The High Cost of Fine Art

The missing Mis-bits ordeal has finally been put to bed. Peter really did ship out the order in a prompt and timely manner, the problem came at the border. See, Canandia suffers from a lack of art. An eager to move up the ranks oraficial at the border noticed the scrawling on the packaging and determined the box to be "fine art" and a "national treasure", declaring it unable to exit the country.

Immediately, the news crew (I guess there's only one news channel and SCTV available in Candandia) showed up, took some beta (they're too good for vhs) and the box then went on a whirlwind tour of Candadndania's fine art gallery.

Calls, pleas, and heated words were exchanged. Even a botched black hawk mission attempted, but they would not relinquish their "gem". Finally I was able to get a hold of someone who spoke sanity and I was able to convince them that the package was not indeed fine art, but just mere run-of-the-mill stickers and sharpie marker scribbling that any 3 year old or bike messenger could achieve. They saw the light and released the package into my custody on the grounds that I never reveal the details of the box fiasco for fear of further ruining the fine art reputation of Candandania. But, since I'm on this side of the border (and honestly who goes to Cannannadana?) I feel safe divulging the truth to the 4 Americans, 1 Czech, a Spaniard, and a few from Georgia/Alabama area that read this.

I haven't had time to install the bars yet, but I will get to it shortly and snap some compare / contrast photos for people like OldGreg. However, if you've never ordered anything from Misfit Psycles before, do yourself a favor and at least order a bar, t-shirt, or a cod cog. The packaging, both inside the box and out, is worth the wait.

Exhibit A:


Exhibit B:


I didn't snap any detail photos of the Catalog or of the business card, but I must say that they are two of the most avant-creative designed items I've seen in a long time (and I'm a lifelong Sonic Youth fan so that makes me a near expert). Amazing such freshness can come out of such a cliche artist/whore like Peetur.

The detail, the humor, the art work....


The immense focus and attention to detail is purely awe inspiring.

Ahhh....

A Real Hard Case

Several of the Yazoo crew members met up at Monkey Bell Friday for a get together ride Friday after the holiday. Pills and Jut were back in the area and the boro boys even made it into town. The plan was a group ride in the dirt, then work on the biceps by lifting pints at the Tap Room. The "friendly" pace provided a good time, despite me suffering from 3 flats (one was in my spare that's been in my bag for a year). Doh!

Nailed

Or you may have seen it here (damn paparazzi)

The group post ride

Enjoying some Wassail, Hop Project #9, and a Hefe

Ivory, proprietor of Whiskey Racing

Best Wrapped X-mas gift Award goes to my EMIL (Evil Mother-In-Law)

Sneaky, hidden behind her wreath the whole time

Installed (faster than a Misbit delivery)

Gifts from Slumlord Joe:
New Brewmaster's Special from Yazoo and a Seasonal from Boulevard Brewing

Oh, I got a Spot from H. and her parents. No not a Spot, a Spot. Soon you'll be able to track my every move via Google Maps and Google Earth (opening a whole new level of internet stalking, eh Caitlin?). I've had one ride with it so far, I'll post a "how it's working for me" post after I play with it a bit more. So far it's fun, easy to setup and use, and the 911 feature is reassuring, especially when I rarely ever have cell service.

Who put the Lemming in my Tea?

What is it about the Holidays that make people do such irrationally idiotic things? Hennessey's blug has a link to some psycho with a chambered bullet in his 9 (with wife and child in his mini-van) aimed at a mother who was exiting her car in the parking lot. A parking spot is worth killing over? Really?

While enjoying a beer and bar-bq burger after a long ride with 8Ball we heard about 2 dads who shot each other at a Toys-R-Us over an argument their wives had about some toy. Seriously?

Well, the Holidays got to me too. Like John from Gainesville, I too am ashamed to admit that have a weak spot for the tiny miniman and his big ears. I officially became follower #3 of teamdicky.com today. It's a sad, sad, shameful day. Kids learn from my mistake. Be strong.

Even the blog is telling me to stop following.

Yesterday a friend pulled me out on a dirt ride. Actually he'd inquired about a ride on Monday but I was busy being stuck in the 'boro dealing with car issues. So we met up for a ride at Monkey Bell yesterday morning. Some others were supposed to be there, but again they were foiled by dry clean only skirts. So while they (as in them) sat and chatted on the phone like teenage girls discussing hair spray, moisturizing techniques, and the latest Brad Pitt rumors, JLNR and I got to enjoy the perfectly dry 23 miles of trail available at the Bell.

JLNR showed up sans Superfly with a Trek 69'er ss in tow. Sweet ride and very aesthetically pleasing against the brown leaf and pine needle covered backdrop of the Bell. I know certain folks think the 29" front wheel combined with a 26" rear wheel bike is retarded. For our local trails I personally think it's the best bike going. The 29'er front allows the typical local racer to just put the head down and hammer as big wheel plows over everything in it's path and offers massive traction in the hairpins, while the 26" rear allows for flickable maneuvers in the tight corners and lofting the front wheel is effortless. I don't recommend you ride that way else JLNR will inundate your ride with "not smooth" comments.

