The Switch

Well thats it 2008, we had a pretty decent time together.We started strong with hopes of granduer and ideas a plenty.
We cruised through the spring banishing books for baked goods and pedal power.

I remember an awakening occured while on the 29er Trifecta ride in March. Something about getting a group of guys and gals together and riding the streets that I deliver on and know, oh so well. The route was a thing of beauty orchestrated by Mr. Savery, linking Omaha's historic neighborhoods and boulevards.That ride started many things for me, one being a strong desire to be a part of Omaha's community of riders. I no longer wanted to be the recluse I once was, pushing big gears and riding like a skeleton in the night.

I learned of strength in numbers and the joy you can recieve from new friends and beers at the end of it all. Summer came and friendships were lost and found. It wasn't always Hunky Dory,but I kept my head up through some tough times and came out alright.I really wanted results in 2008, but those don't just fall into your lap. It requires alot. And in all honesty it was my first taste of the race scene.

See, Its been my dream to race since I received my first bike, a Kona Blast. I rode dirt trying to hang with local legends like Ben Cleveland and James Hermsen. These guys were my Supermen.They shaped the rider and individual that I am today.
Soon later the Spoke-Daddy and I found an old Cannondale
with downtube shifting and Shimano 600 groupo.This aluminum wonder was found at a South Omaha rummage sale and was my first commuter bike,and first taste of singlespeed riding.

Here and there I would show my little 19-year-old face at Wednesday Kaos rides. I recall thinking I was the Shit, and tried to race everyone up hills on my single as they warmed up for a 50 mile ride. Yeah I was that guy keeled over in the sub-division dressed in black twenty minutes later.

I would pedal hard but with just little ol me. And I started getting this ego and belief that I could win any race, only because I commuted on a really stupid gear ratio (53:16) which made me pedal like an angry pirate and have terrible form to boot. Anyway I thought I was so radically different because I did this, and then to make matters worse my ego was notched a bit higher after picking up a delivery gig.

So I guess the point of this bedtime story is this- I've enjoyed the people I have met as the result of choosing community versus seclusion. And am looking forward to road rides that leave me breathless on Wednesday evenings chasing some of the best on the rollers of the Omaha Trace, Crazy Gravel Adventures with the Lincoln Crew, and Luke and I killing each other anytime we happen to ride side by side.



Here's to 2009

Lunch Hour

Triple Threat

Today's lunchtime delivery from 11 to 2 will make it three straight. Some folks make three pointers,some score hat-tricks and some have triplets. I deliver.

Sometimes it's just for the hilarity of responses I get from those hungry folk. Sometimes its for wanting to stalk around at night like a cat burglar when your lights run out of juice.Sometimes it's to clear your head when tough times linger. Sometimes its to eat endless amounts of Jimmy cookies.

But really, nothing beats getting out on the bike.

Over and Done With

My last fall semester is in the books,
that means more coffee consumption,
more rides to Grandmas house and beyond,
more midnight donuts,
more economic stimulation,
and perhaps a trip West.
We will just have to wait and see.

Sure hope snow begins to fly,
I wanna go X-Country Ski.
Then sit by the fire
sip hot beverages
while watching this.


Photographic Slander by this f#@k

KCCX CONT.

Well, Well where did the adventure leave us? Ah I remember now, 10 minutes until the start of Cyclocross Nationals (which by dumb luck was the first and only CX race of 08)and I'm still getting dressed and warmed up.

I sprint to the porta-pottie while Lucas rode the Breed back to the car in hopes of finding some pins to attach those pesky race numbers. You're all probably wondering, "Why didn't the man with the USA cycling windbreaker just give them to you like everyone else?" Well they apparently ran out and I was out of luck.

Lucas and I met back near the start line, I touched my toes while he attached the numbers to my back with the pins he dug up in his Malibu.
Then the Big Whigs through the speakers asked for all those singlespeeders to come on down- IT WAS TIME.

Everyone was already lined up as if they had been camping there the night before for prime start position. Knowing nothing of CX etiquette I place myself smack dab in the middle of the front row.Moments later they explain start position is by race bib number and I was in the wrong place.

I lined up next to the eventual winner, James LaLonde. The youngest of three brothers who could quite possibly be the best one-speeders around.You can see him in the photo below, with little old me primping myself before the 45min of speed and deep breaths begins.


The race begins and I start out fairly conservative in around 15th position. We started on a paved road, then dipped into the dirt. Upon entering I decided to drop the hammer and try to pass some folks up, (Because that's why you race,to win, and to have Fun) Anyway, I really started to crank it on my freshly changed 44:21 gear.

The legs responded with the pedals turning, and I gotta admit I felt pretty darn good and things were all Hunky Dory.But FYI I made a late swap from my 16 tooth surly cog with this 21 tooth cog.It being some aluminum jobber off a crap road cluster that some rent-a-mechanic from BikeSource in KC gave me. It had me worried when they threw it on, but test rides prior to the race led me to believe it would do its job.

I was dead wrong. After an attempted surge the chain popped off. I leaned over threw it on, and tried to push once again. Chain wasn't having it. I continued to ride and just tried to deal with it. There was really no way to pedal the thing so I just picked it up and decided to run with it. At the end of my second lap, The entire field had passed so my race was complete.

One of these days issues like these won't come up.I unfortunately have had my fair share of problems with bikes and registration this year,But 2009 is on the horizon.Making it no better time to look back and see how things went wrong and how they won't bother me in 09.

I'm already locked in for Trans Iowa v5, and Dirty Kanza. Sprinkle in some road races and perhaps the 24 hr series and the plate is pretty full.
My time will come though, gotta stay positive and just chuckle about the past.

Iv'e already ordered my very own chain whip and set of Surly cogs.
After all its tough maintaining seven bikes.
Photos taken from here and here

KCCX LOVE?

Went to KC for Cross Natties....Forgot USAC liscense.... Barely made it to start line
....What do you think happened next? (I suck at prepared-ness, seems to be a trend this year)
More to come after finals....