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04.11.2008
KANSAS CITY, MO.
Crank 'n' Cruise POSTPONED
http://www.heartlandrace.com
Racing friends and loyal supporters of HSP:
Do to the current and projected weather conditions at Crowder State Park, the Crank-N-Cruise Mountain Bike Race that was scheduled for Sunday, April 13th has been POSTPONED…More details forthcoming. I'm sure you were probably expecting this message. I know you are frustrated, as are we.
The winter from "Hades" has continued to rear its ugly head into the spring racing season. Crowder State Park has received over an inch of rain on Tuesday, a quarter of an inch last night, and it has rained all day today. The extended forecast is calling for possible rain and below average temperatures. There is even a chance for snow flurries Friday night. The Thompson River is currently rising and Grundy County is under a flood alert. With all these contributing factors
We have already stated our reasoning for not supporting "Rain or Shine" races in past posts. I've stated my personal view points on "Pappy's Place" but I'll give you the short version anyway:
We choose to look at the "Big Picture" and the impact our decisions will make in the long run, not for immediate gratification. Racing in the mud is not fun and is detrimental to the ecology of the trail systems we utilize for our race venues.
We are not willing to compromise our trails or cobble together an alternative "short option" that would simply satisfy the requirements of "calling it a race." We have some of the best trails in north Missouri. That is why we host a race. We want to showcase our wonderful trails. We would rather wait until the conditions improve and we can offer a better racing experience. We, Heartland Sport Promotions [HSP], have very high standards and expectations for our events. We strive for the best and that is what racers have come to expect when they participate in our events.
The decision to cancel or reschedule a race is not totally ours to make. We are utilizing public lands and have a land manager that has jurisdiction in making the final decision as to whether an event will proceed or be cancelled. At Crowder State Park that decision is based on environmental impact, public safety, and following the established policies concerning inclement weather and trail closures.
Please continue to monitor the Heartland web page for updated information on the 2008 race schedule. We are looking at possible options for rescheduling events.
I hope you will continue to support our efforts to provide the racing community with quality events. We love to ride bikes and share trails just like you do!
Doug "Pappy" Long
About Heartland Sports Promotions:
Heartland Sports Promotions [HSP] is a volunteer based 501(c)4, not-for-profit corporation with a mission to make the Kansas City region a better place to live, work, ride and run through:
PROMOTING events appealing to all levels of skill and experience
SUPPORTING forums on outdoor safety and education
VOLUNTEERING time for trail-development and maintenance
INVESTING in the growth of KC's active community and culture
DONATING a % of our net income to charities and organizations with similar values
Showing posts with label racn'. Show all posts
Showing posts with label racn'. Show all posts
Friday, April 11, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sprialing into depression but I think we have made it to the other side
Sorry there haven't been many post as of late.
The only topic I seem to have on my mind as of late is my disappointment with how things are going with my job.
Not the kind of dirty laundry really I want to air here (especially since I know people in my company read this).
I will say that I am having serious doubts that I will be employed by my current employer (I have worked there the last 8 years) by this time next year.
I will either be fired or I will quit.
I certainly hope I am wrong. Most days I like my job and I would like to believe that I am good at it.
I think the most frustrating part is that store policies and regulations are set by people that don't even work in our store or even live in our state. They are trying to make everything the same here as it is there.
I don't know if this is a good idea. Our market is different than the market in Colorado, or Ohio, or North Carolina.
But what do I know? I am simply a poorly educated schmuck who should consider himself lucky to work there at all.
Maybe its just simply bad timing.
Dropping new store policies on us right as the season gets rolling. As if there isn't enough going on dealing with the fresh rush or customers and product, training new people and getting our ducks in a row. Tack on these new rules and store policies that supposedly have always been there and everyone is in a tizzy.
For me personally this is compounded with the realization this last week that I am not really friends with any one I work with.
Some of them were my friends but now they are simply co-workers.
I don't hang out with or even ride with anyone I work with anymore.
Not that they aren't fine people or they have changed since we work together.
Mostly the problem is me.
It never used to be this way.
When I started in the bike biz it was with old college buddies. If we weren't at work together we were riding, drinking, or simply hanging out together. Our little group of guys all met and rode together in college and then all ended up at the same bike shop. We like to believe that it was us that spurned out shops growth here locally.
We were all so excited about bikes and our excitement excited other people to ride. I just remember having so much fun going to work.
But times change. We all get older, grow apart, move on to other things.
I find myself wondering more and more what it would be like if I could afford to quit, pack my stuff up in a van and move to a new life and adventure in a new city.
But...
This thinking also comes with its own set of problems.
Where do I go?
Where do I live?
What would I do for a job? I don't think of myself to be very employable... I don't have very many if any job skills. I believe I only have a job I have because of the friends that used to work there.
Then there is the whole meeting new people thing...finding a place to fit in... I am not good at that either.
I have been told most of my problems all start with me.
I am my own worst enemy.
I am plagued constantly with self doubt and insecurity.
I have been this way most of my life. I am not sure why. I am told that I am like able enough and I do have friends. But its been some time since I have had the kind of friendship with anyone similar to ones I remember from my past. Or maybe it isn't that those friendships don't exist as much as it is that they don't exist here.
At least not anymore.
Maybe I spend too much time alone.
Maybe I need a woman.
Maybe I just need to go for a ride.
Maybe I need to ride more often.
Maybe I should stop thinking so much.
Maybe if I just relax it will all be OK.
Maybe I should stop this rant because its only making me depressed...
OK.
I had to walk away from this post for a while.
Take a break, make some dinner, do some reading, flip some channels.
I was starting on the downward spiral of depression and that is not where I want to go.
And I certainly don't want to take you with me.
I wasn't intending to start a pity party when I started this post an hour or so ago.
Besides, I need to hit the bed in a good mood tonight.
I plan on getting up and out early. Motoring out east to Landahl where the trails are finally dry.
I haven't been on my 29er yet this season. The trails have just been to wet.
HSP's Spoke Pony Showdown 3/6 has been rescheduled for this Saturday the 29th.
