is going down in a few hours as ohio is going to get hammered with snow tonight - the slushy kind that really sucks.
2008 and an entire new season is ahead of us, schedule is laid out and the beginings of my training plans are in place. should be an interesting year for all of us in the states considering that the calander got a litle congested around nationals and everybody will have to pick their poison and decide what race to hit up.
bike setup will most likely not change too much, though i am waiting to hear back from fox and reynolds. fox forks should cut down the weight a little bit, although i will loose the lockout.
2007 ended up finishing a little differently then planned, but here's to a new year. drink one (or a half dozen) for me.
sologoat out
12.31.2007
12.30.2007
pit crew supergenius
congrats goes out to my brotha' getting his masters in nuclear engineering from penn state. when he is in my pits, not only is he helping me out, but he's also figuring out diabolical ways to melt/blow up my competitors frames. (insert evil laugh here)
house projects are going steady but slow, training going well, and i think i have a tentative schedule laid out for next year - so all is good in ohio as long as the snow stays away.
spring training camp is being debated - but in the meantime, shawn adams is heading south this week for "training and beer drinking"...
sounds like a horrible time.
sologoat out.
house projects are going steady but slow, training going well, and i think i have a tentative schedule laid out for next year - so all is good in ohio as long as the snow stays away.
spring training camp is being debated - but in the meantime, shawn adams is heading south this week for "training and beer drinking"...
sounds like a horrible time.
sologoat out.
12.27.2007
you wish you were this smooth
jeremy at speedgoat posted this video on the 'goat blog a few months ago and i keep on going back to the blog to check it out.
check out phil feeney for more hella cool stuff.
his riding makes me want to buy a trials bike. jeremey, got an extra one?
sologoat out
12.26.2007
using up vacation days
is the name of the game this week as i sneak in some base mile rides and catch up with family and house work.
weather is going to be a hit or miss tomorrow AM, so maybe i'll opt for the soon to be updated training basement as i hook up some additional speakers and a spare computer to watch cycling.tv.
in sponsor news, hammer nutrition is now locked up, and defeet and ergon orders are in - so stay tuned for some new product reviews.
and - frames are off to the magical powdercoater.
what a wonderful bikemas it has been.
sologoat out
weather is going to be a hit or miss tomorrow AM, so maybe i'll opt for the soon to be updated training basement as i hook up some additional speakers and a spare computer to watch cycling.tv.
in sponsor news, hammer nutrition is now locked up, and defeet and ergon orders are in - so stay tuned for some new product reviews.
and - frames are off to the magical powdercoater.
what a wonderful bikemas it has been.
sologoat out
12.21.2007
last post until after bikemas
a couple of holiday gifts in ernesto news today.
hammer nutrition has continued sponsorship for me into 2008. things will be finalized over the weekend and...
DeFeet will sponsor me as well. i've been running their socks for years. their wool socks can't be beat during the winter months.
gotta run - lots of family stuff going on the next few days, trying to get in some early season 2008 miles and thinking about a venture to texas early next year.
so, until mid-next week, have yourself a good bikemas and don't crash your brains out on the ice like i did last night if you sneak a ride in during the holidays.
sologoat out
hammer nutrition has continued sponsorship for me into 2008. things will be finalized over the weekend and...
DeFeet will sponsor me as well. i've been running their socks for years. their wool socks can't be beat during the winter months.
gotta run - lots of family stuff going on the next few days, trying to get in some early season 2008 miles and thinking about a venture to texas early next year.
so, until mid-next week, have yourself a good bikemas and don't crash your brains out on the ice like i did last night if you sneak a ride in during the holidays.
sologoat out
12.19.2007
12.18.2007
let the bidding begin
got some things listed on EBAY.
17.5 moots ybb, 2003'ish SID and some old skool avid v's. check 'em out.
not much going on these days, laying low right now, trying to recover from the season and getting caught up on house chores and life.
as i sold off my old winter bike, time to get a new one - so i made the easy choice of going with another salsa el mariachi complete as the price is right. this time, i'll go geared. strip some new stuff and ride the old stuff until it's 100 miles past the lifespan of the product.
debating on technology, but the only thing that seems like half a likelyhood in my world is possibly the cycleops disc power meter that is in prototype as i could potentially take the rotor off and put it on my moots cross bike that runs the 135 spacing. other options are just too costly.
anyhoo, gotta run. need to get back to playstation.
sologoat out
17.5 moots ybb, 2003'ish SID and some old skool avid v's. check 'em out.
not much going on these days, laying low right now, trying to recover from the season and getting caught up on house chores and life.
as i sold off my old winter bike, time to get a new one - so i made the easy choice of going with another salsa el mariachi complete as the price is right. this time, i'll go geared. strip some new stuff and ride the old stuff until it's 100 miles past the lifespan of the product.
debating on technology, but the only thing that seems like half a likelyhood in my world is possibly the cycleops disc power meter that is in prototype as i could potentially take the rotor off and put it on my moots cross bike that runs the 135 spacing. other options are just too costly.
anyhoo, gotta run. need to get back to playstation.
sologoat out
new lights from princeton tec
Princeton Tec headlamps have now got a little spruce up with lighter weight and beam range in the apex pro.
this is the new version of the lighting system i used on my bars durig my 2007 season. this setup runs a battery pack half the size of the apex and looks like it should be able to be rigged up pretty easily to run on my 2008 bikes, running the battery under the stem possibly.
as always, give Speedgoat to check for availability.
sologoat out
12.17.2007
ergon athlete announcement
can be seen HERE
watch out as i'll be running both the GP1's and GR2's, depending on the course.
the grips will match up with:
my green pactimo clothing kit
and...
my candy apple green frame color with gold sparkle clear coat
sologoat out
12.16.2007
brent evans cross nationals update
Pic from Thursdays pre-nationals warm up race where Brent got 4th:
Strawberries taste better when you win them!!!
Thanks for all of the love and well wishes
everyone from NE Ohio represented well at Nats - a tribute to our series and local races. sad today that cross is over for 2007 - more on that later.
16 hrs home to Ohio - hoping to miss the storm
Gave it all i had in KS at cross nats -- anyone who finished on Saturday is a God or Goddess-- the conditions were that tough. - Ernie and Shawn, sorry you could not make the trip--Missed you-- but if you weren't already here, Sat the course was nothing you would want to ride if you didn't have too - really!
Pretty thankful i have a family that loves me and would come with me on this crazy adventure... if you have a spouse or friend who would stand out in pits with your bike while the snow and icy conditions blow gale force winds + barely 15 degree temperature, you are truly blessed.
a 4th place and a 26th place and no broken bones... more to come
prediction for Elite Men's race later today _ in this order--- Todd Wells, John Page, Tim Johnson, Ryan Trebon, Adam Craig, Barry Wicks
Brent
Strawberries taste better when you win them!!!
Thanks for all of the love and well wishes
everyone from NE Ohio represented well at Nats - a tribute to our series and local races. sad today that cross is over for 2007 - more on that later.
16 hrs home to Ohio - hoping to miss the storm
Gave it all i had in KS at cross nats -- anyone who finished on Saturday is a God or Goddess-- the conditions were that tough. - Ernie and Shawn, sorry you could not make the trip--Missed you-- but if you weren't already here, Sat the course was nothing you would want to ride if you didn't have too - really!
