Evil RTD Bus

There are some days that I really just do not want to ride my bike home from work.  Today was such a day.  I rode my Jamis Supernova into work (and experienced a slew of smells including a dead skunk, burning rubber, cinnamon rolls, a slaughter house, and sweat) and ran a few miles at lunch.  The afternoon consisted largely of a coworker trying to dump his grunt work on me.  When the day finally concluded, I really did not want to ride home so I road my bike over to the RTD bus stop.  And then it happened – I saw that the bus had already passed and was a few minutes down the road.  Now I wanted to blame myself, but both my watch and cell phone confirmed that the bus was two minutes early.  That was all I needed; I said I was going to beat the bus home on my bike while still wearing my dress clothes (though I did have on bike shoes).  I put the hammer down and at the first light I had almost caught the bus – the light was really long and the bus had to make a few stops.  Unfortunately the bus made the light and I did not.  Waiting at the light, the desire to win just grew; there was no way I was going to let that bus defeat me.  I took off the second the light changed and never looked back.  When I turned on to my street, I looked at the coming bus and threw out some obscenities regarding meeting a schedule and how pathetic it was getting beat by my cyclocross bike.  Score another win for Dan.  Now I just need to deal with the pit stains on my undershirt…

Pit Stains After Bike Commute Home

When I got home and stripped down I was pleased to see that my skin was still in one piece, particularly since I could see the crash marks directly on an old scar (from the first time I use clipless pedals on a mountain bike and subsequently spent three hours getting gravel picked out of my arm at the hospital; you know it happened you too).

Icing My Elbow with Dale's Pale Ale

Anyways, after years of athletic injuries I know the proper recovery method involves putting something very cold on the wound; I improvised with a can of Dale’s Pale Ale.

A Better Use of Dale's Pale Ale

After about 8.7 seconds, I got bored and decided on a better use of my cold object.  Sucks to be my elbow.

The Remnants of My Cooling Device

Now I just need to find someone else to blame for my crash on an empty, icy road while going 25 km/hour; suggestions?

A) Introduce new people to mountain biking without killing them

B) Recover my confidence on a bike post crash(es)

C) Go fly fishing in a ditch when the water is exceedingly high

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A.

Chris's first mountain biking adventure

I have friends come to town from time to time and want to experience biking in Colorado.  Sometime to see me.  Or in this case one of my friends flew to visit her mother in Denver.  Obviously Katie and I rank far behind her mother, so we settled for an afternoon mountain bike ride and beer.  Now I like Chris.  She is fun, amusing, and only slightly annoying.  However she is not a bicyclist (she showed up wearing sandals, thankfully I had extra shoes) , opening the question where should I take her for the first attempt.  Marshall Mesa is obviously the answer, the trails are relatively flat, have minimal rocks/technical sections, and can be as short or long as you want.  We took Chris on the Marshall Valley, Cowdrey Draw, Community Ditch, and Coal Seam trails; that seams like a lot but in all it is only a few miles with virtually non-existent hills.  Why do I keep mentioning hills?  Well, out of towners generally are not used to the elevation and can really suffer.  Which while occasionally fun to watch, does not lead them to continue biking.  Usually.  My Trek Fuel EX 8 is definite overkill for the trail, alas.  However the Boulder Trek Store has great bikes for rent that are appropriate.

View from Coalton Trail

B.

I have been crashing on my Jamis Supernova cyclocross bike during races.  A lot.  Sometimes I just need a confidence booster.  Katie and I went out a few weeks back on one such ride.  As I mentioned above, Marshall Mesa can be extended to just about any distance you want.  We created a long loop (made longer by the 20 mile per hour in your face winds on the return half), starting on the Greenbelt Plateau, continuing on the Community Ditch and Cowdrey Draw trails.   After running into 66th, we took a right to a short trail before jumping on McCaslin Blvd.  Another right and a hill took us to the Coalton and High Plains trails, thus returning to the start.  Confused?  Check out this map.  The Coalton trail has a decent hill on it and when the wind is coming straight off the mountains, it hurts.  I didn’t fall, so overall it was a success.

