business there solo."
"Yeah, I get that."
"Let's find another one."
"Absolutely."
It turned out to be a unanimous feeling.
Look for the Evil Unicorns again in '08. Maybe we can even get MOD to run rigid. We've got the whole off-season to work on him.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Partridge Racing Transitions In Lincoln
As many of you know, Partridge Racing is moving to Portland. With Lincoln roughly 12 hours into the drive out, Joe stopped over for a spin, a good beer and slice at Yia Yia's and an evening in the new and improve cycling lounge at the Casa de Cronin.
Corey joined us as we took off for some limestone cruising south of town. Corey rocked his newly built Bianchi Roger with Joe rolling a heavily geared Quiring. As we pulled off of 14th the timing worked so that we met JB, MW and MG heading South. We cruised along chit-chatting at a nice tempo and I thought, "Damn, there are a lot of miles in this collective." Between, TI, KZ, 24s and 12s, it would be interesting to put a total to it.
We split up after a time with JB spinning with us to Yia Yia's and Jeff meeting us there. Slices, Suds and a great night made it hard not to close the place down, but with Joe wanting an early start and work the next day, we headed home.
Congrats Portland. Class Act coming your way.
Corey joined us as we took off for some limestone cruising south of town. Corey rocked his newly built Bianchi Roger with Joe rolling a heavily geared Quiring. As we pulled off of 14th the timing worked so that we met JB, MW and MG heading South. We cruised along chit-chatting at a nice tempo and I thought, "Damn, there are a lot of miles in this collective." Between, TI, KZ, 24s and 12s, it would be interesting to put a total to it.
We split up after a time with JB spinning with us to Yia Yia's and Jeff meeting us there. Slices, Suds and a great night made it hard not to close the place down, but with Joe wanting an early start and work the next day, we headed home.
Congrats Portland. Class Act coming your way.
Monday, September 24, 2007
"This post is impossible to write... ": The 24 Hours of Landahl
I'm finding posting about the 24hrs of Landahl a bit difficult. It was too rich and too dense for a single post. Today, I thought I would share some pictures, along with some thoughts I had post-race. Most of you know the times and a few details, so I'll just fill in the blanks throughout the week.
I noticed throughout the 24hrs of Landahl that the Granny Gear folks liked to get the microphone in front of people. Primarily, these were short interviews to add a little color to the race and, for the most part, we're all pretty enjoyable. As we waited for our turn to head up to the podium, I realized as team captain I might find myself on the sharp end of the mic and thought about what I might be asked and what I might say. It ended up being an Oscar speech that sat in someone's pocket, but I think it's worth saying here.
I feel lucky. Lucky to have three great guys want to go hangout for 24hrs to ride bikes. Lucky they like riding single speeds and lucky that they happen to ride them really fucking fast. Thanks fellas.
Just in case we forgot, we wrote our team name down.
"One of these things is not like the other."
Reservoir Dogs? Nope, Evil Unicorns. (As soon as I pulled the camera out, all three of these guys turn their heads away.)
MOD in the operating room, explaining why I need to learn to properly tighten chain ring bolts. (I sheared mine off during our preride.)
Brats make Mark happy. He stayed very happy in our tent city.
"Prefontaine" drops the hammer on the Lemans start.
At some point Sam switched us to military time, which caused us dumbasses to do more 'mental math' than we could handle in the wee hours of the night. Not to mention it looks like I did a 13hr3min lap.
Here's to running with your bike for three miles in a gonzo attempt to keep your lead.
I love you, but I hate you.
Hot Lap Coming Through!!! (Fastest lap of the event. Rigid. Single.)
MOD rode his ass off all weekend.
My Goodness Indeed. Sam closed the deal in high style.
Guinness Kit. Two Fisting Schlitz.