But I don't think a 69'er shines as much on other trails I've ridden (particularly the midwest) and I wouldn't use one on a gravel grinder or in a cross race like I do my 26'er. For me it would be a multi-lap USAC race bike only. Which seems to be precisely what Travis Brown and Trek designed it for, not as the 29'er replacement/challenger so many paranoids think it is. It also suffers from the same ailment most 29'ers have, too high of a front end. But, it does rip in the rocky, twisty, tight, steep singletrack we have in middle TN. It's also the sh*t on the pumptrack and in Pisgah. So, the moral of the story is: Don't be afraid to experiment based on what people (including me) say. Bikes are like vegetables, you never know what you'll like unless you try them all.

Happy Holidays everyone.


P.S. Have a Happy Boxing Day lil' P.

Hey Eli...

... I think The mothership has some competition. Race ya for pinks.

rollin' the loaner

Heading back from the EMIL (Evil Mother-In-Law)'s house last night, I noticed the temperature gauge was reading higher than what should be normal for a cold engine and 11 degrees F outside. Two miles later it's pointing up at H (the temp gauge H not H H.), it would then fall to halfway then go back up. Called Dad hoping he was working which he was, sweet, let me talk to Dave the wonder mechanic. Hmmm, stop driving? Not good? Will do more damage? Damn.

Back to the EMIL's then to the auto fixit place. If I show back up tomorrow afternoon and give them $800 bucks, my car should be fixed. I guess the car was feeling left out and wanted in on the X-mas action. I was really hoping they'd open the hood and find my missing Mis-bits (or at least a customs agent or mountie), thereby resolving both issues without a lot of expense or hassle, but unfortunately that only happens in the movies. I'm just not that lucky.

This whole car repair business sure was a little easier to bare when I had a paycheck. I can't complain though (well I can, but...) as there are a lot of others out there who have it much, much worse than I do. Take, for instance, this Eagles fan:


Apparently, this guy Andy was just out minding his own business talking to bluebirds and such, when a crazed black, ankle biting, yappy dog cornered him in the field. Her evil attic dwelling master then tied the poor guy to a 4x4 post inside of a fire pit ring and while holding a magnifying glass towards the low hanging winter Sun focused a beam upon him until he burst forth into flames.

photo unscrupulously lifted from Joe Maloney's FaceBook

Ya'd think the guy was Canadian or something. Rest in Ashes Mr Eagles guy.

Yeah, I don't have it so bad.

Headlight Go

About the only thing I got accomplished today was buying and replacing a blown headlight in the truck and downing a few fat tires surrounded by tires while hanging with Bryan, Sharpie, Hennessey, and the EastSide crew spreading holiday cheer. Then watching some Weird Science ("Who is this Gary character?") and some Yo Gabba Gabba (Check it out, they even have a Yo Blogga Blogga) back at Sharp's crib. Viv, being a toddler, is hip to the cool kids shows. None of that dull Dora for her. She's down with Yo Gabba Gabba for their old school video game segues and rockin' bands (Japanese punk bands, The Shins, Beat of the day with Biz Markie) and DJ Lance, who looks like he fell out of a Dee Lite video.

I leave you with images of pure joy: Running to Daddy after a bath and sharing a biscuit with Biscuit.


Late addition: At least one Hoffman got something worthwhile accomplished. Bat Chief Hoffman and the boys in action.

Flat-tastic!

KRS1 and Mean "Hans Rey of the Spin Bike" Fixie Joe picked me up at 10:30ish today to head to the tap room to meet OldGreg. Since the beer didn't start flowing until 4pm, we had some time to kill and decided to get a little soggy bottom boys ride in the cold drizzly wet weather. We met up with Airsaggo Cooper and Eastbound Jeff (the squish stayed in as his skirt apparently is dry clean only) at the entrance to Percy for a few laps.

Up the first climb we hear some sort of holler, more like a yelp, from behind and kind of slow (except for big ring cooper), but then we see one of the others coming and shrug it off to Canadians in the woods and motor on. At the top of 3 mile hill (3 miles later) we stop and wait on the others. Several minutes roll by and no sign. I call but get no answers. Hmmm... we roll backwards on the one way road searching for our friends fearing them dead or victims of wild Canadians. We were reminiscing on a near wreck that almost happened on the way over and the others were discussing how cool it was that you didn't have to worry about oncoming traffic. Just as we near the crest of a hill the 3 amigos come blazing downhill towards us. A-holes pucker, shrieks shracked, crisis averted (barely). Chuckling, we all continue on our roll. OldGreg had suffered a flat before the first climb from Meanjoe having touched the bike (it's a Meanjoe thang).

About 2 miles later, OldGreg being cheeky, cuts through a patch of grass and gets ahead of us on one of the turns, only to suffer another flat. Him out of tubes, me without a patch kit, Jeff offers up his only spare tube. An inordinate amount of time later, we're back on the bikes and trying to warm back up.


About 1.2 miles later, Meanjoe and I are cooking up a sweeping switchback turn and about to head down the other side when 'KA-BOOOM!!!' We both instinctively duck, it's not the first time I've been shot at, but wait, we're in Percy Warner Park, there's no hunting here. Damn, OldGreg's tube must have blown out. We turn around discussing what to do about the tube but then quickly realize it was way too loud to be a tube. The only time I've heard that loud of a boom is from a tubeless blowing off a rim and we're on the road...


