tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54846107349002679942023-11-16T06:11:19.622-05:00A Good Idea at the TimeOne of ThoseDave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-60154376998600835592010-06-15T17:18:00.000-04:002010-06-15T17:19:29.072-04:00Better Late than Never...<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So I finished up the Burn 24 hour Race two weeks ago, but never posted a write-up. Admittedly, I’ve been distracted putting on a sweet 8 Hour race, the H8R. Unfortunately, it was last week, so all my time after the Burn immediately went towards that event. It went well, and I’ve managed to decompress a bit from it and get back into the swing of things…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So without further preamble, we’ll move onwards to the Burn 24 Hour goodness. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’ve sort of had mixed bags with the 24 hour races, but I keep coming back for a perfect one… Went with the Burn and Figured I’d try the SS to see if it might be the one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I arrived in Wilkesboro on Friday night, and realized the field was soaking wet and full of big squishy puddles. While walking around I saw a giant pile of mangled pop up tents. Apparently, hours before I got there a giant storm came through and destroyed lots of people’s tents. Glad I missed that. I decided setting up my ragged out tent of dubious quality in the possibility of another big storm was a bit questionable so I took the great approach of sleeping at the Hotel L’Accord. Surprisingly it wasn’t so bad, and I slept great.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I hate hate HATE how 24 hour races start at 12 noon… I love waking up at 6 am and realizing I have 1 hour of prep and 5 hours to kill before the race… I hooked up with the Bike Factory Racing crew from Virginia, and they graciously agreed to help me out with some bottles and stuff for the day. I prepped the Superfly SS as my primary bike, and I had a borrowed SS as a backup, both set up with a 32x20. The burn starts with a stressful “designated runner” le mans start. Basically, this means that anyone on a team gets to have someone on their team wear running shoes, warm up, and then sprint the ¼ mile run. So for a solo rider, this means either sprinting the run, or walking the first half lap behind the entire field of riders. I went for the former and was the 2<sup>nd</sup> solo or so to the bike.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">First lap started well after I cleared the traffic, and I settled into a medium pace. Since I admittedly did not train enough for this race, I wanted to do a steady pace, and start off easy to make sure I could ride the whole thing. One solo SSer passed me on the first lap, and I didn’t bother chasing. This worked well for the first 10 laps or so. During this time, I had one or two SS guys go by, and I faded a minute or two on the 11<sup>th</sup> lap. My 12<sup>th</sup> lap ended up being death. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I had been racing in 80+ degree temperatures for 9 hours without sweating, and was somehow pouring sweat everytime I climbed a roller. Riding the SS felt like someone had switched my cog to a 16t. I felt like every roller was excruciating, and when the rear tire slipped on a root, I didn’t have the power to keep it going, and had to dab many times. I found myself riding off the trail into the brush a time or too as well. I finally rolled into the pit area demoralized after dropping 20 minutes </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I was crushed… <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had been at this point before in 24 hour races, but usually after 15 or 17 hours… not 9.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I couldn’t push the gear I brought, and had nothing else. I sat in the chair of defeat for an hour and pretty much convinced myself to pack my stuff and head home. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I decided to take a look at the results and see where I was. Well, it turned out that I was passed by SSers who weren’t solo, and that I had been and second place and lapped 3<sup>rd</sup>, even with the lap of death. The SS guys that passed me weren’t solo riders…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">I decided that I might as well give it one more go and see what happened on the next lap. I got ready, and rolled out 90 minutes after I stopped… I was now in 4<sup>th</sup> place, with a short jump back to 3<sup>rd</sup>, and nearly 45 minutes behind 2<sup>nd</sup>. Back on the bike, and everything just clicked… I was on, and caught 3<sup>rd</sup> place back in the first half lap. 3 laps later, and I had brought back the big gap to 2<sup>nd</sup> and rode on by. After getting back into 2<sup>nd</sup>, I backed off a bit on the pace and cruised for a lap. My rest was not long lived, as 3<sup>rd</sup> went by me as I grabbed food in my pit, and the chase was back on, I passed him, and then on a slick log, I missed getting over it, and he was right there and missed it too. We looked at each other, and he bolted… I caught him and continued a high pace, did a quick pit, and then a full XC pace lap.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Apparently his legs didn’t like that and I was able to take out a healthy chunk of time. I went back into cruising mode and started counting down the laps. I was fine, but a numb finger since 3 laps back and knee pain had me dreading each additional lap as adding a day of recovery time, for such little game… Luckily, third had the same idea, and he didn’t force me to ride the 3 extra laps I had time for, and I was able to stop at 10:30am after 171 miles in 20.5 hours of ride time, and 1.5 hours of self-pity.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This unfortunately meant over 3 hours of sitting in the sun before I could drive home… <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I packed my stuff and hung out for the awards and food, then headed home, and finally got to bed and slept 13 hours after being awake for over 40 hours… definitely a long weekend…</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Overall, I can’t be anything but happy with the way it turned out… It still wasn’t that perfect race, but I was satisfied to be at the point of quitting, and come back from it and ride strong… Hell, I was doing full XC laps after 19 hours, I wouldn’t have thought that, especially on the SS… Maybe the perfect one is still out there… or maybe, there’s no such thing.</p>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-30964445052540825192010-04-27T07:52:00.003-04:002010-04-27T08:15:51.991-04:00A Mess<div style="text-align: justify;">The Cohutta has come and gone, and left me with my first DNF on a NUE race. I could complain about alot of minor things that went wrong, but in the end, it came down to weather.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Started off the day right by forgetting to take my vest off before the start. Not really an issue to ride no hands and get it back in the pockets, until I realized I put all my food in the vest pockets and not the jersey pockets... Got that fixed, and made it over the climb. Apparently my speed was appropriate to my current race placing in brush creek, as I never caught anyone until the end, and dropped the train I was leading 3/4 through.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Old Copper road was lonely again, as I was passed by a few geared people and unable to catch onto a wheel. Made it to the whitewater center and started some singletrack climbs feeling great. I caught 2 SS guys who passed me on old copper road and had another in sight, and then CLICK!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I looked down, and my right pedal had fallen out again... WTF? It was definitely torqued, especially after it came out in a previous race. I stood there in shock a minute, and tried to thread it back in, but the threads on the crank were slightly crushed in a place. I managed to borrow an 8mm and chase it back in and tighten it on. I figure it was a good 5 minutes gone.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I started the furious chase back on, and went a bit harder than I should have. 30 miles later, My pace slowly drifted from passing people like crazy, to riding the same speed, and then to falling off the back... In my mind, the event was quickly becoming a "ride" and not a "race." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By this time the fog was dense, temps were dropping on the ridge, and the wind was crazy strong. There were even some giant headwind sections on some of the climbs. I made it to aid 3 just before the torrential downpour began. I only had summer wear and the vest, and I knew if I didn't make it down the mountain before it rained that I might not make it down at all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course I made it 2 minutes into the 12 mile descent and the rain came. The descent was crazy. Torrential rain, 5o ft of visibility with the fog, and huge crosswinds that I had to lean into and still got moved across the trail. I was good for most of it, but my body fat slowly lost the battle to the wind and rain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I approached Aid 4, I was slowing, shivering uncontrollably, and had no sensation in any of my fingers... It got to where I would brake and I could feel the bike slowing, but couldn't feel the bars or that I was braking. It was hard to even stand up and hold onto the bars they were so stiff. Got to aid 4, and hung out for a bit under the tent as people streamed by. I knew I was done when I took my gloves off and all my fingers were completely white and waxy, with no sensation at all in the first 2 phalanges of any fingers. