Bike-o-Latte

Go Big in 2012

2011-12-23T07:20:00.001-06:00

Ride and be well,JB

Mother's Brewing Company- Springfield, MO

2011-12-20T08:20:00.001-06:00

More about this company in the coming weeks. Until then, enjoy this:

Cheers!JB

update We beat the ban!

2011-12-02T13:00:00.001-06:00

83rd Street bike ban fails in 3-2 vote at De Soto City Council

We beat the bike ban! After long but civil debate the De Soto City Council voted 3-2 aganist reinstating the 83rd Street bicycle ban. Over 300 of you signed our petition and sent messages to the City Council, and those letters had real impact.

There was a lot of discussion about the image the town wants to project, and Councilmembers mentioned that your letters showed there is high interest in visiting De Soto. The Council also discussed some good ideas for a more permanent solution to safety concerns on 83rd Street, and expressed genuine interested in positive solutions to the situation.

It's not often that a short letter can have big impact, your letters did make the difference. Thank you to everyone took the time to speak up for bicycling. And a special thanks to De Soto resident Mark Scrivner for organizing local efforts and speaking up at the City Coucil meeting.

Help us keep fighting for bicycling in local City Halls

Thank you to all you signed and sent in comments!

Locals- Please Help

2011-12-01T08:09:00.001-06:00

Find the petition here: http://bikewalkkc.org/83rd

Stop the 83rd Street Bike Ban

The town of De Soto, KS is on the verge of re-instating its recently lifted bicycle ban on 83rd Street. Please act now to oppose the ban and show your support for bicycling in western Johnson County.

Barely two months ago the city lifted the long standing bike ban on a street that is the main bike connection to the rest of the metro area and popular route to Lawrence, KS. Last month the City Council was presented with a petition with 300 signatures demanding the reinstatement of the bike ban.

City Council Meeting
Thursday, December 1st, 7:00 p.m.
De Soto City Hall

The City Council will consider reinstating the bike on Thursday. Please try to attend, but first sign our counter-petition and send a strong message to the De Soto City Council. We especially need the signatures of people who live and work in De Soto, so forward this to your friends and colleagues.

Thank you!

Long roads and long rides

2011-11-28T08:28:00.001-06:00

Keep riding,
JB

Oh jeeze!

2011-11-18T10:08:00.001-06:00

When I re-posted this blog entry:http://bike-o-latte.blogspot.com/2011/09/it-can-be-like-this.htmlThis video is what ran through my head-
And if you need a little more humour the anti-Rapha?
http://internationale.teamjva.com/

Have a great and safe weekend of riding and racing!JB

Because lower is always better

2011-11-11T14:44:00.001-06:00

this post is inspired by all the BS being spout about the webs this week about a tragedy concerning an organized, marketed ride out in California this past weekend. LL is by no means a favorite rider of mine...but the munchkin can do downhill like a scalded cat. You cannot do this with a "roll of quarters" under your double digit stem. Cook your corners like your Bar-B-Que, Long and Low.

Levi Leipheimer Descending Pine Flat Road from Roger Bartels on Vimeo.

Have a great weekend!JB

This.

2011-11-05T06:54:00.001-05:00

I hope while am out this weekend being "busy" i can see what the world as to offer...

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

The Italian Job (Bicycling article about Campagnolo)

2011-11-03T09:14:00.000-05:00

Published on Bicycling Magazine (http://www.bicycling.com)

The Italian Job

The old-world values that define the component maker Campagnolo make it so beloved by the faithful that they describe it as a soul instead of a brand—which in today's cost-cutting, outsourced business world is exactly the company's problem. And, perhaps, its salvation.

Bruce Barcott

Created 2011-10-27 09:11

Photo by Roberto Caccuri

This is a fable about emotion, but it starts as a business story. For the past half century the Italian component maker Campagnolo and its chief competitor, the Japanese conglomerate Shimano, have gone toe-to-toe in one of the great rivalries not just of the cycling world but of the entire business world. The elements intrigue those who study such things: Despite their near-comic contrast in size—Shimano's bicycle-division sales were $2.1 billion last year, Campagnolo's around $150 million— the companies have considered each the other's greatest foe. Over the years, the spirit of that rivalry infected their customers. Road cyclists can be passionate about their choice of components, but none are more notoriously passionate than Campy freaks. They wax eloquently about the curves and swooping lines of new components, create personal museums of old parts, can be stunned into silence and immobility by the sight of a complete boxed Campy tool set.

Campagnolo traditionally had been seen as owning the top 1 percent of the cycling market, the high-end professional and custom-build customer, while Shimano was considered to dominate OEM (original equipment manufacturer)—its components, ubiquitous on mass-production bikes made by major players, at times have been found on as many as 70 percent of all bikes made.

Campagnolo was also traditionally acknowledged as the choice of champions. Eddy Merckx rode only Campy. Bernard Hinault rode Campy to all five of his Tour de France victories. So did Miguel Indurain. Of course the Italian champions Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi rode Campy. But the last Tour winner to ride a Campagnolo gruppo under the Arc de Triumph was Italy's Marco Pantani in 1998. (The inevitable asterisk of modern sports: Oscar Pereiro, who was declared the 2006 winner after a failed drug test negated Floyd Landis's victory, rode Campagnolo.) Lance Armstrong won seven yellow jerseys on Shimano gear. When he retired in 2005, many insiders assumed Campagnolo would do whatever it took to make sure the next winner was on its componentry. But Shimano won in 2007 and 2008. Then things became really bleak for Campy: The upstart SRAM stole the crown. A Chicago company that found its first success by selling handlebar shifters for mountain bikes in the 1980s, SRAM didn't put out its first road-bike group until 2005. But just four years later, in 2009, Spain's Alberto Contador won the Tour on the company's top groupset, Red. Contador and SRAM won again in 2010, before Shimano took over again in 2011, under Cadel Evans.

Campy's problems aren't limited to the Tour de France podium. Today's younger generation of riders generally assume they can't afford Campagnolo's gear and aren't impressed with its historic pedigree. Older, more affluent riders still covet the brand's cachet, but, as one industry insider observes: "When all of us 50-year-old guys with $6,000 bikes get too old, fat, and lazy, what are they going to do?"

The rise of SRAM cuts to the heart of Campagnolo's dilemma. When SRAM introduced its first road-bike groupset six years ago, Campagnolo ignored the American upstart. That was a mistake. Nimble and smart, SRAM rose quickly to challenge the Shimano- Campagnolo duopoly. SRAM's engineers developed new products quickly and outsourced production to factories that could make the products at a lower cost. When I asked Michael Zellman, SRAM's global marketing manager, if I could stop by and see the Chicago factory, he said, "Sure, but there's not much here to see. We manufacture in 15 locations all over the world."

About 95 percent of the bicycles and components sold today originate in Taiwan or China. But not Campagnolo's. The company sticks stubbornly to its roots, manufacturing in its birthplace of Vicenza, Italy, a midsize industrial city between Venice and Milan. Campagnolo employs high-cost labor and hews to oldworld values. Red wine is served in the lunch room. A few years ago the company finally opened a second plant outside of Italy. It's not in China or Taiwan. It's in—get this—Romania.

Some industry observers and competitors see the future closing in on Campy. "In an international industry and an international world, they can't survive strictly in Italy," said Gary Coffrin, an industry consultant and former executive at Specialized. "Sometimes it seems like Campagnolo's off in Vicenza in its own world," said Matt VanEnkevort, managing director of FSA USA, the American distributor of Full Speed Ahead components. "They've failed to globalize as a brand, failed to respond to the market when the market's shifted."

Take VanEnkevort's quote with a grain of salt. FSA is, after all, a competitor. But he raises a valid question. In an outsourced world, in which supply chains stretch around the globe and labor goes for a dime on the dollar in Asia, many wonder how long an old-school Italian company like Campagnolo can survive.

In the United States, Campagnolo officials are all too aware of the challenge. "We're in a 'What have you done for me lately?' situation," says Tom Kattus, head of Campagnolo North America,the company's stateside subsidiary. Back in Italy, though, no alarm bells are ringing. Valentino Campagnolo, the inscrutable and elegant Italian gentleman who runs the family-owned company, acknowledges that SRAM is "a new player, a strong player, a clever player." But Campagnolo, 63, appears undisturbed by the company's position in the marketplace.

How does he plan to keep the company alive? By doing what Campagnolo has always done. He's going to nurture and protect a mysterious force known around Vicenza as "the knowledge." It's an idea with deep roots in Italian culture. And while others in the bicycle industry predict doom for Campy's business model, some forward-thinking economists believe the Italian company may be on to something. After a decade-long outsourcing rush, a number of businesses are beginning to rethink the wisdom of manufacturing on the cheap in Asia. Signore Valentino's oldschool business model just might be the new new thing.

Drivers on the Milan-to-Venice autostrada know they're passing Vicenza when they see the Campagnolo factory sign, a 120-foot, royal blue version of founder Tullio Campagnolo's signature, one of the world's most understated yet recognizable logos. The company's headquarters and main manufacturingfacility are located in a sprawling three-story plant in the light-industrialzone on the outskirts of town. The compound was built in 1981, and the executive suites retain a cool late-1970s vibe: modern, dimly lit, low-ceilinged, and hushed. It was there I met Lerrj (pronounced "Larry") Piazza, the company's young marketing and communications manager, who agreed to show me around. Like everyone else at Campagnolo, Piazza dressed impeccably, in a fine Italian shirt, slacks, and a cashmere cardigan. A bicycle—a Colnago with Campagnolo Record components— leaned against the wall in his office.

"Welcome to Campagnolo," Piazza said. "We have time to see the facility before your interview with Mr. Campagnolo."

He said this as if I had booked time with the Pope.

On the day I visited, a Tuesday in early March, the factory was relatively quiet. "We are switching over from the 2011 production year to 2012," Piazza explained. "So there are a number of workers here, but not everyone." Campagnolo employs about 400 people in Vicenza. Like most Italian workers, they are strongly unionized and well paid. The average Italian metalworker makes about $43,000 a year. In Taichung, Taiwan, the world center of bicycle manufacturing, factory labor goes for about $7,250 a year. In China, it can be had for $3,700.

It wasn't hard to be impressed by Campagnolo's operation. The airy manufacturing complex could house a fleet of 747s, but it's not driven by an assembly-line mindset. Campagnolo's machinists ply their craft at autonomous tooling stations. Components are dropped into small-batch metal bins the size of laundry baskets, which are then hand-wheeled to the next station. The factory floor was clean enough to lick.

Piazza guided me to a progressive stamping die, a 30-foot monster that sent out a shuddering whump! every two seconds. It felt and sounded like the company's beating heart. I watched as steel tape was fed into one end. Newborn Campagnolo Super Record cogs emerged from the other. A machinist in blue coveralls picked a random cog and held it to his eye like a diamond cutter. There are almost no traditional assembly lines at the Campagnolo factory. Each machinist works like an artisan. There's a bit of the Renaissance guild about the place. Which is no coincidence; the artisan-guild concept was created just a few hours south of here, in Florence, in the 12th century.

"The company is very strange and complex," Piazza told me. "It's a mechanical company and also a chemical company." All the surfaces and finishes are produced here. "The knowledge is very complicated," Piazza said. "It takes a lot of years to build up this know-how. It's not impossible to make a product like this but you need the knowledge, born of experience, to solve problems, to always improve."

The knowledge. Company officials speak of it like Obi-Wan spoke of The Force. It is something at once powerful and fragile. It is the reputation of the brand and the combined know-how of the engineers, designers, and machinists gathered under one roof in Vicenza. And it is guarded ferociously.

As we walked through the 11-speed-chain assembly room, I spotted a row of enclosed offices and asked what they housed. Piazza paused, then said, "Electronic gruppodevelopment."

My ears perked up. After more than a decade in development and of anticipation from cyclists, Campy's battery-powered gruppo was about to hit the market. Few outside the company or the Movistar pro team, which had been selected to road-test it through the 2011 season, had gotten even a glimpse. Shimano, which began its electronics R&D years after Campagnolo, has been selling its Dura-Ace Di2 electronic groupset since 2009. Shimano's Di2 gear goes for around $5,000, double the price of top-end Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo components. At Campagnolo, executives believe their gear has to be the absolute best—and work flawlessly—from day one. Otherwise the brand takes a hit. Piazza had no intention of letting me anywhere near the group's development department, because the components hadn't debuted to the public yet, but also because it was full of prototypes, earlier generations and, presumably, ideas that had failed along the way.

"It is not available to us," he said with a smile, and led me away.

The knowledge must be protected.

The electronic gruppo problem illustrates a larger dilemma for Campagnolo. Its engineers must not only compete with a company more than 10 times its size. Their executives must not only find profit margins while paying 10 times the hourly wage of its competitors. In Vicenza, you get the distinct impression that Campagnolo executives feel as if they also must shoulder the burden of guarding the soul of cycling itself.

Certainly few companies are as steeped in the history of the sport. Founder Tullio Campagnolo's handmade delivery bicycle, circa World War I, stands in the hallway outside the executive suites. The back cover of a lavish, 159-page corporate history published on the company's 75th anniversary in 2008 proclaimed, "The history of Campagnolo is the story of modern cycling."

That's a bold claim. It also happens to be true. Tullio, a promising young racer in the 1920s, famously experienced one of cycling's great epiphanies during a race in 1927. That spring he found himself riding up to Croce d'Aune, a mountain pass in Italy's southern Dolomites. At the time, shifting gears—there were only two—required the rider to dismount, unscrew the rear wheel, flip it around so a different-size cog on the opposite side could be used, then reattach the screws. On the mountain that day Tullio's freezing fingers proved no match for a stubborn wingnut. As he watched the race slip away, his frustration led to invention. Over the next three years, Tullio tinkered in his father's shop to create the world's first quick-release skewer—the taken-for-granted component that today lets cyclists remove a wheel with a single flip of a cam lever.

Campagnolo expanded into other components, establishing a reputation for innovation and unsurpassed quality. Tullio, a broad bull of a man with a powerful voice and piercing gaze, worked closely with top pro riders and with frame builders in the artisan towns of northern Italy: Faliero Masi, Edoardo Bianchi, and Ernesto Colnago. For a 30-year stretch—from 1968 to 1998— Campagnolo dominated the pro peloton. In the Tour de France, 27 of 31 winners rode Campy. In the Giro d'Italia, Campy won 26 of 31 titles.

The company's DNA was established during those years. Tullio never wanted the mass market. His heart and soul were in the high-end stuff, the pro gear. During the bike boom of the 1970s, when every family in America kept a quiver of Schwinns in the garage, Campagnolo refused to expand to meet low-end demand.

"I went over to Vicenza to work with Tullio on developing some Schwinn pedals in 1973," recalled Jay Townley, a bicycle-industryconsultant who worked for Schwinn during the boom years. "The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was making manufacturers add pedal reflectors for safety. I showed Tullio a reflectorwe could put in the openings of those old rat-trap pedals. He looked at the pedal, frowned, and said 'Brutto! Brutto!'"

Ugly! Ugly!

Crude design offended the old man. Campagnolo's designers strove for elegance in the engineering sense of the word: Finding the simplest, lightest, most efficient solution to the problem of human-powered propulsion. Given a choice between his own beliefs and the fortune to be made in the mass market, Tullio turned his back on the fortune. By the end of the 1970s, Campagnolo had abandoned all but the pro racing and very top luxury portion of the specialty retail market to Shimano and Suntour, Japanese companies that were happy to scale up production to meet the demand for less expensive chains, sprockets, and derailleurs.

That refusal to compromise quality moved Campagnolo from a company to a cause. Some call it a cult. It's a symbol of old-world artisan craftsmanship, a refusal to compromise twinned with manly know-how, seasoned with a tinkerer's curiosity and a dash of machismo. The classic film Breaking Away captured the mystique in the character of Dave Stohler, a blue-collar Indiana kid enthralled by Italian cycling culture. His pride and joy was a Masi road bike equipped with Campagnolo gear.

Lorenzo Taxis, Campagnolo's global marketing manager, described the power of the Campagnolo name: "It is a soul," he said. "It is a soul contained by a brand."

That's a heavy burden. Perhaps that's why, long after Campagnolo must have realized there was a market for electronic shifting, it continued to refine its product in those secret rooms while Shimano offered its version for sale. At Campagnolo, there is a sense that the company must weigh each product against the culture of cycling itself. "We must ask whether this product is notdemocratic, let's say," Lerrj Piazza told me. "It is a social thing. It's not logical to put a product on the market which is not touchable by the people" because of its high price.

There's also the risk of putting the Campagnolo imprimatur on a product that could pollute the purity of cycling. Officials in Vicenza are mum on this point, but at least one competitor is also struggling with the issue. Earlier this year officials at SRAM (which has no electronic shifter on the market) asked an ad agency to find a way to turn the absence of such a product to the company's advantage. The essence of cycling, a SRAM official wrote to the ad shop, "has always been about the 'Culture of Mechanical'—a.k.a. the raw, tactile connection of the human animal to a beautiful, efficient, analog machine." Using a battery to power an essential part of the experience, the memo said, "just isn't right."

Campy must balance such fidelity to old-school principles with its need to stay cutting edge. "If you lose the quality and the innovation," Piazza told me, "you lose the love for the brand."

There's no nameplate outside Valentino Campagnolo's office. Tullio's son, who took over the company at age 35 when his father died in 1983, can be found by entering an unmarked door that leads to a spare conference room. Before going to Vicenza I'd asked an American bike-shop owner for his impressions of the great signore. "Valentino, he's, well, he's a little strange," the retailer said.

Valentino Campagnolo emerged from behind a plain wooden door, a thin, reserved, 63-year-old man dressed in slacks and a blue-striped dress shirt, with a bit of a Christopher Walken vibe. He moved slowly and deliberately, almost as if purposefully opposite the image that still endures of his bulldog old man.

When I asked about the company's decision to stay in Italy while the world decamped to Asia, Campagnolo offered a frank answer. "It was a forced decision," he told me. When he took over the company in 1983, he said, "I didn't have any special strategy. I didn't have any special management skills in how to handle the company outside of Italy."

There's deep history behind this cryptic answer— and some insight into Campagnolo's willingness to trade high Italian labor costs for the knowledge. Valentino inherited the company two years after the opening of the massive new Vicenza factory, which was old man Tullio's way of doubling down on Italy. In the early 1980s, Tullio and Valentinowatched as Schwinn, then the world's leading bicycle manufacturer, closed its Chicago factories and moved production to Taiwan. An industry exodus ensued. "The bicycle industry has a history of chasing cheap labor," said the former Specialized executive Gary Coffrin. "The industry migrated to Taiwan in the 1980s, and then to China in the 1990s."

