Metro Solo.

Opto/Pesso?

2012-01-27T07:45:00.001-05:00

Just got some new rubber for Cross season.

A little late, or maybe real early depending on how you see the world.

Peace,
Metro

Surprise long weekend

2012-01-26T21:12:00.000-05:00

That's right, just got wind of a Friday off work and a 3 day weekend. So big ride plans for tomorrow (Friday) the door is open if you'd like to join in. Weather looks crummy at 50% chance of rain and 20 MPH winds from the West but I can't do a thing about that so screw it let's ride.

q. What the ride/route?

A. Afton Hill Climb remix part 2.

Q. Can you describe it?

A. Yes, Up up down down left right left right B A B A select start

or

Q. Maybe some more detail?

A. Loiter the car at the Devil's Back Bone Brewery and head up the road to Reed's Gap. Up and over to Coal Road. Up the Jeep Road Climb to Sherando/Big Levels then out to the Parkway and south to Love Gap. Head due south to #56 then due West on 56 to 826. South up and over on 826 down to the river. At South Fork/Piney River head West on 745 and grind the gravel up to Salt Log Gap. A quick loop detour at the crest of Salt Log Gap should net almost another 2K' of climbing then head down 633 past Alto to 605. North on 605 to the Irish Creek gravel climb back up past the parkway to 56 again. Then East on 56 all the way down past Tyro to 680. Hang a left on 680 and head East back over to the brewery for a much deserved drink. Initial planning shows 110 miles and almost 20,000' of climbing. Bring LOTS of calories.

Leaving the river city @ 5am if you want to roll with me.

I could use a friend.

Peace,
Metro

A moment of silence for your quads

2012-01-25T22:45:00.000-05:00

Let's have a moment of silence for your quads please.

Because it's coming faster than your ex-girlfriend faking an orgasm.

And you know that brother Dave T will deliver the goods. No BS!

Let's hope that a few more Afton Mountain Hill Climb rides will polish my guns for this "Spirited Ride."

Now mark your calendars (2/19) and go buy your significant other something nice for Valentines Day right now so you won't have to worry about it for race day. If you need something to fret about think about why it was hard enough last year on the lower geared mountain bike yet this year I feel like I can huff it up on the cross bike. Good enough for the Altius crew last year, should be slummy enough for me this year. Now If I were Frank or Snowman I'd be Thankful. These boys are going to take it easy on you compared to what's to come. But don't worry boys, I've got my own hole to dig.

HTFU & Ride,
Metro

The Afton Hill Climb Recon Ride Part 1

2012-01-22T01:33:00.000-05:00

Any “Monster Ride” requires a bit of recon and careful planning to pull off unless you desire failure. I’ve never desired failure but I’m damn fine at achieving it.

Case in point I wanted to get out and pre ride a few sections of this 140 mile maybe impossible route before actually getting a large group of guys together for a high power round of disappointment.

I prepped friend and co-worker Rick Babin by saying “there will be a lot of climbs and I’m going to try to maximize the amount of gravel road riding. This should make for some great Southern Cross training….but…..I’ve never been on over half of this pre-ride route so other than cold I don’t know what to expect.”

The night before was spent researching a few internet sites to gauge the temperature for the day which looked to be starting out with a Weather Channel.com “Real Feel” of 19 degrees. Now if it feels like 19 degrees and you are in a well known colder area next to several creeks all day then you tend to plan for a bit chillier. Finally I decided that pre-planning a wardrobe just isn’t my thing so I packed everything I owned for cold weather gear into the bike bag and went in to work the graveyard shift. I managed about an hour of sleep before meeting up with Rick with a 5 Bucks triple expresso caramel mocha with plenty of extra sugar and a sprinkle of gay on top. *That’s a Ralphie May thing.

When we arrived at our destination the weather was closer to 25 degrees according to the Garmin so naturally we suited up for some chilly riding. Well out of the parking lot with no warm up it was slightly shy of 3 miles and a touch over 1,120’ of elevation gain until we hit the first turn. Both of us quickly realized that our cross bike saddles were too low for serious climbing and that we were way overdressed for a climb. We were sweaty already. What’cha gonna do about it now? Press on into the gravel unknown.

The gravel continued to climb skyward for a bit before looping back around near the trail head at which we had parked then took a turn from a gravel road to what Steve described as “The Jeep Road from Hell.”

After a bit of rocky jeep road climbing we hit the summit and headed down.

After several times of stoping to check the map and a few wrong turns we got back on track and faced a series of creek crossings. Now ordinarily this wouldn’t have been a problem but today the weather was below freezing, the creek was really flowing and we were at least 20+ miles away from the car with no cell phone service.

On a mountain bike the creek crossings could possibly have been ridden but I’d bet money that even the cleanest riders would have dabbed or worse hit the swift current and fallen in and submerged in icy cold water 20 miles from the car with no chance of rescue and in sub freezing temps just isn’t how I was looking to spend my Friday off work so we elected to spend some time finding alternate ways through the various creek crossings.

After several water crossings we finally made our way out to the next gravel road turn.

Just as we approached the turn a friendly German Sheppard who had previously been asleep on his porch decided that he felt like a 15 mile run and leapt off the porch and begin to chase us up the road.

We stopped several times and attempted to send him back home but he would have no part of that. I guess friendly mountain dogs need some attention and exercise too. The next section of gravel road was better maintained than our descent and stayed flat just long enough to get our hopes up before starting into a gradual climb. After about a mile or so that gradual grade turned steep again and we switch backed our way up the mountain to Salt Log Gap.

We stopped for a minute at Salt Log Gap to ascess our situation.

The original 80 mile loop seemed pretty much out of site. We (I) had spent too much time making sure that we were on track then getting lost then back on track, shoeing off dogs and fording creek crossings. We were only about 22 miles into the route and now had less than 3 hours of daylight left to get back to the car. With the temperature dropping quickly, the cloudy day turning into long shadowed late afternoon, a body covered in wet clothes and no lights we decided to play it safe and nix the 2nd loop and instead find a good way back to the car. That bail out included a screaming 40 MPH “gravelish” descent that had me loosing all feeling in my hands and toes about 2 minutes into the drop. At the base of the descent shivering almost uncontrollably we hooked a right and headed towards Irish Creek Gap and praying for some more climbing to warm us up. Well we got it and opted to skip the Irish Creek gravel for a spin on the Blue Ridge Parkway back up to route 56.

The parkway climbing warmed us up enough to be smiling and chatty when we hit the route 56 descent. My last words to Rick were “Ok I won’t lie, we are going to freeze our nuts off and be blue by the time we get to the car BUT it’s only about 15 to 20 minutes. I suggest you keep it in the 50t x 11t gear and spin like you’ve never spun before.” Sure enough we both arrived back at the parking lot shivering, blue and shelled. It’s just about how you would expect any wintertime ride in the mountains with me to turn out. Rick being the forgiving soul that he is even picked up the tab at our post ride Devil’s Backbone Brewery diner. Thanks again dude.

So now I have some new info about the route and some more realistic expectations. There will be a round two attempt of the 80 mile route that I hope will get us a little bit more dialed in for the 140 mile beast.

Frank and Snowman if you are reading this I suggest you get on board for some DK training.

Peace,
Metro

Every up has a down but every down has an up.

2012-01-14T02:54:00.001-05:00

Are you Super Bad?

Looking into some long gravel grinder type training rides.

“DK200 or Trans Iowa?” says a few friends.

“Go fuck yourself, that’s my final answer.” says a reluctant sockless and sleeveless ScottieD.

“If you didn’t come to get it off, then take your dead ass home. Let’s ride bikes” says Metro.

Announcing “Le Afton Hill Climb Tour.”

Here are the dirty details for any interested parties. Cross bikes with road friendly tires and a few extra tubes. Self supported plus whatever you can buy from the liquor stores along the way. No team cars, no sag wagons. Gonna need a strong but small group of riders to pull it off Dusk till Dawn.

Route: Cars stay at the Afton abandoned motel lot just off I64. Roll the scenic route down to Sherando > 664 south >up & over Reed’s Gap > through the front gate and up Wintergreen Mtn all the way to the tippy top and hang a left for a little more nose to the stem action to the Devil’s overlook > turn around and hang on while you rocket back down> follow 664 through town to beech Grove and head down 680 through Ramsey’s Gap to Tyro> West on 56 to the Fish Hatchery then south on 826/263 for some scenic views of the Priest>West on 745/63 to Salt Log Gap>West on 633 to Statons Creek Falls> North over the BRP to 605 and a right turn onto the Irish Creek gravel climb back up to the BRP then up to the Tye River Gap 56 interchange and head back east on 56 to the Montebello store stop. After the store stop continue East on 56 to 686 and head south back to the BRP to continue on to the 605 Irish Gap detour but this time when you get to 603 you turn left and head West around Whetstone to 608> Right north on 608 to the town of Vesuvius and hook a right onto 56 again to climb Vesuvius West to East for some TDF style alpine switchbacks then at the summit head North East on the BRP back up to Afton.

I’d like to find a way to incorporate a loop from Love Gap down 814 to 56 over to Nash and West along 687 up to White Rock then Round Mountain and then Tye River Gap but that may start to feel like you are doing laps. There has also got to be a nice way of linking the gravel climb at Sherando (Coal Road/162 climb to Big Meadows dropping out @ the BRP) into this for 200+ miles of “hill repeats.”

It’s going to take a few trys but you will only be a better rider when you get finished. So who’s game?

Peace,
Metro

Cx Nats

2012-01-10T15:50:00.000-05:00

Yes sir...

U.S. National Cyclocross Championship 2011-2012 (Elite Men) from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

We had a handful of Virginian's there representing both the men's and women's field. Nice job everyone.

Nationals looks like a blast but are you ready for WORLDS in KY in 2013? I'm not yet, better get to riding and practicing those re-mounts.

Peace,
Metro

Truth

2012-01-04T19:17:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to swallow and sometimes it's just taking an outside looking in approach to the matter.

Hmm how many club riders does this sound like?

This happens about 3-4 times a month at my Contracting job.

Peace,
Metro

The big New Year’s Day ride

2012-01-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

It’s a time honored River City tradition to show up at a random house that you may only the location because of a questionable email floating around the intra webs, completely hung over or possibly even still drunk with little to no sleep from your New Year’s Eve festivities and ready or at least willing to earn your 100 mile New Years Day Mountain Bike Century ride. Usually there is snow on the ground and the pace is party pace to just moderate enough to make it back home before your significant other calls the police. A few “hair of the dog” stops will normally get tossed in the mix and everyone generally get’s their money’s worth out of the ride. This year was, well….a new year. I don’t recall leaving my big ring for at least the first 90 minutes of riding. We saw some new areas of the city, linked up some cool trail and gravel roads and generally rode some bikes. I could give you some ranty, lengthy gibberish about a ride that I only recall about half of or I could be a real pal and send you over to Honey Plassman’s site to get a much better picture of what really happened. Well it gave me a clear picture of what really happened.

So what we learned today was that a “training regimen” of riding (racing) your cross bike one day a week for 30 minutes at a time will not prepare your legs for 10+ hours of fast sport but mostly expert paced MTB riding. Also, just buying a sweet new trainer and videos isn’t enough. Turns out that actually riding the trainer and cycling to the videos may have presented a bigger help. Also, taking a quick squat in the frigid James River after a few hours of post ride carbo loading will substitute for an ice bath but it will also cause some adverse side effects.

Thankfully I had the opportunity to bike commute into the bike shop Monday to spin my legs out a bit. Unfortunately the ride home was much colder than I had anticipated. The nice thing is that it’s January 3rd and I’ve ridden my bike twice this year and racked up 132 miles already in one week. That’s more than I rode all cross season! That means that 2012 is off to a good start.

I hope you’ve kicked your 2012 off to a personal best as well.

Peace,
Metro

Just like a woman

2011-12-23T00:13:00.000-05:00

Ain't that just like a woman.

4ème Manche de CDM cyclo-cross from Petitesreines on Vimeo.

To lay it down pro styley just like the men. Make no mistake these women are hardcore.

Speaking of women laying it down. I just discovered Grace Potter. Here is a quick sample.

Man you don’t have to like her style but you can’t deny that she can sing!

New Year's Revolutions?

So the 50/50 is now the XXXC or the Town-N-Country and has morphed a bit with the Hooligan’s Belgium weekend. So now you’ve got the Cider Run Alleycat, Belgium Breakfast ride then a bit of recovery before a good ole fashioned 100 mile Foghorn FlusterKluck . I wonder is this Town-N-Country no country for old men or will ScottieD’s secret winter training regimen dubbed H.T.F.U. put him off the front. There’s another pair of socks on the line for the King Cock. I guess I need to assemble a mountain bike now or think real hard about how I can ride it all on the cross bike.

Anyhow Happy Solstice
Merry New Year and Happy Holidays

Peace,
Metro

Better Late Than Never?

2011-12-18T08:24:00.000-05:00

Just got around to dumping them from my phone.

I have to recycle this joke in case any of you have not yet seen it.

With the holidays upon us you should remember what your Uncle always says:

Now go find your family and have some dinner, then have seconds. Uncle Foghorn says it's too late to "train" for the 50/50 but Scottie D didn't listen. Scottie knows Rule#5 well. But for the rest of us we need to make a few more laps around the buffet and practice our keg stands. If we can't be more fit than the competition maybe we can eat all of their food and use our mass to rock the down hills then drink them under the table when it's all over. Who knows I guess we will find out next year though. Oh and thanks to Uncle Sam bugging me and the fact that to my knowledge MTNFoz has yet to relinquish his strangle hold on the coveted Brown Wool Jersey I have been left with no choice but to pony up and take advantage of the Twin Six Christmas Sale. On the plus side maybe I won't look like a pig in a tight brown blanket but on the truthful side; there's nothing but shame in the game of buying a 2nd place jersey. As my Kiwi buddy Gabb would say "Come on sheep, I'm gonna get inside you."

Oh yeah, the barn yard will never be the same.

Only I just need the wool!

Peace,
Metro

Luray Cross

2011-12-13T20:02:00.000-05:00

It's in the bag and there is a video to prove it.

Luray Caverns CX 2011 from In The Crosshairs on Vimeo.