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If I was racing, I might have convinced myself to go on, but the combination of the day defeated me, and I accepted a ride back to the start after 65 miles... I really don't know if more clothing would have been enough, I would have had to bring fleece gloves to make it down the descent, and even then with the rain, it might no have been enough. One more thing to worry about, I guess.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kudos to those that finished, it was an epic day for sure.</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-27396907228496112792010-04-22T20:26:00.003-04:002010-04-22T20:50:14.725-04:00Cohutta Bound, One More Time<div style="text-align: justify;">The Cohutta 100 has finally arrived, and sadly, it is my first real race of the season... Should be a good shock to the system.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Elizabeth is doing alot of the SERC races this year, so I've accompanied her to Chickasaw and Tsali for some SS action... The first race was a mudfest, and I ended up slipping back to 5th after figuring out that the XDX tires were great for the clearing the wet course the first lap, but not as great on the 2nd lap when everything turned slick as snot...</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U6yDM0OsdhhmdMayHpU3FQ?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U6yDM0OsdhhmdMayHpU3FQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGWipLfgDvfqaDdFifxbdkfNpGh5hhKdySHcbR9R_eO0cdumj8aqoTAWOvogQwAphwzrwUZ2oA6ihaJDVfp4JIN9qp60chvwcW7J8om3VGR3KzVAkKSutU9zaJZlYyDNGBRh6cEf7wfA/s288/_DSC0339.NEF.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U6yDM0OsdhhmdMayHpU3FQ?feat=embedwebsite"><br /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tsali was less fun. I made it 5 minutes into the woods, hit a bump, and wound up on my top tube... I looked down expecting to see a broken chain, and instead noticed I didn't have a right pedal. The threads were still good, so it seems to have just unthreaded itself for no reason... Of course I had every hex except the 8mm I needed to tighten it back on. Eventually someone had an 8mm that I borrowed to save myself a 10 mile walk, and I managed to finish an impressive 30 minutes back. I did beat one guy though who had his left crank arm fall off. "Hey man, do you have an 8mm?," he asked.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So back to Cohutta... It will be my longest ride of the year thus far. I tried to do a run of the 65, but the fireroads were all icey snowy. The picture below is the start of a big fireroad descent. We turned back after a few wrecks...</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8CBfUwVzGUY6xji9EqpYdQ?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8CBfUwVzGUY6xji9EqpYdQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnd9s8yaVyV4jDZbn7uhhLo_D9exvQs_kPNe1G6y1F3gm4VyOV7YTuaKTIPj3XZiMFUoXPtlBCCN38v-tiJfWxjtwaIJe6ZPHjrPiRF1begV2Xb6y4J-sNGLHxQkgrCf7Mh5Giz3qgH8/s288/IMG_0771.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8CBfUwVzGUY6xji9EqpYdQ?feat=embedwebsite"><br /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm going for the whole "I've done way too many of these fricken off-road centuries, maybe my experience will pull me through." I'm running the 32x20, again, for the third year in a row. Every year I think I should use a 19, but then I get on those hills and am glad I have the 20... We'll see how it goes!</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stella shares my current excitement level</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H_0Kwh7EMrkf8LwNoEfdIg?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H_0Kwh7EMrkf8LwNoEfdIg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI9eHGajaOpEysr4XSHzqqomFxB-84YXmOEXTFNB0DxeFDKE1hFt8IxwiLo9p2ZlYyhNkO1yBnJ8xc4maDgAiAiMZ9XDF-KhdOmKyytRWGH7qFjfu0rKAEyN_ANpierjdSrKGAStdHEs/s288/IMGP2314.JPG" /></a></div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-39665385711257189732010-02-23T16:08:00.004-05:002010-02-24T16:26:43.506-05:00Shoes and TMI<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm the type of guy that once I find something I like, it's kind of hard to convince me that something else is better. That being said, I've owned 3 pairs of biking shoes in my life:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/87Zl7z9iqap3ri8qrTOIeg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NM0AQJXvEmIf3yGZabehyphenhyphenvWcXAS0z3VhhNKYrGnp4AwLgPWsO3pMG61FC0Cq6waBz0HQIFXliQqLpvRlOpyRhVe43L78wIU2uIFks89kcfCFll16r222_TZFkZEPpDM4ROHV8Z5LnLU/s288/IMGP2252.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2004 - Sidi Bullets - Basic 3-strap velcro mtb shoe... I rode the crap out of these things, until the velcro died enough to not hold on, and the sole had huge grooves in the bottom from the eggbeater pedals, so that the engagement is quite loose...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2005 - Sidi Dominator 5 Carbon - When I got my first road bike, I went with some higher end shoes since the Sidis had done me no wrong. Fit is great, pretty stiff, and tolerable all day despite the crappy paper insoles they come with. I'm still rocking these to this day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2007 - Sidi Dragon - The mack daddy mountain shoe... I still rock these as well, by far the most comfortable shoes I've owned... They've been through many miles of heat, cold, rain, snow, and everything in between. The replaceable sole is nearly done, though I've yet to replace them yet. I've lost one of the techno-twisting middle buckles, but they're useless anyways...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So what would make a man change from shoes that work decently well? Reluctance to buy a $100 sole for a 3 yr old pair of shoes? Boredom? Distraction by shiny object? Drawn to B-Dot supremacy?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take your pick, but I've ended up with not one, but two shiny new pairs of cycling kicks, with the new [new = last year release] Bontrager RXL shoes in road and mountain flavor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aot843HpABjdO1enhqkCgA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgF3Uikg7oIDubr-_6wilfrvv4Ze6wMD3Zu7pMXgncStzOxa_Hyrgkajqp-2zf4tamk-Yd7cJb5DtNIbrbPtV0A1wywkqLsLUH2DvCV5SpwuTV6SQF6XHIDTNsZEX5k4Y3cK83M1VIwBI/s288/IMGP2191.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As for fit, for both shoes I had to drop down a half size from my Sidis to get the proper size... and even then, I can only wear them with thinner summer weight socks. Not really a big deal most of the time, but sort of an annoyance. The next size up is too large to wear even with thicker socks. Beyond that, the derby cut works well to really let you adjust out the volume in the front of the shoes to get a snug secure fit, while the toe box is wide enough for comfort. The buckles work well enough, although I sort of miss the half click release option from the sidis for easy adjustment on the bike.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After a couple hundred miles [sadly, many on the trainer], I can say that the RXL road shoes are superb... A+. I've had no issues of numbness or pain, and they are noticeably stiffer than the Sidis. The eSoles insoles make a huge difference, and is easily felt while pedaling. The vents seem to work at pushing air into the shoe, but I've only had one outdoor ride without booties to go by. The heel locks in well, and no sliding around yet. Overall I'm super pleased...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HiTc51wxi1Q58SlsbH0nJg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCs96MkN6M7VzlyAGcuVyQeCxrZv8povu7J4_Rz0yNlMc3-KBSLi5wJVGGB9hE_2TdnwX_mCUbko2eOyqbk2PeduOonLR6NEYiauiqZ2kzzOvRRHYLqlNBsuEC-66VxLKcEcwhzjkOOX0/s288/IMGP2237.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The mountain shoes verdict is still in progress. I've done a cross race and a 2. 5 hour mountain ride with them so far. On the bike, they fit well and are night and day stiffer than the Sidis. Despite the extra roominess compared to the dragons, they don't slide or move around at all either. So far, I'm still debating on the off the bike performance. I have a little heel slide while running/walking, and the super stiffness could be an issue on longer walks... So it's gonna take a while to see where these will fit in, and whether they will hurt me in a longer race where walking is an issue... happens sometimes for a singlespeeder...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But overall I'm pleased with both pairs and can't wait for the weather to stay warm enough to get some more testing in!