Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Corey Will Finish Fifth
Corey hit the 2nd CP with ten minutes to spare. The course has been
shortened due to washed out roads and, baring disaster, he'll be the
fifth and final rider to finish TI V.4.
shortened due to washed out roads and, baring disaster, he'll be the
fifth and final rider to finish TI V.4.
Viva la Cornbread!!
Corey Pushes On
We met a down and out Cotnbread about 140 miles in. After about an
hour of reovery, he decided to 'try.' We decided he would go, but
that we would wait behind, then go check on him after about 30
minutes. Two huge thumbs up later, he was cranking it toward CP2 and
looking strong.
hour of reovery, he decided to 'try.' We decided he would go, but
that we would wait behind, then go check on him after about 30
minutes. Two huge thumbs up later, he was cranking it toward CP2 and
looking strong.
I love that guy.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Prep
The pile keeps getting higher.Last year I arrived in Iowa and found I had forgotten a couple of key clothing items for the race. Genius. So, like Santa making his list and checking it twice, I've been Mr. Paranoid tonight trying to make sure I am not taking plastic wrap for bananas from a Casey's in the middle of the night to try to stay warm in V.4. On the plus side, my War Axe fleece knickers arrived and are making the trip. They're so comfy I may order a pair san chamois for pajamas.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
"I Guess I Can Always Just Stop"
Team Over-Analysis ventured out for some laps around Branched Oak this morning. Mr. Avey and I enjoyed our usual 'everything under the sun' conversations ('What'd you guys talk about?... Everything under the sun.") and paced our way around the lake. Eventually, of course, Jeff asked the question, "So are you leaning one way or another regarding TI?" I then started to vomit all the meandering idiocy that was in my head until I circled around one simple truth. "I can always just stop." Done. See you in Iowa. (Jeff pointed out that this line of thinking begs the question, "Will you know when to stop?" My response? "Shut the fuck up, Jeff.")
Lighten up, Francis
Caw... Caw...
Lighten up, Francis
Caw... Caw...Saturday, April 19, 2008
Doomstruck Craziness
I set out this morning with one goal in mind, to determine whether or not it was realistic to start TI. Unfortunately, the jury is still out.
Having not ridden in two weeks and having some coughing spells fit for Val Kilmer in Tombstone, I was a bit nervous about how I'd feel. After twenty minutes of light coughing and even lighter riding, I hit some gravel north of town and promptly had a couple of mutts nipping at my heels on an slight uphill. After outstretching the pups I expected a hacking spell, but found I was fine to keep cranking on up the hill. Strangely, after I topped out and was soft-pedalling down the other side, the cough kicked in and, after reaching a level which included gagging, finally calmed down as I started up a slight rise again. WTF?
Shortly after, my attention turned to my left pedal, which was clicking loudly combined with the fact it felt like I had a cleat loose. Add in that my front tire seemed to be slowly leaking and I was left feeling exasperated and frustrated. Mainly, due to my health. The mechanical stuff was just icing.
I stopped to find a broken pedal (4th pair down) and a tearing sidewall. Just what the doctor ordered. Luckily, I just limped the whole thing home. Unluckily, two and a half hours left me feeling like I had gone six. So, of course, I said 'fuck it' and did some yard work. Spring has sprung.
In...
... and out.
Looking good.
Having not ridden in two weeks and having some coughing spells fit for Val Kilmer in Tombstone, I was a bit nervous about how I'd feel. After twenty minutes of light coughing and even lighter riding, I hit some gravel north of town and promptly had a couple of mutts nipping at my heels on an slight uphill. After outstretching the pups I expected a hacking spell, but found I was fine to keep cranking on up the hill. Strangely, after I topped out and was soft-pedalling down the other side, the cough kicked in and, after reaching a level which included gagging, finally calmed down as I started up a slight rise again. WTF?
Shortly after, my attention turned to my left pedal, which was clicking loudly combined with the fact it felt like I had a cleat loose. Add in that my front tire seemed to be slowly leaking and I was left feeling exasperated and frustrated. Mainly, due to my health. The mechanical stuff was just icing.
