October 15th will be the Registration Deadline for the race. The long story short on this is that we currently have six people registered and if that number doesn't rise, it will be difficult to hold the event. I will simply see how registration goes through Oct. 15th and will make a decision as information warrants.
On the positive side, we're still working on this thing like it's going to happen. Course Recon is set for next weekend. The Jolly-Roger flags are in the queue and the course looks gorgeous and painful. We'll provide reports, photos and updates during the weekend so you can see what's shaking.
Sometimes the middle-of-nowhere is the place to be.
Thanks everyone,
The Snob.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Monday, September 04, 2006
Labor Day of Love
Corey really loves Labor Day. Really.
Mr. Matt Wills and Butch.
Rollin'.
Experimental Over-the-Shoulder Shot. (Lucky.)
Experimental Graham Watson Shot.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Single Speed Platte Train
Woke up at 4am having cashed in a mere two hours of sleep to ride to Platte with Big Skinny and Mr. Matt Wills. Despite a little sleep deprivation and passing on a lap at Platte due to questionable trail conditions, we had damn good time. The gravel was good, the buffet as tasty as ever and the conversation was out-fucking-standing.
It was a little foggy as we started out.
"So... there I was... in the Congo."
Pinkie looking as fly as ever.
Behind Door #3 - Bacon
I thought you had it. No, you had it.
Almost home.
Two hours of sleep, up at 4am, nearly 80 miles. Tired is a state of mind.
It was a little foggy as we started out.
"So... there I was... in the Congo." 
Pinkie looking as fly as ever.
Behind Door #3 - Bacon
I thought you had it. No, you had it.
Almost home.
Two hours of sleep, up at 4am, nearly 80 miles. Tired is a state of mind.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Everybody's Asshole: Take Two
I'm not sure what to think about all of this. I thought I had expressed my side without being one of "those guys." But, apparently, I'm That Guy.
Check it out: MTBR Thread.
Check it out: MTBR Thread.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Big Big Bummer
also could be titled the "Squeeky Wheel - No Grease" post.
Just before 9 Mile was the first time I ran the larger XR tires on the Niner and there were a few times during the race when I heard a strange sound from my bike. A rubbing, not quite right kind of sound. I checked the bike post race and saw that, not only is there bare metal showing on the left chain stay, but there is a groove/crease as well. The scandium had been worn and grooved because of the tire rubbing.
Time to put Team Over-Analysis to work. The Cycleworks crew, including at various times, Jerod, Tony T, Matt P, Z-Dogg, Rock D and of course, Jeff all pondered and looked at the bike with me. We were thorough and frankly, I was waiting to see what I had done to jack up my bike. Jerod double checked Niner's recommend spacing. I was good there. He then thought to check the frame alignment. It was off. Not by a ton, a few of mil., but enough to balance out the space I was suppose to have minus a bit more. Ah, there's the rub.
So, Jeff chats with Niner and finds out that clearance had been a challenge for them with their earlier batches of bikes (which mine came from), but that they have since then adjusted/corrected the clearance in subsequent batches. Jeff then offers to double-check the bike and send some photos. Everything comes out the same in the double-check. We also checked the dish of the wheel to see if it had contributed to the problem. It's a Mohawk hand-built, so I felt it was solid and, of course, it was. Jeff attaches the photos to an email and sends it across.
Their response was to say that the portion of the chainstay in question was very thick and "should not" break. They would cover the frame if it broke. They then went on to explain how some of the tires, like the ones I run weren't available when thier early frames where made. They explain how they adjusted and that later batches had more clearance. My other option from Niner is to exchange the frame for a price of $200. The do not explain why the frame is out of alignment.
My reaction? I don't think so.
There was no mention in their response about the frame being out of alignment. An acknowledgement would be nice.
Based on all of the information I had, I did everything according to Hoyle. Had I know I actually had less clearance, I wouldn't have run that tire. Had I put my head up my ass and ran a tire beyond what they say you can run, I would have accepted it and ate my mistake.
If I jack something up, it's on my tab. If you and I jack something up together, I'll split it with you. I'm not going to pay an extra $200 for a frame I should already have.
I'm sure as hell not going to buy a SIR anymore. Nor any other Niner frame for that matter. Full dismount.
