MTBDEE

Who what where how?

2010-05-11T15:51:00.003-05:00

Not so much blogging going over here, it's all going down over here. So head over there and read some bike related stuff and then please join our facebook page so that we can have more than two e-friends, OK?

Yard Sale!!

2010-03-01T09:30:00.005-05:00

Time for some spring cleaning prior to opening the shop. I'd rather meet within a 45 drive of Providence, RI. I will ship if you agree to pick up the tab. I'm not interested in driving or shipping the smaller items, if you're local and need the cassette or jerseys let me know.

The prices are great so if you want a 650b mountain bike or need a fork for a project bike shoot me an email. mtbdee at hotmail dot com.

Haro Beasley 1x9, medium. Stock with the exception of an upgraded Cane Creek S-3 headset, a wider riser bar, 2.3 Nevegals and an SDG Belair saddle. $675

Haro's geometry info here: http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/geo5.html

Fox Vanilla R fork, 140mm, recently overhauled with new wiper seals and oil. Stiff spring installed, steerer is almost 8". 1 1/8 and it is has standard QR lowers. $200

XTR 8 spd 11-32 cassette. Used for 1/2 a season. $30

Deore external bottom bracket crankset with XT BB. Used for 2 seasons, no rings. BB was new at the start of this season and is in OK shape. $50

A bunch of jerseys, all in good shape. $20 for the lot. All medium/large (I'm 6' 175 lbs for reference). 1 long sleeve Nema, 2 Pearl Izumi T shirt style, a sleeveless GT and one Saturn team jersey. All jerseys are in great shape.

The worst kept secret, ever...

2010-02-23T23:07:00.003-05:00

Click below and act surprised!

http://blackstonebicycles.blogspot.com/

Seriously folks, feel free to spread the word. It's not like everyone and their brother doesn't know about this already anyways. Which, is, of course the point of telling people in the first place.

So please, tell a friend! Or two, or three. Tell them there's a new bike shop set to open up near the Blackstone River Bikeway (we worked real hard on the name, huh?) and Lincoln Woods in, yep, you guessed it; Lincoln, RI. Tell them some real nice guys who aren't opposed to living at, or below, the national poverty level are there to fulfill all of their bicycle related needs.

There's beer in the fridge, bike stuff on the way and a whole bunch of Ramen in the cupboard. Yeah, sure, we got this...

Recent Pics, snow riding and whatnot..

2010-02-16T14:40:00.003-05:00

A few pics from a recent snowy ride at Lincoln Woods. Hopefully Adam notices that I'm actually in a few of these.

In non bicycle related news local ska band The Stress were mentioned over on Steve's excellent blog. Click above for the review and the link to the free download of some good local tunes.

Log Ride

2010-01-16T22:29:00.004-05:00

A few pics from Thursday's Bluff Point snow ride extravaganza. Great packed snow conditions, if a little on the soft side. The trails were mostly firm and fast, with fun surprise traction changes and the occasional patch of hidden ice. Aside from nearly neutering myself on a small rock step up it was a great ride. Thank the lord for bashguards...

It never gets old.....

2010-01-06T15:13:00.004-05:00

Riding, that is. One might think it would, at least after almost 20 years in the woods. Whether amid either snow, rain, hail, sunshine, sleet, mosquitoes and blood. It's all the same thing, all the time; Fun! And lots of it. Get off the internets and get outside and ride!

Some random images

2010-01-01T16:26:00.011-05:00

Happy New Year! A few recent pics from the last week or so.

The new black?

2009-12-21T21:16:00.011-05:00

Is it true, that which I've been hearing for a while now? The 26" singlespeed is dead?! Given that no one offers a complete cheap 26er singlespeed these days I suppose it may be true for now, at least as far as manufacturers are concerned. Why is it, then, that I keep searching for a cheap Surly 1x1 frame and fork? It's not some burning desire to go against the grain, that's for damn sure. It's just that when I think of some of my most enjoyable bikes my 26" singlespeeds, rigid or hardtail, top the list.

To be sure, all signs point to the slow demise of this little corner of the mountain bike world that gave so many a whole new reason to justify yet another bike. I seriously hope it doesn't die some slow, whimpering death and that Jim Grimley's move to 29ers wasn't the last nail in the coffin.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Sinister 29er, and 650b wheels are pretty damn zippy to boot. I'm not against any wheel size per se. I'm just lamenting the slow extinction of a simple style of bike that made regular old riding cool and challenging again, at least for a brief moment, before being co-opted and exploited by everyone and their brother. In a sense the singlespeed 26er represents all "niches" that have been hyped and left to wither in the mountain bike market over the last 10 to 15 years. It's too bad. I'm hoping it makes a comeback and that someone, somewhere, includes a complete production 26" ss bike in their lineup for 2010.

Maybe 26" singlespeeds will become so uncool as to be cool again, in demand even. Sort of like the immaculate, and overpriced, junkbox road bikes no one really liked riding 25 years ago (hence their immediate attic storage) that seem to breed on Craigslist and hipster neighborhoods the world over.

Speaking of hipster hoods; Stacy and I went to Brooklyn this past weekend to see the Slackers and friends. The weekend was long, and snowy, but lots of fun all the same. But it really all started with Noah's birthday.

Ladies, he's taken. Sorry.

The Cake Slayer:

The Slackers 12/19:

The Slackers:

The Slackers:

The trudge home from the show:

The Solstice:

Back from the dead

2009-11-11T21:13:00.004-05:00

I'm still alive, in case anyone was wondering. I know it's been a long while but things are happening and stuff so, you know, not too much typing has been happening. Anyways my friend Simon is back in action, this time as a single speed with a 120mm fork. This is the lightest sled in the closet right now and it's geared to go at 32x19. I'm such a tough guy, right?

Thanks to Mike Iafrate and Mike Leblanc for raking almost all the trails at Lincoln Woods over the last few weeks!

Lincoln Woods 'Cross is a go

2009-08-19T13:23:00.002-05:00

Cross Post from the P Bike site:

Hi all,

Can you believe it's almost 'cross season? I know, summer has just now reared it's sweaty head and all but, yeah, it's that time of year again. I can already hear Geoff talking incessantly about run ups, barriers and the agony of tire choices..

To help folks get in the mood we are hosting two days of 'cross training at Lincoln Woods. The course consists of some fun windy singletrack, a ripping descent and two nasty run-ups. There are no barriers because we feel that the MRC and NBX guys have that covered in spades. There is one lonely downed log roughly at regulation height. Feel free to practice your dismounts/remounts there or just ride around it.

The focus of our events is on bike handling and run-ups. For some inspiration we looked to the old timers and realized that those of us in this day and age really can't complain about a few rocks, logs and a smattering of roots.

By the way, this course is extremely singlespeed friendly because when you aren't riding you're slogging up hill on foot. The trail sections are flat, fast and flow really well.

Anyhow, the official press release is below. Keep in mind that you can stop by Lincoln Woods at any time in the future and ride the course on your own. Because it is situated in a State Park it will always be open. Oh, and if anyone wants a tour of the trails be sure to email me in advance and bring your mountain bike. There are some great trails in LW! If no one RSVPs I'll ride over on my 'cross bike and won't have my MTB with me.

This is listed over at Bikereg as well.

Join Providence Bicycle on August 22nd and 29th at 9:00 AM for some old school cyclocross training in the woods of Lincoln Rhode Island.

The course features good old fashioned woods riding with the longest run up you've ever seen followed by some beautiful winding singletrack and a ripping descent followed, naturally, by another run up. Rinse and repeat.

There is only one natural barrier on the course with a "B line" included to allow you to opt out if you so choose.

The focus of these events is to work on handling skills and the dreaded run ups we all love to hate, that's why there's only one barrier. You'll get over it, I promise.

The rides will run for 60 minutes. After that feel free to take your mountain bike
for a ride on the trails in the park or take a dip in the lake. The beach is just down the road from where we are parking.

Cost: $10 with proceeds going to the US Open Cycling Foundation

Things to bring:

Your bike, a helmet, some fluids, $10 and a positive attitude and a racing license*.

* Please note that all participants must have either an annual USA Cycling license
or purchase a one day license for $5.

Directions:

Take Route 146 to the Twin River Road Exit. From 146 N take a left at the end of
the ramp (opposite from 146 S) and drive into Lincoln Woods State Park. At the
kiosk take a left and park in the big double lots roughly 2/10ths of a mile up on
the left.

Get on your bike and take a right out of the lot, pass the kiosk on your left and
proceed carefully past the gate and take the first left. Be sure to watch for
oncoming traffic. Follow the road to its end and the registration tent will be on the
right. Shortly before 9:00 AM we'll head into the woods and meet at the start/
finish area.

P.S. Big thanks to RI NEMBA, Lincoln Woods, Providence Bicycle, USA Cycling, Dick Durishin and the US Open Cycling Foundation, Mike Iafrate, Mike Ferraro and Leo Corrigan for helping to make this happen!

Thanks and Happy Trails,

Brendan
401 331 6610

Woods 'Cross is (hopefully) coming soon...

2009-07-30T09:41:00.004-05:00

I've been working on getting an honest to goodness old time 'cross training race established in Lincoln Woods. This is in conjunction with my employer, Providence Bicycle, RI Parks and Recreation and The US Open Cycling Foundation (insurance and officiating). I'm still waiting to hear about the insurance, and I still need to secure the permit with Parks and Recreation, but things are looking pretty good. If anything the insurance is the one thing I'm still concerned about...

Me, Mike Iafrate and Mike Ferraro cleared out some very old trail in Lincoln Woods off the end of Quinsnicket Rd. There's a pretty damn nice section of trail that runs into a ripping descent prior to one of the longest and nastiest run ups you've yet to attempt in your life. The dates will be in August. Early? For sure. Worth the trip? Yes, assuming you enjoy singletrack and suffering.

Even if the planning hits a snag and doesn't "officially" happen I'll try to organize a race/ride and show the course to whomever wants to ride it. At the very least it will sharpen your 'cross bike handling skills and you might enjoy it. And, if you're local, it'll be a nice spot to practice driving your 'cross bike on dirt without worrying about aggravating dog walkers over at Chase Farm.

The course lends itself well to singlespeed 'cross bikes as all the climbs require most normal humans to dismount and run/slog/deathmarch to the top. Whenever you are on your bikes it will be fast, rolling and flowy. There is but one lonely natural barrier in the form of a downed tree with a B line around it. Why no "real" barriers? Because you'll be suffering enough, I promise.

Things to bring:

Your racing license.

A bike.

A helmet.

A positive attitude.

Things not to bring:

Your "A" bike.

Bitching and moaning.

Carbon wheels.

Expectations.

Let me explain the last one. This course is decidedly NOT a grass 'crit! I want to make that 100000% clear from the get go. There are NO paved sections and no grassy fields. It's all in the woods and it's a wee bit like a short MTB course just without any real technical riding.

When did I move to England?

2009-06-22T09:05:00.007-05:00

I know, it's been a while since I've posted anything here. I'm just stopping in to say hello from the damp and swampy denizens of RI. Gloomy as that sounds the sun finally made an appearance last Friday afternoon and again on Saturday. The above photo more or less sums up my feelings on the weather situation of late. It's either that, or I had just realized that I rode through a pile of horse crap at Lincoln Woods. Either way it's a fitting sentiment.

Anyways, the sun was there, and here's the proof:

The Knave of Burlingame?

2009-04-12T19:59:00.006-05:00

Soooo, yeah. No mug for me this year. Enjoy it guy who beat my ass like a dirty rug on the first nice day of spring. Speaking of rugs, or carpets, I was told by Adam St Germain that I should have approached the race as if I was one. Well, one that unfurls and rolls out faster as it goes along anyway. Yeah, not so much. Either my magic carpet was broken, or, more likely, it was really, really short and more like a welcome mat. It ran out somewhere around the horrible dirt road and it was all downhill from there. Come to think of it, that's not accurate at all and if it was then the second half of the race would've been a lot more enjoyable. It was more like I had two flat tires and legs full of battery acid. Yep, that about sums it up. The post race ride with Adam was far more enjoyable as we rode out to the extension for the Sammy C trail and rode it, and Sammy C proper, in a clockwise manner that maximizes the flow factor. It was nice to get in a good ride in some great weather after the beating I took in the race.

The Sinister was not a factor in my implosion and it worked great. Not too surprisingly the low tech and old school shifting department worked flawlessly. Little did I know the recently rehabbed Manitou Minute was on it's last legs and that it would cease working during a great ride with Frate later that week (on Thursday afternoon to be exact). Two weird cracking noises during a climb were all the warning I had before it promptly lost almost all of it's travel. Awesome. Luckily Matt Green of super fast Spooky bicycles fame had hooked me up with a Fox 29er fork at KOB, and after a 10 minute switch over at home we were back riding a bit later at Lincoln Woods with Mike F. The Fox is phenomenal and now I know what all those professional bike reviewers mean by the feeling of "bottomless travel". Over the course of two hours worth of riding in Lincoln Woods today I managed to dial it in and it pretty much rules. The bike as a whole reminds me of my old Santa Cruz Chameleon only with big wheels and that is a huge compliment. Basically any bike that even I can kind of wheelie is all right by me! As a card carrying member of the "can't really wheelie to save my life unless there's a damn good reason" club I gotta say this frame is the best thing since sliced bread. Manuals off of drops are almost too easy and it pops up and over stuff incredibly well. Hopefully Frank makes another batch so other folks can get out and enjoy the Simon Bar.

It was good to see everyone out at the race and I hope a few folks come out to the annual Big River Cleanup scheduled for April 25th. Ah yes, who could resist picking up the detritus of the slovenly residents from the times of olde down at the Big River Management Area in the springtime! What's not to love? But seriously, if you can come and help out it will be immensely appreciated and always helps with our relationship with the trail committee and Water Resources Board. Peter has been busy meeting with the new WRB director and keeping tabs on things in that neck of the woods. A good turnout at the cleanup helps demonstrate how seriously we take our roles as stewards of the area, and it doesn't hurt to meet the other trail users and groups interested in preserving one of RI's best networks of trail and open space.

Brian Chapman, AKA the nicest guy in Providence, (seriously, anyone ever see this guy NOT happy?) took the below shot. A true meeting of the minds if ever there was one, eh? Sort of like Churchill and Roosevelt, or Tom and Jerry...

King of Burlingame

2009-03-31T10:59:00.003-05:00

It's coming up soon, will I see you there? I hope so because it's going to be a blast! I know I haven't posted in a while, and I must apologize to the one or two of you who still check this page on occasion. I've been riding, working, sleeping, driving an awful lot and riding some more. I actually rode bikes with gears twice in the last week to boot!

Things are coming along nicely and the Sinister is freshly geared with the finest 1997 technology (1x8 XT cassette and XTR mech mated to a 7/8spd thumbie), and it's also sporting a freshly rebuilt Minute up front so things should be good. I will be leading a post race ride on the super fun and great trails that exist in the regions beyond the race course. I'll likely be sporting an orange long sleeve NEMBA jersey if it's colder, or a ratty looking short sleeve RI NEMBA jersey if it's warm. Come find me if you are at all interested in the post race ride. It will be a good time at a nice pace with plenty of time to fall off the techy stuff Lennon designed.

Yardsale Time

2009-03-01T17:53:00.007-05:00

Help me clear out some stuff!! It's high time I cleared out the spare parts bin. Help a brother out and buy this stuff at deep discount prices while stimulating my local economy.

Parts seen below:

XTR 8 spd rear derailleur ($15), XT 8 spd rear derailleur ($15), Selle Italia SLR ($25), LX 8 spd cassette ($10)

And some more parts: Race Face Evolve Low Rise ($15), Race Face Evolve 27.2 post 330mm ($15) XT Front Derailleur top pull 28.6 clamp ($10), Race Face Bashguard 4 Bolt 104 BCD ($15), New R/C road post and 120mm stem - from my San Jose ($10 each), Generic stem 120mm, 25.4 clamp MTB stem. Truvativ Stylo triple MTB crankset with Bottom Bracket, pedal washers and chainring bolts. 175mm length ($50).

All this stuff is in good to great shape. The R/C post and stem are basically brand new and were taken off of my Bianchi San Jose. The SLR saddle is petty darned light and in really good shape. I just don't really dig it, maybe you will. The Race Face bar saw one ride on the Sinister before I realized I really needed some more back sweep. The Stylos have some miles on them but the BB has life left in it and the arms are in great shape. The cranks and bashguard go together like PB&J, or Turner and Hooch if that floats your boat.

TOC 2009 the Clone Wars?

2009-02-13T09:27:00.004-05:00

I don't usually chime in about bike racing. This is because I know next to nothing about it. I do, however, see an uncanny resemblance here and, regardless of how you feel about either of these riders, you have to admit a Hinault/Lemond style showdown at some point this season would just be great to watch.. If only to see some animation from either one of these two.

Edited to add; This picture was pilfered from the Velonews Site. If it's yours and you'd like it removed let me know...

Come ride your bike on the Dirts!

2009-02-12T12:31:00.005-05:00

We, here in the smallest, brokest, most corruptest, Isle of Rogues have something many of you of the more northern climes do not. That, my friends, is DIRT. The real deal brown stuff. Hmmmm. Where is your dirt? Ensconced in snow and no doubt hiding out under a crusty layer of filthy mean spirited snow. It's not even poking it's head out to taunt you is it? Nope, it's still sleeping and waiting... for May.

How on earth will you cope? You could run, snowboard, XC ski, ride on snow. You may also caress your cranks, lube your johnson rods and fix the flux capacitor. Oh, and don't forget about perfecting your fixed gear spin (working on your 1000 yard stare at the same time is optional)! You could also look into building bicycles from human hair and squirrel corpses. (Something tells me this guy needs a good old MTB ride ASAP).

