Double 'Cross Day 1

First four laps were good - last six not so much.  Ended 14th of 21 starters.  21 in an elite race?  Wow...

Photo from Mike S.

Good luck!

Wish THIS GUY good luck for this weekend's races!

Kiss Cross #1 - Plaster Creek Park

So much for the weather - from what I had heard the rain was supposed to stop around 4 in G.R.  We arrived around 7:00 and it was still misting.  Great for 'cross racing but not the greatest for 'cross spectating.

The course at Plaster Creek Park was short with a long-ish paved oval track about half-way through the lap.  Rick used a start loop running into the triple stack of barriers right off the bat.  From there it wound into a dirt/sand infield before hitching up and down the ridge that separated the lower park from the upper park.  100 meters later was a single plank up the same hill, forcing a short run-up to the oval track.  The course wound back down the ridge into the lower park, followed by a loopy section through the trees before looping back into the triple stack of barriers.

From the gun I took the hole shot, figuring the triple barriers 200 m from the start would be a bit sketchy with a pack of sprinting riders in the first 'cross race of the year.  About half a lap later Tom Burke, a guy from Indiana came roaring around me.  I maintained contact for a short while when Ben Whitehead jumped as well.  About 4 laps into the race I caught Ben but was unable to shake him - every time we hit the pavement he would take some time, but then I'd gain it back over the barriers or through the trees.  We juggled 40-50 m between us for the remaining laps but in the end I was unable to close.  Pressure from behind from Ron Stack and Patrick Russell helped keep me motivated as well, since both of them were within 10-15 seconds for the entire race.  After 12 laps I ended up 4th, which I was very happy with.

Big props to Kristie who braved the rain and mist to watch a bunch of guys ride road bikes around a park!

Elites pushed back to 1:30

So based on THIS flyer for the double cross on September 18 and 19, it looks like the Elites are once again pushed back to the end of the day...

Remember this off camber?

SpringField Oaks off camber from jeffweinert on Vimeo.

CX Magazine September Industry News

Click

Issue 10 is going to feature an article I wrote about running one or two front chainrings - and it will now be in FULL COLOR and sold at major retailers across the country.

If you're already a subscriber, issue 10 will be shipping shortly.

Jonathan Page on CX Magazine

...

CXM: That means you’re going to skip Nationals? How come?

JP: Basically, it’s like this: I won Nationals, at one point, three years in a row. It did nothing – financially or otherwise – for me, other than that I had a cool-looking jersey and bragging rights.

Interesting point...read the rest HERE!

New build

Video

I don't know why I find THIS so funny on Cyclocross Magazine, but I do.

Alcyon

Since there were only a handful of these even made, these rarely come up for sale.  Mine is in need of a paint job, but the one for sale looks to be in amazing condition.  Need a great dirt road bike with a 57 top tube?  Price is right, in my opinion.

Grattan Pics

A few from 8/18

Great weather tonight but I almost missed the start of the 17-lap ride.

Mike put in a dig early but then took a last minute flyer that *almost* stuck.  Timing is everything.

Attempting a break.  The Argles are officially marked men.

Cheeseburger...

Rode to Unionville on Saturday morning.  Day started off warm and steamy but cleared up a bit by the time I got to Gordonville.  Met up with Paul Rytlewski in Essexville and he joined me on the way up to Unionville.  Traffic on the roads we were on wasn't bad, but M-25 was packed with traffic going to Caseville.  81.5 miles when it was all said and done, but it was a good day and I had good company.

Pine River road on the way to Midland was steamy

Crossing the Tittabawassee near where the old Tri City Cyclists Tuesday ride started

I-75

Paul Rytlewski adjusting the optics

Yellow anti-schlep vests are the new black

Kona even got in the Cheeseburger mood

MMCC Sweat Shaker

Last Saturday's Sweat Shaker at MMCC didn't go quite as planned for me.  Despite a great day for a race on a great trail, my hopes were dashed when I burped my front tire and subsequently crashed.  Despite only five of us lining up in the "Open" category the pace was moderate through most of the first lap.

