Chris Ellis - Bike Source Mountain Bike Team

Roller Coaster

2006-04-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

This week is all about recovery. Short easy spins. I have not taken an easy week for quite some time. I made the mistake earlier this season going into a marathon tired and I paid the price with a piss poor day.

The weather is crazy around here. Sunday raced in sleeveless and Wednesday skull cap, warmers, wool socks, etc. This is a recipe for a cold, good thing I have the luxury of spinning the next few days because the weather continues its ups and downs.

For once, I am glad I am missing a race. The weather in Iowa looks like hell for the 2nd Trans Iowa. The forecast I saw for those nuts calls for highs in the mid 50s lows in the upper 30s, 60-70% chance of rain and to top that off a head wind of 10-15 mph for 300+ miles of gravel. I predict less than 10 will finish again this year, my prediction is IF the weather develops like they are forecasting. At least the Dirty Kanza is a loop so sooner or later you will get a tailwind.

Mid 40s Wednesday night called for cool riding gear. I prefer riding in 90+ degree weather to 40 degrees.

At least, the wind was non existent last night. This is a wind check point early in my ride. If there are wakes on this little pond, hold on to the bars. I prefer the mirror like look, no wind.

Good views with the gloomy day. The only thing missing was fog.

I could not resist sharing this one. I received an email with this attached. I think the mighty mullet is on its way back. Not for me though. Is that a musset bag he is carrying all his valuables in or a man purse? Check out the rotary dial cell phone cleverly attached to his hip. He might even sport a camel toe with those tight britches. I cant get away from this photo, I am obsessed. I just noticed his rolled up shirt sleeves, this dude is a walking fashion statement.

Perry XC Race Report

2006-04-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

No additional posting last night. I slept like a baby from 9:30 last night to 7 this morning.

Tough race yesterday. The forecast called for mid 70's they missed it again, after the race I saw 88 in Lawrence. I think a lot of racers suffered in the mild heat we had, me included.

I lined up next to between the Cowtown hammers, Studnicki and Tige Lamb. I thought if I could maybe keep them in sight I would have a good day. Studnicki got the holeshot, again, Paul Quindry went into the singletrack 2nd followed by Tige and then me. Tige quickly went by Paul on the first climb and I tried to chase. I bridged up to the Cowtown duo, but paid the price. Once I arrived on their wheel I had no gas to continue at that pace. I settled into a pace I thought I could maintain for the distance.

Before the first lap was through, I felt like I was bonked. I had no power, my arms were weak, and the tough course was kicking my ass. I thought anytime now I would fall over and die. I could ride a steady hard pace, but anytime I tried to push to the red line I could even go anaerobic. The only time I went anaerobic was during the start and the first mile. This feeling haunted my the whole day, but I managed to catch a few of our minute men (Pro-Semi Pro 29-under class). I passed up to 5th place in upper class on the last lap, so I wasn't going to bad but it did not feel good. I finished 3rd in the Expert 30-39 race. Tige unloaded on us and finished way ahead with Studnicki 2nd and Pual ended in 4th. Not much happened during our race. I think the mild heat caught us by surprise. This pretty much locks up 2nd in the points for me. I need one more consistent finish and I will have my best series finish since upgrading to Expert.

Trying to stomp it, but nothing was coming out of my legs today.

Beautiful scenary out on the course.

This was the dustiest course I have raced on in a while. There was parts that the powder was a inch or more deep. I definitely had the wrong tire choice for the dust and rocks. I used Karma's, way too narrow and very little volume for Perry. I struggled with traction all day, I tip-toed through corner after corner drifting out to the edge almost everytime.

My stumps (usually legs) needed a bath (and reprimanding) after today.

Very happy to stand onto the wood Sunday. I am well pleased with 3rd on a tough day.

Once again a huge thanks goes out to the Heartland Race crew. Craig, Scott, Mark, Lyle and all the rest put on another fun event. Be sure to thank them at Bike Source next time you stop by. Up next on the series is June 4th at Landahl. Before that I have business at Syllamo in Arkansas, then maybe a stop in Columbia for the Rhett's Run XC in mid May.

Perry XC Pictures

2006-04-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a sampling of some pics from Perry. Fast rough course. Lots of good fun.

Dave Burnett giving it hell up one of the rises.

We're off. Tige must have got a running start riding way outside like that. Really, Tige started side by side with me. He got a good start and went on to win the Expert 30-39 race.

Never aging Doug Long. This guy seems to get faster each year. He owns the Expert 50+ class wherever he goes. On another note, Doug retires this year and he will only get faster and work harder for the sport of mountain biking. For a retirement gift his wife surprised him with a new Specialized S-Works Carbon Disc Epic.

Cathy Reidy pushing hard on a tough day. It looks as though she may have taken a little dirt nap on her right side.

Jon Martinez and the single speed racers start. Today's course would have been hell with no gear choices. Good job guys, you are the tough guys in our sport.

Race report and more photos to come later. By the way I finished on the podium in 3rd, I am happy to have that one after a day with crap legs.

Playing In The Street

2006-04-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

Went out today to keep the legs loose with Brian and Richard. We rode to Mound City and played in the streets and traffic. For a little town, they have almost all newly paved streets that are hella fast and smooth. We took turns hammering around a course we had laid out with several switchbacks and turns. Good fast fun.

There were plenty of these fast 25+ mph turns that kept up ripping.

Brain trying out his "Lance Chronicles see-through stealth prototype jersey".

Richard laughing, "Brain thinks he will get these wheels back, yeah right".

tomorrow is another killer Heartland XC race at Perry Lake. The forecast is calling for a chance of rain/storms tonight and in the morning. I hope they forecasted wrong, I am not a big fan of mud races that destroy trails and bikes. I am currently tied 2nd in points in the Expert 30-39 class. I must go and get my rest on for tomorrow. I'll report back late Sunday.

More Good Times

2006-04-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Is there a bad day on the bike? Yesterday cruised with Richard (17) for a couple of hours on the road and then met up with super junior cyclist Dylan (12 1/2) for a little more fun. Dylan had 2 flats before we hooked up with him, he changed them all by himself with little effort. I love the life and enthusiasm young riders have, it always lifts me up.

Today was another beautiful day. Gravel, fire road, and a little trail mixed. A few sprints to keep the legs snappy and I am set for more racing this weekend. I added up that I have already raced for 16+ hours off road this year. 2 more Sunday and at least 5 1/2 in Arkansas will make for a bunch of racing this early. I plan to take a breather in early May, I have a few non cycling activities planned I need to tend to (more on them later). I will not stay away from the bike, but just pulling back the reins for a month or so.

You probably get sick of me trying to prove that Kansas is not flat, but I could not resist showing these views.

How about that for riding eye candy!

This is a super secrete trail/fire road I am sneak in on every now and then.

Someone added this cool bridge in place of the ditch. Good work. I don't know why this place is so "off limits" and why it is at least 7 miles away from the nearest paved road. No signs, nothing.

In road news, local KC pro Brian Jensen is riding in the Tour of Georgia. He is riding for Jelly Belly this year. After today's 59th finish in the time trial he sits 50th overall, 6:20 back from some ex-mtb racer named Floyd Landis.

Time to hit the sack. I have some sleep to catch up on from all the excitement I have been having lately. I'll let you in on the fun another day.

Tuesday Night Training Series Begins

2006-04-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry for a lack of posts lately, but I am back with a little motivation to share with you my adventures and experiences.

Great weekend of Easter riding. I got in two awesome days on the bike. Saturday great road ride with Richard. Sunday was a good 4+ hour gravel grinder with Brian. He may even post some pics on his site.

