Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Christmas Circus

Nothing much. It's cold and the trails are icy, icier then last year at this point.

So have begun running a bit more to make up for it. And because of travel costs, in reality US airline fee raping. The decision was made to leave behind the bike and do a 10 day run camp. No clue yet what the plan is but I think I'll do the Krupicka method. Just simply run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDawlrIeaVM

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Concubine Burning

Today mounted new grips on the Concubine. Plus had the fun of playing the stem swapping game while trying to get it all dialed in. Oh,what fun. And pulled the fork to go back to rigid now that the snow has come.

But this has made me realize that the frame needs to be replaced. And am looking at the Banshee Paradox.

http://bansheebikes.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-paradox.html

It is more what I like and less weight weenie.

Working right now on getting my hands on a suitcase to transport my wheels to Florida in a week and a half.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

New Parts

Got some new parts to install on the Mistress.


DMR Grips


Chromag Brass Seat Collar- note the lovely brass aspects.


The grips are great. They do the same job as the ODI lock ons but at a mere $20 compared to the $40 of ODI's offerings. The seat collar works well but needs a bit of something to prevent it from spinning when changing seat height.

Next upgrade planned will be a Hope external BB to go with the DMR Exalt cranks I have in the parts bin. Also during the winter I will be replacing the seals on the Hope C2 front of mine as well.

Right now am looking for work in January to help with the rest of the upgrades I have planned.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Hot Mod Suspension

Yep, it seems that Team NFI has been running more like a union shop as of the last month. No posting being done.

So scheduling this year didn't work for any further fall Cross races. Though on the plus side for 2010 there has been some info about dirt bag cheap races. More on that later.

Soon it will be time to switch the Mistress over to cable disc brakes for the winter. Don't want to have to replace any major parts due to salt corrosion. On the plus side am waiting for some parts I have on order to arrive. Though they are taking a bit longer to arrive then expected.

This coming week will be taking the 29er fork into the shop to replace the seals. While doing that I will see if I can add springs into the mix to make it work even better.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Concubine Conversion

Today switched the Concubine from suspension to rigid fork for Cross. It will be much more efficient for this type of racing.

There is another reason for the switch though. that being the right fork seal is now leaking oil. It started almost 2 weeks ago at the Turkey Cross. Now surprise though, they are OEM seals not the Enduro seals that are on the Mistress. Enduro seals are the best.

This winter the Mistress will be the focus of upgrades. Lots planned there. More on that later.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Flowride

Despite the fact I will be racing in the Kingston Challenge in a week. I have been allowing myself this year to spend more time just playing around on the bike.


At the end of the day felt ok though am a little bummed that I cracked one of the shells on the knees. They will be replaced on Tuesday with a set of Beastgear of Pinkbike.

Tomorrow go by the shop for some housing and a front caliper, mechanical so I can have the two 29er forks with brakes all set up so I don't have to swap them every time. It becomes a simple fast swap in the future.

At this time am working on the winter parts build.



Monday, October 12, 2009

Iskiate

Been trying this out for the last month and have had no issues. Here's how to make it,

8 onces whater
2 teaspoons sugar
wedge of lime
2 teaspoons of Chia seeds

Mix water, sugar, and squeezed lime juice. Shake well. Add the Chia seeds and shake. Store in fridge.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Shin Basher

Came down the Circus Highway Maximus for a long Thanksgiving weekend of riding.

Planning on heading to Hamilton tomorrow to ride around. May only be some urban and stuff but still be fun time on the bike. On the way out will be picking up some foam from my buddy Singlesprocket. One sheet is a sleeping pad while the other is to be the back pad for my dirtbag modified pack

Will be racing the Durham Classic on Saturday morning. With some Don riding in the later afternoon. Hopefully see some buddies in the evening as well

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Dirty Enduro

Raced Paul's Dirty Enduro on September 16th. Entered the 60k distance.

My weapon of choice was the Concubine with her 4 week old suspension fork. i can definitely say that my hands and forearms still took a beating . But nothing like it could have been if I had gone completely rigid.

Sadly I got to wrapped up in race mode and forgot to pace myself. One needs to keep in mind at all times the distance. This meaning 60 km is along way and muscling to many hills in the wrong gear can screw up your race.

At the 40 km point the outside tendons on my knees basically locked up. So climbing was a chore. Took way longer to finish due to this. But I learned a lesson, don't go to hard.

The decision has been made that for next year I will be doing only the 30km distance,


Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Dirty Enduro

So, this week is the final bit of prep for this sundays fun at Paul's Dirty Enduro.

Right now packing the race crate with parts and such. Taking the usual stuff ELoad, Gels, Iskiate, and of course Perpeteum. One of course cannot forget the packing of Embrocation as one wouldn't want to get any form of stiffness on race day.

