Monday, December 31, 2007
New Post
If you've been coming here looking for new posts, sorry. No riding seems to equal no new inspirations for posting. I do have a new post up over on my other blog that you might enjoy. Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 22, 2007
And Later that Night...
A few of us went to Smokey and Kary's Pagan Solstice party last night. It was a ripping good time complete with Strong Blond and Smokey's Elk Chili. There is me Phil, Tommy and Randy.
Pagan attire was requested. To me the dirt worshiping tree hugger that I am that means every-day garb,. But for Tommy I guess that means a Sasquatch suit.
I think it might have been Tommy's first night out on the town for the last couple of months. Pictures are worth a thousand words:
Hi Honey, I'll be home later...
Then the DJ got a little too partied out and left the DJ stand... No worries Tori the DJDominatrix was on the job.
The days start getting longer in three days and that is something to celebrate.
Ride Time is 9 AM on sunday. Bring your studded michellins.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Vehicular Assault
I left work early today to go to Daughter 1's Christmas play in her classroom. I don't need much more excuse for a ride in the afternoon than that. I'm still recovering so I didn't really want to climb so I rolled out 49 towards Cool. I made it to Venizio before I bailed and headed back. The Friday before Christmas traffic was just too gnarly and I felt like a target. I rolled back to town but still wanted more so I headed up Prospector. I went up to the culvert before I decided to bail. I really don't want to mess with the recovery roll that I am on... Coming back down I saw a VeloLoco kit headed up. There was fast Danny headed up the grade.
Seeing a brother, I stopped and chatted. Dan was all worked up. Some jackass in a white sedan had taken three passes at him on the road. On the first pass Dan was headed down Cold Springs and on to 49 when the idiot going the opposite direction went over the double yellow to pass another car right into Dan's lane! Dan waved at him in a disparaging way for taking his lane (no finger). The guy did a U turn... came back and took another run at Dan farther down the road. Dan again waved in a WTF kind of way and pulled over. The guy did another U turn and came at him again. Now Dan is standing on the shoulder and the chamois stain of a human swiped by 5 inches from Dan's legs at 50 MPH!
The good news is that Fast Dan got his licence plate number. When I dropped Dan at home later he was on his way to call the Po-Po. Danny let us know what happens. The bastard should be strung up by his nuts.
Watch out out there and keep your fingers in your fists. The last thing we need is to give some more idiots reasons to be pissed at cyclists.
Seeing a brother, I stopped and chatted. Dan was all worked up. Some jackass in a white sedan had taken three passes at him on the road. On the first pass Dan was headed down Cold Springs and on to 49 when the idiot going the opposite direction went over the double yellow to pass another car right into Dan's lane! Dan waved at him in a disparaging way for taking his lane (no finger). The guy did a U turn... came back and took another run at Dan farther down the road. Dan again waved in a WTF kind of way and pulled over. The guy did another U turn and came at him again. Now Dan is standing on the shoulder and the chamois stain of a human swiped by 5 inches from Dan's legs at 50 MPH!
The good news is that Fast Dan got his licence plate number. When I dropped Dan at home later he was on his way to call the Po-Po. Danny let us know what happens. The bastard should be strung up by his nuts.
Watch out out there and keep your fingers in your fists. The last thing we need is to give some more idiots reasons to be pissed at cyclists.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sunday 12/16 Report
Tip of the hat to Author Pat for this ride report.
The die-hards were out on Sunday this week. As I pulled into Coloma, the temperature reading on my truck showed that it was 28 degrees outside. None the less, Fast Dan, Kary, Jerry and I made a great ride of it. We opted for a nice warm cruise up Hwy 49 into P’Ville. The climb wasn’t too bad and we all warmed up quickly. Jerry made an attack in the tight winding section before we leveled out up top, I answered the attack, sat on his wheel up to w/in a few hundred yards of the P’Ville City Limit sign but Jerry had the stuff and took the sprint.
The 4 of us had a nice mellow ride through town and up the bike path to “Jake-way” Road and then up Carson to Abel’s Acres. The weather at this point was just beautiful, sunny and calm. I think that Jerry, Dan and I were a bit overcome by the nice weather because it was at this point, standing in the parking lot soaking up the sun that we decided to extend the ride by a good bit. We couldn’t talk Kary into the loop, something about being home sick.
We started off down Union Ridge then said good bye to Kary at Mosquito Rd and the 3 of us took the decent down Mosquito to the River. The Bridge was very icy and slick and we walked it. The climb out was sweet. We decided that the loop was much better that direction. After climbing out of the canyon, the nice roll down Rock Creek Rd couldn’t have been better. The temp was perfect and we really enjoyed the scenery, company and empty road. It wasn’t until we were almost back to Hwy 193 that we realized how much longer the ride was going to take and what sort of promises we had made for our return home.