KRS1 and his 50psi. (Let that be a lesson to you kids) We're now looking at about 1.5 hours to complete an 11 mile loop. Good thing we have some time to kill.

Patched up and rolling again, we finish the lap and the 6 mile second lap (Airsaggo had to be on his way back for work by 3) without incident. OldGreg even found his sunglasses that were accidentally left at the scene of the very first flat. Back through town via school and pre-rush hour traffic to the tap room (after a quick stop at 5 guys burgers) to enjoy their new Wassail and Hop Project #9 with friends (and frame-ous ones too).

Spruce Top

Thanks to OldGreg for the heads up, here's a little x-mas hint for those of you wondering what to get me for x-mas. One of the coolest t's ever, even cooler than Canandianian Toof-less Skullz.

I got an early birthday present today. H. bought me a new Nikon s210!!! Lanyard already installed. They have a newer betterer versioner out, but the form factor is biggerer and fatterer. Besides, the battery is fatterer too. This way I have an extra charger, battery, and memory card. I also have drop tested the crap out of the s210 and let me tell you, it's one tough camera.

Finished the gift shopping today too, but came away with one question: Where are all the Canadian products coming from? Canada?

Bilt makes water bottles, Misfit Psycles makes mis-bits and bikes, my JensonUSA order originated in Canada (shouldn't it be JensonCA? Edit: You mean Ontario, CA isn't Ontario, CA??? ). Though Jenson probably gets to keep the USA in the title because I actually got my package AND contact from them letting me know it's status as it traversed North America. Three days. Not too shabby for North of the border (or from California, meh.).

Bilt, however, hasn't even responded to my customer needs. They have my email and my phone number. Must be out skiing or something. Fred (from Oshawa) probably pawned my mis-bits off for Pomeranian mukluks.

All this trouble with Canandianins probably stems from my childhood. My family used to vacation North of Bemidji, MN (don'tch know) at a little lake cabin on one of the 10,000 lakes. One day we loaded up in the family truckster and headed into Canada via International Falls into Fort Frances, which really isn't Canada, it's more Disney Canada. Anyway, hundreds of doe eyed 'Merican tourists walked the streets, ignoring crosswalks and traffic. Hundreds doing this but who gets stopped? Me. Luckily the Gendarme let me off with a stern look and finger wagging.

As we headed back to the promised land, we got stopped by border agents and our van searched. My brother had gotten a Canadian quarter back as change (back when it was worth less than a quarter). He hid it in the ashtray in the back, fearing he would be in trouble for sneaking it back into the US (he was old enough to understand we were being searched, but young enough not to understand it was ok to have the quarter). As the guard searched our area of the van I said "Psst... the kids hiding a quarter." The agent immediately got the humor of the situation and played along. It was pretty funny. What wasn't funny was that we almost had to leave the 2 younger kids in Canada because we didn't have any ID for them, just family photos and those can be faked. Ah, Canada.

So, Canada, listen up. I'm sorry for walking of jay in your fine city of Fort Frances. Really. I'll not venture out across a street outside the safety of the white painted lines ever again. Bygones? Please may I have my packages now?

It's Beginning To Smell A Lot Like Cedar

Not freezing rain, cold wind, nor falling temps could keep me (bundled up in TSC bibs) and my faithful Catahoula Leopard Cur Dog (Dish) from heading out into the woods and hunting us a proper Christmas Tree tonight.

Darkness was crawling across the land as Dish and I braved the gale force winds and trekked across the massive hills of the back 40, trudging through the frozen leaves and ankle deep mud. Armed with only a hatchet and a Princeton Tec Fuel (but nary a cell phone or manner to call civilization for aid if things were to go badly) we set off due South towards the cedars. Dish, being an excellent tracker, served as my guide allowing me to conserve precious battery power for emergency use only. The collapsing of the U.S. economy and the sky rocketing prices of commercial Christmas trees forced Dish and I to do what our fathers have taught us from their fathers: Go cheap or go home. Er... I mean, how to fend for ourselves.

At first the cedars proved tricky and allusive staying safely hidden amongst the hardwoods and the moonless sky, but we persevered with moxie and dogged determination. With Dish's keen sense of smell and sight we soon found ourselves on the trail of a wily young cedar buck. Luckily all the Kriegsspiel training Dish and I have been doing lately stacked the cards in our favor, the poor wily cedar hadn't a chance. Time was quickly ticking away for Mr. Cedar Tree.

Our game cornered with no escape, I swung my hatchet like Maxwell and his silver hammer, (Bang Bang) down upon his trunk. The colossal tree teetered for a moment, taking the last gasps of breath before crashing down into the frozen tundra with an Earth-shaking, yet solemn, thud. Trophy in hand, Dish and I hauled the massive brute back across the harsh wilderness and over the oppressive mud laden, frozen leaf covered hills. Mission accomplished.

H. unwrapping the x-mas ornaments so we could decorate the tree.
My Evil Mother-In-Law (EMIL), in her deep sardonic way, was so excited to get us decorations she wrapped them.