I plan to "race" provided that I don't get sucked into working the store (oops there we go again... slowly back away, slowly back away...).
I say "race" because with my poor fitness and lack of riding as of late I will be lucky to do more than a couple of laps. Let alone doing laps for 3 hours or 6 if I do the Duo.
But we shall see
I can't wait to rip it up tomorrow for a couple of hours.
Here's to hoping I don't over sleep!
*Ya know... I wasn't sure that I was even going to post the first part of this.
But ya know what?
I feel much better now that I have vented.
Sorry to take you though all that muck.
Its more for me than for you.
Thanks for reading*
The only topic I seem to have on my mind as of late is my disappointment with how things are going with my job.
Not the kind of dirty laundry really I want to air here (especially since I know people in my company read this).
I will say that I am having serious doubts that I will be employed by my current employer (I have worked there the last 8 years) by this time next year.
I will either be fired or I will quit.
I certainly hope I am wrong. Most days I like my job and I would like to believe that I am good at it.
I think the most frustrating part is that store policies and regulations are set by people that don't even work in our store or even live in our state. They are trying to make everything the same here as it is there.
I don't know if this is a good idea. Our market is different than the market in Colorado, or Ohio, or North Carolina.
But what do I know? I am simply a poorly educated schmuck who should consider himself lucky to work there at all.
Maybe its just simply bad timing.
Dropping new store policies on us right as the season gets rolling. As if there isn't enough going on dealing with the fresh rush or customers and product, training new people and getting our ducks in a row. Tack on these new rules and store policies that supposedly have always been there and everyone is in a tizzy.
For me personally this is compounded with the realization this last week that I am not really friends with any one I work with.
Some of them were my friends but now they are simply co-workers.
I don't hang out with or even ride with anyone I work with anymore.
Not that they aren't fine people or they have changed since we work together.
Mostly the problem is me.
It never used to be this way.
When I started in the bike biz it was with old college buddies. If we weren't at work together we were riding, drinking, or simply hanging out together. Our little group of guys all met and rode together in college and then all ended up at the same bike shop. We like to believe that it was us that spurned out shops growth here locally.
We were all so excited about bikes and our excitement excited other people to ride. I just remember having so much fun going to work.
But times change. We all get older, grow apart, move on to other things.
I find myself wondering more and more what it would be like if I could afford to quit, pack my stuff up in a van and move to a new life and adventure in a new city.
But...
This thinking also comes with its own set of problems.
Where do I go?
Where do I live?
What would I do for a job? I don't think of myself to be very employable... I don't have very many if any job skills. I believe I only have a job I have because of the friends that used to work there.
Then there is the whole meeting new people thing...finding a place to fit in... I am not good at that either.
I have been told most of my problems all start with me.
I am my own worst enemy.
I am plagued constantly with self doubt and insecurity.
I have been this way most of my life. I am not sure why. I am told that I am like able enough and I do have friends. But its been some time since I have had the kind of friendship with anyone similar to ones I remember from my past. Or maybe it isn't that those friendships don't exist as much as it is that they don't exist here.
At least not anymore.
Maybe I spend too much time alone.
Maybe I need a woman.
Maybe I just need to go for a ride.
Maybe I need to ride more often.
Maybe I should stop thinking so much.
Maybe if I just relax it will all be OK.
Maybe I should stop this rant because its only making me depressed...
OK.
I had to walk away from this post for a while.
Take a break, make some dinner, do some reading, flip some channels.
I was starting on the downward spiral of depression and that is not where I want to go.
And I certainly don't want to take you with me.
I wasn't intending to start a pity party when I started this post an hour or so ago.
Besides, I need to hit the bed in a good mood tonight.
I plan on getting up and out early. Motoring out east to Landahl where the trails are finally dry.
I haven't been on my 29er yet this season. The trails have just been to wet.
HSP's Spoke Pony Showdown 3/6 has been rescheduled for this Saturday the 29th.
I plan to "race" provided that I don't get sucked into working the store (oops there we go again... slowly back away, slowly back away...).
I say "race" because with my poor fitness and lack of riding as of late I will be lucky to do more than a couple of laps. Let alone doing laps for 3 hours or 6 if I do the Duo.
But we shall see
I can't wait to rip it up tomorrow for a couple of hours.
Here's to hoping I don't over sleep!
*Ya know... I wasn't sure that I was even going to post the first part of this.
But ya know what?
I feel much better now that I have vented.
Sorry to take you though all that muck.
Its more for me than for you.
Thanks for reading*
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Damn the rain..
The official word from HSP...
Spoke Pony Showdown POSTPONED
Written by Scott Capstack
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Mother Nature has her own ideas....
Currently at 4am, we already have between 1/4" to 1/2" of rain and it's still falling.
As we mentioned yesterday, the trails just can't handle this amount rain, therefore....
Spoke Pony Showdown 3hr/6hr and 5k/10k has been POSTPONED.
The new date for the event is Saturday, MARCH 29th.
Exactly two weeks from today.
Same time.
Same location.
We'll post more details in the next couple of days.
Thank you all for understanding.
Spread the Dirt.
Spoke Pony Showdown POSTPONED
Written by Scott Capstack
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Mother Nature has her own ideas....
Currently at 4am, we already have between 1/4" to 1/2" of rain and it's still falling.
As we mentioned yesterday, the trails just can't handle this amount rain, therefore....
Spoke Pony Showdown 3hr/6hr and 5k/10k has been POSTPONED.
The new date for the event is Saturday, MARCH 29th.
Exactly two weeks from today.
Same time.
Same location.
We'll post more details in the next couple of days.
Thank you all for understanding.
Spread the Dirt.
Friday, March 14, 2008
HSP Spoke Pony Showdown 3/6 Tomorrow... maybe
The lastest from the HSP boys:
.....We just got back from riding the Spoke Pony loop. As of 11:30am this morning the course condtions are mostly tacky due to the overnight dew. Everything was ridable and looking good for racing tomorrow....
BUT,
If we get any mositure this evening...the course conditions will worsen.
Current forecasts are calling for rain late this evening and into the morning.
We will make the final race call...by 6:30am Saturday morning. Please keep checking our website.
