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...

BRX on CXMAG

Barry-Roubaix race report HERE.

BRX

15th out of 24 in the expert singlespeed class yesterday at Barry-Roubaix.  Definitely not where I had hoped to end up, but it was a fun day regardless.  After the slightly sketchy neutral roll out by the Sheriff things really started to heat up quickly.  Geared bikes had a significant advantage on the downhills but the uphills made everyone hurt.

Four of the argyle army rode with one gear today, and I was in pretty good position after the two-track demolished the field.  32 minutes into the race and it was hard.  Wiz was up front early on, and Mike Seaman ended up passing me shortly after the two-track.  Apparently I was a bit gassed, as shortly after a small gap opened up that I wasn't able to close.  34 minutes into the race.  Big Wayne Cook rolled up and said, "JB we have to close that gap!"  We traded pulls for a short while.  35 minutes into the race.  Man, time is going SLOW and this hurts.  36 minutes in.  Some geared guy rolls up to us as we have the gap at around 20 meters to Seaman's group.  37 minutes in and the group ahead turns left onto another dusty dirt road.  Wayne rolls by once again and says (more emphatically this time...), "JB, we MUST close that gap!"  39 minutes and it has felt like an eternity since we got out of the two track and onto dirt roads.

Pow...there goes the rip cord.  Wayne rolls away and group after group seem to ride right by without difficulty.  Survival mode came earlier than expected.  Rolling hill after rolling hill, left turn, right turn, up, down, Barry-Roubaix was destroying me.  One climb in particular was the site of riders walking their bikes at the top...I told myself I would NOT get off and walk.  7 mph, 6 mph, 5 mph...grind, grind, grind.  I must have been all over the bike but I made it.  One small step for JB, one giant leap for SS kind.

The paved road back to the parking lot was fortunately mostly downhill.  Even so, within the last mile I was passed by two others with one gear but I was unable to manage even the slightest elevation in pace at that point.  Crossed the line in 2:04 and change, happy to be done but absolutely gassed.

Rick put on an awesome race and I can see this getting absolutely HUGE.  Look for a write up on www.cxmagazine.com shortly.

Ba-ree-rou-bay

Went for a shake down ride on the Singlecross yesterday.  Look closely at the pic below.  Two things caused this awesome set-up.  First, no short chainring bolts.  Second, Barry Roubaix gearing is simply unsuitable for most 'cross courses.  Therefore, my SS has now the most useful gear set up of its existence.  Feel free to pay me dividends as you realize how sweet this is for your all-purpose bikes!

I will leave you with the Paris-Roubaix Choir and post again after Saturday's ride.  Clips are from A Sunday in Hell, which you need to watch.

Enjoy.

Barry Roubaix article

A nice article in the Grand Rapids Press HERE.

MMCC

Mike and I went for a few laps last night with the best mtb weather of the year.  Trail is in fantastic shape without a spot of mud.  A few twigs are still in the way but considering it is March 19 I'll deal.  Mike's got some good form coming off of a full XC ski season.  I'm looking forward to a fun BRX, where four of the Argyle Army riders will be rocking Singlecrosses at BRX.  There are some big names pre-registered...

Two laps at the MMCC trail with Napper, Steve, and J-Bone.  45 degrees and a bit windy, but it was great to be on a trail again.  After yesterday's ride to Gordonville and back my legs and head weren't looking forward to fighting the wind again.  Over five hours this weekend means my legs are ready for a rest!

MMCC Rust Shaker

April 10, 2010

10:30 am

Come and enjoy one of Michigan's newest mountain bike trails on the Harrison campus of Mid Michigan Community College.  It's set in a beautiful forest with massive trees and rolling hills. This trail sports some long, gentle climbs (a few not so gentle) and holds up well to rain. A nice combination of mostly fast flowing trails some tighter technical trails, with a couple short sections of hilly two tracks.  This course will be challenging and fun for all racers. 

A portion of the proceeds will go to MMCC student scholarships. 

The early registration fee for the race is only $20. For more information or to register for the race, call Cindy Mussell at 989-386-6651 or click here (PDF 177kb) for a printable registration form.  You can also register online by clicking here.

Our neighbors

I think 2010 will be the year to make it back to Chicago for one of their races...check out this cool video!


2009 Chicago Cyclocross Cup from Heather Jurewicz on Vimeo.

Boom boom boom boom

Boom takes down Voigt, Leipheimer, and Contador (in that order) in today's Paris-Nice prologue.

Taken care of

So I was out for a ride last weekend on a rare day that allowed for skinny road tires in February. About five miles into the ride I was climbing the col d'overpasse when the paddle on my rear shifter suddenly broke loose. Hmm...

I stood on top of the col and wiggled the paddle around, which seemed to be held in place only by the slight tension in the rubber hood. It was too cold to fidget much more and there was no obvious solution, so I proceeded home with one gear. Surprisingly the shifter didn't altogether fail and dump me into the 12 for the trek home, but my 16 wasn't terribly comfortable either at this point.

When I got inside and could feel my hands again I started to look more closely at the problem. I've heard of people tearing out the innards of Sram shifters in order to run a 1x10 setup for 'cross, but I have never been bold enough (or had reason to) inspect the guts of one. After removing the shifter from my bike and took off the hood I could see plainly what had happened.

The inside of a Sram shifter is remarkably simple in design. The paddle is connected to one central post via two circular collars, allowing it to rotate on that axis. Quite simply both of the collars (metal) fractured, allowing for the paddle assembly to fall out. Interestingly, the mechanism that holds the gear up on the cog was not affected by this, hence the broken shifter being able to keep the gear I was in at the time of the break.

