Sharon snapped this one from the car as we left. I love the look of a course set with pumpkins.
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Showing posts with label cyclocross. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cyclocross. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Post-race bike photos
I forgot to post these last night. We have a really cool Macro lens that I don't take advantage of nearly enough.
Sharon snapped this one from the car as we left. I love the look of a course set with pumpkins.
Sharon snapped this one from the car as we left. I love the look of a course set with pumpkins.
Monday, November 2, 2009
What is Cyclocross?
For those of you out there that read posts about cyclocross and wonder what all the fuss is about, here are some videos that I found that will help illustrate what it is and why it is so addictive, while at the same time making you want to vomit.
Here is a definition of cyclocross that I used in an old post last year:
It's the least understood but most emphatically enjoyed faction of cycling. It's mud-bogging, sand-squirming, barrier-hopping, wet-grass-slipping, steep-pitch-scrambling fun.
It will make you want to puke. It will make you want to fall over. It will make you feel alive, and once your heart rate comes down, you'll want to do it again.
It's called Cyclocross, and it's like no other cycling discipline (but somewhat like all of them).
On to the videos.
Right-click and open this in a new window:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJkzC1JFrkw
Right-click and open this in a new window:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UTsv53qDTQ
This one is a little bit long and silly, but it starts to hit on why it is so addictive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_W8AsilPMM
Here is one taken at a local race in Seattle last season. I was racing that day, but I don't think you see me in the video.
Here is a definition of cyclocross that I used in an old post last year:
It's the least understood but most emphatically enjoyed faction of cycling. It's mud-bogging, sand-squirming, barrier-hopping, wet-grass-slipping, steep-pitch-scrambling fun.
It will make you want to puke. It will make you want to fall over. It will make you feel alive, and once your heart rate comes down, you'll want to do it again.
It's called Cyclocross, and it's like no other cycling discipline (but somewhat like all of them).
On to the videos.
Right-click and open this in a new window:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJkzC1JFrkw
Right-click and open this in a new window:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UTsv53qDTQ
This one is a little bit long and silly, but it starts to hit on why it is so addictive:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_W8AsilPMM
Here is one taken at a local race in Seattle last season. I was racing that day, but I don't think you see me in the video.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Weekend of Cross
This weekend was a cross-fest. StarCrossed, the twilight event at Marymoor Park, that I missed last year, was Saturday afternoon/evening. On Sunday was race #2 in the MFG series, the RAD Racing GP. Both are UCI races, with the real pros racing at the end of the day. My plan was to stick around after my race at StarCrossed and watch the pros. Sharon and kids were coming on Sunday, so we'd have to leave long before the Elite races.
Saturday started off well...I should have known it was too good to be true. I got there over 2 hours before my start. I had plenty of time to pre-ride the course, and get a proper warm-up. That's about the end of the good news.
They had the start order as a random draw, and not based on registration order. I was one of the early registrants, so I expected a good starting position. But with the random draw, I got 45th. I was feeling good after my pre-ride laps and proper warm-up. I began passing people and trying to make up for my starting position. I had visions of grandeur after my surprising 12th place finish in the previous week's race.
Things were going pretty well, until I remounted my bike after one of the barriers and "burped" my rear tire. For those of you that are confused by the usage of the word "burp" here, I will explain. The tire does not have a tube. Sometimes, the sudden force of remounting the bike can cause the seal to break and allow air to escape. When it does, it makes a burping sound. Anyway, I burped my tire and it was very difficult to ride for the remainder of the lap, which was most of it. I watched as all of the people that I had passed went by me.
I finally arrived at the Pit Area and went to the neutral service tent. The guy there suggested he put a spare wheel that he had on my bike. I was thinking that we should just try putting air in my tire, but I figured that he knew what he was doing. Unfortunately, things didn't go too smoothly. I had my back brakes pretty tight, so getting a wheel on and off is not easy. In addition, once we got the wheel on, his rim was wider than mine, so the brakes were rubbing. He did not know how to adjust my brakes. In hindsight, I should have just grabbed his tools and done it myself. As he was working on my bike, the race official in the Pit approached and informed me that I was being pulled from the race. Since this was a UCI sanctioned event, all lapped riders are pulled from the racecourse.
Many lessons learned. Going back to tubes, or investing in tubulars. Not sure which at this point.
Sunday did not go much better. Again, because this was a UCI sactioned event, you cannot enter the race course until the race has concluded. I entered the race course after the winner of the race before mine finished, and began pre-riding the course. I rode more than half of the course and then turned around and headed back to stage for my start. I would estimate that it was at least 5-6 minutes after the leaders finished when I started up the finishing straight to get to the start. According to the UCI official that berated me for "posing a significant safety issue", I rode straight up the middle of the race course into sprinting racers. My story is a little different. I may have ridden in the course, but in my defense, I asked which way to the start and was told by someone that I believe was part of the race organization that I could ride to the start because the course was clear. Also, I did not see any racers on the course. In hindsight, I do recall one rider, moving slowly along the opposite side of the road from me. She certainly was not sprinting. And I certainly was not posing any safety threat to her, or anyone else. I would guess that she was the last straggler out on the course coming in from the previous race. Now, I understand that there are rules. But these is also the truth, and a proper way of handling such a situation. Enough of that.
So according to the "kind" UCI official, he showed great restraint and did not disqualify me, but he did relegate me to the back of the pack. So instead of starting 12th, based on my previous week's finish, I started last (probably about 50th). Big bummer, because the race was at Steilacoom Park, which has a very long, steep run-up. The run-ups are still my weakest point in cyclocross. My little legs just can't carry all my weight uphill very fast. I was counting on a good start to put me in the lead pack. Then maybe I could still get a decent finishing spot, even considering all the people that would pass me on the 4 trips up the run-up. No such luck.