Dan's Community Ditch Rainbow

C.

This has nothing to do with mountain bike.  Too bad.  Marshall Lake is private and maintained by a fishing club.  They stock a lot of trout.  And when the water gets high, the rainbows run up the Community Ditch to spawn.  I wrote about fly fishing in a ditch; it is an interesting experience.  Even more interesting when a club member comes and yells at you, even though you are on public property.  Alas, it was not my fault that the water runs high in the spring.

First Ride on Marshall Mesa

Marshall Mesa

I have been fairly lazy, at least with my lunchtime workouts and bike commuting.  I probably averaged less than one ride to work a week.  I ran at lunch once.  I have been only mildly active on the weekends.  I put on 5 lbs in the month.  Bad news.  Seriously bad news.  I will have to do something to get in shape for speed skating season.

So what all did I do?  I went fly fishing with the snow falling and the wind biting at my face.  It was like steelhead fishing back in Wisconsin and Michigan, except I only caught one 8 inch rainbow instead of a 15 lbs silver bullet steelhead.

I only took my Trek Fuel EX 8 mountain bike out once.  Katie and I went out to Marshall Mesa for an easy ride.  Except we were battling 20 mile winds.  Which was awesome…  I will write more about that tomorrow.

I rode in three cyclocross races.  Technically only one of them was in October, but that is acceptable as I collectively performed miserably at all of them.  The first, at the Louisville Rec center as part of the Boulder Cyclocross series, I was actually doing fairly well (probably somewhere in the top 15-20) before I crashed on the downhill immediately following the sandpit.  I went down hard on the turn and bent my derailleur hanger, of course I didn’t notice until my chain sucked behind my cassette and refused to be freed.  Alas.  The next race was the Valmont Bike Park Fest race where I continued my trend of falling.  Not only did I fall, but I fell three times.  And by falling I do not mean poor mounts, though I had plenty of those as well.  I went down twice in the loose dirt after the run-up and then once again when some guy bumped me into the tape.   I think I somehow managed to be the last person not to be lapped.  Finally I competed in the Boulder Cup.  I did not manage to avoid getting lapped; apparently I have a lot to learn about cyclocross, like that it helps to train…  At least my Jamis Supernova is performing well.

In pre-winter news, we had three different ski houses fall through.  If you know of anyone who needs two more (and a bulldog), let us know!

Oh, and it snowed 23 inches in two days; forty-eight later it was all but melted.  We’ll see what November brings.

Start of Green Mountain Sports Cross Cat 4 Race

This morning I woke up wondering why I did it.  My body is experiencing a level of soreness not remembered since college hockey games.  My back, shoulders, and legs are all blissfully sore and I have discovered an unsurprisingly large bruise on the inside of my right thigh.  How did this all come about?  Yesterday I competed in my first cycling race ever.  I have been riding my road bike for near a decade and my mountain bike for almost as long; obviously taking my Jamis Supernova that I have owned for all of a week to a cyclocross race sounded like a good idea.

Sherbert, the UrbanBulldog

I rushed out the door with Katie, late from a mountain bike ride in Nederland, and Sherbert.  Somehow we even remembered to bring Sherbert’s wagon.  The bulldog in a wagon is always a hit wherever she goes; the Green Mountain Sports Cross race was no exception.  Katie and Sherbert cheered me on to the finish.

The people were very friendly as I chatted before the start with a few racers in my group (Cat 4) and two cat three guys who wanted to take a lap to see the course.  Everyone was very encouraging, though one guy seemed to question why I would want to suffer for 45 minutes.  Reasonable question I suppose.  A few also said this was rather a difficult course to do my first race at – of course I have nothing to compare it to so I cannot say yet. Shortly before the start, an official pointed out that I was an idiot and put my number on the wrong side of my jersey; thankfully one of the cat 3 guys made the quick starting line adjustment.  This was a bit easier as I was in the back of the group.  Not near the back.  Quite literally I was the last person over the starting line.  I was told I probably would not finish last as this would give me ample opportunity to catch and pass people.  While a good suggestion I never really found a pack to cruise with – I just jumped from person to person without any sort of technique.  The gaps just got larger as the race went on.  Next weekend at the Boulder CX Series #1 I am definitely going have a better start.

