RALEIGH COMMUTES

You'll Be Another Year Older

2010-08-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

And even less cool than you are right now if you don't make the Dead Baby Downhill tonite.

Ride starts at 7pm from the Canterbury. And for these folks being dregs of society...they're actually quite punctual when it comes to the start time of this. Don't miss it.

One More Time

2010-06-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

A major piece of my commute is going to change after today. At 7pm the Bridge in South Park will permanently close by remaining open.... forever...

I understand the reasons for closing the bridge are numerous. I also understand the numerous arguments for trying to keep it operating. What I'm going to have to try and come to terms with is getting to know the staff and specials of new bars in SODO....as of 7pm today...Georgetown and all it's fine establishments are no longer on my daily ride home. I woulda thought that alone would've been motivation enough for the Georgetown businesses to figure out a way to keep the thing open.

Oh well...as one route closes...another opens.

It Took Something Like This...

2010-06-22T12:27:00.001-07:00

For me to break my BlogSilence

Moncler Gamme Bleu Spring/Summer 2011 Runway from LAT Videos on Vimeo.

I'm still really excited that cycling is becoming a little more mainstream, but I swear stuff like this makes me want to punch myself in the face for riding a bike. Or...get into the world of fashion. Anyone think the Fashion world would be ready for what I could potentially unleash upon it?

{I do get rather farty and bloated with foamy latte's}

We're Coming Out!

2010-04-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Boy...how bad have I been at this whole "blogging" thing when I've seen the flyer for a party I'm putting on other sites...and it isn't even on the blog site that I'm supposed to maintain?! SLACKER!

Simply put...I'll be announcing the date, location, some rules, a website, drinking beer, giving some stuff out, making introductions and riping on PDX. And who knows...if enough people slip me shots of the Baby Making Juice while I'm there...I might even leak some details about a super secret project we're doing at the Raleigh Mother Ship for this event. Maybe...

If you enjoy the FaceBooks and the Twitters...you can find more information on the event.

All In A Wad...

2010-04-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Men's Journal just did a Cyclocross Fashion Shoot for an upcoming issue. Now...I might not know much about fashion, but I like to think I know a little about what to wear for Cyclocross. And I'll tell you what...my version looks nothing like what they've created.

Men's Journal Magazine May 2010 Cyclocross Fashion Shoot from Dylan Coulter on Vimeo.

Where are the JumpSuits?
Where are the Leather Pants?
Where are the Plaid Skirts?
The Short Shorts?
The Red Suits?

In my humble opinion...they missed the mark completely. I think it's time to update my resume and notify them that I'm available for consulting for any future cycle fashion shoots they may attempt.

Did You Ride Back?

2010-04-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

{Tequila Tonite...Tomorrow I ride}

Alright...I'm the first to admit it. I might have a 75watt bulb upstairs, but the source is only kick'n out 45watts of power. I'd like to blame beer...but as we all know, you never blame beer for your follies. Beer is like the lube on your chain that keeps things running smooth. A little bit of it will get ya around but if you're doing something big a litt more is needed to keep things running smooth. Use too much and things get dirty, messy and it ends up all over the place. Apply the right amount on a regular basis and things will run smooth and hassle free.

So on a Wednesday night where my chain ended up dripping wet...I decided I was going to ride to Portland that upcoming weekend.
200 miles. (ended up being 199)
One day. (All day)
On my track bike. (cause i've done it on gears before)
Unsupported. (what does that even mean?! I'm supportin my ass on every ride)
Alone. (I actually didn't choose this...my friends are intelligent)
WTF?! (Seriously...wtf?!)

Big rides have been documented. People have gone further. People have done it faster. People have done it more "hard core" than I did...I mean really...it was wearing spandex and applying chamois butter like Nutella on a crepes. If I really wanted to get tough guy points I woulda rode in my Carhartts, Sambas, and a Tshirt and ate nothing but hot dogs with relish. Honestly...there was nothing about the ride that warrants any kind of anything.
So why do it? Not sure. I do know I've fallen into a rut as of late. I've been lacking motivation, inspiration, and deprivation. And this seemed like the right thing to break me of it all.

{Dumb}

{whole lotta time to yourself out there}

{All this meant was I had another 50+ to go}

{this was the view I saw the most of}

{the search for beer started....now}

{Alright...beer and strippers. We all know that's the main reason I did this}

Did it work? Time will tell. And NO...I didn't ride back to Seattle the next day. That sh*t's dumb.

I Don't Think This Will Surprise Anyone

2010-03-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

I was asked for one word that would best describe Cyclocross...

{give it a click if you can't read it as it is, or find your glasses}

What's kinda funny...is the list of respected people from the Cross community on this thing.

And then there's me.

Now....Do This.

2010-03-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

Wow...it's like I completely forget I have a blog that I should write on. I'd like to say it's because I've been so busy at work this past month, which is half true. The other half of my February looked like this...(in absolutely no given order cause I can't remember how last month happened at all)

{There was a "beer release"}

{a dirty chain}

{I went to NAHBs and hung out with people way cooler than me}

{This was the coolest thing I saw at NAHBs}

{Learned to NOT leave my phone unattended}

{this looked like a great place to party}

{Damage CornDog can do to you}

{This CornDog...}

{Raleigh's past and present}

{It's not my Snuggie...but it did in a pinch}

{If you find yourself in Telluride...tell'em Sally sent ya}

{Sure fire way to win DFL with a CornDog in hand}

{Yeah...whatever}

{I do remember that this was rather early...with a CornDog}

{Valentine's day was quite romatic}

{I don't spend all my time on bikes and bar stools}

{Valentines day was dirty...but not in the way I wanted it to be}

{The shit!}

{If I seem a little "special"....it's the company I keep}

{Will you be mine?}

{I really wish I could remember how I got Cheese Food in my bag}

Anyway, the point of the whole thing is to say....If you're in Seattle, swing by the show. If you can guess what the "flavor of the morning" is that's on my breath...I'll give ya something.

Do This...

2010-02-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

On Saturday....No outlandish Gold Sprint challenge will be refused.

Then on Monday...do this....

No outlandish Corn Dog related offense will be turned away.

And as a general heads up to everyone...

The Narwhal is the new Unicorn.

"If You're Going to Fall Off a Wagon..."

2010-02-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

"try and break something on your way down"

Here's my advice for the day...the best way to get rid of a Tequila Hangover should not involve...

a) Enough Beer choke a donkey

b) National Champ and World Champ Skinsuits

c) Shoving beers into said skinsuits because they don't have pockets

d) Tater Tot handups at the beginning of a Mountain Bike Time Trial.

e) Cramming a fist full of said Tater Tots into a racers helmet

f) Karaoke duets with no karaoke machine.

g) Diner party with the Wax On Staff...no waxings were performed...except poetically...with wine.

h) Ducking out of the party for some Bourbon to wash away the wine and wax talk.

i) A firework...not fireworks...one firework.

The only exception to this is...

a) have good friends who can accomplish this all of this over the span of 14 hours and not blow off their fingers with the lone firework.

I don't feel guilty...at all

2010-01-28T15:24:00.000-08:00

I have heard about the epic cold lingering in the Plains.

I've seen pictures of people in California freaking out about rain.

I read tweets every morning about how cold it is here, how much snow they have there, how they haven't seen the sun in...days.

And all the while...I've been smiling to myself as I've been riding into work with out a fender.

I've been wearing my Carhart's without fear.

The birds have been chirping.

There are blossoms on the trees already.

I've been ducking out of work and clocking some of the most unusually warm January rides ever this past week. And this morning was no exception as I took a longer route into the Raleigh MotherShip.

This has not been a typical week of riding. Every pedal stroke dances into the next. I've relished the lone tears being the only moisture on my face from my wind burned eyes. The early spring scents have drunkenly filled my olfactory with memories.

There's still some daylight that I need to enjoy.

The Journey...

2010-01-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

of a thousand blogs begins with a single post.

I've been wanting to....but haven't.

I've been taking pictures...but keeping them to myself.

I've got words...I haven't been putting them down.

I've got miles...they've been by myself.

I've got ideas...but been afraid of criticism.

I'm on the road...but no idea where I'm going.

I've been sober...soooo boring.

So I present to you this humble offering in the hope that it will get the wheels turning again.

{The Unicorns : Show Poster circa 2004}

Dear Lord,

2009-12-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

It's me...Sally.
I'll never ask anything from you ever again...if you could PLEASE stop pictures from SSCXWC from showing up on the Internet.
Thank you.

{Boy do I know how to debate!}

{it felt this trippy...}

{when they say run up...they mean it}

{I can still hear this body slam when I close my eyes}

{ummmmmm....yeah.....}

{Enouragement for the ladies?}

My good friend (????) Kelsey is responsible for ALL of this. You can see more pictures and his write up here or if your smart...you'll skip that debauchery and check out his amazing book Kwa Zulu and place an order.

Five On Each

2009-12-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

In a previous life I was a USA Cycling Team mechanic.
Specifically, Iwas the US National Sprint Team mechanic.

I was the guy at the Velodrome 2 hours before everyone else, and 2 hours after everyone left.
I was the guy who set up the pit area. Hauling in (and out) all the tools, rollers, wheels, and necessary equipment needed by hand. Everyday.
I was the guy pumping up 20 sets of tires to 180psi, everyday, one handed, by myself. (no one has made a pump 'chuck' yet that'll stay on by itself at that pressure)
I often spent hours working on a bike...for 10 seconds of racing.
I was the guy gluing tires till 3am. Glue in one hand. Beer in the other. Glazed look on my face provided by all three.
I was an international traveler and a master of getting through customs with 20 pieces of checked baggage.
I kept an extra bag at my apartment that was pre-packed and ready to go out the door as soon as I walked in.
I had the stamina of Semi-Truck driver all goofed up on Amphetamines as I drove bikes across the country to the next race.
I was a friend.
I was a "soccer mom" to the athletes because I had the keys to the only vehicle where ever we went.
I was a villain.
I took verbal lashings for no other reason than "I was there".
I endured the stress of knowing a lifetime of training and dreams could be undone in the fraction of a second if something broke.

In 2 1/2 years I helped riders obtain National, World Championship, and Olympic titles.
After 2 1/2 years, I walked away with all of my fingers.

Breaking Leaves

2009-12-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

Leaves have fallen.

Nights are colder.

Layers are thicker.

Beer is darker.

And I'm in love with the sound of leaves shattering under my tires.

Pope Cam...

2009-11-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

Who else can tout one of those? Holy Cross...at SSCXWC...my liver still hates me.

Raleigh SSCXWC from Saleigh on Vimeo.

Why?

2009-11-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Lord Why? Knowing full well what is going to happen to me at SSCXWC every year...Why do I go? I liken it to the Laboratory Hamster who just can't figure out why the pellet dispenser continually shocks it...time...after time...after time... It just keeps going back for more.

This year, was different.
This year, was going to be the last year it was going to be in Portland.
This year, after the mud was removed and the hang over wore off...the knowledge would sink in that SSCXWC would be in a different city.
This year it would be traveling to either Seattle or San Francisco after a 3 part battle. A debate. A race. A gladiator battle.
This year, was going to be special.

Debate.
Why I was chosen to be the Seattle Debater is well beyond me. I was the only person in Seattle who was actually arguing against hosting SSCXWC. Alas, my arguments fell upon drunk ears and the debate concluded with a beer in hand and a "Shut Up Sally. We're going to win it".
I'd go into the details of the debate...if I remembered.
I remember I was debating Shelia Moon of Shelia Moon fame.
I remember my superhuman ability to silence an entire crowd of enthusiastic Seattlites with a simple wave of my hand.
After that it seems I pulled a "Frank the Tank" and blacked out during the entire thing...and yet managed to pull off the victory.
Stevil cited..."Watching the debate was like getting hit in the balls with a chalkboard that had nails dragging across it."
And CyclocrossBuild (later reported in CXMagzine) said..."Fornes better fit the singlespeeder’s mindset...Fornes sported a cycling cap with a Seattle Sasquatch doing unsavory things to a Portland unicorn, quaffed a bunch of beer when asked about his favorite beverage, rides his company’s Raleigh Rainier, and spoke to this group’s longing for inclement weather. Combined with Fornes’ own energy and his enthusiastic entourage and Seattle looked to be gaining momentum early."

Again...I really don't remember much of it. Mainly because I was spending way to much time, and going through too many $ingle$ with these two...

Race.
The race reports are everywhere.
And while the Eskimos have some 30 different names for snow...the PacNW has the equivalent for mud. All the different kinds were present. It was everywhere. It got in everywhere.

Who really won this event? Hell if I know.

