Saturday, November 29, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Thanksgiving Ride
The weather could not have been better for the ride this morning with mild temperatures and minimal wind. This was the first time I have ridden over the new reconstructed Del Rio Bridge. The old covered bridge was so familiar there that it is real shock to see a different bridge in its place. We stopped and took a couple of photos there.
James brought some very nice glossy full color brochures featuring bicycle routes in the Ashton area. I have ridden most of these routes and will attest that this is some of the best cycling in the entire area. If you would like a copy of the map, I have a few extras.
James also brought a flyer for the annual Lehigh Wheelmen Donut Derby which his uncle helps to organize. Participants can earn time bonuses by eating donuts at a designated donut feed zone. You can read more about the event here: http://www.lehighwheelmen.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=24
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
From Today's NYT: Why Antioxidants Don’t Belong in Your Workout
I have never really been a vitamin consumer, but I did take vitamins C and E for a while in the early 2000's when every endurance athlete or endurance athlete wannbe was doing so. Then I kind of lost interest. Plus even then, some studies cast doubt on the practice. Newer studies suggest that consumption of these vitamins may actually cause a small decrease in training response to exercise.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
GCN: How to Properly Use a Torque Wrench
There is plenty of good advice in this 5 minute video. You have probably noticed that the torque specification on most stem bolts is 5 nM, but most preset torque keys are 4 nM. (Editorial note/correction I usually write these posts off the top of my head and maybe fact check them later. Most of the popular torque keys have a 4 mm head, but they are 5, not 4 NM). In most cases, the torque specification imprinted on bicycle components is a maximum setting. According to GCN, it is generally advisable to start about 20% lower.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Highlights 2014 UCI Road World Championships
It is so great to start seeing more coverage of women's racing! These highlights from the 2014 UCI Road World Championships give equal coverage to both the men and women's races and provide an exciting recap for everyone.
The women's road race (starting at video marker 30:28), was particularly gritty with an unbelievable pile up crash at 30:56. Although the crash is a bit terrifying, the effort and athleticism of these women is quite inspirational. So, happy riding ladies!
Video Link
Thanksgiving Morning Road Ride
This semi-traditional ride can be difficult or impossible if the weather does not cooperate. Right now, the forecast for Thursday looks very favorable. Departure time will be 9 a.m. from Sticks and Stones. That gives everyone a couple of hours to ride and still be home in time to help out a little in the kitchen and carve the turkey.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Ironman Fun in Arizona
This is a brief description of Tony Perkins, Kent (Hammy)
Johnson, and Mike (Sharky) Whitesides’ epic adventure on November 16.
First and foremost I want to thank Dave Anderson and all of
the TNR riders for contributing to our success in the 2014 Arizona Ironman.
Without playful and competitive Tuesday Night Rides, our bike training would
not have been as fun or effective.
For those of you who don’t know what an Ironman is, it is a
2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run or sometimes called a 140.6
(2.4 + 112 + 26.2). The World Championships are held in Kona, Hawaii every
October. Ironman Arizona is a qualifying event for Kona with 50 slots
available. Hammy and I were 1st timers while Mike was competing in
his 4th Ironman event. Mike was hoping to earn a slot to Kona.
The day started like any other long hard day of competition
at 3:45 am. We woke up, quickly ate a small breakfast and departed for the race
venue at about 4:30 am. Most of the 3000 racers had the same idea and we got
stuck in gridlock traffic as we approached Tempe Town Beach where the whole
event unfolded. We got close and Mike decided to drop the car in a questionable
parking spot and we walked the rest of the way in. We arrived at about 5:45 am.
We split up to do our final checks of our bikes and transition bags, last call
bathroom breaks and then tried to relax for a few minutes before we squeezed in
to our wetsuits. The gun sounded at 6:45 for the pro men and 6:50 for the pro
women. The gun sounded shortly after 7:00 for the other 3000 competitors.
A mass start for the swim is exactly what it sounds like.
2.4 miles of roller derby action in the water. We all had similar experiences
in the water with collisions and crowding. For me, it was a difficult swim, not
because of the distance but because of the beatings.
Once out on the bike, Hammy and I consistently moved up
through the other riders. There are rules that prohibit drafting or blocking so
the entire effort is un-aided by other riders. Our average speed for the 112
mile course was about 20 mph. Mike flew through the course at 22 mph. High
winds (not by Rexburg standards but by Arizona standards) took its toll on many
riders and ultimately caused some to quit or suffer greatly on the run. It was
like another TNR wind ride for Hammy and I. We were prepared for worse.