Hwy 193 up towards Kelsey was perfect as usual. Jerry lead out the sprint for the Kelsey sign again after a nice push tempo climb. I finally made my attack and took the sprint, but a close one.
We then had a nice roll down into Green Valley and on down Marshal Grade arriving at 1PM a bit later than we had planned but a beautiful and excellent ride all around.
Hope to see more of you out next week, it sure can’t be any colder.
The die-hards were out on Sunday this week. As I pulled into Coloma, the temperature reading on my truck showed that it was 28 degrees outside. None the less, Fast Dan, Kary, Jerry and I made a great ride of it. We opted for a nice warm cruise up Hwy 49 into P’Ville. The climb wasn’t too bad and we all warmed up quickly. Jerry made an attack in the tight winding section before we leveled out up top, I answered the attack, sat on his wheel up to w/in a few hundred yards of the P’Ville City Limit sign but Jerry had the stuff and took the sprint.
The 4 of us had a nice mellow ride through town and up the bike path to “Jake-way” Road and then up Carson to Abel’s Acres. The weather at this point was just beautiful, sunny and calm. I think that Jerry, Dan and I were a bit overcome by the nice weather because it was at this point, standing in the parking lot soaking up the sun that we decided to extend the ride by a good bit. We couldn’t talk Kary into the loop, something about being home sick.
We started off down Union Ridge then said good bye to Kary at Mosquito Rd and the 3 of us took the decent down Mosquito to the River. The Bridge was very icy and slick and we walked it. The climb out was sweet. We decided that the loop was much better that direction. After climbing out of the canyon, the nice roll down Rock Creek Rd couldn’t have been better. The temp was perfect and we really enjoyed the scenery, company and empty road. It wasn’t until we were almost back to Hwy 193 that we realized how much longer the ride was going to take and what sort of promises we had made for our return home.
Hwy 193 up towards Kelsey was perfect as usual. Jerry lead out the sprint for the Kelsey sign again after a nice push tempo climb. I finally made my attack and took the sprint, but a close one.
We then had a nice roll down into Green Valley and on down Marshal Grade arriving at 1PM a bit later than we had planned but a beautiful and excellent ride all around.
Hope to see more of you out next week, it sure can’t be any colder.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Community Though Suffering
I've been busy as a one legged man in an ass kicking contest lately but I wanted to get a post up. I've got a bunch of stuff on my mind and some on my hard drive to share.
First off, there was a fundraiser on Sunday night for Kelley Kalafatich. I know some of you don't know who KK is so I'll 'splain. Kelley is an old time River Guide who has worked around the world on some of the most challenging rivers and in some of the most remote locations. She was one of the first women to work on the Zambezi river in Africa. She was also on the first descent of the Blue Nile and was the stunt double for Meryl Streep on The River Wild. Those include her professional resume but what is more important is that she is one of the kindest, most humble gentle generous people that you'll ever meet. She is the kind of person that once you've met her, you wont forget her.
There is a blog setup for daily updates on her but the story is that she has a rare disease called transverse mylitis
So the fundraiser went really really well. I don't know if there was an official tally on the money raised but it was over 20,000. There were more than 200 people stuffed into the Sierra Nevada House all of whom have been touched by Kelley in some way.
It was great to see such a strong response from our community. I am sad that we are all in one place for that reason but it is still great to see it.
That brings me to something else that's been on my mind; Suffering. As cyclists we have an unusual relationship with suffering. We seek out opportunities to test ourselves in the face of adversity whether it is getting to the top of a big hill faster than last time or winning a sprint in out of a charging pack or just going as far as possible in one day. If we don't get out and do this often enough some of us get antsy and some of us get downright grumpy which is a form of suffering in its own right. So we keep coming back for more suffering.
Back in July when many of us gathered at the Velo Loco Annual meeting I was thinking that the next round of Jerseys should say something like "community through suffering" on them. I am curious what you all think of that.
So that leads me to the last thing, at the party on Sunday, there was a confirmed Anderson sighting. That's right Tommy AND Terry were at the party. Terry is rockin' a sweet new hair do and has a funky zipper on her scalp and looks stronger than Mario Cipolini on a six pack of Red Bull. Tommy is hanging super tough after taking a long hard pull for his family. Sounds like they both have some work left to do so send some good thoughts their way. I think we'll be seeing them at the bakery soon.
So I've got to run but I wanted to share a super cool blog that I'll be adding to the blog roll soon. Go check it out.
Please comment below. And if any of you are interested in doing some posts shoot me an email and I'll set you up as an author for this blog.