Maybe I should have G-Ted add scandium to his current discussion. Will Scandium sudden give as the groove gets larger? Do I feel like chancing it? Nope. Do I feel like paying a $200 "insurance policy" to make sure I am not on a frame that will break. Fuck no.
I'm working to have some class about this, but I'm pissed and disappointed.
I'm ready for my IF to get here. I hear they make a 29er SS.
Just before 9 Mile was the first time I ran the larger XR tires on the Niner and there were a few times during the race when I heard a strange sound from my bike. A rubbing, not quite right kind of sound. I checked the bike post race and saw that, not only is there bare metal showing on the left chain stay, but there is a groove/crease as well. The scandium had been worn and grooved because of the tire rubbing.
Time to put Team Over-Analysis to work. The Cycleworks crew, including at various times, Jerod, Tony T, Matt P, Z-Dogg, Rock D and of course, Jeff all pondered and looked at the bike with me. We were thorough and frankly, I was waiting to see what I had done to jack up my bike. Jerod double checked Niner's recommend spacing. I was good there. He then thought to check the frame alignment. It was off. Not by a ton, a few of mil., but enough to balance out the space I was suppose to have minus a bit more. Ah, there's the rub.
So, Jeff chats with Niner and finds out that clearance had been a challenge for them with their earlier batches of bikes (which mine came from), but that they have since then adjusted/corrected the clearance in subsequent batches. Jeff then offers to double-check the bike and send some photos. Everything comes out the same in the double-check. We also checked the dish of the wheel to see if it had contributed to the problem. It's a Mohawk hand-built, so I felt it was solid and, of course, it was. Jeff attaches the photos to an email and sends it across.
Their response was to say that the portion of the chainstay in question was very thick and "should not" break. They would cover the frame if it broke. They then went on to explain how some of the tires, like the ones I run weren't available when thier early frames where made. They explain how they adjusted and that later batches had more clearance. My other option from Niner is to exchange the frame for a price of $200. The do not explain why the frame is out of alignment.
My reaction? I don't think so.
There was no mention in their response about the frame being out of alignment. An acknowledgement would be nice.
Based on all of the information I had, I did everything according to Hoyle. Had I know I actually had less clearance, I wouldn't have run that tire. Had I put my head up my ass and ran a tire beyond what they say you can run, I would have accepted it and ate my mistake.
If I jack something up, it's on my tab. If you and I jack something up together, I'll split it with you. I'm not going to pay an extra $200 for a frame I should already have.
I'm sure as hell not going to buy a SIR anymore. Nor any other Niner frame for that matter. Full dismount.
Maybe I should have G-Ted add scandium to his current discussion. Will Scandium sudden give as the groove gets larger? Do I feel like chancing it? Nope. Do I feel like paying a $200 "insurance policy" to make sure I am not on a frame that will break. Fuck no.
I'm working to have some class about this, but I'm pissed and disappointed.
I'm ready for my IF to get here. I hear they make a 29er SS.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Little Bummer
Looks like the Snob will not be racing the State Champs. The recon for the Epic is that weekend and it's now time to dial things in and put together a race people enjoy and feel good about riding in.
Worst Fear: Having people come away bummed because of something I could have controlled. (which makes me waver about riding it myself or running the "command center.")
Working on some cool news in conjunction with someone who's a great part of the endurance freak community. Stay tuned.
BareKnuckle's and Beer. Yes!! (BareKnuckleBeerBrigade?)
Monday, August 28, 2006
Moderation...
... is masterbation.
Considering a fixed gear project of sorts. Niner SIR. Fixed. Mary Bars. Why? I need a New Kind of Kick.
Victory salutes to Mr. 24 and Paddy*Naomi.
So, if you're considering a suspension fork for a 29er, what's your choice?
------
Clarification. The suspension isn't in regard to the fixie. It would be used in solo 24hr situations only.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Eat the Homeless
Over the last few weeks, I've encounter the same homeless gentleman on my ride to and from the office. Several of the usual cliches seem to apply. Darkly tanned, shopping cart filled to the rim with all manner of items and I don't have enough insurance to cover the man's needed dental work.
Near the end of the mini-heatwave we suffered through near the beginning of the month, I was passing under Cornhusker Highway on the way home, when I saw this guy stumble and take a knee underneath the overpass. "You okay, man?" I asked, pulling up near him. He didn't say a word but was sweating bullets so I offered him my water bottle. He tilted it back and began to chug it dry, pulling the water in until the sides of bottle caved in. Then he just walked away, so I rode off.
