GF with GF (aka Greensfelder with Good Friends)

Saturday's ride was all about getting out for 3 hours on the bike and enjoying the weather. Put in some tough hill climbing efforts or some tempo paces, but also spend time with some friends on the trails enjoying the great weather and trail conditions. The gang was Denny Huebner, Greg Suter, and Loran Cavano. We were on the bikes and ready to roll at 8am and began by hitting the fireroad to the Declue trail. I had brought the singlespeed, which is a great choice at GF, as none of the hills are overly difficult (some a little more painful than others). Just a few pedal cranks into the ride, I could sense Greg was a little jealous of my single speed, so he attempted to convert his bike into one.



How in the heck that stick got into that position, I'll never know. We laughed while Greg performed the repair and the continued on down the fireroad. At the end of the fireroad, we took a right hander and rolled towards the connector trail and the Dogwood trail. Upon seeing a "No Parking at Any Time" sign, Denny and I decided to park and take a break.



After a fast, flowing ride on the Dogwood, we climbed out and picked up an individual, James, whom none of us knew, but were glad to have tag along with our group. We pedaled towards the fireroad again and this time flared off to the left and headed towards the "Valley of the Monkey Heads." Here Loran celebrates cleaning the first section of the "heads."



After the climb out of the Declue, we again headed for the Dogwood for another lap and climb out towards the cars. At times, the pace of the rides would go from slow and conversational to fast and race-ready. Not too much testosterone on the day, but at one point El Cavano decided it was time to take it up a notch and went flying by all of us so fast he was effectively a blur. I attempted to catch the frenzy pedal strokes and human machinery, but this was the best I could do. Man, this guy moves!!!



The overall time of our ride was 3 hours and while we did regroup from time to time on all of the trails, it was a perfect day with the bikes, the weather, the friends, and the camaraderie. Here are some other pics of out fun for the day:

Scattante

My Abusive Relationship

Last night my son had soccer practice at 6pm. I tossed the road bike on the roof rack and figured I could get in a quick ride before it got dark. After I dropped him off I immediately geared up and pedalled off in the direction of some hills. My route took me out Kisker Road to Pitman Hill and then down into the Bottoms (Pitman Hill and the Bottoms were a part of the last 15k of the recent Tour of Missouri.) I had no computer on the bike and therefore, was left to focus on my pedalling (circles, not squares) and my cadence. In that respect it was nice to have nothing occupy my mind except to focus on my body. Following my recent wipeout, you think I would relish a ride where I didn't feel as though I was putting my body in harm's way. I found it to be quite the opposite.

Riding the road bike alone right now feels mechanical and unfulfilling. I feel my mind wandering and have no real challenges. Yes, I can do intervals, hill repeats, etc., but I can also do those on my mountain bike. Mountain bikes right now have my undivided attention. They make me want to focus more, ride better lines, improve my fitness, push harder gears, and sharpen my attention. Road bikes simply seem to be a way to ride fast or ride with a group for a recovery ride so we can chat. While I'm totally cool with those rides (I love the Monday night fast group rides, as well as the group rides where we talk smack and catch up with each other) I cannot ride solo on my road bike anymore.

Yes, I have a problem. I'm totally committed to my abusive relationship with my mountain bike. The bike that provides me with the opportunities to bruise my hips, cut my arms, make funny looking marks on the back side of my right calf, and turn my elbows into objects which resemble doggy chew toys. You know what, I don't want it other way. For all of those same reasons, I love riding my mountain bike. Technical trails, difficult obstactles, lung-searing and leg-busting climbs, along with the dirt, rocks, roots, and mud leave me wanting more. Wounds heal. I might walk with a temporary limp or wear gauze and coban wraps as a frequent fashion accessory, but it's who I am (at least right now.)

To roughly note a quote I've heard before, "The goal in life is not to die in a perfectly preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways with sweat on your brow, blood on your jersey, and white in your knuckles proclaiming 'WOW! What a ride!'"

A Little More Cowbell

"I gotta have more cowbell!"

I'm jumping into the cyclocross ('cross) racing scene this year. I have really enjoyed racing mountain bikes this year, however, with the exception of a couple of venues, it's really not conducive to spectating. One of the things I miss about competing in bike races is that my family doesn't have a chance to cheer me and the other riders on. The Cape race was a spectator friendly course as we were able to circle back through the start finish area several times during the race. It was great hearing the cheers of the fans to help you when you were feeling a little fatigued.