First off, there was a fundraiser on Sunday night for Kelley Kalafatich. I know some of you don't know who KK is so I'll 'splain. Kelley is an old time River Guide who has worked around the world on some of the most challenging rivers and in some of the most remote locations. She was one of the first women to work on the Zambezi river in Africa. She was also on the first descent of the Blue Nile and was the stunt double for Meryl Streep on The River Wild. Those include her professional resume but what is more important is that she is one of the kindest, most humble gentle generous people that you'll ever meet. She is the kind of person that once you've met her, you wont forget her.
There is a blog setup for daily updates on her but the story is that she has a rare disease called transverse mylitis
So the fundraiser went really really well. I don't know if there was an official tally on the money raised but it was over 20,000. There were more than 200 people stuffed into the Sierra Nevada House all of whom have been touched by Kelley in some way.
It was great to see such a strong response from our community. I am sad that we are all in one place for that reason but it is still great to see it.
That brings me to something else that's been on my mind; Suffering. As cyclists we have an unusual relationship with suffering. We seek out opportunities to test ourselves in the face of adversity whether it is getting to the top of a big hill faster than last time or winning a sprint in out of a charging pack or just going as far as possible in one day. If we don't get out and do this often enough some of us get antsy and some of us get downright grumpy which is a form of suffering in its own right. So we keep coming back for more suffering.
Back in July when many of us gathered at the Velo Loco Annual meeting I was thinking that the next round of Jerseys should say something like "community through suffering" on them. I am curious what you all think of that.
So that leads me to the last thing, at the party on Sunday, there was a confirmed Anderson sighting. That's right Tommy AND Terry were at the party. Terry is rockin' a sweet new hair do and has a funky zipper on her scalp and looks stronger than Mario Cipolini on a six pack of Red Bull. Tommy is hanging super tough after taking a long hard pull for his family. Sounds like they both have some work left to do so send some good thoughts their way. I think we'll be seeing them at the bakery soon.
So I've got to run but I wanted to share a super cool blog that I'll be adding to the blog roll soon. Go check it out.
Please comment below. And if any of you are interested in doing some posts shoot me an email and I'll set you up as an author for this blog.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Sunday 12/2 Ride Report
Riders present; Jerry, David, Pat, Fast Dan, Spencer, Joel (new guy), Bill.
It was an eventful ride this Sunday. Temps were in the low 30's when we rolled out under cloudy skies. We went up Lotus Grade and across Gold Hill to 49 to complete the Kelsey loop. I spent the whole day off the back so I dont have much to report from the group. Thanks for waiting for my sorry a$$. I do think that Jerry took bragging rights at the Placerville sign and Patrick got Kelsey but I dont know...
As i rolled upto the P.ville sign there was Pat on the side of the road fixing a flat. The group gathered to help any way we could including farting in his face. Sorry Pat, but not that sorry. He proceeded to discover an 2nd goat head in his tire afer the first patch. Then as he was fixing that both Dan and Joel discovered they also had been goat-headed. So four out of seven of us flatted in one spot.
Going up 193 to Kelsey Joel and I nearly had a heart attack when a Cal Trans truck snuck up behind us, lowered its plow and scraped the pavement about 15 yards back. It sounded like the world was coming to an end. Later at the bottom of Prospector there was the same truck telling Jerry that it was illegal for us to ride on the road. Jerry aka doctor transportation set the shovel prop straight.
Jerry Sent me this today as info for all you cycling lawyers.
The Vehicle Code:
21200. (a) Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000), Section 27400, Division 16.7 (commencing with Section 39000), Division 17 (commencing with Section 40000.1), and Division 18 (commencing with Section 42000), except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application
HOWEVER:
21207. (a) This chapter does not prohibit local authorities from establishing, by ordinance or resolution, bicycle lanes separated from any vehicular lanes upon highways, other than state highways as defined in Section 24 of the Streets and Highways Code and county highways established pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 1720) of Chapter 9 of Division 2 of the Streets and Highways Code.
(b) Bicycle lanes established pursuant to this section shall be constructed in compliance with Section 891 of the Streets and Highways Code.
BUT WAIT...There are no El Dorado County ordinances...
AND...
Operation on Roadway
21202. (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
(2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
(b) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway of a highway, which highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable.
Amended Sec. 4, Ch. 674, Stats. 1996. Effective January 1, 1997.
Relevant Links:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd11c1a4.htm
http://www.cicle.org/cicle_content/pivot/entry.php?id=574
http://www.sctransit.com/bikesafe/vehiclecode.htm
I will be placing a call to a local CHP contact I have to see if anyone is actually delivering false information to Caltrans workers. I am inclined to believe that the Caltrans worker misconstrued the info as it was told to him. I didn't find a thing in the vehicle code about bicycles not being alllowed on roadways, even though I know bicycles are not permitted on sections of US 50 and I-80...
