Christmas Laziness

It's been a few lazy days over the Christmas period. Not as much riding as I planned. But now have a race goal.

I plan to enter and race in the Uxbridge Icebreaker in march. Part of this goal is to show up 25Lbs lighter. This should be fun as I'm drawing up the training plan over the next 2 days. That's not counting any equipment research I will be doing as I have some stuf I'm looking at in the future.

Got some good stuff over Xmas. Got a new digital camera that will be easier to pack riding. One big thing I got from my parents was a pair of Endura Hummvee shorts, all the way from the Scottish Highlands. Slightly small though as I gained some weight over Xmas.

Weather Control

Spent the last few days doing the whole visit people nonsense. Sometimes I think people have their heads way up their asses when it comes to planning. But let's save that for another day.

Going to try a Yeti ASR tomorrow on the Shore. Should be fun especially since I haven't ridden one in 7 years.

Got a whole bunch of parts plus scrounged out of the basement. Tomorrow though will go by MEC to see if they have a couple of chainrings in the appropriate bolt pattern size for my cranks.

Scrounging Da Parts

Today was a day to first of finish the Christmas shopping. Then it was to go by Sports Junkies to see if they had some good used stuff.

Man it's really not the same. It's way to much clearance stuff and not as much of the second hand consignment stuff. Was a little disappointed. But found a pair of shifters and a pair of Roach shorts that where basically new. Might go back on Friday to pick up pair of Core Rat pants.

For the rest of my parts I'll go by Simon's tomorrow to see if I can get a deal for some stuff. Part of the problem is I kind of want to take my Experience frame back with me to build up as a rigid bike.

It's funny though how I look at my shopping choices and realize how I've matured as a rider. I'm now closer to being a true mountain biker who does a bit of everything.

Plus tomorrow I'll be taking a ride around town to see what's been happening.

Air Travel

Couldn't bring my bike as I was travelling cheap. But thanks to Matt I have a bike for a couple of days. Though this situation has been the impetous to get back in motion the whole dirt bag bike transport system project.

Frozen Dirtbag

I know it's been a couple of weeks not posting. Nothing really going on really, just work and scrounging money for parts.

Am in Toronto before I fly out to spend Xmas with may parents in Van. Though today had some fun riding for about and hour. Toronto got hit big time with a storm today. But that will be all over the media for more details.

Frozen Few

Well, winter is now here. It started with snow and then some lovely rain later. It looks like this winter could be providing some challenging training options.

Today's ride was out in Collins Bay and was based on time not mileage. Some fresh track where made- nothing like first tracks on a mountain bike.




Half way through.

Furniture polish is the secret lube of the winter rider.

When I looked outside it was snowing again. This should make it interesting tomorrow.

On the equipment side I have decided to go with an AMP seatpost unless Crank Brothers make the Joplin seatpost in a 27.2 size.

The Problem with Racing

While out for a ride today was thinking of what events I want to race next year. There is the Uxbridge Icebreaker I want to do for example.

Yet even though I was interested in doing some races I also realized that I could careless if I did. It's not about the politic's and the costs though they are a severe pain. It's just that it's more fun to go out and ride hard. To see how far I can go in 4 hours of riding. I guess I just love the training aspect more then the racing aspect

To me it's almost more fun to ride with others and show them how it's done of the race course. It's more rewarding to look at a map and think I wonder if I could ride that. Some of this thinking seems to be missing in this day and age. This is pretty much in line with what I call Warren's Law. So named after endurance legend Tom Warren.

Warren's Law is a theorem of 2 axioms set against each other.

Warren's Law #1. Racing is like taking an exam. If you went to school and never took an exam then you'd never really know where you stand.

Warren's Law #2. Racing gets in the way of training.

Right now I'd like to start setting some creative training challenges. More to come.

Wet Rock

Today we had a trace of snow. This should make today's trail ride interesting. As anyone who know's tires will provide traction on any known surface, except sno covered or wet rock.

