Trek Emonda SLR. Ultralight Arms Race

You may have noticed news reports in cyclingnews.com and elsewhere that Trek sponsored riders were trialing a new frame at the Dauphine. It is anticipated the frame will make a broader debut at the Tour. Here is where the story gets interesting. (Keep in mind that until formal announcements are made, this is all in the realm of rumor). Apparently Trek has been talking to its dealers about a 4.6 kg mass produced bike at a price point of about $15,000. Ten pound bikes are really nothing new for a handful of boutique builders, but as far as I am aware, no major manufacturer has mass produced or mass marketed a bicycle in that weight range. The bike falls well below the UCI minimum weight limit so it would not be raced professionally in the 4.5/4.6 kg configuration.

     According to Joe, the new Emonda is not expected to have a rider weight limit below Trek’s general recommendation of 130 kg. It feels wrong to me to put a 130 kg rider on a 4.6 kg bike.

http://www.probikeswap.com/2015-trek-emonda-slr/  2015 Trek Emonda SLR – Photos & Rumors

Photo copyright matosvelo.fr/probikeswap.com

 

 

Cold Wet Day

Yeah, that’s hail. Kellen asked me how much time to plan on for the ride. I told him gravel rides can be pretty unpredictable and today was no exception. We started this morning planning to ride from Sawtelle Resort, make a 50 mile loop through Island Park and up Baker Draw, returning to the cars by way of Big Springs. The plan from there was to grab some fresh bottles and ride to the top of Sawtell Peak (different spelling, I know, it’s correct). It was cold and raining from the start. Early on, we were forced to wade a fairly deep stream crossing. Joe claims he never felt his feet after that.

     The rain mostly continued for the next three hours until it turned into the fiercest hail storm I have seen lately. My son Stephen commented that everyone looks pretty happy in the picture. I told him by that point everyone was so wet, cold, and miserable, the only thing left to do was laugh about it. When we got back to the cars, the top of Sawtell looked like Mount Doom. We decided to opt out of the final climb.

Check out the pinging hail!

Top 10 Cycling Mistakes

It has been a while since we have linked a GCN video. These videos are well made and entertaining. Their advice is solid, and if sometimes a little obvious, good cycling like everything else in life starts with mastery of the basics.

 

Growth of the Crusher

The current print issue (July 2014) of VeloNews features an article on the rise of the unsanctioned bicycle race (Velonotes p. 21). Many of these events utilize nontraditional formats such as the gravel grinder. The race that they highlight is the Crusher in the Tushar which is now just over 2 weeks away. I feel a little bit of queasy anxiety even as I type that sentence. The history of the Crusher only goes back to 2011, so 2014 will be their 4th year. It is remarkable to see the growth of the event.

• 2011:  180 riders with no registration cap
• 2012:  350 entries (capped) filled in about 3 weeks
• 2014:  600 entries (capped) filled in 10 days

So are nontraditional events like gravel grinders the future of cycling? The popularity of various cycling races and events has always been faddish and cyclical. If you do not believe that ask someone who was in Mackay Idaho in the mid-nineties when 800 people would line up for the White Knob Challenge Mountain Bike Race. Nobody can see the future, but my gut feeling is that events like the Crusher have substantial staying power.

     Organizer Burke Swindlehurst believes the success of the Crusher can be attributed to its two basic rules: "Don't be a dick. And have fun." Last year, when I posted some reflections on the etiquette and dynamics of group riding I quoted Chris Huskinson who gave the same advice essentially verbatim. I guess in the world of cycling, these are words to live by. 

Bad Crash on the TNR. Something You Can Do to Help.

If you were on the Tuesday Ride last night, you know that there was a fairly serious crash which resulted in a concussion with some significant facial lacerations as well as other minor injuries and lacerations. This was another case in which a helmet may well have saved a life. Several people have approached me and indicated that they would like to help with a little fund to replace the helmet and glasses of the crash victim. Joe and Charles have offered to manage the fund. I think this gives us a way to show some sympathy and solidarity. We are not looking a ton of money from any individual in the group, but a few bucks from a lot of people would add up pretty quickly.

Loss of a Landmark

 

I took this picture of the old Del Rio Bridge east of St. Anthony yesterday afternoon. We have ridden across the bridge more than a few times and I am a little nostalgic about its removal. The bridge, a local landmark, was constructed 83 years ago. As part of the project to replace the bridge, workmen constructed a 45 foot high platform and successfully relocated the 600 pound osprey nest from the upper portion of the bridge.