I actually managed to get past a lot of people on the starting straight. And a lot more on our way the 1st trip up the run-up. But each lap, I lost several places on the run-up, and fought hard to get them back on the rest of the course. I wish I knew where I was in the pack when we first hit the run-up. My guess is somewhere in the range of 20th. I finished in 27th, so at least I sort of held my ground.
After the race, I said to a friend, "I think a top 25 finish for me here would be like a top 10 anywhere else (because of the run-up)". So when I saw the results later, I couldn't really complain. Considering the start, and the fact that I think I got lapped last time I raced there, 27th is pretty good.
Fun weekend, even with the bumps in the road. I'm tired. Next week is race #1 in the Seattle Series. Looking forward to it.
Pictures:
StarCrossed
Rad Racing GP
(there's actually a couple of me, because Sharon was at the race Sunday)
Videos from both days:
(got a bunch of videos of some of the local riders I know, and some pros)
Click here for videos on Vimeo
Saturday started off well...I should have known it was too good to be true. I got there over 2 hours before my start. I had plenty of time to pre-ride the course, and get a proper warm-up. That's about the end of the good news.
They had the start order as a random draw, and not based on registration order. I was one of the early registrants, so I expected a good starting position. But with the random draw, I got 45th. I was feeling good after my pre-ride laps and proper warm-up. I began passing people and trying to make up for my starting position. I had visions of grandeur after my surprising 12th place finish in the previous week's race.
Things were going pretty well, until I remounted my bike after one of the barriers and "burped" my rear tire. For those of you that are confused by the usage of the word "burp" here, I will explain. The tire does not have a tube. Sometimes, the sudden force of remounting the bike can cause the seal to break and allow air to escape. When it does, it makes a burping sound. Anyway, I burped my tire and it was very difficult to ride for the remainder of the lap, which was most of it. I watched as all of the people that I had passed went by me.
I finally arrived at the Pit Area and went to the neutral service tent. The guy there suggested he put a spare wheel that he had on my bike. I was thinking that we should just try putting air in my tire, but I figured that he knew what he was doing. Unfortunately, things didn't go too smoothly. I had my back brakes pretty tight, so getting a wheel on and off is not easy. In addition, once we got the wheel on, his rim was wider than mine, so the brakes were rubbing. He did not know how to adjust my brakes. In hindsight, I should have just grabbed his tools and done it myself. As he was working on my bike, the race official in the Pit approached and informed me that I was being pulled from the race. Since this was a UCI sanctioned event, all lapped riders are pulled from the racecourse.
Many lessons learned. Going back to tubes, or investing in tubulars. Not sure which at this point.
Sunday did not go much better. Again, because this was a UCI sactioned event, you cannot enter the race course until the race has concluded. I entered the race course after the winner of the race before mine finished, and began pre-riding the course. I rode more than half of the course and then turned around and headed back to stage for my start. I would estimate that it was at least 5-6 minutes after the leaders finished when I started up the finishing straight to get to the start. According to the UCI official that berated me for "posing a significant safety issue", I rode straight up the middle of the race course into sprinting racers. My story is a little different. I may have ridden in the course, but in my defense, I asked which way to the start and was told by someone that I believe was part of the race organization that I could ride to the start because the course was clear. Also, I did not see any racers on the course. In hindsight, I do recall one rider, moving slowly along the opposite side of the road from me. She certainly was not sprinting. And I certainly was not posing any safety threat to her, or anyone else. I would guess that she was the last straggler out on the course coming in from the previous race. Now, I understand that there are rules. But these is also the truth, and a proper way of handling such a situation. Enough of that.
So according to the "kind" UCI official, he showed great restraint and did not disqualify me, but he did relegate me to the back of the pack. So instead of starting 12th, based on my previous week's finish, I started last (probably about 50th). Big bummer, because the race was at Steilacoom Park, which has a very long, steep run-up. The run-ups are still my weakest point in cyclocross. My little legs just can't carry all my weight uphill very fast. I was counting on a good start to put me in the lead pack. Then maybe I could still get a decent finishing spot, even considering all the people that would pass me on the 4 trips up the run-up. No such luck.
I actually managed to get past a lot of people on the starting straight. And a lot more on our way the 1st trip up the run-up. But each lap, I lost several places on the run-up, and fought hard to get them back on the rest of the course. I wish I knew where I was in the pack when we first hit the run-up. My guess is somewhere in the range of 20th. I finished in 27th, so at least I sort of held my ground.
After the race, I said to a friend, "I think a top 25 finish for me here would be like a top 10 anywhere else (because of the run-up)". So when I saw the results later, I couldn't really complain. Considering the start, and the fact that I think I got lapped last time I raced there, 27th is pretty good.
Fun weekend, even with the bumps in the road. I'm tired. Next week is race #1 in the Seattle Series. Looking forward to it.
Pictures:
StarCrossed
Rad Racing GP
(there's actually a couple of me, because Sharon was at the race Sunday)
Videos from both days:
(got a bunch of videos of some of the local riders I know, and some pros)
Click here for videos on Vimeo
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Results are in...
I finished 12th out of 37 racers that finished (+9 DNFs). My previous best finish was in the final race last year, where I finished 34th out of 47 finishers. I'd say the running is getting me in better shape. Can't wait for this weekend - StarCrossed and MFG #2.
I'm going to do my long run on Friday, so hopefully the legs will feel good for the races.
I'm going to do my long run on Friday, so hopefully the legs will feel good for the races.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Uncharted Waters and the Frustration of Being Obsessed with Results (and slow).
