Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Seven ver. 1.0
Fork: Fox F100 RLC
Crankset: Middleburn RS7 singlespeed square taper
Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-54 (Phil Wood on the way)
Wheelset: Cane Creek Zonos
Cog: King
Cassette Spacers: Spot
Skewers: Shimano generic
Tires: Continental Vertical 2.3 tubeless
Brakes: Avid BB7 calipers, ultimate levers, SRAM cable and housing
Stem: Thomson
Seatpost: Dean Ti
Seatpost clamp: Salsa Liplock
Handlebars: Easton Monkeylite
Saddle: Fizik Arione
Chain: SRAM 8 speed
Pedals: Time ATAC XS
Grips: Oury
Headset: Chris King
Headset Spacers: Generic
Crankset: Middleburn RS7 singlespeed square taper
Bottom Bracket: Shimano UN-54 (Phil Wood on the way)
Wheelset: Cane Creek Zonos
Cog: King
Cassette Spacers: Spot
Skewers: Shimano generic
Tires: Continental Vertical 2.3 tubeless
Brakes: Avid BB7 calipers, ultimate levers, SRAM cable and housing
Stem: Thomson
Seatpost: Dean Ti
Seatpost clamp: Salsa Liplock
Handlebars: Easton Monkeylite
Saddle: Fizik Arione
Chain: SRAM 8 speed
Pedals: Time ATAC XS
Grips: Oury
Headset: Chris King
Headset Spacers: Generic
Friday, December 12, 2008
Project Seven v0.3
Fork: Fox F100 RLC (white) or Vicious rigid steel (black)
Crankset: Middleburn RS7 singlespeed square taper crankset (silver)
Bottom Bracket: Phil Wood
Wheelset: Cane Creek Zonos (Black) with King SS cog
Tires: Continental Vertical 2.3 tubeless
Brakes: Avid BB7 calipers and ultimate levers
Stem: Thomson (silver)
Seatpost: Dean Ti
Seatpost clamp: Salsa Liplock (silver)
Handlebars: Easton Monkeylite
Saddle: WTB Rocket V or Fizik Arione
Chain: SRAM 8 speed
Pedals: Time ATAC XS
Grips: Oury
Headset: Chris King (silver)
Crankset: Middleburn RS7 singlespeed square taper crankset (silver)
Bottom Bracket: Phil Wood
Wheelset: Cane Creek Zonos (Black) with King SS cog
Tires: Continental Vertical 2.3 tubeless
Brakes: Avid BB7 calipers and ultimate levers
Stem: Thomson (silver)
Seatpost: Dean Ti
Seatpost clamp: Salsa Liplock (silver)
Handlebars: Easton Monkeylite
Saddle: WTB Rocket V or Fizik Arione
Chain: SRAM 8 speed
Pedals: Time ATAC XS
Grips: Oury
Headset: Chris King (silver)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The FrencieCycles
Old crankset: removed
EBB: cleaned and greased
new external bottom bracket: greased, installed, and properly torqued
new cranks: greased, installed, and properly torqued
new chain: trimmed, installed, tensioned, and lubed
Chainline: adjusted to perfect straight
front and rear brakes: adjusted
pedals: threads greased and installed
The FrenchieCycles is back online.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Project Seven v0.2
Theme: Plain Black&White
Fork: Fox F100 RLC (white) or Vicious rigid steel (black)
Crankset: Middleburn RS7 singlespeed square taper crankset
Bottom Bracket: Raceface taper lock
Wheelset: Paul/Mavic 819 wheels with ENO freewheel or Cane Creek Zonos with King SS cog
Tires: Continental Vertical 2.3 tubeless
Brakes: Avid BB7 calipers and ultimate levers
Stem: Thomson
Seatpost: Thomson
Handlebars: Easton Monkeylite
Saddle: WTB Rocket V or Fizik Arione
*Chain: SRAM 8 speed
*Pedals: Time ATAC XS
*Grips: Oury
*Headset: Chris King
*final decision
Fork: Fox F100 RLC (white) or Vicious rigid steel (black)
Crankset: Middleburn RS7 singlespeed square taper crankset
Bottom Bracket: Raceface taper lock
Wheelset: Paul/Mavic 819 wheels with ENO freewheel or Cane Creek Zonos with King SS cog
Tires: Continental Vertical 2.3 tubeless
Brakes: Avid BB7 calipers and ultimate levers
Stem: Thomson
Seatpost: Thomson
Handlebars: Easton Monkeylite
Saddle: WTB Rocket V or Fizik Arione
*Chain: SRAM 8 speed
*Pedals: Time ATAC XS
*Grips: Oury
*Headset: Chris King
*final decision
Monday, October 13, 2008
White Industries Chainring
kinda soft, isn't it? It's still rideable, so I'll see how long it'll last.
And I can always put on this spare ring...
And I can always put on this spare ring...
