Dance Like No One Is Watching

Or write this shit like no one is reading.  Same same.

I'm back to blogging sorta regularly, but I won't be here every day.  Maybe when my activity ramps up and I'm much busier bike-wise, I'll have more to talk about and can justify being here more often.

Speaking of which, maybe it's time to plan for the "season."

Last year, I had a plan.  Coming off of winning the 2015 Southern Classic Series, I wanted to give it one more go.  I'd try to win the series again (in the fat boy class of course), and retire from short cross country races.  I actually had fun doing them finally, but the constant travel was wearing me out.  I started the season with one race, then a couple of health problems made me pull the plug on my plan.  I didn't race again until November (which was a 3rd Place in the Tree Shaker), but I figured that once 2017 rolled around I would re-visit my plan.  Aside from the Southern Classic, there were a few races that I always do, such as this one...

The 6 Hour of Warrior Creek.  It was always a fun time, but I'm out this year.  It did indeed sell out (like always), but not at the record-setting pace as it had in the past.  I know some people were disappoint that they didn't get in, but I wasn't one of them.  I had plenty of chances to register but I decided against it.  While it is a great race on some fun trails, I think it's run its course for me.  The love just isn't there, but I hope the rest of you that signed up have a great time.

Send me a postcard or some shit.

One race that is absolutely on my calendar is the Great Winter Escape Race, better known as...

Yeah, it's Florida.  Yeah, it's "flat."  It's also back in my home state, which is usually quite warm in February compared to here in North Carolina.  It's a race and a party all rolled into one, which is in line with the kind of fun I'm trying to have this year.  Plus, in addition to my Florida friends that will be there, a whole bunch of NC people usually come down there too.  So yeah, I'm definitely in for this one.

As far as the Southern Classic Series, I'm sorta "meh."  I've made a lot of friends during that series (some of them are "dirt roadies" and that's perfectly okay), but traveling to some of the same ol' places far, far away to race for an hour or two might not be the thing for me this season.  So like I said last year, maybe my "retirement" has started a little sooner than I wanted.

Who gives a shit.

I'll do some other events (or races, whatever.)  Maybe some more stuff in The Pisgah.  My main goal this year though is instead of traveling all over the Southeast to "race", I'll spend that time traveling to trails to ride for fun.  You know, getting into adventures like Caine from Kung-Fu.

Or Jules from Pulp Fiction...

I should have shotguns for this shit.

Ready Or Not

Well, I’m back.  After lots of planning, our long vacation was over before I knew it.  I hate when that happens.  I guess that’s why you should stop to enjoy what you’re actually doing every once in a while.  It started with a race, some driving, some sightseeing, moar driving, some riding…

Well, you get it.

Since I mentioned a race (and I have lots to talk about), I’ll start there.

The 2016 Southern Classic Series kicked off down near Sumter, SC the Sunday before last, and conveniently it was on our way to Florida.  I worried the day before about which bike to bring (geared or single speed.)  I would pull one bike down, look at it, put it up, get another one down, and repeat.  Having never ridden anything down there, I couldn’t make up my mind.  I eventually said, “Who gives a shit” and decided to race Darth Maul, my rigid single speed.  I heard that it was sorta flat down there with a few climbs.  I needed to suffer to start the season right, so I knew I made the right decision. 

Because we were leaving for an extended vacation, we had to get up extra early to load everything up in my truck.  It was along drive so early in the morning, but I made it with plenty of time to pick up my race number and get warmed up.

When everyone started lining up, I got the familiar pre race jitters.  I tried to calm myself down, saying that I was just there to ride (sorta fast) and see what happens.  I was the only one in my class with just one gear, so I told myself that I wouldn’t take off fast to get up front.

I’m so full of shit.

When the race started, everyone took off (it was a big class too.)  I had trouble clipping in my left foot, but I got in as the group started picking up speed.  I started spinning fast, and before I knew it I was in second place right on the leader’s wheel.  I felt pretty good, so I kept that pace.  We starting putting a big gap on the rest of the group.  “Holy shit.  Maybe I’m in better shape than I thought” I said to myself.

The trail was wide open for the most part, but pretty flat.  All that fast spinning was getting to me though, and about a third of the way into the first lap I started slowing down.  One guy caught up and passed me.  Then another.  Eventually I was down to sixth place.  I took it easy, and with no one in sight behind me I decided to try to recover to see if I could catch back up. 

The course was two twelve mile laps.  At full speed (and spinning) it was tiring.  There were a few climbs here and there, and they gave me momentum.  One climb in particular was really steep, but I powered through it pretty well.  It was towards the end of lap one, so I started getting myself ready for the big comeback.  I passed through the start/finish line, neglected to grab a full bottle of Nuun from Little Miss Sunshine, and sped through the beginning of the second lap to catch the lead group.  Soon after entering the woods, I started catching up to and passing people.  A few were in my class.  After counting those that had started in my group, I realized that I had worked my way back into third place.  “Hmm, podium chance” I thought. 

But all that damn spinning was wearing me out again.  Instead of putting a gap on everyone behind me on the climbs this time, my legs were too tired to mash properly.  I pushed harder, but that only made it worse.  When it flattened out, one guy passed me again.  This time, for good.