Cross Barriers

The course was interesting, particularly as there was none of the mud I have expected via pictures of cross races on the internet and the 9 Ball Diaries.  In fact it was so dry that there was a dusty section that limited visibility to about almost nothing on the first two laps.  Continuing the dry theme, some of the corners were quite loose which turned into fun for me when hitting them at speed.  I only had to dab once and then I remembered how much less traction the Jamis bike offered compared to my Trek Fuel EX 8.  Somehow I managed to not crash the entire race but I certainly saw a number of falls in the corners.  There was also one short, loose, and steep decent over uneven terrain that forced me to catch my balance a few time.  Somewhere after was a steep up and down that I hit with too much speed on the second lap and caught a second of frighteningly unintentional air.

There were a number of straight-aways and run-ups; in the back of the pack these were great for helping me catch people.  Running over the barriers was a new experience and it is easy to see how one could misjudge the height and take a huge header.  I am certain that my form was questionable, though I did not seem to hit any.  The barriers also made me very happy that my Supernova only weighs about 18.5lbs with pedals – carrying your bike are a new concept to me.  Speaking of pedals, I was impressed at the ease of a speedy entry into my Time Atac Atium pedals; it is something you really don’t notice when mountain biking.  Unfortunately for me, after the barriers you had to remount your bike on the fly.  On my first attempt I landed too far back on the saddle and then had to suffer for the rest of the race with my saddle pointed up.  Of course that was not the worst of my mounts, I just prefer not to speak, or even remember, the others.

Don't Get Hauled into Juvey

Seeing as I started dead last I spent the first three (it might have been four, I was not really counting) laps jumping past small groups and individuals as gaps got larger.  Eventually I passed three guys in rapid succession and found myself with a gap so large I could not see anyone to catch.  I pushed hard for half a lap and then started to tank after doing a number of poor mounts.  The three guys I had passed apparently all had just stayed on my wheel and took the opportunity to pass and open up on me.  Going into the final lap I was by myself, no one within 150 meters of me in either direction.  I always was on the edge of delirium and really felt no motivation to push as it would be unlikely to catch or be caught.  Of course then with about half a mile to go I saw the third guy from the group in front of me come off the back and suddenly I had something to chase.  I was on his wheel going into the last 20 meters but just ran out of room.  He gave me a dirty look after we finished.  Alas.  There were 59 starters and I finished 42^nd overall; while a few people dropped out I am still assuming I beat them.  I need all the help I can get…

Dan in No Mans Land

After the finish I took my bike to the pit, promptly dropped it, and managed to meander over to the beverage tent – there were a bunch of beer from Oscar Blues but I could not even fathom the thought.  Instead I had (read slammed) some weird FRS energy drink and was jittery the entire care ride home.  At the end of the day my bike was filthy, I was filthy, and I could barely stand – it was glorious.

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Additional posts about Green Mountain Sports Cross

303Cycling

Six Degrees to Slush Photos

H-O-W-D-Y

CLIF BAR Development Cyclo-Cross Team

Official American Cycling Association Results

2007 Jamis Supernova Cyclocross Bike

After a few months of annoying Katie with my continuing banter on cyclocross bikes, I pulled the trigger and bought a 52 cm Jamis Supernova.  Interestingly the bike is a “used” 2007 model.

Avid Shorty 4 Brakes

In Boulder there are tons of people connected in the bike industry who get free bikes every year; if the bike does not fit properly it may sit in the garage unused as was the case with this baby.  The woman who owned it had taken it out for two rides and then decided she did not like the bike.  Two years later she wanted a mere $1000 cash and I wanted a bike – excellent deal for both of us.  Katie is now far less annoyed as I no long talk nonstop about buying a CX bike.

The bike itself is pretty sweet; The only thing I had to do was add some pedals and put on some new electrical tape around the bar tape (apparently the previous owner left it in the car on a hot day – bad for adhesives).  On Monday I took the bike out to the Boulder Reservoir with one of my coworkers, John Twa.  John can blow me away on a bike; thankfully he took it easy on me as it was my first real ride witht he Supernova.  We cruised around the gravel trails as I attempted to make friends with my new bike.  I think I did a decent job.

