Finally found motivation for cross...

Hope it lasts longer than this sinus crap I've been dealing with.

Afton??? Not ready yet. Going to pass in afton this wknd. Might stop by and take pics and/or have finley race. We'll see. Good luck to all my BCR teammates!

Don't forget to register for chequamegon!

Gained 12 lbs since state cx and haven't been on my bike once. Kinda feels nice not to think about training. But then again I'm kinda freakin out sitting on my ass! Trying to wait until March 1 to start, we'll see how it goes.

2010 Race Schedule

5/16/2010 Spring Cup, Inver Grove Heights, MN
6/06/2010 Afton Avalanche, Afton Alps, Hastings, MN
6/27/2010 Bluff Riders Charge - Mt Kato, Mankato, MN
7/04/2010 Memorial Classic, Red Wing, MN
8/01/2010 Buck Hill Birch Bump, Burnsville, MN
8/08/2010 MNSCS/WORS Trek Border Battle, River Falls, WI

That's it 5 maybe 6 races. And yes, no road races form me this year.

TdF Picks

1. Lance
2. Wiggo
3. Evans
4. Contador

Yes, I realize how great of a climber Alberto is, but take away the team he had last year that brought back all the attacks and there's his chink in the armour. Wiggo's performance last year was proof to himself that he can win and I expect him to come back in better form. Evans got screwed last year with a weak team that couldn't support a tour contender. I see this as his best chance to make something happen. If he approaches the Tour with determination and not a whiny attitude, he could do better than 3rd. Then there's this Lance guy that no one has heard of (7 times). The 'Old Guy' came back after 3 years off and finished quite well wouldn't you say. There is no doubt that he could have done more damage on GC had he not had to support Contador. He's playing down the teams focus at the Tour and talking up Alberto's climbing ability, I ain't buyin it. Sure I'm a big fan of Lance, not afraid to admit that, but if your from the MN WI area you gotta support a team that picks up riders like Bjorn Selander.

Echooooo Echooooo

Wheeeeeeeeeew

Cough, cough...

Man this thing has some dust on it.

Don't know why I care to ask but...

Does anyone look at this anymore?

I'm suprised I could remember how to use it.

If you need to reach me try Facebook or twitter @mlwiken

Lance to Team Radio Shack 2010

http://www.teamradioshack.com/getready/

Update- MNSCS #2 and Road Stuff

For starters, this blogging thing is kinda the last thing on my list of things-to-do. Just like everyone else, FB and Twitter (@mlwiken) have pretty much taken over and are hella easier to use.

MNSCS #2
There is a reason for this late race recap. I'll get to that in a sec.
I was really looking forward to this race since I like the climbs and prefer them to the flatter courses. Once at the line, not liking this 35+ Comp class, I decided that I would first focus on catching and passing as many young bucks as I could. That went quite well so I knew I was riding strong. Except when the f.der. wouldn't drop to the granny >:-( I stopped fixed the der and continued on still feeling pretty good. Then with one lap to go I decide that I would attack on the Man Handler to pull back as many positions as I could and then bring it on home. Well, the MTB Gods had different plans for me. I flatted heading over Porters Pile. I changed it in record time, for me, and only lost 8 or so places. Then just before the base of the Man Handler, Pffsssssssss. Damn, flat number 2 and I ain't got no more tubes. DAMN IT!

I'll just have to wait to get my revenge at Mt. Kato.

In the meantime I'm planning on hitting up the State Fair crit tomorrow 3/4, Stillwater on Sunday, then focus on Mt. Kato.

I need to get one of these...

I think I might know of someone who makes furniture like this.

MNSCS #1

Racing the mtb this Sunday in the MNSCS Spring Cup. Looking forward to racing in the dirt with a team that has some real potential. I was really concerned about not being ready for this race with this damn cold, surprise, but seeing how my teammates are riding, I'm not really that concerned about myself. How big of me I know. But seriously, the Grizz is looking like he did 10 years ago. If you raced against him then, then you know you're in trouble. One of the best single track riders I've seen. Then there's Dan, this cat starts out nice and easy, then ramps it up and starts chasing everyone down. You can always count on him to grind up riders. Chris, well I don't know much about this guy since I've been racing road for a few years, but I do know he's fast. Smoked me at the Leb TT a few years back, he's a hammer. Tybo, well if he upgrades to Comp it's all over. Neil and Scott seem to have put a ton of miles in already this year. Neil did this 100 miles to nowhere thing (crazy) and some other 100 mtb race. Scott, don't think I forgot about how you almost passed me at our little BCR Paper Plate Shout Out. Damn! And finally, I think, we have Andy M. coming back to the BCR fold. He always finished well up in the results.

