midnight decisions

"what was I thinking?" I rolled along on my skinny road tires en rout to work, the streets growing increasingly slick and snow accumulating by the minute. My treadless road tires, all of 23mm wide, caked with snow and I am afraid to brake because there is no good reason that I have not fallen yet. Tangling with plow trucks buzzing one foot to my left with sanders spreading coarse salt that bounces from the truck and clinks loudly off my bike frame. I ride with my mouth closed, afraid I might loose a tooth.
I should have known this would be a bad idea but decided to leave my car at work after the show last night. "It's not going to snow till mid-day." Damn New England forecasters. I shouldn't blame them. It was my drunken Bravado.
Last night a cross section of Boston's most devoted bike population gathered at the Somerville theater to watch 'Klunkers' and listen to guest speaker Gary Fisher talk about "this thing" he and his friends started doing in Marin County in the 1970's.
The movie was well done and funny. It covered the west coast history of off road riding and how Gary and hid friends accidentally invented something that grew to what mountain biking is today.
I enjoyed a brief conversation with Gary in the beer line before the show. The man is a functional fashion plate with a light hearted humor, he clearly enjoys himself where ever he goes. His tight black Japanese courier pants with the handle on the back "so she can hold-on for hills" was a crack-up as he demonstrated the functionality of a sewn-on handle on the ass of his jeans just in case riding companions need a little rest on the upside.
Thanks for a good time all...and redbones was fun too. man my head hurts.

ninja training

On a sickness scale of 1 - 10, (1 being "wow, I might be getting sick" and 10, "I cannot imagine ever getting well again") I was a solid 7.5 in the range of, "holy shit, this sucks".

Mostly repertory distress with gravity aiding in the evacuation of slime through orifices in my head at night. It is annoying to be sick, at least it rained most of the time so I had that going for me. Loads of TV time on the couch, the couch that must now be disinfected. I was somewhat aware of a marathon run of mythbusters on presidents day while coming in and out of consciousness. I also found my new favorite show, although it was exhausting to watch at the time.

I heart bike porn

I felt like I was in Portland!
All pictures from Alex Wetmore's blog
Indy next year...hey that's not east coast??

oh well, closer than San Jose' or Portland..
Here are some that caught my imagination.
I'd love one of these Ant Commuters

custom bikes = beautiful handmade racks
and carefully positioned bells.

I'm on the fence with the position of this dinger...
I'd like the actuator to be pointed at the sky
cause if I needed to warn people of my presence
I could ding it with a downward slap
like I was calling the front desk clerk at a hotel.
check out Ant Bike Mike

Bilenky made the mother of all tandems
with csc couplings, cause if your rich enough to own this
your gonna want to disconnect the frame and
fit it in your leer jet when you go to France.
looking at Calfee's booth,
Grab the bull by the horns!
Bamboo and bone are
the new Ti and carbon
didn't ya know?

Engin 29er/offroad Randoneeur

Two of my favorites are from sycip

including this fixey with a disc brake.

Sheldon was everywhere this week,
even in Portland.
I never met Sheldon Brown,
but like a huge portion of
the bike community,
every time again-
I bumped into his writings online
and gained some knowledge.
r.i.p. Sheldon Brown

check out the winner (best in show)

Naked a-hole
more Naked pics here
no!! not that kind of naked...
it's a company's name.

Alex Wetmore's gallery is a must see for
more pictures from nahbs '08

Nahbs comming east for 2009

The North American Hand Made Bicycle Show is again underway out west but looks like the show is coming east for 2009! Some chatter online about the '09 show presented in one of the countries friendliest cities...you know Boston and NY are out. Is Philly a friendly city, I know some friendly guys from the Philly area. ..can I stay on your couch next year?? Guess we'll have to wait till the closing bell tomorrow and big Don Walker will announce.The venue for the '09 show will be a closely-kept secret until the awards ceremony in the show hall at 3 p.m. Sunday 10th February.

