nachos
Props to Mike Conair who won the 45+ expert race. Props to my boy FortJames who put in a hell of a nice ride in the 35-44 sport race, also finishing in second place. All in all, not a bad day for folks from our community.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
diane chases early...
In the end, I had a good times, I rode well and besides my Belmont training race a few weeks ago, this is the first time I have finished a race shorter than 4 hours this year. So yeah, I got that going for me…
Saw my buddy Andy Lowe, who has opened his own shop, and who has always been super cool, super good guy. If your in downingtown, check out his place: Lowe Riders Action Sports.
Mike Conair gives a victory salute, 1st 45+ expert...
More props to Combs and the Shendoah Mountain Chicks who won the expert class at Big Bear, to Steve Schultz who won the pro solo class, and to Elk who took 7th on his trusty spot brand single speed. Even more props to Lisa V who raced the Liberty Classic today, but got caught up in an early crash. Lisa V is my hero.
Talked to Wes, who won his expert race at the Norba National in NC, in his age group, on his single speed. Amy took hard earned 2nd… Ryan 3rd in semi-pro… good weekend for sure
Good day today, 3 Spot Brand Whores, 3 top 5 finishes. I guess that ain’t too shabby for a bunch of some dudes who ride single speeds from Newark, De.
our waitress a Victory... way hotter than mini mouse
Being that we were in Downingtown and so close to Victory Brewery, how could we not stop in and enjoy a few pizzas, some nachos, and of course some of their fine, fine ales. I rocked the Whirlwind WIT, it was a tasty tasty beverage. I know the Bean’s boys and Buddy, are regulars here, but me, every time I go it’s a special trip. Today was no different. Everything was perfect. What a good day.
respect
fm
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Road Warriors...
Let me say this, I don’t like riding on the road. I don’t enjoy it; I try to avoid it when ever I can. This year I can probably count on my fingers the number of road rides I have done.
That being said I have done 2 in the past 2 weeks and have had horrifying experiences on each. Let me explain. I have done what are called “B” group rides in this area. Both groups have good people and good riders on them; however the organization is not good. I dare say it borders on unsafe at times. This may be a result of varying levels of ability, or just the group not knowing how to ride as a pack. Although this can be disheartening on it’s own, that’s part of riding on the “B” ride. I get it. I had fun on both rides.
The road warrior mentality is what has totally freaked me out. I know that cyclists have a right to be on the road, I expect that motorists will treat us with respect. Many times, motorists will not. I would encourage everyone to ride defensively, and expect motorist to not know you are there. I also understand that they frankly are trying to get where they are going. I get that. What has horrified me is that on these “B” rides, where the next up and coming riders from our community are supposed to come from, the practice of when a motorist passes the group, perhaps in not the best place to shout and yell at them seems normal, and acceptable. I heard repeatedly “fucking idiot!!” “god damn moron where did you learn to drive?” yelled out on both rides. Frankly, folks I don’t think these actions benefits any of us.
Road Rage is Road Rage, whether you are behind a wheel, or on a bike. First, as cyclists, we have a right to the road, but we also have to work within traffic. It is irresponsible and courting disaster the way both of these groups spread themselves out on the road, and how we did not try to tighten up and allow cars to pass safely. We just didn’t. I am as guilty as anyone on these rides.
It is our responsibility when a car is trying to pass, to extend the courtesy to the drivers that we expect from them. Part of our responsibility is to behave on a higher level, to be courteous of cars on the road, and create a safe co-existence. Frankly, calling someone “a fucking idiot” when they try and pass us, does nothing for our cause. Frankly, in my life I can’t think of a time that I was called a “fucking idiot”, that I stopped and said, “you know you’re right, I am a fucking idiot.” Furthermore, what is that driver’s impression of cyclists on the road? A group of folks who delay traffic, and when I try to pass, they curse at me? Is that how we want the general public to think of our cycling community?
