Super-Dogging, Fire-Crack'n, Mopering

This came to me in regards to the Mopery question;
"I was riding my bike up the path in Arlington when I had a sudden urge to..you know..take my clothes off. Not just remove them and run through the forest, mind you. But to disrobe and be seen. I rode my bike off the path and ditched it behind some bushes and proceeded to peal myself from the spandex. I squatted there waiting...when to my enjoyment another path user came strolling along with a dog. I deliberated, fearing what the dog may do and quickly jumped into their path, naked. The dogged cocked his head, the man said "hello," and they walked along. I was sorely disappointed and shrugged and put my clothes back on to ride away. As I continued up the path it began to rain and thought to myself, "why was that man wearing dark sunglasses on such a cloudy day?"
Of course this is exactly what Mopery consists of. It seems fitting that the Indy Fab Team Captain, Bruno would know so well such a nefarious crime.
In this new found thirst for the fast and sketchy, I decided that another Super-D race would be a great primer for the Firecracker 50.
About 20 miles from Breckenridge is Keystone resort and the site of the G3 Gravity Series race number 1.
16min of almost pure down-helling on the 29er against 22 professional downhill racers.
One thing I really enjoy is putting myself in awkward social situations. Like going to a funeral dressed as a clown, or hanging out on top of a mountain with a bunch of baggy shorts and armored dudes while revealing all my goods in a skintight spandex package.
After a 10min chairlift ride I changed into my superman outfit and took a run down mountain. So if the Crested Butte race was 29er friendly this course was definetly full-suspension ready. Actually I'd say about half the pro's chose to use their DH rigs while the other half had 5-6in of travel. Yeah I felt like a dork and the younger kids would hardly talk to me, just grunts. I flashed back to elementary and middle school outsider status. As a matter of fact everyone was stoked on the course, saying "this is what Super-D course should be like." It had no uphill portions and very little need for pedaling. Where I could I used it as much as possible. Obviously there were no XC riders there to complain.
Since this was a big purse gravity stage race, it drew some pretty heavy hitters. Number 1, Leov, and 2, Graves top world cup racers. I'm being a little self-serving here by building this up to the final conclusion. We went off in 15sec intervals, and since only me and one other guy were the only ones who signed up only for the Super-D and not all three stages, we got to go last. As I was sitting there I threw a little trash talk out and told the armored boys in front to not let a hard-tail riding, spandexed dude catch you. So to the end...I caught a few. Oh Yeah!
I do have to say I owe alot of the confidence to the two WTB Exi-Wolves I got in the mail the day before. Thanks Dain. That was a surprise.

Pro Men Overall Overall Place Name Time Pace Place by Sex 1 Leov,Justin 15:19.3 2 2 2 Graves,Jared 15:21.9 3 3 3 Olsen,Todd 15:37.4 4 4 4 Leonard,Kain 15:42.5 5 5 5 Keene,Curtis 15:45.1 6 6 6 Krahenbuhl,Eli 15:53.0 7 7 7 Price,Harlan 15:55.6 8 8 8 Buell,Brian 16:07.5 9 9 9 Wilderman,Cody 16:07.8 10 10 10 Cranston,Ryan 16:11.8 11 11 11 Warren,Willy 16:15.9 12 12 12 Heath,Chris 16:16.5 15 15 13 Buell,Michael 16:25.9 16 16 14 Griffith,Zachary 16:34.1 17 17 15 Hall,Heikki 16:56.8 25 25 16 Vogt,Greg 16:57.5 26 26 17 Harmony,Dante 17:07.3 30 30 18 Howse,Mike 17:08.7 32 32 19 Kittles,Chad 17:47.1 39 38 20 O'Driscoll,Chris 20:57.5 51 45 21 Boice,Chris 22:05.1 52 46 22 Lindsley,Ariel 22:06.7 53 47

Mopery anyone?

Ian I still owe you one for correctly identifying the cucumber avacado stick boat.
Now who can tell me what the crime of "mopery" consists of?

