Tuesday, April 22, 2008
No Opus for me tonight
It's a little over due but... Great job at Durand last weekend in the 3/4's race David! Sounded like an exciting finish with your Dad's lead out.
See you all this weekend. I'm picking Tuffy to pull out something special. So I'll try to stay on his wheel. ;)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
AM workout
That's all I have for now.
Go get your Wild on!
Anyone want to ride out my way this Sunday afternoon?
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Wow!
I was pretty stoked to not get shelled off the back and with 2 to go I decided that hanging out in the pack was too comfy. Nothing stellar, but tried to make my way up to the front and do some work. I really didn't do much, but I tried.
If I race next week I think I'll just stay in the group and reserve what I can for Ken Woods.
I say it every year, this is the best sport!
Side note: Bantle, what happened?
Monday, April 14, 2008
Nerves
I always get nervous for my first race. I'm always afraid that it might be a huge let down and come to find that my fitness really sucks!
We'll find out soon enough.
See ya at the park!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Mental Toughness
Hope I'm not too burnt to hang with the big boys at Opus on Tuesday. We'll see.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Could have been great...
Maybe next year.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Not so Mello, The interview
2. Pancakes or French Toast? If the Grizz is making French Toast I'm in!
3. Train solo or with friends? Depends on what kind of shape I'm in.
4. If you designed a bike, what would you put on the head badge? A can of MelloYello
5. Electric, waxing, razor, fuzzy? Fuzzy 99% of the time.
6. What race are you most proud of and why? Probably Afton Alps a few years ago. I ended up being really motivated to race because my dad was there and my mom was battling cancer. I ended up something like 7th overall and 1st in my age group.
7. What is your favorite pre-race meal? I get nervous before a race so I usually go light. Peanut butter toast, banana
8. Your significant other is bitten by a zombie. What do you do? Run like Hell!
9. Transformers or Star Wars? Star Wars
10. Why do you ride in groups? And why do you wear matching outfits? So my teammates do all the work as I sit on the back. I am a true wheel sucker. Its what I do best.
11. How did you get such a lucrative contract with BCR? We are in negotiations currently. So on the advice of my agent i cannot comment.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Guess I'll keep the yap shut
Personally, I think the decision should have been made a while back. Slowly bringing it onto the scene piecemeal might get a false negative result. Does that even make sense? Also, with the expected increase of gas prices and now an extra $5, to some, may be too much. We'll see. Of course I'll just buy the damn thing!
Chip Timing for MCF events?
- Total and lap times
- Easier results posting
- Maybe less dependency on officials
Cons:
- Cost; to buy, lease or rent, that is the question
- Cost to promoters
- Cost to MCF
- Dependability (see Pro #3 from above)
I've had experience in chip timing when I raced mtb's and I think even a triathlon, don't tell SickBoy.
I'm just getting into this at the eleventh hour so I'm heavily considering going to the MCF meeting tonight to get the skinny on all this.
I've read some comments that people are worried about the impact that handing out chips will have on lines at registration. I say preregistration to that! Again, not sure where we sit on the whole preregistration thin either. Hopefully that well be discussed tonight as well.
As for my opinion on chip timing. It's definitely the way to go. My biggest question is why so much, and why do I have to own it? I know there is a lease or rental option, but I don't recall this being an issue to race in the MNSCS. Then again, this could be why they disappeared.
Hopefully I'll make it to the meeting and have a better understanding of what this means for everyone. I hope someone will be presenting a cost benefit analysis of this whole undertaking.
If I don't make it, I'll keep my yap shut.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
And everything was right again...

Friday, April 04, 2008
Saturday Ride the Western Suburbs
Who's in? All are welcome as long as you're ready for a workout.
Start 10:0 am at Wayzata West Jr. High School near Wayzata Blvd. and Ferndale Rd. North.
Back between 12:00 and 12:30, maybe even 1:00 if I decide to go out for 50+ miles
*Time changes are in Red*
View Larger Map
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Hook, Line and Sinker
Ha ha! Very funny Specialized.
I must admit that the joining of these two companies wouldn't have been such a huge surprise. If I recall correctly, back when I worked at Erik's, GM and Specialized collaborated on some components for the Vette's using S's Metal Matrix material on some engine parts. So who knows...