Pretty thankful i have a family that loves me and would come with me on this crazy adventure... if you have a spouse or friend who would stand out in pits with your bike while the snow and icy conditions blow gale force winds + barely 15 degree temperature, you are truly blessed.
a 4th place and a 26th place and no broken bones... more to come
prediction for Elite Men's race later today _ in this order--- Todd Wells, John Page, Tim Johnson, Ryan Trebon, Adam Craig, Barry Wicks
Brent
12.13.2007
you want me
or at least you want my moots.
my 2001 17.5 moots ybb is up for grabs and/or part out as my new moots is on the way...
a 2008 18 inch YBB MootoX (sigh)
most of the parts are older, but two items are of note:
1. avid manesium v brakes - think they only made these a year or two and are hard to find.
2. a genuine george chris king wheelset built up with bontrager ceramic rims, db spokes and alloy nips. bling, bling and more bling.
would consider a trade on the wheelsfor either a new set of kings or a king classic cross wheelset -- as i am thinking of converting them to cross use.
post a reply if interested, check flikr for more pics.
my 2001 17.5 moots ybb is up for grabs and/or part out as my new moots is on the way...
a 2008 18 inch YBB MootoX (sigh)
most of the parts are older, but two items are of note:
1. avid manesium v brakes - think they only made these a year or two and are hard to find.
2. a genuine george chris king wheelset built up with bontrager ceramic rims, db spokes and alloy nips. bling, bling and more bling.
would consider a trade on the wheelsfor either a new set of kings or a king classic cross wheelset -- as i am thinking of converting them to cross use.
post a reply if interested, check flikr for more pics.
tifosi optics webpage
now has an "ernesto marenchin" page up, so you need to check it out.
Tifosi will continue to sponsor me into the 2008 season which is coming up soon as i look ahead at the race schedule for next year.
clothing is soon to be ordered, frames off to the painter. will be running the same basic bike setup for next year, hopefully with a change to the FOX 29er fork.
that's it for now - going to enjoy my afternoon off.
sologoat out
Tifosi will continue to sponsor me into the 2008 season which is coming up soon as i look ahead at the race schedule for next year.
clothing is soon to be ordered, frames off to the painter. will be running the same basic bike setup for next year, hopefully with a change to the FOX 29er fork.
that's it for now - going to enjoy my afternoon off.
sologoat out
12.12.2007
cross nats - is a no go
not due to the weather, but due to an unfortunate family situation i can't head out to the ice and snow of kansas city.
safe travels to those heading out - stay warm and upright.
sologoat out
safe travels to those heading out - stay warm and upright.
sologoat out
12.11.2007
bikemas holiday gift suggestions
from ernesto is now up on the SPEEDGOAT BLOG.
"donations" to my personal stash of bike wealth is greatly appreciated. and remember, it's always better to receive then give when it comes to Bikemas HOliday.
think i got that wrong... but maybe not.
sologoat out
12.10.2007
end of cross season
right around the corner.
yesterday's jaunt in the snowy muddy fields of the last race in the cleveland cross series was a classic to say the least. ice, mud, rain and snow, oh my.
i went with my old IF single speed, switched out from 32x16 gearing to a 36x16 gearing the night before. hmmm. not a good choice, should of left it be as the backside mud was a little too much for the gearing.
was not overly concerned with the result of the race, just wanted to decide for once if i was going to keep the IF -- and also didn't want to trash the moots a week before nationals.
results - the IF is staying in the family.
congrats out to gerry p for winning the PA state championship this past weekend, it's a great start to gerry coming on with speedgoat.
and - congrats out to shawn adams too as his second place on sunday sealed the deal on the cleveland cross series....
6 days and counting until i can take a break.
sologoat out
yesterday's jaunt in the snowy muddy fields of the last race in the cleveland cross series was a classic to say the least. ice, mud, rain and snow, oh my.
i went with my old IF single speed, switched out from 32x16 gearing to a 36x16 gearing the night before. hmmm. not a good choice, should of left it be as the backside mud was a little too much for the gearing.
was not overly concerned with the result of the race, just wanted to decide for once if i was going to keep the IF -- and also didn't want to trash the moots a week before nationals.
results - the IF is staying in the family.
congrats out to gerry p for winning the PA state championship this past weekend, it's a great start to gerry coming on with speedgoat.
and - congrats out to shawn adams too as his second place on sunday sealed the deal on the cleveland cross series....
6 days and counting until i can take a break.
sologoat out
12.08.2007
two more weekends
of cross races in store.
tomorrow is the last race in the cleveland series which should have shawn wrapping up the series victory, then off to nationals for the masters and the elite races on saturday and sunday.
then, a few weeks of rest before the 2008 season training starts - or should i say, a few weeks of house work that i have successfully put off for about two years.
that's it - seems odd to be at home this weekend. seems like i should be off racing somewhere.
anyhoo, off for a thirty degree training ride.
sologoat out
tomorrow is the last race in the cleveland series which should have shawn wrapping up the series victory, then off to nationals for the masters and the elite races on saturday and sunday.
then, a few weeks of rest before the 2008 season training starts - or should i say, a few weeks of house work that i have successfully put off for about two years.
that's it - seems odd to be at home this weekend. seems like i should be off racing somewhere.
anyhoo, off for a thirty degree training ride.
sologoat out
12.05.2007
speedgoat team news
will have a mr. gerry pflug riding a salsa and flying the team colors of the shop.
new kits/design layout for speedgoat's ultra cool retro new pactimo clothing came from jeremy.
and new "ernesto" kits are soon to come out too - in a shade of color that ergon will love.
sologoat out
12.04.2007
3 to go
with a local race coming up this weekend and 2 races at nationals, 3 races and i get to rest.
2008 is right around the corner, new products are soon to be on the way. frames are in awaiting paint and shoes from northwave are soon to be in.
bike schwag i got left over from the season will be soon on the chopping block - stay tuned for details (soma and my lights are gone).
with that, gots to run. a wintery night ride it will be.
sologoat out
2008 is right around the corner, new products are soon to be on the way. frames are in awaiting paint and shoes from northwave are soon to be in.
bike schwag i got left over from the season will be soon on the chopping block - stay tuned for details (soma and my lights are gone).
with that, gots to run. a wintery night ride it will be.
sologoat out
12.03.2007
will race for entry fees
was the theme for the weekend, as on sunday, i got 17th and took home just enough cash to cover the entry fee. sweet.
saturday had me coming out to play on a super fast course in PA, i got relegated to my usual back row and 1 hour later, i finished the race with two chainring bolts as i obviously didn't tighten my ring bolts up good enough after a failed attempt to run a double chain gaurd setup.
success though - i didn't drop a chain either day.
sunday was more of a course for me, not so many straights - and was an enduro rider reunion as harlan, steve schwartz and chris scott all came out to play.
rain held off until the last 15 minutes of my race, after i had already crashed my brains out 3 times. a buddy once told me if i didn't crash at least during a race, i probably wasn't going fast enough -- but two more times on top of that, i was just getting knocked silly.
so, no UCI points this year - a couple of close ones, though my chase for points was more of a two year gig in the back of my mind.
with that, one race this coming weekend, then off to nationals.
sologoat out
saturday had me coming out to play on a super fast course in PA, i got relegated to my usual back row and 1 hour later, i finished the race with two chainring bolts as i obviously didn't tighten my ring bolts up good enough after a failed attempt to run a double chain gaurd setup.
success though - i didn't drop a chain either day.
sunday was more of a course for me, not so many straights - and was an enduro rider reunion as harlan, steve schwartz and chris scott all came out to play.
rain held off until the last 15 minutes of my race, after i had already crashed my brains out 3 times. a buddy once told me if i didn't crash at least during a race, i probably wasn't going fast enough -- but two more times on top of that, i was just getting knocked silly.
so, no UCI points this year - a couple of close ones, though my chase for points was more of a two year gig in the back of my mind.