Support Andria Huskinson's Fundraiser for Jenny

As many of you already know, Jenny Huskinson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about a year ago. Her daughter Andria is running the SpeedGoat Ultra Marathon at Snowbird Resort in July as a tribute to her mom and a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer. You can read more about it here. If you are able to make a contribution, small or large, we would all be very grateful. https://www.crowdrise.com/runforjenbuns/fundraiser/andriahuskinson1

 

Bishop Mountain RAD Ride

Over the years local riders have taken advantage of the many backroads in and around Island Park.  Kelson's purpose-built RAD bikes which were made to eat up paved, gravel and dirt roads alike have made ever more imaginative loops do-able.

Warm River Rails-to-Trails

Adding to the variations of Fish Creek and Warm River rides, this past weekend a few locals pioneered another loop and summit that everyone with a mountain bike or gravel bike ought to consider - the climb up Bishop Mountain.

The Fire Lookout Tower

The summit road is most easily accessible from the North Antelope Flats road on the west side off of US-20 north of Ashton.  You can also access it dropping down from Harriman State Park, or from the South Antelope Flats road.

Panorama of Island Park

At the top you'll be treated by a great view of Island Park and the surrounding mountains.  The cabin itself can actually be rented for overnight stays from the US Forest Service.

Bishop Mountain Lookout Cabin

Update On the Capitol Reef Classic

These photos goes back a few years. A number of locals have ridden Capitol Reef, due in large part to Brian’s family connection to the area. Everyone who has ever ridden a bicycle in the Capitol Reef area absolutely loves it. Some time ago, I mentioned in the blog that the Capitol Reef Classic has returned for 2014 after a brief absence. There is plenty of good news for 2014. This year’s event will be held on Saturday the 19^th of July. It has been designated as the Utah State Road Cycling Championship. Kelson Bikes will be a title sponsor. In addition to the race, the organizers will be offering a Gran Fondo. I think the combination of a race and a fondo on the same day is a great way to make the event relevant and accessible to the broadest possible range of interests and abilities among cyclists.

     If you are looking for a mid-summer race or gran fondo, please consider this one. The area is scenic, the quality of the roads is very good, and the race organization is outstanding. The success of every event in cycling depends on getting the word out to enough people. Even if you cannot go to the CRC, please help spread the information to anyone you know who might be interested.  http://www.capitolreefclassic.bike/home.html

 

 

Cyclist Pretends He is OK, Comment on the Ultimate Challnge

If you get a chance, take a look at Kellen’s Rexburg Cycling page on Facebook to see the meme of the “injured” soccer player and the cyclist. I liked this a lot. (Kellen, send me a link and I will post it here). There is no question that cycling can be dangerous. Hardly a day goes by without reports of accident and injury. VeloNews reports today on Sergio Henao who hit a truck doing a recon of the team time trial course at the Tour of Switzerland. Henao is out of the race with a suspected broken knee. The frame of his TT bike ended up in three pieces.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/06/news/henao-suisse-suspected-broken-knee-freak-tt-recon-accident_332685

     It was also reported today that indestructible Chris Horner, age 42. who was hit by a car in a dark tunnel on an April 11 training ride which resulted in broken ribs and a punctured lung among other injuries will starting the Tour de France. http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/06/news/horner-line-race-tour-de-france_332642

     I have speculated previously that with almost 13,000 feet of climbing, this is the year that the Ultimate Challenge has perhaps pushed a little too far for most non-professional cyclists. For that matter, I suspect that a lot of pros are pretty ambivalent about it as well. Today, in the Ultimate Challenge newsletter, there seems to be an emphasis on the shorter options, all of which end with the climb up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird.

     From the Ultimate Challenge:  New alternative starts in Coalville and Park City will provide 62 and 37 miles to the finish, respectively. All cyclists will get to experience the legendary six-mile climb up Little Cottonwood Canyon for the finish at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. Once at the finish line, all riders will be treated to a commemorative finishing medal, catered post-ride meal, and access to a reserved area to watch the conclusion of Stage 6 of the Tour of Utah.

     This may seem a little contradictory, but even though I am pretty cool to the idea of riding full version of the new course, I am even less interested in riding a shorter version which features the traditional finish. Little Cottonwood Canyon is probably the only place in my life where I will be pushed up the hill by spectators. In some small way, I feel like you earn that if you ride the entire distance. I would feel pretty awful about being pushed by spectators after riding 37 miles. But maybe if you ride the shorter options you do not look so bad that spectators are moved to push.