Everything was fine at first. Schwinn's profit margin thrived on low-cost Asian labor. But in 1985, Schwinn ended its arrangement with its Taiwanese production partner, a company called Giant Manufacturing. What happened next is a lesson that Valentino Campagnolo has never forgotten. Giant turned around and used its newfound manufacturing expertise to produce bikes under its own brand that were better and cheaper than Schwinn's. Though Schwinn bounced back several times, ultimately it never recovered and, by 1992, was bankrupt.

"We do everything inside the company," Valentino Campagnolo told me. "This is something in which I strongly believe. If I know how to produce it, I can always improve my performance. If somebody else is doing it, my improvements are out of my control. This is a very strategic decision for us."

Technology transfer—some would call it idea theft—is a concern in cycling just as it is in any industry that outsources. Imagine the electronic development room deep inside Campagnolo that Piazza wouldn't even allow me a peek into—but situated thousands of miles away from those who care most about its integrity.

Security, proximity, and low labor costs spurred Campagnolo to open its first satellite factory in 2005 in Piteti, Romania, an industrial city in the center of the old Iron Curtain stronghold. Managers and engineers from Vicenza can drive to the plant in a day. Manufacturing wages aren't China-cheap, but they're low, about $14,000 a year. Italy's strong metalworkers' union doesn't include Romanian workers, so Campagnolo can hire and fire more easily. Perhaps most crucially, it's in Romania—a country famous for a man who drank blood and another whose name included the phrase "the impaler." Its remote location and spooky cultural reputation act as their own barriers to technology transfer.

"We first develop new products and methods of manufacturing in Vicenza," Valentino Campagnolo explained to me. "And when it has been perfected, then we can bring that activity to Romania. We have exactly the same machines, equipment, and methods in Romania and Vicenza." The company has made huge investments in carbon-fiber components. "We didn't want to take any risk by putting these components in the hands of somebody else," Campagnolo told me. "They require a high degree of human labor, and we wanted to keep everything inside the company." So the company perfects a manufacturing process with its longtime, highly skilled craftsmen in Vicenza, then teaches the intricacies to its employees in Romania.

"I think this was a big mistake that some Italian companies have made," Piazza told me. "They chose to produce in the Far East, and they spread their knowledge. In the Far East, they produce a good product, but the innovation in Europe is different. If you take your knowledge elsewhere, it's a big risk."

Campagnolo can be called a lot of names. Stodgy. Insular. Arrogant. But nobody has ever called the company cheap or stupid. As bicycle-industry veterans wonder how long the company can survive, some of the world's top economists and business strategists are taking a fresh look at the Campagnolo-style business model and finding it newly appealing. A combination of outsourcing fatigue (those long flights to Shenzhen for quality control take their toll), rising labor and transportation costs, and the let's-rethink-this mindset of the recession have dampened the business world's enthusiasm for Asian manufacturing.

One key is to understand that Campagnolo is a commodities company. It's specialized and high-end, like an airplane manufacturer or a medical-device maker. Product failure is not an option. Quality is all.

"In high-end, small-batch manufacturing, where you're making very exacting high-quality products, labor costs aren't your major concern," says Kathryn Shaw, PhD, a Stanford University economics professor who studies the expense of manufacturing. "The main costs are in product design, which you need to stay on the cutting edge." A company like Campagnolo, she says, "is investingheavily in brand value. That's one of their major assets. Maintaining that brand is part of the cost of doing business."

A high-end company that dilutes its brand value by chasing cheap labor, she says, does so at its peril.

The airplane giant Boeing recently learned this lesson the hard way. In the early 2000s the company went full-throttle into outsourcing, pulling parts for its highly touted 787 Dreamliner from around the world: wings from Japan, floor beams from India, passenger doors and landing gear from France and Sweden, parts of the tail from South Korea and Italy. The whole thing would be assembled in Boeing's factory in Everett, Washington.

Ten years later, a humbled Boeing has done an outsourcing about-face. The 787, finally set for release this year, has been dogged by years of delays and quality-control issues. The outsourced subs simply couldn't come through with top-quality parts on deadline. Engineers and machinists making, say, a wing and fuselage that had to match exactly couldn't correct problems by walking across the factory floor and talking. They had to sync time zones, catch overseas flights, overcome language and culture barriers, wait weeks for a corrected batch of parts to arrive. "We spent a lot more money in trying to recover than we ever would have spent if we'd tried to keep the key technologies closer to home," Boeing CEO Jim Albaugh said in an interview earlier this year.

Quality control and technology transfer have always been problems with outsourcing, but cheap labor and transport made up for those deficiencies. Now, the economics are shifting. Labor costs, for instance, though still low, are rising. The average Chinese production worker made $1,740 a year in 2003. In 2008, that same worker made $4,140. "After factoring in the higher labor and freight costs, we find that the former offshore savings have turned negative," a team of McKinsey & Company consultants concluded in a recent report titled "Time to Rethink Offshoring."

Campagnolo's strategy makes sense on another level. Phin Upham, PhD, a visiting scholar at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, recently published a study of outsourcing in the bicycle industry. "Most people think you can outsource manufacturing and keep marketing and research and- development in house," he said. "It doesn't work like that. It's almost impossible to have effective R&D without also being involved in the day-to-day manufacturing. R&D isn't about a group of smart people sitting in a room thinking deeply about a new bicycle wheel. It's a result of being so immersed in the details that you find a way to weld something a half-percent better." Staying close to the ground has its value, too. Upham pointed out that years after Giant ate Schwinn's lunch, the Taiwanese company established a facility in the Netherlands—partly to put its people in touch with new developments in European cycling.

Manufacturing at the highest-quality level, Upham says, "is not a dumb thing to do." It requires skills that are difficult to attain and aren't easily scalable. If the demand for Campagnolo'stop- level $2,500 carbon-fiber groupset, the Super Record, exploded tenfold, the company couldn't simply hire 10 times as many skilled machinists and ramp up production. Those machinists don't exist. "Highly qualified machinists know their worth," says Upham, "and they won't sell their labor cheap."

Campagnolo executives have been known to go to extremes to defend the knowledge and the sanctity of the company's brand. At a certain point, you wonder whether this obsession has something to do with their current slippage in the market. Case in point. In the company's executive offices, I chatted briefly with Lorenzo Taxis, the company's group marketing and communication director. A substantial man with ginger hair, Taxis wore a fine Italian vested suit and carried himself with the aspect of a duke. I mentioned that I hailed from Seattle.

"Very nice city," he said. "I recently spent some time there."

I wondered why a guy from Campagnolo would spend time in Seattle, so I threw out a guess. "Were you there on a patent issue?"

Taxis paused. "Something like that," he said, then ended our conversation.

A little research solved the mystery. In 2007, the component company FSA ran a series of ads in cycling magazines (including this one) in which it claimed to make the world's lightest crankset: 633 grams, compared with the Super Record crankset, which weighed 652 grams.

Campy engineers spend entire careers developing ever lighter and stronger gruppos. The company spent years developing its carbon-fiber technology. Its officials like to say its carbon fiber is more precious than gold. And now the U.S. branch of FSA—based in Mukilteo, Washington, a sleepy town north of Seattle—was claiming its cranks were better?

In Vicenza, umbrage was taken. Campagnolo flew its lawyers to Seattle to launch a federal lawsuit for false advertising.

"We were shocked," said Matt VanEnkevort, managing director of FSA USA. "We could have handled this out of court. But we had zero conversation before they filed."

These kinds of suits are usually settled quietly, especially with a small player like FSA USA. "We're not even in Campagnolo's weight class," VanEnkevort told me. FSA's annual American sales hover around $10 million, about 7 percent of Campagnolo's worldwide revenues. But the lessons of history are remembered in Vicenza. Campagnolo paid dearly for ignoring SRAM in 2005, and would not overlook another challenge, no matter how small. In this instance, we're talking about a difference in components of 19 grams. Find a very small egg. Boil it. Cut it in the middle and discard one half. The tiny bit that remains in your palm is about 19 grams.

During the two-week trial last summer, Campagnolo's attorneys grilled FSA's VanEnkevort about the methods used to compare the weights. By the time his testimony concluded, it was fairly clear that FSA had fudged a little on its weight comparison. But that wasn't the end of the case.

When he took the witness stand, Campagnolo's Taxis spoke about the brand equity he'd traveled halfway around the globe to defend. "It's very easy to lose the image" that Campagnolo has established, Taxis said. "It's very hard to recuperate it." If FSA ran 18 pages, he said, "we need to run at least three times as many" to recover.

FSA's lawyers threw a little cold reality on Taxis, though. "Do you know who Lance Armstrong is?" one asked.

"Yes, I do," Taxis answered.

"He won the Tour de France seven years in a row, didn't he?"

"Correct."

"He's never used a Campagnolo product, has he?"

"No."

"He uses Shimano and he uses SRAM for his groupsets, his crankset, and his racing parts, correct?"

"Correct."

"Campagnolo parts don't make any bikes go faster than a competitor, do they?"

"No."

As FSA's attorney continued to needle Taxis about Campagnolo's lack of recent Tour success, Campagnolo's lawyer objected: What's the relevance here?

"The testimony was from Mr. Taxis that Campagnolo is leading in innovation, and Full Speed Ahead is trying to piggyback on their reputation," FSA's lawyer explained. "I think the jury should understand that Campagnolo, to the cycling world, is not quite as painted."

Campagnolo's claim was denied. The Italian company appealed the case, despite expensive legal bills and long odds. (False advertising claims are difficult to prove. To succeed, Campagnolo would have to show that the ads actually converted its buyers into FSA buyers.) The verdict was eventually affirmed.

Campagnolo officials declined to comment on the litigation. At FSA's Mukilteo headquarters—a warehouse and a tidy suite of offices staffed by young dudes and their dogs—VanEnkevort says, "I can't help but feel this was a vendetta against us for having the gall to compare our product to Campagnolo's. I have a feeling Valentino saw those ads and got very upset."

The number of riders, bike-shop owners, and industry insiders who profess a love for Campagnolo are legion. Losing Campagnolo, they say, would be like the computer industry losing Apple. Or the auto industry without Porsche. An executive who was with FSA at the time it was being sued told me, "I sure hope Campagnolo survives."

Peter Chisholm, owner of the high-end Vecchio's Bicicletteria, is one of the deans of the cycling scene in Boulder, Colorado. He's also a prime example of the kind of loyalty Campagnolo can count on. "I would rather walk than ride anything other than Campagnolo," Chisholm told me when I strolled into his store recently. He hiked up the sleeve on his Italian sweater to reveal a Campagnolo winged wheel tattooed on his forearm.

"When I got into cycling in 1985, if you were a serious cyclist you used Campagnolo, period," he said. "It's still the premium componentry. It's the best in form, function, durability, and maintainability."

Vecchio's deals in high-end custom bikes, the $6,000-and-up models that begin with a custom frame fitting. "If my customers take all that time and effort to build the right bicycle, they're not going to skimp on components. They want the best. They want the Rolex, not the Casio."

But Campagnolo's problem isn't with Chisolm or his customers, or even with Matt VanEnkevort. It's with Sam Findley.

Findley is the prototypical rider all three high-end component makers—Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo—are courting. A 37-year-old college professor in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Findley commutes to work, competes in Tuesday-night "hammer rides," and tackles a century now and then. If this were an election, Sam Findley would be the undecided voter in a swing state.

"I'm trying to get the best bang for the buck," Findley told me. As a teenager he rode his father's road bike: "A classic Bianchi with a group of perfect Campagnolo diamonds." As a penny-pinching college student he rode what he could afford: a Schwinn Prologue with Shimano gear. Now in his thirties, he's got a little coin in his pocket. He's riding a Cannondale with SRAM Rival components.

Why SRAM? "It's lighter than what I could otherwise get for my money, and the bike shop guys were really good about pointing that out. They like it and ride it," Findley said. "I've done a few races where SRAM provided neutral support, which I liked. And, frankly, Campagnolo parts weren't stocked locally. I could get a Campy group, but if the bearings went out I'd have to wait a week or two to get the parts shipped."

Tom Kattus is the man charged with winning Sam Findley's allegiance. Kattus, 48, has one of the toughest jobs in the American cycling industry: He's the general manager of Campagnolo North America. It sounds like he commands an empire, but in truth Kattus has exactly five full-time employees. Five. They work out of a small office suite in Carlsbad, California. And they're the secondlargest subsidiary of Campagnolo worldwide.

Kattus is a realistic man. "The younger crowd saw Lance win seven Tours on Shimano," he told me. "They just saw SRAM win the Tour, and SRAM has done an excellent job of marketing to the younger generation. Younger American riders haven't seen Campagnolo out there. Plus we have this stigma that we're very high-priced, almost out of reach."

As a former Cannondale manager, Kattus knows how to fight in the retail trenches. "We're outgunned in North America, we have limited resources, so we have to be creative. We have to take a grassroots approach. But we're willing to push it and go for it."

One of Kattus's first initiatives is an industry discount program that gives employees of bike shops that carry Campy a reduced price—a perk the company had not offered in the United States. A lot of road-bike buyers like Sam Findley seek advice from the guys in the repair shop. And if the techs don't like Campy, the sale goes to SRAM or Shimano. "Our first prerogative is to get shop employees to understand Campagnolo—to get them on the bikes, get them riding the gear," Kattus said.

Sometimes it seems like Campy's innovation and arrogance go hand in hand. And the latter can trip up the former. Last year the company introduced the Super Record groupset, which included the world's first 11-speed cassette and a thinner, stronger chain. By most accounts, the gear is stellar. Cycling News readers voted it Best New Product of 2010. But fixing the new chain required a special, $299 tool—the most expensive chain tool ever produced. If you ask a bike mechanic making $12 an hour what he thinks of the new 11-speed gruppo, prepare to get an earful about the chain tool.

"Kattus is a very smart guy," said Rick Vosper, a longtime bike-industry consultantnow working as the director of Airborne Bicycles. "He knows who to go after: the key influencers. The hot young rider in town, who's often an employee of the bike shop. If I'm selling those components, I want the fastest guy in the club, the sharpest guy in the shop. Those guys are going to change people's minds about which components to buy for your next bike."

Part of Kattus's challenge is overcoming the perception that Campagnolo simply doesn't care about North American riders. The United States represents only 14 percent of the company's sales, and while Kattus scrambles to cover the country with a staff of five, SRAM continues to saturate American shops and races with its reps. "We ensure that racers, shop owners, consumers, everybody has a point of contact with SRAM," said Michael Zellman, SRAM's global marketing manager. "It's in our company DNA. SRAM started with Stan Day and Mike Mercuri traveling around in a car, pulling parts out of their trunk, asking riders to give it a try. We've always been there at the races."

That is, of course, a page right out of the Campagnolo playbook. It's how Tullio Campagnolo established his Tour- winning gruppos 40 years ago. And it may be a piece of knowledge that the cardinals at the Vatican in Vicenza have forgotten.

Campagnolo has never wanted wealth or world domination. That goes for the family as it does the company. It could have ramped up for the Schwinn boom of the 1970s, sold its components on the cheap. It chose not to. The company could have chased low- cost labor in Taiwan in the 1980s, expanded to China in the 1990s, gone completely global in the 2000s. Instead, Campagnolo hunkered down in Italy. Valentino could have sold the company or gone public. He stubbornly kept it in the family.

This is a very Italian way to operate. More specifically, it's the northern Italian way. Vicenza and the larger Veneto region are famous for nurturing artisanal manufacturers like Campagnolo. Luxottica, which produces Ray-Ban and Oakley sunglasses, is headquartered nearby. A few miles away, the Zamberlan family produces some of the world's finest hiking boots. Diesel and Benetton are based in the region. Bottega Veneta, one of the world's elite fashion brands, produces its famous handbags at a factory that's literally across the street from Campy.

These companies survive by targeting the highest strata of the market. It's the opposite of the economic model that dominates in the United States right now, which is to use cheap labor and scorched-earth tactics to gain massive market share. And it goes against the American exit strategy: selling out to reap a fortune.

At Campagnolo, there is no exit strategy. There is only, in the words of Lorenzo Taxis, the soul that is contained within the brand. It's almost a fairy tale. What if there was a company that didn't want to take over the world? What if there was a company that just wanted to make the best products it could possibly invent, and be satisfied with a little profit at the end of the day? The company wouldn't betray its customers. It would be beholden to no craven shareholders or institutional investors. Perhaps most critically, the company would learn from history, value its institutional memory, and cultivate creativity on the factory floor. That is Campagnolo and the knowledge.

The hitch in this scenario is that Campagnolo may now be a prisoner of its own fairy tale. Competitors like SRAM and FSA are young. They can become anything, take risks, grow in any direction. Campagnolo does not have such freedom.

One final story. In the mid-1980s, just after Valentino took over, Campagnolo experienced a series of stumbles. In 1984 the company released its Delta brake, which featured a revolutionary triangular design. Still considered by many cycling design aficionados to be the most beautiful brake ever made, the Delta looks like it should be on display in the Museum of Modern Art. It was Campagnolo's bid to leap ahead of Shimano, which had begun to challenge the Italian company in the high-end market. But Campy allowed form to outrun function. The Delta was heavy (all that beautiful steel) and lacked modulation— it gripped too forcefully, in the opinion of many riders.

Valentino learned a tough lesson, one that stays with him today. Sitting at a table in Vicenza, I asked him about the company's reputation for producing beautiful products.

He bristled.

"Below our logo is written 'Pure Performance,'" he told me. "That is there to underline the biggest part of our activity. Our focus is first on technical performance. Then development becomes a question of cost. Only at the very end, the final choices are addressed to allow the product to be nicer. This is the very last step. It cannot be differently."

Valentino may disagree, but there is more to Campagnolo than the knowledge. There is deep beauty, as well. The question is whether the world is still willing to pay for it.

Source URL: http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/italian-job

VeloBeats Chill mix

2011-10-27T13:49:00.000-05:00

Velobeats Fall ChillStep by VeloBeatsEnjoyJB

2011-10-25T10:24:00.000-05:00

2011 Specialized Tarmac SL3 Stock Ultegra Mavic Ksyrium SLs (56cm)

SOLD- to a good home.

thanks for all the interest!

Needed some quiet noise

2011-10-22T20:31:00.000-05:00

I know it's Cyclocross season...

2011-10-13T20:40:00.001-05:00

...but seriouslyCiao bella!JB

Saddle time and viewing time

2011-10-08T07:40:00.000-05:00

There is some great cycling to view this weekend...

Starting here in the US the USGP visits "THE FORT" Ft. Collins, CO for rounds 3-4 of the series. Will it be the rainy,snowy mess that the ever changing weather forecast is calling for. Or will it be a chest clogging dust bowl with enough chatter bumps to knock your fillings loose?
Watch the action live on Cyclingdirt.org !! http://live.flocasts.org/newbelgiumcup.html
Schedule of events (MDT local times) http://www.usgpcyclocross.com/races/new-belgium-cup
(note: they normally only show the Elite women and men)

Tomorrow is a big day across the pond:
One of the last road races of the season, normally a sprinters race but they have been foiled recently with strong break aways.
Paris-Tours: http://www.letour.fr/indexPAT_us.html
Cyclingfans.com
procyclinglive.com
steephill.tv

2010's race

How The Race Was Won - Paris-Tours 2010 from Cosmo Catalano on Vimeo.
I know it's Cyclocross season and but you have to enjoy some great road racing.