Confused by the title of this post? You should be. It has been a long time since I posted anything and I am too lazy to write individual posts with subject matter relevant titles. Suffer.
Uncharted waters refers to two different activities that consume my thoughts and my time currently...running and cyclocross. I have never considered myself a runner, but I am now trying to become one. I don't have much of a choice, since I am not a quitter; and I have committed to run the Seattle Marathon. I ran 15 miles yesterday, which is further than I have ever run before. That's not really saying much, because when I ran 13 miles several weeks ago in my training, that was the furthest I had ever run. And a few weeks before that, when I ran 10 miles, that was the furthest I had ever run. In two weeks, when I run 18 miles, that will obviously be the furthest I have ever run. You get the idea. Hence the relevance of "uncharted waters".
The running has gotten me in better shape than I was from the training for my last 24-hour race. So I had high expectations for this cyclocross season. That was before I realized that most of the races are on Sundays, and on Saturdays I do my long runs for the marathon training. Now, I'm not sure what the season will turn out to be. Again, the uncharted waters. But after today's race, I think I'm feeling optimistic. I say "I think" because the results at the first MFG Series race are a mess, and I am not showing up as a finisher in the race. I think I did better than I ever have, but not sure I'll ever know.
It sucks to be so excited to see your result, only to find out that there are none (for you anyway). In addition, I forgot to start my fancy Garmin watch, so I can't even estimate my finishing place by my total elapsed time in the race. Hopefully, they will figure it out and I will find out how I finished, but it does not seem promising.
What I can say about the race is that I felt like I was racing and not just riding in the race. That is a change from past races, where after a certain number of laps (usually 1), I was just struggling to survive to the finish. Today was different. I started on the front line and pushed hard from the start. I managed to stay with the lead pack for a good portion of the first lap. I was only passed by one or two of the fastest 45+ racers on the final lap, and I lapped many of the slower racers on the course (that was a first).
So I'm excited, even without the results. But it sure would be nice to know for certain.
I stuck around for the 11:30 start (mine was at 9:30) and took pics of a bunch of people that I know who race cross - CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS
The other challenge as far as results go is my goal of finishing the marathon in under 4 hours. That works out to less than a 9-minute/mile average. Right now on my long training runs, I'm struggling to keep it under 10-minutes/mile average. I am doing speed workouts at 7-minute mile pace, but I have not yet been able to carry any of that over into my long training runs. We'll see how things are going after several more weeks of speed work and after I've done a few 20-mile runs.
Stay tuned.
Uncharted waters refers to two different activities that consume my thoughts and my time currently...running and cyclocross. I have never considered myself a runner, but I am now trying to become one. I don't have much of a choice, since I am not a quitter; and I have committed to run the Seattle Marathon. I ran 15 miles yesterday, which is further than I have ever run before. That's not really saying much, because when I ran 13 miles several weeks ago in my training, that was the furthest I had ever run. And a few weeks before that, when I ran 10 miles, that was the furthest I had ever run. In two weeks, when I run 18 miles, that will obviously be the furthest I have ever run. You get the idea. Hence the relevance of "uncharted waters".
The running has gotten me in better shape than I was from the training for my last 24-hour race. So I had high expectations for this cyclocross season. That was before I realized that most of the races are on Sundays, and on Saturdays I do my long runs for the marathon training. Now, I'm not sure what the season will turn out to be. Again, the uncharted waters. But after today's race, I think I'm feeling optimistic. I say "I think" because the results at the first MFG Series race are a mess, and I am not showing up as a finisher in the race. I think I did better than I ever have, but not sure I'll ever know.
It sucks to be so excited to see your result, only to find out that there are none (for you anyway). In addition, I forgot to start my fancy Garmin watch, so I can't even estimate my finishing place by my total elapsed time in the race. Hopefully, they will figure it out and I will find out how I finished, but it does not seem promising.
What I can say about the race is that I felt like I was racing and not just riding in the race. That is a change from past races, where after a certain number of laps (usually 1), I was just struggling to survive to the finish. Today was different. I started on the front line and pushed hard from the start. I managed to stay with the lead pack for a good portion of the first lap. I was only passed by one or two of the fastest 45+ racers on the final lap, and I lapped many of the slower racers on the course (that was a first).
So I'm excited, even without the results. But it sure would be nice to know for certain.
I stuck around for the 11:30 start (mine was at 9:30) and took pics of a bunch of people that I know who race cross - CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS
The other challenge as far as results go is my goal of finishing the marathon in under 4 hours. That works out to less than a 9-minute/mile average. Right now on my long training runs, I'm struggling to keep it under 10-minutes/mile average. I am doing speed workouts at 7-minute mile pace, but I have not yet been able to carry any of that over into my long training runs. We'll see how things are going after several more weeks of speed work and after I've done a few 20-mile runs.
Stay tuned.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
A Very Sad Goodbye...
Today was the last cyclocross race of the season for me. I shed a tear as I put my bike in the garage when we got back from "Kringle Kross".
Kringle Cross is a race held at Carnation Farm, site of Camp Korey, with all funds benefiting the camp. The camp is a medically supervised camp for children suffering from serious and life-threatening illnesses. Was pretty cool to get another race in this season, and have it benefit such a good cause.
It was the toughest course we raced this season - lots of thick, nasty mud. The field was pretty small compared to the Seattle series races. I finished 15th in the Master 4 Men 35+ age group. Unfortunately, there were only 15 of us. It was a tough day for me. I completely blew up on the last lap. There was absolutely nothing left in my legs and I got passed by probably half a dozen people.