Archmolds 400km Review

Have been testing a set of insoles from Archmolds from the crew at Runningfree.com. So far have put in about 400km of offroad mileage on them. When it comes to mountain biking shoes they definetly help. Especially when it's tough to make stiff soled shoes comfortable for long periods of time.

So far they have been comfortable and had no annoying irritation to date. They fit into my shoes with only the standard trim. One good thing is that the insoles do increase the stiffness of my shoes which when trying to waste less energy on a 5 hour ride is important.

Next phase of testing will be to see what happens in winter. I ride year round in some of the toughest conditions at times so we shall se what happens next.

Cheap and Waste

Over the last few years I have been trying hard to save money when it comes to sport. It's funny ho we make choices. And through those choices how much we waste.

It's amazing to me how mtbers seem to always want the new part. Then will toss or bury their old cast off parts. In a day and age where we are encouraged to recycle and such how little is done.

I make an effort to be different. At least half of my bike is parts from others who either don't want them or are bomb proof old school parts. My shifters are old school thumbshifters that cost me $85 back in 93. Well still running them into 2008, definetly got my dollar for them.

Come on, there is a whole market of still good old parts out there that we can use. But do we? No we go buy the new shiny part while adding more shit to the landfill.

Salsa with A Side of Tree

Just got my new Salsa Qr this week. Works great except for one problem. I just figured out that I bent my seatpost in the last 2 months. Oh, well it's bound to have happened. Now to get a new one.


Was out for a ride on the trails. The pic below is post crash after coming down a short DH and bunny hopping a rock and root.

I missed the tree with my head by about 2 inches. I hit a rut on the right and basically had my front wheel spin out. Good thing I was wearing my Fox System pads as I put a good dent into the ground.

Things are going well with the plan to turn all my jersey's into fullzip's. They work very well.

Now am working on my next plan. Looking to get either a Gravity Dropper or a All Mountain Post. The riding will be smoother with on the fly adjustment.

Mud and Bogs

Got some new parts. Hopefully will install after the weekend. Can't show pics as the blog site for some reason won't allow uploads of pictures again.

Riding Collins Bay on Friday.

The Quarry

Took a road trip to Napanee to visit Gabby's Grandpa. Packed the bike and went to play in the old Quarry area. Ended up taking it a bit easy. But tomorrow will be playing in Collins Bay.

Time for bed.

Cheap And Frugal

After seeing how good the seamstresses work has been with installing the first fullzip on a jersey. Well the decision has been made. All my jersey's will be converted to full zip. At $20 a jersey it's still cheaper then buying a brand new one at $150.

Been busy doing some trail work plus working on the Mistress for parts upgrades. In a week will have a new rear wheel and drive train.

Now just need funds for a gravity dropper.

Mistress and The Wishlist

It's that time of year again. It's the whole look at your bike, see the new shit out, and start the fantasy wishlist.

Right now my top one's are full Hope brakes, a Gravity Dropper, Paul thumbies, and of course a set of Paul's love levers.

I definetly want the Gravity Dropper. It is an upgraded version of the old Hite Rite. It will be perfect for most rides. The ability to climb and then drop the saddle on the fly so I can descend with ease. Plus Freddie and Eddie will appreciate the improved clearance.

Cold Snap

Been disconnected from the internet for a week. Definetly a good thing with way to many distractions.

Looks like I'll be heading out to ride Collins Bay Sat and Sun this weekend. Good thing as the whole Queen's campus will be covered with drunken students for the Homecoming weekend.

Still working on the cockpit set up. Just need to wait for the next pay cheque.

El Triki

Today was sat down by coach to receive my instructions. Those instructions are pretty brief and concise, direct to the point.

The coaching instructions are that I need to get down a light training weight. I have untill December 8th to get down to 189lbs or else. I didn't ask the or else part, being a smart man I know when to simply nod my head and say yes in the appropriate places.

So it begins on Monday of next week. No day off even for the long weekend.

Time for a little old school style training.

Fro's and Downtime

Have the day off from the bike as it's in getting the BB regreased. Had to buck up for the shop to do it as my tools aren't here in Kingston yet. Hopefully that will remove some unusuall sound effects.