Sticks and Stones Kit Available for Pre-Order

From Joe:  I wondered if you'd be kind enough to post on the blog for me and ask people to let us know if they'd be interested in purchasing a Sticks and Stones cycling kit and if so we need to know what size they'd like.  Ideally we would also appreciate if people could prepay at least a portion of the kit in advance.

    Jerseys and shorts are from DNA Cycling, very high quality.  (I am going to add a comment here. Of all the suppliers we have used over the years for the Kelson kit, DNA has been the best by far- Dave). We've decided to go with the century jersey because it is the most likely to fit the widest variety of cyclists.  The fit is just as tight as a sport or race jersey but it is cut a few inches longer as well as made from a stretchier fabric, supposed to look great on people of all body shapes and sizes.  If sized correctly it could fit someone the same way as a race jersey.  Full length hidden zippers.  Sizes range from XXS-5XL.  Price will be $70+shipping.  We are selling these at cost just to try to get as many people as possible in our jersey.

     Shorts are the Race short, with an upgraded chamois pad.  The chamois is considered the favorite by "those who know".  Shorts will be available in either a short or a bib option.  Cost on the shorts will be $100+shipping.  Again we are not making a cent on these... Just would like people to rep our gear.

     We recognize that only the minority of folks are on Trek bikes and hope that it isn't too much of a deterrent that this kit has Trek logos on them.  We have decided to do so because Trek is our main supplier of bicycles and also because including Trek on this kit means that if people are interested in getting involved in the Great Athletes Ride Trek (GART) program then these jerseys help qualify them for that program.

     It is not mandatory that people buy shorts if they get a jersey or visa versa.  If people could stop or call in to let me know that they are interested then that would be spectacular!  

     Joe Hill
     Sled Shed Board Shop
     Sticks n Stones Mountaineering
     208.356.7116
     www.ssbikesnboards.com

 

Shimano's New 1 x 11 MTB

photo copyright Logan VonBokel/Velonews.com

This is another story that I missed when it ran a few days ago. Jeff pointed it out to me. This Shimano XTR crankset can be configured as a 2 x 11 (shown) or a 1 x 11 to compete more directly with Sram. http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/04/mtb/shimano-goes-1x11-new-xtr-9000_323833

VeloNews Reviews the Hincapie Memoir

photo copyright TDWSport.com/VeloNews.com

A few days ago, I wrote about Phil Gaimon's new book Pro Cycling on $10 a Day and commented on my belief that it is a better book that the majority of cycling memoirs. I have been interested in George Hincapie's new book, and reading it has been on my long to do list, but not at the top of the list. I was surprised to find by accident today a VeloNews review of the Hincapie book that I missed when it ran initially about nine days ago. The book was written with Craig Hummer as a ghost writer.

     If you have an interest in cycling literature generally or this book in particular, the review should be interesting to you as well. In the same way that it is unfair to judge a book by its cover, it is probably unfair to write off a book based on an unfavorable review. But I have to say that after reading the review, I am less motivated to read the book. Read the review and see what you think. http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/06/news/road/commentary-hincapies-loyal-lieutenant-rationalizes-doping-choices_330866

What I hate about cyclists/What I hate about runners. Washinton Post

This ran in the online version of the Washington Post today. I did not realize that runners and cyclists hated each other so much.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/06/17/what-i-hate-about-cyclistswhat-i-hate-about-runners/

After a menacing forecast, the weather looks pretty good for the Tuesday Night Ride. If the ride had been rained out, you might be home watching videos like this one.

Final Kilometers of 2014 Dauphine

 

Talansky Interview

 

Massive Win for Young American

Photo copyright AFP/Velonews.com

I spent the day today looking forward to coming home and watching the final stage of the Criterium du Dauphine. As I generally do when I am recording a race, I kept myself in a news blackout all day. American Andrew Talansky was in third place going into the final stage behind Chris Froome and Alberto Contador. He seemed solid for the podium, but unlikely to move into first or second. Over the past week, my DVR has been slowly dying, and about 5 minutes into the coverage of today’s stage, it froze up, maybe forever. I wish I could have watched the stage unfold without knowing the result. Nevertheless, I am happy and encouraged to see a new generation of young Americans untainted by doping scandal competitive on an international stage.   http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/06/news/wins-criterium-du-dauphine_331972

 

 

Pro Cycling on $10 a Day

"Remember Maslow's hierarchy of needs from high school psych class? Me neither, but it went something like: food, shelter, sex, commuter bike, track bike, cross bike, mountain bike, road bike, time trial bike, and backup road bike..." Phil Gaimon 

I just finished reading Steve's copy of Phil Gaimon's book Pro Cycling on $10 a Day. I have been a big fan of his Ask a Pro column in VeloNews and this book does not disappoint. Phil is literate, funny, and unlike many other cycling memoirists he does not utilize a ghost writer. And he has suffered. Nevertheless, he is not bitter and virtually every story in the book is told with good humor and a kind of grim optimism. As the book jacket says, this is not a book for the squeamish or faint of heart. For that matter, it is not a book for the kids either. It should however be mandatory reading for anyone who dreams of a career as a professional cyclist.