Since a lot of others get to do week-night group hammer fests or races. I thought I would start up my own series. Low key, no prizes, and a little underground. The inaugural night saw only three sign-in. Me, Myself, and I.

For the course: Plenty of climbing!! I love to go up hills.

This hill was visited twice tonight. Around 200 feet of elevation gain in a little more than a 1/4 mile. Do the math, it is a bitch!

That was not the only hill on the route. Several other "stingers" were encountered as well.

There were to be no cruising the "flats". I pushed the pace for 2 hours. Average power for the night 215 watts. Last year at the KC Tues. Training road crit, I usually averaged 205-210 watts of 45 minutes for pack riding. No hiding tonight, no sketchy ass packs; just put your head down and punch-it.

Don't stare long, it may cause blindness. I opted for the sleeveless jersey to even up the distinctive tan line. I love sleeveless, the air flowing through keeps the core way cooler. I think sleeved jerseys trap the air on the arm band, while sleeveless lets the air flow.

The finish came down to me attacking myself and I on the last climb. I jumped them both at the top and rode solo the last 10k to take first prize.

Got an e-mail from Niner Bikes saying the Air9 MIGHT be avaiable mid summer. I may just go for the E.M.D.9 which is supposed to be ready mid May. Then once the Air9 are ready get one at the end of the season or the begining of next year. I don't know.

Race this weekend in Perry. Should be another great XC course. I am digging the shorter courses with more laps. After that I hope I am in for Syllamo on May 6th. I sent my entry a while back and my name still is not on the registrants.

I got the nerve to Stans my Zonos carbon wheels with the Karmas mounted. They looked good. I used my old 26" rim strips and 2 scoops. No trouble inflating, I aired them to 35 psi and let them sit overnight. The next day I drained the air to 10-15 psi and tried to rip the tire from the rim, no luck. Anything has to be better than flatting two races in a row.

Congrats to my part-time training partner Richard. He won two 2-mile track races in a week's time. He is only a junior in high school, so look out next year. He runs and rides 1-2 times a day, he is getting stronger by the week. We decided to hold off on bike racing until track season is over, but after that it is game on.

Crowder Race Report

2006-04-10T05:40:00.000-07:00

I just got back in from a great recovery spin with my wife Liz (Elizabeth). I cannot quit thinking about what a great day of racing yesterday was. It is days like that, that keep making me get up every morning.

Race day started out with the typical breakfast of oatmeal, bagel, and OJ 5 hours before and then top off the tank with a smoothie 3 hours before start time. I also include the consumption of almost as much water as I can stand prior to the start. This leads to frequent restroom stops traveling to the races (every 45 minutes to be exact).

I started up the engine by checking out the super sweet singletrack Crowder has. I rode the first 1/2 of the course and was satisfied and turned back to the start. I gunned it a time or two to clear out the cobwebs. I was cruising through a section with back to back log crossings. I hopped the first and thought I hopped the second clean. I was wrong...I was flying through the air endo style. Yes I took a dirt nap before the race even started. I jumped up cleaned out my shorts and hurried to the start line.

They lined up all the expert classes for a mass start. Awesome, we started in a big group like a stampede. Imagine almost 40 flying expert men coming down the fire road start at eye bleeding speed. I bet the individuals at the bottom of the first downhill were horrified when they say all of us screaming at them at speeds close to 20mph sideways with dust and rocks flying everywhere.

I entered the singletrack in 3rd in my class. I felt very cool, calm, and comfortable. I picked of a few of the Pro/Semi-Pro guys to keep Studnicki close. I was blasting a downhill catching up ground with my big wheels, when pissssst; another damn pinch flat. Two races in a row, you have got to be kidding me. I had not flatted hardly at all in the last 2-3 years and now I am jinked. I half heartedly and laughingly changed yet another early race flat.

I hopped on the bike and took off in dead last, 16th place. I am now pissed off and started charging like a maniac. I decided I would pass as many people as I could before the laps all expired. Before the race, Doug Long warned us of the Bone Yard. I through caution to the wind and took the most rediculously wicked part and passed 3 people in 25 yards. I was f--in pumped up.

When I come around the finish climb, Liz was waiting and wondering if I went on a detour. She motivated me by saying I was not far behind. I gave it hell over the top and took more risks.

Next time up the finish climb, I was motivated by seeing a few fast guys in my race ahead. I chased hard and picked up a few more spots. On the bell lap, Craig said I was killing it when I passed through the finishing chute. Not content with the pain I was in, I burried the throttle and put myself in the pain cave. I believe I was able to pass 6 guys in the Expert 30-39 class on the last lap.
I was super excited to be able to pip the 6th place rider at the line to finish on the podium in 5th.

What a great day on the bike. The last two Heatland XC races have been THE 2 Best XC races put on by anyone in the last 5 year I have been racing. Great courses, perfect weather, good racers. We even got to see Squirrel's kick ass pick hair. I cant wait until Perry in 2 weeks.

After Perry, another week off and then down to Syllamo for another Arkansas 5+ hour epic mountain bike race.

Check out Kim Morris Photography, he was out taking snap shots at the race. These are some of the best photos I have seen at a mtb race. Be sure to thank him by ordering some pics. We want him at every race.

Ouachita Race Report

2006-03-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

I am finally getting around to posting my recap of the weekend. Talk about a good time.

Early Saturday, I met up with my Bike Source teammates Dave, Craig, and Scott for the 7 hour trip down south. We picked up the Trek Store caravan on the way down. The more KC folks we picked up the rowdier the bunch.

We all made it down to pre-ride Saturday afternoon and jumped into the trail to check out the conditions. It was nice and warm compared to the weather we have had in the last week in Kansas. We rode about 20 minutes until a Craig and Dave came up missing. Scott and I turned back to hunt them down, while the rest went on their way. We met up with Craig who had a pedal fall off, what a way to start the weekend. Apparently, the bearing froze up and un-threaded itself and fell off. He had no trouble putting it back on and was back in business. We busted as to get with the others. We soon met up with them and returned back to where they were camping that night.

After they setup their tents and lined up their gear, we all went to a local cafe to get some grub. Craig and Scott had been talking this cafe up for a few weeks and we had to have the Chicken Fried Steak Dinner. It was funny, because of the 10 at the table 8 ordered the Chicken Fried Steak. The steak lived up to the hype, it was so good I even mopped up the last bit of gravy with heavily buttered toast. That is the kind of meal that sticks with you. We then headed to the local grocery store, where I was surprised to find Soy milk and other good breakfast food.

We set of the find our cabin for the night. Liz (my wife) made arrangements for a cabin in Hatfield. It was awesome; hot tub, flat screen, recliner, decked out kitchen the real deal. To bad she could not share it with her, since she was unable to go. We went to work on the bikes and headed of to bed.

We drug our asses out of bed at 5:30 to make breakfast and head to the start. With the temps hovering in the mid 30s I struggled with what to wear for the race. I decided on only knee and arm warmers and only a undershirt, I also grabbed a race map and put it under my jersey for a wind block down the road to the start. I managed to get down the road to the fire road start to find myself on the front row. I give my wind block/map to the guys in the van and we were off. Big ring hauling balls up the first fire road mountain, but wait oh shit my bike is jumping gears all over the place. I spent most of my effort trying to fix my shifting gremlins while everyone was racing up the first mountain of the day. I struggled to consentrate on putting force to the pedals, whileI frantically adjusted my X.0 shift pod back and forth with no success. My head was totally out of the game. I made it into the single track, where I was stuck behind fast starters that couldn't ride trail. My gears still jamming away; I thought something has to give, I jumped off twice looking for the problem and finally took my rear wheel out and put it back in. Great, the bike started to shift flawlessly. Know I am hauling ass up the single track passing riders on the steep climbs and rock gardens. Did I mention big wheels rock? I was finding my grove through Big Bushy and up Blowout Mountain still passing riders with no one passing me.