I stopped to find a broken pedal (4th pair down) and a tearing sidewall. Just what the doctor ordered. Luckily, I just limped the whole thing home. Unluckily, two and a half hours left me feeling like I had gone six. So, of course, I said 'fuck it' and did some yard work. Spring has sprung.
In...
... and out.
Looking good.Thursday, April 17, 2008
Always Returned with Scars to Show
Amber tagged me with the six word Memoir post last week. It's nothing terribly original but it's the best I have at the moment.
Visited my friendly Dr. So-And-So today and walked away with a prescription and little to no positive vibes regarding that short little race next weekend. I'm just rolling with the punches. We'll call it "The Big Taper."
Visited my friendly Dr. So-And-So today and walked away with a prescription and little to no positive vibes regarding that short little race next weekend. I'm just rolling with the punches. We'll call it "The Big Taper."
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
"No One Wants to See That."
Mrs. Snob's response to my playful suggestion of posting a picture of the bloody mess I keep coughing up.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Message In A 40oz Bottle: Elk's 'Rock For Light' Rule
As I was sitting at the Mac this morning, lamenting the fact that I was irrigating my sinuses while the H8TR100 was starting and bemoaning missing out on Ouachita, I began the downward spiraling thought process of stressing out about TransIowa. In short, wondering when I'll be back on the bike and how many days that will leave me before it's time to grind gravel into a fine rum punch. Before I got too far down the path of insipid whinery, I remembered this post by the Fighter from Philly, ELK.
And I quote:
Rock For Light Rule: Finally, go get yourself a copy of the classic Bad Brains album, Rock for Light. Throw it in your CD player, turn the volume to 11, and simultaneously hit the Play and Repeat options. Play it 'til your ears bleed or your neighbors call the cops, which ever comes first. If you're not familiar with the lyrics, keep your ear tuned to the wisdom of HR and you'll notice the concept of PMA, or Positive Mental Attitude, is featured prominently throughout. "Gotta, gotta, gotta, keep that P-M-A!" This has been my mantra on more than one occasion while sick or hurt, and sometimes the enlightenment that comes from reciting this mantra takes form of a laser sharp focus on a goal one, three, or six months down the road.
I don't fancy myself as the Philosopher King of South Philly, but I have a very strong belief in the power of positive thinking and attitude when it comes to overcoming health challenges. Being sick as the race season commences is a real buzz killer and the disappointment that comes along with it is genuine. But in the same regard, it is easy to visualize a return good health and success looming on the not so distant horizon. "Gotta, gotta, gotta, keep that P-M-A!" Goals don't always have to mean crossing the finish line first.
End Quote.
And I quote:
Rock For Light Rule: Finally, go get yourself a copy of the classic Bad Brains album, Rock for Light. Throw it in your CD player, turn the volume to 11, and simultaneously hit the Play and Repeat options. Play it 'til your ears bleed or your neighbors call the cops, which ever comes first. If you're not familiar with the lyrics, keep your ear tuned to the wisdom of HR and you'll notice the concept of PMA, or Positive Mental Attitude, is featured prominently throughout. "Gotta, gotta, gotta, keep that P-M-A!" This has been my mantra on more than one occasion while sick or hurt, and sometimes the enlightenment that comes from reciting this mantra takes form of a laser sharp focus on a goal one, three, or six months down the road.
I don't fancy myself as the Philosopher King of South Philly, but I have a very strong belief in the power of positive thinking and attitude when it comes to overcoming health challenges. Being sick as the race season commences is a real buzz killer and the disappointment that comes along with it is genuine. But in the same regard, it is easy to visualize a return good health and success looming on the not so distant horizon. "Gotta, gotta, gotta, keep that P-M-A!" Goals don't always have to mean crossing the finish line first.
End Quote.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Down and Out
Shortly after writing Musketloader report, my ass was handed to me by the worst cold I have gotten in years. Slept 22 of 24 hours on Monday and my body feels like Gumby today. Maybe I have finally found my true talent, endurance sleeping.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Into the Wolf's Den
Nate, Sam and I met up with B. Minks and Alter-Nate early yesterday morning for the drive to the first Psycowpath XC race of the year at Maskenthine Lake. After a quick stop at D'Leons for burritos, it was a smooth and uneventful drive to the lake. Late Thursday, I gave up the idea of heading to Ouachita solo to instead try my hand at what I think was only my sixth XC race ever and initiate the T.R.I.P.