Awesome course in a cool little mountain town that has an almost Vermont or New Hampshire kind of feel to it. I’m not sure how either Monkey or I placed as it was one of those not 1st and not last kind of days as I was “racing” and I’ll use that term loosely since I treated the “race” like a casual group ride but anyhow I was “racing” with a wild case of Sinusitis and Bronchitis. Monkey is certainly coming down with something as well but she hasn’t been to the Dr. for meds yet. I’m however on a 30 day regimen of antibiotics. Oh well, C’est la vie.

We have a few company holiday parties and such coming up all with free open bars and food. BOOM! Bad Santa is in full effect! I love me some free stuff. And with any luck my new toy should be arriving soon. New toy huh? Yup I’ve pooled all of my cyclocross race winnings together so far this season and found a smoking deal on one of these. Now you need to understand that I HATE trainers and riding indoors when riding outside is where it’s at. But you should also understand that with my crazy work hours continuing on into the winter and foreseeable Spring I have to do something drastic if I want to ride my bike more than one day a week for 30 minutes at a time. On a side note here, I’m not whining about my jobs hours despite how they suck. Actually I am very thankful to have a job and to be down to “almost” one job that pays the bills instead of having to work 3 or more to make ends meet. But the fact of the matter is that with different and always changing hours I have to be able to adapt if I want to ride. So now when I get home at 3am after working a 17 hour shift I can hop on the trainer for 45 minutes and blast out a workout before hopping in the shower. And to top it off I don’t have to go searching for those lost winter weather clothes, gloves, shoe covers, etc.

Anyhow, I guess the message there is be thankful for what you have even if it isn’t exactly what you were hoping for. And since it’s a season of sharing and giving be sure to share a bit of your thankfulness with others in the community who are less fortunate. Which reminds me that I have a truck full of clothes, shoes, food and toys to drop off.

The last race of the local Cross season is next Sunday and I plan on being there. Will I see you there? I sure hope so.

Peace,
Metro

Mt. Trashmore CX @ the beach

2011-12-04T13:00:00.000-05:00

Well the back was feeling a little better on Thursday morning, well it was feeling slightly better to the point that I could justify my $25 of jonesin for a cross race after having to skip a few due to pain. So anyhow yeah I plunked down for a bit of suffering at Mt. Trashmore and Monkey and I packed our bags and made an early departure for the beach.

Race morning the air was brisk and windy and we brought Mocha (our 3 year old brindle pit bull princess) along to chill out and cheer us on. Both of our categories had a pretty decent turn out for a VACX race. Neither Monkey nor I were feeling 100% but we rolled it with what we had anyway. This time I skipped the pain meds until after the race so that my heart rate wouldn’t blow up and kill me and we could avoid another Dardentown incident.

The race course was fun and even though Mt. Trashmore only has 60’ of elevation change the course designers made good use of what elevation they had. There were two barrier sections; one double set and one rail road tie that was hopable, a cool but tight circle of death aka cinnamon roll and then there was a nice run up that was definitely rideable if you had any kind of climbing legs. The rest of the course had some nice sprint sections and nice off camber turns with good rolling ups and downs. It funny the more I race cross the more I find out about different grasses and turf surfaces. This grass was kind of like mud in the sense that you had to really push your way through it’s Velcro like surface until some packed in lines were established but it had pretty good traction on the turns if you had any kind of side knobs on your tires.

Monkey wound up taking a solid 9th in her class and I pulled off a 16th place which means I finally broke the top 20. Not bad for either of us having a training regimen that includes not riding a bike or honestly doing anything that resembles exercise all week until race day. I mean it is the off season for us Mountain Bikers right? I have to wonder when I cat up (if I can) next year what would happen if I got back to riding regularly and maybe even training for cross races…..Could a top 10 finish be a consistent goal? Could a podium be a realistic dream or do I enjoy the Belgium sauce a little too much to take this seriously?

Who knows. I do know that our beach buddy Ray came through with a solid race as well and some sweet post race libations that included some Young’s Double Chocolate Stout and some Chocolate covered Bacon. Because what goes better with top 20 victory than beer and bacon!

Peace,
Metro

Another laugh

2011-11-29T21:07:00.000-05:00

Nothing of personal content today but a good laugh is usually more interesting anyhow.

Be honest this hits home doesn't it?

Wait no XL skin suits? I'm boned.

Maybe I should cat up?

I do like to sleep in.

The way it should be.

Peace,
Metro

2012?

2011-11-26T11:22:00.000-05:00

Could things be getting serious next year?

NUE Series Info

Taking a ride on the fat tire road bikes or the skinny tire mountain bikes with Slick Rick or maybe we should call him Racin' Rick II. Or maybe we call call him Ricky B or Rick Bablin depending on if or when I ever catch him in a good bonk.

One things for sure, couch surfing won't pay the bills and with the drunk hunters roaming the woods with high power rifles for the next several weeks the gravel is a safe bet for some training miles. Maybe I need to give my back the Homer Simpson trash can treatment and head out for a solid ride.

Peace,
Metro

15 seconds of fame

2011-11-23T11:59:00.000-05:00

Yo Matt, Rick, Fawley and the rest of you crossers here is our 15 seconds of fame.

Lap it up boys.

Blacksburg Cyclocross 2011 from Mark Zhu on Vimeo.

Again a huge Thanks is in order for East Coasters, Cole and the gang for getting this event to happen and making it spectacular. I'm looking forward to next year already.

Peace,
Metro

Thankful for Dick(y)

2011-11-23T11:36:00.000-05:00

Well friends it’s that time of the year again, time to think for a minute on why you are happy to be alive, then celebrate life.

One thing I am thankful for is humor. Those of you who know me know that my primary job is in the Telecommunications business while my 2nd job is in the Cycling Industry. These two things gave me a laugh this week.

#1

and #2
Dicky’s Bottler Opener Analysis of the Bike Industry

And I'm thankful that I can still laugh at what we've become.

Now before we get too emotional lets man up and go for a ride.

Peace

Blacksburg CX weekend

2011-11-20T00:19:00.000-05:00

You said it Rev.

Search and destroy

Gotta get Rhythm

A little early on the dismount

Hup, Hup, Hup

And this is where I dance like a white man

The not so hostile take over

Gotta keep those hands down low and maybe try a little bike practice.

Leading the pack or getting lapped?

Guess you had to be there.

Thanks to Cole and East Coasters for putting on a great event.

I wish I was racing Vint Hill this weekend but I really did a number on my back this week at work trying to lift and throw something I had no business doing. Looks like I'm going to be off the bike for sure for a few weeks.

I hope you are getting in some saddle time this weekend.

Peace,
Metro

Video didn't kill anyone, TV killed you

2011-11-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

First off I just have to say that Scott Wootten is doing some amazing stuff with footage from some killer rides in the great state of Virginia. I had a chance to talk with this guy a little bit a few months back and what a great guy. Thanks Scott and please keep up the awesome work.

Now take a peep at these two videos from two sweet and technical rides in the VA/WV area. I haven’t hit Whetstone since April and I haven’t ridden North Fork since last October.

Whetstone Ridge Spaghetti Legs from Scott Wootten on Vimeo.

Shameful on both accounts as my rock skill need some serious work.

Fun Bicycle Riding on Knarly North Fork Mountain from Scott Wootten on Vimeo.

More shameful is the fact that while I love my hardtail being off the bike regularly for the past few months has me kind of lusting for a full suspension toy. Purely because I’m getting fat and lazy and loosing my technical skills and at the moment a souped up recliner seems like a good time.

I’d really dig on one of these babies right now.

Thankfully my wallet can’t support such an impulse purchase and by the time that I could save the coin I will hopefully be back on the bike regularly enough that I will forget all about coveting thy squishy bike.

I’m signed up for a weekend of cross racing this weekend and I still haven’t touched the cross bike since I took it off the rack and put it in the basement after the Rocktown race two or three weeks ago. I guess I should check the air in the tires and lube the chain. Maybe even shine it up a bit. A clean fast looking machine is intimidating on the start line right? And racing is a huge mental game. Maybe I can give it a sexy spit shine that will make the competition admit defeat on the start line before their embrocation even heats up!

Likely story

Peace,
Metro

Life's biggest mystery answered

2011-10-31T21:44:00.000-04:00

It was the Big White Buffalo

For a few weeks now I’ve been wondering what would make John Henry blow off Paul Bunyon and his offer to hit the woods with a two stroke phallic extension of manhood to tear into some wood and do some manly destruction that would create something beautiful.

This just isn’t like the John Henry we all know.

After some group thought Salsa ridin’ Ted said back on Douthat’s Middle Mountain he heard that the answer was in a heart shape box.

I’ve spent the past two Sunday’s out in the woods looking for this mystery answer in the heart shaped box lost in the woods.

This Sunday I pedaled through the snow dusting,

braved the sub freezing temps and climbed up the mountain

to find the proverbial promised land and the answer to my mystery question.

There was in flesh and blood.

It’s good to be in the woods with people you love.

Yup I still dig the mountain bike even if it's busted.

Peace,
Metro

Trees, Fungus and Bikes

2011-10-26T21:37:00.000-04:00

My Wingman Quag holding down the navigation front in the van for 10-20 hours a day.

Sorry Quag but today we are riding bikes.

The Crayola Box is happening.

Brew Free or Die

Crawford and North Mountain baby. Need to ride those ridges soon.

Shenandoah Repeat? At least I wasn't face down in the creek this time! Still the Gnomes loose in the woods. Look out, hide your women, lock your doors.

What a beautiful day in the woods, thanks boys.

I rode her hard and she blew her top. Spooged all over the spot and that's how I knew it was a great ride.

Peace,
Metro

Mud in your eye

2011-10-26T21:11:00.000-04:00

We have a Tough Mudder on our hands now.

She’s got a fall “season” of Cyclocross and Roller Derby.

I’m not sure if I should be scared or invest in some more whips and chains and things.

Nice job baby.

Peace,
Metro

SMT Touring

2011-10-20T20:58:00.000-04:00

The boys are at it again and in my mind this photo sums up a good bit of it.

Take it in for a minute.

InFuckingCredible!

What a beautiful photo.

What an awesome trip that the rest of us are missing out on.

What an awesome place to live if you like EPIC rides on your mountain bike.
(That’s right Uncle Foghorn, I’m using the word Epic again sans Barnyard approval!)

I need to drink some coffee and think about how I’m going to solo that route next year. Some things have to change around here first. Time to plan.

PS>Does ScottyD have those Angels on call? Damn fine job Mr. D, Damn Fine!

Peace,
Metro

Richmond Festival of Cross Day 2 – Chimborazo Park

2011-10-11T11:09:00.000-04:00

After an awesome flat course that favored powerful riders with little to no technical skills on Saturday it was nice to see a 180 degree turn on Sunday’s course.

The Chimborazo course had it all. Well everything except the lollipop loop of death. The barriers, the 4” barrier of death, some nice off camber switchback turns, fast cobblestone sections, a climb up to the stair case run up, a steep but short staircase run up then a hill climb as soon as you re-mounted from the stairs followed by a relatively flat“ish” area that you could recover on but watch out for the 4 trees that hung halfway out into the course or you would take one on the noggin.

If I said anything other than I felt like hell Sunday morning pre-race it would be a lie, but I didn’t whine and I put on that cross game face. I expected to puke a few times and possibly pass out on the bike in the first lap or two but I wound up pulling through the entire race and feeling better. I finished in the upper 20s somewhere, maybe 23rd? It doesn’t really matter I guess. You are either fast (1st) or last in cross.

I’ve now got a handle on where I need to make some improvements to my riding (like starting with riding a bike more than once a week) and my cardio needs some serious work. Turns out that stairs are a fat kid’s worst enemy.

So it’s time to take those weaknesses and make them strengths. Harrisonburg is next weekend and although due to my work schedule I won’t see the saddle of a bike until Sunday’s race I may have time on a lunch break or two to do some cardio to possibly help boost the performance.

And this character was back talking smack to the Cat 1,2,3 racers.

I think he's looking to get beat up at one of these events.

Is it ok to heckle the ladies race shouting "Come on girls who wants to tap this?"

See you boys and girls in the Burg Sunday.

Peace,
Metro

VACX Day 1 - Bryan Park

2011-10-08T22:51:00.000-04:00

The double header of River City Cyclocross is in full swing. Day 1 at Bryan Park is in the bag. (*I wasn’t fast, but I wasn’t last)

Monkey

& I

both did well for our first ever cross race. We had a night of “tapering” by hitting the rock gym and knocking off a few new to us routes. I made some nice improvements on the overhanging stuff and small holds but I still can’t crimp a hold to save my life! Back to cross now, we got to hang out with some friends and heckle with the best. Even managed a sunburn. Let me repeat that, I got a sunburn at a cross race. It just sounds all wrong like Christmas in July.

Yeager, Ryan Fawley and this guy Ben?

ended up being the hero’s of the day for some sick barrier bunny hop skills. Nice job boys. Those hopping skills actually won Ben the Cat 1,2,3 race.

And then this clown showed up.

See you at Chimbrazo tomorrow morning.

PS. Pics were nabbed at random from a book of faces and I have to thank Rick B. for sure for supplying the goods.

Peace,
Metro

Bradley & Bikeman getting it done

2011-09-27T23:25:00.000-04:00

Hell yeah Bradley, way to go man.

Watch more video of Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race 2011 on cyclingdirt.org

It's always nice when your teammates make you want to ride fast, train hard and win.

Speaking of winning, Sam threw down.

Watch more video of Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race 2011 on cyclingdirt.org

Seems like just yesterday I was sitting at a table in Stokesville talking with Sam and somehow Adam Craig came up in the conversation.

Watch more video of Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race 2011 on cyclingdirt.org

Great to see those boys having some fun. J.B.? I feel a bounce coming up.

Watch more video of Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race 2011 on cyclingdirt.org

Wish I was there, but this year I will just have to keep an eye on the videos. Thanks to Colt.

Peace,
Metro

Dale’s Pale Ale & Whippets

2011-09-26T23:13:00.000-04:00

A common thread among two wheeled crazy brethren?

Well one out of two ain’t bad!

I had to pass on the whippets. Those city-fied redneck boys had their stuff together, though. I almost ran into one head first. Good thing I could smell him coming. They had a nice lawn chair viewing area complete with a fire pit. Random empties hung from the trees like Craft Brew Dr. Seuss holiday decorations.

I may be dying of West Nile virus.

