From the Cookie

"It is easier to make friends than to keep them."

"Softening your attitude opens your heart."

"The current year will bring you much happiness."

(funny, I got the last fortune from a friend much the same time I got my Gary Fisher Triton fix gear.)

Mill Mtn Trail Work

It's always nice to give back to your favourite stomping grounds.

Earlier this morning, I joined Paul Chapman for some trail work near the Mill Mountain Discovery Center.

Nothing glamorous like building a rock staircase, see-saw log obstacle, or even making new trail, rather, we just did some needed maintenance on the grounds around the Discovery Center.


Mulch, Mulch,and More Mulch. Although the pile was not quite as big as this photo, the goal today was to spread mulch around the Discovery Center's gardens.

Despite the Girl Scout group canceling due to weather (keeping third grade girls gainfully helping, warm, and dry in forecasted freezing rain can be quite a task.) Paul and I were joined by some regulars, the Donahue Family.

Turns out the weather was not to bad; at least no freezing rain anyway, and most of the mulch still got spread. A good day was had by all :-)

Keep an eye out on East Coasters Bicycles webpage for future trail work opportunities.

Also a shout out to Les, who braved the cold for a road bike ride up to the Star. Sometimes, its about the Need for the Bike.

Wonder Twins

Stupid... but the best.

Strange Peanuts

Don't ask.
Thanks for the peanuts, though, Paul.

another Frank Deal creation

i thought this one was lost to the recycle bin. somewhere, though, deep from the musette bag, another Frank Deal stickie note art creation resurfaced.

Honest Tea Lid

"It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out; it's the grain of sand in your shoe." - anonymous

- courtesy of Honest Tea




(i prefer the green dragon brew.)

Virginia Tech A day of Cross

I'm a little miffed. I lost a cyclocross race today due to a continuously plaguing seatpost clamp issue. Until now, I have calmly dealt and accepted it as a working issue. Today, though, I had the holeshot and could have held it... until the clamp slipped... again. The Thomson is on the way and can't arrive too soon now. I did however get props for making up minutes off the back to reel in two other riders (sorry Skip) and could have got a third rider if there had been one more lap. None the less, it was another great day of racing, and for once was in my own home turf (Blacksburg). Thanks to the Virginia Tech Cycling Team for hosting a cyclocross race!

MSG Cross 2007 #03

It's not every day you get to enter a Spiraling Cyclone of Death... unless you ride / race cyclocross!

holiday post-it art :-)

Kristin Strikes again with the art work. Thanks, Kristin :-)

Leprechaun Mario Kart 64

 

Thank's Frank! Now, I can be in Mario Kart instead of just wishing. Maybe it will help my cyclocross speed...

btw. Ben J. of the Blacksburg store says he believes in my Leprechaun Magic, but is worried about the fact that I am a Ginger as well. I told him to look over his shoulder as I was right behind him, but he did't want to look. Don't fear, Ben. I remember when you helped a leprechaun out when he first started working at East Coasters Bicycle, Roanoke.

I like Tater Tot's.

'Nuff Said.

Leprechaun breaks loose on Halloween

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Dermont Pimpkins, the Leprechaun Pimp.

Rowdy Dawg 2007

It's been a few years since I raced the Rowdy Dawg. The Rowdy Dawg roots go back a ways with me to my college mountain bike racing days. 2007 was the year, though, perhaps due to my new Gary Fisher HiFi Pro, to dust off my memories and bark out some new ones.

What was I thinking!? What was the course layout thinking?!... oh yeah.. epic. 30 miles for the Expert course and with only two laps up to the Fire Circle. None the less. Fresh with only one Cyclocross race under my belt (yes, the time of year I should be focusing on short, hard and fast efforts) I went for the expert course. My goal; to finish... in about four hours or less. That's about an 8 mph average. More than doable for me but would I last the duration?