A few days later I found him further North, near Superior. Just East of 27th St. If you know the area, you know that there is nothing there. The trail slips between two cornfields that I believe the University owns. It's the perfect place to setup camp, which is what I believe this man has done. Seclusion. Tree lined for shade. The Salt Creek available for water.
A few days ago, I was on my way to work and when I neared the Cornhusker underpass, I could see there was a lot of shubbery down on the path. As I began to drop under the highway, I again found my friend, hacksaw in hand, cutting down the shrubs and weeds around the bridge. I bunny hopped a small section and just rode on in slightly amazed. He's never actually cleaned the shrubs off of the path. He job apparently completed.
I see him everyday. This morning he and his cart gave room when I told him I was coming by him on his left. He didn't look up as he pushed his cart from the front, constantly adjusting and it twitched its way along the path.
I'll be interested to see what happens to my friend as Fall approaches. He's working his own system though only he really knows what that may be.
Near the end of the mini-heatwave we suffered through near the beginning of the month, I was passing under Cornhusker Highway on the way home, when I saw this guy stumble and take a knee underneath the overpass. "You okay, man?" I asked, pulling up near him. He didn't say a word but was sweating bullets so I offered him my water bottle. He tilted it back and began to chug it dry, pulling the water in until the sides of bottle caved in. Then he just walked away, so I rode off.
A few days later I found him further North, near Superior. Just East of 27th St. If you know the area, you know that there is nothing there. The trail slips between two cornfields that I believe the University owns. It's the perfect place to setup camp, which is what I believe this man has done. Seclusion. Tree lined for shade. The Salt Creek available for water.
A few days ago, I was on my way to work and when I neared the Cornhusker underpass, I could see there was a lot of shubbery down on the path. As I began to drop under the highway, I again found my friend, hacksaw in hand, cutting down the shrubs and weeds around the bridge. I bunny hopped a small section and just rode on in slightly amazed. He's never actually cleaned the shrubs off of the path. He job apparently completed.
I see him everyday. This morning he and his cart gave room when I told him I was coming by him on his left. He didn't look up as he pushed his cart from the front, constantly adjusting and it twitched its way along the path.
I'll be interested to see what happens to my friend as Fall approaches. He's working his own system though only he really knows what that may be.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Listless and Restless
Ever have one of those nights where you're just a little too tired, too bored, too far gone? That's tonight. That's now.
But misery loves blogging so start your surfing with a few of these locales.
Under the header of "In Need of Healing:"
CVO, our man on the scene is down but never out.
Fat Marc has some of the best posts you'll read on the web, but brother needs to take care o' dat boo-tay. Warning, some reaction is assured by the "boo-tay" link. Be prepared.
Less painful in some ways...
TransIowa discussion on MTBR.
Epic Recon Sept. 16-17. It looks easy on paper.
But misery loves blogging so start your surfing with a few of these locales.
Under the header of "In Need of Healing:"
CVO, our man on the scene is down but never out.
Fat Marc has some of the best posts you'll read on the web, but brother needs to take care o' dat boo-tay. Warning, some reaction is assured by the "boo-tay" link. Be prepared.
Less painful in some ways...
TransIowa discussion on MTBR.
Epic Recon Sept. 16-17. It looks easy on paper.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
The Accidental Drunkard
Is it accidental if you are purposefully raising your own glass? Don't answer that.
With Swanson cancelled and the schedule calling for me to help out at the shop on Sunday, no rides or racing was to be had over the weekend. Time for Yia Yia's. Time for Bricktop. Time for Zach's last call to ring, "Skip and I have to work tomorrow, so you need to leave."
Funny how nearly after a full calendar year of not being scheduled at the shop how nothing changes. It's like a comfortable little time warp. If only I could remember how to ring things up. (When did you guys get that little scanner?)
With Swanson cancelled and the schedule calling for me to help out at the shop on Sunday, no rides or racing was to be had over the weekend. Time for Yia Yia's. Time for Bricktop. Time for Zach's last call to ring, "Skip and I have to work tomorrow, so you need to leave."
