So, we are here. Here being our new home of Milwaukee, WI. It was a long drive, but we had a tremendous surprise mid-way when we had breakfast with Rosey at an IHOP in Avon, OH. Our paths crossed simply by chance and what a great treat it was. That boy looks fit and appears happy after riding 3800+ miles across the country. He has inspired me to ride home from WI next summer. And even though my trip will only be 20% of what his is going to end up doing, I will feel a bit connected to him by it. Maybe I can even talk him into coming with me!
Everyone has been incredibly nice and helpful so far. It's a wonder we actually get by in spite of ourselves back in New England. Rarely do you see people go out of there way for a stranger. It seems like the norm here. If only...
Rebecca is flying right now and is really psyched for cross. I, on the other hand, am a bit behind in my preparations. But I will be going back to MA for the month of August to do three things: finish the bikes I have on order, study for the MCAT and ride my fat ass off. Well, at least 5 pounds of my fat ass hopefully. Judging by my current condition, I am writing off September and most of October with the hope of coming on strong later. Maybe I'll even give a poke at Nationals. Hell, I'd have the opportunity to race the collegiate race and the 30+ race. Pretty cool, right?
More updates to come. But I can say one thing. All of the bike riders I have met out here so far are psyched for cross. I'm looking forward to ripping it up with them!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
My birthday present, her no-reason presents
3 months and 16 days until the start of the 2008 WI cross season. And that just happens to be my brithday. Not a bad way to celebrate if you ask me. We are getting ready for our move to Milwaukee at the end of July. Lot's of bikes to build before then though. I got around to assembling the wifey's weapons for the fast approaching season. I built these frames some time ago, but didn't have the parts. She hounded me long enough and I got them together. There was one happy camper in the house that day!
Everything else is pretty much the same. I hope everyone is doing well. Happy riding to you!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
My cross budget currency and they aren't dollars
This past season was pretty enlightening. It gave me some clear ideas of what gear is actually important and influential in the outcome of my race. And also what is not at all important. It was further reinforced by my trip to cross worlds. Hey, I know they are paid to ride what they ride, but it speaks volumes to me when I see a pro be ultra-anal about anything. I have never seen pros be more nuts about anything more than how nuts the crossers were about tread selection and pressure. From talking with people (pros and mechanics alike) on the mountain and road sides of things, I get the sense that there are a lot of pros who simply ride whatever the mechanic puts in their hands. The crossers, on the other hand, paid strict attention to all details. It reminded me of a pilot doing final checks before taking to the air. This was true of both the men and the women. And the last thing that was always checked and checked again was pressure. We also got to see them on Friday when they were out testing different treads and widths out on the course. The mechanics had lots of wheels in the pits and around the course for testing. That drove home the point even further.
Okay, I'm getting to my point now. We all have budgets to spend on our bikes. But around the late fall, I started to think of every cycling dollar I spent in terms of "could I get a bigger return on that dollar if it went towards another wheel set/tubular combination rather than what I am thinking of spending it on?" They weren't dollars anymore, they were tubulars.
There has been a lot of "ultimate build this" and "perfect frame material that" talk lately. You obviously need a bike to race. A reliable one that makes it through a race is the second most important thing. Even better if the bike fits and handles the way you want it to. But when you are 30 minutes into a race, I don't think it matters if you have D/A or 105 on your bike (provided the parts are in good working order and maintained). Your tires are still working for you though. Maybe they are even saving you! If given the option, I would always choose three sets of wheels and different treads over one set of bling wheels. The only wild card in this whole budget conversation and what should take priority is whether your area requires two bikes (like Portland) or if it is a nice to have (like New England over the past couple of seasons).
Cross is hard. The engine and mind are first and foremost important. Then you need a bike that will get you through a race. But in your preparations, what is the next most important thing? I’m truly beginning to believe that it is your selection of wheels, tires and a good pump and not a top-tier group set or a ti bolt kit or some such other nonsense.
Happy off season to you. The pre-season is right around the corner.
Okay, I'm getting to my point now. We all have budgets to spend on our bikes. But around the late fall, I started to think of every cycling dollar I spent in terms of "could I get a bigger return on that dollar if it went towards another wheel set/tubular combination rather than what I am thinking of spending it on?" They weren't dollars anymore, they were tubulars.