Apart from having the requisite convention center, here are a few features of the new venue:
The governor of the state concerned wrote to express his desire to host the show
The host city is within one day's drive of approximately 100 million people
The state concerned is adding $20 million a year to build, expand and link the state's trail systems, and sees bicycling as a major part of that
Three micro-breweries are situated within two blocks of the expo hall, and the host hotel is right across the road
The city is regarded as one of the most hospitable in the USAHighlights from what little I have seen....Chris King making frames? and intergrating a brazed 1 inch steel set.
Pereira developed his version of an old rod-actuated front derailleur for those of us that like to step backwards with technology.
Igleheart has got a limited supply of TomiCogs for sale at the show
Jeremy Dunn and others will be debuting their artsy high zoot 'cross mag Embrocation
and 650b wheels are the new '29ers. But, do we really need another size?

primary today

"yes we can, heal this nation, yes we can repair this world".
an enormous task. I just liked the video.

All in

Winter, also known as off-season.

Pronunciation:\ˈȯf-ˌsē-z^ən\Function:noun Date:1848

: a time of suspended or reduced activity; especially : the time during which an athlete is not training or competing.

:(Andy's meaning) a time to drink beer, eat lots of food, get fat, and plan for next year.

The past couple of summers have been a blast. Taking time to travel the east coast of the United States to attend endurance races has been 100% worth the time, money and trouble. Racing has expanded my lifestyle and simplified it at the same time by providing a focus and a way to use the fitness and strength that cycling lends to the people that love the benefits of this lifestyle. It's also given me an opportunity to meet some gifted athletes and outstanding personalities, some of which I link to this blog. In short, I love this shit and will continue.
Now is the time to come up with a race calendar for the coming season...but which "races" to pick? Like many endurance junkies I scrolled down the calendar on ride424.com listing the ones I want to return to (W101 and S100), the ones I haven't gotten to yet, (Breckenridge and Lumberjack, Fools Gold)...and I started to research events I had not previously heard of and then tripped across the Colorado Trail "race".
I am currently in the research stage of this event and I am reading about the trail. Conversing with Matt McFee who has experienced self supported bicycle races (to say the least) and watching from a far Alex's adventures while crossing Chile via bicycle.
Multi-day back country/hiking experience via bicycle. The strategy involved, what to carry, separating what luxury items to pack and what are required to survive? Mapping the trail, it's natural food and water sources and the towns along the way to re-stock food and supplies. Loads of planning needed to accomplish such a trip, unlike my biggest undertaking to date, my decision to do La Ruta last year was decided rather quickly knowing that it was a stage race with world class support. CTR is basically a double self supported La Ruta.
At this time I don't consider this a race and don't want to compete with anyone. Rather to appreciate the trail, respect the danger and play by the self-support rules. The prospect that a clearer view of the bigger picture may come more in to focus and an additional folder added to my personal collection of memories, but I'll be sure to pack a water proof camera for when my memories fade.
My friend Glenn and one other ride Junkie are also equally interested in this journey.

sail round the cape

The main ingredients were present for an epic ride; lots of time and lots of energy, clear weather didn't hurt either. We made the long haul from our meeting spot in Beverly on a four hour- figure eight loop 'round Cape Ann. Fixed, 70 gear inches for me. Single and free, 71 gear inch for Glenn. Thom P had ambitions of joining us but it didn't work out for that guy this weekend. Rest up tom"e"p and join us next time.
Enjoying the hell out of fixed training...haven't tried off road. Hell, it's been so long since riding trails I've forgotten what it's like.

these guys followed us around all afternoon

nature break

We set a foot trap for Barry and left a note on his car to say hi.

Brady - Moss 08

If you are not from Boston, here is what it's all about...If people aren't crazy about da Sox, they're talk'in smack about who the Pats are gonna kill Sunday. I just hope it's a close game, the only way I stay awake in the fourth quarter is if it's a nail biter. Go Pats! Thanks for sharing Haa'vee! Massachusetts is a pretty small state..I probably know this guy somehow.

1/2 day at Cannon

Fortunate to see the forest thru the trees.
On a glorious day with a moderate breeze.
Conditions loose granular like frozen peas.
Ipod singing mellow tunes from the English band Squeeze.
Whacking 'dem bumps and bending 'dem knees.
Screwing off mid week? or preventing cardiovascular disease!

Not Dead Yet!

