Friday, July 03, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
OBX Fix
Kept the legs loose at the Outer Banks from Kill Devil Hills to north of Rodanthe. KDH is on Bodie Island in the heart of OBX tourist country. Take US 64 east and turn left when you get to the water. Our route took NC 12 south from Bodie Island over to Hatteras Island just a bit and into the Pea Island wildlife refuge.
Our coast is well-guarded. No ne'er-do-wells will make it through Oregon Inlet. The inlet is the only passage to the interior sounds of the central coast. The inlet seperates Bodie and Hatteras Islands and is known as an extremely dangerous inlet with constantly shifting channels that have stymied the local fishing industry, tourists, and pirates for centuries.
My bro Brad is a former Coast Guardsman and was stationed at Oregon Inlet. The station is pictured above.
Heading south on the bridge over Oregon Inlet, with the Pamlico Sound to the right. The bridge is the OBX equivalent of a mountain pass.
Our coast is well-guarded. No ne'er-do-wells will make it through Oregon Inlet. The inlet is the only passage to the interior sounds of the central coast. The inlet seperates Bodie and Hatteras Islands and is known as an extremely dangerous inlet with constantly shifting channels that have stymied the local fishing industry, tourists, and pirates for centuries. 
My bro Brad is a former Coast Guardsman and was stationed at Oregon Inlet. The station is pictured above.
Heading south on the bridge over Oregon Inlet, with the Pamlico Sound to the right. The bridge is the OBX equivalent of a mountain pass. 
Almost to the turnaround point on Hatteras Island, Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. The dunes on the left separate NC 12 from the Atlantic, while the Pamlico Sound is just beyond the vegetation on the right. NC 12 is the only highway on Hatteras Island and carries heavy tourist traffic. Although a popular destination for coastal cyclo-tourists, the lack of a bike lane or shoulder gives an indication of the quality of the ride. We had several pucker moments. And while the region is flat, the wind is constant, and almost 2 hours of our ride was into a steady 10-15 mph wind.
Blood Sweat and 1 Gear Fixed
Geezer talked me into riding the BSG , given that our only choice of riding was on a
Fixie. I stuck with my Steamroller, rolling the 42x16 gearing. Which turned out the right gear of choice for the occassion, mainly because I'm too lazy to change the gearing.
The deal breaker was hitting Richards gap @ 80 plus of nonstop pedaling on the legs. I met my goal and finished under 8 hrs. I hadn't rode the coarse in 10 years, since riding it on my old Lemond in 99. Over all it turned out to be a good day, the most fun was passing Carbon Fiber $5k 20 speeds on my trusty 4130 cromoly fixie with just a front brake.
Next year I'll bring more fitness and a back brake to the Game.
The cumulative climbing elevation is 13,000+ feet, with the climb up to the gap at Snake Mountain,(photo) milepoint 63, reaching an 18-20% grade
Johnny
Fixie. I stuck with my Steamroller, rolling the 42x16 gearing. Which turned out the right gear of choice for the occassion, mainly because I'm too lazy to change the gearing.
The deal breaker was hitting Richards gap @ 80 plus of nonstop pedaling on the legs. I met my goal and finished under 8 hrs. I hadn't rode the coarse in 10 years, since riding it on my old Lemond in 99. Over all it turned out to be a good day, the most fun was passing Carbon Fiber $5k 20 speeds on my trusty 4130 cromoly fixie with just a front brake.
Next year I'll bring more fitness and a back brake to the Game.The cumulative climbing elevation is 13,000+ feet, with the climb up to the gap at Snake Mountain,(photo) milepoint 63, reaching an 18-20% grade
Johnny
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Another Day In Paradise or We`ve Got The Vaseline If You`ve Got The Time
Let me see now. Yes it’s coming back to me. It seems like it was only yesterday. The blood sweat and gear. 1250 bicycle riders all in the same parking lot.
I am walking across a wet field in mountain bike shoes in order to get in line for the port a John. Wondering if I could possibly compete with the likes of those I saw pulling into the parking lot. Overhearing members of bicycle teams discussing their strategy.