Monday, March 31, 2008
WTF?!
Is cross season starting all over again. Did we not just enjoy a great weekend of warmer weather riding? Thanks to all this fresh snow I'm back on the dang trainer 'til the weekend. :(
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Ahhhhhhh!
Rode for over a couple hours around Afton with Mr. Roy himself Russ Loucks today. It's not everyday that I'm able to get someone out my way to ride. In this case he had already planned on riding out here and I jumped all over the opportunity to not ride be myself. Thanks Russ for letting me tag along. The wind was a little strong coming from the south so finding cover in the valley was key. That's probably why my legs are burning a little bit, but I'm not complaining. I was pretty impressed with how I felt out there and looking forward to getting some more in tomorrow.
You know the season is around the corner when you start seeing more riders on the road. Came across some Tonka riders, GP and I think a Dakota Cycles rider and a hand full of others. Hard to tell who's who in our winter gear.
Look for you all tomorrow around Afton!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Salty
Oh well. That's the way it goes sometimes.
The downside, I won't be able to start racing until Ken Woods. I have friends (if you can call them that) in town (ruining my race weekend) from Maryland during Durand. That just leaves me more time to train right? Yeaaaaaaa! I'm sick of training. Not that it's been intense but I really haven't stopped training except for a couple weeks after Cross Nationals. 90% of it has been indoors (read boring). And this snow isn't helping. I need to freakin race!
In lieu of Oxbow, would anyone consider the Finchford Roubaix?
------
This just in...
LGR has canceled event X
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Crud part 2
Friday, March 14, 2008
I got the crud >:-(
A long ride would have been nice before Oxbow.
Oh well, there's still time. :)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Friday, March 07, 2008
Weather
Who needs warm weather training trips/camps?
Guess I'll have to shave the legs soon. :P Could be riding with just knee warmers next week. :D
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Would you look at that...
I'll go with motivation.
I've kinda stalled out, like most, when it comes to blogging. But with a write up like this it's got me back in the buzz of the blogoshpere. Not to mention we have about a month until Oxbow so it's about time we all start chatting it up a bit.
Quick side note: Kudos to The Bike Throw Dot Com! I hear you're a little fed up with some of the feedback you've received. I'm sure some of it has been helpful but then there is always those clods that think they know how you should run the show. F 'em! All 3+ of you do a great job! And although Tim won't want to hear it, it's nice to have our own local Velo News.
Keep it up!
So this write up has got me thinking about cat 3's now and I realize that I don't know too many of the riders coming from a mainly mtb background. I found the matrix that BTDC created very helpful, though still I find myself anxious to race with the 3's. I will no doubt get dropped in the 1-2-3 race at opus at the beginning of the season. It's what I do. But hopefully after supporting my teammates my legs will come around mid way through the season so I can be competitive.
Guess I need to start training now. Damn!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
I think there is something wrong with me
It's going to be a great season...
There I go again. I'm dreaming about racing. Oh the madness! Will it ever stop?
Friday, February 15, 2008
Skiing tomorrow anyone?
Any takers? I'm not all that great at skate skiing and will be taking it easy.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Skiing
Just went skiing at Lake Elmo. The conditions were perfect. Get it in before the cold wind moves in. :)
Grizz you missed out! ha ha!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Lazy
Maybe I'll wake up early tomorrow and ride before work...
...or maybe not.
I have plenty of time before Oxbow, right?
Besides, I have two US teams to cheer for this year. And that will take up most of my time.
I'm gonna go eat some icecream
Thursday, January 24, 2008
DUH!
Does this really surprise anyone? Bad move Levi, bad move. I mean who would pick a team that has been tarnished by doping scandals and is run by a director who's achieved so much that he's in a position to accept such a challenge. If it fails, no biggie, I've won the TdF 7 times.
It's like going to work for a company to sell a product that has been recalled. And that's their only product. Duh!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Guess who's back?...
Not sure on the details or even where the race was, but Shawn Palmer just won his first major boardercross title in over 9 years! I was just able to catch the bottom half of the race, NICE!