</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-71083494521696355762010-02-01T08:38:00.003-05:002010-02-01T09:32:48.440-05:00Powered Up<div style="text-align: justify;">I realized it has been some time since I've blogged... I guess with all those epic rides and all the long hours down in sunny Florida logging base miles, theres just not much time left for typing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wtoj_qeTlOPJht6vfFmIvw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhlT4AXaLMJPalmWLcSiA5LVPPRYeo6s9zH3tu_uK3dyL0Lo7MkezCkrakPqczhrnNd1NBQ0meqtmv-0BMKbNBlUtOJOqtSlBu6WW01lAXJFW3MM6r7XJQQQAzw2JXGDzlhSQvEC7SRc/s288/2.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If only that were the case...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Instead, I've been working 50 hour weeks and riding the trainer every other day... I hate this damn cold, my appendages refuse to cooperate with me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So instead I've been finding shiny things to occupy my time, like my christmas present to myself.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I decided to try and add a bit more structure to my training this year, and ended up getting a Powertap SL 2.4 hub from the fine folks up at Saris. My timing was fortuitous, as for 2010, Bontrager wheels were no longer paired spoke, which meant I could actually build the wheel into a nice rim.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s5sHnMPPkg6BjUotPmqTLg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq6c_qL9DnBURWqf4JHmZSQwqoGew9m3sC1uHO-HO2qQWmGNeIwpexnrU7nryq6tGci8OyaJqcFgaGpNn_yTpcHOIDvQgYGWK9k4OouP1RYGL_sqJ2tkw3g51fSEWyy89X0ycKjUqwBs/s288/IMGP2194.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had batted around the idea before of getting some bombproof training wheels in the form of the <a href="http://bontrager.com/model/06331">Bontrager Classics</a>. 32 spokes, durable hubs, puncture resistant tires, etc. But then I started to actually think, and realized that [1] I don't race road, so why do I need "race" and "training" wheels? [2] If I did do a race here or there, wouldn't I want the powertap? and [3] I like shiny things.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So instead I decided to replace my current RXL wheelset [<a href="http://dholmes24garage.blogspot.com/2010/01/bontrager-race-x-lite-wheelset-road.html">for sale, $475</a>] and just build up a lightweight all around wheelset. Since I like things that match I went with the new 2010 RXL scandium rims, and the DT Swiss Aerolite white spokes, which are flattened to be bladed, but are small enough to fit through a 2.5 mm hub hole without slotting. Rounded it off with the DT prolock nipples. I don't know much about them except being told they are the best, and carry a price tag to match.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LxNesk6nS42YOSY-r3Bnjw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhrJT-qrErBuxn7ILp8MDH8urseWuGK37marVZjlDyQ2X-5ZZm2U3I7lZZ5Gd_F1topQOc6abresBP8xqcSRJhhWFfYR03rAxNJv0H9HjNgoXGEmEk2z88BpGPYYSlOJrpxqFY_PiU0I/s288/IMGP2196.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After getting it all built up, the final weight for the wheelset was 1720 grams. Not bad at all with a 412 gram hub. This pushed the Madone up to 15.5 lb with the sensors/cages/pedals/everything. I don't think I can complain about that at all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sadly I haven't gotten to ride anywhere but the trainer and the boulevard, so I haven't been able to do a solid threshold test and get all my zones set up... But it is interesting to see all the little things like terrain, wind, cadence, etc that have such a huge impact on how much power you're actually outputting. But I think it's going to be a great training tool and I'm really looking forward to this damn cold going away so I can put it to good use!</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-74968288483197899172010-01-08T20:20:00.001-05:002010-01-08T20:22:00.082-05:00Pieces<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qwPwaBhmofTa6xIGIMWjvw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qWOnNALa2wygvVtilGXLkj_husIHQYCi4WSsr4jON9Fu_hCgeW86I_Bj3tnsk4aXTd1ZyqPlqv3gRg1YXKkNEeSMOWrK5HwcnyzQeZeLi9dVzBvWkKsWmZVspdSN1DfelStJTjLbhqI/s288/IMGP2179.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The puzzle pieces are falling into place... Hmm, Fancy scandium rim, fancier and shiny white spokes, red nipples... Only one thing missing, what could it be?</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-23574253295303835202009-12-31T09:12:00.002-05:002009-12-31T09:23:45.420-05:00People Pictures<div style="text-align: justify;">As I was glancing through Picasa today, I realized I never posted up the last bunch of photos from interbike...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bH56qlWNO6mrpOJJ3j9A6A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSr64uU-KZlzecLn7LdHCeI7mV03u49izQiI6qWaLQLJU_Y-ta9a1blseB9NQORfTRh-7U1EkwmFA-AQd9gYArwGn5l05fMCvzw5qg5h_S2Hm91ohi-9StDvNeQyiYSBt5uK1D_7iVU4Q/s288/IMGP2053.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Man himself... The suit legs are knickers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mbI4qm-gy3-q-kH3gNl-Eg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjKaPXnd5ZjE7fysjEoBSxYqFksTA5BUqoetr3wQ-PAKxIppBczRPnk2uJksPdQMUvFRFWZu3JdSuReRO0weTUV2er0KSIq3IYEuywTldReB3EBpIksfSOO0c9qo8OM6M_SIYuvY5ACo/s288/IMGP2052.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Same picture with a flash on... Reflective Stripes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o2NHuTPy_TbSPnZSwYCdJg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rklL_OSO3k0CrZzzf50CBbJVVQRtV6PpFw8mF57774r_Shsbct6lfmkJJPDEblgT-L6R7kbzaSI1MhxVvP1ECAmyR4tukoH4wbX6KPeL1NMR_0UOPgl_F-L9rA4gZI-esJF_E3zjYoA/s288/IMG_0548.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Levi Leipheimer</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EpJeO3ql20m9HhlTFrz_iQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegVuxXyBI71MERC_-JiXtXfTxR2kxaegmdgv2OSiW5ffDEOHfHZWOJVHexh1fpqSLQn-szJkuseodZo54eO24AqCdSvCWoTvAupR3UifG1RjB-41bkxVkgLIrUFfhYIAdwaKOf8wNRuc/s288/IMGP2062.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stage 17 Superstar Floyd Landis</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/043nvN13dvMLN2uR6nilFw?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/043nvN13dvMLN2uR6nilFw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJRQIH1I-JfCsa5itIVuYGfdzEM8ErD92AOMbY3jIRTadW61xlLCvnyPd5PfJNZYuhaMadM7sH-rOTNest_YZswEAxz88hA1aHGvaJTebxYuoFFgpJXr9Es_pIqTzk3cTwOK-www-R9E/s288/IMGP2065.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hawley/Storck rock star Andy Hale</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-38476916937530606172009-12-03T20:44:00.004-05:002009-12-03T21:28:40.484-05:00Blog Hiatus and Updates<div style="text-align: justify;">My blogging seems to have fallen off a cliff lately... Just go with the usual excuse of busy or work or being tired or family or exhaustion or friends or riding. Choose your favorite.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since my last posts, I've been up to a little bit of everything. Some racing, some spectating, fun rides, night rides, work, home improvements, animal rescuing, etc...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I ran the <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/ochorace">Ocho 8 Hour Race</a> back on October 17th, which went really well. Not a huge turnout, but everything went smoothly and everybody seemed to have a great time. I think having beer and pizza makes everybody forget they rode for 8 hours on a wet and super windy day with a high of 45 degrees... Some new races are in store for next year, more details on that later.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I threw in some long training rides to get back in the lap race mentality before the local Haw Ridge 12 Hour race, but that ended up being a bust. We had downpours the three days before the race, and all morning before the race and as it started.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aW4fKw31qXbysyIxvZzpVw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHc677vMkPJAyoth1tW4Jv-W9ZLIrvHnaFr1vJlPFONXUZQgQDsJd2tsPVIrYDYF-nB2gRtyBymTezlii9ySesrGU_WcLTa8WpwJ2O8gu-6h3IbhHW6c-gsS2IedAMQPh1RCjid_FFT24/s288/IMG_1455.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As people were looking like this after one lap [although, Phillipe doesn't seem to mind], I decided that paying money for the privilege of completely destroying every moving part on my bike and getting to buy a new drivetrain didn't sound so fun. That and riding 12 hours in that muck... No thanks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eNBnfMDnRiPMgnX00XXsRw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qyP2c0e5PZ644bclVKs13MfrhMJKIt5hc7XwplPlxB5D1AxD_H_OPnOi5pFlpV-fdWHEZKpI2tQk-Hhczldlj5ISPzOj1BKnViac8KQeYDHIaZ92-jOXx4EzMufEZuqE0FaVV2RhP9Y/s288/IMGP2142.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To make up for it, Elizabeth, Ed, and I headed west to the Lock 4 6 Hour Challenge in Gallatin TN. I had heard of Lock 4, but never ridden there. I guessed that the SS with a 32x18 would be good since it was relatively flat. We couldn't have asked for better weather, as it was bone dry, and nearly 70 degrees... In the middle of November! The race went pretty well, and I started well. Having never ridden the course, a few rocky sections and dropoffs caught me off guard, but after a couple laps,I had it down. I rode decently, but was playing catchup all day. I managed to slot into 2nd with a lap or two left and held it to the end... SS was the tough class of the day, with SSers taking 3 of the top 5 overall solo spots.