Sure, all the above will stave off insanity and tide you over until the polar ice caps in your local woods give way. But, I bet that it's all getting real old right about now. What you could do to cure what ails ya is head down to Burlingame in Charlestown, RI. Why? Because there will be dirt. And rocks, and rollers and steep climbs, granite and drops. It's all there and waiting for you. It's also a fund raiser for the Good Vibes Youth Ride to boot and we'll most likely have some post ride food (chili again, maybe?). If you are the bike racing type you could simply ride the Yellow Loop to get your head around the King of Burlingame TT course. If I may be so bold (I will be anyway), I would recommend riding the longer, and more technical, trails that Lennon and his crew of hardcore ninja builders have constructed. Kung Fu Grip required all the way but it's totally worth it.

For details feel free to visit this thread on the NEMBA forums. There is also one on the MTBR forum (MA and CT/RI) for good measure.

Hope to see you there. I'll be the skinny looking guy on the black Sinister 29er. You may even catch a glimpse of the angriest dude on two wheels if he just sucks it up and makes the trip from Pawtucket.

No pics so I'm borrowing this clip from Steve over at the Duff Guide to Ska. It is excellent to say the least. Enjoy.

Slower than Snot

2009-02-09T12:45:00.002-05:00

I've been riding at a snail's pace recently. Slow, big(ish) gear and SS only. Working on climbing strength for MTB SS riding and spinning it every chance I get on the flats. Lately it's been about trying to avoid the worst effects of the annual head/chest funk that seems to afflict everyone I know, myself included, right about now. I did get in some ride time last week and over the weekend, and it was really nice to get out in the sun and warmer temps. The night time rides are OK in that they keep me off my trainer, but sunshine is where it's at. Hell, even grey skies and blowing wind beats the TV. And, honestly, last Thursday nights ride was freaking COLD. Didn't help I was still sickly and shouldn't have ventured out either.

The Old North Burial Ground on North Main is where I've been ending my recent rides. The pavement is decrepit, sometimes muddy, and beat to shit in every way possible. Awesome! There are basically no dirt roads to speak of close to Providence save the old rail beds and the fire roads in Lincoln Woods. Riding the cemetery is as close as it gets and it's a good thing the place is actually kinda big. No one is ever really in there either, which allows you to cruise at a nice clip and take advantage of the punchy climbs and crumbly asphalt corners. It's a weird place, scrunched between North Main and I 95, and it's full of dead people, but the roads offer a decent early season workout and the plow work is better than many of the area roads receive.

In other somewhat bike related news I had to head up to the soon to be new office in Quincy on Saturday morning. The good thing was it allowed me to fully scope out the ride to work from 138. There's a park and ride right off 138 and from there the route will take me through the Blue Hills. The days I ride in from the P&R will cut off ~ 20 miles from the drive. I can extend the ride a bit as well, I could also add some single and double track once the trails are open to bikes again in April. I'm thinking of getting some better 'cross tires though. The stock tires on the San Jose (WTB All Terrainasourus) are soft, squirmy and adhere to road surfaces the way peanut butter sticks to the roof of your mouth. This is good for some resistance but not so hot for getting anywhere quick. I think my standby 'cross tire, the Ritchey Excavader, actually rolls easier on pavement and would probably handle the woods riding better as well. The only sketchy looking part of the ride is in Quincy near the office but it's a short stretch, and I'll be heading in a little after the rush, so hopefully it's not a death race.

Here's to hoping this week's temps allow for enough melting so Lennon can host the planned Fun Ride down in Burlingame next Sunday..

The Harder They Come

2009-02-01T16:16:00.006-05:00

It seems, to me at least, that here's been an awful lot talk on these internets about hardening up, being tough and riding your bike in the elements and all that. It has seemed nearly impossible to avoid the sentiment over the last few weeks. From where I'm sitting (reclining, really) we on the right coast are experiencing a winter. Fancy that! Anyone over the age of 30 might remember playing pond hockey all season and not really riding a bike at all during the winter. I know it's been a few years since we've all gone through the maddening routine of chipping ice from the walk and throwing down enough salt to pay a Roman army, but unless you just moved to NE from a sub tropical locale you really can't bitch too much. Nor should you tell anyone to HTFU and ride.

And here's why I want you (you know who are) to STFU about Hardening TFU. I want to be faster than those loathe to heed your advice in April and May. That's it, it's really nothing more than that. I want to put time into them during early season MTB races faster than Mike Phelps heads for the bong at a kegger. You all can have June through August and 'cross season to boot. When you're a Sport (cat 2?) racer for life like me the only bike racing related joy in life comes from being fast in March, April and May. All the articles written in all the bike mags in the world will tell you to avoid "overtraining" in the winter because, well, no one wants to be fast in the spring and slow the rest of the year. Oh yeah? STFU! Some of us great unwashed have followed this widely denigrated trend almost every year we've ridden bikes.

All of sudden people want to encourage you, Mr. and Mrs. Trainer, to suck it up and visit Mother Nature at her most bitter moments. Allow me to set you straight; This can be a particularly demoralizing time of year to meet Ms. Nature. Her menopausal hot flashes will entice you out of doors shortly before her icy mitts slam your riding window shut with whip crack speed. Let me encourage you to heed the advice of those common sense training articles found in Bicycling and tell you to just stay home and sit on your trainer. No one, I mean no one, wants to be a superstar in April. Just stay home and ride your trainer to nowhere. Let us plebes get in our junk miles and don't tell us to HTFU. We know there's nothing hard about it. Because, if we're remotely honest with ourselves we know the that the folks we see riding to and fro, weather be damned, on clapped out Huffys are harder than you, me and anyone reading this.

That is all, please enjoy the pictures below. Or don't, it's OK if you don't.

Oh The Irony

2009-01-27T22:09:00.005-05:00

Spring my ass...

The MTB action has been real sparse as of late. The freezing cold road rides, snowshoeing and runs have been fun and all but it's gotta be time for some warmer weather. I saw a familiar case at the liquor store that gave me a flash of hope. The name has changed to Celtic Ale but Harpoon's Hibernian is still a nice harbinger of spring. It's just a matter of time so suck it up and get out there, it'll be time to ride fast soon enough.

Speaking of rides, Lennon Schroeder is hosting the second annual Burlingame Winter Fun Ride. It will be held on February 15th and will feature some really fun trails designed and cut by the man himself (and his crew of trail creating zombie bike slaves) This is all assuming the snow makes a hasty retreat anyways. Be sure to check the RI NEMBA site for updates before the ride to be sure it's a go.

That's all I have for now, stay warm!

Feel the heat

2009-01-12T20:19:00.005-05:00

Damn, it's freakin' cold out! It's just going to get colder too.. Before the deluge of pictures from warmer days gone by I need to mention the following: I rode the extension to the Sammy C trail in Burlingame and it is AWESOME!! Lennon is the man!

Be happy, ye olde roadies, that he will most likely never, ever, include such a trail in the King of Burlingame Time Trial. If he did your road seasons would end in early April because you'd either fall completely in love with mountain biking and sell all your road bikes, or die. It's that much fun. OK, you wouldn't die, it's not that hard to ride but it is really technical and lots of fun. It's the sort of trail that you want to go back and ride over and over again. As soon as the snow is gone your mission is to make a trip down to South County and ride that sucker. Here's to hoping Len is up to hosting another February Fun Ride, and the weather feels like cooperating.. Oh yeah, almost forgot, I bought a Bianchi San Jose. It's going to be my on/off road commuter bike to use in the Blue Hills to get to work from Houghton's Pond once my job moves to Quincy. Should be fun putting together a ride incorporating single track and fire roads. It'll cut about 20 miles off the round trip the days I ride in from the park.

OK, random pics. Enjoy the days of single layers.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-05T12:07:00.009-05:00

Yeah, I'm a little late with the sentiment I know.. Not too much has transpired in 2009 as of yet so this will be brief. I did manage to ride on New Years Day down at Bluff Point in CT. Bad Brad and I rode the snowy trails and managed to put together a decent loop considering everything was under 4" of powdery snow. A little ice here and there made it interesting and once the snow groove was acheived it was on, and as it turns out it was a lot of fun. I'll post the pics of two dumbasses freezing out on the bluff tonight. I think we definitely should've brought some warming spirits after seeing the "bar" set up at the point. As it was I think we lost a few brain cells at the Tim Hortons pit stop on the drive home, it wouldn't have killed us to get a jump start courtesy of flasky mcgee.

In other self flagellation related news I made a really dumb mistake and ran for roughly twice my longest recent mileage, and time, on Saturday out on the snowy trails at Lincoln Woods. This was extra stupid seeing as how I've only been running on flat ground. This would explain why walking was seriously hindered by a really screwy right knee on Sunday. Oodles of stretching, and some spinning on the trainer, finally allowed things to get back to normal. At least now I can walk up the stairs. I knew running was coming along too well until now. After 5 runs I was pretty happy with my 3 mile/20:10 run last Tuesday and figured I'd "broken through" that invisible barrier that hampers me when I reintroduce an activity. I wasn't hurting during or after so I must be done easing back into it, right? Well, yeah, not so much. It's been roughly 4 years since I ran regularly and like I meant it. It might be a while to get back to where it once was.

In case you are wondering, Lincoln Woods is fairly rideable right now. It'll be work but you can do it, I know you can. Here's some pics of Brad in the cold.

2 weeks

2008-12-28T21:45:00.003-05:00

It's been two weeks since the last post and hopefully everyone got out in the snow before it melted away in a flash. Snowshoeing at Lincoln Woods was fun and while I was enjoying the peace and quiet afforded by 14" of snow I didn't think I'd be out there on the bike this Sunday. But, we arrived home from Boston earlier than I thought and the snow was gone so I called Frate and Mike Sam and we went for a spin in the slick and muddy woods. The ground held it's own and wasn't soft but the rocks were icy and everyone went down, or almost went down, at least once. Frate sampled the Lincoln Woods brew of muddy water face first and was no worse for the wear.

The Throwdown was, as per usual, a crapload of fun. Once I get the longer video off the camera I'll figure out how to post it here. The first night was spent dodging really BIG old dudes while night #2 revolved around trying to get some decent photos from the bar above the stage.

Winter Warmer Fun Ride Recap

2008-12-16T21:13:00.011-05:00

Thanks to all who came out on Sunday morning! We wound up with 300 + pounds of food and almost $200 in cash to give to the RI Food Bank. Not half bad for an event we pulled together in about two weeks time. Definitely going to get some better PR next year, if only to get more food dropped off (might stop tools from pulling down the arrows as well). Big thanks to EFTA for the help with the insurance as well. Thanks Craig for going out and putting arrows back up after people took them down!

The loop ended up being closer to 7 or 8 miles due to the 4" of water that fell during the previous week. Many of the trails were either under water or sheets of ice. Laying the course out on Saturday had me getting creative and utilizing one really old trail that had almost completely disappeared. Roughly 70 people came out to ride and/or help out. Stacy made some awesome chili (vegan friendly and a turkified version) and we had plenty of food to go around. The chili was a nice touch due to the cold wind coming off the water. Oddly enough temps rose ~ 5 degrees or more, and the ground began to soften considerably, while I was pulling down arrows. In keeping with the winter theme my dietary intake for the day was decidedly horrid; 3 donuts, 5 cups of coffee, two cups of chili, chips and some water. No wonder I finally succumbed to the cold floating around my office.

No pictures of the Sinister just yet. I was going to ride it but I found a huge cut in the front tire and the wheels needed emergency resuscitation. If it doesn't snow too much on Friday I'll get it out in the woods this weekend. Until then it's the trainer, riding fixed on the road and running (yeah, it blows).

It was a long weekend, and I got sleepy by the end of it. Remember, don't sleep and drive kids!

Life in the Snow Lane - and, come to our bike ride!!

2008-12-10T20:51:00.010-05:00

First, let me apologize for having exactly zero pictures of the Sinister to share with all 2.25 of you who read this stuff on a regular basis. In case you are wondering it rides friggin' great! I'll whip some up soon I promise. It'll probably happen on Saturday while I'm out at Lincoln Woods stapling arrows to trees. Speaking of which, if you enjoy riding your bike in the winter and eating Chili (veggie and regular) afterwards then be sure to come on down to LW on Sunday for RI NEMBA's Winter Warmer Fun Ride Part I (part II to follow in Burlingame at a later date). Speaking of food please bring a can of soup or other food for the RI Food Bank. Bring a few bucks to toss into the raffle and win some bike related goodies. All proceeds are going to the Food Bank. If you are so inclined consider joining NEMBA while you're at it. We need members more than ever these days.

There will be one roughly 10 mile loop with a few stiff climbs and the usual things needed for MTB riding; dirt, rocks, roots and wildlife (well, creeps in the woods anyways, it is LW after all!). Registration will be 9-11. Don't show up too early, because I may not be there! Serious and for reals yo! If, perchance, you need to show up and ride before 9 AM just go for it and follow the arrows. Also, for all you freeride types, Mike Iafrate will be on hand if you would like to huck the gnar or just ride some of the more technical trails the park has to offer.

OK, now on to yet another race report detailing the excruciatingly mind, and extremity, numbing fun that was had at Goddard Park on 12/7. Yeah, you know what.. screw it. Here's the quick and exciting version from the point of view of some chump on a singlespeed On One.

"Hey this isn't soo bad, a little slippery but...OMG, OMG where the f*ck did all this ICE come from??!! OOOOFFFFFF that sucked. Woah, watch out dude! Don't worry buddy I won't run you over (this was repeated many, many times). Running sucks. Running really sucks. Is this over yet?? It is over! Yaaaaay, time to go eat breakfast like a normal person. Hey, $1 beer? Grrrreat! Sure, I'll go yell at Bad Brad as he looks oddly at peace with being in pain. Hey, there goes Dan"! "Where the hell is St. Germaine, and why does GeWilli dress like a janitor at these things?"

Did I miss anything? Oh, thanks to Stacy for putting up with me, taking the below pictures and waking up at an ungodly hour on a Sunday. And, it was good to see Lynne Sam out racing and in good health. Oh, yeah, and some Frate dude drank all the 'Gansett.

Hard to believe these pictures came from a phone. Granted it's an iPhone but jeez.. lucky Stacy, huh? Now if you don't mind I'm going to go feed my carrier pigeons, I have many messages to send out in the AM.

Simon Says

2008-12-05T22:55:00.003-05:00

It's new bike time! I'm feeling Sinister... details to follow. No pictures yet but I'll leave you with some entertainment of some sort. Go get your Chocolate Choo Choo on and sit back and relax....

Bikes, crap, bikes, more crap, and bikes.

2008-12-03T13:28:00.009-05:00

I am in a phase of marked de-motivation when it comes to riding my bike in a fast(ish) manner. Not sure why but the desire to push hard evaporated recently and I couldn't care less. Even so I finally registered for the big Showcase Showdown extravaganza that is known as NBX 'cross weekend. This late show of support, and self malice, guarantees me a damn near last row start. Couple this with the singlespeed factor and I'm sure to be smoked. Of course, by some people's logic, merely racing a SS makes you an underdog hero or some such bullshit. Well then! I should seem like the fucking 1985 New England Patriots on Sunday morning to those folks! Mosi Tatupu and Steve Grogan express comin' through!! Outta my way bitches! Whoops, dropped the ball...again. Shit, damn you Eason!!

It's gonna take a lot less than a million fumbles, The Fridge and Ditka to ruin my race. I'm sure if I do end up DFL rolling on down the road at the start I'll trip all over myself trying to accommodate any accompanying DFLers. The last time I raced this course I found myself and another day of registration slacker fighting over who would get DFL honors going into the woods.. The conversation between myself and Mr. Bloodred Surly guy was something like this "You first. No no no, I insist you go. Nah, man, you go for it." Fine, I'll go!... I guess". Yes folks it's sure to be an epic battle of who could give a shit less, be sure tune in for the exciting details.

I am excited about the brief return of Dan Langlois, renowned international (er, East Coast anyways) man of velo racing, high dolla neckerchief pimping and home made woolen undergarments. I plan on procuring a new woolen base layer from the man to replace the rag I've been wearing for the last 10 years. At this point it fails to resemble anything a self respecting human would want touching their skin. It's that grody. In fact I bet the shroud of turin is cleaner.

Also, on a positive note, I will be sporting mostly hole free clothing in this race! This is nice. And not just because it'll keep me warmer but because any race poor Stacy attends usually elicits comments about how everyone could see my ass. I also hear all about the holes in my nasty jerseys and how they make me look like a bum who woke up beside the course and decided to give it a go. Sorry honey, no pro kit for a guy like me. But at least I won't be in threadbare rags this time.

In all seriousness it should be fun. I do wish that after doing 9 CX training races I could re-mount with something resembling grace, but it's been coming along real slow like. I broke my super duper wicked awesome 500 year old Schwinn Stinger saddle in Wakefield last week. Who knew Ti rails could break so easily? Well, they can when you remount will all the grace of a cracked out gorilla. Luckily I had a red one kicking around after the sale of the Kona. Speaking of selling bikes, the Rip9 frame is being sold tomorrow. I'm down to ONE mountain bike for the winter (well, OK, two if you count the Schwinn but that really doesn't count). It's gonna be all Karate Monkey all the time until I figure out which frame I'm going to buy. Sinister's Simon Bar and the Niner EMD 9 are on the short list. Someone out there give me another idea, or two, to mull around in my head. The only requirements are that it costs well under $1,000, it can handle 100mm - 120mm of travel, it's relatively light and is a neutral handler. Any ideas?

No pictures so I'll leave you with this. It is about that time of year again after all...

Veloconomics broken down.