With 'cross courses being shorter fan-friendly loops, I think there's an opportunity to turn the races into Belgian-style race experiences complete with cheering fans, buzzing racers, and most importantly, cowbells! Yep, cowbells. Loud ones, too. Imagine the adrenaline rush you'd have lapping a course ringed with cheering fans, blowing horns, clapping, screaming, and clanging cowbells! The Tour of Missouri has people buzzing right now. The way I saw crowds cheering for the Tour riders is the environment we should have for all or our races.

I know you're thinking, where in the heck do I get cowbells? I've anticipated that thought and found you a site:

www.bell-outlet.com/cowbells.htm

You can even listen to the bells on the site and select the right sound. Let's turn the racing scene into a party! Who's with me? Call me "the Bruce Dickinson", cause "I think we need a little more cowbell." Who wouldn't want to race in this?



Finally, if you're not sure how to 'play' a cowbell? Instead of me trying to describe it, just model the cowbell player in this picture:

Hipster Doofus

Last Saturday, a wise man gave me some advice I should have taken. It was how to protect your hips from serious destructing (or from being DESTROYED.) The trick was to take an 8" x 8" piece of 5mm thick neoprene (one suggestion was to use a section from the leg of an old wetsuit) and put it directly on your hip under your lycra shorts. Why you ask?? If you're really pushing the limits on the mountain bike, you're quite possibly going to go down and when you do, the neoprene will greatly minimize the "cheese grater" effects of the trail. Like every other piece of great advice to help better my riding, I've proudly chosen to ignore it and blaze my own trails and bandage my own wounds.

I ventured out early this morning to get a few laps on the s/s on the Dogwood trail at Greensfelder. I thought I'd hook up with a few guys from the GORC board and met Eric, Matt, and Mark and decided to rollout with them a little after 7am. The ride was fairly uneventful. As we came to Allenton Road, I bid the group "happy trails" and climbed the road back to the Roadhouse road start of the Dogwood loop. Since the trails were in good, but dusty shape, I decided I'd press the pace considerably on this lap. I've really been working on setting my focus 25-50 feet down the trail and trying not to pay attention to any of the trail chatter or the trees along the trail (same wise man gave me that advice, too.) My eyes were set down the trail, reading around the corners, using my body to set the lean on the bike, scrubbing speed before the corners, not fingerbanging in the corners or at wrong times, well, you get the idea. The last little bit of technical section laying ahead of me, I felt like I had a good run going. Clear the off-camber rock garden, make a short climb over some small rock/rut sections, then head into the BMX-style berm turn and then prepare to climb out on the s/s.

The next few seconds are still a blur to me. As I headed into the apex of the off-camber corner through the rock garden, I slightly recall feeling both tires wash out unexpectedly and then I recall sitting up and looking around in a "what in the hell just happened" way. I had a similar feeling 25 years ago while in high school playing football. As a freshman, I was invited to play varsity football at the end of my JV season. In one particular practice, the starting team was running a sweep to my side of the field, I shed the lead blocker and had my sights set directly on the running back carrying the ball. The next thing I remember was the sight my coach looking directly into my face mask as I lay on the ground eyes towards the heavens. The culprit in this situation was the pulling guard. I never noticed him, but he hit me with enough force to knock me out for a few seconds. I feel today's body slam on the trail was similar in every little detail. I never saw it coming, it disoriented me, and I really didn't know what I could have done differently to prevent it.

The result of my wipeout was a large gash and cuts to my left elbow and a large bruise and knot on my left hip. I also recall feeling as though the upper part of my left arm was driven out the top of my left shoulder. I literally sat on the trail gasping for air and grunting through the pain for what felt like an hour. Covered with dust and blood, I checked my visible wounds and took a look at the section of the trail that had just blindsided me. My enemy was a couple of granite rocks sitting in the center of the trail with a light coating of sandy soil (and blood.) Unfortunately for me, not only did those rocks take me out, but I also drove my elbow and hips into the center of each of them.

Once I decided I wasn't going to bleed to death, I started walking for a few yards and then swung a leg over the bike and started pedaling. With blood running down my arm and the pain of a hammerblow on my left hip, I grunted my way back to the car. The climb out of Dogwood isn't too bad on the s/s, in fact, it's one of the better s/s climbs in the area. The trail is smooth and it's not too steep, however, when you lose the leverage of one arm and your hip is funked up, it's quite painful.