-Jerry
I always refer to this website when I have a cycling related legal question.
Thats it for the ride report. Remind me to bring my camera and I'll put some damn pictures up one of these days.
It was an eventful ride this Sunday. Temps were in the low 30's when we rolled out under cloudy skies. We went up Lotus Grade and across Gold Hill to 49 to complete the Kelsey loop. I spent the whole day off the back so I dont have much to report from the group. Thanks for waiting for my sorry a$$. I do think that Jerry took bragging rights at the Placerville sign and Patrick got Kelsey but I dont know...
As i rolled upto the P.ville sign there was Pat on the side of the road fixing a flat. The group gathered to help any way we could including farting in his face. Sorry Pat, but not that sorry. He proceeded to discover an 2nd goat head in his tire afer the first patch. Then as he was fixing that both Dan and Joel discovered they also had been goat-headed. So four out of seven of us flatted in one spot.
Going up 193 to Kelsey Joel and I nearly had a heart attack when a Cal Trans truck snuck up behind us, lowered its plow and scraped the pavement about 15 yards back. It sounded like the world was coming to an end. Later at the bottom of Prospector there was the same truck telling Jerry that it was illegal for us to ride on the road. Jerry aka doctor transportation set the shovel prop straight.
Jerry Sent me this today as info for all you cycling lawyers.
The Vehicle Code:
21200. (a) Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000), Section 27400, Division 16.7 (commencing with Section 39000), Division 17 (commencing with Section 40000.1), and Division 18 (commencing with Section 42000), except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application
HOWEVER:
21207. (a) This chapter does not prohibit local authorities from establishing, by ordinance or resolution, bicycle lanes separated from any vehicular lanes upon highways, other than state highways as defined in Section 24 of the Streets and Highways Code and county highways established pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 1720) of Chapter 9 of Division 2 of the Streets and Highways Code.
(b) Bicycle lanes established pursuant to this section shall be constructed in compliance with Section 891 of the Streets and Highways Code.
BUT WAIT...There are no El Dorado County ordinances...
AND...
Operation on Roadway
21202. (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
(2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
(b) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway of a highway, which highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable.
Amended Sec. 4, Ch. 674, Stats. 1996. Effective January 1, 1997.
Relevant Links:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd11c1a4.htm
http://www.cicle.org/cicle_content/pivot/entry.php?id=574
http://www.sctransit.com/bikesafe/vehiclecode.htm
I will be placing a call to a local CHP contact I have to see if anyone is actually delivering false information to Caltrans workers. I am inclined to believe that the Caltrans worker misconstrued the info as it was told to him. I didn't find a thing in the vehicle code about bicycles not being alllowed on roadways, even though I know bicycles are not permitted on sections of US 50 and I-80...
-Jerry
I always refer to this website when I have a cycling related legal question.
Thats it for the ride report. Remind me to bring my camera and I'll put some damn pictures up one of these days.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Sunday Sunday Sunday
Hey Boys-- the ride is at 8 or at least those that I spoken with have agreed that is when we roll. Sounds like Bill and David are back. Dan is coming too. Should be fun and cold. Looking forward to seeing you.
Don't forget about the beer brats brauts beans and boys party at Veloloco world HQ at 2pm.
See Ya.
Don't forget about the beer brats brauts beans and boys party at Veloloco world HQ at 2pm.
See Ya.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Muddy Cross
This just in from Matt B. A buddy of his who I am told is a lost member of the velo loco tribe sent it to him. It is a great example of cyclo-cross at its finest. Thanks Matt.
Click Here to view but give it a second to load. Slow connection... Fughedaboudit.
Matt is on the injured list with a bulging something-or-other... Sounds nasty. Hang in there brother.
Ray has been on the injured list for a while he said it had something to do with a bunny hop and the lack of bike shorts. Click here for more info.
Jerry is just glad no one is poking fun at him today.
Hope you can make it to the Beer, Brats and Brauts party on Sunday at Veloloco world headquarters. Let me know if you need info.
Click Here to view but give it a second to load. Slow connection... Fughedaboudit.
Matt is on the injured list with a bulging something-or-other... Sounds nasty. Hang in there brother.
Ray has been on the injured list for a while he said it had something to do with a bunny hop and the lack of bike shorts. Click here for more info.
Jerry is just glad no one is poking fun at him today.
Hope you can make it to the Beer, Brats and Brauts party on Sunday at Veloloco world headquarters. Let me know if you need info.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
What happened to Jerry a Sunday Ride Report
The thermometer at my house read 4o at 7:50 when I rolled out to the bakery. I knew I had at least one buddy to ride with because Jerry had called last night to see if I was gonna be there. He told me Dan might be there as well. Well there was Dan in the parking lot but I couldn't help but think, "Where oh where is Barton." Dan and I fiddled with our cold weather gear for a few minutes figuring to give Jerry some time to get there and didn't roll out 'til at least quarter after.