Fourth place.  Not bad I guess.  Except that I still had a long way to go and I was out of water.  I was able to keep a decent pace on the flat stuff again but I was slowing down on the climbs.  No one was behind me though, and I saw third and second place up ahead when the trail got all twisty.

And then that big ass hill showed up again.

There was a crowd at the bottom doing a little heckling, and although they were doing a fine job (and helped tremendously on the first lap) I was struggling.  I got about three quarters of the way up and my legs locked up.  I was in excruciating pain and I couldn’t move.  Not sitting, no walking the rest of the way, no nothing.  I watched as two more guys passed by.  There was nothing I could do.

As the pain slowly started to subside, I shuffled my feet (still couldn’t bend my legs) to get moving towards the top.  I managed to grab my leg to get off of the bike, and slowly started stretching.  Once I got loose enough to bend my knees, I hopped back on my bike before my body knew what I was doing.  The last part was relatively flat, so I spun like crazy to get that shit over with.  I crossed a small bridge, and got behind a guy that had just passed me.

“Go ahead”, he said.   

I obliged, even though he could’ve easily outpedaled me to the finish with his many gears.  I crossed the line in 5^th place I think, but more importantly, I wasn’t last, didn’t die, etc.

And I looked pretty damn good.

 No team kit because no team wants me, so I’m still my own team. Who gives a shit.

Our friends from the Lowcountry showed up to ride after the race, so we shot the shit with them for a while so I could “recover.”  I damn sure wasn’t ready for the season to start, but I was ready for a vacation. 

A few hours (and miles) later, the little lady and I ended up in Saint Augustine, having some good food and beer at a local watering hole. 

If you’re ever down there, check out the Sunset Grille.  It’s so awesome.

We spent the rest of the evening relaxing and planning our next move.  It was gonna be a long week and we were ready.

Are you?  Good, because I haz lots more tomorrow.

Fun Friday

I know, I just skipped right to Friday again.  I wish the week really worked like that.  Anyway, it looks like I’m down to just three days a week of blogging now.  Who gives a shit.

I have two days off from work, so I’m gonna chill.

Maybe.  Tomorrow I don’t really have any plans set in stone.  I really need a break from everything, and a day to do nothing.  I just want to have fun somehow and maybe even get in a little laugh or two.

Other than looking at photos on The Internets, you know.

Sunday is race day.  It’s been a while since I’ve raced since I took the last one off.  I guess I’m ready, although honestly I feel like I’m a bit over trained.  My legs still hurt, and work has been pretty rough.  Maybe I can call in for some help.

Yeah.  Maybe I can do it.  If I’m lucky, I’ll be back here Monday with a race report from Dark Mountain.  I’m still somehow in first place for the series, but that’s probably because I’m the “featured racer."

Trust me.  I’m not that rad in real life.

See y’all next week.

Fun Friday

I have some good news…

Not, there’s never good new on the News.  My news is, you made it to Friday.  And more importantly, made it through almost a whole week of my crap and nonsense.  I don’t have to write it, and you don’t have to read it.  But we do for some reason.

I know how you feel. 

Well, go do something fun this weekend.  If you’re local (or out in the desert), make sure you stay hydrated.  It’s awful damn hot. 

I have a race on Sunday.  I hope I don’t spontaneously combust.  I’ll do my best to keep cool.

I’ll most likely see y’all Monday with a race report of some sort.

Making Plans

This weekend, the first “race” of the season starts. 

The 2015 Winter Short Track Series kicks off on Sunday and I plan to be there.  However, I don’t plan to race just yet.  Sure, I’ve been “training”, but not for this.  In fact, if you’re the type that trains for a race series like that, then maybe you should set you goals a little higher.  It is a great course and a great event though, and I’m so glad we have something like this around here. 

But I plan to do what we did last year, and maybe if I’m feeling a little froggy I might jump in and race one or two.  As you can tell, I’m just not that into racing it yet, even though it could be fun.  I might get out there this weekend and feel the need to mix it up, in which case I’ll show up the following week ready to “race.”  For now, we’ll just get the party in the woods going again.  Lunchbox has a whole new array of costumes, and I have some friends to heckle.  The folks out there really need someone to yell at them while they ride (I sure do) and I’m happy to provide the service.

We’ll play nice, even though some people act like they are out there going for the national championship.

Come on and hang out with us, or race if that’s your thing.  It will be fun either way.

I am considering racing soon.  Real soon.  I’m not counting my trip to Arizona in a few weeks as a race though.  I’m looking at something a little more “serious.”

The 12 Hours of Santos is coming up next month, and although I was burned out on the whole racing thing last year when I went down there, I’m thinking about giving it another shot.  I’ll be a lot more focused this time around, and I actually enjoy riding bikes again.  I had fun during the event last year for the most part, but my inner demons took over and I lost the love.  Hopefully I can get down there and get my groove back.

It’s about a week and a half after the little lady and I get back from AZ, and if I get my time off approved from work I’m in I guess.  It seems like a good way to test the waters so to speak, and maybe I can start this season off right by suffering in the woods for twelve hours. 

I like suffering.  I just didn’t feel like doing it much last year.

Fun?  I will haz it.  Just as long as I keep my head straight going forward.

