On October 2nd was the social event of the fall Cyclocross season, the Dundas Monstercross in Hamilton.
So after some thought the decision was made. Departed Toronto at the wonderful time of 7am and headed out on the 401. Smooth sailing till near Hamilton when had the fun of getting around all the highway repaving. But no worries as all in attendance where still getting gear sorted and dressed when I arrived. Sadly I have never been good remembering names but it was great to meet Linda, Tom, and Marc the organizer of this ride as well as his wife Nerdgirl.. Which turned out to be to celebrate his birthday.
So after the usual talking, changing, checking of tires , and posturing with bikes. We were off. Mark led us on an interesting route that combined a bit of road connectors, rail trail, double track, and a wee bit of singletrack. Really I have no real clue where Marc led us but does it really matter? It's all about getting out with people and having fun. Had a mix of bikes which in order of majority- 29ers, Cross bikes, and one lone token 26 inch wheel mountain bike.
Having never ridden at all in 8 years of moving to Ontario in the Dundas/Hamilton area. It was nice to sample some new trails. Though I have no clue really what the route was as I mentioned earlier. Though I think the Deer head on the trail discovery was the weird find of the ride. And Tom riding his SS Steelwool worked on his rut magnet skills was entertaining. especially when you consider Marc was on a skinny tired cross bike. But it is nice not at times not having to make these difficult route choices and just ride. Plus the evil rain held off till near the end so we avoided getting the wet gear march to Garage Monster's Lair.
After 3 plus hours we returned to the Lair and thus began the pumpkin soup phase of this Monstercross Duathlon. Nothing like warming up after a chilly misty fall ride with warm soup. And the Garage Monster makes good pumpkin soup. Of course chased with a bit of alcohol. And a gathering of cyclists can't be completed without talking about cycling, impersonating race officials, and such other cycling topics.
After a good feed thus began the drive home along the brake light freeway oops, I mean the QEW towards Toronto. Sadly the plan to ride a bit more as the rain came down and thwarted my plan for checking out the Waterdown trails and simply had to start the long drive home.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Dirtbag Road Bike Build Part 1
Have been wanting to rebuild a road bike for riding to get more mileage. Though to keep costs low had to do it as cheaply as possible as I want to get a Cyclocross bike this winter. Plus it came about simply due to a discussion with someone with the misguided belief that one has to spend lots of money to have a road bike or a tri bike.
First step was the frame which was easy. Had an old Centurion Le Mans in my parents basement so had it shipped out. Once I received it I stripped it of all the parts. And after a trip to Rona for black spray paint. The reason for this is there was rust in some spots from the frame being chipped and such from use. Painstakingly cleaned the rust off section by section and painted each section black. After everything was cleaned and painted. Began adding layer after layer of paint- basically sprayed it once then let it dry. Once that was done added a few layers of clear coat. Sure would love to have the old Centurion 1980's paint job but I am not that skilled. And am no where near the Hamster level of skill that is the Dicky.
www.teamdicky.blogspot.com/
While this was going on sourced various times. Set of road brakes $25, wheels $60, brake levers $30, cranks acquired from a parts swap, chain parts bin, bars freebie, tires $25, Derrailleurs freebies, and cassette parts bin. Pretty much less than $300 bucks with the only part remaining to get being a Octalink V1 BB. Plus need some tires, hoping to find some 700x25's if I can.
Now keep in mind this is only for fun. The bike will be spending the winter mounted to the old Turbo Trainer as riding road bikes in snow and ice is not fun. That is what the cross bike will be for as well as the Concubine V2. Though the next project will definitely be the funding of a cross bike for 2011.
The reality is that this is a build project to see how cheaply one can build up a road bike. It's to challenge the present convention that one needs to shell out large sums of cash to ride or race well. Shortly the build will be complete and Part 2 will be the full cost and other such as uninteresting weight weenie gibberish as can be applied to a non UCI approved project bike.
First step was the frame which was easy. Had an old Centurion Le Mans in my parents basement so had it shipped out. Once I received it I stripped it of all the parts. And after a trip to Rona for black spray paint. The reason for this is there was rust in some spots from the frame being chipped and such from use. Painstakingly cleaned the rust off section by section and painted each section black. After everything was cleaned and painted. Began adding layer after layer of paint- basically sprayed it once then let it dry. Once that was done added a few layers of clear coat. Sure would love to have the old Centurion 1980's paint job but I am not that skilled. And am no where near the Hamster level of skill that is the Dicky.
www.teamdicky.blogspot.com/
While this was going on sourced various times. Set of road brakes $25, wheels $60, brake levers $30, cranks acquired from a parts swap, chain parts bin, bars freebie, tires $25, Derrailleurs freebies, and cassette parts bin. Pretty much less than $300 bucks with the only part remaining to get being a Octalink V1 BB. Plus need some tires, hoping to find some 700x25's if I can.
Now keep in mind this is only for fun. The bike will be spending the winter mounted to the old Turbo Trainer as riding road bikes in snow and ice is not fun. That is what the cross bike will be for as well as the Concubine V2. Though the next project will definitely be the funding of a cross bike for 2011.
The reality is that this is a build project to see how cheaply one can build up a road bike. It's to challenge the present convention that one needs to shell out large sums of cash to ride or race well. Shortly the build will be complete and Part 2 will be the full cost and other such as uninteresting weight weenie gibberish as can be applied to a non UCI approved project bike.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Paul's After Fun
Some pic's of post Paul's fun.