I had gotten up around 3:30 AM, consumed one Super blender shake and a whole handful of vitamin supplements, ritualistically listened to Wilson Picket`s song Knock on Wood and taken a hot shower. The plan was to meet Johnny Acorn for a ride up to the race start in his fixed gear Toyota .
We would get some good coffee at a Dunk n Donut when we got to the top of the mountain. It had to be dumped out.
Very much out of my element I felt a little bit anxious as I signed up with a photo I. D. and signed a waiver. The all steel ,leather saddled, fixed geared bicycle with SPD pedals and flat handlebars which I had leaned against the wall as I entered the sign up area had been gently tossed into the bushes and in its place rested a new top of the line carbon fiber Cervelo. - there’s nothing like a little bit of unexpected seasoning on an already full bowl of motivation to leave it all out there .
Way too many bicycle riders stood straddling their trusty steeds somewhere near the starting line as a Saturday Night Live skit unfolded for the ten minutes or so leading up to departure. A few big raindrops splattered around me and I almost hoped the skies would open up and thin the crowd out. Some riders already had MP 3 players running with earphones in place. They missed out on the sound track from Star Wars. After something resembling the Star Spangled Banner was butchered the start was official. For some time after this climactic event hundreds of competitors from 32 different states duck walked their straddled machines of bladed spoke and carbon derailleur while the theme song from Rocky inspired all those who had passed on using earplugs. – The feeling of a new recruit getting off the bus for basic training kicked in about then as I also noticed that NO one else of the gazillion riders had on a backpack.
Well except for say 8 or 9 hours of hills that about covers the Blood Sweat and Gear.
Lots of comments from other riders about - oh wow "single speed ". Some of those seemed to be actually respectful and appreciative rather than the perfunctory utterances offered in awkward moments during contact with the handicapped.
A few comments I enjoy having heard include a man on his cell phone trying to climb Snake Mountain (before having to push and walk). "Honey this really isn’t a good time to talk". Another at the start of Meat Camp Rd. was from a lady to her guy. Both were in small rings of their front triple and very red faced she simple said to him, " Babe I`m not liking this".
Lots of memories to blend into one as more time goes by - including a fella with the "right " kind of bike sitting on a guard rail after around 80 miles changing his 4th flat with 20c tires that no doubt were used to make him go faster. At least he found a shady spot.
The need for liquid and lots of it at the rest break up ahead - passing on the spring water that trickled down that holler and after guzzling some of the off color sport drink ,finding out it was made with that same "natural"source (hopefully after critters had been screened out).
Rotten bananas and Oreo Cookies, bottles of Vitamin Water that were just the bottles filled with green tea someone had made.
Some of the very nicest folks in the world directing traffic,raising spirits at rest stops,etc.
And one of the best aspects of the day - to fit into and live a day in those hills! Some of the finest topography and landscape to be found. Found while allowing oneself to be measured in a sense during an athletic event - part of a large group but also separate from it (just the way I love it). - Oh yea ! did I mention the smell of freshly cut hay and cow poop and and and - - - ?
I am walking across a wet field in mountain bike shoes in order to get in line for the port a John. Wondering if I could possibly compete with the likes of those I saw pulling into the parking lot. Overhearing members of bicycle teams discussing their strategy.
I had gotten up around 3:30 AM, consumed one Super blender shake and a whole handful of vitamin supplements, ritualistically listened to Wilson Picket`s song Knock on Wood and taken a hot shower. The plan was to meet Johnny Acorn for a ride up to the race start in his fixed gear Toyota .
We would get some good coffee at a Dunk n Donut when we got to the top of the mountain. It had to be dumped out.
Very much out of my element I felt a little bit anxious as I signed up with a photo I. D. and signed a waiver. The all steel ,leather saddled, fixed geared bicycle with SPD pedals and flat handlebars which I had leaned against the wall as I entered the sign up area had been gently tossed into the bushes and in its place rested a new top of the line carbon fiber Cervelo. - there’s nothing like a little bit of unexpected seasoning on an already full bowl of motivation to leave it all out there .