2008-11-25T12:03:00.009-05:00

I really have nothing much to talk about, but it's been a while so I'll ramble a bit and leave you underwhelmed and possibly misinformed. It has been cold. I think this topic has been covered many times, by many others, and well, unless you have not left your dwelling in days you've probably got that figured out by now. On the plus side traction in the woods, and at the NBX course, has been excellent. On the down side I shaved off my beard prior to attending the Save The Bay "Bay Bash" and my flesh feels like it's been torn asunder by screeching weasels every time I ride. Maybe I'll simply toughen up. I certainly hope so, as I have no plans to resemble a skinny Grizzly Adams again anytime soon.

I finally sold my Kona. That's riveting news, I know. Contain yourselves please! What else happened in the last few weeks, you ask? Not a whole lot. I've frozen my ass off on the road like many of you, and I recently drove through a handful of nails some asshat left in the street in front of our neighbors house (an accursed shithole that has, in the semi recent past, actually been a drive-up crack house). Apparently good contractors are hard to find these days..

On the NEMBA front we're hosting a Winter Warmer Fun Ride at Lincoln Woods on 12/14 to help get people out of Arcadia, and Big River, during the mercifully short shotgun season. We'll have some raffle items, chili and whatnot. We will keep the price low as per usual, somewhere around $5 - $10 with all proceeds going to a local non profit, you know the drill. This will be a great chance to learn a loop out there! It'll be most of my main loop. Figure on 10 miles or so with a bunch of climbing. To avoid two way traffic issues I'm going to get creative, and yes, that means some little double-back type of stuff gets cut out. I'll probably lead a ride and will hit some additional stuff. Although I'll be riding it a zillion times over that weekend so who knows how the legs will feel. Frate will most likely be leading some gnarly huckabilly jam type rides, so if that's your gig you'll want to hook up with him. Hopefully Mike Sam will be all healed up and able to ride as well.

What else.. oh, yeah, the economy sucks. But you all only really care about the veloconomy anyways, and for buyers it is most definitely NOT sucking. These days selling a bike for a fair price is about as likely as finding an ethical car salesman at a JD Byrider. It ain't gonna happen. Be prepared to give it away folks. Roughly 1/2 of retail became the norm for used bike pricing a while ago, and prices aren't going anywhere but down.

But, it's not all doom and gloom. If you were the proverbial ant, and not the grasshopper, then you can get your ass on the internets and profit from the stupidity of others! Just watch out for the usual schmucks trying to unload their "like new, high end, high prefromance SEXY bikes!!!" Nothing says I wanna to sex you up like a bike with "breaks" and some really cool "break" levers that allow you to not ride comfortably on your bars. As an added bonus it also became $100 more valuable between Providence and Boston's Craigslists. Must be all the work involved in posting it on two places that makes it worth the extra scratch. Well, that, the extra brakes and the pump. But hey, if you're local to RI snatch that bad boy up and save big!!

While it may be obvious to those walking among us who are not cyclists, those of us who buy and sell copious amounts of bike crap are a bit blind to the fact that our beloved bikes, like most material goods, do NOT become more valuable over time. At best they will have decent resale values. There are exceptions of course. Even if it was a great deal a horribly ugly bike will likely become the hardest thing you've ever tried to sell three years from now.(Ask anyone who bought a Gary Fisher Joshua, K2 Animal or a late 90s/early 2000s Gary Fisher or Trek VRX). The only ugly bikes, and parts, to buck the trend until now were the Mantis, Y bikes, purple anodized geegaws and the Girvin fork. These examples proving once again that there is absolutely no accounting for taste.

I'll leave you with something safety related, check your brakes before they check you:

Edited to add the below - apparently things are worse than I thought. Interweb battles over pink Shoguns, oh my..

NBX 'Cross tonight

2008-11-05T14:30:00.002-05:00

The tiny but capable Fit will depart from Jenkins St. Station at 6:00 sharp tonight. It's destination will be Wakefield, RI for another installment of near vomit inducing singlespeed 'cross fun and games. Jim Grimley will be riding shotgun, and he will more than likely smoke most of us pretender-contender types. As per usual I'll be going as fast as I possibly can while having a good time. And, as an added bonus I promise to get some air just for GeWilli.

I may actually try to make a true 'cross race this weekend. Although I may be working on selling my bike so who knows if Plymouth will happen. And, frankly, who really cares?? Does their race really need me there, probably not. I'm sure there will be more than enough skinny guys in plum smugglers to keep one another company without my entry. They do have a 3/4 race though. This means I can sleep until a normal time and not race at early O'clock. I like to be rested before my ass gets handed to me.

Off topic - Anyone read Bicycling? Anyone? C'mon, stop lying and fess up if you do. Somehow two issues appeared via my magical mail slot on Monday. Ugh. Thank the Lord for Dirt Rag, and Urban Velo, huh? I won't even start on the Rapha ad insert, and how unabashedly self deprecatingly funny and awe inspiring it is. Unfortunately I think that joke is going to be missed by too many. If it wasn't a joke, well, than that makes it even funnier. Funnier than Bad Brad's beard growing attempts even! Though I suppose his failure to cultivate a beard over his vacation may have been a good thing. Take heed the warning below those manly boys among us yet to grow the man pelt!!

Kona for sale + some parts

2008-10-29T14:14:00.005-05:00

If you're looking to check out 29ers and need a frame let me know. I have some big wheel related items I'm looking to sell. Gotta keep the kids in cat food.

Kona Kula 2-9 frame 19": Comes with the stock seat collar and a Salsa Lip Lock. Scandium tubing, disc and V brake compatible and it features some really nice sliding drops (with stop screws - never slipped on me). The frame was ridden and has the usual marks to prove it. Oddly enough it was never raced, even though that was why I bought it. Anyways - $275 local and it's yours. $310 shipped in the US.

29er Wheelset: XT hubs laced to Delgado discs. Rear hub recently overhauled and sports a fresh glob of Philwood grease for smooth sailing. Black on black - good shape, been ridden ~ 70 rides. $125 for the pair.

Avid BB7: disc set (rotors + calipers) $75

Reba Race 80mm: long steerer tube - needs a rebuild as it is starting to weep a bit on the Motion Control side (figure $50-75 at your LBS). Convertible to 100mm, spacers included. $225

Race Face Evolve seat post: 27.2, black 330mm $15

That's about it for now. I may bring a bunch of this to the Prov. Bicycle Swap on 11/2 so if'n you'd like something speak up now!!

I'm having issues posting pics here in Blogger land - here's a link to some pics and a review.

I went to Interbike East and all I got was a hole in my arm..

2008-10-26T17:59:00.005-05:00

And a tetanus shot, a weird rash, bruised ribs and a hangover. That's the long story short. Below are a few pics of the event including man about town Noah Jacobs, the Santa Cruz tent, a really yellow Schwinn Madison and some nice GT 'cross bikes.

I planned on taking a bunch of pictures of the bikes I test rode (Santa Cruz Stigmata, Haro 650b etc.) but the trip to the walk in clinic took precedence. I'm not a douche(at least I don't think so) so I have no qualms stating that I do not crash all that often. When I do it's usually a problem. Someone else also had a problem on Tuesday and they took it out on the poor decrepit chain link fence that lined the sandy trail cut by IBike staff. After walking the trail on Wednesday I realized that whoever hit it prior to me hit it pretty damn hard. From what I can discern I hit the now exposed fence post and was ejected from my On One at mach 3 to my left side. This placed me in the vicinity of the ground, and it's rash producing cover, in around 1 second. It hurt and I did not like, no sir, not at all. But being the moron I am I got up, ran up the steep hillside, and jumped on my bike and rode back toward the expo area. By the time I ran into Frate, Lynn, Mike and Noah my left hand was covered in blood, but it really didn't look so bad. I figured I was OK since I wasn't carted off in an ambulance, right?

Cut to the walk in clinic where the good doctor has his tweezers 2 inches deep in my forearm and, yeah, it's looking bad, or at least not promising. Thank you inventor of Lidocaine! I also learned that I had either bruised a rib, or two, and/or really strained my left pec muscle (yes, I do have those). A few rides later I can say with certainty it's a case of bruised ribs. I can ride just fine thanks, it's just those top end, I feel like I might puke/poop myself type of efforts that make breathing painful. Hence no Beer Cross for me today. 2.5 hours of Arcadia trail, Mt Tom and some others I don't know the names of eased my suffering. Lincoln Woods helped yesterday as well. The weather was just too damn nice to waste it paying someone else to ride around their fields like a fool, all while dodging folks who take themselves too seriously anyway. It does finally feel more like 'cross season though, Thursday's road ride was chilly! Time to break out some cheap-o toe covers for sure.

So, the pics of IBE aren't that exciting but you get the idea; lots of bikes, bike dorks and bike riding to go around. It was a really good time and hopefully Providence will host it again in the future. There's a few random shots of a small water hole/kettle pond in Arcadia as well.

Creepy hipsters on coaster brakes

2008-10-23T19:21:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I feel a lot like, oh hell, who am I kidding?.. ALL of the time I feel like acting like these guys when I'm out on my road bike:

If you made it all the way through that, good for you! Or, I'm sorry for wasting your time. Pick whichever applies most.

Busy week

2008-10-20T09:49:00.002-05:00

I won't bore you with all of the details, but since the last post there really hasn't been a whole lot going on save for another NBX race (felt OK, raced OK and tried fruitlessly to get some decent pics), some free beer thanks to Matt, and a bunch of bike riding. I made it out to Lincoln Woods Saturday and Sunday for ~ 1.5 hours each day, and I thoroughly enjoyed the cool air and relatively empty woods. I hadn't been out there in a month so it wasn't the usual boring slog. I hear there was much flow to be had at Highland. I may have to make the trip next time if only for the pump track alone.

I still have yet to attend a "real" 'cross race this year, but the pace at NBX is fast enough and I'm liking my chances should I jump into a honest to God 'cross racing scenario at some point. Wrentham is this weekend, as is the Beer 'Cross race in Dayville, CT. Neither race has a 3/4 category so I'll be stuck racing C class but it should be good fun regardless. I like the woodsier aspects of the Wrentham course, and it will surely be tough on the singlespeed (grass climbs). 9 AM race time though, ugh!

Tomorrow, and Wednesday, is the first ever Interbike East here in lovely Providence, RI. I'll be there both days helping out in the NEMBA tent so be sure to stop by and say hi. I'll be bringing the camera and I hope to get some pictures of some fly rides and new gear. I'm also hoping to test ride some bikes on the super rough trails in RW (ha ha). Maybe they have a trail where you dodge the prostitutes and crack dealers, and then compare veneral diseases at the other end! That would be super. It's too bad there wasn't a plan in place to utilize a local riding spot (Lincoln Woods)but that's the way it goes I guess. Whateva..

Oh yeah, Stacy and I saw the Slackers last Sunday as well.. excellence as always.

NBX 'Cross madness and Friday night fights

2008-10-09T08:33:00.004-05:00

A bunch of crap has transpired since the last post where G and I had an online chit chat about the Ranier.

Since then I've managed to ride as fast as I can around the super fun NBX race course in Wakefield on two separate occasions. It's been lots of fun trying to keep the faster folks in sight,(Brad,Brendan, Rick from Union, etc..). I feel like I'm doing fairly well, and I'm loving the SS more now that the BBG bashgaurd is keeping things in check. If you need a guard check out BBG! $16 shipped to my door and it arrived in under 4 days! Awesomeness. Also, bumping the gearing down one tooth up front (39x18) gave me a hair more chain wrap. More chain/freewheel contact always helps keep things running smoothly.

I also got myself sucker punched in the eye outside my house on Friday night. I'm not sure why people feel it's OK to throw rocks at our car. They apparently didn't enjoy being called out on it though, as my beautiful shiner and various body bruises can attest to that. Luckily for me my thick skull absorbed the two punches that hit me in rapid succession and I managed to get really pissed. While I wouldn't call what transpired a "fight" I did manage to fight back hard enough to avoid any more damage. I also kept myself from hitting the ground, and getting the shit further kicked out of me, so that's the upside there. By the way, don't let anything happen to you during a Providence Police shift change. Chances are no one will respond for a good 30+ minutes.

Thanks to Noah for the Newcastle at the bike swap! It hit the spot after a long ride that afternoon in Foxboro, and it helped wash the eye pain down the drain. Frate, Uncle B and myself then took over the downstairs bar at the Fez for roughly 6 hours or so. We were later joined by Uncle B's lady friend as well as my lady friend. Apparently the spectacle that is Waterfire was in full swing by the time we left. It was either that, or it was a regular installment of "Bring your parents to Providence and we'll light the nasty river on fire!!" night. They both look eerily similar.

If you have some cash burning a hole in your wallet, or you've simply squirreled some away under your mattress, click over here here and buy some chances to win some sweet bike stuff! NEMBA's annual land access raffle needs the support this year more than ever. Please, please, please consider buying a ticket or two (or 5, or 15)!! They're only ten bucks and we have yet to sell anywhere near enough. This means that the odds of winning are pretty high, and the prizes are really, really sweet (Mavic CrossMax SL wheelset, VDO computer, Fox F series OR float front - your choice, Western Spirit cycling trip, a complete Giant Trace XO, etc..). Don't make me beg, please.. Think about ponying up a couple bucks to help support the organization that has kept local trail access a reality.

That's all I have for now, I haven't taken the camera out recently so no pictures to share. I'll leave you with some great stuff for your listening pleasure.

Rain and Prince Buster

2008-09-26T13:46:00.004-05:00

Lots of it. Coming down in buckets today and tomorrow. Someone has been trying to get me to race the 3/4 'cross in Bedford. Yeah, right. 45 minutes of slaughter, and I don't mean the band. Not gonna happen this time. Although, if the regular 4 races are all stacked with 75 racers I may have to start doing some of the 3/4 races, if simply to avoid racing with that many people. 75 guys hitting the first turn on skinny little knobbies in the wet grass? Oh, yeah, that'll be a piece of cake! No thanks. I crash rarely but when I do it's usually a painful affair, no need to push my luck. I'm still finding new bruises today after a really ungraceful head first rock tasting last night. That's what I get for attempting to ride a rigid SS like the Rip 9 in Foxboro. Endos on 29ers are fairly rare but they are weird, awkward and scary. It take a fair bit of unyielding momentum to bring these things up and over, there's usually a stall, and then it all goes down fast. At least, that's how it's gone the few times I've pulled it off. I'm not a professional so take my word for what it is. The good news is the bike is fine, save for a few scratches and a gouge in the bar.

If anyone else digs SS 'cross bikes check out this beautiful looking rig from Raleigh. Yes, it's named after a beer, and that's kind of lame (but then so is Internet cycling, bike nerds and bike culture) but it is SO wonderful to look at.

No pics, nothing much else is going on so I'll leave you with some music. I've been listening to a lot of The Specials of late, it's high time to revisit what they lifted maybe?

Trek Carbon Bikes.. Our Local MTB "Pistadex"?

2008-09-18T08:19:00.008-05:00

If you are a regular reader of Bike Snob NYC then, well, you know where I'm going with this one, and you know what the Pistadex is.. For those who don't peruse the daily diatribe linked above I'll summarize; BSNYC tracks the (often outrageous) prices people try to fetch for their Bianchi Pistas. He does this because it represents to him, at least, the health of the fixed gear fad in so much that it exists as a fad. The Pista is an obvious representation of said trend, in that it's as ubiquitous in it's scene as a T-Top Camaro (or, possibly a Fiero) is in Foster Glocester. If prices are high then the movement is still alive, if they get ludicrously low (or, even just reasonable), the scene may be in it's death throes. This is cause for alarm, or celebration, dependent on your point of view.

As an unabashed bike nerd I, like many of you, scan the local cesspool known as the bicycle classifieds on Craigslist. I brave the harsh conditions of this corner of the internets like a horrible cat 4 'cross racer attempting an actual bike race (something I know a little about). Stumbling about shell shocked, and confused, I suffer the piss poor spelling, grammar, lies and all around chicanery that is CL. Attempting to digest the scribble is akin to crunching one's nuts on the nose of the saddle during a horrid blurry eyed re-mount attempt (something else I may be familiar with).

Over the last few weeks I've noticed a trend in over priced, and outdated, URT bikes. The asking prices for these rolling echo chambers indicate a few interesting things I never considered; URT bikes must be making a comeback, 26" Spinergy Rev X Rocks are a hot commodity, and "Carpet Fibre" bikes are a really big deal. Also, anything fabricated by Trek from carbon fiber (or aluminum) apparently does not lose much value after 10+ years of sitting in a dusty basement, shed or garage. In this market wobbly Judy forks, notoriously fragile frames and dry rotted tires are like the accrued interest in your Money Market account, they can only add value! What else loses only 1/2 to 2/3 of it's value over a decade?

The Trek carbon bike market is, locally at least, quite volatile. In the cases presented below local = Quincy, MA. Check out the disparity on display in the ads below. Both bikes are being sold by the same local market maker. Perhaps he's amassed a small inventory of these fine steeds in the hope of one day reaping the rewards? What does this say about the health of the market?

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/bik/845252880.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/bik/845243556.html

Another, this time it's one of the hard tails known for it's built in ejector seat that will jettison you immediately upon frame failure. Market's looking up!

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/844668209.html

And yet another bike that apparently doesn't depreciate much over 10 plus years. It is related to Trek though, and the Fisher guy did invent MTB after all, so I guess I should know better. Still, nothing but another strong indicator of a bull market for old MTBs - even those made from lesser materials.

http://providence.craigslist.org/bik/832262555.html

And one more, being sold by Keith Bontrager's nephew. That must be why it's worth the $500 (1/2 retail from 5+ years ago). Oh, and lest we forget, the "garage aging" process adds to it's value. Never mind that the wheels aren't even present for the photo shoot, they're undergoing attic dry rot/oxidation conditioning. You better snap it up now before this treatment bumps the price! Speculators should really take note of this gem.

http://providence.craigslist.org/bik/829368875.html

The message I received after wading through all the CL detritus is this; no matter how much new bike one could get for $500 to $1000 these days, that money would be better spent on unsupported '90s technology. Screw the warranty and the performance enhancements, and forget the shifts in MTB geometry ( c'mon, what do the present day designers and builders know anyway?). Go for that old school cool full steam! Don't utilize the best parts of the old school, just buy the whole kit and caboodle.