Gladiator Battle.
Wow.
Wow.
Wow.
I don't know who the girl was that SF put into the thick of it all (mud)...but she was awesome! She survived the body slam heard round the Dome. A face full of mud. And multiple body bow-ties to emerge victorious.

It was glorious.

All things told...Seattle is hosting SSCXWC next year. Portland has made some big pants to fill over the last 3 years. But I think we've got the right stuff to fill'em.

Spread the word, and start your planning...I know we already are.

You Train Your Way...

2009-11-06T09:11:00.001-08:00

And I'll train mine.

From the moment I pealed off my tight orange shorts last year, I've been shopping.
After the last trace of mud was finally removed some 30 days later, I've been in figuring out how to get it back in there.
The moment I sobered up and regained my composure, I found another beer. (duh)

Oh yes...SSCXWC is back upon me. And this year, I'm ready for it.

I've been refining my costumes...

Practicing my Beer Handups (I'm selfish and thirsty so I will not be participating in the popular HandDown that all those Stevil lemmings are practicing)

Searching out mud....

Flirting with trashy women...

Oh yeah...and riding my bike...a little bit.

(funny...I don't have any pictures of that...)

This weekend...the Power of Cross Compels me to bring my brand of Cross Religion to Portland and set up the school of Holy Cross. We're fully armed with enough Holy Water to drown a hippopotamus and will be setting up a confessional for all those Cross Sinners in PDX.

Look for us...and be saved.

A couple pictures are from MFG and PDXCross

2009-10-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

{Click the Brown Bear at 2pm…there will be a Live announcement Here and Here the site will be blank until it’s time so no one can cheat}

Spread the word. At 2PM Pacific Standard Time the SSCXWC framesets will go live. Click on the banner above to go straight to the site and get ready to order yours.

In the truest form of “Limited Edition” there will be only 50 of these Single Speed CycloCross beauties that will EVER be sold. And in the truest spirit of SSCXWC, there is 1 random white frame in the batch. And to that one lucky person who opens their frame box and receives the White frame, Chris King has provided the gear, and Shimano America has generously donated a complete SS build kit that will be the envy of every cross dressing racer at the WC this fall. (honestly…Di2 brake levers!?!?!?!)

Raleigh is extremely proud to have partnered with the crew at SSCXWC in creating this frameset and this promotion. We at Raleigh so enjoy this event (alright, Brian REALLY enjoys this event) and the inspiration that it has provided us, that we will be donating 100% of the profits of these framesets to the event itself. Yup…you read that correctly. 100% of the profits from this promotion will go directly to the crew at SSCXWC. The hope is to see this event grow, expand, travel and to encourage more people to try the crazy sport of Cyclocross.

Remember…once they’re gone…they’re gone.

We can’t wait to see what the host city next year will do.

Good Luck.

as a technical side note for anyone wondering…due to the unique nature of this promotion, please understand that any valid warranties will be handled with a suitable replacement.

Technical Difficulties

2009-10-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

We apologize as we are experiencing some Technical Difficulties in getting the SSCXWC framesets up for sale. We are working on a solution to this and hope to have more information up very soon.

What you need to know for right now…

Yes. The framesets will still be made available to purchase.

Maybe. They will be up today.

Hopefully. They will be up by the end of the week.

Yes. I will update this site. The Raleigh Bicycles blog site. Raleigh Face Book. RaleighBicycles Twitter. Raleighs_Sally Twitter. And I will release the information to multiple bicycle news sources and blogs once everything is in place.

Thank you for understanding. We want this to go as smoothly and as fair as possible.

Ride and Shine

2009-10-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know...someone said Rise and Shine this morning and Ride and Shine popped into my head. While I didn't feel like riding today in particular (100% chance of rain in Seattle this morning), this past weeks activities are still Riding and Shinning in my mind.

The "pretty killers" have started to litter the bike paths of Seattle again. It's that time of year where the foliage is falling as fast as the rain. And when you combine the two of them together, the result can be a yellow brick road of carnage.

The Grail got moved to a new home for the week. In order to keep the Grail safe we've decided we're going to keep it on the move and yet keep it on display at various locations around Seattle. It's currently resting at a local bike shop for people to stop in and pay homage. I'm not going to give away the location as I'm sure I'm being monitored by some Dick Turpin in PDX trying to figure out how to get it back. I will say, the name of the shop is Croatian for "in the hills, or mountains".

And for those of you not familiar with the Rules that surround the grail...here's a brief overview as they were passed down to me.

1. No defacing of the grail. The Grail is bigger than all of us. Respect her. This includes stickers, she's not a billboard for your pathetic political causes.
2. The Grail must be on public display during normal business hours. Not locked away with the gimp you keep in your basement.
3. The Grail must be present at all official Grail events held in the Northwest, no matter who is in possession. This includes Starcross, Grail weekend, USGP weekend, SSCXWC, Nationals, and any time Brad Ross is seen wearing a dirty Carhart jacket.
4. There has been a lifetime restraining order placed on Johnny Sundt and Geoff Kabush. Neither are allowed within 100 feet of the grail. This also goes for their mechanics, girlfriends, boyfriends, and well all Canadians.

And for good measure...just a little bit of smack talk.

Still undetermined if the Hodala Racing squad will ride with our heads high at this weekends Cross Crusade...I might be trying to acquire a mobile fun house instead.

{Embrocation thru Inebriation}

Puppy Kickers...

2009-10-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was supposed to be a celebration of the Grunge Cup battle being revived. A Battle between two of the great cross towns. A time to put all the boasting and taunting aside. A time to leave it all out on the cross course. A time to let the Cross do all the talking.

{it started off all smiles between everyone}

{the Emerald City had Flying Monkeys ready for flight}

{Fly my pretty....}

{follow the yellow brick road??????}

At the end of Saturday, the Emerald City...with the cast of Oz representing the SS...stood atop of the battle. And with purest of generosity the fine people from Seattle invited the racers from the south to join them in merriment and beverage after the barriers were put away. There was much revelry and tales from the day that were shared. And then...those mouth breathers from the south showed their true colors as they assaulted the young woman guarding the cup and stole it from the days rightful victors.

{Wanted : PDX Grail Theives}

What happened next is almost too terrible to write. And more terrible to look at. If you DO NOT want to see the cup being desecrated...DO NOT open this link. I will warn you...there is nudity and perversion being done to the most holy of holy cups. (seriously...those PDX racers are weird!)

Our troops rallied and made the trip the next day right into the belly of the beast. As the fates would have it though...Cross Crusade was hosting a race in the town of Rainier....perfect.

We battled hard.

We battled admirably.

And after many of us from Seattle fought for 5 laps to make it though the cattle drive of over 110 SS racers...Portland got one last jab in. Right when I was going to start my 6th and final lap, the officials just 'happened' to start pulling riders....even though I had bravely made it to the top 1/3rd of the field. (insert head shake here)

{nice boots susan...}

The last laugh however would be ours. As I type this the grail is safely back in Seattle's loving arms. The grail will be making a tour around Seattle over the next couple weeks and I'll be sure to post some pictures as to where it can be viewed. Most of these will be slightly cryptic in order to keep those Stumptown slurping, grail stealing, heathens confused.

Dave got action from both days. And CX Magazine has a write up on both events...here and here.

Cross Clash

2009-10-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Portland this.
Portland that.
Yeah, so what if they're the most bike friendly city in the US.
So what if they had 1400 people show up to their first Cross Crusade.
Sure, you can get married in a donut shop.
And I guess they have the most microbreweries in the world.

To me...this make it sound like the folks in the Rose City are getting soft. And the time is right for Seattle to flex it's muscle as the better Cross town in the PacNW.

Seattle isn't flat. (we have to work up hills)
Seattle has a lower rate of unemployment. (we work)
Seattle has more than one delightfully mediocre Pro Team. (more working class heros)
We pump our own gas in Seattle. (we aren't lazy)
Rainier beer. (Nuff said)

MFG has brought back the Grudge Cup. An all out battle Royal between Seattle and Portland. One town to rule the cross scene for a year.
Emerald City vs Rose City
Sasquatch (SEA) vs Unicorn (PDX).

While Big Foot is a formidable foe for the Unicorn...my team has decided to adopt another character for this Battle.

A character that took on pure evil and won. (unless you've seen the Broadway Smash Wicked, then it's a whole nother story)

A sweet, innocent figure who just wants to bring the cup home to Emerald City.

And her outfit looks way better than trying to wear a fur tuxedo.

Come on out Saturday...we'll have Jelly Beans (cause that's what I like to think a Unicorn would bleed), a pinata, maybe some beverages, and we'll be slaying Unicorns all over the place.

Have You Seen This?

2009-10-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

Or maybe you've heard that we're doing this...

First...go register at SSCXWC09. Hard to believe it's only 30 days away. I gotta get crack'n on my Race Attire!

Then...check back here for more information real soon on all this...

I sure don't remember a truck...

2009-10-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

but something definitely ran me over this past month.

One stint as a teacher...those poor cross racers.
One Wedding.

One long scavenger hunt.

Three states. (actual States...not my mental well being)
One missed flight.
Three Cross races.
One SingleSpeedWorldChampionships.
Eleven total Hand Ups at those races...not including Bacon or Whiskey
Six "Mitch Morgans" (bacon + Bourbon shots)
One huge trade show.
Three evenings in Vegas I have a hard time remembering.
More than one opportunity missed.
Countless friends...some old, some new.

One Benefit.
One Tired Sally at the end of it all...

Here's a hazy photo bomb...

{Yeah, rinding in Telluride does not suck}

{If you find yourself in this place...}

{Drinking with the Real Mitch Morgan}

{You may find some of these on your table}

{And doing this shortly afterwards....uff}

{If you look closely...you can see the Coors can mountains}

{H-Ball agreed to a One Time SSWC sponsorship from me...sort of}

{SSWC cast of over 1000 characters}

{While "racing" the hike-a-bike, hydration was key}

{Like I said...hydrating is KEY!}

{Gratuitous shot of the SS WC}

{A blurry 12 hours later I was setting these things up for Dirt Demo}

{Right in front of 'those guys'}

{There was a race in Vegas...and I kept my Eye on the Prize}

{I got DQ'd from SSCXWC but not here?! Really?!}

{Of course it wasn't all work...add this helmet...}

{a sweet pool party where the crew I was with were the only ones getting wet}

{Even when we weren't in the pool...we were looking to get some...}

{InterBike Ended...and we got to let our hair down...}

{Well...those of us with hair could...}

{While others in our VIP area were politely asked to leave...}

{But some Hi-5s and we were all good...}

Now that everyone is up to speed...I can get back to doing whatever it is I normally do here.

DeadBabyPJ Benefit

2009-09-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Last December DeadBabyBicycleClub member and Raleigh Employee PJ received a head injury he didn't request. This Friday the DBBC is using their monthly bike ride to host a benefit for PJ that will help him with is massive hospital bar tab that insurance won't cover (healthcare...schmealthcare)

If you're in Seattle...show up for the ride and bring some $$$ to help a long time cyclist out.

If you're not in Seattle...change your plans, show up for the ride and bring some $$$ to help a long time cyclist out.

{this blogpost is PJ Approved}

Lesson Learned

2009-09-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

When you're out of town and you get a call from a "good friend" asking if they can stay in your place for the weekend for StarCrossed...pause, just for a moment and think about the person asking...

Has this person ever started a website that is not safe for work? (seriously...NSFW)
Are they infamous for crashing parties with a foam machine? (as seen at SSCXWC)
Do they have issues about not having a big wheel as a child?
Do the have a hard time keeping their pants on...or Zipped up?! (refer to first question)

If you can answer Yes to any these questions you might reconsider opening your unguarded abode to said 'friend'.

Articles of my house were violated.
Pieces of furniture were desecrated.
Articles of clothing were humiliated.
Bicycles were "bagged". (again, via NSFW site)

{Don't ask why I have a pink bathrobe...I don't judge you}

I'm not saying...I'm just saying.

Misplaced Dignity

2009-09-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Much like waking up in a strange place.
Feeling like someone left a hairdryer on in my mouth.
Head pounding.
Pants missing.
Covered head to toe in shame.
I've been on the recovery trail of a wicked blog party. And much like every good party, I've had a hangover that's gripped me tight like a chubby kid to a piece of cake.

For better or worse...I think I'm coming around and coming out of hiding. Massive amounts of bacon, Mountain Dew, and the idea of getting muddy again this fall have been my Ibuprofen. With that...I want to make sure ya'll know that registration is now open for the best time you'll never remember...

Sign up now. It's the best regret you'll ever have.

To get you ready for it...I've been hard at work (drinking) and soon...very soon...I will be unleashing a SSCX frame and promotion the likes the cycling community have never seen. To give you an idea...think "Willy Wonka" and that magical Golden Ticket.

