I just had the online/pc issue all taken care of and can actually start updating! Crazy not having a computer but now cyclocross and current events will pop up after I finish the race season postings. 2008 has been great and I look forward to 2009.

August 24, 2008

Treasure Valley Rally

Two weeks off, had some time to get ready for this one by sleeping and getting some time in on the bike. Felt better when I got to the EFTA in NH for the new XC race on schedule.

The course started out fast with some wide track in the first ½ mile before hitting single track, four of us riding together John Foley and Nathan Rinquist attacked while Paul Simoes and I followed. Paul lived nearby and knew the course very well so we made up time on techy areas and were together again until the steep climb.

Paul’s single speed status slowed him down a bit there and allowed the three of us to get away as we headed into the second lap. John attacked again on lap two and was almost out of sight as we were sliding through a wet, rocky/rooty section, it was then that Nathan slid out a bit and I got by.

Finally caught up to John as we hit lap three and followed him until single track section approached, attacked in the woods and managed to escape mid lap.

The course turned out to be great, plenty of fast open sections along with technical single track that was almost impossible to ride in certain sections.

 Always great to racing with EFTA!

   ELITE MEN                PM

  1   MICHAEL PATRICK    CT MILFORD   www.29ercrew.com   2:34:36

  2   JOHN FOLEY         MA FISKDALE                     2:37:47 

  3   NATHAN RINGQUIST   MA WESTMINSTER                  2:39:30 

  4   PAUL SIMOES        MA RUTLAND               BUMS   2:43:35 

  5   KURT SCHMID        MA MARBLEHEAD                   2:50:27 

  6   CHRIS GAGNON        MA WATERTOWN                   2:52:37 

Dan k “The Fisher 29er crew rider rides past here,” (not Joe the plumber). While out for a leisurely training night ride last night in preparation for the Iceman (2000 + bike race in November in Michigan)…this sign in Ann Arbor Michigan stands. “Say it ain’t so Joe!” Stopping for a burrito last night he (Dan k.) pulls his carbon Super Fly into the small shop, orders his veggie bean burrito and it gets looks from all the Frat boys (as no one pulls a bike inside)…of course the chicks are checking me (third to first person narrative change…get with it you are now post-modern, like Fisher himself ahead of the curve) in his form and so fine fitting gear…’oh my’…as if I can read their minds, yeah right.  And of course the dudes want to go buy a Fisher now. On a college campus with thousands of students and thousands of bikes, that is how it works, when one out of the pack pipes up, “Is that carbon?” Then begins the 15 minute Q & A conversation as to why Fisher/Trek bikes are better and the fact it is carbon. Sure I plan on top 20 at Iceman, but this Q & A if more valuable than a first place. They seem convinced regarding the Fisher merits, who wouldn’t be, Fisher is superior and the belief in what you ride is so important. Another potential sale but more important…another human on a bike…another car sleeping…another healthy soul. If you are not a rider, “become fit for life.” If you love to ride you will love a Fisher. If you love to race, you will be in front on a Fisher; on this 2003 day since the declaration of “Mission Accomplished” in Iraq. The life you can experience on a bike is amazing. Join us and the thousands of other cyclists around the world in our quest for life through the lens of a bike and do it on a Fisher– it will fill your life with indelible pictures and the most amazing memories.

I ventured into the world of ‘cross this weekend. I have been meaning to try cross this year and when Brian asked me to ride stoker on the back of the tandem it was easy to say yes after all who doesn’t want all the thinking taken out of their first ‘cross race. At to the mix a showdown of epic proportions with a second tandem toeing the line and it made for a great day. We lined up at the back of the C race and quickly made our way to the front riding in second position for the majority of the race. At some point near the end of the last lap we fell back to third place, which coincidently netted us a sixer of Founder’s IPA, we held our place while enjoying the optional stream crossing and handily beat the other tandem in the race.

Despite it being a “fun” race I can say that I had a bit of the scorched lung cough going after not warming up and pushing it most of the race. I am hooked and if I hadn’t torn my shorts on the tandems kickstand on a clumsy barrier jump I would have hopped right back into the action but instead choose to enjoy my winnings and encourage others to take the wet option, even if it was a touch longer. Two weeks until the next cross race and I can’t wait. A big gear on one of my rigs and some skinny little knobbies and I will be set, hopefully.

This past weekend I went racing.   Kim (my  G.F.) and  I took a long weekend, pointed the car south, and enjoyed the time in Canaan Valley West Virginia.

   What a wonderful place to have a mini-vacation.  The picture of us is on the top of Seneca Rocks, just south of Canaan.  We also visited Smoke Hole Caverns  down the road about 12 miles or so from that.   Also a very interesting tourist attraction. (more…)