Monday, September 19, 2011

2011 Paul's Dirty Enduro

Made the trek up to Ganaraska for the Dirty Enduro for the 3rd year. And doing the 30k for year 2. Plus unless I'm getting paid I don't wake up for 9am starts any more.



On the way up had the mental argument of ride cliplless or flats this year. Or basiically treat this seriously, crap out a liver, and puke at the finish. Or treat it as fun.. bomb the DH's and skid the corners. I do admit wasn't feeling the race mentality this year as knowing a month ago was nailed by a car and lost almost 2 weeks. Then messed up my shoulder 2 weeks ago in another bail in the Don. Plus had been thinking about some news I received from BC.

The decision was made just after getting out of the car. Bunch of riders getting all stressed out prestart. Forget that noise let's have fun this year so flat pedals it is. Maybe watching Klunkerz the night before wasn't a great idea.

After the pre race briefing it was off. This year there was alot more fireroad to begin which was nice as it allowed the riders to spread out more so there was no pile up at the singletrack. Though it was like a funeral procession with everyone so quiet... no woo hoo's. A couple of wheelies and the BBBBBRRRRAAAPPPP BBBBBBBRRRRRAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPP noises took care of that. Because this is supposed to be a fun.

Then it was into the singletrack. Since this isn't being treated as a race I will not bore you with things like elctrolytes, puking, leg cramps, and whether my heart rate was to high. Nor will I whine about there being to much sand. That would remove the fun aspect of this year.

Climbing was just that this year. The fun was in the DH's, clearing root sections with a good hop and launching off the small drops. Then of course railing some corners and some 2 wheel drifts in the sand. basically riding like a goofball. Like a Crazy Canuck pumping some of the bumps for some fun.

Didn't stop at the aid station like in past years way to easy to stop and delay riding more. So back into the singletrack. And more of the same railing turns and bombing the DH sections. And suddenly it was the last bit before the finish, so popped the bump for a wee bit of air then it was done. After hanging for a bit was to the car to change out of the sweaty gear and back for some chili. Caught up with Dean formerly from the Cycle Solutions crew now of Picton. Met 14 Stone of MTbr fame. Watched the awards then it was time to hit the road.

The Don dirt jumps where calling. Beer, jumps, and other mayhem.


































Sunday, September 18, 2011

Dirty Enduro

Raced the Paul's Dirty Enduro. Job done and will post a report in the next couple of days.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

East Don

Some pic's from the Don on Friday and Saturday.






Bike took the long way.


Freight train


East Don

Friday, September 2, 2011

Mentality and The Mental War

In the last few weeks on MTBr.com a forum I peruse. There have been discussions about pedal types, smoothing of trails, and so on all leading to the usuall internet sniping.

Yet when you put aside all the physical arguments for all these sides it really boils down to one simple issue. As a coach the mental aspect is by far the biggest challenge we face when trying to teach a new skill, correcting mistakes, or even simly getting an athlete to relax.

When I speak of the Mental War it's not just our individual self doubt I am referring to. It is the Mind Body Conflict I am talking about. Which put in simple terms... our mind makes us feel good when we do things that conserve energy and is basically taking the easier choice. So when one is faced with a trail challenge that requires us to use more energy get over then the ride around. If we take the ride around our mind without us even realizing it makes us feel good about it because it took less work.


The reality is that we have this body that can ride flat pedals, clipless, and so on. Yet it is all controlled by an operating system (The brain) who's number one goal is to use the least amount of effort possible.

Unless one puts the mental effort in we will always choose the easier option. Another example is the whole which pedal is better argument. Science has proven that riding flat pedals take more work mentally and physically. While riding clipless pedals uses less mentally and physically. So the mind rewards us again by making us feel good when riding clipless. And in the end the whole Clipless vs Flat pedals argument is not about what works better. It's about what our mind unconciously tells us is better based on energy conservation and requires the least amount of work.

At the end of all arguments, jabbering, and such it boils down to choice. The choice being,

A. Take the easy way and be happy with things as they are

or

B. Accepting the challenge to do new things and learn new skills.

Pick one.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Dirt Bag Tech

Took a little work at the shop to fabricate a mount for the rear.

Came up with this.



Added a spacer on the upper bult to stop the caliper from rubbing on the disc.



And it all works.