This may not be a big deal to any of you but it's nice to see this old dog come back and spank the young pups. I had a chance to hang out with him when he was in town to promote a boardercross that Erik's put on several years ago. Before that he was kinda someone I looked up to when I though I was going to be a big downhiller during my mountain bike days. He's had a few rough years and been down on his luck. I hope this will be a major turning point for him, Again.
Anyway, Nice job!
Time to breakout the gold suit again...
--------------
Side note:
I was able to score Hoigaard's it's first win of 2008.
That's right. I was able to take the line in a sprint. They just couldn't hold my wheel...
...OK. It was a race simulation on my trainer, but a wins a win right?
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Looky there

Many thanks to everyone at Silver Cycling/Hollywood Cycles. It was great racing with you guys and gals you know who you are, good times!
Happy New Year to all, see you on the road!
Monday, December 31, 2007
It has begun
I'm way over my head...
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Since I'm done for '07 there's no need to shave the legs, yahoo!
And to all my hundreds of readers, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Nat's and more...
My race recap
Product review
Year end recap
Bjorn, Bjorn, Bjorn!
First off a big congrats to Bjorn and his first place in the U23 race today! What a great finish! He really showed his grit out there after a crash that gave Driscoll a little bit of a gap. Bjorn kept his cool and pedaled right back up to him for a spectacular sprint finish. I missed it since I was warming up but got to see a replay on Jay's camera. He was my pick for the win for the U23 and I'm gonna have to go with Page for the Elite race tomorrow.
Masters 30-34

Twas a little cool out there today. Had to sport my Vikings beanie under the my lid to keep my brain from freezing. Before I get ahead of myself here I want to throw out a big thanks to Lalla and his MSU crew Francis and Gary for letting me crash with them this weekend. I really appreciated the hospitality.
AS always I told myself that I was going to race a smart race and not go out too hard. Well, when you're staged in the middle of the field you kinda have to go with the flow of traffic so as not to cause an incident. It didn't take long before I forgot my strategy. I was going to let things string out and then settle into a rhythm that suited me. After we made our way off the tarmac I was feeling really good and noticed that I was technically better than the gents around me. Everyone was playing follow the leader and staying to the inside. I was like the heck with that and cruised around the out side. I was making my way around people pretty easily and felt like a rock star, at least for the first lap. Then a couple guys stalled out in front of me and with no where to go I got tangled up. I was able to get going again and to my surprise continue to pass a few riders. I was maybe in about 20th or so position from my 35th or so at the start.
eventually the cold numbed up my hands and feet so I started to slow up a bit. Just not tough enough I guess. My teammate Aric started at the back of the pack and I guess got held up by the crash at the start. Not sure how bad it was back there but I was excited to keep him behind me as long as I did. Of course if he had started up front I would have never seen him. But hey, I was pretty proud of myself to stay ahead of a rider of his caliber. Eventually he made his way up to me and I was thinking I'll try to stay on his wheel, ya right. Will I did for a little while, most of that lap. But then he was gooooooooone.
But that was ok 'cause I started to see Kent Throlson just up the way and decided to put in another effort and try to bridge up to him. I was just entering the run-up section and he was coming out. I was feeling pretty good and thought I had a chance. Just as I was making my way up the last set of stairs I cramped up. I had to pull over and stretch it out. Oh well, maybe next time.. As I made my way to the start finish they were waving me off the course :( It felt like I was caught in a speed trap and was about to get a ticket. I was just starting to feel good again. But it felt better to be done. I was pretty happy with my race. Especially since it was my 6th cx race of the season and I finished 47th out of 70 riders that took the start. Got the bike washed off/iced up and headed back to the hotel for a quick shower and then back up 35W to the Cities.
thanks again for all the cheering, Mike, Jay, Francis, and all the others out there that I couldn't recognize, it keeps ya going:)
Michelin Mud II cross tyres
On my way out of town for Nat's I realized that the casing on my trusted Hutchinson tyre in the back was blown so I had to stop and pick up a new sneaker. I was going to go to the shop but no one answered the phone so I thought everyone was probably in KC. Well I ended up with the Mud II and to my surprise it worked really well. Hooked up nice on the snowy off cambers and ruts, there were a few. I think they have a little more volume than the Hutchinsons which would have been nice up front with the rough conditions. Good tyre!