Athens Wrecking Crew (l), Evil Unicorns (c), City Bikes from D.C. (r)
I noticed throughout the 24hrs of Landahl that the Granny Gear folks liked to get the microphone in front of people. Primarily, these were short interviews to add a little color to the race and, for the most part, we're all pretty enjoyable. As we waited for our turn to head up to the podium, I realized as team captain I might find myself on the sharp end of the mic and thought about what I might be asked and what I might say. It ended up being an Oscar speech that sat in someone's pocket, but I think it's worth saying here.
I feel lucky. Lucky to have three great guys want to go hangout for 24hrs to ride bikes. Lucky they like riding single speeds and lucky that they happen to ride them really fucking fast. Thanks fellas.
Just in case we forgot, we wrote our team name down.
"One of these things is not like the other."
Reservoir Dogs? Nope, Evil Unicorns. (As soon as I pulled the camera out, all three of these guys turn their heads away.)
MOD in the operating room, explaining why I need to learn to properly tighten chain ring bolts. (I sheared mine off during our preride.)
Brats make Mark happy. He stayed very happy in our tent city.
"Prefontaine" drops the hammer on the Lemans start.
At some point Sam switched us to military time, which caused us dumbasses to do more 'mental math' than we could handle in the wee hours of the night. Not to mention it looks like I did a 13hr3min lap.
Here's to running with your bike for three miles in a gonzo attempt to keep your lead.
I love you, but I hate you.
Hot Lap Coming Through!!! (Fastest lap of the event. Rigid. Single.)
MOD rode his ass off all weekend.
My Goodness Indeed. Sam closed the deal in high style.
Guinness Kit. Two Fisting Schlitz.
Athens Wrecking Crew (l), Evil Unicorns (c), City Bikes from D.C. (r)Sunday, September 23, 2007
Three Mile Run
Another frustrating lap mechanically. Burped all the air out of the rear roughly halfway through the lap. Threw a tube in an kept jamming only to flat again. Made a desparate attempt to refill the tubeless and then took of running. A little over three. I'm cooked. I knew we had a buffer so I went as hard as I could. Frustrated to the point of tears. Mark took off with the lead still intact. Nate's being super positive. Sam has slept through the whole thing.
This is Snob. Snob can't keep air in his tires.
Harden the fuck up, Snob.
Forward Momentum
We seem to be back on track here in the land of the Evil Unicorns. We moved up into second overall having made up ground the last few laps. The Wrecking Crew keeps closing in though and on the team to watch slidding up the leaderboard.
Nate's out now, Sam should roll around 3:15 and I should be out again a bit after 4:20.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Case of the burps
Lost a lot of air out of the rear about halfway through the lap. Lost about minutes to end place. Fuckin' pissed but there are more laps to come.
I just heard we are first in expert, fourth overall.
5 Hours Into Landahl
Things are going well for the Evil Unicorns. They are currently winning the Men's Expert Class.
Skip is not able to post via his Blackberry as he had hoped.
Nate scorched his first lap the fastest lap time of anyone at the race. He is out on his second lap right now.
You can catch live results here.
-Mrs. Snob
Skip is not able to post via his Blackberry as he had hoped.
Nate scorched his first lap the fastest lap time of anyone at the race. He is out on his second lap right now.
You can catch live results here.
-Mrs. Snob
Approaching Game Time
It seems not all of my posts are going up, but I'll keep trying.
An hour until start. MOD replaced the chainring bolts I sheared off during my preride, Sam's tweaked his rig and we're ready.
Mark's leading us off. In a moment of brilliance, Nate dubbed him "Prefontaine.". "Pre" has his game face on already.
Mark, Nate, Sam and than I. Looks like most of my laps will be at night.
Time to "harden the fuck up."
Friday, September 21, 2007
Evil-Unicorn Blackberry Bulletins
The Evil Unicorns have mobilized this morning and are rolling toward Landahl. SS? Yes. Rigid? most. Haters in the crowd? Some. Great time? Absolutely. The boys and I are taking a page from Stuart O'Grady and carrying, to quote Sam, "a general disposition to 'Harden the Fuck Up.'"