Super Prestige(prestige...prestige...prestige) in Ruddervoorde !!!Start time is 17:15 CET which is 10:15 CDT
Procyclinglive.com
cyclingfans.com
Last 2 laps of 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfgos_POdFw

enjoy and thanks for reading
JB

A little of this a little of that

2011-09-21T12:41:00.000-05:00

It can be like this...

2011-09-01T12:23:00.000-05:00

Found: http://carolinacyclingnews.com/2011/09/01/lost-art-of-the-group-ride/

Lost art of the group ride

Written by Peter Wilborn on September 1, 2011 - 1 Comment
Categories: Advocacy, Blog

Every so often, I’ll ride a recreational group ride. I love the comraderie of cyclists, the talk, the last minute pumps of air, the clicking in, and the easy drifting out as a peloton. “I miss riding in group,” I’ll think to myself.

The magic ends by mile 10. The group will surge, gap, and separate, only to regroup at every stop sign. I’ll hear fifteen repeated screams of “HOLE!” for every minor road imperfection. And then no mention of the actual hole. Some guy in front will set a PR for his 30 second pull. Wheels overlap, brakes are tapped, and some guy in the back will go across the yellow line and speed past the peloton for no apparent reason. A breakaway?!

I curse under my breath, remembering why I always ride with only a few friends. Doesn’t anyone else realize how dangerous this ride is? How bad it is for our reputation on the road? There are clear rules of ride etiquette, safety, and common sense. Does anyone here know the rules? Who is in charge?

But no one is in charge, and the chaotic group has no idea of how to ride together. As a bike lawyer, I get the complaints from irritated drivers, concerned police, controversy-seeking journalists, and injured cyclists. It needs to get better, but the obstacles are real:

First, everyone is an expert these days. The internet and a power meter do not replace 50,000 miles of experience, but try telling that to a fit forty year-old, new to cycling, on a $5000 bike. Or, god forbid, a triathlete. No one wants to be told what to do.

Second, the more experienced riders just want to drop the others and not be bothered. It is all about the workout, the ego boost, or riding with a subset of friends. But a group ride is neither a race nor cycling Darwinism. As riders get better, they seek to distinguish themselves by riding faster on more trendy bikes; but as riders get better they need to realize two things: 1) there is always someone faster, and 2) they have obligations as leaders. Cycling is not a never ending ladder, each step aspiring upwards, casting aspersions down. It is a club, and we should want to expand and improve our membership.

Third, different rides are advertised by average speed, but speed is only one part of the equation. This approach makes speed the sole metric for judging a cyclist, and creates the false impression that a fit rider is a good one. Almost anyone can be somewhat fast on a bike, but few learn to be elegant, graceful cyclists.

Fourth, riding a bike well requires technique training. Good swimmers, for example, constantly work on form and drills; so should cyclists. Anyone remember the C.O.N.I. Manual or Eddie Borysewich’s book? They are out-of-print, but their traditional approach to bike technique and should not be lost. More emphasis was given on fluid pedaling and bike handling.

Before the internet, before custom bikes, and before Lance, it was done better. Learning to ride was an apprenticeship. The goal was to become a member of the peloton, not merely a guy who is sort of fast on a bike. Membership was the point, not to be the local Cat. 5 champ. You were invited to go on group ride if you showed a interest and a willingness to learn. You were uninvited if you did not. You learned the skills from directly from the leader, who took an interest in riding next to you on your first rides (and not next to his friends, like better riders do today). Here is some of what you learned:

To ride for months each year in the small ring.
To take your cycling shorts off immediately after a ride.
To start with a humble bike, probably used.
To pull without surging.
To run rotating pace line drills and flick others through.
To form an echelon.
To ride through the top of a climb.
To hold your line in a corner.
To stand up smoothly and not throw your bike back.
To give the person ahead of you on a climb a little more room to stand up.
To respect the yellow line rule.
To point out significant road problems.
To brake less, especially in a pace line.
To follow the wheel in front and not overlap.

The ride leader and his lieutentants were serious about their roles, because the safety of the group depended on you, the weakest link. If you did not follow the rules, you were chastised. Harshly. If you did, you became a member of something spectacular. The Peloton.

Nothing really...

2011-08-29T14:20:00.000-05:00

It's been like this---plenty to write about, just no motivation to put it down.

I haven't raced since the Tour of Lawrence. I LOVE that crit course!
Not much going on while in the saddle as of late- just some miles.
Plenty going on while off the bike. Lot's o' good and lot's o' personal stuff.
Good luck to all racing at Gateway Cup this weekend. I'm heading to Irish Fest!

Slainte'
JB

Hoogie!

2011-07-12T19:05:00.000-05:00

I truly hate that people had to learn about Johnny this way. J.A. Flecha too. Both very classy riders with a lot of panache! Heal up guys!

Very cool tshirt, by Stomach of Anger::

Apparently some find it funny

yeah, real funny Mr Michael Smith--

And this too, huh?

As someone who has been struck by a car while riding, I find the whole "Mr. Michael Smith" crap appalling. I'm sure he is trying to do some schtick or something, but it ain't flyin'.
You sure are an ass clown. I'm sure you'll laugh off my petty name calling and that is fine.

Stay safe everyone,
JB

Tour of Kansas City 3days 3stages 2courses. whaaaat? (updated)

2011-06-27T07:46:00.001-05:00

As many of you flahutes know, the Dirk Hofman Motorhomes sign is synonymous with European Cyclocross as well as gratuitous advertising "bombing". So as i tried to unmelt my brain and do a total recall on the weekend's racing details I plugged away for ol' Dirk!

Friday Night- New Longview Crit:

Yeeeeouch! Not really, but enough to dislodge me and make me hook up with a chase group. It was a strange evening. All week long I felt great and kept feeling like i was getting ahead in regards to the upcoming weekend. Friday rolls around and my legs still feel good. That maybe should've been a sign, perhaps. Our Springfield boys were coming up to race all weekend, so we were pretty amped to have them with us. Everyone on the team seemed cautiously optimistic about their well being and more than ready to get to racin'.

We had 5 in the p1/2 with AC out due to a previous engagement, but would pick him up the rest of the w/end. The race gets under way and it's quick but not crazy. The course is an out and back style of crit course that has a pretty steady false flat on one end and a punchy little incline out of a parking lot on the other. Neither incline alone is difficult, but add the amount of surging in and out of all the corners(8) and the nervousness of the smallish (30) but super strong pack it makes for a long night. Like i said, me and a few others finally were on the end of the elastic that got snapped off and it was over for us. I decided to stay in and try to work out whatever was in my legs to be ready for Saturday and Sunday, it seemed to work. Jim was able to hang tough and finish in the $. Time for beers and pizza and try to forget about a miserable outing and get ready to bring it on Saturday.

Saturday- Police Academy course A

This past Thursday I was able to make it up for the Nor'landers Thursday nite training crits to finally preview this course. A few had ventured up since no one really new what to expect from a criterium on a police performance driving course. Wide open? Banked? Boring? It turned out to be pretty cool. Albeit different for sure. The course was 95% 2 lane type of pavement with no curbing and one long stretch that was wide open for when they do slide outs, etc.. The course would be set-up to run one direction on Saturday and then flip it for Sunday. Both courses being a bit of a figure 8. Saturday would have a big ring momentum style incline just after the S/F line with Sunday having a bit more technical lead in with a false flat before turning right to finish the incline.

So with Saturday we add AC to the team making it 6. We roll out to warm up and everyone is feeling the effort from the night before but def ready to race.

At the start AC is all jacked up on Mt Dew or is just super psyched for 'cross season to start and just goes up the hill! "cross guy" is yelled out a few times as we all settle in. Mercy has a full squadra and are looking to keep the winning from last night in the family today. Tulsa Tough had brought 3 strong riders and had placed 2 in the top 4 last night and were wanting to finish what had been started. For the first 3/4's of the 70min +5 lap race it was attack, catch and release. It wasn't until Adam (Mercy) and Kris (Snapple) broke the elastic and stayed away, but just barely. Adam took the win and Kris second with us charging hard behind.

I felt like I raced hard and well. Maybe spent a too much on the front, but shoot I hate being lazy in a pack and would rather go down swinging instead of guessing and wondering what could've happened IF only...

The Coe was feeling it too, racing pretty aggressively off the front for the first half. As a team we fared better with 3 in the money and a general consensus of overall satisfaction but we still need to "make the break"!

Now it was time to rally over at JP's for BBQ and beer!! Thanks for hosting us JP!

Me and TP(Mercy)

Doin' work- Me, Marshall(Mercy), Jim, Tilford(Tradewind)

Sunday finale!

After an early turn in and a sound night of sleep it was up early for the final day. We had been running a reverse start time with a 7:40pm Fri, 2:30pm Sat and ending up with an 11:05am Sunday. It was a double edged sword with an earlier start we were finished earlier BUT we had the heat and humidity, but it looked like the later races got that AND the sun.

Last day to get some results. The boys were ready, but so too was everyone else. Again we start with the attack and reel back, until Austin(Mercy) Kent(Colivita) and Tilford(Tradewind). This caught both me and AC down the line a bit and it took me a bit to get out into the wind and come around the pack to jump. As soon as i jumped I knew it was a suicide mission with that kinda horse power already up the road with a 20+second gap. But they just went, and you never know if they are working together or just playing around on that initial go. Also by going I was hoping one of the 2 remaining Tulsa riders would come out with me since they had some interest in the omnium points. The officials had announced at the beginning of the race that with each prime lap, they would also be awarding 2 bonus points to it. So Austin was pretty motivated to scoop up the points for himself as well as the team. Getting back to my attempt, no one came out so i just put my head down and went for it. The headwind down the S/F downhill was not pretty but no guts no glory, eh?

After 2 laps of that non-sense and hearing that i was only maintaining distance and not making up any, I decided to sit up and be assimilated. While I was away, I guess the pack were looking for police snipers to put me out of my misery. I settle back in and recover for a few laps so i can go back to the front and "try" to work. Mercy had 4 guys on patrol along with Bill and Benn (Tradewind) covering for Tilford.

The pack was finally content for Mercy to ride tempo until the final few laps. Eventually a few of the solo guys started to get a little antsy each time up the hill and try to break the tempo up front. On the final lap CMac went to the front and drilled it trying to get our Adam in a good spot for the field sprint. Adam would finish up 6th with Jim in 8th the rest of us, bone weary.

That was a HOT one for sure!

Solo suicide mission

Jimmy, Todd(Epic), Marshall(Mercy), Me, Bob(Monster) AC

Me and AC coming up the riser

Mercy, Bill(Tradewind), Me

Now hopefully I can rally for one last time for a while with the Tour of Lawrence!

Thanks for reading!

Tulsa Tough 2011 - in the books

2011-06-14T14:40:00.000-05:00

Not sure where to start. It was an amazing weekend on so many levels. Becky was in town, all 3 kids came with us and the race experience once again never disappointed!
I will try to keep this brief-

Thursday- a good solid spin with some hills since i missed the hill ride on Wed. Legs felt light and lively-good sensations! Fun dinner out and a few errands.

Friday- finished packing and was on schedule to hit the grocery store prior to picking up the kiddos. it had been raining all morning and by the time we fueled up the mule and everyone with their favorite beverages it has started to clear and just be plain muggy. Good news, there was nothing on the radar in Tulsa. Easy drive down 69hwy, lunch in Pittsburg and fwd we push on. Rolling into town right on schedule we check in (of course with some issues, that we came out on the better end of) and then chill for a while since i was to go until later. From our rooms we could watch some of the 3's race. We started getting ready to walk down to the course to pick up my number and for the gang to set-up their watch spot. Warming up I still felt good. No car leg feelings, just fresh and antsy. Not that it was drastically cooler, but it was better than it was when we got into town. Still no signs of the crazy weather that was going to literally blow up above us. We were slated for 60mins. I was able to get a front line start which with this tight of a course and the size of the field-130ish is pretty key(given). We start(clean) and it was straight to the whip! I don't think you could wipe the grin off my face for the first 10 laps. Sitting in the top 20 and being able to move when and where i wanted to, this is an ideal course for me and i really love it. As far as I could tell there wasn't the usual massive carnage that consumes the 1-2's as in years' past. I did suffer a front flat and was able to get back to the pits and a wheel change no problem. A sip of water and a hearty push back in and i was back up to speed. Now I was a little further back than i was, but you just gotta go with it. I sat in for a few laps got the rhythm back and started picking up spots. Interestingly, what most of us thought were camera flashes going off in the night sky were actually lightening flashes. A T-storm had just popped up the west of the course. Now, I'm thinking I really need to move up if it gets bad and they shorten the race due to the lightening. It hadn't really started raining, just a few drops here and there, but you could tell something was coming. We went through with 11 to go on the counter, then as we were passing 10 to go, they announced 5 to go! Time to do work! Now the field is super aggressive and everyone is jumping for the few remaining life rafts-just not enough to go around! I held tight and didn't give up any spots but was having a hard time gaining too. With 3 to go, all hell broke loose with the rain and turned the track into an ice rink of dirt, and oil. Every corner another clump of riders went down, hard. I was comfortable and picked my way through where i could and had to bounce a few guys off of me that were losing control. With us in the top 30 or so, we were lapping the groups just picking themselves up off the deck- total chaos! Again, i negotiated the best i could, and stayed upright to wheel in softly in 30th. That was a little too close, but I'll take a solid placing in a strong field and safe. Becky and the kids were real troopers to hang out in it and loved the racing. Now, time to clean up, and find dinner!

Saturday- Lazy morning relaxing, bfast, coffee, watching the Dauphine and Tour de Suisse. Becky went for a run so she could scope out the course and find where they would want to watch. I decided to get out for a short ride and stretch the legs. I felt great. There were no ill effects from the race last night, just the normal feeling that I did race. So I headed down to Sunday's course to do a few laps of it and visit "cry baby" hill, then headed over to Saturday's course to say hi to the One2toGo finish line guys! (best in the business). After I got back Becky and Corinne were heading to the pool and wanted to to know if I wanted to. Cold water on the legs sounded like a great idea. I stayed outta the sun for the most part by keeping covered up with towels i would dunk in our ice cooler and then draping over me. Again not racing until 8 we had plenty of time to just chill and relax. Corinne had a friend form school that now lives in Tulsa come meet her at the hotel and he would come over and watch the race with her. As yesterday, not any real clue that the 1-2's were doomed with weather. I went about getting warmed up but not pushing too hard since it was still plenty muggy and we were going for the full 70mins. The usual scrum for a starting position and i am a few rows back. This course is more wide open than Friday's so you can work the corners a bit more for positioning. We start pretty hot again and we stretch out pretty quickly going up the SoundPony incline. Of course each time up we mushroom big time going into the tight/narrow left hand turn before the downhill drag. A few laps in what i thought was the usual sweat spray or water bottle drippage was actual rain drops(again!). Next time around the drops were fist size and just starting to wet the streets. More lightening and thunder and it opens up a bit, but not on the entire course. It just kind of shotgun showered around making it super slick! Once again I found myself trying to not only keep myself upright but using my arms or legs to balance and bounce other guys off of me. Half way through the and field is in shambles. groups of 10 strung all over the place. Last time down the hill into the hot left hander i saw 2 guys flip over their bars and i said "that's it, I'm out!" I roll through the S/F and give Bonnie the high sign that i was out. I roll over to where Becky and the kids are at and i can tell they are relieved that i was fine and as much as it stung the ego, that it was the right decision to bail. Later after dinner I checked the results and saw that only 38 in our field even finished. Carnage!

Sunday- ah the rush of packing up 2 rooms! It really wasn't that bad at all. The kids did a fantastic job getting everything organized and ready for the luggage cart in plenty of time to eat and surf the web/fb. With a fianl stop at QuickTrip to p/up more water/lunch/and beverages for "cry baby" hill we set over to the course to get parked and camped out on the hill. A very nice Tulsa Policeman gave us 1 of 3 spots to park in on the end of the course so we wouldn't have to walk a country mile back and forth. After we watch Cameron just go ape shit in the 3's only to be taken down by a dropped chain in the final 5 laps- I change and go to warm-up. With a start time of 3 and the temps already in the mid-90's this was going to be the most difficult. I kept refilling my ice pack for my neck and packing my pockets with ice cubes as they would melt to help stave off the onslaught of heat and misery for as long as possible. I get a middle third row starting place and am fine with it. My major concern was to get a good start to avoid the nasty bottle necking at the base of the climb. With 100+ guys going full gas and trying to shoe horn themselves into a very narrow passage it was going to get ugly and it did. There were a number of mis-shifts, tangled bars, etc. The first couple of times up the hill weren't that bad, fast and hard but not insane. I take that back, it was freakin' nuts but a lot of fun! The party on the hill was in full effect by the time we started and it was absolutely insane, exhilarating, and freaky all at the same time. At the other end of the course before the right hander at the top of the downhill it would bunch up pretty tight as guys were chopping the inside line and stacking up those behind. One time up and into that section a few guys get tangled up- hard! Bikes are bouncing and riders swerving. Jeebus! So we rinse and repeat a few more times up the hill and half way through the race and my body said, "you are done." I retire at the finish line and roll around to where we are camped out and take a seat on a cooler and just try to take in everything that is going on- my abandonment, the heat, the noise, the spectacle it's just a surreal experience to say the least. I didn't have any expectations for this race, just hang on for as long as I can and give it my best shot. By day 3 and adding that course into the mix it's just crazy, but oh so fun too!

I really had an amazing weekend! It was a blast having everyone together for the weekend. Sure, I wish the results would've been better but I tried to best play the hands that were dealt.

So next up, in the immediate future 2 of my Springfield teammates; Jim and Cale are coming up to race with us at the TNWs! Then this weekend is the KC Corporate Challenge MTB race, Saturday morning out at SMP trails. Then the following weekend is the return of the Tour of KC (so happy to just be racing it this year) and our STJ teammates are coming up for all 3 days- should be a blast! Hot on the heels after ToKC is the Tour of Lawrence! A beast of a circuit race and an awesome downtown crit!

Lot's of racing coming up.

Thanks for reading,
JB

Ready?

2011-06-08T13:03:00.000-05:00

yuup!

Ciao y'all!
JB

On the upswing

2011-06-02T13:14:00.000-05:00

After the Tour De Grove i hit a rut and was on empty

With the weather being pretty hit and miss i was able to take some random days off and just let the body and mind recoup.
Last week i started ramping back up and started knocking the "blahs" out of the ol' mind and legs.