The tree in all it's glory.
Pooh stocking replacing the Swiftwicks cuz my feet got cold (not to be confused with coaled, which is what's in the Pooh stocking). And beside, no Canadian skulls = boring.

Just Say No To Klink!

Got out for a ride on dirt today with OldGreg (and his Spruce new Custom Titanium Quiring 29'er) and KRS1. Big thanks out to Bob "Kindacreeky" Sladen for offering up his shoes and pedals so KRS1 could continue his ride with us. Apparently, Meanjoe makes his dough shilling faulty pedals to "friends". (He has potential for a salesman, eh Peter?)

When I ordered my 35 tooth chainring, I went browsing for stems and found an $89 FSA stem on sale for $35, so I ordered one up to replace the glass and sandstone Thomson. The 35x19 gearing combined with the 10mm shorter stem really livened up my ride. I think most of it comes from the rear wheel change, the new gearing fits with my old chain length, but the hub is tucked neatly in the front of the horizontal track ends shortening the wheelbase. I loved it, whether it's the 10mm stem change, the golden gearing (radar love), or the simple fact that the stem wasn't creaking, cracking, and klinking the whole ride.

Bah-bye sandstone face plate:


Bah-bye glass stem clamp:



Hello Canada Klink?!



Note to my buddy who always ends up riding wolley instead of yellow:
Go into the trail head and turn left onto red at the brown sign. You should notice yellow diamonds with black arrows and "race loop" written/scrawled on them. Follow those diamonds (they are about eye level on the trees) and you will be get to ride the whoops the proper direction.

Now with Regular Irregularity

(like miniman has a clue about regularity)

Since O'Cananada Fred (from Oshawa) still hasn't crossed the Mason-Dixon line, I've decided to ride in lieu of PEW. Three rides in 3 days is a pretty good start (just for you Hodge). 3 Weeks until the pain that is Snake, it'll be interesting to see if I'll be able to turn it around in time for January 3rd.

I've gotten the new chain and ring on and just need the trails to dry out (or at least stay frozen) so I can test the water, so to speak.


I've recently received some information from several meetings involving meeting planning meetings (and a few phone call planning meeting meetings) which has helped ease some of what's been distracting me lately. Time to digest and ruminate.

New mantra: Must stay focused and not get sidetracked by Chip-N-Dicky's shenanigans.

Swiftwicks were hung by the chimney with care (aka Scotch Tape)

The Swiftwicks were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Misfits gear soon would get here.
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
I think tomorrow, I might actually leave the house.

The Merino 12's home for the holidays

Secreting Weapons

(old school cam back in action, though it's 15 minutes of battery life is weaksause)

Mr FedEx Santa brought me some JensonUSA goodies today. Mr USPS Santa brought me my Swiftwick goodies a few days ago (a little something for dicky). Still awaiting Fred (from Oshawa) to pay me a visit with my Mis-bits. Not that it's taking abnormally long, mind you, I'm just impatient and slightly bored.

Initially, I had a plan. That plan has now pretty much been scrapped due to the lack of effort put forth into said plan. However, that didn't stop me from acting on the implementation part of the plan, only just the actual "put effort into training" part has suffered.

I'll be starting my fourth year racing a singlespeed mountain bike, which came about because I was tired of constantly replacing all these delicate expensive parts that usually let me down and ruined my ride. Less parts = less points of failure. Less parts also simplifies and expediates maintenance. I get a full year out of a single chain ring and chain. My stainless steel cogs have been going strong for 3 years and easily have another year or two left. It's $12-24 for a chain and $25-40 for a chainring and I'm good for 12 months. Tires and race entry/travel being my biggest expenses since moving to a rigid singlespeed bike.

Since my first foray into the world of singlespeededness, I've always preferred the way 34x18 gearing felt on most trails around the area; That being Pisgah (ORAMM/SWANK), Pinohoti 1,2,3/Bear Creek, the local mid TN trails (Hamilton Creek, Chickasaw, Montgomery Bell, Sewanee, Fall Creek Falls, etc...), Arkansas trails like Syllamo, Ouchita, and Womble, Moab Utah, and Colorado Front Range trails. It just feels perfect for most conditions for me. But Snake, Snake on the other hand, is a bit of a bear on 34x18 gearing. It's doable, I've done it, but it's difficult to run on that trail with all the granny spinning geary traffic that bottlenecks the first singletrack section and to keep speed in the technical rockiness of the final 8 mile stretch.

34x18 causes you to work too hard for the first 17 miles and then to work even harder just to turn the pedals the second 17 miles. Add a single tooth to the rear cog and 34x19 is much better throughout the entirety of the 34 miles. It allows you to sit behind the spinners until a spot opens up to pass without wasting too much energy and it is easy enough to keep turning it for the necessary momentum to get through the rocks.

But even 34x19 isn't ideal. The long climbs of the first 17 miles are in that in between gear effort: the gearing is too hard to sit yet not hard enough to warrant standing. Purgatory for singlespeeders, or at least this singlespeeder.


So I devised a plan. Since December is when I perform the annual chainring and chain replacement, I found a 35 tooth front ring. This will allow me to essentially run a "half tooth" taller gearing and split the difference between the favorite gearing and the one that allowed me my fastest Snake finish time to date. Question now becomes whether or not my sorry ass can even turn the cranks come January (the part of the plan I've not kept up with).