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0ZM_1cJA01QoOd1eoOzP7A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAsqFyx3nYgNWWpTb9ZxfRvoXcVdQWcyyih9nNKbDzp_e5CDrc4_uNXVc1UxC3gVDryEZ0iwfiN9qoxctD5_uszl92e9qoUlo0hRqHvx_n7HFRn4wj4pbkB3sX0NdVLJXDKYpraIL_T8/s288/IMGP2143.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The course was tons of fun, fairly flat, but with enough rocks, jumps, and techy sections to keep it interesting. It was really really twisty, requiring you to constantly accelerate. I think a 19 would have been a bit nicer gear since you had to spin it back up every 30 seconds... Overall a good fun day, 3 podiums for the car, and the longest day ever... We got up at 5:30 am, and made it home at 11:30 pm...</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-84629037453299521372009-10-02T11:52:00.003-04:002009-10-02T12:47:05.804-04:00Interbike: Lance<div style="text-align: justify;">EDIT: I've just realized that today is LiveStrong day, so I guess this is kind of appropriate... who knew...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even though he wasn't at the show, there was more than enough Lance randomness to warrant an entire post.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zyus4A88j2xuEFaZwR3pIg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sk8bxwQBzK59A7nnxhWWHlvUSGsEjtmadYf9TXiPZbkSncAtOxXF4pAQKiXA_KoPynm2oqxzg3hWSQK2TdQ24LTwthkLFaAu9OGr8AW53OfR5LwcqD-3ZyVN4gAk3dG-_kXalDJa0_M/s288/IMGP2061.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sram had Lance's Leadville bike on display. Pretty sweet paintjob, nice and low key with the black and white. Shiny XX of course. Elizabeth and I bought our tickets to go see the Leadville movie on October 22nd, should be fun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AB9x71QDPKYrN1Xkv3LBuA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczaKczCLyh-_0sSw9veU0jc0C9edk0A44GVojw4-e7dNtr3pQzffOSplLA6sJDydPF3Di0L00adtd044a8m4-v3HmmefalEK5GiRL7KtjASTKqEE4E4P0qXAEhpWvO9Z9v0vAh4bcvMw/s288/IMGP2048.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AB9x71QDPKYrN1Xkv3LBuA?feat=embedwebsite"></a>Sram also had Lance's TT bike from the Tour down Under. Pretty neat up close with how the numbers fade/dissolve from the grey to black in places.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eCM8b6GHoeV9XFGiN3CWiA?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eCM8b6GHoeV9XFGiN3CWiA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gqqsyx0VhkZH-kmEEltQyjYCfPnOaAK4RixOCFtwfU74DVMFukYigxo1fdcA_Ka0mBRXlTaU1a8leIp3U0wrKPyzTsEUvEhOVq2w167rN2x5gmFEkyKwX_maENIdBVjFaOg6PhOizus/s288/IMGP2044.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sram has also officially released all the posters they were making for Lance's return to cycling. I snagged the Giro one a month or so ago, they are pretty nice. They are kind of on the largish size [24x36]. I've been told I can get one more of them, as the house is not a cycling shrine... I'm thinking the Leadville one is quite cool.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you want one, all you have to do is buy a Sram road or cyclocross bike, and then go <a href="http://www.theroaddiaries.com/?p=399%E2%80%9D">here</a> and follow the directions... Free!</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eCM8b6GHoeV9XFGiN3CWiA?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y18RIxvT0Lk5PDx7RN1LeA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFilLACspGGl6MlaPYg06YpkaVsEmUf1e_gXIuC646JNGHSinh-DCtbXxvKPjLWXDQ-_zansdsZEVHeu_qLOAyIQpy86S5SPHnFqjXRTKuHzy-1X04-NygD6ThQC4ohpiNZNfwbF-48hw/s288/IMGP2043.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y18RIxvT0Lk5PDx7RN1LeA?feat=embedwebsite"></a>Giro had all the Lance helmets on display as well. Hard to tell in the pictures, but they were kind of scratched up like they had been wrecked/ridden.<br /><br /></div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-13326989893398938492009-10-01T10:11:00.003-04:002009-10-01T10:30:24.921-04:00Interbike: Sram<div style="text-align: justify;">Some of you may know that I am a bit of a Sram fan. What can I say, it's just better... You do what you want though :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I did snap a few shots of some neat things they had at the show.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/frMVmAHcWaxzgeygHABy2w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBmD-DFwNtUmKwsH7kcS_33BLggwrhw6AiB-TJSPGFcV5UQO8iB-PRyyUOIkNPyOV-EesqP_G8ji8-iS8JkU2mdeW5ENkrVuKNr_8f5XHOMjQ8bop95gMdTrsBn6Fp1GXKQBfBvrvqLY/s288/IMGP2049.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DlS9GaA2gBE5qtfcpQxBZA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUNm24jR_RaQ5mXvh5kt6RJV-4Sa67Y9D9yOGV_NbhN_Qv3bdEj7byeAB_Zb20qS81LGbcA-zWJgCsujrP3sJ6l9A5twPa1q4QOreneyImBRMscskZ8LFZEsVesGgDzaoh0wxXSY_3jc/s288/IMGP2060.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Colored Sram/Truvativ xo goodies. 5 Colors to match up your ride, and crank brothers even made matching eggbeater SL and candy SL pedals!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/C9Iplt0boSXp7NpqTEAgrw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PIIDpMdakH2yfUWWOBGlMStMSuwU0s7Gvgx0UhQRkADNr3-8H5HEc8wPLX5wGGIJuT5dtj89tYI6NjytDwOKPkmJ3KD3U2SEkDg9sPwsNXkXJEhW5xBQcExDiZyqkCDP0TFKYk4HCbY/s288/IMGP2083.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The XX is quite incredible. The front shifting feels phenomenal, and it is crazy light. The cassette is especially cool, as it is milled out of a single chunk of steel like the red cassette. The weight of the 9 cog PC-990 [xo cassette] is 300 grams for an 11-34. The XX cassette weight 200 grams, with 10 cogs in an 11-36. Pretty impressive. Overall, I want it... I don't really want to pay for it, and don't ride gears enough to justify it... But it is the real deal. Lizard not included in group price.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also filmed the internals of a Red Doubletap shifter. Pretty slick how the rachets slide around/over/under oneanother to shift one way or the other.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwem6y7WAhgwgPklSzOELZy8fvaXQGdBcHilmM4l5R1t28syH8BZVDwho3ZNnFwSuVFJmYfF_LgMQv_BiPvfw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Other cool things were road brake levers only [For singlespeed, bar end shifters, whatever] in both alloy and carbon. The r2c [return to center] tt shifters were neat as well, and also came in a Zipp flavor that had a larger, nicer shape to them. They also had a great after party. Woo, beer!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-14590521058064428992009-10-01T09:36:00.002-04:002009-10-01T09:52:36.271-04:00Interbike: Bikes<div style="text-align: justify;">Interbike coverage might as well start with some pretty pictures of cool bikes. First up, there were tons of shiny pro bikes on display:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Cdmm9-qxzChazfFNByBzSQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjIplBROVOwj5ji2WPVPTuwWhTEl7E2Bo9M9RRmFXcqjEcBzNdE5DnTGLa45c575yqV6oNCXXhpI8eBZIatE9xgreoDUC6ZdICCZRwnfs-SpWKQ8yNcZ2WDq7pxd_BhTOtAVQLzfM5PQ/s288/IMGP2051.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Alberto Contador's Paris Madone 6 Series</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PDyf0uQwAmv-oJpVM9f94w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPkeqZlq6VvMiGJz3snSnj-6kyrDNt965HXk2MIqOwrhNGM7bOJ5JO24M37uJRYMyAEGzKo-Pq7VjbG-dtWzm3PCRHvcLSwnc6LrGgwslg3YLHrYqiGhmktCcWBiPT2dKoOlrTvu8QAY/s288/IMGP2040.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mark Cavendish's Scott Addict</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UPAuAxJ7FJpVEe6Ms4Fhfw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQH7tCcXrrJYXPvmIxdzQnrHcW8bkpqtZIcoTxp_aVgFboqb1dR_Jo8qtZMBM4b2g2X_xNgdVAJ504f6ItRVBAljb5Xw7i8ovIPo7JO9K6CV59i_6RNhSoCn46zQesxmAgLvnMrdABpw/s288/IMGP2038.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thor Hushovds Cervelo S2</div><div style="text-align: center;">[Still using Dura-Ace 7800]</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8r1DldLbNdRXqT5gXZc0eg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMdjhB8KcFo5vnaYbMLy97kCrsvyTMzlwqtR7-N0rYhmGo9NQH0R6l93N6RdcX6h4GU_I73xREKODYGMld_ISvVbu59j2hzeB04PgX9TIxV9YN0L_-LJNrGejWGeTbWPaXjF7qqttKk0/s288/IMGP2059.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fabian Cancellara's Specialized Tarmac</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I really didn't take alot of pictures of just stock bikes from random vendors, but snapped a few pics of things that were neat/cool/different.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hV_GtdxJHA7LerYdYOCLOg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJdZn3LFnvZz602LtL-afyH77e20bgbkBL6beZDzHWm0936lHUAY5WDYLp-BZFiMMGUHG78OAorceTNJmKNnQ10lsC1aukmI676dyZ_mIaqRZXqJhekt5K4U9JgO72v_OvuPeIetEWnA/s288/IMGP2055.