Fun Friday

It rained all day yesterday.  That means I missed my one day during the week to mow the yard.  That also means that I’ll be doing that this weekend.  Since I’ll probably have some other yard work to do, a trip to the local home improvement store is in order.

I won’t spend the whole weekend working in the yard, and I especially won’t be back here on Monday talking about it (unless of course there’s something interesting to tell.)  As for the rest of the weekend, I’m sure I’ll play a little guitar.

It’s good for my soul.

And of course, I’m “racing” on Sunday.  What does that mean?  It means that I’ll go out on a trail somewhere with a number on my bike and give it all I have.

I win.

Where am I racing?  Come back here Monday and you’ll find out.  I’m sure it will be a shitty story no matter what I do.

Happy Friday.

Audience Participation

Looks like either y'all a) hate me, or b)like to read a good story on here once in a while.

Blog comments, FaceComments, e-mails, and even text messages yesterday overwhelmingly said that I should pack up and head south to "race" for twelve hours.

I'm not ready.  At all.  First, I've been driving way too much for work lately, and it's been wearing me the hell out.  Driving all day Friday down to Ocala, Florida won't be easy but I should be okay.  With a camper top on my truck already, all I have to do is pull up to the registration area, grab my race packet, drink some beer, pass out, and wake up the next morning to ride for twelve hours.  I looked at the lap times from last year, and with laps at a little over the thirty minute range, I have a feeling that I'll be pretty damn dizzy.  I have no aspirations to win or anything, but I'd like to do my best.  Can I survive for that long so early in the season?  I have no idea.  I'll just keep going around in circles until I can't go anymore, they tell me the race is over, or the temptation of sitting on my ass drinking beer is too great.

Looks like I might win after all.

Now I guess I have to decide which bike to bring.  Although Darth Maul (my rigid, super weight weenie SS) is my "race" bike, I'm considering bringing the Executor so can have a little fun.  I tried asking them which one wanted to go, but I got no response.

The Executor would be fun, but lugging around an almost 29 pound bike for that long might kill me (or make me skip to the beer sooner.)  I'll probably end up "racing" my "race" bike, since I haven't really given it much love lately anyway.  Maybe I'll bring both and switch it up every lap.

One of these days I'll be able to make decisions all by myself like a big boy.

Where's the fun in that?

Planning The "Season"

It's the beginning of February, which means that my "race season" is fast approaching.  Instead of just floating along aimlessly, I've decided that a little planning is in order to maximize my fun.  I don't foresee any regular cross country races that I'd consider doing, so it looks like from here on out it's endurance racing (not Enduro™, although I'm looking into that stuff too.)

First on the list of course is the 6 Hours of Warrior Creek.  I'm already registered, so it's a given that I'll be there.  No planning necessary.  Just show up, race, drink beer, have a good time.  Probably not in that order.

Next, is a race that I did last year for the first time:

The Jerdon Mountain Challenge was really fun, and it would mark the first time that I'd ever raced in Pisgah.  It's not "Pisgah Proper", I know (be quiet, D-Wayne.)  Anyway, it's definitely on the calendar for this year, and as a matter of fact I've already signed up (registration opened yesterday.)

Even though I;m already in for it, something on the website made me all giddy like a schoolgirl:

New for 2014 – Timed Enduro Section!!! We'll be timing your descent on Heartbreak Ridge! This will allow for a safety accountability of riders mid course and showcase the true descenders in the endurance world.  The timer at the start at the top of Jarrett Creek Road will have a hand held chip reading device and the bottom timer about 1/4 mile before the parking area will have a small structure in place with a chip reading device attached to a laptop computer.  Riders will not need to slow as they enter or exit either timing area but can continue to ride normally along the route.  The “enduro” section will be included with registration fees and applicable for all participants in the event. We'll be handing out Enduro awards too!

Enduro™.  Rad. Looks like I'll be riding the Executor instead of my "race" bike.

With a long season ahead, I have plenty of time to plan the rest of it.  However, there's one race coming up next weekend that I'm still on the fence about.

Yep, I still can't bring myself to commit to the 12 Hours of Santos.  I think I want to, but for some reason I'm having a hard time deciding.  I already have next Friday off from work to drive down there, and with that fancy camper top on my truck, lodging is already taken care of.  I know the trails pretty well (I grew up down there, remember?), and entering a twelve hour race this early in the season could be just what I need to jump start my "training."

There are drawbacks though.

Like, I'm nowhere near ready to stay in the saddle for twelve hours, even if it is in flat Florida.  I've barely been riding this year, and mentally I'm probably not prepared for it.  Plus, it's almost an eight hour drive down there (and the same back, duh), so I'm looking at spending a whole weekend driving, suffering, and camping in my own filth in the back of my truck.

Wait, that kinda sounds fun.

Anyway, this is the part where y'all make up my mind for me.  Do I sign up?  Do I stay here and ride something local-ish?  Do I sit on my couch all weekend and drink beer because the weather suddenly turned shitty?

Should I stay or should I go?

I'm ready to sign up, I'm just waiting for someone to push me.

Y'all know what's best for me. We're like family, you know.

I'm waiting. Hurry up and make my decision for me.

