Product Review: Awesome Strap

Rick gave me a tip on the awesome strap by backcountry research.

So, why would I pay $9-12 when I can get a strap at Kirkhams for a buck ninety five? The difference is in the details. The awesome strap does exactly what it claims - It holds securely your co2, multitool, and spare tube. I emphasize the secure part. When it is cinched down, it doesn't move at all.

This is an excellent option to carrying your parts in a back pocket, camelback, or saddle bag.

What has the bike done for you?

I don't like putting up pictures of myself. However, I will make an exception. Take a look at the two contrasting pictures.

Yeah, that's me before and after. Diet and exercise (primarily riding the bike). High of 230, now, 167.

Pics

Another ride great lunch ride w/ Rick and Rico - Race course and then over to what I think is appropriately called lower switchblade. SS superfly's were required for todays ride (not really, but that's all that showed today).

Tomorrow will be some recon - Is Dragon's back clear?

Grass Roots Politics

It's that time of year for neighborhood caucuses. At the lunch ride today we held the caucus. 4 members of the single speed party (Brad, Rick, Kenny, and myself) were present and 1 of the geared party (Justin). I'm happy to report that all decisions were done in a bi-partisan manner.

After a heated discussion, we elected a delegate (Kenny) and he decided we would ride the race course and then the switchbacks north of dry canyon BST (I want to call that trail switchblade, but I'm sure other names will pop up).

It was great to participate in this political process at a grass roots level.

Toyota Recall

I drive a toyota truck and have wondered about the recall. Here is a little video on the toyota lawnmower recall.

Interview with a Professional Cyclist

I often think of questions I would like to ask if I sat down to interview a professional cyclist. A few years ago, I had Levi Leipheimer blow past me on the alpine loop, but I didn't get to ask any of my questions. These are the questions I would ask of a local pro racer, continental racer, or a top level professional.

Here is my list in no particular order:

1. As far as I read in the media, nobody every talks about their pay. How much do you get paid to race? Do you do additional work/business on the side to help cover your expenses? What role do your sponsors play in your finances?
2. Obviously, you can't race at the top level your whole life. What are your career plans once you can't compete anymore? How do you know when it will be time to retire or scale back the racing?
3. Would you rather be wealthy with a high paying traditional job and compete in local races as an amateur racer, or be a top level cyclist? Why?
4. What is the best thing about being a professional cyclist and why? What is the worst and why?
5. What is the greatest success or highlight of your cycling career? What is your biggest dissapointment or regret?
6. Outside of cycling, what is your passion?
7. Are you married? If yes, how well does married life and professional cycling mix?
8. What kind of bike would you ride if you had your own choice (you can't choose your sponsors bike)?
9. What are your goals for this cycling season?
10. I won't ask if you have ever doped, but have you been approached or seen others dope? How big a problem is doping at your level?

There are only a few who read my blog, but if any professional racers want to answer my questions, I would be very interested and grateful. Nonetheless, I have my list to ask Levi next time he passes me on the Alpine Loop. :)

Open Invitation to Bart Gillespie, Alex Grant, Jeff Kerkove, Dave Wiens, Sonya Looney, Dave Zabriskie, George Hincapie, Levi, Lance, or any other professional.

What other questions would you want to ask a professional cyclist?

Red Rock Rampage ICUP

The weekend was filled with a bunch of "firsts". I had my first ride on the new wheelset that were built at racers--Stan's crest rims laced to Chris King SS Hubs. This was the first time I had been on conti race king tires. Overall, I was thrilled with the new wheelset and how they performed. Bike weighed in right at 20 lbs. Sub 20 if I took off the bottle cage.

I have never done a mtb race before. I wasn't sure what to expect. All I wanted to do is not embarrass myself. I rode in the sport 35-39 division (on my single speed). Once again, I wasn't sure if I should be in this category or in the beginner category.

Coach Dan showing off his niner. It's hard to see in this pic, but there are two letters scattered around on this bike--XX. Note his SLR saddle that has had the cover, and what little padding stripped off. The socks are nice too.

Pro start.
Pro category start. From the start line, it is a dirt road and is an all out sprint. I sprinted the best I could, but on my single speed, I was spinning out. I had debated what gearing to run and ended going with the 32 x 19. My first lap I was happy to have the 19. Second lap, I was wishing for a 20.


While this looks like I'm getting smoked on the start here, this is coming through the feed zone at the start of the second lap.

This kid found his own fun. I wonder if his parents knew.

A few of the lunch meeting crowd. Kenny won the SS division, Rick took 2nd and Kyle 4th in the same division. The UC was well represented especially Racers and Mad Dog.

Here are my observations or things I need to learn from the first ICUP:

• I need to be more aggressive in passing people. There were two washes in the race course and it was hard to pass in these washes. I got stuck behind some slow people in the washes from earlier divisions which allowed the leaders to get a large gap.
• Hydrate better. I was near cramping on the second lap.
• It felt good to "empty the tank". I gave it a solid effort and couldn't have dug down much deeper.
• Riding a single speed in the sport division has its positives and negatives. I'm happy to say that the only time I was passed by anyone in my division was when I was spinning out on the flats or the downhill.
• 65 degrees and red dirt never felt better
• I finished 11th in my group. I don't know how many were in the group. I am happy with the result but in no way satisfied.
• My son came with me and we had a great time together.

Hot wheels

Have you seen the show American Pickers and Pawn Stars on history channel? Two fun shows about negotiating and finding deals. Maybe it is because I'm from Ogden, but I enjoy perusing the classifieds looking for deals.

Over the weekend I found a wheelset that I wanted for an excellent price. When I called on the wheelset, the seller told me they were selling for her brother because he didn't have any time. In asking questions about the product, a guy with a smoker voice in the background kept barking out answers about the wheelset. Even though I had to drive to Magna to look at the wheelset, I really wanted the wheels. The background talker gave instructions for us to meet at the McDonalds in Magna. There wasn't anything extremely out of the ordinary, but every bit of this transaction was a little off or strange.

I met these people at McDonalds. Now, I have bought plenty of bike parts from the classifieds and without fail, anyone who was selling high end bike components always looked the part--they looked like they would be someone with a high bike or parts. Not these two. One individual was about 4 ft and change tall by 4 ft and change wide. Both sounded like they were on the 5 pack of cigs per day program. Nonetheless, they had the wheels that were new in the box.

Negotiating is one of my favorite parts of buying from the classifieds. I made my initial offer to them and waited for them to respond. Those moments of silence in negotiating are unbearable for some people - The rule is, he who first speaks loses. Surprisingly, these two fine specimens were more than willing to negotiate--especially when they saw the color of the cash. They were also jumpier than jackrabbits. As soon as that cash was in their hands, they were in their truck flying out of the parking lot. I didn't realize a 1980's ford ranger had that much pick up and go.

I don't know and will never know for sure, but I am guessing these are some stolen wheels.