The decision was made to bring the concubine to the race. The concubine was most convincing in her persuasion to be allowed to be raced. Maybe it had something to do with the new fork she was given. But it should be noted that she reminded me that for this type of event that speed was better.

However the Mistress will be coming for the journey. Of course as a back up in case things go wrong. But on Sunday I would like to take her for a Don Valley loving.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Dead Beat

Yep, I admit it. I have been a blog dead beat.

Got the new fork for the 29er and almost have it dialed in. So now it comes down to a decision for Paul's Dirty Enduro. Ride the Mistress or the 29er? Basically be race fast or ensure I finish no problem as the Mistress is strong and tough. Decisions, decisions. Go light and fast or strong and steady?


Monday, August 10, 2009

Forks of Plush

Just received my 29er fork in the mail. Looks good now just need to mount it.

In the last week have taken it easy with the 29er and spent more time on the Mistress. It's amazing how much strength you lose when one doesn't ride the beast hardtail.

Later today will be doing a CB area ride.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Forks

Been almost a month. Not much new other then riding.

Well, because of being laid off I cancelled the J&J race on the 26th. Was much more interested in rinding with friends.

On the gear front have just got my hands on a fork through Ebay. My hands will be thanking me for this. No more numbness.

Nothing else new.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Rode some of the Don trails today. Dead as hell in there, it seemed like everyone disappeared.

Have been working on a dirtbag pack project. Right now gathering the materials I need. Once that is done I'll be able to finish what I want. But till then I'll keep it quiet.

Tomorrow have a moving job so will help with the race finances.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Boardwak

Yesterday played around on a rooty trail near the house, actually it's my TT track. The boardwalk bridge goes over a marsh and has really become overgrown.


Recent pic of the 29er with the upgrades to date. Still want to replace the shifters for Pauls Thumbies and get a suspension fork.



Monday, June 22, 2009

Shovel Head

Rode the CB trails for 1.5 hours with about a half hour stop for trail work. Fixed up the dirt transition that was needing to be fixed on a new feature.

Then headed out for the rest of the ride. Found some new features and a new trail to try. One section showed that really need a seat collar QR ASAP. Being able to drop the saddle is a good idea.

Hopefully tomorrow when I go by the shop to pick up what I have left there I can double check the data. Though I will probably go by Cyclepath to confirm some of the numbers.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Father's Day Rouge Ride

It's been 2 years since I rode in the Rouge. So today took a solo Father's Day ride. Normally I would have not been ale to as I'd be crew chief for Matt doing his solo gig at 24HOSS. But since he took a year off I had the chance.

Nice 2 hour ride. Lots of sweat and lots of bush bashing.

Sadly had to see this lovely eye sore.


Not a ride without some wading.

The Beavers have been busy.

Discovered that I need a new seatpost. It looks like GT screwed up, they speced a 26.8 instead of a 27.0 for the seatpost. So it doesn't tighten tight enough of course. But that will be rectified soon enough.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Dirtbag

Spent the weekend riding the Trails in the Don Valley. Rode the Boomerang Trail for the first time. Challenging and alot of grunt required. Plus had the fun on Saturday of having the beginnings of a bonk. A bottle of Coke helped fix that.

Rode the Saturday with my CF Patrol Pack. Have the idea of now modifying it so that I have a pack for more general use. If what I plan works it will sit lower down on my back and have less weight higher up. I'll be picking up some of the material for the straps tomorrow.

Will be riding the Don again tomorrow as I don't have to leave sooner. One of the benefits of being laid off.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Lay Off and Courses

 After a good weekend of riding and hanging with friends in the Don get the bad news. Due to the economy the shop is slow and have been temporarily laid off.

 The good news is tomorrow I start my online course tomorrow so that will help with getting into Queen's to work for the Fall.

 The good news of the weekend is I have found a used 29er fork I can aquire. Though it may take a bit longer due to the job situation. Though starting tomorrow I'll be in the process of cleaning out a bunch of stuff so hopefully that will help. 

 It should be noted that EWR's OWB29ER  has been reviewed in the July issue. And they love it, well they bitch about the weight. But then again only light weight XC weenies worry about how much it weighs. Sounds like the bike is even better then I thought. Guess I will be  having to figure out how to make it happen over the summer.

 

Friday, June 5, 2009

Top Reasons To Date A Cyclist

That bulge isn't just the chamois.

Balls of steel.

We can go for hours and hours even when it hurts.

We know how to take it easy.

We know not to go real hard right from the beggining.

Smoother legs than you.

Skin tight lycra is real easy to take off.

Can you say perfectly sculpted legs?

Better power-to-weight ratio than a small car.