I Should Start Getting Ready

One of my favorite races is coming up this weekend:

Yes, the 2013 Catawba Riverfront Classic is this Sunday.  No matter what I have going on, I’ve always made sure to enter this one.  After all, I am the 2009 Clydesdale Champion and all that (whatever the hell that’s worth.)  And, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to add to my tiny little trophy/medal collection.

That’s not what it’s all about though.  I race for fun, and like I keep saying, cross country racing just hasn’t been all that fun for me lately.  This year, the Riverfront Classic is the NC State Championship race, and while I’ve finished second in the state for the past two years, that’s not enough motivation either.  I guess I’m still undecided, but I’ll know a little more as the race gets closer.  Probably like the last minute.

I’ll be there either way, because the race is also a fundraiser for our local club, the Tarheel Trailblazers.  I’ll be there to volunteer with all things race-related, and even if I do decide to race that won’t change.  I have a chance to do a fun ride in the mountains on Saturday, and I damn sure don’t want to forgo that just so I can race.

It’s not like I’m guaranteed to get a trophy anyway.

In other news, I’m already starting to make preparations for another race.  My big road trip to Minnesota this summer for Single Speed USA is starting to come together, since I’ve already acquired my accommodations for the week.

Yup.  I got a camper shell put on my truck da udda day, and I’ll be sleeping in that bitch.  Last year in Vermont I stayed in a local motel, and I found out later that the real fun happened at the campground.  Plus, this will save me a few bucks so I can drink more beer (and share with the rest of the Drunk Cyclist crew.)

Now I just gotta work on my travel plans.

And yeah, I guess I’ll decide what to do for the Riverfront Classic on Friday.

Change Is On The Way

With all the catching up I had to do, I was surprised this morning that I felt like I didn’t really have shit going on  There’s always something I can talk about, but finding the motivation to do so is difficult at times.

I act like I’m getting paid to do this shit.

Pfffttt.

So yeah, it looks like I’ll be switching things up a bit around here.  Not necessarily on the blog, but in my bike world.  I guess they are one in the same sometimes though.  The blog will have a new look again shortly, but nothing too major.  My man D-Wayne (who is a pretty awesome designer by the way) has been working on a new blog header for me, and has also totally redesigned my pathetic attempt at the B-43 logo.  Even though he’s working for beer, he’s done a really good job.  If I wanted a totally professional look though, I probably should’ve thrown in a few donuts. 

Anyway, there are a few bike changes around here.  I did get something new, but I’m not at liberty to talk about it just yet.  When my “cross country season” is over (this weekend), I’ll spill the beans. 

Until then, here’s a little teaser.

If you know me in real life and you’ve seen me riding around here lately, then you know exactly what it is.  Do me a favor though and keep it quiet so you don’t spoil it for the rest of the millions of people that come here every day.  I’ll get to it in due time.

The “secret bike” already has a new accessory though.  I just picked it up da udda day here locally.

Yes, that is a rigid fork.  I spoke to (well, texted) Dicky a while back inquiring about a cheap and easy way to try the whole rigid fork thing.  I rode a bike with a rigid fork back when we went to the Southeast Bike Expo, but I didn’t really enjoy it.  The bike was too small for me and had other issues, so I didn’t really get a chance to properly evaluate the lack of suspension.  I felt like I should give it a fair shake with one of my own bikes, but I didn’t want to spend a ton of money doing something I might not like. 

He gave me a good option, but when the chance to buy something local popped up I took advantage.  It’s nowhere near the best rigid fork around, but it should do the job.  I haven’t installed it yet, but it will happen really soon I’m sure.  There will be photos and a review no doubt.

That should give me plenty to talk about for a while.

This weekend is another busy one.  Tomorrow I’m heading over to the Uwharrie National Forest for the River’s Edge Mountain Bike Marathon.  I had originally planned to race the 50 mile event on my favorite “local” trail, but I’ve changed my mind.  Instead, I’ll be volunteering as a course marshal, getting to ride my bike around all day at a leisurely pace and heckle, I mean help, the racers.  I did the same thing last year and had a good time. 

Sure, I really wanted to “race” my single speed out there, but I have to save my legs for something else… 

The 2012 Southern Classic Series finale is Sunday at Dark Mountain in Wilkesboro, NC.  I wanted to race the 50 miler Saturday and then do this one to go out in a blaze of glory, but I have too much on the line.  I’m in second place overall, and if I don’t have the legs to have a decent finish on Sunday I could piss it all away.  Normally I wouldn’t mind that so much, but I’ve invested a lot of time in this series over the last few months and I’d like to have something to show for it.  My season hasn’t been stellar, and I actually feel like I’m getting slower.  I will be sad to see it end, but happy at the same time.

I can’t wait to get back to “regular” riding.

See y’all Monday, and there will be some sort of race report.  Hopefully with a podium photo or two.

I Can’t Even Get Into It

I’m supposed to race this weekend.  I say “supposed to” because it’s on the schedule.  The next race in the Southern Classic Series is this Sunday, and although I’ve been doing the whole series (minus a few races due to scheduling conflicts) I can’t seem to get myself excited for this one.