Thank you all for understanding. We want to race just as much as you.
Spread the Dirt.
.....We just got back from riding the Spoke Pony loop. As of 11:30am this morning the course condtions are mostly tacky due to the overnight dew. Everything was ridable and looking good for racing tomorrow....
BUT,
If we get any mositure this evening...the course conditions will worsen.
Current forecasts are calling for rain late this evening and into the morning.
We will make the final race call...by 6:30am Saturday morning. Please keep checking our website.
Thank you all for understanding. We want to race just as much as you.
Spread the Dirt.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sunday's HMBCS#1 - POSTPONED!
Straight from the HSP website
Truman's Big Love-POSTPONED
Written by Craig Stoeltzing
Thursday, 28 February 2008
23 inches and counting...the winter precipitation total to date. Rain or snow falling on average every three days and a constant freeze/thaw cycle sure doesn't make for the best racing conditions.
We are all mountain bikers/trail runners and have a great passion for the sport.
All of our promoters are not only mountain bike racers/runners, but also individuals that are active trail builders and stewards that will always try to make decisions that are environmentally sound and best for our trail systems.
We are racers and have always established the highest standards for HSP races. We want our races to be fun, competitive, and offer the best racing experience possible. If we know the conditions are going to be substandard, that is not acceptable.
Taking all of the above into consideration and walking the trails this afternoon.....Truman's Big Love Cross Country (HMBCS #1) and Truman's Big Love 5/10k is POSTPONED. Both events have tentatively been re-scheduled for Sunday, June 22ND. Same time and location.
Stay tuned....Spoke Pony Showdown 3hr/6hr and 5k/10k trail run are just over two weeks away. Here's to sunshine, warm temps and windy conditions to get us back to dirt racing.
************************************************************************************
Well that sucks. But in a way I am happy. I really didn't want my first MTB ride of the year to be a race. I have no legs and my bike is still waiting on parts to complete it for the season. Some of the parts did arrive today. Tomorrow I will switch out my axles to make my hubs QR, drop the front rotor down to 160 (as it should have been all along) and tune it up. Not sure on what the wait is gonna be for my On-One fork. But I guess I have little choice but to wait.
Looks like this means Saturday I can ride myself into the ground with out having to worry about racing on Sunday.
Have a good weekend people, its almost upon us.
Truman's Big Love-POSTPONED
Written by Craig Stoeltzing
Thursday, 28 February 2008
23 inches and counting...the winter precipitation total to date. Rain or snow falling on average every three days and a constant freeze/thaw cycle sure doesn't make for the best racing conditions.
We are all mountain bikers/trail runners and have a great passion for the sport.
All of our promoters are not only mountain bike racers/runners, but also individuals that are active trail builders and stewards that will always try to make decisions that are environmentally sound and best for our trail systems.
We are racers and have always established the highest standards for HSP races. We want our races to be fun, competitive, and offer the best racing experience possible. If we know the conditions are going to be substandard, that is not acceptable.
Taking all of the above into consideration and walking the trails this afternoon.....Truman's Big Love Cross Country (HMBCS #1) and Truman's Big Love 5/10k is POSTPONED. Both events have tentatively been re-scheduled for Sunday, June 22ND. Same time and location.
Stay tuned....Spoke Pony Showdown 3hr/6hr and 5k/10k trail run are just over two weeks away. Here's to sunshine, warm temps and windy conditions to get us back to dirt racing.
************************************************************************************
Well that sucks. But in a way I am happy. I really didn't want my first MTB ride of the year to be a race. I have no legs and my bike is still waiting on parts to complete it for the season. Some of the parts did arrive today. Tomorrow I will switch out my axles to make my hubs QR, drop the front rotor down to 160 (as it should have been all along) and tune it up. Not sure on what the wait is gonna be for my On-One fork. But I guess I have little choice but to wait.
Looks like this means Saturday I can ride myself into the ground with out having to worry about racing on Sunday.
Have a good weekend people, its almost upon us.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Monday
Monday... its still cold.
I know. "Dude. Enough with the crying about the cold already."
Sorry, I fully admit to being a cry baby.
Its true.
I am just not a fan of cold weather.
I have been attempting to convince myself to get back into a regular schedule for riding the trainer.
I told myself that its either outside or on the trainer.
Either way DO IT.
We are past the first of the year which means that if I want to be in any kind of riding shape come March 2nd, it starts now.
March 2nd is the first mountain bike race on my schedule.
Heartland Sports Promotions XC#1 at Landhl Park in Blue Springs, Missouri.
I am not one for training. The goal is just to make sure come race #1 I am in better shape than was last spring and hella better shape than I am currently.
First thing first, dump the extra that I acquired in the just passed holiday season.
I am not the only factor the needs to be different for this season. I need the weather to play along so Race #1 is not my first MTB ride of the season.
I had a pretty dismal showing in the 2007 HSP XC series.
Weather and work did not help.
More than half of HSP races were postponed and moved to different dates thanks to weeks of rain and standing water in the trails.
All the rain dates I miss do to job commitments.
I ended up the MTB season with a DNF at the Perry XC race, a 5th place Duo finish at a 6 hour race.
2 races... oh boy.
Pretty sucky compared to finishing top 5 or better every XC race of 2006. It was the come back season after the accident. I have apparently slacked off a bit since then.
My Cyclocross season wasn't really all that spectacular either.
I came off of RAGBRAI feeling strong on the bike.
Once again I let things slip and I was back to fighting for fitness.
Can't let this happen in '08.
I can't control the weather but the body I do have "some" control over.
My busy spring through fall work schedule cuts out alot to ideal "training" ride hours. This makes it more essential that I don't slack off on the commuting in '08 either. Not only is it just a good thing to do, it automatically gives me 2+ hours a day on the bike. I think taking the long way home should get even longer this year. More often than not the pedal into work turns in to a 15 mile time trial. Racing the clock to avoid being late to work. Hope the cars around me aren't doing their own AM time trial.
I sat down the other day, made a list of my bikes and what if any repairs or part changes they needed during these cold months while they are on break.