FSA Compact Crankset

The ride is surprisingly supple as the carbon fork and seatstays ate a lot of the vibration.  The kinesium (basically aluminum with a bit of titanium thrown in for kicks) is extremely stiff – you can really feel the bike jump when you punch down with the FSA Gossamer Cross 46/36 compact crank.  The frame does not have any mounts for racks, so if you are looking for a commuter this bike is not for you.  It does have a flat section on the top tube to help with shoulder carries, but the section seems a bit far back.  I have not actually had to run with the bike on my shoulder so perhaps I am wrong.

Components wise the Supernova is loaded with Shimano Ultegra shifters and rear derailleur with a 105 in front.  My Lemond Buenos Aires runs Shimano 105 and I have been extremely happy but the crisp shifting of the Ultegra 10 speed was phenomenal.  Additionally the shifting is much more natural than the SRAM Rival DoubleTap as was on the Trek XO 2, Redline Conquest Pro, and GT GTR Type CX models I previously tried.  The Vittoria Cross XG tires handled well on the dirt (they are not fun to turn at speed with on the road) but I suspect if things get muddy I am going to need new tires.

Saddle

The Ritchey Logic Pro handlebars are significantly narrower than what I am used to riding – I suspect this will not be a problem but if it is then it is an easy fix.  The handling was not quite as fast as the Trek XO 2.  The Selle San Marco Ponza saddle is awfully hard -  I would have no problem with it on my road bike but is not very forgiving with the cyclocross mount.  All together I am extremely pleased with my purchase.

Stats:

Total weight without pedals is a mere 17.7 lbs according to my questioningly reliable cheap digital bathroom scare.  With the Time Atac pedals stolen from my Trek Fuel EX 8, I was just over 18.5 lbs.

Frame: Kinesium triple-butted-aluminum main frame w/carbon seatstays
Fork: Easton EC90X carbon
Hubs/Rims/Wheels:  Easton Vista
Tires: Vittoria Cross XG, 700 x 32c
Crankset: FSA Gossamer Cross Compact Chainwheel 46/36
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Rear Cassette: Shimano 105, 10-speed: 12-27
Shifters/Brake Levers: Shimano Ultegra STI
Handlebars: Ritchey Logic Pro Road
Tape/Grips: Jamis Gel
Stem: Ritchey Pro Road
Brakes: Avid Shorty 4, cantilever
Saddle: Selle San Marco Ponza
Seat Post: Ritchey Pro Road

2007 Jamis Supernova Cyclocross Bike

Masi Speciale CX

As I am still pining for a cyclocross bike I rode to University Bikes after work  and took a Masi Speciale CX out for a test ride.  I had not really considered Masi, or for that matter even heard of them, but the bike caught my eye.  This bike is a beauty – root beer colored frame, cork grips, and a leather saddle.  The sales guy quickly saw a bit of drool starting to form and easily convinced me to take it out for a ride.

I loved the fit – I did not feel too stretched as I had with the GT Type CX during my previous cyclocross adventure.  Unfortunately I did not love the grips; the cork had no padding and was painfully narrow on the bars.  While this is a fairly simple upgrade I am still disappointed that something so obvious and simple to fix was missed.  Another major difference from the previous cross bikes I tested was the TruVativ Touro 2.1 Compact 50/34 crankset.  I greatly preferred the smaller gearing of the SRAM Rival OCT CX 46/38, and subsequently easier shifting between rings, but that is just a personal preference.  Unsurprisingly the Shimano Tiagra shifters were not as smooth as the SRAM Rival but I did not have to deal with the minor mental change to the Doubletap shifting.