I haven’t raced one of these in over a month.  The last one was at Uwharrie, and even though I had fun then  I don’t really feel like racing right now.  The last time I checked, I was ranked 2^nd overall in my class, but honestly that doesn’t really mean shit to me (but I still checked for some reason.)  I race for me, and not because of the competition.  I guess I’m just having a hard time trying to justify being out there with all those serious people who want to take home medals and brag about lap times, heart rates, power output, and Strava.

Who gives a shit.

Why should I go?  Well, a good friend of mine is actually promoting the race, and it’s not too far away from home.  The Battle of the Bikes at Country Park in Greensboro sounds like it might be fun, but I don’t need all those serious attitudes bringing me down.  There are a couple of guys out there that are pretty cool and aren’t too serious even though they work hard, and I look forward to riding with them (yes Todd, I’m talking about you.)  If I go, it will be because I need a tune up before Single Speed USA (coming up in two weeks, by the way.)  I’m not really sure if a super serious cross country race would be an appropriate tune up for that though. 

I guess I’ve all but talked myself out of racing this weekend.  If I race Sunday, that means I have to take it easy on Saturday.  If I skip the race, that means I can ride both days until my legs fall off.  One of those sounds fun, the other sounds like work.  I’ve been having fun riding my bike lately without the pressure of racing, and honestly I’d like to continue that.  Plus, I also have a chance to do some trail work on Sunday morning to give back to out local scene. 

And, don’t forget that I have a lot of good beer to drink.

Don’t be surprised if I end up out there racing though.  I’ve never been good at making decisions.  There’s no mystical energy field that controls my destiny, you know. 

Maybe I can dress up in one of these fancy cycling costumes just to keep things in perspective.

Superman skinsuit

Spiderman skinsuit

Yep, that’ll do nicely.

See y’all Monday with some kind of report.  

Locked And Loaded

This weekend is the “official” kick-off to my race season. The second race of the Southern Classic Series is this Sunday, but I missed the first one since I was out of town on vacation. This makes the second race the first.

You follow me?

Good.

I’ll be leaving the B-43 Worldwide Headquarters bright and early and heading up to Danville, VA, for the Shootout on Angler’s Ridge.





While I did pretty well in the Winter Series, I’m not sure I’m ready for a real cross country race yet. Sure, I’ve been riding a lot, but I wouldn’t really call it training. The only advantage I have is that this is my third year on this trail, so I should be a little bit familiar with it.


Horseshit.


I’ve ridden it a total of two times in two years, and the only thing I remember about it is the parking lot. Oh yeah, I also remember that the trail has been wet as sloppy dog shit the past two races. One other thing that could have an effect on me is that Sunday morning we move our clocks one hour forward in honor of the first day of Daylight Savings Time.


Oh Joy.


I’m not making excuses. I’m really not, I swear. The course isn’t really that tough, and I’ve done okay when I raced there. However, I’m not really getting my hopes up for a podium finish or anything since it’s so early in the season. I know I’ll get better as the season goes on, so I shouldn’t really sweat this silly little race.


Am I still in? You betcha. I’m just trying to decide which bike to bring. I can bring my geared bike and really give it the ol’ college try, or I can bring my single speed bike and use it as a “training” race. Honestly, the training thing sounds a little more appealing since I probably don’t have a chance for a decent finish this early in the season.


What? Yeah, a little rant is forthcoming.


I’ll be racing against Clydesdales that barely make the weight requirement, and they sure as shit know it too. As for me, I’m weighing in at a svelte 233 pounds, which is eight pounds heavier than my in-season weight. The Clydesdale class isn’t just for fat boys (and I’m nowhere near that anyway), but some guys like to hop in there because they don’t stand a chance against the guys in their age group.


If a podium finish means that much to you, then go for it. I’ll see you later in the season when you are getting lazy and I’m hitting my stride anyway. People aren’t really honest with themselves as far as their abilities, and placing high in a class that they don’t belong in probably gets them off.


Fucking sandbaggers.


If you actually know me, then you probably know I’m not talking about you. I’m sorry for the rant, but I guess I’m in a foul mood. Last season, I took it a little too easy and still ended up in second place overall. This year I’m not playing around, even if I’m not quite ready at the start of the season.


As for the rest of you, it’s time to introduce you to my new motto:


Who gives a shit.


It’s not a question, it’s a statement.


I certainly don’t give a shit. When I’m out on the race course, I’m giving it all I have. It might not be as much as you and your seriousness, but if you try to take what’s mine I will crush you like a truck.


I'm just so obscene. You know, like Berzerker.





Yeah, it’s gonna be a long season and I’m not even close to ready.

It’s Gonna Be Busy

But I can deal with it.


It’s already day two of February, and I’m still wondering where the time went. I’m so wrapped up in the 2012 Winter Short Track Series that I hadn’t really taken the time to look at what else is coming up. There are two races left in the series, and I was looking forward to a break until the Southern Classic Series starts in March. It looks like I won’t get much of one.


The last day of the Winter Series is the 12th. I was hoping to get in some good “training” leading up to the Killer 3 MTB Race in Sumter, SC on March 4th. I will still probably get to do that, but I have to start thinking about something else.