with that, one race this coming weekend, then off to nationals.
sologoat out
11.30.2007
off to PA
in the early AM - check out the MAC cross series for results and what not.
fields look smallish, but stacked. past travel-mate fetty is showing up to snag up some more UCI points - he's scored some at 2 race so far this year.
for me, looks to be my last UCI events until nationals - think there is some races next week up east, but the travel fundage is getting low.
in car news, got a vibe - and noticed a ding in the door not 12 hours later when i went to work. ouch. dealer going to fix that monday - glad to be done with this whole car nightmare of the last 2 weeks. jeez.
last weeks adventure was a success for the ritchey travel cross bike - airport security checked it going out and coming back, but i got charged the total ammount of $0 for it both ways. NICE. seriously, the best bike investment i have made of late.
that's it - gotta run. early start as i head out with some speedgoat/freddie fu teammates by association (gerry and brian) for a weekend of 1 hour races that will have us coughing out our lungs.
bike is prepped, i'm packed and rested - all i need is some points.
updates monday as i'm traveling light.
sologoat out
fields look smallish, but stacked. past travel-mate fetty is showing up to snag up some more UCI points - he's scored some at 2 race so far this year.
for me, looks to be my last UCI events until nationals - think there is some races next week up east, but the travel fundage is getting low.
in car news, got a vibe - and noticed a ding in the door not 12 hours later when i went to work. ouch. dealer going to fix that monday - glad to be done with this whole car nightmare of the last 2 weeks. jeez.
last weeks adventure was a success for the ritchey travel cross bike - airport security checked it going out and coming back, but i got charged the total ammount of $0 for it both ways. NICE. seriously, the best bike investment i have made of late.
that's it - gotta run. early start as i head out with some speedgoat/freddie fu teammates by association (gerry and brian) for a weekend of 1 hour races that will have us coughing out our lungs.
bike is prepped, i'm packed and rested - all i need is some points.
updates monday as i'm traveling light.
sologoat out
11.28.2007
man, that is spooky
in yet another attempt to save my chain from falling off, i'm resorting to the double guide setup and a slight shortening of the chain. this issue is just driving me nuts.
next up - running a double with a 38/42 and standard shifting. don't want to go that route.
and, next up on the plate - double UCI weekend as i head east back to my roots in PA for the double MAC race this weekend.
gots to run - work to do..
sologoat out
11.26.2007
ohio state cross race
was a slight disaster - 2 pretty heavy falls and 1 one dropped chain.
damn thy dropped chain - 3 races, 3 dropped chains. it's enough to drive me nutty.
call up was non-existant - my first place call up left me in the second row. though, i did have a good start and was 3rd going into the first corner.
first crash came early in the race, near the finish on a short cement section - complete washout on my right side. nice.
next lap, my chain drops in the exact same section.
next lap, as i am now offically in a panic, i stand up a little early coming out of a corner with sandy tires - as soon as they hit the short section of cement right after, i went flying.
levers turned and with me seeing stars, i nearly pulled out right there as the main group was pretty much gone - in it, shawn and paul were flying.
i finish up 12th on the day, a very disappointing finish compared to last year - paul was 4th, shawn in 5th.
next up - possible trip out east to my roots in PA and a few of the MAC cup events.
must get uci points and the days are dwindling down to nationals.
and, i need a new car - mini cooper s or pontiac vibe.... hmm... think i already got the answer in my head, but i don't know how to drive shift... damn!
any takers on a moots ybb 26'er trade up for a mini cooper?
sologoat out
damn thy dropped chain - 3 races, 3 dropped chains. it's enough to drive me nutty.
call up was non-existant - my first place call up left me in the second row. though, i did have a good start and was 3rd going into the first corner.
first crash came early in the race, near the finish on a short cement section - complete washout on my right side. nice.
next lap, my chain drops in the exact same section.
next lap, as i am now offically in a panic, i stand up a little early coming out of a corner with sandy tires - as soon as they hit the short section of cement right after, i went flying.
levers turned and with me seeing stars, i nearly pulled out right there as the main group was pretty much gone - in it, shawn and paul were flying.
i finish up 12th on the day, a very disappointing finish compared to last year - paul was 4th, shawn in 5th.
next up - possible trip out east to my roots in PA and a few of the MAC cup events.
must get uci points and the days are dwindling down to nationals.
and, i need a new car - mini cooper s or pontiac vibe.... hmm... think i already got the answer in my head, but i don't know how to drive shift... damn!
any takers on a moots ybb 26'er trade up for a mini cooper?
sologoat out
11.21.2007
Hi, I'm Troy McClure
You may remember me from such mountain bike magazines as Dirt Rag issue 132 page 14.
that's it until Sunday - see you at Ohio State Cross Championships on sunday and have a good turkey day.
sologoat out
that's it until Sunday - see you at Ohio State Cross Championships on sunday and have a good turkey day.
sologoat out
11.20.2007
last sunday cross
was a muddy event held by lake effect cycling, which might be my only venture in cleveland cross this year as my search for UCI points continues.
gun went off, i got a good start and was in good position with paul and shawn right on me. Soon, shawn would break away from us and eventually take the win.
i was in a 3 man group chasing shawn - i took an inside line on the top section of the course and nearly crashed, but my tire would eventually flat a few laps later. a few laps later, my attacks shed my chasing group mates, but paul clawed his way back to my wheel.
he pulled away, and i chased and chased.
with one to go, i put down all i had and got to within the same distance of his back wheel as you seen in the photo above - and my chain dropped. with about a quarter mile to go, there was no chance for a sprint or a last second attack. 3rd place it was.
so, off to visit family for a few warm texas days and then back into town on saturday for the sunday ohio state cross championships where i will be defending my 2007 title against the likes of shawn and jonathan card.
sologoat out
gun went off, i got a good start and was in good position with paul and shawn right on me. Soon, shawn would break away from us and eventually take the win.
i was in a 3 man group chasing shawn - i took an inside line on the top section of the course and nearly crashed, but my tire would eventually flat a few laps later. a few laps later, my attacks shed my chasing group mates, but paul clawed his way back to my wheel.
he pulled away, and i chased and chased.
with one to go, i put down all i had and got to within the same distance of his back wheel as you seen in the photo above - and my chain dropped. with about a quarter mile to go, there was no chance for a sprint or a last second attack. 3rd place it was.
so, off to visit family for a few warm texas days and then back into town on saturday for the sunday ohio state cross championships where i will be defending my 2007 title against the likes of shawn and jonathan card.
sologoat out
11.18.2007
a day in the life of a speedgoat employee
leaves you surrounded by super high end demo bikes.
i was lucky enough to loose my thoughts about car troubles on the top of linn runn that had just had a light dusting of about a half inch of snow aboard this fine mootoX.
total number of cars that passed me going up this roughly 20-30 minute climb: one.
sologoat out
i was lucky enough to loose my thoughts about car troubles on the top of linn runn that had just had a light dusting of about a half inch of snow aboard this fine mootoX.
total number of cars that passed me going up this roughly 20-30 minute climb: one.
sologoat out
11.17.2007
a pit crew reunion
was held this friday at the shop, not by choice, but by the decision of my thermostat in my outback to go out on a late thursday evening.
long story short - $100 dollars later, things could of been worse. i'm home a day late, but in classic fashion, after some "slight" modifications to my new thermostat that replaced the bad thermostat --- i'm home.
all i can say, is that i'm very lucky to have a pit crew (dan and dad) that puts up with my sh*t and gets me through the day without bitching.
without saying, i'm very lucky. a big thanks to my pit crew that pulled out a miracle this weekend.
now all i got to do is pedal faster then everybody else.
sologoat out
11.13.2007
11.12.2007
Ergon on my bars for 2008
ergon will once again be on my bars for 2008 along with their pack and gloves.
i'll be running both of their HM1 and HT1 gloves and the GP1 and GR2 grips - GR2's will be a new adventure for me as i haven't bar ends since i began mountain biking years ago. my skillz weren't so swift back then and i kept clipping my bars - the bar ends would grab those trees i was hitting and i went soaring plenty of times.
stay tuned - a few more ergon updates to come...
sologoat out
Toronto Cross weekend
November 10th – Toronto
Course – flattish course, with one steeper climb on the back section. Off chambers, one set of doubles and super slippery and tight s corner.