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hV_GtdxJHA7LerYdYOCLOg?feat=embedwebsite"></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e84QnJVvLaLjTW3t0fKUPw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmxkFzUgZuCZxrAODfog8NubmG_GIyfrtGIHGfNfea2iFAdrvHodLd4VybRl3U99SQuG21npgQjYesSd82Sppg7ZY1JuoMSfoKvKYCHJMW19SE993M4a14GqFT9gkOqgyrTkVPZQiCLQ/s288/IMGP2057.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e84QnJVvLaLjTW3t0fKUPw?feat=embedwebsite"></a><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5FYVqw2dKqW1v-fWmN75Lg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy55fGtEHZhyAWrr3npbg-ujSm_6RshWNBRHW6qLk701nc_aWxqILBzewBBqkBBq2hIMJeKn8G94CvR2rwLbh77AINSud9a_eny45zevTsdPtAqmsFERIpkL9F1yvZcul2MEGIXybaAyw/s288/IMGP2058.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This was a random super lightweight mountain bike that had been rigged up with a modified version of shimano's electronic drivetrain. Crazy light, not sure if it is really rideable though... Carbon fiber rotors? Carbon fiber chainrings? Definitely different though... The same people also had a 9 lb fully functional road bike as well.</div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_j2wlQhJJSBCen975rK8og?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0S-_GGXyMtmCw2Fe7mYK8yq7YPJbOhj32NQpX7e3rVUI67qRVni9axIra1qbzpFLvhkovr3GC011ULqlQ28UzGzTE742fFtlbtGgai1-8WpfGzAOlg34qi_JZ78H6zFuBKqbTT2tF104/s288/IMGP2064.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cool name for a track bike...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I saved the best for last. The Trek District Carbon. This guy is basically a 5 Series Madone with a singlespeed belt drive, and some slick pivoting dropouts. I was super excited to see one of these in person since I didn't go to Trek World. Looks like the sweetest singlespeed commuter ever. Although at $3360 retail, this might not replace my $500 Soho S anytime soon... That and the whole impracticality of carrying anything on it. But who cares, it's a carbon bike with a belt drive!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uxeav7D5anoZrE1HQso5UA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiu6eNF5lpNMsNdbZS9EMdE2xNLeUf1AhIi2aCIL4IDOxr2OITfvB9vlPpgPGa15c46mV8Rg1ON7yFsgul5UBmlzhH3JG5nFTI2740sycp-uEnYSJBbDMzY6XbjOH_Q4eK8UkW7L9LF4/s288/IMGP2089.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6EpfR3d6bQ10PNLvD416Gw?feat=embedwebsite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6EpfR3d6bQ10PNLvD416Gw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLFZCEI8bfp58uXODP_lCm167wiDs-hr9ULOd4D-7rZRKpx__lff9X_k4RuiRBT7-ZAT6g9Y51XODdwswYLQMnh9NqSE_QcKH1gVCrELWIyRYAlu_b757Kx6ubYtNsb26KyEtz9HIjvk/s288/IMGP2091.JPG" /></a></div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-42100735778036397102009-10-01T08:09:00.004-04:002009-10-01T10:44:54.986-04:00Interbike: Las Vegas<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JGPTXnmSVrIz5fFLAH3_cA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5t9ABciBCc8EP04lrNjJzHgieqJ5Prpjqoj53krbikhwsHc3hDq8A_0gvJJ-uLW3pg9xoDNbOSqERM4dJPlB5cgPW2VX847GIsOX9Oh34cxJCISmxwkg68Mhogtf9iAjw_27CX-pG9Mc/s288/IMGP2031.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Elizabeth and I headed west this past week to the city of sin to take in the behemoth that is Interbike. Having never been to Interbike, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. As for Vegas itself, well, it's Vegas... We stayed in the Imperial Palace. Great location, but the rooms look like they haven't been changed since the 60s... At least we didn't spend much time there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h-D7Qgly5Lmh2EJK5Pz2bw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhzR5EAt1imBXWKqr6fmWxzMLLi5kLWlzQpiBWtYDzhI0dUqgzwY8grCHpbxnFWB4uAXYil0M6ZGY8rxdLEBp-b-VZEalKgUJNnJcf-2H9Gp72jIOUTYKSyeTFsehxEyMUg8a0FkKWuA/s288/IMGP2034.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The show ended up being lots of fun. Really great to see people from across the country that you normally don't see. Also great to check out all the cool new bike stuff. It's kind of disappointing in a way though, as everything you see at the show was on the internet weeks ago. The USA Crit and CrossVegas made for fun spectating as well.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HV0cbyrUNp4-NCxMYVreXA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0eoFGeGxd9CIKzMYeLEOs48DPYqOrj3yzmy1lZhlqeTpWuJIj22urhwE-SeLLDes0s89BKw3B-pPHs0rTFmP5Qzi37EzXFS8B53zMsbYequplOCZdCrMj8w5G76aqo-w-Q3PcaFj6Rk/s288/IMGP2033.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But rather than throw tons of random pictures at you, I'm going to do 3 or 4 Interbike posts with groups of pictures and whatsuch...</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-75664404308110687302009-09-28T08:00:00.001-04:002009-09-28T08:06:04.264-04:00Rampaging Black Bears<div style="text-align: justify;">Two weekends ago I headed down to the Ocoee Whitewater Center for the Black Bear Rampage. I have to admit I was excited, as the trails at Tanasi are one of my favorites. I had also done this race the past two years and enjoyed it. New for this year was a lengthening of the course for Pros and Experts from 40 miles to 60 miles. With probably 58 miles of the course being singletrack, you get more singletrack here than most every NUE hundred miler.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QGHEAYDtgJl2XCjn9enlZg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHw5DUiXXF4q2wlgIb1blMFsK-2n1zdCmHED4HJbD5eDhSqNOhLk1AP3b-LGqQ-5EowbRtVaEtDeflMN0lwY7KXc934Fk8oYwgYnheB5Nkpghs6lKRYhit2Nz2dMz-Efypt3NlR3k8PyU/s288/IMGP2017.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With a less than 2 hour drive, I headed down the morning of. Nutrition for the race looked to be interesting, as there were no SAG drops. Forgetting to check my stock of gels/bloks was a bad move, as I only had a ½ pack of Clif Bloks, and one Clif Shot. Luckily I was well stocked with Infinit, and decided to carry 2 bottles of Infinit, and then carry plastic bags with servings of Infinit so I could just refill with water and dump the powder in.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HN97ywN5_OcZYa3ngjDUBA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FHomeHDgpArwjBCFHmjHcwg8xewudl-HhkKRJXSG4I5Wa4V1kowB4VMT6cq1AbOib4r1RxrNX0vgXu8RSKH6688LK1lLkbcLherII47QHVmxqLKeWmismN8XRhTsIs3NFa_PF61R_XI/s288/IMGP2016.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have a history of not drinking enough at this race, as the first year I did it on 2 bottles, and died during the last singletrack section. Last year, I made it comfortably on 3 bottles for the 40 miles, but also had someone to hand me the bottles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I ended up racing the pro/open class, and they started us off with all the experts as well. [That's right, I raced with gears...{insert gasp of shock}]The 3 mile road climb was not that great, and I entered the singletrack 15 seconds or so off of the front group of 8 or so. I rode with Shane Schreihart through all of brush creek and old copper road until we got almost to the whitewater center. We turned to climb up the singletrack, and my legs immediately hated me... I had nothing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9PnUFF5kXGbp_CU03ZZe1Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SYA4dXsGVEIkH30_8PL_HmcdXRWbi_O484oxt-88Hp9G933zhnzr3Z-ouMCBexmonN7KDsAMcZw5qzPQaw_8uOiFmgqg8Bsb6bZTdkGpMa6JZdMGLPrcabxtfmkBKEv-7h5DZqA5xwE/s288/100b0900.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I suffered up to the top of thunder rock, made it down, and had some more less than awesome times going up the fireroad and singletrack climbs aftewards. I stated to feel better on the rolling sections, and finally felt good as I started the second loop of the Whitewater center section. Unfortunately, it was way to late to be “racing.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4-7TO6VqEsczwtilLBaftg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHS66-sQjSf7gA8TXllAVL5lbkt2lxppIjD-kVhrCa4rqzmBEjDGC6tzhc8ok8pzSE47oF2lwttujaqOLSqK2DY3zl4MZ8F3tj6S5u5eoSdZCme0iRZgW3M-13vDPOqTC1fxxvgZJveBs/s288/IMG_3108.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed the rest of the ride though, and finished up in 4:4Xish, for a nice DFL in the Pro/Open... Although, I guess I can console myself that regional stud Andy Applegate was only one place ahead of me... Maybe we had the same day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I can't complain at all about getting to ride 60 miles of rockin singletrack on a perfect Sunday afternoon...</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-82371399526724438242009-08-21T17:31:00.003-04:002009-08-21T22:31:52.746-04:00Fool's Gold, Part 2<div style="text-align: justify;">Go!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d6m9cxspkzGxHoRnnFnH6A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkX5iS8xgG1jIjgCvHvtp_ouYnpS10W3QrVDB4UzSf8dvShRxgVE6In_iUW3WhI2gY9g6RugX5rgx8Oqo-TcISlaA0suidfgk7zQhvD3KVwGKRMU5mbby6M3gUz4aEUEgZaQhljyuPwY/s288/FG_03.