Speaking of sounds, got reminded of the loudest laugh in mountain biking. Frorider Brett Tippie was in the recent issue of Mountain Bike Action. Seems he spent a little time with the darkside and with help from his friend's has returned to the light.

Good to see he's back. Tippie is one guy who loved to ride his bike. Happy and having fun no matter what. Hell, it could be pouring buckets, a river down A-Line, and lighting strikes. He'd still be laughing and wanting to go ride.

Disposable Mechanics

Sometimes I wonder about how we are edumacating bike mechanics these days. It seems more and more that they are of the diposable part mindset then fix it.

Juts spent the weekend in Guelph and wasn't able to ride as much as I would have liked. But I'm aiming to make up for that tomorrow and Wednesday with 2 days of riding in Collins Bay. Today put in 70 min at Roger's trails.

Off to finish moving some stuff into our new place.

Pic's will come soon once i have a better net connection.

Lack of Connectivity

Haven't had alot of net access over the last couple of days.

Have the new place and will be moving stuff in after Thanksgiving.

Had the C&F boy's testing out a new jersey add on and we shall see if it works after the weekend. Now gotta go by the bike shop to get the bike.

Tug's Old School

Have been reminded this week of why I got into endurance sport like biking and running. It wasn't for the racing I tell you. It was the fun of going to places and seeing things while under your own power. To do rides because I wondered if I could do it.

Well it would seem that is all back. Have a couple of ideas am thinking up and we shall see.

Tomorrow I get the fun of repacking a rear hub.

Long live Tug Warren.

End Of Summer

In the last few days have ridden Rogers Trails and Collins Bay. Definetly loving the Collins Bay trails that I rode yesterday. Some real nice and nasty rock sections. A couple of times wished I had my leg armour. That is something I will be bringing up from Toronto tomorrow.

Plus my cooler weather gear as it seems to ending the sleeveless weather.

The good news is that my mileage is going up.

After meeting with the C&F team thinking of dumping my cross frame and getting a 29er. But we shall see. It all depends on what is cheap- mind you I'm liking the looks of the Redline Flight frame. I refuse to go singlespeed as I'm not that ghetto though I would consider say 1x7.

Less Is More

Spent part of today packing gear and such. It's amazing how much crap one ends up not really needing.

So tomorrow is the big day. The day we leave the cess pool of humanity known as Toronto behind is tomorrow. It is the time to begin a bew cycle of our lives and to start moving forward. To stop doing the circular backstroke around the drain.

Things look good for us in Kingston. Have some things lined up and will post up some pic's of the new riding areas in a couple of days.

Change of Scene

Spent the last couple of days in Kingston looking for a place to rent.

Found a nice little trail area. Lots of rock, none of that clay that sucks when it rains shite. It's nice to be challenged without having to use ladders and other stunts to make it more challenging.

Hopefully will be working by Wed so I can get some much needed parts.

Tomorrow get to meets with the C&F team to make some further plans for the winter. But for now that will be classified info.

Salt Lick Anyone

Went by to see the guy's at Cycle Solutions. Needed to pick up a couple of new seat collars after I snapped the last 2 QR's. Tried to be cheap but it didn't work out. For now will have to use bolts.

After that plus dropping my jersey off to be modified took the scenic route home. Rode along the Bluffs and waterfront trails. Good 4 hours of riding.

Spent the evening fixing up Joely's bike for her to return to riding.

The Count Down Begins

It's official, 2 weeks and we are living in Kingston.

Came up on Thursday to do a little apartment hunting and some recce rides. Have heard hat there may be some stuff up near Fort Henry, so will check it out tomorrow.

Damm I'll have to move the C&F Team as well. They will hate all that down time.

Moving

Monday was the big announcement about Joely getting the coaching position. That means in 4 weeks will be moving to Kingston. Have spent most of the last few days clearing stuff out and organizing my gear.

There is so much stuff a mountain biker has. Sometimes I wonder if I need a team bus, or at the minimum hire a Soigneur to keep thing moving.