Neither Hammy nor I have ever run a marathon and this race
was going to be our first. Fresh legs would have helped, but all things
considered, we did fine. Both our times were well under five hours and our
overall times in the Ironman were sub 12 hours. That is a top 20% finish among
all other racers. Mike posted an impressive finish time of 9:45 and was 59th
overall and 7th in his age group. Sadly he missed an invite to Kona
since there were only 6 allocated slots.
The entire race was amazing and still a bit unbelievable. Special thanks and highest praise to our family and friends who supported us at the race. Crazy long races like Lotoja, the Crusher, this Ironman and others prove that
we can do more than seems possible with the proper training, support and attitude. Will
we ever do another one? No word on that at this time.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
BengalCross Photo Album
Many thanks to Whitney Garrett for braving the cold and sharing these photos!
VeloNews Reviews the Light and Motion Urban 800
photo copyright Caley Fretz/velonews.com
The purpose of this blog is not to sell you things. However, years ago, I would have welcomed an endorsement for the Light and Motion Urban series before wasting time and money on lesser lights. The Urban series features a range of lights from 350 to 800 lumens with pricing from about $70 to $180. As with most technology, performance has increased and prices have dropped substantially over time. When I bought my 350 lumen light a couple of years ago, it retailed for about $150. My experience with this light has been overwhelmingly positive. It is bright, dependable, and attaches easily and securely to any handlebar. It also came with a helmet mount which I have never used. If you are looking for a bicycle light, I would start here.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
From Scott Hurst: 1st Annual Fat Bike Swap - Sat Nov 22nd - 9 am to 1 pm
Friends, Associates and Supporters of TMBT
REMINDER --- About the First Annual Fat Bike Swap - Sat Nov 22, 2014 hosted by Teton Mountain Bike Tours.
Event: 1st Annual Fat Bike Swap
Date: Sat Nov 22, 2015 - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: TMBT Shop - 545 North Cache Street Jackson, Wyoming next to Creekside Market and just south of DQ
Questions or More Inform: David Hunger @ 307-690-0712
Details for Fat Bike Sellers : Drop Off - Fri Nov 21, 2014 - 3:00 to 7:00 pm @ TMBT Shop and Pick Up - Sat Nov 22 - 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
Price: $25.00/Bike. TMBT will donate the Swap Proceeds to Local Non-Profits to help promote Fat Biking in Jackson Hole Area.
Incentive to Attend: Great Drawings for Fat Bike Products from 45 Nrth, Vee Tires and Polarbottles!
Please spread the word about this event and help promote Fat Biking in Jackson Hole - Thanks Much ! Please let me know if you have any additional questions on this event.
David Hunger
Teton Mountain Bike Tours
www.wybike.com or info@tetonmtbike.com
800-733-0788 or 307-733-0712
Monday, November 17, 2014
Sunday, November 16, 2014
XC Ski Kickoff with the 'Burg Nordic Club
Over at our sister site rexburgski.blogspot.com we've begun posting in anticipation of the upcoming XC ski season. Many have expressed interest in finding an alternative venue to keep up their fitness in the off-season, and we're happy to offer the newly minted 'Burg Nordic Club as a vehicle.
For more information follow this link, but as a brief overview we'll be starting the season off with a little get-together:
We look forward to a great off-season on the snow together!
For more information follow this link, but as a brief overview we'll be starting the season off with a little get-together:
Anyone with any level of experience will be welcome. Those who know a little bit more can help those who know at little bit less.Cross-Country Kick-off
Bring your own equipment, or feel free to drop in at the ORC for rental fittings on your own, (the high school group will meet there on Saturday, December 6, 10AM).
We'll be on snow at the Teton Lakes Golf Course on Saturday, December 6th, starting at 11AM (conditions permitting). We'll hang around for a few hours, depending on how things go.
We look forward to a great off-season on the snow together!
Bengal Cross, So Fun, So Cold
Yesterday’s Bengal Cross was not the snowiest cross race I have been to, but with the wind chill, it was likely the coldest. Peter Joyce and the guys from the ISU Outdoor Recreation Department built a fun and challenging course at Bartz Field on the ISU campus. The hilly area around the playing fields includes several levels of fairly large landscaping terraces as well as some smaller terraces which provide steep climbs/run-ups and some abrupt drops.