With 74 other finishers, I did last the duration. In fact, I met my goal. 3 hours 55 minutes. Fourth Place in Men's Pro/Expert.... of four riders. It hurt.. a lot, and there was even plenty of conservative bike pushing for me. I was mainly worried about being able to complete the course and riding smart enough to last. It must have been fun, though. Several folks commented that despite my tired appearance, I looked happy :-) As a side note: the first place Chris Pohowski finished just shy of one hour before me and was quickly followed by second place Mike Coco on his single speed. Third place Derick Dotson had a more palatable 21 minutes on me.

Four hours of fun, fourth and last place, and I still walked away with Rowdy Dawg socks, a pint glass, tire levers, and second pair of socks with flowers and skulls.

Topping off the whole enchilada of my return to racing Rowdy Dawg... during a post race meal at the Cellar, I found Corvette Pinball. I rallied my senses enough to get in two games. The second of which ended with 110 Hundred Thousand plus points. Sounds pinballaliciousness! But not really. High scores were well over 100 Million points. Still, nothing like a good game of pinball.

Apparantly, it was pretty entertaining to watch me play. Too bad no cameras were available, but I least, thanks to the wonderous interweb, I was able to quickly find these pics of a similar but apparantly recently restored and available for purchase Corvette Pinball.

Looking forward to next June for the 2nd Dirty Dawg at Mountain Lake. Do I hear a Shenandoah 100 whispering to me?

Urban Cross at Ix 2007

Here are a few pics of my first cyclocross race of the 2007 season, Urban Cross at Ix. Photos are courtesy of Kevin Dillard. Check out his great photography at Velophotos.net

Note the slightly askew front shifter. Must have been post crash.

Definitely post crash. See the road rash on my bleeding left elbow? That's cross.

Not me, but hopefully my remounts look this good. Besides, this is just a cool 'just the right moment' photo. Props to Kevin!


Hmmm. Maybe all that Mario Kart from days ago has something to do with my love of cyclocross. Toad and Yoshi were my favourite drives.

A Happy Little Moment

Thanks to Frank for this 'Happy Little Moment' ala Bob Ross. It started with some happy mountains and a stream leading to a happy little El Chupacabra. Then Bigfoot appeared from behind a tree while an alien joined the scene. Caught without a camera, all Frank could do was this sketch artwork to document this 'happy little moment'.

Cyclocross at Ix 2007 - My first CX race of the season

My first cyclocross race of the season; Cyclocross at Ix 2007. I digged deep, but my front tire dug.

I am not looking at a very full cyclocross season this year. This is mostly due to race dates on Saturdays (a day I am usually working) and a lack of desire to travel far and wide this year. So, my season goal is to have fun, race what I can, and try some new things.

Cyclocross at Ix 2007 gave me a chance to try three new things. One that went wrong, one that just didn't go so well, and one that went great.

My front tire 'dug' was what went wrong. I was trying (completely through authorized experimentation) Stan's No Tubes on my front wheel. The Stan's had held well enough in trials and practice and seemed ready for racing... until about a quarter into the first lap. The tire 'burped' and lost significant air. I kept pushing despite the air loss. It didn't seem too bad. Yup. While digging into a 180 corner (on a small section of concrete pad) at the bottom of a descent and before an ascent, my front tubeless tire dug deeper with enough lateral pressure to pull it off the bead. - Mental note: no more Stan's for my road rim w/ low air pressure cx tires.

Quickly rebounding back up, I shouldered the bike and took off running for the pits, only one third into the first lap. Fortunately, the layout of the course allowed cutting the course to reach the pits but returning to exact point of leaving the course. Grabbing my spare front wheel and briefly explaining to a curious young boy (who had raced earlier) what my birthmark was rather than road rash, I ran back to the my crash site and dug deep to finish the race. Somehow I even reeled in at least one other rider.

Experiment two: I'm returning to moto style brake set-up. I'm just too used to moto and had difficulty braking into barriers and steep, off camber 180 descents. So, back to moto.

Experiment three: I'm really glad I went to a 27 tooth cog.

Thanks to all those unknow spectators who encouraged and cheered me on! I was a tough but fun course. Not to mention a 5' wide by 10' long by 10" deep sand pit. Props to Blue Wheel Bicycles and all those who participated in running the events of the day for a great day of cyclocross racing.