There has been a lot of "ultimate build this" and "perfect frame material that" talk lately. You obviously need a bike to race. A reliable one that makes it through a race is the second most important thing. Even better if the bike fits and handles the way you want it to. But when you are 30 minutes into a race, I don't think it matters if you have D/A or 105 on your bike (provided the parts are in good working order and maintained). Your tires are still working for you though. Maybe they are even saving you! If given the option, I would always choose three sets of wheels and different treads over one set of bling wheels. The only wild card in this whole budget conversation and what should take priority is whether your area requires two bikes (like Portland) or if it is a nice to have (like New England over the past couple of seasons).
Cross is hard. The engine and mind are first and foremost important. Then you need a bike that will get you through a race. But in your preparations, what is the next most important thing? I’m truly beginning to believe that it is your selection of wheels, tires and a good pump and not a top-tier group set or a ti bolt kit or some such other nonsense.
Happy off season to you. The pre-season is right around the corner.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Super-Euro-Geek Status
I first saw one of these sweet inflators at Natz a couple of years back. Then I saw Stu wielding one in the Cyclocrossworld.com pits all season. The straw that broke the camel's back was EVERYONE had one in the team boxes at Worlds. In my never ending quest to be the world's biggest cyclocross poser, I knew I had to have one. Rumors ran rampant that they were no longer made. Yes, the Wurth-produced model is no longer available, but Craftsman to the rescue! Behold, my new favorite toy...
Set the pressure you want (up to 40 psi), hold the trigger and it shuts off automatically when it hits the pressure. The inflator itself will inflate to 200 psi, but the auto shut-off does not work over 40 psi. But for cross, who cares? You shouldn't be running your cotton casing tubs over 30 psi anyway. You aren't, are you?
Set the pressure you want (up to 40 psi), hold the trigger and it shuts off automatically when it hits the pressure. The inflator itself will inflate to 200 psi, but the auto shut-off does not work over 40 psi. But for cross, who cares? You shouldn't be running your cotton casing tubs over 30 psi anyway. You aren't, are you?
The inflator comes stock with a hose for Schraeder valves and an adapter for Presta. But the only way to fly is to use a Silca head. Yes, I sacrificed the hose from my 19 year old Silca pump.
I took the old barb that screws into the Silca pressure guage, turned it down to fit into the inflator and added a few ribs to give it some bite. I am sure there other creative ways to make it work if you don't have a lathe handy. But I do. So I used it.
Want one of your own?
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00911586000P
You also need to buy the battery pack and charger.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00911374000P
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00925926000P
Ridiculous waste of money? You bet! But now the good doctor can pump up her tires exactly the same way every time. Be the first on your block to have one...
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Overheard...
"Do you think anyone will notice if a couple of those PRO-issue-only 46 tooth DA rings go missing?"
Which way?
The bikes of Sven. Remarkably boring in the best way possible. Perfect, reliable race machines. Nothing at all odd. Except maybe one thing. Yes, one thing in particular caught my eye. Can you pick it out? Here's a hint. The second photo.
Worlds Mascot
Ummm.....sure.....
It's a rock. Lake Bandie is full of stones and no sand. The rock guy is the mascot. Come on, get it?
At the expense of my good friend who will remain nameless...
Saturday night. Dinner in Venice.
My good pal orders a beer. A Hoogarden. Good stuff, right?
Beer comes in a MONSTER glass. Doublegood stuff, right?
Sunday. Spectating during the men's race.
My good pal, with his chest puffed out, recounts his AWESOME HUGE beer to our new Belgian buddies.
Belgian guy says "Hoogarden? That's girl's beer."
Ouch.
My good pal orders a beer. A Hoogarden. Good stuff, right?
Beer comes in a MONSTER glass. Doublegood stuff, right?
Sunday. Spectating during the men's race.
My good pal, with his chest puffed out, recounts his AWESOME HUGE beer to our new Belgian buddies.
Belgian guy says "Hoogarden? That's girl's beer."
Ouch.
Pearls of wisdom...