On the descent down Blowout Mountain, all hell broke loose again. I was bombing the downhills like no tomorrow. I whipped it around a switch back and pinch flatted on huge rock. SHIT! I frantically started to fix the flat and in my own confusion put the wrong F-in' tube in. I put the tube I just flatted with in and couldn't figure out why the hell it was going flat. I should have paid attention to what I was doing, instead of watching all the others ride by having a good time. I got a good tube in and I was off. Pissed off and riding out of control I crashed three times before getting off Blowout Mountain. Once over the bars, bending my front wheel out of wack. And two other times over shooting switchbacks. With all my crashing I managed to screw up my rear shifting again. I stopped twice to dig my chain out of my spokes and yank my derailluer hanger half-way straight again.

I decided to chill to the first Aid station. I watched a few riders hussle in and out while I took my sweet ass time pouting. I jumped on the bike and was off again. I rode half-hearted and dejected and something finally clicked that I didn't come all the way down hear to poke-ass around. I gunned it on the fire road, I decided to kill it and see how many I could pass before the finish. The rest of the day went real well. I lost track of how many I passed before the finish, but I am proud to say that only a few passed me while I was either pissing or stopped refueling at an Aid Station.

I ended up with 41st, not exactly what I was looking for. I am content with myself not giving up regardless of my misfortune.

Locals doing well. Matt Brown finished 3rd, that is great considering having last year essentially off. Tige mid 20's, Craig and Scott finished mid 30's. Dave finished the test, fighting knee pains and craps all the way. Josh, Joel, and Jim also beat the tough course with respectable times. The bad luck award goes to Brad Cole, who had wheel troubles while running 3rd and ended up rididng a truck back to the finish.

That's all for know, I am already looking forward to next year. Next up my favorite course ,the Crowder XC race (April 9th) in Trenton, MO.

2006-03-25T15:49:00.000-08:00

Spoke Pony Photo Blog

2006-03-19T14:58:00.000-08:00

Where's my bike? This is only about a quarter of the bikes resting before the stampede.

Settling in to a good mid race pace. I used the 3 hour guys to keep a good quick pace.

Regardless of the look on my face, I felt great the whole day. Few words can describe the good times had Saturday.

I prefer my mountain biking on the rocks. This downhill rocky section put a smile on my face each time I ripped down it.

My teammate Lyle Reidy had a great ride to finish 2nd. A Bike Source 1-2 punch.

Hell yeah!! What a great way to end a great day on the bike.

My first marathon win of the season.

Dirt Lovin' Good Times.

I need to replace some of the dirt I took home from Landahl.

A bike wash this week and a lot of rest, then on to Ouachita.

Great work by the Heartland crew. Good job guys. They just keep dishing out excellent races, regardless of the forecast.

Continued early season success

2006-03-19T05:54:00.000-08:00

I continued with more early season success yesterday. I picked up my first marathon win Saturday winning the solo 6 hr Spoke Pony Showdown. I had great legs all day and was able to put it into cruise control for the last two laps for the win. My biggest concern is the beating my lower back and upper body took. Time to get my rest on, Ouachita is only a week away. Pictures to follow soon.

Random Post

2006-03-13T16:41:00.000-08:00

This is the tail end of the storm that caused a few casualties around Sedalia later yesterday. It also caused me to cut my endurance ride short an hour. I made it home with tornado sirens blowing in town. I heard reports of 3-4 inch hail in a small town I rode through 30 minutes prior.

Looks like Craig has a new toy. He posted Saturday's Spoke Pony Course on GPS. Check it out, looks cool as hell. I have to get a hold of one of those. How cool would I be riding with both a Power Tap and GPS. I wonder if he will use it next weekend in Ouachita?

Liz picked up my new team issue helmet. It completes the new team kit nicely. I cant wait to try it out.

I have had a suspension seatpost at home for a while. I think I will give it a try this weekend for the 6 hour and possibly next week for the Ouachita if I like it.

Gravel rides kick ass. I would rather grind out 5 hours in the rough slow gravel on a mtb than do 3 hours on a smooth asphalt road. What the hell is wrong with me?

I have the long distant feel of a major chest cold coming on. I am slamming Zinc Gluconicum, Echinachea, POM juise, Detox Tea, Glutamine, and lots of fluids. I do not have time for this crap, please leave soon.

29" bikes kick ass. I am thinking of a Air Niner, Dos Niner, or maybe a Seven Ti for my next ride. Maybe even a single speed? Liz says no, I still have some work to do.

Congrats to the Brown family. Matt and Stephanie both picked up wins in Clinton Sunday.

I hope everyone survived the storms.

Code

2006-03-11T04:47:00.000-08:00

Since I am getting ready to hit the bike for more Ouachita training, I thought it would be fittin' to let you in on my redneck name. I will be known as Cooter Beaver when I cross the Arkansas line. Just for fun a few of my teammates (Dwayne Houston, Billie-Rae Tucker, and Bo Hoggreaser) will be stayin' with me and Ellie-Mae in a cabin in the woods. I sure hope there aint no Deliverance action in them there woods.

Speaking of getting ready, I have done over 20 hill repeats this week. I have started a love affair with my favorite local hill. I get plenty of support from a border collie dog that nips at my heels half way up. It almost feels like the Tour when the maniacs run beside the riders yelling. I could imagine the home owners that live on that hill are sick of me pissing there dog off.

Later all.

Race Pics

2006-03-07T05:33:00.000-08:00

Rider #176 with a nice start.

3rd on the podium. Great start to the season. I am anxious to get the endurance season started. A big 2 weeks of training and I will get my chance at the endurance races. I am currently leaning toward sacking up and racing the 6 hour next week. More racing is better, right?

I am starting to commit to the Dirty Kanza 200 in May. I am working on the logistics for me racing right now. I am also going to post some maps and the route for the promotors on this site, so stay tuned.

Off to work, and then back home to see how the legs have recovered.

Great Start to the 06 Season

2006-03-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

There are few things in life better than a excellent XC race. This weekend was one that in particular meet and exceeded anyone's expectations. The weather called for crap ass weather Saturday and Sunday morning, but that did not keep the Heartland Race Promotion Team from putting on one of the best XC events I have done in my 6 year career. The little rain we received turned the dry course into the tackiest hardpack I can remember. It was flat ass awesome, you could kill it in the turns without worry of sliding out. Wow, I am getting worked worked up thinking about it. I was able to do all four laps without having to unclip, except twice when lapping riders fumbled up in front of me.

I opted to race the age group (30-39) Expert race, in place of the Pro/Semi-Pro class. I lined up to the far outside hoping to get a good start. And good start I did get. I nailed it at the gun and had to back off to get a draft from the big men before the opening climb. I entered the climb in 5th. We rocked the first steep section of the climb leaving the rest of the field completely out of site. Up the single track through Tasty Goodness and through Root Canal the first five could be covered with a blanket. When we started the final accent up the Argo, we lost one that popped. That left four of us; myself, Paul Quindry, Damien Almanza, and Mark Studnicki. We stayed together to the top, where Paul figured out he was flatting. Then Studnicki gunned it and I chased. We stayed together for the first two laps picking off 3-5 riders from the Pro/Semi-Pro field, we were flying. In the middle of the third lap I started to get gapped as Studnicki was drilling it everywhere. I cooked myself trying to chase, I surrendered to survival/damage control mode. I cruised too long, because Damien caught up on the last lap. Once on, he sat making me set the pace and when we reached the double track with a half lap left he attacked and dropped me like a bad habit. I chased and brought the gap back down to 12 seconds by the end. 3rd place is good for the podium, so hell yes.