{start saving your pennies...you're going to want in on this}

Much...much more to follow.

Absent

2009-07-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

but everywhere.

This month has been absolutely nutters. We've hosted no less than 3 different sales meetings/presentations this month. You wouldn't think this would be all that time consuming....showing off bikes that is. However all the work that goes into the prep and presentation makes an ant hill you set off a bunch of fireworks on look like a retirement home. (not the kind of retirement home that jacks their old people up on Pepsi...the kind where the residents are afraid of rogue wolves)

Stories, pictures, videos and general 'jack-assery' is coming back. In a big way. Most of it will be coming via the MFG...which, if you live in Seattle you should pick up your season pass right now.

{silly picture from MFG Announcer TryOuts}

I Know This Place...

2009-07-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

THE REVIVAL/KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON from morehartfilms on Vimeo.

That's It...That's a Wrap...

2009-06-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't know how I made it to the last day of the photoshoot. The previous days festivities...along with trying to be pretty, witty and creative all week had definitely left it's mark. I was tired, drained, possibly hallucinating and smelled like stale beer that had been spilled on gym clothes with a touch of shame lingering.

Undaunted, I awoke at 6 am (on a Sunday) ready to go. For the sake of time and efficiency I was still wearing my clothes from the night before. My french press still contained leftovers that helped kick start my saliva glands again. And a well placed Dick's burger in my fridge from the nite before helped me make the drive to our Mountain bike shoot. Where I took no pictures. But trust me...the new Talus mountain bikes look awesome!

Upon returning to town I did manage to get these 3 pictures of the new RX 1.0...the camera felt like an extension of my mind...

Once I heard the final shutter click...a feeling of relief fell over me. That was it.

I had run my PhotoShoot Marathon.

My IronMan of production days were over.

My South Padre Spring Break of late nites and early mornings was...well...at least slowing down. Because that afternoon was the main event of the West Side Invite and I was not going to miss it...

Feathered Hair, Take a Bow

2009-06-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

A piece of innocence and childhood are now gone forever...

Farrah Fawcett (February 2, 1947 – June 25, 2009)

PhotoShoot Day ???

2009-06-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

{if we get just ONE shot I'll be happy...right now, it's all crap}

I can't even remember any more. This day had waaaay too much going on. Started off in the arboretum with our new Misceo and Detour Deluxe as the primary bikes. Made our way to the West Side Invite to get some snaps of the Gridlock. I found myself at a BBQ and had an extremely blurry ride home.

{Misceo...a 'do all' vehicle}

{Really?! Are the two positions THAT different?!}

{New cockpit of the Detour Deluxe}

{Plus a whole new drivetrain}

{Consumer's Digest Best Buy...just got better}

{looks like the Alysa is just a little bit quicker}

{Gridlock...you know you want one}

{I swear this job drives me to drink}

{You know it's a party when the Snuggy comes out}

One day...and one bike left...and the quest for mud.

Critical Mass...For Cars?

2009-06-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

Being from Colorado...reading this on Urban Velo made me quite sad.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
JULY 25TH
BLOCK DANGEROUS CYCLIST DAY BOULDER CO

ON AUGUST 5th new regulations limiting driver rights regarding dangerous bicyclists will be the STATE LAW.

CYCLIST FLOUT COMMON SENSE, ENDANGER THOSE IN CARS ON MOUNTAIN ROADS IN THE NAME OF SELFISHNESS; CARS WILL BE FORCED TO CROSS DOUBLE YELLOW LINES ON DANGEROUS LIMITED VISIBILITY ROADS DUE TO THE EXPANDED RIGHTS OF CYCLISTS.

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE HAS A LONG HISTORY IN THE UNITED STATES. THE GOVERNOR AND OTHER LAWMAKERS WILL ONLY RESPOND TO COMMON SENSE WHEN PUBLICITY REACHES THE GENERAL MEDIA.

ON JULY 25TH IN CELEBRATION OF DRIVERS RIGHTS MANY CARS WILL USE THE LEFT HAND CANYON ROAD, DRIVE SLOWLY AND MANY MAY BREAK DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY, BLOCKING AREAS TO THE CYCLISTS ON THE RETURN LEG OF THE “SUNRISE CENTURY”. PLEASE USE JUDGEMENT DURING THIS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE.

MANY WHO ALSO LIVE IN THE FOOTHILLS OR WHO HAVE BEEN ENDANGERED BY CYCLIST BEHAVIOR WILL JOIN IN WITH THEIR “DRIVERS RIGHTS” TO PULL OVER AND INSPECT THEIR VEHICLES FOR ENGINE TROUBLE, SOUNDS, OR OTHER SAFETY ISSUES. MANY CARS AND SAFE DRIVERS ALL WORKING TOGETHER CAN SEND A MESSAGE TO THE STATEHOUSE TO RESTRICT CYCLING ON OUR ROADS WHICH ARE OUR ONLY ALTERNATIVES DURING FAMILY EMERGENCIES, COMMUTING AND REQUIRED DUTIES.

BLOCK THE ROAD DAY IS JULY 25TH CENTERING AT LEFT HAND CANYON and nelson road. DRIVE SLOWLY FOR SAFETY AND PULL OVER WITH FLASHERS as SAFETY REQUIRES.

Please be careful out there.

Devil Take the Hindemost

2009-06-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

When my "word hole" falls short...I rely on others. This was from the promoters of the MFG Cross series.

The intent of this night is to have “try-outs” (would we really turn people down, probably not) for some announcers for the MFG series. We needed something to announce, so why not a race? The plan is to meet up at Woodland Park, ready to race and announce by 6 pm.

Racers:

We’ll be doing hot laps on a specific part of the MFG course. The laps will be fast (file treads?) with no barriers or running. We’ll be doing 3 heats of races, with hopefully 5-6 riders per heat. The race will be “miss-and-out” format after 3 neutral laps; after three laps, the last rider will be pulled until there is only 1 left!

Announcers:

Dress for the occasion, trim your beard, and try not to talk at work all day!. Right now we have 8 announcers, and you’ll be “calling” about two laps each. Google the shit out of the confirmed rider list, know your start list, and get ready to heckle the racers, name by name! We’ll provide a microphone and a lap top.

6 pm at The Tree, just across from the southern most bridge across Aurora.

And shortly afterwards...this little bugger sent me a text with his intentions to do me bodily harm out on the course tonite.

The gun show ready for action....I even have red spandex mandex if need be..

"Or is it the hammer brothers...that sounds better." One Gear One Mind

The Rainier has been tuned.

I'm picking up race fuel from Schooner Exact on my way over.

And my costume is almost complete.

Time to start praying to the cross gods to deliver me from sobriety.

If you're in the neighborhood tonite (6/17), grab your cowbell...the rest comes naturally.

Bicycle Belles...the performance

2009-06-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

Can words really do any justice to choreographed bicycles routines? I think not.

{it was really a nice day...my camera was just in a funk}

{kinda like Critical Mass...but without the 'holes'}

{picturesque back drop}

{performance}

{cast of characters}

Bicycle Belles from Saleigh on Vimeo.

Great nite, great friends, great performances. Can't wait for the next show later this month in Georgetown.

PhotoShoot Day 4

2009-06-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

It's pretty well known that I've got a 75watt bulb of intelligence that's running off of 45watts of power. I may not light up a room, but I do cast a shadow. And after 3 days of shooting pictures and having drinks when we were finished...it became quite clear we could save a lot of time if we just combined the two and did a shoot at a bar. Eureka! So off to Loretta's in South Park we went. (if you've never heard of Loretta's, and you hang out in bar's that people frequently say "this place was cool until..." then you never heard about this place from me)

{OneWay bellying up to the bar}

{Have you seen the review in CXMagazine?!}

{Cruiser looking cool standing still}

{Some fine detail on the Clubman}

{When the shoot went to shit}

{I mean really?! Who else is making a bike this pretty?!}

{From one pro to another...}

{Gridlock}

{New colors for the Rush Hour}

{Reflections from the Airstream}

{a fine Champagne toast to a sweet bike}

{don't know bout you...but I'd rather have a Hamm's}

{All in the family}

{I'm ready...}

Tomorrow...we turn to the commuter, and the West Side Invite starts.

Station Identification

2009-06-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

We take a break from staring at the computer screen to bring you this brief moment of awesome on this Monday...

{KISS just plain rocks!}

We will return to our regular broadcast in just a moment.

Girls and Bikes

2009-06-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Do you really need anything more that that?!

Alley behind 1st and Wall is where it starts....Saturday June 13th. Should be fun.

2010 PhotoShoot Day 3

2009-06-12T10:54:00.001-07:00

Starbucks, Plaid/Grunge and Windows Vista are all scourges that Seattle has unleashed upon the world like a pandemic. There's nothing any of you can do about it...so live with it. There are those here that try and level out our karmic values with the universe by frequenting coffee boutiques, wearing Gor-Tex 342 days a year, and eating the Apple to the core (at least those Hip enough to afford the hype).

Other things that are famous here and we can't live without...fenders and disc brakes. And since Raleigh has been based in the Emerald City for a number of years, these are things we think about when spec-ing a bike. Folks in dryer climates always bring this up thinking it's overkill...but in all honesty, there is no more consistent braking system than a disc brake. And I don't care where you live, if you ride a bike the weather will eventually catch up with you.

This day we went to Pike's Market to shoot a couple sweet commuter inspired/classic bikes that have evolved to include new technology.

{Ahhhh...the elusive sunny spring day in Seattle}

{check out the shadow of the drivetrain...}

{New AlleyWay integrated stem/handlebar set up}

{Artists....hmmmph}

{Superbe Roadster in it's second chic year}

There would've been more photos from today but my battery died out just before we started shooting the new Record Ace (Raleigh blast from the past). It also died before I could snap pictures of my truck being towed away with one-off bikes that couldn't be readily replaced (stupid parking spots that turn into tow away zones). Or could I snap any photos of my guests for the evening and the post-shoot libations and torrential storm that followed. Oh well...I can't put a picture of Rainier in EVERY post...can I?

Tomorrow...we head to the bar!

2010 Photo Shoot Day 2

2009-06-11T10:54:00.001-07:00

{Every shoot should have Unicorns}

Day 2 was a bit of an accident. We were supposed to finish up in the studio with our Glamour Shots, however...when one of your models doesn't have the right thing to wear, you really can't get the shot you want.
However...it was 'bike to work day' and there was a huge after ride celebration going on in Ballard. So I made a quick executive decision that we'd head down there and see if we could get anything good...

{Circa's...chillin}

{One-Way...with some improvements for this year}

{Really?! I am not a bike...do your freak'n job!}

{The Clubman got a little make over as well}

{Ballard was a flutter with bikes}

{notice a theme with how each days photo shoot ends?}

Next...we hit the mean streets and back alleys of downtown Seattle. And I'm reminded...again...why I ride a bike in this town and leave my truck for mountain bike adventures.

Yeah...This Makes Sense

2009-06-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

Sandbagger.

I'm at the point where I gladly accept this title. In fact, I think USA Cycling should have a class just for the sandbaggers...oh wait...depending on where you live...they do. Because in the NW you can file request after request after request to upgrade but until you fulfill their minimums to upgrade...you're bagging. At least that's what I thought, until I went to the Twilight Crit on Saturday...

I've gone to the Ballard Twilight Crit for the last 2 years and never had a problem signing up the day of. Granted, the last two years the weather has been on par with Tornado Tom in Night Club after having one too many beers...unpredictable, and usually ends messy. However, with the forecast calling for sunshine days and lollypops, I still didn't think the race would fill up and I wouldn't be able to register the day of. Turns out, this was the case. Sure, they had a "wait list" that gave false hopes to our overly spandexed wearing crowd that saw us standing around, tapping our race shoes like a line of tight pants wearing tourists trying to get into an exclusive club in Vegas. (The only thing missing was the velvet rope) And when it came time to start the race they finally gave us notice..."Sorry folks, club's full. You don't have to go home but you can't stay here." UNLESS...you know the bouncer.

As it turns out, you HAVE to race a minimum of 10 races to upgrade in the 'normal' categories...but so long as you show your AARP card, you can enter the Masters Category. And on this day, there was only 1 Masters Race to stretch the legs...the Masters Cat 1/2/3. Yahoo! Instant upgrade...plus they gave me a senior citizen discount!

Race details...so as to not bore you with yet another wordy race recap...

1) Holy Crap those "old guys" are fast! I don't know what the exact average was, but it had to have been around 30...the age you have to be to be a Master if you must know.