I don’t think there is any question that mild temperatures like last weekend would have drawn more participants, but sometimes it is the extremes that make an event memorable. This was the inaugural year for Bengal Cross and its organizers, and like the other Southeast Idaho cross races, it has substantial potential for growth. I look forward to riding Bengal Cross years from now and reminiscing about the kind of miserable year that started it all.
Six cyclists from the Upper Valley braved the conditions at Bengal Cross: Dan, Shea, Jordan, Kellen, Jeff, and me. Dan and Shea opted for the B race and won the men’s and women’s divisions respectively. They were each rewarded with a large handsome ceramic cup custom-designed for the event.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Roller Video Review: Slaying the Badger
It looks like the outdoor cycling season has swiftly come to a close. Although I hold out some hope that we can keep up our tradition of a ride on Thanksgiving morning, I'm guessing most of us will be spending the majority of our time in the saddle either parked in a trainer or on the rollers.
Today I'd like to begin a new feature on the blog: the Roller Video Review
If you come across a TV show, documentary, movie or YouTube video that holds your attention for at least 30 minutes while cycling indoors, please let us know so we can link it and share.
I can think of no better way to start it off than by sharing an excellent documentary by the folks over at ESPN's series 30 for 30.
It's called "Slaying the Badger" and documents Greg LeMond's relationship with his teammate Bernard Hinault.
From the tagline: American Greg Lemond helped teammate Bernard Hinault, The Badger, win the Tour de France as teammates. In 1986, it was supposed to be LeMond's turn, but would it be? It was a turning point in cycling.
You can watch the whole thing on Netflix, ESPN or YouTube here:
Today I'd like to begin a new feature on the blog: the Roller Video Review
If you come across a TV show, documentary, movie or YouTube video that holds your attention for at least 30 minutes while cycling indoors, please let us know so we can link it and share.
I can think of no better way to start it off than by sharing an excellent documentary by the folks over at ESPN's series 30 for 30.
It's called "Slaying the Badger" and documents Greg LeMond's relationship with his teammate Bernard Hinault.
From the tagline: American Greg Lemond helped teammate Bernard Hinault, The Badger, win the Tour de France as teammates. In 1986, it was supposed to be LeMond's turn, but would it be? It was a turning point in cycling.
You can watch the whole thing on Netflix, ESPN or YouTube here:
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Bengal Cross, Ironman Arizona
Best of luck to Tony, KJ, and Mike at Ironman Arizona on Sunday. Meanwhile, here in Southeastern Idaho, there is only one piece of unfinished cycling business; Bengal Cross in Pocatello on Saturday. http://bengalcross.athlete360.com/ It will be cold and conditions will be tough, but I am confident it will be a great event. I could not be happier with the local cross season thus far with the three race Victor series featuring Moose Cross as its showcase event, the Cube, Blue Goose, and now Bengal Cross. I am fighting a cold this week, but unless it gets substantially worse I will plan to be there on Saturday. If anyone is interested in consolidating transportation, please contact Kellen or me. You will probably want to ride with Kellen since he is not sick.
From Kellen: TDF Route to be Riden on Raleigh Chopper
For American audiences, this bike is essentially the UK version of a Schwinn Sting Ray. A link to the story follows the video.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Bengal Cross Update
I registered this morning for the Bengal Cross "A" race. If they truly draw a deep 1-2-3 field, I may wish I had gone with the "B" race, but I am anticipating that the composition of the field will be something similar to the Cube, plus it should be a little warmer by noon. The trade-off for the warmer weather is that the course is likely to be more torn up. I sent an email to Peter Joyce to get an update on preparations for Saturday. His reply is below as well as the weather forecast.