But it was still fun and I had my awesome "crew" out to support me as usual. I was really hoping that it would snow (mainly so I could gloat to Brad about the real cyclocross weather we get up here in the NW), but the snow held off. It is falling as I write this though. No snow, but plenty of cold. At 9:30 when we started, it was about 36 degrees. That ankle deep puddle in the middle of the mud pit felt so nice ;-)
One other highlight of the day was that I finally got some payback for Joe Martin. He is always out there taking pictures and cheering for everyone. I feel like I should pay him for all of the times he yelled at me and got me going when I was deep inside my dark suffering place and "coasting". Anyway, I stuck around for the start of Joe's race and got some photos and gave him some encouragement for a change. Normally, things are pretty hectic with Sharon and the kids and we hightail it home right away. I'm glad I was finally able to return the favor just a little bit.
Here are some pics of me and the crew and Joe in the Master 3 Men 35+ race.
Snow on the nearby hills
Lemans start
Go Daddy! Go!
Does all black make me look faster?
My awesome crew
Artistic shot (by Sharon)
Future cyclocrosser
Mr. Cyclocross* grinding up the hill finishing hill (that I had to run up because my chicken legs couldn't pedal me up it)
Joe going strong
Leading the chasers
No coasting
*Joe was crowned "Mr. Cyclocross" at the Seattle Series. I don't know what this title really means or what he had to do to earn it. Maybe he will post a reply on my blog informing us peons about his royal status.
Kringle Cross is a race held at Carnation Farm, site of Camp Korey, with all funds benefiting the camp. The camp is a medically supervised camp for children suffering from serious and life-threatening illnesses. Was pretty cool to get another race in this season, and have it benefit such a good cause.
It was the toughest course we raced this season - lots of thick, nasty mud. The field was pretty small compared to the Seattle series races. I finished 15th in the Master 4 Men 35+ age group. Unfortunately, there were only 15 of us. It was a tough day for me. I completely blew up on the last lap. There was absolutely nothing left in my legs and I got passed by probably half a dozen people.
But it was still fun and I had my awesome "crew" out to support me as usual. I was really hoping that it would snow (mainly so I could gloat to Brad about the real cyclocross weather we get up here in the NW), but the snow held off. It is falling as I write this though. No snow, but plenty of cold. At 9:30 when we started, it was about 36 degrees. That ankle deep puddle in the middle of the mud pit felt so nice ;-)
One other highlight of the day was that I finally got some payback for Joe Martin. He is always out there taking pictures and cheering for everyone. I feel like I should pay him for all of the times he yelled at me and got me going when I was deep inside my dark suffering place and "coasting". Anyway, I stuck around for the start of Joe's race and got some photos and gave him some encouragement for a change. Normally, things are pretty hectic with Sharon and the kids and we hightail it home right away. I'm glad I was finally able to return the favor just a little bit.
Here are some pics of me and the crew and Joe in the Master 3 Men 35+ race.
Snow on the nearby hills
Lemans start
Go Daddy! Go!
Does all black make me look faster?
My awesome crew
Artistic shot (by Sharon)
Future cyclocrosser
Mr. Cyclocross* grinding up the hill finishing hill (that I had to run up because my chicken legs couldn't pedal me up it)
Joe going strong
Leading the chasers
No coasting
*Joe was crowned "Mr. Cyclocross" at the Seattle Series. I don't know what this title really means or what he had to do to earn it. Maybe he will post a reply on my blog informing us peons about his royal status.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Where's the Beef?
Today's Seattle Cyclocross series race was #6 at Bremerton Fairgrounds. The course was great, except for that I saw it a little too up-close early on lap one. The guy in front of me braked really hard before a turn and all of a sudden my front wheel was making a nice sound against his rear wheel. I didn't get to listen long, because I was soon saying hello to the cool muddy ground and some particularly spiny bushes in the Fairgrounds camping area.
Was it because of my new cantilever brakes, and me not being able to slow quickly when he did? We will never know for sure. But I can tell you this, I love the new brakes. It will be even better when I get those Avid's off the front. No issues with mud clearance at all - and it was very muddy in parts of the course. Not as thick and nasty as Donida Farm, but still enough to gum up V-Brakes.
It was a tough race for me today. After the crash early in the race, I worked hard to catch back up with some of the people that passed me while I was down. The combination of that effort and the fact that after two laps I was greeted with the number 2 (indicating 2 more laps) on the board instead of a bell and everyone yelling "last lap!" definitely took some wind out of my sails. I don't think there was too much there to begin with.
I am guessing because of the ferry ride involved for most people getting to Bremerton, the field was much smaller than usual. I finished 47 out of 50. Not very satisfying, but it was a fun day anyway.
Here are some photos from the race, including two very appropriate ones of me and some signs on the Fairground buildings ;-)
Where's the Beef?
What kind of legs do I have?
My dedicated support team
.
Was it because of my new cantilever brakes, and me not being able to slow quickly when he did? We will never know for sure. But I can tell you this, I love the new brakes. It will be even better when I get those Avid's off the front. No issues with mud clearance at all - and it was very muddy in parts of the course. Not as thick and nasty as Donida Farm, but still enough to gum up V-Brakes.
It was a tough race for me today. After the crash early in the race, I worked hard to catch back up with some of the people that passed me while I was down. The combination of that effort and the fact that after two laps I was greeted with the number 2 (indicating 2 more laps) on the board instead of a bell and everyone yelling "last lap!" definitely took some wind out of my sails. I don't think there was too much there to begin with.
I am guessing because of the ferry ride involved for most people getting to Bremerton, the field was much smaller than usual. I finished 47 out of 50. Not very satisfying, but it was a fun day anyway.