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Snapped Derailleur
The Last 1000 Miles
Here is the breakdown of the last 1000 miles of MTB I did:
Totals
Number of rides: 50
Months: 4
Hours on trail: 153
Averages:
Average mileage per month: 250
Average mileage per ride: 20
By Location
Frederick: 34% in mileage, 42% in hours
MoCo: 56% in mileage, 48% in hours
Stokesville: 10% in mileage, 10% in hours
By Bike
Full suspension: 30% in mileage, 40% in hours
Single speed: 70% in mileage, 60% in hours
Totals
Number of rides: 50
Months: 4
Hours on trail: 153
Averages:
Average mileage per month: 250
Average mileage per ride: 20
By Location
Frederick: 34% in mileage, 42% in hours
MoCo: 56% in mileage, 48% in hours
Stokesville: 10% in mileage, 10% in hours
By Bike
Full suspension: 30% in mileage, 40% in hours
Single speed: 70% in mileage, 60% in hours
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
US Olympic Cyclists in Beijing
The latest Dirtrag magazine (issue 138) had a article by Adam Craig, member of the US Olympic Mountain Bike Team, talking about his experience in the Beijing 2008 Games. On the training and air quality, he wrote:
Earlier before the Games, some of the US Olympic Cyclists arrived Beijing Airport wearing masks, and then quickly apologized to the host country.
There was a new twist developed: the masked cyclists wanted an apology from USOC.
*Fragrant Hills - 香山
*Image Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Beijingbluesky.jpg
"The overall "Games Experience" was pretty awesome though...if a bit hard to soak in during the four short days we spent in the village. We agreed, as the U.S. Mountain Bike Team, to train in Korea to avoid the possibility of challenging training conditions and poor air quality in Beijing. Turns out that, through a combination of aggressive pollutant control and natural rainfall, the air was fine. And Mike Broderick found some good riding in the "Fragrant Hills" just west of the city, so we could realistically have just come to the Olympic Village a week out and done our prep there."
Earlier before the Games, some of the US Olympic Cyclists arrived Beijing Airport wearing masks, and then quickly apologized to the host country.
There was a new twist developed: the masked cyclists wanted an apology from USOC.
*Fragrant Hills - 香山
*Image Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Beijingbluesky.jpg
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Agkistrodon contortrix
a.k.a. copperhead.
Saw one in the group ride in Little Bennett today. The brownish snake was laying in the middle of the Kingsley road, steady like a sculpture. While we were debating whether or not it was dead, I threw a small stone at it. Sure enough the head moved a little. The poor ectothermal guy was probably too cold to move, and might have to stay there till sunrise tomorrow.
No picture was taken.
Second venomous snake in a week.
Saw one in the group ride in Little Bennett today. The brownish snake was laying in the middle of the Kingsley road, steady like a sculpture. While we were debating whether or not it was dead, I threw a small stone at it. Sure enough the head moved a little. The poor ectothermal guy was probably too cold to move, and might have to stay there till sunrise tomorrow.
No picture was taken.
Second venomous snake in a week.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Rattlesnake
First time ever in my life saw a rattlesnake in the wild!
The snake had beautiful green patterns, small head, huge mid-section, and dark rattler. It was right in the middle of the trail, stretched and enjoying the sunshine. There was no way around it so Edward and I decided to persuade it off the trail. We tried throwing sticks at it but the rattler headed towards us instead. Quite intimidating. Finally Edward poked it with a 15-foot stick a few times and got it slithered off the trail.
The beautiful creature was spotted near Salamander Rock, about half way into the 25-mile ride.
The snake had beautiful green patterns, small head, huge mid-section, and dark rattler. It was right in the middle of the trail, stretched and enjoying the sunshine. There was no way around it so Edward and I decided to persuade it off the trail. We tried throwing sticks at it but the rattler headed towards us instead. Quite intimidating. Finally Edward poked it with a 15-foot stick a few times and got it slithered off the trail.
The beautiful creature was spotted near Salamander Rock, about half way into the 25-mile ride.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Getting Better
Today I rode 14+ miles in the Shed with the adjusted cleats and pedaling style. No issue with the knee. Hopefully I found the solution.
GPS trace
GPS trace
Thursday, September 11, 2008
End of Riding?
I did a roughly 16 mile shed ride with friends today and alarmingly, in the last quarter the familiar knee pain came back! A quick research on the internet I found this wikipedia entry:
Yes, those are the symptoms I'm suffering right now. The wiki then says:
Uh, that doesn't sound good. And it goes on:
um, that could very well be the reason. I'll try to change the cleats position a little and pay attention not to toe in too much.
Anyway I hope this is not the end of riding.
BTW, Both Rob (last time) and Dan (today) mentioned to me it could be the Iliotibial Band Syndrome. I believe they were right.