Weather – Rain the day before left the course a little damp, but it dried up by 3pm elite race. Approximately 40’ish starters.
Bike Setup – road the standard Moots with my superlight Reynolds wheelset, running around 30 pounds in the tires.
Other stuff – headed up with Shawn Adams and Jacob Fetty. Shawn choose the Dugast tubulars, Jacob went with the Challenge tubulars.
Starting Position – Are you kidding? 2nd to last row, as usual.
Gun went off, pace was hot off the gun. I didn’t have the best start, but I picked off a few riders and made it into a small group with Shawn Adams. We were working together, and was reeling in another rider.
As soon as we caught him, I dropped my chain in a rough section. Shawn dropped the guy we caught and I nearly caught up to him at one point, but I somewhat faded but was holding my spot. Finished 17th at the end of the day.
Shawn ended up 15th, I ended up 17th, but the cool news was that Jacob got some UCI points and ended up 9th on the day.
November 11th – Toronto, Day Two
Course – Very interesting one indeed. Flat and twisty on the first section. Some cool off chamber stuff at high speed going into double barriers next to the beer tent then into a corkscrew section designed to get you dizzy and give your heart a chance to come down a few beats.
Out of that into some flat fast section dodging trees into a slippy s section and into the first little uphill climb that had a little s section that dropped down into the next section.
That brought you into the pit area, and what was in front of you was a small ski slope that you shot straight up. A few corners then straight up to the top, then down a little into two super slippery right handers and then straight up again. This was going to hurt.
Across the top, down the other slope in a slippy slow s turn. Got to the bottom, straight and fast into some more slow 180 degree turns, onto the road and into a wide turn going left into the finish straight which was long and straight.
Bike setup – Same as the day before. Needed those 1200 gram tubulars to get me to the top of the climb with as little weight as possible.
Start position – Dah. Next to last row, AGAIN.
Gun goes off, somebody from the fourth row crashes out somebody in the second row at the gun. Since this could only happened if you jumped the gun and your starting position, and this is an elite race, the rider was handed a fine upon completion of the race.
I have a decent start, I’m in the first half going into the first corner when Jacob rolls a tubular. He’s out on the first lap.
Groups start immediately forming, and at the second climb that shoots straight up, the field shatters and I’m caught in no mans land. There is a small group in front of me going into the final straight and I peg it to get into that group.
We catch up to Shawn and go one more lap, and I throw down a small attack up the steep second climb. I would throw attacks every time up this climb as the smallest gear I had was a 42x25 – if I went slow, I was sliding the rear wheel. If I went hard, I got traction and my momentum would carry me up the climb.
I break from this group and make it into a group with Johnathan Card. We’re working together and soon we catch up to another rider right before the steep uphill climb. He looks beat, and I think my attack is going to shed him but he sticks it out. He says we can catch the next rider.
I continue to throw down, holding my lead in the group until we catch the next rider up just before the first climb. I attack again on the second climb and we gap him, but he catches on right before the final straight. I wait 2 seconds and I throw down again and drop him in the finish straight. We’re now 3 riders.
We ride a few more laps, I attack up the second climb, but Johnathon has the right tire setup for the day and keeps catching me on the downhill s on the 3 slope.
3 laps to go and I throw down again up the climb and I gap everybody, but Jonathon catches up to me again. I told him lets work, I only want the UCI points. We gap the third rider.
On the last lap, on the first little climb, I drop my chain and Johnathan gaps me. The rider we dropped catches me, but I drop him almost immediately as we hit the second climb. I’m getting closer to Johnathan, but he has the gap on me on the last downhill s turn and I decide to stay smart and upright as I thought I was going home with some UCI points…
But that was not to be – 12th on the day, UCI points only to the top 10. 1 minute down on 10th place.
Oh Canada… See you next year..
Sologoat out
day 1 results
day 2 results
Course – flattish course, with one steeper climb on the back section. Off chambers, one set of doubles and super slippery and tight s corner.
Weather – Rain the day before left the course a little damp, but it dried up by 3pm elite race. Approximately 40’ish starters.
Bike Setup – road the standard Moots with my superlight Reynolds wheelset, running around 30 pounds in the tires.
Other stuff – headed up with Shawn Adams and Jacob Fetty. Shawn choose the Dugast tubulars, Jacob went with the Challenge tubulars.
Starting Position – Are you kidding? 2nd to last row, as usual.
Gun went off, pace was hot off the gun. I didn’t have the best start, but I picked off a few riders and made it into a small group with Shawn Adams. We were working together, and was reeling in another rider.
As soon as we caught him, I dropped my chain in a rough section. Shawn dropped the guy we caught and I nearly caught up to him at one point, but I somewhat faded but was holding my spot. Finished 17th at the end of the day.
Shawn ended up 15th, I ended up 17th, but the cool news was that Jacob got some UCI points and ended up 9th on the day.
November 11th – Toronto, Day Two
Course – Very interesting one indeed. Flat and twisty on the first section. Some cool off chamber stuff at high speed going into double barriers next to the beer tent then into a corkscrew section designed to get you dizzy and give your heart a chance to come down a few beats.
Out of that into some flat fast section dodging trees into a slippy s section and into the first little uphill climb that had a little s section that dropped down into the next section.
That brought you into the pit area, and what was in front of you was a small ski slope that you shot straight up. A few corners then straight up to the top, then down a little into two super slippery right handers and then straight up again. This was going to hurt.
Across the top, down the other slope in a slippy slow s turn. Got to the bottom, straight and fast into some more slow 180 degree turns, onto the road and into a wide turn going left into the finish straight which was long and straight.
Bike setup – Same as the day before. Needed those 1200 gram tubulars to get me to the top of the climb with as little weight as possible.
Start position – Dah. Next to last row, AGAIN.
Gun goes off, somebody from the fourth row crashes out somebody in the second row at the gun. Since this could only happened if you jumped the gun and your starting position, and this is an elite race, the rider was handed a fine upon completion of the race.
I have a decent start, I’m in the first half going into the first corner when Jacob rolls a tubular. He’s out on the first lap.
Groups start immediately forming, and at the second climb that shoots straight up, the field shatters and I’m caught in no mans land. There is a small group in front of me going into the final straight and I peg it to get into that group.
We catch up to Shawn and go one more lap, and I throw down a small attack up the steep second climb. I would throw attacks every time up this climb as the smallest gear I had was a 42x25 – if I went slow, I was sliding the rear wheel. If I went hard, I got traction and my momentum would carry me up the climb.
I break from this group and make it into a group with Johnathan Card. We’re working together and soon we catch up to another rider right before the steep uphill climb. He looks beat, and I think my attack is going to shed him but he sticks it out. He says we can catch the next rider.
I continue to throw down, holding my lead in the group until we catch the next rider up just before the first climb. I attack again on the second climb and we gap him, but he catches on right before the final straight. I wait 2 seconds and I throw down again and drop him in the finish straight. We’re now 3 riders.