Battling back the mounting stress of the work week, found some ways to take a break to find personal relief. Rode the 25 miles to work in 21 degree weather on my fixie yesterday- Wrapped with wool and windproof atire. Evaded frostbite on the climbs while core temps were up and hiding my cheeks on the downside. Man I needed that.
Last night, foolishness abound on stage while Lesli and I stepped back in time to 932ad, the middle ages, with Monty python's Spamalot.
Go see this, don't look to tear it apart, that'd be too easy.
John Cleese would approve.
If I were to give it a review, the funniest scene was one of the first in act 1. with the Finland Sch lapping Dance. After this ridiculous song and dance complete with slapping fish, one cannot resist temptation to forget the days troubles and slip into a Monty mood and search for the holy Grail.

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

I feel like Andy Rooney

What's up with people taking their dogs for a ride in baskets? I was surfing on ebay and tripped across this phenomenon. It seems a little crazy...wouldn't the dogs be better off walking and getting exercise while you have them outside? Here check this one out. It has pictures of Huskies and dalmatians on the advertisement...like your going to get a 90 pound dog into a basket? Good luck.

These ones are nice and thoughtful, got a bit of shade to keep ren and stimpy comfy and cool on the hot days

...and a dog trailer? Maybe it's just the dogs I've owned but I don't see any dog staying confined too long...maybe that's why the dude in the picture is holding on to Fido?? One glimpse of a cat or squirrel and you'll be glad your on the bike..cause that's the only way your going to ever catch Sparky on his rampage around the neighborhood.

ok, this is the answer to confinement..hell, maybe Dominic's answer to getting back on the trails..(Dom is my 13 yr old retired mountain bike dog). From the makers of Track'r Pet Bicycle Trailer - Our Track'r Bicycle Trailer is a great way to maintain an active lifestyle with your pet. If you want to get in a bike ride, but your pet isn’t up to it, you can still take them along. Going to the park to give your pet a little fun and exercise? Why not get some exercise yourself on the trip their and back, without tiring them out along the way?

Without getting tired along the way?

isn't that the point?

This one has a "dog roll-cage"

wow, the deeper I dig into this the weirder it gets...this company make dog helmets??

with no ear holes??

yeah, and this isn't the strangest thing EVER??

ah ! This one's got style..

where do I order?

Heading to a soldier near you

Big props to Igle and Monague fur getting this bike together to send to Baghdad. The frame reads X Military technology, nice touch Monty. Christopher added the pink king head set for a little comic relief - for a place that could use MORE than a little. Hope the 972nd MP Company can get out and ride...if not,... use it for target practice. :)

Frankenbike lives !

It's a one of a kind alright.
Installed a pair of studded snow tires
and a Tomi Cog.

ready for winter base...

I learned a few more lessons about fixed gear riding..

Tried my first skid yesterday, did not go well.. On an icy road I leaned forward and locked them up..The chain fell off the front ring and wrapped around the rear cog. Luckily didn't break the chain. I'm running more tension now...but now with no rear brake thanks to Tomi.
This should be interesting.

Fixed? Didn't know I was Broken...

I'd always looked to new technology and innovation to make the experience better. So why was yesterday's ride so damn fun?
I turned my Igleheart single speed mountain bike into a fixed gear to help achieve base fitness. I chose a gear pretty much at random (46 x 20)... and rode it for the first time (on a long-ass ride) with my friend Tal. Three and a half hours and I don't know how many miles...maybe 60? It was the first beat down of 2008!
On our tour around Cape Ann we ran into three other people on fixed gears, all of which Tal knew...all the cool kids are doing it I guess...and all of these fixie aficionados were on beautiful rigs. Rich on a glossy black ANT, Laurie on a plum Gunnar and Gary on his battle ship gray Surly.
I learned a few things about fixed gear bikes;
#1 my gearing was a little light
#2 wind it up coming down a hill the bike owns you till you can slow it back down.
#3 don't stop pedaling to reach in your pocket or you'll be reminded quickly that there's no freewheel to go 'click click click'.
#4 it hurts really bad to keep up with people on fixed gear road bikes when your on a mountain fixie
#5 Maybe I'm just addicted to gear...Maybe I need a third Igleheart.