So you see. That's why I'm not to concerned with how I do. It's going to be a great show either way.

Now lets go get some point shall we?

BCR Paper Plate Shoot Out race location and other details

Please follow this link to find out where the race will be held:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhdhdsx2_140f7h4kcfc

BCR Paper Plate Shoot Out Invitational

It's more like an organized mtb ride with a race feel

Deets go here: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cGJDQUUza3owYWh0TWxyLVZ3NnA4SWc6MA

Another group ride

Rode with the GP group this morning. Put in a some good efforts but realized that I still have some work to do. Not sure that Durand will be in the cards, just not ready yet. Besides, It looks like I might only be doing maybe 3 races on the road bike this season. Not sure it's worth it to fork over $60 for my license. Only time will tell...

Prescott Ride

What an awesome ride today. I was jazzed, yes jazzed to get out on a group ride today. The route was nice and hilly.

Thanks everyone for showing up even though it was a little chilly. Does anyone remember who got the state sign at the end of the ride?

0.0007366 kilometer

I've been hoping to get a new mtb for this season. If all goes well I'll need to decide on what to get. But being a traditionalist it won't be an easy decision. It appears that the 29 inch craze is here to stay. I'll admit that I'm skeptical. It's not like this is the first time that a larger wheel sized mtb has been introduced to the industry. I'm sure some of you recall the Override series, I'm sure there were others, from Diamondback that Dave Weins and crew were rockin back in the early to mid 90's. They eventually failed because they didn't hold up and DB pulled the plug on them. Sure they were 700c wheels and wheel technology has come a long way since then. But maybe, just maybe the technology isn't the only thing that has changed. I recently read Doug Swanson's post regarding how mountain bike courses have changed. Maybe that's why these 29'ers work. I keep thinking back to the strength of the 26 inch and the fact that the smaller wheel is physically easier to get up to speed. But then there is something to say about a larger wheel being easier to maintain momentum of choppy stuff.

I'm interested to hear from anyone who has a 29'er out there. Are they happy they switched? Is it better suited for today's race course? Is there a brand that is considered an expert in the 29 inch world?

Waiting

Seems like these days all I do is wait.

Wait for the days to tick off the calendar till the weather gets nicer and the races start. I've been pretty dedicated to training which compared to some might not be that much but I'm feeling good about it. Can't wait to see if it was all worth it.

There will be no early racing in Iowa or Missouri for me this year.

Here's my tentative race schedule for 2009:

Durand RR
An Opus or 2

5/17/2009 Erik's Spring Cup, Inver Grove Heights, MN
5/31/2009 Afton Avalanche, Afton Alps, Hastings, MN
6/28/2009 Bluff Riders Charge, Mt Kato, Mankato, MN
7/12/2009 Memorial Classic, Red Wing, MN
7/26/2009 Hillside Park Single Track Attack, Elk River, MN
8/09/2009 Buck Hill Birch Bump, Burnsville, MN
8/16/2009 MNSCS/WORS Trek Border Battle, White Tail Ridge, River Falls, WI


I'll probably add some more races for the latter part of the season but we'll see how it goes.

It's too bad that my teammates haven't real bought into my mtb schedule. They still think that I'm racing on the road. Where's the faith? Maybe I should look for another team? Ha ha! Lets face it, who would want me. Maybe they'll believe after I kick the Grizz's ass at the Spring Cup!

What a day for cycling; Pugfest, Ride with Fin, Lalla in AZ, AToC

The Grizz and I got out to Elk River to get some footage of the 2009 Pug Fest. Tom Miller took top honors by catching and then passing the Pugsley leaders. Nice work Tom!

I think we got some great footage that the Grizz is cutting up as I write this. Can't wait to see the final product. We'll have some stills up soon as well with links to the video on MORC.

So that made for a great morning but it got better when I arrived at my house. Finley was dressed and ready to go riding with Dad. Way cool! We ended up riding for almost an hour and a half. He is way more hardcore than his old man. Speaking of old man, I hear this a lot from Lalla, I wonder how racing went for him this weekend down in Phoenix for the Valley of the Sun race. I'm expecting a race report soon...

Now I'm ending the day by watching the AToC that I recorded from earlier today...

Just got a quick update from Lalla, 10th in the crit today. Very well done Mike. You're livin' the dream!