This week we were back on with the TNW training race since last week was called in precaution to some pretty severe weather that had been in the area.

It was good to be close to race pace again and looking forward to the next week in getting ready to head to Tulsa Tough! I am really pumped for the trip, race and all the good times.

Here are a few pics that ETHOS team member JP Brocket snapped as he was helping corner marshal.

Thanks for reading,
JB

Peloton Pork

2011-05-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

Drink it in

2011-05-23T19:33:00.001-05:00

So much to enjoy about our sport.

the pictures will do the talking:

FORZA!

Thanks for reading,
JB

still recovering from this...

2011-05-20T22:38:00.001-05:00

(photo cred Miss E. Rangle)

the cold and wet took it outta this old man.

2011 Tour de Grove weekend

2011-05-17T13:20:00.000-05:00

Short version- it was wet and nasty and like RB said, not the good kind of wet and nasty!

Friday- the world's longest rectangular course. Overall, just a plain ol' weird race. Lot's of unnecessarily surging and ziz-zagging to dodge sewer caps and pot holes.
We figured that nothing would stay away, but the key would be to own turn 2 entering the backstretch. Adam found himself on the front pulling into the wind when the two Lindenwood teammates attacked turn 3-4 and drag raced up the finishing stretch for the 1-2. Impressive. They were good riders, good to talk to, and obviously know how to win. AC-5th, AMiller-11, me pack.

Saturday- After talking with the One2Go finish line crew about Saturday's course with the turns, etc I was optimistic about the race. However the rain we were suppose to be getting was coming our way for the rest of the weekend. Sucking up the fact that were racing wet, our attention was turned toward tire pressure, and positioning. With more turns and a possibility of getting outta sight, or at the very least an opportunity to get up the road a bit it was important to keep the head on the swivel. I don't think we got to the first corner b4 the first wreck happened! There was quite a bit of debris; gravel, glass, sand on the course and wreaked havoc on flats ( i was spared-no pun intended)as well as i heard several carbon wheels that cracked upon impacts. I would like the chance to race this course dry sometime. It had enough character to keep it interesting as last-night's course allowed you to space out after while. There was some digs going that would cause things to stretch out a bit and created some single file racing only to bunch back up for corners.(more crashing)
Andrew was pretty geeked about the conditions and was patrolling the sharp end pretty well. Brian and I stayed front quarter (108 starters) fairly easily. As the laps started counting down it was evident that we were going to be bunch sprinting again. Unfortunately, AC took himself out on the 120 finish turn. A busted shifter and stung pride is all that came of it, thankfully.
BB and I kept moving fwd only to get shoved back because of some just taking risks that neither one of us were willing to. Again, another pack sprint and pack finish. (but whole) My only casualty was some sweet, white, PI socks- ruined

Sunday- it's dry??? really? Well, for a little while at least. The Dutchtown Classic course was by far my favorite. Good roads, and nice little "puncher" for the S/F line. Our attitudes were a bit better warming up and staying dry. After the warmup, it was time to find our staging area. We work our way down to where the majority of ppl were gathered and slot in. Later there were 2 other groups further down the hill behind the barriers waiting for the "all clear". Once they allow us onto the course the front 3 rows were already staged %@$%!^@$!%@&**$@!#
We get going- still dry. First few laps were uneventful. Then it started raining, and blowing sideways. WHile yesterday, everyone behaved in the corners, today was the polar opposite. I don't know if ppl thought since it was dry they could go back to normal psi, or they just didn't think it would be that slick. Well it was and it took tons of ppl down down. I ran 80/85 just 'cuz it could rain and i wanted to be ready. A quater of the way through I feel good and decide to move to the front on the backside stretch. By the top of the finish line hill i was 7th wheel when one of the jrs slid out and that caused a domino crash behind me. This was on the first turn immediately out of the S/F line. so it bunched up pretty bad about 15-20 go down there. While we are racing at the front we come back around and go through turn 2 with flags waving and they have neutralized the race. The SRAM NRS Pit was super busy getting guys back to our new starting line. I guess there was another pack that had been split off of our front group and they were staging them at the S/F line. Re get restarted. We go a couple of laps, and I shit you not- in the second to final corner, half a dozen guys go down, then in the next corner, guys are laying the gutter and riding in the grass. One rider next to me literally sat up and said "I'm out, this is effin ridiculous". I should've joined him.
The last crash was at the bottom of the hill and created a gap. I leap frogged to try to get back on the now 25(ish) pack. I work with a Big Shark rider and they finally pull us with 3 to go. I am on sensory overload at this point with the weather, the effort, the sounds of all the crashes I was checked out.

Time to wash the road gravy out of my ears, mouth, nose- nether regions and go find some food for the drive home.
Considering the weather, the Big Shark organization and all the volunteers did a great job with the huge fields.

Hopefully it's dry in Lincoln this weekend.

Thanks for reading,
JB

Must see TV

2011-05-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know we are entering into the meaty portion of the road season and especially the ultra fun criterium season, but this piece of work is here to just whet the appetite for what is "just around the corner".

Beautiful--

An overview of the 2010 Colorado Front Range Cyclocross season and people within it's culture. Shot and directed by Celin Serbo and Sergio Ballivian.

Thanks for reading,
JB

(#108)

Today we are all on the same team

2011-05-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

Wouter Weylandt

This 'n That

2011-05-09T07:43:00.000-05:00

First this

Then That

oh and there is the little issue of a KCCC TT Tuesday night. Go me!

Thanks for reading,
JB

Rest week- that's a wrap!

2011-04-25T10:33:00.000-05:00

After the Tour of StL it was time for a rest week.
I had been pushing hard and now I was due for a little r/r.
I ended up only spinning a few times on the trainer and the weather cooperated perfectly (cool and cloudy/rainy) so that i didn't feel like i was "missing" anything.
Ended the week with an amazing trip and now back home ready to get back after it.

Sheehan RR this weekend? Perhaps.
Tour de Grove the following weekend? yessir!

Gets kinda hectic! Can you imagine the pressure/adrenaline/anxiety these guys go through in a 6hr race. x10 in the rain, I'm sure!

enjoy:

Thanks for reading,
JB

Tour of St Louis - Delmarvelous Crit

2011-04-18T19:59:00.001-05:00

19th. they paid the top 15. wah..wah..WAH-
totally brain farted the sprint.
The team had a great race and weekend.
Love racing with these guys.
Rest week and a little overdue travel (non-racing) on tap.

In the meantime

photo cred- E Rangle

Photo cred M Dawson

photo cred- E Rangle

Thanks for reading!
JB

My quads are burning...

2011-04-12T09:53:00.000-05:00

from just watching this!

I need a saddle, people!

Amazing video of Paris-Roubaix

2011-04-11T16:33:00.002-05:00

Drink it in

Strap in- Tomorrow it gets real

2011-04-09T15:06:00.000-05:00

Cycling tan lines

2011-04-07T11:12:00.000-05:00

Since many of us, with the exception of Walt, are starting to see the familiar marks of the cyclist tan lines. you can use the chart below to track your progress:

Provided by our zany friends at Ritte Racing-

Thanks for reading,
JB

KC TNW crits

2011-04-06T13:48:00.000-05:00

So, essentially this is what the wind did to the field last night. The main split was compounded by the fact that Mercy brought a motivated squadra of 6 to just add insult to injury. Big ups to teammates Brian and Andrew with the help of Specialized Demo Fleet rep, Richard to at least keep the 3 up the road insight. Mercy's TP and Jason played their role perfectly by slowing down attempts every time they rotated through.(shaking fist in mock disgust) Mesa's new U-23 member Cam made his official A's debut and rode really well. Even though he was suppose to just play cool and sit in- he contributed and was able to learn about positioning. Good luck to him at the ToHerman this weekend.

Team 360 Racing and BikeSource and all the volunteers did a nice job in helping step up our little training get together. Thank you!

The team is gearing up for the Tour OF St Louis; April 16th-17th, while AC sharpens the legs for JMSR at Herman this weekend.

Thanks for Reading,
JB

Tilles Park 2011

2011-04-05T08:33:00.000-05:00

After a good 3:45 tempo ride on Saturday morning- the legs were open and ready for the crit over in StL. Teammate BB and were to meet up with our Springfield boys.
We knew we were in for a circus with just driving across MO basically "turning right" the whole way fighting the wind with 2 bikes on top.
Once there it's just me and BB along with Cale and Jim.
After riding around and watching the end of the 3's race (to see what the wind was doing to them) we took a few laps on the course- and a bit surprised that as strong as the gusts were, it wasn't as bad as it could've been. Don't get me wrong- it sucked if you stuck your nose out or missed a slot in some spots, but we weren't constantly exposed to it. Oh, and when did it decide to hot up to the high 80's?? some cars said 90-92?
We lined up and they gave us the spiel said 60+5 i thought we were doing 70+5 regardless it was going to be hard, fast and hot. (confirmed)
Mercy, Dogfish, and The Hub all had 6 or more.
We go! After a few fast laps the real attacking started. Move after move. No let up on the gas, it was full throttle. Even after the race exploded- it was on for the full time. There a few DNF's and some i didn't expect. But our team hung in and WORKED. Jim-9th, Cale a few places back (scoring was a mess) Brian and I in the main pack. Unsure of actual placings since the officials asked that if you thought were top 10 come over and figure it out. c'est la vie...
I rolled away pleased overall with how i did. I know it's completely subjective but given it was the first full race, the wind, the heat, the field- it's all good. I def took away a few points on what i need to fine tune in the coming weeks but the strong foundation and first level is complete.
The drive home was non-eventful until we started watching the north sky with a tremendous amount of lightening. All cloud to cloud stuff, but constant. We pull up radar on phones and sho' 'nuf super cells moving into KC form the SW, and about the time we hit home. We stay dry until about a mile from BB's exit and we get drenched. We do a quick unload and i throw my bike into the back with the threat of hail. I no sooner get back on I-70 and come under a barrage of hail stones of all sizes. I scramble for the next overpass and camp for a few to allow it to pass. All in all, no damage-just ready to be out of the car.

Tonight is the return of the KC TNWs training crits! Pretty excited about that. We had a good turnout last week for pre-registration.

Again, thanks to BikeSource and their management and resources for helping, and to all the volunteers that have helped and will help this season!

Photos below are from Dennis Fickinger

Thanks for reading,
JB

You want me on that "burg"! You need me on that "burg"

2011-04-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, for most of the cycling world is the Superbowl of bike races. Whether you are a Walloon, or Flanderian, on this day as the great Eddy Merckx said; "I am a Belgian", the small country comes to a halt to watch these hard men pummel themselves and their machines over a 260km course.
Of course, racing myself I will miss the live action and will rely on ticker updates on the races progress.
The Holy week of cycling will conclude next weekend with the Queen of the classics, Paris Roubaix.

It looks like I will be heading East to race in St Louis on Sunday with Teammate, Brian while AC heads southwest to battle the winds and the centerline rule at the Bazzar, Ks road race. Looking at the weather, looks to be in the high 80's with wind! hmmmm Our Springfield teammates will be joining us in St Louis- so it is game on!

The TNW pre-reg party went really well and had a strong turnout. People are fired up about resuming our weekly ritual. Can't blame 'em.

Hopefully we are turning the real corner to Spring and the craptacular weather is behind us.

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!

Thanks for reading!
JB

The "Lion of Flanders"?

2011-03-31T08:54:00.000-05:00

Allow me to set the tone for Sunday's race...

2011-03-30T10:10:00.000-05:00

if you have to ask "what race", well....

Thanks for viewing!
JB

The Thunder God

2011-03-28T15:06:00.000-05:00

Gettin' ready to swing the hammer!

and from yesterday's Gent-Wevelgem: "Drill Baby, Drill!" On the front!

Foto:http://milliman.tumblr.com/post/4138603743

Thanks for reading!
JB

More promoting! TNW's! The Crit-2011 edition!

2011-03-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

Get on over to the new BikeSource location: SE corner of 95th and Mission (Ranchmart) for the:

Pre-Registration & Party

Tuesday March 29, 2011

Location:

BikeSource

3701 W. 95th Street (Mission Rd.)

Overland Park, KS 66206

Time:

4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Racing will start the next Tuesday; April 5th!

New this year, Neutral Support provided by:

pumps, tubes, water, gels, water bottles and much

more!

Please make sure you by following the action @www.facebook.com/pages/KC-Tuesday-Night-Worlds-HSP

Thank you to all the sponsors for making this happen!

BikeSource

Chamois Butt’r

Tall Grass

Brewery

Source-E

Thanks for reading and supporting!

Do this! Flatwater Cycling Weekend May 21-22 Lincoln, NE

2011-03-22T14:58:00.000-05:00

From my good friend John Lefler Jr. and his posse The Flatwater Cycling Team

Pick up what they're puttin' down!

Add to it the very PROfessional services of One2Go event services for the finish line.

Thanks for reading and supporting!

Quick update and some sweet Euro videonesses

2011-03-22T09:49:00.001-05:00

Waffle race:
Blast! Fun racing with the fellas, and congrats to AC, Cale and Brian for going 2-4th!
It was an awesome weekend/roadtrip and start of Spring Break with the boys.
Took delivery of the new team bike- I will get fotos up pronto. Got it dialed in with the help of my fit guru Jeff. He fit me on my first bike when i was coming out of "retirement". He nailed the fit and all the contact points feel great! The bike overall has an amazing feel to it. Very lively and ready to go when power (used loosely) is applied.

Training has been going very well, even tho I am fighting through the sinus/allergy crap that seems everyone else is plagued with this Spring. I did sit out going to StL for the crit opener, Forest Park, but sounds like the wind, warm temps and first race jitters spilt the P/1/2 field within the first 10mins, so maybe glad in hindsight?

Not sure of the next race for me, maybe Tiles Park. Sounds like a modified Hill Ride starting Wednesday, and then in 2 weeks, the much anticipated TNW crit 2011 edition!

Speaking of wind- ever wonder why the Dutch are always at the front when the crosswinds start to slash through the peloton? Here is a video of some 16 y/olds practicing echelons!

And here is our favorite Walloon training for the Tour of Flanders. What a Flahute!

Thanks for reading!
JB

Tasty racing this weekend!

2011-03-11T13:19:00.000-06:00

yes, this race

Frozen Waffles Training Road Race
Sunday March 13, 2011
Held under USA Cycling permit. Race Held rain or shine.
Sponsored By: St. John’s Cycling Team
Fellows Lake Recreation Area (NW corner of lake) Springfield, MO

Come out for the Waffle Training Road Race. This is a great opportunity to give racing a try, test
your fitness, or to hone your skills! The course is challenging and fun, and a good test for any rider!
Registration: Day of the race, on site, 9:30 am. Registration closes 15 minutes before the start of
each race.
Course: Course is an 11 mile clockwise loop of rolling hills around Fellow’s Lake, just North of
Springfield MO. Course will be open to traffic and the yellow line rule will apply. Pavement is in good
condition. Aero Bars are not permitted. Helmets must be worn at all times.
Category Distance Start Time Entry Fee
Cat 4/5 33 miles (3 laps) 11:00 am $20
Women Open 33 miles (3 laps) 11:05 am $20
Jr Open 22 miles (2 laps) 11:10 am $20
Cat 1/2/3 55 miles (5 laps) 1:00 pm $20
Masters 44 miles (4 laps) 1:05 pm $20
Prizes: Limited cash and prizes.
Directions: From Springfield, follow Glenstone (MO-H) North past I-44 to Farm Road 74. Turn right
and follow to Farm Road 171. Turn left and follow to Farm Road 66. Turn right and follow to
Recreational Area at NW corner of Lake. This will be approximately 1/4 mile after the “steep hill”.
More info can be obtained at www.stjohnscycling.com
Contact: Jim Farasy
417-299-4771
Gunga58@hotmail.com
Only the above listed races are permitted and sanctioned by USA Cycling. No other races or activities at the event are
sanctioned by USA Cycling.

will be this good!

Good luck to everyone racing wherever you are this weekend!

Thanks for reading,
JB

Share the Road

2011-03-10T20:33:00.000-06:00

Thanks for reading,
JB

It's been like this...

2011-03-04T20:46:00.001-06:00

We've all been here.

the look of "seriously?" "Why do I do this?"
the answers always come back the same. I fkucing love to ride/race my bike!
Not much going on but big hours on the bike. Looking forward to start pairing back and to start sharpening the legs.
Since Froze Toes didn't happen for me our team's race next weekend the 13th is going to be the first one of the season. Check it out here: http://www.stjohnscycling.com/pdf/2011-Waffle-Race.pdf

Speaking of my team, yes- I have retired from team directing and race promoting to just ride and race. So far the change has been good for my overall outlook and approach to the upcoming season.

I am beyond pumped to be racing with a great group of bike racers who just_get_it.
Speaking of- here are a few teaser shots of the weapons of choice for this year!

I most definitely still have my Spooky and will be racing it as well!

This past week I was invited to sit in on the initial planning meeting for the revised KC TNWs! I am proud to report (again) the everything went well and we get to racin' in the next couple of weeks. The group that met will be launching a Facebook page to keep everyone updated with all the freshy fresh news, results, pics, vids, and promotional/sponsorship nights.

The main thing that the group will need to continue this and grow it is volunteers. The race takes 5 bodies a night to keep everything running and safe. You will be able to volunteer via the FB page.

Look for a pre-reg kickoff party soon!

Well, this weekend's Spring Fling looks like it will be run in more typical cx weather than road racing- but hey, better than postponed, non? Sunday kicks off the Perry RR. I wish everyone good luck who are opening their season this weekend!

Thanks for reading!
JB

K-B-K final 6k's

2011-02-27T17:53:00.000-06:00

LOVE seeing Boonen not "wait for it".

Thanks for viewing,
JB

Let the real road season begin!

2011-02-23T19:35:00.000-06:00

This weekend marks the start of the Northern Classics and Semi-Classics.

Saturday kicks it off with Omloop het Nieuwsblad (BE) (used to be Het Volk)
Sunday is the Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne (BE) (remember when Hincapie won it? Yeah, I barely do to)

A liiiiitle closer to home the Kansas & Missouri seasons get under way.
Saturday (barring any cyclocross weather) the final year of the Spring Fling crits get underway.
While on Sunday down in the cycling hotbed of Columbia,MO the "humpteenth" annual Froze Toes race fires up. Although with the wacky forecast, we may have snow on Saturday and racing in short sleeves on Sunday. Go figure!

After this weekend it is ON! The favored Dogwood race outside Springfield is no more. The last 2 season it has been snowed out. Don't fear! My teammates on the St John's Cycling team are putting on "The Frozen Waffle" training race on March 13th. Flyer.

Speaking of new team...awww I'll go into that in another post.

In the meantime enjoy a little pre season video:
http://www.sporza.be/permalink/1.967418

Thanks for reading!
JB

Would you buy a bike from this man?