Way too many bicycle riders stood straddling their trusty steeds somewhere near the starting line as a Saturday Night Live skit unfolded for the ten minutes or so leading up to departure. A few big raindrops splattered around me and I almost hoped the skies would open up and thin the crowd out. Some riders already had MP 3 players running with earphones in place. They missed out on the sound track from Star Wars. After something resembling the Star Spangled Banner was butchered the start was official. For some time after this climactic event hundreds of competitors from 32 different states duck walked their straddled machines of bladed spoke and carbon derailleur while the theme song from Rocky inspired all those who had passed on using earplugs. – The feeling of a new recruit getting off the bus for basic training kicked in about then as I also noticed that NO one else of the gazillion riders had on a backpack.
Well except for say 8 or 9 hours of hills that about covers the Blood Sweat and Gear.
Lots of comments from other riders about - oh wow "single speed ". Some of those seemed to be actually respectful and appreciative rather than the perfunctory utterances offered in awkward moments during contact with the handicapped.
A few comments I enjoy having heard include a man on his cell phone trying to climb Snake Mountain (before having to push and walk). "Honey this really isn’t a good time to talk". Another at the start of Meat Camp Rd. was from a lady to her guy. Both were in small rings of their front triple and very red faced she simple said to him, " Babe I`m not liking this".
Lots of memories to blend into one as more time goes by - including a fella with the "right " kind of bike sitting on a guard rail after around 80 miles changing his 4th flat with 20c tires that no doubt were used to make him go faster. At least he found a shady spot.
The need for liquid and lots of it at the rest break up ahead - passing on the spring water that trickled down that holler and after guzzling some of the off color sport drink ,finding out it was made with that same "natural"source (hopefully after critters had been screened out).
Rotten bananas and Oreo Cookies, bottles of Vitamin Water that were just the bottles filled with green tea someone had made.
Some of the very nicest folks in the world directing traffic,raising spirits at rest stops,etc.
And one of the best aspects of the day - to fit into and live a day in those hills! Some of the finest topography and landscape to be found. Found while allowing oneself to be measured in a sense during an athletic event - part of a large group but also separate from it (just the way I love it). - Oh yea ! did I mention the smell of freshly cut hay and cow poop and and and - - - ?
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
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Thursday, June 04, 2009
Lowe's Time Trial #2 2009
The second race of the Lowe's Motor Speedway Time Trial series was held on Wednesday June 2 under rare weather conditions: warm temps and no rain. There was a brutal headwind on the frontstretch, but the payback was a massive tailwind on the slightly downhill backstretch. The promise of warm weather and clear skies brought over 350 participants out to throw their best at the track.
This was the first race for my new TRC IRO Mark V fixie, which I built up into sort of a poor-man's track pursuit bike. The IRO was a great choice, with tight geometry and quick handling. Spec'd with a 46x15 gear, I shaved 39 seconds off of my May time and finished with a time of 27:06.
Amy has improved steadily as well, besting her May time by over a minute and finishing at 28:19 for the 10-mile event.
The #68 SafetyKleen Dodge in the garage bay next to us took top honors, finishing the event in 3 minutes, 36 seconds at an average speed of 173mph. It appeared to be unaffected by the headwind.
This was the first race for my new TRC IRO Mark V fixie, which I built up into sort of a poor-man's track pursuit bike. The IRO was a great choice, with tight geometry and quick handling. Spec'd with a 46x15 gear, I shaved 39 seconds off of my May time and finished with a time of 27:06.
Amy has improved steadily as well, besting her May time by over a minute and finishing at 28:19 for the 10-mile event.The #68 SafetyKleen Dodge in the garage bay next to us took top honors, finishing the event in 3 minutes, 36 seconds at an average speed of 173mph. It appeared to be unaffected by the headwind.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Posse Member
That sure is a fine looking young man. Life as you knew has changed forever, for the better of course. Charish these first years, before you know it he will be 13....
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Monday's 65 Road Fix
Top of 226 hwy, yes top of South Mtns
Little road side smut novels!
Todays ride used my Steamroller with 42x16 pushing threw several counties including Burke, Rutherford,Cleveland, Linconton,Catawba. Total time 6 hours including fording a river up to my waist,bridge was out. 3 waterstops. Lots of traffic and wind to help out.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
None More Black
The newest TRC creation in my stable is an IRO Mark V fixie that I spec'd for fixed time trials. The Mark V is, naturally, 4130 steel, as basic as the black it's painted. The frame comes with tight track geometry for quicker, stiffer handling.