Back to AToC. too bad to hear that Fabian had to drop out with illness. Guess that makes it a little easier for Saxo to pick their guy for the week. Wonder who it will be. I'm hoping for Jens. We'll know after today. Either way though it looks like Rock Racing is going to score big today. This will be a great week of racing.

How about Lance wearing a mtb visor on his helmet, NICE! So how many people will be sporting them at Durand and Ken Woods?...

I'm not Tuft

Read this article from the NY Times.

Poor Michael

They're tough on swimmers.

Forget Belgium

Lalla put your euro plans on hold and check this summer job out.

Cabin Fever

Yeah it's really starting to settle in now.

Got a race recap from Lalla last night and with the Tour Down Under about to start I'm really getting the itch.

The training has been progressing, I've been out skiing a few times but I'm sooooo looking forward to May 17th so I can start my season on the dirt. I'm guessing that the Cat 2's (previously Comp) will be pretty tough with the existing pool of riders plus all the roadies making appearances through out the season.

It's going to be a great year!

bjorn gets picked up by livestrong www.velonews.com

http://www.velonews.com/article/86531/the-trek-livestrong-u23-team-tunes-up-in-austin

lacin' em up | 26'er, 29'er, 69'er, why not 24?| 24 | Skiing

On the skates again

So it's been ten years since I last laced up the hockey skates. Finley had his first skating lessons on Saturday and so we went out again yesterday at the neighborhood rink. I was able to bring my stick and slap the puck around. Man it was nice to get out there again. It all came back fairly quickly. Come to think of it I haven't played in a hockey game since my days at Erik's playing with Lalla and Erik himself. Those were the days.

New bike, what to get?

Now that things are finally happening at work I might be able to afford a new mtb for my return to the dirt. So the question remains, do I get a 26, 29 , or some funky combination of the 2? I remember this whole 29 craze back when Dave Wiens was racing for Diamondback. The Overdrives were 700c mtbs. They didn't last long with only a handful of other manufacturers jumping on the band wagon. It makes me wonder if this trend will really last. Sure the wheels are better engineered now but what about the physics involved here. Is a 29'er really any better than a 26, especially on tight single track? I've heard they are good for taller riders, is 6'1" considered tall?

24

Jack is back. I'm guessing Tony is actually good and working for the now defunct CTU. We'll see...



Skiing

Got out this weekend and did a few laps at Lake Elmo. I've been struggling with my climbing. I've felt like a deer on ice. My legs would get further and further apart. But yesterday I think I figured out that you want to keep your strides short. I used to have a hard time getting my legs back together in time for the next push. I've found that if you keep your legs from getting too far away from you that you can find a rhythm and climb more efficiently. So all you experienced skiers, am I correct here. I'm kinda learning this on my own and would appreciate any advise.

Need a bike rack?

It's that time of year again when we hang 'em up. So if your looking for a good way to organize your stable check out Dero's line of home and commercial bike racks.

http://www.dero.com/index.html

BTW- I designed the Wall Rack :)

xc ski tomorrow

so far me adam and dan are in. how 'bout you?

lake elmo around noonish. let me know if yer in.

-------
Updated 6:49 pm 12/21/08

Okay, so I chickened out on the skiing thing today. I was too excited that the snow made for more favorable conditions that I totally forgot about the temps. Oh well there's plenty of winter left.

Ain't got time for posts

Maybe this will tide you over?

http://theblackkeys.com/strangetimesgame/

Good bye 2008

Unimpressed...
Well yesterday brought another cycling season to it's end for me, and not on a good note. I was pretty disappointed in my performance at the State CX Championships yesterday. I had a great start and was with the heads of state. So the excuse of spending energy to get by traffic wasn't applicable. In fact I was the traffic out there. Halfway through the 1st lap I imploded. I wouldn't even call it a bonk. It was like I had only enough gas for a half a lap. I might as well have pulled over people were passing me so easily. The outcome of the race for me was completely opposite of my expectations. That made it a tough pill to swallow at the end of the year with no chance of redemption. I know that's racing, it just happens to be the sucky part.

What to look forward to...
Since my racing on the road has plateaued I will be making my way back to the dirt and continue to ride for the Bent Crank Racing squad. I'm really excited to focus again on racing the mtb and rollin with the BCR crew again. The venues have changed a little and I hear there will be a new categorization structure next year. It'll give me some new motivation to train and a reason to get a new mountain bike :D And since the mtb season starts a little later I can take a few more weeks off before I need to start training :)

I missed this...