Danny was kind and we set a nice slow base building pace out to Cool then up 193 to G town. With only the two of us it was nice chatting and cruising. With no major events to report except when I saw the pickup truck that had tried to hit me with their open door yesterday. I dove for the shoulder, yelling at Dan to pull over. Stopped my wheels, planted my feet and smiled knowingly at the two female mullety looking beeyaches smiling back at me as they drove by. They must have been more drunk yesterday when the honked, flipped the bird and tried to take me out with their open door. Georgetown's finest.
Anyhow, thanks for the ride Fast Dan.
I went and saw Kelley the other day. First time since she got sick. She said the pain is much more in control than it used to be. She was having a good day and her attitude was better than could be expected.
That's it for the update. I am hoping to have news on Ray Fortner's "accident" posted soon. Perhaps there will be an excuse coming form Jerry's way soon as well.
Danny was kind and we set a nice slow base building pace out to Cool then up 193 to G town. With only the two of us it was nice chatting and cruising. With no major events to report except when I saw the pickup truck that had tried to hit me with their open door yesterday. I dove for the shoulder, yelling at Dan to pull over. Stopped my wheels, planted my feet and smiled knowingly at the two female mullety looking beeyaches smiling back at me as they drove by. They must have been more drunk yesterday when the honked, flipped the bird and tried to take me out with their open door. Georgetown's finest.
Anyhow, thanks for the ride Fast Dan.
I went and saw Kelley the other day. First time since she got sick. She said the pain is much more in control than it used to be. She was having a good day and her attitude was better than could be expected.
That's it for the update. I am hoping to have news on Ray Fortner's "accident" posted soon. Perhaps there will be an excuse coming form Jerry's way soon as well.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Next Year's Calendar
Sometime between Thanksgiving and New Years Day I usually start thinking about my goals for next year. As it relates to riding, I like to work out a calendar. I wonder what all you other Loco riders hope to do with your year. I know for many of us The Death Ride is the center piece of our annual training. What else is on your calendar? Use the comments below to talk about what is on your mind.
I've got a couple of things I'd like to do and I am already working toward them. (i'll need too work since I am in pretty bad shape right now):
I've got a couple of things I'd like to do and I am already working toward them. (i'll need too work since I am in pretty bad shape right now):
- Death Ride in 9 hours ride time.
- Party Pardee
- Race in Prarie City MTB series or at least support the chickenhawk again
- Chico Wildflower
- Race in the Sac Cyclocross series
- Napa Century
Some maybes on my list are:
- 24 hours of Cool
- Solevang Century
- Mt Diablo Challenge
As for challenges, I'm calling out all of the Dads that have kids under 10. The Prairie City MTB race series is waaay to fun to miss and very family freindly. The challenge: get your wife to race! And if you cant get your wife to race, then you have to take her place. That's right JB, MB, PL, KD and Curtis Hincapie come join Randy, Jen, Tanner The Chickenhawk and I on Wednesday nights. There are even kids races. My kids are faster than your kids!!!!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Where or where did Barton go?
The smell of Belgium was in the air for Sundays Sacramento Cyclocross Race #4 at Granite Beach. Or maybe that was just the stench coming off the ever shrinking Folsom Lake, who knows. With no lake in sight, they assured me it was down there somewhere, we were blessed with a perfect day for a road race and a terrible day for a Cross race. Sunny and 70, what the hell, this is November correct. I was hoping for low 40’s and driving rain. With inclement weather I would have had a good excuse for my lack luster performance. With such pleasant weather, I must accept my mediocrity whole heartedly. The race started off well, I dusted most of the Jr.’s within the first ¼ mile. There were a handful of pretty spectacular wipeouts during the first lap. When you line up for the Men’s C race anything can happen and does. After weaving through a pretty gnarly crash, I came to the first barrier on the course. After a very tight right hander and a steep whooptiy doo the course veered back left for the double barriers. I made the turn smoothly and coasted over the bump, setting up for the flying dismount and graceful leaps over the barriers. Right foot out, swing leg, left foot, left foot, left foot, man I haven’t done this in a while, left foot, too late…CRASH. For the rest of the day the first barrier had a nice lean to it and I had a slow leak of some red fluid running down my shin (very cool for a Cross race). After epically running into the first barrier the rest of the day was pretty smooth. I made up time on the sand pit and lost time during the more technical sections. I finished somewhere in front of the Jr.’s and behind the guy who won (he was sandbagging anyway). It was a perfect day for a ride regardless which bike you were on, or where you where riding. My only complaint was the apparent lack of cow bells along the course!
