Snob Favorites on a Roll

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

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

Endurance News Fit for a King

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

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

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

Confederacy of a Single Dunce

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

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

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

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

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

Nebraska Cycling - A Bit of Perspective

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

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

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

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

We now return to your regularly scheduled snobbery.

This Most Foul Year of our Lord, 2005.

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


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

Secret Training Callout: Part I

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

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

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

Cloaks and Daggers.

The Grand Loop

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

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

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

Up with Wilderness. Down with Hamster Wheels.

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

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

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

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

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

How Old is Too Old?

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

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

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

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

Walk Idiot Walk

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

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

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

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

Chops In Modern Cycling: Part IV

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

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

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

Running on Empty

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

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

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

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

Weekend of Sundries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Million Reasons not to, but...

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

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

You TOO should have Chops!!

Two cases in point.

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

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

VIVA LA CHOPS!!!

The Fun has arrived

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

Smiles, Everyone!!! Smiles!!

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

Blogging at a first grade level

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

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

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

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

Homework Grade: Incomplete

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Grade: Incomplete.

Dammit Chris. Not you.

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

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

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

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


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