2) Had a second Mavic wheel failure in as many weeks (story to come)

3) Getting a flat in a corner while at speed almost always results in a crash (not me, the guy ahead of me)

4) I absolutely love my friends. For 45 minutes. At EVERY corner. Any racer around me heard SALLY! being yelled.

5) I might still be classified a Cat 5 but when sprinting for the finish, and your handlebar gets bumped, on both sides, at the same time...I know enough to tap the breaks and pull myself out of it. No sprint is worth the possibility of hitting bricks after 45 minutes of racing.

{I was looking for a way out...}

So what does this all mean?! Do I turn in my "Sandbaggers Local 206" card and continue to race with the Geritol crowd? Or do I continue to be a Cat 4/5 Pro for another 10 races and live out the personal glory in my head when ever I go to the races? Decisions....decisions.

As always Amara is awesome for coming out to snap picutres of these events. The Ballard Crit, along with the rest of the season, can be found here.

Blog Bonk

2009-06-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

No worries...I've been refueling as of late...

and have a ton of stuff I'm going to Bl-ommit all over my keyboard next week.

I've got pictures and stories from our 2010 photoshoot, the West Side Invite, new bikes, mountain bike rides, destroying wheels, beer, and (of course) bacon.

Right now though...I'm going to get out and ride. Tomorrows a big day...if I do well enough it might be my last day as a sandbagging Cat 5, and might get to upgrade to Cat 4 Pro. So I got lots of hydrating to do tonite with my favorite 16 oz carb-loading-tool...

Till next week...

West Side Story

2009-05-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

It has it all.
Rivals...two gangs willing to duke it out to the end in order to claim superiority over the other.
Romance...with a tragic conclusion because that's how all relationships end...tragic (hmmm...bitter?)
Excitement...fight scenes the way people should fight...in dance.

And all this can be seen this weekend in Seattle...performed on the streets. The West Side Invite rolls into town with all the thunder of the Oscar winning performance.

Rivals...duking it out in various events from alleycats, polo, skids, stands, drinking, stinking, eating...all to gain an edge over their opponent.
Romance...come on...a bunch of messengers riding around all goofed up. More than one person will be pulling on their 'regrets' in the morning as they try and sneak out.
Excitement...I could only hope there would be bicycle dance fighting. Something similar to the bicycle dance scene in Rad.

If you're in Seattle this weekend...you're bound to see part of the mayhem rolling around.

Next post...more 2010 Bikes.

2010 Photo Shoot

2009-05-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

Has already started (good thing I picked up a camera on my way to the studio) We spent the whole day inside as the weather started crappy and we wanted some studio time for our brand new carbon bike we'll be releasing later this year. I'll do my best to update as the shoot rolls along over the next couple weeks.

So here are some snaps from my memory card...all carbon today.

{Seeing more than double}

{After a couple years away, the Team is back in the lineup}

{Fast sitting still}

{Curves = Sexy}

{You sank my battle ship...}

{I'm sure we could've placed a logo here somewhere}

{Tapered Headtube...stiff}

{White Heat}

{Models can be soooo hard to work with}

{Motofish working the Ctrl + Open Apple +Del}

{2010 Prestige}

{Seattle Beer Week is still going on...}
{Like you didn't see this coming at the end of the day!}

More to come...

Pub Crawl

2009-05-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

I was just reminded, by twitter of all things, that Seattle Beer Week starts today at Pikes Brewery.

And just to show how much bikes and beer together...they've included a pub crawl on Saturday. Byron at Bike Hugger posted up a little info on the ride that can be found here.

With the weather finally shaping up to look less moist...I can't think of a finer thing to do on a Saturday afternoon.

April Showers

2009-05-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

Bring May Showers.

Four possible days of riding in this much hyped "Ride Your Bike to Work Month".

Day 1

Spent it in my truck...banging my head on the steering wheel. It was beautiful. Alas I had to drive in to pick up a bike and drop it off at a local shop. Bummed

Day 2

Rode in and tempted fate. A storm was percolating but wasn't supposed to pour into Seattle until later in the evening. So I did what anyone would do...I pulled on my Carharts and rode in without fenders. Leaving the Raleigh MotherShip after work I immediately regretted my choices.

*5 minutes into the ride I had water drops building on the brim of my cap

*10 minutes - I could feel the bottom of socks getting wet

*15 minutes - Receiving the 'double team' from up above and below...my Carharts gained 10lbs

*25 minutes - Road grit that built on my saddle and pants starts making an unnerving crunching sound

*35 minutes - I turn down a beer because I still have another 5 miles to get home...does that give ya'll an idea as to how bad it was?

*45 minutes - Is something starting to chafe?!

*52 minutes - I'm standing in a puddle...that I'm creating...in my kitchen

Day 3

50 mph gusts and my shoes were still bloated. The only question crazier to ask me than "did you drive" would be "would you like bacon with that"

The sun came out that afternoon.....(insert expletive here)

Day 4

Glorious fenders...

Hooverville Fundraiser

2009-04-21T15:18:00.001-07:00

It felt like the beginning of any late 70's early 80's sit com. Three years ago I packed up my 4Runner, waved good by to my friends and slowly drove away from the tiny ski town I had called home. My adventures took me across the highways of the West and eventually had me driving on up to Seattle. Surrounded by skyscrapers and fast moving cars...I had arrived.

Moving from a town with 7 bars in it, to a place like Seattle was a little daunting. I was soon directed to a local tavern that had opened up the same weekend I pulled into town. It housed friendly genuine people. The staff is fun and lively. Peanut shells covered the floor and the walls are filled with memorbilia...not TVs. To top it all off, they let me bring my bicycle inside as there are no bikes racks in SODO. Call it destiny, call it coincidence...I called it home.
On Februray 25th, 2009 I rolled into work and had 10 new text messages...all of them proclaiming that Hooverville was on fire.
After the smoke settled I was relieved to hear that no one was in the bar, and if it was possible, there was talk about when they would reopen. And though no one was hurt in the blaze...the staff are feeling the effects. As the bar had to close, so did their full time employment. Currently, all of them are out of work until the bar can re-open. (ask anyone how hard it is trying to find work...let alone temporary work...right now)

So this Friday is a fundraiser for the Bartenders. Absolutely ALL the proceeds from the evening will go directly into the pockets of staff.

{Even bartenders need to eat}

{gives you a rough idea, and a landmark}

3.5 MPH is the Average...

2009-04-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

speed of someone walking.
My Commute time has now effectively tripled.
Do I get up at 4am these days and Obey the Law? Or do I get my self a radar detector and push my luck?

Revenge

2009-04-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

is a dish best served cold. And by the time I get mine...it'll have a funky film on the top of it, and will probably crawl off my plate under it's own power.

I was robbed last year at the Brad Lewis Memorial Crit in the U-District. On the back stretch I made an acceleration to break away from the pack instead of sprinting for the finish. And by all appearances, I had done so. However when I approached the finish line, a crafty little bugger by the name of Daniel came around me at the line to steal my victory away from me.

{Photo from Wheels in Focus}

I swore revenge. Mostly to myself, as no one actually heard me. And it's not like I've lost sleep over the whole thing...plotting a payback, working on my 'stink eye', or training really hard this winter to make sure it wouldn't happen again. Honestly, I hadn't even thought about it until a buddy brought it up the other day...huh...

Anyway...my vengeance will have to wait another year. And my fellow racers will have to wait for another weekend before I unleash the full furry of my winter training...

For this year I'm going to be in Colorado for the weekend. Painting and hiding Easter Eggs with my nephew. Maybe a little bowling with the family. A nice meal. You know, all the wholesome good family stuff.

{I don't know why they don't send me pictures of him with the Johnny Cash shirt I got him}

If you do find yourself out and about Easter morning...and you're in the vicinity of the U-District in Seattle, you should swing on by and watch some guys dressed up in spandex. Riding really really fast. And trying to avoid the inevitable carnage that is crit racing.

Plushie..

2009-04-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

Just about a year ago I came across this poor guy left out on the curb.

I have no idea what adventures were in store for this discarded memory. I just hope its journey eventually found it on the Island of Misfit Toys.

Almost exactly a year later, while riding home I happened right upon this poor little Simba sitting on the trail.

{Hakuna Matata?}

I actually approached it with great caution...for fear that someone was actually "in" the giant stuffed animal. Waiting for some unsuspecting trail user to get too close...and then pounce while a giggling accomplice hid in the bushes with a camcorder ready to put the hi jinx on YouTube that nite.

Of course, no one was in the Doe Eyed stuffed cat so I promptly did what anyone would do...I pulled out my handy camera phone and posted the picture on my Facebook and Twitter pages. (my god...what have I become?!) The responses I got from my 'friends' showed up waaaaaaaay too quickly...

-Damn, That's where I left him...and I thought he was lost
-Why does all the cool stuff happen to you? Sweet.
-My son wants me to go there and pick him up.
-Did you give her a ride?
-are you sure that wasn't an acid flashback?
-ditto on the acid flashback...
-dude i knew i dropped that somewhere
-Is there a person in there?
-is their a prison near by?

It warmed my heart to see a few people were actually missing their lost friend, one offered up adoption, and still another was concerned about it's well being and wanted me to make sure it had a safe home for the evening until it was reunited with it's pal...however my bicycle has a strict policy on who it offers rides too...
Some Swine, Be Divine, or Rainier will be Fine...no one rides for free.

I was also relieved that I wasn't the only one who thought there was someone hiding out in the thing. Maybe I have seen too many YouTube clips. Maybe being brought up watching Allen Funt constantly gag people on Candid Camera has made me leery of the weird things I encounter in life. (did I just date myself?)

The acid flashback I had to think about for a moment, but quickly dismissed it as an option when the Trail Simba didn't tell me to find my soul mate or take me on a magical journey through a world made of Bacon, where the Rainier are tame and all the girls are on Bicycles. Besides...I was able to capture the image on my phone...

A prison?! What does that even mean?! How do I 'unfriend' this person?!

Spring seems to have sprung. If this is what the beginning is looking like, this should be a fun summer.

Surprise...

2009-04-02T15:21:00.000-07:00

Can be the best offense.

I finally got to see the start list for SSWC in Durango. At first I didn't think I made it in...which totally floored me! I had done everything they requested, and more, to get into this event.

I was postmarked by the right date.

I filled out my check...correctly this time. (turns out using Roman numerals instead of numbers is frowned upon)

I had one of the Raleigh graphics people do an AMAZING job of coloring my application.

Plus, I included an extra application (just in case) that had nothing to do with theirs...just to make sure.

So what the heck?!

I called up my pal Doom and gave him a good ol 'what for' (if you've ever wanted one of his sweet custom vests...apparently now is the time to hit him up) At the end of my rant (which somehow involved Driving Miss Daisy) he reassured me that he'd look into it and make sure I was on the list. But calmly asked me, like any good customer service representative, to go back to the list and double check to make sure I wasn't really on it.

Grudgingly, I checked out the list...AGAIN. I was making my way down the list, reading each name to myself as I went (lips moving the entire time). And as I neared the last page, I took out my phone and was pulling up Dooms number when I saw this....

I don't know what a Fuzzy John is, however I do know what a Sally is. And then it dawned on me...they posted that ALL females that registered were guaranteed entry. So in a last ditch effort to ensure I'd make it in, I used the nickname that's followed me around like the paparazzi follows Britney in Vegas.

In my defense I did not register as a female, I just used my nickname. Their form had something that looked like this...

M/F AGE :

I thought they were asking what my preference would be...

And upon further inspection of their site I caught a glimpse of my 'other' entry...

{It's in there...you just have to know which one it is}

Finding out that SSWC is the weekend around Dirt Demo crushed me. But I've never let something as silly as 'work' stop me before...

Where is my focus?!

2009-03-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

Got up this morning...I Tweeted about it...like everyone seems to do on Twitter.

Rode in this morning....wanted to tweet it. Instead I replied to some other peoples Twats (is that the past tense of tweet? The whole thing is still confusing to me)

Built up a couple bikes for the MS Society. One lucky raffle winner is getting a Clubman and another is getting a Supercourse.

I grew up in NoDak so I was surrounded by John Deere tractors as a kid. Something tells me my current kid stage would like these toys...

{Cover of Issue 12 of Rouleur}

{found on a site that was forwarded to me...absolutely NSFW!}

{part of the largest train set around}

Had 3 different Magazines sitting on my desk with Raleigh bikes in them...

1) Dirt Rag has the sweet picture of Angela riding a Eva 8.0 AND has a Clubman in a Sealine ad on the opposite page.

