Here's a little something I think y'all are really gonna like....

"If steel were discovered tomorrow, it would be the new wonder material." - Keith Bontrager

hibernation

The future is bright.
It is like I awoke form a 9-month nap and now I am in hyperdrive. Colin Joel Blomer is to save my soul, my little bear. 7lbs 13oz, which since he is feeding so well (does he know something about the coming winter I don't?) he has blown past his birth wieght. Training, work and life has become much more complex, yet rewarding.

heros

Harlan Price


I take issue with Floyd Landis showing up to races these days, regardless of his innocence or lack there of, it is inappropriate. Bound by legal ties that bind, he has found a way a marring the accomplishments of true avid cyclists (although they - Dave Wiens, Harlan Price and Chris Etough - have been sticking it to him). Save the circus for his court room plights, and keep good, fun and honest racing out of his web of lies. Faia wrote Floyd won the Tour, comparing that to this years TDF and its scandle, along with how Faia is glad to see Floyd return to his roots. But Faia didn't look out for the rest of cycling, especially that of endurance racing where more times than not it is hard working athletes making big sacrifices for the passion to the sport. If Floyd were true to this passion, his sacrifice would be his absence until his sentence is served.

wannabe

Pimping my ride

In the spirit of the season (cross that is) and to try somehting new, I have converted my Ti Deluxe to a 1x9. By removing the stock XTR rings and front der/ XTR STi shifters, then bolting on a MRP carbon guard w/ a 32t middle ring, and mounting a 3rd Eye to the inside (I would eventually like to add another inner guard), the drivetrain conversion was quick. What slowed the process down was mounting an XTR hydro lever that needed bleeding. Had I opted for the separate triggers and levers to begin with, the process would have been much faster. However, I like the performance out of the XTR STI shifters.

As a devoted single speeder, I fell for this new system within the first ride. I should mention I also dropped my bar ends, threw some lighter wheels and tires- the new Hutchinson TubelessReady Pythons, all together made for a snappier, faster and efficient ride. Today I hit Hartman Rocks aboard the freshened ride, and it was a blast. This setup rides similar to a single speed, feeling more free, lighter and efficient, but with the mechanical advantage of a multi-geared bike.

simple, clean drivetrain

The new tires, which I have been involved with the development for a couple of seasons were incredible. Predictable cornering, confident purchase and subtle smooth ride, everything one could ask from a tire, all in spades.

I don't get it why Shimano doesn't embrace 2x9 as a drivetrain for serious racers and riders. We all do not need a granny, and we would not have to pay for redundent gearing in weight. Another idea I am working on is converting some hydro XTR levers to be compatible on road bars. We are looking and molds for the hoods, and means to route the cables. This will be a winter project for sure, stay tuned.

Coach

my coach racing last year


Long time ago, when I was just getting hardcore into snowboarding back in the midwest, someone once said to me, "It is good to keep your hobbies and passions separate from your spouse, that you should have different interests." Meaning this guy liked to get away from his wife and hang with the 'bros'. We on the other hand (Sandi & I) have always enjoyed sharing our passions for the outdoors, adventure sports and more so, cycling.

Sandi was a top 800m runner in Germany when we met, and actually our first date was a mountain bike ride. Since then, we have progressed in cycling together, and all along Sandi has been my un-official coach. She would layout my training weeks for me and has been good for feedback on how I am feeling and progressing. She does a lot of studying and knows not only a lot about training methods and physiology, but also nutrition and holistic healing practices.

Today she was a great coach once again, after a fast warm-up lap and 4 race=pace laps, I was ready to pack it in, but she insisted I pull one more lap, having cheered me on each lap, shadowing me around the Western State campus course. With her motivation behind me, I not only pulled one more lap, but my strongest and fastest, despite a late accident that tore my knee open.

Thanks Sandi.

Total AVG 142 1hr 42 min

lap 1: 8:14 MAX180 AVG 167
lap 2: 7:30 (short course) MAX182 AVG171
lap 3: 7:56 MAX182 AVG 169
lap 4: 7:51 MAX182 AVG 170
lap 5: 7:43 MAX178 AVG 171

note: this is on the same course (with the exception of lap 2) that will be used for both the ACA Oct 13 and UCI Nov 10 races.