Wow! The similarities.

My inspiration for next season

Green Acres...

...was the place to be.



Sorry, had to say it.



Well we finally had some cross conditions on Sunday. Completely different than Saturday at Afton. It was cold but I actually enjoyed it. Sure I almost lost my finger tips but it was worth it. And I really liked the course too. It had a little bit of everything, even sand! I think the toughest part of the course was up on top. After blowing up my lungs to make it up the hill it was hard to make it around the greasy fields and catch anyone.

Thanks Grizz for the pic!

More pics here

Racin' @ the Y

Wow what a day!?

Nice weather and a pretty good venue I thought.

I'm kinda a fan of off-camber and turny courses so I enjoyed the course that Big Wheel Flyers setup today.

It was a big day for my team today too. Ty got 16th in the 4's. This was his 1st cross race ever, NICE work Ty! Dan ended up 5th in the 45+ race, awesome! And yours truly finished the day in 10th, eh! Need more power.

Nice work guys! Let's keep the Orange train rollin'.

Next weekend I won't let you pass me Jason. At least that's my goal anyway. You either Kolyn. :)

Wirth Cross

Well I decided to toughen the F up and head out to Wirth Park for the race today. Glad I did. It was a fun race, tight in places, maybe less than 3 meters, but a nicely laid out course (thanks Paul and crew). The only complaint I could make was that it was too stinkin' hot for a cross race. And since that can't be helped it looks like I have no complaints. Well maybe the start. I think it was just before the first barrier and some guy flailed in front of me just as I was starting my dismount which caused me to flail and get passed by at least 10 riders. Oh well, that's racing.

Now if I could only get faster...

Get Your Superprestige Here...

http://www.vt4.be/home.php

More info here

Hudson/Hudson

For my first cross race of the year I decided to double up at Hudson--B and A races. Heck why not. Since I'm 33, race age 34 for the 2008 season and 35 for the 2009/cross season, I might as well.

The B race went pretty well. I was able to finish 12th which is good for me at any point in the season. Hudson has to be one of my favorite courses for cross. Some say it's more of a mtb course but I disagree. Sure it has some rocks and ruts that you don't typically see but the mud is always a treat. Then there is the Beach at Normandy. That thing kills me every year. Talk about mental focus. I think next year they should have us run through the water.

The A race...

This was more for training than anything else. However, from the start I actually felt good. I remember thinking that maybe the warm up from the B race would make this easier. I was for the most part hanging with the group with the leaders just in sight (first lap). Then we hit the beach and my legs said HELL NO!

So I spent the rest of the race in survival mode keeping an eye out behind me so I could get out of the racers way. I Think Bjorn passed me 4 times.

But just like any cross race, it was fun just being there!

Anyone seen any posted results?

Next up: Theo

Training for cross in 80 degree weather...

Are there any rules agianst wearing tanktops during a cross race? I think there is which is too bad with all this warm weather.

It makes me look forward to 50 degree days, yep I said 50.

It's been a long time...

Yes it has.

That's what happens when life happens. I've been way busy at work and home. And since my back was all messed up I decided to take some time off. I haven't really ridden my bike since the state road race :(

And of course as I'm just about to embark on my cross training (training for cross) I get a freakin cold :(

Oh well, this will be a pretty laid back cross season for me I guess. But that's really the whole point of cross anyway.

See you all at the Hudson race...

Saxo Bank and Specialized

Saxo Bank (formally CSC) will be riding specialized bikes in 2009.

State RR

This is how it went:

Good, then bad, then really good, then really bad.

Did anyone see my flip into the ditch after the climb on the last lap. It had to look impressive. I got at least 10 ft of air.

Next up, healing.

Doing the commute thing again...

Talked the boss into letting me commute again to get some needed miles in if I decide to race this weekend. So I will have saved 160 miles of gas in two weeks. I think that's pretty good.

So with the RR season coming to an end I hope it starts getting cool out so I can train for cross. It's time for a change.

I'm a commuter now

Yup, I finally did it. Drove the car to work, left it at my parents and then rode from Wayzata home to Woodbury. This of course means I'll have to ride back tomorrow morning. I've been squawking about doing this for months and finally decided to man up and do it. Started in the rain which finally stopped once I got to Minneapolis. Ran into this guy on Summit. I'm not quite sure why I'm doing this now that the season is pretty much over. Oh well. Maybe it will help me finish my 1st road race of the year if I decide to race the State RR Championships. Not sure about that one yet. I'm a little gun shy after getting my ass handed to me at the Tour of Granite Country.