Symptoms
Iliotibial Band Syndrome symptoms range from a stinging sensation just above the knee joint (on the outside of the knee or along the entire length of the iliotibial band) to swelling or thickening of the tissue at the point where the band moves over the femur. The pain may not occur immediately during activity, but may intensify over time, especially as the foot strikes the ground. Pain might persist after activity. Pain may also be present below the knee, where the ITB actually attaches to the tibia.
Yes, those are the symptoms I'm suffering right now. The wiki then says:
Sports activities to avoid while symptomatic:
...
Cycling
Uh, that doesn't sound good. And it goes on:
Causes
Iliotibial Band Syndrome is the result of poor training habits, equipment and anatomical abnormalities.
Training habits:
...
* In cycling, having the feet "toed-in" to an excessive angle
um, that could very well be the reason. I'll try to change the cleats position a little and pay attention not to toe in too much.
Anyway I hope this is not the end of riding.
BTW, Both Rob (last time) and Dan (today) mentioned to me it could be the Iliotibial Band Syndrome. I believe they were right.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
SM100 Recap
Only four days passed but I feel the race was like long time ago. The experience was great yet literally painful.
06:30am the race started on time. Hundreds of riders filed through the campground exit. I was in the back letting the racer boys/girls go first. The section to the first Aid Station was mostly easy climbs on double track/fire road. There was one very short stretch of technical climb on singletrack that I hiked because I didn't want to push myself much. AS1 came and went, nobody stopped, time was about 07:47am. Denis was long gone. I didn't know that until AS5.
Then it came the long hike-a-bike section. I dismounted early and didn't even bother to hop back on - everybody in front and behind me were walking. It felt like a never ending hiking. Towards the end of the hike, my right knee, near the top of tibia, started to hurt a little. I had a brief couple minutes stop at AS2 (10:10am) and rode on. At that time, I was on an under 12 hours pace . I felt pretty well, legs still fresh. However it didn't last for long.
The knee pain really kicked in after finishing the long climbing to AS3. The subsequent long downhill didn't help much. I had to stop on the downhill several times just to allow my arms and wrists to relax. Liz passed me there and I never saw her again.
At AS3 (~12:10pm), I took a longer break, ate some PBJ and banana, and gave that knee a few minutes to rest. On my way out of the station, there were quite a few riders on the other side of the road riding opposite direction - they all had already gone through AS4. Good for them!
AS3 to AS4 turned out to be a nightmare for me. I was struggling to inch ahead because the knee pain was killing me. Even walking would trigger the hurting so I had to stop frequently. Many riders including Tim passed me on the downhill section to AS4. I came to a very small stream crossing, only to realize that I wasn't able to power the bike through. I dismounted, hesitated, calculated the best line to limp over. Down and frustrated, I told myself to quit at AS4.
2:30pm I found myself rolled into the AS4. I threw down the bike and went for some PBJ and banana. After a little rest, the knee seemed to be a lot better, even to the point that finishing the race was more tempting. Overheard that AS4 to 5 it was a long steady low grade road/fire road climb, I decided to move on. That section wasn't too bad. I went slow but steady, even passed a few casual pace riders on the climbs. Nearly three hours later, I made it to the AS5 before the cut off time. The time lady told me Chris had not yet checked in, but Denis did long time ago. I was a little worried about Chris. It made perfect sense if he had dropped. After all he hadn't really trained before the race.
Then, right before I was about to roll out, Chris showed up. A brief rest later we headed out together for AS6. We grouped with Tommy, who we met at dinner table the evening before. We climbed, we paused. Most of the time Chris would pull ahead and wait. Still bothered by the knee pain, I was so happy when finally reached the 4,300 ft apex. On the descent it was getting dark. I bombed down some technical sections that my conscience would stop me if there was better lighting. The first sweeper caught us. Time was running out.
Later Chris had a mischief falling into the creek in the dark. AS6 seemed so far away...
I had more PBJ and banana at AS6. From there to the campground was 12 miles. I was able to do most of the climbs. The singletrack downhill still got me and I had to stop and rest my arms once in a while. At the finishline, I was greeted by Denis and Tim, shook Bob's hand with wet glove on, and found myself eating Scud fries out of Todd's plate :) While gobbling down some hotdogs and burgers, I saw Tommy walked in with a glass in hand - he got his priority absolutely right. After dinner I packed up and drove home, planning on next year's return.
The "ride all day" took me 15 hours and 18 minutes. I was #426 out of 436 finished, last in the SS category. Complete results are here.
*** *** *** ***
The aid stations were great. In fact, next time I race this I'll not carry my Camelbak - simply no need.
*** *** *** ***
I checked in this Motel the night before the race. No thrilled. I didn't mind the sticky night table, half broken bathroom fan, challenging sink faucet, not even the high decibel window AC. What got me was the smell of the smoking room... The entire building was like that so I doubt a non-smoking room would be any different. The shower was good, though.
*** *** *** ***
p.s. the knee pain was gone a couple days later so I did a shed ride (SS 32x22) on Thursday and a BH night ride (SS 32x16) on Friday. I'm glad it wasn't something more serious.