We don't need booths to get our amazing tan...lines.

Perfect ass.

Diamond cut calves.

Incredible thigh definition.

Who else can perform for over 5 hours a day for 20 consecutive days?

When it gets hard, we find a rhythym and pound away.

We go hard and push until it gets even harder.

Some days we feel the need to attack, explore, and adventure.

We know that everything needs to be properly lubricated before it can be used to its full potential.

Even when we're about to explode, we can always hang on a little bit longer.

We always have water bottles and snacks laying around for those those times when it gets real long.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Cool Summer

Been an iteresting week.

First the weather. Which has been a 3 ringed circus of fun. Either warm or cold and it's the first week of June.

Secondly, had the fun today of getting told we have had shift cut backs at work.

Yay, what a fun week.

The one plus side is that I'm back in Toronto for the weekend. So will have some fun rides and get to see some of my friends. Plus do some different rides to pass the time and get some mental health.

Added one new piece of kit today. Added a new pair of shoes to the gear. There a pair of 2007 shoes from Louis Garneau. Pic's later.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Crank Yanking

 After discovering my old Shimano cranks that came with the 29er where dying. Had to pull the crisis cranks from the Mistress and swap it all over. So far so good.

 The good news for the Mistress is she will be getting a set of DMR external BB cranks soon. It must have been something in the flow, for they appeared on Pinkbike 2 days ago and they are on their way. Now comes the research for the external BB.

 the one thing that sucks is that for the next day of so is pretty much rain. So much for training being easy.
 

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Vassago War

 Ended up putting in 2 hours of bike time after it was all totaled up. And it was hot as well.

 Been looking into other frame options in case I have to bail on the EWR 29er frame plan. The other option will be a Vassago Bandersnatch. 18 inch frame of course. But this is just one of 2 back up plans.

 Hopefully tomorrow I will have finished paying off my shoes and will start the process to aquire a second set of Crisis cranks for the 29er. As I expect by mid June for the present one's to finally die.

 But more on that later.

  

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Cross Hill Run

 Felt a wee bit sore after yesterdays return to push ups and the Kettle Ball. So took it a little easy to day on the weight part.

 Did 5 times Cross hill repeats of a nearby hill. Basically ride down across the base of the hill. Start riding into the hill then dismount  to do the bike carry run. Then ride across the top to begin again. Did it 5 times total. Though it did cost me in one area, destroyed a bottle cage that I hadn't removed.

  

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Sun and Wind

  Ended up spending about 2 hours on the bike today.  Though found some shifter issues, may be dumping the Shimano rapid fore for the full thumb shifters.

 With the economy and finances I have had to delay the new 29er frame.  As well as come up with some back up options. Ideally would love the EWR version. But we will have to see in the fall what the finances will have to say.

 But in the meantime I'm upgrading parts as I can.  Right now keeping my eye on a fork on EBay for the 29er.

 

Monday, May 18, 2009

No Pic Ride

 Today did 2 rides in CB. Dragged out the mistress for both. Totaled about 3 hours, but will need more mileage then that for later events.

 When I rode o Saturday I noticed the 29ers front wheel was too close to the left fork leg. It caused a bit of mud build up. Which caused my tire to rub. I'll fix that at work tomorrow. Plus the good news is I have found a fork for the 29er to buy. Not quite a Reba which is the height of big budget but it will have to do.

 Now for bed.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Normal

 Back home and some what recovered.  Nothing much else other than work and trying to get back to training.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Rain Land

Spending till next Wednesday in Vancouver for a wedding. The good news is I have a bike to borrow from my buddy Matt.

It's a Titanium cyclocross bike from Motobecane. Should be an interesting ride once I have set up the brakes. Will post up more later today when Ive been out and back.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Distractions

Today was a brief trg day, pretty much ride to work and back. Then had to drive to Toronto to drop off some stuff.

This weeke kinda sucks as I was supposed to race Sunday. However between the lacking training days due to being sick Then having to go to Van for my brothers wedding. It's kind of important to save some funds for later in the season.

Though some adjustments will be made. The biggest one will be diet and eating cheap. It's time to bring back the living out of cans like a dirtbag rule. Enough of this $10 a day for food. That's EWR frame and race money. Canned pasta anyone?

New blog I found.

http://blackchickonabike.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Pollen and The Itch

 After I came home from a post work training ride received a bunch of bad news. Need some time to digest and will say more later.

 So, had a fairly successful ride. Though need to make some adjustments but those will be taken care of after the 10th and the family event is done. That way I can buckle down and get it done. the stuff that I need to do for the 8 Hour in August. It should be noted that I have some extra motivation courtesy of a couple of Trolls.

 

Monday, April 27, 2009

Back To Normal

  Well, after last weeks fun things are back to normal somewhat.