Besides a couple of items I would like to change on the Karate Monkey I think my fleet simply needs to be tuned up. Maybe a couple of new chains but everything is pretty set on them.
The KM though I need to throw some money at before March.
I would like to get a new fork. Not suspension, that's not my style, but something that isn't the stock fork that can beat the snot out of you. I have my eye on a Orgin 8 Blak Ops carbon disc 29er fork. I have head good things about this fork, it has no weight limit unlike other forks I have looked at, and the price is right.
I also need to get new axles for my Surly/Salsa 29er wheels. I need to switch from bolt on to quick release. Nothing more frustrating than getting a rear flat with a bolt on wheel. Kiss your race good bye. I could (possibly should) pick up some new disc hubs of some sort (have my eye on a nice set that have been taking up shelf space at the shop for too long) and lace up a set a new set of wheels. Go tubeless too. I had considered getting a whole new 29er all together (eyeball'n the Specialized Stumpjumper 29) but everything in my stable (with the exception of the CRB XC) is steel. Plus new frames cost $$, and I really need to stop giving in to my wants for a while. I have attempted to tell myself that I am NOT buying new bikes in 2008.
Now nothing NEEDS to be changed on the KM. It works fine the way it is and has for a couple of years. The fork and the wheels should be considered "wish list" items since they are not required. It sure would be nice though.
OK. Time to quit. My mind has started to wander and I have spent the last several minutes staring into space listening to music.
No links no photos, boring post today.
5 minutes left in Monday, I got to go.
I know. "Dude. Enough with the crying about the cold already."
Sorry, I fully admit to being a cry baby.
Its true.
I am just not a fan of cold weather.
I have been attempting to convince myself to get back into a regular schedule for riding the trainer.
I told myself that its either outside or on the trainer.
Either way DO IT.
We are past the first of the year which means that if I want to be in any kind of riding shape come March 2nd, it starts now.
March 2nd is the first mountain bike race on my schedule.
Heartland Sports Promotions XC#1 at Landhl Park in Blue Springs, Missouri.
I am not one for training. The goal is just to make sure come race #1 I am in better shape than was last spring and hella better shape than I am currently.
First thing first, dump the extra that I acquired in the just passed holiday season.
I am not the only factor the needs to be different for this season. I need the weather to play along so Race #1 is not my first MTB ride of the season.
I had a pretty dismal showing in the 2007 HSP XC series.
Weather and work did not help.
More than half of HSP races were postponed and moved to different dates thanks to weeks of rain and standing water in the trails.
All the rain dates I miss do to job commitments.
I ended up the MTB season with a DNF at the Perry XC race, a 5th place Duo finish at a 6 hour race.
2 races... oh boy.
Pretty sucky compared to finishing top 5 or better every XC race of 2006. It was the come back season after the accident. I have apparently slacked off a bit since then.
My Cyclocross season wasn't really all that spectacular either.
I came off of RAGBRAI feeling strong on the bike.
Once again I let things slip and I was back to fighting for fitness.
Can't let this happen in '08.
I can't control the weather but the body I do have "some" control over.
My busy spring through fall work schedule cuts out alot to ideal "training" ride hours. This makes it more essential that I don't slack off on the commuting in '08 either. Not only is it just a good thing to do, it automatically gives me 2+ hours a day on the bike. I think taking the long way home should get even longer this year. More often than not the pedal into work turns in to a 15 mile time trial. Racing the clock to avoid being late to work. Hope the cars around me aren't doing their own AM time trial.
I sat down the other day, made a list of my bikes and what if any repairs or part changes they needed during these cold months while they are on break.
Besides a couple of items I would like to change on the Karate Monkey I think my fleet simply needs to be tuned up. Maybe a couple of new chains but everything is pretty set on them.
The KM though I need to throw some money at before March.
I would like to get a new fork. Not suspension, that's not my style, but something that isn't the stock fork that can beat the snot out of you. I have my eye on a Orgin 8 Blak Ops carbon disc 29er fork. I have head good things about this fork, it has no weight limit unlike other forks I have looked at, and the price is right.
I also need to get new axles for my Surly/Salsa 29er wheels. I need to switch from bolt on to quick release. Nothing more frustrating than getting a rear flat with a bolt on wheel. Kiss your race good bye. I could (possibly should) pick up some new disc hubs of some sort (have my eye on a nice set that have been taking up shelf space at the shop for too long) and lace up a set a new set of wheels. Go tubeless too. I had considered getting a whole new 29er all together (eyeball'n the Specialized Stumpjumper 29) but everything in my stable (with the exception of the CRB XC) is steel. Plus new frames cost $$, and I really need to stop giving in to my wants for a while. I have attempted to tell myself that I am NOT buying new bikes in 2008.
Now nothing NEEDS to be changed on the KM. It works fine the way it is and has for a couple of years. The fork and the wheels should be considered "wish list" items since they are not required. It sure would be nice though.
OK. Time to quit. My mind has started to wander and I have spent the last several minutes staring into space listening to music.
No links no photos, boring post today.
5 minutes left in Monday, I got to go.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Friday night Bike race/ride/party
Tonight at 7PM come 'race' your bike and wish Blair and Jevon a happy Birthday!I have no idea what the 'race' will be or who is actually hosting it. I just know that I will be on hand.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Trebon knocked out of KCCX in head on crash
Defending Champion Knocked Out Of Race
At the midway point of the Men's Elite race, it was clear the winner was going to emerge from a group of three: Page - the silver medalist at the 2007 World Cyclocross Championships - Wells and Johnson.
Defending national champion Ryan Trebon was gone, having been knocked out of the race with five-and-a-half laps to go when he collided with a rider who broke through the barrier tape on a portion of the course where it doubled back on itself.
"He hit me head-on and I landed on the ice on my back, shoulder and arm," Trebon said. "It hurt like hell."
Even local favorite and Masters 45-59 champion Steve Tilford of Topeka, Kan., was out of contention, the victim of a pair of double flat tires.
Johnson said he switched bikes twice, though it might have only been once had he not had a slight mechanic mishap early on in the hour-long race.