2) LA Confidential has a Clubman pictured in their Crush Worthy section

3) Road Bike Action added a picture of a complete Raleigh Team bike as the header to their Carbon page of 'Finding the Ultimate Frame Material'. (If you get this publication, check out their 'buyers guide' and then check out the ads...looks totally unbiased to me)

I was delivered a Mo's Bacon Bar...mmmmm, delicious.

And yet, for some reason, I'm having a hard time focusing.

Maybe because early in the day, I found out about this...

I have no words...

Bored...

2009-03-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

And not a thing happened this week. Unless you count...

We got some new stickers in this week. They turned out pretty sweet and seem to fit in perfect at your local Tavern.

Kyle...our very own Product Manager...has started to ride into work again, in an attempt to work off the winter Pint work outs. So I have someone to ride with every now and again.

We've started our meetings to make the Rush Hour Revolution bigger and better this year.

The sun came out...sort of...this week. Trying to spark a little hope in hearts of Seattlites.

{so it was more like a Black and Tan}

Speaking of Black and Tan...well...at least the Black stuff...I HAD to dive into Loretta's yesterday on my way home to share a long distance Car Bomb with Brother-In-Law on his Birthday.

{the only time I ask for a smaller shot...that glass won't fit}

I got to ship off an unusable XXIX frame to the kids at Yakima for them to use in their Test Lab. I really hope I get some pictures back from them with the results of their tests.

And while we may have just finished our 2010 bikes, that doesn't mean we can't start dreaming and creating new bikes for 2011, does it? I think we came up with a pretty sweet rig, and a great graphic for it this week.

So, yeah. Pretty quiet week around here. We'll see what kind of boredom I can find this weekend. And if you think about it...tomorrow, everyone is being encouraged to turn their lights off for an hour to raise awareness of the global climate changes. I can't help but think this might have another effect. Something similar to a phenomenon know as Power Outage Babies. (but that's just me)

X Files Ride

2009-03-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

No aliens. No Sasquatch. No Loch Ness monster. No Scully or Molder. Just a ride with no proof other than the word of those that did it.
I wish I could have provided grainy, shaky, blurry proof of any of anything we did on Sunday. However, riding home the other day I had the misfortune of my camera falling out of my messenger bag.
I've already built a small stand in front of my house to sell 'Beacon Hill Lemonade' to the hobos, knitted 40oz coozies to sell, and tear away clothing for the folks working my street. Hopefully it won't take long...
It was just a huge day of monumental riding without any photographic proof...that's all. Just the stories of the 8 intrepid riders who pedaled onto Galbraith in Bellingham this past Sunday.

So without any photographic proof you'll just have to take my word that Sundays ride was hard. No...not just hard...the climbs would have brought tears to Ned Overends eyes. The descents would have shook the logos right off Greg Herbolds kit. And the mileage would have left Johnny T curled up in a ball gripping his thumb with his lips. That's how hard it was.

Eight guys. Sixteen gears. (I always include walking as a gear) And eight different stories. Each one of those valiant riders rode the exact same trail, but if Nat tells you it was 20 miles...I could say it was 40. If Kevin said we climbed 1200 feet...Keith would say it was 6000 feet. If Brett said it was a little tacky with patches of mud...Brian could say we were fjording the entire time.

But no matter the story, each one rode away a little weary that day...and we all smiling as we toasted our first beer.

Measure Once...

2009-03-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

Cut Twice?

My dad is really good at woodwork. He's a regular Terry the Toolman kind of guy and I know deep down that he could show that Over Plaid Wearing Bob Villa a thing or four. He's built everything from coat racks, to desks, to beds to a couple of the friggin houses we've lived in. If there's ever a flood that start to encompass the globe...I'm making a B line for my dad's house.

Running down the evolutionary chain I received many things from my Pa. I got my fathers humor, his ability to pay attention when the TV is on, some of his dance moves, and his follically challenged scalp. But no where in there did I receive his knack at being handy. That was passed down to my little sister who made a stellar lamp in high school that I still use to this day.

PJ...Inside Sales Person Extraordinaire, former Messenger and occasional grouch without a beer in hand...acquired a space that he's turning into his very own PJ's Bike-O-Rama. Last nite he was hanging up some peg board so I stopped on in to help...management style.

{Yup...looks level boys}

{Hey...look at all the bikes}

{What do you mean it's too short?! Cut it again!}

{Shiny...and warm}

{See...I told you guys it'd turn out fine}

The Bike-O-Rama is coming along nicely and should serve many people well this summer. Not necessarily in a 'bike fixing' kind of way. Maybe more in a 'hang out around a bunch of bikes while drinking beer in the alley way' kind of way. Should be a screaming success.

The Sun Came Out

2009-03-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

And I'm going to ride. If it's nice where you are...you should too.

If you're in Seattle...the Bike Expo is going on this weekend. Raleigh will not have a booth there this year, but I'll be there.
Wandering around.
Because...
Well...it's bike stuff.
And that's what bike people do.

This Changes Everything!

2009-03-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

The little bit of news I just received via Twitter/Facebook/Nerd-dom validated all the time I've been putting into these things.

Sent from CX Magazine....

I've already made contact with the guys who are going to be running the series, and about shot beer out my nose when they said their series would NOT be associated with USA Cycling.

Which means...no rules regarding race attire.

Which means...I'm going to form a team like that of my SSCXWC team to show up at each race.

They're also resurrecting the “Grail de la Grunge” competition between Washington and Oregon. I can only assume that the battle that will rage in Tumwater this fall will be likened to some of the greatest sports rivalries of all time.

Seattle MFG Cyclocross...Must Feel Good

I don't know about good...this is making me feel GREAT!

Funraiser

2009-03-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

There's only an 80% chance of rain tomorrow. You should go!

{Who is that handsome man?}

Tour? What Tour?

2009-03-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

The Tour of California is over. Levi went on to 3peat. A guy by the name of Lance was there. It rained, there was snow, some really expensive bikes, there was a Doper Devil, and I earned the Lantern Rouge of posting the rest of my trip.

So...instead of trying to remember stories, complaining about weather, or making up Haiku's about the trip...I'll just purge some random pictures from my camera and move on.

{The Yakima Vigilantes were a Valentine treat to see in Sacramento}

{While the Doping Control RV was checking the athletes, they should have been checking the spectators. The crowds were insane, even in the driving rain}

A couple of easy steps to brighten your mood...

1) "Find" some balloons after the race is over

{These will do}

2) Distract the Local Law enforcement crew who was eyeballing you "finding" balloons

{Officer, the Duke Boys went thata way}

3) Insert your own soundtrack and enjoy

{.......}

Classy Establishments are all the norm in Cali...

{No Rainier in this Club}

{but the High Life could prove to be in interesting muse....}

If I had made it all the way down to SF with my bike and didn't ride the Golden Gate Bridge...I don't know if I ever would have forgiven myself.

{Yup...it's a bridge}

Managed to get one completely dry ride in on my last day in the "Sunshine State". Andrew from CXMagazine took me for a pretty sweet spin. While I spent more time in the car getting there and returning...the ride he took me on was soooo worth it.

{it was all sunshine days and lollipops this day}

{I seem to remember a site that involved 'something on' Top Tubes}

{Is that even still around?}

{So long California...until...well...maybe Sea Otter?}

I fell like I can move on now in postings...as this has been hanging around my neck like an albatross.

It's been a pretty random week around here...full of surprises. I'll try and get some of it up tomorrow.

Boredom Can Be Dangerous...

2009-02-27T16:27:00.001-08:00

Take a stock Mojave 8.0...Retail price of around $740.

Add a broken carbon mountain bike with high zoot parts

Mix with a slightly bored Product Coordinator

Wrench for a couple hours

Then stand back and smirk...you just made a 22lb Mojave 8.0

{Yup}

{Stock headset still...}

{That's a Deore front Der too...}

Keep an eye on all the Velo Press sites and blogs this weekend...its time for the NAHBS again!

Have a great weekend...I'm gona catch some turns instead of making revolutions.

Regrets...

2009-02-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

I have a few. Like the time I was working in a fast food restaurant and I...(insert your own story here)

When riding the Pacific Coast Hiway on a cool California day, the last thing anyone would be thinking about would be regrets.

The scenery...amazing

The climbing...uppy, downy

The road...was out of a car commercial

Regret can however pose interesting dilemmas. This day I had the choice of extending this ride or getting on the road to Sacramento to do some work before the Tour. I chose to cut the ride short and have a slight twinge of regret for missing out on the rest of the ride, rather than the regret I'd have if I found myself serving Baconators...again.

What's Got 2 Thumbs And Is Whiter Than White?

2009-02-24T17:25:00.000-08:00

{This Guy}

So I didn't come back from Cali with a tan. (sigh) However, I wouldn't let the Seattle Weather in a Non-Seattle location ruin the trip away from my desk. And neither would my gracious host...Brad.

Brad is the operations manager for the bicycle tour company Bicycle Adventures based up here in the NW and an old friend. So when he called me up and said that he had the first few days of the Tour laid out, a house with a hot tub, a bike for me to ride, and a fridge full of beer waiting for me....come on! Honestly, what would you do?!

I had to use my "word hole" to the best of it's ability to convince the powers that be that this would be a work trip. Weaving key words (meet dealers, talk to Mag Editors, swag) to create a tapestry of never ending meetings and schmoozing while there. It was beautiful.

Right off the plane Brad had us on Cross bikes and pedaling to catch the last rays of sun before it disappeared for the rest of my time there.

{Biggest, Fastest Vegetarian on a Bike}

{New sights, and an old familiar one to ride}

{Yup...it was a nice ride}

{The Sun beat us down the hill}

As we settled in the pot of human stew, beer in hand, Brad regaled me with tales of the foreboding ride we would to tomorrow...the (Damn that beer is tasty) 7 Bitches.

Up and Coming

2009-02-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

If you're in Salt Lake this weekend...you could ride away with a Rush Hour Pro frame.

If you love my descriptions of how dry the NorthWest is...you should register now and swing through for this...

The fastest man AND woman will get a Rush Hour.

Can you ride shame away? I gave it shot on Sunday (after my Saturday evening indiscretions)...and I don't think it worked. All I really have to say about it is...Damn, that Kenny Rogers has a sultry voice! And Matt Case is no Dolly Parton!

Time

2009-02-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Apparently, I have too much of it on my hands these days.

As you can spy by the side bar not only have I been able to add a Facebook page to break Raleigh out of it's "shy" stage, but I've gone ahead and started posting pictures on Flickr. I'll be uploading pictures there on a pretty regular basis. I'm going to try and keep it pretty Raleigh related. Pictures of new bikes, events, Raleigh shops, Rides, Teams, company BBQ's, and maybe dress it up with a Bacon shot.

And since I was on such a roll, I thought...Why stop there?! If people would have stopped at Ham, we'd never have Bacon. If bicyclist were fine with P-fars, mountain biking would look completely different. And if Lance would have retired, what would the VeloPress have to write about these days?

I'm still learning the easiest way to work a lot of this...but trial by fire is usually the best way right? Playing Ultimate Frisbee taught me it was possible to slam a pitcher of beer out of Frisbee, dance all night, and wake up in strange places wearing an afro the size of Fletch's. So in the true spirit of the game...I'm going to the Tour of California loaded with all this new technology and see just what happens.

In all likely hood...this will be my last posting as I'll screw something up and the Raleigh Accounting Department will learn where my secret birthmark is, and my slurred Tweets will offend someone. Resulting in a very public pink slip on all these social media.

It's going to be interesting...I'm going to try and Sabotage some Gold Sprints.

Ride the first four days of the Tour.

Find Swobo HQ and set a flamming bag on their door step.

Try and catch a ride with CX Magazine just to name a few items on the check list.

Wish me luck...at any of it.

Never Saw A Tea Kettle

2009-02-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

but my ass ended up over it.

Kids do it, amateurs do it, commuters do it, mountain bikers, roadies, p-far riders, shoot...even Lance does it. For one reason or another we all end up 'hitting the deck' while riding.

Sometimes you can see it coming, other times you're on the pavement before you even knew it. Is it better to see it coming and prepare yourself for the inevitable? Or is surprise the best way to handle the unknown?

Do 'bike handling' skills save you or break you? Do they get you out of situations? Or do they put you in situations?

What about experience? If you fall more often do you eventually become 'good' at it? In most everything in life, experience is considered a plus. Is it better to tense up and try to catch the fall? Or is it best not to know it's happening and let your limp body absorb the blow?

Wanting to test much of this, I put myself on the asphalt this weekend. I came up to a series of metal construction plates in the middle of the road. At the end of the first plate a wheel devouring gap formed, separating the first and second plate. Using my 'experience' I kicked my front wheel over the void and tensed in case my rear wheel was not so lucky. My front wheel cleared and it felt like the rear was in hot pursuit to keep me rolling. That's when my foot came out of my pedal and lodged itself in my front wheel. This action having the effect of an Italian stabbing their pump at my wheel (a la Breaking Away), swiftly locking up the front wheel and catapulting me through the air. I managed a mid air somersault and landed safely (?) on my bag and ass.