We ride a few more laps, I attack up the second climb, but Johnathon has the right tire setup for the day and keeps catching me on the downhill s on the 3 slope.
3 laps to go and I throw down again up the climb and I gap everybody, but Jonathon catches up to me again. I told him lets work, I only want the UCI points. We gap the third rider.
On the last lap, on the first little climb, I drop my chain and Johnathan gaps me. The rider we dropped catches me, but I drop him almost immediately as we hit the second climb. I’m getting closer to Johnathan, but he has the gap on me on the last downhill s turn and I decide to stay smart and upright as I thought I was going home with some UCI points…
But that was not to be – 12th on the day, UCI points only to the top 10. 1 minute down on 10th place.
Oh Canada… See you next year..
Sologoat out
day 1 results
day 2 results
11.09.2007
going 2 toronto
chasing some UCI points with my fellow cross freak shawn adams and a buddy of his.
two races, two days - "hey, it's a cross race, so we need a beer tent in the middle of the venue" will be in store as the pain and brews will be flowing at this event.
nothing will beat the memory of my last few laps at cross vegas as i was handed a few cans of pabst. ah.... carbo loading during a race.
sologoat out
two races, two days - "hey, it's a cross race, so we need a beer tent in the middle of the venue" will be in store as the pain and brews will be flowing at this event.
nothing will beat the memory of my last few laps at cross vegas as i was handed a few cans of pabst. ah.... carbo loading during a race.
sologoat out
11.07.2007
Northwave and CrankBrothers - on and under by feet in 2008
continuing sponsorship into the 2008 season will be NORTHWAVE once again setting me up in style. i've run northwave shoes for the past 7 years - picking up my first set only weeks before my very first solo race at big bear in west virginia.
new model will arrive at my door before the year end, first race for '08 will be... ah, i'll let you guys start guessing now..
crankbrothers are a new addition for 2008, although i've been running them ever since their first generation pedal came out years ago and was available in only one model.
i've run the chro-mo's, the sl's, the stainless - pretty much every eggbeater type model out there and have even rebuilt about a half dozen sets.
i have also been using their multi-19 tool (lifetime warranty!) and their super small power pump since their first generations as well.
with all this pedal and shoe talk going on, i'll leave you with some great advice from my father - this comment is usually shared at least twice during a 24 event weekend:
"all you got to do is pedal your bike. we have to all the hard stuff..."
sologoat out
Tifosi Optics renews with ernesto for 2008
back in 2008 will be TIFOSI OPTICS with their continued support providing me some nice new shades like the new VENTOUX's.
2008 will mark the 4th year i've been running TIFOSI's - i started out with their QUAM model and now i typically run any of their models that have interchangeable lenses.
now if i can only get another pink set of GAVIA's as my wife seems to have "borrowed" them.
solgoat out
Princeton Tec continues on with ernesto for 2008
2008 is just around the corner, and here to announce my continued support by princeton tec is the new updated APEX binging in some more lumens to my life. haven't had a chance to check out what looks to be possibly a new battery setup, but stay tuned and i'll bug justin to get me the specs.
2008 holds a few secrets from princeton tec - no details other then brighter, lighter and more lumens. all good things happen in 3's.
sologoat out
11.06.2007
say hello
to the new sologoat digital cameras first pic...
got the kodak v1233 - 12meg pics and i can use the same chargers, doc station as i did for my other camera.
sponsor news coming up!
sologoat out
got the kodak v1233 - 12meg pics and i can use the same chargers, doc station as i did for my other camera.
sponsor news coming up!
sologoat out
Princeton Tec thursday night rides in Philly
you: a mountain biker
you want to: check out princeton tec lights
you live in: Philly
then you need to: check out the princeton tec night rides starting this week.
tell them sologoat sent you and receive a free 100 dollar bill good towards your first round of after ride drinks and a light set... just joking....
show up and check out the switchback series of lights.
sologoat out
you want to: check out princeton tec lights
you live in: Philly
then you need to: check out the princeton tec night rides starting this week.
tell them sologoat sent you and receive a free 100 dollar bill good towards your first round of after ride drinks and a light set... just joking....
show up and check out the switchback series of lights.
sologoat out
stick a needle in my eye
TEAM SPIN is putting on a cross race this weekend in ohio.
a prime on the first lap and the payout for the Men: 1)$200 + GC, 2)$150, 3)$100, 4)$80, 5)$70, 6)$60, 7)$50, 8)$40, 9)$30, 10)$20
and for the ladies: 1)$100 + GC, 2)$75, 3)$50, 4)$30, 5)$20
i'll be chasing UCI points this weekend, heading out friday. so, with that in mind, i propose a change of date for this race until next monday.
sologoat out
11.05.2007
Hammer Nutrition 24 Adrenaline Worlds write up
2007 World 24 Hours of Adrenaline™ Championships
Steve Born
This year’s mountain bike race took place at Laguna Seca, California over the Sept 1-2 weekend, and Hammer Nutrition clients/athletes made their mark, led by Rebecca Rusch’s championship win in the Female Elite division. Three other Hammer athletes garnered Top Ten finishes in the Female Elite race: Sally Marchand Collins (3rd place), Monilee Atkinson (4th place), and Bernice Pierson (6th place).
Other Hammer-fueled female athletes put in outstanding performances, including age group wins by Timari Pruis, Heather Moothart, Patty Jo Struve, and Wendy Skean.
The Hammer-fueled men didn’t do too shabby either, with three Top Ten finishes in the Male Elite division: Ernesto Marenchin (4th place), Mark Hendershot (5th place), and Steve Schwarz (7th place). Other outstanding performances included William McFadden’s 3rd place in the Male 40-44 division, Chuck Wheeler’s 2nd place and Dennis Smaggus’s 3rd place finishes in the Male 45-49 division, Randy Profeta’s 3rd place finish in the Male 50-54 division, and Bob Waggoner’s 4th place finish in the 55+ division.
The course was obviously quite difficult as, according to Rusch (via her website), the race “boasted around 2400 ft of climbing per 14 mile lap. I didn’t really believe that there could be that much uphill crammed into 14 miles, but from the way my legs feel today, I am a believer. The course had a bit of everything including super high-speed downhills, twisty single track, sand pits, stairs, and of course, LOTS of uphills. My bike odometer clocked speeds as fast as 41 mph on a downhill and as slow as 3 mph on some of the uphills. The only bit of flat trail was coming through the transition pits.”
Congratulations to all these great Hammer Nutrition clients/athletes on their outstanding performances!
Female Elite
1st place - Rebecca Rusch
3rd place - Sally Marchand Collins
4th place - Monilee Atkinson
6th place - Bernice Pierson
12th place - Louise Kobin
Female - 30 to 34
1st place - Timari Pruis
Female - 40 to 44
1st place - Heather Moothart
Female - 50 to 54
1st place - Patty Jo Struve
Female - 55+
1st place - Wendy Skean
Male Elite
4th place - Ernesto Marenchin
5th place - Mark Hendershot
7th place - Steve Schwarz
13th place - Greg Martin
16th place - Brian Sevall
17th place - Karl Etzel
21st place - Anthony Ippolito
Male - 35 to 39
8th place - Nick Thelen
Male - 40 to 44
3rd place - William McFadden
6th place - Damon Mann
Male - 45 to 49
2nd place - Chuck Wheeler
3rd place - Dennis Smaggus
Male - 50 to 54
3rd place - Randy Profeta
Male - 55+
4th place - Bob Waggoner
23rd place - David Ambrose
28th place - Jordie McTavish
31st place - Michael Castaldo
Steve Born
This year’s mountain bike race took place at Laguna Seca, California over the Sept 1-2 weekend, and Hammer Nutrition clients/athletes made their mark, led by Rebecca Rusch’s championship win in the Female Elite division. Three other Hammer athletes garnered Top Ten finishes in the Female Elite race: Sally Marchand Collins (3rd place), Monilee Atkinson (4th place), and Bernice Pierson (6th place).