I'll survive to ride another day (I'm already thinking of riding tomorrow) but this spill won't soon leave my memory. In the course of all of my crashes, I think this one ranks very near the top. I pushed the limit and paid the price of stretching my comfort zone. Seeing me limp around this evening, my wife asked me if this (competitive mountain bike stuff) was worth it and my response was "do I have a choice?"

Look at it this way, I didn't break a chain today!

Yours truly,
The Hipster Doofus
Now where's the nearest wetsuit?

Bianchi Veloce

Oh, and while I've got the microphone...

Let me turn this into my little political soapbox full of incoherent babble and blasphemy. Congratulations on your award! Please go backstage, pose for your photo, return to your seat, and refrain from further commentary.

I intended to watch the Emmys, not a show featuring the personal viewpoints of entertainers. If I wanted to watch that I would have tuned in last week to our president's state of the union address. Besides, it was quite evident to me Sally attempted to rehearse her speech and planned on it's topic ahead of time. Take a cue from some of your lesser known actors and next time speak from your heart. Sounds a little more genuine to my ears.

Tour of Missouri

The inaugural ToM is now in the books and sans Dan Schmatz's unfortunate accident on Stage 2, I'd say it seemed to be quite successful all around. Good crowds and decent routes played into the hands of the riders, as well as the spectators. Hopefully, this bodes well for the event returning next year and for many years to come.

Saturday, my family and I had hoped to catch the riders as they crossed highway 40 while traveling north on Highway 94. Those plans fell through as the starting time for my son's soccer game eclipsed the pace the peloton was setting and we missed seeing them altogether. Via the internet coverage, I was able to catch the small break of riders attacking the Schluersberg climb. Yes, they sprinted up it, but I guarantee their lungs and legs were burning nicely at the summit of that climb.

Sunday we had plans to head down to Olive and 15th to view the race along with King Furby and the gang from STLCC. The lure of beer, food, and prime viewing seemed impossible to turn away. However, my in-laws had asked to join us and since they are not overly familiar with downtown, we agreed to meet them at the western end of the course. We parked at the History Museum, began walking, and settled in at the corner of Delmar and DeBaliviere. Thanks to James and the Big Shark gang, I was able to enjoy some O'Fallon Brewery keg beers (seemed like IPA) and the corner action as the peloton headed back east towards the start finish line.

All in all, it was a good spot to watch the race unfold. While walking between laps, we saw some of our friends from around the neighborhood sitting in one of the grass islands on Delmar. We watched the last 4 laps with them while I helped explain the tactics of road racing to most of the gathering non-competitive cycling crowd. Most of the spectators seemed to think the tactics were more akin to a mountain bike race. Jump off the front, ride so hard you want to puke, and hope it's enough to get you a win or a podium. (At least that's my approach to mtb racing.) As I explained the physics and physical demands working against 4 riders in front of a peloton of 100+ riders I could tell in their faces they didn't believe me. Maybe it's un-American to believe that 4 riders can't break away and stake their own claim of a race victory. At any rate, as the lead in the last 3 laps unwound from 150 secs, to 90 secs, to 15 secs, my hypothesis proved valid and the gang was mesmorized, including me. The power of the peloton is unescapable.

I think the ToM will be back next year. I'll do my best to let my partners at Edward Jones, as well as the other sponsors, know how much their sponsorship was appreciated. Be sure to do the same when you come across them.

Makes me want a taco!

Pass the salsa!!

Exile in Fatsville

Day 4 of no riding. I'm resting the legs, knocking out a couple of projects at work, and preparing to head to NYC on Thursday and Friday. I also feel like I'm getting fat(ter). Maybe it's a common reaction to active folks who take some rest time, but man I really feel it. Oh well, Saturday will be here soon enough. Saturday's plans are to rise early, load up the Gunnar and head out for a 3-4 hour LSD mountain bike ride. I have given some thoughts to riding the Katy Trifeca (Lost Valley, Matson, Klondike. 3 parks connected by the Katy Trail.) Problem is the Tour of Missouri will be coming through that direction later in the day and there may be quite a few people out there. I was hoping for a little less crowds. We'll see.