Buttian Acclimation and Super-D Wins

It hurts. Breathing, riding, looking directly into the sun. I decided to go to the fabled Crested Butte for a go at a shortish XC race. The drive with Eric was about 3hrs of crossing mountain passes and dipping into valleys. These wide expanses with sun on one side and storms on the other reminded me of a college professor, who said it's important to remember that the world is made up of people living in different systems, unaware of each other's weather.
At the turn from Gunnison to the Butte, we see a storm system in the mountains 20miles ahead. Deciding there was no rush, lunch was found at a little deli. Colorado is full of good food and coffee.

CB is situtated in an enclave of mountains, with rolling hills and farmland contrasted by some massive mountain bowls, so the drive in was pretty epic. We kitted up to go for a pre-ride of the 10 mile course. Before leaving the parking lot I'm riding around waiting for Eric, and I ask a guy hows the course. Without hesitating the bitterness dripped out of his mouth formed around the words "It's a terrible course." I ask him what kind of course he does like, and he goes on about something with 45min instead of 15min climbs. This was actually the 3rd person who had some negative comment to make about the course. Which reminded me that cyclist are the biggest bunch of Nancy's. I've never met a group of people who can be so fun but so willing to complain about anything and everything. All that testosterone makes for opinionated people.
So out on the course. Because I was in the biking petri-dish of Crested Butte I had nothing to complain about. It started with a 15 min climb and continued on some beautiful single track over the back of the mountain. Once we were on top there was only one more significant climb, the finish invloved some tight tree runs and uncomfortably fast, rutted single-track through the ski slopes.
With the course scoped out, it was time to head to the Butte to eat. CB has a 27 year old MTB festival, that takes over the town for a week in the summer. Unfortunatly we were a weekend early and missed the chainless downhill race. Fish Taco's and a Burrito later we headed back to the mountain. I stayed with an actual CO native, Seth and his wife Molly.

The race started early so I rode into CB to eat breakfast at about 7am then I got to the line with the other 27 pros 10min before the start. These Mountain State Cup Races draw a stiff competition and there to prove it was Jay Henry, Mike West and Brian so and so from Trek. My plan was to go hard at the start and see what happens. At the top of the climb and in about 9th place I decided that breathing was more important, so the rest of the race was a crawl up the hills and a fox-trot down. I had a good time, came in third from last of the finishers and decided to race the Super-D the next day.
I might get a little s**t from my friends for this but I signed up in the 30+ division, because I hadn't done one before and was on a hardtail. It seemed everyone else had a bike specificaly for that race with lots of travel and big tires. With hind-site I should have done the open-pro division, since my time would have put me in 2nd over-all, 11sec behind winner Mike West. Oh well, it was so much fun, think I'll do another this weekend.

This is my BIKE!

It ocurred to me today, actually it was pointed out to me, that I haven't gotten around to going into detail about my 2007 race bike. Well here goes..
it's a Titanium 29er Deluxe from Indy Fab of course.
Built with: a Cannondale Lefty SL carbon Ti Fork (2.7lbs) at 80mm of travel
a Cannondale integrated stem/ steerer.
Stan's wheelsets. Racing is 355ztr rims on a DT Swiss 240 rear hub and Lefty Front
Training are Arch rims on Hope II pro rear hub and Lefty front.
WTB tires and Stem. Nano, Exi and Moto Raptors. Kevlar Bead run tubeless (it works). I like to run them between 24-28lbs. Never Burped.
I got the Holy Grail of saddles, the Rocket V. God and Ahala bless it.
Formula Puro disc breaks. Oh yeah! they stop and modulate and look cool.
Ergon Grips. Yes they look funny, but damn they feel good.
XTR cranks, shifters, derailleurs.
Thompson Seatpost.
Seven Ti Handlebar, 5degree sweep.
Time Ti Carbon ATAC
King Cage
Total Weight??? 22.25lbs
This is my First Ti Frame. Paired with the 29er wheels this bike crushes the 100milers. It's comfortable from start to finish. I test rode a Cannondale Caffine before going with the final design and had Matt B. at IF to sharpen the headtube angle from cannondales 70 to a quicker 71 degrees. That gives it a wheelbase of 109cm. Thats at least a 1cm shorter than C-Dale, Bianchi, or Gary Fisher. It has a 17 5/8in chainstay. Point is it is very flickable and quick.
The Formula Puro have a great feel.
And the Lefty Fork feels as good as everyone says it should. It feels like I've got more than 8omm of squish. I could take out a spacer and run it at 90mm. I also just put on the Seven Bars. They are borrowed from friend. I defintaly like the wider stance than the FSA Flat bars I was using.
Love this bike. Named? Pa, as in South Pa