Updates over the weekend here or on Granny Gear's site.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Sometimes, Inspiration Comes Easy
As a guy who came to cycling late, I've often gotten the "well, it's a little late now" vibe from people both in and out of the two wheeled fraternity. Obviously, I didn't care and kept riding. Then, Johnny helped me put together my first single speed; a bike with "This Machine Kills Fascists" written in white out across the top tube. It was done. I knew within a few rides this "fit" and was how I wanted to ride.
Fast forward to this year and things have gone pretty well. I have some good efforts under me this season but was disappointed that 9 Mile went as poorly as it did. Unable to really ride a lot lately and trying to workout why things went the way the did, I've been a bit unmotivated and a bit surly. (More than usual, smartasses.)
Firing up the Evil Unicorns helped turn that around, running laps that weren't completely sad on Saturday helped as well, but the Top Four from Cheq sealed the deal. Marko and Jesse would be obvious to anyone who reads the blog. Steve Tilford may not be. How long has this guy been at the front of every race he enters? Not long enough, that's my thought. He's got several years on me so I might as well keep rolling.
And Brian Matter? He's rocking the hardcore mullet. What else could you need?
Sunday, September 16, 2007
"One Gear is All That is Needed." Jesse Wins Cheq. Marko Takes Fourth.
"Winning the Chequamegon 40 is no easy task. But winning it on a singlespeed bicycle is unthinkable. That is until Jesse Lalonde (Gary Fisher 29/BKB) powered his way up last hard climbs in the closing miles and descended down into Telemark Resort alone in the lead, holding off former champions Brian Matter (PCW/Trek) and Steve Tilford (HRRC/Trek). And he did it with just one gear.
Lalonde rode a 36-16 gear on a rigid 29er, becoming the first rider to win the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival on a singlespeed. “It was only a matter of time,” Lalonde said about his singlespeed win. Marko Lalonde, Jesse’s younger brother and teammate, finished fourth, also on a singlespeed. Their extraordinary rides in the 25th annual Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival illustrate that just one gear is all that’s needed to win a bike race."
Lalonde rode a 36-16 gear on a rigid 29er, becoming the first rider to win the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival on a singlespeed. “It was only a matter of time,” Lalonde said about his singlespeed win. Marko Lalonde, Jesse’s younger brother and teammate, finished fourth, also on a singlespeed. Their extraordinary rides in the 25th annual Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival illustrate that just one gear is all that’s needed to win a bike race."
Check the full story here.
Snob's Eye View from Manawa
Satan's Floating Bikes. No exorcism needed.
Skin suits and leisure suits are swingin' baby.
Your first place Male Solo. Cruising.
Sam doing who-knows-what.
Damn Branch. BEEP BEEP!! MOD coming through.
MOD with the post lap endorphin smiles.
Aqua Marine Socks and Winter Cycling Shoes. High Cycling Fashion from Charlie.
Tiki Time.Start Time. (Lean your head to the left.)
Saturday, September 15, 2007
You and MOD's Army
Watch for MOD's more accurate recap over at mtbomaha, but here's what I remember.
MG flowed to the Solo Male victory. I think he was a couple of laps up by the finish.
Emily was the only Solo Woman and rocked it. I believe she would have been top five solos man or woman. Great ride.
Seven Lively Sins had the most total laps but we had a small army at our disposal. I was lucky enough to ride or last two laps at night. Really enjoyed the course.
A Duo Team, whose names escape me (sorry), rolled the same number of laps and really rode strongly all day. Nice work fellas.
Thanks to MOD for the great course and hard work, not to mention letting me tag along. Not to mention Sam, Scott, Charlie, T-Bone and Anne for a great time.
Time to start thinking about Landahl.
Unicorn-stylie
Just finished rolling two laps for Seven Lively Sins. Felt good for going out blind on an unknown course. 36x16 felt good. MOD's out given it now.
