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.

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?)

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.

Saturday

Saturday's ride with Corey and his better late than never IF kit. Chill. Uneventful. Digging the scene. TT grabbed some photo evidence of Niner frame drama at the shop. I wonder if my cardboard Ninja throwing star left a bruise.

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.

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.

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?)

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?

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?

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.

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.

Deduction to Induction

"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.

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.

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.

My Accelerade Experience: Part One

When I was asked if I would review Accelerade on the blog, I offered to try it at the 24hrs of 9 Mile and provide feedback under race conditions. The challenge is that everything is skewed by the fact that I started the race without proper hydration, found myself quickly behind the eight ball and spent the rest of the race playing nutritional catch-up.

Before a drop of Accelerade hit my mouth, I had already cramped pretty badly and rolled into the pit where the crew and I went into triage mode. I downed a variety of products at that point, including my first Accelerade gel. Smooth, easy to swallow (much easier than the salt tablets I would later gag back up), I didn't feel any immediate rush of energy, but I certainly did maintain. Maintaining, at that point, was more than enough for me. I would come near cramping a couple of times on the next lap, but never truly siezed up.

I took another Accelerade gel on the next lap, ate some tuna salad and went back out and again felt no worse, maybe a bit better.

My next stop Corey transitioned my bottles to Accelerade. Corey set me up with a lighter mix than is recommended on the container. Simply, if any drink is too think, I won't drink it. If I won't drink it, it won't help me. So, I set out on my next lap with a ratio roughly half of what is recommended. The positive is that I was beginning to feel stronger. No cramping, good energy. Revitalized.

Over the course of the next few hours, I was drinking the same lighter mixture of Accelerade and eating small amounts of tuna salad. Continued improvement to the point where, as the race begain to near the last few hours, Corey and I discussed a strategy which would have meant coming off a lap with a very brief pit stop, then hitting the next lap at cross country pace. I was confident in how I felt physically. Not worried about cramping. While nothing happens in a vacuum, Accelerade was certainly played a positive role in overcoming my early race issues.

Key Thoughts:

- If I were pitting for someone, I would feel good about them using Accelerade.
- If someone asked me, "Does this shit work?" I would say, "Yep. Now drink, Dammit!!"
- I won't mix it at the levels recommended. For me, it's too thick. I cut it down on a later ride, in 100 degree heat and it was much easier to swallow. Again, I'll drink an extra bottle with less if needed.
- If I were pitting for myself, I would make sure my dumbass drank some of this the day before the race as well. Too bad I was not that smart last week.

Fire questions if you have them.

Part Two will be a review of Accelerade in my lead up to Swanson, including the race itself if I have enough remaining.

Snob out.

Exerpt

"Bicycle past police lights twisting the blue from the night. past a man setting a box on fire to make a pot of tea. Lean forward enough and it's as if you're floating, as if there's no machine supporting you, the earth spinning an inch below your feet. Blur your eyes and sing a little song to yourself to keep upright -- the song keyed to the rhythm of pedaling. Skim over the dark earth, arms spread, the sign of the cross, Look, Ma, no hands, crucified by the air, crucified by the night. Who doesn't want to just disappear, at some point in the day, in a year, to just step off the map and float?"

Keep Moving or Die

Isn't that the shark corporate motto?

'What's next' looks a little like this:

SS State Champs on the 19th.

From there I am unsure. I had been seriously considering Afton, but I have never been to Saskatchewan.

I could also try chasing Squirrel around Iowa or teaming up with the good Folks From Lincoln.

My hands still don't feel right. Maybe tomorrow.

Fight Like A Brave - 24hrs of 9 Mile Race Recap

I usually have goals for things like the 24hrs of 9 Mile. This time was a little different. If you follow the blog at all, you know that post-TransIowa has not been the land of rides and racing but simply trying to sneak training in when I could. So, while I did hope to crack the top ten, that was about all I considered. I really planned to go up, ride for a while then hang out. I thought I would end up helping Sam take care of Cameron, aid BKB crew to a National Championship or enjoy giving handups to Dallas and Paddy.

Somehow, despite fucking a lot of things up, I had a pretty good ride. Officially Sixth Place Solo Single Speed.

Remembering the weekend is just a mangled mess in my head, so here are chards that you can put together as you wish.

- I cramped big time on my third lap. At one point, I finished a small climb to have both of my quads sieze up on me. It was like standing with two pencils for legs. I hopped back on and started to spin them out. At that point, I got slapped in the back of the head, heard "Come on, BKB" and a BKB jersey moved passed me on the left. I thought it was Jesse but then saw Jesse in the pits and he said it wasn't him. I probably imagined the whole thing.

- Change your freaking brake pads and batteries. I ran that latter half of one lap with no rear brakes and lost my main light source for half of another and had to finish with my commuter light. Genius.

- Lap Six Honored Joe Patridge. Throwing Chain all over the place.

(Apparently, I decided to start with the mistakes.) On to the good stuff...

- I popped out of the woods as my body was finally getting back in order and the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Fight Like A Brave" was cranking loud as hell. I think I sang that for the remainder of the lap and off and on for the rest of the race. It was perfect.

- Dallas is a great guy to get passed by or share a rain soaked tent with. We kept bumping into each other on the course and when the rains hammered down we were stuck waiting it out together. Tip of the Hat to you, my man.

- RF gave me some positive vibes at just the right time out of the course. Congrats to you and the crew on 3rd place.

- Much love to Corey, Sam, Cam's Dad Doug Chambers and Mrs. Snob for all of their help during the race. So much of the race was spent trying to catch my body back up to where it should be and they all helped me get that done.

- Corey and I had a great plan of attack for the remaining part of the race. I only wish we had gotten to use it. As wierd as it may sound, I was feeling my strongest in the 21st hour of the race.

Not my best race recap, but my hands are still tingling and disfunctional from the race and my mind isn't quite straight yet. Check the links. Lots of great people with great rides over the weekend. On to the visuals...

The Dream people were chasing.


Marko ready to Kill Those Dreams.

The Darkness goes in search of your soul.

Let the fun begin...
Keep Smiling, tough guy. Here come the cramps.

How about that 5th Place?

Mini-Apple-Sauce

Small Children Fear Him.


Starting out at Cars-R-Coffins Coffee Bar.


IF Steel in Johnny Mohawk Black.


"Seriously, are you gonna finish that?"


Joining Johnny on his morning commute to Quality