Danny MacAskill - Way Back Home video release

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Man... I am amazed by this guys skills. Sooooo smooth. Dare I say, it's like butter. The video is shot against some great scenery at the locations. Good video.

Full release and live chat with Danny, Nov. 16 5pm GMT (I think that's noon central time here in the states). Go http://www.redbull.co.uk/cs/Satellite/en_UK/Event/danny-macaskill-way-back-home-021242908456696?refmod=Related&refmodpos=1

As iron sharpens iron...

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I think any athlete (or any human) can understand that there are always obstacles in the way of our personal goals and victories. And while it's ultimately up to ourselves to overcome them, it can be much easier when you have someone with you to help.

In case you haven't seen it yet

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The Minnesota state Cyclocross championships made national news because of the "epic" conditions. Check out the news clip:


Of course I didn't show up. I think every year, I say I'm gonna show up and at least watch with the kids. So once again... maybe next year.

Be StreetSmart

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A little music to get your Friday going

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A classic that doesn't seem to get old. "Grey Cell Green" By Neds Atomic Dustbin

Push - breath - kick - glide... push - breath - kick - glide...

That's the pattern for the breaststroke. It's confusing. Maybe not for you swimmers and triathletes out there. But for a guy who rides a bike it's pretty confusing. There's so much to think about. Push - your arms back, as your doing this you can take your breath, now kick, and then glide. Glide! with your arms in front of you! Ugh...

Anyway week two of advanced beginner swim lessons and I didn't drown. The teacher went over the back stroke and the sidestroke/scissor kick. Back stroke isn't so bad. But the sidestroke is like the breaststroke, a lot to think about as your doing it.

I know... it will get easier the more I do it. But I still feel kinda like a fool doing it.

Seriously, I can get on a bike and go. No thought on mechanics. Feel, trust, instinct is all it takes. How fast I go is only limited by my strength. Not by the fact that I can't get the pedal over the top of the stroke.

I guess that's the difference between doing something at least weekly for most of your life, vs. only a couple times a year (if even that).

Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying trying to learn how to swim better. It's a challenge, and when I'm more confidant, I can use swimming as crosstraining. Especially during the winter, to add some upper body strength.

Cycles of Life - A Cycling Documentary by Johannes Bay

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This could effect all of us cyclists

I'm sure you've heard at least a little about the story already. A cyclist is struck by a driver. Instead of stopping, or even calling 911, the driver flees the scene and even calls Mercedes for help to fix his side mirror.

Although the cyclist survived the incident, he has terrible injuries to his spinal cord and brain, and will likely need medical treatment for the rest of his life.

The driver was charged with a felony in the case, but the DA has dropped the charges to a misdemeanor, because "felony convictions have some pretty serious job implications for someone in Mr. Erzinger's (the driver -gun) profession" (-cite: Vail Daily News). As far as I know someone's job is not relative to why a person is prosecuted for a crime. In this case the driver is wealthy, and manages over a billion dollar$ for "ultra high net worth individuals."

So this seems to be a case where a wealthy as$h0le is able to have a reduced charge because of his wealth and status.

This should make anyone angry. As a cyclist I'm especially angry. I pay my taxes so that I may travel safely (whether by walking, bike or car) safely. If someone strikes me with a vehicle and flees the scene, I expect that they will be prosecuted for what they did. Just like if someone assaults me, it shouldn't matter what their job is or how much money they make. Right?

If you agree, there is a petition (not sure it will do more then just allow your voice to be counted) to sign. Follow this link to do so: http://www.change.org/petitions/view/da_mark_hurlbert_dont_drop_felony_charges_against_hit-and-run_wealth_manager. Sign it and spread the word.

Other Links:
http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20101104/NEWS/101109939/1078
http://www.denverpost.com/billjohnson/ci_16569273
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/09/colorado-da-plea-deal-for_n_780821.html
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/plea-bargain-in-us-hit-and-run-case-sparks-anger-28381
http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/11/news/the-explainer-is-having-a-mercedes-an-affirmative-defense_149196
http://current.com/news/92790335_rich-hit-and-run-driver-avoids-felony-charge-because-prosecutor-says-it-s-bad-for-business.htm

And finally, a story with a better ending. http://www.cyclelicio.us/2010/advice-from-911

My daughter is tougher then Jens Voigt

On Sunday, I went for a short spin on the trail with my youngest daughter (to be referred to as Pork Chop). Just a short :45 min to an hour, at an easy pace set by her. She just got a new Trek Mt200 in July and we only had a couple of chances of going out on 'real' rides. She's enjoyed doing family rides on the bike trails, but seems to love our special 'real' rides I take her on. Once we hit some single track in Eastwood. Thankfully we didn't encounter anyone engaged in 'alternative' activities. Hopefully those people are not using the park for those purposes any more.