As Mr. BSNYC himself states, he's not sure what new trend/market folks will support next. It may well be motorcycles, as he's hinted in the past, but that would require an awful lot of mom and dad's money, and it just doesn't scream downtrodden, dirty art student the way the simple bicycle can. It's hard to sneer at people from underneath a full face helmet - despite what Shaun Palmer might have told you. And, big time downer, the leathers cover up those tats too. Of course, it might be that pedal start mopeds are the next big thing on two wheels. This would allow folks to hold on to some of the last wave of style, while appropriating some of the coolness inherent in throttle twisting. And, muffler burns are always an option, so that's a plus! Nothing is cooler than burn scars and blue tinted smoky exhaust.

As for me, well, I'm betting the new wave will be ridden in on old plastic bikes decked out with 8 speed, Brahma Bars, Onza stems and purple anodized handle bars. And don't forget the Power Grips, Bassworms and Rockrings! If anyone needs these crucial accessories, I think I can help you out with some leads on where to find them.

If you're not convinced that the local fixed thing is dying, and that carbon bikes are going to be all the rage, I leave you with the Rickey. Why else is this beautiful frame, so full of fixie conversion potential, up for grabs for only 10 clams??? Why, I ask you, WHY?

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/844462954.html

I'll leave you with a wonderful illustration of how NOT to remount your bicycle. Do not try this at home...

Foxboro

2008-09-15T21:11:00.004-05:00

A bunch of things have transpired lately, some fun, some mind numbingly irritating. Here are a few pictures from a fun ride up in the Boro of Fox. Notice that Brad is totally NOT hucking the gnar. Jeez.

NEMBA - Join or Else

2008-09-02T10:29:00.001-05:00

Lately I've been thinking about what we wanted to do, and what have done, this year with RI NEMBA. One of our main goals was to continue the behind the scenes work on Big River, Burlingame and Arcadia. This has been tirelessly attended to by people (Pete, Jim, Lennon) without whom the organization would truly suffer. While this work continues, we decided to lay out a fairly ambitious ride and event schedule for 2008. When we looked at our membership numbers we realized we needed to do better, a lot better. Out of all the MTB riders in RI would you believe we only have ~ 160 members? We figured if we offered more rides and were more accessible membership would grow. It's still relatively early yet so we'll have to wait and see.. Either way we are continuing to hold multiple rides each week (Burlingame, Arcadia, Lincoln Woods). The idea is to provide more of a service, so to speak.

People join, or choose not to, for various reasons. When I ask people I know not to be members to explain why they won't join the answers vary. For some folks it's all about money and they feel that NEMBA has enough (they often cite the Vietnam purchase to back this up). Some just aren't "joiners", yet they attend a weekly ride organized and communicated by members. Some people think NEMBA is a bunch of dorks and that as an organization it doesn't connect with how they ride, bro. Their excuse reminds me a lot of this:

Still some people feel like they won't "get" anything out of it. Maybe they're right. There's some truth to all of the above reasons I suppose, save the excuse that NEMBA is rolling in a vault of dough ala Scrooge McDuck. Locally we don't need the money. Simply put we need numbers of people, not dollars. Why we need people should be fairly obvious, but for those still scratching their heads, and thinking it doesn't matter, ask yourself which interest groups get the most consideration in your local parks. More members means more influence. The NEMBA name, or brand as it were, carries with it a lot of good will. That good will was earned by the work of past and present members. What I'm getting at with all this is this; if you ride trails on public land in RI you owe a lot of your unfettered access to the folks in RI NEMBA, and regional NEMBA.

Personally, I joined soon after returning to New England as I used maps and directions on the NEMBA site to learn new trails. I also ran into some trail patrollers who hooked me up with maps during my early forays into Arcadia. I felt like I was using a tangible resource and that I should, at the very least, join the organization if only to lend my name to the membership list. What I was "getting" out of it was the knowledge that there was well organized group of riders, and they willing to fight for my right to ride a bike in the woods. I realized that without their work in the preceding years I'd most likely have a limited selection of trails to ride.

So yeah, that's it, that's the spiel. If you really feel you don't need to join, but you want to use the resources, that's OK too. The guy below feels for you, hell he probably is you..

Your mom doesn't work here

2008-08-18T09:38:00.003-05:00

I'm pretty sure she doesn't hang out at trails I frequent. If she did maybe she would get busy cleaning up the place. I'd probably see her out there all stooped over picking up discarded GU, Clif Shot and Hammer Gel packets tossed aside by guys too fast to slow down. Instead it's just me, and other like minded folks, who stop what we're doing and cart out your junk. Thanks for the sticky gloves and pockets! If I start to bonk I suppose can turn them inside out, and lick the goopy mess to replace my dwindled stores of electrolytes. I guess you're just looking out for everyone else, sharing in your sugary bounty if you will. Thanks!

Speaking of pockets.. I'm guessing you employ them to cart around your sugary treats? Is it too much to ask that you simply shove the wrappers back in them? Contrary to popular belief the local "fast ride" in the woods isn't a supported event. There aren't folks lining the trail ready to run out and pick up your discarded items like euro road cycling fans. Sure, you and your buddies may go out and hammer each other into a heap of fatigued skinny sweaty men in lycra, and it may be your own personal tour de lance, but it's not the end all be all event of anyone else's week. As such the rest of us would appreciate you picking up your own shit.

If you wear a skinsuit in the woods, and you tape your gel to your bike, then I simply cannot help you. This is not a valid excuse, ever. You are beyond hope and need to purchase a time trial bike, some running shoes and a speedo immediately. But... sport that look on the trails at Lincoln Woods and I'll completely forgive the littering.

Below please find some remedial learning material proven helpful for those in need of the life lesson. This comes to you courtesy of some children's programming and Alex Desert of Hepcat.

Random Photos

2008-08-05T21:10:00.010-05:00

Not a whole lot happening, so here's a bunch of pictures. Enjoy, or don't. Whatever works for you.

The Walkabout Trail

2008-07-22T15:10:00.011-05:00

Sometimes trail names can be so benign as to make no connection to the place, or the experience ahead of you. I'm thinking here of a trail like the JB Hudson Trail, or the Arcadia Trail, in Arcadia. What does either name tell you about the trail or what you might expect to ride? Not too much. Unless maybe you know a good story or two about JB Hudson.

On the other hand a trail name like the Purple Panty trail at Lincoln Woods is so fitting on so many levels it's scary. Ditto with the MT Tom trail. Not so much the Tom part, but the MT designation lets you know you're gonna do some climbing and there might be some views. It evokes a challenge, and it delivers in style. Sandhill trail in Arcadia is also aptly named as well because, well, there's a crappy sand hill in the middle of it. You can't bitch and complain because you were warned, after all it was right there in the name.

Unfortunately no one ever names trails with really descriptive names like "worst ride ever", "pinch flat haven", "pickle central", or "the place some guy broke his face". Nope, it's never close to being that accurate, and that means you have to go find out for yourself. And, really, that's half the fun.

This past Saturday I decided to go ride the Walkabout Trail in George Washington State Park in the 100 degree heat and humidity. In this case the trail name gives it all away up front, and it provides some big clues on what to expect. Anytime you see the word WALK expect trouble, or masochistic fun, depending on your point of view. Also, when embarking on any trail named after a rite of passage one should expect some sort of challenge. In this case it's a 9 mile rock garden that can make you a better rider, or reduce you to a whimpering clown.

As it turns out the trail delivered on it's promises, and it handily kicked my ass during some of the slowest riding I've done in a long time. It took me almost 2 hours to travel those nine miles, and I can honestly say I only walked a small percentage of the trail. It's definitely rideable, but it's really tough in a mentally wearing kind of way. I repeated a few tricky sections just to learn the line and clean the worst parts. Mercifully there's almost no climbing on the trail itself. What you will find is a carpet of rocks, roots, downed trees, overgrown singletrack and a few swampy sections thrown in for good measure. And don't forget about the deer flies! Friendly bastards, they'll accompany you for most of your journey. And rest assured, they'll be certain to bite when your immediate attention is required to keep you from headwalking on the trail.

I rode out from the parking lot at Pulaski Park, a small parcel located within the ~ 4,000 acre George Washington State Park. I followed the Walkabout in a counter clockwise direction, but somehow I managed to lose the trail after I was back in the vicinity of Pulaski. It may have been the heat, but I completely missed the markers on the fire road and just kept riding. And riding, and riding. During the slow brain bake on the sun drenched fire roads I drained my water reserves while simultaneously heading in all the wrong directions. I knew I needed to go west, but every dirt road I picked would inevitably veer north, east or northwest at best.

After a little over an hour of brain boiling fun, and a loooong descent I didn't want to climb back up, I found a fire road heading due west and rode out as fast as possible. I hit a paved road and figured "it can't be more than a mile or two back to the lot". Right about then I saw the signs letting me know I was in Thompson, CT. Shit.. OK, well at least I was headed in the right direction. I stopped at Quaddick State Park in CT and asked the kid at the kiosk where I was, and how I could get to Pulaski. The directions seemed easy enough, then I asked him how far it was. His answer of 10 minutes in a car sounded easy, and I was psyched. That feeling lasted for about 2 seconds while my electrolyte starved brain did the math. That's when I realized that at ~ 50 mph a car covers almost ten miles in 10 minutes.

10 miles is 10 miles. It's no big deal usually, its' barely a warm up ride right? At this point, however, it was pretty bad news. I felt like someone stabbed me in the eye, and the anger sharks were definitely swimming in my head big time. I soft pedaled to the intersection the kid described, and then I saw a nice big hill waiting for me. OK one hill, whatever. Wait, there's another one. And, oh great, there's another! While nudging my way up the last hill I contemplated just getting off and walking, then I realized I was already doing this. Cool, no need to continue thinking it over! As I was getting back on the bike I realized that the power lines on my left were indeed the same power lines I crossed about 90 minutes earlier. They dump out about a mile from the parking lot.. There's nothing like learning the boundaries of a park or forest the hard way. Now I really know the lay of the land, yaaay for me..

No pics from the ride, but here's some quality entertainment for you. Thank you, drive through.

Happenings

2008-07-16T11:33:00.006-05:00

Warning! There's not a whole lot of bike related content below. I had a 50 mile + road ride planned for last Saturday, but the 2 hours of super charged riding at Lincoln Woods on Friday (not to mention the beers at the Fez) landed me in a near coma until 2 pm on Saturday. As Stacy put it "I don't think I've ever seen you quite like this". Indeed. So instead of riding I got my shit together, and we headed over to McCoy with Bruceapallooza himself to see the Bosstones/Dropkick Murphy's show.

There were a lot of people there, the paper reported that there were 10,000+ tickets sold. Pretty friggin' crazy! Anyway, the stage was set up in the outfield, and there was some temporary flooring laid down to protect the grass. Someone thought it was a good idea to sell the legions of "punch me I'm Irish" dudes beer in plastic bottles. Not too surprisingly an impromptu bottle toss/fight erupted prior to the Bosstones set. While it was slightly amusing to watch, it further cemented my well known feelings on the stupidity of most people.

So we dodged bottles and hung out near the front while waiting for the show to start. The Bosstones opened with Kinder Words, and then they blazed through an hour plus set (they did slow things down to bring Dicky's Mom out for her birthday). I'm not going to include the whole set list, but they did play some great songs that they haven't been playing a lot since the reunion. These included Illegal Left, Toxic Toast, Devil's Night Out and You Gotta Go!. The initial reaction from the crowd was kind of tepid, save the action from the already drunk 300lb fools seemingly out to crush kids just trying to have a good time. Watching big dolts in green Celtics shirts, and a few with Irish flag face paint, mow down much smaller people was kinda lame. Luckily the big goons got all tuckered out Clubber Lang style, and everyone resumed having fun after a while. All of the above is why I prefer to see bands in a smaller venue, but I'll take what I can get and had a great time anyway.

The really nice pictures above and below are courtesy of Mike Gaughan of Whatever Magazine and are used with his permission. He takes some really nice pics in general, check out the link above. Thanks Mike!

We moved to the stands to watch the DKM show. I hadn't seen them in ages, and they seem to have a whole thing going for themselves that works. Not really my kind of thing, but good for them. We made our exit during Barroom Heroes (one of the few DKM tunes I know) and escaped ahead of most of the crowd.

I did get out to Foxboro on Sunday for a good ride on the Schwinn. Rigid 26" riding definitely works me over now that I'm a pansy 29er rider. The beating I took on the trail far exceeded that which I received at the show on Saturday, though both were slightly less than what Margaret dished out Friday night. All things considered it's certainly no worse than the beatdowns local racoons are know to bestow upon my favorite bartender, so I'd say we're even..

Confessions of a Cycling Addict?

2008-07-10T11:27:00.009-05:00

Last night I threw my Kona Kula on the stand to work out some kinks with the shifty bits. I managed to finagle a quick fix, but I realized full well that the chain is on it's way out. Perhaps there are a few more solid outings in it, but this is assuming they're coupled with diligent post ride cleaning. The bike has seen plenty of crud from the winter straight through the summer, as we now seem to be living in a sub tropical thunderstorm rich environment.

Anyways...fiddling with the Kona, and thinking about replacing the chain, made me think about the ridiculous amount of bike crap I have. My place is starting to resemble a used bike lot without the pushy sales people. Granted some of my bikes have been with me for a few years, but how did I justify buying all this stuff? I ride a lot, but not so much that I could ever need all these bikes. I could probably just get away with riding the On One with two wheelsets (road fixed/'cross freewheel) and one geared MTB. Somehow I have acquired two rigid singlespeeds (one 26and one 29 for good measure of course), a 29er FS bike, a fixed/SS 'cross bike, a geared 'cross bike and a geared HT. WTF is wrong with me? Oh, I know I'm missing a proper road bike - that's what wrong with me..

Seriously, I envy those riders with one road bike and one MTB (and a 'cross bike). What is their secret? Do they ride less? Probably not. I'm willing to bet they figured out that maintaining multiple bikes is a PITA, and that they could live with less. Bummer for them; as they'd never be able to have conversations with themselves like the below example of what goes through my head when the mere thought of selling a bike meanders into the postholed muddy field that is my brain....

Me: Holy Jeebus H Crackers!! WTF?? DUDE you have wayyy too much crap. You asshole!
Me: What? Oh, yeah, well you see I need all this stuff. Why don't you go think about something else, or go shoot water at the cats, that'll keep you busy.
Me: Huh, oh yeah that was fun! Hey! You fucker! Seriously douchebag, sell some stuff and do it sooner rather than later.
Me: (Shit, I'm not avoiding this topic am I?) Er, well, ummm... yeah you see once again I need this stuff for all the different types of riding I do. I'm a veritable Tour de France of bicycle multitasking.. yeah that's it. Why don't you get it?
Me: I don't get it because we only really ride like 6-10 hours a week, and there's 6 damn bikes in this house!
Me: Well, it's not like they're wall art or anything. They all get ridden more than Seinfeld's green Klein at least..
Me: Whatever, you're an idiot - who references Seinfeld in this day and age? Aside from TV addled morons?
Me: Seinfeld is totally relevant (great, this is shifting away from the bikes!).
Me: Again, you're a tool - sell some stuff!

Me: Ok, fine here's why I can't sell anything.. The Surly: It got me into 29ers, and it's an awesome bike - so what if it's a 30lb singlespeed that makes our body sore for days after climbing a few miles on it? The Kona: This is for going sooo fast and pretending I still care about racing. No way that's for sale. The Niner: Jesus man, how else could I go sooo wicked fast and huck the gnar?? Really - how else? See you got nothing.. The On One - best bike ever, SS 'cross bikes are completely awesome and totally practical! Everyone should ride one screw gears.. Which, logically brings us to the geared Fuji 'cross bike. C'mon man! So, do you expect me to ride fixed, or SS, all the friggin' time? Of course you don't.
Me: Fine, what about the blue Schwinn?
Me: What? Oh, that. Dude it's freakin' Bass Boat Blue for crissakes! C'mooooon guy(channeling Carl from Aqua Teen here)!
Me: Yeah, it's sparkly and blue and, and err uh.... hey, look Family Guy is on.
Me: Again, that show is on like every five minutes..
Me: Yeah, it's the one where Brian is drunk and they reference pop culture like every 3 minutes without really having a plot..
Me: Oh, hey this is great!....................................

Not much happening around here...

2008-07-02T11:53:00.005-05:00

I rode with Uncle B from Providence Bike on Friday morning waaaay down in the hinterlands of Arcadia. I had to scope out a beginner/intermediate loop for Sunday's scheduled ride series event. We rode a bunch of the trails near Browning Mill Pond including the Arcadia trail and the 95 trail. Due to the high humidity the rocks and roots alike were all aglow with an icy green sheen. This unmistakable hue serves as a warning to air down and ride light. After losing about 50 pounds of water weight we headed back to the car and figured out how to cram the bikes in the back once again. My dreams of getting up to three bikes in the Fit are mostly shot down. I'm thinking maybe if both front and rear wheels are removed it might work with one of the rear seats up, but I'm not 100% sure on that one.

