The weekend

Saturday morning, when I first got up, the outside temp was 1 degree. ONE degree! I know, I'm a wuss and winter is only just starting. There will be days with lows that are much colder. But it still felt really cold to me. So I stayed at home in the warmth. And that was so nice.

After a quick trip to the farmers market with the sweetest lady, I installed my new grey/gray ESI Racers Edge grips.

Unwrapped the cheap foam wrap and ODI Attack wrap. Cleaned the bars with windex and use rubbing alcohol to install the grips to the bars. 

The grips are about the same lengths (just a couple millimeters shorter) then what I had wrapped.

It's really hard to tell, but there is a thick and a thin side to the grips. I think the thinner part is the flattened part.

Final install with about a millimeter of handlebar end exposed (prior to installing the plugs).

After putting on the grips, I removed the bottle cages, as I figure I'll use a CamelBak under my jersey and jacket during winter to keep the water from freezing. Then I replaced the Garmin Edge mount (again). It's a bad design for the 305/205 models in that the lacking tab breaks in cold weather. So I now have to order some more so I have some on hand.

After all this, the afternoon temp warmed up to almost 30 degrees. So it was time to throw on some winter cycling clothes and do a quick lap at Eastwood.

There was actually still some areas that didn't have snow, mainly under the evergreen trees on the "top" sections.

Well a quick lap wasn't so quick, as I was riding snowy singletrack for the first time in my life. Yeah, I've lived in this frozen tundra for almost 15 years, and I've never mountain biked on snow. I've ridden on the road all winter, and even done some gravel rides in all kinds of winter conditions. Yet I've never ridden a mountain bike, on singletrack, in snow.

So a lap that normally take about 50 minutes, took almost 1 hour 5 minutes. Ok I stopped a few times for a minute or 2 to take a picture or drink. But still...

My snow riding skills need some work. Snow is different then dirt and mud. It slips and grabs differently, as well as tires need lower pressure to dig in better.

I ended up being a little overdressed. I think I dressed for lower to mid 20's instead of almost to around 30. I did, however, think my feet could have used my thermal booties to provide some extra insulation.

Anyway, I hope to keep riding through winter at least once a week as long as the temps are above 10 or so. Maybe down to zero. But I plan to try to keep my legs a little more fresh then just riding rollers all winter. Anyway, I had a great weekend, hope you did too.

Hey! I'm on the Twitters, follow me: @AnelloGrande

Info on the Rusty Ride

The following was posted on the Rusty Ride Facebook page.

MORC announces the 2012 mn rusty ride

New mountain bike event added to MORC’s fundraising efforts at Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trail.

For Immediate Release: 12/9/2011
Contact: Amanda Scholz
MORC Event Director
morcEvents@gmail.com


Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC), an IMBA chapter, introduces the MN Rusty Ride; A 25//50//100 mile mountain bike race, ride, tour event to support fundraising efforts for mountain bike trails in MN. Event is set to take place on the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails in Ironton/Crosby, MN on August 18, 2012.

The event is set to begin out of Morningside Park in Ironton, MN on August 18. The course will be comprised of a mix of Cuyuna Singletrack, fire roads, and some pavement to create a 25 mile loop that will be repeated. Awards will be given according to class. There will be a kids race on the 18th. As part of the weekend events, there will be bike demos on Sunday, August 19th and a pasta or BBQ feeding on Friday, August 17th. Details are still being worked out and will be posted at www.mnrustyride.com as they are finalized.

The hope is to create an event that is challenging yet appealing for all different skill levels. Placing this event on one of our world-class trails gives riders an opportunity to test their endurance and fortitude but also have fun.

MORC/IMBA is a not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to safeguarding the future of mountain biking in Minnesota through the promotion of responsible riding, establishment and maintenance of mountain biking trails, and preservation of Minnesota's natural resources.

The Trails are an IMBA Bronze Ride Center. The first in the nation, and now 1 of 6 designated Ride Centers in the country. According to the MN DNR website, the Cuyuna Mountain Bike Trail System dips, dives and weaves across more than 800 acres of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. With over 30 purpose-built routes to choose from, everyone from beginner to pro can enjoy the breath-taking rides and overlooks. The trails are enhanced by the deep-red soil, turquoise mine lakes, and white bark of the aspen and birch trees. When taking a break from the exhilarating descents, mountain bikers can watch for bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, beavers and other wildlife.

Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC) began as the North Central Mountain Bike Group (NCMBG) under the umbrella of the Minnesota Coalition of Bicyclists in 1994. March 1998 marked the official name change to MORC as its known today. The membership has grown to over 800 members today. Lebanon Hills was the first single-track mountain bike trail built truly to sustainable standards with heavy involvement from the land manager. To date MORC maintains over 75 miles of trail in the metro area.