Yes, I’m heading down to the Atlanta area (Conyers, Georgia to be exact) to the Southeast Bike Expo on February 25th And yes, I know Dicky talked about this yesterday. Anyway, it’s being held at the Georgia International Horse Park, which was the site of the 1996 Olympic Games MTB cross country race. I’m pretty sure it’s not a horse show though.


From what I hear, the expo is mostly for mountain bikers, and it will be open to industry types and consumers. That means I don’t have to “know someone” just to get in. It also means that I can put my grubby hands all over cycling goodies from tons of manufacturers. For twenty five bucks (only twenty in advance), I can rub elbows with all sorts of cycling types, and most likely get tons of shit I can talk about here on the blog. Some of the proceeds are going to support the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Sounds like a win-win for me (and you.)


If you plan to attend, maybe I’ll run into you down there. If you’re not going, then you are a loser and care nothing about bikes. Perhaps you should go sign up right now.


In other news, I found out that I will have to skip a few of the Southern Classic races that I had previously planned on attending. The aforementioned Killer 3 MTB race in Sumter, SC is now a no-go, since I already have a previous commitment. Little Miss Sunshine and I will be out of town to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary that weekend. Although our trip will have us driving sorta on the way by Sumter, I couldn’t convince her to let me race on our anniversary weekend. I guess that wouldn’t be very romantic.


Also, the Bouldergeist race in Sanford, NC on March 25th is out of the question. I found out that I am on call for work that weekend, which means that I can’t really leave the Charlotte area. I may be able to get someone to cover it for me, but for now I’m out. I guess I’ll have to step it up for the rest of the series just to make up for the missing races. At least I still have one race I can do in March (Danville, VA.)


I had one more thing for today, but I’m still working on the details. Maybe I’ll be able to talk about it tomorrow, or I’ll just wait until next week. I got way too much shit going on anyway.

If You Wish Hard Enough

All your wildest dreams will come true.


Actually, my Grandma always told me to wish in one hand and shit in the other, and see which one fills up faster. That is far better logic in my opinion.


Anyway, back when I was talking about the Southern Classic Series schedule, I mentioned that I was disappointed that the race in Sanford was replacing the Uwharrie one again this year. I really wanted to “race” at Uwharrie, and I wondered why they couldn’t hold it there this year.

Well, it looks like I got what I wanted, since this has been added to the calendar:


Uwharrie, Troy, NC - June 10th


Oh hell yes. I'm so glad they added this race to the schedule. When the Winter Series is over, I planned to do most of my “training rides” at Uwharrie anyway, just for the difficulty factor. The local trails here don’t give me much of a challenge, so I plan to only ride them whenever I don’t have time to get outta town. Uwharrie is hella fun anyway, and if I ride my single speed out there I can double the pain. Oh joy.


In other news, the jury is still out on my new seat.



It’s okay so far, but it’s not exactly like the Silverado that I had on there (and moved over to my SS bike.) It doesn’t flare up in the back like the Silverado, so it is taking some getting used to. Hopefully I will dig it, and not have to get another new seat. At least I got it on the cheap though, and it does match my geared bike. That’s what’s important, you know.


The weather around here has cleared up a bit, but it probably won’t last long. Rain is in the forecast again for late tonight/tomorrow, but hopefully the short track will dry out before Sunday. I’m ready to ride again, and my knee is feeling much better. Little Miss Sunshine noticed George’s comment a few days ago about getting a foam roller, so she’s been leaving hers out for me to use. That, combined with stretching and some body-weight squats, has left my knee feeling almost normal. I’ve even been able to get out on the SS bike on my local trail, Captain Jim Bob’s Space Adventure. I no longer have pain when I mash on the climbs, so I should be okay. Screw that going to the doctor shit. Internet advice is the only way to go.


I have a pretty cool announcement coming up, but I’ll save it for next week. Let’s just say that I get to help with something here locally that’s pretty cool. And yes, it’s about bikes. See y’all tomorrow.

The Aftermath

I was happy and thought I felt good at the start.


The knee is feeling better, but I know my troubles are far from over. I’ve had knee problems off an on most of my adult life. I guess it stems from years of playing soccer and riding skateboards in my youth. When I went in the Army back in 1990, things progressively got worse. In 1991, I ended up having surgery on my right knee to repair damage that had accumulated over the years. It was probably a sketchy procedure (because it was done by Army doctors), but I ended up “back to normal” in a few weeks. I say back to normal because in the Army they pretty much make you go back to full speed once you get “medical clearance.” I don’t even know if I ever fully healed.


Years later, I would have issues off and on (including a little bit of arthritis.) I could usually tell if it was gonna rain, be cold, etc., but I learned to deal with it. If I spent too much time aggravating my knee, it would swell and I would have to stay off of it for a few days. About two years ago it started getting worse again, so I finally broke down and went to the doctor. I ended up getting a cortisone shot, and things were okay for a while. I guess I’m back to needing some kind of medical attention.


I will be better, and I’m not sure if I’ll end up visiting any kind of medical professional again unless I can’t walk and/or ride my bike at all. It’s way too early in the season to have this kind of trouble, and I don’t want to end up screwing it all up by having to stay off the bike. I stopped running quite a while ago to be able to keep biking, but maybe that’s not enough. I’ll figure something out I guess.