2011-02-18T14:36:00.000-06:00

Short answer: you should!

Longish answer here:http://www.bikerumor.com/2011/02/18/race-to-nahbs-adhd-interview-11-nahbs-related-questions-for-gaulzetti-cicli/

Craig "Jerk" Gaulzetti "gets it" and is refreshingly unapologetic about it.

If you want one- point your clicker to my boy Spinelli. He'll hook you up proper and fast!
It's simple:
dial
give measurements
give CC#
wait for the mail
http://www.luxewheelworks.com/

Both of these guys know what you NEED not what you think you want.

Thanks for reading (again)
JB

Are you down with OPP?

2011-02-18T10:35:00.001-06:00

Not hatin', the weather has been too nice to--

And here are some clips for the L.A.'s SCA deposition from '05.

http://nyvelocity.com/content/features/2011/armstrong-sca-deposition-videos#comment-85786

Get out and put in the miles this weekend! Racing starts soon!

Enjoy and thanks for reading!
JB

OMG- So Euro-tastic!

2011-02-16T19:07:00.000-06:00

With the final weekend of 'cross approaching I had to post one last nod to the season.
This is a great compelation of the season that was 2010-'11.

http://www.sporza.be/permalink/1.964707

2011-02-09T10:39:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T08:55:00.000-06:00

Quick health update:
Shingles have "dulled" in their onslaught. I have been able to ride but not able to push any hard w/outs which kinda stinks. I have to think long term and not focus on any short term situations that could make the situation worse.
We'll see how the lack of racing/hard work outs will play out @ Jingle Cross this weekend. I'm going for the fun and party anyway!

I am thankful for:

My health- even when it isn't the best. Overall I am VERY lucky
My kids- they are the best and am really enjoying seeing them grow and learn
My friends- amazing people
My job/company- best place, best people to work for and with

On a lighter note- this is an oldie but a goodie!(never gets old) I am serious when I say I'm thankful for real life characters like this bloke. I can assure you this is not an act. If you ever find yourself down in Tucson hit the coffee shops and you will catch the "Gray Wolf" - Attack the Pack!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and take a moment to recognize what you are thankful for.
See you up in Iowa!

Thanks for reading!
Jb

Coffee order

2010-11-20T09:54:00.000-06:00

And I thought my quad shots were a way to handle the day...

For what ails, ya!

Thanks for reading,
JB

The medical drama continues...

2010-11-18T12:36:00.000-06:00

Man, I thought I did a great job getting in front of the flu bug i came down with a while back. For all matter, I did; however on Monday I started feeling some pain, heat and tingling in and around my left ear. Uh, oh maybe i didn't kick that bug hard enough. Over the weekend I was able to get some great road rides in to start building up the week I needed for training. Saturday I braved the crazy wind and fluctuating temps and again err'd on the side of caution and dressed warmly. Sunday I decided to skip racing the DeStad Cup at the ever so popular St Mary's campus and just ride up and watch, then come home to catch the USGP-Ft Collins live stream. Sunday made for a nice 86mile RT with some wind aided and hindered spots. I digress...
So when i started feeling the sensations in my ear...i thought maybe some of the cold wind snuck in under my Capo wool cap.
I had decided to grit it out and see what Tuesday brought. I'll save you the drivel- more of the same x3!
Phoned the Dr, and they got me in late in the afternoon. After going through the initial q/a with the nurse, Dr came in checked Ears/Nose/Throat - no temp, no other body aches etc.. Long story short- Shingles.

WTF?

Shingles? Seriously. Seems that once you have had Chicken Pox (third grade) the virus never leaves your system. It just sets up camp in and around your spine waiting to open a serious can of whoop ass on you. Stress seems to be the major factor in releasing this demon on your nervous system, and the last few months and last week in particular has been anything BUT stress free. So, now I am on "herpes" anti-viral meds with Advil chasers to get this nastiness gone. Thankfully I haven't had the rash as seen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shingles but oh man the pain!!! I have never experienced this level of pain before. My case is isolated on the left side of face and head- whoa, baby!

So in the meantime as I try to get ready for Jingle Cross next week just try to keep ahead of the pain with the Advil. Keep calm (yeah right) and rest.

By keeping up with TP's blog it seems like our "wheels" are falling off. Best to you Tom!

Looks like this weekend's Maion's CX is going to be some more yumminess on the side of a hill. The first go around was pretty dang cool and with addition of a LeMan's style start...it should be all that more interesting. I haven't decided if I'll do the Master's and or Open yet. Game day decision. Either way I hope to have my legs under me...looking forward to some Tall Grass brew!

Thanks for reading!

It hit.

2010-11-10T08:32:00.000-06:00

Last Friday around lunch time I noticed my body just feeling off. As the afternoon wore on, my body was definitely trying to fight some bug. General aches, and a feeling of "ick" was overcoming me. With having to work on Saturday and already not racing this weekend I knew that I could easily afford some down time to properly fight this. I went home and hunkered down for the evening only moving to down some "special" chicken soup.

Saturday morning up early and a hearty breakfast before heading off to work. The bug was in full effect all day. Aches, some fever, etc.. I was able to get out and head back home for more downtime. I knew i was sick when even Guinness didn't sound good. (pout- no stout)

fought this little bastard all nite. I finally kicked his ass, proper!

My original plan for Sunday was to ride out to Lawrence to watch the Vet CX race and get some good road miles. Even tho sometime in the night the little critter that had set up camp was vacated- it had left me completely drained and lethargic. There would be no riding at all for the day. I was fine with knowing that at least i had kicked whatever flu bug i had out and was on the way to recovery. Having plenty of downtime to think, I found some silver lining that if I had to get sick and come down with something, this would be the best weekend to do it. With eyes on Jingle Cross this month I really couldn't afford any down time from here on out.

Monday and Tuesday- Feeling much better but still harboring some lingering after effects I took advantage of the warm temps to get out on the road bike for some small ring spins. Adding some warm layers just as a precaution to stave off any chills in the evening hours.

With nearing 100% I'm looking forward to getting back to some hard training. So now, just stocking back up on Zicam, hand sanitizer, and ibuprofen.

Thanks for reading,

Oh, WOW!

2010-11-03T10:37:00.002-05:00

Boss Cross #3 2010

2010-10-31T19:10:00.001-05:00

Well, at least my tires didn't go flat, but my legs sure did!

I love Saturday races. I wish we had more of them.
By having sat out this particular race/venue last year I was excited to see what the Dynamic Duo of JHaynes and JFox had in store for us. ZERO disappointment.The course had some solid technical sections as well as a double/double sand volleyball court. We traversed it twice coming from different sections of the course. This type of course wouldn't allow you to get into a strong rhythm of just peddaling. Either you were turning, braking, or running which is a recipe for a very mediocre(at best) race for me. I confess, i love the roadie courses where we just pedal. On the other hand being a pure fan of cyclocross racing- that isn't what it's about. Today's SuperPrestige in Zonhoven demonstrated just how flippin' hard a CX course can be.

Being my third weekend of racing and following a pretty tough week of training there was no spark or speed in the legs. Warming up I thought it was just from taking Friday off the bike and once we got to racin' they would wake up. No such luck. Looking back to last weekend in Lincoln, i went pretty deep and pushed harder through the week than I really should have. All in all, CX racing is all training for the road anyway- $ in the bank!

Race-
I got a good start off the second row behind Joe and next to TP. It was a long grass strip that bottle necked into a right hander onto a narrow paved walking trail. That was a short strip before hangin' another right back onto grass and a chicane then a hard 180 downhill left back through the finish line on the paved walking path. This is where the original gap happened. Somehow, TP loses it and eats it right in front of me. I've heard several accounts to how and why he did, but all I know. I had to dab a foot and watch as the top 8-10 go bye-bye quick! Back on and chasing Cole and Britton are egging me on through the off camber chicanes and setting up for the first run through of the sand. Both those guys were on the gas and full throttle. We get through the sand cleanly and into the the first set-up tricky down-ups 180's. These buggers were tight and all day long ppl were eating it there on a regular basis. During my pre-rides i was able to find the line i wanted and get through- (maybe not as fast as a CX PRO like Crusty) same with the race. Then click*click*click* into bigger gears across the flat bottom section and the pits getting ready for the steep dirt face. This was a very cool feature that was toally ridable, albeit tricky and tight especially at the top to do another 180 around the fence poll and then we start the BUMPS. the back, top part of the course was really bumpy/dry and wound us through some large Oak trees and into a set of barriers. I totally yardsaled it on the second or third lap on these things. The barriers were right after a bumpy right hander. You could start your dismount early and coast around the corner on one leg- unless you hit a rut and don't clip out. This is where Schultz passed me on his new Euro, uberPRO, white Ridley, ala Stybar. (pretty sweet rig) Following the barriers we get out of the "woods" and ride the perimeter of the park. A little paved, a little grass, some more chicanes then we drop in through the playground area. This was a blast! A rut through the mulch and dirt and formed and you could rail through both sections pretty fast. Back down to the bottom of the course and into the second set of barriers which were on an incline BEFORE the second run through the sandpit. "Here, let's rub some salt into your wounds" After all the laps we did, this second run through really bogged the legs down. I know I need to spend some more time running through sand pits to build leg speed and turnover. Not that we are going to encounter that at every race, but it will help for the little running sections we do.

Unfortunately- i just rode hard. No real racing to speak of. It was pretty sweet to hear everyone cheering and the vibe at the park was awesome! As usual, Boss Cross was a blast!

So since I am forced off from racing this coming Saturday(work) I am taking this week as a low impact w/out week and just spin the cranks.

the following pics are courtesy of RH and Phillip Wilkerson, and Mark Breeding- thanks guys!

Happy Halloween!

Thanks for reading,

Muddy Bastards

2010-10-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

No rain in the forecast for us.
In the meantime- "here's mud in your eye"

Cross Crusade Race #4 PIR from Burk Webb on Vimeo.

Hup!
JB

Flatwater Cyclocross Grand Prix -2010 Lincoln Nebraska

2010-10-26T09:31:00.002-05:00

The Good, the Bad and the Flat

Good-

The course: It was a blast! No real technical aspect to it outside the slippery, very dry s-turns, and diminishing radius sweepers. Only 1 set of triple barriers, and a fun little climb section on the SW corner of the course. The riders who use this as their weekly training race venue could ride this blind-folded.

The event/venue/organization: All of it was top shelf. Bike Pedalers did a first rate job with course set-up, registration, and keeping everything running on time. Plenty of food and drinks to keep everyone full and happy. The crazy crew down at the switchbacks on the bottom of the climb! Gorilla suits, beer can dollar bill grabs and enough patchouli- I thought i was at the Lillith fair! Add to it my host for the weekend; John Lefler Jr, calling the race, keeping everyone up to date and "spittin' da truths" on the mic!

The Bad and the Flat-

The bad caused the flat. Early in the day as the other categories were racing. The start had been staged on a wide sidewalk/path that allowed about 4 abreast. As the numbers started coming in for the 4's(45ish) and later for our Open(34) race the decision was made to move the start back down to where the barriers were, start the race and replace the barriers. This would give us, in theory, an 8 person row. Therein lied the issue. There was no real organization to any rows or a hard chute, so guys just started jamming in on the outsides.

After final instructions the whistle blows and we're racing! Oh wait- not so fast. One guy on the front dabbles and dominoes the field. A rider from Iowa get's tangled up with me from the side and we had to unhook bikes as the field blasts down the start. Finally we get going and I am in full chase mode. I immediatley catch back on by the second s-turn but it is way tight and hard to make any passes. Some of the guys were all over the course carrying way too much speed and jetting off then back on, further compounding my efforts to make my way back up front. As we got through the s-turns and on to the sweepers I felt my rear tyre starting to fold. After the flats in Tulsa the w/end before, I am really, really tired of this. The silver lining is that it held until the first pit entrance so I fly in, and have a very quick change and exit- in DFL!!!

Time to just put my head down and and make the best out of it.

I surprise myself on how quickly i start reeling individuals in. As I roll through the S/F Lelfler looks at me like- "whattya doin' back there?". So going from DFL up to 16th in a few laps that is about all the ground I can make up. I settle in with a local rider; Jeremy Eisenhauer (VeloGear) and we push each other trying to close down the gap ahead to Ryan French (Zealous). Ryan kept the gap with a few to go it was 14secs but I was able to bring it back to 8 but that was as far as I could get it. With 2 to go, Jeremy pulls alongside and says "lemme pull" and i get on his wheel. He was super smooth through the turns! We stay together until the end of the final lap and he gaps me on one of the tight dh turns before heading back up to the barriers and S/F. He raced extremely well and I was glad to have him along to push me. Back to the flat for a minute- after picking up my wheels outta the pit, I look for the culprit, but couldn't find anything. I ride back up to the truck and start cleaning up and loading and I p/up the rear and I notice the busted valve stem head! Ahh Ha! How it didn't immediately go flat, I have no idea- nor do i want one. I'm glad it got me around to the pit.It must've got ripped when we were pulling bikes apart at the start. Nothing I can do about that. ('cept get a better start)

Wrap-

Even with the mechanical- I still raced hard and am encouraged with how much and how far i could push myself in a 60min race. My legs def felt it on Monday. I would've been disappointed had they not been completely flat and sore.

The Flatwater CX Grand Prix is a must do for next year. The plan is to make it a 3 day race weekend, with this venue (Van Dorn Park) a Friday night race! The next 2 days would be at the tried and true Pioneer Park. They have already took notes on adding some more technical aspects and a sand pit, etc. to take it to the next level. Plus, they are working on dates so as not to cause major conflicts with other regional races- that will be tough as new venues and events pop-up with the growth. To me, that is a very nice problem to have. It will force the existing races to step up with courses, features, and amenities to compete for entires.

photo credit - Shane Harders

Up Next-
The venerable Boss Cross # 3 here in Kansas City North.

Thanks for reading!
JB

This weekend--

2010-10-22T15:42:00.000-05:00

Good luck to everyone racing in Louisville USGP, Smithville CX

I'm doing this:
http://flatwatercycling.com/events/2010-flatwater-cycling-cyclocross-grand-prix/

FWCT CYCLOCROSS GP

Thanks for reading,
JB

Tulsa - Ruts 'n' Guts (fri) New Cross on the Block(sat) KC - BLVD Cup(sun)

2010-10-19T08:58:00.003-05:00

What a weekend! I take that back, what a week!

Friday:
Chill day. Took the day off and took my time packing waiting for AC and Janelle to p/up and head to Tulsa.
Upon arriving we can see the course from the parking lot and from first blush it looks like a vacant lot that is hosting a moto-cross short track race. After getting check in AC and I head over to look at it. Just in time to see PK and JJ lining up for the 3's. They quickly rattle off the poor conditions and the probs with thorns, and flats. Great. We see Tilly over in the KCCX/Verge coral and he says he has already flatted 2 tires on warm-ups.(nice!) We ride a loop as they are staging the 3's (and running more and more behind) and it is crazy to say the least. I have to admit, we were knocking the course pretty hard in warm-ups and after riding back to the hotel to change and discuss our race. I was pissed because after riding one lap and talking to some of the guys my rear wheel just goes flat- sho' 'nuff goat head! Needless to say after flatting myself and watching all the pits from the 3's and others warming up- the confidence was low. If you have read other blogs about the dirt/dust and poor visibility- yes, everything they said! It was pretty bad and add to it the flood lights illuminating the flying debris- us with poor night vision were def handicapped(errrrr capable).

After changing and discussing AC and I were going to make the most out of it. We didn't make the investment in time just to be put off by a foreign course- LET'S RACE!

As we were "staging" we heard that we had 50 in the Elite field- WOW! nice! We knew it would bring some mercenaries, but I honestly wasn't expecting 50. The promoter then announced they were calling up based on registration. I get the second call up- *gulp*. While we were lining up- Fawley (winner) was still out on the course. He was the only one to take a lap. They hadn't announced they were doing any call-ups so everyone figured to get set early and a front row seat. Fawley comes back and proceeds to shoe horn himself into the front line! He was pissed because he heard them say you can take a lap- (not, you MUST take a lap) anyway, it would be a non-story because he went totally ballistic and killed the field! I told AC to shelve the nice guy- and pull out Mr, Aggro because as narrow and crazy the start chute was you had to get a good start- no friends! He did it! Prob his best start all season!

I settled in and prepared to ride the pain train. The start was so aggressive(expected) and quick that you had no time to think- just do! There were quite a few bobbles that i was able to avoid and nearing the end of the first lap we are dropping into the pit area and my rear tire collapses. Luckily the pit entrance is right there and i was able to ride in and get a quick rear wheel swap and head out. Brian Jensen had flatted as well and I follow him out. I need to make time up and I'll see how long i can hold on(1.5laps). I was able to catch groups and singles and started making my way back up. The laps were short and very quick. Like I said, after pre-riding i was expecting much, but the course raced much better- it was ALMOST fun. As I had found a groove I come around the left into the S/F chute and I stand to acclerate and my front tire immediately goes flat! Seriously??? I had passed the last pit entrance so it would mean running an entire lap to get back to the other side- no thanks= DNF! Gawd, that hurt, bad. I was so ready for this race and after getting into it I felt great and was racing well. Oh well. Soon after, Price came in after hitting his knee- rough nite for sure.

All was not lost though. AC aboard some TUFO's was having the race of the season! Dude was killing it and duking it out in the top 5 and making huge ground on 2nd place. Tilford made a last ditch move and took 5th while AC rolled in for 6th- seriously bad ass!

Late nite clean-up and some "delicious" Steak&Shake. Sleep.

Saturday:
Wake early and head down to see what kinda yumminess awaits us. Tulsa (Broken Arrow) was not only hosting the 'cross races but also a fun ride tour- CylceFandango(?) Needless to say, the breakfast area was flush with Primal wear jerseys of all shapes and sizes (mostly XL). I didn't know Sesame Street sponsored a team, did you?

JJ makes his way down and we rehash last night and the plans for today. Little later, AC and Janelle arrive with the "holy grail". A french press with Broadway coffee!!! THANK YOU

Plan was to get over to Lee's Bicycles, over on the Tulsa Tough Fri crit course and get new tubes and maybe some sealant. We get there and I decide to go with some Slime tubes- not sexy, but double flatting in an out of town race= not even close to sexy. They ended up working very well. I don't think I want to race them every weekend- but def worth keeping in the toolbox.

We get to the course and it is a 180 from the night before. A "road" course on Bermuda grass. Today, I am racing the 3's since the Open= 1/2's only. We race the same time and same distance(60min) with no separation- which will turn out to be kinda tricky figuring where I am in the mix.