Interesting Poll

Looks like lots of people feel Sastre was lucky that Contador wasn't invited to the party...
http://www.velonews.com/node/80887

And where is my boy Basso?

Tour of Granite Country Race recap

Honestly I'm too dang tired to write anything worth reading. It's hard work DNF'ing ya know.



The courses were great and the race was well run :)

If you didn't show you missed out. :(

Frustration

Just saw the finish of today's stage. Working from home RULES!

When you watch it keep an eye on Julian Dean. No spoiler here. Just watch him come through the line.

You tell me what he's thinking.

ToGC

Well I'm heading up to race in my first stage race this weekend at the Tour of Granite Country. I'm really excited especially since this will be my first attempt at a TT as well.

So, it would be really swell if all the fast guys would stay home this weekend so I could score some much needed points ;)

I'll try to post up some race reports in the evenings.

DOUCHE BAG!

COME ON!

http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/80269/riccardo-ricco-tests-positive-saunier-duval-team-withdraws

Personally, I'm not surprised. Now of course this doesn't mean that we need to get all down on the tour. But, unfortunately the press will make a big deal out this and steal away from what's more important...

The none cheaters.

I guess that's why this pisses me off. Now everyone will be talking dope again :(

Car Pool to Tour of Granite Country

Anyone interested in car pooling to this event???

Tour of Granite Country

Follow the link for the low down:
http://www.thefixmassage.com/My_Homepage_Files/Page10.html

We'll see...

Recovery ride

Anyone interested in a recovery pace ride tomorrow leaving from my house @ 6 am? I'm planning on riding 70-80 miles. Not sure on the route but I might head up to Stillwater then over to Wisconsin then down to Prescott. Or up and around Square Lake. I guess I'm open to suggestions.

Heck ya!

This is a positive trend...

http://www.velonews.com/article/77889/garmin-is-the-new-title-sponsor-of-the-slipstream-chipotle

Keep on keeping on

Tonight I made it to the State Fair Crit for the 1/2/3 and the 3/4 race. I hung in the 1/2/3 race longer than last time but wanted to save myself so I could work for my teammates in the 3/4 race. Turns out that was a good call. Since Jason was doing pretty well in the series we were trying to deliver him first across the line to get some points and maybe, I'm not sure, even win the series. Well.... it didn't all turn out the way we planned. I kinda blame myself since I should have brought Jason to the front going into the back straight on the final lap. If he would have been in a better position for the sprint I think he could have won it. Oh well. In the end I think he got 4th and I was able to muster 8th place which was great for me since it was a big improvement on my 29th place at Stillwater on Sunday. Continuous improvement. Can't ask for more.

Getting back in the groove...

What a way to spend Father's Day! Had my family, Christine's parents, my parents out at the race to cheer me on. Also, had Lalla and my neighbor (thanks for the pics) on the hill screaming at me. With out all that cheering I never would have made it. Thanks!
I'll admit I was pretty anxious to race on this course with the killer uphill and the screaming downhill into the tight turn at the bottom. Thankfully after my preride I was feeling much better. Which made me think of two things I was glade I did in preparation for this race; 1)racing at Afton the week before and 2)changing out my cassette.

After the start and making it up the hill I was actually feeling ok, but that second hill, like Ed said, was the kicker. I didn't blow up but those who were stronger (David S.) were able to separate themselves from the rest. I think it was on the 2nd lap where I settled into group of 3-5 riders where the racing for me started. As always, when the leaders are up the road it's nice to have a race within a race to make it fun. That group consisted of William Mayaviski and Brian Fosler (St. Paul Bicycle Racing Club), Jake Helmbrecht (Grumpy's/LGR) and Alex Atherton (Loon State). It was fun trading off with those guys. My one regret of the race was on the last lap going up the kicker on the backside. I had William and Jake on my wheel and I thought I'd try an attack and gap them. My timing was just a bit off and I gave up too early. I should have cashed in my chips and continued up the climb and bombed the short downhill and around the corner. If I had done that I might have got them to sit up. Shoulda coulda, woulda. ;)

All in all I was stoked that I didn't pop or get lapped. I even got to pass Kruse on the Chilkoot! I'm coming after you sickboy! Also, I wish I would have know that Erik Dahl was there. Great to see that you're back to racing! :) Or maybe you have been and I just haven't seen you since I race--like never.

The most fun was had, however, during the kids race where my eldest (Finley) raced in his first bike race! Proud Papa! sniff sniff.