I made another trip up to Chase and Lincoln Woods on Saturday morning on the On One, and once again it was fun to bang around in the woods on that bike. Pinch flatting on a rock roller was not so fun, but luckily it waited until I came to a stop to go from full to dead flat in 2 seconds. Good thing, because that roller might've hurt me otherwise.. Later on Saturday I bumped into the road warrior known as Apples at the post Cox Charities Bicycle Gnar Gnar Huck Jam party that was graciously hosted by the Samartanos, and their wonderful friends Lyons and Judge. As for the race, well, I completely missed the 2/3 race but I arrived in time to catch the 50 lap (!) Pro race. I hear some serious bike wrangling took place in the 2/3 with Adam St. G almost winning all the prize money, and I also heard that Scotty lapped the whole field on the first lap because he was going soooo fast. Word on the street was the only thing that slowed him down was his skin catching on fire due to the excessive speeds.

The Pro race was fun to watch but admittedly I was kind of bored within about 30 minutes. Bike races (and rides) are more fun to do than watch. Also, not knowing anyone in the race makes it even harder to watch with out rapidly losing interest in the whole affair.

After catching up with some Misanthrope on a scooter (catchy band name maybe??) I moseyed over to Whole Foods with Billy Dee Williams (aka Noah "Colt 45" Jacobs) for party favors and beer. I then made Noah ride up Doyle on his rickety bucket of bolts, all so we could raid my fridge for more beer to bring to said soiree. Much fun was had by all and the rain held off which was a nice touch. I had to lead a ride the next morning down in Arcadia so I booked it home through a winding down Waterfire and hit the hay.

Rumor is someone I know (his name rhymes with James Grimley) would like to start some sort of underground 'cross race this fall somewhere east of Providence, adjacent to a path designed for bicycle riding. Keep an ear out for it, it might be fun.

Here's on old picture of when the Kula was rigid..

Dirt Drops and some woods riding

2008-06-22T17:46:00.016-05:00

I had a rare weekend full of nothing, no obligations meant I could go for a ride and try out my new bars. I picked up some WTB Dirt Drops a week or so ago via the online garage sale that is MTBR. Originally I intended to turn the Karate Monkey into a "monstercross" bike but I quickly realized I wasn't that cool, and I didn't want to mess with a good thing. So I figured I'd pop them on the On One and see how they work with a fixed/singlespeed 'cross bike.

They're really made for mountain bikes but I had a feeling this would be a nice bar for the Il Pompino. The first ride was weird, my body wanted to disagree with where my hands were and riding in the drops felt odd. The next ride things got better and I was digging the added leverage on the steeper climbs. Saturday I threw on my other wheelset shod with Ritchey Excavaders and a 16t ACS freewheel for a little off road riding. The 35c Ritcheys are probably about as big as it's going to get on the On One, there's not a ton of room back there. The gearing is steeper than I used to ride SS cross at 40x16 but I figured it would be doable. Here's what it looks like in 'cross mode:

I rode up to Chase the way I always do; N Main to Smithfield Ave and eventually riding in behind the school on Old River road. From this entrance you can ride a little bit of trail before hitting the wide open grassy sections. I rode a few laps of Chase and then did a loop of all the trail in the Eastern corner. The gearing proved to be pretty spot on for Chase and the road riding wasn't too bad either. I was never really in danger of spinning out while not feeling over geared, pretty much perfect. The bars elicited the feel of SS mountain biking with really wide swept bars when I was climbing in the drops. Being able to torque on bar that afford a ton of leverage made a huge difference, and this allowed me to make it up a few climbs at Lincoln Woods I otherwise would have walked. I almost made the long climb from the ball fields but I stalled out and walked a bit to where it levels off before continuing the ride to the top. After letting my heart migrate from my head back to my chest I wanted to see how secure things felt at speed. To do this I cut across the middle of the Coaster and shot down the old rock roller across the wall ride trail, and I eventually sped down towards Goat Rock. As long as I stayed in the drops things were great, and the more technical riding reinforced the idea that the bars are meant to be ridden in the drops while in the woods. I kept riding in LW and found myself riding much of my usual MTB loop with very few issues. The ride wasn't as fast as it would've been on a mountain bike, but it wasn't super slow either.

I headed out of LW via the trails on the South side of the park and hit Cobble Hill road. On my way out I thought about how much room for some new trail there is in that small pocket of woods. There's just enough room to build a sorely needed beginner loop - maybe something to look into.. Anyway, I decided to ride over to the Old North Burial Ground as it was on my way home, and it only sits about 2 tenths of a mile from my place. I don't ride in there enough. In fact I always think this after a ride in this cemetery. The decrepit state of the pavement in the burial ground makes it perfect for knobby 'cross tires. Instead of the squirmy cornering you become accustomed to on smoother (that's a relative term around here, I know) pavement you'll find the tires grip like glue in the cemetery. There's so many interesting nooks in there and a few little hills make it more enjoyable. In the south west corner you'll find a large plot of unknown graves marked only by numbers. These people were re-interned after the land known as the free burial ground was developed. It's a kind of depressing little place nestled between the river and Interstate 95. Not surprisingly no one is ever back there. Seeing the river out of it's latest commercial context is kind of cool, at least no one lights it on fire this far out...

I took a few pics before the battery died on me, lighting was tough mid afternoon with a really bright sun in the sky.

1000 feet of fun

2008-06-18T12:37:00.004-05:00

So last Friday Ben joined the Friday night crew for a tour of Lincoln Woods. He had a GPS unit with him, and as it turns out there's 1000 feet of climbing in the loop I normally ride. It's also about ten miles long. I'm not really surprised but it's nice to quantify it for those wondering what to expect. Descriptions such as "hilly with kinda hard climbs followed by fun descents" don't work for some folks. When I'm in shape the loop takes an hour, in the winter it's at least 15 minutes slower. The Friday rides take it easy, and it can take two hours depending on who's there and what they'd like to ride/re-ride in the techy sections.

There's a nastier version that adds another fire road climb, at least a few hundred feet and nearly another mile of trail (it repeats a descent). The fire road climb is particularly lame because it feels like you're riding up a road constructed entirely of marbles. Lots of fun. I don't subject people to that one, there's this pesky part of me that actually likes other people a little bit.. Anyways, 1000 feet ain't much for those residing near actual mountains, but for those of us near sea level this is about as much climbing as we will find. I'll take it though, at the very least it takes the edge off of those few times I find myself on an actual mountain each year.

Speaking of actual climbing.. when I do find myself shuffling up a larger hill/mountain like a withered goat I'm nearly always forced to reconsider just what it is we do in the woods on our bikes in a place like RI. Is it really mountain biking? Without the climbing is it more likely just woods riding? Is there anything wrong with that? Probably not, at least I don't really care. Just random thoughts being tossed out there.

For anyone wondering how life is with the Honda Fit all I can say is; Great! Last tank came in at 40.2 MPG. That's with ~ 70% highway and 30% city driving. It has enough room for a bike standing up with the front wheel removed, and a whole lot of extra space for gear. Ask Noah, it holds a lot of crap.

I may have mentioned it earlier but my Twin Six duds arrived a while ago. They design some really sharp clothing, the argyle jersey is snazzy enough to convince me to wear a lycra jersey more than wool. And I'm not just saying that because I get a small discount on the goods. I'd pay full price for the stuff any day. On a related note I noticed that a guy I used to ride(and occasionally work) with in Winston Salem, NC is also on the team. A fast guy by the name of Marc Driver. Marc, if you happen upon this drop me a line. There's no contact info for you on the T6 site.

No picture so here's some music. Fishbone's much improved version of a Sublime tune you may recognize.

Here's the video from Brad's comment --->

It's about damn time...

2008-06-12T09:35:00.005-05:00

I finally commuted to work in 2008. It seems I've definitely turned into a fair weather commuter this year. In years past I'd start in March or April, now it has to be 70 degrees and sunny for me to slog the mostly uphill 22 miles to work. Today's ride convinced me that the road tires need to be installed ASAP. Kenda Kwicks are neither quick nor are they actually the advertised 700x30, they're more like 32s. They're sloooow on the road. Not too surprisingly they felt fast on the roughest pavement. You know the kind that's porous and feels like Velcro with road tires? I'm talking about the kind of road surface that normally makes you look behind to see if you have a rear flat. Yeah, well apparently that stuff feels great when ridden with big ass 'cross tires. Too bad there's not more of that stuff out there.

The ride home is mostly downhill so I have that to look forward to. Well, that and the inevitable cluster f*ck that the Lincoln bikepath will become after 5:30. But I'll deal with that any day as it at least gets me away from Mendon Rd for a few miles.

I think I'm going to hang out at work for a little while after 5:00 to let the Franklin, MA Soccer Mom Deathcar Brigade thin out a bit. You DO NOT want to mess with little Billy's trip to his pre-planned activities.. no, no, no, you don't. Believe me when I tell you this; Don't fuck with the Suburbs. They fight back with blithely ambivalent driving skills piloting MiniSuVans equipped with XL Mocha Lattes, whining little angels, navigation screens, DVD players, cell phones and a nasty attitude. There's no room for hippies in "spandex", so get the hell off the road you fruits!

Cripes, don't I sound like a bitter asshole... What I meant to say was: Ride to work folks, it's good for your health!

'Cross Bike Recon and a Blue Schwinn Project Underground

2008-06-09T08:45:00.009-05:00

For those who don't know I procured a Fuji 'Cross bike last month from a nice guy named Nate in Providence. $600 bought me a barely used '07 Fuji Cross Comp with some nicer spec goodies and an Ultegra wheel set. I know it was barely used because I was the one to shake out all the kinks. During it's first ride up to the old Rehab Hospital trails in Woonsocket the following transpired; 1 loose cassette lockring, 1 crank arm self extraction, 1 loose brake pad and then I got a flat (my fault). And, to top it all off, I was bumped off the road by a car mirror on Cobble Hill Rd. This was the worst ride in recent memory by far. All that said I still enjoyed the ride and the bike immensely. The descent down the power lines in the Rocket back to the new bike path trailhead was a blast. The time spent in Chase Farm and Lincoln Woods was equally enjoyable as well. The bike is exactly what I wanted, something quicker handling than my old Poprad and also quite a bit lighter. Watch out C class goons, I'll be at least marginally faster on this rig!

For the second outing I decided to ride up to Cumberland to explore the "other side" of Diamond Hill. This is what was once Diamond Hill State Park but is now town conservation land in Cumberland. The parcel of land sits between Tower Hill Rd and 114 and it can be accessed from either road. I rode in off of 114 and went to work exploring the network of double track. The trails are really soupy at first but eventually things dry out as you get on the hillside itself. If you head up there expect to find a lot of loose rock trails running straight down the hill, these are intersected by more of the same running along the width of the hill. I spent about 40minutes grunting up climbs and blasting around on the rolling stuff. While I wouldn't recommend driving there to ride mountain bikes it does make for a nice 'cross bike challenge, and depending on your route, makes for a 40 + mile ride with some woods riding thrown in for good measure. Bring some bug spray as it is your atypical swampy Southern NE mess in many spots.

This Saturday I rode out to Rocky Woods in Taunton to explore the area for the first time in a long time. I used to ride there with the Providence Bicycle gang when I had first moved back to the area (1999/2000). This was when there was a regular Saturday ride leaving the shop, and we needed to find new riding spots to keep it interesting. I also raced there in 2000 as part of a now defunct racing series that included the Master Blaster race in Attleboro, MA. Ah yes, the days of local MTB racing... Anyways, back to the matter at hand. I had no idea what to expect and the reports from the NEMBA message board were less than stellar. I figured worst case scenario I'd get in a 50 mile ride on 'cross tires early in the day before it became hotter than the Devil's armpit. That plan didn't work out so well due to my spending too much time discussing Metalocalypse with Captain Stupid at the Fez. So I rolled out at 11:00 AM and proceeded to ride over to Rocky Woods at a surprisingly strong pace considering the singlespeed ride the night before at Lincoln Woods.

I arrived at Rocky Woods before it became unbearably hot and rode in right at the end of Glebe St. in Taunton. From this entrance I lucked onto what is apparently the best kept section of trail. Most of what I found was moto double track laced with the usual rocks, roots, mud and streams. Most of the swampy atv/moto ruts had cheater lines around them, and this allowed me to stay on the bike for almost all of the 45 minutes I spent exploring. After spending around 30 minutes out there I ran across a really big surly snapping turtle, at this point I decided life would simply be easier if I just yielded the trail and headed out. It seemed like a good point to turn back anyways. I popped out of the woods completely spattered with stanky swamp goop, and I must've looked like a rolling version of Pigpen while riding home. At one point I was joined by a Union Cycles rider 107 miles into his ride, and he asked me what the hell happened to me. I really hadn't noticed that my legs were completely covered in dust and mud, and that the bike was really nasty with big globs of crud all over the rear end. I'm slightly shocked the 10 speed stuff didn't explode on me. Word on the street is this stuff dislikes the mud. The rest of the ride home was uneventful, hot as hell, but uneventful. My FSA bottom bracket finally broke in on this ride, that was a nice touch.

Yesterday I built up a bike that's probably familiar to some of you. This is my third Schwinn Project Underground frame. I bought this last September for a ridiculously low price and I swore I'd get around to building it into a rideable whip. That day finally came yesterday, and I took it for an hour long shakedown ride at Lincoln Woods late in the day. Aside from the beautiful pewter Race Face Turbines the build is nothing to get excited about, but it all works just the same. For those wondering what's so special about an 11 year old Schwinn go here and read up. And yeah, you guessed it, that's one of my old bikes. I traded it into the wonderful bicycle museum Jeff Archer has built in Statesville, NC. The frames make excellent singlespeeds due to the overbuilt bottom bracket area, and the light weight doesn't hurt either. My new one is geared 2:1 with a 34x17 drivetrain, a Surly 1x1 fork and a DMR tensioner.

Riding this bike was like throwing on an old pair of shoes. Even though I haven't ridden a 26" wheeled bike in almost 6 months, and I hadn't ridden one of these frames in roughly two years, it was almost instantly familiar. I forgot just how much quicker a 26" mtb will scramble up steep punchy climbs, and how a taller gear will make you feel like you are on a rocket ship. The relatively light weight helps with this, but the fundamental acceleration difference in wheel size is so readily apparent it's kinda surprising. I think for longer climbs it's a wash between the 29er and a 26, it's on the short steeps that the 26 just blazes up stuff. I won't be ditching my 29ers to ride an old Schwinn anytime soon, but it's nice to have this ride to change it up from time to time.

Lincoln Woods Friday Night Rides

2008-06-03T09:52:00.006-05:00

Soooo fast, soooo fun. Faster than Adam even. You know you want to be like Frate, and go fast, and wear white camo and be cool. So show up and ride, OK?

Another Pleasant Valley (aka: East Side) road ride

2008-05-29T11:55:00.005-05:00

The air was cool, the sun was shining and I should've known better than to just ride loops on the East Side yesterday. I had the time for a longer ride out to Rehobeth but I opted to stay close to home. All the while conveniently forgetting the way nice weather lures those not prone to movement out of doors, much in the same way Craigslist attracts illiterate fucks selling over priced POS bikes they pulled from the rafters. The flat tire that greeted me when I went to grab my bike should've been a clear omen. The only way to correctly interpret such an signal is to utilize the tools at hand, namely beer, your couch and reruns of Seinfeld. After much reflection all is usually revealed. Instead of doing the smart thing I replaced the tube and hit the road, neglecting to notice that my stem was pointing to the right at roughly a 10 degree angle. Well, that explains the weird left hand turns anyway.

That issue addressed I headed over toward the nice part of town. The trip over was fairly uneventful, and the weather was just too damn nice to second guess my planned ride. As boring as loops of Blackstone Blvd. and the adjoining streets can be the area offers a convenient place to ride close to home, and it's a decent spot for some structured work like intervals and self TT riding. Not that it makes me any faster, but I like to at least humor myself.

Things were going swell, wonderfully in fact, until Johnny Law almost got me run over by a guy who looked like a fat Juan Epstein from Welcome Back Cotter. This all came about because a cop attempted to pull Epstein over on the Boulevard with little to no warning to all involved. He blazed up real fast, so fast it seemed like he was on a mission from God and there was a slim chance the smoking 20 year old shitbox might elude him. He then gave one quick BOOOOP of the siren for good measure. This action caused Epstein to shoot across the road from the left shoulder to the right in one decidely ungraceful display of driving. It was not unlike watching a crackhead spastically dart his way up Pleasant Street, peeking his head in trash bins hoping to score some discarded treasures.

This stunningly awkward action caused the car in front of, and to the left of me, to jack on the brakes. This caused me to stop humming Last Train to Clarksville and go all bug eyed as I nearly shit myself. Options were limited, and it really sucked, but I was quick enough on the front brake and got around everything in time to yell at Epstein. While I spewed a few swear words of my own concoction I noticed he was looking at me and laughing. I found this amusing coming from a crooked Afro sporting dude in a beat to shit Mazda MPV clad in a ratty T-shirt, with glorious stains of an unknown origin, and his equally attractive passenger. I'm guessing here, but I think his time with the fuzz on the East Side was less than enjoyable as he was held there for the next 30 minutes. One would imagine it's not exactly the neighborhood to be pulled over in when you look broke, and you don't fit the description of the majority of the residents.

Anyway I kept on cruising figuring my luck had to turn around at some point. That point apparently was to be a bit later on in the night as I had a few stop sign running fools almost take me out on the ride home. Loads of fun, I won't even get into the idiots roller blading with traffic in the bike lane wearing next to no clothing and, of course, headphones. Sorry if I scared the crap out of you when I passed so closely. I couldn't resist, and besides I didn't feel like cutting in front of traffic to accommodate your pasty ass as it weaves across the whole lane. Put some goddamn pants on next time, OK?

Fun Ride was Fun

2008-05-19T11:52:00.005-05:00

Yep, it was a good one yesterday. The weather cooperated and we were treated to warm sun and a cool breeze. We had ~ 100 folks turn up to ride a really nice loop laid out by Jim Grimley and company. Riding the Mt. Tom trail through the "Ledges" on both sides of 165 reminded me of why the trip down to Arcadia is always worth it. Being the dummy that I am I forgot my camera, so I unfortunately have no pics to share. It's hard to describe in words how hard, and ultimately rewarding, the Mt Tom trail can be. Everyone I saw who had ridden the loop seemed to enjoy the views and super technical riding. The food and drinks provided afterwards probably didn't hurt either.