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And with that we were off. The course looked pretty tough on paper, as it started with an 11 mile fireroad climb. Not a typo... The course then descended, and had another long singletrack climb. The rest was smaller climbs, but was still of the “up forever, down forever” variety, which doesn't leave much for recovery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I started in the first pack, but found myself dropped by most of the geared guys on a small descent before the climb really started. I looked around, and noticed myself hanging on the coattails of a group containing 6 other singlespeeders, and no geared guys. I stayed slightly off this group until the climb steepened up and got looser about 3.5 miles in. At this point, I was working way harder than I should be at this point in a long race, and let them go. I worked my way to the top of the mountain after a short pitstop to try and fix my saddle bag [apparently velcro tends to die in the mud and not work anymore, who knew...]</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iurYkttlS8D1EvnaK87w7A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdeJYa7RCB31bOYa4XyjURoOnfQW5me5The8-CKrdPEBwFU4z2ebwFZcYu4KhllwrDoYsMBhpskkBJ-7MxH3puSn61nJmfoVyHuFW63JvwIQcQdXzgH0mMwkywIiyfwLoK4cYUePRhvk/s288/FG_01.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The descent off the first climb was kind of shady, as it was steep enough to go 35 mph, but very rutted out, covered in loose gravel and fist sized rocks, and had traffic coming up the other side. I survived, and entered some sweet swoopy singletrack to make it the second aid station. The next section was a long and steep singletrack climb, covered with roots and rocks. The 32x20 was a good choice, but I was still standing up on most of it since all the roots made it tough to stay seated. After topping out, another long descent took me to a slightly downhill fireroad and back to Aid Station 2/3.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From here, the course went out more fireroad before hitting a doubletrack climb that was nice and smooth. The top turned off onto singletrack for another short climb, and then a descent back down to the fireroad and aid station 4/5. More fireroad took me to another singletrack, which was extremely rutted out. Climbing this section seemed to take forever, and you were rewarded only with getting to go down forever on similar rutted trails.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gAUKkDfqIJZvMyXY5WGH9w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HsbdyBxaGl3mOnq17Zf0_1hXYhJ3WITqAqzVMubvwcNtBtUR_il0taRuh3xCke7IXSGo1NvlzGBpQq_2zMtdto2SZMS9AbCg8P5JPhIK-jGwpTRAsGNier8fv97fCcKC1wI8frtoDoU/s288/FG_02.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From here it was practically over for the lap, with only 2 short singletrack sections left, and a bit of uphill fireroad. I finished the first lap feeling great, and started up the behemoth climb again. I was rocking it until the hill steepened again, but then died, and rode like a little girl the rest of the way up. I had dropped a rider at the base like he was standing still, and he returned the favor a few minutes later. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I got caught by the women's leader at the top, and she passed me as a I stopped to pour water on my head. I caught her soon after the descent, and rode decently the rest of the day. Nothing else really exciting happened the second lap. It was actually kind of dead, as I went about 25 miles without seeing anyone else at one point.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jni6kOy6Llt84d9pQwbfZw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXMwRAWq6wpZrohiPYlQOiOQZ6i3qr96ULz6VCgX7e5AaRMeEUxeTE2JApR5mNYqzzHWYlvmO9e_cJwS2pL-3CRKWJ2pyMd6W46ScwKT9vknKEah_A2p5l6ndApydOmm66mGXk0yj8QU/s288/IMGP1985.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I rolled into the finish in 9:50 and 9th place in a strong SS field, where I was handed a bar of soap and pointed to the showers. Real showers at a race are kind of a nice rarity. I got my gear loaded and hung out a bit before heading back to Knoxville to sleep in my own bed. Overall Fool's Gold was a really tough race with all the climbing, roots, rocks and ruts. Not as technical or miserable as Shenandoah, but just a darn tough day in the woods.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-84245079453001260782009-08-21T08:25:00.001-04:002009-08-21T08:29:56.267-04:00Fool's Gold, Part 1<div style="text-align: justify;">After a bit of construction work in the kitchen in the morning, I packed my things, and headed off towards Dahlonega, GA for the Fool's Gold 100. This was to be my final NUE race of the season, as I had already done the Cohutta 100, the Mohican 100, and the Lumberjack 100.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nb-PUseGulV9WytbixkrcQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yzSlFDJoADJQRbE7D_pUdhzeTVPNjtDDi0DTxyF7iMIjmzslB_GHn_TtYNmKToSJ04J6i_ob27VYks8fzN3VTu0I4e-zE0809P4zzX5ESKoNHAk9Tw8ej4SOvWY79zq5JqJuatz2Ft4/s288/IMGP1976.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My drive over started out nicely enough, with me smoothly cruising west on I-40 while I watched traffic stretch for miles in the other direction. I passed the Ocoee whitewater center, and was greeted with some light rain, sunny skies, and even a rainbow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OiVz0EVK6k0_ejhIcsOzew?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAovg4csTEriOWO9ZX5Gai0ESRTIEEMEQaFJd9hCP9uPll0vTCUE8OpjSvtZozP5kNWpfJoTO0ATKAcnRhHqmdwmZ_NH2nIPgIfz0kbNlWaruFSn0hZ22HXkCVTQd5qKk4bOS9-MELgmk/s288/IMGP1978.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I could almost say it was Rainbows, Kittens, and Sunshine, but I guess 2 out of 3 isn't bad. My luck changed 5 miles later, when the light rain turned into a torrential downpour. You have to love it when you're going 35 mph in a 60, and with your wipers on the highest possible speed you're still driving completely blind...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I finally cleared the downpour and made it to Dahlonega to pick up my packet. I really wasn't too happy to drive an extra 20 miles round trip to get said packet. I'm sure it was worth the gas to collect the typical swag bag of race number, 2 sizes too large t-shirt, energy gel, and company propaganda. I arrived at the race start as it got dark, and settled in for a surprisingly comfortable snooze in my car.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hFpjIS_Wy7L003yR-P1gog?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6-rM7KOa61wDlw7tv0minwZYckO6_WGnEhwcf1ZYeekmE-wBAregpeHeCBtiX8b-VDG7zURgYo-72bH3MUeVAqeKwgTETJfOa9StvG_Bp9PfpUdtvQ7zxh4vTYFqZrwvgZgsTzFeDv8/s288/IMGP1982.JPG" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">5:30 am came way too soon, and I got my drop bags together and sent them on their way out onto the course. I did my typical nutrition plan of 8 bottles of Infinit, supplemented with Clif Bloks every so often. From then, it was a matter of gathering the race belongings and waiting for the start. Ready, Set,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">… To Be Continued</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-17198022174174877342009-08-16T09:13:00.000-04:002009-08-16T20:09:49.158-04:00Pursuit!<div style="text-align: justify;">A friend of ours found a little north knoxville gem last week at Whittle Springs middle school: A nicely paved and clean 1/8 mile track!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rVyIT36g07kntYWgJIUg-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgcL0NKEE9W6EeVO7LWcSrg1q1BRr842r3JEkT4XJewkWsP1adKB6wYD-rejyRjFjlJJzFKHqkmetXy3YV2s8QoafBzTrSztfK93N7xbLe51YP5YmzBLnFN5UNom_Abud0ZfqKa8mzC8/s288/Pursuit_1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Road bikes and lycra were in full force for some great pursuit racing. We started on opposite sides, and raced until a catch was made, or we hit 10 min. We never quite got to 10 min, but did have a few 6 or 8 min races. It was a great interval workout for sure.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8-vreY55alYU6mXx76QcYQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQPaEPYZEj57aHBenZHHmuK_XoNMdXCGfGF7MrarVsLoAmWJGMfTZEHIJyXXc6-7u9NzxzJnjCWGb6VMj1ztIDdvsc6Njy2SOGbRqsPaeoAjgD2LDdHzJPyUH2LmCZP0ZKFWKaL78qz8/s288/Pursuit_4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The track is so short that it is hard to consistently pedal. Since it is not banked, the corner sections were faster to coast through, as pedaling generally led to clipping a pedal on the inside. The best technique seemed to be to hammer as hard as possible on the straight and carry it through the corner.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kbuejkk3ZK6Ij8fdgXVF5Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZsGA96ltCkcPio0ySOPiZmSDx2JsNNgwCkw4bbU5qfLuoyX3YDOaRHctzA0-U3D5iIV5EerDA_S0TA2ldoRAja2tRJa14rc8T5t1jzawbCUdLxg7V7s5-24NZkvT8JBfbCrAgJwLumw/s288/Pursuit_3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We did several solo races, and then a team race. I think we'll have to switch directions next time though, as I doubt that 15 miles of left turns is good for my tires. hmm...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPLlx7puUCc">Check out the YouTube video here</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">[It looks slow, but we were going through the corners at 23-24 mph.]</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-4974933481186940172009-07-31T08:47:00.002-04:002009-07-31T08:52:03.477-04:00Walking<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Czq4nzVmpi2dlG-C1k1dmA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSg5yV9EzGL0GXnEcNa3rVmt3-SFgpyrXOrEGAIUkC3A-hfbYDHboAAdyKbVCbQXwURiCTYTESck7KtirubwpQh9xK0RrHnIwAGKuvZqYYgb0Y2XRBdjGGAuatTt1WS8CtJsrVCeaM9c/s288/Jack%20Kunnen%20Photography%20%20Lumberjack%20100%202009%206272009%2091357%20PM.bmp.