In other developments have been working with the coaching staff over the last few weeks working on hill climbing. Now will be moving on with sprints and such. Plus been researching stuff with the Special Projects. Been dealing with bike stuff right now.

Big Changes

It's been a weird week. Between the numerous internet failures, training, and cleaning house before the big move.

Been putting in some big mileage in the last week. Still looking at changes to the Mistress over the next month. Have a saddle on the way but now need a handlebar. Maybe the Salsa MOTO or a On One bar. We will see.

Fox River Socks

It's been roughly 800km's of trail mileage since I received a pair of Fox River AXT-1 socks from www.runningfree.com.

It has been miles of trails and many river crossings. They have held up well to the abuse. They drain well after being submerged during river and creek fordings. Even when wet these wool athletic socks are still comfortable.



Gotta give the guys at foxsox.com for the AXT-1's as they sure can take a beating.

Play Misty For Me

Another day of hill work. And of course it had to be harder then usuall, last week heat, this week rain. Oh well, Bring it on





The real fun of the Rouge rocks and roots

Zippers

Used the new jersey today. It's a really nice one with a full zipper in the front. I really like it and with the full zip can change the jersey without taking of my helmet.

This full zip got me thinking today. So when i got home from my ride I emailed the Special Projects Team with an idea. They argree that it is a good idea and are presently looking into stuff that will be good for all.

Festivus of Gear

Well, it's been an exellent couple of days. One of the supporters of Team NFI made a gear donation to the team. The gentlemen gave the team a new Fox Flux helmet to try.

This was so unexpected plus am celebrating the cost savings. Now all that is needed is for the special projects team to finish the present special project they are working on. Having a meeting with them on Tuesday to finalize some details.

On the other front, am meeting with both my coach plus equipment tester. Have to plan out the coming weeks training.

Distractions

Been a busy couple of days with Gabriele and such. Haven't had much time to post. Especially since we are at Joely's Aunts place for the week.

Have been riding and have found a potential DH line. Plus have pretty much got the Chromag Stylus set up the way I want it. Will post up more with pic's later.

Into the void

Tonight dusted off the headlamp to do a night ride. It's been 6 months since the last night ride. I should do more. There are skills one can gain from riding at night, the ability to see things at a glance.

Though the bonus of getting away from the relatives is good to.

That Was Fun

Today was another hill climb day. Decided that that some overclimbing was the ticket today and went to Ben Trash to settle the account.

The goal was 10 intervals up the acces road. The road takes about 5.5 minutes to climb. Kepr a good cadence through out with only some minor difficulty in the middle.

When I got home you could see the salt stains on my shorts and jersey. Signs of a good session.

The only downside was the fact my helmet which is a dirt jumper style does not breath at all. Still waiting for some more money so I can buy the Fox Flux I want.

Anyone got a Handlebar Weed Wacker

Did a 3.5 hour ride. Checked out a couple of trail areas I haven't checked before.


Nice meadow



Last time I was here there was a path.

Taller then my forks.

Time for Some Changes

Today was thinking about if I wanted to do some races again. I have come to the conclusion that I do want to do some races again.

So after meeting with the team and support staff, whom have agreed that the time is right. So since I have been given the green light, woo hoo. The plan is to only do select events only for fun and one's that offer a bit of a challenge.

So have called the coach back on board and will be meeting during a ride tomorrow.

Also will be working on a couple of secret projects to go along with this. The secret team will be gathered shortly.

Let the pain begin.

Riding With Friends

Hooked up with my buddy to show him the trails near the house today. He had never ridden the area yet lived in Toronto all his life


Part way on our journey up.

Looks so peaceful

Almost back.

Jersey's and Riding

Today saw Nelson at cyclesolutions. today just to say hi and to pass on the birth of little Gabby. Handed me a free team jersey for my work at the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice. Can't wait to use it for a ride tomorrow as I have never used a full zip jersey before.

A couple of day's ago was wishing I had another sleeveless jersey to ride in but of course don't want to pay stacks of money. While looking at bad idea racing a couple of days ago saw his modified jersey. Gave me an idea to use with an old MEC sleevelss jersey I have. but will also be adding 3 rear pockets.