We took it out at a reasonable pace on the 4-mile start loop leading back into campus.  I dove into the singletrack behind Jeff, the race promoter, but he had a slight mishap about 2 miles into the lap.  I took the lead for a while before being passed by a rider, who also had a slight mishap.  Once again in the lead we rolled around at a reasonable pace.  MMCC's course can come out and bite you if you're not careful, and apparently I took it a little too hot into a turn on one of the downhill to uphill transitions.  Of course the burped tire and crash is a little like the chicken and the egg question - which came first?  The burp or the crash?

It doesn't really matter, but my tire wasn't 100% deflated so I jumped back on my bike and chased back up to the lead group of three.  It wasn't long before my tire was rapidly losing air, so controlling the bike was next to impossible through the singletrack.  After completely deflating the tire Andy Klumb, fresh off of ACL surgery, tossed me a CO2 which I couldn't get to function.  I decided it would be best to just start running.

Two miles later I was at the car stuffing a tube into my front wheel.  Kristie and I had a nice chat and I decided to go back and finish the race, thinking I was all but finished.  The next 12-ish miles went smoothly - I didn't drill it but I rode at a nice pace.  Apparently after a 30-minute delay that was good enough to still hang on for fourth place, but I was disappointed I couldn't fight it out for third at least.

Big props to both Wayne and Mike, taking top honors in their races too!  The Argyle Army is looking prepped for a strong 'cross season...

Tri-City Cyclocross

Check out two new races for the fall!

10/9 Midland 'Cross

10/24 SVSU 'Cross

http://bikeracingintricities.blogspot.com/

USGP Registration

Online registration for this year's USGP events opens TONIGHT at 12:01...don't be late and get a bad starting spot!

Madison

Louisville

Holy 'Cross Bike!

Yes, that is Jake on a 'cross bike!  Well actually, it's Paul's bike...

For Sale...

2010 Specialized Tricross Expert frameset - XXL (59.5 tt)

Little Traverse Triathlon

A few pics from Sunday...read a race recap on THE ARGYLE ARMY . COM!

These guys

Got a chance to hang out briefly with Jake and Paul.  Always a good time but too short as usual.  Jake built up a new 'cross bike for his dad but it seems that Jake was ready to take it home with him.  Paul was so excited to take a picture that he couldn't even open his eyes.

2010 'Cross Schedules

Rick has posted a tentative schedule HERE.  Looks like there might be a possible change in location for the opening night race?

Also it looks like Twins Bay Racing will be at it again for the fall.  If you missed the Icecross last year you should put it on your schedule.

Happy 5th

Had a great 5th anniversary in Mexico - I still can't believe it has been five years.  Celebrated by spending some time in Cancun, but of course we never missed a day of training.  Kristie is doing a team triathlon and her progress is looking great for her 40k ride.

Spin bikes in the room aren't normal and I can't imagine how many other people put as many hours as I did while on vacation.  Watching the World Cup while spinning was a great way to pass the time.  The lap pool was also frequented, and I even got in a short open water swim.  Kristie made good use of the gym, but air conditioning apparently wasn't too much of a priority in there.

Simply the best.

Bookwalter makes the big show

Velonews just announced Brent Bookwalter will be riding in the Tour de France this year.  After a great showing at the Giro he'll be lining it up with some of the biggest and best names in cycling.  Much, much respect...

Alessandro Ballan (ITA)

Brent Bookwalter (USA)

Marcus Burghardt (GER)

Cadel Evans (AUS)

Mathias Frank (SUI)

George Hincapie (USA)

Karsten Kroon (NED)

Steve Morabito (SUI)

Mauro Santambrogio (ITA)

UCI Adapts

Much to the chagrin of Adam Meyerson, probably the most outspoken U.S. racer on the topic of disc brakes in 'cross, the UCI made the decision to allow them in international competition.  More on the story from Cyclocross Magazine HERE.