Here are some photos from the race, including two very appropriate ones of me and some signs on the Fairground buildings ;-)
Where's the Beef?
What kind of legs do I have?
My dedicated support team
.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Why Can't it Ever be Easy?
I started doing the work on my bikes myself about 15 years ago. It all started with an overhaul on my beautiful turquoise Trek 560 road bike (circa 1987). I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Thankfully there was a kind and patient wrench at the local bike shop in Santa Barbara near my brother's house that helped me. I think I drove back and forth to the shop at least 10 times. This was back in the day of unsealed bearings and cone wrenches. If you're too young, you probably don't even know what I'm talking about.
Anyway, I have become a decent wrench myself. But I sometimes try to move a bit too fast and make mistakes. But most of all, I always run into some kind of snafu. It's like there is a conspiracy against me. No matter how simple the job appears, something is bound to happen.
The latest example is the job I just tackled last night - mounting the new wide-profile cantilever brakes on my cross bike. Soon after I bought the bike, I switched the brakes to V-Brakes, because I was really unhappy with the braking power and the front end shudder from the Avid Shorty's that came on the bike. I won't even get into all of the problems that plagued me when trying to mount the V-Brakes with Travel Agents.
So there I am, excited about my new brakes that will provide much better mud clearance. Tomorrow's race looks to be even muddier that last week with all of the rain we've gotten in the last week. I carefully read the instructions that came with the TRP EuroX brakes and as it directs you step 1, I put the short end of the spring in the center hole at the base of the post on the fork. It immediately falls out!!?? Since wide-profile cantilever brakes are 70's technology and my Rocky Mountain frame was built in the 21st century, we have a mismatch. The holes at the base of the post on my fork are not completely enclosed. They are not really holes, more like C's cut out of the metal. Since the spring is not attached to the brake body like the pins on newer cantilever brakes or V-Brakes, it just slides right out of the "C".
This is so typical that after the first few seconds of anger and frustration, I move on. The plan is to buy that EC90 X carbon fork that I've wanted anyway. But I can't get it by this weekend, so it means a 14th trip out to the garage for my old Avid Shorty's (I'm working inside so I'm warm and can listen to music while I work - my garage is pretty cold and very cramped). The rest of the job actually went smoothly. The TRP's are mounted nicely on the rear. I swapped the 105 rear derailleur that it came with for an extra Ultegra one that I had in the garage, I switched out the chain ring on my 1x9 setup for one that my little chicken legs can actually turn (no I'm not telling you how many teeth it has ;-), and the bike is cleaned and lubed. All ready to get slathered in mud again.
I know the cantilevers will take some adjustment time after having the great stopping power of my XTR V-Brakes. But after last weeks experience, I didn't really have a choice. So much mud got jammed in around the brakes and rim that it was like riding with the brakes on all the time.
Hopefully, it will be a good report after tomorrow's race at Bremerton Fairgrounds.
Here are the TRP's on the rear:
And the Avid's on the front :-(
Anyway, I have become a decent wrench myself. But I sometimes try to move a bit too fast and make mistakes. But most of all, I always run into some kind of snafu. It's like there is a conspiracy against me. No matter how simple the job appears, something is bound to happen.
The latest example is the job I just tackled last night - mounting the new wide-profile cantilever brakes on my cross bike. Soon after I bought the bike, I switched the brakes to V-Brakes, because I was really unhappy with the braking power and the front end shudder from the Avid Shorty's that came on the bike. I won't even get into all of the problems that plagued me when trying to mount the V-Brakes with Travel Agents.
So there I am, excited about my new brakes that will provide much better mud clearance. Tomorrow's race looks to be even muddier that last week with all of the rain we've gotten in the last week. I carefully read the instructions that came with the TRP EuroX brakes and as it directs you step 1, I put the short end of the spring in the center hole at the base of the post on the fork. It immediately falls out!!?? Since wide-profile cantilever brakes are 70's technology and my Rocky Mountain frame was built in the 21st century, we have a mismatch. The holes at the base of the post on my fork are not completely enclosed. They are not really holes, more like C's cut out of the metal. Since the spring is not attached to the brake body like the pins on newer cantilever brakes or V-Brakes, it just slides right out of the "C".
This is so typical that after the first few seconds of anger and frustration, I move on. The plan is to buy that EC90 X carbon fork that I've wanted anyway. But I can't get it by this weekend, so it means a 14th trip out to the garage for my old Avid Shorty's (I'm working inside so I'm warm and can listen to music while I work - my garage is pretty cold and very cramped). The rest of the job actually went smoothly. The TRP's are mounted nicely on the rear. I swapped the 105 rear derailleur that it came with for an extra Ultegra one that I had in the garage, I switched out the chain ring on my 1x9 setup for one that my little chicken legs can actually turn (no I'm not telling you how many teeth it has ;-), and the bike is cleaned and lubed. All ready to get slathered in mud again.
I know the cantilevers will take some adjustment time after having the great stopping power of my XTR V-Brakes. But after last weeks experience, I didn't really have a choice. So much mud got jammed in around the brakes and rim that it was like riding with the brakes on all the time.
Hopefully, it will be a good report after tomorrow's race at Bremerton Fairgrounds.
Here are the TRP's on the rear:
And the Avid's on the front :-(
Monday, November 3, 2008
Videos on vimeo.com
I just discovered vimeo when I found that video from Donida (in previous post). Here are some other Seattle cyclocross videos that I found there.
Starcrossed - under the lights at Marymoor Velodrome:
Starcrossed Cyclocross 2008 from bce on Vimeo.
Seattle Series #3 - South Seatac:
Seattle Cyclocross #3 South Seatac from Jeff Evans on Vimeo.