During the men's race, we were sandwiched in with some very cool Belgian folks. The Erwin Fans Club surrounded us, which was awesome. They asked us all about veldrijden in the US, told us about how Erwin loves to travel and race in the states and told us how they want to come visit. Ironic, isn't it?
One of our cheering-mates was Tom De Kort. He races for the AVB-USSPA Cycling Team, which is the feeder team for Fidea. Super nice guy. He was happy to offer some advice, and I think taking it from him was a no-brainer.
"I focus 110% on my handling techniques. That is my strong point. If I can make 1 second up in 5 corners per lap of a 10 lap race, that's 50 seconds."
Talking with him further brought out that if you are faster in the corners, you must lead through them. It will either a) force your opponent to burn energy to close the gap or b) force your opponent to make a mistake. The feeling I got from him was not to rest by following into the corners because your opponent can then dictate a comfortable pace for himself. Your advantage has effectively been neutralized.
Oh, and he loved the New Belgium flag. So much so that I gave him my sweatshirt.
One of our cheering-mates was Tom De Kort. He races for the AVB-USSPA Cycling Team, which is the feeder team for Fidea. Super nice guy. He was happy to offer some advice, and I think taking it from him was a no-brainer.
"I focus 110% on my handling techniques. That is my strong point. If I can make 1 second up in 5 corners per lap of a 10 lap race, that's 50 seconds."
Talking with him further brought out that if you are faster in the corners, you must lead through them. It will either a) force your opponent to burn energy to close the gap or b) force your opponent to make a mistake. The feeling I got from him was not to rest by following into the corners because your opponent can then dictate a comfortable pace for himself. Your advantage has effectively been neutralized.
Oh, and he loved the New Belgium flag. So much so that I gave him my sweatshirt.
It runs deep...
Met a nice couple at dinner one night...
Italian Lady: Are you here in Bologna for vacation?
Me: Si, we viewed Campionati del Mondo di Ciclocross en Treviso. Then we came here.
Italian Man: Ahhh, ciclismo.
M: Si. Are you a fan?
IM: Some....ahhhh...how you say....I loved Pantani.
M: Me too. He was one of my favorites.
IL: It was a very sad day.
IM: Very hard, I cried.
M: Me too.
Italian Lady: Are you here in Bologna for vacation?
Me: Si, we viewed Campionati del Mondo di Ciclocross en Treviso. Then we came here.
Italian Man: Ahhh, ciclismo.
M: Si. Are you a fan?
IM: Some....ahhhh...how you say....I loved Pantani.
M: Me too. He was one of my favorites.
IL: It was a very sad day.
IM: Very hard, I cried.
M: Me too.
Overheard...
"Vai, Vai, Vai!"
"Hop, Hop, Hop!"
"Venga, Venga, Venga!"
"Allez, Allez, Allez!"
"Hup, Hup, Hup!"
"GO JONATHAN!!!"
The misses has some lungs I tell ya. Do you hear that ringing?
"Hop, Hop, Hop!"
"Venga, Venga, Venga!"
"Allez, Allez, Allez!"
"Hup, Hup, Hup!"
"GO JONATHAN!!!"
The misses has some lungs I tell ya. Do you hear that ringing?
Monday, February 4, 2008
How to look like a jackass in front of Rabo mechanics...
The Rabobank mechanics for Lars Boom stayed at our hotel. His camper was there and everything. Well, everything except Lars. At breakfast Sunday morning, there was a little small talk.
I asked "so will it be Sven Nys or Lars Boom?"
Very puzzled look from Mr. Rabo. "Huh?"
"To win today, Sven Nys or Lars Boom?"
"I don't understand what svennees is"
"Sven or Lars?"
"Oh! You meant to say 'Nys'"
Lesson learned. It's Nys as in nīs, not nēs. Get it right, jackass.
I asked "so will it be Sven Nys or Lars Boom?"
Very puzzled look from Mr. Rabo. "Huh?"
"To win today, Sven Nys or Lars Boom?"
"I don't understand what svennees is"
"Sven or Lars?"
"Oh! You meant to say 'Nys'"
Lesson learned. It's Nys as in nīs, not nēs. Get it right, jackass.
The Belgians love the Belgians. The Italians love everyone. Except maybe...