And on a completely unrelated note, it is NOT a good idea for me to buy these cookies anymore.  Leave it to me - the one time I'm out shopping for groceries alone and I come back with horribly addicting sugar cookies...

New 'Cross Venue x 2!

Sounds like there will be another new 'cross race on the books for the fall.  I'll keep a lid on things until it becomes official, but between Tailwind's new venue and this new race it will be a refreshing fall.  From what I know it'll be a mix of Tailwind's formal style and the fresh, fun Kiss Cross approach to racing.  Here's a hint...

SS

What a fun bike.

The Hills

So apparently I am in need of new hamstrings, as mine are shot. Ten minutes into lap two (of three lap race) my legs decided that I shouldn't ride with the three other leaders anymore. Lungs? Just fine. Snappyness? No worries. Sustained power? Nonexistent. It took me about three minutes just to be able to walk back to the car. Ugh.

In other news, Cyclocross Magazine sent this little reminder that 'cross season is not too far off of the horizon!

This is a new one

Crux on CX Mag

Preview of the new 'cross race-specific bikes from Specialized on CX MAGAZINE!

Ugh...

It's only been hot for a few days but I'm ready for the cool breezes and cowbells of October already.

Brighton Day 2 and Final Results

This past weekend turned out to be a great few days of bike racing.  On Saturday we took to the Torn Shirt loop for a time trial before heading onto the freshly mowed field for the short track event.  The Torn Shirt loop was short, and in only my third lap the Stumpjumper Comp 29'er rolled nicely into second place.  With only 65 seconds separating the top five in the Expert 19-29 class, I was looking forward to the short track event.

There was a distinct camp of 'cross racers present itching to roll out the 'cx rigs for an early season test.  I was no different and planned on racing the Tricross for the 7-lap short track race.  The Elites and Experts all started together, and there were more than a few mishaps on the 0.8 mile course.  I drilled it as hard as I could for the 21-minute race, just missing the selection at the back of the elite group.  I rolled into the finishing loop in first place, taking back about 15 seconds on my deficit for the series total.

Today the weather was once again great and I was prepared to take to the Murray Lake trail for the longer XC race.  Kristie joined me which was awesome.  I ended up taking one bottle hand up today from her, which was pretty key.  The Experts were slated for four laps, and they would all prove to be difficult.  Going into the race I figured I needed about 25 seconds on first place in order to take the overall stage race title.  I knew this would be difficult after leading the first lap, unable to shake the top five in the "GC".  Going into lap two I was unable to follow an attack from the race leader, and a fresh pair of legs took the opportunity to join him off the front.

Laps two and three were about equally difficult, knowing the race was leaving in front of me and I needed to defend second place at that point.  But towards the end of lap three I started to notice a few chinks in the armor of my pursuers, which I planned on exploiting in the last lap.

I dug hard going into the last lap, trying to take as much time on the gravel road parts of the course.  I tried my best to be smooth in the singletrack, but with only one lap prior to the race I was still learning the course on the last lap.  And then, with about 4 miles to go in the race, I saw the series leader going backwards up the trail!  My chasers were slightly gapped off the back, but were chasing hard.  It wasn't long before I swept him up, and just over my shoulder I could see the others closing in.  After 29.5 miles of racing, the series contenders were all back together again, with first place for the XC race up the trail!

I dug hard on a slightly downhill, fast section of trail.  I knew it would be a great place for me to put in some time, as it was the same spot that I gapped my pursuers on lap 3.  I had a pretty good gap going when, with 1.5 miles to go, my legs started cramping.  I did my best to ride through it but my right hamstring was consistently contracting hard every pedal stroke.  I relaxed a bit, stretched, and spun a slightly easier gear, fearing I'd have four guys breathing down my neck in no time.  This race couldn't end fast enough!