Today was supposed to be a day of hill work. But after a mere 3 intervals was debating whether to keep going as my knee was being weird.

Well the situation was quickly resolved when my buddy Tweek from the www.cycle-solutions.com crew appeared. He had already ridden for something like 4 hours. Went riding with him to show him some of the other trail areas that are in the Rouge. Always good riding with Tweek as he is a guy who truly loves to ride his bike.

It's funny if one looked at a pic of us and the bikes together. Tweek runs a Kona Kula 29er that weighs something like 17lbs while my Chromag Stylus weighs in something like 30lbs. It felt good cleaning one hill that he couldn't with the heavy bike. The 29er reminds me I need to get the Cross bike back up and running.

So tomorrow I'll visit the guys at Cycle Solutions and try to get that jersey I want.

Purple Haze Festivus

Lee at Poisonfrog Promotions has organized a MTB Festivus hat is old school style. 2 days of fun and riding.

purplehaze

It's to bad my schedule won't allow me the fun this year.

It's Not Easy Changing Gears

In the last couple of day's since the birth of my daughter Gabby some things have run through my head.

In the last year due to life changes I had to make the decision to downsize my endurance training and racing. Since getting sponsored by the great crew at Running Free 3 years ago who supported not only my racing but also continue to support what I do.

Sometimes it hasn't been easy changing the mental gears to not race and to focus on things like trail work and helping the kids get better at trail riding. But it has been all worth it.

Plus by not racing in the last year I have returned to my endurance sport roots, the roots being mountain biking. That as much can be gained from just riding trails with others as can be gained from racing.

But yet again I have the desire to change gears back to racing, at least a little bit for now. I can thank Gabby for this changing of gears again. It's something about her that makes me want to ride more now.

Now to decide what race.

Music Motivates

Today got my CD's from the guys at Gripped Films- 24 Hour Solo and Off Road To Athens soundtracks. Some good stuff to ride to on it.

http://www.grippedstore.com/

Spent a couple of hours riding the trails of the Rouge. Didn't beat the rain but if it isn't raining it isn't training. Been thinking of somethings about riding and the present view of the world. Will post it up later though.

The Van Does Exist

So the little van that appears in the Reactine ads is real.



Rode in the Don today, good 3 hour ride not counting the time at the DJ's. The climbing intervals seem to be helping my riding alot. Much stronger on the hills plus it is taking a little less effort to ride other sections.

Also rode the Ridge backwards. Noticed that some sections where I have had problems riding have become a bit easier.

So now will have to keep doing these sessions to continue improvement. And in that regards received the watch handlebar mount in the mail today. Now just need to replace my watches batteries and will be up and ready to go for more pain.

Check out this ladder bridge.

See Colours and Puke With a Side of Sunset

After going out to see Transformers with Joely earlier geared up for a ride.

Headed out to Ben Trash for some hill intervals. But first had to take a mandatory breather for a train.



Did 3 repeats of a hill I call See colours and Puke. It's a tough granny gear climb that requires one to be on the whole way up.

The reward for my effort was a view of the sunset.

Bidding on a solution

While searching for some stuff found this,

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/iraq_us_auction_offbeat

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150141399174&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D150141399174%26category0%3D%26fvi%3D1

Do It Yourself

So, here is the the homemade tool for headsets.


It's basically a half inch threaded rod cut to length with two nuts and washers. It's important to use rougly 7 washers aside. I say this as if you have less the washers will bend and twist.


After crashing a couple of times and ripping chunks out of my saddle I took Duct Tape to the problem. So I now have maybe another 6 months of life out of it before I need to replace it for real.

Bad Air

Hooked up with my buddy Marshall, the owner of Madman Tours. Only his second ride after being doored in April, $4,000 of bike damage. He's back and riding ok. Just needs a couple more rides to get his flow back.

After riding for 3 hours enede up at the DJ's and hung out. Tried some riding of the Rythmm Section and just wasn't feeling it today.