Gel Seat Cover Description

Gel Seat Cover Description

'It's like an omelette in a zip-lock between you and the seat.'

(All credits are due to Frank Deal for this statement.)

Cross Season Starts

Steenbergcross (16 September 2007) in Erpe-Mere, Belgium kicked off some early season cyclocross racing.



Maybe I'll be faster this year with my new skinsuit.

Poll / Survey Time

Okay, so I like the somewhat self given moniker of 'the forest elf' but there seems to be a wave of sympathy for bringing back bestowed title 'the leprechaun.'

So, use your freedom of speech and the comment option to leave your vote.

MW Windows Rocky Mount Mtn Race 2007

Yup. I was there. Hurtin' it up and putting some pep into my cyclocross training.

Keep that bicycle dry as possible (just like your M-16A2 rifle). My mechanic (and my Drill Sergeant) would be proud.


Stay calm and look fresh (and exciting); especially at the start.


(photos courtesy of the Alpine Group @ www.alpineonline.com)



Now where to put that water bottle?!

careening clothes rack

Sometimes, while looking out the window of life (or the shop), one sees something that puts your own troubles in perspective. In this case, a clothing store across the street had some 'fresh threads' outside on a display rack... with wheels.

Although not captured on film, 'Killer Colonna' (aka: Kristin) put her 'mad' art skills to work for this stickie note memorial.

over-heard at work

"Don't make me split yo' wig up in this grille!"

happy anniversary to me - 3 years

Quick post to note my employment beginnings with East Coasters Bicycle.

Having moved to Roanoke on 31 July 2004, a true Blue Moon, I officially began working with East Coasters Bicycle on 01 August 2004.

Who would have guessed things would be as they are today? I was originally hired to fill Ben James' spot of full time sales assistant. Now, I find myself as lead sales and representing East Coasters Bicycle at advocacy events such as the National Bike Summit and helping with Pathfinders for Greenways.

Smitty...

This is Smitty. Smitty didn't hydrate properly while riding his bicycle. From the looks of things, seems like Smitty managed to cling to his passion of cycling for a few more rides after expiring. Maybe Smitty should have invested in a better water bottle cage and bottle or possibly even an hydrapack hydration system.

(Smitty was found on the repair check-in area floor mat after his bicycle was checked in for repair.)

the forest elf

Some may have noticed the leprechaun is no more.

With my return to mountain riding more often, I've found myself in the forest more often.

Hence, 'forest elf' it is, now.



pic courtesy of http://www.elfster.com/ArtOfElf/Lesson1/

magical

There's something magical about not just cleaning your bike but waxing / bike lusting your bike too. My HiFi Pro just got a wash and wax to celebrate 300 miles.

cool blog

http://jo-in-japan.blogspot.com/

found this one with the 'next blog' button courtesy of blogger.com.
sometimes your lucky as in Jo in Japan.
sometimes your not so lucky...

Turtle....

Turtle... its a fun word to say.

I also saw a turtle while I was mountain biking the other day.

Tur-tle. Say it. Its fun.

Fixed

Like anything was broken... None the less, welcome to my latest: Gary Fisher's Trition, an urban free / fix gear. The original specs for included mustache bars for an upright riding position, but thanks to some drops and old brake levers I had, its now configured for road riding position. A smooth steel frame (OX true tempor) w/ track dropouts, bontrager carbon fork, bontrager track wheelset. (for you gear heads... 44x18)

I did warn you all, though. Last december, the day before my birthday, I mused over this very bike. Click here to see my previous entry announcing my discovery of Gary Fisher's Triton.

Casual Friday's (in a reverse world)

I like the tie. It called out to me Friday morning as I was getting dressed. Comments ranged from "Do you know you are wearing a tie?" to "Are you going to court today?" to "wow, you look nice."

new pic for my profile - rowdy dawg

Think Bike 2007 - National Bike Summit

Thursday, 15 March 2007, I got the opportunity to experience cycling on a new level - standing up for cyclists on Capitol Hill!