MG's now up a lap having unloaded a hot lap after the sign-in spint with Don and extended slowly from there.
2:00pm Gut Check
Don Raske and MG just signed in together in the solo class. Penmanship wasn't an option.
Satan's Little Helper's continue to lead to "most fun in the pits" category with a Kumbaya lap complete and tiki torch lap on the table for discussion.
Satan Built Our Hotrods
Manawa morning. Brisk. Nearly 20 solos had me feeling a little tergiggity. 666 number plates. Blue leisure suit and I'm over it.
Let the fun begin.
Friday, September 14, 2007
"What Matters Most Is How Well You Walk Through Fire"
Anyone can walk on water or find treasure in an empty bottle.
*
The Seven Lively Sins shall be out and about at Manawa this weekend, at least for 12 hours. Is a seven racer team too many? Not if you're looking forward to the hang-out as much as letting it all hang out. Heavy gears and light hearts.
*
Evil Unicorn fever continues to grow. Why just last night I was thrown the sign by no less than three excited cycling loving motorists. The love is so strong, like a straight-jacket hug that leads you to pat the offender on the back and say "okay, big fella." I honored their love with a salute of my own and I tap on the hood. Meet me at the cross walk. This is where the Evil Unicorns gather and the wild things grow.
*
And never forget the thought well kept... Hell Rides A Black Stallion.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Saturday, September 08, 2007
"Let's Go Easy" aka The Kiss of Death
With Corey bowing out of the 155 due to a crankarm failure, we saddled up for some time a little closer to Lincoln and in the process came home with two banged up body instead of one.
From D St, we dropped into Wilderness with plans of popping out of the single track, onto the Jamaica North and heading South for a day of limestone and cornfields. With Corey's much discussed fitness proving all to real and my last year's cross gearing proving all too puny, we were making quick time of the place despite me spinning out all too often. We had also been passed by a small group and, without being dangerous, tempo'd our way back up to them just before 14th. Unfortunately, the fun ended abruptly as I washed out my overworn front tire and cashed it in a dusty loose turn.
The post crash accessment showed both wheels out of true, jacked up bars and brakes levers and one sore Snob.
What's a little grass in your rim?
*
We don't go straight. We go forward.
*
I tried to intimidate Corey by slicing the heads off of grasshoppers. He didn't fall for it.
From D St, we dropped into Wilderness with plans of popping out of the single track, onto the Jamaica North and heading South for a day of limestone and cornfields. With Corey's much discussed fitness proving all to real and my last year's cross gearing proving all too puny, we were making quick time of the place despite me spinning out all too often. We had also been passed by a small group and, without being dangerous, tempo'd our way back up to them just before 14th. Unfortunately, the fun ended abruptly as I washed out my overworn front tire and cashed it in a dusty loose turn.
The post crash accessment showed both wheels out of true, jacked up bars and brakes levers and one sore Snob.
*
What's a little grass in your rim?*
We don't go straight. We go forward.*
Shortly afterword, Lonnie rolled by on his way to Roca for some suds and, after a chat, Cornbread and I rolled on toward Cortland. A headwind make it a little tough for chit-chat, as did the pace. The post Cortland ride back proved much easier for conversation even though we both felt like ads for AARP and starring in Cocoon.
Being the bikes geeks we are, talked turned to Landahl and War Axe (geared cross stainless, Corey?). Apparently, Corey is considering bringing a crew of his own to KC.
Let the good times roll.
*
I tried to intimidate Corey by slicing the heads off of grasshoppers. He didn't fall for it.Friday, September 07, 2007
A Great Moment in Evil Unicorn History
While it may seem I am staying up late searching the web for the best in single digit angry waves, I happened upon this thinking of cross and couldn't resist. (It's too bad that in today's cycling world winning as much as Nys seems like anecdotal evidence of doping.)