So hopefully I'll finally be on a racing roll here and race tomorrow at the State Far Crit and then again in Richmond this weekend. I have to get ready to defend my title at Hopkins ya know. :D

Afton recap

What a great race yesterday. Good conditions, challenging course. It was nice to get back out on the dirt. It's kinda strange for me though. I used to know everyone, not personally but I knew all the faces and who the fast guys were. Not so much anymore. Does that make me a roadie? Or, the cringing that ensued after we hit the first section of mud. That has to make me a roadie.

Anyway, the race got under way and like last year I got hosed on the start. I was in 50th or worse position out of 69 riders. :( That's what you get I guess when you don't cheat and line up with the Experts. Douche move guilty parties. So after coming to a complete stop in the woods and chatting with people to pass the time we finally got moving again while the lead group was way up the trail. I have to admit it was nice just being there for the training and not really caring about my result. So after that we were single file for a while not really moving that fast. Then we got to Shady Lane. Not to toot my own horn but that's where I poured it on. I probably passed close to 20 riders. Then came the Man Handler. Dropped another 15-20 riders. I remember thinking that this was kinda fun. In truth I was excited that I hadn't paid for my effort up the first two climbs. I figured it would catch up to me real soon.

The second lap was just like the first except the passes where a little less frequent. On the third lap I was starting to feel it, starting to get caught. It didn't help that I had lost my second bottle on the 1st lap. :( I was starting to slow and my dreams of gaining on the leaders faded fast.

All in all I was stoked with how I rode. Hopefully I'll be more prepared for Stillwater on Sunday, maybe even turn the proverbial corner. We'll see.

It's time to get DIRTY!

In an effort to lift my fitness I will be heading to Afton on Sunday to compete in the Comp class. Since I don't do track I thought this would be the perfect way to get some intensity training, especially since it's in my backyard.

Sounds like Lalla will be joining me along with Dan. So we'll see what we can do to get some team competition points for BCR

Maybe we can pull off a 1-2-3. That would be SWEET!

Since the race starts at 1pm I plan on riding from my house leaving at 12. Let me know if you want to join me. It's about a 9 mile trip.

Let me tell you why I suck as a bike racer...

...I'm like water, I can't pick it up.

Sure I haven't raced since Ken Woods, well, I didn't really race, I pretty much dropped out. So that would put me back to the 1st Opus of the season. There I at least finished with the 1/2/3 group, whoopee.

Yet I still expect to do well in a 1/2/3 event even though I haven't really raced this season and I'm a newbie to cat 3. So yes, my castle is in the sky with no real foundation on the ground.

So it's back to the drawing board to see if I can figure out some way of salvaging my season. I just feel real bad about letting my teammates down.

But just like my lacrosse coach used to say,"It's time to get nasty!"
------
-Updated this morning-

Wah wah. Blah blah.

This always makes me feel better:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4415484536180232877&q=the+all+blacks&pr=goog-sl&hl=en

See y'all out there?...

Well it ain't pretty but this will be my route to the shop (Hoigaard's) tomorrow. I'm leaving from home shortly after 10. Maybe I'll see some of you on the road. From all the emails going around it sounds like a lot of people are going out to prescott. Why is it that everytime people head out towards my neck of the woods, I end up heading out West. Hmm? Oh well.

Real quick

Thanks VN for the pic

I'm no TT expert, duh, but this is one tight looking position on the bike.

Pause ||

Thanks to Google analytics, I can see just how bad my blog is. To the 6 or 7 of you who read this, or check to see if there is anything worth reading, don't get pissed if I don't write anything for a while. Meaning, I don't want any update your blog comments. If I get any good race results or recaps I'll put them up. But besides that I'm gonna lay low.

How 'bout some pics?

I will be the first to tell you how lame my blog has been as of late. I've been lazy. So here are some pics of the bachelor party I was at and some other random pics just to make it all look nice and get you up to date. Notice the lack of true cycling pics. Here's Cooper for Chinese New Year

Here he is at Disney World, I kinda feel this way right now. 'Cause of all the miles I'm putting in.

You mess with me and I'll send Moose and Rocco here to bust your knees

These are my new Specialized shades, very nice, they look better on Fin

Happy Mothers Day, NOT!

This guy just got back from Cheq. He came in like 10th I think. BTW, it's full carbon fiber.

This is what happened last weekend, oh the carnage!

At the Radio Head concert, which was awesome BTW!