No formalized staging other than putting the 1/2's on the front 2 rows. Apparently they said "riders set" then the starters pistol. Along with most of the field I was caught off guard and we were racing! The field got going and again, uber fast. I settle in, in either 1st or 2nd (our numbers were slightly diff). The course had no real technical element to it. The difficulties would be: the heat. the steep run-up. the crazy tall barriers. After a couple of laps I feel like I am actually racing and keeping guys away. The team promoting the event; 918xc.com had some strong guys in the race and one of them, Pete Ridilla and I would trade off and on for the race which kept me going hard. Thankfully the allowed hand-ups so Janelle was awesome to feed both me and AC. After all the dust from the night before and all the pollutants and heat during this race, it was awesome to be able to at least get the "tube sock" feeling out of my mouth each lap. The course had enough long stretches of turf and gravel that I was able to get up to speed and either close gaps or create gaps and make up time that I gave up on some of the downhill sections to these MTB guys.

Once they finally gave us the lap count- 4 to go we were already at 50mins! The legs started to cramp a bit. On one of the off camber DH's you could carry good speed by tri-podding it...and with a few to go, i could really start to feel my hip flexor, just in time to dismount for the triple barrier section. On the bell lap, Pete and I had pulled together and were neck and neck going into the run-up. He got up it faster than I did and quickly drilled the DH right after it. I could not close the gap- wah wah. I thought i rolled in 6th($) but 2 guys that i didn't know were ahead of us- so i had to settle for 8th- 1 outta the money. :-( Ended up racing for nearly 70mins- ouch! AC was able to get 7th($) and was super animated n the race. The heat and ultimatley his tires on the last lap were his undoing. Cramping was pretty common and everyone was feeling it.

I was happy on my race and had some good take aways on pacing, etc. and more importantly no mistakes and no flats! Post race beer-cleanup and head to dinner for some "wet" burritos! YUMM-O!

Got home around 9:30 and dragging. Ready for a shower and bed!

Sunday:
I think the decision was made around Ottawa on the drive home that the legs were not going to be ready for another race. So instead I took advantage of the great weather and decided to ride out to the venue and watch others suffer. After it was all done I got in about 60 miles and saw some good racing.

All in all, I'm glad we went down to race and got a taste(literally) of some different courses and competition. It was good to see AC make some cache and get some great results against some very strong riders.

I am still getting pictures(some pics added) but below is a video of Friday night's races. You can spot me on one of the downhills on the back side of the course at about 3:40.

Sunday's course:

Thanks for reading,
JB

What's on tap for the weekend?

2010-10-14T13:51:00.000-05:00

A Friday night race followed by a Saturday afternoon race. We'll see if the legs survive for the Blvd Cup!

Good luck to all racing, wherever you are!

Thanks for reading,
JB

[video] Superprestige-Ruddervoorde

2010-10-11T07:47:00.000-05:00

Watch the step-up @ 3:10 and a replay in slo-mo @ 3:22- WOW!

The way we were

2010-10-10T08:04:00.000-05:00

As racers today, we're a bunch of pansies!
As spectators, we're terribly under dressed!

LE 2 EME CRITERIUM

Your browser does not support iframes.

Cheers to 'cross!
JB

Boss Cross #1 - 2010 (updated with day 2)

2010-10-02T19:32:00.002-05:00

Saturday A.M.--
Rise early to feed the hunger knock and head out early to pre-ride before any racing starts. It was a beautiful fall day in KC so why not, huh?
A classic Riverside/Parkville-ish course. Pretty flat, good power stretches and enough technical aspects to keep us honest and thinking:

Sandpit (pic below) that came across from a left hander so def had to scrub any momentum and run it
Steep uphill barrier section that continued to get taller with each lap
An abbreviated "horseshoe" section down to the river that got burned in nicely and was not much of an issue
And plenty of "surprise me corners and turns"- gotta keep your head on swivel!

After watching all the other categories race- it was time suit up and dive into the 6-0 deep end.

Speaking of deep- the Open/Elite field was stacked and one of the largest I've seen.(non-champ race)

Even though I was wearing #1 and pre-reg I was content on the second row.

We started out under a shelter house and had a pretty good stretch before we hit the little humps that they had given the off camber treatment to.

immediately on the first switchback there was a stack-up! Marshall and I just look at one another, seriously??

the ones who got through it hammered away. I just remained calm. Not worth freaking out or blowing up over. I settle in with Taylor and we are rolling pretty well. I thought this was a good wheel to work with during the race.A couple of laps go by and still feeling good and feeling like I'm riding towards my limit and not over it. Then....

Like I mentioned earlier, the course kept you honest and needed to ride with your head or mistakes would happen. One rider pushed his luck and it bit him and me. No harm, no foul- the bike is okay (just some scrapes on fork and crank arm) and I wasn't the one bleeding.

I just bummed because I lost the wheel I was on and it took awhile (read never) to get going where I should be.

All in all I feel as though I rode really well, and felt like I cleaned the course well. Once I got the final lap to go- it was a good feeling.

The question was going to be, how my legs would recover for day 2. All I could do was get home, cleaned up and fuel up with some Chipotle!

Continued Sunday--

Thanks for reading!

Pics courtesy of Keith Walberg, the Coe(s) and good ol' RH

Sunday A.M--

Leg check, as they say on the other side of the pond "I have good sensations". They weren't half bad. I mean, I could tell I raced but no worse for wear and the back was loose. Some stretching, etc...and i was physically ready to go. The mental part was slowly coming around. I just have had a lot of peripheral stuff to tend to (much more important than bike driving- that's fo' sho') and just trying to process it all.

I rinse and repeat the same routine from the day earlier and get on course to check out the new direction and changes down_by_the_river!

As was the case last year, i felt the course flowed faster reversed but still contained elements that you need to be heads up on.

The sand pit was full on ridable (for the most part) I think Wink was the only one that didn't dab a foot the whole race. It's the hair. It's gotta be the hair!

no tender bits were harmed in the making of this crash.

The most difficult part was the change up down to the river and out. Riding down the rocky section and now with a left hander around a log it was painfully obvious that riding was the best choice but having 0-skillage in that section it wasn't meant to be for me and most everyone.

Even though I had brought my GrifoXS', I kept to the tried and true Fangos. I just felt that I needed every advantage in the fast turns as possible during the race. I had for moment considered running them mixed with a Fango on the front and XS on the rear- but decided to dance with the one i brought.

A slightly smaller field with the Tradewind team going gravel, but a pretty studly filed none the less.

The start was a pretty decent stretch that was board flat into and out of the shelter house like yesterday with less lip going from grass to concrete- then a bottled necked 120 right hander. As suspected- KCCX went red ass errrr orange ass for the hole shot to make everyone chase and let Wink do his 'thang'. Mission accomplished.

Rolling good and feeling as good as you can hope to at the start of a CX race- we immediately go single file. Everything is going well until we hit the uphill barrier section. I think by way of how i lift my bike, my fingers are still wrapped underneath the front shifter like i'm running a single and my fingers push the front der out allowing the chain to bounce outside when i put the bike down. I don't notice this in the scrum to get to the top of the hill as fast as possible. The scary part is- heading back down the crazy steep backside, i about spin my legs off. At the bottom of the steep pitch was a pretty tough transition from grass/dirt/paved trail/grass and a pretty tight squeeze to boot! With carrying no momentum through that turn and not able to pedal and shift the chain back on I had to get off and manually pull it back on. Now, I am DFL! Not quite the place you want tobe on the opening lap. I chase hard. I catch back on to the back and pass a few riders and then hook up with Plummer.

Me, DP and JasonO

Plummer and I work together for the next couple of laps trying to reel in those in front and keepin the 3's behind us away. The first time through the sand down by the river we both run it. the next few times through, DP rides that crap! It makes all the difference as he is able to accelerate so quickly out of it where I have to remount and then go. I'll catch him by the end of the tree lined section, but doing that lap after lap uses up some much needed matches for later. Finally on one lap through, he rides away from me again out of the river, and the next thing i know he is curled up on the side of the course cramped up in the quads. Sucks, now I'm solo and chasing and being chased. grrrrrrr

Since I'm "done" I just try to get the most out of the race as possible and just try to bury myself...

I ended up, well- not last! The last couple of laps were definitely difficult with my back locking up again. The bumpiness of the course def wreaked havoc on a lot people's back.

All in all, I'm okay with how i raced and ended up. Looking back on Saturday with the crash and Sunday with the dropped chain- I feel I could've improved a few spots. That was the take away- I'm glad I dove in!

Huge props to Wink for killing it on Saturday then repeating on Sunday. Congrats to teammate "the Coe" for sticking it out (after slamming it) on Saturday for a strong finish and then following it up with a 3rd on Sunday!

Thank you again to Cycle City, Jeremy, Joe (family) all the sponsors and all the drunks errrrr racers for sticking around and cheering (jeering) this OTB CX racer!

Thanks for reading!

And in tribute to the MidwestMoto Race crew and the Boss Cross-General Lee leader's jersey (Verge)

here's a little more Waylon (you know who this is for....)

Manion's CX -2010 Hardest_Course_Evah! (updated)

2010-09-26T19:30:00.003-05:00

Updated

Upon confirmation by the weather channel's weekend forecast that is was actually going to be cool this weekend, I was ready for this race.
I had heard the rumors of a "hill" that happens to be perfect for a cross course. They were true! Holy Snipes!
Dan-O and his evil CX minions managed to clip out a course that took full advantage of the topography and made the course flow really well.
The course started out on the East side of a large barn. Just a few yards later, you rode through the barn and back out to begin the loop. A tricky off camber right, left, right was made even more challenging in the earlier races due to the rain the area received the afternoon prior. The new course quickly started going away as different categories ran through. I think the 4's had close to 60? With that many wheels the softened corners turned greasy and slick.
A unique feature was the "ass crack" down at the bottom the hill that was just goofy enough to make ppl think about riding it. The ravine was in a place that you could either bunny hop, or just ease up enough to drag your back wheel across. During my race I did both, hopping and dragging. A lot of people chose to run it.
After the "ass crack" you were on the only "flat" part of the course where you could get up to what seemed like speed although when we raced we had a pretty good headwind. Past the "flat" was a very cool feature that dropped you to the lowest part of the course near a pond. It had some cool turns and drop ins before allowing you to get up to speed only to be confronted with a steep embankment, that would later bust my race.
Following the embankment was the "climb back". By taking full advantage of the space, they were able to weave us back up the hill through a series of switchbacks and turns that arrested any attempts to get up to speed and a rhythm to finish a lap. The ground was soft enough in sections that made you wonder if you had a flat or brake rubbing if you got out of the preferred line. Like I said- toughest course ever! It's true we need challenging courses, it is difficult however to get permission from property owners/managers to allow 200 cyclist to chew up their turf. Hopefully we will get to use this course in the future and turn it into a State Championship course.

I was ready to go. Ready to double up and race Masters and Open.(the latter being more survival rather than actually racing)

Masters race-
Lined up and ready to rip it. The true "wild card" in this race was Greenbeans fresh out of Boone County correctional Facility with a curated Giro TT helmet and his prison jump suit.

'Beans FTW!

We're off! slot in 3rd wheel and get through the off camber section cleanly. After some zig-zags and an uphill drag we entered the barriers. I was 2nd. The barriers were at the top of an incline so you had ZERO momentum into them making them feel as though they were chest high. Back down, up and we start the downhill. I pass Doug and keep the mental patient at bay and lead down into the "ass crack". Now onto the straight and 'Beans goes into full Henderson mode in an aero tuck down the flats. I think i lost some air from just from LMAO! Doug and I were cracking up. 'Beans is still leading into the technical area down by the pond and we are talking about running/riding the embankment. 'Beans goes up and stalls at the top causing me and Plummer to roll backwards. Shit! I thought we were riding it! In the confusion, I realize I have snapped my rear brake lever and thinking the worse- that I won't be able to shift. Doug had something wrong with his wheels/brakes so we were both off triaging our bikes. Back on and trying to get rolling. By this time the guys we had put considerable distance on were coming close up behind. My bike seemed to be shifting just no rear brake. Half way up my chain jumps off the top end and slips down between the cassette and spokes. ANOTHER stop and I had to reload. Keith(360) caught me. Back on and I start motoring to get back to Plummer and at least keep 'Beans in sight. I get past Keith and make it back up to Plummer. We finish the first lap together.

Back through the barn and the crowds are getting lined up for the Boulevard Beer and In-a-Tub Tacos and were getting louder an louder with each lap- very cool. Now I'm starting to think about descending this hill with no rear brake. The front is still working well and is adjusted perfectly so I was able to scrub when I needed to. I would've preferred the rear so I could let loose- eventually through the laps i used less and less and just let the Fangos do all the work. I just couldn't match Plummer's speed on his bad ass flat bar set-up and got gapped.

Knowing 1st and 2nd were up the road I just went into maintain mode to limit my losses with them and keep the others off my tail. I felt really good considering how much climbing we had to do. I felt really smooth on the barriers and felt like i ran them well. My cornering felt smooth and was able to take the fastest lines with little issue. All of us were dealing with some greasy corners. I ended up 3rd in the 35+ and 7th overall in Masters. Not bad. Especially on a course that does not have my name on it. With the busted lever, i knew there was little chance that I could line up in the 2/3's or Open and be able to do anything. Time for a few beers and watch some others suffer! A truly beautiful day out.

I want to thank Dan-O and Britton and their team for putting on an awesome day of CX racing! Everything from my perspective went well, even the power outage. Very good hosts!

Echoing what I said- I hope this course can be used in the future for more CX on CX action...that's be so hot!

Now I need a SRAM Force shifter in time for Boss Cross this weekend! (anyone, anyone) Oh, and I lost my Garmin EDGE 500 on the "grassy knoll". MEH!

HUGE props to AC for his placing on Saturday at the USGP#1 (2nd place) and following that up with the WIN on Sunday!!! Freakin' AWESOME!

SKCross had a solid weekend

Killed the women's open(1,3,4)!

Women's 3- Kay(2) getting back on track with her season

Cam- fought for a 6th in the 2/3's

Brett- kept 1st place in sight to take 2nd and close behind Kelly in 4th!

Alex, Prayuth, Jamie all raced extremely well!

Thanks again to the Manion's CX crew, volunteers and sponsors!

Thanks for reading!

JB

In the meantime, let's enjoy a little Waylon Jennings!

Theme of the day- shattered

2010-09-22T11:05:00.000-05:00

Video from the Tour of Britian
20% grade on wet cobbles
watch for the steepness of the hill when the cam pans right and up the hill
Brutal-survival mode switched on

In CX related stuff-
Got out to the training grounds with some of the team for some 3:30 repeats.
Steep hill-twisty trees-barriers and loooong power straights
hurt so good
felt good to shake out the legs from the ass beating I took in Hermann
time to reload

Thanks for reading,
JB

Hermann CX Under the Lights- 2010 or The Little River That Could...

2010-09-20T07:07:00.001-05:00

What a freaky-deaky weekend!

In all my time racing/traveling I have never experienced a flash flood first hand like what we did Saturday night (the first pic was our camp site).
AC and I decided to kick off the 2010/11 CX season this year with Hermann Under the Lights. Jeff Yielding does a fantastic job organizing and executing this event. I will definitely be back for future races.

The drive over was uneventful save for a bizarre sighting at a rest stop of a man walking an obese cat on a leash and "running" into Crusty as he mistakes me for an Indy Car fan.

Arriving in Hermann we locate JJ and Ira along with the 'PUC'. An ironic parking place? We go register then start to unload and decide to jump on the course for a few laps. The course is very cool and reminds me a little of the Boss Cross Parkville-Landing course. Flat, twisty, sand pit and fast barriers. The famed stairs weren't as bad as I had envisioned. 32 in all and a fast approach. I suppose in the rain/snow/ice they could def take a toll on you.

Continuing to get settled and watch the earlier races I had time to strike a pose.
Try as I might, i cannot hold a candle to the true 'Zoolander'

Well now it was our turn to get suited up and do this. After the 4's race we jump back on and I quickly realize that the course is quickly going away. The earlier decision to ride Challege GrifoXS was changed to the Fangos. There was a pretty nasty DH switchback right after the stair/remount section that was getting way loose combine that with the uber twisty stuff over on the back side of the course it was an easy decison. One that I glad I made once the race was under way.

Warm up laps.

Time to line up. After Buddy goes through the start drill and gets lippy with some back row "bargers", its time to race!

The siren blows and good clip in. A fat paved section transitioning to a slight left hander immediately followed by a uphill pavement crossing then down into a hard right hander. After a week and half of start practices I felt great and decided to meter the red line just a bit and pick my way through as the laps counted down. That tactic in theory was great but it all went to shit at the first barrier. We are all together and start the dismount, and just as I p/up the bike someone behind me either trips my foot/bike and I slide safely into home! @#$%@!*#

As I get up I see the group just flying...Back on and pedal! I catch on quickly right at the base of the steps. Again it, is a 'Charlie Foxtrot' and have to pick my through. Not gaining much ground, we're back on course and flying toward the sandpit- YES the sandpit! In warm-ups I rode with Wink and on one lap I followed his way through the sand I was able to see how i wanted to go through. Well Crusty decided he once again wanted to one up me and did a fine impersonation of a 'Daisy Cutter' bomb in the kitty litter!

After the sand, I was able to start to pick spots back up. During the 8 laps(?) I would catch on to a group and of 2 or 3 and then be able to move on. One DogFish rider and I stayed pretty consistent all the way through. The first couple of laps were flat out hard. 'Bama' for KCCX went red ass from the gun, then Schilling (BigShark) made some digs and the winer; Matt James(Mesa) made us all look really silly!

Snot Bubbles from the effort!

Mid way through as I was starting to get my race CX legs under me we go through the tight switchbacks after the stairs and 2 HUB guys go down and I have have to almost stop as 1 of them slides down in front of me. Eventually I settle back in and continue the chase of the DogFish rider ahead of me. I am still trying to figure out where he put in a move on me...

The finish came and then the heat and humidity smacks you in the face! All of us are sweating buckets and are zombies. Time to go cool down and try to recover.

As I am pedaling around I notie the lightening moving overhead. I mention to CMac that it just looks like 'Heat Lightening'. There was no real warning that we were getting ready to get pummeled harder than any CX Race could ever pound us.

I will save the actual storm reports and post apocalyptic accounts to others. I for one am done thinking about it. That was the most intense weather system that I have been exposed to. The whole episode made me think back to June when flash flooding down in Arkansas that went through a campsite and actually washed people away to their deaths.

Like I said earlier, I'm glad we went. As a fellow promoter I understand the stress/wear/tear that a weekend of racing can have on a person even when everything goes right, let alone a natural disaster! Jeff handled this extremely well. (at least on the outside looking in)

Next year I would really like to see the KC Cup CX/MTB weekend and Hermann be able to co-exist so that we can have seriously stacked fields on separate weekends. How cool would it be to have back to back HUGE over the top weekends of CX racing to kick off the season!?