 After having my crank arm on the 29er come loose again. The decision has been made to aquire another set of Crisis cranks for it. Not the only other new thing. Now have a freehub body for the rear hub I have. Now to get the DMR front one to go with it.

 Tomorrow I'm leaving work early and going up to Roger's to ride a couple of laps. Maybe some other mileage as well. We shall see.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Fast Weightloss

 Been a rough few days. had a visit from Mother Nature's weightloss technition, the flu.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Cough and Hack

 Nothing new due to having a rough bought with a cold. Will be back when I'm healthier.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Brit Parade

 New DMR cranks. Lovely, lovely, and no flex.


New, well new of ebay. Lovely vintage Hope brakes.



 The lever. Old yet still works great.

 Now just need the brake line so I can have a rear brake to match.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Grinding Brackets

Today at the shop installed the new cranks and BB. So far so good. But will have to wait to really give it a try on the weekend.

The bad news was finding out the Hope brake caliper is wide as hell. And because of that have to delay mounting it till tomorrow. Have to grind down the bracket at work to move it over.Oh, well live and learn.

Pic's tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Snow and Cranks

Today wasn't much of a ride. Ended up just playing around while doing errands.

Tomorrow will be mounting the cranks with a new BB as well as the front Hope brake. Now if only the postal system would be so kind as to deliver my last 3 packages before summer.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Icebreaker

 Yesterday rode the Uxbridge Icebreaker and came in first in the Clydesdale category. Funny when one considers that I entered this more for fun and for training then anything else. And couldn't care less about results. I used the Mistress for this as it was to be a stength endurance ride.

Oh, well. Maybe I will have to try it again next year. Though the TDP is also calling.

Though after yesterday and further thought. I will be swapping the present DMR cranks for the new Crisis version I now have on her. I think it's time to lighten the Mistress up a little bit. It will be the first step of many in both the Mistress and the 29ers evolution in 2009.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

CB Trail Ride

A couple of pics from a ride about 3 days ago.





Sunday, March 29, 2009

Cranks

 Not much riding due to the weather, well trail ate least. More just on the road.

 But have been thinking. For the Mistress I'm thinking of not going with DMR's X Type cranks. But using the same cranks I'll be putting on the 29er. The DMR Crisis cranks, mostly due to cost as the Crisis are almost a $100 less and I have a BB already. But will be making he final decision tomorrow when  check the numbers.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Spring Mud

 First time the rocks have been clear since December.


The Mistress.


Monday, March 23, 2009

Coffee With TBHC

 Today at work worked on a bike from Trail Blazers Cycles from Toronto. It is a long closed shop on Danforth that was cool and had some of the best mechanics in town. Especially the suspension genius Supafly Terry.


Sunday, March 22, 2009

 The last 36 hours was hectic. Was called into work at the base at the last minute. So cancelled today's ride out at Collins Bay. But will be able to ride there on Tuesday.

 Now have the brake line on the way, so will be able to have the rear brake up and running as soon as I get the brake line.

 No pic's this weekend so far. Have been to busy to do any.

 Have found another event to do over the April 5th weekend.  On the 5th  in Hilton Falls is the A;; Weather Challenge put on by WOW.  Decisions, decisions. I will make the decision tomorrow after talking with OCA to make sure my license fees went through.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Toronto Skills Park

Today was an interesting bit, let's correct that. It was exciting news. On dropmachine.com it was revealed that the city of Toronto is looking to build a skills park for mountain biking. This is big news to Ontario's mountain bike community.

http://www.dropmachine.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=32447

Hope of Zyme

Today was out at CB riding in the new trail.

Dirty Mistress.





Have some new stuff on the way all the way from Britain. a Hope brake is coming. All that I need right now will be a bigger disc for the front and some longer brake line for the rear.

The other stuff on the way is a couple of items from the Scottish bike clothing maker Endura. A pair of shorts and a pair of knickers are on the way.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Muscle Head

Today was another fun day at work.

After a bit of work I finally seemed to have solved the problem with my crank arm and spider interface. It seems that a spacer may have been missing. The first attempt was a failure and after pulling the crank. After further thought reversed the two spacers. After tightening everything and spinning the cranks, no binding. So now only the ride in the morning will tell.

Ordered the DMR Crisis cranks for the 29er, they are similar to the old Cheiftains though this version will work with an ISIS BB. This keeps it light yet strong. Don't come with chain rings though which is fine. Especially since I run a 24T with a 36T in the front.

I the morning I have to draw in some trails markings on a map for a couple of guys who want to check out the area. Got to encourage people to ride trails. The more numbers we have the stronger the voice with the city.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

The Quest for Brakes of Hope

So have the new front wheel for the 29er. And jut need to fixe the other one and all will be good in that area.

