9-Mile Creek Ridden

Weedy Log?

Today's new ride. Whew!!!




WEEDY BEFORE PIC

New Sqrl Log

Logged! "Sqrl Log" DOB star date 11/7, Thursday night 8:00PM. Estimate 25ft long, 3.5 ft at high point, 2ft round start to exciting less than 1ft round finish decent.

Funny how a tree graveyard can be such a birthing ground of fun. Love the river!

Eye'd, cleared then cleaned it Thursday night. Got the Gold star. Easier today in the daylight. Rode it twice today. Yep a worthy log. Simplicity, pulled a few branches and debris away and it goes all natural. No ramps needed. That's just like eagle log i found on other side of creek.

I spy two more worthy logs almost as long as this one. More later, maybe. Winter's coming....

Bad Andy Caught Racing

Hillclimb Champ for a Day

TNCX #1

Hot, like 88 degrees. Good times. 35+ results. I was surprised my legs held up to the SS challenge with 44x16 commuter gearing. Room for more racers to fill in the field......

Look at the speed variation difference Strava vs. WKO+ using same GPX file. Strava must smooth speeds out.

later

Murphy Menance

I chose not to do the SS race, maybe next year. It looked like fun. With new puppy at home decided not to go to DuLac for the day. Went to the Murphy Menace race simply looking for a low key training ride. My legs we're still hurting from Hillside Thursday night and don't think I recovered fully from Pierre's Hole yet.

Off the start legs hurt. Streise went by to lead out the prairie. I figured it would be a long day. I caught Dan on my SS in the woods and went by at the intersection. My goal was keep it steady for 4 laps. The SS gear was perfect and kept me steady speed. The rear captain tire was a little low but never peeled off. It just felt slippery on off-camber sweepers.

For three laps I was off the front watching the prairie each lap for challengers. I was gaping Dan but saw Lonnie in the mix. I never saw anyone coming. It was my first time at Murphy this year. Guess I didn't have it figured out cause Lonnie came out of nowhere!! Yeah I hit a tree right before the final pre-intersection whopp-de climb section. Lonnie was there and with gears hungry. I ended second place. Not bad for a training ride. Not good at all as I'm 1st looooser again. Ha!  Results

The Next Real Challenge

Leadville ain't no thing compared to PH100.

Not going into a big story....just a few words of encouragement.

Check out the speeds on the down hills. First long downhill single track! Next dh double track. First climb road, second climb crappy double track. The rest of lap about 1 mile road rest all single track!! Single Track!!! 3 lap race this year. Next year less road, higher elevation and more single track the message shared. Super sweet trails. Rode three days! Click pics for full map etc.

Unreal single track downhill. Again look at speeds and time to complete! I didn't finish race on my SS but couldn't be happier with the humiliation. I gots me a goal. A real goal. No sissy forest roads at high elevation.... Pierre's Hole, Alta WY. Grand Targhee resort.

Alpe d'Huez France...Looks So Fun! Nuts!

Check this out.... I'll be in the Tetons but not doing quite this sort of race.....
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=637922876218865

Last 2 Weeks > Ave. Mo.

Hey all. I like being off the grid lately.
Uh yeah, D-Man's graduation, new job, family, yadda yadda yadda.
You know how it goes, right?

Last 2 weeks stellar ride time including:
1. Long weekend end of June with BPB. Hayward mtb 12+hrs weekend ride time, all single speed rigid. Good time buds!!
2. 4th of July through today 160 miles - another 10+hrs road mix w/MTB

Last two weeks more than an average month of ride time for me!!!

Training stress balance with cronic

Looking forward to bouncing out of this training hole I've dug.

Sandbaggers are People Too

Have you seen the chatter... Let me share a secret..... There will always be someone faster. Go race, compare your times up down and across categories. We all do it anyway. Realize you suck, and your great in your own way. Be the best you can. The competition is always there.

If your counting placement "only" in your age or category your not comp'n yourself properly. Be real with where you stand. A sandbagger won't deter from this assessment. Right?? Do the math.

I'm old but admit I compare my time to all comp, expert and sometimes sport racers. I also look at all age groups. What it is. I know my rank. I will sandbag someday. If you feel I took your prize, mention it and it's yours. My goals are bigger than that race.

Race whatever gives you the most satisfaction. Screw everyone else. Leave Chucker alone.

Buck Hill Results

Legs we're sore going into the race. It was the good sorta sore this time! I'm ready for some long rides this weekend. I'm liking the sunshine, I hope that sticks around.

I love my Bike!

It's ok to say that isn't it? I love my bike. There I did it again. The Carbon Niner set up Single Speed just works for me. Especially at punchy climb venues like Hillside. 4th today seconds from leaders. Happy with that. My plan was to relax and enjoy, let it flow. Goal was to save energy and smoothly punch the 17.5 lb bike up the climbs. The prologue roadie start set me back as my single speed (legs) can only spin so fast. The game was pass'em back most of race, that's what happened. Reel'em in. Glad to be back on dirt. Oh, I also love chocolate covered bacon!!! Thanks General!