Cheers and Happy Turkey Day to All
Matt
Cheers and Happy Turkey Day to All
Matt
Excuses
Tom called me Sunday about noon. He asks, "where were you, did you have a hang nail."
"No," I told him, "my pussy was sore." Only Dan, Patrick and Tom were there. They did the Kelsey loop. My apologies to Tom for not being there to keep him company in the back.
Truth be told I am getting pissed with my lack of riding and Tylenol habit. I was really looking forward to racing cross this year but that is going to have to wait a year.
Meanwhile Ray is representin' down in the Bay on the cross courses. Check this out. You think you are tough look at this guy runnin' the frickin stairs with a bike on his back.
Terry is in Surgery today say a little prayer, think a good thought or drink a beer for her or whatever you do. She'll be back on the trainer in no time. I'm looking forward to having her pull me up Carson Pass again next July.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Bike Handling 101
I was out riding with David a week or two ago and spoke with him about half wheeling. The annoying habit of riding half a wheel ahead of the person next to you when riding doubled up. It forces the person behind to keep speeding up. David had never heard the term before and suggested I put some educational pack riding stuff up on the website.
I am just a puddin'. I am no expert rider but I try to learn as much as I can. So here is a great link on group riding skills. On any one of our rides, I see us breaking all the rules. Still fun though.
Enjoy.
I am just a puddin'. I am no expert rider but I try to learn as much as I can. So here is a great link on group riding skills. On any one of our rides, I see us breaking all the rules. Still fun though.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
A Classic
This is the Kelsey Loop or Chilibar loop.
This is what the crew did on Sunday with wet ground and a blue skies. Welcome to new guy Brian. Hey, I remembered a name this time. I pooped out early with the continuing hip pain issues. Thanks for sitting up and waiting for me Danny.
It is a great ride in either direction, one of my local favorites. If you do it clockwise you've got to start by climbing prospector road. At 2 miles of 13% ave gradient it is not the best warm up but it sure is a great climb. The payoff for going clockwise is that you get to descend hwy 193 from Kelsey to Chili Bar. That is one of the best quality descents around. It features good pavement and really fun curves and S turns. Then after climbing out of the South Fork Canyon you get to drop 49 into Coloma which is also a really good descent.
If you are not in the mood to climb steep climbs and want to practice descending on junky roads then counterclockwise is your direction for this one. The drop from Placerville city limits to Chili Bar is crappy, beat up and in need of new pavement. I am biased because I came really close to doing a Joseba Beloki there. Now I just sit up and hold the brakes real tight. The good side of counter clock is that you get to climb that sweet section from Chili Bar up to Kelsey. I frickin love that climb and it beats the heck out of climbing prospector most days.
Which Direction is your favorite. Post a vote by clicking comment below.
This is what the crew did on Sunday with wet ground and a blue skies. Welcome to new guy Brian. Hey, I remembered a name this time. I pooped out early with the continuing hip pain issues. Thanks for sitting up and waiting for me Danny.
It is a great ride in either direction, one of my local favorites. If you do it clockwise you've got to start by climbing prospector road. At 2 miles of 13% ave gradient it is not the best warm up but it sure is a great climb. The payoff for going clockwise is that you get to descend hwy 193 from Kelsey to Chili Bar. That is one of the best quality descents around. It features good pavement and really fun curves and S turns. Then after climbing out of the South Fork Canyon you get to drop 49 into Coloma which is also a really good descent.
If you are not in the mood to climb steep climbs and want to practice descending on junky roads then counterclockwise is your direction for this one. The drop from Placerville city limits to Chili Bar is crappy, beat up and in need of new pavement. I am biased because I came really close to doing a Joseba Beloki there. Now I just sit up and hold the brakes real tight. The good side of counter clock is that you get to climb that sweet section from Chili Bar up to Kelsey. I frickin love that climb and it beats the heck out of climbing prospector most days.
Which Direction is your favorite. Post a vote by clicking comment below.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Are we Riding?
Weather forecast says chance of showers late on Saturday and partly cloudy Sunday. Should we meet at 8 if it isnt raining or if the gound is dry. Comment below to give your 2 cents.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Ride Report
It was a beautiful day to ride Sunday. The time change made the meeting time feel like 9AM which was fine with my lazy self. Pat had a buddy in from out of town whose name I forget (sorry) and Jerry brought along another friend who is a recent immigrant to Camino from Monterey county, also forgot his name (I am an equal opportunity name forgetter). Dan was there as were KD, Curtis, and Tom. It has been a long time for me but even longer for Tom. I was happy to have someone to keep me company on the long sections I did while dropped.