Another time we rode to the Silverlake skatepark for some skills building. Of course I didn't call it that to her. To her we were just riding around the skatepark. She really loved that. It helped build her confidence, and helped in her controlling and handeling of her bike. It took her a while to build up courage to roll down and even ride up the steep banks of the park. But once she really got going, she was jammin'! I would take her more often, but I want to keep her exposure to vulgar language to a minimum, so take her on weekdays before school is out. Of course that limits the time because then she'll usually be at school now too.

So Sunday we headed up the Douglas trail, she was wearing her "Crush Gravel" shirt, so it was only fitting to take her off trail, and onto one of the many gravel roads that cross the trail.

Now the Pork Chop is a bit of a talker. Whatever is on her mind usually comes out her mouth. So she's talking about how gravel is much different the pavement. Much harder and how much her arms shake. She talks about how she can shift into easier gears and spin.

We had just finished watching the movie "Ride the Divide", and she says she'd like to do that (the race - Tour Divide) with me some day. She asks a lot of questions about the length of the Almanzo race and how you do that, and how she wants to crush gravel more.

We climb a hill, she stands out of the saddle and makes it over. There's a small bit of rest and a bigger hill to climb. The goal was to get to the top of the climb, turn around, ride down, and get back on the trail for the return ride. After a couple stops to catch her breath, she's climbing up the hill, in the saddle, trying to spin the cranks as best as she can, when she blurts out "Come on legs! I know you have been sitting on the couch these days, but now you got to work!"

Seriously, that's what she said. Out loud! to her legs!

Needless to say, she was determined to make it to the top of that hill. It took some work, and a little bit of help, but no matter what it took she was making it to the top. There were some cows fenced in gathered near the top, and she really wanted to show those cows that she could make it. And make it she did.

After taking a breather at the top, we coasted down. She was a little nervous to let the brakes go and coast down, she could tell that gravel is a bit more skittery to ride on, but eventually she loosened up an let it roll.

It looks like I may have a new training partner in the next couple years. At least until she becomes too fast for me (afraid that will happen pretty quickly), and my fast days are her recovery rides.

Another video from American Cyclery "SF Off the Chain"

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The video was produced over the 3 days after the Giants won some important ball and stick game, and honors the team and the city and includes many bicycles.

Wanna ride the Ragnarök 105?

I struggle with this. I want to do it. But at the time of year it's held, April 9, and the terrain, I think at the very least a true cyclocross bike, or a skinny tire 29'er is the best machine. So I don't really have the equipment to pull it off.

Anyway, the field is limited to 105 riders, weighted to those who started and finished all 3 previous versions more then likely to be picked. And if you've ever entered and pulled a no-show, good luck with that. Sounds like they may burn your entry upon receipt. Maybe that's not true, but I'm sure it's pretty close.

Once again, like the Almanzo, it's a free race with a postcard registration. For more info on registering, visit this link: Ragnarök 105

I may not pedal in squares, but I swim in squares

Actually I'm working on not swimming squares. Hence I'm taking lessons. Not beginner lessons, advanced beginner. Todays main focus was to roll my shoulders so I'm not pedaling... er... swimming square. That's when your shoulders are square in the water, giving extra resistance while swimming.

That and learning the breast stroke. Man, that's confusing. Anyway, I'm hoping to become confidant enough to actually swim laps a day or 2 a week over the winter.

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Almanzo Micro CX - II

November 6, this Saturday, 8am at the Rec center again. See map below.

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View Micro CX in a larger map

I really hope I feel good and don't flat again. I think I'll keep my pump and seat bag on the bike this time.

To bad I'm not closer to Ohio

Then maybe I could do the Gun Club Cyclocross race, for free. Yup free entry! But only for those with a name that is related or connected to guns. http://www.cxmagazine.com/explosive-race-free-gun-club-cross

Is your name Gunnar, Boom or Cannon? For the second consecutive year, John Gatch, half of the Two-John’s Podcast and promoter of the Gun Club Cyclocross, will give a free complimentary entry to his race to anybody with a name that can be connected to guns. The Gun Club Cyclocross takes place on November 7th at the Sycamore Gun Club in the Cincinnati suburb of Miamiville, Ohio.

How cool is that? Alas... I'm not gonna drive to Ohio to race 45 min for free. At least not this weekend.

Info from Minnesota High School Mountain Bike Racing League Meeting

I wasn't able to attend the info meeting. But here's something I saw posted on the RASC board (link http://rascmn.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=general&thread=1035&page=1#3227).

Last night Melissa and I attended the first meeting for the Minnesota High School Cycling League. The national association seems to be very well organized. There are maybe 200 teams set up and there is excellent process documentation available to help us.

There were about two dozen people there last night, primarily from the southern parts of the cities. The Minnesota league is in the very early development stage right now. There's quite a bit that needs to happen to get to the racing. The plan is to form five committees to take care of the following: fundraising, race venues, program development, team development, and connecting to existing leagues. Any volunteers? The next meeting will be in January.