Year end recap
What a year. My best so far on a bike. Started off kinda rough in Iowa with that double header back in March. Got caught chatting it up with Tuffy in the back of the pack. I remember Him telling me that we were at the back of the pack so I stood up to see the pack starting to accelerate. So I grabbed the big ring and took off passing a bunch of riders only to cook myself trying to bridge up. Just as I made contact with the group they took off again up the climb. Bye Bye. My day was done. So done in fact that I sucked it up bad in the crit the next day. After that race I got busy with family stuff and didn't make it to any of the RR's. Did an Opus, 15th(or so) at the State Crit, 3rd at Northfield(should have got 1st or 2nd), 1st at Hopkins, 4th at the Campus Crit (should have got 1st), 1st at a Dakota, then 12th at the State RR(should have got 1st). All in all a pretty good year. Ok a great year for me.
Keep your ears tuned to the Bike Throw this week, should be some good stuff. ;)
Good luck Lalla, Francis and everyone else who is racing tomorrow (today), GO PAGE!
Weez out...
*If any of this doesn't make sense (especially the coulda, shoulda, woulda part), notice what time I wrote this. I'm dead tired but my legs are restless and won't let me sleep* :(
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Wuz Up Wit Wiki?

Thursday, November 22, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Tough day inthe saddle
There might be a few people concerned about my performance today. To them I say don't worry. I have a month till Nationals and plenty of time to get my fitness back before the road season.
For now I'm going to go back into my living room and continue watching "Fire Fox" with Coop.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Ho hum
That brings me to this weekends State Championships at Basset Creek. I was getting all excited, ok trying to get all excited, about the race when I heard from the boys at BT (Bike Throw) how the Cat 3 race was stacking up. Oh snap! I'm thinking what's the point. I've sucked it up all season. Haven't really trained in 2 weeks. Still feel like crap. Now this.
I had such high hopes for my cross season this year. Those hopes are in the toilet. :P
I guess I could whine about how things have turned out (done) and how badly I'm going to get spanked on Saturday (TBD), or just not show up...
Or, or I could just toughen the %!&# up!
Here's to you Stewie!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
2nd to last
I'd write up something for a race report but my cold and lack of training really put me into a not so comfortable place today. I can't remember much except thinking how cool this course was. There was a little mud :P that kicked my butt. Did anyone ride that ditch every time? I managed to ride it on laps 1 and 2 but made friends with the Earth on lap 3 and decided to dismount and run it the rest of the race.

Again, I went out too hard from the start and faded back, and back, and back. Oh well, I wasn't expecting much on the day but my goal was to not come in last place. Job done!
I want to give a shout out to everyone who cheered me on today; The Fam, Pete, Dan, Ben, Jay, Kristy, Rob, Leslie, Ty, Jean, and it sounded like others. It really helps on days like today.
Next up:
Milaca ( maybe)
State Championships
Nationals
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Good and Bad
The good part about missing the race was that I was able to install this...
a brand new Sram cross crank onto my trusty old Redline. First estimates show that it shaved 2lbs off the overall weight. NICE!
With a wheel change I might be able to get it down to 19lbs just in time for the Grumpy Cross.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Who's your favorite?
So I'll throw that question out to my readers, all 5 of ya.
Who's your favorite local, not including yourself:
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Twine Ball Torture Fest

I ended up finishing a little better but that could have been a result of the smaller turnout. I think there were 40+ racers in the B's.
Oh well, I finally got some CRY points which was nice for what could be my last B race. I've decided to give it a go in the A's at the Red Barn Classic. Not that I've posted any results that warrant the move to A's, but it's all about pushing myself to get better. I'm hoping that it will make the 45 minutes at Nationals hurt a little less.
And no the pic up top is not from the Twine Ball race. I just thought it was a cool picture of the three amigos.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Boom Boom Cross Jam



Thanks http://www.skinnyski.com/ for the pics!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Practice + Confidence = Success
Most of you have already mastered re-mounting w/o having to do the little stutter step. Today was the day that it finally clicked for me. Very much like when I learned (from Doug Swanson, H-wood Cross Clinic) how to dis-mount by placing your right leg in between your left leg and the bike (sweet spot) instead of bringing you right foot around and basically kicking you left foot off the pedal. It's really weird cause I don't think I could go back to the old way (stutter step).