We arrived at the lake, went through the usual pre-race nonsense and decided to do a lap or two to warm-up. It didn't take long for us all to agree that the course seems to have a bad rep. for no reason. In fact, we discussed a few times how it they would let a motorbike on the course for a lap or two, the harsh ride of the newly cut trails would be 'primo.' I doubt that's THOR approved, but it is all that's needed.
As we went through the single speed call up, the promoter called out "SkiD Cronin," which gave us all a good laugh. "Well, I do tend to grab too much brake." I joked as I raised my hand with a grin. Alter-Nate was sitting beside me and we continued to banter back and for until the word 'GO.'
I generally feel pretty clueless when it comes to deciding how hard to go at the start of an XC race. Considering I tend to start slowly in long events anyway, I decided to push it a bit out of my comfort zone but stay away from popping right away. With the start an uphill gravel road climb until you reached the single track, I knew it would at least give me an open view of everyone else so I could judge where I was sitting.
Near the top, Sam and Alter-Nate were at the front with a Bike Masters rider about 15 yards in front of me. I looked around and realized I had gapped everyone else by about that same distance. As we hit the single track, I simply worked hard and hoped to see how things were sitting once I popped into a more open area of the course. About a third of the way through the first lap, I realized I was losing ground on the leaders and keeping the same gap on the group of four behind me. I then did something I had never done in an XC race. I used a tactic and slowed slightly so the group of four would catch me.
The course consisted of many short climbs and, in the woods, several power sucking sections of damp earth. The damp sections actually pulled more energy than many of the dry steeper climbs and, as I slide into the back of the bunch that had caught me, wondered how wise I was really being in deciding to ride with the bunch.
I spent most of the second lap trying to sort out who in the group was stronger in what sections of the course I decided that I may have been digging my own grave by having that many people to pass. I also spent time chatting with Brandon which was great in that it made the race more fun and gave me some hope that my penchant for endurance might help me at the end of the race. (Thanks again, B.)
Near the end of lap two, I was able to use some of the climbs to slide forward and, early in the last lap, I had only one Bike Masters rider left in front of me. I stayed behind him for a while as he and I both seemed to be putting time into most of the other riders and then I began to think I wouldn't be able to pass him. As we entered the last muddy section of single track, he got several seconds in front of me and I thought I was screwed. However, during the last open switchback climbing section, I got to his wheel and, to my surprise, he waved me by. With only one last short climb to go I simply tried to finish strongly, and sort out how I was feeling.
I chatted with several of our 'gang of four' post race. Everyone was classy and in good spirits. We shared a little misery regarding the mud which wore us down and the way the course was on its way to being really nice. It just takes a bit more traffic.
Sam and Alter-Nate took second and third in SS respectively and Nate rode to third in the Expert open on a single speed. Jesse P. also took top honors in his age group and was 3rd overall. Nice day for War Axe. Nice day for Lincoln.
With our work done, we stopped at "The Wolf's Den" for dinner. Classic small town dinner/bar combo. As the first cyclists in the place, we got a lot of looks for the locals who sat at two large round tables playing cards.
We took tables near the restrooms which were labelled "Pointers" and "Setters." The portions were huge (particularly the burgers) and the service was friendly as we huge for a couple of hours. As we left, the race promotor, Jon Downey (who put on a really well done event) asked Sam and I how he could get a War Axe cap. After a small pause Sam offered, "You can have the one off of my head if you don't mind washing it." Seconds later, the War Axe virus had spread a little further and we were on our way home.
We arrived at the lake, went through the usual pre-race nonsense and decided to do a lap or two to warm-up. It didn't take long for us all to agree that the course seems to have a bad rep. for no reason. In fact, we discussed a few times how it they would let a motorbike on the course for a lap or two, the harsh ride of the newly cut trails would be 'primo.' I doubt that's THOR approved, but it is all that's needed.