"The first couple laps I went into one of the dips and my bars slipped down so they were pointing towards the ground and my hands kept slipping off the shifters," he said.
But Johnson looked to be in full control when he attacked Page on the second-to-last trip up the hill to the finish line. The gap he opened up was only a slight one, though, and it remained a handful of seconds until Page crashed near the pits, dropping his chain. He quickly grabbed another bike and was on his way. But the momentary bobble cost him valuable time and Page would never get any closer to Johnson again.
"I was in control except for one little bobble, and that was the bike race," Page said. "I just ran out of real estate. That's 'cross, I guess."
Johnson said the victory puts a cap on a season that started with what he called a "weak" showing at the inaugural Cross Vegas race at Interbike in September.
"(But) it got better and better and I was able to win a couple races like Granogue and Portland," he said. "But going into this race, it's a lot of pressure to have everybody say, 'This is your kind of race. This is your kind of course.' I tried not to let it affect me and weigh me down."
**Thanks to Trailhead Marketing for the words and Team Skin Cycling for the YouTube video**
At the midway point of the Men's Elite race, it was clear the winner was going to emerge from a group of three: Page - the silver medalist at the 2007 World Cyclocross Championships - Wells and Johnson.
Defending national champion Ryan Trebon was gone, having been knocked out of the race with five-and-a-half laps to go when he collided with a rider who broke through the barrier tape on a portion of the course where it doubled back on itself.
"He hit me head-on and I landed on the ice on my back, shoulder and arm," Trebon said. "It hurt like hell."
Even local favorite and Masters 45-59 champion Steve Tilford of Topeka, Kan., was out of contention, the victim of a pair of double flat tires.
Johnson said he switched bikes twice, though it might have only been once had he not had a slight mechanic mishap early on in the hour-long race.
"The first couple laps I went into one of the dips and my bars slipped down so they were pointing towards the ground and my hands kept slipping off the shifters," he said.
But Johnson looked to be in full control when he attacked Page on the second-to-last trip up the hill to the finish line. The gap he opened up was only a slight one, though, and it remained a handful of seconds until Page crashed near the pits, dropping his chain. He quickly grabbed another bike and was on his way. But the momentary bobble cost him valuable time and Page would never get any closer to Johnson again.
"I was in control except for one little bobble, and that was the bike race," Page said. "I just ran out of real estate. That's 'cross, I guess."
Johnson said the victory puts a cap on a season that started with what he called a "weak" showing at the inaugural Cross Vegas race at Interbike in September.
"(But) it got better and better and I was able to win a couple races like Granogue and Portland," he said. "But going into this race, it's a lot of pressure to have everybody say, 'This is your kind of race. This is your kind of course.' I tried not to let it affect me and weigh me down."
**Thanks to Trailhead Marketing for the words and Team Skin Cycling for the YouTube video**
Monday, December 17, 2007
I think I am still cold
Boss let me have the day off today
I think I really needed it
I am beat after the weekend
probably should have gone for a bike ride since it was so nice out but didnt
slept in, ran out to the shop, had lunch and watched a movie
thats all I have done today
I feel pretty torched
don't know if its a combo of the last 4 days
OR
purposely getting D-runk last night
Probably both
Need to get the few photos I took up on the Flickr page and some thoughts put together for here
Roger has a ton of photos from the weekend up on his Lanterne Rouge Racing page
Spoke to another guy (who's name I don't remember) who told me he had burned though something like 6 rolls of film... and that was before the Elite races
There were BKB brothers in attendance
Saw them racing but never got a chance to speak to any of them
The Darkness picked up first in the Single Speed race Sunday morning
Need to do a recap post but don't currently feel up to it
Maybe by tomorrow night my brain will be rested and defrosted
Til then check out the reports on the KCCX blog
I think I really needed it
I am beat after the weekend
probably should have gone for a bike ride since it was so nice out but didnt
slept in, ran out to the shop, had lunch and watched a movie
thats all I have done today
I feel pretty torched
don't know if its a combo of the last 4 days
OR
purposely getting D-runk last night
Probably both
Need to get the few photos I took up on the Flickr page and some thoughts put together for here
Roger has a ton of photos from the weekend up on his Lanterne Rouge Racing page
Spoke to another guy (who's name I don't remember) who told me he had burned though something like 6 rolls of film... and that was before the Elite races
There were BKB brothers in attendance
Saw them racing but never got a chance to speak to any of them
The Darkness picked up first in the Single Speed race Sunday morning
Need to do a recap post but don't currently feel up to it
Maybe by tomorrow night my brain will be rested and defrosted
Til then check out the reports on the KCCX blog
Friday, December 14, 2007
KCCX starts out icy!
*O.E.z. Note*
This was posted after the first race this morning using my phone.
due to the poor quality of the photo it appears as if Tiny has her shirt up
she does not
she is getting her cracked ribs wrapped over her skin suit.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Muddy is right! KCCX Day one!
For Immediate Release
COMPETITORS AT KANSAS CITY CYCLOCROSS NATIONALS
CAN EXPECT MUDDY COURSE CONDITIONS
Kansas City, Kan. (Dec. 11, 2007) - Competitors at the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships in Kansas City will not have to endure the freezing rain or snow from a winter storm that gripped a good portion of the Midwest early this week.
Instead, temperatures in the low to mid-30s are forecast for racing on Thursday through Sunday. The conditions are expected to create a muddy course at Wyandotte County Park (126th Street and State Avenue). No precipitation is in the forecast for the duration of the event, according to the National Weather Service's local forecast office, so spectators will be able to take advantage of key viewing points along the course. The heated Expo tent and beer garden will also offer prime viewing spots to see all the muddy action.
"I think weather always makes racing more interesting," said Georgia Gould, recent winner of the overall Gran Prix of Cyclocross Series and the current U.S. mountain bike national champion. "Mud adds an element of finesse and technical skill over and above simple brute strength. In the end, the winner is the one who makes the fewest mistakes on the slippery course."
Race Director Bill Marshall of KLM Marketing Solutions e-mailed a "weather alert" to every registered rider Monday night, reminding them of the event's weather policy. The policy is posted on the event website, www.kccrossnationals.com, in the "registration" section.