Ragnarok105 2013

Ragnarok happened. It was not the toughest Ragnarok, no way.
2 KOM's mine uncontested.
According to strava Heath won his hillHmmm. Weird indeed.
Results. http://www.ragnarok105.blogspot.com/2013/04/2013-results-first-draft.html

Can ya feel what the Rok is cooking?

http://www.ragnarok105.blogspot.com/

Commute Dangers Theo Parkway

I stay off the streets as much as possible....however there's still danger. Was able to get my foot down and go tri-pod just in time..... Note the desperate foot dabs on the left. No crash. WaHoo!!!

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

I've posted about the "River" many times. We are fortunate to have this year round play area for bikers, walkers, runners, hunting etc.

Today was another great day. Jeff, Eddie, Jeremy and I rode from 98th St. lot to Blmgtn Ferry Bride and back (no blackdog today). 2:45 minutes ride time. James actually met us and had a longer day coming from the Savage house. Temps about '20 and trail was packed, ice, and some mud. Ice on some parts of trail super sketchy. Rutted frozen grooves we're interesting, just let the bike wander and don't turn! We also searched for frozen puddles and found some serious ice breaking shenanigans.

All and all a great way to clear the mind from everything else stealing my attention lately. I've been working on something super exciting and it's a big deal for me. It's one of those things which perhaps I'm over thinking! The long bike ride down by the river, National Wildlife Refuge the perfect distraction. More soon. I hope your riding.....

Found Something Deep

Smply put it was a wonderful snow day.

AM & PM Commute. Them PM ride with pack of friends. 

Hours of fun! Just enjoying what's left of Winter this season.

Thanks for the company kids.....deep snow fun!

Signed Up Another Year

So I'm in the Ragnarok105 again. Also C100 (sign up now!).
Not sure if i still have it, will try.
2011 was a good year. That won't happen but will try.
Last year at C100 pulled the plug after 60mi.
Maybe after better Fatbike fest this year & R105 will be ready.
Welcome to spring all. I hope you signed up for base miles and
looking forward to good season. Motivate now.......
Let's do this!!!

Snowfort Taking Shape

Three snow chairs so far. I think we can dig out two more! Decided to go with snow chairs instead of sit on the ground style. Less sitting room however better than sitting on the ground. We'll see we are still excavating....

Better than any Gym...

Last time (three years ago) 6 could fit. 

This time the fort should hold 8.

Snow dug out from inside will help it grow despite warm weather ahead.

I'll give it til mid March.....

 Family Ski Day at Welch. Looking forward to water skipping soon.....

Mission Rivefirera

Left house on bike w/ pack, packin chair, alomost brought kitchen sink, stopped for gas, shop then river, Ft Snelling to Blmgtn Ferry w/firey fire dog stop. No other call outs. This was ticket for the day!

FatBike Fest 3+Hour Race

Baseball cap under hole vent drilled snowboard helmet,
duct tape pants in boots to keep snow out. Can't clip in!

What a workout!

Good turn out of people. Off the start hit the woods in 3rd after parking lot track(i think). I ran past Kevin Ish and think I was behind Brendan, not sure why such a blur from the start. Maybe because it was snowing hard and it was 3-4 inches on top of 3-4 earlier in the week. Yeah did I say snowing hard? Awesome. 

I knew it would be a long day, just didn't think it would be the longest Winter xc race yet. There are many memories like these from 08' even 0 degree days and 2hr35m hike-a-bike races. This race was 3hrs 10min for me.

Anyway back on race. In section 4 we all came together again as Brendan decided leading the whole race through 4 inches of fresh on mush was insaine solo. I knew better and everyone who led said whoa! The bike is heavy enough already for me. Mike, Brendan Bellow, and finally Richie led a big section of Sec4. Colbert after flat, and on race packed carpet caught back up as we we're hike a biking a lot. Slow snow leaders! Ice on cleats made it impossible to clip in too. It was terrible bad, good, frustrating, challenging, tiring, just frack'n swell. Someone said to Richie, let's call it at 1. i said no way, it will get better. We've done long races here before. Someone said with tentitive agreement slash sarcasm, "i like your optimism..." Ughh. Slogging clowns we're we.

I stayed 2nd, 3rd or 4th. Once Colbert went for the gold in sec2 Brendan ran by and chased. It was game on. I got into 3rd started pulling away from others chasing Brendan & Jeff. Jeff dropped out of race. Ish caught me start of lap two but he never passed. Lap 2 two power line climb. Brendan was not far ahead.

The rest of the race was mighty tough but I could pedal up many climbs. Jeff Young and Dominic went by somewhere chasing Brendan in Sec4. It was like many long log skinny climbs. Footprint steps up every hill from previous lap classes with just one line to ride aside foot prints (bike pushers). I rode much and hiked too. 2.5hrs into race, whoaaaa. I caught back up to Dominic and passed late in sec 4. I caught back up to Jeff Young in last section of race but couldn't pass. I ended just 16 seconds behind Jeff Y in da money for 3rd place. My calves hurt from hiking and pushing so much! 