Since I decided to go to Nationals and race the 30-34 masters event :P, I've decided to actually train for cross this year. Hudson wasn't a great result but it was a great opportunity to check my fitness and see how much I need to improve. To help in the motivation department I even have a little course set up in the park across from my house complete with grass, pavement, sand, a run-up and two barriers. If nothing else it's fun freaking my neighbors out. I'm sure by now they think I'm a freak.
Next up:
Boom Island Factory Cup. I've never raced this one so I'm looking forward to it and hopefully in better form.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
One down
Enough talkie talkie...
Don't worry Mike, it's all good. ;)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
ToA???
http://www.velonews.com/race/dom/articles/13387.0.html
Your thoughts:
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Floyd forced to cough up TdF title-Ha ha
And the douche bag of the year award goes to...
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Colin McRea 1968-2007
Sunday, September 09, 2007
H-WooD Cross Clinic
It was fun getting back into the swing of things and Doug and Aric had a lot of good tips--Thanks!
The clinic was all I needed to remember how hard cross can be. I must be getting old, the bod is a little sore, and the lungs need to be worked on a little before my season starts.
But that's why I love cross.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Hudson cross race...
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Things that are Cool and things that are not:
- Grumpy's/LGR putting on a cross race at the Velodrome (super cool)
- Vuelta starting today
- Team Slipstream getting a bid for the '08 TdF (hopefully)
- Me being able to race cross this year :)
Things that are not cool:
- Tommy D crashing out of the Vuelta
- Critical Mass acting like an ASS! (way to make bikers look bad)
- Lance pulling the plug on Disco forcing riders to look for new deals--if they can.
- Public bathroom shenanigans
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
It's official
Hell ya!
Now onto better things, like cross. After taking a year long break--I'm baaaaaaack!
I'll start it off with B's and see when I'll be able to hang with the A's. Of course that means I'll have to race with Paul again. :
I hear that Sickboy is making a come back too. Or did he race cross last year. I guess I thought the whole world stood still while I wasn't racing. Maybe not?
Mud, Sweat, Cold and Vomit...
...Awesome!
Make sure you all make it out to the Hollywood cross clinic on the 9th!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Race re-Crap
Oh well, it's time for cross. :)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
State RR Championships on Sat.
I'll post a race recap when I get back.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
4th @ Campus Crit
Now I can upgrade to 3's after the State RR Championships.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
1st @ Dakota tonight-4/5's
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
TdF, a race for 3rd place
Now the rest of the Tour will be a battle between Discovery and Predictor Lotto. With about a minute between Cadel and Levi, it's the race to watch!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
No TGC for me :(
Hope you all did well and come back in one piece.
Please hit me up with some race reports so I can get my fix racing vicariously though y'all.
---
BTW
I had a pretty good feeling that it was going to come done to Vino (sans injury), Cadel and Levi after today's TT. Those were my top 3 for the Tour this year. Some don't think that Levi has is to be a Tour contender i.e. Super Rookie, I think you're all wrong. Now he will show you how wrong you are. Wait for it...
That said, my money is on Cadel.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Dehydrated = No Recovery
Otherwise Silver had a great showing last night in the Masters 4/5 with Wally taking 3rd and all the other moves. It was awesome racing with so many teammates. I had a blast even though I stunk it up. We'll get LSC next time.
Who's going to the Tour of Granite Country? I'm planning on doing the RR 4/5's non Masters. See ya up there! :)
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Skater vids
Monday, July 09, 2007
Bring Down the Rain Part II- Hopkins Crit




Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Northfield Crit- Bring down the rain!
Drove down to Northfield with my neighbor who runs the J&B DC here in the cities. AS we roll out we both say something to the affect that we should bag the race and spend the day with our families--being the 4th and all.
Well we decide to go anyway.
His race is at 9:40 and mine at 11:30. I've got plenty of time to get ready, maybe too much. Anyway Bill gets ready and rolls up to the line. He's been away from racing for 6 years and doesn't have the chain on the big ring for the start. He can't spin it up onto the big ring so he heads over to the neutral support to fix it. Just as he get it in the stand they start the race. Not cool cause by my watch it's 9:38. He finally gets it set and tries to catch up with the group. Not happening. He tries for a lap or two and throws in the towel.