Last year at Kelly Creek - brrrr!
Seattle Cyclocross, SCC 2007, Finals, Men 1-2 Kelly Creek from Dessa on Vimeo.
Lance's return to racing (yes CX!):
LANCE ARMSTRONG RETURNS - Las Vegas Cyclocross from CYCLEFILM on Vimeo.
Starcrossed - under the lights at Marymoor Velodrome:
Starcrossed Cyclocross 2008 from bce on Vimeo.
Seattle Series #3 - South Seatac:
Seattle Cyclocross #3 South Seatac from Jeff Evans on Vimeo.
Last year at Kelly Creek - brrrr!
Seattle Cyclocross, SCC 2007, Finals, Men 1-2 Kelly Creek from Dessa on Vimeo.
Lance's return to racing (yes CX!):
LANCE ARMSTRONG RETURNS - Las Vegas Cyclocross from CYCLEFILM on Vimeo.
Video from Donida Farm
It's not from my start time, but here is a cool video from yesterday that someone posted:
Fun at Donida Farm from Dessa on Vimeo.
Fun at Donida Farm from Dessa on Vimeo.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Seattle Cyclocross Series #5 - Donida Farm
So today didn't go exactly as planned. I know Becky would have been proud that I was just out there racing in the rain and mud*. But I was looking for more than that.
*see previous post "In Memory of Rebecca..." for explanation
I woke up a couple times during the night and heard the rain, so the conditions were no surprise. I was actually excited for the chance to race in the mud. That is really what it is all about - off-season racing in all conditions. I actually thought it would be to my advantage, because I never let the weather stop me. What's a little mud?
My legs were definitely tired from Saturday's race and I am still adjusting to the new 1x9 setup. The lowest gear is a little tougher than before. I might have to tinker a little more to get it dialed in. I said that I was going to push hard the whole race. I didn't quite succeed in that regard, but it was close. I fell into a "I'm hurting, I'm not doing as well as I wanted, I can't breathe, my legs feel like logs" negative state and started to ease off. Thankfully, Joe Martin was close by and saw my patheticness (is that a word?) and snapped me out of it. There I was, riding along looking at the bib number of the guy that just passed me. Is he in my class? Does it matter? Go pass him back! But the legs just wouldn't go. And then there is this guy in my ear, "Kunin!! Stop coasting!! GO!!!"
Seriously, thank you Joe. I needed that. All of a sudden, I snapped out of it and I was racing again. I passed that same spot on the next lap feeling completely different. Still suffering, of course. But I was pushing and not just surviving. I approached the triple barriers gaining on someone in front of me. Back on the bike after the barriers right on his tail. Into the mud. Gaining on him. Preparing for a pass on the left. He is starting to shimmy to the left. I move more to the left. Driving hard to get by him. Then I see the metal post that the course tape is tied to. I yell "on your left" and try to squeak by. But there is no room and we are right at the post, so I cannot move. We both go down. Where are my glasses? Covered in mud, they are useless and go in my back pocket. After a brief interaction with the (angry) racer that went down along with me, and adjusting both levers back into place, I'm off again. Not feeling so spry anymore. It's tough to see without my glasses (they are prescription). After a minute, I settle down and I'm racing again. But I think at least three people passed me while I was wallowing. Back on the pedals and I catch up to the guy in front of me. But can't get past him before the finish.
Saw Brad and Jess after. He wasn't so pleased with his day either. But we had fun.
I was too cold and wet and in pain to stick around for results. I fell on my left hip, which was just finally healing from Crosstoberfest. Oh well. Advil and ice tonight.
Here are some photos from the day:
My support team
Early in the suffering
I know it's blurry, but the mudslide was too fun to skip
Nice shot with the Donida Farm sign
Brad and I post-race
Heading home
*see previous post "In Memory of Rebecca..." for explanation
I woke up a couple times during the night and heard the rain, so the conditions were no surprise. I was actually excited for the chance to race in the mud. That is really what it is all about - off-season racing in all conditions. I actually thought it would be to my advantage, because I never let the weather stop me. What's a little mud?
My legs were definitely tired from Saturday's race and I am still adjusting to the new 1x9 setup. The lowest gear is a little tougher than before. I might have to tinker a little more to get it dialed in. I said that I was going to push hard the whole race. I didn't quite succeed in that regard, but it was close. I fell into a "I'm hurting, I'm not doing as well as I wanted, I can't breathe, my legs feel like logs" negative state and started to ease off. Thankfully, Joe Martin was close by and saw my patheticness (is that a word?) and snapped me out of it. There I was, riding along looking at the bib number of the guy that just passed me. Is he in my class? Does it matter? Go pass him back! But the legs just wouldn't go. And then there is this guy in my ear, "Kunin!! Stop coasting!! GO!!!"
Seriously, thank you Joe. I needed that. All of a sudden, I snapped out of it and I was racing again. I passed that same spot on the next lap feeling completely different. Still suffering, of course. But I was pushing and not just surviving. I approached the triple barriers gaining on someone in front of me. Back on the bike after the barriers right on his tail. Into the mud. Gaining on him. Preparing for a pass on the left. He is starting to shimmy to the left. I move more to the left. Driving hard to get by him. Then I see the metal post that the course tape is tied to. I yell "on your left" and try to squeak by. But there is no room and we are right at the post, so I cannot move. We both go down. Where are my glasses? Covered in mud, they are useless and go in my back pocket. After a brief interaction with the (angry) racer that went down along with me, and adjusting both levers back into place, I'm off again. Not feeling so spry anymore. It's tough to see without my glasses (they are prescription). After a minute, I settle down and I'm racing again. But I think at least three people passed me while I was wallowing. Back on the pedals and I catch up to the guy in front of me. But can't get past him before the finish.