Not a bad way to start the season. I am super excited knowing that I am now beginning to work on a little more speed work and specifics for the season. Next stop the 3-6 Hr Spoke Pony and then off to Arkansas for the Ouachita-Challenge. I am still on the fence about weather do the 3 or 6 hour at SpokePony considering the week after is around 5 hours at Ouachita.

The big wheels (29er) were ripping today. They love the fast ass momentum stuff we had today. I think regardless of what this guy found the 29ers are faster in most situations. Today I found myself being able to punch it where the guys on 26" where still bouncing and banging around. I also noticed that I was a lot quicker in the bumpy stuff (rocks and roots) than the little wheels. On the other hand, the 26" bikes do climb better for sure, but I think for me today's course suited the bigger wheels.

Congrats to Brian Hardy (riding big wheels) for winning his first race ever in the Sport 19-29 class today. Enjoy it while you can, we expect you to upgrade to the Big Boy class by mid season. In whole the Bike Source team had several riders on the podium, good job guys.

How was your day at work?

2006-02-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

Here is a hint of how my day went. Why work when you could go out and ride

Dirty Kanza 200 Profile

2006-02-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

Bored to tears on a Sunday night, I started playing around with my mapping/profile program. I tried to follow the basic floorplan for the Dirty Kanza 200. These are not your typical gravel roads. I seriously doubt that a cross bike with 35 cross tires would make it. Someone will mostly likely try to prove me wrong, but I'll go out on a limb and say the bike may make it; but the rider will not make it on a cross bike.

My results.

THIS IS NOT THE EXACT ROUTE. I do not know the exact route. This is me playing around killing time. I took too many zig-zags and come up with too many miles, but you get the idea that it will not be easy. What you cant see from this profile, is all the little bitch climbs. I am talking about the one in the .5 mile to 3 mile variety that are hella steep. Oh yeah, dont forget that the wind will blow in the Flint Hills. It is Kansas duh. Enter at your own risk.

If you enjoy this kind of pain (Dirty Kanza, Trans-Iowa), consider marking your calender in November for The EnduroSnob Epic. Another event rolling out on 300+ miles of dirt and gravel.

Happy Trainer Time ??

2006-02-19T17:46:00.000-08:00

What is up with this crap ass weather. I do not like cold weather. I guess I have no meat on my bones for insulation. On the positive side, this week it looks to warm up to the 50s. I need to get out and log some longer miles. I struggled to sit on the trainer for 5 hours in 3 days.

This is my riding position for the last 3 days. I will get outside this week. Yes, I am riding a mountain bike on the trainer. I still own a road bike, but I feel that using mainly the mountain bike adapts my legs to the wider Q factor of the off road cranks. I did put on a slick rear tire to keep me somewhat sane. Not that I am not yet using my new Adidas shoes, I am still tweaking the cleats and fit.

Weak Blogging

2006-02-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

I have been blog impaired for the last week. Busy, busy, busy. Here is a quick run down of the last week.

Last Saturday: Cold + Snow = trainer day. Lots of mixed intervals to make the time pass.

Sunday: 4+ hours at Minor Park. It hardly got above freezing all day. It was great being on the trails. The upper body and core muscles were worked.

Monday: Recovery

Tuesday: Valentines day Jump workout. I set a new 5 second power peak @ 17.1 watts/kg. I did this on the jump number 23 of 25. Good news in the short term power department. I also received a new pair of carbon sole Adidas mountain shoes from my wife. Kick Ass day.

Wednesday: Off with BB practice. Only two games remain and three practices to go, then it is full on training and my 2006 season prep begins seriously. Found out QBP is out of 29er Karma tires already, this must be a hot tire. That or no one knows any better.

Thursday: Can you believe the 2nd week in a row I was off on Thursday puking and pooping all day. 24 hours and it was gone. I must be allergic to Thursday or something. My new Oakleys have arrived at Bike Source. Get in and check out the store, new bling is arriving daily for the season. I still am deciding between a Air 9 or a Dos Niner.

Friday: Felt good all day. Spin workout on the trainer and great core ball workout. I was able to muster 50 situps, 40 back extensions, and 45 leg lifts all in one set. I have not been able to that since high school.

Saturday: BB game then 2 hours on the trainer with 32 minutes of time above 230 watts. I mixed it up with different watt levels ranging from 220 watts to 280 watts. I used cadences between 75 rpm and 100 rpm to keep my mind together.

Tomorrow, I hope to get out with temps reaching a blistering 28 degrees in the heat of the day. I knew we would pay sooner or latter for the warm weather we had the last 2 months.

The season begins two weeks from tomorrow. I plan to use the early XC races and marathons as preparation for frying bigger fish in early and late summer. Here is tentative schedule I have mapped out for this season.

March 5 Heartland XC Landahl

March 18 Heartland 3/6 hour Landahl

March 26 Ouachita Challenge

April 9 Heartland XC Crowder

April 23 Heartland XC Perry

May Undecided the Dirty Kanza 200 miler(not the be mistaken for the Dirty Sanchez) or a 12 hour solo in Nebraska over Memorial weekend.

Mid Season break and late season Prep

July 29,30 24 hour Nationals @ 9 mile WI. Most likely a team, possible solo???

August 19 Rapture in Misery 12 hour solo

September 16,17 24 hours of Landahl. The plan is for my first solo.

November 4 Coranados Challenge 4 hour marathon

In and out in 24 hours

2006-02-10T05:28:00.000-08:00

I was hammered by a stomach bug the last 24 hours. I pooped and puked all day. I lost 6 lbs. of my 133 lbs. with 24 hours. I should have kept my mouth shut the day before about light weight stuff. I am on the road to recovery. I feel good this morning, I have my snack bag loaded with Gatorade, Heed, Water, Yogurt, and fruit hoping to replenish all that the Porcelain God took from me.

I have now moved my weekly mtb ride to Sunday. Maybe a visit to Landahl or Minor park Sunday afternoon. The weather looks good for the afternoon (45 degrees in the F) after a frigid 23 degree forecasted start of the morning.

I have some catching up to do now at work after laying in bed all day yesterday.

Later.

2006 Rig Complete

2006-02-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my friends at Bike Source my early season ride is complete. The Cane Creek Carbon Zonos 29er wheelset is home with me and installed. I love the looks of these wheels, the build is awesome. I weighed them on my scales to be 1750 grams vs. the manufactures claimed 1800 grams. None of my other new parts weighed less than what the makers claimed. The spoke nipples are at the rim moving a lot of weight further in, in turn decreasing rotating weight significantly. I am not sure of the difference, but I read somewhere that moving the weight from outside in has an exponential effect on acceleration.

Here is the build specs:

2005 GF X-Cal 29er frame (to be switched to Dos Niner or a Niner Air 9)
Reba Race SL 29er fork
Cane Creek Carbon Zonos wheelset
Maxxis Ignitor 29er tires
Race Face Deus crankset
Crank Bros Eggbeater pedals
Sram X.O trigger and derailleur
Avid Mech. disc brakes
FSA K-Force bar, stem, and seatpost
Avid Flak Jacket brake/shift cable housing set (they look sweet)
Selle San Marco Concour saddle (the jury is still out on these)

According to my crappy fish scale the complete setup weighs 23.2 lbs. I could probably loose more weight on the bike, but I must now focus more effort on my performance. My personal weight is now at 133 lbs, so I can't afford to loose any body weight. I still need a little more overall strength on the bike, as well as sharpen my singletrack skills. Speaking of myself, I need to take my arse to bed so I will be ready for tomorrow's mtb ride or power based workout.

Enjoy the ride.