Lehmi Valley Century Just Over a Week Away. Saturday June 21st

http://lemhivalleycenturyride.weebly.com/

I have done this ride a couple of times and it is a really nice little event. In recent years, these guys have relied a lot on support from the Upper Valley.  The organizers are a great bunch of people and if you have never been to Salmon or have not been recently, it is worth the trip. They offer a century and the option of a metric century. The only thing a little complicated about this is the logistics of a point-to-point ride that starts in the middle of nowhere and ends in Salmon. One option is to stay in Salmon the night before and be bused to the start. Another is to convince a friend or family member to take a drive to Salmon to drop you off for the start and pick you up for the finish. If you have a big car and a group of people, the organizers may be willing to find a driver to take your car to the finish line. Even if you are not planning to do the ride yourself, please do what you can to help spread the word on this.  (Kellen, let’s put that Facebook page to work).

Route Details Announced for 2014 Tour of Utah. VeoNews.com

For some time, there has been a rumor that the Queen Stage (and as a consequence the Ultimate Challenge) was going to get harder. I don’t like the sounds of this: 13,000 feet of vertical. Seriously, this may be the year that a lot of amateurs are going to take a pass on the Ultimate Challenge. It makes me feel some real pain for the pros as well, who do not really have a choice.

 

Stage 6: Saturday, August 9 The “Queen Stage” not only covers new territory on the 107.2-mile route, but has also added more climbing this year. Close to 13,000 feet of elevation gain and four KOMs will make stage 6 a true challenge for the riders, and 7,000 feet of climbing will take place in the final 35 miles after passing through Park City. Salt Lake City will host the start for both events outside Rice-Eccles Stadium, the site of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and home to University of Utah football games. Riders will begin climbing almost immediately with the gradual ascent up Emigration Canyon, followed by the tougher climb on Big Mountain. The race will travel through rural Morgan and Summit counties before reaching the resort town of Park City and making the arduous ascent over Guardsman Pass, with an 11-percent gradient. Following a 14-mile descent through Big Cottonwood Canyon, the route concludes with the legendary six-mile climb into Little Cottonwood Canyon for the finish at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. This is another day for the climbers of the Tour, and a special day for amateur cyclists. This is the fifth year for The Ultimate Challenge presented by University of Utah Health Care and Utah National Guard. The Ultimate Challenge (www.rideuc.com) has a rolling start from 6-7 a.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium, with the Tour of Utah beginning at 10:50 a.m.  Copyright VeloNews.com  http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/06/news/route-details-announced-2014-tour-utah_331433

 

 

 

Tour of Utah Ups the Ante, Salt Lake Tribune

Image copyright Trent Nelson/Salt Lake Tribune

Here is the story that ran in today’s Salt Lake Tribune about the upcoming Tour of Utah. The seven stage route is the longest professional race in the United States this year and features almost 58,000 feet of climbing. http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/58056459-77/utah-tour-stage-race.html.csp

 

Don't Forget the Eagle Rock Cycling Century this Saturday

Mountain View Hospital/ERC Century  Mountain View Hospital and Eagle Rock Cycling are pleased to announce their 3rd Annual century ride.  This exciting event will happen:  Saturday, June 14th, 2014

http://www.eaglerockcycling.com/mvh/erc-century

 

 

Dawn's Report from Little Red

 

Little Red Riding Hood is an event that pretty much has to be experienced to really be described.  Forget everything you think you know about big, organized cycling events.  Little Red is more like a carnival crossed with a gay pride parade crossed with a midlife crisis and then thrown on wheels. 

     Started in 1987 by a widow named Alice Telford, Little Red typically attracts 4000 riders--all of them women. Last year the event raised $150,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation toward research on women's health issues.

     The non-competitive ride kicks off in 5-minute waves and women are encouraged to dress-up and/or decorate their bikes.  Since this year's theme featured a Mardis Gras flavor, the event jerseys and post-ride photo ops all featured boas, glitter masks, beads and various glam touches, including pom-poms attached to bike seats, foil streamers flying from helmets, and glitter tattoos.  Various white-fleshed paunchy men wore Vegas-style show girl attire and strutted around the vendor arena both during and after the ride, but except for them and a few other male volunteers, the gathering is definitely femme fatale in every direction you look. . 