*** *** *** ***
More photos:
Tim practicing dismount :)
Denis making a fashion statement by mounting the number plate on the brake cables. XD
Chris Getting ready for the race.
Denis' podium secret - start warming up the night before.
*** *** *** ***
Photo 2,3,4,5 credit: Jonathan Bruck
Last updated: 9/7/2008
06:30am the race started on time. Hundreds of riders filed through the campground exit. I was in the back letting the racer boys/girls go first. The section to the first Aid Station was mostly easy climbs on double track/fire road. There was one very short stretch of technical climb on singletrack that I hiked because I didn't want to push myself much. AS1 came and went, nobody stopped, time was about 07:47am. Denis was long gone. I didn't know that until AS5.
Then it came the long hike-a-bike section. I dismounted early and didn't even bother to hop back on - everybody in front and behind me were walking. It felt like a never ending hiking. Towards the end of the hike, my right knee, near the top of tibia, started to hurt a little. I had a brief couple minutes stop at AS2 (10:10am) and rode on. At that time, I was on an under 12 hours pace . I felt pretty well, legs still fresh. However it didn't last for long.
The knee pain really kicked in after finishing the long climbing to AS3. The subsequent long downhill didn't help much. I had to stop on the downhill several times just to allow my arms and wrists to relax. Liz passed me there and I never saw her again.
At AS3 (~12:10pm), I took a longer break, ate some PBJ and banana, and gave that knee a few minutes to rest. On my way out of the station, there were quite a few riders on the other side of the road riding opposite direction - they all had already gone through AS4. Good for them!
AS3 to AS4 turned out to be a nightmare for me. I was struggling to inch ahead because the knee pain was killing me. Even walking would trigger the hurting so I had to stop frequently. Many riders including Tim passed me on the downhill section to AS4. I came to a very small stream crossing, only to realize that I wasn't able to power the bike through. I dismounted, hesitated, calculated the best line to limp over. Down and frustrated, I told myself to quit at AS4.
2:30pm I found myself rolled into the AS4. I threw down the bike and went for some PBJ and banana. After a little rest, the knee seemed to be a lot better, even to the point that finishing the race was more tempting. Overheard that AS4 to 5 it was a long steady low grade road/fire road climb, I decided to move on. That section wasn't too bad. I went slow but steady, even passed a few casual pace riders on the climbs. Nearly three hours later, I made it to the AS5 before the cut off time. The time lady told me Chris had not yet checked in, but Denis did long time ago. I was a little worried about Chris. It made perfect sense if he had dropped. After all he hadn't really trained before the race.
Then, right before I was about to roll out, Chris showed up. A brief rest later we headed out together for AS6. We grouped with Tommy, who we met at dinner table the evening before. We climbed, we paused. Most of the time Chris would pull ahead and wait. Still bothered by the knee pain, I was so happy when finally reached the 4,300 ft apex. On the descent it was getting dark. I bombed down some technical sections that my conscience would stop me if there was better lighting. The first sweeper caught us. Time was running out.
Later Chris had a mischief falling into the creek in the dark. AS6 seemed so far away...
I had more PBJ and banana at AS6. From there to the campground was 12 miles. I was able to do most of the climbs. The singletrack downhill still got me and I had to stop and rest my arms once in a while. At the finishline, I was greeted by Denis and Tim, shook Bob's hand with wet glove on, and found myself eating Scud fries out of Todd's plate :) While gobbling down some hotdogs and burgers, I saw Tommy walked in with a glass in hand - he got his priority absolutely right. After dinner I packed up and drove home, planning on next year's return.
The "ride all day" took me 15 hours and 18 minutes. I was #426 out of 436 finished, last in the SS category. Complete results are here.
*** *** *** ***
The aid stations were great. In fact, next time I race this I'll not carry my Camelbak - simply no need.
*** *** *** ***
I checked in this Motel the night before the race. No thrilled. I didn't mind the sticky night table, half broken bathroom fan, challenging sink faucet, not even the high decibel window AC. What got me was the smell of the smoking room... The entire building was like that so I doubt a non-smoking room would be any different. The shower was good, though.
*** *** *** ***
p.s. the knee pain was gone a couple days later so I did a shed ride (SS 32x22) on Thursday and a BH night ride (SS 32x16) on Friday. I'm glad it wasn't something more serious.
*** *** *** ***
More photos:
Tim practicing dismount :)
Denis making a fashion statement by mounting the number plate on the brake cables. XD
Chris Getting ready for the race.
Denis' podium secret - start warming up the night before.