Other Hammer-fueled female athletes put in outstanding performances, including age group wins by Timari Pruis, Heather Moothart, Patty Jo Struve, and Wendy Skean.
The Hammer-fueled men didn’t do too shabby either, with three Top Ten finishes in the Male Elite division: Ernesto Marenchin (4th place), Mark Hendershot (5th place), and Steve Schwarz (7th place). Other outstanding performances included William McFadden’s 3rd place in the Male 40-44 division, Chuck Wheeler’s 2nd place and Dennis Smaggus’s 3rd place finishes in the Male 45-49 division, Randy Profeta’s 3rd place finish in the Male 50-54 division, and Bob Waggoner’s 4th place finish in the 55+ division.
The course was obviously quite difficult as, according to Rusch (via her website), the race “boasted around 2400 ft of climbing per 14 mile lap. I didn’t really believe that there could be that much uphill crammed into 14 miles, but from the way my legs feel today, I am a believer. The course had a bit of everything including super high-speed downhills, twisty single track, sand pits, stairs, and of course, LOTS of uphills. My bike odometer clocked speeds as fast as 41 mph on a downhill and as slow as 3 mph on some of the uphills. The only bit of flat trail was coming through the transition pits.”
Congratulations to all these great Hammer Nutrition clients/athletes on their outstanding performances!
Female Elite
1st place - Rebecca Rusch
3rd place - Sally Marchand Collins
4th place - Monilee Atkinson
6th place - Bernice Pierson
12th place - Louise Kobin
Female - 30 to 34
1st place - Timari Pruis
Female - 40 to 44
1st place - Heather Moothart
Female - 50 to 54
1st place - Patty Jo Struve
Female - 55+
1st place - Wendy Skean
Male Elite
4th place - Ernesto Marenchin
5th place - Mark Hendershot
7th place - Steve Schwarz
13th place - Greg Martin
16th place - Brian Sevall
17th place - Karl Etzel
21st place - Anthony Ippolito
Male - 35 to 39
8th place - Nick Thelen
Male - 40 to 44
3rd place - William McFadden
6th place - Damon Mann
Male - 45 to 49
2nd place - Chuck Wheeler
3rd place - Dennis Smaggus
Male - 50 to 54
3rd place - Randy Profeta
Male - 55+
4th place - Bob Waggoner
23rd place - David Ambrose
28th place - Jordie McTavish
31st place - Michael Castaldo
2008 Asylum Cycles
first up in sponsor news is continued support with asylum cycles and speedgoat.com for the upcoming 2008 season.
there is going to be some exciting stuff happening next year, with the good news that new front ends for my frames have arrived. sweetness.
updates on the kit - new layout, new color, new clothing company. since i am firm believer in jinxing, no details until it's all done.
just expect a new color - and the frames to match.
let the guessing begin.
sologoat out
11.04.2007
11.03.07 - ann arbor MI cross - 01
non-UCI weekend for shawn and i as we headed up for one day of the double cross weekend just outside of ann arbor.
legs are coming around and now i can start to feel the twinges of speed come back into my legs - hopes are to be be flying in the next week or so and peak out for ohio state championships and nationals.
course was hilly for the area with lots of twist and turns, two double barriers - one of which that had a monster of a run up which doomed me early on and later in the race.
pace went out hot as usual, on the run up on the first two laps i got popped from the main group that was forming. i chased back hard both times, but it put me in the major hurt zone and i realized i couldn't keep doing this or i would fry myself.
third time i got popped, i decided to race my own race. when i looked around after i got popped from the group, i was in no man's land. in between the main group and everybody else, i was forced to power through the wind and try to make up time in the corners.
it worked - i got up to two other riders with 4 laps to go and enjoyed a brief break from the wind until they made me work.
or should i say, until they worked me over.
on the last lap, i knew it would come down to the last tight corners if we were still together, but i didn't expect an attack from further out on the last run up.
one rider attacked, the other sat there and did nothing.
i said the hell with it, better to try for 5th and get 7th then not try at all.
i put my head down, powered the last mile or so and got right up on the attacking riders wheel right when we hit the last corner. with nothing left, i tried to sprint but still had the other rider with me.
it was the perfect setup to school a rider in a three man group - 7th place on the day.
not the best result, but my power is right where i need it.
today, i'm skipping the local race as i get the yard ready for the winter and the bikes ready for next week's double UCI weekend.
now it's time to obsess about tire selection, wheels and tire pressure.
(note - yesterday's setup: Reynolds Solitude's with Maxxis Raze, running about 30psi in the front, 34 in the rear. this is the same setup i've been running all year so far)
sologoat out
legs are coming around and now i can start to feel the twinges of speed come back into my legs - hopes are to be be flying in the next week or so and peak out for ohio state championships and nationals.
course was hilly for the area with lots of twist and turns, two double barriers - one of which that had a monster of a run up which doomed me early on and later in the race.
pace went out hot as usual, on the run up on the first two laps i got popped from the main group that was forming. i chased back hard both times, but it put me in the major hurt zone and i realized i couldn't keep doing this or i would fry myself.
third time i got popped, i decided to race my own race. when i looked around after i got popped from the group, i was in no man's land. in between the main group and everybody else, i was forced to power through the wind and try to make up time in the corners.
it worked - i got up to two other riders with 4 laps to go and enjoyed a brief break from the wind until they made me work.
or should i say, until they worked me over.
on the last lap, i knew it would come down to the last tight corners if we were still together, but i didn't expect an attack from further out on the last run up.
one rider attacked, the other sat there and did nothing.
i said the hell with it, better to try for 5th and get 7th then not try at all.
i put my head down, powered the last mile or so and got right up on the attacking riders wheel right when we hit the last corner. with nothing left, i tried to sprint but still had the other rider with me.
it was the perfect setup to school a rider in a three man group - 7th place on the day.
not the best result, but my power is right where i need it.
today, i'm skipping the local race as i get the yard ready for the winter and the bikes ready for next week's double UCI weekend.
now it's time to obsess about tire selection, wheels and tire pressure.
(note - yesterday's setup: Reynolds Solitude's with Maxxis Raze, running about 30psi in the front, 34 in the rear. this is the same setup i've been running all year so far)
sologoat out
11.02.2007
4 sale update - bike specs/info
first up is the medium vicious custom painted with speedgoat heads. this bike was a personal ride of speedgoat shop owner chris, then was handed down to me as it was a little small for him.
this is technically a 29er frame, but handles more like a cross bike and was built up as such - this bike was actually ridden at trans iowa 1.
has it's fair share of cable rub, nicks, etc - but the overall paint job is very impressive.
built up with campy c-record 9 speed carbon levers, king headset and king 36 spoked hubs with traditional 135 rear spacing.
WILL NOT PART OUT
next up is a soma in a medium - it came from the original first run of the soma juice and as such, does not have any type of canti/v-brake mounts. disc only on this sweety.
i have had the frame little less then one year and it's in great condition. no dings, scratches or cable rub as i have protective tape all over it.
king headset, sram 9 speed twisty's, ird rigid fork.
indy fab standard 54cm cross frame with no water bottle mounts and 135 rear spacing and track dropouts in the rear. used to race this bike, but not any more.
spookys' are new, wheels were just rebuilt by george at speedgoat up to some old skool blue open pro's to a set of sweet pauls hubs. crank is old skool kooka with a race face bb and kooka ring. i have the other original rings, never used.
king headset and IF fork - 1 inch.
and, the bars - these babbies are the ORIGINAL WTB drop bars, not the new ones. these bad boys could of fetched well over $100 a little over a year ago on ebay.