     This seems to be a come-all sort of party which means you will marvel at the range and variety of female body shapes that can be crammed into Lycra bike shorts.  And if there are no limitations on the physics of enfolding flesh in tight cycling gear, then why should age be limited?  I saw girls as young as 8 or 9 and women as old as 80 cranking through the course, which is mostly flat and offers a lavishly stocked feed zone about every 10 miles. Another plus for the course is the pastoral beauty of the Cache Valley, where the route takes you through several picturesque farm towns where children cruise out on their own bikes to cheer you on.

     My friends and I rode the 100 mile option and finished with a 17.2 average--not bad for us.  Check to see if you are a girl.  If you are, consider this very-well-organized ride.  The route offers several length options and the party-like ambiance is sure to bring you back.  

 

Gravel Ride Yesterday

I am not even sure how you categorize a ride like this (gravel, RAD, adventure?) which included pavement, gravel, dirt, and even singletrack. Ryan, Tim, and Randy were the primary architects of this three hour ride which started and ended in Rexburg and made a loop through the Moody Creek area by way of Heise Butte. The fact that you can do a ride like this on cyclocross/RAD bikes is a testament to their versatility and durability. Thanks to Joe for the photos.

 

 

 

90 Year Old Utah Woman Continues to Inspire Cyclists

This story ran in the Salt Lake Tribune yesterday. Alice Telford is the founder of Little Red and still going strong at 90. http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile3/58037131-219/telford-amp-cycling-red.html.csp

 

From Weston. ERC Century Ride Next Saturday

This coming Saturday is the Eagle Rock Cycling (ERC) century ride in Idaho Falls. I did this ride last year and it was well supported with plenty of food/hydration stations. Here is a link to the route http://www.mapmyride.com/us/idaho-falls-id/mv-erc-century-2013-100-mile-route-217708809 note that you end up with almost 6,000 ft of climbing. It's a great ride.

The ride cost $50 however, it is FREE if you are an ERC member. To become an ERC member cost only $25 ....so I would recommend registering for ERC membership. Hope to see some Rexburg riders out there.

Little Red Riding Hood

Today has been an eventful day for local cyclists with a couple of local rides (one paved, one gravel), the Little Red Riding Hood event in Logan, and the Boise Half Ironman Triathlon where Tony and KJ competed today. We have pictures from the gravel ride and the triathlon so some additional posts are forthcoming.

     Here is one bit of bad news. On the road ride this morning, there was a serious crash which resulted in injuries. I don’t know how many more ways to say this, but please be careful out there.

     Back to the subject of this post, Dawn, Heidi, Kathy and Jackie all rode in the Little Red Riding Hood, which is an organized ride with an emphasis on fun as you may gather from the pictures. Dawn, Heidi, and Kathy all opted for the century option and in spite of the high jinks off the bike, the girls did not waste any time riding through the century when they were on the bike.

 

How to Ride in the Heat. GCN

In most of the Tour of Utah stages I have watched and in the Ultimate Challenge, heat has always been a big factor. Utah likes to advertize itself as America’s Toughest Stage Race. That may be due primarily to the number and difficulty of the climbs, but you cannot ignore the effects of the August heat. The afternoon temperature in Little Cottonwood Canyon has been over 90 degrees every time John and I have done the Ultimate Challenge. When you are climbing up the canyon, it feels like the hottest place on earth. So I was excited today to see the new GCN video, How to Ride in the Heat. The advice in the video is solid (stay well hydrated and use sunscreen) but maybe I was looking for something a little less obvious.

Top Teams Confirm for Tour of Utah

Photo copyright Casey Gibson/cbgphoto.com/velonews.com

I have followed the Tour of Utah pretty closely over the years and have had the good fortune of watching quite a few stages in person. It has been very exciting and gratifying to see it progress from a fairly provincial affair to an event that draws a very credible international field. Details of the team commitments can be found here. http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/06/news/field-16-set-2014-tour-utah_330935

 

Colombia Celebrates Giro Win

After a few days away from electronic media, I am catching up on the news. I think this is a pretty interesting video of Colombians celebrating Nairo Quintana and Rigoberto Uran finishing one-two in the Giro. Unfortunately, I am unable to embed the video, so you will have to follow the link. http://velonews.competitor.com/2014/06/video/video-colombia-celebrates-quintanas-giro-ditalia-win_330540