We did the Greenwood loop out 49 to cool up 193 to Greenwood road and then some of us went down to Coloma Via Marshall and Jerry pat and their buddies went up to Gtown and points beyond (I wonder how far they made it).
It was a bit chilly rolling out. When Curtis and I were trying to talk to each other I was having trouble forming certain words because my lower lip was numb. I think I had some drool spill out at one point. But as always it warmed up as we rolled.
After we passed Pedro Hill the hammer dropped in anticipation of Cool city limits. From my vantage point waaaay off the back it looked like two groups fromed pretty quickly. The report that I got when I arrived in Cool was that Jerry took the sprint. Curtis was sitting on a wall with his head between his knees looking a little green. I think we were all a little nervous when he said he was going back home. After a minute of collecting himself, he changed his mind joined us after all. I guess the GU brought him back. We rode a calm pace out 193 to Greenwood until we got to the sprint and I was gone again.
By the time we got to the fire station in Garden Valley it was time to take off the leg warmers etc. I had to be a couple minutes behind the train after the Greenwood climb but I didn't care. It is so damn good to be back on the bike and riding with minimal pain.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Sunday Ride
It has been a while since I have been able to join the ride so I went out and took pictures. My camera is pretty limited but here are a few for your viewing enjoyment.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Velo Loco: Community
Velo Loco is a community effort that works because we are all get something out of it. One of things that I love about Road Riding with the group is the power of the pack. It is still amazing to me that we can roll along at 23 MPH with relatively little effort. Drafting and team work make it possible and it is one of those small miracles that I feel a lot of gratitude for.
We make time in our schedule forsaking family, home duties and other obligations so that we can be there at the same time; the bakery at 8:00. Then we go out and beat each other up on the climbs and power along together in the flats. Working together. Suffering together. Growing stronger together. Building community.
There are a couple of riders who are going to be putting in some really hard effort in the future. I know we are going to be there for them. Lets surround them and pull for them when we can.
We make time in our schedule forsaking family, home duties and other obligations so that we can be there at the same time; the bakery at 8:00. Then we go out and beat each other up on the climbs and power along together in the flats. Working together. Suffering together. Growing stronger together. Building community.
There are a couple of riders who are going to be putting in some really hard effort in the future. I know we are going to be there for them. Lets surround them and pull for them when we can.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Iorn Man
I have heard all the jokes and even told a few of my own. Like: Triathelets do everything... slow.
But I've got to give props to our man Matt B. for finishing his first Iron Man triathalon. Dude, you get the tough suffering award of the year. Just the thought of swimming 2 miles makes my shoulders sore. And there is no way in hell I could run a marathon, especially after a long bike ride. Well done Matt, well done. I am sure your family will be glad to have you back and I look forward to seeing you on the Sunday rides again once your body recovers a bit.
Here is a pic of Matt at the finish;
Two snaps and a flick of the wrist for that cape, babe. I thought road bike clothing was bad but post triathalon couture is the height of fashion.
But I've got to give props to our man Matt B. for finishing his first Iron Man triathalon. Dude, you get the tough suffering award of the year. Just the thought of swimming 2 miles makes my shoulders sore. And there is no way in hell I could run a marathon, especially after a long bike ride. Well done Matt, well done. I am sure your family will be glad to have you back and I look forward to seeing you on the Sunday rides again once your body recovers a bit.
Here is a pic of Matt at the finish;
Two snaps and a flick of the wrist for that cape, babe. I thought road bike clothing was bad but post triathalon couture is the height of fashion.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Friday, August 3, 2007
Report
Back from vacation and the freakin' world decided to explode while I was gone. More about that but first the report.
The legs were well rested with a couple of days off prior to leaving. My body has been for sh$% lately and the Chiropractor, physical and massage Therapist and acupuncturist have all been able to make their boat payments thanks to my contributions. Not complaining, glad they are there to help but dam I am tired of being in pain.
It was really nice to do a flat 70 mile road loop on Sunday. I rode east of Bend Thru Alfalfa (the town) and out to section of road that had flat buttery brand new asphalt and no traffic. Seriously, 2 cars passed me in 18 miles. I felt really good on the bike and ended up finishing the ride with a 19 MPH average speed all by myself.
Some other highlights were going to the Juniper Pool with the kids and floating the Deschutes with the family from Sun River to Benham Falls. Also visited with old friends Jim and Morri.
We left the kiddies with their Aunt one night and went out for a date. In the past our favorite location has been the Deschutes Brewery, but it was crowded and nutty so we went to Mcminemans which is now our favorite. Full service bar tasty food. Outdoor dinning and great brews. I had my share of the Hammerhead ale.
On Friday I was packing the bikes and stuff into the Mini Van for the trip home and listening to NPR and heard that the Fed is pumping money into the system to avoid Armageddon. It has been coming for a while. There are more than a few bad apples like American Home Mortgage and Countrywide that have thrived on selling junk mortgages to the ever so willing public. And that is coming to roost with the economy.