Finally, the frame.  I forgot how much I love steel.  My Lemond Buenos Aires road bike has a steel frame and, as evident from my recent rental of an aluminum frame, provides a blissfully compliant ride.  The Speciale CX’s chromoly steel frame was equally awesome, offering me a very smooth and comfortable ride.   The only other frame that came close was the Trek XO 2 and I suspect that was primarily due to the Bontrager Satellite Plus carbon fork.  Unfortunately with steel comes weight and the Masi was no exception weighing in at slightly north of 24 pounds.  Overall I really enjoyed the bike and, if I do not by the Speciale CX itself, will likely be picking up a CX bike with a steel frame.  If only there was a Gary Fisher Presidio within 100 miles I could try…

Trek XO 2

This afternoon around 2 I set out to purchase a Char-Broil Patio Caddie grill at the Boulder Ace Hardware; I arrived to discover that the hardware store had closed.  Thankfully the Boulder Trek Store was in the same complex so it was obviously had to not go in.  I was really hoping to test a Gary Fisher Presidio but the store did not have one.  They did have a sexy red 2009 Trek XO 2 – I was easily talked into taking the bike out for a test ride.  In fact, the shop guys told me just to bring it back before they closed at 6pm.  Not dressed nor in shape for a four hour I did manage to take the bike for almost an hour.  I cruised around the grassy field on CU‘s campus and then some dirt trails over by US 36.  In the only open field on campus (it is the first weekend – all the students are back and acting frisky  outside in the sun) I tried some accelerations and fast turns – the XO 2 handled great.  The carbon fork and aluminum frame did an excellent job of absorbing the terrain, though I still want to try out Mr. Fisher’s steel frame.  Unfortunately I was spotted by a campus cop and told to slow down before I hit someone.  After looking around and not seeing anyone within 50 yards of me I told the officer I would keep it under control.  I abandoned CU and headed out to some dirt trails by US-36.  I was impressed with the handling in an open area but the tight trails really cemented it for me; I could easily make quick turns without the front end feeling too twitchy.  The bike handled drops off the curb with ease and effortlessly bunny hopped small downed branches.  The braking proved superb when I had a pair of stoned college students step out of the brush in front of me.  I took the bike back to the shop where I was greeted with “Whoa, you got mud on it!”; I can only assume I hit some recently water grass on CU’s campus as it has not rained in Boulder for quite a while.  I appologized profusely and offered to wipe the bike down – the shop guy said it was awesome that I actually took the bike off the pavement and not to worry about it.  And then he told me I had mud on my face.  My only real complaint with the bike was the white bar tape – I obviously wasn’t the first person to test ride the bike as you could already see the tape getting soiled.  Obviously not the biggest complaint in the world.

Redline Conquest Pro

With any memory of the grill now erased from my mind I took off for University Bikes in hopes that they would have the Fisher Presidio; again my hopes were dashed.  And again I was talked into trying another bike, this time a 2009 Redline Conquest Pro.  I  lacked the dirt trails but was able to take the bike on some grass at Eben G Fine park; the bike was smooth and the handling in the drops was great.  Tight turns took a bit more effort than the XO 2, but I did not really get to compare at speed.  I was a huge fan of the handlebars – the shallow drops were extremely comfortable (or comforting seeing as I have never really been in the drops riding off road).  The bike was a bit heavier (according to my highly calibrated arm scale) and the paint job markedly less sexy than the XO 2; unsurprising given the price differential.

GT Type CX

On my way home I stopped at Performance and took a quick spin on a 2009 GT Type CX.  Like the other two, the Type CX sported a SRAM Rival shifters and derailleurs.  The smallest size the store had was a medium – definitely a bit too tall for me.  I don’t know if the stem and handlebars change sizes on the small but the stock gear on the medium were too long and wide respectively, for me at least.  I felt ridiculously stretched out, though I suspect I would have felt rather upright on a small.  I took the bike out for a ride anyways, this time with the Boulder Creek Path as my destination.  The bike was not quite as responsive as either the XO 2 or the Conquest Pro in terms of acceleration or handling.  It did perform well on the dirt trails on the CU side of the creek, even garnering some cheers as I bunny hopped a branch near more student stoners.  The bike was easily the heaviest of the three – whither that is sue solely to frame size I cannot say.  The chrome frame was very pretty thought…

I never did buy the grill or find the Presidio; I went home after picking up some toothpaste for the bulldog.