*** *** *** ***
Photo 2,3,4,5 credit: Jonathan Bruck
Last updated: 9/7/2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Get Ready
OK, today I got my bike ready. I put on an 18t cog and a new PC850 chain, replaced the rear funbolts with QR, cleaned and lubed the rear hub, removed one bottle cage to leave room for the Morph pump, inspected frame, fork, brakes, crankset, saddle, handlebars, and tires. The tires have had a lot miles so hopefully they survive for another 100 miles.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
One Week from SM100
It's time to get ready for the race. I'll drive to the camping ground Saturday and spend the night there. Sunday hopefully I will finish the 100 mile course early enough that I can eat some stuff before I head back home.
And no, no new bike purchase this time. I'll take the Vicious, full rigid ss geared at 32x18. Weighed the bike last night, 21.5 lb with pedals and bottle cages :)
And no, no new bike purchase this time. I'll take the Vicious, full rigid ss geared at 32x18. Weighed the bike last night, 21.5 lb with pedals and bottle cages :)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Frederick Mini Epic - 7/26/08
32 miles of fine Frederick trails in 8 hours.
We, Aaron, Chris, Dan, Denis, Rob, and I, started off Hamburg going south, followed the blue, through the rock garden and straight down to the Valley of Death. When we climbed up to Gambrill, Denis insisted following the blue to the Gambrill lower lot. So, again blue we went. We suffered (except for Rob and Denis), we cursed, we even plotted some evil plan to attack them when regroup. We avoided the steep climb off the lower lot, went cross the road instead. The rest of Gambrill was done pretty much like we always do. Lawn mower was fun as usual. First -timer Dan really enjoyed it. Aaron cleaned the rock garden on his full rigid SS, crazy!
Dan peeled off after getting back to the Hamburg lot. The rest of us stuffed our stomach with Gatorade, Banana, bloks, gu, PBJ, and pressed on north bound. The rocky descent gave spring-less Aaron some hard time, at one point, he had a cramp in his left arm... Anyway, after the rocky Little Canaan and a couple nasty climbs, we found ourselves playing at the lollipop and golf ball trails. I'm not sure who cleaned what because I was way behind and couldn't see. It was already past 2pm at that point, so we decided to skip the Salamander. We flew downhill, crossed Fishing Creek and headed towards Supersweet. Chris' slime-filled rear tire finally gave out - that was the only mechanical on the ride, not bad. At the bottom of the Supersweet, Chris whipped out his water-filter again and thanked Brizn for testing it out the first time :). I overheard Denis cleaned the first big rock drop leading to the sweet candy - good job!
We came back to the 4-way at Thurmon overlook via upper ridge trail. We did the Brizn's nightmare climb as promised. I felt tired at that point, but Denis was just finally warmed up :). A couple guys on the ride experienced for the first time the exhilaration of flying down Death March - as a matter of fact, Rob was so excited he missed the left turn onto the Death March Alt :). The rest of the ride was just a plain story of going back to the cars.
We, Aaron, Chris, Dan, Denis, Rob, and I, started off Hamburg going south, followed the blue, through the rock garden and straight down to the Valley of Death. When we climbed up to Gambrill, Denis insisted following the blue to the Gambrill lower lot. So, again blue we went. We suffered (except for Rob and Denis), we cursed, we even plotted some evil plan to attack them when regroup. We avoided the steep climb off the lower lot, went cross the road instead. The rest of Gambrill was done pretty much like we always do. Lawn mower was fun as usual. First -timer Dan really enjoyed it. Aaron cleaned the rock garden on his full rigid SS, crazy!
Dan peeled off after getting back to the Hamburg lot. The rest of us stuffed our stomach with Gatorade, Banana, bloks, gu, PBJ, and pressed on north bound. The rocky descent gave spring-less Aaron some hard time, at one point, he had a cramp in his left arm... Anyway, after the rocky Little Canaan and a couple nasty climbs, we found ourselves playing at the lollipop and golf ball trails. I'm not sure who cleaned what because I was way behind and couldn't see. It was already past 2pm at that point, so we decided to skip the Salamander. We flew downhill, crossed Fishing Creek and headed towards Supersweet. Chris' slime-filled rear tire finally gave out - that was the only mechanical on the ride, not bad. At the bottom of the Supersweet, Chris whipped out his water-filter again and thanked Brizn for testing it out the first time :). I overheard Denis cleaned the first big rock drop leading to the sweet candy - good job!
We came back to the 4-way at Thurmon overlook via upper ridge trail. We did the Brizn's nightmare climb as promised. I felt tired at that point, but Denis was just finally warmed up :). A couple guys on the ride experienced for the first time the exhilaration of flying down Death March - as a matter of fact, Rob was so excited he missed the left turn onto the Death March Alt :). The rest of the ride was just a plain story of going back to the cars.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
MoCo Epic
Denis and I did the MoCo Epic ride today, touring around five MoCo parks. My gps logged 44.66 miles, 5,000 ft elevation gain, riding time 4:19:28 and total time 6:14:08. Denis should have ~12miles longer than that since he started from his residence. I went over the handlebar 5 minutes into the ride, on a 3" log (yes, three inches) and of course was laughed at by Denis. We added the Little Bennett figure 8 into the loop - it was actually really fun to do it during the day time, we should make it standard for the MoCo epic.