I’m not sure as I haven’t had time to examine all 10,000 mosquito bites that I sustained on this little monster cross ride. But I’m certain that I lost a few pints of blood, got some sand practice, hella run up practice and went OTB a few times trying some stupid moves.

I’m definitely in love with the bike.

Oh yeah did I mention that it’s officially cross season around here?

More on that later. Because tonight my mind is wandering off thinking about the Leafer Madness Tour and how to get said tour worked into a schedule that’s already full.

I guess by the time I do figure it out the leaves should be exploding with color.

Ride your bike, hop some logs or barriers and enjoy the cooler temps that we have.

Peace,
Metro

Face down in a puddle in Ramsey's Draft

2011-09-21T23:25:00.000-04:00

The “other” Shenandoah Mountain SURPRISE! I blew out an alternator and two tires on the return trip home. Nothing a little IPA and a wrench won’t fix.

There was an Earthquake, a Hurricane a bike race then some more rain. What you see here is a 2 year old “temporary fix” some “other” contractors left behind that I got to go in and clean up. You gotta love slackers huh? Yes that’s power cables that power the building for those of you who don’t know exactly what you are looking at and yes they are under about 8” of water thanks to a Tropical Depression that also propelled Eddie O’Dea to the finish line of the Trans North Georgia the same weekend. Nice job Eddie!

Fungus Among-us on a hike in the Shenandoah National Park.

Not the fountain of youth, but a welcome sight when you didn’t take enough water along on your hike.

I got some new rubber on the Janky Jank. Some Panaracer Cedric Garcia action in the rear and a big fat Rampage 2.35 up front. Now to get some miles in before the Off Road Fixed Gear Universe Championships come around.

I’ve been attempting to put some miles in on this bad boy as well before the first cross race of the (my) season rolls around in October. Sadly Monkey & I missed the Charm City race so it looks like the River City Festival of Cross will be the cherry popper. I just hope my little ball buster roadie saddle survives a season of botched Clydesdale re-mounts.

Speaking of pain you need to see this if you haven’t already!

That looks like a fun little rock face that needs to be climbed.

It’s a pretty waterfall and a water pool not rocket science.

Wow I feel like the summer has flown by with minimal ride time and we are still knee deep in lots of cool stuff. I hope you’ve heard that Richmond won the bid to host the UCI 2015 World Championships. Hell yeah! Trail work season is quickly approaching, Cyclocross season is here, Bishops Grand Fondo is this weekend, the leaves are hinting at a color change and the weather is getting cooler which means that it’s going to soon be time to head for the North Fork ride. Mumbles & crew are rolling the entire VA Mountain Bike Trail next month. What an undertaking, I wish I had the time to join in. Trans Brown Town and my next shot at a Wool Jersey to keep my nipples warm this winter is quickly approaching. I’m doing some Fat Bike front end research and tinkering with a Pugsly fork and front wheel for the El Mariachi for some winter fun, oh and Monkey’s birthday is like next weekend. Maybe I should quit blogging and go gift shopping. Yeah that’s a good idea.

Now go ride your bike and smile!

Peace,
Metro

That other Burg

2011-08-18T22:58:00.000-04:00

Mixed it up a bit in Fredericksburg today at the Quarry trails.

First time I've ever been there. Not too shabby.

I've been living the dream (not) and supporting the economy putting lots of gas in a V8 and keeping the rubber on the road for work lately.

I'm hoping that a few things will blow over soon so that I can get some work back in the city and get back to commuting to work.

Until then, oh well. Do your thing & ride your bike.

Peace,
Metro

Green Grass and REALLY high tides

2011-08-16T23:41:00.000-04:00

Had a great SM100 prep ride in the beautiful mountains of the George Washington National Forest on Sunday with Poops MaGoop. We knocked out 70 plus miles in record time for us non-pro riders.

The weather was nice except for a torrential flash flood thunder storm that rolled in on us as we climbed up the gravel road to an imaginary check point five. As we rolled past C.P.#5 into the open fields and meadows then open jeep road sections the sky was dark and the vision was pretty non existent. It was raining so hard you couldn’t see 4’ in front of you. It was press on and try to ride out of it or hunker down and wait it out. Either way you were dodging some bright lightening and you were getting wet. We chose to press on and had the sketchiest descent down Chestnut I think I’ve ever had.

So sketchy in fact that the weld on Poop's rear triangle on his Tomac decided to just give up the ghost.

We survived it though, to road ride on Tuesday night. I missed the Hug and Tug train leaving the station so I was left to do all my own pulls. (solo) Still I managed to knock out 52 miles in the foot hills of the south side with an average pace of 22.7 MPH. Not to freaking shabby with tired legs huh?

Well maybe so but I was pretty stoked.

I need to get back out to the Burg for one more SM100 pre-ride this weekend. Shooting for another 70-80 mile ride. Rain or shine. Who wants in?

Peace,
Metro

Shack Attack - Good times with Bad Company

2011-08-10T12:48:00.001-04:00

I stumbled into a 48 hour Shack Attack this weekend and aside from the rain it was good. Call it Shenandoah practice, call it riding with friends or just call it riding a bike.

While out on the trail I even stumbled across something that reminded me of Jason’s PA road ride days.

Now that the weekend is up it’s time to get back to some more bike business when I’m not at work. This is Monkey’s new/used cross bike and it’s well into the build process. I need to tweak the brakes & gears and swap the front tire around before wrapping the bars and letting her hit the mud.

In other sweet news, I had a friend in the New England area get me privy to a slightly used Salsa Chili Con Crosso Scandium frame that I hope to see arrive in the River City some time next week. Soon after my road bike will be sacrificed for the C.C.C. for some cross action of my own.

You know what might spice this half baked cross post up some more?

More Cowbell and Belgium Beer!

Peace,
Metro

JRA

2011-08-09T09:42:00.000-04:00

Definitely been trying to see less of this (work) lately.

And more of this (riding).

This balancing act; It’s like a Weeble Wobble. All over the place but never tipping fully over without bouncing right back up.

When left alone I can’t help but think about the upcoming Cross season and the mystery bike. Then there is the Fatty project. Oh and in one spare moment of time I was able to get the Janky bike Fixed again so I’m looking forward to getting my spin on back on the trail post SM100. Cooler weather will be nice. Snow and cross will be great. Snow and fat bikes would be better but there are still plenty of summer time rides to be had in between now and then. Until then looong hours at work still sucks just like it does for everyone else. But the world keeps on spinning and I keep hoping that I can continue to spin.

Peace,
Metro

Mid-Atlantic IMBA Regional Summit weekend

2011-08-04T15:42:00.000-04:00

Good times had by all and lots of things learned that need to be put into effect.

Classes were great. Hillendale was nice and the Super D was awesome. Fun time in the woods with Monkey on Sunday. Thanks everyone.

Peace,
Metro

I'm the Night Prowler

2011-07-14T22:31:00.000-04:00

Full moon lit singetrack blown wide open with 700 lumens of handicap here and there in the sketchy sections.

Man I'm a sucker for a great logo.

I may just have to do this race simply because of the sweet logo.

You know who else has some sweet logos? Yeah if you haven't already ordered one of the swanky new shirts (like me, slacker) you should check it out.

Ride on Bon, from a fellow Scott ride on brother. Winner of the original "Rock Star" award.

Peace,
Metro

What it is?

2011-07-13T23:58:00.000-04:00

So I’m riding along on the El Mariachi mashing my gear up a steep short climb and all of the sudden the non drive side pedal just breaks away from the spindle and the spindle digs it’s greasy dull edge into my calf muscle leaving behind a 7” long at least ¾” deep tear now filled with Phil Wood’s finest grease. At least the grease kept the bleeding to a minimum until I could bang the pedal body back on the spindle enough to extract myself from the woods and catch a ride home to lick my wounds. Or attempt to scrub and scrub to get the grease out of the wound. I now bleed Phil Wood. No kidding and it’s some good stuff. Should have gotten stitches but I went the DIY route instead. Time will tell if that was the right choice or not.

Meanwhile back at headquarters Team Hug-n-Tug’s very own Poops MaGoop was rocking “Sara” the “Death Sled “ (Beach cruiser turned MTB) for the 5 hours of Hilbert Enduro. Why? Because Poops MaGoop enjoys rocking a knobby tired - coaster brake - fully rigid machine and kicking it old school.

And back at the laboratory something new is brewing.

I wish it were mine.

But just as good it’s Monkey’s new Cross bike. It’s mostly a parts box build and we had to dig deep (and are still shopping the flea market for a few items) but it will be more than enough to get her rocking the mud and cowbells this Fall/Winter.

What’s even cooler is how excited she is to be racing cross. And how excited I am that we have a commonality now in bike racing where we can both attend, race and cheer (heckle) each other on the same day and not take up the entire day. Fear not, endurance mountain biking is still my forte but with a jacked up schedule of work and responsibility and a season full of made and broken plans regarding mountain bike racing and riding I think it’s better to focus on getting my lifestyle more regular or at least a routine while enjoying time spent on the bike with loved ones and friends.

To that note I’m still hem hawing on what I want (or rather can afford right now) for a cross frame. The Jake the Snake, previous model Salsa Chili Con Crosso, Soma Double Cross and Surly Cross Check are all high in the running.

I need my leg to heal as this 7 days off a bike, one day on then 7 days off again schedule is giving me too much time to obsess over bike parts instead of riding what I have. Holy crap then there is this little 100 mile trek through the Shenandoah coming up right around the corner.

Maybe I should get some bike practice in before race day.

Hang on tight, these socks are fast!

Peace,
Metro

The Other Grand Tour Part Deus

2011-07-07T00:06:00.000-04:00

So here are a few more “Blog Worthy” shots from the last Shenandoah Mountain “Bikepacking” Tour that was recently had. Funny that when I dismounted the bike that last day of the tour it would be the last day I straddled a bike for 9 days. I know you are thinking “9 days? So what?” Well when you go from the mentality of riding a bike most everyday to not riding a bike and getting a little reality slap in the face things are different.

Consumed is a good word to describe me lately. Consumed by two grand tours. The Tour Divide and the TDB. I had a chance to participate in both tours and life threw me curve balls. Shit happens, you step in it, you wipe off your shoe and you keep walking. But for some reason I can’t help but obsess “a little” (throws up giant cartoon fingers) about the “Could have, would have, should have” aspect of missing both good times. I instead spent the holiday weekend working and spending some time with my family whom I haven’t seen in over two years since the last funeral of a family member. Come to find out, a member of my immediate family had just been diagnosed with bone cancer. Makes that two years apart seem too long.

But now the family is gone as is some of the related stress and I’m back to obsessing. This time over a cross bike build for both Monkey and I. Hers is pretty straight forward and is a matter of securing the parts and funds along the way. Mine is a bit more detailed. Should I go steel or aluminum or maybe even bite the bullet and spend some of that over time money on a nice carpet fiber frame? Why waste money on carpet fiber when I could work a “little” more O.T. and just get the Ti frame that I’m lusting. BUT what business does a mid pack slummer have showing up to a local cross race on a carpet fiber or Ti frame? Steel or Aluminum seems to be the obvious answer but is it that easy? I hear the call of the Ultra Cross race series and the call of regular old cross racing. With Cross Worlds coming to KY in 2013 I’d like to know what I’m doing but will a Hillbilly Roubaix Gravel Grinder (steel steed? Soma, Surly) also double as a Wednesday night worlds race machine on the Mid Atlantic Cross series (aluminum steed? Redline, Kona)?

Lots of things to think about and tinker with but what I really need to be doing in riding my mountain bike. That 100 mile race in the mountains won’t ride it’s self and that pile of broken bike parts won’t fix it’s self so it looks like I’ve got plenty of things to do after work tomorrow.

Ok enough rambling go check out something that really matters like this!

Fuggin rad ain’t it?

Peace,
Metro

Shenandoah Touring - Bikepacking

2011-06-29T09:55:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of updated posts but work has been busy, life has been "real" and I've been spending more time out in the woods rather than talking about being out in the woods.

Peace,
Metro

Psycho-Recovery

2011-06-07T06:18:00.000-04:00

Hmm 10 hours of standing 15’ off the floor on ladders while pulling in cabling today was not “just what the Dr. ordered” for recovery from Sunday’s Slummy Massanutten Hoo Ha XXC race. But it’s all that I had after 4 hours of sleep. So tonight after work the prescription was for some house work, bills and a fat guy spin on the skinny tires.

When darkness fell I had the disco light going and some tunes jamming and it was just…well trippy to be blasting around roads that I haven’t been on in a while seeing the caution signs in the sharp turns just bling like diamonds to the beat of the song. I definitely lost myself more than once in the moment(s).

As slummy as the Hoo Ha was for me personally it honestly came as no surprise but I had a fun time and got to see my friends and see my friends do well on their bikes. Nice job by Kyle, Harlan, Collin, Chase, DBA, TJ, Nate, Sue, Whitney and fellow Salsa Amigo now turned Soma fan Crankee for taking 5th in the single speed category.

My bike did not make it through without some hardships. I blew up a pedal after just spending some time last week convincing a friend how awesome the Time ATAC pedals are and the Mavic wheels are shot. They either need a quick rebuild (which is an oxy moron if you’ve ever dealt with Mavic’s in house service) or they need to be replaced. I’ve been eyeballing the Industry 9 stuff but that junks expensive so a set of Stan’s wheels it may just be. I’ve now successfully blown up my road wheels, 2 sets of MTB wheels and a pair of pedals. Not bad for almost 6 years of pure abuse but now the “repair” bill comes. First though Monkey has her 2nd Xterra race in the 804 this weekend so I need to get her bike dialed in before messing around with mine.

Peace,
Metro

Do your part - Paydirt & racing

2011-06-04T08:56:00.000-04:00

I’ve been waiting for an appropriate time to post this video and now is the time.

Check it out. Local rock star and all around sweetheart Donna and the always fun and fast Rebecca take you for a ride inside the mind of a woman Niner style.

This was filmed on our wonderful local James River Park System trails. These trails are so much fun that it borders on being illegal and even more incredible is that they are built and maintained by cyclists like you and I. Trails don’t just build themselves.

Today is National Trails Day and the good folks at REI and Richmond MORE will be meeting at the Reedy Creek parking lot at 9am and giving some love back to the trails that love us so much. Please come on down and lend a hand if you can.