Was a bit down with the fact that wasn't feeling the flow but what was worse was the feeling of bad air from the rest of the guy's there. There was no energy or motivation from the whole bunch. It seemed very negative and draining, like a funeral. What a waste that is. Why go to a place that makes people feel good and have fun to sit miserable and unhappy?

That is a waste of life. I left as I realized that it was bad and would mentally drag me down. My goal has been to let less of that happen around me.

And so far it is working.

Dirt Bag Tools

Well, installed a new WTB Momentum headset. The old Race Face bearings are shot and need to find replacements.

So checked out the Blue Collar MTB site,

http://bluecollarmtb.com/

And found this do it yourself headset tool,

http://bluecollarmtb.com/2006/09/14/homemade-headset-cup-press-for-under-6-bucks/

It took a bit of work to get it to work. Had to get out the round file and remove a small amount of paint from inside the head tube. One thing I discovered is that you need about 7 washers aside to limit bending of the washers. I say this as depending on how the headset fits it may be a bit tight.

Macgyver

Have come up with a solution to the headset problem. Going out to get in a ride and a stop at my local Home Depot for parts. this should be fun.

Why is it that something so simple as a headset swap becomes such aa exercise?

Stupid Headsets!!!!!

Had a fun day evening of DJing after doing a moving job. All was good and great till on the subway home noticed my headset was a little stiff. No panic as I know I have another sitting waiting at the house.

Well, after 30 minutes of work I discover that for some reason the headset won't fit. WTF! I specifically odered an inch and an eighth headset. It's a good WTB one and it don't fit. Yet the old race face one fits no problem. The only thing that I can think off is that the paint on the headset is getting in the way.

Guess it's another day with a shitty bearing.

Kids Are The Future

Saw this yesterday while running around doing errands. Made my day.

Another day of riding and working on the skills. Though have come to realize that I need to get a new helmet to replace my old XC style lid. Right now looking at the Fox Flux,

http://gallery.mtbr.com/showphoto.php/photo/35084/cat/851

From some people I know who have used them have good things to say about them. Plus they are cheaper then the Giro versions.

Right now waiting for some parts in the mail to add to the ride.

Dirt Jump Progress

Took advantage of a nice hot and humid day. Built up some a berm and did some riding. According to the guys have improved today big time. Now to add a little DH riding tomorrow plus going to check out the new stunt built by Vince Vindaloo.

Hopefully won't be as hot tomorrow.

Ebay is A Wonderful Shopping Tool

Well, that was painless. Have the handlebar mount on order and in the mail. This will allow me to mount a watch to make timing intervals easier. Will post a pic after it's here and mounted.

Well today was a hot one. After doing some chores finally got out for a ride. Did 2.5 hours, included was 3 repeats of Ben Trash.

Watering the tarmac with sweat.





Cooked rider

Look a Bunny Wabbit

So have realized that I need to find a mount for my handlebar to mount a watch on. Time to go searching.

Crazy Canucks

Today got my hands on the new issue fo MBUk. Had some stuff on DHing on a hardtail. Interesting to think of guy's DHing on hadtails with flat pedals. Very old school in style.

So today headed into the Don and ended up hitting the Rthymm Section for most of it. Starting to get a feel for the new bike on it. Still having some problems stiffening up at certain points. Kind of sucks as I then regress untill I take a break. My buddy Jay mentioned trying to think about what comes next so that I will progress. We shall see.

Tomorrow's plan is to ride stunts and the DH run a few times.

Summer and Friday

Woke up feeling sore and tired from yesterday. Rode about 55km plus add 6 hours of loading a construction bin. Maybe I'll go by Jetfuel and watch the world go by before the moving job.

Work and life

Have been putting in some work hours lately. So have been a little lax in posting for the last 3 days.

Should be back to normal tomorrow.

Passing on What You Know

Today went up to Durham Forest with a buddy and his friend Jean. So Jean is a newcomer and this was her first trail ride.

It was fun showing her how to do some stuff and to see her face light up when she got it.

It's something we all seem to have forgotten how to do. It's the old school way of learning to ride from others.