I've fallen off my bike...lots. Did any of my 'experience' aid me in being able to walk away from this episode with nothing more than a broken front wheel and a sore ankle? Did the spontaneity of it all happening so fast prevent me from doing something to try and 'save' myself? Did my 'skills' end up putting me into the situation, or prevent it from being worse?

I really don't know. What I do know is I have a new wheel to build now.

Friday Photos...

2009-01-30T15:30:00.000-08:00

A quick collection of pictures taken during the week...and what a weird week it was. Monday was bitter cold. Mid week was sublime. And this morning I rode in so much fog that I became a part of it.
Anyway...just a view from my bike.

{The 'easy way' at Pikes Market}

{So fast, the camera can't focus....yeah, that's it}

{Lunch Hour, Rush Hour, Testing Time}

{I always think of Fargo when I see random wood chips. Is that weird?}

{Not a single rain drop was used in these photos}

Next week...some sneak peak photos of our new Carbon Frame. If you can't wait till then...visit us on Facebook for an early sneak peak.

Have a great weekend.

'Il Campionissimo'

2009-01-28T16:11:00.000-08:00

This year marks the 6oth Anniversary of Fausto Coppi becoming the first man to win the Giro de Italia and the Tour de France in the same year. As this is also the 100th Anniversary of the Giro, I'm sure that much will be made of the Italian's famous Double.

{'Champion of Champions'}

Hopefully, what is not lost is the famous rivalry between Coppi and Bartali. So fierce was the rivalry that at the 1949 World Championships, the same year as Coppi's double, both competitors climbed off their bikes during the race. Both riders refused to help each other, and neither crossed the finish line.

{Bartali left, Coppi right}

Belgium Knee Warmers has been posting some amazing stories as told by Bartali shortly after Coppi's death. They are a great insight into a great competitor, and his feelings towards his greatest adversary.

The first in their IV part series can be found here.

Recurring Rides

2009-01-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

Ride enough, and you're bound to see some similarities.

6:00 am and my phone is buzzing, waking me before my alarm.

In my waking state my mind instantly went back a year and my thoughts scrambled. I sit up straight in my bed and think, "Sh*t! That was Carey texting me saying she was leaving Ballard and will see me at ACC in a little bit. I gotta get moving!"
After another moment my head cleared and I remembered that neither Carey nor Matt ride with me to or from work. Shoot, they don't even meet up with me for beers anymore. Those days are left for adventures to Portland anymore.
It's 26 degrees in Seattle. No where near the Penguin freezing temperatures I grew up with in the MidWest, but out here...its a damp cold that saturates your bones and never dries. I really don't want to ride today.
As I'm injecting my coffee and watching color spread itself across the sky, the Morning Show reminds me that it's cold...but it's going to be the only rain/snow free day of the week. Sh*t. Going back to first thoughts of the day...if Carey was here, she'd be riding to work. Double Sh*t.
Riding apparel today...everything you could find at a farm supply store. My Kinco thick work gloves, long underwear, hat, flannel lined Carharts, and 2 pars of socks.
The ride was cold. But at every pedal revolution I ran into memories of Carey and Case.

From cold rides into work.

The Views....

{Then}

{Now}

Some of the apparel choices.

Reflections...

{Riding through PDX last year}

{this morning at Raleigh's front door}

Then as I got closer to HQ the sun stretched itself over Cascades and provided me with a riding partner for a small stretch.

{Carey then}

New Riding Partner from Saleigh on Vimeo.

I was just lacking a stop at Hooverville at the end of the day...

Good times...thanks for the ride.

In Your FACE!

2009-01-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

Alllllright! I found yet another way for me to waste time at work. FACEBOOK!

I know, I know. Much like my SSWC registration...it took me a little while to get to it, I might have cheated a little, and got it in at the last minute as I'm sure I'm the 150,000,001 person to sign up. It's been around "forever" and is probably on the verge of being extinct just like our Seattle Messengers. But I got it done, which is more than I can say for my Webelo badge.

In the time spent between ignoring people from High School and yet passing more drinks than a High School kegger I took the time to set up a page for Raleigh. Granted, some would consider Raleigh a little old (over 120 years old) for Facebook but with the fastest segment of people signing up being over 30 I felt Raleigh was prime.

So if you have an account, just click on the big ol logo and become a fan. And while you're there post some pictures of your first or currently Raleigh. Start up a discussion, post a video, leave a story, or ask why there isn't a link to the sweetest bacon creation I've ever heard of! (a full product review of the Bacon Explosion will follow...)

From Couch to 92 in...

2009-01-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

an all day effort.

Who : Recycled Cycles Racing and 1 Rainier bloated Raleigh Super Model
What : Early season group ride/Training weekend
When : January 17, 18, 19
Where : Bellingham, WA
Why : I'm still asking that same question

{Getting an early start}

{and it's awful cold...}

{frost+chipseal=slick roads and busted up shoulders}

{There is no I in team...}

{pain train}

{ride faster or get run over}

{this was the view I had all day...hanging on}

Lessons learned...

1) Getting off the couch and doing your first ride with a race team...dumb

2) Groups can be more fun than riding alone. However it's hard to talk to anyone when your jaw is frozen

3) I'm never believing anyone when they say it's going to be a "flat ride" unless I'm in North Dakota

4) Spin to Win is one of the dumbest phrases I've ever heard

5) When off the bike...bike racers watch bike racing on TV

6) When everyone is training, and you show up with a bunch of beer...you drink all the beer

Raleigh is proud to sponsor this bunch of bike riding hooligans. You can see them in action here and at a race in the Pacific North West near you.

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” ~ Albert Einstein

2009-01-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

{Our new President}

When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. ~H.G. Wells

The hardest part of raising a child is teaching them to ride bicycles. A shaky child on a bicycle for the first time needs both support and freedom. The realization that this is what the child will always need can hit hard. ~Sloan Wilson

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride. ~John F. Kennedy

Oh My God They're Gorgeous!

2009-01-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

The best kept secret in the bike industry is the pay we receive to play with bikes. While most believe that we live like kings that sit on carbon fiber thrones, the truth is my yoga ball is made in China. We do not eat Lobster every evening with Titanium forks, rather the Ramen is mixed with Chunky Peanut Butter to make our version of Pad Thai.

People in comparable positions at "real" jobs have benefits, cars, furniture from Ikea, a girlfriend or boyfriend, and a lovely condo with a flat screen TV. Rather I save my cans and recycle them in Portland when I go (5cents a can!), ride a bike, relax on my curbside couch...alone, wearing a down coat in my house while adjusting the aluminum foil on the rabbit ears.

In order to live 'the dream' most have to find an alternative income to help sublimate. That's why I turned to modeling....

Yesterday, I received the call...a new P&A Catalog is in the works and a the cover shoot had to be done. I quickly jumped at the opportunity to be included in this highly sought after job.

{setting up the shot}

{Kevin...agent and fluffer}

{Only one thing missing...}

{that's the money shot}

Best $60 I ever spent. Watch for it. A new and daring P&A catalog, coming to a bike shop near you.

Cat 4 Commuter

2009-01-14T13:08:00.000-08:00

My alarm struggled to wake up this morning, right along with me. Letting out a random, painful, chirp instead of a rhythmic beep. Was that last IPA really necessary last nite? Ugh. I need coffee.

Today's the day. It's been over a month since I made my way on two wheels into Raleigh HQ, and today I start a new year of commuting, riding, living.

Looking around the room I gathered together all my "normal" riding gear. Shoes, socks, Chrome Knickers, gloves, *new* Rapha Cross Jersey, jacket, riding cap and helmet. The forecast called for nothing but the sun's rays to be falling from the sky today. So I tempted fate and grabbed my fenderless single speed, and away I went.

{any day that starts off with this view...}

Turns out I was a little overconfident when selecting my apparel. What was the correct selection last time I rode, turns out to be not enough in January. My thumbs were the first to succumb to the cold. Followed by my ears, nose, toes, and shins. How could this rookie mistake have happened?! This isn't the first time I've commuted in the winter. In the time away from the bike did I kill the b-cell that I need to dress myself? Or was I suffering from overconfidence...thinking 'been there, done that'?

Anyway, I suffered. And all it really takes is one good ride of suffering to over prepare for the next ride.

{Cross is over...but the mud crossings continue}

{wasn't it sunny a few pictures ago?!}

{maybe some long socks tomorrow or pants}

I will throw this in...I was almost regretting the trade of my winter hat for the sweetest coozie ever this morning. Fortunately, my ears will be taunting my thumb, nose, toes, and shins on the ride home. The mail man arrived today with my replacement winter hat. I will NOT be so willing to part with this one. And of all the high end items they make at Rapha...this hat is my absolute favorite thing they make.

The Dirty Side of Riding

2009-01-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

It's inevitable that dirt will contaminate something on your bike. It doesn't matter how you try and prevent it, dirt is persistent and finds a way. Even with all the advanced space age polymers that protect like the secret service. Seals that could keep the pope out of church on Sunday. And lubricants that can turn a sled saucer into a sound barrier blasting missile. Dirt, grease, grime, mud, sand, gum, snow, rain, and road apples all find a way.

Cross is an enabler. An enabler to assist dirt find it's way into those curious places that usually only your mechanic knows about. And Cross enabled the hell out of dirt this year!

{Dirty}

This weekend I finally broke down to massage my poor Rainier and give it a nice little spa treatment. Making my way around the bike and the damage became more and more evident.
And what started out as a simple facial and manicure turned into full blown reconstruction with elective surgery.

{Going under the 'wrench'}

{Yup...That's the Top of my headtube!}

{Can you figure out which one was working?}

{Phil stood his muddy ground in the battle for my BB}

Brake cables and housing need replacement, along with the brake pads. Every bolt would need to be removed and re-greased. Chain is to be thrown away and replaced. The Headset and Bottom Bracket...once removed there was an executive decision made to replace them both. The NonDrive side BB bearing contained more dirt than bearings. And the lower cup of my headset scattered, to the various nether regions of my basement workshop, like cockroaches when the lights come on.

The conditions this cross season were pretty extreme. I threw my leg over my Rainier to race only 5 times, with weather 'happening' at every one. The only 'dry' race I participated in (in more ways than one...stupid UCI) happened in the Nevada desert. However...I think we can all learn a valuable lesson here...

Cross is more fun when you get muddy in the NW than staying clean in the Nevada desert.

It's like an Etch-A-Sketch

2009-01-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Draw something pretty. Draw some crazy lines through it. Shake it up. Start over again.

I've been away from this place for a little while. Not because I've been away, but because I've been off my bike. There have been things I could've posted. There's always stuff to talk about, fun new toys, ideas, but when i don't ride it feels a little hypocritical to write here. And after a pretty full year of riding I became a little tired and disenchanted with my bike. As Carey used to say...I lost the 'rhythm and flow' that keeps me on my bike on a daily basis. So after the USGP I hung up the bikes as the long, dark, wet ride into the Raleigh Mother Ship held absolutely no appeal. I tucked my shoes onto a shelf next to my helmet, got an oil change on my truck, upped my subscription to Netflix and settled down for a long winters nap.

Next week will mark 1 solid month of me staying off two wheels (apart from the late nite 'medicine' run). Fortunately (?) Seattle has been the scene of a Michal Bay Eco-Disaster movie as of late. With epic snow storms, days of rain, figid temps, flooding, and I swear I've seen that damn Shia LaBeouf running around...it's been rather easy to trap myself in a car than brave the elements.
Next week though...I get back at it. The bike and this blog, and suffice it to say...I'm ready.

In the mean time these were a couple items that floated across my desk that I thought I should share.

I always thought, when our Coasting bike came out, that the chain was the coolest part of the whole thing. Maybe the big S is realizing that and going to sell them aftermarket.

One of the events I'm planning to attend this year is SSWC in Durango. Registration just opened the other day and I'm sharpening up my Crayolas right now to make the sweetest entry form ever!

{that Chad is such a dream boat!}

I read an interview with the Bike Snob over at Belguim Knee Warmers and realized that we're pretty similar...well...our attitude toward racing seems to be similar. And I figure that's where the similarity ends and I'm not that witty of a writer, not nearly as creative or sarcastic enough, an probably not as good a rider.

However, I feel that my Jedi training is almost complete. After a accidental "lunch meeting" with Mr Pilderwasser I managed to trade him for the most holy of holy coozies ever created.