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Visit the page and show them if you're planning to race/ride or even if you're not sure but interested. I think I'd like to see if I can do the 50 mile race.

I'm on the Twitters, follow me: @AnelloGrande

ESI Grips

ESI Grips on 2011 Trek Paragon Hello mountain bike racing fans.

Just got these nice grey/gray ESI Racers Edge grips. Gonna have to mount them on the Paragon and give 'en a go.

ESI Silicone Mountain bike grips. Hello mountain bike racing fans.

Vino, buying wins, bike racing ethics

Kolobnev & Vinokourov

So Vino is in the news again. And once again it's not good. Seems like some emails were published in which there is a discussion of Vino paying for his win in the 2010 Liège - Bastogne - Liège. Of course Vino denies doing anything wrong.

Now Vino is an interesting character in the peloton. I loved watching him attack and be reeled in by his T-mobile team mates. I thought he was a strong enough rider able to possibly lead a team. But then he became just another doper. Especially since he denies and continues to deny that he doped.

He took a suspension and returned to racing. Not just returned... but won a spring classic.

This is where things get messy. I believe he did do what they say he did. If it went down the way it's reported, he was in a break and paid Kolobnev to allow him to win.

This isn't new, I've read about teams and riders paying other teams and/or rider(s) to not take a win, or to work for them. I've heard of a rider in a grand tour get a courtesy win in his hometown. Isn't this all the same? Shouldn't a racer always race to win. Isn't that what we want of our racers, that our races are won honestly.

But then, what about gift wins? Armstrong eases at the top of Ventoux to give Pantani the win.Pantani didn't want a gift win and was upset by the gesture. I guess money didn't change hands. So no ethical problem right?

So it comes down to payout. Kolobnev took a payment to give up a win. I don't think it's right. But it's not the worst thing in bike racing. Like I said, it's been happening in the sport for a long time. I'm sure there are hero's of the sport who have paid for some of their victories.

Now here's something I thought of too. Could this be a red herring, or a distraction to some of the doping allegations going on.

I'm not saying that's what it is, but it's something to think about.

Like I did say though. It's not right, but I thing bike racing has bigger problems to focus on at the moment.

I'm on the Twitters, follow me: @AnelloGrande

One Less Car

So One Less Car posted this message on it's blog. Sorry to say, they will no longer be screening shirts and stickers.

Dear friends of One Less Car,

All good things must come to an end, and so must we. As of January 1st, 2012, One Less Car will stop selling clothing and stickers.

I began One Less Car more than six years ago with nothing more than a home screen-printing kit and a love of bicycles. I had no idea how many people shared my love of bike riding until the orders started coming in. I will never forget the first time I saw someone walk past wearing one of my shirts. It was one of the greatest feelings of my life.

Over the years, One Less Car has connected me with an amazing community and led me to opportunities I never could have anticipated. It led to a second business, Bates Crates, which makes hardwood crates for riders who want a quality handmade portage option.

Unfortunately, it has just become too much to maintain two businesses. Both have suffered, as has the One Less Car blog. Rather than operate two businesses poorly, I have decided to devote my energies to Bates Crates. I will fill all open orders, as well as any orders placed through the end of 2011, then One Less Car will close up shop.

One Less Car clothing will live on through our partnership with Pace Sportswear, which this year came out with a line of jerseys and headwear featuring our Classic and Chain Ring logos. All of these can be ordered online at pacesportswear.com and will hopefully find their way soon to your local bike store.

I would like to thank all of our customers and supporters. I still can’t believe all the places I sent shirts over the past several years. After a break, I hope to revive the One Less Car blog and reconnect with all of you there.

Sincerely,
Cole Bates

So maybe no more shirts, but check out BatesCrates. http://batescrates.com/

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Yes! Occupy all streets!

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Ragnarök registration now open

I'm still debating if I want to do this race or not. I think I would end up doing it on the mountain bike instead of the orange fixed or the roadie. Mid April could still see terrible weather conditions so there's no way the roadie would work. And the terrain has a lot of climbing, so I don't think the orange fixed is the best tool. That leaves the Paragon (mountain bike). Maybe I could find tires that would be better for gravel roads.

Anyway, I'm still debating on sending a postcard for this. If you might be interested in racing the Ragnarök, check this link for how to get in: http://ragnarok105.blogspot.com/2011/12/postcard-deluge-may-commence.html

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Sounds like some conversations I've had...

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it. Hello Justin Bieber fans.

Cycling Explained. Hah! so funny. I found this on Gwadzilla's blog. http://gwadzilla.blogspot.com/

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Imagine if this was your driveway

There is a video (may or may not be of Justin Beiber) embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it.