WILL NOT PART OUT
this is a medium 26 inch moots ybb 2001 10th aniversery model running v-brakes with NO DISC TABS.
brakes are avid magneseums, sram 9 speed drive train.
wheels are hella sweet/light genuine george running kings laced to dt double butted spokes, alloy nips and bontrager ceramic asymetrical rims. these were as light as you could get at the time and have less then 1 year use.
king heaset, irc tires, thompson post/stem, sid with lockout and nokon cables.
that's it.. post a reply if you want more info.
sologoat out.
10.31.2007
sologoat stuff 4 sale
check out my flickr account dawgs and click on the "sets" - got a "4 sale" set of a bunch o' stuff i am clearing out. i don't have prices or fine details up yet, but the pics are up.
taking no trades on anything unless you have a moots (29er or cross) or some high end road wheels that i can use for cross season. trades only for local yocals.
got two old lighting systems with 2 spare batteries and one backup bar light - will make a package deal if interested. if you are a fellow enduro freak, i'll make you a deal.
check it out!
sologoat out
taking no trades on anything unless you have a moots (29er or cross) or some high end road wheels that i can use for cross season. trades only for local yocals.
got two old lighting systems with 2 spare batteries and one backup bar light - will make a package deal if interested. if you are a fellow enduro freak, i'll make you a deal.
check it out!
sologoat out
10.29.2007
sunday - first corner
ah, the only picture i can find of me on last sunday's race.
15 seconds in, i am slamming my brakes and come to a complete stop... NICE....
note - you can see brent and nate escaping the left...
been reading some interesting articles on cross tire selections - seems like a lot of the top dawgs are all running tubulars and some have even gone to the extent of having their sponsors clinchers made up in custom tubulars. sweetness.
speaking of which, anybody out there running the new reynolds attack wheels? wondering how they would hold up for cross...
sponsorship news coming up in the next few days along with a garage sale of bike parts and a few bikes. stay tuned.
sologoat out
15 seconds in, i am slamming my brakes and come to a complete stop... NICE....
note - you can see brent and nate escaping the left...
been reading some interesting articles on cross tire selections - seems like a lot of the top dawgs are all running tubulars and some have even gone to the extent of having their sponsors clinchers made up in custom tubulars. sweetness.
speaking of which, anybody out there running the new reynolds attack wheels? wondering how they would hold up for cross...
sponsorship news coming up in the next few days along with a garage sale of bike parts and a few bikes. stay tuned.
sologoat out
kentucky uci quick update
saturday - start on the next to last row, at least 10 rows back.
sunday - ditto.
saturday, legs felt hellishly slow. got pulled with 3 laps to go, 70th place. ouch.
sunday, legs felt better. on the first corner, some dork crashes himself. i lock the brakes up and come to a complete stop and immediately shoot to the last 5 or six guys in the field of 90.
i make up some ground, finish around 60th and got pulled with one lap to go. i felt better, legs felt faster and i was (from what i could tell) the lead ohio rider from the pack i was in (nate, brent, etc).
additional kick in the teeth - they didn't even put me on the finishing list. nice job officals.
gotta run - next up, local cross races this coming weekend. pardon me if i pick up some bad habits and cut you off in the corner while throwing you an elbow and kicking you over at the same time so i can get a better line.
sologoat out
sunday - ditto.
saturday, legs felt hellishly slow. got pulled with 3 laps to go, 70th place. ouch.
sunday, legs felt better. on the first corner, some dork crashes himself. i lock the brakes up and come to a complete stop and immediately shoot to the last 5 or six guys in the field of 90.
i make up some ground, finish around 60th and got pulled with one lap to go. i felt better, legs felt faster and i was (from what i could tell) the lead ohio rider from the pack i was in (nate, brent, etc).
additional kick in the teeth - they didn't even put me on the finishing list. nice job officals.
gotta run - next up, local cross races this coming weekend. pardon me if i pick up some bad habits and cut you off in the corner while throwing you an elbow and kicking you over at the same time so i can get a better line.
sologoat out
10.24.2007
cough cough
is the sound i've been making for over a week now. sore throat, coughing and runny nose - not fun.
resumes are still being sent out, a few more to go. news on that later on, maybe saturday night as i'll be heading out to...
kentucky for the double UCI weekend. i'll be heading out solo. pretty pumped up that i just got in my last little shipment from maxxis in the form of cross tires and some tubes. i ran maxxis at vegas and found that they gripped really well on the off chamber stuff which i tend to have issues on as i like to go into corners a little hot on the speed.
and, i'm thinking that i can get away with running clinchers - tubulars are sweet, but they are making me paranoid as it seems like everybody is rolling them. so, i'm thinking maybe a pair of reynolds carbon clinchers are in my future...
with that, gotta roll. some work to do, emails to send. and i need to find a new digitial camera as moab killed my camera.
sologoat out
resumes are still being sent out, a few more to go. news on that later on, maybe saturday night as i'll be heading out to...
kentucky for the double UCI weekend. i'll be heading out solo. pretty pumped up that i just got in my last little shipment from maxxis in the form of cross tires and some tubes. i ran maxxis at vegas and found that they gripped really well on the off chamber stuff which i tend to have issues on as i like to go into corners a little hot on the speed.
and, i'm thinking that i can get away with running clinchers - tubulars are sweet, but they are making me paranoid as it seems like everybody is rolling them. so, i'm thinking maybe a pair of reynolds carbon clinchers are in my future...
with that, gotta roll. some work to do, emails to send. and i need to find a new digitial camera as moab killed my camera.
sologoat out
10.21.2007
weekend off
as i try to recover from a year of enduro racing, get rid of this cold i've had since monday and try to get out some resumes and proposals for next year.
next up for me is the UCI double weekend in kentucky as i debate wheels - i've got a set of reynolds cross tubulars, but it seems like everybody and their brother has been rolling them weekend after weekend.
debating some carbon clinchers.
that's it - not mucho going on today. if anybody wants to share a ride down to kentucky this weekend, send me an email send a reply to this post.
sologoat out
next up for me is the UCI double weekend in kentucky as i debate wheels - i've got a set of reynolds cross tubulars, but it seems like everybody and their brother has been rolling them weekend after weekend.
debating some carbon clinchers.
that's it - not mucho going on today. if anybody wants to share a ride down to kentucky this weekend, send me an email send a reply to this post.
sologoat out
10.19.2007
consolation prize
from grannygear just came in the mail in the form of a fourth place overall check in the 24 hour series. nice to get a little extra cashola for the cross season.
this week has been one of me being sick since monday, updating and sending out sponsorship resumes and proposals, and somehow figuring out how to clone my pc hard drive as my old drive is starting to die....
i think i need a vacation from my vacation.
gotta run, proposals to get out - if anybody has any ideas/suggestions on sponsors for the year, send 'em along. interested sponsors, send me an email.
with that, going out for my third 29er single speed ride this week in a short bit. with all of the hours and rides in this year, it's nice to get back to the basics.
pedal.
sologoat out
(photo courtesy of Adam Lisonbee epicriding.blogspot.com )
10.16.2007
moab - the write up
Moab
11:30am
Start my final prep’s of the day, last minute instructions on my food for the day and all the little things to get me through the next 24 hours.