That coozie ain't gonna fill it's self. I'm outta here.

We will return...

2008-12-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

after a few days of playing.

It's that time a year when it's time to recharge the batteries a bit.

It's been a pretty full year of riding here on the old Commutes Blog. Lots of events, shenanigans, riding, odd days, good friends moving on, beer and flesh.

Next year is already shaping up to be better with the events I'm planning to attend. Of course, there are a few holes in the schedule, so if anyone has suggestions...I'm more than open to go play.

Hang in there...

For the weekend

2008-12-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

Cross is the happiest time of the year. It would take a Herculean effort to slap the smile off my face while I'm on course. The bikes. The crowds. The mud. The smells and sounds.

Shoot...I even hurled at the end of the USGP in Portland and I'm still a fan.

This weekend is Cross Nationals in Kansas. Last year was (for lack of a better term) epic. Between the frozen mud and snow...I couldn't imagine a tougher race to prove who should be the National Champion. And it's looking like this weekend could be right on par with last years.

This year we (Raleigh) teamed up with CXMagazine to provide some live coverage of cross Nats.

{click the banner and follow along}

So while most of can't attend...we can get minute by minute updates as the race unfolds.

Since I can't attend I think I'm going to head here tonite...

And then hit this on Sunday...

That is...if can still move after eating one of these...

TGIOver

2008-12-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

Finally.

The costumes can be stored.

The Rainier can be hung up after a complete overhaul.

The "winter training" can really begin.

The highlights from the USGP in Portland this weekend?

Mud bogs that went on for miles.

A 9:30am start time for the SS class?! (Most SS Cross riders can't even get to work that early!)

One of the best races I've seen, in the Pro Category on Saturday.

One of the best displays of raw power, in the Pro Category on Sunday.

Portland crowds.

And being suckered into the "we'll dress up if you do" routine.

Things I learned from my second season of cross?

Mud is the greatest equalizer.

If you want to get "results", play by the rules.

If you want to have fun, ride your style of race.

Heckling is what makes this sport so much fun.

After downing a bacon covered maple bar, don't chase it with a beer in front of an official.

Leather pants may suck to run in...but they keep the mud out of "areas". Orange Hot Pants, complete opposite!

I may have done only one race in Seattle this year but you can bet your "hand-up" I'll be here...

My good friend Brad of Bicycle Adventures is responsible for all the pictures you see here. If you want to see more of my muffin top....go here.

Spreading Holiday Cheer...

2008-12-05T15:11:00.000-08:00

One way to do it is to pre-order as much Bacon Jam as humanly possible!

The other is to find yourself in Portland for the USGP this weekend. Last year was pretty amazing with the torrential rains, lake crossings, and snow. All made sweeter with the giant "tickle me Elmo" diaper that I was sporting.

{spreading something...but it sure don't look like cheer!}

What didn't really get reported was the "Prom Party" the Cross Crusade held as an end of season bash. Complete with a photo booth to capture that special occasion with your date...or dates depending on who you were...

Yup...good times.

They're doing it again this year. I believe it's going to be a great time. Hope to see you there.

Foggy

2008-12-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

Can't see in front of you.

Can't see behind you.

All you can see is what's right around you.

And even that isn't so clear.

But you keep on pedaling. Hoping. Knowing. You'll eventually ride out of it.

Does Anyone Have a Recipe for Bacon Wrapped Turkey?

2008-11-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

I'd be truly thankful if I had that.

What does it mean?

2008-11-25T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hang overs happen, whether we like it or not. And it doesn't have to involve friends like Jack, Jose, or Johnny. It can take on many forms from a variety of things.

That hollow numb feeling after the holidays. All from spending too much time in commercial space trying to find that 'perfect gift', the family time, and travel.
The depleted haze that sets in after an event. Once the air of anticipation is gone, all the planning is over, and the adrenalin has seeped out and left a mere shell in place.

The funk that refuses to let a ride be as fun as it should be. That plants roots to the couch and grows a remote for fingers.

However, sometimes it's just the drink that gets us. The other day while reading Pilder's site, I noticed a pretty good description of a good 'bender' night results. The kind that we've all had at one point or another. The kind that we (foolishly) swear that we'll never do again. And I couldn't help but notice the picture that was attached to it.

Honestly...what does that mean?!

Some days...

2008-11-20T14:13:00.000-08:00

you just need to keep riding.

Turn the clock back to Tuesday and my struggle to ride home. For some reason I couldn't find a rhythm. I couldn't find a cadence. I couldn't find that moment when I've left work behind and I start 'riding my bike' home.

Was it my sweet new winter ride? I'm in the process of 'winterizing' one of our new Clubman's for the worse Seattle can throw at it. With the full tire wrapped fender action, comfortable/stable riding characteristics, and gears (!) this bike is going to see some winter abuse.

Was it the weather? It was a little breezy, but it wasn't slowing the ride down to a walk. And the grey clouds were just playing the part of a bully. Threatening, but not really doing anything.

Was it my apparel? The folks at Rapha would scoff at this as it looked like I drank the Rapha "Kool-Aid" with all of their stuff I had on.

Was it the new bag? I'm trying out a new bag from Sealine. I'm used to a messenger style single strap bag, and this one is a double strap back pack style.

Was it the lack of tunes/riding partner? I didn't have my Ipod with and I wasn't able to ride home with anyone that nite.

I pondered this the whole way home and couldn't figure out why this ride wasn't agreeing with me. I was perplexed and a little vexed.

Wednesday.

Slurping my cup of ambition, I stared at my mountain of 'clean' clothes on the floor. (sigh) Is there anything I could do to avoid the funk-ride I had yesterday? So I decided a complete change from what I did the previous day was in order.

Instead of cycling clothes, I pulled on my trusty Carharts, cotton Tshirt, and non-cycling socks.

Instead of gears, I would ride my new Rush Hour Pro prototype. It's fixed (which is really scary) and has no cable actuated brakes (no drilling's on fork or frame).

Instead of the double strap pack, I slid my Dank bag over my shoulder.

Instead of silence, I put my Ipod in my pocket and turned out some People Under the Stairs.

The weather was still grey, but it was lighter than the day before. And don't ask me how but I was the lucky recipient of a tail wind into and leaving work.

It was if the Cycling Demi-Gods were punishing me on Tuesday, and then smiling on me with favor the next.

How big was the difference? So much so that I rode right past Raleigh and kept on riding for a couple more miles. I was having so much fun that I didn't want it to end, and I'm glad I didn't stop when I saw the Heron on the door. When the occasion arises, and everything clicks, there is no other place I'd rather be than on my bike.

I just hope my boss isn't reading this, because the excuse I gave for being late had nothing to do with some extra miles/smiles on the way in.

Be Seen...

2008-11-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

Now that daylight is lasting as long as a Seahawk Highlight real, I've taken part in a time old tradition of "digging out the lights". For cyclists this ranks up there with watching Dad try and untangle the Christmas Lights every year.
When broken down, this routine is pretty similar to a dance. The dance isn't that complicated, and I believe everyone is versed in their own moves. Mine can be best summarized as looking something like this...

It's a little herky jerky and unorganized. There are flashes of brilliance mixed in with a Wow factor. But mostly, it looks like a monkey trying to hump a football....

While digging though boxes of spare parts, and swearing to myself that I'll keep everything together next year, I discover I've lost most of the mounting brackets to keep my light on my bike.
Get creative with some duct tape.
Test.
Realize after testing that the light would work perfect, if it was a search light or trying to signal aliens. Remove all 20 feet of '200mph tape'. Remount at a more reasonable level. Perfect.
Ride.
I enjoy the first 10 minutes of the ride and marvel at how well I mounted the light.
Eleven minutes into the ride I have a sudden bout of tourette's as the light slowly fades because I forgot to re-charge it.
Spend the next 20 minutes riding the Braille Trail home.

Now...I'm not going to do dive into a product review or endorsement here...I'm just going to tell you about the current lighting systems that I'm using. There's no harm in that, right?

Last year I picked up a Cateye Double Shot for the long winter nights. I was pretty psyched on how small the whole unit was and how bright it was. The only thing that really bothered me about it (along with EVERY light on the market) was the mounting hardware. I don't know about you, but I put my light on a variety of bikes with a variety of handlebar sizes. I'm also vain...and don't like the look of empty 'brackets' on my bikes. Akkkkkkk...my ever so small of a kingdom for a mounting bracket that will work on a variety of handlebars and be easily transferable from bike to bike...is that really too much to ask?
With that in mind I'm a big fan of Sigmas MicroFlash lights. Yup...they're there for safety, but I can use them on any bike and the Velcro strap makes it uber easy to transfer from one bike to the next and remain visible on dark side streets...

Visible? Did I say Visible?

{I just love those kooky Canadian girls at Momentum}

Only 34 more days, until the days start getting longer again.

One Last Parting Shot...

2008-11-14T09:38:00.000-08:00

I see Orange Shorts EVERYWHERE!

Now...back to our regularly scheduled blogging...

UPDATE>>>I almost forgot to add the link with some of the prettiest pictures in cross. Check out PDXCross.

Alright...

2008-11-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

life still feels like I'm looking through empty pint glasses for goggles. I've been reading so many posts, articles, blogs, scrolls, and parchments about SSCXWC that you'd think I'd have my story straight. But it's no where close to making sense right now. Reading other people's accounts has only clouded my memories of what I saw and did, that I might be blending in other people's stories to create a magical tale that is only lacking leprechauns right now.

So today I turned to my camera for some clarity. After all...if I can't trust my own camera...who can I trust?

Scrolling through the photos I recall that I took absolutely NO PHOTOS of Saturdays time trial. The rain was falling faster and harder than the stock market lately. I do recall setting up a tent. I also recall Team Beer hanging out under my tent. And I remember Team Beer drinking all the beer I had in my car at 10am in the morning. This was verified later by CXMagazine...

"The...thing about the SSCXWC is that qualifying doesn’t require anything superfluous like “points” or “winning” or being Belgian. That’s why I’m standing in the parking lot of Chris King components looking at guys in Rainier jumpsuits who are drinking beer at ten in the morning."

The nerve of those Team Beer guys! Anyway...

The ride to the start was awesome. Just what everyone needed to get warmed up before hurling themselves on the snot covered course for 13 minutes. Unfortunately, the 30+minute wait we all had before we started gave us plenty of time to cool down.

The course went up until you were ready to puke. Then you were handed up a shot of Tequila and you really wanted to puke. Then you descended like a tripod around the grease covered corners. Crossed the finish line and prayed you didn't puke.

The top 100 qualified...unfortunately not everyone from Hot Cross Buns qualified.

Fortunately, in true SSCXWC style, they offered other opportunities to qualify. The first being a quick Alley Cat style race around Portland that started at Vanilla and included a stop at Mount Tabor, Voodoo Donut, and someones house to grab a PBR. Upon returning to the studio the donut was inhaled and beer slammed to qualify. (2 more HCB's racers qualified here)

{What a crew...can you spot the Kiss Kross shirt?}

The second way was to be the last person standing in the pub crawl hosted by Team Beer. (I still can't believe they drank it all!) One of our troop thought he could win this...I wish he would have done the Alley Cat...because I saw things that nite that will haunt me forever.

{Sabotage...reunited and it feels soooo good}

The first being Steve Fassbinder showing us all he could use a little "manscaping".

The second was my good friend Higgins receive a birth day lap dance by the biggest Zoo Bomber in Portland.

The third was a Zoo Bomber version of "Chicken". In which 2 hetero males "fight" seductively and try to make their opponent 'turn away'. (I'm still at a loss for words how to properly describe this)

{What not to say to a Team Beer member...while slurring}

{I can drink you under the table!}

Saturday was everything you can imagine and more. It truly is something to be experienced. The "crack" team I assembled was awesome. Their energy and enthusiasm for this was unmatched. Everyone in costume. Everyone participating. Almost everyone either on a RX 1.0, One-Way, or a Rainier...(which THIS girl won at the end of the event(i think she was psyched))

Results...well...we had 2 Hot Cross Buns dressed riders in the top 5. The rest were littered through the results like so many beer cans on the course. And one DQ.

{shouldn't someone be yelling at us about our Freedom?!}

{like lambs to the slaughter}

{How could I be DQ'd!?!?}

{I can hear mechanics everywhere groaning right now...it had to be done!}

I think one of the emails I received summed up the event pretty well.

Maybe it's because you sent Mr. "Munson" over the edge on Sunday. Good lord, it was like trying to corral a 3 year old after a bath. Dude stripped down in the parking lot and was running around trying to clean the mud off of himself with a 5 gallon jug. Not caring who he ran across, or past. Then again G running around in his thong was much, much worse.