What scares me is that new folks to the sport will begin to feel this is appropriate, acceptable behavior. It is not. I get that some of us have been hit by cars, or had bad experiences with motorist. I lost my one of my best friends to bike/motorist accident. However, what I take from that experience is my responsibility to educate motorist, to educate the people that come up to me at work to complain about a cyclist on the road, to behave in a manner when I’m on the road that will properly represent my community. I haven’t even begun to talk about the damage this could do to the sponsors who kindly put their names on our jerseys. I’m sure they all would be incredibly excited to know that someone in their kit is flipping off a motorist as they pass on the road. We as a community have an obligation to protect ourselves, and to represent ourselves in a positive manner. Will this improve motorist-cyclist relations? Maybe, maybe not but I can guarantee calling someone a fucking idiot isn’t gonna improve anything.
respect
fm
That being said I have done 2 in the past 2 weeks and have had horrifying experiences on each. Let me explain. I have done what are called “B” group rides in this area. Both groups have good people and good riders on them; however the organization is not good. I dare say it borders on unsafe at times. This may be a result of varying levels of ability, or just the group not knowing how to ride as a pack. Although this can be disheartening on it’s own, that’s part of riding on the “B” ride. I get it. I had fun on both rides.
The road warrior mentality is what has totally freaked me out. I know that cyclists have a right to be on the road, I expect that motorists will treat us with respect. Many times, motorists will not. I would encourage everyone to ride defensively, and expect motorist to not know you are there. I also understand that they frankly are trying to get where they are going. I get that. What has horrified me is that on these “B” rides, where the next up and coming riders from our community are supposed to come from, the practice of when a motorist passes the group, perhaps in not the best place to shout and yell at them seems normal, and acceptable. I heard repeatedly “fucking idiot!!” “god damn moron where did you learn to drive?” yelled out on both rides. Frankly, folks I don’t think these actions benefits any of us.
Road Rage is Road Rage, whether you are behind a wheel, or on a bike. First, as cyclists, we have a right to the road, but we also have to work within traffic. It is irresponsible and courting disaster the way both of these groups spread themselves out on the road, and how we did not try to tighten up and allow cars to pass safely. We just didn’t. I am as guilty as anyone on these rides.
It is our responsibility when a car is trying to pass, to extend the courtesy to the drivers that we expect from them. Part of our responsibility is to behave on a higher level, to be courteous of cars on the road, and create a safe co-existence. Frankly, calling someone “a fucking idiot” when they try and pass us, does nothing for our cause. Frankly, in my life I can’t think of a time that I was called a “fucking idiot”, that I stopped and said, “you know you’re right, I am a fucking idiot.” Furthermore, what is that driver’s impression of cyclists on the road? A group of folks who delay traffic, and when I try to pass, they curse at me? Is that how we want the general public to think of our cycling community?
What scares me is that new folks to the sport will begin to feel this is appropriate, acceptable behavior. It is not. I get that some of us have been hit by cars, or had bad experiences with motorist. I lost my one of my best friends to bike/motorist accident. However, what I take from that experience is my responsibility to educate motorist, to educate the people that come up to me at work to complain about a cyclist on the road, to behave in a manner when I’m on the road that will properly represent my community. I haven’t even begun to talk about the damage this could do to the sponsors who kindly put their names on our jerseys. I’m sure they all would be incredibly excited to know that someone in their kit is flipping off a motorist as they pass on the road. We as a community have an obligation to protect ourselves, and to represent ourselves in a positive manner. Will this improve motorist-cyclist relations? Maybe, maybe not but I can guarantee calling someone a fucking idiot isn’t gonna improve anything.
respect
fm
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
Sussed Out
Wow. I'm still kinda tired. I recognize that I'm about at the mid point of my mountain bike season, and I'm very pleased with how it's gone, although I would love to finish a race less than 4 hrs long soon. I really planned to jump back into riding, my bikes are jacked up. My body is jacked up, I think this is gonna be a mellow week. 