The 'real' Evil Unicorns have officially taken it up a notch for Landahl and will be serving one geared goodness in the Expert field. This isn't the Open Pro/Am as apparently that's co-ed only, but according to the Granny Gear staff (who are incredibly helpful) two teams who have hit the podium already this year will be there vying for series points.
We'll see what we can shake loose.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Cold-Cocked
Despite fending it off for most of the Labor Day weekend, the cold which has crept up on me since Saturday seems to have finally taken hold today. Ah, the fun of a runny nose.
*
Congrats are in order to Squirrel and MG for their respective wins in Iowa. Nice work, fellas.*
The Dakota 50 seemed to have been a scene. Documentation abounds.*
Over the weekend and just prior to a ride, I found via SiteMeter that someone had reached the blog by searching under the phrase "Evil Unicorns." Somehow, I turned the phrase over in my head until I had concluded that "throwing an Evil Unicorn" was a great euphemism for giving someone the finger, "you know, giving them the bird." One horn. One finger. What's not to love?
As I rode to work today, it occured to me that this will probably end up like my "discovery" of Pangea in fifth grade. After who knows how long of not paying attention to the actual point of class, I was ecstatic when I looked at a world map and could visualize how all of the continents could actually fit together like a puzzle. Of course, Mr. Rhodes blew my visions of grandeur with a dismissive, "It's called Pangea, Skip. Now go sit down." Damn Joy Kill.
*
Thera-Flu Time!!!
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Barriers to Entry
How boring am I, you ask? Boring enough to start taking pictures of downed limbs and trees on the trails around Lincoln. With everyone else across the country racing, it seemed I should have carried a chainsaw along on my rides.
Wilderness 1. Doubles as a small jungle gym.
Wilderness 2. Removed in about 30 seconds.
Branched Oak 1. The wall of limbs.
Branched Oak Two. The rythmn section just got harder.
*
Jeff and I also came across an interesting scene at Branched Oak. A group of ten to fourteen turkey vultures must have been enjoying a bit more than a simple snack in the woods. As we crested a climb we spooked and the sky was filled ever so briefly with impressive wing spans. Hitchcock flashed through my head, but Jeff bitch slapped me to reality.
Wilderness 1. Doubles as a small jungle gym.
Wilderness 2. Removed in about 30 seconds.
Branched Oak 1. The wall of limbs.
Branched Oak Two. The rythmn section just got harder.*
Jeff and I also came across an interesting scene at Branched Oak. A group of ten to fourteen turkey vultures must have been enjoying a bit more than a simple snack in the woods. As we crested a climb we spooked and the sky was filled ever so briefly with impressive wing spans. Hitchcock flashed through my head, but Jeff bitch slapped me to reality.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
"If You Move, I Strike...
... and if you do not move, I strike. Oh foolish people."
While half of the Nebraska Cycling Scene prepares to head out of town this weekend for places known and unknown, I'll be rolling pedals near home. While the feet are vastly improved and rides continue to build, a 24 at this point would slow the impending reign of the Evil Unicorns and that, is unacceptable.
Speaking of the EU, the debate now rages: SS/Rigid category or Open Pro/Am (still running SS)?
While half of the Nebraska Cycling Scene prepares to head out of town this weekend for places known and unknown, I'll be rolling pedals near home. While the feet are vastly improved and rides continue to build, a 24 at this point would slow the impending reign of the Evil Unicorns and that, is unacceptable.
Speaking of the EU, the debate now rages: SS/Rigid category or Open Pro/Am (still running SS)?
Monday, August 27, 2007
Single Speed Cross Worlds: Road Trip to Portland?
I've seen this information on several sites:
The Portland Single Speed Collective announced it will host the inaugural Singlespeed Cyclo-cross World Championships in conjunction with a Cross Crusade event on November 11-12.