For more info and follow up on Hermann CX:http://hermanncross.blogspot.com/
Thank you to Dan Singer for the photos

Thanks for reading!
JB

Flogging the CX

2010-09-15T12:11:00.000-05:00

Since getting this nasty thing built up, the weather has cooperated very nicely for CX driving practice. It has been a total blast getting it dialed in, save for eatin' sand up on the LRT a few weeks back and bogging my rear shifter with terra-nonfirma.

The last 2 weeks at CX practice we have done intervals(live fire starts). Last week we had a mini course set-up that gave us just a tick over 1:45 worth of effort. Last nite was one of the fav w/outs. Hot starts with hill run ups! Following the hill you wound through some trees and then a fast flat sprint back to the start line. The temp/humidity was on the high side, since we were down in a bowl. Those efforts lasted anywhere from 1:20-1:30. We had 7 of us, which helps encourage everyone to dig deep. A few of team are really flying right now. Freaky fast!

I finally shod my wheels with some Challenge Fangos. I am used to the Grifo and GrifoXS, but last nite was the first time actually riding the Fangos. Very nice. Just a touch more outside grip than the Grifo.

I am looking forward to kicking off the CX season in Hermann with Andrew this weekend. Jeff, the promoter has already officially announced that "feeding" or water hand ups will not be allowed. That way, it takes the pressure off the officials on judging whether or not to allow. For the Open race, it is a bit easier because the new rule states no feeding in the first 2 and last 2 laps of a race. For most races that may give you 1 lap of hand-ups so in grand scheme of things, no big deal. We have all survived w/out "official" handups the last 3 seasons.

It looks like there is some exciting new races on the claendar to pick up the open weekends left by the DeStad series. Please support them!

Don't forget this weekend's SwopePark Festivities! Brought to you by 360 Racing

Manions CX- can you say climbing?
Cross out Cancer- location of past ninja CX practices...
and if you want to travel a bit; Tulsa- get paid, yo!

Well, I'm off. Going to: "want my birthday cake and eat it too!"
Thanks for reading and good luck to everyone racing and promoting this weekend!
Jb

Old school CX- Brilliant! Fish and Chips!

2010-09-09T09:42:00.000-05:00

So did they run- "anglofile" treads?

enjoy!

CRYSTAL PALACE CYCLO CROSS

Your browser does not support iframes.

Cheers!
JB

CX- September

2010-09-02T10:02:00.000-05:00

Quick brain dump:

Supertouch built up- love it! Incredible ride.Stiff, light, point and shoot.(at least I'll have a cool bike to keep me company off the back)
Hit the Lawrence river trails (and a few trees) on it.
CX bike driving practice.
Running
Irish Fest!
Guinness does have electrolytes
This story has a lot of "impact"

Good luck to everyone heading over to the StL for the GWC! Safe travels and racing!

Thanks for reading!

Bummer- Local CX series news

2010-08-25T13:55:00.002-05:00

In Chris' own words--
http://chrislocke.blogspot.com/2010/08/one-step-back.html

When i grow up...

2010-08-18T13:07:00.000-05:00

TNW 8/10/2010 & A Spooky Super(bad)Touch CX frame

2010-08-11T08:08:00.001-05:00

The heat/humidity has been locked in on us for quite a while now- it is what it is. No hiding and everyone has to contend with it. It reminds me of this past winter when we had such long stretches of bitter cold and everyone was cranky for being sent to the basement dreaming of warmer weather. So when I am "complaining" of the heat I'm really not. I quickly look back to those trainer hours and remind myself this is not so bad.

On to the racing errrr fast sitting in...

Super small attendance, not surprising with no local road races other than TT's and the legendary R.I.M. enduro fest this weekend on tap. The best I can sum it up is: buckets upon buckets of sweat! Shadd, Joe, Phil and 2 others snapped the elastic after a a while and went a go-go, lapping us with 4 to go. Plenty of guys were "turkey leggin'" towards the end and the final laps couldn't finish fast enough. With nights like this, it's putting money in the bank for CX season which dove tails nicely into this....

Oh yeah...can't wait to get this one saddled up.

Thanks for reading!
JB

(Guinness has electrolytes, no?)

TNW 8/3/2010

2010-08-10T09:57:00.001-05:00

Let's hope tonites goes a little better than last week's /fail session!

Still a bit cooked from the MO State Crit but feeling strong, I was anxious to get to riding/racing. Maybe a little to anxious. Went early with Shaddly and then Wally joined in. A few laps of that non-sense and my HR was pegged in the red and no power coming from the sticks. Drift back to the pack and sit in and decide I am doing more harm and than good. I rolled off to QT to refill bottles and p/up a G and saw the B race posse. By the way they looked at me I gave them pause as to WTH are racing in this heat. (or i smelled really bad) Either way...

We'll see how this heat affects attendance and performance.

A pic from TP's friend:

Thanks for reading,

Missouri State Crits 2010 (a photo essay)

2010-08-02T11:03:00.001-05:00

Money shot...

Pace pickin' up...

Wait for it, wait for it...

Spin the hill

Stringing it out...

Must...go...fffast!

Thanking to the Reynolds clan for the great shots!

Thanks for viewing,
JB

Queen City Crit- Springfield, MO 7/25/2010

2010-07-27T11:01:00.000-05:00

Not at all as I expected in many ways.

As previously blogged, July has been a very lazy month of training for me. Mostly spurred on by the crash at ToL. When you know you have a few weeks off, the motivation to "hit it hard" kinda fizzles. The 105-110 heat indexes don't offer much comfort either.

With this race and the MO State Crits the following week circled on the calendar as prep leading into Gateway it was time to start pedaling.

I was totally loose coming into the weekend and even though the week leading up was a mixed bag of washed out TNW, and killer sinus headache on Wed I resigned myself to: "it is what is."

Saturday we had been invited to have dinner with the St John's Team. Sean and I have tried to hook up for some social time for awhile and this seemed like a good time to do so. So it was all set for Italian home cooking at "Nonna's". Prior to getting our table ready- gladly, we made a stop at "Finnigan's Wake" across the street for some prima della cena pints.Those went down EASSSSY.

Back across the street to dinner and more libations. Apparently Sean and I traded riders for cash and beef products...
Long story short- it was a BLAST.

Morning of- "I got dropped off" at the race and set up with the STJ Team. The course if you haven't made it down, is a fun course. 8 turns, great surface, a little false flat(S/F) and a little wind swirling makes it a solid track.

While warming up between races- I felt really good considering I was filtering a bit of alcohol from the night before. With a 50+5 race and the morning's cloud cover burning off, the need for a long, hard warm-up wasn't really needed.

The St John's boys added a newly upgraded rider to the mix and were ansty and motivated to do well on their home track. Some good solid competition from the StL and the Snapple team up from Arkansas was adding depth to the field.

Snapple fired early and first. (Expecting that) Everything was covered pretty quickly. I wanted to force the legs open a bit more so I sat in the top 5-6 through the first couple of laps and pulling a few. After I felt like i was opened up, I drifted mid pack to watch the rhythm of the race. Austin (FNG from STJ) jumped off the front with a Snapple. I honestly did not think he would stay away--he did. STJ did a pretty good job patrolling along with Snapple until their guy came back, then they started firing shots to get things animated. Kent and Eric (BSR) were not content with just riding fast and tried their hands. STJ was not going to let that happen.Mid race I flat on the backside of the course and pull out of the pack and ride to the pit. Good wheel change and pushed back in, no problem. The race was set at TEMPO and Austin was able to extend his lead and eventually lap us.

With the race now for the remaining 9 money spots and an internal MOBAR race taking shape it was time to set up for the final 5. Springfield-JB(STJ) went to the front and was racing strong and working well for the team. BB(STJ) was starting to position and was the one I wanted to key off for the sprint.With 2 to go, I am feeling good and anxious.

On the final lap- I have drawn a blank and do not understand what the pack did/didn't do. SO strange. BB(STJ) was perfectly placed but from what I recollect got swarmed and a few of the riders got the jump on him. Going into the final corner I felt strong but I also felt some energy behind...I just put my head down and went. I was scored 10th. They had announced at the beginning of the race that the camera and laptop had taken a dump so it was up to us to help them score the paying spots. I was very impressed with the racers and how we scored ourselves honestly and from what I could tell, accurately.

All in all it was a fun race and gave me a good sense of where my legs are and what work needs to be done prior to GWC.

I just want to thank Cale, Sean and the rest of the STJ Cycling team for their hospitality for the weekend and putting on a fun race.

Definitely circle this race on your calendar for next year if you haven't ever done it. It's a good motivation to get you through the TdF heavy month of July. Before and after your race- hit "Big Mommas" (just down from the S/F are) for some AWESOME coffee and sandwiches!!!

Here's to a dry week-

thanks for reading,
JB

So...let's see

2010-07-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

Post ToKC not too much has been going on:

Went to ToLawrence for the Sunday crit- felt great! 4 to go multi rider pile-up. came away with road rash and an explode front carbon wheel.

I was slow to get back on the bike the week following just becuae it had been 4 weekends in a row of hot racing and the body was requesting for R/R

Took the boys to St Louis this past weekend for Mac's 14th birthday. We had a blast! Phil N. hooked us up with some GREAT seats at the Cards game Friday night. The boys wanted to take their boards down to the Arch and skate along the river front-check

Stopping for gelatto

First base line

How long can I manual

Tuesday Night Worlds were a washout- yet Wink, Choch and I still held court at Starbucks "hoping" for a beak in the storm, at least to ride home.

meh!

This weekend is the St John's Powerful Medicine Cycling Team's Crit in Springfield. "Seanie Mac" and his boys have a great course lined up. With not that many local races on the calendar, look into it!

Plenty of "drama" at the Tour this year. I have taken a few notes and will post a recap...or not, who knows.

Cross is coming!

Thanks for reading,
JB

2010 Breakthrough Tour of KC- ligne d'arrivée

2010-07-01T13:06:00.000-05:00

(Dirk before- frapasaurus)

Thank you:

racers
volunteers
spectators
family members
sponsors
officials
hecklers
hooligans

Thanks for making the BToKC a success this year! While we had to compete with a race heavy month, we are still pleased with the turnout and support of the local and regional racing community.

We are already planning for 2011 with some exciting changes that will definitely add value to an already killer weekend of racing.

I know the folks over at Operation Breakthrough truly appreciate all the support you give to them by participating and volunteering for the race.

Instead of writing about my average racing weekend, I will just add some pics as I get them of the weekend.

Please support the Tour of Lawrence this weekend! http://www.touroflawrence.com/

Thanks for reading,

Breakthrough Tour of KC 2010

2010-06-23T09:39:00.000-05:00

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend and thank you to all the volunteers!

Bring your party to Cliff Drive on Saturday and watch your buddies meltdown!

Vulvulas WELCOME!

KS State Criterium Championships- 2010 Pittsburg, KS

2010-06-16T10:42:00.001-05:00

I had decided after Tulsa that I would definitely race the KS crit to keep the legs going. With an NRC event in the Lou and mega-uber-huge purse in OKC the fields were tiny. What am I saying? They're always tiny at the crit champs. (theory?)
Andrew (1/2 champ) and I drove down together and chatted about all things good with racing, etc. His race was first and they only had 7 in the field (4 were from MO). Sean, Jim and Cale came over from Springfield to get paid. Sean rode off the front and put in a good effort o nearly lap the field and walked away with the "W". Andrew unleashed his sprint and out kicked Bob from BMC and took second and the state title- tre' cool!
We were the last category to go for the day 3:30. With rain and storms all around us and a lot of sun it was plenty Hot and humid for all the races.I stayed in the shade and drank plenty and enough ice and EFS to stay topped off.
The 3's only were able to double the size of the 1/2's (even tho they had 33 in the RR the day prior). With the Velotek youngins fresh off a strong showing in Tulsa they were the ones to watch.
Not suprsingly, Jim W went OTF immediately and he and John stayed away for a few laps and then returned to the fold. The riders from BMC and Colivita were pretty antsy and ready to make moves or at least cover them. Both of them rode strong.
After my teammate Greg got the prime- Ben rode off the front and put in a little acceleration and that was it. His teammate played the role perfectly and sat on anything that moved. Ben got a pretty sizeable gap quickly. Knowing he would easily stay away unless there was concerted and organized chase we were racing for second. I rode on the front way too much. Even while I was doing it- I knew I was doing too much. The problem was when a couple of the guys would come through- it wasn't fluid more like a mini attack that would break up the rhythm of the group and we would have to reshuffle again. There were no slackers in this group and had we organized we would have caught him in short order. Some of the guys just need experience, that's all. Gotta learn sometime right!?
With the final lap coming up I felt fine and was ready to go- or so I thought. Greg P(vt) shot out of the group mid-way up the final hill and got a good gap. I stood to go and the the lower half said: "fail".
Results
Pictures

Next up OUR race The Breakthrough Tour of KC a benefit for Operation Breakthrough
Then on to the Tour of Lawrence

Thanks for reading!
JB

Tulsa Tough 2010 edition (update coming---finally)

2010-06-10T07:48:00.001-05:00

in the meantime

St. Franics Tulsa Tough Men's Cat III June 4, 2010 m4v from St. Francis Tulsa Tough on Vimeo.

(please insert "it was HOT" while reading this)

Friday
Pretty amped up field of racers. There was a lot of nervous energy coming from the field and that could be felt in all the corners. Last year the field strung itself out pretty good- but this year I'm not sure what happened but minus a few guys OTF at different times it was just a large blob of racers going 4 wide through turns. Comparing last years numbers to this year's we were nearly 1.5mph faster avg this year. Any attempts to get and stay at the front were nullified by all the swarming and the inevitable field sprint for the finish. Throughout the race I heard a couple of "blowouts"- one happening just on the inside of me of turn 2 that left a ringing in my ear -- a few crashes but nothing like the carnage of last year. So with a few laps to go and all of my skin I began setting up for the final. As mentioned each turn was a total swarm of hornets and really nervous. I was able to maintain the front 15 position going into the second to last turn then some squirrels got lose and I had to check up a bit and take a wider line that I wanted and lost a few spots (read money) and settled for a safe 26th. Not bad and feeling good about going into Saturday's race.
Post race-
After cooling down and then riding over to the car to change- I go to remove my right shoe and the ratchet won't undo. WTF? During the race someone had gotten into my right leg pretty good (had to pull down the leg of my shorts and left a nasty bruise) but also must've hit my shoe and bent the little metal piece and wouldn't allow the release tab to be pushed down. Gotta love crit racing!

Saturday
Racing later in the day-5:00 was nice. Plenty of time to chill (relatively speaking) and be able to support the SKC Women who BTW, RAGED!
Lining up like 15mins early (why guys? why?) I was standing next to Brent and Rob. Explaining to Brent that the first 2 laps are going to be hot ones- happens every year. Whistle blows and sho' nuff' drag race around the first two turns and up Sound Pony hill (and the party was startin'). This course is W-I-D-E open save for the top of the hill it narrows and cuts across a brick walk way. Every freaking time it pinches because people race to get to the front and through the turn first and then just shut down which causes the log jam and inevitable crashes and darting off into the grass(mud). So after the the first couple of hot laps the pace settles in and we get down to business. Not much going on just a lot of jostling and posturing. Halfway through up through the bottleneck section the "big pinch" happens. Mid pack 2 guys go down directly in front of me. I stay upright as guys scramble all over. I look up and the pack is flying down the hill.I get around ok and start the chase. I am able to catch back on with out too much energy- but burn a few matches that I will need for later in the next couple of laps to get back up to the front. 5 to go and I am "turkey leggin'" and starting to chill a little. I look around at other guys' legs (in a total hetero way) and notice quite a few goosebumps too. The course-heat-speed are definitely taking it's toll of the field. With 2 to go I am cooked but maintaining my position. As we start the bell lap I get one final jolt of energy and feel good. As we round the corner to head up to Sound Pony 2 guys on the front stand to accelerate and cross each other up pretty good. It sends the pack weaving and criss-crossing all across the road. THAT was the split. The front got a +5 second gap and that was it!
Post Race
Ice. Spin. and shotgun a Guinness in the bathroom of the Chowhouse as i change and wait for another Guinness with dinner.

Sunday
Zero illusions of doing anything on this course other than hang in as long as I can. I really do like this course, just not my cup of tea. I'll save you all the details. The race started hard and stayed that way. My legs actually felt pretty decent but by the 10th time up- they felt like wood. Got pulled and rode back around to the top to watch the remainder of the race. The guys up front were driving like banshees! Fun to watch.

Post event
Not the results or outcome I had planned on heading in but I am not at all disappointed. We had a blast and will be back next year for more of the same craziness!

Tulsa does this event right!

Thanks for reading,
JB

The upcoming 2010 Tulsa Tough!

2010-06-01T09:15:00.001-05:00

YUP! It looks like Tulsa Tough weather this weekend! Ice Ice Baby!

June 4th- 99!
June 5th- 102!
June 6th- 98!

Beware the Panda!

Nothing changes- for me

2010-05-26T10:14:00.001-05:00

I started riding in 1984 right after I watched Alexi Grewal (doper) win the road race in Los Angles, Ca at the 1984 Summer Olympics. My world was transformed from comic book super heroes to a new super hero; the bike racer.

When I first threw my leg over my bass boat gold Puch Austro-Damler. Tightened the Christophe toe straps down on my Detto Pietro cycling shoes; I knew nothing about drugs in cycling. If I had, I am certain I would not have cared. For me it was about the freedom that 10 speeds (total, not the cassette) afforded me. Miles upon endless miles learning to ride. Learning to ride a straight line while gluing myself to the white line along the road. Destinations were gas stations- not HR target zones or PM readouts. It wasn't for a few years before an Avocet computer showed up on my handle bars. Besides- I had video games at home, I didn't need one on my stem.

Soon after that first summer of just riding and absorbing everything cycling- I wanted to race. From that first junior race (I didn't win. I know shocker, huh?) I was hooked! As I was gifted out dated cycling magazines and catalogs- I saw them. I saw the riders I wanted to be like. How they sat on the bike. How their faces grimaced under the impossible strains of the mountain passes. The mud caked to their faces as they rocked and rolled over inhuman roads during the spring classics. While I read and networked about racing, familiar words and phrases began to pop up or at least caught my attention. Steroids. Blood doping. Amphetamines. Belgie Pot. None of that mattered to me.

Fast forward to 2004 after being off the bike literally, since '95. I still hear about doping and the new rage of EPO and HGH. It still didn't matter. It didn't change my love for the sport then or now. The racers changed but the roads and stories stayed the same. Riders got "popped" for this or that- then came back. New organizations and testing protocols were introduced, but the same issues remained, and so did my love for the sport.

I believe that most of us are guilty of setting humans up on pedestals that they don't belong on. We somehow equate great feats of strength and endurance with high moral values and ethics. Then we are shocked and stunned that this "great" person did something bad. Shame on them? No. Shame on us for thinking that by winning a bike race(s) makes someone one who is flawed by nature, a super human.

