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?

Itie?! the cat's name is Jake.

Check it out. The Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg VA is having a screening of "Breaking Away" (a classic cycling movie for those out of the 'know'). The New River Valley Bicycle Association is sponsoring the showing. So Break yourself Away on Saturday 20 January 2007 at 15:00 (3pm) and look for the 50mph pedaling in the small ring while drafting a tractor trailer.


Just don't expect any Refunds.

btw. check out the crankset location in the pic above. must have been a special edition "Itie" bicycle.

bicycles better than autos

Four reasons bicycles are better than automobiles... replacing your auto's ball joints... one at a time... per week. Many thanks to James for helping on the mechanic side of things. Seen here.. an upper ball joint being removed. Also, note the new yellow shock inside the coil spring... a by product of the lower ball joint installation.

Susanna

okay. on my recent post holiday visit to family, there was much chastisement for no pictures of the woman whom I have been dating for quite some time now. so here goes. although not the best photos (who ever gets those?) these do a fair representation.


"hiding from the camera"


"kind, caring, willing to lend a hand"


"full of smiles and laughter"


and last but not least....
"not afraid to get tough"

polarbear run

I just got back from a brief jaunt around the building while it was snowing.

I was also going to blog some more, but now I don't feel like it.

Creme filled Doughnut Holes?!

Okay. Doughnut holes. You know them. The center of the doughnut. A left-over ball of dough, ingeniously transformed into a tasty snack. Simple, little, tasty recycling.




A tasty little snack for which hungry people will do more things than they would for a Klondike Bar. (What would you do?)





But creme filled doughnut holes?!! Spotted at work, today, an insidious creme filled doughnut hole. (Look closely at the doughnut hole in the upper corner of the box.) Is there no sanctity in the world? Taking something simple and stuffing it with more! Was the creme filled doughnut or chocolate eclaire not enough?! Obviously, they were not enough. Hence, the world is now let loose upon the vast expanse of yet another creme filled bakery delicacy... the creme filled doughnut hole. Oh well. There was only one left in the box. I guess someone thought the creme filled doughnut hole was a tasty obvious step in the right direction of doughnut-hole snacking evolution.

Fauxhawk

If the fauxhawk manages to survive sleeping, combing, and a full day of work... it deserves a blog. Watch out! the Leprechaun goes Tom Boonen / Euro roadie hair style. -- Granted though, the hawk's got nothing on Cole's Mullet.

A Birthday card from A.G.

Birthdays are great. Please note the hand drawn mustache and beard. As if the svelt shirt wasn't enough to look like me ;-}

Hmmm. Gary Fisher's Triton

It's Gary's urban fix-gear from 2006. Specs link is here.

I'm on cyclingnews.com

So there I was, reading the cyclingnews.com report on the NC Grand Prix CX weekend and checking out the photos. Wait... what's that? Could it be? El Gato.. the Leprechaun.. chasing up the climb?! Why yes. It is. Little ol' me on cyclingnews.com. Thanks, Sean Letterman for taking and submitting the photo. See the pic here.

Mistaken products

Don't try this on your toast. Try it on your buns.

Cyclocross 2006 mid season report

Sigh. Transitions and barriers, the heart of cyclocross, describes my season thus far. It has been a tough season for me, but I am continuing to keep pedaling. I discovered that I started the season with a drop in fitness from summer training as well as a lack of sufficient grass riding practice prior to the season's start. Throw those two factors in the mix with upgrading to intermediate catagory (CX 3 / B's) and the result is mid to back 1/3 pack positioning. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining, just discouraged after last year's success-filled introduction to cyclocross. Still, dedication and persitance has been seeing me through the season thus far. All things considered, I have had fairly decent placings while having a good time riding cyclocross.

'Retro Ted' finds a Bike he likes

'Retro Ted' finally gives his aproval to a bicycle. This vintage Ross with thumbies, cam brakes, and all things ala original ATB style recently came to the shop for a new tyre and tube. I think it made Ted's day.

Over-heard quote at Forestry Spring Camp

"it's like a thousand tiny faeries.. dancing..."

Previous Lives

Ever wonder what people have done previous to you knowing them now? Yeah, that's me behind the vehicle mounted automatic 40mm grenade launcher (MK-19).


That's also me. This time more hidden and serving as the RTO at an LZ in the LTA.

Train like you Fight & Fight to Win!

I have this phrase impregnated into my thoughts courtesy of a previous job, "If it ain't raining, it ain't training." Well, it started raining two laps into my cyclocross practice last night.. hence, true training, 50 minutes worth. Now if it would only rain during a cyclocross race to demoralize all those who don't train like they fight. There has been plenty of mud, though, this year.

Cyclocross makes the green grass grow! Pedal, Attack, Win!