Day one will include a qualifying 'cross time trial, a relatively uncommon event although the AVA Cyclo-cross Stage Race has been holding one at the Alkek Velodrome for the past three years. At the Portland event, time bonuses will be given for "sketchy aero bar descending", fastest saddle-less lap, fastest saddle-less lap while on aero bars, fastest steep hill climb, and best six-pack bunny hopping.
Day Two is the Grand Boucle of Singlespeed 'cross, a 60-minute race around the notorious Estacada Bowl. One woman and one man will be crowned Singlespeed Cyclo-cross World Champion.
A way to get my ass kicked and visit Portland? Not to shabby.
The Portland Single Speed Collective announced it will host the inaugural Singlespeed Cyclo-cross World Championships in conjunction with a Cross Crusade event on November 11-12.
Day one will include a qualifying 'cross time trial, a relatively uncommon event although the AVA Cyclo-cross Stage Race has been holding one at the Alkek Velodrome for the past three years. At the Portland event, time bonuses will be given for "sketchy aero bar descending", fastest saddle-less lap, fastest saddle-less lap while on aero bars, fastest steep hill climb, and best six-pack bunny hopping.
Day Two is the Grand Boucle of Singlespeed 'cross, a 60-minute race around the notorious Estacada Bowl. One woman and one man will be crowned Singlespeed Cyclo-cross World Champion.
A way to get my ass kicked and visit Portland? Not to shabby.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Weekend Wake Up Call
The two blurry forms in the picture below are DK and Corey respectively. You may be thinking to yourself, "Jesus, Snob, learn to take a picture." The key here is that this is the view from my eyes after these two politely ripped me into the ground on the gravel hills North of town. That turning around and looking backward pose they have is something that haunted them all day from craning around trying to figure out how far back I was. I think they both have chiropractic appointments on Monday. Great ride though. It felt good to hurt.
"Seriously, I don't think he can ride that..."
And then there are these jackasses. Three Evil Unicorns sitting on a box. I visit our friendly neighborhood Jedi to see how the Swanson State Champs race went and BAMM!! There is this picture of my teammates for Lahdahl all grinning on the podium.
From L to R: War Axe Sam Rosenau, Nate Woodman, Mark "MOD" Savery.
Enough blogging. The game is afoot.
"Seriously, I don't think he can ride that..."And then there are these jackasses. Three Evil Unicorns sitting on a box. I visit our friendly neighborhood Jedi to see how the Swanson State Champs race went and BAMM!! There is this picture of my teammates for Lahdahl all grinning on the podium.
*
Congrats guys
From L to R: War Axe Sam Rosenau, Nate Woodman, Mark "MOD" Savery.Enough blogging. The game is afoot.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Assorted Snobbery: Trainspotting
"The best book ever written by man or woman... deserves to sell more copies than the bible." Rebel Inc.
Occassionally, I will say to Mrs. Snob that I am just getting less intelligent by the day. It's time to restore some mental snap with a classic.
I know you're not Renton, but which character are you? Take the quiz, wanker.
Somehow, I ended up as Tommy. I'm not sure how I feel about that.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Who Is Dick Hickey?
Things are interesting in the cycling world, but not in the house of Snobbery. I spent most of the weekend reverse imagineering the pink IF back into a hour of pain CX machine from its gravel grinder alter-ego. I may prefer the aesthetic of the 29er, but the pinkie has a hold of my black heart.
Speaking of gravel, it's on again. TransIowa V.4. Call your neighbors, tell your friends and most importantly, bake G-Ted a pie to say thank you.
Jesse kept the WORS streak alive and is apparently drinking with Nebraska vagrants. Living dirty never felt so good.
Apparently a new, but strangely familiar face arrived on the scene for the six hour version of the Rapture in Misery race at Landahl. Dick Hickey took second despite cramping near the end of six. Urban Myth or Living Legend?
Speaking of gravel, it's on again. TransIowa V.4. Call your neighbors, tell your friends and most importantly, bake G-Ted a pie to say thank you.