Leaving it behind, Hello MI and CO

Lets go a little back in time. Think about 3hrs ago. Got a clear picture of what was happening? Well I'm going back 4 days to a time when all there was before me was a highway ending in a sea (midwest) of possibilities. I'm cruising with a guy named Bob and another called Tim. Good men they are. Maybe we made a striking trio swashbuckling across PA, OH and MI on our way to the Lumberjack 100. I'm carrying an extra bike and gear enough for a three week stay, most of it to be done in Breckenridge CO.
But first we have to stop and race a 100 miles in the forested dunes outside of Manistee Michigan. Along the way we stop in Ann Arbor to spend the night with Simon and Catherine. Simon takes us on a post car-ride spin around the local trails, which involved a lot of crossing parks and parking lots. A couple of developments and past a river or two. That was fun and followed by a Lebanese dinner. I mentioned last year that MI has a large Lebanese population.
Okay so that was great, but the point is we woke up the next morn, did some brake hose shortening and took off North. Oh and there is an art to Caravaning.
Upon arrival we jumped out and did a quick ride around the inner loop of the course. As sandy as the year before, but run backwards. Finished, chatted with a few peeps then departed for the Cabin. It seems no matter how hard I try to be ready hours before bed, I"m always up till the last minute preping something.
Nothing really eventfull happens the next morning, except ummm a race. There is a mad dash for the single track and lines around the bleeding sanddunes. Each trail seemed like a gash in the side of some ancient dune with a forest for an epidermis. (sp?)
There is a train as usual for the first hour. 7 or 8 riders riding tempo, with a local setting the pace. I'm actually #2 waiting for something to happen, then I got a stick in my derailleur. No damage done but I'm now near the back of the small group with E occupying my old spot. Next thing I know E has stopped with a similar ailment, and now mr. pace setter slows down while his teammate Simonson attacks. I'm three back but sort of waiting to see if Eatough gets back on. After a while of watching Simonson disappear I made chase. Rode solo for awhile then got a partner in local Christian. We caught Simonson before the end of the lap and then he attacked at the next hike-a-bike/ climb. Eventually Eatough caught me and we reeled him in, then let him dangle then about the time I finished my last bit of water I asked E where the aid station was. Uhmmm about "10 min back" he says. and we had about 35min to go till the next one.
This is where I let him come around and decided to cut my costs. After about 40min and two sips of water from people I passed I made it back to my cooler and got a refill.
That pretty much blew my day. I held third till lap four but lost it to Christian as he came roaring by. Mybe it was the water fiasco or maybe it was me just feeling a little stale. Oh well.
Time to swim..
This is Simon form Ann Arbor hating life after the race....

We had a very nice cabin!So I didn't go back to PA. I decided to catch a ride to Breckenridge with three other quality individuals. We packed Erika's Subaru with my stuff..Thats her below...I managed to say the wrong thing within 5 min of meeting her, but she soon realized there would be a lot more foot in mouth moments and to not get real bent out of shape. Here she looks a little mad but in reality she's just taking a break from packing. She's really nice.These two are Ryan and Josh, I'll be staying with Josh for my time in Breck. Ryan has a dog named Rasta Parks Dog. He is an AKC registered chocolate lab. Call him "parks" if your his friend.
Some places in Nebraska need everything clarified.