1900's Redneck Epitaph

So there I was in Lynchburg's Old City cemetery (you should check it out some time). On a tombstone I saw, "He hath done what he could." Modern day translation - "He got 'er done."

Aside from the epitaph, there were several other cool things to see, including a dell and scatter garden along with several historical structure pieces from around Lynchburg.

Still, the cemetery doesn't top the meteorite disguised as a granite boulder located down by the river to commemorate the ferry crossing.

Vegas Baby!

Okay - What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas... Unless you were there for InterBike 2006. Yes, this year I was fortunate enough to attend one of the biggest trade shows for the bicycle industry, InterBike. Lots of fun seeing lots of cool things related to the cycling world! Not to mention test riding at least five different bikes at the outdoor demo! More to follow as I remember things.

Good and Bad this week

This is me on Wednesday before starting work. I was all wet with some mud in the mix as well. See the specks on my neck? It was worth it though. That's a lot coming from me, as I hate to get wet, but once I am wet, and especially for a good cause, I don't let it slow me down. None the less I felt much this week just like I look in the photo, tired but happy.

Chuck Norris and Bicycles..

Question:
What kind of bicycle does Chuck Norris ride?

Answer:
Chuck Norris doesn't ride bicycles. Bicycles can only enjoy the privilege of being ridden by Chuck Norris.

this is not me.

Google search my name... this is the first hit. Its not me.
Dave Tompkins
Go figure... a computer science guy gets the first search listing.

Also, this is not my blog. Its the other Dave's blog.

(i didn't see any hint of pirate-ness.)

btw: ninjas only exist because pirates allow them too.

click here for ninja info and their claims to real ultimate power.

Pirates don't need claims to real ultimate power as pirates are only surpassed by... Chuck Norris. No really. Click on the Chuck Norris link, or Chuck Norris will 'link' you.

Just for Gordon...

Ahoy Mate,

I sent that lilly-livered, lame, non-working toaster oven off the plank to today. Good luck in Hampton Sydney.

Crazy Davey

Roof Rack Bonus...

Roof racks... not only good to transport your bicycles or just try to make yourself look 'cool,' but also good to unwittingly store coffee mugs whilst you drive your suv to work.

Thats right. On my way to work, I saw a mug pulling into a parking lot. The driver didn't even notice the mug still amidst his roof rack when he got out of his suv. Maybe the driver should get better coffee. Then he would definitely miss his mug o' joe.

btw: I prefer Malabar XXX (a peaberry bean from Larry's Coffee) available from Mo Joe's Cafe on Brambleton Avenue.

Talk Like a Pirate Day be showing on the horizon.

Whilst showing me new shipmate, Retro Ted, how'st to aquire a more seafaring moniker, Crazy Davy Bonny answered a few questions himself. Seems a few things have changed and offered ole Crazy Davy some new tack on which to chew.

My pirate name is:

Iron Davy Vane

A pirate's life isn't easy; it takes a tough person. That's okay with you, though, since you a tough person. You tend to blend into the background occaisionally, but that's okay, because it's much easier to sneak up on people and disembowel them that way. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

More 'overheards' at work...

"I'm just looking." - customer

"Yeah, that's why I work here. I like to look at bike stuff, too." - G Man

Overheard at work today

"The mini-bears chewed on my nipples in New Mexico." - G. Wadsworth

(context: camelbak bladders and chipmunks)

Timmy!

(this one's for adventure girl.)

pretty...

;-)

NC Cyclocross dates posted!

North Carolina Cyclocross Series: Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 18, 19, Dec. 3, 10

Winter Cup Series: Jan. 6, 7, 14, 20, 21

check out www.nccyclocross.com for locations and more info!

Cross Diet

After a great debutant season of cyclocross and some spring / summer commuting, I've put the trusty XO on a diet. Initial weigh-in, sans race wheels (spare wheels mounted instead) lights, seatbag, and H2O cages.... 22 lbs. Starting with a bold first move to a Bontrager Race X Lite ACC (aluminum core carbon) seatpost.. already down to 21 lbs. Things yet in store.. a new Alpha Q carbon fork, better stronger / lighter custom build rear race wheel, new shifters / derailleurs, and the secret weapon... courtesy of Doc Brown and Marty, the workings of a hover board with flux capacitor.

Thai - Mex and not the watches

So there I was, visiting my Dad and helping my sister move her pharmacy. Where do we get some food to eat, why the Thai - Mex restaurant next store. That's right, a menu selection fareing Thai and Tex-Mex offerings! Not to bad; so if you find yourself in Nellysford, VA (the valley below wintergreen) get yourself some tasty Baja Drunken Noodle, and if you're truely lucky, you'll be treated with the same swashbuckling Jedi vs Pirate action I spotted in the parking lot. Adventure abounds in Nelson County!

See. I do ride... just at night

The Nite Owl / Noodle Salad Ride :-)

been a while...