"Now wait, didn't you just say you had a good 2.5 hour ride just the other day? How can you sit here and type to us that you won't be able to turn the cranks?"

Well, yes, it's true I enjoyed a nice ride Saturday, but it wasn't a work out. It wasn't an at effort pace. It was a just a good ride. Good for my soul. Good for my mind. Good for my heart. Far from an effort to get back in the game.

Every time I log out of my mindspring email account or sometimes in the web clip bar of gmail, I see these stories about "10 best" this or "10 worst" that. Sometimes I click them, sometimes I shake my head in disgust and close down the browser. Today was one entitled "5 Life-Changing Mistakes". That intrigued me, seeing as I frequently make mistakes, I was interested in seeing how many of the 5 I've actually done. The article turned out to be a different focus than the title initially led on. I almost stopped reading it, but the more I kept reading the more I nodded my head in agreement. I have done those and I'm going through them now!!!

(Short version of the link for those with short attention spans):

• Mistake 1: I allowed others to define me.
• Mistake 2: I built my image of myself on two main supporting pillars. When those collapsed, I did too.
• Mistake 3: I stopped believing in myself. (This one by far has been the hardest for me to overcome, and coincidentally it's #3)
• Mistake 4: I stopped taking care of myself.
• Mistake 5: Allowing my head to rule my heart.

"OK, that's great Mr. Sappy, but what the hell does this have to do with not being able to turn the cranks?"

Well, the challenge is never getting out and riding nor learning from mistakes. No, the challenge is always the getting back to the level that you once were. To return to that peak and then push past it. To believe. Saturday's ride was just the early steps of testing the waters. We'll see if I'm able to turn the cranks when the time comes.

Another lonely day at the mail box

With no Mis-bits arriving from Canada Claus yesterday, I had some time to kill. When it's 31 degrees, cloudy, and windy finding the motivation to leave the comfort of the couch just to ride circles is tough. Luckily I had errands to run and no money for diesel.

It was one of those great days to ride disguised as a stay inside one. I truly love riding in cold gray weather, throw in some drizzle and it would have been ideal. JohnnyPod was thumpin' (did I mention he came back?), blue sky would peak through the clouds just enough to tease you with some added warmth, and a mix of urban, back country, and never before seen roads kept me out on the bike for 3 fun filled hours.

I explored the closest "big city" to me, Springfield, TN population a staggering 15,916. For the relatively small size of the city, there is an extreme amount of traffic on the 2 highway town. A quick memorization of Google Maps and I was off to complete my list of errands and explore the city. I found some cool roads, learned a lot about the history of the town (wool mills anyone?), tried to rescue some kittens hiding out inside a bush outside the post office, found an amazing hidden gem that I never imagined would exist in this sleepy little town, and still haven't found a place to get a coffee.

There is a building, and old service station from days gone buy, in the Y of Main Street that I would love to buy and fix up. It'd be a great place to sell DoubleShot coffee along side a used bike sales / repair shop. Maybe I could rent the place and work freelance gigs out of it while operating a small town TN version of the Bike Kitchen. Work with Parks and Rec to start a local bike scene, like cyclocross in the park, or downtown fat tire crits for kids and adults alike. The economy is in the pisser. Even HCA is cutting 109 IT jobs. Costs are escalating, homes are being lost, with the holidays coming how soon until reports (or fear inducing reports) from the media about rise in crime? Getting the kids outside playing, competing, having fun, all for low costs but high gains (fitness, fun, friendship) might be a way to add a silver lining to this gloom cloud called the present.

It's a rural town, so dreaming of making it a Copenhagen or Portand is rather silly, but giving the kids an avenue into a fun sport (cycling) in a town ideally suited for the activity may not be such a crazy dream. The parks are already connected by a gorgeous greenway. Plenty of open grass for a cyclocross setup. Downtown is smack dab inbetween parks and not far from the greenway. All the pieces are there, they just need creative uses for these underused gems to be illustrated.

Why cyclocross? Well because it doesn't require a lot of space, trails don't need to be built for it, roads don't need to be closed, and grass is fun to ride on. BMX, 12", 16", 20" kids bikes, road bikes, cruisers, mountain bikes, walmart bikes, all kinds can be used to participate. It's available year round and its small footprint allows for a spectator friendly event, so family members can cheer and jeer for participants from the comfort of a bench or folding chair. Even a weekly grass crit series could be fun.

That's my stimulus package idea. Stimulate the town to get outside, have fun, enjoy what they have instead of mourning over what they don't or worrying about what they won't.

He said "Aboot"

Ten and a half minutes you'll never get back with the man behind the island of Misfit toys.



Still waiting on my Mis-bits to be delivered by Canadian Mountie.

Die, Die, Die my Darling

Stem-demic

In an effort to avoid mechanical issues during events I spent money and effort on, I try to get all my bike issues and flats out of the way during the off months. So far I've had a front flat for each of my 3 road bike rides since Klicksta came and rode with me. My last one being on the Percy ride where gRant put a new meaning to the term "patron" in regards to cycling. Remember gRant, as you get faster that kid will just get heavier.