Now begins the quest for a rear brake for the Mistress. have pads on the way for the front brake. However need to find a Hope rear brake. Sure I'm searching ebay as we speak but who wants to pay $100 for the old C2's or Mini's? Man, in this economy one's gotta be more frugal. So unless I receive a large donation or Hope actually sponsors me. I guess I'm left to groveling my buddies.

The decision for racing has been made. The race of suffering will be the Uxbridge Icebreaker and right now I'm looking at doing it on the Mistress for 60km. The Iron Man distance especially with a 30lb bike. Hmm, anyone want to donate a Hope rear for the race.

Am I obsssessed with getting a Hope rear or what?

Though right now I'm needing to get an adapter so that the C2 I have can be mounted on my fork. it's a post mount of course, which makes things much harder. Kind of like watching team Dicky actually train.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Headwind XR

Today was a fair bit windy. It was a grunt to get home. But that made it only more of a good ride home.

Went by the shop today to pick up the new stem. Truvativ XR 90mm with a 12 degree rise. Mounted it when I got home from work. Just doing the lean on the wall mount test it feels good. Not as hunched over as before. So we shall see what happens next with set up. The Blackspire stem I pulled goes into the bin for the next bike, that of course being the EWR.

Also swapped discs in the rear tonight. Basically a bent one for a less bent one. Really need to get a better disc this weekend. Especially since it looks like I'll be racing it as well. It being the mistress of course. And less rub will mean more fast.

On a training positive a couple of people I know at work mentioned I look like I have lost weight. That is good as it means training is going my way.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Time Waste

What ever happened to a business not bullshitting over the phone? There once was a time when one could phone a business and get an honest answer. Well, it seems to be no more. Wasted an hour today chasing a handlebar shim for the new stem. Fuck I hate bullshit.

Rode some connector bits today as I did errands. I can tell that the present stem is just to low, neck tightness and late night back spasms tell the tale. But it looks like it will take a couple of extra days to get a second shim. The sad news is it looks like I will have to pull the one of the 29er to use the new stem this weekend.

I don't think I mentioned this. But I can really notice a lack of strength from nearly a year of not riding the Mistress. There seems to be a advantage to hauling and moving a beast like that. Plus let's not forget that because it requires more strength to ride it means one burns more fat in the end.

In regards to April race plans. Well 'm still waiting on some final details. Though if it takes much longer I'll be using the Independent Contractor provided by Wee, Fokkum, and Howe.

In the parts category, am looking at getting my hands on some older Hope brakes. That way i will have Hope both front and back. The big plus with Hope is they still use the same fittings. Which means if I want to I can replace the levers.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Frozen DMR of Pain

Ok, who ordered more suffering?




Today at the shop swapped out the Isis BB and cranks. Installed a DMR BB and crankset , am looking for more power and less flex. Already noticed that the bike was putting out way more with the cranks.

BB shell after pulling the BB,


The DMR cranks after mounting.




I'll be eventually like the 29er be installing a external BB. I'll be looking at mounting the DMR Extype cranks to do the job. I like how little they flex and the fact they are bomb proof. The nice thing with my local distributor is they don't include the BB. Which means I can choose my own. And it that regard I will be looking for the Hope BB.

I'll be replacing the busted spoke on Saturday at work on the 29ers front wheel. Though hopefully that will become the back up as I pick up the new one on Thursday. And on Friday be picking up the replacement stem from the shop and the derr as well.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Dirt Bag Tip

On the Mistress' front fork is a QR20 hub system. It's one with a redundant QR system. Redundant, well of course since long ago they added the anti lawsuit devices. So how to solve the proble.

Well after digging through a parts bin found me one of those replacement skewers people use to prevent wheel theft. It has a 5mm allen head instead of a QR. After a quick check of all the important details. Gave it a try and it works. No money spent and a quick and easy solution to a problem.

And one bonus is a saved an ounce, as if it matters on a beast bike.

Hope n Pauls

Today went out to Collins bay for a bit of a ride and trail work. Though it was mostly trail work, cleaning blowdown off the new trail. And the new trail is ready for the season to begin.

Alcohol Fueled





The guy's at Chromag Bikes have got some seat collars and wheel QR's now. Those will be on the Mistress upgrade list.

The other parts I'm looking at over the next year will be a selection of goodies from Hope and Paul's components. I would like to have full Hope brakes and hubs within the year. Hopefully on both bikes. And of course have a winter set of non hope hubs for winter and as back up. Add to that headset and BB from Hope as well. Guess I'm a bit of a snob in that area.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Stems Stems

Went to work at the shop today. Placed on order the stem for the Chromag, it's a Truvativ XR. Should be here by Friday. Then the big bonus was finding out the derrailler we had in the shop will work for the future build. It's an old Suntour top pull but who cares as it is cheap and will do the job. So for about $25 got a stem and a derrialleur.