The Mark V is equipped with a 1/8" drivetrain. A KMC bushingless chain links the Origin 8 46t chainring to a 16t cog in the rear. A classic Suntour Superbe Pro 165mm crankset gets things turning. The wheels are Mavic Reflex 32h rims laced to Formula cup-and-cone hubs with DT Swiss 14g spokes, built by Chris at TRC.
Dimension bullhorns mated to Origin 8 aero bars provide a low position for cheating the wind. A Thomson stem holds things together.
The flash obscures the IRO motto, stamped on the head badge: "You Only Need One"And finally... for your viewing pleasure, the inspiration for the title of this post:
Mother's Day Fix
Geezer and I rode curtis creek, then up the parkway,down heartbreak and over some double track to curtis creek. Fixed gear horses equiped with 32x17 and 34x18 gearing, worked perfect for the occasion! Total time 5:30 hrs including water breaks!
Double track leading back to Curtis Creek
Heartbreak
You can tell spring is creeping up the Mountain!
Sweet singletrack
Waterstop atop Heartbreak, much needed!
Nice!
Some roades passed along the way with there gears and stuff!
Not bad elevation gain in less than 11 miles. Just one gear all the way, sometimes using second(standing up), only used third gear(pushing) once today.
Parkway crossroads
Curtis creek
Geezer
Water stop with the IRO 29er Fixie from Table Rock Cycles
Getting ready for some climbing!
Easter Morning
Cooking up some coffee before the 4.5 hour fixed ride/hike-a-bike out of Kawana via Mountains to Sea Trail and Harpers Creek.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Few more pics of May Day!
1/4 Finishing up!
PT punisher 1/3 Mike finishing with Valdeses own Jeff
Eddie!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
2009 May Day Biathlon
Table Rock Cycles had a great showing this year at the May Day Biathlon, with four TRC jerseys placing in their respective divisions. The biathlon consisted of a 5k run followed by a 30k bike. The weather varied from light rain to heavy rain, but fortunately not cold or windy. While the running leg was generally flat for these parts, the bike route was characteristic for Burke County: steep hills, and lots of 'em.
A disclaimer: I suck at taking pictures under the best of circumstances, let alone after a biathlon, so these pictures are less than good, but at this point, it's all we got. Paging Rick Fox...
Quarter Mike blew away all youth, finishing first in the 15-19 division by a large gap. Not bad considering Mike is a "young" 15.
Papa Mike followed suit with a strong second place in the 40-44 division.
Father and son with the spoils.
Jim and Amy rounded things out. Amy finished fifth overall among all women in her first biathlon, adding to her strong early-season results. The prize? 50 clams. Jim's prize? Dinner on Amy. Jim finished first in the 40-44 male division, giving TRC a sweep of the top two places in the men's 40-44 division.
Who in their right mind races a 19-mile hilly time trial on fixed-gear bikes? Racing up and down steep hills with one gear and no coasting seems like a handicap against geared bikes, but the three trophies and 1st - 1st - 2nd placings reveal the truth. The only real men to compete on fixed gear bikes flash their bling.
A disclaimer: I suck at taking pictures under the best of circumstances, let alone after a biathlon, so these pictures are less than good, but at this point, it's all we got. Paging Rick Fox...
Quarter Mike blew away all youth, finishing first in the 15-19 division by a large gap. Not bad considering Mike is a "young" 15.
Papa Mike followed suit with a strong second place in the 40-44 division.
Father and son with the spoils.
Jim and Amy rounded things out. Amy finished fifth overall among all women in her first biathlon, adding to her strong early-season results. The prize? 50 clams. Jim's prize? Dinner on Amy. Jim finished first in the 40-44 male division, giving TRC a sweep of the top two places in the men's 40-44 division.
Who in their right mind races a 19-mile hilly time trial on fixed-gear bikes? Racing up and down steep hills with one gear and no coasting seems like a handicap against geared bikes, but the three trophies and 1st - 1st - 2nd placings reveal the truth. The only real men to compete on fixed gear bikes flash their bling.
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