Meanie Greenie was dropped off to the loving hands of Roger Monday. I worked on the Gay UPS truck myself, which looked good, untilI headed out to Fairhill last night, the bottom bracket began to bark at me. "you bastard, you can't ride me in the mud, wash me, throw me in a trailer and think I'm gonna be fine." So I've done a couple of mellow road rides, because I don't have a mountain bike at the moment. I hate riding on the road. Roger and Rik, I'll be by to see you at lunch today to drop the gay ups truck off. Thank god for the local shops that support us.
Dan the man gave us a ton of gatorade products for the allamuchy race. Yesterday I took one of the recovery shakes. Man that thing ripped through me like Sherman through Georgia. (luxy was that a correct reference?) My prediction, Dan will come back from his injury and have a killer cross season. You'll see. There's a reason Dan the man, is the man.
Almost through the mountain of laundry that is created during a 12 hour race. The combination of Diane and my stuff almost killed our washer, and this was after we power washed everything on the deck.
Okay, I'll wrap this up as it is a pretty weak post. Not sure what is on tap for the weekend. I guess it all depends on what bikes, and how I feel. May be a local race in downingtown, I'd like to do that just to support a non-mass event. VIVA LA REVOLUTION! On the other hand, I'd love to go to Philly and have a few ales and watch Lisa V race, and all those pro dudes too... So we'll see how it all shakes out. Maybe I'll just sit home and throw a ball to my dogs, and hang with Diane. You know our lime tree produced another lime. It's time for more corona. Sorry buddy, but I have to use the lime somehow...
viva la rest week
viva la single speed
viva la spot brand
viva la Henry's secret team
respect
fm
Meanie Greenie was dropped off to the loving hands of Roger Monday. I worked on the Gay UPS truck myself, which looked good, untilI headed out to Fairhill last night, the bottom bracket began to bark at me. "you bastard, you can't ride me in the mud, wash me, throw me in a trailer and think I'm gonna be fine." So I've done a couple of mellow road rides, because I don't have a mountain bike at the moment. I hate riding on the road. Roger and Rik, I'll be by to see you at lunch today to drop the gay ups truck off. Thank god for the local shops that support us.
Dan the man gave us a ton of gatorade products for the allamuchy race. Yesterday I took one of the recovery shakes. Man that thing ripped through me like Sherman through Georgia. (luxy was that a correct reference?) My prediction, Dan will come back from his injury and have a killer cross season. You'll see. There's a reason Dan the man, is the man.
Almost through the mountain of laundry that is created during a 12 hour race. The combination of Diane and my stuff almost killed our washer, and this was after we power washed everything on the deck.
Okay, I'll wrap this up as it is a pretty weak post. Not sure what is on tap for the weekend. I guess it all depends on what bikes, and how I feel. May be a local race in downingtown, I'd like to do that just to support a non-mass event. VIVA LA REVOLUTION! On the other hand, I'd love to go to Philly and have a few ales and watch Lisa V race, and all those pro dudes too... So we'll see how it all shakes out. Maybe I'll just sit home and throw a ball to my dogs, and hang with Diane. You know our lime tree produced another lime. It's time for more corona. Sorry buddy, but I have to use the lime somehow...
viva la rest week
viva la single speed
viva la spot brand
viva la Henry's secret team
respect
fm
Sunday, June 4, 2006
twelve o 'muchy- 12 hours at Deer Park...
Friday night the Spot Brand/Henry’s bikes teams scurried around Tom Mc’s house as we packed up the trailer and head up the road toNorth Jersey to compete in the 12 hours of Allamuchy. Buddy the leg breaker, Matty (run forest), Spot Paul, Fitzy, Diane (chunky monkey), and FFA Amy loaded up in two trucks as we made another fantastic journey. The teams for the weekend were: me and Spot Paul, Matty and Buddy, Fitzy running solo, and Diane and Amy. 
Duo Men Class.