Denis stopped numerous times to exercise his arm muscles with his midget hand pump :P. He also bumped into an angry hiker XD. I, on the other hand, met a couple fellow Texans and had a nice small talk.
GPS trace.
Denis stopped numerous times to exercise his arm muscles with his midget hand pump :P. He also bumped into an angry hiker XD. I, on the other hand, met a couple fellow Texans and had a nice small talk.
GPS trace.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Weekly Shed Ride 7/9/08
It rained a little before the ride. I had a lot "fun" sliding left and right on rocks. We were pushing 18 miles this week. I believe we will be hitting the 20 miles mark pretty soon.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
"A Heck of A Ride"
... is a direct quote from Denis, who just completed his epic ride in France, totaling 750 miles and 100,000 feet climbing in 16 days. Details here.
Good job!
Good job!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Weekly Shed Ride
We rode a couple loops in Hamburg south and a lollipop (or streetlight?) in the north, 16 miles in a little under 3 hours. Mark seemed to be going strong despite an 80-mile road ride he did on the previous day.
Image source: Wheelbase
Image source: Wheelbase
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Bear Sighting
16 miles and 3 hours ride in the Watershed. Saw two black bears near Salamander Rock, one appeared to be quite bulky. We paused, discussed our options, waited a little till the bears were gone, and rode on.
The post ride hydration was great. Thanks Jack!
The post ride hydration was great. Thanks Jack!
Monday, June 16, 2008
SS - Test Water in the Shed
Finally I tried it, on my Vicious SS 32x16. The climb wasn't as bad as I thought. The joy of the Death March descent, on the other hand, completely nullified by the rigid fork. At one point I almost wanted to pull my hands off the handlebars.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Week of Heat
Only got two rides in: Wednesday@Shed and Thursday@Schaeffer, 16 and 10 miles, respectively.
I'm thinking about bring the SS to the Shed and try on the long climbs, which should prep me for the SM100, or destroy me.
I'm thinking about bring the SS to the Shed and try on the long climbs, which should prep me for the SM100, or destroy me.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Online Shopping
Five hundred dollar order placed on Sunday night, new customer, online store in UK, credit card billing address in US, shipping address in China - sounds ordinary and innocent? Wrong! Well, at least the guys in Chainreactioncycles.com didn't think so.
Monday I got two emails from Gale in CRC:
and
Me replied:
and then scanned a Pepco bill (which happened to be laying on the desk at that time.) and sent it to Gale, with a message says:
and today I sent another message to Gale (I want to save the time and shipping cost):
Now I'm waiting to see what's going to happen. That was the first time I had to prove my identity to an online vendor. I guess it's a tough world out there now.
[Update 6/14/2008]: All resolved. The package is on the way to China.
Monday I got two emails from Gale in CRC:
Thank you for your order.
As you are a new customer to us, we must confirm that we are sending the order to the registered card holder. This is necessary due to the large numbers of fraudulent orders we have been receiving using stolen card details.
Can you Fax or e-mail an official document such as Passport, Driving Licence or ID card clearly showing your name and address. If they do not have the address shown, an electricity or phone bill would be ok.
Fax Number +44 2893 324868
We must ship your order to this address.
Once you have supplied these details we will immediately ship your order and will not require these details for any future orders.
We would like to apologise for the extra inconvenience to yourself but I'm sure you can understand we need to take steps to protect both yourself and us from potential card fraud.
If you have any question feel free to e-mail me or phone on ++ 44 2893 352976
Regards,
Gale
and
Hi ,
We have an order for you that is going to a different delivery name and address. What is the reason for this
Regards,
Gale
Me replied:
Hi, Gale,
I'm buying the stuff for my friend over there. It's so convenient that you guys ship directly to China. Thanks for double checking on this.
and then scanned a Pepco bill (which happened to be laying on the desk at that time.) and sent it to Gale, with a message says:
Hi, Gale,
Attached is my electricity bill.
It's OK to send the order to my address.
Thanks,
and today I sent another message to Gale (I want to save the time and shipping cost):
Hi, Gale,
I replied the other message from you as well with a scan of my electricity bill. I would still prefer to have the order shipped to my friend in China. Please let me know how I could help to make that happen.
However if it absolutely has to be shipped to my address, that's OK, too. I totally understand.
Regards,
Now I'm waiting to see what's going to happen. That was the first time I had to prove my identity to an online vendor. I guess it's a tough world out there now.
[Update 6/14/2008]: All resolved. The package is on the way to China.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Collective Seasons
Finally got the time to sit down and watch the movie recently came out. A typical Collective film, similar actions and cuts, a lot more talks. As a mountain bike video it's still quite entertaining though.