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had forgotten I had this nice shot of me walking the sand hill at the lumberjack 100...</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was not so much good times on a SS. Steep and sandy at the bottom, then inches deep of sand the rest of the way made trying to get back on a futile pursuit. Fun Fun...</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-83565321421691016912009-07-12T11:18:00.005-04:002009-07-12T12:01:33.227-04:00Thursday Centuries<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm still trying to roll through all the road routes in the Knoxville book, and decided they would get done quicker if I did two at a time. This was especially true for the ones that started at Coulter's Bridge, as it is about a 35 min drive to get there. A few weeks ago, I did three of the routes at once for 100 miles, which was definitely painful. I was hurting on the first 30 mile flat route for some reason, then Butterfly Gap racheted up the pain screws, and I limped around for the last 30 miles to finish up in 6:04.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zRY1eiGq3snfV-KsFfTSAw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCrLgw9Z1XuKlHXBW0mELRiZvYCcVTCjB_mpodab77DWhFSZNAUWqevn_Gt4oPRrRRdDStSNPSfgwiqdfmMqGd7c-5chTFPuTPZ4wzFPQNZQmxWLhCXZcbFukg0jfc59LlwSpki7gb-M/s288/July1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I decided to start the Thursday Centuries up last week, and kicked it off with the death ride. The death ride started off nicely enough, with a 56 mile rolling loop out rocky branch to Kyker's Bottoms wildlife refuge. I refueled at the car after averaging 17.3 mph. The remaining 46 miles were the pain miles, as it went straight up and over the Parkway, then up Happy Valley and Flat's road, and then a big coast back down the parkway. [~4500 ft of climbing] I died about 2 miles up the Parkway, and never really recovered. I finally got to the top, and went to the campground to dump water on myself and reevaluate my decision to keep riding. I ignored the voices in my head and plunged over the other side of the parkway. My neck and shoulder's were killing me, so I couldn't really descend in any sort of aero position.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I turned the corner at the base and started up Happy Valley. Lots of rolling, false flat type sections were ok, but once the climb pitched up, I was toasted again. I sloooowwwwly made my way up the switchbacks, and turned right onto Flat's road. For those of you that haven't heard of it, Flat's road is about the steepest climb in the knoxville area. Whoever named it, I hate you. Death was upon me at this point, and I did some serious SS style mashing to get myself up the road at 3 mph. [Sadly, not a typo...] After another dousing of water at the campground, I headed down the parkway, and got back to the car with 102 miles in around 6:18. My average had dropped to a rockin 15.9 mph...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWR8lZiJtazcQzS4tJ4CBUk5rqLMbhsRmCysd-WNPpPsH5lBv71qec9QNqvfuNiL_1c62zSp5egOmDsRC8Rh3ARNk9wlcRTGk6SGevTIrdLFiBMzp-4WupJ_BCEz4HVLkpO7bawO8PZQM/s288/July2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The third century installment finally went better. I felt great all day. Started out with a ride up the Parkway, and then down flat's road and Happy Valley, and then rode 129 back to Maryville. The rest of the ride was another loop around Maryville, that was mostly rolling hills and wind. I got doused with rain for 20 minutes or so, but by that point it was mostly refreshing. Finished in 5:44.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not really sure what I'll do this coming week... Maybe one day I'll be cool enough to do the death ride of all the ascents up the parkway. I'm guessing this would be about a 110-120 mile ride with god knows how much climbing... hmm... Maybe a Mt Larry double ride?</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-16027339734058412822009-07-07T11:10:00.005-04:002009-07-08T09:32:01.407-04:00Upgrado<div style="text-align: justify;">If you're gonna go fast, you might as well look good doing it...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MV4mpPztDF3JlErIsnVaUg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_o72u6CW41uefatgKr8DDGez3ukeVE0T8pEHEV3V2pOsfLa2bEv9Sq4mhF17YzESlIdHie0poS1dI7N3c1Rs0uDkPWejl-7-LGcPIHZeLoQ70DiN3KYG3rFmLzBHgoAIkMVd3QS47vw/s288/DSC_0131.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to Eric at Cane Creek and Andy at Storck/Hawley, I have a shiny new look for the front end on the Madone. I think the turquoise Astana cover and the white spacers match nicely... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/C6MPPLyafWzEL1K91YhtMQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouS52tOCc-zRB_dmlbis3zBn-rypg78gMkPxboTmNx9GgOTo0ilhgEc54DhCaqcTIM5TuTxMjUxR7HBWppYuxgXqSIpT-q5mAnXrkXCzL228ihla_LOwE23t02BmiFjd9gRUSfD-ZrHk/s288/DSC_0133.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pYXZPFHvSF82X7ct6mDqIA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4FQYDBuV6lRKeEnpFx7yKwjS1o1rTi6zmIJ-nyidMRmtHYAB8Egc2S1IsVDDAlGVXHyOok3o7J28ziBI5NwVbm26W3fvFV4fkH6uBfrSM3ncLRmcZcXXtNI2ESuQOP1-drSAzmqn1d4/s288/DSC_0130.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've also swapped out my XT cranks on the Superfly for the new hotness of the colored Truvativ Noir. Since none of the other colors matched, I went with the red. Even though they have colored derailleurs and shifters, upgrading my current X.0 stuff just to get matching colors is pretty pointless, so this is as color-matched as it gets... I got out on it yesterday at Norris for a couple hours. Gears are fun!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MgRI3uYn9QI2kaBIey05DQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-x5Ijnw5YXmdeoDLokycE4vlayjncqghT2QAanOLLOZ0pi2iWFe_X7xzin9LWOSEuNVHbV5qu14nMbQVV_cR1w4NKicsTiplHTZVv5koc3X8R9VJi79Ksxk1B42MMWjHB-h3ETfIl8QM/s288/DSC_0139.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I didn't leave Elizabeth out of the fun, as she got some fancy new brakes for her Paragon in the form of the Avid Elixir CRs. Nice and shiny with the white and the carbon levers...</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-53202135696652377682009-06-23T12:20:00.002-04:002009-06-23T12:25:34.994-04:00Lumberjack 100 Recap<div style="text-align: justify;">The start was a 2 mile downhill road which, as a singlespeeder, I wasn't looking forward to. However, it didn't split up the field at all, and the first group hit the singletrack as a mass of 40 or 50 riders. I passed a few more people before hitting the unclimbable sand hill. As I was pushing up the hill, 2 singlespeeders were ahead of me, along with whoever else was ahead of me at the start.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The course is essentially two loops of singletrack, the first one at 8 miles, and the second one at 17 miles long. About a mile into the first loop, a singlespeeder caught me and went by. I didn't know it at the time, but that would be the last time I would see another singlespeeder the entire day. The course was so different from the southeast, as there was very little climbing, and lots of sand on the course. The trails were also very non-technical, as you could probably count the number of roots and rocks in the 25 miles on two hands. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Overall it was pretty fun, with lots of twisty and swoopy sections. The climbs were small, and the 32x18 was enough to climb everything the first two laps, and only had to walk 3 climbs the last two laps. [except the sand hill, that I walked every lap.] There were some bumpy sections that got old real quick where the saddle would slam into you every pedal stroke... I needed 36” wheels for that!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My laps times were kind of consistent, running 2:03,2:04,2:13,2:13. The third lap didn't feel good, and the big minute drop confirmed it. So I ended up finishing in 8:34, for 7th place in the singlespeed. The called me up for awards and I won a handshake with the race promoter...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Elizabeth and Ed did good, with Elizabeth finishing on a SS in 10:30 [10th Womens Open], and Ed finishing in 10:04 [~10th Masters]. Go Knoxville!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not really sure what is next up for me. I might go down to chattanooga for the SERC race next sunday. Other than that, the next sure thing on my calender is the Fool's Gold 100 miler down in Georgia in August. July always seems to kill the racing in the southeast, probably due to the terrible heat...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-34498922329023426422009-06-18T12:56:00.002-04:002009-06-18T13:11:18.736-04:00Almost Canada<div style="text-align: justify;">Heading out today for the Lumberjack 100, way up in Northern Michigan. Should be some good times of swoopy singletrack and sand. Hopefully the viscious mosquitos will not take all my blood, because I will probably need it for the race.