"We heard from a lot of people who were concerned about getting to Kansas City," Marshall said. "As of this moment, we do not anticipate delaying any races and USA Cycling is very comfortable with our weather policy."
Freezing rain fell in Kansas City In the overnight hours of Monday and early Tuesday, causing scattered power outages and forcing many schools to close. But rising temperatures Tuesday morning gave way to afternoon rain. Scattered flurries, with little or no accumulation, are in Wednesday's forecast.
Tuesday, Marshall and his crew completed the installation of hard fencing on parts of the course. They also drove Bobcat four-wheelers along the 1.91-mile course to harden it up before re-freezing took place overnight.
"The course is in great shape right now," Marshall said. "We had about an inch of snow on the course before this ice storm but the warmer rain melted it, so now it's a layer of ice. But it's been raining more than anything lately, so it's going to make for pretty muddy conditions for the entire week."
Admission and parking is free for the duration of the event. Course and parking maps, as well as the opportunity to purchase official race apparel, is available at www.kccrossnationals.com.
About the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships
The best racers in American cyclocross will fight for the right to wear this year's stars and stripes jersey at the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships December 13-16, 2007 in Kansas City, Kan. Four days of epic racing will take place on a technical, challenging and fast course for junior, collegiate, master and elite athletes from all over the country. The event venue will offer spectators multiple vantage points on the action, an Expo area, kids activities and beer garden. The event is sanctioned by USA Cycling and hosted by KLM Marketing Solutions.
*************************************************************************************
The day started out frozen...
Then as the day went on things started to thaw out and get muddy
And by the end of the day things were down right sloppy!!
More photos on my Flickr page and I will add more as the race progresses into the week!
COMPETITORS AT KANSAS CITY CYCLOCROSS NATIONALS
CAN EXPECT MUDDY COURSE CONDITIONS
Kansas City, Kan. (Dec. 11, 2007) - Competitors at the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships in Kansas City will not have to endure the freezing rain or snow from a winter storm that gripped a good portion of the Midwest early this week.
Instead, temperatures in the low to mid-30s are forecast for racing on Thursday through Sunday. The conditions are expected to create a muddy course at Wyandotte County Park (126th Street and State Avenue). No precipitation is in the forecast for the duration of the event, according to the National Weather Service's local forecast office, so spectators will be able to take advantage of key viewing points along the course. The heated Expo tent and beer garden will also offer prime viewing spots to see all the muddy action.
"I think weather always makes racing more interesting," said Georgia Gould, recent winner of the overall Gran Prix of Cyclocross Series and the current U.S. mountain bike national champion. "Mud adds an element of finesse and technical skill over and above simple brute strength. In the end, the winner is the one who makes the fewest mistakes on the slippery course."
Race Director Bill Marshall of KLM Marketing Solutions e-mailed a "weather alert" to every registered rider Monday night, reminding them of the event's weather policy. The policy is posted on the event website, www.kccrossnationals.com, in the "registration" section.
"We heard from a lot of people who were concerned about getting to Kansas City," Marshall said. "As of this moment, we do not anticipate delaying any races and USA Cycling is very comfortable with our weather policy."
Freezing rain fell in Kansas City In the overnight hours of Monday and early Tuesday, causing scattered power outages and forcing many schools to close. But rising temperatures Tuesday morning gave way to afternoon rain. Scattered flurries, with little or no accumulation, are in Wednesday's forecast.
Tuesday, Marshall and his crew completed the installation of hard fencing on parts of the course. They also drove Bobcat four-wheelers along the 1.91-mile course to harden it up before re-freezing took place overnight.
"The course is in great shape right now," Marshall said. "We had about an inch of snow on the course before this ice storm but the warmer rain melted it, so now it's a layer of ice. But it's been raining more than anything lately, so it's going to make for pretty muddy conditions for the entire week."
Admission and parking is free for the duration of the event. Course and parking maps, as well as the opportunity to purchase official race apparel, is available at www.kccrossnationals.com.
About the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships
The best racers in American cyclocross will fight for the right to wear this year's stars and stripes jersey at the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships December 13-16, 2007 in Kansas City, Kan. Four days of epic racing will take place on a technical, challenging and fast course for junior, collegiate, master and elite athletes from all over the country. The event venue will offer spectators multiple vantage points on the action, an Expo area, kids activities and beer garden. The event is sanctioned by USA Cycling and hosted by KLM Marketing Solutions.
*************************************************************************************
The day started out frozen...
Then as the day went on things started to thaw out and get muddy
And by the end of the day things were down right sloppy!!
More photos on my Flickr page and I will add more as the race progresses into the week!
KCCX! Thursday through Sunday!!
So for those of you that don't know... you are either living under a rock or just not a cyclist.... Cyclocross Nationals starts tomorrow at Wyandotte County park in Kansas City, KS
The forecast is looking good
Thursday
Sunny with a high of 35
Which means ICE on the course in the morning and SLOP in the afternoon
Its looking like 30's through the weekend so the course will freeze and thaw everyday
Good action will be had
Check out the KCCX website for more details!
Never seen a cross race before? Now is the perfect time! Dress warm, wear some boots (so you can slosh though the mud) and come check it out!
Stop in the warming tent for food, BEER, and KCCX merchandise (sold by yours truly!)
Thursday, December 13th , 2007
*All Category B Events & Single Speed are NON-NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RACES.
*Prizes will be given to the Top 5 for each of the four NON-National Championship Races.
Time Category Duration Entry Fee
*8:00 A.M. Course Open
*8:45 A.M. Course Closed
9:00 A.M. B Women (All) 45 Minutes $35.00
10:00 A.M. B U29 45 Minutes $35.00
11:00 A.M. B 30-39 45 Minutes $35.00
12:00 P.M.