Also this weekend is the big weekend at the Nutt. Saturday evening will host the always fun Super D and short track races then bright and early (in MTBR terms) Sunday morning the XXC race will kick off followed by the XC race. The good folks (and bad ass riders) of the SVBC have done many, many, many hours of back breaking work to bring you some of the most incredible flow and rocky fun this side of the Mississippi.

I hope to see you at the race Sunday. I also hope that if you like or love what you rode that you will consider donating a little money to the SVBC. The proof is in the puddin’ there brother. Those guys will definitely put your donation to work in a way that really works for you.

Peace,
Metro

il Giro in pics

2011-06-01T22:55:00.000-04:00

Peace,
Metro

il Giro de Ville

2011-05-27T06:11:00.000-04:00

It's game on.

It's going to rock hard like a back in the day Sabbath show.

The River City will be there representing.

Where you at?

Peace,
Metro

Post Apocalyptic Bike Wash

2011-05-24T00:11:00.000-04:00

I asked for an Apocalypse for my birthday and all I got was this lousy shirt.

In lei of said gift I opted for some big miles on the bike to pre-requisite il Giro’s Pro Taper. Then set fourth the motion of the pro taper by getting caught up on a few items of a laundry list of bike repairs and TLC needed.

Also there has been an intense amount of house work to be done lately. I’ve just now figured out that friends who tell you things like “Owning a home is the best thing ever, just think of all the equity you are building” and “Being married really isn’t that bad, I love my wife” are friends that are really trying to tell you “Dude I’d love to do something with you this weekend but my wife has me by the balls picking out new tiles for the deck that I will spend all my free time this entire summer building just to have the county inspector come by and decree it unsafe then I also have to work in installing two new sinks, some weather stripping to keep our energy bills down and then “we” are thinking about painting the guest room a different color so we will have to go to Lowes to pick out a color.”

Woah, woah, woah brother, that’s why apartments and houses have landlords. You call them to fix the stuff that you aren’t responsible for then you go out and insert name of fun activity here while it gets taken care of. You pay the rent and when this town or city gets old you pack up and head over the state line bound for another place OR you could get stuck paying two mortgages while living in that new city until your old place sells.

Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind doing things around the house all day but man that list can really pile up when you take 3 or 4 weekends off to go out and race.

Oh well, at least I didn’t get called out for doping.

Or did I?

Peace,
Metro

Good e'nuff!

2011-05-18T22:55:00.000-04:00

Ride, rinse, repeat.

36t x 17t gearing was not a good gear for a “recovery ride” but hanging with the DP boys on my 3rd lap made for a nice end to a good ride that started with a day of getting off work early.

Positive things in motion create positive momentum.

Peace,
Metro

A Walkabout

2011-05-17T22:24:00.000-04:00

It was time for a walkabout with Monkey this past week. We hit up Skyline Dr. in the rain and heavy fog and went down the trail looking for answers to those questions that we spend way too much time thinking about in life.

We were also looking for “Problem Bears.” Why because I love bears and bears love my granola power bars. I didn’t see the problem.

We didn’t see any bears but we found a friend anyhow. “Can I keep it mom, please?”

The rattle makes me think he would be good with the kids but the attitude says otherwise.

So yeah anyhow here are some other pictures of the day.

What about those SDS pics I promised? Well they are still coming down the pipeline as I get time. The good news is that with mother nature being in a rainy mood I won’t be out biking when I could be downloading pictures!

Peace,
Metro

The 1st Annual Tb.I.

2011-05-14T11:16:00.001-04:00

Well it’s that time. The invitations have been sent out and the 1st official Hug & Tug racing event is about to go down.

I hope to see you on the start line.

PS. Still got some SDS pics and words to put down on digital paper but it won’t be this weekend.

Peace,
Metro

NJ Xterra Wrap up

2011-05-06T09:29:00.004-04:00

3 sports in one race and none of them are drinking games? Not my personal cup of tea but Monkey loves it. I’m super proud of her for bringing home a 2nd place devil or trophy as it were. She’s now got some Xterra points in the bag and she’s training for the Richmond race. What a girl! Congratulations baby.

As for me I’m packing and off for a big weekend of riding the best trails in the George Washington National Forest with some friends. SDS survival mode is in full effect.

Peace,
Metro

The “Between a Rock & a Hard place” ride.

2011-05-06T09:20:00.000-04:00

The “Between a Rock & a Hard place” ride.

When: Next Friday May 13th (go figure), 29” wheels rolling from Coal Rd. @ 7am 26” guys man need a head start.

Where: Parking @ the Coal Rd. parking lot near Sherando then returning there many hours later.

What: The “Between a Rock & a Hard place” ride. Up, along then over two great ridges in the Afton area with several mountains in between.

What to bring: Bike (duh), Camelbak loaded with plenty of food (to power you for about 10 hrs.) and water (there will be a ½ way point water refill), what ever spare parts that tend to break on your bike (like derailleur hangers!) and maybe something to clot the bleeding if you tend to wreck. Lights!

What to expect: 65 or so miles of riding, a touch over 10,500’ of climbing (& the same for the descent,) long grueling climbs that won’t seem to end (@ least an hour + sustained efforts), sweet ridgeline trails with beautiful views, flowy, fast and sketcy bench cut single track that makes up for the climbs, several short hike a bike sections, boulder fields that I will call “Rock Gardens,” probably a few downed trees, maybe bears if we are lucky?, some road miles on the beautiful scenic and low traffic Blue Ridge Parkway, great remote backcountry riding where no one will hear you cry in pain or see that embarrassing endo. A super challenging ride that you will endure (hopefully) that will leave you a better person and a stronger rider for your next ride!

F.A.Q.
Q. This is insane! Are you crazy?
A. I’ve been called that. But what do ya wana fight about it?

Q. This is on a Friday & I have to work can you reschedule it?
A. Tell your wife “no!” and your boss that you don’t feel well. When you come limping back into work on Monday he will believe you.

Q. This is the day before the Urban Assault can you do this the following weekend? I don’t want to destroy my racer boy legs before the big event.
A. The back of my beer shirt reads “Life is full of important choices” & it sounds like you’ve made yours. Good luck @ your race.

Q. Is this ride really that hard or have you elaborated the details to scare us off?
A. The last time this ride was attempted by 3 very strong and street wise riders only 2 of them finished it. The 3rd was found puking then dry heaving for the last 20 miles. Their legs and spirits were shelled and I almost had to get them drunk to get some of the secret details about the loop as it was one of those “let’s never discuss that this ever happened” kind of things.

Q. I’m sensing a very negative tone in regards to this ride, why on earth do you want to do it.
A. I just want you to be well aware of what you are about to set foot upon. If this “isn’t your thing” then my friend “I love you, but I’m not in love with you.”

Any more questions?

PS. Heckling @ the River & a spin the legs ride to follow on Saturday then Sunday be prepared to die again for the 1st annual Tall Bay Invitational. You may want to go ahead and call in sick again on Monday if you plan to partake in all three events. But don’t call me complaining Monday when I’m stuck in NOVA traffic heading to work before sunrise.

Peace,
Metro

A great TI write up

2011-04-28T05:27:00.002-04:00

No I didn’t go race the Trans Iowa 6 but I know someone who did and that makes me cool by association right? Man I hope so because I could sure use some cool points these days. Unfortunately I haven’t heard from the Snowman since before he left for T.I. 6 so I’m not too sure what his T.I. story is but I do know that fellow Salsa rider Tim Ek raced T.I. 6 and managed to come in with an amazing 2nd place finish and write an even better race report that you should go read.

Speaking of things you should read, our friend Jason has put out yet another new issue of this superb magazine called XXC and the issues just keep getting better. I strongly recommend you go over to the XXC website and download yourself a copy this morning to browse while drinking your coffee and starting your hum drum day of work. But fear not friends work will soon be over as we are approaching the weekend which for several of the 4 Metro Solo readers means it’s race time. Good luck to you guys and girls headed up to the 12 Hours of Lodi or over to the mountain bike Disneyland called Douthat State Park for the great Middle Mountain Mama XXC race.

Monkey and I are leaving Friday night heading up to the Garden State for her first Xterra Tri of the year dubbed the Jersey Devil. We’re both excited and ready to go check out some NJ singletrack. With any luck I will come back with at least some pics from her race taken with my new camera phone which is supposed to be 10x better than my old camera phone which is now defunct. I have a new cell phone and I have done everything with it EXCEPT make a phone call. Kind of a wild thing to think about eh?

Ok I’m out of time but fresh on ideas so I need to roll.

Here’s to a weekend in Jersey.

Peace,
Metro

Go Green on 4/20

2011-04-21T05:47:00.002-04:00

Yeah I said it.

Like a 4 finger shocker we threw organized American Sports a curve ball when Monkey and I rolled up in Euro threads to a softball game. Wait are curve balls legal in soft ball? I don't know but I do know that Monkey organized and now plays on her company softball team against other teams. I don't know how her awesome organizational skills allow her many hours of Tri training both off road and on, Tri racing, a full time job, dog training-Agility, softball practice & games, roller derby, rock climbing, etc. etc.

I wrote a few MTB races down on the calendar then though “Man I should taper here and train a little bit there” so that I won’t completely suck and between that and a full time and part time job my week is booked solid. I’m looking for some time to hit the rock face, the water, the trail in hiking shoes and some solid music festivals this summer as well as making some time for the family and I guess my organizational skills just aren’t there. That or there aren’t enough hours in the day or weekends in the year.

I don’t mean to sound as though I’m complaining because I feel fortunate to be able to walk, run, bike, see and breath well enough to do these things. I guess maybe I need to spend more time on Google: “Time management skills” than I do blogging about what ever it is that I was talking about.

Now with May coming up right around the corner I’m going to ask that you spend your 4-20 thinking about getting real green. Green like preparing for ride your bike to work day next month. Better yet you should ride it to work a few days a week from now up until the week before the Official Ride Your Bike to Work Day then taper down a little so that on the big day you will be well rested with fresh legs and will have the best commuting ride to work of your life!

Peace,
Metro

Ferry Roubaix 2011

2011-04-20T05:39:00.003-04:00

It's in the bag. I'll have some words on it soon but right now my computer is FUBAR and running Win-Blows isn't really an option. To sum it up almost a dozen riders made the full pull. A first in Foghorn Racing history. I learned a few things about road riding/racing tactics and they don't jive with my self supported self reliant mentality. I had a few mechanical issues but I had "some" strong pulls all day so meh.

All in all it was a great day on the bike with good friends and some new to me folks. Thanks goes out to Foghorn Leghorn Racing for all the festivities and hosting the event. It's got me looking forward to the Fondo and some mountain biking.

Today's update has been brought to you by Public iNet Access. Get it where you can!

Peace,
Metro

Ferry Roubaix

2011-04-16T16:30:00.003-04:00

Yes folks despite the working man’s blues the week went by faster than I had anticipated and now the Ferry Roubaix is less than 20 hours away. I hear the pain train is loading up and that locomotive will definitely roll.

You’ve said your peace, you’ve put in or didn’t put in those training miles and now the farm will be jumping. To quote Rob Zombie “Who will survive and what will be left of them?”

We shall find out Sunday night. Wow this is two road events that I’m doing in a row I wonder if I may wind up being a crosser after all? I wonder if I will ever straddle a mountain bike again? Yeah don’t hold your breath roadies I’ve been knee deep in mud and just a slip of the tongue away from eating shit ever since I was born. No sense in changing up a good thing now.

See you on the starting line and I hope to see you at the finish.

Peace,
Metro

Procrastinating the recovery.

2011-04-12T22:44:00.002-04:00

With the two jobs a day schedule on Monday which was supposed to be my recovery ride day after the Roubaix ride I had to procrastinate and push it forward to Tuesday. I almost blew it off again with the rain that we received and how spanked I was feeling with little sleep and a long day of work but when the bell finally rang I walked outside the office door and it was relatively blue skies and perfect temps. It was a gift from the trail gods and a sign that I need not procrastinate any longer or the next Roubaix may do me in.

Not 20 minutes into the ride I was goofing off on a technical little side trail

and ran across this.

Maybe another sign that today’s ride was a gift meant to be accepted?

Maybe it was just a bum looking for some hope or maybe it was a group of college kids who needed something to roll a fatty on. It’s not my place to judge but it was an eerie thing the way stuff fell into place.

That kind of sums up life lately. There are many things that have turned out a certain way that I have done nothing but second guess my decision while trying to move on ahead but things keep mysteriously falling into place. On that same hand I count myself very lucky for other things that have happened. I guess that’s how life works. Some see the destination and others live for the journey.

Back to bikes though. Man geared bikes are falling to pieces around me and suspension forks. I’ve gotten so used to riding rigid and neglected some TLC on the suspension forks and now they ride like an out of control pogo stick. I’m super lucky to have a beautiful steel Salsa El Mariachi rigid single speed to throw a leg over when the commitment of gears and suspension seems like too much. It tells me “Baby you never take me shopping for new stuff.” And I tell it “not now gears I have a headache.” We always make up but she has a way of keeping me honest like catapulting me over the bars after packing up in a rock garden.

Bitch

Is Wayne Brady gonna hafta choke a bitch?

Peace,
Metro

Harris Roubaix 2011

2011-04-11T22:49:00.002-04:00

Music & Pics

It's almost like you were there except you missed all the fun. Full write up coming eventually. Still have a ton of things to do but for now enjoy the pics and the Drop Kicks and I hope to see you on the line this Sunday with the Rooster.

Let's just hope Scotties "May Pop" tires don't blow their top!

Peace,
Metro

Sunday gravely Sunday

2011-04-09T16:45:00.003-04:00

Some will be repping team green.

While others will be riding Team Clean.

Others such as myself will just be riding a dream.

All will be grateful for a beautiful day on our bikes with friends.

Now get your dance moves ready for the throw down.

Dear Roubaix,

I don't know kung Fu but I do know KaRAZY.

Peace,
Metro

Dragon’s Tale Part 3.