As we went through the single speed call up, the promoter called out "SkiD Cronin," which gave us all a good laugh. "Well, I do tend to grab too much brake." I joked as I raised my hand with a grin. Alter-Nate was sitting beside me and we continued to banter back and for until the word 'GO.'
I generally feel pretty clueless when it comes to deciding how hard to go at the start of an XC race. Considering I tend to start slowly in long events anyway, I decided to push it a bit out of my comfort zone but stay away from popping right away. With the start an uphill gravel road climb until you reached the single track, I knew it would at least give me an open view of everyone else so I could judge where I was sitting.
Near the top, Sam and Alter-Nate were at the front with a Bike Masters rider about 15 yards in front of me. I looked around and realized I had gapped everyone else by about that same distance. As we hit the single track, I simply worked hard and hoped to see how things were sitting once I popped into a more open area of the course. About a third of the way through the first lap, I realized I was losing ground on the leaders and keeping the same gap on the group of four behind me. I then did something I had never done in an XC race. I used a tactic and slowed slightly so the group of four would catch me.
The course consisted of many short climbs and, in the woods, several power sucking sections of damp earth. The damp sections actually pulled more energy than many of the dry steeper climbs and, as I slide into the back of the bunch that had caught me, wondered how wise I was really being in deciding to ride with the bunch.
I spent most of the second lap trying to sort out who in the group was stronger in what sections of the course I decided that I may have been digging my own grave by having that many people to pass. I also spent time chatting with Brandon which was great in that it made the race more fun and gave me some hope that my penchant for endurance might help me at the end of the race. (Thanks again, B.)
Near the end of lap two, I was able to use some of the climbs to slide forward and, early in the last lap, I had only one Bike Masters rider left in front of me. I stayed behind him for a while as he and I both seemed to be putting time into most of the other riders and then I began to think I wouldn't be able to pass him. As we entered the last muddy section of single track, he got several seconds in front of me and I thought I was screwed. However, during the last open switchback climbing section, I got to his wheel and, to my surprise, he waved me by. With only one last short climb to go I simply tried to finish strongly, and sort out how I was feeling.
I chatted with several of our 'gang of four' post race. Everyone was classy and in good spirits. We shared a little misery regarding the mud which wore us down and the way the course was on its way to being really nice. It just takes a bit more traffic.
Sam and Alter-Nate took second and third in SS respectively and Nate rode to third in the Expert open on a single speed. Jesse P. also took top honors in his age group and was 3rd overall. Nice day for War Axe. Nice day for Lincoln.
With our work done, we stopped at "The Wolf's Den" for dinner. Classic small town dinner/bar combo. As the first cyclists in the place, we got a lot of looks for the locals who sat at two large round tables playing cards.
We took tables near the restrooms which were labelled "Pointers" and "Setters." The portions were huge (particularly the burgers) and the service was friendly as we huge for a couple of hours. As we left, the race promotor, Jon Downey (who put on a really well done event) asked Sam and I how he could get a War Axe cap. After a small pause Sam offered, "You can have the one off of my head if you don't mind washing it." Seconds later, the War Axe virus had spread a little further and we were on our way home.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Shots from the MusketLoader...rrrr... Maskenthine XC Race
Album Cover Shot
How many double-headed eagles do you see?
1st in class, 3rd overall
Nate climbing to the finish
Expert Open Podium
Single Speed Podium (yours truly was 4th)
Long Road HomeFriday, April 04, 2008
Assorted Snobbery: The Colbert Bump
Politicians aren't the only one's looking for a little increase in popularity. In order to increase this blog's dwindling metrics (not really), I decided to turn to the Colbert Nation and the infamous 'Colbert Bump' to raise my stats. So heroes, head into Leon's and try the Spicy Sweet Chili. (Do they give out Peabody's for blogging?)
"Excellence in Snacking"
"Excellence in Snacking"Thursday, April 03, 2008
Channel Neil Cassady?
What had been a pack of racers heading down to Arkansas to race has now dwindled to a decision about whether or not I want to channel the great driver of the beat generation, put in 12 behind the wheel, race 80 miles, then turn the Prius around and drive back.
Enjoy it, indeed.
Enjoy it, indeed.
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