Monday, June 2, 2008
SM100 - Countdown Started
Registration: Shenandoah Mountain 100
Purchase Date: 06/02/08
Category: Early Registration
As I indicated in the last SM100 post, I didn't enter the SS category, . If I really feel like it, I guess I can always bring my singlespeed there and ride. Anyway, about three months to go.
Also confirmed: Chris C., Tim S., Denis C., Andy B..
Purchase Date: 06/02/08
Category: Early Registration
As I indicated in the last SM100 post, I didn't enter the SS category, . If I really feel like it, I guess I can always bring my singlespeed there and ride. Anyway, about three months to go.
Also confirmed: Chris C., Tim S., Denis C., Andy B..
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Memorial Day Weekend
Sunday 5/25/08: I didn't realize what I had signed up for until seeing Denis and Loic in Schaeffer at 8 am. Probably Denis wanted to show Loic all the parks around the area, The three of us went on the MoCo Epic ride. We did a small loop in Schaeffer, then HMC-BH-LB-LM-SG-CL and back to Schaeffer. Stopped only a few times to take pictures or have snacks. 41.5 miles and 5 hours total time. I call the loop MoCo Epic Minor because some trails in various parks were skipped. Photo credit: Denis
Monday 5/26/08: The ride was organized by MORE and led by Chris. A big group, 16 riders, showed up. The raceboys in the front were pulling pretty fast pace. I took the sweeper's roll and tried by best not to drop anyone. Throughout the HMC/BH out and back only one rider dropped to take an easier pace. A few more left in the Schaeffer parking lot. About 10 of us pressed on for a loop in Schaeffer. We finished in about 3.5 hours and covered about 27.5 miles of trails. Photo credit: Aaron
On the way back to Schaeffer, I got a bee in between my left eye and the riding glasses. The bee panicked, and so did I. Here was the sequence of events (as I can recall):
1. My left eye felt something was getting dangerously close and told the eyelids (both) to go into emergency shutdown mode;
2. The eyelid was stun, firing tremendous pain signals to the brain;
3. My brain sent instruction to my hands: "hey, drop everything and take care of this situation";
4. I ejected the riding glasses with both of my hands, probably with a force that could throw a cow over 100 feet. Meanwhile, my legs were pre-occupied and still kept on pedaling;
5. Riding with no hands and no sight on a trail, to me it's a sure recipe for crashing, and it did happen;
6. I got up, pulled myself together, looked around but couldn't find my riding glasses, hopped on bike and left, fearing there was an army of bees ready to launch.
Luckily I wasn't too allergic to bee stings. I was even able to finished the ride in Schaeffer.
Now my left eye is itchy and swollen.
Monday 5/26/08: The ride was organized by MORE and led by Chris. A big group, 16 riders, showed up. The raceboys in the front were pulling pretty fast pace. I took the sweeper's roll and tried by best not to drop anyone. Throughout the HMC/BH out and back only one rider dropped to take an easier pace. A few more left in the Schaeffer parking lot. About 10 of us pressed on for a loop in Schaeffer. We finished in about 3.5 hours and covered about 27.5 miles of trails. Photo credit: Aaron
On the way back to Schaeffer, I got a bee in between my left eye and the riding glasses. The bee panicked, and so did I. Here was the sequence of events (as I can recall):
1. My left eye felt something was getting dangerously close and told the eyelids (both) to go into emergency shutdown mode;
2. The eyelid was stun, firing tremendous pain signals to the brain;
3. My brain sent instruction to my hands: "hey, drop everything and take care of this situation";
4. I ejected the riding glasses with both of my hands, probably with a force that could throw a cow over 100 feet. Meanwhile, my legs were pre-occupied and still kept on pedaling;
5. Riding with no hands and no sight on a trail, to me it's a sure recipe for crashing, and it did happen;
6. I got up, pulled myself together, looked around but couldn't find my riding glasses, hopped on bike and left, fearing there was an army of bees ready to launch.
Luckily I wasn't too allergic to bee stings. I was even able to finished the ride in Schaeffer.
Now my left eye is itchy and swollen.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Project Seven
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Ren Chengyuan (任成远)
Ren finished 18th in the May 3-4 stage in Madrid Spain, still holding 2nd place overall.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Schaeffer Time Trial - White Loop
Monday, May 5, 2008
SM100 - Rigid SS or Geared FS
I have been thinking about doing the SM100 on my full rigid singlespeed, 32x18 or even 32x16. Finishing the race is my only target (well, maybe not too far behind Denis is another). But the Death March and the HAIRY descents would probably destroy me mentally and physically. The sweeping truck might find me laying trailside weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I have a geared and full-suspension bike, but I'd rather not to bring that 30+ lb beast to a long ride. The other two are both full rigid SS. I have a steel hardtail frame on the garage wall that can be build up with gears and a front fork. However it's always fun to eye on a new bike - especially when there is a legitimate excuse :)
So here is a preliminary list of choices - all XC full suspension and should be perfect for the SM100:
Specialized S-Works Epic
Ellsworth Truth
Santa Cruz Blur XC
Titus Racer X
I have a geared and full-suspension bike, but I'd rather not to bring that 30+ lb beast to a long ride. The other two are both full rigid SS. I have a steel hardtail frame on the garage wall that can be build up with gears and a front fork. However it's always fun to eye on a new bike - especially when there is a legitimate excuse :)
So here is a preliminary list of choices - all XC full suspension and should be perfect for the SM100:
Specialized S-Works Epic
Ellsworth Truth
Santa Cruz Blur XC
Titus Racer X
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Schaeffer 5/3/08
Rode Schaeffer by myself today around dinner time. I brought the GPS along but left the recording off so I did't have to pay attention to the speed or distance. I held back a little but kept rolling for about one and half hour without a break. The ride turned out to be quite enjoyable.
