Shorty Ultimates

Interesting find here on Stybar's bike (care of CX Mag): Avid Shorty Ultimates. Claimed target of 115 grams per wheel, and the unique ability to be run both skinny (see pic) OR wide, like a traditional 'cx brakeset (TRP, SRP, Spooky).

Just too fast

Apparently too fast for the UCI despite communication back and forth during development. I've heard some crazy people blaming this on Lance, since Alberto now rides on the big S. I would love to ride one some day, despite the fact my last road time trial was over ten years ago. Who knows, maybe 2010 will bring a paved TT into my future.

Busy

On Saturday Kristie and I decided to head to Burchfield in Holt to try skiing a new trail. The conditions were just ok...not great but not too bad. At least we were on snow! The temps kept warming throughout the trip and two hours was about all I could take.

And who would have thought that Kona is such a GVA fan. She watched Wellens ride away from the favorites with relative ease. She will be the first to admit she didn't stay awake for the entire race, but I know inside she wanted to. I still a amazed by the fact that ten years ago we had to wait six months to get a VHS copy to the states. Now we can watch as the action unfolds.

But to end the day on a sour note, my shifter blew up today on my ride, leaving me with only one gear to get home. First issue I've ever had with any Sram-made part, so I will have to get this fixed asap. Of course we're supposed to get hit tonight with more snow, so the roads will once again prohibit any outdoor rides. At least my 37 year-old snow blower is finally fixed!

XC

Kristie and I managed to get out to Deerfield last weekend for some snow time. This winter has been outlandishly hectic so far. Fortunately things should slow down in the short while. I went out again on Wednesday night and it was great to try night skiing with my headlamp. Downhills are a tad sketchy at night but fun nonetheless. I can't wait until I'm on these trails again on my 29'er...

Stybar rises to the top

Stybar and Albert bring it to the last lap... One point separates the world champ from Albert to bring the series to an end. Page managed seventh today on a course that looked more suited for hockey skates than bike tires. CXMAG has a write-up and point breakdown HERE.

BRX

Rough time of the year for biking in Michigan. That is unless you've found some magic way to keep your toes warm while riding outside. Regardless, I bit the bullet and registered for this year's edition of Barry Roubaix. Last year Mike Seaman and Wayne Cook represented in the SS class, so I figured I'd jump in with them for 2010. However, as soon as I dropped my check in the mail I remembered that this would officially start my season... Ugh. I guess that means at some point I need to get a bit more regular with my rides. Fortunately a snow day on Wednesday helped get the party started. Kona watched me (slept...) on the rollers while Kristie was out. Maybe this weekend we'll get on the skis again and make use of the weather.

Regardless, BRX should be a fun time. Can it turn into the new Iceman? Odds are the weather will cooperate... I'm looking forward to it.

Clement Crusade PDX

From Cycling News, Clement's PDX. Looks like a Rhino with slightly shorter knobs. More spacing than the nasty weather standby Michelin Mud. More competition in the mud tire category?

29 inches

Write-up here...

Two new...

First, sounds like Boyne City is getting a mtb race at Avalanche Mountain. Format sounds like it is to be determined, but for those that haven't ridden out there, the 5 mile lap is roughly 4.5 miles of climbing and a nasty fast 0.5 mile descent. From the website:

"The Avalanche Challenge is a mountain bike race that will take place at Boyne City’s spectacular Avalanche Preserve Park the first Saturday in June. Riders will race on the park’s scenic, twisting, uphill single track in a 5 mile time-trial format racing at intervals one at a time against the clock.

Spectators and racers will experience breathtaking views of Lake Charlevoix in a festival atmosphere with live entertainment, food and beverage tents.

Avalanche Challenge is part of Boyne City’s cycling weekend which includes a downtown criterium on Sunday and other activities."

Sounds like a good time...

New Sram group

From ProCyclingTalk.com, a new entry-level group via Sram. Commuter bikes anyone?