Then on our Monkey Grinder, my 1x1 was making noise after noise. Normally, out of the group, my bikes are the quietest. I have no tolerance for odd noises. Odd noises mean lost efficiency and potential failures, and I don't need the extra worry. Even Eastbound Jeff's stupidly overbearingly loud Hope hub couldn't mask the noises emanating from my bike.

Leaning towards my stem as the reason my bars pop and click. I think I need to rid myself of the Thomson stems. The X4's are worthless in my book. Too many cracks and failures to be reliable. A stem shouldn't crack with hand tight torque or when knocked off a 12" high tool box. I always thought Thomson's were the set it and forget it stems, but lately they have been requiring way too much delicate handling for me to trust them to securely hold my bars to my bike.

Next up, I have weirdness with my front BB7. Ever since returning from SSWC I've had issues with the front brake rubbing when leaning the bike and with how the bike tracks when riding no handed. Did my fork get tweaked with Continental's wonderful baggage handling? (charged me $100 each way for the privilege of trashing the bike box and the contents within, thanks Continental!) I'm afraid to pull the fork off at the moment to investigate, fear that the stupid Thomson stem will crack when loosening the bolts just like the last 2 X4's. And before the over torquing crowd jumps in, I have never cracked a Ritchey, Specialized, or Bontrager stem no matter how much torque I've applied. Bolts yes, stem face plates or steerer tube clamps, never. I use a black triangle shaped Park allen tool to install my stems, evenly turning the bolts and trying to make the gaps the same. Great care is taken with my Thomsons, yet they keep failing me.

A new noise that presented itself during our ride Saturday was coming from the drive train. Perhaps my King hub is in need of it's 3rd rebuild? Though it could be flex from the frame, 3 years and many many miles on the Surly, could it be the steel fatiguing and becoming flexier? Is it all in my head and it was really gRant's rattling bike throwing it's noises at mine, giving the illusion my bike was making strange noises?

Who knows, but the handlebar/stem issue is where I'm most concerned (I like my teeth in their current location) and I'm at a loss for which stem to try next. Race Face? Their bar is what I'm running now (Misfit Psycles NUBar on the way), despite seizing up 3 of their bottom brackets in under 50 miles and swearing I'd never buy Race Face stuff again. Stick to the trusty Bontrager? Though I don't see any 0 degree rise in 25.4 or 31.8. Never tried Easton, at least stems branded as Easton. Ritchey? Stupid Thomson. Why'd they have to go and shatter my trust in them?

Monkey Grinding

Enjoyed a nice 2 hour road ride dodging Black Friday traffic (sorry about that wrong turn Mike) and walkers with Mike, gRant, Jen, and Little Westy G. gRant had him bundled up and vacuum sealed in his chariot behind the rattle can. Westin handled all the Crackberry business calls and shouted "venga venga venga" up the climbs.

Getting gear together for tomorrow's slog to Monkey Bell. Three other idiot -er... hardcore riders- are going along to keep me company. Geared up the faithful Black Death to 34x17. With the 2.35 knobby tires that gearing ought to make the back country road stretches a bit more bearable, but it'll hurt a little in the leaf strewn hills and hollers of Monkey Bell. I'll just count it as low RPM training like some of the other enduronuts out there are currently doing in their training.

Structured training. I wish I could, usually for me it ends up sucking all the fun out of riding my bike. I prefer the more off the cuff approach like thinking up some location that I enjoy and riding my bike there. That's my sweet spot training, my Long Slow Distance training. For speed/interval training I just go out on a ride with Mike, oldGreg, gRant or Jeffy and we sprint each other at random times just to try to hurt the other guy. No structure, no real rules, usually not even playing fair. It usually kicks my tail pretty good. And then for the tempo training, that's pretty much every ride I do when I have no one else to ride along with me and I start feeling slow and out of shape.

Around Weds or Thursday I'll start dreaming up a ride based on who has a free day or two over the weekend. Sometimes I'll gain inspiration from Mike, such as our Dale Hollow trek or even tomorrow's MB haul. Emails will swirl and flood inboxes around the city, one or two of those lucky few will respond and the wheels get set in motion. I still have a few slots open if you dream of being consistently solid with overwhelmingly sub par results all season long too. Order now!

GobbleGobbleGobble

Fear not, no Swanson's Hungryman dinners were harmed for today's dinner. Are all of you bored of your family time already? Tired of watching the Titan's stick it to the Lions? Trytophan coma kicking in and you're here for stimulating stories to keep you awake until after the dessert tray comes out? Sad that Dicky is riding 50 miles then calling the Pie on the cell phone and begging for a ride and hasn't updated his blog?

H. worked last night, slept all day today, then headed off for work tonight (schedule to repeat tomorrow and Saturday) so while I thank you all for the e-vites to hang out with you and your weird relatives, I wanted to be around for the 2 hours H. had between sleep and work and cooked us up a little meal to celebrate the Holiday. Lemon pepper and ginger teriyaki seared Salmon, brown rice, and cracked peppercorn squash, onions, and red peppers round out the meal followed by a couple slices of pumpkin pie.