So the good news was that I diagnosed the problem without having to completely rip apart the shifter. Now I was prepared for the bad news - trying to get this taken care of by Sram.

My phone conversation lasted 2 minutes 38 seconds. It went something like this:

Me: "Hi, I have an issue with my rear Rival shifter, is that something you can help with?"

Sram Guy: "Sure, what's the problem?"

Me: "Well I was out riding yesterday and the shift paddle came off - it looks like the collars snapped. This shifter isn't 11 months old and I wasn't at the top of my gear range when it happened."

Sram Guy: "Not a problem, we'll take care of it."

Me: "Really? Just like that? Where should I send it?"

Sram Guy: "Take it to your LBS and have them give us a call, we'll get a new one out to you asap."

Two things struck me about this. First, I expected to be transfered eight billion times to the next department trying to find someone that would help with the problem. My phone call was short and sweet, speaking with someone after two rings. No elevator music while I waited for a customer service representative in some foreign country to help. Second, this arrived THREE DAYS LATER:

So long story short, the problem was taken care of in record time. It is sad that my initial reaction was negative, as I assumed this would be like every other warranty claim I've made in my life, trying to get the company to take care of what's wrong. Not this time. Sram was all over this, and consequently re-earned my business. Not only are the based in Chicago, but they take care of their customers. Four total days from break to new shifter is amazing. I couldn't expect more from a company.

Ariel Footage

You've got to be kidding me...I can't go this fast on skis going downhill.

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?

First crash of the year

Well that was quick. While out on a ride today an old lady was getting her mail and apparently she let her dog out too. Bark bark bark and I'm in the snowbank, but not in the ditch. She was probably more surprised to see me than I was to see the dog. Kona won't even stand in the snow for more than 30 seconds before curling up in a ball because her feet are cold!

Glad it was a soft landing!

What to watch

2010 Epic Cycle Schedule

Tour Down Under:
January 17, 6-6:30p ET Cancer Council Criterium
January 19-23, 6-6:30p ET
January 24, 6-7p ET
February 7, 6-6:30p ET Highlights Show

Lance Armstrong: "The Next Chapter":
January 23, 5:30p ET
January 24, 3:30p ET

Tour of Qatar:

February 21, 3-4p ET

Tour of Oman:

February 28, 3-4p ET

Paris-Nice:

March 7 & 14, 5-7p ET

Criterium International:

March 28, 5-6p ET

Paris Roubaix:

April 11, Time TBD

Fleche Wallone:

April 25, 4:30-5p ET

Liege Bastogne Liege:

April 25, 5-6p ET

Tour de Romandie:

May 2, 5-7p ET

Tour of California:

May 16-23, Times TBD

Dauphine Libere:

June 6, 4-6p ET

June 13, 3-5p ET

Tour of Philadelphia:

June 6, 1:30-3p ET

Tour de Suisse:

June 6 & 13, Times TBD

Tour de France:

July 3-25, LIVE AM Broadcasts. TimesTBD

Paris Tours:

October 10, 5-6pm ET
*All times subject to change

Roubaix

Two of my favorite races end here...

Ithaca GP!

News here. Thanks for three great races!

Burr

Where did the corn go? The wind really bites once the corn is gone.

Bundled.

1:15 was all I could muster at 26 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the dirt roads out here are in prime condition. Flat and fast = cold and windy.

Davisburg

Recon

From a source unnamed:

"Think of a world cup course. Not very technical and pretty flat for springfield oaks. Wooded section & Flyover is in play about 500 meters from the finish line. One set of planks with a couple stretches of pavement (finish and mid course). Some good off camber stuff. Overall impression is it should keep the racing tigh, think lower huron'ish tactics. Ground is frozen and bumpy."

Busy

Sorry no updates from Holland's Kiss Cross final last Sunday, but things were busy. After the rains all that week the course was soft, and the rain on Sunday morning would prove to be too much for the course to handle. Constant drizzle through the C race made for a lot of slop, but the rain diminished right as the B's/Masters took off. Mike Seaman plowed to a 4th place in the drying slop. His 42t front ring was too much towards the end in the mud that was quickly turning from wet, sloppy mud to sticky, thick mud and grass.

By the time the A's took off there was no rain in sight, which is never a good thing after the course was in the shape it was in. The spiral of death was brutal, not only because of the mud but because you could constantly see everyone else in the race and how far you were ahead of or behind them. With the mud drying out the bike got heavier and heavier every lap. Shouldering the bike up the "option A or B" staircase run-up was brutal but a saving grace compared with the football field death march.

In the end, after a very good start I faded back to 7th. Far from a stellar effort but the Saginaw ride two days before KK was probably not the smartest if I was planning on doing well. Thanks to the Macatawa CC for hosting the party afterwards at New Holland Brewing Company. That was a fun way to cap off a hard day of racing.

Tomorrow is the state championships and there are a few battles that will be great to watch. The B race will be a battle and you never know who else will show up to contest the top five. Danny G dropped a killer 2nd place in Holland and showed some super form last week. The elite race should be a great fight for the top four or five places as well. Hopefully I'll be close enough to the front of the masters race to see the battles up there. To me that will be the best race to watch as there are probably five guys who could take it.

Time will tell, as in less than 24 hours all of these questions will be sorted out.

Man, I love 'cross.