Not much else today as it was a long day of work at the shop then at the base gym.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Chromag Slumber Disturbed

Today had some change occur fast. Barely got out the door and had to come back as my front wheel on the 29er blew a spoke. Had to wake up the Mistress from her hibernation.

It seemed like it was meant to be. As by forcing me to rider it made the ride towards work harder. Though didn't have time to do the mandatory hill climb. Though there where other benefits. It made be dig out the DMR BB and cranks to take to work for Monday to install. Plus it will mean the wheels will finally get trued. And the disc's finally replaced.



Though I have realized I need to replace the stem as the one on it puts me to far forward.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Parts Quest

After I posted my build wish list for the OWB29 I have been finding some deals on parts. Specifically older stock stuff from various sources. Looking at a front derrailleur right now. Just need to check the clamp size and it may be an option. Plus when it comes to tires may have a cheaper option with the Serfas Krest 9'r tires. I recall looking at the distributers catalogue and seeing them for around $20 a tire.

Today when went for my ride was a bit disappointed as the trails are still a skating rink. I have to wait till the weekend unfortunately. So I still have to ride road for a few more days. Tomorrow will be a bit of hill work.

Dirtbag Gear Tip

With warmer weather approaching our thoughts turn to gear and warm weather riding. And with the economy not doing well and obviously cost cutting measures for most are in effect.nI'll share a cost cutter I have been doing.

When it comes to our cycling jersey's they usually come in less then a half zip. Yet for most a full zip would be better. No need to remove helmets and such. Plus in the cooler times of the year Spring and Fall it's so much easier to take off and put on layers as needed.

The down side to buying new jersey's is the cost. Yet if one goes through their closet of bike gear they have lots of jerseys. The solution is simple, find a sewing shop that specializes in outdoor gear. And have them install a full zip. It costs me abot 420 a jersey to do this. Think of many jersey's can be revitalized for the cost of a $140 jersey.

Below is my old Insport jersey I did last fall.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Frozen Chimps

From what I have learned via the world wide web, Team Dicky in Charlotte NC is feeling bit of winter nastiness and he's feeling picked on by Mother Nature. Guess he's lacking a wee bit on the testicular fortitude. I suggest the proper application of 10lbs of weights to the bike will cure him of this affliction.

On the parts front, I may have a cheaper solution for my front derrailleur. But need to take some measurements on Saturday. Hopefully it will all work out. If it does then I will save $40. Which of course will be a benefit to the frame fund.

The weather forecast for the weekend claims it will be warming up and wet. Which I doubt as the weather around in winter tends to be on the screwy side. Though with it being warm it will hopefully mean that I can get onto the local trails finally. With the melt then freeze a few weeks ago the trails are really not fun.

Plus it will hopefully mean trail work can start up again.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Freezing Count

Had to cancel the planned training day as had to rush home to deal with something. Funnily enough was reacting to someone else's failure to plan.

Tomorrow will have to ride to work hard and fast then home hard and fast to get a little bit of training. Though Joely has admited tonight that I have been taken advantage of in the last few days with all this running around.

While at the shop doing inventory have placed the order for the chain rings and the Exiwolf tires I will be needing. That way they are ordered and things are taken care of in that area. Now it just comes down to getting the fork dealt with and o the bike sooner then later.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Ease of Use

When I headed out to go to work this morning at 0730 hrs discovered that the last 2 days took alot out of me. Sure I have felt sore like this but I couldn't put power to the pedals. Basically there was not a good turn over.

So, backed off and rode in easy to work. Monday will now be an easy day as well. To give my body a chance to recover from the efforts. To adapt and grow stronger.

Tomorrow I will be at the bike shop working. While there I'll be swapping out my old tire and putting on another Exiwolf from the Service Course. After continuous use since November it's looking a little bald. Plus this will hopefully be taken as a sign by Mother Nature that it is time to stop winter.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

The Pain of Spin Bikes

Today was the first annual RMC Soldier On Spin a Thon. Which was put on by the Cadets to raise money for the Soldier On fund.

I was tasked to ride 2 hours for the civvy base staff. Though after doing this once on a spin bike I know better for next year. Next year I will use my own bike with either Rollers or a rim mounted Turbo Trainer. Riding a spin bike sucks as it never feels comfortable to me. Though maybe a good easy day the day before would be helpful as well, instead of running around like a chicken.


The guy in the white jersey is Tony O'Keefe, Dean of Cadets and Ultra endurance fiend.