Holy cow! Via: manualforspeed.com

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Deep Custom teaser

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it.

Teaser of a movie to be shown up in the Twin Cities Jungle Theater on 12/12/11 at 7pm. Free admission.

“Deep Custom” was conceived when Art Director Tony Franklin (of publicconvoy.com) and Photographer T.C. Worley (studiobluempls.com) decided to collaborate on a personal project together. Believing their best creations were those unpaid “labor of love” jobs, they embarked to construct something born of passion, and not monetary gain.

Erik Noren, owner of Peacock Groove Custom Cycles was the clear choice for the film’s subject as he embodied this same passion in his bicycle building. No vacations, few days off and even moving into his parents home for a time were all sacrifices he has been willing to make to keep his small shop afloat.

The duo spent the better part of the Summer 2011 filming on weekends and in their free time. A strong theme of giving surrounds this film, as each side contributed time and talent to make this project a success.

This was their first motion project together, but will not be their last. Look for their new production company RoyalAntler to be born soon.

Some details can be found on the Facebook Event page facebook.com/events/245397612191831.

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Ride Everything

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it.

Interesting video. I thought it was fun except for the bike swap. Thought that was a stupid part. I know, I know... I shouldn't say stupid. It was an extremely unnecessary take.

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Take your dog mountain biking

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it.

This little dog flies on this trail. I would love to take my dog mountain biking with me sometimes. I know she would love it. But I don't trust her off leash.

I do take her around the neighborhood, having her pull me on my bike with a harness. She loves it so much. I've thought of getting real bikejoring equipment. If the local mountain bike trail wasn't so tight, it would be a perfect way to get her out there with me.

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Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you have a great day. Make sure you eat and spend time with loved ones.

The Sufferfest to give you an “Extra Shot” of IWBMATTKYT

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it.

I have never done a Sufferfest where I didn't want to get off and be done before the end of the video, so I don't really get the point of the Extra Shot. It's a 20 minute "add on" with no warm up or cool down. Just straight into a race pace workout. If you are into additional pain and suffering, this video will be great. Additionally, it's only $5.99, so it could be a great way to sample a Sufferfest video.

By the way... A Sufferfest video or video pack (buying 9 saves $17) would make a great Christmas gift for a your cycling loved one.

Use this or the above affiliate links to purchase Sufferfest videos (I'm looking at buying some dice valve caps): http://goo.gl/8O1we

Or copy and paste this url for a non-affiliate link: http://www.thesufferfest.com/

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Bike art - kollectivefusion “Cannibal”

Amazing 2 color on orange 18x24" screenprint of Eddy Merckx. Limited to 100 prints, selling for $30 would make a great Christmas gift for any cyclist. Purchase at the Kollectivefusion Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/listing/81375037/cannibal-eddy-merckx-art-print).

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Stolen Bike Alert

A friend I ride with had his bike stolen yesterday. Link to post: http://goo.gl/FiOS6

I had my cyclocross bike stolen from behind the Hilton building sometime in the later afternoon on Tuesday. It is a Raleigh RX 1.0. Army green in color with easton wheels and trp cx9 brakes. I am offering a 250 dollar reward for the return of my bike.

Bike thieves suck! Be on the lookout.

UPDATED with a photo of the thief in action. Unfortunately not the best image.

http://sandwich50.blogspot.com/2011/11/stolen-bike.html

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What is the Rusty Ride - Benefiting MORC

I have no idea what or where this is. Except that it's in Minny-Soda.

The Rusty Ride is a 25/50/100 mile race though one of the nation's premier mountain bike trails. More details and registration will be available soon. Make sure to check back and to follow us on facebook and twitter.

To be held August 17,18,19 2012. I might be interested in the 50 miler. Here's the intertubes link: http://www.mnrustyride.com/ Hopefully more info pretty soon.

I'm on the Twitters, follow me: @AnelloGrande

Song in my head while riding

There is a video embedded in this post that you may not be able to view. Click through to the blog to watch it.

So I was riding the local trails yesterday morning, this song was rolling in my head. I'm sad to say normally I have nothing gonna break my stride flowing in my brain. But I was groovin the singletrack with the following lyrics:

Cause you, and your heart
shouldn't feel so far apart
You can choose, what you take
Why you gotta break and make it feel so hard

From: "You And Your Heart" by Jack Johnson

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Bike Art - Mickmarston “Cycling”

I love the style of this illustration, it's very cool. Except... what is up with the seat? Razor blade saddle? I wouldn't sit on that.

via: Mickmarston

I'm on the Twitters, follow me: @AnelloGrande