It is almost here.

2006-02-08T05:34:00.000-08:00

The racing season is speeding towards us, real fast quick and in a hurry. My first race is a Heartland XC race @ Landahl. I am getting closer to being ready. My fitness is getting better everyday. Let's hope my mountain bike skills show up as well. After that, the next weekend is off, then two back-to-back 6 hour and 5 hour race weekends. The first being the Spoke Pony 6 hour on the 18 th and the last race of the month for me, the Ouachita Challenge on the 26 th. That should be new territory for me. I have not done marathons on back-to-back weekends. I think I will be okay with the training I have planned to prepare for it. I hope the weather cooperates.

Off to work. BTW is anyone going to Minor Park Thursday for a night ride?

Rocky Sunday

2006-02-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

I awoke yesterday with thoughts of spending all day on the trails. I got going at a respectable time (10 am). Hit the trails with the full rigid 29er with the Power Tap to see what riding trails looks like as far as power goes. After 20 minutes I started to feel like ass, the riding was great. I just started getting nauseous with a hammering headache. I continued to ride another hour or so, but that was it. I planned on taking my primary race bike out for some tuning, but I must have felt like crap because it did not leave the car. I plan to return Thursday night for some more fun, this time in the dark.

The trail builders have been working their butts off this fall/winter. They have built alot of new fun and challenging trails, and they even have installed a few signs. The trails are in great shape, better than I have ever saw that place. Great Job!

I did snap some pictures while riding.

The results are in.

2006-02-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

This may seem kind of geak-like to some of you. Since I have been training with power I have been able to record and compare my results over the last year. I try to do some sort of testing every fourth week. Yesterday I did a 20 min max. sustainable power test. The results were very encouraging, my MSPO was 15 watts higher than it was tested during my peak fitness of the late crit racing season last year. Now lets see if I can put the newly found power to use during my main focus this year, mountain bike racing.

Speaking of mountain bikes, I have most all of my new parts installed and ready to test. The only part missing is my kick ass new Cane Creek carbon 29er wheels. They should be here Monday or Tuesday. I am headed to the trails to try out my new toys. I will report back when I return.

Let the recovery week begin.

2006-01-31T19:43:00.000-08:00

This is the 4th week in my training cycle. I try to follow periodization and with that you need to unload the residual fatigue every 4th week. Boy do I need it, yesterday and today was off the bike completely. Tomorrow will include a little spin as well as Friday; then, this weekend I start to ramp it up some more. The next phase of work entails longer sustained work and the CP 20-30 min range, it will also include a few big endurance days. Hopefully the weather will hold off for me to do some 3-4 hour gravel rides to Minor Park and once there do laps on the trail for a couple of hours. I don't normally ride back, so Liz will bring the sag wagon to pick up my corpse when I finish.

I ordered a big majority of my 2006 parts today. I went with the full FSA carbon kit for bar, stem, and post. I decided to go with the 25.4 diameter bar and stem, it was a last minute idea that may offer a little more give and reduce arm fatigue during endurance races. I went with the new Sram X.O thumbies for shifting and X.O for the rear derailluer. I went with a few different tires until I decide what I like on the 29er best. For wheels, I got some supper pimp daddy Cane Creek Carbon Zonos disc 29ers. Say that in one breathe. Check out the goods below. I will post more specs and pics when the ride is complete.

These are sexy as hell !!

Great weekend of riding.

2006-01-29T15:24:00.000-08:00

There was a common theme to the rides I did the last 5 days in a row.

Gravel.

Gravel

And you guessed it, more gravel !!

My weapon of choice, the hydration cycle.

I turned in some serious time and effort the last few days. Yesterday was 2 1/2 hrs of gravel with intervals in intermittent rain showers making the ride sweeter yet.

Today was epic, wind was the challenge today. It blew over 20 mph for almost the full 5 hrs. These kind of rides build alot of character and strength. I fueled today's ride by the 4 basic food groups; Perpetuem, Sustained Energy, Heed, and Hammer Gel. A bottle of each made me ride strong from start to finish, note the hydration bike above. Got to have fuel. Speaking of fuel I burnt 3500 calories today, it is now time to put some back in.

Enjoy the ride.

I am done biting my lip.

2006-01-26T05:25:00.000-08:00

I have been biting my lip for about a week now. It is official, Granny Gear is bringing its series to Landahl Park in Blue Springs, Mo. This is going to be awesome. My mouth has been watering for about a week now, trying to keep my mouth shut has been hard. Great job Heartland Race Promotions on securing such a high caliber event. Now the question remains; attempt my first 24 hour solo effort, or attack it with a 4 man team.

Also check out the Dirty Kanza 200, that is going to be a bitch of a day. For anyone who thinks Kansas is flat think again, the gravel on these roads is not gravel that you think of. The gravel is more like big stones and boulders on cow paths, it makes your local gravel seem like a freeway. The 15 hour time cut-off might still be a challenge if the wind blows like I have seen it blow there before in May.

The new 2006 Bike Source Mountain Bike team jersey.

Good work by the design team. The matching Verge shorts are by far the best I have ever had. The chamois is perfectly shaped and padded in the appropriate spots. Now, it is time to order the equipment for the fast approaching season (5 weeks away I believe). I think I am going with FSA carbon flat h-bar, seatpost and OS stem. Stan's Olympic 29er wheelset, Kenda Karma 29er tires, saddle still undecided, and for controls Sram X.O triggers and derailleur. Top that off with maybe some of the new Ergon grips with bar-ends I will be riding in style.

Continued come back post

2006-01-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

Damn it! I have tried to post more pictures and it will not do it. I will try again later

This one goes out to Craig

2006-01-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

I have been missing in action. Back by popular demand, here is what has been happening. So far this year I have been sick one week with a damn, and I mean damn cold. I have got in some great training with the great weather. I have surpassed my previous best power outputs in each of the following; 5 sec, 1 min, 5 min, and 20 min time periods. I have coached a dismal 1st year of coaching basketball , so far 0-3; we will get better. I have gained no weight still at 135-137 lbs. dripping wet. I have found a house to possibly buy, who knows what kind of effect that may have on the early season fitness; it is a good thing I am ahead of schedule right now. Work has been hectic as usual. Got new kick ass kit for the 2006 Bike Source Mountain Bike team.

These prisoners should have been a little less conspicuous. This is what work has looked like lately. We have been doing a rehab for the county correction facility. All new plumbing, everywhere we worked was ridiculously thick concrete and reinforcement. Almost over with that circus, but then on to another.

Here is where I should have may ass planted on Saturday mornings. Instead I may have been the first 6th grade BB coach to get a technical foul and thrown out of the game. The last game was ugly the other team had kids as big as me, the zebras let the kids play and the other team was physically beating up our team. The ref called a foul on the other team and then tried to turn it around and give the ball back to the other team. I came unglued after several other piss poor calls and then this. They did turn the call around with out me throwing a chair out on the floor like Sir Bobby Knight. The kids are really improving over last years team they have scoured 10+ points in the last two vs. twice last season.

A suprised parent that did was in disbelief of me no getting thrown out. They did thank me for having a backbone and not letting the home town referees do what they want when they want.

This is just a sample of how good I can eat, the question remains can I do it on a regular basis. I am only human. Bring on the Mountain Dew after 3 of more hours of riding. Where is my self control you ask, piss on that I am not going to fret over a silly can of pop.

Happy New Year I Think

2006-01-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

Did anyone see a bright white flash of light Sunday afternoon. It was warm enough in the middle of my New Year's solo ride that I removed the knee warmers. When I removed them I heard skid marks and crashing sounds. It was the first time since early fall that my knees saw sunshine. Luckily though, I did not receive a sun burn on the first day of the year.