looks like a screaming good time

stir it up

Please don't a rock'a my boat, cause I don't want'a my boat to be rocked anyhow. It's been 10 long years with out a big stir up at work but the Airport is a'stir, and heads were chopped, and people displaced to new positions and others layed off. I've got a new home and a new client base and a new work schedule that could work for a while. Working Saturdays will certainly bite into my amateur racing career but It's the workin skills that pay the bills.

time to regroup

I "Sat in" for 42 miles today with no regret and enjoyed my laziness to the fullest extent. A guest appearance from an unlikely roadie...When Skip heard Barry was coming out for a group road ride his response.."is he gonna wear his full face helmet?" Only thing that could top this is to some-how con George to road-ride with us!
Barry was the phantom anchor of the group. Where else in the world does wearing a cloak of black spandex make you stand out, but among a bunch of guys in pink and blue?

questions for 2008

So I have to ask..was that "it"?
Not that it was NOT the shit.
Every year is what you make of it.
Was THAT the very best it will ever be?
Was THAT the very best of me?
Will I have another chance to try harder?
Will I have the TIME or WILL to go farther?
Is it possible to make the friends that I have made...
Will this passion ever fade?
2007 was an amazing year, was it merely the frontier?

ice cream head ache

The amount of cheese cake I devoured over Christmas warranted this ride. Outside my window freezing rain. Inside, not even the dogs would rise from their dog dreams or their comfortable beds. When the phone rang I could only hope to hear a fellow rider on the other end...Was it the motivation I needed or someone to share in the winter suffering? The caller was my die hard friend Skip and he felt the same way. "I need a clp hours on the road". Sweet.
Beggars for a ride, soon to be beggars for warmth and hot cocoa. We lasted two hours and got soaked to the bone. Skip beat me up good. A month off hurts real bad.
A less-traveled road heavily frost-heaved and covered with slush served as the turn toward home. 23mm road tires were not going to cut the mustard, or the slush. At an exact moment the road turned to glaze ice and Skip demonstrated his ability to fall and tumble with the best of them. Me being the good friend, held my line and politely asked if he could get out of my trajectory as I couldn't stop and was heading right at his left arm. That's compassion huh? Thanks for the ride Skip, u da man.

snow rake

I found a great upper body workout that can be done around the house...literally. All you need is a sh*t ton of snow on your roof and a snow rake. Cranking the tunes also helps.
I was going to go for an xc ski or road ride but my house was letting out alarmingly loud cracking noises that I needed to investigate. Maybe the old saying "they don't build'em like they use to" applies in our case. We love our ranch house but it maybe a tad under built by today's standards.
Heavey rains coming later today it was probably a good thing to scrape off a ton of snow and get rid of the ice damns that were forming.
Does a person own the house or does the house own the person.. hey at least I got a workout!

snow roomba!

As a life long New Englander this doesn't happen every year...we're getting walloped with snow so far this winter...14 inches and mounting, and that is just counting what is presently in my front yard. Hope it keeps up. Skiing is going well. I've adapted my nite rider HID to work with out a helmet and have been blazing through the darkness regularly in a near by patch of woods after work. Not nearly as fun as biking in the same woods but hey what can you do... enjoy the off season right!

I would like Santa to bring me a hybrid form of snow blower if it's not too much trouble. Can your elves combine the Roomba robot vaccuum and a snow blower? This way I can be out skiing or down at the local pub and not have to worry about cleaning out a space to park. Thanks soo much.+

I'd ask for a pair of 29 inch Gazzi extreme studded tires for my single speed but see that they are still on back order... oh well. The snow-roomba will do.

It is bitter sweet having all this damn snow in the woods. great snow sports but zero biking. I am anxious to try out my new fixed gear set up on the SS...can't even get out on the road, there's so much powder on top of ice the sidewalks haven't been cleared in a week.

As soon as the trails are passable I'd like to organize a BCT (bay circuit trails) ride from Ipswich to Andover and back for anyone who'd like to go. Taking in to consideration that this may not be until April by the rate the snow is falling here.

Merry Christmas