I other news, I guess my race wasn’t as bad as I thought. Sure, I went down a few places from last week, but I didn’t finish anywhere near DFL. I was able to keep riding, but I wasn’t able to stand up and power through the climbs. That’s what made it so hard to chase down the leaders and keep Big Tater off my wheel. I somehow survived, but there was no way in hell I could’ve raced in the single speed class. If I feel up to it, I’ll try to do both races this weekend. If not, then I guess I’ll just sit around on my ass and spectate. It kinda sucks to watch everyone else race and explain to them why I’m not.


I did find a few more photos of my “race” though:



It hurt like hell every time I pushed down the pedal, but I somehow kept going.


I was in the smallest gear possible, which meant that I was going really slow.

The above photos were found on the Winter Short Track Series Facebook page.


You might wonder what the hell I was wearing, since last week I was all decked out in my Bike29 kit. Well, since it was muddy out there on the Short Track, I didn’t want to ruin my kit (I did that once before a few years ago when I rode for someone else.) Instead, I opted for a plain black jersey and something that George sent me a while back.



It’s gonna be a long season, and I don’t want to race all year with a mud-spotted team kit. I’m not very good at laundry stuff, so I took the easy way out. I guess there are worse problems out there though.

See y’all tomorrow with more crap and nonsense.

The Home Stretch

Let’s hope I can make it through.


With what is already shaping up to be a long season, it appears as if I only made it halfway. Shit, just listing the racing that I’ll be doing is wearing me out. With all of the traveling, racing, and beer drinking, I wonder if I will finish strong…or finish at all. I guess I'll let you know the rest of my proposed schedule.


It looks like I’ll have a little over a month to “recover" after the Riverfront Classic in May, with the next race coming up on…


June 23rd – Tree Shaker 12 Hour Race – Fort Mill, SC

The date of the Tree Shaker has been moved from the much cooler month of October to the hot as the Devil’s ass crack month of June. I’m not really digging the fact that I could end up riding for twelve hours in the summer, so I haven’t made up my mind about racing it yet. The other factor is the next race in the Southern Classic on…

June 24th – Tiger Rag – Clemson, SC

I don’t really remember much about racing down in Clemson last year, other than the fact that it was hot…and pretty tough. I got a great photo out of it though.


That photo is so last year.

Anyway, the worst part was trying to find beer in a dry town (on Sundays), so my memory of the day is pretty fuzzy (we eventually found beer and some good grub in a nearby city.) I may do Clemson again this year. It’s a helluva drive down there, but at least this time I’ll know what to expect. I guess it depends on how far I want to drive, and whether or not I do the Tree Shaker.

There are only two races in June on the calendar, and both of them are the same weekend. Shit. Moving on to July I guess.


July 15th – Battle of the Bikes at County Park – Greensboro, NC

This race wasn’t on the schedule last year. Hell, I’ve never ridden this trail either. I’ll most likely be in because a) I like to race on unfamiliar trails, and b) It’s only about an hour away. I’ll need all the riding time I can get anyway, because the big one is up next.


July 28th - Single Speed USA – Stowe, VT

Yep, that’s right, Single Speed USA. I’m heading to Vermont, the land of maple syrup, Bigfoot, and of course, George. I’ve never been there before, so I figured, “What the hell.” While I probably have no business participating in a race like this, I really shouldn’t be under any pressure to be all serious and do well. Like George told me one time, “We ride fucking bicycles.” That put it all in perspective for me. This will be a super long road trip (I don’t like to fly), and hopefully will involve a shitload of beer drinking (after the race, not while driving.) I will even get to finally visit the Bike29 mothership. Freaking awesome.


August has three races in the Southern Classic Series, but I’m skipping the first one at Fontana Village on August 5th. No interest in driving that far so early in the morning. I’ll find something else to do.

August 12th – Sizzler – Greensboro, NC

I did this one last year, and got my only DNF for the season when I broke my chain. I didn’t view that race as a waste of my time, since Lunchbox and I were already kind of passing by there on our way to vacation in Washington, D.C. I hope that this year’s race is much better. By the way, we’ll probably be doing the D.C. thing again afterwards.


August 26th – Dark Mountain – North Wilkesboro, NC

The season finale. I got on the podium last year, and I really enjoy the course there. I’m definitely in for that one, and hopefully I can end up with the win this time for the series.

October 6th – 6 Hour Grind on the Greenway – Fort Mill, SC

The date for this one was moved too, and I think I might enjoy it more because of this. I’m most likely in for it, and it should be the final race of my season.


That’s pretty much it. There are a few other races I may or may not do, but as you can see I have a pretty full plate already. I may even try to squeeze in a trip to Florida to ride with Mr. Shepherd, and this time I could possibly bring Little Miss Sunshine along. She will have a pretty busy schedule herself, especially since she is on a new team for the upcoming season. It’s gonna be busy as shit around here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Bike All Over

Looking at my upcoming schedule, it looks like once again I will be all over the place for races. I kinda dig the traveling, but it does take its toll on me at the end of the season. This year will actually be more traveling, which means more miles in my truck than on my bike. Maybe I should do something about that lopsided statistic.


Since I already mentioned my plans for January and February, I guess I can move on to March. That month kicks off with the Southern Classic.