First of all, you know what I do for a living and I pride myself in doing a good job for my clients an looking out for them. But this is driving me nuts. The American Public has been all to eager to get a mortgage like a pay option ARM so that they can pay $1200 a month on a $500,000 loan for their McMansion in Serrano. That leaves them enough money to drive the Hummer to and from Starbucks and basically consume everything they possibly can until their ARM Resets and the payment goes to $4200 a month. Holy crap says the homeowner, I can't pay for my kids expensive preschool, the range rover payment and what do you mean I can't refinance because the value of my home has dropped by 20%. Why did my mortgage guy tell me this was a good loan? After all I've got a job and can make my payments.
The collective greed and desire for short term gratification that we have bought into is bleeding us dry. OK I'll get off my soap box for now. I applaud all of us who are living within our means a responsibly.
I do have one other place to go with this post. What the hell is up with Discovery Channel?! Reminds me of all those lenders going pop. I read something special between those lines. It is kind of like Rove leaving the administration. It is easier to "spend more time with my family" than to tell the truth.
The legs were well rested with a couple of days off prior to leaving. My body has been for sh$% lately and the Chiropractor, physical and massage Therapist and acupuncturist have all been able to make their boat payments thanks to my contributions. Not complaining, glad they are there to help but dam I am tired of being in pain.
It was really nice to do a flat 70 mile road loop on Sunday. I rode east of Bend Thru Alfalfa (the town) and out to section of road that had flat buttery brand new asphalt and no traffic. Seriously, 2 cars passed me in 18 miles. I felt really good on the bike and ended up finishing the ride with a 19 MPH average speed all by myself.
Some other highlights were going to the Juniper Pool with the kids and floating the Deschutes with the family from Sun River to Benham Falls. Also visited with old friends Jim and Morri.
We left the kiddies with their Aunt one night and went out for a date. In the past our favorite location has been the Deschutes Brewery, but it was crowded and nutty so we went to Mcminemans which is now our favorite. Full service bar tasty food. Outdoor dinning and great brews. I had my share of the Hammerhead ale.
On Friday I was packing the bikes and stuff into the Mini Van for the trip home and listening to NPR and heard that the Fed is pumping money into the system to avoid Armageddon. It has been coming for a while. There are more than a few bad apples like American Home Mortgage and Countrywide that have thrived on selling junk mortgages to the ever so willing public. And that is coming to roost with the economy.
First of all, you know what I do for a living and I pride myself in doing a good job for my clients an looking out for them. But this is driving me nuts. The American Public has been all to eager to get a mortgage like a pay option ARM so that they can pay $1200 a month on a $500,000 loan for their McMansion in Serrano. That leaves them enough money to drive the Hummer to and from Starbucks and basically consume everything they possibly can until their ARM Resets and the payment goes to $4200 a month. Holy crap says the homeowner, I can't pay for my kids expensive preschool, the range rover payment and what do you mean I can't refinance because the value of my home has dropped by 20%. Why did my mortgage guy tell me this was a good loan? After all I've got a job and can make my payments.
The collective greed and desire for short term gratification that we have bought into is bleeding us dry. OK I'll get off my soap box for now. I applaud all of us who are living within our means a responsibly.
I do have one other place to go with this post. What the hell is up with Discovery Channel?! Reminds me of all those lenders going pop. I read something special between those lines. It is kind of like Rove leaving the administration. It is easier to "spend more time with my family" than to tell the truth.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Ride Across Nevada
It is a ride of Epic Proportion. I've wanted to do it since the first time I drove out highway 50 on the way to Moab a few years back. Start in Carson City go thru Austin to Ely.
We've been talking about it for a year it is time to stat the planning for real. So far the riders that are in are Myself, Don A, KD and Ray. We'll start riding the 22nd of Sept. Don's got a driver lined up. We'll do some hoteling and some camping.
Who else wants to go?
We've been talking about it for a year it is time to stat the planning for real. So far the riders that are in are Myself, Don A, KD and Ray. We'll start riding the 22nd of Sept. Don's got a driver lined up. We'll do some hoteling and some camping.
Who else wants to go?
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Ride Tomrrow
7 AM at the Bakery. The calls usually start on Friday or Saturday. "You Ridin' on Sunday? What time?" So far Tommy is in, Dan is a maybe and David is in. Davids first Sunday ride since his canyon trip.
The Sunday ride is the highlight of the week for me most of the time. What could be better than going out and getting beat up by a bunch of your best freinds?
The Sunday ride is the highlight of the week for me most of the time. What could be better than going out and getting beat up by a bunch of your best freinds?
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