When I hear of a favorite of mine getting popped I admit that I feel a bit sad. Sad because that person felt that they had no other choice than to chemically enhance themselves to compete. The whole system is flawed from the top down. From national federations to the teams themselves. Now, I know that there are current teams that pride themselves on running a clean program and I believe for the most that they are achieving that. I also believe that the peloton on a whole is "cleaner" than several years ago and will become more so as the stigma of being blacklisted becomes less and less.

I know- I have rambled through this. It has been a work in progress for a few days. I guess at the end of it all I just want to caution on passing judgement on any one person. Bike racing will not go away. It may change (for the better) but it will remain. Just as when I stopped racing and came back- the riders will change, but the roads will remain the same.

Train hard. Race hard. Believe in yourself.

Thanks for reading
JB

P.S.

Bike racers are human too

TNW 5/4/2010

2010-05-06T14:08:00.000-05:00

That was a fun race! Strong/Nasty wind outta the SW made for some "clencher" moments. My legs are finally responding to the load and I felt fresh the entire way. Ended up 7th or 8th (the 6th or 7th loser) and that's cool.

Gina P., has some pics and videos on her FB site that I'll try to pilfer and post.

No JMSR for me this year. First time in a while not doing the annual pilgrimage to Fayetteville, Arkansas for this well supported and well run race. Seems weird. After my 9ish year hiatus from racing seems like even as a junior we were in Fayetteville to race.

Heading down from SKC Racing will be: Andrew(2) racing as a guest rider for Mercy. Brant(M40+), and in the 4's- Kelly and Tim. Good luck to all the locals heading down!

Until I satisfy my narcossitic tendencies and post pics and video of me- here are the boys from Rapha riding down in Fayetteville.

Hey, thanks for reading...
JB

COLD CREEK, MD...FAYETTEVILLE, AK...LEIPERS FORK, TN from RAPHA on Vimeo.

TNW 4/27/10

2010-04-28T05:55:00.000-05:00

(thank you Stacie)

A very nice nite to get out and open the legs up. Good temps and a steady NNW wind along with a solid field kept the race moving at a decent clip for the 45. Looking at the avg's we spun at 26.6 and the B's; won by SKC wunder junior- Cam Rex, avg just over 24. Speaking of the B's the SKC team has been doing a great job working on team tactics, break aways, blocking, covering etc.. So, in my estimation the split of the A-B fields is working_as_designed.
Back to the A's- with SE coach Adam tossing out some primes and prizes (a nice add, BTW) kept the majority of the laps rev'd and for the most part stretched out; minus the occasional "bunching" into the backside headwind. Our Masters rider, Lyle was looking very strong and active throughout the race.
All in all my legs felt good but was missing a bit of snap for the final sprint. More load this week!

Thanks for reading,
JB

Kickin' it old school like - Nature Valley goes Merckx

2010-04-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

An interesting news tid-bit dropped a bit of a bombshell on the Domestic PRO scene yesterday. The RD of the Nature Valley stage race in Minnesota decided to disallow the use of time trial bikes in the TT stage of the race.

MILK-A-WHAT?

You can read the whole story here on cyclingnews.

So instead of this:

You will get this:

and this:

Good thing?
Bad thing?

We'll see how it plays out.

Thanks for reading-
JB

Tuesday Night done RIGHT

2010-04-23T08:13:00.000-05:00

From the folks across the way in the StL

Tuesday Night Crits 4/6/2010 (updated)

2010-04-06T13:37:00.002-05:00

Lot's of wind the past few weeks. Along with it came some much warmer temps; a welcome relief to the vise like grip winter had on us. Hopefully the weather gods smile on us and we get some racing in tonight.

Race report to follow---

Fighting for wheels

As we met to ride over, the storms appeared to be taking a dog leg route to the North and East of us. As we rolled closer they seemed to be boomeranging back in our direction.
Due to the new format with the A's only being cat 1-3 the field was thinner but still a good turnout despite what appeared to be a pretty nasty storm brewing.
As we start there were a few gusts of pretty cold air and got everyone looking at each other like- "it's coming".
The racing starts and we all slot in and discover that the wind is really circulating around the course. A strong right-left cross wind up the S/F hill and a weird headwind down the back stretch. With the thinned out group the cornering was smoother and stretched out single file. The scramble for wheels up the S/F stretch was pretty fast.
Early in I decided that the race may be shortened so I thought I would do what I could with the time we have. Walt and Luke went early and I saw a chance to swing wide in 4 and take advantage of the draft and make a move up the left side to bridge across. It worked, but stung the legs a bit. A few more good jumps and my legs were really feeling it.
Then the fatty raindrops started and it just kept getting darker and darker. A few cracks of lightening off in the west...argh.
I decided to pull the plug early and ride home. Racing in the rain is no big deal...it's what we do. But riding home in a downpour and near pitch black conditions is not always the most comfortable feeling.
It is what it is.
More race work to do this week.

Good luck to everyone heading over to Hillsboro-Roubaix and down to Bazaar this weekend!

Thanks for reading
JB

A hurry-up, catch-up

2010-03-24T07:37:00.000-05:00

I thought I would have a lot more to say in the past several weeks, alas life just has a way to keep on keepin' on. Either you are holding on while it's moving or being ran over. I choose to hold on. So, while I have been silent here I will just do a quick hit catch up as not to bore anyone(more):

more bad weather- forced trainer time (time constraints)
team planning
Breakthrough Tour planning
getting ready for team training camp (Fayetteville, Ark)
Camp weekend- 3 days of tough weather and tough rides 15 teammates made the trek down and had a blast
come back to more crappy weather with a few nice days mixed in.
SNOW?!
more basement velo
ONE awesome "spring" day with my boys (pics below)

Last night was the 2nd (my first) Tuesday Night Crit of the season. Pretty good turnout and a lot of pasty legs! I heard last week's was small yet extremely fast and unforgiving with many taking a mercy lap or 6 throughout. The weather last night was perfect. I rode over with a few of the 360 guys, Marshall, Choch and some real skinny guy-Walt? Oh yeah, and Joe. WAH-WAH

The first third of the race my legs were MIA. I was surprised by how many riders were taking free laps so soon. No matter, in training, you get out what you put in. As the minutes wore on, my legs started coming around to the efforts and I felt more relaxed and comfortable. The SE wind was putting the scramble on to get wheels prior to getting into the gutter on the S/F stretch. With as many people that we had it was a pretty clean race by all accounts. It's good to be back to "seasonal routine".

With no races scheduled until the end of April (Sheehan RR) it's just nose to the grindstone in training.

A couple quick announcements:

the management team of the Breakthrough Tour is mtg this week to fianlize the courses, etc.. I will post new info as it comes out. The website will also be updated with the info regarding the races. Thanks for your support last year. This year's will be a blast as well.
if you haven't already, go check out: http://kcbiking.com/ It was developed by Mark Ewers over in the StL as a branch off of http://stlbiking.com/ . We will have access to quicker announcements, updates and there is even a forum to talk all aspects of cycling in KC. A number of us have wanted this for a long time and have used the StL site, but now we have our own. Go register and dive in.

Thanks for reading,

Froze Toes- Columbia, Mo 2010

2010-03-04T08:16:00.000-06:00

I will save you a boring race report. For any of you who have raced this fast training ride, the cycle is the same:
Surge-Sit up-Surge-Sit up-Sprint too early at 1K to go-early season sprint legs implode-Pack together-sprint 200m to go-pack finish.

Bright-side- our up and coming junior, Cam raced his first 4 race(3/4's) and did very well and was comfortable in the pack. Look out for this youngin'.

I am really looking forward to returning to Fayetteville, Ar next weekend for our 3-day camp. Riding down there for 3 days toasts your legs but you feel so much stronger once you recover and hit the roads back up here.

Here are a few pics of the FT race by Dennis Fickinger

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend, and be safe. If the rain misses us, it looks like some great temperatures heading our way.

Be well,
JB

Riding in Little Rock and a visit to Competitive Cyclist

2010-02-24T13:56:00.001-06:00

With this winter being one of the worst on in recent memory we were going bat 5hi7 crazy with all the time on the trainer and not enough Vit D therapy saddle sessions. SKC Racing team camp is coming up in mid March down in Fayetteville, Ar we decided to head down and get in some good climbing and miles. Well, ol' man winter nixed that idea in short order with a blast of cold air and precipitation and in hindsight we're sure happy he did. I looked for alternatives such as Austin, Tulsa and Memphis. Then I remembered that Brendan Quirk is located in Little Rock. It was set, that is where we'll head. I emailed Brendan and let him know we were coming down and he was very quick, courteous and helpful in providing us some great riding routes. We left Thur after work- 6hrs later.

We headed over to Competitive Cyclist Friday morning after breakfast to see the mother ship and meet Brendan. Pulling up and seeing their facility it is always very exciting to see something in the flesh that you see in the digital realm all the time. I will leave all the cool photography to their own online slide show. It is such a beautiful facility that I wouldn't want to bring it down with lousy blackberry pics or handycam shots. Brendan came out and we exchanged the secret handshake (Shiner Bock 12pk) and we were off on the tour.

Starting back outside he explains the area and the relevance of the river. Looking at the outside of the building you quickly see all the little details that make all the difference- bike frames supporting the awnings, the CC logo stamped in steel plates, etc.. Back inside he shows us the fit studio, the kitchen with its new espresso machine, conference rooms etc.. The employee "parking lot" looks like a who's who of bike manufactures hung up from the daily commute or waiting for the afternoon lunch ride. Next was the in house photo studio the home of their new FT photographer. Then it was off to where the magic really happens- the mech shop! WOW! When we walked in it appeared that all the mechanics were on shift and at their respective benches building new frames and completes ready to ship out. That's all they do, new builds, gotta love that! Speaking of... you want what these boys have- their own heated wash room! Hot/Cold water, supplied air and a roll up door for when the weather is nice and need a view as you scrub away. Again, it is all about the details and if you have ever ordered from CC it shows. Let's go see that part! Out of the mech shop and and coming out of the daze of seeing the shop set-up it was off to receiving and the distribution center. As a former logistics and distribution guy this got my attention...they have it nailed! A beautiful rack system and a fairly straight forward pick and pack station. Brendan does a great job explaining some of the ins and outs, challenges and opportunities from his POV about the online bike business.

Flowing through the racks LOADED with components, frames, wheels etc. he shows us upstairs and we get another perspective of the massive distribution layout. Brendan then shares some exciting news about their future (you will have to visit him for details) and then shows us the upstairs "quiet work" locations. All around the interior of the "office space" the walls are adorned with beautifully appointed cycling nostalgia- photos, jerseys, posters etc..

Concluding the tour Brendan was most gracious as to offer up anything he or his staff could do for us during our stay or if we needed anything for our bikes! We are pretty self sufficient when we travel but his hospitality was genuine and sincere and very much appreciated. We did want to clarify our ride routes and also get the insider hookup off the local eats and treats and he hit it out of the park on all accounts.

The riding in and around Little Rock was absolutely beautiful. Long, wide open great roads with sustained climbing opportunities and stunning views. Friday we extended the loop he gave us and was able to get in 60. Saturday was an awesome loop that again we added a bit to to come with 80. Sunday we were a bit rushed in the morning to beat some t-storms but still were able to stretch out the legs with a quick, punchy ride. Monday, our last day we opted for a board flat out and back route that again reaffirmed our decision to head down here to ride. Great weekend!

I will be the first person to advocate supporting your LBS when searching for your bike, part, and or clothing purchases. For those who don't have a full PRO LBS or need something that can't be "got"...Brendan and his staff are awesome. They live and breathe top quality parts and above all the best customer service in the business. If you get a chance to ride in or visit Little Rock try to stop by and check out Competitive Cyclist.

Now for something completely different a new(ish) video from Rapha. Ask yourself this? When was the last time you dropped the word 'curate' into a conversation:

TRANSIT ELITE from Dave Christenson on Vimeo.

Hey, thanks for reading
JB

Yaaaawn! Stretch! Scratch!

2010-02-17T13:43:00.000-06:00

Wow, a whole lot of nothing going on.

Do you ever feel like you are on the hamster wheel? That is what this off season is feeling like. Literally "spinning my wheels" on the trainer. There has been some brief road rides outside but man, the majority has been all basement-velo. The upside to all the trainer time is you (as in me) stay more focussed at the task at hand. Traditionally winter was used for base miles and getting rid of those pounds that crept up on you while gaining aerobic fitness in the process. Long Slow Rides to burn the fat and remind the lunge you are an athlete.

With the increase of cyclocross participation the time between seasons is beginning to blur as you transition from summer crit fitness to CX practice and racing- then right back into road riding. You still do the base miles, but the fitness level by most in the groups are much higher than when I was a wee lad. With FB, twitter and blogs you can read about the training of your friends, foes and acquaintances from all over the world. Different climates begin to duel as the SoCal crew get to get in basically uninterrupted miles (with the occasional mud slide mixed in, just to make things interesting) and the Midwestern and East Coast folks are at the mercy of Global Climate Change or whatever the tree huggers are tagging it these days.

Road (trainer) rage I believe is at an all time high as well. The Vitamin D deficiency and endless hours in the basement rewinding Twin Peaks or 1996 Paris-Roubaix are creeping in a giving some a lot more time on their hands.

So this weekend, I am dusting off the cobwebs and heading south to some "milder" weather to get some road miles. Big thanks go to Brendan at Competitive Cyclist for setting us up with some great rides and scenery.
Following up this weekend of some sweet riding...next weekend begins the road racing season with GP Velo-Tek's Spring Flingy and the "Official" Winter World Championships- Froze Toes. I am looking forward to catching up with St Louis friends down in Columbia. Should be a good time.

Here are some sweet videos from around the way:

Levi Leipheimer Descending Pine Flat Road from Roger Bartels on Vimeo.

And finally, an end of an era:

Thanks for reading, see you soon-
JB

The last one and the last one...

2010-01-14T12:03:00.000-06:00

Hello faithful readers (okay, reader- thanks mom)

Having cruised through the Holiday season and no racing for this hombre, I have been busy getting the 2010 SKC Racing roster all squared away. Working on the the June "breakthrough tour". Working with JSteadman on the branding of our team and just general life happening all mixed in.

Speaking of J-freakin'-Steadman here is the third and final jersey design he has created for us. It is our 2010 off-road and CX jersey. I loved how it turned out and how it keeps within the same feel of the Road and Women's design. Seriously, you NEED to use JSteadman for your kit design. Step it up!

So that is the first of the "last" items from my title...the other "last one" is the blog itself. No, it's not going away, just changing the look of it.

I really do appreciate all the people that read this pathetic attempt to capture my life on the bike and for putting up with my HORRIFIC grammar and spelling.

So for now, keep on keepin' on those trainers. It will get warm and dry again soon, I promise.

Thanks for reading and see ya at the top
JB

SKC Racing Women's kit by JSteadman

2009-12-11T08:55:00.000-06:00

JSteadman is "en feugo"!

This design represents a paradigm shift that I believe has plagued most designs for women's kits and clothing. This kit represents more than just a "cool, hip" design. It represents an investment in women's racing. The easy and often well traveled road for womens cycling apparel has been an overused formula: design a male version, add pink and or powder puff colors dash in a bit of flower petals or butterflies and voila, here's your kit. SKC Racing believes that there is so much more with womens racing and is trying to educate the cycling community the possibilities that are out there if we take women's racing serious.

Jeph Blanchard again was able to take my ideas and translate them into a design that I believe speaks to what we as a team want to accomplish. Thank you Jeph!

Thank you for reading,
JB

Jingle Cross Video of, my man! (dudes)

2009-12-04T13:35:00.000-06:00

Straight from our own head knuckledragger and Off Road team director JP "the rocket" Brocket...

Check out the whole cast of characters-

KCCX/Verge Elite team memeber and on loan from SKC Racing- Alex Edwards (killin' it)
My Wife Inc- head honch Mike Heenan
SKCross - hole shot mad man Michael Gaherty

Midwest Wheelmaster | Lincoln Industries - Highgear -Troy Krause

Monkey Wrench- bunny hop Nate Woodman

BSR - not so jr, Luke Linger

Good to see all the "locals" dicing it, nicely. Thanks for the video JP!!!

Bike-o-Latte

Go Big in 2012

Mother's Brewing Company- Springfield, MO

*update* We beat the ban!

83rd Street bike ban fails in 3-2 vote at De Soto City Council

Locals- Please Help

Find the petition here: http://bikewalkkc.org/83rd

Stop the 83rd Street Bike Ban

Long roads and long rides

Oh jeeze!

Because lower is always better

This.

The Italian Job (Bicycling article about Campagnolo)

The Italian Job

VeloBeats Chill mix

2011 Specialized Tarmac SL3 Stock Ultegra Mavic Ksyrium SLs (56cm)

Needed some quiet noise

More road miles and more video awesomeness

I know it's Cyclocross season...

Saddle time and viewing time

A little of this a little of that

It can be like this...

Found: http://carolinacyclingnews.com/2011/09/01/lost-art-of-the-group-ride/

Lost art of the group ride

Nothing really...

Hoogie!

Tour of Kansas City 3days 3stages 2courses. whaaaat? (updated)

Tulsa Tough 2011 - in the books

Ready?

On the upswing

Peloton Pork

Drink it in

still recovering from this...

2011 Tour de Grove weekend

Must see TV

Today we are all on the same team

This 'n That

Rest week- that's a wrap!

Tour of St Louis - Delmarvelous Crit

My quads are burning...

Amazing video of Paris-Roubaix

Strap in- Tomorrow it gets real

Cycling tan lines

KC TNW crits

Tilles Park 2011

You want me on that "burg"! You need me on that "burg"

The "Lion of Flanders"?

Allow me to set the tone for Sunday's race...

The Thunder God

More promoting! TNW's! The Crit-2011 edition!

Do this! Flatwater Cycling Weekend May 21-22 Lincoln, NE

Quick update and some sweet Euro videonesses

Tasty racing this weekend!

Share the Road

It's been like this...

K-B-K final 6k's

Let the real road season begin!

Would you buy a bike from this man?

Are you down with OPP?

OMG- So Euro-tastic!

Thanksgiving

Coffee order

The medical drama continues...

It hit.

Oh, WOW!

Boss Cross #3 2010

Muddy Bastards

Flatwater Cyclocross Grand Prix -2010 Lincoln Nebraska

This weekend--

FWCT CYCLOCROSS GP

Tulsa - Ruts 'n' Guts (fri) New Cross on the Block(sat) KC - BLVD Cup(sun)

What's on tap for the weekend?

[video] Superprestige-Ruddervoorde

The way we were

LE 2 EME CRITERIUM

Boss Cross #1 - 2010 (updated with day 2)

Manion's CX -2010 Hardest_Course_Evah! (updated)

Theme of the day- shattered

Hermann CX Under the Lights- 2010 or The Little River That Could...

Flogging the CX

update We beat the ban!