Speedball

Rode for 2 hours, ended up playing on some stuff. hoping to do a 4 hour ride Monday at Durham Forest.

So have heard an interesting little piece of info from a buddy. Apparently Maverick the makers of the speedball seatpost will be making a 27.2 size in the seatpost. Hoepfully this is true.

Am working on a big project that will be revealed next week.

Dustbowl

After work went to play in the Don. Did a little dirt jumping to mix it up a little. Tomorrow I get to play a little downhill style.

With the weather we are having it's been really dusty.

Another easy day. Man, this heat wave really saps one. Almost like when I was in Sydney Australia a few years ago.

Oh, well. Have to work tomorrow, get up really early. Once I'm done go ride the Don for a couple of hours.

In the cooker

Did some errands around town. One of the first was to stop by and see the crew at Cycle Solutions Beaches location. These guys had a bunch of teams at the Albion Hills event.

http://www.cycle-solutions.com/

All the guys where complimenting me on my efforts as Crew Chief at the race. Some of the guys weren't even there. Now they are trying to recruit me for the August event. Guess I may have a calling.

Well, while there picked up a new bite valve plus found out I'll be getting one of their cool race jersey's.

The Day After

Went for an easy ride to loosen up after the weekend.

So it was Albion Hills that the 24 Hours of Summer Solstice occured. I was called by Matt Klymson to be his crew chief for his solo effort. It was fun to do it and would do it again.

Now I myself would never want to ride for 24 hours like Matt, but I wouldn't mind trying a 6 hour Enduro in the future. Plus it gave me some ideas for a future project in the works. But more on that later.

Matt was incredible, he was consistent the whole race. By the end he had matched Marc Hendershott for for total laps completed. An astonishing 23 laps.

The Pit area for Matt


Matt post race

More here at Mtbr.com,

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=305672

Discombobulating Day

Well today was a bit of an up and downer.

But spent 3 hours riding the Don trails today. Am riding them better then ever it seems. It seems that riding the trails elsewhere as well works great. Even better was how it felt after I had angled the bar a bit to a more aggresive position.

.

Now, it's off to albion Hills to act as Crew Chief for a buddy who is racing solo.

First Day of Summer

Today was the first day of summer and was a perfect day for some hill work at what I call Ben Trash.



Did 3 climbs up with the added challenge of dust clouds from the trucks on the access road. Oh well, If it doesn't kill me it can only make me stronger. After words went and played on the trails and even found a new section that once cleaned up will make a good technical section.

On the ride home was thinking of some upgrades for the Mistress,

I was thinking of a seat, like the brooks one I saw on Team Bad Idea Racing's site today,

http://teamdicky.blog.com/

Maybe a new bar and stem will be in the future.

Road Trip

So after yesterdays rainout decided to put the rental to good use. Headed out to the Durham Forest.

http://www.canadatrails.ca/mtb/on/durhamforest.html

After grabbing a Iced Capp, headed out to the trail head.

Spent 3 hours on the trails. Nice and fast. Good ride. Need to tweek my bar angle a bit though.

The Monsoon Released

The plan was to go to Albion Hills to do the Tuesday night race series put on by Superfly Racing.

http://www.superflyracing.com/

The plan was to use the race to pre ride the course for the 24 Hour race coming up, that way as crew chief for a Solo racer I'd have an idea of the course. But it was to be a chance for my wife to see me race before our child is born.

So after an easy spin in the don for about 40 minutes, picked up Joely and headed out. We had stopped to get a drink and some food and the next thing we knew it was a Monsoon. Made some phone calls and found out that there was storms all over. So we pulled the plug.

Even though it is a bit disappointing to have this result when one puts some effort into something. But the plus side is that I have a chance to race even closer to home.

Went for an easy 45 minute ride. Just to check the bike set up and to loosen up the legs. While out was entertained by a Marmot trying to be the Marmot version Spider Man.

And So It Begins

This begins the journey of a dirtbag mountain biker who is also a father. This will be a record of not only my training but also my adventures while pursuing this love of knobby tires on dirt.