The new offering from Herbert Titslinger.
Surf and Turf.
The new offering from Herbert Titslinger.
Surf and Turf.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Paul's Dirty Enduro 2010
Headed out to Ganaraska Forest for the 15th on September 18th. This year after my knees deciding to go on strike during the 60k only did the 30k.
Going into this my goals where really to simply ride it, I lost 2 weeks of training as my lower back did it's annual go on strike. So wasn't able to do as much as I wanted to before hand. So with no expectation headed out, the nice thing with the Dirty Enduro is those racing the 30k get a civilized 1pm start time.
After getting the call up to the start and the usual reaction to nerves it was line up time. Only carried one bottle with some Eload mixed in.
For about the first 3k we rolled along at an easy pace as everyone sorted out there place. Plus trying to avoid the usual first corner pile up as everyone over brakes.
At about the 3 k mark I upped my pace a bit. My plan at that point was to pass a bunch of riders before we hit the singletrack. Trying to avoid getting blocked. Once was in the singletrack the flow began. Felt good going through the singletrack. Even cleaned the section that I hade to dismount and run through the brush to get around a 5 rider pile up in 2009.
I should mention the weather was better then 2009, not a hot. and we missed out on any rain storms despite the dark clouds that seemed to be nearby. It seems that everyone at the Crank The Shield got the rain effect.
The first 15km went well, maintained a nice pace. Focus was completely on having fun and riding the flow. I think I scared a couple of people bombing down some of the DH's clearing logs and bouncing off a couple of trees. The same fun as in 2009 but on the Mistress this time. Can sat that I had more fun riding the Mistress this time.
After a brief stop at the aid station that marked the half way point and refilled my water bottle. Headed back out to resume the last 15km. Back on the singletrack resumed then fun flow ride I was having. I did up the pace for the last half. About the 20k point had the fun of getting stung by a angry wasp. Someone had missed the line and stirred the nest when they went wide.
At about the 7k out point one of the volunteers called out 7k left. Pushed it a bit for the next few km's. After some fun descents and technical sections suddenly was the left turn onto the grass. Followed by the sprint and sweeping right hander into the finish area.
And that was it. Another Paul's Dirty Enduro done and in the books. Goal was met that being to simply have a good ride and have fun. The Mistress held up and so did my knees. Now it was time for some Chili and hang out into the evening with the Don Rats.
Already starting plans for 2011. Looking at being able to ride it sans pack next year. But more on that plan later.
Going into this my goals where really to simply ride it, I lost 2 weeks of training as my lower back did it's annual go on strike. So wasn't able to do as much as I wanted to before hand. So with no expectation headed out, the nice thing with the Dirty Enduro is those racing the 30k get a civilized 1pm start time.
After getting the call up to the start and the usual reaction to nerves it was line up time. Only carried one bottle with some Eload mixed in.
For about the first 3k we rolled along at an easy pace as everyone sorted out there place. Plus trying to avoid the usual first corner pile up as everyone over brakes.
At about the 3 k mark I upped my pace a bit. My plan at that point was to pass a bunch of riders before we hit the singletrack. Trying to avoid getting blocked. Once was in the singletrack the flow began. Felt good going through the singletrack. Even cleaned the section that I hade to dismount and run through the brush to get around a 5 rider pile up in 2009.
I should mention the weather was better then 2009, not a hot. and we missed out on any rain storms despite the dark clouds that seemed to be nearby. It seems that everyone at the Crank The Shield got the rain effect.
The first 15km went well, maintained a nice pace. Focus was completely on having fun and riding the flow. I think I scared a couple of people bombing down some of the DH's clearing logs and bouncing off a couple of trees. The same fun as in 2009 but on the Mistress this time. Can sat that I had more fun riding the Mistress this time.
After a brief stop at the aid station that marked the half way point and refilled my water bottle. Headed back out to resume the last 15km. Back on the singletrack resumed then fun flow ride I was having. I did up the pace for the last half. About the 20k point had the fun of getting stung by a angry wasp. Someone had missed the line and stirred the nest when they went wide.
At about the 7k out point one of the volunteers called out 7k left. Pushed it a bit for the next few km's. After some fun descents and technical sections suddenly was the left turn onto the grass. Followed by the sprint and sweeping right hander into the finish area.
And that was it. Another Paul's Dirty Enduro done and in the books. Goal was met that being to simply have a good ride and have fun. The Mistress held up and so did my knees. Now it was time for some Chili and hang out into the evening with the Don Rats.
Already starting plans for 2011. Looking at being able to ride it sans pack next year. But more on that plan later.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Jolly Rogers
Today headed out to Rige's Trails past CFB Kingston. Over 2 and a half hours of riding.
The road out.
Passing the base.
Canadian Shield
There's a trail here some where.
Near the end stopped at my local Italian Food supplier for fresh Foccaccia to eat at home.
The road out.
Passing the base.
Canadian Shield
There's a trail here some where.
Near the end stopped at my local Italian Food supplier for fresh Foccaccia to eat at home.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Macauley Blood Ride
Since i wasn't able to go to the Don for a BDDR went to Macauley for a 5 hour ride.
Tight fit.
Double track. Thankfully no quad types around.
Wind chime.
About half way through the ride chain slipped while under load. One nice knee smash to fork crown. But still finished the ride.
Tight fit.
Double track. Thankfully no quad types around.
Wind chime.
About half way through the ride chain slipped while under load. One nice knee smash to fork crown. But still finished the ride.
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