The Cadets trying to out work each other based on mileage. The squadron with the most mileage wins a pizza party.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Too Much Info

Was in Chapters our local book store tonight. I was looking at the sports books and I had suddenly thought about how advanced we have become.

Sure this is a good thing. Yet I can't help but feel that it gets in the way of our success athletically. We no have multiple books telling us how and when to train. We now have heart rate monitors and GPS units telling us how fast and how far to go. There are now pre made training programs and such telling us when to train.

We have lost a lot of the fun of training. No more do we simply get out and train doing it as fast and as long as we feel. Instead of training times is spent thinking about the overwhelming amount of info we are inundated with. And this overwhelming input causes us to spend way to much time and energy thinking.

If there was one group to watch and learn from that would be African runners. They don't use technology, well nothing more then a stop watch. They simply head out and train. Sure they have a given work out plan to do but that's it. There is no additional waste of energy thinking. It's simple get out and do.

And that is what we should be aiming for, the simple get out and train. Other then a stopwatch dump the excess technology and just train.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Service Course

In the next couple of weeks I will be cleaning up the mess that is my service course. One of the big things I need to get is a tool box. Not only to keep the tools easy to find. But to protect Gabby from all the sharp and pointy tools. Plus the tool box will make going to races easier.

So on the frame and part front things are looking up. This weekend I start working 3 days a week in the bike shop again. This is good as it will help keep the parts cost down with the new frame build. Especially with the new cranks and wheels. Actually kind of excited with this project as I have never tried to build up a bike with almost all new parts.

One other thing I need to do is to mail in my money for my cycling license. Hopefully OCA will actually be efficient for once and send me the card sooner then later.

I may not have mentioned this but have restarted running this year. Nothing epic really just some easy jogs once a day for a short period of time. My desire to do running races isn't there fully right now. So I won't push it at all. Maybe in the future who knows.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Suck It Up Buttercup

Suck it up, Buttercup. Is the favorite saying of any soldier in the Canadian Army. Whay am I posting this one may ask?

It's easy really. I'll be helping a crew this Saturday morning as a take a relay in the Ride-a-Thon at RMC for Soldier On. More info can be found here,

www.cfpsa.com/en/psp/soldieron/index.asp

This is a group that helps our soldiers who have been injured either in combat or non combat get back on their feet.

Now that that taken care off.

The last few days have been a waiting game. Waiting to see where Joely will be on the 4th so I can make the final decision as to the race. Either the Tour of Pelham or the Icebreaker. Decisions Decisions.

Now just re looking at forks. The RST M 29 is still the one. However am checking stuff on ebay to see if any Rock Shox are available. Though I would much rather get new the current economy may play a factor. Especially if I want one for April 4th. And then of course will need one when we go to California.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Rubber

It's about a month away from the first event of the year, the Uxbridge Icebreaker. And the weather isn't in any way being co-operative with training.

Hard to do speed work in the cold.

This week while replacing the crappy BB GT had installed I decided on a gearing change. The gear plan is to pull the 22T granny and replace with a 26T granny. which for Ontario hills will be adequate for my needs. And of course it will be steel as I tend to destroy those less.

Hopefully by mid March I will have also got the suspension fork on the way. Though at this point it may not make it here in time for Uxbridge. Kind of sad as it will make doing the 60k a little less abusive to the body. The good news though is that by the weekend I will have picked up my front wheel. So will now have 2 front wheels. Then all that is left is getting another set of Rhyno's to build up. Which will be on hopefully Hope Hubs.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Octalink of Doom

Octalink a funny name for what is essentially a spline system. This was a wonderful creation by the people at Shimano. That is untill they amed the crank bolts 10mm instead of 8mm. Then of course made it a challenge to remove.

So next week I have to go by work to torch the crank to get it off. Though the good news is that on Monday can go by the shop and pull the non drive side off. Then pull the plastic, yes that stupid plastic cup out and replace it with a metal one. As I suspect it's died in this winter weather.

Hopefully I can get a few more weeks out of it. I really don't want to shell out money for another crankset yet.

Friday, February 20, 2009

The Build-Wish list

Today spent part of the day thinking up the parts i'd like for the next bike build. Sort of a wish list. Here it is,

Frame- EWR OWB29
Fork- RST M29
Headset- Cane Creek
Stem- Undecided
BB-Shimano or Hope external
Cranks- Shimano SLX
Derrailleurs- Shimano SLX
Shifters- Paul's Thumbies
Hope Brakes- Rear mini as I already have a front
Hope Pro 2 hubs
Rims- Rhyno's
Handlebar-undecided as will have to see how it handles kind of
Chainrings 34 and 38T
Cassette- Shimano

This is pretty much what I'm hoping to build it up with. I'll have the RST fork sooner though as I'm using the GT all for most of the summer anyways.