2011-04-05T22:13:00.004-04:00

This weekend wrapped up the 3rd chapter of my Dragon’s Tale adventures. I was doing this race back when Kyle was promoting it and I’ve now had the opportunity to have raced it all 3 years that Chris and SMT have been promoting it. Truthfully the race never gets any easier. The weather has steadily gotten better each year and my performance (although still pretty lackluster) has steadily gotten better each year. I’ll save you the full race report for the Bikeman.com blog entry but to sum it up I was fortunate enough to ride the race with some strong riders like Mean Green, The Forest Leprechaun and the Harrisonburg Ladies including Sue, Misty and Jen “The Wolf.” Ultimately I couldn’t hang on the wheel of any of them for an extended period and wound up bonking hard 3-4 times before crossing the line. The bad for me news is that I can feel all of the spots in which my winter slumming is really kicking me in the teeth but the good news is that the non bike (personal life) factors that greatly influenced the winter of slum are finally starting to get in line. The better news is that in 2010 despite some wild sickness I was able to knock 7 minutes off my 2009 finish. Now in 2011 I was able to knock over an hour and 20 minutes off my 2010 time so that’s nothing to complain about considering that I still did plenty of waffling out on the course this year.

Over the shoulder while the parade pace takes us to the race start.

The neutral start rolling down beautiful route 311. The Dragon's ridge was in the distance off to the right. Some people had no idea what kind of "fun" was in store.

Race director Chris Scott giving the pre-race meeting.

Some real tough guys were in the mix including a world record holding trail runner and some of the fastest guys from VA, WV, PA and NC.

Pay attention this is important.

The weather was nice, the creek crossings were frigid as always, the views were incredible and the competition was fierce. A huge thanks is in order for the SMT crew, East Coasters and Just the Right Gear bike shops for making such a fine albeit hurtful (40 miles of backcountry racing the first Sunday of April!) event happen again. Thanks Fellas!

Oh I did take some time to play around the Cove and go for a little hike/trail exploration up on a neighboring mountain on Saturday before I showed up at dark at the camp ground to do my part to empty the keg while catching up with some friends. Here are some pics from that hike that don’t do the beautiful views any justice. Looks like most of the peaks above 3,000’ were snow capped looking over into WV.

Ok I’ve got a ton of things to do before Friday that include another 60 hours of a day job then a Roubaix to crush me on Sunday so I’m outta here.

Peace,
Metro

Hung high & tight

2011-04-01T16:51:00.003-04:00

Well the 29” tube is anyway.

Ok, let me clarify.

Last month or there about I proclaimed death to the big booty saddle bag and opted for an alternative.

I had tried the Back Country research Awesome Strap before and the results were ok but my thighs rubbed the package more often than I would have liked. Now it may be that I have large thighs and could stand to sit out a few laps at the now famous Foghorn Desert Bar Buffet Crits aka the F.D.B.B.C. Wait are you still laughing at the thighs rubbing my package joke? Anyhow, the first time around I nixed the Awesome Strap.

Now after loosing a significant amount of money in tools, parts, tubes and lost hopes and dreams from my aging saddle bags I’ve decided to give the Awesome Strap another go. This time it’s the Awesome Strap Race and all I’m hanging out there is the tube and maybe a tire lever for now. If it gets lost on the trail then I’m out a tube not a whole saddle bag load.

The first real test will be at the Dragon’s Tale this weekend. Will was kind enough to loan me a sweet cold weather sleeping bag so that I won’t freeze to death camping out by the beautiful Craig Creek this weekend in my summer bag. He probably only loaned it to me because he thinks that by buying an Awesome Strap I am somehow supporting Dicky.

Truth is; I know the value of a good beer cozy.

My poor Blatino wouldn’t have a place to change if I destroyed the cozy and made a rubbish tool pouch out of it. Will knows that I already have a tool pouch so why he loaned me the bag is still a mystery to be solved.

Oh well, Thanks anyway dude.

See you kids at the races this weekend. Oh and if you haven’t already registered there is still time to hit up the day of registration.

Peace,
Metro

Roubaix Hustle

2011-03-30T22:15:00.004-04:00

I don't know if you knew but now you know.

Time to hustle.

Workin on getting the Hug & Tug boys out for the F.R. on them shiny new Carpet Fiber Bottle Rockets. I hear tell Will gave up the sausage cold turkey and has been melting away.

Zeb's one drink away from telling me how purdy my mouth is and the Intern turned full time tells me that the Foof boys may make an appearance to lay down the hurt.

I believe him, but believe me when I say that I won't be rolling over on it.

That boy knows how to lay some pipe!

All aboard the pain train! I may be the caboose.

Peace,
Metro

Sherando by snow

2011-03-28T05:43:00.005-04:00

Freshies: Get them where & when you can.

Why do MTBs always look a lot like motorcycles when you attach fenders? Maybe I should just bite the bullet and go all the way for the next ride.

It was 80 degrees last weekend and snowing this weekend. Welcome to the beautiful state of Virginia and our “Spring” season.

The snow hid the rocks, mud, sand and other power robbing obstacles while putting in the effort on the jeep road climb.

Due to time constraints we hit the BRP at the top to drop some elevation quickly. About 10 minutes after all of our extremities had went numb we ducked back into some single track to head back to the vehicle.

It's been a while since I've seen a dusting on the parkway.

All in all a great new to us route around Sherando, some quality one gear love time, some nice time spent with Steve who I haven't ridden with in ages and a great day to be on the bike.

Peace,
Metro

Rainy Day Women

2011-03-24T06:01:00.004-04:00

A few hill repeats then blasting some single track on the road bike while jamming out to Lynyrd Skynyrd thinking about the cold one at home and pushing it through the “Scattered Showers” aka ripping thunder storm while attempting to get home.

Not my home but if I ever hit the lottery I’d make an offer just because it looks like a castle.

I need a cross bike in a big way. One day it will come I guess. Maybe after I break another road bike riding it where I shouldn't.

Peace,
Metro

The Devil's Crown

2011-03-20T20:59:00.004-04:00

Well Bishop said that it “Hasn’t been completed yet!” And even after today’s ride by a mere mortal (not an Uber Pro) the Devil’s Crown still remains to be conquered.

The one word that comes to mind when you are only about 35 miles into a ride and have already burnt over 2,800 calories and climbed over 6,500’ is SUFFERING.

In a good way but, at the moment going it solo in the frigid air with 13 MPH crosswinds and the drizzle that must have been freezing rain all when having come un-prepared and fully underestimating the scope of the task at hand all I can think of is momentary suffering.

There was a certain gravel section that I didn’t see coming and hit the loose gravel doing about 30 mph. It only took about 4 “almost loosing it” drifting crashes to remind me that I’m alive. The scenery was great. I somehow missed the pre-requisite that attempting this on a road bike with a standard crank (39t/53t) and standard cassette (11-23t) as well as tires pumped up to 120 psi may have been a bad idea if your not at race weight or if your winter training consisted of Foghorn Leghorn approved “Dessert Buffet Bar Crits.”

So for the moment I am lusting a fine gravel machine like JMeiser’s.

And mulling over which of the River City Skinny Tire Rollers members that I can coax into attempting this loop of death with me again very soon.

Nick? If he can get a Sunday off work. Double D? If he’s willing to leave the Powhatan ride behind. Kuhnsta? All of that Colorado air should do him well in VA. Antwan? If he’s not busy training a Team or putting in hot laps at West Creek. Or what about the terrible twosome of Foghorn and the Intern? Or the Hug & Tug crew. Word on the street is that Hug & Tug went legit into full on SM100 training mode investing money into heart rate monitors, road bikes, random stock in the medical field and I’ve even heard rumor that because of his man crush on Dicky young William has forced himself to adhere to a strict diet until he reaches his Dicky approved race weight. Maybe this year when he confesses his man love at the kegs Dicky will have no choice but to put a ring on his…well um…finger. Yeah lets just say finger.

Ok 3am still isn’t coming any earlier and my beer is getting warm.

Go rest high on the mountain.

Peace,
Metro

Guys in spandex

2011-03-19T13:35:00.004-04:00

So I had the first opportunity to bike commute into my new job this week. Apparently having been around cyclists so much I forgot how awkward we look to those of us who don’t accept changing in parking lots and lycra as a normal everyday thing.

(6am changing in the bathroom of a grocery store)

A co worker ask me “So let me get this straight you rode from the Southside of town all the way across the river and over into the far West End and now you are going to work a 10 hour shift of physical labor that includes running about 1,000 lbs of copper and putting up over 5,000 lbs of steel framing then you are going to ride your bike another 30 miles back home after all of that and not have someone come and get you?”

To which I replied “Yeah.”

To which he replied “Ok then you are either some kind of bad assed mother fucker or you need some serious mental help.”

To which I replied “Honestly it’s a cocktail of both my friend. Now finish that cigarette and let’s get back to work.”

(7:30ish PM after 10 hours of work and a few 30 miles or so later.)

En route I chose to lengthen my return trip home and visit Goochland for a few miles before heading south of the river again to take in the evening view.

(Can you spot all 7 deer in this blurry photo?)

(Sunset on the River)

Spring is coming and it’s going to be beautiful.

In other news I got some love from Bikeman in the form of some new Maxxis tires with the EXO protection sidewalls.

I got them mounted up tubeless yesterday and plan to test them out in the mountains of the Shenandoah with Foghorn and company bright and early Sunday morning.

I hope you are getting a ride in this weekend too.

(Full moon fun tonight.)

Peace,
Metro

Longdale Furnace/North Mountain

2011-03-15T21:10:00.006-04:00

Finally! I was able to put my pasty cheeks back in the bike saddle. After a quick 2.5 hour multi loop ride of JRPS after trail work on Saturday I was thinking that I may be up for the mountains on Sunday so Monkey and I decided to ride a trail that neither one of us has ever been on before.

The trail was the North Mountain trail (one of 50 North Mountain trails in the state of VA) based out of the Longdale Furnace recreation area. When we arrived both of us realized that we had been holding breakfast in for way too long and we both ran for the woods. While walking around for a few minutes to find a good spot it occurred to me “So this is what the dogs are thinking when they spend 5 minutes walking around the yard to find just the right spot.”

Anyhow we saddled up and hit the trail backwards of how the directions said to because that’s just kind of how I do things. It was a nice sustained but gradual climb up a mix of jeep road and single track with intermittent gravel to get up to the North Mountain ridge where we stopped for a quick lunch break.

The ridge had a few nice rocky features and some pretty solid views that were in the vein of Whetstone Ridge or the North Fork trail but on a smaller scale. At times the ridge reminded me a bit of the more mellow sections of the Dragon’s Back ridge.

At the end of the ridge we dumped out onto a gravel road and descended back down a few other roads to make a loop back to the original climb and dropped that back down to the car.

Not the best ride I’ve ever been on but far from the worst. It’s always fun to explore new trails because you don’t know what you will find. It really brings out that child like sense of adventure in me and hopefully you.

It's awesome to have a partner to share life and it's rewards with. It's even more awesome when that partner loves to ride.

For the next adventure ride I have a cool figure 8 loop just south of Douthat planned. Maybe I will hit it this Sunday if I get the day off work or maybe it will have to wait. Only time and UPS will tell for sure as the current job’s overtime rate is purely dependant on getting certain mission critical parts on the site. So Brown Santa what’s it going to be? The weather looks good for the weekend, are you going to fall short and let me go play or will you be on time and make me work.

I guess I really can’t complain either way. Until next time.

Peace,
Metro

Junk in da trunk

2011-03-09T06:21:00.002-05:00

Seat bag, strap-on, Camelbak?

So after having lost yet another load of goodies from my seat bag for the 3rd time since last October I’m tempted to again swear off seat bags. I had done this once before but then came across a design that seemed to work and now this new design has let me down to the tune of about $250 in lost tools, tubes, co2s, etc since October.

I’ve tried the Backcountry Research Straps about2 years ago and thought they were kind of wonky for MTB use but they have since changed their design as well. I see a lot of folks running the ByKyle straps and those others who ride with a Camelbak almost 100% of the time just toss their tools and tubes in the backpack.

So out of curiosity what are most of you using to store your multi tool, tire levers, chain links, co2s, inflation heads, tubes, patches, etc.?

Peace,
Metro

Wood

2011-02-27T23:50:00.001-05:00

Yeah I got it.

Why? Well maybe because I just saw this!

And maybe because I just put in 20 miles on the MTB after work today. Saw 9 deer along the way home. Sad to see their habitat destroyed to build a bigger bridge across the river. Home owners seem upset that the wildlife is foraging in their yards instead of their (the Deer’s) typical habitat. But their habitat is now gone. What are they going to do?

Probably not your problem huh? Still pretty cool to get within 3’ of the deer before they decide that I stink and want to split. The night was beautiful and the Ti El Mariachi was on point!

Peace

What should we name it?

2011-02-23T05:40:00.003-05:00

I couldn’t think of one but then again it’s 4:15am!

First off this.

Yup, Foghorn should know that you can’t put something like that out there without whispers getting around.

Next up I’ve had a few things running through my head all day at work lately. And with 12 hours a day of work I’ve had a lot of time to weigh some options. This excites me for reasons that I’m unsure about. But a noble steed to do the deed seems in order.

Back to reality I see that the Dragon will need to be slain in less than 6 weeks. Wow I should dust off that bike and start finding some time to ride again or my Dragon’s Tale will look more like Monty Python wrote it. As if it didn’t already.

Oh and then there is this. If you can think of a way to get a few days off work and head down to Pisgah let me know as I may want to tag along if that’s cool.

Ok it’s 4:22am and I have 3 hungry dogs that don’t understand blogging but do understand the word “breakfast” and I don’t want to be late for work so I suggest that for some more real content you scroll down the list of good folks on the right hand side of your screen.

Peace,
Metro

Pantani Ride

2011-02-14T07:56:00.004-05:00

Another lucky weekend of incredible weather, good friends and freaking beautiful scenery around the woods, hills, mountains and valleys of Earlysville. I had no idea just how incredible some of the scenery was up in this area. Needless to say there are already some more rides in this part of town planned.

Now if I would have been paying more attention to where I was going and a little less attention to the vistas and the wheel in front of me I could have finished the Pantani ride proper in a pretty good position. A handful of folks did what you could dub the “Pantani lite” while most guys finished the Pantani ride proper but not Metro. Nope Metro did the “Pantani XXC” loop. Not because I wanted to but because I’m a terrible listener and as stubborn as a mule. Still the 3 hill repeats that I did on Brokeback Mtn will pay their dividends later on in the season.