Pete Gengler and I rode the Mt. Tom trail in the morning, and then we headed back for lunch prior to heading out to remove arrows. While pulling down arrows I ran into some folks I know from the Boston area. Knowing they were the last group to head out I swept the course behind them, and I eventually caught back up with their group. Before leaving I gave Tom and his crew a quick tour of the "95 trail" while making sure to finish with a nice long descent at ludicrous speed.Being the tough guy he is Pete re-rode Mt Tom to remove the arrows on both sides of 165. I was pretty well worn out by the time I left, and all the riding in recent weeks is catching up with me. I'm going to lay low for a few days before resuming riding like a madman again. My "training" to date has basically looked like this; Ride the road fixed, ride in the woods, ride SS in the woods, ride the road fixed, ride in the woods, etc.. That, my friends, is a solid 1/2 ass training plan if I've ever seen one! Let me know if you want an advanced copy of my forthcoming training guide entitled "Riding Too Hard, Too Often, and for no Apparent Reason".

From what I hear we raised around $500 for a local charity to be determined, and we had roughly 30 folks either renew or join NEMBA. Thanks to all the shops that provided raffle items! I also got most of the Trail Ambassador jerseys and supplies passed out which is a really good thing.

On a related note the Arcadia Ride Series starts in June, I posted the dates in a previous post and they are on the rinemba site as well. These rides are a free tour of Arcadia, just show up and go ride. Not too complicated if you ask me, so if you'd like to learn the trails check it out.

If you read RI Monthly be on the lookout for a short piece mentioning the Mt. Tom trail, RI NEMBA and the ride series. I'm not sure when it's going to be published but I'm guessing it'll be in one of the next few issues.

That's about it for now..

Brendan

Arcadia Spring Fun Ride Sunday 5/18

2008-05-13T09:47:00.003-05:00

Just a quick head's up. The RI NEMBA Spring Fun Ride is happening this coming Sunday. The rides leave from the Browning Mill lot on Arcadia Rd. Registration is from 8 - 11 AM. As per usual there will be two arrowed loops. One for beginners, and one for those interested in a longer haul. The cost is a measly $5 for members and $10 for non members (or join NEMBA and ride for free). There will be a post ride cookout for members, and there will be a water stop out on the trail as well. We will also hold a raffle with great swag provided by various local shops including Ski Market, Victory Cycles and Providence Bicycle among others. Proceeds will be going to Trips for Kids this year.

Directions:

95 N or S: take exit 5a onto Route 102, follow for 1/2 miles to the end then take a right onto Route 3 south. Follow for 1 mile to the blinking light and take a left onto Route 165 (Little Country Pizza is on the corner), follow 165 for about 1/2 mile and take a right onto Arcadia Road. Browning Mill Pond parking lot is on the right roughly 2/3 miles down the road.

I know that some of you are pissed this is competing with the Glocester Grind, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. There's only so many weekends available and we had to go with the 18th. We set the calendar early this year so we could be more efficient. There was bound to be some overlap considering all the different event schedules we need to consider (Root 66, EFTA, Regional NEMBA, Kenda Bikefest, Interbike East etc, etc.).

Some RI NEMBA news and other stuff

2008-05-07T08:52:00.006-05:00

When I'm not busy ripping apart other people's horrendous spelling and grammar (see post below) I like to get busy with some RI NEMBA activities. That said here's some of the things that have transpired recently..

Trail Ambassador Jerseys are here! I passed out 1/2 of them at the meeting last night. Leo Corrigan and I are going to figure out a date/time to dole out the rest of the jerseys and the other supplies. For those of you who are wondering, the TA program is simply a low key plan to keep RI NEMBA visible on the trails. It also serves to get folks involved in NEMBA in a really easy manner. Basically we're going to be out in the woods sporting the jerseys and doing what comes naturally. That means being friendly, offering assistance with directions, basic first aid and mechanical issues. Most of us do this already so why not pimp NEMBA while we're at it, right? The jerseys were produced by Champion Systems and they came out great. They are T-shirt style, and we had them done up in blaze orange. This is helpful now that hunting season extends into early summer, and it starts up again early in the fall.

The Lincoln Woods ride series rides have started. We ride every Friday at 6:00 for 1 - 1.5 hours covering most of the trails in the park. Most Fridays we have two ride leaders, and we lead an advanced intermediate ride and a advanced beginner ride. Remember, it's Lincoln Woods, so if you plan to ride the intermediate ride be prepared to climb a little as that's just how it is out there. We only go as fast as the slowest rider so please keep that in mind. It's not about me getting in a hard ride, it's about showing folks the trails. If it's raining the ride is cancelled. Any other cancellations will be posted on the NEMBA forum under the RI section: http://www.nemba.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27

The next issue of SingleTracks will include an article featuring LW, Arcadia and Burlingame. Hopefully this will expose folks to the great riding in RI. Also, RI Monthly may be giving us a nod in an upcoming issue with a piece focusing on outdoor activities.

The Spring Arcadia Fun Ride is coming up quick. It will be held on Sunday, 5/18 at the Browning Mill Pond lot, registration is from 8 - 11:00 AM as always. $5 for NEMBA members, $10 for non members or join/renew for $25 and ride for free. Food and drink afterwards and there will be a swag raffle to raise funds for a local non profit (to be determined). There are no led rides, the loops (easier/longer/hero) are arrowed and there is a water stop out on the trail. Jim Grimley always lays out a great course. I'll be helping out early in the AM with Pete and Al, and then we'll be helping Jim take down arrows.

I know this is competing with the Glocester Grind MTB race, but if you feel like participating in a lower key event, and you want to learn your way around one of the best trail systems in the State then come on down!

While we're talking about Arcadia... the Arcadia Ride Series starts up again in June. This is a free guided tour of the trails in Arcadia. It's a simple show and go style of ride. We'll have 2-3 leaders per ride and will offer slower and faster rides. The first set of dates is as follows: 6/1,6/15,6/29,7/13 and 7/27. Again, be sure check the NEMBA forums and/or our website (rinemba.org) if you are in doubt about the ride due to weather.

In non NEMBA news it seems like my Surly 1x1 is finally finding a new home. I'm also picking up a new geared 'cross bike this week. One in, one out. It's the best way to roll (especially when you live in an apartment). Also, my Twin Six duds are still in limbo, no big deal but I'm kinda hoping they show up soon.

In non bicycle related news I'm going to see the Pietasters on Sunday at the Living Room. Yeah, I know Ska sucks..ha ha FU. It should be great, even if I am damn near the oldest person there.

That's about all I have for now. I've been doing plenty of riding on the road and in the woods of course. It looks like mtb racing is going to be taking a back seat to NEMBA stuff for most of the season. But that's OK since I wilt like the pansy I am in the heat. Maybe I'll just channel all of my competitive spirit into flailing about on the 'cross bike this fall.

Take care,
Brendan

I'll leave you with some quality Hardcore courtesy of those bad ass mofos on the half shell. Take off your backpack and get your jump kick skills ready for the carnage that follows:

RI Bicycles Craigslist Post of the Year

2008-05-01T10:49:00.006-05:00

I know April just ended (happy May Day comrades!), but this one takes the cake. Read it, I dare you. I know it's devoid of punctuation and all, but it's completely worth it. You can really feel the despair of the seller. Poor guy pours his heart into his ads and folks just jerk him around. People please stop wasting his time and buy the bike. While he may not answer your calls, or text messages, he's pretty much guaranteeing you will enjoy this bike. He wouldn't even be selling it if he didn't need the cash, what with it being so good for excersize (a form of eczema treatment perhaps?) and all. That right there should tell you it's an awesome bike! Scarier still is that this is a follow up to his earlier ad about a cursing bike. A bike that swears?? Hell, where do I sign up?!

Without any further snarkiness here's the ad:

TREK

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to:
Date: 2008-05-01, 11:18AM EDT

i posted it a few times had a bunch of people hit me up bout it only to have them get back to me the next day sayin they jus bought one this bike is not like normal bikes your not all bent over wit ya back achin if you look at the picture the frame has a downward slope to it and if you look where the pedals are they are not directly below the seat like every other bike they are more toward the front of the bike wen i first got on it it seem very diffrent from a normal bike it is so much more comfortable no strain on the feet the legs or your back the seat is nice and big it has front shimano v brakes and back pedal breaks has 3 speeds so instead of having to switch thru 12 or 21 diffrent gears you have three that are perfect for any drivin situation has a 3 peace crank it is pretty much brand new i never drive it i used it for about 3 nights jus riding it around town there is absolutly nothin wrong wit it except it probably jus alittle dusty from sittin in my basement it is 400 brand new im only askin 150 well worth it for a trek bike def worth it if you use a bicycle to commute to work or school or even to excersize great for riding long distances i wouldnt even get rid of it if i didnt need the xtra cash so email me or call me or text me at 4---- cant promise that ill answer but if you leave ya name and number ill call you back as soon as i can and if you text or email i mite respond faster but to whoever does buy it you definetly will not b disappointed in your purchase the pictures dark too so if you are seriously intrested in buyin it ill take better ones and send them but if you jus gonna make me run around and wait and then not buy it then dont even bother hittin me up

Priceless..

Buy my Damn bike, OK?

2008-04-23T08:38:00.008-05:00

Since this is my little slice of Internet wonder bread and all I figure I ought to be able to post this without fear of feeling like a goon. Well, I still feel kinda like a boob but whatever. Buy my bike - $650 local sale. It's a good deal, please buy it so I can pay for the Kelly 'cross bike I sooooo desperately need to bang elbows with the bottom 1/3 of the C class 'cross racers this fall.

Here's the bike: '07 Surly in the medium size AKA: 18". Lime green with some PIMP matching rims. Roll like the breeze in Lou Feregino style.. I'm 6' tall and it fits me well. It rides like a MTB should. Nice and neutral and surprisingly forgiving for a 26" rigid woods bike.

Specs:

Medium (18") 1x1 frame - all the geometronical details are on the Surly site.http://www.surlybikes.com/1X1.html

Wheelset: Hugi hubs (hayes branded) laced to Velocity rims. Rims were powdercoated to match the frame by the original owner. These hubs are friggin' sweet and will last a loooong time.

Tires: Maxxis Larsen 2.3s. Very nice SS tires, they roll fast and take the edge off.

Crankset: LX 170mm with a Spot bashguard and a 32t Surly Stainless ring

Cog: 20t Surly cog

Chain: Sram PC 58 8spd

Tensioner: Surly Tugnutt

Seatpost clamp: Surly Constrictor

Post: Thomson

Saddle: Bontrager Race

HS: FSA Pig

Stem: Race Face Prodigy 115

Bar: Ritchey Rizer SC

Grips: Oury ODI lock on

Levers: Avid Speed dial Ti

Cables - Avid Flak Jacket (I still need to install the front for whoever buys it).

Brakes: Avid BB5 up front, and a BB7 in the rear. Roundagon rotors.

Extras: The other BB7 brake caliper I have (never got around to swapping out the front) and an 18t Surly cog.

I've owned the bike since late December 2006. It has a total of 33 rides under me and one race. The rear hub was serviced (routine) last Spring by a kick ass mechanic. It has the normal scratches one would associate with MTB riding.

* There is some wear from my heel on the non drive side. I sanded off a little surface rust and touched it up with auto touch up (blue). I wrapped some black electrical tape over it. I also treated the frame with Frame saver when I got it.

More pics by request - or just swing by palatial Jenkins St. Estates to arrange a private viewing. I'll have Russell the guard buzz you in.

Thanks for looking - post a comment or email me at mtbdee at hotmail dot com.

Under the Hood

2008-04-15T11:06:00.007-05:00

There was this sound coming from under the front end of my new ride. I wasn't really sure what was causing it until I pulled over yesterday and found this disc spinning around where the blinker fluid belongs. I removed it, popped it in the old CD player, and was pretty pschyed to hear some new/old music from The Cobramatics. Johnny "the Colonel" Maguire recently released this record on his own Original Recipe label. If you've never heard of the Cobramatics and you're wondering when the hell I'm going to get around to some bicycle related content just hold tight. It's coming, I swear it is..

So yeah, the disc. From what I can gather it's the only official release of all their songs. You may have heard the 'Gansett theme/ad song in the past, rest assured Matt Schulde it's on there. There's also plenty of other rockin' tunes like Jailbait, Jump onto my Rocket and a whole bunch more. If you like rockabilly/surfy/rootsy tunes go pick this up and support some local musicians. I'm in no way shape or form qualified to review music but I like it, so we'll leave it at that. You can contact Johnny on his MySpace page if you'd like a copy, and I'm betting he'll have some at Local 121 on Sunday evenings when he's doing his DJ thing. If I wasn't so old and lame I'd probably be hanging around at said establishment of drinky goodtimes past 10:00 PM on Sundays but well, I'm hopelessly dorky (as we all know) so it doesn't happen too often. Sleeping on the couch, uh, I mean "recovery time" takes over after 9:00pm most Sundays..

Bikes, - back to bikes right Adam? OK, well, uh, oh so there's this tune on the above mentioned record called Burrillville Bounce. It reminded me of a death march MTB race I reportedly participated in at Wallum Lake quite a few years back. I say reportedly because I can't recall much from that day (see below). The event was more of an exercise in self flagellation given the roughly 1000 degree heat and 90000% humidity. The race was held on seldom used trails that had the consistency of chocolate pudding and beach sand, all at the same time. There was also a 25 yard mud hole that required full on 'cross style running, and a WALL OF SAND right before the start/finish. Wheee. Anyway, I was on my way to winning the Sport race when some dread locked fakin' Jamaican dude I passed in the first two minutes of the race blazed by me. He then proceeded to run up the giant dirt mound like the Flash. This was demoralizing to say the least. So I wound up 2nd, OK with me any day, right? Sure. Except the heat stroke and the part where I passed out on the dashboard while Stacy drove my shelled ass home..

Burlingame Race Report and other goings on..

2008-04-11T17:32:00.005-05:00

Thanks in large part to the Rip 9 I managed to shave 2 minutes off of last year's time at the King of Burlingame time trial. It turns out that was fast enough to get me the win in the 19-39 Sport race. I didn't find out until I got back from sweeping the last race and pulling down arrows. It was a nice surprise, as was the retro style Specialized Stumpjumper jersey I picked up for my effort. Adam St. Germaine won a sweet Hub wool jersey for his efforts in the Expert race. I think he might have been faster if he hadn't ridden to the race from Pawtucket but what do I know? I have a feeling that's like a lap of Blackstone Blvd. for a guy like him.

The course was in pretty good shape considering all the rain that had fallen on Friday, the wet spots were wet and muddy but there was nothing too crazy. The course is technical enough to give mountain bikers a chance while the road sections allow the road riders to make the most of their love of tarmac. The bonier parts of the course gave a lot people trouble, but luckily there were no injuries and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Thanks to Lennon and his crew for running another great event! If you are inclined to race next year be sure to register early as the spots are limited. The word on the street is that there will be a few more slots open for next year's event.

There hasn't been too much else going on these days. I managed to get out on the road for a few miles this week and then took Thursday off to do a two hour tour of F. Gilbert Hills in the 70 degree temps. Amazing weather for April 10th. I donned the new Stumpjumper jersey and quickly discovered that a "large" racer cut is apparently made for folks built like me, except with seriously skinny arms! Anyone who knows me knows full well I'm not in possession of two tickets to any gun show, (more like two tickets to the laser light show) but wearing this jersey makes me look kinda like Rowdy Roddy Piper. The sleeves cut my biceps off halfway down and the sleeves are so tight my arms turn purple.. I guess this makes me more look like Rowdy Roddy Barney. OK, that's totally false. It really just makes me look like I hang out at the gym talking about bench presses before I go shopping for pre - distressed jeans and tight shirts. And who doesn't do that sort of stuff? I could probably wear it to McFaddens if I paired it with some shiny shoes and Rock and Republic jeans. Wicked Awesome... I'm going to wear it anyway because it's cool jersey, never mind the fact that I secretly like looking like Bowser from Sha Na Na on the bike ;)

Today's ride at Lincoln Woods was completely uneventful thanks to the lousy weather. There was a decidedly low creep factor out there today. No dudes reading the upside down newspaper in their cars, etc.. All the gates are open out there now which means the pickle parks are in business. Complete weirdness will commence any day now so if you ride at LW be sure to keep your eyes peeled, and keep it moving if you see anything odd. Don't hesitate to phone the local authorities (State Police barracks are right around the corner) if you run across naked "bird watchers" or other such shenanigans. The more legitimate users are out there the less creepy stuff will go on, that's the idea anyway.

That said the RI NEMBA Lincoln Woods ride series starts next Friday at 6:00pm. We'll meet in the big parking lot on the Twin River Road side of the park. Enter the park off of Twin River Road, take a right and the lot is a little ways down on the left. If you make the turn down toward the beach you went too far. We'll have two led rides; one beginner ride and one faster ride. Keep in mind LW doesn't really offer much in the way of "easy" riding but there is a lot of good trail in there if you know where to look. One of the points of the rides is to get folks out in the woods, and to expose them to the loops that are out there. All you need to bring is a bike and your helmet. Hope to see you there!

For those wondering where I found out about the future viability of thumbshifters, well it was from the future. If you listen closely to the below you'll hear something about 7 speed shifters and superfast cycle exercising in the reverb...

The Future Was Yesterday, Again.