Ohio: I Take It Back

Ohio has redeemed itself.
Sure I might have had some harsh words for the Buckeye state this time last year, but adversity is good for the world. It creates conflicts so people can choose a team, find comfort in a belief and achieve a sense purpose they are willing to fight to defend. It's really a moral booster. Polarization. Opposing forces keep the world churning.
I take it back Ohio. Thats an apology. You're great with those rolling planes, lakes and well marked hundred mile races.
The second race of the Ultra Endurance 100 miler series, survived a 5th(?) year without a hitch. I didn't keep my title from last year, but it was a great race for me, coming only 7min behind Eatough. If you don't know, he's an immortal. Fast guy, that is! Topher and I made the drive, and made some masks from our Neeto Burrito on the way back. A better writting will come.

For the Raffle Participation.
Toph and Keith post Mohican
If you're not cool, this guys for hire.
That's a peak at my new bike. Yes it's bad a**. I don't dope but my bike sure does.
"Is youre dad a drug dealer? Cause your dope to me." Thanks for the Crack Indy.

65 acres for $120,000
So Ohio has some cheap land.
Just so you know.

Drawing is Done, I got stitches!

WHo's the IF frame and Fork Winner?
Kerry Combs: A very deserving and bad a** rider.
The Villin was taken home by Earl White! a long time philla courier! He seemed happy and it actually fits him.

Combing Death's Hair, and Raffle News

1. Push the crosswalk button.
2. Wait for the signal.
3. Make sure the cars have all stopped.
4. Start to cross.
5. Hear the distinct sound of locked up brakes.
6. In a split second, glance left, unclip one foot, and step back just enough to have the skidding truck only hit the rubber on the front wheel.
   
7. Watch the truck drive off.
   
8. Straighten the stem.
   
9. Go on my way.
   

That truck came around 5 or 6 cars, in a non-existant lane. All this in front of a major bus transfer station.
So watch yourself out there.

Yes, Raffle Time!! Some things have changed! I'm a little embarassed about the flier. I love the design, but the fact my name is so big makes me feel as if I've become an industrial logo. I didn't make it.
So what is it. Well, I have had problems finding a spot for the bike show-off. At one point a couple of weeks ago everything was falling into place perfectly, then it all kept falling straight to Mordorf. Then the day my world disappeared, my friend Rachel called to say she wanted to put on a messenger race, and charge the purchase of a Raffle Ticket as the entry fee.
Holy Heck!
That ruled, and best of all I have to do very little to prepare for it. Since I felt bad that there was a possibility that ally-catters wouldn't win the IF frame, and I hate to see disgruntled messengers, I called my friend Alexis Dold from Villin Cycles to see if he would be interested in donating a frame to the prize list for people at the A-Cat. Sure enough he was happy to pony up a sweet 55cm orange track frame. Thanks Alexis!
So you know, there will be some biking games and you don't have to race to be qualified for the days prizes. You can come, hangout, drink beer and buy a raffle ticket for the IF Frame and Fork and the other goodies.
Location is Lemon Hill. Across from the boat row houses in Philly.
Find and come on over!

Also,,,my friend Sam is having a raffle of her own this weekend at the Granogue race. She also has some great Independent Fab Stuff as well. Sam is a recent Cancer survivor, and boy is she pissed. So if you want a sticker that says "FUCK CANCER", or "CANCER SUCKS" or "Team Bury the Dragon" go to the above link. Proceeds go to HERA, an organiztion for fighting ovarian cancer. I like the Dragon sticker the best.
Do it now!