I went from a solid mid pack finish to DFL but had one of the best days on the bike that I’ve had all year. Made some great social conversation with CHAM and some of the C-Ville crew then after getting lost I managed to get in some alone time that was desperately needed. Wild time running into an XXC kitted rider training for the Tour Divide as well. I will have to dig up his magazine article in XXC and post it. Since my race plans are on hold as Friday until I can hash out a new schedule I will live vicariously through the eyes of another. Anyhow…

The River City crew represented once again. That’s two weekends in a row. Maybe a trend, who knows?

A big round of applause and copious gratitude is much deserved for Dave and the gang for having us all over for the good times. Dave even gave me a nibble of his backyard trails dubbed the “TevenTrails” as a quick warm up before the actual Pantani ride. Thanks again for everything, dude.

What a stand up guy!

(Wait what is this? Is that Uncle Foghorn gawking over the freakishly large size of another mans rubber? Is there a bit of big wheel lust in the air?)

Peace,
Metro

What's all that f#$*ing noise?

2011-02-12T20:37:00.002-05:00

Sounds like the thing is about to explode!

Wait, it's just that derailleur thing that is attached to the shifty bits.

But sweet baby Jesus it makes a lot of noise when you ride the bike.

Can't complain about a bike ride though.

C-ville, the Barnyard & extended family is coming. I don't know what will happen but I do know that underground events put the F in fun.

Rumors are abound that ScottieD has been doing some double super secret training of his own and may just finish off the course as fast as a vanilla ice rap career. If he's not training then he's just MIA. Where you at bro?

Beam me up a ScottieD.

Peace,
Metro

A side dish of food 4 thought

2011-02-11T07:58:00.000-05:00

Just a little something to mentally snack on today.

Listen up

Then let it digest.

Peace,
Metro

Ride with the fear

2011-02-10T07:41:00.002-05:00

Suffer

Put that time in.

Hope that saddle time pays off.

Hope the lady doesn’t see the ding and accompanying rubber mark on the washing machine where the 38 MPH sprint broke loose and I kicked off the training wheels (flew off the rollers.) Meh, it still gets clothes clean but like me it now looks a little rough.

Then maybe take Foghorn’s advice and run the Salad Bar Crit race for a few hot laps to carb up. But don’t forget to say grace.

For the record I like bearded hippy Heyzeus the best but then you probably already had guessed that.

Metro what’s wrong with you boy?
Uncle Foghorn, I’m all jacked up on Mtn Dew!
I hope another “large enough” River City peloton shows up.

ScottieD!

See you Sunday….Sunday…Sunday.

Peace,
Metro

Planning in Pisgah

2011-02-09T07:52:00.000-05:00

Wake up with the softer more technical side of rock.

I found myself looking over the Pisgah map this morning. I’d like to setup a bike packing trip that would traverse the North end of Bent Creek head south west towards Trace Ridge & Laurel Gap Mountain then head South East down towards Turkey Pen/Forge Mountain then back South West again to Davidson River with a last minute side trip to Looking Glass Rock.

I’ve got a punch list of trails that I’m told “must be ridden loaded or not” that includes but is not limited to: Trace Ridge, Greenslick, Squirrel Gap, Black Mountain., Pink Beds & Laurel Mountain. If any of you are pretty familiar with the Pisgah trails I’d love to pick your brain to get some beta. Drop me a comment with your email if you would. I need to get some beta to sort out the death climbs, hike-a-bikes, all mountain/free ride downhills, places in the area to get food/water (river flow info would be great), premium off trail camp spots, etc.

Off to work now to day dream a bit more. But now let's fire up the good stuff.

Peace,
Metro

Do you love VD?

2011-02-08T07:36:00.002-05:00

Or maybe Giardia or a good old fashioned cold? Then you are sure to truly enjoy the good nature of the Pantani Ride. The good folks on the farm (Thanks Dave) are doing it again.

Is on Valentines Day so get your VD on right, on the bike. Oh don’t forget the lube, the latex (tubes) and the “Road to Happiness” map. You may want to stock up on some food as well.

Weather? Ah well it’s weather, come prepared. Word is there may be another JMac attack off the front. The Barnyard crew is sure to show be it studs or not. Maybe I should stud some tires myself just in case it turns out not to be a 70 degree day or god forbid there is a touch of snow/ice.

To quote to boys "Just don't forget what separates the breakaway from the peloton."

Peace,
Metro

Super Bowl Ride 2011

2011-02-07T10:21:00.005-05:00

Ah yes it feels good to have another year of the Super Bowl ride in the books. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this certain Harrisonburg tradition let me give you the quick and dirty. Every year on Super Bowl Sunday large groups of friends and friends of friends and even riding buddies from all over gather either in town or at a designated parking lot to ride their bikes at a casual party pace up to Flag Pole knob. At the summit you indulge in what ever goods you packed up the climb and offer a prayer to the mountain that she may bring you a wonderful Spring, Summer & Fall of riding her incredible topography. After the summit and a group photo you chose one of a few different descents and bomb your way back down single track and back to your car where ever it may be parked. On a certain level this ride is more about many friends gathering around in late Winter to catch up while going out for a ride. It’s like the family dinner with extended family. I’m glad to say that while I’m sad that I missed some friends who were out in AZ and others out in Baja and even some still who didn’t make the trip up from NC or down from PA I still got to catch up with a lot of great folks whom I don’t often see. I hope to see more of you guys & girls soon as the mountain bike season really gets started.

While most folks elect to start at the designated parking lot I was able to convince Joel (who I also hadn’t seen in quite some time) to ride out with me to start the ride from Harrisonburg. At Mr. J’s we ran into a few friends and said a few hellos before we started the road ride off in 30 degree weather that wasn’t all that bad. Spinning a 32tx20t single speed with 2.4” knobby tires on the pavement may not have been the best weapon of choice but for the most part we didn’t have any problems hanging with the group. After a bit of side tracking and sight seeing we made our way three towns over to the designated parking lot to hook up with the others.

(Re-grouping a the top of the paved climb.)

The Richmond crew was surprisingly well represented with about 25-30 guys in 5 different rigs in the parking lot including the Sweet Bus. I also saw some C-Ville and Roanoke friends in the lot. Being fashionably late, the Richmonder’s took a bit longer to get their stuff together and we wound up being the last crew out of the parking lot. No worries though as this is a casual ride not a race.

We spun down Briery Branch road and reduced our cadence (funny thing about a single speed) as the pitch went up. Stopped a few times to shed layers like a snake, did some socializing in person (not any of that Face Book digital junk) while climbing and eventually about an hour and 45 minutes later wound up at the first pre-summit where we stopped for about 15-20 minutes to allow the group to catch up. Everyone tends to climb best at their own pace. I was nursing a little honey infused pacifier (donated by my cousin Evan Williams) all day and I can say that it made everything a bit more pleasurable.

(Another shot of the first group to reach the fire road. What I didn’t tell the crew is that the snow & ice covered road that you see in the background of this picture that climbs from the right of the picture up to the left would be the next significant grade of climbing that we would do after having finished the first “big road climb” to enjoy a few cold drinks. It’s better off that I let them get a few drinks in then give them the bad news.)

After a re-grouping we headed on down some snow & ice covered rolling gravel road to get to the actual summit of Flag Pole knob. At the summit we all did our thing, took the group photo and did a little route debating. Ah the route, you see most folks just go right up the mountain then right back down creating a fairly difficult but short ride. Since my time in the mountains has been drastically non existent this winter mainly due to work and life things happening I was hell bent on getting some serious mileage in. I was initially hoping to do 90-100 miles but then our group of 3 got larger in the days before the ride and not knowing everyone’s pace & limits (not to mention the limit of daytime) I knocked the route back to 2 solid options that for Joel and I would either make for a (1) 55ish or (2) 70ish mile day. For the other crew it would be between a (1) 30ish or (2) 50ish mile day. It’s nice to have an option that really have to strive to achieve and a back up plan of a shorter much more obtainable option that is still good quality fun.

At Flag Pole we made a group decision to nix plan (a) aka big miles and go with plan (b) aka big smiles which was riding back up Reddish Knob to take in the view then descending Timber Ridge to Wolf Ridge trail before following the gravel/pave back to the car. The ride back & up Reddish was nice. A bit muddy in some spots and definitely icy in some spots but I managed to keep it up right and climb the whole route mostly seated. The nice thing about being a bigger guy with a 40 lbs CamelBak is that you get great traction while climbing 20% grades of ice covered pavement on a bike with one trail gear. I stopped a few times on the climb to make sure the group was still in tact, enjoy a drink and take a leak. It was nice, everyone troopered the climb out with minimum to no whining about the steepness. Atop Reddish we took in the view did a quick minor mechanical repair then again assessed our route to see how everyone was doing. We stuck with the Timber/Wolf descent and went to hit it.

A cross section of the group up at Flagpole Knob.

(Another view of a part of the group waiting for others to finish the ascent.)

The view from Flagpole knob.

Another view from Flag Pole knob.

Some permafrost looms on the tree top up at Reddish Knob.

Hmm, it was windy enough to blow my finger right into the picture that would otherwise have been great.

Let’s try that from a different angle that’s out of the wind.

The first part of Timber (South side facing trail) had some nice little snow drifts in it but it was all rideable. I was actually surprised that there weren’t more blow downs and dead fall for this time of the year. Further in to Timber Ridge we hit the 4 or 5 punchy granny ring grinders that now had 5-8” snow drifts in the middle of the trail. It made for a few short hike-a-bike sections but nothing terrible. The cool part of being up front was seeing all of the animal tracks (bear, raccoon, deer, squirrel and something that looked like maybe a wolf or dog) in the snow before the knobby tires crunched through and destroyed them. Despite my death grip job of tightening up the EBB on the Janky bike it slipped all day and at one point needed to be tightened so while waiting on some of the crew to catch up I gave it the once over again. Mildly frustrated with it I over tightened the chain and thought “F-it, it will just work it’s way lose again!”

Mmm mountain. It’s nice to be at the top.

Peeking in on the military base that’s taking a peek at you. Seems only fair.

It wasn’t long before we were standing at the Wolf Ridge trail head and ready for some downhill action. On the downs I tried to take it easy as no one was looking forward to carrying me out broken and I didn’t want to push anyone above their comfort level (feeling the need to keep up) on a casual ride but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t have some fun and pick out some obstacles to play on down the descent. Riding fully rigid makes it easier to keep the pace dialed back but still on one of the steepest sections of trail I managed to hit a rock sideways with the back tire and loosen the QR skewer and with the super tight chain it pulled the back wheel right out of the drop out. I quickly realized what had happened and just laid the bike down to keep from destroying a wheel. Two minutes later I was thankfully back up and rolling.

Down the mountain and into the valley we will go. Another day perhaps?

One more look at the beautiful VA/WV terrain then it’s back to riding.

We regrouped again at Wolf Ridge proper and headed further on down the twists and turns of Wolf. The SVBC had recently (last Fall) done some trail work with Trail Dynamics and I was very excited to check out the results. While the lower part of the trail was much too slimey to really pin it, it was easy to spot the changes that had been made and I will say that I can’t wait until the weather is nice and the trail is fully dry to go back and hit that section. Great work guys. We regrouped again at the bottom and hit the road back to the cars. At the split we parted ways with the rest of our group and Joel and I spun off back towards the Burg while the rest of the group headed for their car. It was nice to spin through the hills and the valley from Ottobine, Montezuma, Stemphleytown, Dayton and finally back into Harrisonburg. We managed to catch the beautiful sunset over the fields and farms just outside of Montezuma and managed to roll back into the Burg not long after dark.
I guess I could say something like “Sorry for such a detailed & lengthy ride report, I’m sure you came here for the pictures and four letter words” but the truth is that sometimes you need a good long ride in the woods with friends to keep your mind clear of life’s other demons that do their best to mentally drag you down into that hole. Maybe somehow I was hoping that reading a lengthy ride report would inspire you to get on your bike and have an adventure of your own.

The welcoming rays of sunshine that accompanied us periodically throughout the day.

So many other mountains, hills, knobs, knolls, valleys, drafts and dowels off in the distance. There are so many great trails in the George Washington National Forest.

I know that I’m already planning my next adventure(s). Got some Dragon’s Tale trail recon to do, some planning for a potential big trip to Pisgah, thinking about Steve’s big Monster Cross route and looking at a new figure 8 loop in the Longdale Furnace area.

Thanks for the good time fellas.

Peace,
Metro

XXC Season 3 Issue 10 is out now!

2011-02-04T09:56:00.002-05:00

Quit messing around and click over here to download it now.

Jason hasn’t let a single issue disappoint the readers and I don’t expect anything short of that for this issue. Season #3! Wow that’s incredible. I know it’s a ways off but I’d like to see XXC be the next Dirt Rag type mag found in all of the “cool” bike shops.

Word on the street is that if you swing by Blue Ridge Cyclery you can pick up a print copy of XXC to show all of your friends what they are missing. Let them know where the good stuff is.

It’s here.

Peace,
Metro

PS. I got out last night for a ride in the dirt and you should be glad. I had written 12 pages of yadda yadda on training and goals and such that I was getting ready to post. Then after a MTB ride I said F all this noise, even I don’t wana read that again. Oh sweet dirt…I love you.

Still not dead

2011-02-01T22:44:00.003-05:00

Sorry guys to quote Fat Marc "Not Dead Yet."

After a few workout's I've felt it but never been there.

Still riding a bike and definitely looking forward to this weekend's super bowl ride.

Peace,
Metro

Would you admit it?

2011-01-28T07:48:00.004-05:00

Would you admit to getting an erection while looking at another man's stuff?

2 beautiful Matt Chester bikes and a Jeff Jones. There is so much handmade Ti love in this photo that it's as beautiful as well this:

How about that eh? Do you feel a little bit better about that erection now?

I like everything about both of these photos.

I’m going to have to ask you to stop for just a moment and really take a look at the 2nd photo. For just a second get over the fact that it’s 2 attractive ladies kissing. And really look at it: It’s 2 attractive ladies on bikes kissing and not just models dressed up like bikers for a photo shoot. Not only are these ladies actually REAL cyclist they are in team kits and in the middle of a live track. Yes, two attractive ladies who are actual cyclists kissing while riding fixed gear bikes down the middle of a track.

Well Atheists, do you believe in something now?