Regular readers of the blog know that in spite of their appeal to the true believers, my preference is not for the so-called "classic cross conditions". Thus far, we have been lucky enough to have dry, fast Indian summer conditions for most of the other South East Idaho races, so this may be a good way to wrap up the season. Here is a link to the registration: http://bengalcross.athlete360.com/
We're working on the course and getting things dialed in. Should be classic cross conditions. Lots of grass with some muddy run ups and drops; a ball field section like at Moose Cross too. Looking forward to seeing you all again. Peter
From Kellen: Martyn Ashton Year One
Images copyright Martyn Ashton/animal.co.uk
Most fans of YouTube cycling videos know Martyn Ashton, a former World Champion Bike Trials rider, from his popular 2012 video Road Bike Party and 2013 sequel Road Bike Party 2. Perhaps less well known is that Mr. Ashton, was paralyzed from the waist down in an accident that occurred in a bike trails demo in 2013. The video of Road Bike Party 2 was completed with help from Danny MacAskill and Chris Akrigg. This blog is a first-hand account of his ongoing recovery from the devastating accident.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Blue Goose 2014 Redux
Yesterday was another signature day for Eastern Idaho CX. The second annual Blue Goose Cyclocross race was held at Freeman Park in Idaho Falls. It featured several nice technical upgrades from last year's excellent inaugural race.
This years course followed the same general outline as last year, but brought the racers fairly quickly across the creek with an early crossing over an established bridge and then back across a fairly steep temporary bridge. Later, the organizers managed to finagle two passes through the sand volleyball court with a nice little hairpin turn around a large tree to mix things up a bit. In addition to last year's drop into the stream bed early (causing some white knuckle moments each lap), a second stream bed crossing was added where last year racers cruised over a bridge. With the exception of some minor variations through the trees along the river, most of the course remained the same as last year.
With a nice mix of kids, beginners and a deep experienced field it made for a well attended event. Each November day you can get out on a bike is a bonus day in my book, and to have a sunny day with a well organized bike race to attend is a real gem.
Our Rexburg contingent had a good showing in both races, with congratulations going out to Shea and Kelton who both found a spot on the podium in the end. But perhaps most importantly I'll give a shout out to all who attended from around the area (Teton Valley, Ashton, Rexburg, IF, and Pokey); both racers and supporters that helped to make it a great day! Here's to hoping that we'll have a good turnout for BengalCross as well.
This years course followed the same general outline as last year, but brought the racers fairly quickly across the creek with an early crossing over an established bridge and then back across a fairly steep temporary bridge. Later, the organizers managed to finagle two passes through the sand volleyball court with a nice little hairpin turn around a large tree to mix things up a bit. In addition to last year's drop into the stream bed early (causing some white knuckle moments each lap), a second stream bed crossing was added where last year racers cruised over a bridge. With the exception of some minor variations through the trees along the river, most of the course remained the same as last year.
With a nice mix of kids, beginners and a deep experienced field it made for a well attended event. Each November day you can get out on a bike is a bonus day in my book, and to have a sunny day with a well organized bike race to attend is a real gem.
Our Rexburg contingent had a good showing in both races, with congratulations going out to Shea and Kelton who both found a spot on the podium in the end. But perhaps most importantly I'll give a shout out to all who attended from around the area (Teton Valley, Ashton, Rexburg, IF, and Pokey); both racers and supporters that helped to make it a great day! Here's to hoping that we'll have a good turnout for BengalCross as well.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story (2014) Full HD
You may have heard of this Australian-made documentary already. It has played on the BBC, Showtime, and ABC. I understand Lance fatigue as well as anybody and I am no fan of kicking a guy while he is down. Nevertheless, this is an absolutely riveting documentary, fast-paced and exciting. It features interviews with all the principal players and tons of archival footage. There are a lot of people besides Lance who behave very badly, but plenty of true heroes including Greg LeMond, Emma O'Reilly, Paul Kimmage, and David Walsh, but none braver than Betsy Andreu.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Kelson Custom Titanium - An Extraordinary Experience and Result. roadbikereview.com
This was published a few months ago. I happened to see it for the first time today. Sounds like this guy is pretty happy.
Bike Rumor Reviews Argent Tubeless for Cross
Best of luck to the organizers of the Blue Goose for a successful event tomorrow and to the participants as well. Hopefully you can bring back a few stories and pictures.
Photo copyright Bikerumor.com
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
GCN: How to Corner on a Cyclocross BIke
In my opinion, this is the best video in the cross series so far. The forecast looks good for the Blue Goose on Saturday with essentially zero chance of rain and a high around 52 degrees. I wish I could be there but until somebody starts paying me to race cyclocross (even in my drams I realize that is not going to happen), adult responsibilities continue to rear their ugly head. Best of luck to everyone at the Blue Goose.
Monday, November 3, 2014
From Brian: TRP 11 Speed Di2 Compatible Shifters and Hydraulic Brakes
photo copyright bikerumor.com
This little piece of genius is going to look pretty familiar to some of our readers.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
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