Funny how nearly after a full calendar year of not being scheduled at the shop how nothing changes. It's like a comfortable little time warp. If only I could remember how to ring things up. (When did you guys get that little scanner?)
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Blogger in the Spotlight - Thanks Olympia Cycle
From the Olympia Cycle site:
"Paddy is the Store Manager at Olympia, which means that he does, well, pretty much some of everything, whether that means helping customers fit the right bike or pair of skis, working on repairs, or keeping the other misbehaving staff in line (Paddy can turn a used inner tube into a deadly authoritarian weapon).
Paddy can help with all of your bike and ski needs, but he personally focuses on xc riding and classical xc skiing. For a little cross training Paddy also mixes it up with some downhill skiing, trail running, and running with his two dogs.
Paddy likes a little pain in his life - he's a Trans-Iowa finisher, 24 Hour Solo World Championships participant (Snob insert here: He was on the fucking podium), and usually opts to ride the races he enters on a rigid singlespeed. (Hey, Look. It's PentaPaddy. --> )
Like most guys in the shop Paddy has too many bikes and skis to mention, but his favourite at the moment is his Surly 1x1, or maybe it's his Steamroller set up for 'cross. Why is it that the rest of us lust after the $8000 carbon/titanium machines while the shop guys love the $1000-and-less steel frames? Maybe they know something we don't.
Like any good bike geek Paddy's favourite movie is Star Wars (Episode 5), The Empire Strikes Back, and his taste in music can be a a little on the hard side (The Deftones, Queen of the Stone Age, etc.) but he insists he likes almost anything including lighter stuff and ambient, "'cause I'm married to a hippy cop/chick".
Come say hi to Paddy today, and make sure to ask him to point out all of the titanium bolts on his bikes; you'll be his new best friend."
What else do we know about Paddy?
We know Nat Ross thinks he's a chick.
He's an outstanding drunk blogger.
He likes to flip off the camera.
Hardcore man with a good heart.
I have to ask though, Episode 5?? WTF?
"Paddy is the Store Manager at Olympia, which means that he does, well, pretty much some of everything, whether that means helping customers fit the right bike or pair of skis, working on repairs, or keeping the other misbehaving staff in line (Paddy can turn a used inner tube into a deadly authoritarian weapon).Paddy can help with all of your bike and ski needs, but he personally focuses on xc riding and classical xc skiing. For a little cross training Paddy also mixes it up with some downhill skiing, trail running, and running with his two dogs.
Paddy likes a little pain in his life - he's a Trans-Iowa finisher, 24 Hour Solo World Championships participant (Snob insert here: He was on the fucking podium), and usually opts to ride the races he enters on a rigid singlespeed. (Hey, Look. It's PentaPaddy. --> )
Like most guys in the shop Paddy has too many bikes and skis to mention, but his favourite at the moment is his Surly 1x1, or maybe it's his Steamroller set up for 'cross. Why is it that the rest of us lust after the $8000 carbon/titanium machines while the shop guys love the $1000-and-less steel frames? Maybe they know something we don't.
Like any good bike geek Paddy's favourite movie is Star Wars (Episode 5), The Empire Strikes Back, and his taste in music can be a a little on the hard side (The Deftones, Queen of the Stone Age, etc.) but he insists he likes almost anything including lighter stuff and ambient, "'cause I'm married to a hippy cop/chick".
Come say hi to Paddy today, and make sure to ask him to point out all of the titanium bolts on his bikes; you'll be his new best friend."
What else do we know about Paddy?
We know Nat Ross thinks he's a chick.
He's an outstanding drunk blogger.
He likes to flip off the camera.
Hardcore man with a good heart.
I have to ask though, Episode 5?? WTF?
Friday, August 18, 2006
Now What?
So, Swanson is cancelled. Local news breaking on FFL and MTB Omaha. The question is, do I head South do a 12hr race? A little tough to go solo for 12 last minute with no support, but I may just say fuck it and go anyway. If anyone is interested in heading down, drop a brother a line. I guess I also need to see if it's too wet to race down there as well.
What the fuck is the deal with 2006?
What the fuck is the deal with 2006?
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Simply Snobbery
Apparently, I need to rethink my little moniker, at least for this weekend.
There are three events on the Calendar.
G-Ted's got the Death Ride Invitational which our main man Matt Wills is attending. Seems like a natural for me, but nooooooooo.