At about the same time Todd Heiser rolls up to me to ask if they already started the race. I had to break the bad news.
This was not a good start to the day...
So Todd and Bill are left with nothing to do but watch the race that got away. :(
Too bad cause it was a good race. Scott Flanders took a flier with several laps to go and held it to the end (foreshadowing). That guy is hardcore.
Normally when I arrive way early for a race I get really nervous. Today was no different.
After a good time warming up I got to the line with my "A" game. I was feeling pretty good and grabbed a spot in the 2nd row. All I could think about was the Gatorade that Bill promised me if I podium'd and that I better do something good here today if I'm going to be away from the fam on the 4th.
I'll get to it.
Before we started I noticed that Sam and Eric Oftedahl and Chris Fisher were on hand and thought that my day was over before it started. Damn!
So were racing and the tempo is pretty good. The attacks didn't seem too threatening so I hung out at the back. Since I didn't really know Eric or Sam, the only other H-WooD riders, there wasn't any plan to work with each other. From what I could see Eric, Sam and Chris were hammering the pace and going for all the primes. Being that these guys are semi-pro mtb'ers, and kick my ass on the dirt, I was just hoping to hang in to the end.
I think it was a little over half way through the race when I realized I was at the back of the field of about 16 or so riders (started with 47). The rest got shelled off. I decided that I had reserved myself enough and wanted to move to the front to show Sam and Eric that I had enough in my legs to do something. At the time I had no idea what that something was. I was thinking that they may try to launch Sam at some point and figured that was cool with me and that I'd help my much faster teammate out. So I move up to the front just as some guy goes off the front. So I decide to kick it up a notch and chase him down. By now we have just over 8 laps to go. As I get up to this guy he just sits up. I coast past him and look back at the group. No response. So I decide to dig a little and see if I can't put some time on them. As I make my way around this technical course I hear someone yell out "you have about 20 seconds on the group". As I'm doing this I can hear Lalla "What are you thinking"? As I continue on my own I hear the time gap drop to 15 seconds then to 10 seconds. OK time to rethink the strategy here. So I sit up and wait for the group hoping that I can drop back into the front with these guys.
I make my way back to the front of the group and realize that I'm recovering quite quickly. NICE! Now all I'm thinking about is positioning for the sprint. With one lap to go I'm in great position and feeling even better. Can't remember what happened on the back side of the course. But as we made our way around the final turn I had a little ground to cover. It think I was in 6th or so position. That's when I went ape. I felt so strong and just went for it. Just then I get boxed in by two dying riders. I could see that Chris was in front with two guys chasing. Once a lane opened between these two I was on the gas again and gaining fast on the third place guy. I knew that I was held up too much to contend for 1st or 2nd but that I had a shot for 3rd. just a couple meters from the line the 3rd place guy popped and I had to throw the bike at the line to get it. I probably got him by half a wheel. man did that feel good. I was so excited to have race so well. I did wonder a little what it would have been like if I hadn't got boxed in. I know I had the legs to make a run at first. But then again, that's racing. In all fairness though, Chris and the brothers Oftedahl were using this as a training workout and if they hadn't been pushing the pace the whole time or going after primes, they would have worked together and probably gotten 1,2,3 on the day. Either way it felt pretty darn cool to be able to race with that caliber of riders.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
How NASCAR can save cycling
This way the team will have more of an interest in the teams adherence to anti doping policies.
Hell ya, leave it to NASCAR to save cycling.
Go Jr.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Vegas Baby- The Pics
My favorite burger joint In-N-Out Burger, Yum!
The lagoon at the pool... Ahh
The Hoover Dam
Havin' a good time at one of the resort bars
A view from atop Bootleg Canyon 3500+ feet
...another
The trail
Me feeling back home in the desert
Note: it was 105 degrees and climbing
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Time for an update
I'm still learning. Rode pretty well stayed with the pack and ended up 14th on the day. What I learned. When someone is up the road and there are 2 laps to go... Don't try to reel him back in. Could have done a lot better if I would have just raced for second place. Oh well, live and learn.