I have been hammered by a cold the last 2 days. I hope this is the last of the season for me, I have a lot of work to do.

Got to go yell at my BB team. They forgot everything I taught them last month in a matter of a week. More work to do there before the first game Saturday.

Getting dragged around # 10 & 11 again.

2005-12-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

An early morning start at Landahl meant frozen trails. The first hour was pretty good without much thawing. The next 45 minutes was not so good riding with Craig and Capstack in their backyard is a learning experience. They dragged Dutcher and I all over the technical "west side". I pin-balled of trees, rocks, and everything else in sight. No excuses, Capstack was railing a lot of it on a 96er fixie; all the while I was struggling with gears.

After a while the trails thawed enough to make them un-rideable. Then we hit the local road for some cruising base miles. As an added bonus, I stopped to pee on the side of the road. I looked down to see what I was peeing on and there laid a centerfold of a porn magazine. Only in Blue Springs do they leave good porn laying on the road side.

I cant wait until tomorrow, 60 degree weather again on the New Year. Last year was similar and I rode 100 miles, could tomorrow bring the same? Off to bed at 10 pm.

See you next year.

The good and the bad of 2005

2005-12-31T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here it is, my Best and Worst of 2005

Best Mountain Bike Race: Green Hills 100 mtb race.

Best Road Race: Tour of KC, Cliff Drive Classic in the rain

Best Day of Riding: Flint Hills gravel ride w/ Matt Brown. 110 miles 7 hours.

Best Nutrition Product Used: Hammer Nutrition HEED. I am addicted.

Best New Bike Product Purchased: Power-Tap system

Worst Mountain Bike Race: Having Bronchitis @ Spoke Pony 3/6 hour

Worst Road Race: Springfield Crits Day #1. A 1/2/3 field crashing all over the place on a dry day??

Worst Day of Riding: Does not exist. Any day on the bike is great.

Worst Nutrition Product Used: Taco Bell bean burrito after Rhett's Run mtb race.

Worst New Bike Product Purchased: Fizik Airone saddle. My butt never agreed with it.

Welcome back Richard

2005-12-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

Last night I welcomed back to training my young training partner, Richard. He has been sick with colds and the flue for almost 2 weeks. We planned to do 1 1/2, but ended up with 2 hours. Off to into Missouri and some gravel on the road bikes. The weather continues to kick ass for December soon to be January.

I plan to start gearing up the equipment for next season. I need light 29er disc wheels, light bar/stem/seatpost, new shifters/derailluers, and other essentials. I'm thinking of custom built Stan's Olympic 29er rims with WTB hubs for the wheels. Possibly FSA for the bar/stem/post equipment. I am trying to decide twist or thumb Sram shifters. Can I use the Ergon grips with twisters, or trigger only. Good time of the year to stock up on cables, chains, and pads. I am still looking for the holy grail of 29er tires. I need light, durable, and fast rolling; maybe Ignitors, Fast Tracks, or Stan's new tire.

I received word today that the new Bike Source team kit is almost ready for shipping. For some reason it is coming from Poland. Hopefully we get our hands on it before the season begins.

Got to get back to work. Later.

Thank you, may I have another.

2005-12-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

Thank you, may I have another. No I am not talking about pumpkin pie and turkey. No I am not talking about my third testicle of a saddle sore I got from riding in the ran Saturday either. I am talking about the last week of weather. Great training, cold at times; but not as bad as it could be this time of the year. Tonight it was awesome to be out doing 3+ hours without having frozen wood for legs. The forecasters are calling for a slight cool down and rain, but it still looks very reasonable.

I sent my Ouchita Challenge race entry today. I hope that I get in, I think it looks like good times. I say that now, immediate afterwards will probably sound different. Then a day later I will be dreaming of the next one.

Great Christmas this year. It did last over 5 days this year. Liz and I both come from separated families, so there is always something do to during the holidays. I got some cool new Windstopper gloves and leg warmers. I also received a 3D mapping program that maps out route profiles, super cool. After fiddling with it last night, I finally figured out why a few routes always felt like my brakes were dragging more than normal. I'll post some pics once I figure out how to save them to a usable format.

Still to come this week is my first annual year-end awards. Stay tuned.

Inner Voice Calling the Shots

2005-12-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

Late night last night. Liz and I did Christmas with her dad in town. We ate out and went to a movie. We went and saw King Kong on the big screen. Don't bother wasting your 3 1/4 hours time and $ 8.50. I was not impressed the least bit. The acting was ok at best, Jack Black should stick to comedy. The part that annoyed me the most was the off the wall Jackie Chan style fight scene between the big monkey and the dinos. Come on make it somewhat realistic. Anyway, we arrived home and in bed at 2 am this morning.

I awoke to the sound of rain on the window. I planned on a 2-3 hour ride with some specific work included, so I started preparing the brain for indoor sweat shop work. I circled the trainer a few times and said to myself "F--- this, get your sorry ass outside". I decided to head out in the 35 degree rainy weather and do short 1/2 hour loops so if I wussed out I could tuck my tail between my legs and go home. I arrived at the first interchange and decided this isn't bad I just as well go for the hour loops. When I arrived at the hour loop turn off, inner voice kicked in and said "Pussy, don't turn at the chicken exit. Suck it up!". So I journeyed further on south with a 30 mph tailwind. I then turned east and rode leaning to one side to Prescott. At Prescott, I turned homeward facing the arctic 30 mph north wind. I whimpered a bit as I almost flipped over backwards. Then that damn inner voice took over with more bits of wisdom "What doesn't kill you, will only make you stronger. Now take your package out of the man-gina tuck and get after it." I pushed into the wind for the last ten miles like a trooper. I arrived home 2 1/2 hours later soaked, freezing, and numb all over. I love epic conditions with positive results. Rides like that are great confidence builders, if you can ride in that crap you can handle anything.

Enjoy your holiday, what ever it may be. Listen to your inner voice and go ride!

Mission Accomplished

2005-12-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

Weight training is now complete for this season. I accomplished all my weight goals for the season so it is now time to move on to things more exciting. I will continue the core and upper body maintenance work, very important for off road racing.

Next up the real bike time begins. Not a lot of details super top secret. I have to be extra creative the next 2 1/2 months. I coach basketball on Mondays and Wednesdays, then start games the first of the year every Saturday until the end of February. It will be a challenge to get the needed bike workouts in, but it can be done with careful planning.

I am starting to map out the season specifics. The early season will be mainly XC type races due to time constraints during build up. Once the season begins I will move to the Marathons and a few other endurance races. Plans are being put together for the 24 hour Nationals teams. By the way, is anyone from KC area planning on the Ouachita Challenge at the end of March? That race sounds fun as hell, but the entries are filling fast. The tour is already full. Should I stay or should I go now!!

Chris and Liz in Chi-Town

2005-12-16T05:39:00.000-08:00

Back from Chicago. What a city! It was my second trip there and this time I saw a lot more of the town. We mainly toured the downtown area, but did get to see a little between the airport and our hotel. We did the subways and buses for transport. Me being a germ freak, I went into convulsions on several occasions. Liz would not wear hear gloves in the 20 degree weather, but she always managed to find them when it was time for public transit.

We did the Bulls game. It was awesome, they played Miami Heat and Shaq was back. He to me, was a big ogor on the floor. His only skill was his size dominance. Great atmosphere even though the home team was whooped by one guy.

Liz and I at Lake Michigan. Really cool and cold.

I broke every diet rule in the book for cyclists. This was taken at a sixties diner, note the costume one of the waiters was sporting. That is my on your far right not the left. I hope the gloves were for sanitation while handling the food, not for the inspection of arses.