2008-04-03T09:18:00.004-05:00

The more I ride the glow in the dark gnar gnar machine that is the Rip 9 the more I realize that the best parts on it are the shifters. 7 speed XT thumb shifters to be exact. While the Niner does sport honest to goodness "new technology", it also happens to be paired with stellar shifters. Who cares about 4.5 inches of travel, CNC rocker arms, Pro Pedal and all that phooey? I'm here to talk about the 20 year old shifty bits, so listen up!

The best part about friction shifting is how, much like single speeding, it requires low brain power (this suits me well!). At the same time it's a whole lot easier than riding fixed. This fact alone makes these shifters the ultimate in must have technology that no one uses anymore. It fits all the basic bike dork criteria for coolness by being A. Old B. Functional and C. Fairly Rare. Best of all though the shifters can't kill you if you use them in a completely inappropriate manner. Like, say, riding a converted Jetter fixie brakeless down Cyprus with a 10 year old rusted chain. Yep, mark my words; thumbshifters are going to be hotter than drop bar 29ers, touring bikes, chain wallets, ball bearings and brooks saddles in two years time.

My amazing powers of prognostication tell me that soon all multispeed trail bikes will utilize this ancient technology. Of course, it'll be repackaged and spun as a new development that will immediately devalue that 9 speed SIS/SRAM clunker you ride now. I'm thinking the "new" name will be something like "Thumb Glide" or "Friction Force". Whatever it's called it will cost an exorbitant amount of money, and of course it will only be available to Pros at first (I hear Adam "Apple Cobbler" St Germain already has his).

This alone will generate enough buzz to cause throngs of cyclists to ditch their Swobo fixies, Long Haul Truckers and NJS approved track bikes on the side of the road in short order. They'll become so cool that people will start scouring yardsales, and garbage dumps, for "vintage" thumb shifters so they can tell everyone how much longer than you they've been at it.

I can't wait. Craig Mello can't either, he's got a box of these things he'd love to sell you...

Ridin' and Raccoons

2008-03-23T20:34:00.006-05:00

Hopefully everyone got out a few times over the last few days. I took Thursday and Friday off and coupled with today's ride I got in a few days of quality MTB time. It was just way too windy to hit the road. I've already spent quite a few days being blown backwards on pavement this season, and I really needed to hit some trails to see where I stand in terms of racing fitness. As it turns out I'm not so sure I'm standing at all. Maybe it's more like leaning up against something and faking it while convincing myself I'm still remotely fast... it's sort of like Wesley in The Princess Bride lying in repose, unable to move, bluffing Prince Humperdink into believing he's still strong enough to dispatch him with ease. Or something like that.

There's plenty of power/strength available but unfortunately the motor can't run hot for too long. I'm working on it though, and with any luck I won't be the slowest schmuck at the KOB TT. Today's ride at F Gilbert Hills SF was ridiculously good. The weather was downright perfect, and I managed to clean a few really nasty technical sections I rarely pull off all in the same ride. Thursday's ride at the same locale involved 2 hours of drizzle while today's ride featured 45 deg. temps and bright blue skies. Perfect.

You may be wondering about the raccoon. No, he's not Robbie and Margaret's pal from the Fez. This guy was sleeping by my garbage cans late on Friday afternoon. He scared the crap out of me when I took out the trash, and I had my camera around so I snapped this pic. As it turned out that was the last time I'd see him alive.. A few hours later I was upstairs on the PC when the room lit up bright blue, and I heard what sounded like the world's largest bug zapper outside the window. Yep, that's right, old Sparky touched something that didn't agree with him and that was that. I was bummed out a little, any animal smart enough to make it in the city (especially with all the coyotes around) didn't deserve to go out like that. Yes folks, these are exciting times here on Jenkins St..

New Econo Whip and Race mumbo jumbo

2008-03-18T10:41:00.005-05:00

So I finally traded in the Subie and took receipt of my Honda Fit Sport ('cause you all know how sporty I am right?). As Adam would agree; it's a dorky car for a dorky guy. But, it's friggin' huuuuge inside, it gets some really nice mileage and the emissions are really low (more important than mpg to me). No roof rack for the time being, I'll just fold down the seats for bike storage and transport. How a car with 109 hp manages to pull so hard I may never know, but it's pretty quick and there are no issues with highway driving at all.

I know, this here blog is really supposed to focus on bikes.. But sometimes riding and driving intertwine. Short of riding to Lincoln Woods most of the "local" trails require a drive * . Luckily for me I can get my weekday rides in without too much extra driving as Foxboro, Wrentham and LW are all on the way home depending on the route. That said,the good news is it's time to start MTB rides after work now that DST is in full swing. I managed to squeak in a little more than an hour at LW last Friday night before sunset. I was also out there for almost two hours on Sunday. The trails are really well drained already and they are fine to ride. The usual wet spots are wet, but they'll be wet in August so no worries.

In other news I received a Delorme PN-20 GPS unit from the continental jetsetter Brian Danz of Ex-Providence Bicycle mechanic fame. He now works for Delorme, and he was kind enough to hook us (me and Pete Gengler) up with this unit. Once I figure out how it works I'll start writing a review that should appear in NEMBA's Singletracks, and I'll post it on various websites (Dirt Rag, MTBR, Ironspoke etc..). I'm really interested in using it to plot out some future trails at LW. It'll be nice to have a professional looking proposal to present to the land managers.

On a related note the regular Friday night Lincoln Woods rides will start on 4/18 ~ 6:00pm. We'll have two ride leaders to accommodate different ability levels, and we'll meet in the double lot off of the Twin River Rd. entrance. Take a right when entering and the lot is down on the left (before the beach area). I have NEMBA ride waivers for folks to sign, figure I'd mention that now so there's no surprises. This way if you fall and break your tuckus you can't sue my pants off. Sounds swell to me.

What else? Oh yeah, the King Of Burlingame MTB Time Trial looks to be all full up. If you missed the boat, well, I'm sorry. They will need volunteers so if one of your buddies is racing please head down and offer your services (marshals and reg. help). There will most likely be some post race riding as well so bring your bike. Since I know Jack at the Hub, the Providence Bicycle crew and maybe Matt at NBX(?) are one of the 4 people that look at this blog I'd like to say Thanks for being sponsors of the race! I'm sure Lennon has said it already, but it's worth repeating. I was psyched to see so many local shops supporting the race.

That's all I have for now.

* OK, rides in places like Big River, Foxboro, Wrentham etc. don't always require a drive. While it's fun to ride the 'cross bike to these spots (and some secret stashes) and hit the trails, you won't catch me riding my MTB on the road for too many miles. It's just not that fun rollin' 700x55 or 26x2.3 knobbies on pavement, you know what I mean? Sorry about the random pic, it's all I had on the PC at work..

Does it always rain in pothole city?

2008-03-05T13:55:00.005-05:00

Does it? Or is it just when I want, and/or, need to ride my bike somewhere? Saturday's 30 miler out in Seekonk and Rehobeth consisted of sun, rain, sleet and snow. Oh yeah, and a seriously stiff headwind most of the way back. Yeah, as you might imagine it kinda sucked. So, just my luck, I ended up back in Seekonk/Rehobeth last night dropping off the Heap of Leaks at my mechanic's place. I figured I'd just ride home since I wanted to ride a bit last night anyway. There was a light rain falling as I drove over the Henderson bridge, but I was well layered. Besides, the weather guys all said it wasn't going to get ugly until late. Well, they lie. Repeatedly. And they get paid for it, brilliant!

Sure as shit as soon as I dropped the keys through the slot the skies opened up. Grrrreat! It was really dark and foggy out in cowtown, and luckily I had one of my Niterider MTB lights, a Knog and a decent Princeton Tec commuter light. I rode out of my way to avoid coming down Arcade ave. and taking a left onto 152. This meant adding roughly 4 miles of unlit flooded roads to the mix. This was to, you know, be safer... Riding like a drowned rat on crack, I think I set a personal best for getting back to Providence from that part of Boonieville. 30 minutes, and 10+ miles, later I was home peeling off layers of sand encrusted and water logged wool and lycra.

There were a few moments where I honestly wasn't sure if the front wheel was going to get swallowed up in a hole I couldn't see under inches of water. On a positive note (brace yourself!); I must be getting used to riding fixed, because I pulled off a few emergency bunny hops without killing myself. Yaaay for me.

Newman avenue in EP was fantabulous as per usual. I'm still waiting for that whole stretch of road by the gas station to fall into the earth, never to be seen again ala Atlantis. Maybe in the future people will bring their kids there and tell stories of what used to be "see Gina, that's where the Dunkin' Donuts and Sunoco used ta be, it was wicked awesome. You could get a Coollata and then hit the Cumbies across the street, all while running some loosa on a bike off da road.."

On a serious note watch out for new potholes! Holy crap there are some big ones out there.

On the road again

2008-02-29T09:26:00.004-05:00

So after finally kicking that nasty ass flu I managed to ride all week. Monday - Thursday anyway. Pretty much all on the road, and all in the cold, but it was worth it. I've thrown any chance of being "seriously" fit out the window at this point. Still planning on hitting a bunch of early season races such as The King of Burlingame MTB Time Trial on April 6th and a bunch of the Root 66 races. I'm going to have to hit some of the more technical races to have any chance of breaking the top 5. The early races are way too roadie friendly for a guy like me to do too well, never mind the fact that the Sport class races are over in around an hour. It usually takes me a good 30 minutes just to warm up, never mind go full throttle from the get go.

It seems like riding the On One fixed has been helping with power thus far. It's pretty fun, and it had better be since I sold my only geared road bike recently. It's SS or fixed for the foreseeable future on the road. I'm sure the first commute to work next month will be fun... might need to slap on the FW for the ride home. I can't imagine trying to spin down Manville Hill road in WoonCumberSocketLand. That could get ugly real quick. Maybe I could put some pegs on the back and just stand there all the way down, sweet... I think I got an idea of what it might look like last Saturday while watching some brakeless dude blaze down Jenkins St. towards North Main. Next time watch out for the sheet of ice at the bottom of the hill buddy, it's a bitch. That nice headband will probably protect you though, so what do I know?

Oh yeah, anyone know where the hell Adam is? He went from 5,000 posts a day on his blog to none. What happened? Is he too busy mixing granola, talking to cows and driving Volvos to post? Step it up pal, we miss you...

Need a lift??

2008-02-16T00:02:00.007-05:00

Yikes, I'm 33 today. Well, I guess it was yesterday, seeing as how it's 12:03 AM on February 16th. Anyway, if you need a lift down to the Fun Ride on Sunday let me know, just be sure your tetanus shots are up to date. The Chevy is running a little rough these days, what with the missing engine and all.

In all seriousness, the Subaru will be departing the Camp Street enclave ~ 7:30 AM for the balmier climes of Charleston, RI. Should be a good time with plenty of riding and raffle prizes to go around. Hope to see you there!

Oh yeah, thanks for the beer Jamie!

Spring is almost here

2008-02-11T10:44:00.001-05:00

Given the recent spate of nasty weather how can I make such a bold statement? No, I'm not related to prognosticating rodents from PA, but I do have a pretty decent method for discerning the change of seasons. My barometer in this case is the local liquor store. Last weekend I stopped in and found not only Mike Bike, but my favorite springtime beer in the world; Harpoon Hibernian. What does this have to do with bikes? Plenty. As we all know beer and bikes get along uncommonly well. Well, Hibernian and bikes go together even better. Nothing could make riding on an icy night, while flirting with hypothermic shock, better than knowing a really great beer is lurking in my fridge.

Unless you're this guy you're most likely experimenting with new ways to keep yourself warm, or riding a trainer. More often than not our rides nowadays are cold, raw and windy affairs that offer frequent opportunities to get soaking wet, and freezing cold, all at the same time. Dragging your ass off of the couch to ride in a cold and dark environment requires some motivation. While new wool clothing and winter gear are always nice the novelty wears off after a bit (somewhere around the moment the blood flows back to your frozen extremities). So why not give yourself a good reason to ride in February and March? Buy the beer, drink the beer and ride! Just not necessarily in that order...

I know what you're thinking. “Why can't I just skip the bike riding and down a few every night to stave off the winter doldrums?" You most certainly could, but that would leave you a little on the portly side and definitely not ready for this fine event on April 6th. I suppose you could fill out a bit, and just "ride into form". But you know you want to be the real King of Burlingame, and not the guy sporting a muffin top because he can't fit into his lycra. Besides, nicknames like the Sausage King of Burlingame probably aren't flattering. Unless your real name is Abe Froman.

Speaking of events, RI NEMBA is hosting it's first ever Winter Fun Ride on 2/17 at Burlingame SF. If you've never ridden in Burlingame, and you live in RI, drag yourself down for some guided rides, a raffle and some chili and hot cocoa. $5 gets you a guided tour of a really great trail system. If you're a racer type it'll give you the chance to scope out the terrain prior to the previously mentioned KOB TT. All proceeds go to charity, as per usual. Get the details here and/or here.

That's all I've got for now. Get out and ride your bike, even if it is just to the liquor store dammit! Springtime is coming up quick...

Are you ready for some Foosball?!?

2008-02-01T10:27:00.000-05:00

Apparently the whole NE Patriots team works here... I didn't realize this until I came to work this morning. All I can say is wow, did they really let themselves go! I never knew Teddy Bruschi was a dumpy accountant. Maybe you knew this already, but it was news to me. Apparently that shifty dude in the mailroom is on Kraft's payroll too, he moonlights as Kevin Faulk on Sundays. Good thing for him Foxboro is just up the road. I wouldn't want his commute betweens jobs to affect his on the field performance.

I also heard a lot of chatter about how "we" were going to win and why the Giants will lose. Really? "We're" going to beat the Giants, are you sure about this? Because, honestly, I think we had all better get our asses on a plane to Arizona and get some practice in ASAP. Half the folks in this joint couldn't lug the chains around on the sidelines, never mind line up on the field. My favorite moments had to be the numerous discussions about the advantages of Under Armour. I know that I, for one, wear a base layer when walking to the printer or fax machine. This isn't Baskin Robbins kids. We're busy people, and busy people sweat. So hell yeah, I want a wicking fabric underneath my replica jersey while I'm running screens on my way to the bathroom. Besides, I never know when that mailroom creep might try to tackle me in the parking lot.

I know I'm a cynical douche bag, and that the above has little to do with cycling. But imagine how absurd the above scenario plays out with other sports... sports like swimming, polo, cycling and figure skating to name a few. What if I'm a HUGE fan of the above mentioned sports? During the Olympics can I walk into the office sporting a Speedo while wearing figure skates and clutching a riding crop? Maybe I could just ride my bike around inside while wearing a water polo helmet and lycra shorts. That should elicit some interesting responses. Maybe I'd hear things like "Hell yeah dude, we're gonna crush the Germans in the Butterfly!" or "Sweet helmet man, we're gonna own the Latvians in the pool"!

As it stands now I already get some wonderful responses when I ride into work, without wearing a Speedo. The general reaction as I walk (quickly) through the cafeteria to the showers is sometimes funny, occasionally hostile and sad all at the same time. Oh yeah, and in July everyone seems to think I know everything about the Tour. Do I look like Bob Roll (God, I hope not)?? Just because I ride bikes doesn't mean I know two shits about a race in France.

With all that said it's time to get back to work. Although I have to confess, I'm really not feeling guilty about posting from the office. Why should I when everyone is preoccupied with the life altering event that is the Super Bowl? So load up your school bus sized vehicles, grab your buddies to help dig up the corpse of Spuds McKenzie and get ready to party like its 1987. Don't worry about those pesky wars, elections and the economy. Crap, I gotta run. Laurence Maroney is headed this way, I think we're running through old car tires on the lawn at noon.

Anyone want to ride?

2008-01-25T09:22:00.000-05:00

I'm kind of tired of freezing my bits off on the road alone.. Anyone want to join me for some weeknight East Side loops for the rest of the winter? Pretty chill pace ~ 15/17mph for an hour or so ?? It's not as cold as it sounds I promise... Okay, I'm lying. It's cold as all get out, but what's a little frostbite? At least you're not on the trainer watching Pat Sajak. If you're all about suffering we can even do hill repeats too. Or, better yet - you can do 'em and I'll watch ;)

What, no McRib?!

2008-01-22T12:34:00.001-05:00

So it was that I found myself in a McDonalds, on the Cape, on Saturday, January 19th.. This was my first visit to the Golden Arches in roughly ten years. With only a few bucks in my wallet and a serious pang in the gut I numbingly made my way to the altar of all things really, really, really bad for your health.. It had been a while and I was a little overwhelmed by the menu. Really, I mean it. When I was younger it was a no brainer; two Big Macs, a large fry and a bladder blasting Coke. Easy, cheap and promptly metabolized in less than twenty minutes thank you very much. I suspect if I regularly followed this dining regiment I might look like Jan Ullrich after one of his bratwurst and lager winter training camps. All concerns of a disproportionately large ass, and immediate heart attacks, were pushed to the wayside. It was time to belly up to the counter and get the hell out of there, the place is kind of creepy what with the large red haired clowns hanging around. I grabbed my grub and decided the drive home was the perfect way to ingest the gazillion greasy calories and slip into a diabetic coma.

That's when it hit me. That taste, so familiar, addictive and yet completely not good at the same time. Edible and scary all at once. Salt overloaded my taste buds, so for all I know it could've been dogshit between the buns. But man was that salty greasy crap great! Seeing as how I'd dealt with a nasty case of bronchitis the previous week I figured any residual antibiotics from the mystery meat might help me out. The massive supply of calories helped offset the two hour singlespeed ride at Otis Air Force Base. I think I might have actually consumed more energy in 5 minutes than I actually expended over 120.