Belgian goes by...everyone cheers
JP goes by...everyone cheers
Italian goes by...most everyone cheers, but the Italians make up for those who aren't by cheering really freakin' loud and going bonkers
Last placed rider from Norway goes by...I cheer with the Italians and the Belgians look at me funny
Next lap Parbo goes by...I cheer and even the Italians look at me funny
One guy looks at me and points at Parbo.
"Hairy legs."
No respect.
JP goes by...everyone cheers
Italian goes by...most everyone cheers, but the Italians make up for those who aren't by cheering really freakin' loud and going bonkers
Last placed rider from Norway goes by...I cheer with the Italians and the Belgians look at me funny
Next lap Parbo goes by...I cheer and even the Italians look at me funny
One guy looks at me and points at Parbo.
"Hairy legs."
No respect.
Mandatory...
If you like cyclo-cross, you owe it to yourself to go to Worlds at least once in your life.
If you love cyclo-cross, you must go to Worlds as soon as possible.
If you love cyclo-cross, you must go to Worlds as soon as possible.
Water? Nah...
Trattoria Owner: Posso offrirle qualcosa?
Me: Il Vino rosso della casa, per favore.
TO: Aqua?
M: No, grazie.
TO: [in English] Water is for washing in the morning anyway.
Me: Il Vino rosso della casa, per favore.
TO: Aqua?
M: No, grazie.
TO: [in English] Water is for washing in the morning anyway.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
TK rules
So what's on my mind 8 days prior to our departure for Treviso? My pal TK sent me this and it sums it up just about perfectly.
GO USA!!!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Simple setup tricks
After assembling hundreds of bikes over the years, I have refined my approach to how a bike should be cabled. I have two goals when running cables on a bike.
1. Create the cleaniest, most efficient route with very easy loops rather than harsh bends.
2. Keep the housing off the paint.
First, cut the front sections of housing so that there is one arc around the head tube. A lot of riders will try to have the rear derailleur housing on the right side of the head tube. All this does is force the housing onto the head tube and the paint. And it creates another bend in the housing. A SRAM setup will look the same as the Campy setup below. A Shimano setup will have even easier bends coming from the STI levers.
The rear brake enters the left slot, the rear derailleur enters the middle slot and the front derailleur enters the right slot. Then, cross the derailleur cables. This allows the rear derailleur cable to exit from the right slot. On bikes with down tube routing (this includes road bikes of course), the derailleur cables will cross under the down tube. On some frames, the layout of the braze-ons will not allow this. In that case, you will have to run your cables the more common way.
Create your housing loops at the seat cluster such that the housing rest on the seatpost rather than the paint on the frame. And better yet, you may put a wrap of tape on your post for the correct saddle height and then have the housing rest against the tape. Nothing gets rubbed by the housing except the tape. Also remember to run the housing in such a way that you can get to your seat post binder bolt.
And that's it! You are left with very tidy housing runs and none of the housings are touching your frame.
1. Create the cleaniest, most efficient route with very easy loops rather than harsh bends.
2. Keep the housing off the paint.
First, cut the front sections of housing so that there is one arc around the head tube. A lot of riders will try to have the rear derailleur housing on the right side of the head tube. All this does is force the housing onto the head tube and the paint. And it creates another bend in the housing. A SRAM setup will look the same as the Campy setup below. A Shimano setup will have even easier bends coming from the STI levers.
The rear brake enters the left slot, the rear derailleur enters the middle slot and the front derailleur enters the right slot. Then, cross the derailleur cables. This allows the rear derailleur cable to exit from the right slot. On bikes with down tube routing (this includes road bikes of course), the derailleur cables will cross under the down tube. On some frames, the layout of the braze-ons will not allow this. In that case, you will have to run your cables the more common way.
Create your housing loops at the seat cluster such that the housing rest on the seatpost rather than the paint on the frame. And better yet, you may put a wrap of tape on your post for the correct saddle height and then have the housing rest against the tape. Nothing gets rubbed by the housing except the tape. Also remember to run the housing in such a way that you can get to your seat post binder bolt.
And that's it! You are left with very tidy housing runs and none of the housings are touching your frame.
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