Speaking of the Tour of Missouri, I think it's a great thing for cycling in the state. Sounds like the good turnout may exceed the organizers plans and with the weather forecasted, we should continue to have good crowds. It would be nice have ToM as an annual event. Most folks have no idea how competitive road cycling works and what to expect. However, the thrilling speeds and the sights and sounds of the approaching peloton is more than their senses are prepared for. As a result, they tend to come away more endeared to the sport than before. That's not a bad thing. Back in July of this year, while watching the Tour de France roll into Paris, we talked with some students who were seeing their first professional cycling event. To a person they were instantly hooked by the spectrum of colors and the coupling of human energy and machinery. (I wonder if this is why NASCAR is so popular??) However, for less than $1000 and average Joe can purchase the gear to simulate the experience. Try that in NASCAR!

Is it Saturday yet???

A wise man once said

"by the very title of your blog aren't the choices a)pedal or B) die? If you take a week off, you won't be pedaling so......"

Yesterday was to be the first day of my self-imposed week off of the bikes. That was the plan following Saturday's race. However, Saturday's race never happened. Rain out. No problems, except mentally I'm not ready for the lay-off. I still feel like I need to keep the pan on the burner and begin prepping for the next race. There's still gas in the tank.

However, my work week is going to be busy as ever and I've got to head out of town on Thursday. Therefore, I am going to force myself off of the bikes until Saturday. Over the upcoming week, I'll try to decide what I'm going to do when I get back on the bike. Finish up the season in the Beginner class or step off into the world of Sport or Endurance class races? Toss a 'cross season into the year-end? I'll give it all some thought.

I won't be pedalling this week, which I guess means, I'll slowly be dying. While that doesn't feel good, it's life.

Oh by the way, wise man, you cannot have my Chris King road wheels.

Rain 1 Race 0

The beginner class was shut out today at Greensfelder. The accumulation of the rains from the week, plus the showers which began at 11:30am on Saturday were too much for the course to take. The Sport, Expert, and Endurance classes all completed their races, but unfortunately, our race was scrapped. It was the right call to make. In a pre-race lap of the course, I felt that it had gotten considerably worse in the past 24 hours. There were definitely more areas of puddling and mud building up in the corners and low areas.

It's unfortunate because it was looking like quite a turnout for the Beginner class. Bill Cahill, Jo Wottowa, Jim Hafner, Denny Huebner, Paul Miller, Loran Cavano, and many others were all going to run. I would have enjoyed the competition before my self-imposed rest week. I'm still taking a week off the bike and not giving it any thought. While I've yet to win a race in the beginner class, I'm definitely considering moving up to the Sport or Endurance class for the Spanish Lake race in October. I would like to use that race as a gauge for the level of fitness I need to be riding at for next season. At this point, I'm leaning towards endurance class, but who knows.

Actually, the true winner today should be noted as King Furby. Brian rode out from his humble city abode to watch the race today only to be disappointed by the weather. Misery loves company, eh? However, when we loaded into our vehicles to drive home, Furby refueled on some of Aggro's chocolate donuts and pointed the bike east towards the city. Hopefully he got home before his body emptied of fuel. At least someone got in a good effort today.

Perhaps I should have ridden the MS150 instead?

The Boundless Grace of God

Welcome back Saul Raisin, welcome back!

God's grace is real and may he continue to be a source of strength and healing for you and your family!

I need to write more about the great gifts and blessings God provides for us in our daily lives. I understand my feelings may not be shared by other riders or readers (assuming I have any.) But I know where my heart leads me and God is in that path.

I don't feel like I do enough to glorify God. As a sinner, my thoughts, words, and deeds certainly leave gaps. I need to continue to admit this and draw on His strength to eliminate them. God has richly blessed me and my family and what do I do to show my respect? Not enough. I'll continue to pray for guidance, wisdom, strength, and focus.

God is alive and offers grace to all who desire. Trusting in Him and believing in His way, wonderful miracles can and do happen. Miracles like Saul.

I'm TIRED

and I need a rest from the bike. I've been riding a lot in prep for the Greensfelder race and stuff at work is coming to a boil. I do know that I'm taking at least a week off of the bike after Saturday's race. My legs bruised and beaten and my body needs some recovery time. When I took my two weeks off at the beginning of August (for the Europe trip) I thought I'd really get some rest for my body. Truth is we walked a great deal everyday in Europe, so much so, I actually lost weight on the trip. Lately I feel like my time on the bike has been mandatory in order to prepare for races. I don't like that and therefore, I'm taking a break. Later.