*** *** *** ***
Replaced the rear G2 rotor on the Vicious with an old/heavy one came with BB7. That seemed to have alleviated the noise and vibration problem.
*** *** *** ***
Replaced the rear G2 rotor on the Vicious with an old/heavy one came with BB7. That seemed to have alleviated the noise and vibration problem.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Shed and Gambrill 05/01/08
15+ miles, minimum stops.
We started off Hamburg, went south through the rock garden and up Lawn Mower, then hooked up to the Gambrill trails all the way to the tea room. We went back to the parking lot via Lawn Mower, the rock garden, and everything, in a reversed order.
We started off Hamburg, went south through the rock garden and up Lawn Mower, then hooked up to the Gambrill trails all the way to the tea room. We went back to the parking lot via Lawn Mower, the rock garden, and everything, in a reversed order.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Schaeffer 4/30/08
Did a quick ride with Chris and Edward. We swept through Schaeffer pretty much non-stop, except for the once we tried to fix the shifting problem Ed had with his Cannondale.
This was probably the first time I rode 10 miles without drinking even one drop.
This was probably the first time I rode 10 miles without drinking even one drop.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Ren Chengyuan (任成远)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
HMC/Schaeffer 4/26/08
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Shed Ride 4/24/08
Climb up the rutty trail near Crystal pond, turn left, up and down a few trail-side rocks, there is a short but fun new cut loop on the right hand side.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Ren Chengyuan (任成远)
Mountain bike World Cup : China took victory and leader jersey
Date: 21.04.2008
Description:
Putting in a sensational finish, Ren Chengyuan took out her second consecutive win at Houffalize. Even the World Champion, Topeak Ergon rider Erina Kalentieva (2nd) and Marie Helène Prémont (3rd) were powerless in the face of Chengyuan’s fiery finish.
Source: UCI
Date: 21.04.2008
Description:
Putting in a sensational finish, Ren Chengyuan took out her second consecutive win at Houffalize. Even the World Champion, Topeak Ergon rider Erina Kalentieva (2nd) and Marie Helène Prémont (3rd) were powerless in the face of Chengyuan’s fiery finish.
Source: UCI
Monday, April 21, 2008
More From The Race
I worked on the bikes the night before, adjusted brakes, lubed the chains, cleaned the rear hub on the Vicious, and etc. I brought both rigid SS bikes to the race, one geared at 32x16 and one at 32x18. Although I didn't have to change the bike , I did switched the front wheels after the first lap.
*** *** *** ***
8 am Saturday morning, I packed up everything and headed towards the farm. It was a beautiful morning, bright sunshine and cool breeze. Met David, Todd, and Liz on the same ferry boat. Everyone was in high spirit and ready for the race. Liz ended up with impressive 13 laps in 11:17:10 in SS Female category.
*** *** *** ***
The SSOFT, Dave G. and Shannon, Todd and David all set up their tents adjacent to each other. Every time I rode by, I got friendly cheered on.
*** *** *** ***
The boys on Tim's team (THE SCARLET LETTERMEN) were riding flat pedals but still pulled some fast laps. They totaled 18 laps in 3-person male category. Both Denis and Edward produced 12 laps in their solo endeavor.
*** *** *** ***
Single speed rigid is fun, but after long hours riding, I started to wish I had a front fork.
*** *** *** ***
8 am Saturday morning, I packed up everything and headed towards the farm. It was a beautiful morning, bright sunshine and cool breeze. Met David, Todd, and Liz on the same ferry boat. Everyone was in high spirit and ready for the race. Liz ended up with impressive 13 laps in 11:17:10 in SS Female category.
*** *** *** ***
The SSOFT, Dave G. and Shannon, Todd and David all set up their tents adjacent to each other. Every time I rode by, I got friendly cheered on.
*** *** *** ***
The boys on Tim's team (THE SCARLET LETTERMEN) were riding flat pedals but still pulled some fast laps. They totaled 18 laps in 3-person male category. Both Denis and Edward produced 12 laps in their solo endeavor.
*** *** *** ***
Single speed rigid is fun, but after long hours riding, I started to wish I had a front fork.
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