Ok enough of that how about those incredible hand made Ti bikes in the photo that is still just above the girls? Jeebus those are some sweet frames. I’d give my left nut for one of those Matt Chester bikes. Ti monster cross anyone? I will say that knowing the owner of those fine steeds makes me feel a lot better. I would hate to see that some rich Jerk off Doctor just happened across a phone #, made a call, plunked down a credit card and now has that bike sitting in his apartment in Maui for the occasional flat pedal ride down to Starbuck for $50 worth of a latte. For shame!

Thankfully I can sleep at night knowing that the real Dr. E. who owns those can ride. I mean RIDE! Last time I saw him he was doing log rides on our local trails on his fixed gear commuter (Surly Pacer) while the rest of us stood around and gawked. If you look around he’s got some videos of riding the logs and trails up in NOVA/MD on that sweet Matt Chester drop bar as well.

Ok well that kicked my Friday morning off right. I hope you all enjoy your weekend and if you happen to need anything bike related you know where to find me as I’m working all weekend and attempting to rack up some commuter miles as well as find a “Suicidal” bike computer (the thing jumped right off my stem into traffic with no regards for it’s own well being) somewhere along one of the interstate bridge crossings.

Peace,
Metro

Not just high on rock

2011-01-25T21:42:00.001-05:00

But f’in sideways and upside down.

www.iclimb.com

Maybe with some practice maybe just one day I can be half this good.

Sanuk Exclusive: Daniel Woods Conquers "Hypnotized Minds, 8C" from Sanuk on Vimeo.

Guess I should go practice.

Peace,
Metro

trying new things (with my bike)

2011-01-20T23:39:00.001-05:00

I’ve been giving some thought to 2011 racing & riding. Sometimes it’s cool to put pictures with words. Often it’s cool to diversify.

Dream with me for a minute.

Boone Roubaix

Hillbilly Roubaix

Well that’s just some of the diversity that I hope to see coming for 2011. Mix in some incredible staples of the season like the Dragon’s Tail, Stoopid 50, SM100, Hoo Ha (possibly), Middle Mtn Mama (possibly) and add a few new ones like the Michaux Maximus, ORAAM, Revenge of the Rattlesnake, Fools Gold and who knows and it makes for a full season of spending money on races. Toss in some underground free stuff that easily rivals if not trumps most organized racing and a little bit of touring and you will find yourself on the bike all year long.

Then there’s Cross Season!

Peace,
Metro

Sunday, Sunday, Funday

2011-01-17T09:29:00.000-05:00

It started innocently enough by hopping on the drop bar El Mariachi and riding a bit of pavement down to the “long loop” of trails. The dirt on the trails went from being typical winter time hard pack/loose over hard to finding all of the spots in the shade that were deep with fudge(y) mud and perhaps a bit of snow still left in a few pockets. I was supposed to catch up with some friends but I got a late start and when doing the math in my head I didn’t think I was going to be able to meet up with them, catch a ride then make it to the race on time. I instead opted to lay the hammer down and put out some power. As the miles racked up I found myself en route to the race venue with a convenient convenience store stop for a 40 along the way.

When I arrived at the ship lock there was one other guy waiting. His steed of choice was his fixed gear messenger bike with a 26” MTB wheel and accompanying steel fork mounted up front. Interesting and cool looking choice of a ride for sure. Maybe my drop bar single speed MTB with 2.4” knobbies looked just as foreign to him. Quite possibly both bikes were a bad choice since this was going to be a cross race. Only time would tell. I took the opportunity to lube up the senses with the juice while others slowly trickled into the venue. A good handful of friends showed up and I met some new faces from the cross racing and messenger scene. It wasn’t long before the master of ceremonies Stu had us on the bikes and bushwhacking a little bit of single track that lead into some train hopping then some more singletrack before we arrived at the official un-official race venue.

We pre-rode the course as it was being taped off. Not bad a few small rollers, 2 barriers (a fallen tree) and a little bit of mud. The killer part was all of the thick grass that was cut low but provided massive amounts of rolling resistance. At the start of the race I had a god 15 lbs of mud on the bike and the tires and for a brief second all of those guys on legit cross bikes appeared to have the right idea. A mud caked 32c cross tire seemed to be easier to push than a mud caked mega knobby 2.4” 29er tire. Oh well, not a thing that I could do about it now. The flags went down and the race was on. The first 3 laps were spent breathing heavy to the point of my love handles cramping and trying to fit into a good position. The remaining laps were spent sucking the wheel of the guy in front of me because we were rolling the same pace. A few laps later it turns out that we were fighting for 3rd place with Dennis in 2nd and the NY guy in 1st after having lapped us. Between all of the rolling resistance on the ground, the mud on the tires and knowing that I had about 18 miles to ride to get back home I wasn’t looking to push the pace much higher than it already was. Halfway around one of the laps (I lost count) A VCU rider bridged the gap to our wheels then sit for a minute to recover before taking the pass. I took off on his wheel as he made the jump and we never saw the rider who took 5th place again in the race. The VCU kid picked up the pace a bit which I was dreading but wound up being nice as I was able to better spin the gear and hurt a bit less on the steep rollers.

The last 3 laps were spent fighting off cramps but holding onto wheels. It wasn’t a pretty ballet but it worked well enough. On the last lap the VCU guy looked back at me to say goodbye as he pushed to open up a gap. I think I may have winked and stuck my tongue out. It was the moment of truth for 3rd place. Do I chase, sprint, for sure cramp and possibly win or fail right at the finish line? Ah screw it, I’ve been sucking this kid’s wheel for the last 5 laps, if it wasn’t for him I would have been thinking about quitting a lot more. He bridged the gap, he rode hard and in my mind he deserves 3rd place. I’d be a dick to (possibly) snag it from him at the last minute. So there was no chase, and I wound up 4th place in my 1st ever cross race.

So the NY cross guy who must have been an easy CAT 1 guy took 1st place, local hero Dennis came in 2nd and the VCU kid took a well earned 3rd. The prizes & the Thank You’s were given out then as the sunlight was fading I jumped in with Chris to take a spin home. Chris graciously invited me to refill the bottles at his place (Thanks Dude) before I went about my way and hit the trail to the road to the trail again to get home. I got to ride some fun trail in the dark without lights to hone my Jedi skills and dodge a few cars in the mix. All in all a great day on a bike. To the Hug & Tug boys and the Former Salsa crew now known as the SS X-Bike Banditos I’m sorry to have missed you guys earlier in the day. We will have to roll right again another day.

Ok it’s off to work now. But I have to find the rain gear first.

PS. There were some pics taken throughout the day. When I find some I will post them up.

Peace,
Metro

Fire & Water

2011-01-15T10:13:00.000-05:00

First off I hope you’ve already seen these videos but just in case you haven’t please go check out video’s 1 and #2 from Mike about his Iditarod adventure.

Now if you actually made it back here after watching those 2 great videos (just think there is a 3rd one coming) please allow me to ramble for a minute. 1st off how about that sweet freaking custom Ti Moots snow bike? I’ve long admired Mike for his wheel building skills, his photography skills, his bike packing trips and now his sweet ass snow bike.

Truth be told I’m a big fan of winter. I grew up in North West Arkansas on the South West Missouri boarder in the Ozark Mountains. We definitely had 4 distinct seasons and that’s what I grew up knowing as life throughout the year. Sadly in winter we got more ice than snow but usually always got some snow. Growing up I always dreamed of heading out west and learning to ski (then snowboard as I got into my extreme teens) but it never happened. It was always back to chores on the farm. To be frank, with the right attitude and some adequate gear winter is a blast. I’ve worn out many pairs of Carhart Coveralls but my grandfather used to buy me a new pair about every 2 years for Christmas.

Now living in central Virginia true snow is a very special occasion. I tried my hand at slipping & sliding around the “Ice Coast” slopes on a snowboard (finally) but the novelty of having to pay money to have someone else do all the work of taking me uphill just to slip & slide back down has since worn off. I’d be lying if I said that the appeal of the Whitegrass ski crowd wasn’t a huge draw but being short a set of skis and free time on the weekend I guess that will have to wait. What I’m getting at here is that I love winter and snow and central VA is more of a cock tease than a pleasure at least or me in my current situation. Oddly enough I’ve always been drawn to Alaska and Canada. I’ve been fascinated by how primal Alaska is and how beautiful the Canadian back country is in pictures and video. In a swift kick to the nuts I recently got an email from a cousin of mine who was looking for info about moving to Houston TX and knowing that I’d lived there she was hitting me up. Turns out she was moving to Houston from Alaska after having lived there for 4 years and not bothering to call and offer up some couch space. Alas I can’t hate because I didn’t call her either. Life is full of missed opportunities.

A recent Discovery Channel show about a journalist living with a pack of grizzly bears in a wildlife preserve in AK and the recent trip to AK and accompanying photos on the Salsa Cycles blog as well as the onset of a few snow days here in the River City has definitely re-ignited a fire for exploring AK.

Again to be truthful and honest with myself I don’t have the funding or the honest need for a snow bike, a plane ticket to AK or the time off work to really explore AK like I’d like to (months) or even a week. So I will just file this dream on the punch list of items to do before I die. BUT that’s not to say that I can’t have any winter fun. Knowing the trails are there and seeing Dennis’s recent adventures in the Shenandoah in the snow has really made me want to do a few days of snow bike packing in the Shenandoah/GWNF. I’ve got most of the gear if I could just scrounge up a nice warm winter sleeping bag as my summer bag just will not cut it. I could gear the El Mariachi a bit lower and toss the fattest tires that I can find on it and pack my stuff and just go for a day or two.

Yeah I’ve got a plan, now I need some real snow. Bring it on Mommy nature. Sorry to ramble off there a bit I guess my point with this post other than whining about wanting to explore AK is that what ever grand deity that you choose to believe in (or not) has given you some very distinctive options in regards to weather and seasons. Don’t sell yourself short and miss all of the beauty and splendor that winter has to offer simply because of your laziness. It kills me to see people spend more money on an indoor trainer setup with videos of uber fit guys yelling at you to pedal faster while you sweat your ass off in your stinky basement than what it would cost to buy some mid level winter riding gear to really get outside and live it up.

Turn off & unplug your connection to this instant gratification hyper awareness socially networked cyber world and plug in to the pure simple pleasure that is Mother Nature in her prime winter months.

Peace,
Metro

Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas

2011-01-14T18:30:00.005-05:00

It turns out that Las Vegas really can be a lot like Hunter Thompson portrays it if you are willing to let the beast loose.

I now wonder why so many people come to Vegas to get married when it’s one of the only places in the states where prostitution is legal enough to turn a blind eye. Wana get married, we can do that give us 3 hours and we can make your wedding dream come true.

Wana get some action?

(The Hungry Dragon, not to be confused with the Angry Dragon)

Give us 20 minutes or your fantasy is free, just ask the non English speaking gentleman on the street corner.

(Sans Frickin Laser Beams!)

Funny word we live in.

Truth be told a free ride isn’t always free. I helped Monkey get her booth setup for the PPAI convention.

Enter the world’s largest Bob Dylan signature harmonica.

It was the least I could do aside from killing bugs, sleeping on the wet spot and those few other “little things” that guys do to keep out of the dog house. I’m a lucky guy on that front.

I’m not going to say a lot about Vegas because really it was some long overdue “Monkey & Me” time but still feel free to enjoy the few camera phone pics I managed to nab.

Oh and I brought back a few pics for some friends.

Zebulon “aka Baconator” this one is for you!

And Young William of Wang I couldn’t leave you out.

(Scaled to size bro!)

Mike your present is to just laugh at those two but remember idle hands are the devils play things.

Now I need to get used to a society where you have to show up for work and you can’t legally run rampant through the streets with $40 boots full of slushy Bacardi 151 topless without getting arrested.

Do they pay you to screw that bear?
Metro

Puff, puff pass

2011-01-14T10:36:00.001-05:00

Just passing along this great video from the NOVA folks.

This on is definitely for Jeremy & Foz as well as a little Will & Zeb dedication there at the end.

Peace,
Metro

A Belated 100

2011-01-13T21:47:00.003-05:00

There’s no doubt that weather wise the 2011 50/50 couldn’t have been on a better weekend despite having been postponed for a week. It’s rumored that Foghorn consulted the Farmers Almanac to make his ultimate decision. What’s better than near freezing temps, snow on the ground, 15 MPH snow flurries “white outs” while you are doing everything that you can to hold onto what at the time is a just to damn fast pace on the road 50 after a mucky 50 miles on the MTB.

I wouldn’t change a thing. Well except for that part on Riverside where I stood to climb and both legs locked up with cramps and my 27 MPH pace slowed to 0 then I rolled backwards and crashed into the ditch laying there cramping like a flipped over turtle waving the traffic on by. Yeah I might change that or the race pace that I held trying to find the main group after having slashed (another) sidewall and broken a spoke which may have ultimately lead to that Riverside hurt fest.

Maybe I could pin the blame on Texting Todd “Waxing my roadie this AM so I can’t make the MTB ride” formally the artist known as “mean Green” Green. Or another Physical Design guy who snaked a fresh position in the last 50 without the proper first 50 prerequisite was overheard talking dump truck loads of shit at the digs then got cold feet about 15 minutes into the ride and had to turn back after seeing the hearse roll by and getting a sample of the amount of hurt that the former intern was about to inflict upon him while riding a girls bike. I don’t know why The Rooster & the Former Intern waited for me at the top of Cramp Hill and allowed the Freshies and the hard ass to go ahead. Maybe they felt sorry for me, maybe they had intended to come up with some really great “bash Metro” jokes that never really materialized. What ever the case I appreciate the tow.

When the sun set on the hill the number of finishers was slim but looking better than last year. Celebratory drinks and food were had and the finishers prizes were dealt. There was indeed a Doctor in the house and that Dr. T. took home the “Chicken Chokin” socks for being the days hard ass rider who put the strangle hold on the Rooster despite being one of the first riders to taste test the local ice early in the day and despite not taking a pull at the front of the MTB train. He held his own on the road 50 after having ridden that lazy boy on the 50 miles of MTB. Well deserved by my count. There is a ton of Thanks to be given and you folks know who you are. It wouldn’t have been the same without your contributions. Thanks!

PS. I hear “BigP.Leeger” boned up on his “man-scaping” learning the proper way to pet his mangina while watching some fellas’ install some new windows all day. While I’m not one to point fingers (yeah right) I guess it will be nice to sit on the couch and see clearly just how much fun everyone else is having outside. Better see you at the Double Fondo Leeger, even though you are taking your time, Colorado won’t ride it’s self.