Now for the racing part. The league racing will most likely be a fall sport begining in 2012. There will be 4 or 5 races in September - October. No one wants to wait that long, so the tentative plan is to have a high school team series within the Minnesota Mountain Bike Series in 2011 (next year!). This series within the series will take place at 4 of the races from late May - mid July. More info will be available after Thanksgiving.

Maybe I'll attend the meeting in January. I think It's great that they will put on a race series (within a series) next year. Unfortunately I'm not sure about joining a committee, as I'm not good at that type of stuff. I'll help out at skills clinics, training, possibly even assist a coach. But in now way can I run something. Is that wrong?

Anyway, many mahalos to Brian Gregg for posting this on the RASC board. And become a fan of Minnesota High School Mountain Bike Racing League on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=154720991215519.

The Zombie Bicycle Thief

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Um... looks stupid...

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So I'm not sure why I'm posting this. Maybe it'll get better, if there's more to come.

Everyone's invited, only a few will come...

And when I say a few, I mean a few hundred. 2010 had almost 400 riders (267 finishers).

The Almanzo 100 site has an official invitation for the 2011 race up.

Racers, riders, event promoters, industry professionals and everyone in between or otherwise, I would like to extend to you a most sincere invitation to what I believe to be America's greatest gravel road bicycle race. On Saturday, the 14th of May, 2011, riders from around the USA will join together in the small hamlet of Spring Valley, Minnesota to ride the beautiful, yellow rock roads of the Upper Midwest. My hope is that with your presence, we could build upon the great history that is American cycling and further promote the bright future that I see for cycling in the years to come. I extend to you my services in making your visit a reality.

I am currently planning to attend. Maybe you should too. It might be fun.

Here's another street/urban trials rider: Dominik Raab

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Not only is he good, but the video is done with style.

Minnesota High School Mountain Bike Racing League Meeting at QBP on Friday

Minnesota High School Mountain Bike Racing League Meeting at QBP Oct.29, 6 to 8 PM

Follow the above link for info. Hopefully some Rochester people will attend. I would, but have some family stuff going on that evening. If anyone goes, please email me and let me know what I can post here.

Pizza and refreshments will be served. Come learn more about how NICA works with state leagues to build sustainable high school mountain bike racing programs, including camps, coaching and licensing programs, venue selection, sponsorships, team development, etc. Members of Minnesota's Development Committee will also be on hand to talk about immediate needs and how interested people can help. For more information about the meeting, contact Minnesota League Founding Chair Gary Sjoquist at garys@qbp.com.

If anyone goes, please email me and let me know of any info that I can post here.

Awesomeness

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Yes, I will say that this is awesome. I don't really think it's a cyclocross race, in the sense that I think it's a long loop, and not multiple short laps. But I do think it's pretty rad and hardcore. Look at the way they are chucking bikes across the stream crossings. Man... and I was worried about walking across the stream at the Almanzo. What a wuss!

This looks interesting...

I just hope Justin Bieber doesn't show up and punches me in the back of the head if I go. Put on by Little Guy Racing/Behind Bars Bike Shop. I wonder if I'd need to mount a rear brake to do it. $10 for one day license,  $25 race entry fee, $20 gas. Is it worth it? Free kids race, and juniors are $10 (+$10). hmmmm.....

Ladies, enjoy your ride! Ride and Smile!

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Womans euro CX racing action.

Pure Sweet Hell "Cyclocross Film"

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Just a video to keep some motivation to maybe go out and ride in the morning. Seriously, I think I need to find a way to really get out in the morning. I had full intentions to get out this morning, and even woke up (eye's were open at least). Just couldn't get myself to drag my sorry butt out of bed.

Life lessons learned from flatting out

Almanzo Micro CX race. Got to the meeting place with enough time to do 2 laps around to check out the course. And, take all the extra stuff off my bike, pump, seat pack, lights, pack them into my bag, and ditch it down by the second set of barriers.

Course map.

Looking at the map above, it's about the 10-o'clock position, where the course dips in it'self a tad. This sorta became a problem when on the fourth lap, I flatted, on the other side of the course. I ended walking the half a lap to where my stuff was.

During this time, I think I was passed by every other rider in the race, making me at least a lap behind. In fact I think Drew (correction: Drew and Charly) passed me twice.

Anyway, my race was over. I picked up my stuff and continued walking to the start finish area and fixed my flat. I cheered on the racers as they continued.

Laps, avg heart rate and avg speed per.

The laps were short at about 3-4 minutes each. I was riding at threshold most of the time.

All in all, it was fun while it lasted. I considered riding on after I fixed the flat, but my brain just couldn't put forth the effort.

Anyway, I know the title says "life lessons learned," but honestly, I have no learned lesson. Except maybe to double think the spare tube and pump situation for a 40  minute race.