B 40+ 45 Minutes $35.00
*1:00 P.M. All Awards
*1:00 P.M. Course Open
*5:00 P.M. Course Closed
Friday, December 14th , 2007
Time Category Duration Entry Fee
*8:00 A.M. Course Open
*8:45 A.M. Course Closed
9:00 A.M. Junior Women
10-12, 13-14,15-16, 17-18
30 Minutes $35.00
10:00 A.M. Junior Men 10-12, 13-14, 15-16 30 Minutes $35.00
11:00 A.M. Junior Men 17-18 45 Minutes $35.00
*12:00 P.M.
Awards
1:00 P.M. Masters Women
40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+
45 Minutes $45.00
2:00 P.M. Masters Women
30-34, 35-39
45 Minutes $45.00
3:00 P.M. Masters Men 45-49 45 Minutes $45.00
4:00 P.M. Awards
*4:00 P.M. Course Open
*5:00 P.M. Course Closed
Saturday, December 15th, 2007
Time Category Duration Entry Fee
*8:00 A.M. Course Open
*8:45 A.M. Course Closed
9:00 A.M. U23 Women
45 Minutes $35.00
10:00 A.M. U23 Men 45 Minutes $35.00
11:00 A.M. Masters Men 30-34 45 Minutes $45.00
*12:00 P.M.
Awards
1:00 P.M. Masters Men 35-39
45 Minutes $45.00
2:00 P.M. Masters Men 40-45
45 Minutes $45.00
3:00 P.M. Masters Men 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+
45 Minutes $45.00
4:00 P.M. Awards
*4:00 P.M. Course Open
*5:00 P.M. Course Closed
Sunday, December 16th, 2007
Time Category Duration Entry Fee
*7:00 A.M. Course Open
*7:45 A.M. Course Closed
8:00 A.M. Single Speed
45 Minutes $35.00
9:00 A.M. Collegiate Women 45 Minutes $35.00
10:00 A.M. Collegiate Men 45 Minutes $45.00
*11:00 P.M.
Course Open
*11:45 P.M.
Course Closed
12:00 P.M. Elite Women
45 Minutes $45.00
1:00 P.M. Elite Men
60 Minutes $45.00
2:00 P.M. All Awards
3:00 P.M. Time to go home! Because we are tired, it was fast, it was dirty and I did like it!
7:00 P.M.
Post Race Party!! at Dave & Buster’s
1843 Village West Parkway,
Ste 201 KC, KS 66111
913-981-6815
**OK, that is enough for one day. I banged around the shop all day. Went out to the park in hammered in almost 30 fence posts and hung banners to mark off my shop area for tomorrow (much bigger than it needs to be... its gonna look freaking empty!)for 3 hours. Then I went back to the shop to work on getting items ready to take out there in the morning. I am supposed to be at the shop by 530 AM to get loaded, to the event and set up well before 8... hopefully by 730. So I am off to dream land... at least for a couple of hours.
See you at the races!!!
Hopefully I will have notes and photos posted starting tomorrow!
The forecast is looking good
Thursday
Sunny with a high of 35
Which means ICE on the course in the morning and SLOP in the afternoon
Its looking like 30's through the weekend so the course will freeze and thaw everyday
Good action will be had
Check out the KCCX website for more details!
Never seen a cross race before? Now is the perfect time! Dress warm, wear some boots (so you can slosh though the mud) and come check it out!
Stop in the warming tent for food, BEER, and KCCX merchandise (sold by yours truly!)
Thursday, December 13th , 2007
*All Category B Events & Single Speed are NON-NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RACES.
*Prizes will be given to the Top 5 for each of the four NON-National Championship Races.
Time Category Duration Entry Fee
*8:00 A.M. Course Open
*8:45 A.M. Course Closed
9:00 A.M. B Women (All) 45 Minutes $35.00
10:00 A.M. B U29 45 Minutes $35.00
11:00 A.M. B 30-39 45 Minutes $35.00
12:00 P.M.
B 40+ 45 Minutes $35.00
*1:00 P.M. All Awards
*1:00 P.M. Course Open
*5:00 P.M. Course Closed
Friday, December 14th , 2007
Time Category Duration Entry Fee
*8:00 A.M. Course Open
*8:45 A.M. Course Closed
9:00 A.M. Junior Women
10-12, 13-14,15-16, 17-18
30 Minutes $35.00
10:00 A.M. Junior Men 10-12, 13-14, 15-16 30 Minutes $35.00
11:00 A.M. Junior Men 17-18 45 Minutes $35.00
*12:00 P.M.
Awards
1:00 P.M. Masters Women
40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+
45 Minutes $45.00
2:00 P.M. Masters Women
30-34, 35-39
45 Minutes $45.00
3:00 P.M. Masters Men 45-49 45 Minutes $45.00
4:00 P.M. Awards
*4:00 P.M. Course Open
*5:00 P.M. Course Closed
Saturday, December 15th, 2007
Time Category Duration Entry Fee
*8:00 A.M. Course Open
*8:45 A.M. Course Closed
9:00 A.M. U23 Women
45 Minutes $35.00
10:00 A.M. U23 Men 45 Minutes $35.00
11:00 A.M. Masters Men 30-34 45 Minutes $45.00
*12:00 P.M.
Awards
1:00 P.M. Masters Men 35-39
45 Minutes $45.00
2:00 P.M. Masters Men 40-45
45 Minutes $45.00
3:00 P.M. Masters Men 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+
45 Minutes $45.00
4:00 P.M. Awards
*4:00 P.M. Course Open
*5:00 P.M. Course Closed
Sunday, December 16th, 2007
Time Category Duration Entry Fee
*7:00 A.M. Course Open
*7:45 A.M. Course Closed
8:00 A.M. Single Speed
45 Minutes $35.00
9:00 A.M. Collegiate Women 45 Minutes $35.00
10:00 A.M. Collegiate Men 45 Minutes $45.00
*11:00 P.M.
Course Open
*11:45 P.M.
Course Closed
12:00 P.M. Elite Women
45 Minutes $45.00
1:00 P.M. Elite Men
60 Minutes $45.00
2:00 P.M. All Awards
3:00 P.M. Time to go home! Because we are tired, it was fast, it was dirty and I did like it!
7:00 P.M.