In our class we had 2 teams. We figured if we focused on trying to beat each other, we would in the end beat each other up, and open the door for someone else to win. Our plan was very simple, match style with style: power to power (Buddy and Paul) and Surfy, flowy, hippy shit, to surfy flow
y hippy shit (matt and I). Couple that with our superior camp sight, and Tom McDaniel managing things, cleaning bikes, cleaning people, feeding people, keeping people warm, in short being super den mother, we would be prepared to do our best. Below is how I remember things going down:
Laps 1-2
I had a great run and was a little a head of Matty (run forest). I went into the woods 3rd, the 1st place guy promptly stacks it in the first puddle. Matt and I planned to ride together, I yell back and he is with in 5 seconds of me. We hit the first log pile and the new leader stuffs it. I roll through cleanly and now lead. Hmmm. That’s odd. “pace yourself boy” I hear Matt yell to me. I hear a commotion. The dude behind me eats in the first rock garden section. Matt gets held up. I’m off by myself. I hear Matt’s voice in my head “pace yourself”, I tell myse
lf, “there’s no prize for winning the first lap.” I keep a steady pace. The end of the lap is a long fire road, I spin up it, and keep rolling, out of no where 2 dudes, on gear bikes jump me and sprint. “that’s odd, I think” then we turn the corner and the lap was over. Lap 2 gets started, quickly pass both the fellas the sprinted me and settle in. This time over the fireroad, no one jumps me in the end. We are leading. I pass the baton to Spot Paul. Matt comes in on my heels.
In our class we had 2 teams. We figured if we focused on trying to beat each other, we would in the end beat each other up, and open the door for someone else to win. Our plan was very simple, match style with style: power to power (Buddy and Paul) and Surfy, flowy, hippy shit, to surfy flow
y hippy shit (matt and I). Couple that with our superior camp sight, and Tom McDaniel managing things, cleaning bikes, cleaning people, feeding people, keeping people warm, in short being super den mother, we would be prepared to do our best. Below is how I remember things going down:Laps 1-2
I had a great run and was a little a head of Matty (run forest). I went into the woods 3rd, the 1st place guy promptly stacks it in the first puddle. Matt and I planned to ride together, I yell back and he is with in 5 seconds of me. We hit the first log pile and the new leader stuffs it. I roll through cleanly and now lead. Hmmm. That’s odd. “pace yourself boy” I hear Matt yell to me. I hear a commotion. The dude behind me eats in the first rock garden section. Matt gets held up. I’m off by myself. I hear Matt’s voice in my head “pace yourself”, I tell myse
lf, “there’s no prize for winning the first lap.” I keep a steady pace. The end of the lap is a long fire road, I spin up it, and keep rolling, out of no where 2 dudes, on gear bikes jump me and sprint. “that’s odd, I think” then we turn the corner and the lap was over. Lap 2 gets started, quickly pass both the fellas the sprinted me and settle in. This time over the fireroad, no one jumps me in the end. We are leading. I pass the baton to Spot Paul. Matt comes in on my heels.
Laps 5-6
Buddy the breaker and Spot Paul roll in together, as planned we are riding strength to strength as teams. We are slowly opening up a gap on the other 2 man teams. Our first st laps were really fast, I plan on doing a triple this time. Pouring rain, and 200 racers thundering through the single track has caused the course to slow down considerably. Matt talks me out of the triple, as I suffered on the second lap. Thanks Matt, you saved my day.
Lap 9-10
Waiting in the transition area with Matt, we are both standing there shivering waiting to go. Another racer looks at us and says, “if you two weren’t so skinny, you wouldn’t be cold!” I start laughing out loud. And follow with, “dude, you don’t know how much you just made my day!” As we stand there, the third place team comes through the transition. I make the mistake of
pointing this out to Matt. “I want to get a lap on those guys” I say.
Buddy and Paul come in again. Matt and I are on course and he totally drills it. Despite the 3rd place team having a 10 minute head start, we catch him before the half way point. I say to matt, hoping that he will ease up, as I am totally on the rivet. “dude, that’s him” Matt attacks the next hill, looking to just burry the dude. We did. Next lap, was a little more reasonable pace, as I took over leading. We pass off the lead to Buddy and Paul with a lap and sometime in hand. Nice.
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