To continue the traditions of the American public, I decided to get a head start on that whole Black Friday freak scene. Luckily I didn't have to leave the house, just logged in and did a lil' shopping over at the Swiftwick store. I got my order confirmation from Swiftwick International, LLC and am now anxiously awaiting my order of 12's, compression and merino.

Being a trauma nurse, H. is on her feet a lot during her 12 hour shifts. She normally wears one of her 3 pair of 12's. She has 2 of the original wools and one pair of the second gen ole's. She didn't have a pair to wear last night so she wore some of her DirtSweatandGears Swiftwicks. While they are comfy, she noticed a ridge in her shin when taking her boots off from cleaning barn stalls this morning after her shift at work. Her legs had swollen from being on her feet all night, they were also a bit sore. She said she'll not work without the compression socks again. Being a sucker, er... nice guy, I ordered her up a few more pair. I'm not just your average turkey, I took advantage of the short checkout lines and got me a few pair too. Just in time for winter.

Who says little men catchin' big air can't also rock the tall socks?
photo of Chris "Airsaggo" Cooper by Cornfed via Chris Cooper's camera

Gorgeous day out today, I hope some of you were able to get out for a spin on the bikes. I snuck out for a little spin on the road bike today. Plenty of rollers, some hills, and a little recon of some potential secret squirrel action.

Tomorrow another quick and painful road ride with 8Ball and gRant (if we can rouse him out of his house and off the Crackberry long enough) in the morning. Saturday grand plans to ride from 8's house out to MB, ride MB, then ride home. MTB SS gearing and knobbies + hilly unfamiliar redneck laden country roads + mid 30 degree temps with 30% chance of showers = guaranteed good time.

Late Addition: Ordered my Mis-bits. It's worth purchasing something just for the pleasure of reading the text of each step. Gotta love the honesty provided:

Oh and a serious thank you for shopping with us. Rest assured, you supported the right people, every dime of this money will be used on our personal bling-speeds or beer, mostly beer.

Misfittin' in

Since Saturday I've had 11 inquiries about a little bike-co.-that-could called Misfit Psycles. I am considering ordering up a bike just to tote around so when people ask me I can send them out on a ride. All you Vassago kids here in Nashie would probably wish you'd asked about them sooner. I read an mtbr thread that implied the Misfit DiSSent is the most 26 feelin' 29'er out there. Sounds like a bike for me eh? Well except for the 29" wheels. But I digress. I almost pulled the trigger but I'm not sure if I have to buy Chinese Democracy before I order or if I have to send in 5 UPC symbols along with 3 easy payments of $99.99.

I have no affiliations (aside from an occasional online jab or two) nor collect loonies for pimpin' Misfit gear. Despite wishing I could hate him, I have been ultra impressed with the mind behind the curtain, though I won't say that out loud for fear of ruining his image faster than boy porn pictures on the internet. I plan on ordering up a few bars to try out. I think the NUbar might be perfect for me to correct the shoulder blade winging I have going on. H.'s titec h-bar will probably get replaced by a FU2bar, as the h-bar is useless with gears and levers (non-integrated). Reedly, Cooper, and you bmx/dirt jumpers should check out their new Nummers frame. I might order one just to have a 26" wheeled Misfit (You know I don't buy into the emperor's new clothes, plus it's steel baby). Anyway, help keep Canada's doors open, buy Misfit.

In other news, I've rediscovered my love of programming. I've been working with technologies I haven't been able to work with since '03. I got moved from what I loved and into debugging and on-site client support as the product went from new coding to maintenance mode till '06 where I ended up in a tight fitting Actionscript box with little variety. I don't think I was put there, I think I just ended up walking into it and not realizing it probably didn't have to be that way. Lately I've gotten back into database design, back-end server object programming, client side AJAX, and some graphical design. Being ADD and slightly hyperactive, it keeps me entertained and I remember why I used to love this so much. I was as addicted to programming and creating new things as many are hooked on video games. I rarely was without a computer. I had gotten to where I tried to avoid the computer. Then I allowed some words to affect me more than they should have. The confidence is slowly coming back. The addiction to finding a better way has returned strong as ever, as has the curiosity for finding out "what else?". It's nice to actually smile while on the computer again.

Oh, I found out my beloved dead camera is $90 cheaper than it was when I got it, which means I might be able to get a replacement soon. I miss my photos. I really miss the 2 years of lost photos, but I tell myself it's just like a fire. I got out for a mountain bike ride today with some friends. It felt like spring outside, sun was warm, the air dry. Perfect day to ride. I'm planning on getting a good ride in tomorrow. H. has to work tonight and tomorrow so it'll be just me, but I have to repair the roof before I can go play. If I go. I find it hard to get out to just ride. When I commuted I had to ride and had destinations. Now it just feels aimless, but I'd better suck it up if I plan on riding Snake. Meh...

Looking forward to the Swanson's Hungryman dinner tomorrow.

Chess Pie Sinker

Up early and out to the barn to turn out the horses and clean the stalls. H. was on her way home from a night of work with Jeanie and Mike not too far behind her. Destination LBL today and I was stoked. I've been looking forward to it all week and yesterday's cold, leafy ride just had me even more excited. North/South trail for the boys while the gals drove up to the North Welcome Center for some Canal Loop action. The Canal Loop is like a mini-Tsali. Super fun and twisty roller coaster action.