Every year, the League of American Bicyclists hosts a National Bike Summit in Washinton, D.C. to rally all types of cyclist (riders, club leaders, industry representatives, and local bike shop owners / employees) for a focused legislative push of current cycling needs.

Past National Bike Summit efforts have achieved everything from gaining cycling recognition as worthy of legislative attention to obtaining funding for implementation of the Safe Routes to School Program.

This year, as a part of East Coasters Bicycle's Advocacy Efforts and the support of Bikes Belong, I was able to join delegates from across Virginia as well as the country to educate our legislative representatives and ask for their support with current national cycling issues.

Hot Topics for 2007 included:

1) Funding the Conserve by Bicycling Program - In 2005, a program was approved to study the overall impact of shifting car trips to bicycle trips in various communities around the nation. Although the program was approved, funding was neglected and has been pursued since.

2) Supporting the Bicycle Commuter Tax Benefit Act - 'Clean Commute' legislation has already been enacted and supports tax relief and other benefits to employees and employers of mass transit, and car & van pool users. Unfortunately, the term 'bicycle' was left out of the wording at the time. The Bicycle Commuter Tax Benefit Act strives to extend the definition of transportation to include bicycles. Thus, bicycle commuters would be able to receive the same benefits as other 'clean commuters.' Link here, courtesy of League of American Cyclists, to get more information and contact your representatives to show support for the Bicycle Commuter Tax Benefit Act.

3) Protecting Trails and Helping Trail Partners - IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) had a two headed push this year. First, IMBA is promoting land preservation methods that allow for bicycle access rather than tradional Wilderness designation which excludes bicycle access. In particular to Virginia, IMBA calling for support of the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007. Second, IMBA is calling for the restoration of higher funding levels for the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. The RTCA program uses matching funding to create and protect riverways and wildlife habitat, trail and greenway networks, and open green space.

All in all, the National Bike Summit was an exciting and successful event. Although Senators and Representatives were not always available to directly speak with Summit attendees, the congressional staffers of our representatives showed true interest and concern for our requests. In just the day and a one half I was able to attend, I saw a enormous cycling presence convene on Capitol Hill and have an immensely positive influence on our nation's leaders. The Summit was a whole new aspect of cycling advocacy to me, and one in which I hope to continue participating. So remember, Think Bike for 2007!

(photo's courtesy of www.bikeportland.org )

Mill Mtn trail work & Chuck Norris

So more important than the mannequin arm I found while picking up trash beneath the Star Overlook, I learned a new Chuck Norris fact today.

Chuck Norris and Wilford Brimley once got in a fight, and that fight is the real reason why there are no more dinosaurs.

btw: here a few pics of the GeoCacheing trash pick up event and a link to the gallery. Note Tim Carter in the group picture. Tim is a cyclist as well but also a geo cacher. As for me, I was just there to support one of Mill Mountain's Trail work days. This work day happened to be sponsered by the local geocaching group.

Szechuan Lunch

Ready 10 minute ago. Where are you?

Not only was it a Szechuan carry out lunch day, I raised the bar even farther by eating the beef w/ vegetables lunch combo not only while it was still hot, but also finished in one sitting.

Must be all the riding I've been doing lately.

Shaking the dust off the Serotta - Phil Leggit Style

Like Cheese Whiz spread across Ritz snack crackers; so the pain was spread across El Gato's sinewy muscles this morning during an all out attack on the Berg de Mill Mountain. Victory was El Gato's, though, after dancing between two closely parked work vans in the middle of the course. Pulling tight the drawstrings of success, El Gato reached deep into his mussette bag of courage and found his crafty mountain and cyclocross skills granting him traction on the wet leaves and moss sprinkled across the course. At the top, with the Roanoke Star standing watch, the fog lifted bringing El Gato to the crest of Victory! Mist, buringing off the roof of the the Discovery Center, rose in a victory salute to the elated rider, El Gato. (Especially since El Gato had to make special effort to wake up early and ride before work.)

Has El Gato mentioned that he loves riding his bicycles?