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ClsDJCuUUIHgdQPRK5cU7g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnluGNxSDffzgWNpH1Aczp0M6kxj5SdtG0V4rT8QlcFg4gO12P7tnI32pPX-vFoCFqiyubWIxXFPVPCLJLIOqw9lRUW3rV3tqCBKwb2aAdL5EfX5ARX9wVtVuoRH3h37DTnziVvXDQng/s288/L100.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 13 hour drive is going to be quite horrible, but the race should be fun. Ed and E are coming up to represent for Knoxville as well. Now to start packing...</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-79809308350100980182009-06-16T09:58:00.002-04:002009-06-16T10:53:37.360-04:00BKKBR Weekend<div style="text-align: justify;">Although I haven't been posting about it, the "Better Know a Knoxville Bike Route" quest has continued. After this weekend, I have finished 29 of the 40 routes, for 1390 miles and over 90,000 ft of elevation gain. Getting closer!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dTWpjRkO7ZGyhGpfnaRmcw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSKPVCS2hRRUrBSfJg8givU1dOMc7F351DZ8EKtE-dh4q02ZbWBVsFr_UdKmK4xRXEkbbsOUtjbtFmEKs9F9PwsCpR0N3QC5yO5PjH68KMy2TqxUW3a8-BPgYMOu8HyEsVDwPGivrSI4/s288/Collages.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This weekend's dose of pain was 5 routes for a total of 220 miles. Started out with a nice 60 mile ride on friday on the North knox rollers. I felt pretty good, and made good time and what such. Saturday was the big day, with plans to ride a little over 100 miles. The starting location for the Coulter's Bridge routes is about a 35 min drive for me, so I'm trying to do several routes at a time when I go out there. Elizabeth came out and rode the front 68 miles with me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We started out with a nice and flat 33 mile route that went down old walland, out to townsend, and then did the tuckaleechee loop. It was an easy ride, but my legs were already not feeling so great... The next loop we did was the toughest one, as it went straight up butterfly gap. This is a super heinous climb, and I was reduced to singlespeeding the steep/rough sections in my 39x26. The rest of the climb was steep, but manageable. We climbed an extra bit to get to the campground at the top of foothills. It was definitely worth it to dump cold water all over myself...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After some descending and flats, Elizabeth headed back home, and I was on my own for the last 32 miles. I refueled at the car, and headed on out to finish it up. My legs were hating me, and the little rollers were no fun at all. I got back to the car at 96 miles, and had to go do some bonus miles to finish off the 100.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WgG2SOMGpcgamK5VRFVmZw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8_OgTjhAtdMtyfUOL8zU6f6BsL-IOPwAxZEdpPFjn-TJ5cWZt8_dt_4l2shl3LrS9hL9_pgsoT5QEmAIK558qBvcO0Gd0SIcc-10u-Kr7Z8m-BDW5YYVbBbgZrfqk3oPNEfXx8reAxM/s288/June5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday was not as restful as expected, as 9:00 am saw me back on the road again, this time out in west knoxville for another 60 miles. It turned out pretty nice, even though my legs hated me. Afterwards we had a nice cookout and hung out at the lake. A great way to relax after a long weekend.</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-77000921058967677582009-06-11T14:21:00.000-04:002009-06-11T15:29:20.461-04:002SWET4U<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gEN-4NW8EU5C-CsXQIgLqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyAk0yTsfDxgxqDP6in0XotY9K_laH8k4P4KE3y0Cr1f_okrashLZkFhl0DJaDY6__eV9ve5cSuGT38FijLy8YsIffXjANgagH-PViqaefv5sUMWqW_YVhuX1NZtYwnkpNYPWbF9nKfE/s288/IMGP1843.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2SWET4U</div><div style="text-align: center;">2-SWE-T-4-U</div><div style="text-align: center;">Too Sweaty For You</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I guess that kind of sucks for the passenger...</div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-42859311296249749582009-06-09T13:12:00.005-04:002009-06-09T14:08:03.526-04:00Disc Burner 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sites.google.com/site/discburnerrace/_/rsrc/1231199512157/Home/DB2009%20copy.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 378px; height: 358px;" src="http://sites.google.com/site/discburnerrace/_/rsrc/1231199512157/Home/DB2009%20copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Disc Burner 12 Hour Race has come and gone for another year. We had a great turnout with 130 racers, which made for a 60% increase over last year. The weather was perfect, with mid 80s, a few clouds, and even some nice breezes. Everything went pretty smoothly, timing went well, and nobody got lost on the course.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A big thanks to all the racers that came out, I hope everyone had a great time. Our photographer got some great shots of the racers out on the course. These are going to be available for free download as soon as they get posted online. I'll send out a link to all the racers when they are ready.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Alot of people to thank, starting with the rangers and staff at Panther Creek. They spent alot of time getting sections of the trail cleared out, mowing the group camp, and helping us out with the generator and some other supplies. Send these guys an email and let them know we appreciate all their support for the event:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">[</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; white-space: pre-wrap; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CCFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">John.LeCroy@state.tn.us]</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Also a big thanks to all of the sponsors of the race. RiverSports stepped up with prizes of Gift Cards, GoLite packs, and provided awesome wicking shirts from Mountain Hardwear and sweet Smartwool socks to racers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eagle Distributing of Knoxville stepped up big with 2 Kegs of Fire Rock Pale Ale, made by Kona Brewing Co. out in Hawaii. Great beer for sure. The Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale, along with the LongBoard Lager, are now available in the Knoxville area at Food City and Kroger, among other places.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Endless Bike Co. provided some cog vouchers for the SS winners. This is a super-cool local company that makes some great SS cogs and spacer kits, all in western North Carolina. Check them out at www.endlessbikes.com</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If anybody has any comments or suggestions for next year, let me know at DiscBurnerMTB at GMail.com</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5484610734900267994.post-44625702604321903522009-06-05T08:25:00.004-04:002009-06-05T10:27:28.893-04:00Mohican 100<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-KK2Dimel-qNuVOmWOrguA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3lsackYaq6qzyxjUXZaSp56hI1UVOW7SteuaJ1uLCZVRzCfodakKV5k2-_MuU-5ME6f50QU2brmhuT1xQECbCnMo6ErDkyweXqKYci1RrZKD5mNOjAgCzx5P0toASGLce7RwwfHjVaY/s288/IMGP1836.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another 100 Miler in the books. Ed and Gary from <a href="http://teamedracing.blogspot.com/">TeamEd</a> made the trip up to Ohio with me for some more pain. The Mohican is a pretty sweet course, with 40 or so miles of singletrack, followed by mostly pavement, doubletrack, and fireroad for the remainder. The singletrack was quite nice, with lots of rolling, twisty, and flowing sections, sprinkled with rocks and tech sections. The first 20 or so miles of singletrack is almost non-stop except for 2 or 3 road crossings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MBl6x5NN1bmf3nm9wHLpYA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmtPFCcI1Vgd5ZiS0m-ZMJkP6syPfag5ggR5OBF2Ozv5ncruQ9525mM2KsqhIJyjxlzKd4pSC_1JBf53ysPT0gRxEhJOyuDgWZdpQ5xw7kZWL1Av4QkWre85qoh0IPzuaPlQkgfMv3Lo/s288/IMG_8252.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My lack of riding my mountain bike showed on the singletrack, as I was bouncing everywhere and I wasn't making very good time. I managed to wreck and bust my bad knee with the top tube early in, which didn't help. I felt much faster on the road sections, as they were mostly up/down, and had some surprisingly steep climbs on them. One fireroad climb around mile 82 had me weaving paper boy style to stay on the bike in a 32x20. I guess there are hills in Ohio... I finished up in 9:12, and Gary (ss) rolled in at 9:23, and Ed finished up in 10:30ish.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nutrition went great, and I felt strong with just 7 bottles of Infinit and 10 clif bloks. It's still amazing to me how the infinit almost completely replaces solid food and gels. Good to see such huge 29er crew turnout as well. There were probably at least 10 or 15 team riders rockin it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next up is putting on the <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/discburnerrace">Disc Burner 6/12 Hour Race</a> tomorrow, and then heading north to the Lumberjack 100.<br /><br /></div>Dave Holmeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17365104055154040938noreply@blogger.com0