The North/South trail is one of my favorite local-ish trails. 34 miles, point-to-point with ripping flowy fun the entire time. Yeah a few tough loose rocky climbs but well worth it for the payoff. It was super leafy which kinda sucks, but then at the same time makes it a lot more fun. You never know if that pile of leaves hides a rock, a root, a drop, or is just a pile of leaves. The deep leafy goodness allows you to overcook and drift turns too. Muchos funnos.

Dinner served up from Patti's 1880's Settlement, which was my first en devour there as I'm usually a Miss Scarlett's kinda guy. The food was great, wait was kinda long due to a party of 26 ahead of us, and the lights and knick knack shops were frightening. Took me back to childhood shopping trips. Oh, 17 deserts, mile high pies (like Neimbergs), and scrumptios Chess Pie Sinker: Chess Pie with coffee ice cream drizzled in caramel. Yeah our 3 hour and 16 minute ride time with just water and a powerbar smoothie barely kept an even calorie in/out count for the day, but damn it was worth it.

Big Tools

What better way to spend a 13 degree morning than standing out in the cold with old and new friends alike (old really refers to friends whom I've known a while, not just Big Poppy)? SORBA posted a workday at a trail that I've never really ridden a lot but have been frequenting more since the move to North Nashville. I had Dickman (not to be confused with mandick or dickyman) in my head "if you ride on trails, work on trails".


We opened up a sweet new re-route that BC's David Hardin had flagged to bypass a badly rutted and water collecting area just after the moguls. Some hard workers showed up today and we made quick work of it. I was mainly there for satirical wit and commentary, but found it too much fun diggin' in the dirt to not chip in with some labor. We opened a good bit of trail which included a fair amount of benching. After a late lunch break at Chilli's, OldGreg and I went back for a spin. Despite being freshly cut and raked (not even tamped), the new section rode really well. It has nice flow to it and adds a little spice to the West side.

Thanks to Big Poppy for the photos.

it ain't me...

i ain't no fortunate one*

If ever I am told I can only step foot into a single bar for the rest of time, that bar will probably be Roberts**. I miss the Radio, but it's sad departure only makes this hypothetical decision easier.

No matter what your mood or current situation, you can't help but have a good time at Roberts. Throw a leg over a stool at the bar, order a PBR tallboy (or Shiner, Fat Tire, Yazoo Dos or Pale), a cheeseburger with sweet potato fries, and kick up yer' cycling cleats to some Don Kelley Band. Catch one of Johnny Cash's own touring band members slapping bass up front and a new 23 year old wonderkind guitarist. Magic.

I'm slowly getting over my sinus infection. I've enjoyed only a single ride outside in the past week. Luckily it was 43 degrees, windy, wet pavement, and spitting rain. I've just not felt like riding for a few weeks now. It took one sentence from someone close to slap me out of my stupor and it woke me up. I don't know about you, but it feels so good feeling good again.

The first thing I remember knowing,
Was a lonesome whistle blowing,
And a young un's dream of growing up to ride;

* court ordered obligatory link to Misfit Psycles Corp's best damn bike I've never thrown a leg over.
** their fried mushrooms are best when ordered from the balcony.

A Fiend in need, is no friend indeed

The first time I met Peter, it was after I won my 12th consecutive Winter WOW Enduro and back before his weird obsession with boy porn. This was back before it was the big time cool event it is now. Back then Peter put the event on by himself. He raced, he promoted, and he podium girled. Please don't let this happen. The corporation coffers are running thin. Please buy some of his crap and help prevent his Miss Phit Homely Podium Girl routine from seeing light of day ever again. Maybe too, if we all buy a Nubar or two, he can afford some quality boy porn instead of cheap internet imitation knock-offs.

Remember, all prices Canadian so feel free to send Monopoly money and wooden nickels, he'll never know the difference.

RIP JohnnyPod

I lost another dear friend today. JohnnyPod has decided he's had enough of me and my bad luck ways and has set off into the wild world on his own. Vaya con Dios, my friend.

Tomorrow is Thursday, probably high time I venture out of the house again. Today was a chilly, drizzly day full of bright orange and red. I'm loving this lingering fall, it's been too long since we've had a good fall season. I really wanted to head out for a ride, but with the loss of JohnnyPod I felt all alone and lost the motivation. Motivation has been at an all time low, but oldGreg needs some help moving heavy stuff so I'm going to crawl out of the cave for a while. Full moon tomorrow night too, if anyone wants to get out in the city for a spin.

Speaking of lingering. I've been catching some flak for the lack of wedding photos posted. Well, first of all, I haven't paid for the photos yet, only a down payment. Times are tough ya know. We also haven't selected all the prints yet. Schedules are busy, yo. But to appease those that need appeasin', here are a few shots from my trusty, but now non-functional camera. I know Mike took the first one, I took the second one, but I'm not certain if Joe or gRant took the last one. I took the liberty to doctor it up to my liking: drab and a little out of focus.

Me and my Best Man. Here I'm trying to get him to apparate me the hell out of there.

Here is Mike stealing a kiss from his Jeanie.

A tender moment.