Poor little guy is sleepy. Our flight was delayed three times for over three hours due to snow and ice. The flight was rough on the way home. I was in the bathroom and almost pissed all over my self due to turbulence.

Back to the daily grind already. I hope to get in some good outdoor time this weekend in the snow. Those fixed-gear bike messengers made me feel like a wimp. Time to toughen up, no slacking from here on out.

HEED Slushies, Frozen Derailleur, No Lights

2005-12-12T18:44:00.000-08:00

That was exactly what tonight's ride was all about. Temps started out in the mid 40s and then dropped to below 30 toward the end. These conditions created a few issues, one being the consumption of a slushed out HEED. You have not trained in the winter unless you have been blessed with the joy of slurpin' down some frozen drink. Also note, do not close the nipple or you may be done drinking. Next, I was confronted with the forced use of a single front ring. The roads still contained a little slush and mud from the snow; while riding, the front derailleur was slammed with mud and moisture. Needless to say, my front derailleur was inoperable for most of the tour.

What a night, the moon provided enough watts to light up the road allowing me to turn out my lights for some deep soul riding. Riding in the dark is a wonderful experience, but doing it with only the moon for light is the best. The only time I used my head lamp was when speeds increased on the downhills.

Blog at you later in the week. My wife and I are headed to Chicago for a few days. Never been, we plan to have some fun and time off.

Winter still sucks

2005-12-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have not posted for a few days. I have been extra busy. Early Sunday was spent doing muscular endurance work at varying cadences. After that I went to Arrowhead and witnessed the Chiefs kicking the Donkeys all over the field. What a great win, Liz and I froze even with chemical warmers at the extremities. We had a great time at Liz's first football game.

Last night, I spent a few hours in the gym circling machines with occasional attacks on a few. I am super excited with how the weight work is going. I have already surpassed my incline leg press body weight goals. I have never been able to do that in the first week of strength weights.

I have been extra motivated, since signing on with the new team. I believe I have also figured out the off season training. I think it takes the right balance of give/take, compromises, and creativity to get the necessary work done.

Tuesday night was spent on the rollers working on more muscular endurance as well as leg speed. In my opinion trainer/roller time is less motivating without having a specific task you plan to work on. I can't remember the last time I was excited to hop on the trainer and just ride.

Enjoy the weather the next few days KC metro cyclists. I plan to hit the snow Thursday for a little fun regardless of temperature and wind. Whatever you do have fun doing it. I said doing it. He he!!

Awesome Ride

2005-12-03T19:54:00.000-08:00

Awesome does not do today's ride justice. I went to Landahl to ride some trails with Craig and Dave early am this morning. We met at the trail head, when we met our only misfortune. It was freezing cold, Craig calls it the Argo parking lot effect. Whatever it is, it was cold. Once we got on the trails we were plenty warmed up by the great trail conditions. The trails were all hard packed and fast. Mostly all of the trails were free of leaves that like to hide holes and boulders. Dave and I followed Craig all over his back yard, inspecting almost every single inch of singletrack Landahl has to offer. I dont know how the others felt, but we were ripping it up pretty good for December. We crossed over to the west side and did the old #10 & #11 trails. They are some of the most technically challenging trails Missouri has to offer. Next we hit Rim-Job and Tasty Goodness. What a great day. There are very few things that rival a good mountain bike ride on good trails.

Tomorrow, I will be one frozen dude. My wife and I acquired tickets for the Chiefs/Broncos football game at Arrowhead. The forecast during the game calls for a 28 degree high and north winds. I may partake in a little liquid anti-freeze if that is what it takes to keep warm. It must work for the guys that have big bellies and no shirt on.

Go Chiefs!!

2006 Season Starting To Shape Up

2005-12-02T07:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I received word from the Heartland Race Promotions about the 2006 season. It looks like there will be two separate calendars to satisfy your choice of suffering.

2006 Dirt Lovin' Good Times tour
(Endurance events)
++++++++++++++++++++++
March 18 (Saturday) Spoke Pony Showdown 3/6 hour
May 20 (Saturday) Flint Hills 200
August 19 (Saturday) Event TBD.
September 23 (Saturday) 6th Annual Rapture in misery 6/12 hour

2006 Heartland Mountain Bike Championship Series
(XC race series)
++++++++++++++++++++++
March 5 (Sunday) Landahl
April 9 (Sunday) Crowderfest
April 22 (Sunday) crocodile rock
June 4 (Sunday) Landahl

Details will be posted as they become available at Heartland Racing

The season is also shaping up as far as equipment. Our fine 2006 team sponsor Bike Source is starting to carry Niner Bikes. They have a sweet looking Scandium One 9 dressed up in Tange Orange that is very much sexy and light. It may be very well possible that I could be looking for a Niner after the LeMans starts next season.

I have been riding a 29" bike for a few months now and I have seen the light. I describe the 29" wheeled bikes as being like a monster truck. I now roll over technical terrain that previously sent me sailing on 26" bikes, even full squishy ones. The big wheels just keep rolling once you get them moving. The only complaint I have about the big wheels is the ever present weight issue. I plan to solve this with a custom built wheelset made with Stan's Olympic 29er rims, some light hubs, and Stan's new VelCrow tires. I think this setup will rival the wheelset/tire weight of most any 26" disc setup.

Last nights ride was quite chilly. It was 25 degrees in the F. That isn't too bad with a little solar warmth, but it was butt cold in the dark. What does not kill me (or freeze me) will make me stronger. This weekend I plan to hit the trails again before #$@* (snow) hits the ground.

Winter has arrived

2005-11-28T15:18:00.000-08:00

What is up with the weather. 24 hours ago I was riding without any warmers and only a undershirt for base layer. Today the temperature is less than half what is was yesterday.

The last four days have been great training. Turkey day included 1 1/2 hrs of weights to work of the earlier feast. Saturday included over 3 hours on the mtb at Minor Park, excellent conditions!! Sunday was spent riding the mtb on gravel and the road for 4 hours into and around the wind. I am feeling the effects today, what a great feeling fatigue is.

Tonight I start my punishment with a project I took on for the winter. I am coaching a 6th grade BB team. Tonight is the first practice, I will inflict a new kind of pain to the little men they didn't know existed. I will make it fun and educational for all. I am excited to get in some cross training to with them while I get them into shape for the season which starts in Mid January.

More Gravel !!!

2005-11-23T19:48:00.000-08:00

Tonight I originally planned to hit the weight room (aka sweat shop), but the thermometer said 65 degrees. I decided to switch Wed. and Thurs. Workouts. The weather looks to be getting cooler again so I took advantage of getting it done outdoors. While riding I stopped to take a picture to share with everyone the hill I call my bitch. Who says Kansas is flat and open??

While stopped I heard footsteps coming towards me. It was none other than Doug Smith. Doug is the local marathon runner in our little town of 2000 population. Doug is a mid 50s guy that has a goal to be in the 50 state club. To accomplish this he has to run a marathon in all 50 US states. Doug is one hell of a guy! I am always motivated when I see him while I am out riding. The only other person I ever see doing any physical workout is my new part time riding buddy Richard. Richard is another runner, but the shorter distances.

Tomorrow is turkey day. I would imagine that more than a few of the rural homesteads I passed on my ride tonight will be Deep Fat Frying Turkey tomorrow, so to them happy cholesterol absorbing.

Breakfast blog

2005-11-23T05:34:00.000-08:00

This morning I am blogging while eating my power breakfast, dry cereal w/ organic soy milk and OJ. The last several days have been great training.

Saturday = 1 1/2 hrs weights & 1 1/2 hrs gravel
Sunday = 3 1/2 hr road ride
Monday = 1 1/2 hrs weights
Tuesday = 2 hr night road ride on mtb w/Richard

This is great I wish the stars would stay aligned so I could continue to train this constant.