Michaux Maxxximus, New Blood

Between last weekend and this one, I'd say I'm over flunking out at the Cohutta. The UCI race at Greenbrier got me a 7th place finish and some very valuable UCI points for my 2008 Olympic bid. If it comes down to the wire I'll be auctioning them off later in the year. It also means I can go fast and short, instead of just long and steady.
Then this weekend was the first of the Michaux Endurance series. For those uninitiated, Michaux races are considered more agonizing than negotiating through the movie Brazil. Which I love and totally relate to at this moment in my life.
Speaking of another film I saw recently that we should all relate to,,check out Punishment Park. An oddly timely movie made in 1971, but could easily be updated to today. How come no one makes political commentary like this anymore? Here is a picture of a rainbow, in Granada, to balance out Punishment Park's angry angry image.
The Michaux race was a great 50 mile loop through the woods of upper Adams County, PA. I feel like I achieved something besides just a 2nd place finish. Mainly the knowledge that a racer I respect had enough respect for me to not attack from the gun and leave me gasping. At first I thought Mr. E was just giving me TV time at the front of the race but that might have not been the case. Whatever, a mark of success when I race a person like the E. is not if I beat him but by how little I get beaten by. THis time only ten minutes with a flat. That is improvment!
I felt great most of the day, and the guys at Gettysburg Bicycles, (Jess, Rich, Heath and all the moto folk) did a great job of pushing the race to a new level of difficulty, while at the same time making it welcoming for and enjoyable for the racers.
I was sort of worried about all the people I had talked into coming who had never been in Michaux. I just wanted them to have a good time, and in the end they all had big fat grins. Like dogs at a dump.
I managed to harrass enough people to sell a few Raffle Tickets after the race. I feel kind of weird going around and asking people to buy some. But I look at it like when I used to work for the newspaper. It's an opportunity to meet people, and see how their days went, when normally I just want to sit down and do nothing. To all those people I've met, Please forgive me if I forget a name or two. Actually If I remember 4 names out of the 20 new ones, I feel a little ahead of the game.

Snarling my way through life. 30 Franc fine.

The highlight of the last two race weekends was getting fined 30 francs by the UCI. Ahh coming of age.

Racing my bike. Greenbrier Last weekend and Michaux this one!

http://www.nbc25.com/content/fulltext/?cid=11484
That's an actual piece of cycling news coverage. I'm not in it which is fine, because who want's to see someone snarling at you on TV? Unless it's the WolfMan.
Credit to this guy who took these photos from The Greenbrier Challenge. Last year I thought I looked too calm so now I'm trying to improve my agro image.
We are in full swing on the racing front. This is what I've been waiting for all year. The story on getting fined? Big time pro UCI events require pre-registration. That requires thinking ahead. Not my favorite past time.
This guy is exceptional people. Topher!
Travis's post-wedding bachelor party/ Jim Thorpe bike ride crew.
If you can identify this and most of it's parts I'll send you something.

Churtle the Turtle is a New Trek Regional Rider and has no problem hanging with testosterone.

100miles, 29in, Foamhenge and Fear

COHUTTA 100
It's come and gone. Good riddence.
12th place was the result of my game plan. I knew it was different from my usual approach, but my early season legs wanted to go, go, go... and they went, at about mile 50. As people passed me, the looks on their faces told me what my my face looked like. At about mile 25 everything came back together and once again the looks of astonishment as I flew by told me how I was doing. To little to late. Next time Gadget.
And yes I finished putting together the new 29er on Friday. Holy sweet backwater. I've never ridden a bike like that. It weighs in right now at 23lbs and I still have some tricks to get the weight down another .5lbs or so. But besides being a featherweight, the thing rides beautifully. It loved the swooping trails of Georgia. I could whip it around like a fly-swatter and bury it in the corners. I'll post some pics later.
The drive down wasn't bad, 12hrs goes quick when the scenery changes from winter to spring in a day. Trees were thick with green fuzz. Virginia has a way of killing the spring. Between picking up Anti-Terrorist pamphlets and driving so close to Roanoke's VT tragedy, there were some sobering moments. It was a relief to hit North Carolina and Georgia where business signs promoting their two main products lightened the mood.
Tans and Videos
Fireworks and Beer.

This was on the side of a big rig

A major highlight of the return trip was the discovery of this cultural treasure. If you get off at exit 175 or 180 you'll find it. FoamHenge at the Natural Bridge exit.

Be sure to read the bottom to paragraphs.

Also on the return trip, we needed a break and saw a sign for Buck Bald. Thanks Buck!
It had a picnic table, a fire ring and a view to kill for.