Anyhow, it’s in the books for the time being. No I didn’t get any sleep before jumping on a super early AM fight to Vegas. Yes my legs cramped for 2 more days after the ride (Thankfully there is enough liquor in Vegas!) And no truthfully I wouldn’t change a thing. I went out for some hurtin’ and found it. Stay tuned for some more Foghorn fun but for now dust the mud off that cross bike and get ready for some more stiff competition at this weekends double header brought to you by the 2009 Brown Town Jersey wearing, National Messenger champ and all around good guy Stu.

Also the Southern Cross race is coming up as is the Super Bowl Sunday ride. Check out Crankee's Video. You’ve got some options now go ride your bike.

Now cry me a river or bleed me an ocean but show no sympathy when we toe the line. I will Thank you for the push later.

Peace,
Metro

More fun with the white stuff

2011-01-03T23:53:00.004-05:00

I got a little busy with the holidays, work & more important things & didn’t get a chance to post these but here is a quick but small photo dump from Christmas.

Bring on down Mommy Nature. I dig a white Christmas.

Monkey in the snow at Douthat.

Representing the peeps and looking good doing it.

Harmony: Deer tracks & bike tracks

Sometimes some parts get real cold, but you pedal on.

I caption this picture "Monkey found the eject button!"

She's fine though.

Peace,
Metro

Did you outsmart the Rooster?

2011-01-03T09:19:00.005-05:00

If a Rooster sits on top of the barn with it’s head facing north in a 7 MPH east blowing wind which direction of the roof will it’s egg roll down?

Do you know? That’s right, Uncle Foghorn was playing games when he sent out the last carrier pigeon. The note read something like this: “Now pay attention. Your responsibility is simple. Spend the next 8 or 9 days cramming as many calories in your pie-hole as possible. Go Cat 2 for a few laps around the buffet at Sizzler. Then get yourself and your six pack entry fee….” Well that’s all of the important info anyhow.

(BTW does anyone else feel trumped by that 6 year old?)

So racers how many of you are now 7 lbs heavier after those Buffet Crit Races? Or how about all of Aunt Maude’s Christmas fruit cake that filled the last little corner of your stomach just a month after you devoured that Thanksgiving ham over at Grandpa’s house? Not to mention all of that beer you drank while sitting around on the couch playing fantasy shuffle board on your i-doeseverythingbutmakecallsPhone and whining about how cold it gets in Virginia during the winter while your fancy chain driven chariot was in the garage collecting dust not miles. Fuzzy math predicts that you’ve put on about 0-30 extra pounds of winter weight by now. Which for me means that you will be 0-30% extra slow next weekend when you toe the line.

As for me I decided (ok, ok it was Monkey’s idea!) to grab the skinny sleek Euro trash bike and head over towards Montebello for some “hill work.”

Hill work in the form of big ring attacks on Mount Vesuvius. I should note that it’s the Vesuvius of Virginia and not the more famed Vesuvius of the average history book. Still it’s a brutal climb especially when your goal is to not leave the big ring (53t) and I’m stoked to say that I didn’t leave the big ring while ascending this beast. I did suffer two near fatal heart attacks while my heart pounded out of my chest

and my vision stayed so blurry that on coming hunters trucks were almost invisible until they were within honking distance as it was the last day of hunting season and the back roads were super busy.

Even with busy roads and beautiful views I managed to spin out (53tx11t) a smoking 52 MPH at one point of the screaming Eastern descent. I’ll be honest my eyes were watering & my cheeks had a firm grips on the saddle. (That’s a pucker factor joke for the slower kids in class!) But who said that round (fat) isn’t an aerodynamic shape. I think those skinny little Tour de France racers have it all wrong with their flat skinny stomach. The other “fun” part was all of the left over road salt & sand that the highway department had left on the road to melt the ice (and there was still ice in a few shady spots of pavement albeit not much.) Monkey clocked her fastest descent time of a hair over 37 MPH. We were both proud of that!

Coming off the top of Vesuvius on the Western descent is a blast with super steep and sharp TDF Alps type switch backs but it was super sketch because of all of the traffic and the huge line of sand and loose small gravel in the middle of your lane. Split the lane like a motorcyclist and of your 3 parts of lane you had to ride in the zone 1 or 3 parts as zone 2 (the center) was covered in sketch. Zone 1 had you riding the yellow lines praying not to meet a speeding redneck in your lane looking for deer while zone 3 was almost riding the white line while you tried hard not to lean too far over and tag a rock with your shoulder. Crossing through zone 2 was like playing Russian Roulette.

Either way Monkey & I both survived on many different levels and found our way back over to the home of the reaper then later learned that while rooting around in the mud Uncle Foghorn got some sand in his vagina and was going to need a few days to clean it out then let it heal before he could officially come and lay waste to the rest of the barnyard on his Ti steeds. Nothing left to do but go hang out with some good friends and celebrate the dropping of the balls.

I guess I have a few more nights of some double super secret training (commuting to work) to get in before the circus officially rolls into Oregon Hill.

See you then.

Peace,
Metro

The Cliff Notes

2010-12-30T09:56:00.002-05:00

Not those Cliff Notes although those rock pretty hard as well.

Why does James H. always like a rock & roll poodle?

These Cliff Notes, well actually it's more of a titty twister/purple nurple for all of you who may be thinking about sleeping in and hitting the snooze button only two days into the New Year. For shame if you start your New Year off slacking like that I don't want to hear you whining when you crawl out of your tent in the beautiful woods of the Shenandoah on that faithful morning.

We’ve got everything from new bigger chain rings for the single speeders to new Ti bikes among the geared guys. I’m sure ScottyD will have a nice little something on the line and your’s truly is bringing a bottle of Foghorn Barley Wine for the overall first person to cross the line as well as those killer “stranglehold on the rooster” socks for who ever is just a split second faster than Foghorn. So now why wouldn’t you be there again? Hangover isn’t an option; you played that card with your wife on Jan. 1st to get out of some lame house chores. Football? Screw you buddy, guess you should have gotten that Tivo with your cable promotion. Fantasy Football yeah that fantasy is going about as well as that fantasy of your wife fooling around with her super hot sister or college friend.

So get over your moanin, and your groanin and dig out the sunscreen just in case those weathermen really got a hold of some good stuff.

I will be putting the bike back together in anticipation so get your shut eye in tonight slacker.

Peace,
Metro

Bike VA Tour 2011 - The New River

2010-12-28T11:10:00.003-05:00

I really want to help Kim & Shane & the gang get the word out about the 2011 Bike VA Tour because these folks work their ass off to bring you some truly incredible riding and wonderful support. This year the tour will be held in the New River Valley and surrounding area. It’s a beautiful area with some incredible scenery and very challenging roads. So anyhow check out the details over there on the official website. Personally I plan to be back again this year (if they will have me) to do the route markings again and enjoy some fun days in the mountains.

If this looks interesting to you then go ahead and hit up the early bird registration savings.

Peace,
Metro

Let's Dance

2010-12-27T00:49:00.003-05:00

I’ve upped the ante here. You don’t have to be the first guy across the finish line on Jan. 2nd but if you cross the line just before Uncle Foghorn you will receive a special prize.

Yup how cool is that?

Now I have to go get prepared to have Foghorn hand me my arse all year.

Preparations have commenced.

Perspiration has commenced.

Bring on the New Year and bring your dancing shoes I hear the boys will be on fire all night!

Peace,
Metro

The most wonderful time of the year

2010-12-22T09:58:00.003-05:00

(hmm maybe I've gotten too many JMac texts lately!)

To be fair here's a little something for you boys in the TIGHT, tight lycra.

H8rs Gonna H8 but don't Disrimina8.

Did you know that 70% of our Nation’s children are conceived during the holidays and colder months while the remaining 30% are conceived in the back of vintage muscle cars while rocking out to Foghat around the outskirts of various southern counties?

You didn’t know that fast fun fact?

Probably because I just made it up but it sounds close!

Get some while you can.

Because soon, very soon you are going to be asking your wife’s permission to catch a cold then sit around whining like a baby and you’re going to need all the brownie points you’ve got saved up.

Peace,
Metro

Fun w/the white stuff

2010-12-17T09:11:00.003-05:00

Since I try to keep this a cycling related site, today I present my nonsense to you in Italian. Seems only fair to keep it roots.

Ok, I don’t know about you but for me that was just as much fun as Telemundo.

Just like Uma I hope you got out yesterday and had too much fun in the white stuff.

I did.

Peace,
Metro

18" of love

2010-12-14T09:04:00.003-05:00

Man now that it’s snowing (yeah that won’t last long) and I’m without a cross bike (not complaining about it just an observation) and too poor or maybe just fiscally responsible to buy a snow bike, I had an idea for something.

I went into the flea market basement with a few basic tools and came out with this.

Looks like this will be the rig for Jah Cringle (2.35" tires are loegal in cross right! ;)..)and maybe even the Tallboy ride. Part snow bike (making use of what I have) part cross bike (um I guess because it has semi drop bars and road brakes) and part single speed (only part because it’s running a dos uno gear setup 34tx19t & 36tx17t)

All recycled.

In something else unrelated I was pushing boxes around off the FedEx truck the other day and saw a little sign from China.

I’m not sure about last year being the year of the dragon or the year of the dog or something but it looks like 2011 will be the year of the Metro and his 18” …..well I will go ahead and leave a few things private. So there you have it, straight from China. I couldn’t make this stuff up. Sorry Scotty I know you had your heart set on that wool nipple warmer but the Chinese see things differently. Plus if anyone is going to give me money for a new bike (to beat ScottyD) it’s going to be China.

Kung Fu is coming. Watch out!

Respect your janitor. Now let's DUB it up & Peace out.

Peace,
Metro

deep or shallow thoughts.

2010-12-10T23:31:00.002-05:00

Today I went for a ride and though about how great it would be to own a wool jersey with my one pair of knickers that the dog didn’t eat. I took a look at those sweet $150 Twin Six wool jerseys and dreamed for a minute then it dawned on me.

There was a hot minute when I possessed a sweet wool jersey.

Then I let it go. Shame on me, I could have been rocking a sweet wool jersey on today’s ride but I let it slip. That won’t happen for 2011. Since I can’t afford to buy into a nice wool jersey I will be riding into one next year. It’s nothing personal guys but my nipples get cold and my belly likes the warmth so it’s game on.

In an odd turn of fate I ran into the serious competition of Stu and Chad tonight and I have to say I am glad those cats are like me in the sense that they are good people who thoroughly love to ride bikes and just happen to be quick on the pedals (wait I’m not fast and don’t even look pro) but I hate hanging out with fast guys who are tool bag roadies and don’t know the value of a $1 or the taste of a PBR. Thanks for being hardcore and true riders boys. I will be seeing you at the Jah Kringle.

Ps. Thanks to Joel & Braden at CBC for keeping it real in the cycling community!

Peace,
Metro

Tis the Season

2010-12-09T09:01:00.003-05:00

Well kids it’s that time of the year again. It happens every year and there isn’t a thing that we can do about it. Except maybe pollute the earth a little more (global warming)? Yeah I know Global Warming makes it cooler that’s the joke moron.

What I find nice about the winter (since it really doesn’t snow all that much here) is that all of the weekend warriors and XC racer cowboys have put their bikes in that special corner in the garage only to be brought back out on the next warm day. Maybe that will be this weekend maybe that will be next March. Long story short the weather means fewer users on our multi use trails. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for multi use trails and I enjoy seeing others out there enjoying the fruits of volunteer labor but the selfish human side of me wants a few times a year that I can go wide open without worrying about user conflict. That time of the year is now.

Being dark at 5pm dictates that most of our riding this time of the year is done at night which brings out a different kind of animal life (in so many ways) compared to the summer time daylight till 9pm rides. The other baller thing about winter riding conditions is the Frozen Terra Firma aka Perma Traction. Go ahead and test the limits of your tires side knobs. They sure won’t ride like this in those dry summer time conditions.

So consider it a privilege when you are able to get out for a daylight ride in the winter to feel the sunshine on your cold cheeks (both sets of cheeks that is) unless you are one of those people who doesn’t work weekends and instead just lays around the couch and whines about the weather or the economy or what ever is trendy and controversial these days. The rest of us ride bikes and get outside; Piss & Vinegar, Wool & GORETEX, Frozen water bottles & A pull of scotch. Ride your bike!

Peace,
Metro

The Reason For The Season

2010-12-08T13:45:00.004-05:00

12 year olds dude!

Looks like the Festivus got some ABC air time. Check it out.

Peace,
Metro

Time for an upgrade?

2010-12-06T12:02:00.002-05:00

Time for an upgrade, right Micky?

You can win it if you pin, but if you're slummin don't be a bummin.

Peace,
Metro

Open Season

2010-11-28T08:47:00.004-05:00

That’s right through the good grace of charity, the flea market and borrowed parts the winter time fixed gear is up and ready to roll. Not like I had envisioned it, but rolling none the less.

Not too shabby either, 23.4lbs on the scale and not a single bit of carbon fiber on the bike. It’s all steel with those heavy but luxurious aluminum J-bars up front and a 2.4” Mountain King & single 7” rotor to match it. SLX cranks keep things sexy for the drive train that pushes the 34tx20t (with 32tx20t option) Tomi Cog.

Now that the fixi is rolling winter can officially start. So come on old man winter bring it on, it’s open season!

PS. I hope to offend everyone with the terrible camo & blaze orange paint scheme but remember kids you can’t hate on what you can’t see.

M.otor C.ity M.adness M.F.ers!

Peace,
Metro

SDMF

Country roads take me home

2010-11-23T12:39:00.000-05:00

Let the mind wander.

Peace,
Metro

Everyone else is doing it, why not

2010-11-22T09:26:00.003-05:00

That’s right everyone is hiking lately. It’s that time of the year.

Actually a hike up, over and down Old Rag is a Thanksgiving tradition for Monkey, her mother & I and with me working in retail this year hiking on black Friday (instead of spending money as a way of throwing the finger to the man) simply wasn’t going to happen. Man I really miss the contractor days, but I really enjoy spending time with people I love doing things we love to do.

I’m probably going to be hard to find until after New Years due to work, the holidays and a number of compounding personal things but I will try to keep something interesting posted here now and then and maybe I will see you out on the trail.

Peace,
Metro