Other things going on. Am taking part as a team member a 24 hour spinning event at the base the 27th and 28th of the month. It's a benefit for the Soldier On fund.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Snow Snow

Another fun filled day of winter.

Got a hour ride in on the 401 Division route. Temp dropped a couple of degrees while out.

Aded one thing to my rides that I do when I go to work. Every time I go to work I'm required to do at least one climb up Fort hill. Anything to add a bit to the ride.

O the bike front, now that I have decided on the EWR frame. Now going about the selection of parts to adorn it with. kind of looking at a dirt bag flavour. Meaning more along the lines of cheap and will work with almost anything. Which means at least half of the parts will be bought via EBay.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Retro Grouch Moto Club

This is a little bit from mountain bikings past.

You might be a retro grouch if;

1.Use top mounted shifters (click or friction)
2.Use a five or six speed freewheel
3.Use standard cage pedals and toe clips
4.Use brass spoke nipples rather than aluminum
5.Use steel quick release hub skewers
6.Use a frame pump rather that a CO2 cartridge
7.Use chainrings with teeth that don’t have odd shapes or notches (Writers Note: Remember Bio-Pace….uuuggghh)
8.Use water bottles rather than a water bladder slung on your back
9.Wear any cycling shorts that flap in the breeze
10.Wear tee shirts rather than jerseys
11.Wear a rolled up bandana for a sweatband
12.Wear a helmet that isn’t quite aero
13.Wear a fanny pack
14.Grow and maintain a crop of hair on your arms and legs
15.Grow and maintain a beard
16.Ride a frame that is three years old or older
17.Ride a non-suspended frame
18.Ride a frame that is any color other than neon
19.Eat anything other than a PowerBar on the trail
20.Drink water without sport drink additives
21.Enjoy listening to music by Neil Young

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Original Woods

After reading the recent review in Dirt Rag of the OWB29 frame from the crew at EWR bikes.

www.dirtragmag.com/blogarific/under-test-eastern-woods-research-owb29er/

Well, it confirms for me that is the frame I want to build up next. Unfortunatly this will be delayed till August as winter financially didn't go as planned. Though it will encourage me to be even more frugal over the coming months.

Event wise decisions will be made in the coming week and a half. It will be either the Uxbridge Icebreaker or the Tour of Pelham. Just waiting for a scheduling confirmation from Joely. If it's Uxbridge it will be the 60km and if it's Tour of Pelham it will be 30km.

Uxbridge- http://bikenxs.com/

Tour of Pelham- http://www.laketolake.ca/tourofpelham.php

Now if only we could bribe that dirt bag singlespeeding reprobate Dicky to come to Canada to race. But then he wouldn't get by the border with his Equine EPO and Ketamine.

Monday, February 16, 2009

New Winter Gloves

Aquired some new winter gloves to replace my Castelli's. Which sadly after 3 winters are dying.

Picked up these from KB Cycle Werks. www.kbcyclewerks.com/ They are pretty good gloves. They stay warm till roughly -9 deg celcius. After that one will more then likely need some embrocation to keep warm. Has some pretty good grip and has a small snot wipe on the thumb. Good piece of kit but will still need to get a pair of shells for an overglove like the Castelli's.



Today's ride was through the Rouge. At least part of my route. Looks pretty good for mid Febuary.

Monday, February 9, 2009

29er Rubber

So there is a few new 29er tires coming out this year. They are it seems to be primarily light weight. Great, wonderful for the racer heads.

So what about everyone else? Yes, I'm talking about the rest of us average riders. Guy's and girls who ride through asty rocks and stuff. Yes, we would like to see a few heavier weight tires because not all of us ride groomed race tracks or nice trails. Some of us like to be able to challenge ourselves through rough trail. To rock hop and log hop as we need to on the ride.

How the hell can we do that when we have to worry about whether our tires will survive the ride intact? Come on manufacturer's we want to see some more abuse capable tires.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

2009 Events Plan

After waiting for OCA to get the info out here is my rough season events plan,

April 5th Uxbridge Icebreaker 50km
Lake to Lake- possible
ZM Crank Cracker
Paul's Dirty Enduro 60km
J&J 8 Hour Enduro

Then add at least 3 Cross events in the fall.

Then of course add a couple of epic rides and some paintball for fun.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Razzo Dazzo

 Happy New Year to all.

 Not much going on other putting in some junk miles and exploring some areas with trail potential for the summer.

 Was perusing the offerings at Pricepoint.com and found their cheap 29er frame. Which for some damm reason can't link to. So got to Pricepoint.com and have a look at the 29er stuff, it's called the Razzo frame.

 Potentially it may be an option for a new frame for a build project for Joely. But only time will tell.