Party at the Moon Tower

Gary Fisher HiFi + Day off from work = Fun. Two hours to be exact, and just about 20 miles. Funny. Didn't seem that long. I was just having fun and didn't want to stop. Admittedly, there was some pavement portaging, but there was also a lot of singletrack without having to drive anywhere.

It started with heading for the Mill Mountain trails for a little climbing / descending action. Then I remembered hearing about the Wood Thrush trail, a new trail from the water tank along the lower portion of the Star trail. The Wood Thrush skirts along up the mountain somewhat paralleling the Fishburn parkway. The Wood Thrush trail opens up again just within sight of the Chestnut Ridge Trail. Good if the Chestnut Ridge Loop ever opens to bicycles, but also good enough to connect with the Ridge Trail and head back towards the Discovery Center.

After descending down the Terra Alta trail and heading towards the hospital to link with the Greenway to Wassena, I changed my mind and to Avenhiem over to Wonju to the bike lane on Colonial and linked into the Murray Run singletrack at VWCC / Fishburn Park.

Did I mention I love my Hifi Pro?! Just over a hunderd miles on it since February! That's more ride time than my Serotta Nove got when it was new.

And, yes, I did see the lone shoe.

ps. Props to Bill Gordge and crew along with Pathfinders for Greenways for bringing us all these awesome opportunities.

More Poetry

"My Bicycle" - 02 March 2007

2 wheels beneath me,
they roll.
2 wheels beneath me,
releasing my soul.
2 wheels beneath me,
my freedom.

El Gato goes Chuck

If you can see El Gato, El Gato can see you.

If you can't see El Gato, you're probably about to find a 'present' in your 'musette bag.'

Today's lesson a la "Chuck"

Chuck Norris can speak brail.

Right swing or Left swing?

I was excited today when I discovered I am Left Swing. Now before you get all excited and have wandering mind trouble; I'm talking about messenger bags.


According to PAC Designs, a pretty cool messenger bag company based out of Canada, most people are Right Swing. In other words Right Swing'ers have the bag's shoulder strap on the left shoulder allowing the bag to swing to the individual's right side. (see figure to the right.)




Left Swing'ers { that's me ;-) } have the bag's shoulder strap rest on the right shoulder allowing the bag to swing to the individual's left side. (see figure to the left.)



Maybe that's why I spell 'gray' 'grey'... or is it vice versa?



Still confused? Check out Pac Designs page on Swing Technology and how they design Pac Bags to swing both ways. Or, just browse their site and check out all their cool stuff. Looks like a really good messenger bag.

Finally got a grip

So my new Gary Fisher HiFi Pro sat for awhile as I had time to build it. One of the last things I did was install the grips, and believe me, everyone seemed to point out that I should use grips on my new mountain bike. Well, the grips have finally been installed... along with going tubeless via the Bontrager Superjuice Tubeless system.

What a change! My previous mountain bike had V-Brakes w/ Ceramic rims, inner tubes, and 3 inches of travel. Now, I'm rollin' Avid Juicy 7's disc brakes, tubeless, and 4.5 inches of travel. Not to mention, Gary Fisher's new Genesis 2.0 Geometry has tweaked the fork offset and trail to sharply respond at any speed. Needless to say, this bike rocks, and I'm proud to call the HiFi Pro my new mountain bike.

Been a little distracted lately

So, a couple of weekends ago, my girlfriend and I mutually ended our relationship. We'd been dating for over a year but struggling with living in different towns. Sad to say, the distance was inhibiting any more progression in our relationship. It's a little sad saying goodbye to someone you care about.

Winter Poetry

Driving to work today, the snowflakes started and it made me think. By the time I arrived at Mojoe's Coffee (my local shop), the following thoughts had formed in my mind:

First snowflakes falling
On my way to work
Bicycles calling, mine and theirs
Snowflakes falling, they don't care
Road, Mountain, Townie
Just get us out there
"Remember how it felt?" they said
Snow swirling
Quiet wheels turning
Soft sounds of winter riding
First snowflakes swirling in my mind

new title background?