So.. It's been awhile since I last blogged. Hmm.. been busy... even if it was taken it easy for a weekend. After Mtns of Misery, I stepped it up a bit in the riding. Somewhere along the line, I got my 10th cat 5 race and was able to successfully upgrade to cat 4. Yeah, Yeah, big cat 4... time to ride w/ the better handling riders... which I did.


A couple of weekends back, I rode in the Roanoke Cycling Criterium as part of the Commonwealth Games. When I say rode in, I really mean stayed w/ the pack for about half the race until soloing for a few laps before getting lapped off the course. Not too bad considering I haven't been doing any speedy training. Despite the head windy long stretch, I was still able to hold about 20 mph while soloing. Good times, good friends, good course, and good cycling! Thanks to Roanoke Cycling Organization for organizing the weekend omnium event! :-)

Another Mountains of Misery pic

Catch the link to Birdseye View Photography. This was taken at the base of the first major climb.. John's Creek Mountain. Cruel thing is, it had not even begun to get steep compared to the top.

Click Here to see The Leprechaun about to face the Misery

Mugs of Misery

Thanks to Dan Casey for the pic and to the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club for the revival zone on the last climb.

Overheard good qoute

"That's as handy as a shirt pocket."

Mtns of Misery... take 2

Gasp. I finally did it... I actually registered for my second Mountains of Misery century challenge. What am i thinking?! As if my first one wasn't enough. hmmm.. Its not the pain or the misery that lures me. Its a great ride and a great cycling event! Maybe even seeing some old friends and maybe making some new friends. Besides, if one is going to do a century ride... why not Mountains of Misery. Plus, its a great way to celebrate my first ever century ride... Mountains of Misery 2005.

To celebrate my registration, I climbed 12 O'clock Knob (Salem side) today. Whew. Its been a while. Like visiting an old friend.

New Cyclo-Cross Categories announced

Look out. Cyclo Cross is getting organized. Yup. Looks like there is now official license categories for cyclocross racing. Seems they are based not only on road license category or self picked as before but also based on mountain bike classification and earned points / # of participated cyclocross races. Upgrades will be handled much like road upgrades as race-placement points appear to be standardized. Hmmm. this upcoming season will be interesting as people get sorted to appropriate categories. Check 'em out. Categories 4 (beginner) to 1 (pro).

USA Cycling Announces New Cyclo-Cross Categories

Upgrade Requirements - (cyclo-cross at bottom of article)

Lucky me... I raced expert mountain bike at one time and am now starting with my new cyclo cross category as a 3. Probably a good thing as last year I came in second in the Virginia Series beginner class and was on my way to a solid top ten at least in the North Carolina series beginner class.

Here's to skinny tires in the dirt :-)

Rain Rain Go away...

... I wanna take my bike and play.

Sigh. the thursday nite mountain bike ride was called due to heavy rain earlier today. Patience must I have. ride not on soggy trails. better to let the trails dry a bit and ride another day.

maybe the weather will be good enough to get some road climbing action tommorrow morning before work.

Castelli Y-Pro Bib short update

Okay okay... so I got white bib shorts (castelli y-pro). I happen to like the colour and style and fully accepted the fact that white will show things easier. Okay, so i wasn't thinking about the see thru factor of white, but the folks at Castelli were. Castelli made the white y-pro bib shorts double ply ;-) so nothing shows through any more than any other colour short! (i also don't plan on crapping my shorts either. this seems to be something several people have mentioned.. that it will show thru. umm yeah. i'll just find a bathroom and take care of things that way.)

Enough on the white and on to the fit. I like 'em. The chamois is in all the right spots and none of the wrong. In fact, after a week of riding capped with a 70 miler today... all on my selle italia storika leather saddle... the Y-pro provided just the right blend of performance and comfort. As for the rest of the fit.. a little extra snug around the legs equating to more of an athletic / racing cut. The extra snugness is something I'm not quite used to, but not uncomfortable. In fact it seems to help on longer rides.

I also got a chance to wear the y-pro's on a mountain bike ride. The extra snugness around the legs was a little distracting, but not too bad. Probably something I could get used to.

Overall.. I like 'em... white colour and all.

Serious Playstation Problems

Man pleads guilty to murder over PlayStation

The Associated Press - COLUMBUS, Ga.

A 29-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to killing a friend in a dispute over how to use a PlayStation video game console.

Arthur Demaurice Priestly pleaded guilty to murder Monday in Muscogee County Superior Court in the killing of his friend, James Edwards Jr.

Judge Bobby Peters had rejected Priestly's bid to plead guilty to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter.

Edwards, 24, was shot to death on March 20 at Priestly's house. The two men were drinking heavily during a barbecue when they got into an argument about whether music should be played in Priestly's PlayStation.

Edwards died from a single gunshot wound to the chest. The two men were friends and met while working together at a foundry and machine shop.