So, did I decide to rock it enduro style in Kansas? The Rapture in Misery? NOooooooooo.
An XC event? Are you kidding? Ummm, no. Really looking forward to watching T-Bone and others ride away from me at Swanson. After doing zero intervals so far this year, it will be interesting to see what happens. I predict my first comment after the race will be along the lines of, "Is that it?"
What the hell has happened to the Snob? Why am I speaking of myself in the third person? Only assholes do that.
There are three events on the Calendar.
G-Ted's got the Death Ride Invitational which our main man Matt Wills is attending. Seems like a natural for me, but nooooooooo.
So, did I decide to rock it enduro style in Kansas? The Rapture in Misery? NOooooooooo.
An XC event? Are you kidding? Ummm, no. Really looking forward to watching T-Bone and others ride away from me at Swanson. After doing zero intervals so far this year, it will be interesting to see what happens. I predict my first comment after the race will be along the lines of, "Is that it?"
What the hell has happened to the Snob? Why am I speaking of myself in the third person? Only assholes do that.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Did I Stop?
Riding home from work tonight I did a short track stand stop at stop sign, looked both ways, and rode on. Just as I finished moving threw the cross street, Johnny Law pulled up beside me.
"Hey," he said in a completely polite tone. "I need you to stop at that sign next time."
"I did stop," I replied reasonably.
"You've gotta put a foot down."
"A track stand doesn't count?"
"I know you weren't moving, but I need you to put a foot down."
I waved acknowledgement at this point and we parted.
So, did I stop?
Interesting topic on G-Ted's site regarding Ergon grips. My hands are still suffering issues from 9 Mile and I do believe the grips hold a portion of the issue, along with the course and riding rigid. The grips have been perfect for other events, such as TI and Leadville. I hope that the new grips G-Ted alludes to are a perfect compromise as I was a big proponent until recently.
If you haven't visited Team Dicky and given them prompts, get over there. They are the first team to finish the TransRockies rocking one gear.
"Hey," he said in a completely polite tone. "I need you to stop at that sign next time."
"I did stop," I replied reasonably.
"You've gotta put a foot down."
"A track stand doesn't count?"
"I know you weren't moving, but I need you to put a foot down."
I waved acknowledgement at this point and we parted.
So, did I stop?
Interesting topic on G-Ted's site regarding Ergon grips. My hands are still suffering issues from 9 Mile and I do believe the grips hold a portion of the issue, along with the course and riding rigid. The grips have been perfect for other events, such as TI and Leadville. I hope that the new grips G-Ted alludes to are a perfect compromise as I was a big proponent until recently.
If you haven't visited Team Dicky and given them prompts, get over there. They are the first team to finish the TransRockies rocking one gear.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
"Let's Do That Again"
Was it good? Damn right, it was.Corey and I ventured up to Swanson on Saturday morning to scout things out for this weekends State Championship race. It was a cherry popping trip for me. Rooty, twisty, single-speed friendly, fun. Very few places to pass. From what I hear, from what I saw, it's seems a hole-shot or something damn close to it is mandatory. Too bad I am not that quick.
The Fam du Snob met us a bit later at the park. Seven rocked the single track and freaked herself out flying over roots. Mrs. Snob took advantage of DemoDay action and now thinks dual-squish rules the roost. I'm not sure what to think about that.
Cleaned out my messenger bag from last night's festivities and found an empty, lonely beer can still attached to the plastic six pack ring. Good times when you aren't taking yourself so seriously.
EnduroSnob Epic work is ramping back up again. You'll start to see a steadier stream of updates now. Whether there are five of us or fifty, it will be a scene.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Just a Minor Threat
Hate is for Haters. American Hardcore. Thanks for the heads up, KW.Big Skinny and I are heading to Swanson tomorrow. We had already planned to go as I needed to check out Swanson for the State MTB race, but with full blown demos going on, we can do no wrong.
In case you're wondering what that echo is clanging through the woods tomorrow, that's my BB.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
The Magic Number
After making sure bits and bolts were tight, it became official. I have now torched my third bottom bracket this year. Frustrating. I had talked of getting a Phil Wood rebuild and now I don't really see another way to go. Suggestions are welcome.This post was brought to you by the Misfits. Thanks Jesse.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)