---
Today tried a little racin' in the dirt. Man this stuff is hard. How easily we forget. I was about half way through the 2nd of 3 laps when I cased a sharp rock. Pfffsssssssssssss. Dead flat. I got the tube changed in record time and only gave up maybe 3 spots when I went for the co2. Could get the damn thing to work. And no I didn't let the air out. So I'm trying everything, even read the directions. Arghh! Then Adam rolls up complaining about drive train issues. After 10 or so people went by I decided to bag it. Guess it was finally my time to get a flat in a race. Can't bitch too much.
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Going out to Vegas on this week and have a half day mtb ride planned. Should be a good time. I'll get some pics up later.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Opus V
I was shocked to be racing to say the least.
It sure was nice to be back to racing after a month and a half off :(
I was too excited to really care how I ended on the night. I was talking to Tim Girod (cat 4 points leader) about my strategy for the night, I was thinking about going for the first sprint so I could have enough time to go for the last. Tim had a better idea of going for the 2nd since most would hit the 1st with their fresh legs. So I agreed and changed my plans. Well, I thought I had...
We roll up to the start and I find myself on the front line. What am I thinking here? I joked around that this would be the only time I would lead the race. Ha ha. Gun goes off and Tim and I lead everyone out around the course. Pace is quite leisurely. Third lap. I find myself in pretty good position and decide to go for the sprint. So I whined up with everyone and manage 5th. I kinda held back a little bit being concerned that I'd blow up. Looking back now I should have buried the needle. Oh well.
So now I'm thinking it won't be long till I shoot out the back and get lapped. My legs were feeling pretty tight and heavy at this point. I just kept telling myself to stay with the pack, do what ever it takes. Surprisingly my legs started to come back around. Around enough I guess.
I was able to hang with the group quite easily and even take the lead a couple times. I even lead out one of my Silver Cycling teammates Ben Schinke.
Just before the final lap I decided to make a break and take a flyer. So up and over the start/finish I went with no one on my wheel. Dropped down the hill through the S's and just before the back straight saw that Jason Wenk(All 9 Yards) was right there. I knew at that point that I didn't have it in my legs to contest.
In the end I was super stoked!
Here's why:
- First time racing cat 4 at Opus
- Usually get lapped my first time at Opus every year
- And the kicker--I haven't trained that much lately
So the bug is back and I can't wait till next Tuesday!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Up 'n Up
Didn't I say that last year?
This is getting old.
I need to get back to race in a bad way...
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Embro Junkie

My latest trial is the POWERbreathe distributed by Gaiam.
Here's some quick stats:
Studies have shown that time trial performance improves in elite rowers (Voliantis et al., 2001a) and cyclists (Romer et al., 2001a) by as much as 4.6%! That slashes almost 3 minutes off a 40km cycling time trial, and gives a winning margin of more than 60m in a 2000m rowing race!


Now I'm not sure how well this little jem will work. But since I've been using it twice daily I find that when I finally get a chance to ride, I don't feel as lousy as I should. Guess I'll just have to see if it really works and report back later.
I do get some funny looks when I use it on my commute to and from work though.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Basso out, Nod goes to Levi
www.velonews.com
www.eurosport.com
Now meez likes Disco again!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Update
Oh and I'll be missing Ken Woods as well, on account it's my son's B-day. Which is very cool 'cause I'm getting him his first bike. :)
But never fear, I'm still training, not as much as I'd like but still training none the less.
And I haven't had a chance to represent the new team yet (Silver Cycling-H-WooD Cycles). :(
On a positive note, I won't be able to bitch about being burnt-out this year. :)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Ride, Finally
Still undecided about Oxbow.
Who's going?
Monday, April 09, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Looking.... eh
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Need a laugh?...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6021365693605761325&q=darth+vader&hl=en
Monday, April 02, 2007
What I miss
Sunday, April 01, 2007
EPIC!!!
I did manage to get away from the wife and kids for a weekend of racing. Got my rear handed to me in the process. That's kinda EPIC.