Speaking of the ride, it was great. No snow and firm trails are in short supply in the Providence area, and the drive down was well worth it. I was hurting on a few of the steeper climbs due to not having ridden at all during the week. After clearing out the last remnants of lung fungus things started feeling right, and a little flow started coming back. I had no idea where I was going but I wound up back at the car after an hour and ran into Hannah and Scott (?) -sorry I have a bad memory.. chalk it up to active ingredients in fast food. I went out for another hour and continued to have a blast. Fast and swoopy is how to describe Otis, kind of like Trail of Tears without as much climbing. I'm sure there are better directions/loops to ride the trails but I managed to find a lot of fun techy features to keep it real interesting.

Hey - if you happen to read this and are at all interested in becoming a RI NEMBA trail ambassador please go here: rinemba.org In other RI NEMBA news local to the Providence area we will be starting up a regular ride at Lincoln Woods on Fridays at 6:00 PM. There will be two rides (beginner and intermediate) and it should be starting up in mid April. This will be a great opportunity to learn a loop in the tangled web of trails that are in LW. More details down the road. Thank you, drive through.

Feeling Throwndown

2008-01-11T15:28:00.000-05:00

Warning: This post has a little to do with riding bikes, and a lot to do with feeling beat down...

What happens when you take two perfectly healthy 32 year olds, 2 great shows, too much beer and a whole bunch of riding in late December/early January? Some kickass sickness that's what! Apparently drinking beer and then jumping around like a fool in conditions that resembled a sweaty gym locker at the Middle East on the 29th, coupled with back to back road rides, another show on NYE, and 3 more back to back MTB rides might, might leave one susceptible to an ass whooping at the hands of an evil virus. I'm not 100% sold on this theory, but I'm guessing some combo of the above activities may have led to me hacking up acrid goopy grey blobs of lung all week.

I did manage to get on the road twice this week for about two hours, and it actually felt great to breathe normally. This feeling abruptly came to an end shortly after I stopped riding, and I proceeded to wheeze like a lycra clad hairball stricken house cat. Awesome!

It's not fair to blame the shows, the booze or my bikes for my current state. It's more likely that the stuffy box in which I work is partly to blame. Colds spread through here like farts in an elevator. Everyone gets sick, but no one wants to cop to being the originator. Usually my generally positive lifestyle of riding bikes and eating well keeps me pretty healthy. Not so much this time.

Was it all worth it? Absolutely. If you missed the reference in the title (and the freaking logo) Stacy and I saw the 3rd night of the 10th Hometown Throwdown in Cambridge, and then the NYE show at home in Providence. The Bosstones hadn't played in a few years and getting tickets wasn't easy, harder than finding World Series tickets, if you can believe that. Both shows were great with the Middle East show being the smaller, and better, of the two. I hadn't been there since I saw the Bosstones there in '94. My goal this time around was not to hit the floor (at least not so hard) and to try to remember some of what happened. Long story short it was a really good time in a place full of people happy to see the band back at it, after what seemed like a really long time.

Providence was a little different. It is, after all, a full on gebrone factory so I probably should've expected all the fights and BS. Still, it was like watching Roadhouse in real life. Only instead of Dalton and Garrett it was the Lupo's bouncers dealing with drunken schmoes. Guys who probably should've rang in the New Year at McFaddens instead of at the show.

I'm bummed I missed the Fez dance-o-rama. I could've swung by after the show but, as previously mentioned, I'm old now and we old farts like to get home in time to see Nightline. Anyway, I'm going to straggle around on the road again tomorrow as our local trails are softer than a whisper right now. If you see me out there feel free to throw empty Dayquil bottles and Kleenex at me. Maybe next time I feel lousy I won't ignore it by riding like a fool for seven of eight consecutive days. Or not..

Happy New Year

2008-01-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone got out into the woods at least once this last week. Decent conditions, and a day off from work, yielded a total of 4 MTB rides already in 2008. With any luck things will stay calm on the weather front. Today I remembered why I enjoy riding my Karate Monkey so much. Conditions in Big River resembled those present at CX Nationals in 2005. Ribbons of greasy mud surrounded by melting snow, nice and soupy. Anyway, here's a post ride pic from my camera and Stacy's Mac.

Merry X Mas

2007-12-24T17:53:00.000-05:00

Have a safe and happy holiday kids!

Reasons why Adam St. Germain should buy a 29er

2007-12-20T12:28:00.000-05:00

Adam St Germain (aka AA, Apple Sauce, or whatever other shady aliases he is known by) recently pestered me about not updating this blog. I'm flattered that more than 2 people, myself being one of them, actually care to read this mess. So, without any further adieu here are the answers to Adam's question with regard to purchasing a 29er.

Adam's question was; "I think I'm going to get a Redline Monocog 29er... what say you?"

What say I? First off I'll say no one speaks this way anymore.. ditch the penny farthing along with the old timey dialect, ok? Unless you dress like Mr Peanut it's probably time to move forward and enter the 21st century my friend. It's time to leave your moron tubed Ibis, Lycra jersey and matching plum smugglers at home. That's right buddy, it's time to embrace the big wheels! I know you can do it, and I'm here to help. Below you will find a short list of things you're going to need to do right after running out and buying a 29er. Failure to do so may lead to a completely unacceptable level of credibility, bad breath, hives and spontaneous flatulence.

1. Assume a superior attitude with regard to your new bicycle purchase. To attain the correct level of smugness be sure to routinely consult the MTBR message boards. This, along with wearing only wool clothing for a few weeks, will lay a nice foundation for 29er ownership.

2. Swear off suspension. I mean it, it's only making you soft. I mean really, if you can't ride like Jeff Jones (see above mentioned MTBR for reference)then just go home. I don't care if you like to "huck the gnar", just learn to do it rigid if you must do it at all. This will only heighten your newly formed too cool for school attitude, and it may lend some credence to your cause when you start fanatically trying to convert others to 29ers. And you will do this, oh yes you will...

3. Go on a mission to convert the heathens. This is a big part of your journey toward big wheeled bliss. By now you've been riding miles and miles on a 30 pound single speed fabricated from recycled highway guard rails. This will serve to aid you as you wander from trail head to trail head like some sort of mountain biking Kane, spreading your love of the 29er Kung Fu. Your new found strength will help turn the skeptics you meet along the way. They'll probably be impressed by your clear skin, minty fresh breath and all around pleasant demeanor as well. Yep, 29ers can do all that for you, and more.

4. Sell your 29er and get the next big thing - I don't know what it is yet, but it's out there. Maybe it will be hover boards, buggy whips or 29" wheeled razor scooters. Who knows, but I'm sure you'll be late to that party too. Better get crackin' jack, time's a wastin'!

Sad day for Ska Fans

2007-12-12T15:36:00.000-05:00

Lynette Knackstedt, guitarist for Skankin' Pickle and the 78 RPMs, passed away recently. She was only 37 and it sucks.. more info here:

http://www.readjunk.com/news/music/lynette-knackstedt-of-skankin-pickle-passes-away-at-37

Back when there were only a handful of bands rocking the Ska, Skankin' Pickle was hands down one of the best. If you never listened to them check out Fights, Smorgasborgnine, Rotten Banana Legs, 13,000 is a lot of food, Hussein Skank, Hulk Hogan etc... all good stuff. Best ones were Fakin' Jamaican and Hulk Hogan, I still laugh my ass off everytime I hear those tunes. The 78 RPMS kicked ass as well, if you stumble across one of their records pick it up, you can't go wrong.

Links added

2007-12-12T14:21:00.000-05:00

I finally got around to adding some linky links.. Check 'em out, it won't hurt I promise!

The Code - a little rant

2007-11-29T12:41:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's the slight head cold I'm dealing with today. Or maybe it was last night's graceful over the bars, rock garden break dance competition I took place in that's irking me.(Crossing a rock laden stream bed at night usually requires at least a little focus. Taking a moment in the middle of said crossing to peek skyward, at what I'm guessing was the planet Venus, doesn't really count as "focused"). Anyway, whatever, I'm in a crappy mood and I just finished perusing one of the best sites known to bike dweebs everywhere - http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/

For some reason it made me think of things I really dislike about cycling culture, go figure! What follows below is basically me just ranting about jackasses I share the road with here in my neck of the woods. Don't take this too personally, unless, of course I'm accurately describing you.

There's a code out there in bike land. You know it by now, even if you've only been riding for a short time. We all know it, even if some of us pretend to ignore it. It's ingrained in us all at some point. Usually we're awakened to it by the sharp end of a stick, or glass bottle, or square edged rock as it may be. Self sufficiency becomes paramount for most after that first long walk. In accordance with Murphy's Law (the adage, not the band) this usually occurs early on in one's pursuit of cycling. If you're lucky enough your ill prepared ass gets bailed out. This is only fair, as everyone should be allowed a mulligan once in a while. Which brings me to the point of this diatribe. It's reserved for those who've never bothered to lend a hand and/or never at least feigned interest in lending a hand.

If you make a habit of blithely breezing past forlorn looking souls on the side of the road, trail or bikepath may you some day be taken out Dave Stoller style. I sincerely hope some deuchebag Italian cyclist magically pops out of the ether to jam his pump in your spokes.

Against my better judgement I spent a lot more time on the road this past year. I witnessed so much self absorbed crap it blew my mind. Cyclists can be solitary in their pursuit of sport and all that, but still.. I can't figure out why some riders can't stop and offer their fellow cyclist some help. Is it the fear of a lowered heart rate? Maybe they don't want to be associated with someone who doesn't match their description of a "real" cyclist? I don't know, but the bottom line is unless you are racing away from an angry mob of doping control technicians you should stop and ask. Nine times out of ten the poor schlep's got it covered, or they lie and say they're all set because they're weirded out by the mooseknuckle in your weasel squeezers. Either way you win, and this will let you get back to "feeling the burn" guilt free.

Of all the times I've flatted on the road recently maybe one out fifteen passing cyclists have even looked my way, let alone asked if I needed help.I think this type of crap is actually grounds for an ass whooping in MTB culture. I'm not 100% on this, but I'm pretty sure it's in the "how not to be a dickhead" guide to mountain biking that arrives on your doorstep a week after purchasing a mountain bike. It's been a while since I read my copy, maybe the rules have changed.

This year the area where I witnessed this behavior most was oddly one of the local loops most frequented by cyclists - Blackstone Boulevard. For those who don't know the spot it's a 3.2 mile loop. Particularly bad flats allow for a second chance but most continued to ignore me as they circled by a second time. What kind of cyclists actually stopped to ask if I needed assistance, you ask? The ones without a pump, patch, tube or a "proper" road bike. The kind of folks that some leg shaving types tend to scoff at. They were just normal folks, out there cruising around and enjoying the weather. Blissfully astride their cobwebbed wall hangers, they were probably out for a semi-annual squeaky spin around the block. They might not have looked like what some consider cyclists, but they were nice folks all the same. And for that I thanked them profusely. I guess not taking yourself so seriously allows you to be a little more friendly. Even though I didn't need the help it sure felt nice to have someone stop and ask.

The moral of this story is simply this: Stop and ask when you see someone in trouble. I know everyone is all wrapped up in themselves but one of the nice things about riding a bike, or taking a walk, is that we're forced to deal with our surroundings a little more. Take advantage of the opportunity to actually interact with someone who might benefit from your expertise.

Hurricane Remnants and Spooky Sightings

2007-11-03T11:44:00.000-05:00

Watching the local weatherman practically cream his jeans last night one would've thought a category 12 hurricane was bearing down on this neck of the woods. The basic message was "don't go outside kids, it's gonna be crazy out there, you might get wet". Slow news day I guess. The local media had milked the recent fatality riddled car crash on 95 N to death (no pun intended), and I guess there's not much corruption going down that needs investigating. So anyways, back to the weather. It rained, and it was windy outside, and there was no one at the local pickle park known as Lincoln Woods. Just the way I like it. No scary encounters with middle aged men getting to know one another, no errant paintball shots to dodge and no angry dogs off leash. No weirdness at all really. Just the woods, the wind, and a persistent cold rain. The kind that should fall in November. The remnants of Hurricane Noel (now a tropical storm) turned out to be the perfect conditions in which to purge the accumulated detritous of a week spent in a box. It's during rides like today's that my mind really wanders, likely to ignore the physical conditions, but simultaneously stays focused on the task at hand. Whole sections of icy, slick, leaf and rock laden technical descents can slip by while I think about completely random subjects.

Not surprisingly some thoughts were bicycle related. JP Weigles frame saver came to mind as I fiddled with air pressure under the shelter afforded by Goat Rock. Today's conditions involved little in the way of mud, just lots of water, and I'm sure a few ounces snuck into every crevice of the Karate Monkey. Hooray for frame saver, right? I kept thinking about the rebirth of Spooky Cycles as well. Not sure why but I always really dug the company back when I was cutting my teeth wrenching on Schwinn Collegiates. Maybe I just liked their politics, their ideals and the music they listened to. Maybe it was how well they did while going against the grain of what was going on during the heyday MTB racing. Not that there's anything wrong with racing bikes. It certainly builds character, and it is generally a healthy endeavor. It's just that when MTB racing was at it's height the culture surrounding the sport seemed to reach it's low point, lots of folks became asshats. Everybody and their brother expected, no demanded, free stuff and a better "deal" because they raced on stuff you sold them. Back in my wrenching days I used to want to scream diatribes like the following at the countless knobs who would bring in their poor destroyed rigs: "Newsflash - no one gives a crap you came in 8th in your local Beginner/Sport/Expert race. No, you can't have a free Judy SL because you won the Podunk 400. Put down my effing tools and go away, please. We don't care if you wear our shop jersey, why can't you see you are a royal pain in the ass please go home now".

I was relatively new to the world of bike racing at 20 and did not, and still don't really, understand the mentality that some folks have when it comes to riding bikes. I was as much interested in going to shows and having fun as I was interested in racing my bike. Spooky came across as a company that made bikes for people with a love of riding, and competing, but without the seemingly required bullshit. Of course, it probably didn't hurt that everyone I ever met that rode one could ride circles around me and was really cool to boot. They were the anti - Specialized/Trek/GT and that made me really want one. Being broke and in school I never had the cash to pick up a Spooky and I ended up riding, and racing, on whatever I could EP at the shop. Thankfully Schwinn had Yeti building their Homegrown Factorys but that's a whole other post.

Where I'm going with all this is that Spooky is back in business with a great builder welding for them. If you want a nice custom steel bike that comes with more attitude than BA Baracus look them up. Dirtrag has a great interview with the man behind the new Spooky on their homepage. Check it out.

Darkness descends early these days..

2007-10-10T12:33:00.000-05:00

How can I sum up the first solo night rides in real darkness this fall? Simultaneously creepy, satisfying and fun seem to do the trick. As oppossed to an early morning ride, the view of the larger world was progressively winnowed down as I stayed focused on the shrinking scope of my surroundings. Cold rain had colored the once sandy light brown trail, and it know resembled a menacingly dark black ribbon punctuated by the tooth like rock tops. The weather felt right last night, cooler than it has been of late, and progressively cooler/cold as the ride went on.

Recent motorcycle activity, coupled with newly fallen leaves, made the technical sections of Foxboro more difficult than usual. But due to the mind bending effects of night riding, and the required focus, I managed not to hit the deck. Well, at least not as hard as I did in broad daylight a week earlier. At least no one was around to see it. Once I shook myself off I realized just how dark it was, and suddenly I realized how creepy it can be in the middle of the woods in the suburbs. The simple act of stopping seemed to trigger a sudden realization of when and where I was. That feeling dissapated quickly as soon as I started moving again and all focus was on staying upright.

As I neared the end of my ride I couldn't shake the feeling I was hearing voices. Sporadically I'd hear weird sounds that made me think of every movie monster I'd ever seen as a kid while glued to Creature Double Feature on channel 56. I just knew the friggin' Wolfman, Mummy Man, Frankenstein, and probably that shady bastard Dracula were all out there plotting my immenent demise. As I picked up the pace through the last few rock gardens I saw that I wasn't crazy. There were two other riders milling around, trees obscuring their lights from my view until I was right on top of them. Good to know we were the only weirdos roaming around those woods last night...

Dawn Patrol beckons

2007-09-11T21:26:00.000-05:00

It's about that time of year. The days become too short to get a proper trail ride in after work (without lighting anyways), and the weather makes an abrupt shift toward the cooler side of the pillow. While many bemoan this change I find it a great time of year to venture into the woods during the work week for a momentary respite from the BS filled world we inhabit. Early moning riding presents a unique opportunity to observe the familiar in a new light. Coupled with cool, and downright cold, weather an early morning ride offers a chance to find some peace prior to stumbling into the rest of my daily routine. This process is sort of a reversal of the post work stress reliever. Getting through the day is made somehow easier having seen the sun rise while flowing through one of the few larger tracts of remaining woods. Gone are the bugs, humidity, parking lot fashion shows and bad hippie music one usually encounters with the post work riding crowd. Riders are scarce at 6:00 AM. The occasional dog walker aside, the woods are mostly devoid of others until well after sunrise. By that time I'm back at the car getting ready to head to work. A little tired maybe, but far better prepared than on those days I roll out of bed and arrive at work ensconded in the same fog I woke up with.

2007-08-03T09:48:00.000-05:00

Wow. So I set this up a while back so I could post a comment on the Bike29 blog... I kind of forgot this existed. Not a whole lot to say right now.

I'll start by pointing folks that stumble onto this posting toward a few great bike related websites that focus on NE mountain biking:

NEMBA.org - A great resource, and a great organization. If you ride in NE and you're not a NEMBA member ask yourself why and seriously consider joining.

RINEMBA.org - The RI chapter's website. Full of local riding info as well as some random product reviews and led ride info.

SEMASSNEMBA.org - The riding in SE MA is great and these folks do a wonderful job on the local trails. Check out their site for trail descriptions event schedules.

Bustedspoke.com - another great NE source for MTB related info and discussions. If you are a local freerider/downhiller/XC rider/BMXer/trials rider etc... this is a great place to visit.

That's all I've got for now.