Saw Brad and Jess after. He wasn't so pleased with his day either. But we had fun.
I was too cold and wet and in pain to stick around for results. I fell on my left hip, which was just finally healing from Crosstoberfest. Oh well. Advil and ice tonight.
Here are some photos from the day:
My support team
Early in the suffering
I know it's blurry, but the mudslide was too fun to skip
Nice shot with the Donida Farm sign
Brad and I post-race
Heading home
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The Never-Ending Journey
Yes, I am obsessed with my bikes and all things bike-related. I am aware of my problem and at peace with it. My latest project in my never-ending journey of bicycle tinkering is converting my cyclocross bike to a 1 x 9.
With my little chicken legs, I race entirely in my small ring up front. But on the flats I sometimes find myself spinning out in the highest gear that I can get into on the small ring. I am always reluctant to shift the front during a race, especially if I know I am going to need to shift right back in a few seconds. So I started thinking. That's usually where the trouble begins ;-)
I found an article online about a guy who just built up his 1 x 9 cross bike. He provided a detailed description of what he did, and what parts he used. What a great idea! See, I'm not alone in my obsession - check out his article from Cyclocross Magazine:
"Building up a Cyclocross Bike, Part by Part"
Now someone of a lesser mind might say, "why don't you just put a larger chain ring on the front?" This person obviously is confused. I could write a novel about the issues this person has and why they are wrong, but I will stick to my point for now. Clearly, the only solution to this problem is to tackle yet another project on the bike that requires spending money on new parts (and potentially making the bike a whole 2 ounces lighter).
So, now I've got my Salsa Crossing Guard, my Cane Creek brake-only lever, and my Deda chain watcher. All I need to do is find a 42-tooth non-ramped chain ring. If I get one that is ramped, I will offend my sensitive single-speeder friend Brad, so non-ramped it must be. Then I will be ready for the conversion and will hopefully try it out this weekend at Donida Farm.
With my little chicken legs, I race entirely in my small ring up front. But on the flats I sometimes find myself spinning out in the highest gear that I can get into on the small ring. I am always reluctant to shift the front during a race, especially if I know I am going to need to shift right back in a few seconds. So I started thinking. That's usually where the trouble begins ;-)
I found an article online about a guy who just built up his 1 x 9 cross bike. He provided a detailed description of what he did, and what parts he used. What a great idea! See, I'm not alone in my obsession - check out his article from Cyclocross Magazine:
"Building up a Cyclocross Bike, Part by Part"
Now someone of a lesser mind might say, "why don't you just put a larger chain ring on the front?" This person obviously is confused. I could write a novel about the issues this person has and why they are wrong, but I will stick to my point for now. Clearly, the only solution to this problem is to tackle yet another project on the bike that requires spending money on new parts (and potentially making the bike a whole 2 ounces lighter).
So, now I've got my Salsa Crossing Guard, my Cane Creek brake-only lever, and my Deda chain watcher. All I need to do is find a 42-tooth non-ramped chain ring. If I get one that is ramped, I will offend my sensitive single-speeder friend Brad, so non-ramped it must be. Then I will be ready for the conversion and will hopefully try it out this weekend at Donida Farm.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Seattle Cyclocross Series Lead in Jeopardy
I'm laughing out loud as I type this. Why? Because I am referring to Jason Bavuso, who leads the Seattle Cyclocross Series with 206 points. I'm moving up in the standings with my 54th place finish this week, gaining an intimidating 14 points. That brings my total from 2 races up to 16 points!!!! I'm sure Jason is getting nervous.
All joking aside, I'm really stoked about the results from yesterday's race. 74 people started the race and 71 of them finished. My 54th place finish puts me up about 10 spots from my finish last week. It's very hard to compare your performance from one week to the next in cyclocross, because every week is a different course, with a different length and different difficulty. Aside from the obvious indication of finishing place, I am using the avg lap time of the winner to compare my performance from one week to the next. Feel free to rip apart my data as being completely insignificant. I just need something to grasp onto, even if it is a complete sham.
Last week's winner had avg lap time of 8:17
This week's winner had avg lap time of 9:07
My avg lap last week was 10:23
My avg lap this week was 10:48
Winner was 10% slower this week from last - I was only 4% slower.
What does that mean? I have no idea, but I was faster and I'm happy. And those calculations wasted 10 minutes that I could have been riding. So I'm saying goodbye.
All joking aside, I'm really stoked about the results from yesterday's race. 74 people started the race and 71 of them finished. My 54th place finish puts me up about 10 spots from my finish last week. It's very hard to compare your performance from one week to the next in cyclocross, because every week is a different course, with a different length and different difficulty. Aside from the obvious indication of finishing place, I am using the avg lap time of the winner to compare my performance from one week to the next. Feel free to rip apart my data as being completely insignificant. I just need something to grasp onto, even if it is a complete sham.
Last week's winner had avg lap time of 8:17
This week's winner had avg lap time of 9:07
My avg lap last week was 10:23
My avg lap this week was 10:48
Winner was 10% slower this week from last - I was only 4% slower.