11:45
Get up to the start line and make my way to the front of the line where I exchange a hand shake with Chris E and Josh Tostado.
Noon
Gun goes off and the craziness begins – elbows and dust are flying everywhere and I soon get shuffled back as at least two guys get totally run over in the run. Somehow, I am still near Chris but this soon changes as the group immediately bottle necks onto the course entrance.
For the first lap only, we rip down the service road that enters the venue and then shoot straight up the first climb of the day. I put in a decent effort to make it up to the back end of the group where Chris is at the front of the pack. I figure at that point, I have to be in the top 5 – later, when I check in on my first lap, I discover that I was in 3rd.
The first climb is going well, but things start to string out immediately. I pick off a few riders here and there, and the line of riders behind me is very sparse.
Things are rolling good, until I hit the 13 mile mark.
This year we switched out to Shimano chains – one of the pins popped out and bent the hell out of one of the links badly. Since I could see the venue, I started to run the last ½ mile.
Bad choice. I ran for what seemed forever, long enough that I thought I should have fixed the chain. Looking back, I question as to whether or not this effort may have caused my breathing issues later on during the race as running is not something I normally do or practice.
Nonetheless, I still manage to come in roughly 8 minutes down on the leaders and I am in 5th place, only minutes behind 3rd and 4th.
Second lap
By the top of the first climb, I am back in 3rd place.
I keep up a good pace and I am putting time on the solo field.
Third and Fourth lap
Same pace as the previous laps, I continue to hold my pace, but it seems like I’m starting to have some issues taking food down and I feel that I’m not getting enough calories in.
Fifth through Sixth laps –
Power is now starting to slowly sap out of my legs as I can't seem to push a hard pace, but more importantly, when I breathe in deeply, I start to cough uncontrollably. This for me is a sign of sports induced asthma – and once I get it, the only thing I can really do is either back off of my efforts or stop.
Dave Harris catches me and I slip back to 4th place. Technically though, I’m in 3rd place though as Josh Tostado pulls out on the 6th lap.
This condition goes away, but usually not until the next day. I push on.
Last lap –
My chest is now feeling more restricted and I’m having increasing difficulty eating anything. My legs and body feel fine, but the situation was not getting better.
On the final descent into pit row, I decide to pull out.
In retrospect, I don’t know if it was the run on the first lap, the dust, too hard of an effort too early. You think about anything long enough, you can analyze everything you did in the last 2 weeks and find something wrong with it.
Moab – you’ll have to wait another year.
Sologoat out
10.14.2007
moab and a case of exercise-induced asthma
quick update.
lap 1, at mile 13 of 13.5 mile course, my chain snaps and i run in. i was only 3 minutes'is behind josh and chris, but i still manage to come in 4th.
i soon make it up to 3rd.
soon, my power seems to be dwindling, i can't eat and my deep breathing is causing me to cough uncontrollably. i've gotten this before, but never during a race.
could of been the dust, could of been the run, could of been one too many 24's late in the season....
had to bag it. and it looks like josh and dave had to do so too...
gotta run - more later. for now, i am heading back east.
sologoat out
lap 1, at mile 13 of 13.5 mile course, my chain snaps and i run in. i was only 3 minutes'is behind josh and chris, but i still manage to come in 4th.
i soon make it up to 3rd.
soon, my power seems to be dwindling, i can't eat and my deep breathing is causing me to cough uncontrollably. i've gotten this before, but never during a race.
could of been the dust, could of been the run, could of been one too many 24's late in the season....
had to bag it. and it looks like josh and dave had to do so too...
gotta run - more later. for now, i am heading back east.
sologoat out
10.12.2007
Friday Moab update
last lap on the course before saturday's race start.
some sections of sand have been cleared out, but for the most part, it's the same as yesterday. you are either going to have a good day or bad day out there...
last downhill is classic - you should be going about 25mph plus, but due to the wind blowing in your face and the sand all over, you have to pedal your arse off to hit 20mph.
chris e, tostado, chris g, rob l, dave harris - it's going to be a tough day. nat ross is in town, watch for him in the duo pro.
that's it - time to rest up and charge up the princeton tec's.
wish me good luck and good legs -
sologoat out
some sections of sand have been cleared out, but for the most part, it's the same as yesterday. you are either going to have a good day or bad day out there...
last downhill is classic - you should be going about 25mph plus, but due to the wind blowing in your face and the sand all over, you have to pedal your arse off to hit 20mph.
chris e, tostado, chris g, rob l, dave harris - it's going to be a tough day. nat ross is in town, watch for him in the duo pro.
that's it - time to rest up and charge up the princeton tec's.
wish me good luck and good legs -
sologoat out
10.11.2007
moab - thursday update
all my pics are now uploaded on flickr - check them out as i dropped my camera yesterday and probably can't take any more.
conditions are super dry, super sandy. early AM ride was good and the trail crew was out - brushing away the sand. it can be around 3-4 inches in some spots, so go full speed and sit back for the ride.
trek and fisher boys are in town, and i have a sneaky idea that tinker is going to show as there is the huge cannondale truck here. so, watch for tinker, nat and josh tostado to join the race in moab by saturday AM.
course is classic dessert, go along minding your own business, then all of a sudden, either 3 inches or sand or a rock field that better have you picking the right line or you'll going down.
that's it for tonight - one more pre-ride tomorrow, race pick up and a little trip out to arches national park.
that's it -
sologoat out
conditions are super dry, super sandy. early AM ride was good and the trail crew was out - brushing away the sand. it can be around 3-4 inches in some spots, so go full speed and sit back for the ride.
trek and fisher boys are in town, and i have a sneaky idea that tinker is going to show as there is the huge cannondale truck here. so, watch for tinker, nat and josh tostado to join the race in moab by saturday AM.
course is classic dessert, go along minding your own business, then all of a sudden, either 3 inches or sand or a rock field that better have you picking the right line or you'll going down.
that's it for tonight - one more pre-ride tomorrow, race pick up and a little trip out to arches national park.
that's it -
sologoat out
10.09.2007
moab trip - day 3
got into town today and got in a lap on the course - sorry, no pics today of the course as i forgot it in my rush to get in a lap before nightfall.
all i got to say is, you better like sandy conditions or you gonna have a bad weekend on this course.
dry conditions has left a lot of sections deep in soft sand - especially in the first mile and a half or so.
after that, it's typical west coast desert riding - you are riding along having a good time in the sand, when all of a sudden rocks and a drop off are 12 inches away from your front wheel. goes from "ho-hum" one second to death defying rock sections the next.
sure not in ohio anymore.
gotta run - pics of the course up tomorrow.
sologoat out
all i got to say is, you better like sandy conditions or you gonna have a bad weekend on this course.
dry conditions has left a lot of sections deep in soft sand - especially in the first mile and a half or so.
after that, it's typical west coast desert riding - you are riding along having a good time in the sand, when all of a sudden rocks and a drop off are 12 inches away from your front wheel. goes from "ho-hum" one second to death defying rock sections the next.
sure not in ohio anymore.
gotta run - pics of the course up tomorrow.
sologoat out
8am at vail colorado
and i am sooooooooooooo glad i am not working today. damn it is beautiful out here. i may just stay here..
but i gotta date with moab.
30 degree temps this early am, the coffee was awesome and so was the breakfast. this afternoon i'll be riding in moab.
wish you were here - this week is going to be epic.
sologoat out
but i gotta date with moab.
30 degree temps this early am, the coffee was awesome and so was the breakfast. this afternoon i'll be riding in moab.
wish you were here - this week is going to be epic.
sologoat out
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