Happy Turkey Day to all. I plan to hit the trails @ Minor Park Sat. morning for any one interested.

The dates for the 2006 Heartland Mountain Bike Race series are being finalized shortly. I will post as soon as Craig delivers the goods.

Also, the 24 hour Nationals will be at the 24 hours of 9 mile.

This is how I rolled today

2005-11-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

This morn'n, i started wit some weight room wizzle. brotha that, i spizzent some tizzle on tha gravel doing some snoopa eazy base miles cuz this is how we do it. i love gravel over road rid'n, tha only complaint i have is tha bastards tizzle hizzle no respect fo` someone work'n out n tizzle diznust tha hizzle out you . Im a bad boy wit a lotta hos.

Sorry I will speak into the translator:

This morning, I started with some weight room work. After that, I spent some time on the gravel doing some super easy base miles. I love gravel over road riding, the only complaint I have is the bastards that have no respect for someone working out and they dust the hell out of you.

This is fo` you douche. Someones fix'n ta lay alot of pipe.

If cycling was like NASCAR, the lazy would be at home sitting on their arse watching my stem cam, that is entertaining.

Getting dusted by some #@*&^(*^%. How about a little courtesy!!

My new favorite pastime - Speed lifting

2005-11-16T19:15:00.000-08:00

Today, I got to witness some veteran speed lifters at the gym. These folks could lift weights at a frenzied pace. I was no match, I was doing seated rows while my lifting neighbor was performing curls on the curl machine. They kicked me to the curb, I was still on six and they must have done 20 in the same time. That my friends is talent. Do not try that at home, they are trained professionals. I am starting to like the gym, always entertainment.

Check back next time for "Saga at the Gym".

Makin' love to the weight machines

2005-11-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

I am back!! I still have a few remnants of this @#?! cold, but I am feeling good. Tonight I not only hung around the gym, I used the weight machines, cardio equipment, and leg press sled. I started off by abusing the elliptical machine, people look at athletes in the gym like they are crazy. I has pounding away, as other visitors of the sweat shop walked by frightened by the lunatic with a Defeat sleeveless undershirt showing off a wicked awesome farmer's tan. Next were 3 sets of circuit weights at a mad pace. I also love the looks I get when I am humping the Swiss ball while admiring my weird figure in the mirrors.

Tomorrow I plan to ride, as long as the snow and crap weather stay north. Am I the only one that is already for spring and gale-force midwest winds and tornadoes.

Still recovering

2005-11-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

I have had a bitch of a cold for five days now. Work has been crazy busy, so no time of there. I've stayed moderately active with a little riding and gym work. I am ready to begin my serious training for 06'. I will wait for full recovery to make it back to full on training.

I listed a SID team fork and some XTR dual control shifters on ebay. Be sure to check them out and help me fund next seasons adventures.

Last week I met with my new team and signed on for the 06 season. We ording clothes, drank good beer, and discussed sponsorship responsiblilties/benifits at one of our sponser's businesses. Thanks go out to Waldeaux Wine & Spirits 120 E. Gregory KCMO for hosting the event.

Need quick cold remedy

2005-11-09T19:33:00.000-08:00

I am suffering of a damn cold. I have been eating almost perfect, training the proper amount, and living right. I still get this damn cold. I am now full of anger. My nasal passage is very irritated (almost as bad as my demeanor). What really sucks is the weather has been really good compared to what it could be and I am forced to take it easy. Better to take the going easy now than latter. I have lofty goals for the 06 racing season. A few of these goals are a possible new race in the Flint Hills of Kansas, Heartland 6 & 12 hour races, maybe a few other marathons, and possibly that gravel joy ride up north they call Trans-Iowa. I would also in the future like to compete in a 24 hr solo mtb race, I am taking it slow with a few more 12 hr races first.

I am leaning more and more to mtb racing than the road. Don't get me wrong the road is great to ride on, but all our local crits are getting pretty lame. I like my riding and racing to be an adventure and after doing 60 laps on a crit course, I am bored to tears. After you have seen one road crit you can pretty much say they are all close to similar. Sketchy riders, bitching and belly-aching opposition, sketchy courses wear on my nerves. The marathon mtb scene is totally different 99% of the people at these races could care less of who you are or where you come from, but they are as friendly as if they have known you all your life. For example, a couple of weeks ago I was out riding with a few friends and we stopped for water out on the road. When we returned outside we saw another cyclist coming in. I noticed this guy to be a Cat 2 I have raced against several times. I made a friendly gesture like "Hey, what's up?"; and he proceeded to stare right through me and my other Cat 3 friends like we weren't even there. What a DICK. At the races this guy sucks, and always has tude' like he has some reason to be cocky. Sorry for the rant. Back to more positives, maybe that will make me feel better.

1 down 31sessions to go !!!

2005-11-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

My first weight training session is over. The first 3 weeks are light weights 3 sets x 12 reps. After that I will switch to heavier weights more sets with less reps. I am fortunate enough to not need worry about adding any bulk in the weight room. If anything I could use a few more lbs. for the upcoming butt cold winter. That is right a 29.86 year old male can weigh 131 pounds. That makes climbing hills fun as hell.

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Weight Training Begins

2005-11-01T10:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight I begin the journey to my weight lifting bliss. I really don't like to be lifting, I'd rather ride. I have to grin and bear it. The benifits outweight the pain the weight room issues.

Next season I will be riding for a new mtb team. It's name of now is the 2006 Bike Source Mountain Bike Team. My long time friend Jon Martinez is heading up the deal. We have some sweet Craft clothes in line for next year. All the details are still being hammered out. I can't wait to represent next season.

6 hours of riding last weekend with the High Priest & Prophet of the Church of Beavis Christ. Great rides except for having to wind it up to over 40mph to win a silly little city limit sprint. I hate my ego, but you gotta get your kicks some how.

Watched the Off road to Athens. Great movie about mtb racing. Everyone must watch it to see what a joke USA cycling is. They are more interested in the "Lance world" of cycling, instead of paying the attention they deserve of the other aspects of the great sport of cycling.

Cross Racing is fun !?!???

2005-10-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Did my first cross race Sunday. Lots of pain was issued. I was on the recieving end of plenty. My heart rate was pinned the whole race. I'm glad I didn't weat a HR monitor or it may have exploded.
This week is a recovery week with a field test. Next week the real deal of training begins. Weights, rides, weights, rides, you get the idea.

The wife has a new digital camera...

2005-10-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

Today's cruising wattage 209, enjoy the flight.

2005-10-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

Today was a morning ride. How in the world does 55 degrees feel so crisp and cool this time of the year, yet in the spring 55 feels like a heat wave. Yesterday was my first ride on the new Fisher 29er. All gravel for 2 1/2 hrs. It was windy every direction I turned. I think I am falling in love with Sram "thumbies". Maybe a race next weekend, the Rock Creek Ruckus Saturday at Perry Lake. I love the trails @ Perry. I am not in "race" shape, but the trails are worth getting my hairy arse kicked to ride them all.

Liz purchased a new chair/bench/something at an arts&crap festival and I must supervise moving and rearranging stuff to make room in our overly stuffed apartment. Do I have to many bikes (5 1/2) never!!!

My bikes using the weight machine more than I.

2005-10-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome

2005-09-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

My name's Chris, a competitive cyclist from the beautiful state of Kansas.

While I am interested in all cycling, the mountain bike has by far been my favorite to ride. Please don't let the maps fool you...there is "mountain" biking in Kansas, especially in the eastern part of the state where I live.

Thank you for visiting and I will be back soon!