March 4th – Killer 3 MTB Race – Sumter, SC

At a little over two and a half hours away, I hope it’s worth the drive. I’ve never ridden on the trails at the Manchester State Forest, so I have no idea what I’m in for. Since it’s the first race in the season though, I guess I’ll most likely be there. I hope the start time isn’t too early, or else it’s gonna be a long day.

March 11th – Angler’s Ridge – Danville, VA

Just one week later, I’ll be travelling to the state just north of me for the third year in a row. I like the trails in Danville, so I’m looking forward to this one.

March 25th – Bouldergeist – Sanford, NC

I’m a little disappointed with this one. Although I ended up on the podium last year, the trails weren’t really all that fun (for the length of the drive there anyway.) This race last year replaced Uwharrie on the schedule, so I was hoping that it would go away this year. I’d really like to have a Southern Classic Series race in Uwharrie, but it looks like it’s not gonna happen. Shit.

April 1st – Tsali Knobschorcer – Bryson City, NC

I’m out for this one. Too far to drive plus too early of a start time. Besides, I have a big event less than a week from then anyway. Plus, The New Belgium Urban Assault ride has been moved to this date. Probably in for that.


April 7th – 6 Hours of Warrior Creek – North Wilkesboro, NC

Taking a short break from the Southern Classic Series to race a six hour event should be lots of fun. I’m already signed up (duh, since they sold out so quickly), and I really love this event. This will be my third year in a row at Warrior Creek. Maybe we won’t get shitty weather again this year so I can actually ride dry trails.

April 22nd – Stump Jump – Spartanburg, SC

I did this one last year, and I wouldn’t miss it. It was a lot of fun, and now that I actually know the trail a little bit I might enjoy it even more.

April 29th – Harbison State Forest – Columbia, SC

This one was good last year (expect for my warm-up snafu), so I’m looking forward to it. You can haul ass on the mostly flat trails down there, so that’s a plus. I may even bring the single speed for it.

May 6th – Hobby Park – Winston-Salem, NC

This one was a bitch, but I had a good time. I can’t wait to climb that big ass Derby Hill again.

May 20th – Riverfront Classic – Charlotte, NC

Since this one pretty much in my backyard, I pretty much have to do it. I won it a few years back, so I should step it up if I plan on repeating that feat. Besides, it’s a fundraiser for our local club, the Tarheel Trailblazers.


I’ll stop here for now. It looks like a busy season so far, and there’s more to come. I just have to sort it all out. See y’all tomorrow.

Back Into The Swing Of Things

And I don’t really mean work (or beer unfortunately.) It’s a new year, which means I should probably start looking at the race schedule for the upcoming season. I guess that means I should be training too. I got a little bit of that in over the weekend when I took my new bike trailer to the store for some uh, groceries.





That wasn’t the only riding I did the last few days though. On New Year’s Eve, I managed to drag my ass over to Sherman Branch for some single speed hot lap action. This was my first “real” trail ride on my new single speed wheels. Up until that point, I’d been riding on Captain Jim Bob’s Space adventure and the local greenway. Tough stuff, I know.


The ride was fun, except that I’ve been having some issues with my back. I don’t normally have back problems, so I was a little surprised that I was hurting. I didn’t do anything to aggravate my back or anything. It just starting hurting during the morning, and it progressively got worse. I thought that a ride would help loosen me up a bit, but it didn’t. I felt okay when I was sitting on the seat and pedaling, but as soon as the ride was over I went ride back to being in pain. In fact, I’m still hurting right now.


With a week full of nice weather (aside from cold temps), I hope I don’t have to ignore the bike just to get better. I’m pretty stubborn, so as long as I am physically able to load my bike on the truck and drive somewhere, I’ll probably still be riding. Let’s hope so, for your sake.


Back to the racing thing I guess. It looks like I’ll have a pretty busy schedule in the coming months. I can’t believe it’s time to get back into this shit already. The offseason didn’t seem to last long enough, but at least I didn’t put on too much weight or neglect my bike completely like in years past. I’ll find out if I’m ready in less than two weeks.



Yup, it’s time for the Winter Short Track Series again. Starting on January 15th, we’ll be mixing it up for the five-race series on the short track in the mud, snow, ice, and whatever else Mother Nature throws our way. Every once in a while we’ll get a nice dry day for racing, but most likely we’ll get the same old slop out there. It makes for a fun race though.


Once again there is a Clydesdale class, so that where I’ll be. After mixing it up with the rest of the big boys though, I’ll think I’ll change it up this year. Since the Single Speed class is scheduled to go off almost two hours after the larger fellas, I’m thinking of racing it too. Two races in one day? You betcha.


I probably have no business racing with the rest of the SS monsters here in Charlotte, but I kind of think that’s why I want to do it. I’ll consider it “training”, since there’s no way in hell I can hang with those super fast dudes on one gear (especially after I raced earlier.) It should be fun (I hope), and if anything I should have some good stories to tell.


As for the rest of my season, I’ll get into that another time. I have to sit down and plan this shit out anyway.


As for resolutions, I don’t really do that. You can change your life any day of the year. You don’t have to wait for the calendar to change to another year to do it. I hate change anyway.