After the race I sat in my car for 15 minutes coming back to life eating donuts and drinking juice. Almost cramping etc. Hurt so good... That was a huge beat down!!!

Put on 29t instead of 32. Paul keeper on inside, 32t as guard too. 1x9.

FINALLY. Tried SS tugs, super tight QR's, and sanded paint off frame...
still had hub slip!!!  No slip thanks to 3 zip ties around frame/axle. HA!!

Thanks Hillside Peeps.

Some pictures, videos and other stiff in this MORC thread
Awesome Pics Here Too Chris Gibbs

One Track Mind

Commute Home

AM COMMUTE

HaHa Creek 22mi

Single digit temps, 3.5hrs outside non-stop playing around. 22mi 99.9% on creek, no road crossing. Angle deep water a few times, 4 inches crunchy snow in many spots, ice bowl dimples, rocks and riddles abound. Thanks for the call out Jack.

Been There Done That

Iced Like It's Meant to Be

Snow on the way, should be plenty tired by fbfest.

Backwards Leb Day

That Race is On

I would never race it.We'll never say never, but I'll just watch again this year.

http://www.arrowheadultra.com/index.php/blog/current/92-arrowhead-2013-update

What's Slowing You Down?

I was going to name this post, "Only in Minnesota!" or something of the likes. Oh yet alas we change perceptions. So today was a tid 10 degrees high temp. Still, I saw many people on lakes fishing, skiing, skating, wind skate'n and walking. Yeah, a dad walking his infant in a front infant carry pack too "on the lake" (10 degrees outside!). Huh~ It's cold with slight chill wind too boot, but people OUTSIDE. You?

Nice ride from my house through brownie trail, up to the parkway then back down onto brownie lake, across cedar, to Calhoun across Calhoun and back across again all three. Scary, ice was 10 inches min thick but such a trip crossing a lake over ice. Cracks, air bubbles, clear ice, cloudy ice, deep lake under. Just weird....but intriguing and very enjoyable. I'm not an ice guy like all the peep out there today.

Nice ride to flush out what I've been asking of the legs. Wind in face a treat hammering across Calhoun. I finally have helmet vented right, also face mask situated for face and ears proper. Before my forehead would get sweaty. Ears would get cold at speed or below 15 degrees. No more. Pics tell equipment story better..

so exciting i know

What's slowing you down?

Fatbike Race / Gear

Why not a post about some fat bike gear and chime in new year with 2013 Race#1? Hillside Sunday was fun. It's been a while since doing the race pace thing. Finished 4th of 37. My goal was top5. Feeling my age but not bad. I've been enjoying the Fatbike much this season. I built a second fatbike. That way Amy can use my 2007. She's been out and it's fun to bike with momma sqrl. No, no, how dare you say I built a second bike to have one bike for deep snow, tom foolery likes of this and other bike for racing. Why would you say that! :)

Ok it's true. Two fatbikes is awesome. My second bike is a surly necromancer. I wasn't going to spend top dollar like my summer carbon machine. I did get the bike under 30lbs which isn't bad. 5lbs lighter than my old pug. I kept the big bash guard and until I get the new clutch style derailleur system I used my summer SS chain keeper in a creative way. No issues at Hillside or any other day, chain trapped btwn bash and keep. See pic.

Additionally on bike to note is lighter Nate up front and Escalator rear. With Nate's only on other bike I sorta took a chance w/Escalator. Nates work, period. Who cares about drag, Nates work. I must admit. The Escalator has not let me down. Soft lugs are a little trickier to get pressure right, but they work well for the race situation at 90% of the Winter races. What else. White Industry hubs of course. Carbon bar from crank bros works. I agree with B Moore. Fat rims are not better for any condition for winter xc. At my weight, 65mm is fine. Why plow? Fatbike pizza cutter!! The marge lites are the 4th set of rims I've been on. Original marge 65mm, speedway 70mm, darryl 82mm and now marge lites 65mm. But skinnier yet would be cheating right?? Oh yeah, 1by9 32x11/34 works great. My deep snow/tree bike will keep the granny gear.

The race was fun. Course was packed and quite predicable. It was fun to see Dave Oachs, Tom Miller and the masses finally getting on Fatbikes!! Chris Fisher is biting. Everyone who doesn't is saying they will. It's over folks, everyone will have one. Wait til they figure out the fat bike game.... Winter will be Summer. Rumor has it, and I won't name names, big brands are coming. Standard bb, carbon, ti and never ending options. More tires. Again, just like Summer, you never have the right gear cause it just keeps getting better. I'm done typing. Guess I won't talk much about the race. 

Ok a few bullet points about the race:

• bmx course through parking lot for prologue and each lap
• powerline climb each lap
• Colbert thru bmx then I led in woods for most of first lap
• Legs worked ok but racing is hard (I forgot how!)
• Catfish team mate Dominic won
• 1:40min with p-lot prolouge and two powerline climbs
• bonfire, beverage, relaxing outside in the sun with racers

See you at Murphy race, maybe.