Here's a good shot of how big the Verizon Wireless Center was. I was impressed

As you can see, there was some drinking involved which led to my great idea of pulling out the permanent marker. He got tagged pretty good. You should have seen his arms. He looked like Dennis Rodman. The marker is classic move, my personal favorite. So, don't get drunk around me...

The flight home, Ooch!

Recovery

No, not from racing. I was in NC last weekend for a bachelor party. Way too much booze involved. I'm just not cut out for late nights of drinking. Needless to say I haven't been riding much over the past week. I'd really like to do Opus tonight but I think I'd rather sleep. I'll get back on tomorrow morning. Don't worry team, I won't let you down.

Next up, next weeks Opus

Forget Steven Jobs...

If you've followed the latest bloggerment you'll understand why I wish Al Gore would never have invented the Internet. I mean wow!

P.S. Not everyone likes to go to extremes to customize their web enabled devices. My iPhone rocks just the way it is. And if you don't like iPhones 'cause they don't do what you want, create your own phone with your own open source platform.

Sorry for the rant. This is not a personal attack, I just don't get why people think this is so bad.

Feel free to enlighten me.

New cyclist in the fam

It was a big weekend at the Wiken house. After a morning of riding without training wheels and pedals, Finley (4) got the hang of riding his bike! Of course with the pedals back on.

This was one of my proudest moments :)

What happened at the Marty race?

Dave, did you win again?

Turned out not as bad as predicted weather wise.

There is hope

http://www.accuweather.com/forecast-15day.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=1&zipcode=55101&metric=0

Looks like Global Warming will finally make a comeback...

Ken Woods

I decided to take a little time before I said anything about the race. Mostly because I don't really remember it. It was as if had blacked out or something. I knew better than to show up under those conditions, 40 mph winds, to be specific. I just get so desensitized. Yeah sure I dropped my chain on a climb, but that wasn't the reason I sucked it up so bad. Just didn't have the legs or the toughness. I think I was just trying to forget it like a bad dream. It wasn't fun falling out the back of the group I was in half way through the 1st lap. :( Oh well, live and learn...

Can't make Marty this weekend so hopefully I'll be able to hit the Sunday or Monday race in Duluth over Memorial Day weekend. We'll see.

No Opus for me tonight

Had to put in some hours of yard work around the house tonight to get a pass for this weekend for Ken Woods. Looking forward to my first road race of the season. Should be a good time!



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. ;)

AM workout

Got out for an hour long ride this morning before work. A bit chilly but well worth it. I have company coming in tonight so I won't get out again until Sunday afternoon, hence no Durand for this guy >:(

That's all I have for now.

Go get your Wild on!

Anyone want to ride out my way this Sunday afternoon?

Wow!

So I logged in my first 1/2/3 at Opus. Man What a difference. It's nice not to have to worry about sketchy riders, and the speed, this is why I love racing.

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?

Nerves

All set and ready to race tomorrow. 'Bout time!

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!

Mental Toughness

Thought I'd go out for an easy 30 mile ride today. Then I thought I'd finally do those hill repeats on the coulee that I always said I'd do. So I did. 7 in a row in fact. Would have done more but ran out of time and had to head back to run some errands with the fam. The strangest thing that I found during my ride was that after the 1st climb, each one seemed to take less time than the descents. I know that's not true of course, but I guess I was just able to focus every bit of energy, both physical and mental, to the legs.

Hope I'm not too burnt to hang with the big boys at Opus on Tuesday. We'll see.

Could have been great...

Just imagine how awesome Oxbow would have been today. Talk about horrible conditions, perfect! Global warming? Yeah right!

Maybe next year.

Not so Mello, The interview

1. First bike? Trek 8000

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.

Guess I'll keep the yap shut

Didn't make it to the MCF meeting tonight, shocker. Had a better offer to go eat pizza with the fam. Besides, what could I really bring to the table to help out in this decision? Chip timing is going to happen, it's just a matter of how.

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?

Pros:

1. Total and lap times
2. Easier results posting
3. Maybe less dependency on officials

Cons:

1. Cost; to buy, lease or rent, that is the question
2. Cost to promoters
3. Cost to MCF
4. 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.

And everything was right again...

What can I Say. It was a perfect day for a ride. Dan was the only brave sole to venture out with me today. Thanks Dan for making it out. I would have eased up too much had I gone by myself. And yes, I did chase Dan around for a little bit. Riding strong man!