Jesse kept the WORS streak alive and is apparently drinking with Nebraska vagrants. Living dirty never felt so good.
Apparently a new, but strangely familiar face arrived on the scene for the six hour version of the Rapture in Misery race at Landahl. Dick Hickey took second despite cramping near the end of six. Urban Myth or Living Legend?
Friday, August 17, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Barriers and a Crisp Fall Breeze
Today was a pool of sweat and 100+ degree heat index, but oh so soon, barriers and cowbells will rule the day. (At least the feet were a bit better.) If it weren't for the Evil Unicorns, I'd be jumping out of my skin for October to arrive.
With Cross Nationals in KC, the excitement is even higher. Three day road trip and two races in which I can appropriately embarrass myself along with watching many of the best cross racers America has to offer. (Come on, Jon Page, come to KC!!)
Speaking of fast, Molly's working a fund raiser to help minimize the cost of a season's travel, including heading across the pond to toe the line at a World Cup level. She has two Vanilla frames on the block, one of which has a look that is near and dear to my hearts and stars.
Jaw Dropper
With Cross Nationals in KC, the excitement is even higher. Three day road trip and two races in which I can appropriately embarrass myself along with watching many of the best cross racers America has to offer. (Come on, Jon Page, come to KC!!)
Speaking of fast, Molly's working a fund raiser to help minimize the cost of a season's travel, including heading across the pond to toe the line at a World Cup level. She has two Vanilla frames on the block, one of which has a look that is near and dear to my hearts and stars.
Jaw DropperSunday, August 12, 2007
Evil Unicorns Are Epic
Nebraska Wrecking Crew for 24hrs of Landahl.
Single Speed/Rigid/Rocking:
Nate Woodman - Head Floor Sweeper
Sam Rosenau - Fabrication in his Future.
Mark Savery - aka MOD. Giving up suspension for 24hrs.
Skip Cronin - aka PussyFeet.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Seeing Red Through Black
An hour and a half into a ride today my feet decided to unleash some sonic nerve ripping action yet again to the point where I ended up pedalling 45 minutes home by switching from one leg to the other, letting one hang unclipped. (Insert string of cursing here.)
Tonight, the Sidi's meet my exacto knife.
Tonight, the Sidi's meet my exacto knife.
Friday, August 10, 2007
The Superstition Twist
"A good pilot is compelled to evaluate what's happened, so he can apply what he's learned." - Viper
Having turned over the dismal effort at 9 Mile more times that anyone but me would care to count, I've now come to understand the real reasons for my poor performance. My lack of attention to superstition.
Clearly, my preparation in this area was sorely lacking. Some should really hit me in the head with a right-side up horse-shoe.
Let's look at where I got off-track:
* Lack of "War Paint." - As pointed out by the MonkeyGirl, the nails were clean. Or, as a Quik-Stop Clerk might say, "there wasn't a lot of pink going on." Historical data and metrics show this cost me three laps at a sub 90 minute rate. Ouch.
* Chopless. - Here's where common sense failed. It's tempting to believe that a cleanly shaven face will provide aero-dynamics and therefore faster average time. Learn from Snobbish foolishness. Chops allow on to channel the powers of T. Brown, Bob Roll, and Geoff Kabush (double strength if you are Canadian) and, not only turn phenominal lap times, but ride with technical abandon.
* Consumption of Cornbread. - Be advised. This is not a nutrition consideration. While not fully tested, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that riding with Cornbread can assist in achieving greater levels of success. Some side effects may include singing Oasis during races, arguments over the legality of pirated music and conversations regarding your future life as a marine animal.
Of course, at this point, one can only hope that I can learn from my mistakes and put this knowledge into superstitous best-practice. "It takes a lot more than just fancy flying."
Happy Friday. Snob out.
Having turned over the dismal effort at 9 Mile more times that anyone but me would care to count, I've now come to understand the real reasons for my poor performance. My lack of attention to superstition.