Post Race Party!! at Dave & Buster’s
1843 Village West Parkway,
Ste 201 KC, KS 66111
913-981-6815
**OK, that is enough for one day. I banged around the shop all day. Went out to the park in hammered in almost 30 fence posts and hung banners to mark off my shop area for tomorrow (much bigger than it needs to be... its gonna look freaking empty!)for 3 hours. Then I went back to the shop to work on getting items ready to take out there in the morning. I am supposed to be at the shop by 530 AM to get loaded, to the event and set up well before 8... hopefully by 730. So I am off to dream land... at least for a couple of hours.
See you at the races!!!
Hopefully I will have notes and photos posted starting tomorrow!
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Chili day
I sat inside all day today
Rainy day out there
Never have changed out of my PJ's
Laundry, dishes, bike tinkering, and chili cooking
Fired up the crock-pot full of chili fixin's
Now I can't stay out of it
Hopefully thats not a problem tomorrow
Cross race tomorrow
Boss Cross #2 in Parkville
Course could be slick and fun
CAT 4 at noon
I put a new fork on the CRB yesterday
Easton EC70X
The steer tube was alwasy too short on the stock one
Bucked up for a replacement
Thank you mister plastic
I have a candidate for a new saddle
Specialized Phenom
Don't know if I want to add another never ridden new part to the bike
Espically right before a race
Crazy weather today
Forcasted to be cold with freezing rain or snow all day today
It ended up being 50 and rainy most of the day and currently its 60!
Crazy windy, but 60
Also forcasted to rain in the early morning hours
Tomorrow could be a sloppy mess
Might be a good skin suit day
Speaking of tomorrow...
I should gather the gear and head to bed sooner than later
Would probably be a good idea to get a chance to ride the bike with the new fork before the race actually starts
Should have done that today
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Its RAGBRAI time!
A couple more days of work and its vacation time!! Once again I will be spending the week spinning down the pave through the corn fields of Iowa. RAGBRAI is upon us and its one of my favorite times of the year. I am ready for a week of riding... I am ready for a change of pace and scenery.
Its been a long season so far with, for one reason of another, not much dirt riding/racing. With a lot of wet weather causing three MTB races I annually do being canceled and/or postponed. I work event scheduled conflicted too much to be able to compete. The one race I did do so far this year I DNFed. Sort of a bummer of a race season for the first one flying the BKB flag. Shit happens and there is always cross season. The only race left on my schedule is the Rapture in Misery 6/12 on August 19th. Last year I attempted the 12 hour solo and crashed out after 4 laps, bloodied me and tacoed a front wheel. Funny how trees aren't inclined to move. This time around I think I should set my goals a little lower and do the 6 hour solo. I was feeling it 4 hours into last year and my fitness isn't any better currently as it was then. Too many excuses as of late for not riding etc.
After RAGBRAI its time for some changes.
If you don't know RAGBRAI is the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa... Register as in Des Moines Register. Rolling, 400+ mile, week long bicycle party... its one of my favorite things and always a great time.
Evil appears to be back in more of a "team" format. A new bus and a new driver but the same great people. I plan on flying the Evil flag all week, pull on the BKB gear for a day or two as well. Friday I head up to the rendezvous point to meet the bus and other Evil people. Then pile in the bus Saturday for the trek up to Rock Rapids, the start town of the week. At some pre noon point Sunday, throw a leg over the saddle and start the week of rolling across the Iowa country side.
Bikes will be ridden, beers will be consumed, photos will be taken... I write you a report when I get back.
Until then here is a little taste of what you will be missing out on, enjoy!
Oh and in case you are wondering...
No, I not excited that Lance is going to be there again.
If nothing else he is an annoyance and leaves crowds of dumb asses in his wake who are simply in my way. The week is better with out him and all his yellow wrist band wearing followers.
Fuck Yellow Wrist Bands
Its been a long season so far with, for one reason of another, not much dirt riding/racing. With a lot of wet weather causing three MTB races I annually do being canceled and/or postponed. I work event scheduled conflicted too much to be able to compete. The one race I did do so far this year I DNFed. Sort of a bummer of a race season for the first one flying the BKB flag. Shit happens and there is always cross season. The only race left on my schedule is the Rapture in Misery 6/12 on August 19th. Last year I attempted the 12 hour solo and crashed out after 4 laps, bloodied me and tacoed a front wheel. Funny how trees aren't inclined to move. This time around I think I should set my goals a little lower and do the 6 hour solo. I was feeling it 4 hours into last year and my fitness isn't any better currently as it was then. Too many excuses as of late for not riding etc.
After RAGBRAI its time for some changes.
If you don't know RAGBRAI is the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa... Register as in Des Moines Register. Rolling, 400+ mile, week long bicycle party... its one of my favorite things and always a great time.
Evil appears to be back in more of a "team" format. A new bus and a new driver but the same great people. I plan on flying the Evil flag all week, pull on the BKB gear for a day or two as well. Friday I head up to the rendezvous point to meet the bus and other Evil people. Then pile in the bus Saturday for the trek up to Rock Rapids, the start town of the week. At some pre noon point Sunday, throw a leg over the saddle and start the week of rolling across the Iowa country side.
Bikes will be ridden, beers will be consumed, photos will be taken... I write you a report when I get back.
Until then here is a little taste of what you will be missing out on, enjoy!
Oh and in case you are wondering...
No, I not excited that Lance is going to be there again.
If nothing else he is an annoyance and leaves crowds of dumb asses in his wake who are simply in my way. The week is better with out him and all his yellow wrist band wearing followers.
Fuck Yellow Wrist Bands
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
A summer preview?
Here is a little preview of what things should look like for me this season... but maybe instead of 2nd I will be in first...Maybe... Bottle of whiskey on the podium is a given... If I am lucky enough to get there again. These two shots were not actually taken during the same race. The riding photo is from a several years ago, my first race in the all blacks for Evil cycling. The podium photo is from last season racing in the Clydesdale class. Hopefully this season I can get a couple of pics in the BKB get up. Oh yeah... spring is comming... slowy but its commin'.First race of the season is February 25th!
Single Speed?
Clydesdale?
Sport?
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