We left the school at about 10:30 headed down toward Spring Park west to Watertown up over to Maple Plain, then up to Loretto and then back into Wayzata. Just shy of 50 miles. My legs were feeling it. Stopped at Caribou for a coffee and rode Dan back to his car. I lied Dan. I went out for another 12 miles to stretch my legs getting my total over 60.

The nice weather brought out the riders, Looners, Flanders, some Hut riders, Gear West, Tonka and Silver. This is the best time of year if you ask me.

See ya all out around Afton tomorrow.

Saturday Ride the Western Suburbs

I'm planning on riding from Wayzata heading west around the lakes. 40+ miles. Looking to keep the pace high enough to give the legs a good test.

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

Ready to race?

I just had to post this picture when I found out that G.I. Joe is being remade into a movie.

Hook, Line and Sinker

I was going to write something about Steve's report on GM buying Specialized, which I too thought was sweet. But after further researching this I found it to be an April Fools joke.



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...

WTF?!

Seriously What The Frick?

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. :(

Ahhhhhhh!

Like a day at the spa. OK, I don't know what that's like but it seemed fitting. That's what riding today felt like. It was my first real ride outdoors this season and it was long over due.

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!

Salty

So I, like everyone else, was looking forward to Oxbow to open my season. Guess not huh. It's too bad that the promoters weren't able to pull things off this year. The one question that's floating around in my head is, why didn't they communicate this to anyone so that someone else could maybe pick it up. It could have been an opportunity for a few smaller clubs to band together to make it happen. I suppose there was more to it than just having the resources to pull it off.

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

crud done, training back on.

Crud part 2

Tried to go out for an easy 30 miles today even though I wasn't really feeling up to it. Turned out to be an easy 10 miles. I don't normally cut rides that short but I really felt like crap and knew it would be a bad idea to tough it out. Just like some of the other riders out there know, these kinds of colds have a tendency of hanging around. Couple more days of rest and we'll give it another go.

I got the crud >:-(

Damn it! This sucks! Was going to do a 4 hr ride with a group but have to bail since this crap got the better of me.

A long ride would have been nice before Oxbow.

Oh well, there's still time. :)

Lalla's B-Day

Say hey

I hope people are riding right now. I'm stuck at work watching the snow melt. :)

Weather

Just in case you haven't check lately, the weather is going to turn around quite nicely after this weekend. Mid 30's to 40's and it looks like we won't dip down again after that. And of course with daylight savings we get that additional hour :)

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

Would you look at that...

I don't know what to think of this. Pressure or motivation.

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!

Love it

http://www.citizensugar.com/1093812

time to post I guess... 'cause Ty said so

I think there is something wrong with me

It's only February 21 and I'm having dreams about racing. Am I all by myself here? Does anyone else find it hard to think about anything else? I'm gonna get my but spanked all season but I still can't wait for that 1st race with my new team. We'll have some pretty strong riders that on any given day could really cause some havoc in the group. I'm expecting Lalla to come out blazing this May when he returns home from Texas, such a beautiful country, um, I mean state. Then there is the 'Bomber' for long attacks, Eric is always good for an attack or sprint. Then there is the other new rider for the team this year, who will remain unnamed at this time. He's very strong and although I didn't follow his results from last year, he can kick some serious butt in other cycling disciplines. Then there is Ben, Matt and myself to round out the team.

It's going to be a great season...

There I go again. I'm dreaming about racing. Oh the madness! Will it ever stop?

Skiing tomorrow anyone?

I'm fixin' to go skiing tomorrow morning from 9:15 to 10:45 @ Lake Elmo

Any takers? I'm not all that great at skate skiing and will be taking it easy.

Skiing

FYI-
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!

Lazy

Just can't find the motivation right now. Just plain lazy really. The Grizz has a new blog (see right) and sounds like he's going to be serious this season. Everytime he does that he kicks my butt. There's really no point now. Maybe I should sell my bikes and get back into golf.



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

DUH!

http://www.velonews.com/race/int/articles/13954.0.html

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!

Guess who's back?...

The PALMS!

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?

Looky there

That sure is a nice jersey right behind me in the picture at the top of my blog. I think that's Ben. He's my new teammate. That's right it's transfer time folks, an I've joined up with Lalla and the rest of the Hoigaard's squad for '08.

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!

It has begun

Training, or at least my version of it. XC skiing, which I suck at, and hockey tomorrow with some Wild players, maybe. That should do it.

I'm way over my head...

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

До свидания

Merry Christmas!

Let it grow, let grow, let it grow.

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!

Nat's and more...

Congrats Bjorn
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* :(