Clearly, my preparation in this area was sorely lacking. Some should really hit me in the head with a right-side up horse-shoe.
Let's look at where I got off-track:
* Lack of "War Paint." - As pointed out by the MonkeyGirl, the nails were clean. Or, as a Quik-Stop Clerk might say, "there wasn't a lot of pink going on." Historical data and metrics show this cost me three laps at a sub 90 minute rate. Ouch.
* Chopless. - Here's where common sense failed. It's tempting to believe that a cleanly shaven face will provide aero-dynamics and therefore faster average time. Learn from Snobbish foolishness. Chops allow on to channel the powers of T. Brown, Bob Roll, and Geoff Kabush (double strength if you are Canadian) and, not only turn phenominal lap times, but ride with technical abandon.
* Consumption of Cornbread. - Be advised. This is not a nutrition consideration. While not fully tested, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that riding with Cornbread can assist in achieving greater levels of success. Some side effects may include singing Oasis during races, arguments over the legality of pirated music and conversations regarding your future life as a marine animal.
Of course, at this point, one can only hope that I can learn from my mistakes and put this knowledge into superstitous best-practice. "It takes a lot more than just fancy flying."
Happy Friday. Snob out.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
September to Dismember?
September 2nd - Seven Oaks 24 Solo (pending full foot recovery)
September 15th - Manawa 12 Solo
September 23rd - Landahl (But it's not what you think)
September 15th - Manawa 12 Solo
September 23rd - Landahl (But it's not what you think)
Sunday, August 05, 2007
"... But Let's Go Kill Some Birds, I'm Psyched."
Since the feet still ache, I've spent time reviewing what races I'd like to hit for the remainder of year. (Thanks for all of the suggestions.) One race no one mentioned but that I looked at today is the 24hrs of Landahl. I was actually starting to get excited at the idea of going for it until I checked out the price. $330 for Solos. That's over 3x 9 Mile.
I don't get it.
The same weekend there is a 12hr in Wisco just north of Wausau for $35. 4 times the gas yet still quite a bit cheaper (though shorter). I am sure the Granny Gear events are top notch, but are they THAT much better? It's sad and perhaps telling that I can do multiple races, hundreds of miles away from the crib for the cost of one 24 that's a little over three hours away.
In fact, the Heartland Race guys have a 12 hour roughly a month prior at the same local. They put on a strong race, so where's the value?
Not sure if this post counts as whining, bitching or appropriate observation, but I don't see how that kind of price point can stand up considering the other options available. As always, feel free to tell me why I am wrong. Frankly, I'd be happy to be proven wrong on this one.
Perhaps it's for the better. I can't ride rocks anyway.
Rule #22. Never commit to a race if you can't afford beer afterwards.
Snob out.
I don't get it.
The same weekend there is a 12hr in Wisco just north of Wausau for $35. 4 times the gas yet still quite a bit cheaper (though shorter). I am sure the Granny Gear events are top notch, but are they THAT much better? It's sad and perhaps telling that I can do multiple races, hundreds of miles away from the crib for the cost of one 24 that's a little over three hours away.
In fact, the Heartland Race guys have a 12 hour roughly a month prior at the same local. They put on a strong race, so where's the value?
Not sure if this post counts as whining, bitching or appropriate observation, but I don't see how that kind of price point can stand up considering the other options available. As always, feel free to tell me why I am wrong. Frankly, I'd be happy to be proven wrong on this one.
Perhaps it's for the better. I can't ride rocks anyway.
Rule #22. Never commit to a race if you can't afford beer afterwards.
Snob out.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Leaning on a Broken Fence
* Back to wearing shoes instead of sandals.
* No stress fractures in my feet.
* Preride bruise still looking sweet after a week.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Now What?
Aside from a couple of cycling related "projects," I have no idea what races I'll do for the remainder of the season. Elk mentioned the Iron Cross, which is getting serious consideration, but what else? As always, suggestions welcome.
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