I don't know who the "you" is that this email speaks of...but they know who they are and I'm sure the guilt they feel far out ways any punishment they could receive.

To polish off our SSCXWC experience we honkered down in a fine PDX establishment, tried to order Rainiers...but they were out. All they had was Hamm's....hmmmm...I wonder what a Hamm's painted cross bike would look like?

Till next year...

If Only I Could See Straight...

2008-11-11T13:24:00.000-08:00

{Hot Cross BUNS!}

I might be able to type more about SSCXWC.

I still need another day to recover and really digest everything that happened this weekend.

I do remember....

A sweet foam machine.

Feeling like Happy Gilmore was trying to putt me though a windmill.

About a dozen orange short shorts...(with one thong sticking out)

One bacon covered maple bar hand-up

About a dozen "illegal" handups

Being DQ'd for receiving an "illegal" handup

{The only thing that should be illegal here is the length of those shorts}

There is sooooo much more to tell from this weekend. However, I need another day to figure out where I put my liver.

In the mean time you can entertain yourself with a few of these write ups...
Yakima Bicycle Vigilantes
CXMagazine (scroll down)
BikePortland

And you can find a ton of photos at my friend Dave's site and the kids at IronClad.

Too be continued....

Here we go again...

2008-11-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

When participating in an event for the first time...in it's inaugural year...it's hard to tell what kind of event it's actually going to be. Conservative, structured, traditional, unorganized, uncontrollable...you just never know. Except when I heard about SSCXWC being put on for the first time in Portland last year. I knew deep in my liver that all the 'traditional' rules would be thrown out the window and the only thing to expect...would be the unexpected.
They did NOT disappoint.
As soon as the event was over I fell in love with SSCX and the idea of having a SSCX bike. So over the next couple months Carey and I sat down, punished our 'evil' livers and dreamed up the Rainier.
Now...one year later...we will return to Portland, hot off our stunning Sabotage of the Manifest, and "serve" PDX another steaming plate of Seattle Cross.

{the weather is looking agreeable (?!) so far...}

The team is bigger this year...and the amount of flesh we will be exposing would not be suitable for a PG-13 movie.

Go to the race. You will not be disappointed. While you're at it...put on your orange hunting gear and come grab a handful of Hot Cross Buns while you're at it!

I'd Rather Be Riding...

2008-10-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

...but it feels like I'm running.

It's late.

I'm still at the office.

I didn't get to ride my new bike in today. (nope, not that one...I got another that'll I'll let ya'll see next week)

I haven't posted a thing yet this week!

I'm heading out of town tomorrow and I haven't packed...shoot, I don't even know what I'm going to be for Halloween yet this year. (the most beloved of holidays in my family) I might just have to crack out what I wore last year.

{What you don't see is the SlimJim wand completing the RedNeckFairy outfit}

If I was sticking around Seattle for the weekend you could almost bet that I would be at this event... Shoot...I don't even thing Vegas would be willing to place a wager on that! What really gets me is I know the inventor of the Mitch Morgan drink you see highlighted in their flier. Crud...I think I hold the record for the largest Mitch Morgan EVER drank...and I most likely own the record for the 'shortest amount of time it took to lose a pair of pants after drinking a Mitch Morgan' as well.

I digress...that is a story for another time.

However after the great Bacon Brawl I'm sure you'd find me at MessMann's event as well.

And lastly...don't forget that SSCXWC are just over a week away! Honestly...it's been a year, and the only thing that has even come close to the amount of fun I had at the first SSCXWC was the RollerCross event we attended just a little while ago.

I have a theme, I have a team, and I'm now dreaming of this event and will be counting down the days till we get there.

(And as a little motivation to any of you out there...a Raleigh Rainier frameset will be given away as one of the prizes)

If there's more fun to be had on a bike than at a Cross event...I want to know about!

Happy Halloween

Friday Videos...

2008-10-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

When words escape you...turn to those magical moving pictures...

This one just hit my inbox...a nice little wrap up of Sabotage "Cuff'n and Stuff'n" those poor unsuspecting kids in Portland. The Rapha write up on the whole thing can be found here.

RAPHA Cross Roller Race - Oregon Manifest 2008 from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Then, on a serious note. We all know that bikes can save the world. However, bikes can't do it all. That's where organizations like 350.org pipe in. Their goal is to reduce the parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from it's current position of 387 to what they deem is a more sustainable 350.

Opinions vary on Global Warming, and I'm not here to stand on a Keg and shout out my beliefs. I just think if we all rode bikes a little bit more...the world could be a better place.

Anyway...a nice video, with a simple wordless message.

And on a not so serious note...in a time of INTENSE campaigning...Dance-Offs should be how every argument is settled!

Did I mention bacon? No? Well here's your daily dose of the good stuff.

The gods can't be wrong, now can they?!

Lapse in Judgement

2008-10-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Note. If you find yourself having a couple Barley Pops with Nightstick...don't...I repeat...don't agree to do a mountain bike ride with him on your Single Speed Cross bike.

Because when morning rolls around and you find yourself on your way to the Ferry with a couple of guys on Mountain Bikes, and he calls saying "I thought you meant (whichever) Ferry. I don't think I can make it to (the ferry we were meeting at) Ferry in time." That's when you find yourself screwed and holding on for dear life for the next 3 1/2 hours.

Don't get me wrong here. I had a blast.

The guys I ride with are awesome.

The trail is swoopy and fun.

I LOVE my Raleigh Rainier.
I love riding single speed.
I love riding single speed cross.

But somewhere around the Chevy Celebrity on our ride in Banner Park...that's when I was wishing I had fatter tires and disc brakes.

Despite my gripes about the Seattle skies, I don't know of too many places you can live where you can get up in the morning, have a stellar cup of coffee, (I just wish I would've had enough time to make some of these this morning!) hop on a ferry and 30 minutes later be riding your bike on 25 miles of single track.

{The space 2 bikes take up on a Ferry VS...}

{Imagine how many bikes you could fit in here!}

{Awwwww...}

On a completely different note. Check out the Raleigh Web Site. It's been changed it up a bit and there are some new backgrounds to look at. (Just who is that handsome devil in some of those pictures?!)

Listen up Ya'll!

2008-10-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Friday...2000 hour...We're finally hitting the road to Portland. Word on the street, there seems to be a Roller Cross Race going on across the border. It's an underground event attracting the very scum of Oregon's race scene in street fight on bikes. I've assembled a crack team of riders to infiltrate this event and bring everything to a crashing halt. Name's Sally...but to these guys, I'm the Chief. I'm the silver haired fox in the sport coat, a few days from retirement and getting too old for this sh*t.
The kid on the left is the Rookie. The young'n of the group. What he lacks in experience he more than makes up for in energy. From what I hear, his 'undercover work' is some of the finest around. Time will tell.
Grabbing my arm is Bubbles. No one really knows his real name. It's just always been Bubbles. I'll tell you this...he isn't named that for his charming personality. This guy will just as soon crack your skull as ride a naked skid though flames.
The guy on the end is NightStick. As the name suggests, he dishes out the beat downs without remorse. He usually has a sadistic smile on his face as he's doing it...(shudder)...sends chills down my spine just thinking about it.

2330...we finally arrive in Portland. There's a pre-event party going on. We can't make. Nightstick is laying in the yard of our 'temporary precinct' and babbling some gibberish. Bubbles is feeling the effect of a late night run to the border (maybe that's why they call him bubbles), and the Rookie is just giggling. This group I've assembled is crazy...and they're just the guys to pull off this sting.

Saturday...0800...we stop in at Gravy and put down the finest country fried steak I've ever had.
1000...We swing by the Manifest. This is the 'cover' for the Roller Cross race tonite. The bikes are pretty. Real pretty. While there we start 'casing' the riders that will be there tonite. These people are even worse than I've heard. With team names like Super Relax, Gentlelovers, Beer, Zoobombers, and Grundlebruisers we returned to HQ and prepared ourselves for the worst.

1700...We arrive on the scene and check out the masochistic machines they're going to make us ride.

They're quick off the line, but maintaining a high cadence is going to be a problem for these tired old legs. After we spin out and get a feel for the machines they tell us there's more. We have to hop off the bikes, grab a child's bike (no children were present so I don't know what school yard these sick-o-s ripped these bikes off from) and run an obstacle course surrounded by screaming 'perps'. In order to end the round a cowbell had to be rung (again, no cow was to be found and no burgers were being served...so where did the cow go?!)

1900...All the teams have arrived. I could have busted all these people on indecency charges on the spot. Grown men dancing around in their underpants and silvery blue bikini's. Shoot. The women had more clothes on than the men did. Criminal.

2000...They call up the teams and have us 'parade' around the track like some kind of prize poodle in a dog show. Giving the demented people of Portland a 'sneak peak' as to what is coming. This event is turning out to be bigger than I expected.

2030...My number is up. I've watched the first few rounds and have already seen punches, blood, beer, and man flesh everywhere. Now it's my turn. I'm the first from team Sabotage to step up there and I'm thinking the crowd can smell bacon. They look at me suspiciously. I'm easily the oldest looking guy to stand on the stage...I've gotta step it up here or our cover is blown. As they scream go, my legs start to scream almost immediately. I look up and see the rest of the squad cheering me on...I've gotta step it up and win this, for them. When my hands get tapped, telling me I've FINALLY finished the 500m, I grab a kids bike and notice the other 'racers' still on the bikes. My thoughts begin to wander but I quickly bring them back around "no time to think old man, just finish this and try and fit in". As my rubbery legs stumble down the ramp I notice a member of the crowd taunting me with a can of something. I grab it as he yells something in my face and I start to drink it...beer. Is there no end to the debauchery?!

2130...The first rounds are done. NightStick did what he was brought to do. Intimidate and dominate. Unfortunately a couple mishaps took out the Rookie and Bubbles. The Rookie took a spill and Bubbles had a Wardrobe Malfunction when his shoelace got wrapped around his pedal. I don't know how many times I've told Bubbles the virtue of Velcro.

2200...The next rounds start up. I'm the first off the bikes but get body checked by a GentleLover. I'll tell you what, there was nothing gentle about it. Nightstick faced his stiffest competition yet and looked to be out of the race until a stumble and fall put him back into first. With Nightstick being the last member of our team still in the competition, he was definitely feeling the heat... 2245...The finals. NightStick vs the GentleLover that took out his Chief. Before they get on the bikes the organization running the show decide to up the stakes and change the rules. This time Nightstick will have to sprint 500m, run the course, re-mount and sprint another 500m, and then run the course a second time. Just who are the demented twisted minds behind this?! However, when the final cowbell was rung in the most exciting heat of the nite...the unheard of, undercover, Sabotage Squad had 'cuffed and stuffed' Portland.

NightStick walked away with a sweet new frame. And team Sabotage walked away with their heads held high knowing we were returning to Seattle from a job well done.

Where will Sabotage end up next. Time will only tell. I have a feeling though we may need to investigate another upcoming event back in Portland. This one promises to be even more demented than this one.

Thanks to NateArm, Velodramatic, and Bike Portland for the mugshots.

NightStick!

2008-10-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

This morning I was finally able to wash the blood, sweat and beer off me from this weekend. The Manifest was beautiful, the cross race a riot, and the Roller event...well...we'll just say this. Of the 14 teams invited to participate, there was only one from Seattle.

Four Rainier drinking single speed riding Saboteurs vs 52 of Oregon's finest and rowdiest

David vs Goliath

A Poindexter vs the Bully

Karate Kid vs Cobra Kai

(Suffice it to say...we were a long shot)

And as the beer began to dry and stick to shoes...one rider and one team stood alone at the top.

Our little "NightStick" took home the honor and top prize of a custom built Signal bike of his choosing.

There will be much, much more posted about this weekend...however, I'm currently tired and polluted. For now you can see a few more pictures here.

Messenger Appreication Day

2008-10-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

Was yesterday.

And while they all deserve a big ol' pat on the saddle...they deserve the beer they drank last nite more.

And with that in mind, today...more than any day...they could probably use a hug or a place to lay their weary head.

You got a problem with that?!

Didn't think so.

SABOTAGE!

2008-10-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

I can't stand this, you know I planned this.

I'm going to set it straight, this Roller Race!

I'm not wear'n Rapha When I'm in here

'Cause the bikes we're race'n, you know they came from here

So, while you heckle and throw beer in my eye

We'll dismount and F'n run right by

Oh my god, it's a Mirage

I'm tell'n ya'll it's SABOTAGE!

So...we'll see if they regret their decision to invite me to bring a team down this weekend. If any of you find yourself in Portland for the Manifest you should find some sweet 70's style gear, get dressed up in it, and come heckle the pants off me and my SABOTAGE squad.