Satuday's RR in Altoona:
Made the 3 and a half hour drive from the Cities just in time to register throw the bike together and get in a warm up. The race started and I was felling really good, really strong. By the time we got into the second lap I was kinda bored actually. Except for the constant accelerations out of the turns. It seemed everyone liked taking the turns really fast and then honking on the brakes. Well 3/4's into lap two I was haning out with Tuffy who just got done telling me that this was it and to be carefull 'cause we were at the back. So I figured it was time to heads back up towards the front. Problem was that front started pedaling away from us. OH CRAP! I quickly realized that I had to gas it or my race was over. So I did. I had to put in a pretty hard effort, too hard, to get up there. And once I was there the group hit a small climb and drilled it again. Pop goes the Wiki! I was in trouble. Nothin left in the legs and I was dropped. GAME OVER. Should have been more attentive. Could of had a much different result on the day.
Still mad about this one >:(
Des Moines Crit
Uh where's the sun and warmer temps I was promised by the weatherman? Man it was cold! I toughed it out anyways, not sure why. It stared off fine but then on the second lap, kabooooooom, bye bye. Legs said eh eh no chance dude. That sucked!
I did want to thank everyone out there who cheered me on and forced me to stay out there; Andy, Mike, Rob, Some Grumpy's guys and Super Rookie--thanks for the push!
All in all great weekend! Got some good training in (get it). Made some new friends hung out with old ones. Not bad. Not bad at all.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Wer'z da Grizz?
We here at the Wiki BLOG value our readers and will be taking steps to better our product in the next few weeks.
Stay tuned...
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Thanks
We TT'd it and took a little shortcut and caught back on, NICE!
Mike I think you'll do pretty well this year, riding very strong.
You da man!
Monday, March 19, 2007
My favorite time of year

It's time to ride once more (outside).
I don't know about you but I love the first of the spring training rides. Obviously the warm temps are nice but being able to smell things again is nice too.
Wrap it all up into one smell--the earth, mud, grass, flowers. Wait, did I say flowers? Sure, I'm man enough to say that right? Okay maybe I should say plants. That's better.
Alright, this post is going south quick! Time to talk about something more manly.
Got it!
My Jedi Bike Training is almost complete. I'm feeling stronger than ever before. Time to throw down!
You ready?
Friday, March 16, 2007
Friday, March 09, 2007
New colors to fly...
With this change in focus comes a change in kits... more of an addition really.
Not that it's any real big news (meaning- I'm not a Pro) but I've decided to ride for Silver Cycling/H-WooD Cycles for the upcoming road season. I'm really excited and looking forward to gettin' to know the new squad.
Does this mean I'm leaving BCR, heck no!. When I hit the dirt this year I'll be sportin' the orange of BCR as usual.
Looking forward to a great '07.
First order of business, the Altoona RR and Des Moines Crit.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Embro Junkie
This weeks (like there will be one next week) product review,
Elite Ozone Depil Mouse.
After several months of not shaving the old legs they can look like that of a gorilla. Boooo. So with a gift card from perfromancebike.com I decide to give this stuff a try.To use, simply spray on holding can 10-15 cm away from your legs. Leave it on for a good 6 to 9 minutes. Application time varies depending on hair structure. Then wipe off. Make sure that by 12 minutes you've rinsed it off. Harmful side affects may occur if you don't. So says the can.
As one can see the initial results weren't that great. I'll admit, the error was made by the user not the product. Seems as though you need to apply enough so that the foam covers the hair completely. After waiting 48 hours for the second application, this is so you don't melt away any skin, it worked smashingly!
Over all Id say the stuff works quite well. Might not use it again for the first mowing but definitely maintenance throughout the season.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Straight from a reader of Velo News
What's with those Discovery jerseys?
Editor:Is there a reason that "Discovery" is written upside down on the back right side of the team's jersey? You would think they would have caught that one.
Udo ReisingerChapel Hill, North Carolina
Perhaps it's an attempt to get the attention of the mainstream media (MSM), which is said to view everything from the left. - Editor
Sunday, February 18, 2007
First win of the season for BCR!
No it wasn't a bike race, we're talkin 5k run. I've got a ribbon to prove it too.
I was up in Walker, MN for the Eelpout Ice Fishing tournament. And no, we didn't catch any fish. Had a couple beers (obviously in no shape to run) and lost a nice amount playing poker. Good times!
I should mention that I won my age group 30-34 that had 4 people in it. But I still won the blue ribbon so ha!
Nice job Levi!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Training?...
Soon to come:
Product review from Embro Junkie. Should be good.
Train on trainer