I saw the gravel road and rode as hard as I could over the chatter bumps.  Just before rolling up into the park, I glanced over my shoulder and saw the group leaving the woods behind me.  I crossed the line in 2nd, absolutely gassed, but hoping I took enough time to gain the series lead.

In the end I was only about four seconds shy, which frustrates me because it's only FOUR SECONDS!  But then I think about the past three races and know I couldn't have gone any harder, which I guess is a bit of a reassuring measure.  The 29'er definitely helped in making the trail a bit more forgivable, as the drops and chatter-filled descents were challenging all weekend.  It was also great to get the Tricross out yesterday.  If I could have one bike and one bike only, I'd pick the Tricross hands down.

Rust Shaker in the news

The Morning Sun did a brief article here about this year's Rust Shaker.  Now that the rust is shaken off we'll see how the rest of the race season goes!

New 'Cross Venue

Do YOU know where Tailwind's new venue is for 2010?  Robert does...

Island Lake Demo Day

Yesterday Mike, Little Chris, and I went North from Mt. Pleasant and ventured into some seriously unpopulated areas.  60 miles later we climbed l'alpe de Mt. P and rolled back into town.  Fun ride on some new roads, to me.

This Saturday is the Island Lake Demo Day, which should be a lot of fun again as long as it doesn't rain quite so much this time around.  I'll be at the Specialized trailer helping out as needed, so stop by and say hi.

Nationals and Masters Worlds

Read about the change in protol proposed for nationals and the master's world chamiponships on  CYCLOCROSS MAGAZINE.

A small group of about a dozen promoters made the trek to a snowy Colorado Springs this weekend to have what USA Cycling described as an “open dialogue”  to discuss the future of cyclocross. Topics on the table included making decisions on adding qualification time trials to determine start position to the Cyclocross National Championships, qualification races for the 2012 Masters Cyclocross World Championships in Louisville and whether Nationals would be moved to January.

...(continued)

A glowing review...

Leonard Zinn apparently likes the new Sram Apex group, as he details on Velonews.

The PG-1050 cogset is available in 11-23, 11-26, 11-28, and 11-32.  I'll put money on seeing the Apex as the new gold standard for budget-minded 'cross rigs, both from the factory and from the basement workbench.

MMCC Rust Shaker

4th out of 14 starters in the Pro/Expert category today.  Even managed to take home some cold hard cash and a pair of gloves for Kristie (from the raffle).  Mike Seaman represented big time after a HUGE volume week in Kentucky by topping the Vet 40+ category.

Singletrack was the flavor of the day...

Paul Rytlewski made the trip just to get the pizza afterwards.

Photos courtesy of Kristie, who even found time to play with Kona.

Somehow my sponsor was left off of the list...I bet you can guess what was supposed to go there.

Paris Roubiax?

My top three.  Hopefully I can pick the winner like last week...

Big George finally learns that 44k out is NOT too early to attack/follow if you want to take home the big cobble trophy...

Breschel earns a favor or good luck from Cancellara but loses in the sprint to GH...

And Boonen realizes he's bitten off too much and fades for the final sprint, unable to match the accelerations of the two fresher racers...

Look for live coverage on www.cyclingfans.com Sunday morning!

Ithaca and Flanders

First, the Jailhouse trail in Ithaca was in awesome shape as of last night.  We'll see how this rain changes things, but it rocked.  A few locals even put in a teeter-totter as in North Shore-type stunts.  Looks like there will be a reroute around the two-track to finish up the loop as well.  It runs along the SE side of the track and hopefully is high enough to stay dry.

Kristie and I went out for a lap; her first time on the MTB this year.  She loves twisty mtb courses, and Ithaca pretty much fits the bill.

As for tomorrow at Flanders, here is my top three:

1) Fabian wins by this much...

2) Devolder nearly misses out

3) Hincapie jumps into third

Come on, George...

Sugoi Review

On 'cx magazine...