What does that mean? I have no idea, but I was faster and I'm happy. And those calculations wasted 10 minutes that I could have been riding. So I'm saying goodbye.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Deja Vu and Something New
Seattle Cyclocross Series Race #3 - Today's venue looked familiar...maybe because we were back at South Seatac again. It was supposed to be at Kelly Creek, but the lawyers for the new property owner prevented that from happening. The "something new" refers to the fact that it was a different course, and more importantly, that I was actually "racing". Although this was the 7th time I have participated in a cyclocross event, I would say that it was the first time I was actually part of the "race", rather than just surviving. It was a fast, flat course, which I thought would not be in my favor. But it seemed like my best race yet. Although, in my excitement after the race, I forgot to go look at the results. So as I type this, I don't even know how I finished. Last week, I finished ahead of only 5 racers in my class that completed the race (a small but not very satisfying improvement on last year's results, when I generally finished dead last). I think that I passed at least that many just on the last lap of the race today. I hope that I'm right. I'll let you know as soon as I get the results.
So I mentioned in my last post that you would be reading about me passing people this race, because I had problems with getting the nerve to get by people on the narrow singletrack last week. Well, I did it. I passed people on every lap yesterday. That includes passes on the downhills, uphills (if you can call them that - it was very flat), run-ups, and a particularly satisfying pass through the barriers.
Here's a pic that Sharon got of me at the race today. I took the steeper route up the left side of the run-up to try to get ahead of two guys in my class that were right in front of me - the guy in the yellow jersey and the guy behind him.
And here is the scene a few seconds later.
I got by both of them and stayed in front until the finish. I used that route successfully on 2 laps to get past people. Ow! I think I just hurt my shoulder patting myself on the back ;-)
Ran into Brad and Jessica again after the race. Sounded like Brad wasn't as excited about his results this week due to a tough start. I can't wait for the days where my start actually affects my results. Like anything else, it's all relative. The better you get, the higher the expectations. Greg Lemond's quote applies just as well to cyclocross..."you don't suffer any less, you just go faster".
I'll miss Steilacoom next week. It's bittersweet because there are so few cross races and I've already missed one. But at the same time, that run-up at Steilacoom hurts so bad. Maybe I will like it better when I have shed some more pounds...probably not. Go find a steep hill, put your bike on your shoulder and run up it as fast as you can. Hurt? Now find a backpack, fill it with 40lbs of rocks. Put it on. Put your bike on your shoulder. Run up the hill as fast as you can. Hurt really, really bad? Do you need smelling salts? Now you know how I feel in a cyclocross race.
So my next update will be after the Donida Farms race on 11/2. That's one of the races I did last year. I think it was the first one after I bought my cross bike. My Dad and his wife Rebecca came to that race. I am missing Steilacoom because I will be at Rebecca's memorial service. She recently lost her battle with breast cancer. I'll have to do something special at that race to commemorate her. I don't think I stand a chance of winning the race in her honor, so I'll have to think up something else worthy.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Cyclo-what!?
I have recemtly become a cyclocross addict, and I often struggle to explain what cyclocross is to people that are not familiar. I give full credit to the CascadeCross website so they don't try to sue me. It's very likely since my blog has such high exposure ;-)
They have the following description for cyclocross (I love this):
It's the least understood but most emphatically enjoyed faction of cycling. It's mud-bogging, sand-squirming, barrier-hopping, wet-grass-slipping, steep-pitch-scrambling fun.
It will make you want to puke. It will make you want to fall over. It will make you feel alive, and once your heart rate comes down, you'll want to do it again.
It's called Cyclocross, and it's like no other cycling discipline (but somewhat like all of them).
And here's a link to a great article. If you race cyclocross, you can definitely relate. If not, this might help you understand...or just make you think we're (us cyclocross addicts) crazy. But we already know that.
"How to Crash Your Bike and Look Good Doing It"
Note: that is Barry Wicks in the photo above
If you are a cyclist and you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend that you do. If you're not a cyclist, I still recommend that you try it...after some training. Otherwise, I highly recommend that you go out and spectate a local cyclocross event.
Seattle Cyclocross Series Race #2 - South Seatac
I'm a little behind on my blog. Just now getting to last Sunday's cross race. It was a fun course, more of a mountain bike style. Not many tight turns or other tough maneuvers. Unless you count the giant sand pit pictured above. No, that's not me - couldn't find anyone that had pics of me from the race. I was there without the family this time. I did run into Brad and Jessica though. Sounded like Brad had a good race and beat his nemesis. I am looking forward to the days where there is actually a single person that is my nemesis and not the entire race ;-) I really struggled with trying to pass on the downhills - need to work up my nerve and just push through. I finished 68 out of 78 (but I think only 73 finished). Much better than last year - where in a few races I didn't even finish on the same lap as the leaders. Even when I did finish on the same lap, I was always dead last. This week we'll be back at South Seatac due to some legal issues with the planned venue for this weeks race. So no excuses, you WILL be reading about how many people I passed this Sunday. Stay tuned...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Crosstoberfest and the Benefits of Going Tubeless
Crosstoberfest arrived and I had missed the first Seattle Cyclocross series race. So it was time to prep for the first cross race of my season. I have been running tubeless on my mountain bike for a while, and recently converted my road bike as well. No problems. So I figured, why not do my cyclocross bike as well?
Here is your answer: because you might find yourself in a cyclocross race at St. Edwards that has a fairly tight radius turn on asphalt and at the critical moment when you are leaning into the turn, the bead of your tire might decide to roll right off the wheel. In this split second, you hear a loud boom and you are suddenly on the ground. The photo above is what the results of that experience might look like. Thanks to Joe Martin for being right there on the scene to get a photo of my on my a$$.
Here is your answer: because you might find yourself in a cyclocross race at St. Edwards that has a fairly tight radius turn on asphalt and at the critical moment when you are leaning into the turn, the bead of your tire might decide to roll right off the wheel. In this split second, you hear a loud boom and you are suddenly on the ground. The photo above is what the results of that experience might look like. Thanks to Joe Martin for being right there on the scene to get a photo of my on my a$$.
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