More Matt

Matt's gaggle of sprinters struck again on stage 4, adding more cushion to his already rather daunting lead. Thankfully tomorrow's stage has some climbing, including a Cat 3 just 8 km from the finish. And by the weekend those guys will be lucky to make it to the finish. We can only hope.

Stage 4 results:

1) Matt - 227
2) David L - 150
3) Chris - 121
4) Jonny G - 91
5) Victor - 90
6) Hal - 90
7) Cheryl - 86
8) Charlene - 21
9) Johnny S - 20
10) Jonny B - 6
11) Rachel - 6
12 David S - 0

General Classification after stage 4:

1) Matt - 910
2) Hal - 539
3) Cheryl - 452
4) Jonny G - 395
5) Chris - 286
6) Vic - 282
7) David L - 274
8) Charlene - 272
9) Rachel - 268
10) David S - 51
11) Jonny B - 29
12) Johnny S - 24




OTT: The Honorary Captain on NPR's Talk of the Nation

Canmore

24 Hours of Adrenalin went down this weekend in Canmore. Jonny B, Alberto, Cam and myself were there representing the local singlespeed community under the handle of SWM. James, John L, Scott, and Gerald from Tinker Creek were also there, camped out right beside us.

Our race in a nutshell: we peaked too early. Way too early. About 23 and a half hours too early, to be precise.

Jonny B rocked the LeMans start, finishing the running lap 22nd out of the 300+ overall teams and solo riders.


By the time he hit the 2km mark of the first riding lap, he had surged into 7th place and was out for blood--at least as much as is befitting of a vegan. And that's where his string of misfortunes began. Pfffft. Flat tire. No spare tube. Another racer was kind enough to toss him a tube, but with no pump along it didn't do much good. Cam and I were walking past the finish area when we heard, "Team 113, you have a lap cancellation. Send out your next rider." We turned to see Jonny standing at the scorers table, having run 2km back to the start in order to cancel his lap. So Cam essentially started out on our first lap with a 25 minute deficit. Shit-tee.

By the time he finished lap 1, we were just happy not to be in last place any more.


When nothing goes wrong, Jonny B can ride real fast. Notice the other riders scramble to get out of the way as he stomps his way, 38x16-style, right up the middle of a climb toward the end of his first full lap.


Unfortunately, that was about the only lap in which nothing went wrong for him. On his next lap, he flatted again and had to run the last km to the finish. And it was during his night lap that he realized that it's best to make sure your lighting system is adequate before you head out into the dark.

Fortunately, things were going relatively smoothly for the rest of us. We were going pretty consistent, riding the 14.2 km course in 50-55 minutes, and turning in laps of just over an hour at night.


And the times Jonny was posting in spite of his series of crises was impressive. By the time we started checking results at about 4 hours in, we were sitting 5th out of the field of 25 4-person teams. And by the next morning we were even making a run on 4th place, taking back a couple of minutes per lap during the night and early morning. Jonny left at 10:30 to start lap 24 and Cam was set to do a 7th lap to make it 25. As we were headed to the results table to determine whether 4th place was realistically within reach, the lady on the loudspeaker said, "Team 113, you have a lap cancellation. Send out your next rider." This time his chain came off and sheared off 5 spokes--about 35 minutes into the lap. So once again, Cam had to rush to the start line to begin his last lap before he was entirely ready. Unfortunately our hopes 4th place vanished along with Jonny's spokes, as did our hold on 5th. We ended up with 24 laps, good enough for 6th place. In light of what could have been, a little disappointing. But given the difficulties, we were pleased with that result.

All in all, a great time. The Nordic Centre is a beautiful venue.


There was some sweet singletrack, plenty of climbing (almost all of it in the first 4 kms), a few screaming downhills, and lots of undulating fire roads that really worked out well on the singlespeed. There was one other team of ss'ers in the 5 person field, plus a few solo ss'ers. Lots of good camaraderie there.

This dude is from a group that calls itself WUSS--Western United Single Speeders. He seemed to think we might want to purchase a WUSS jersey that is being prepared. Will have to wait and see what they look like first.

Special thanks to Laura for her willingness to do food runs and for putting in 8 hours of volunteer work, first at a checkstop out on course and then in the scoring tent at night. Always nice to see a familiar face out in the forest.

More from velo bread and maybe even a report from the master of disaster himself.

OTT: Balkan Beat Box, Digital Monkey

Tour de Matt

The prologue and first three stages are done. Here, finally, is the first update of the 2007 FGBC TdF Pool.

With a team stacked full of sprinters, Matt has a solid grasp on the yellow jersey in the early going. And he also has Rasmussen waiting in the wings for the mountain stages, which is more than a little disconcerting for the rest of us. But there's still a long way to go. Which is good, because there's a lot of ground that needs to be made up if we're going to make this thing a race. Alberto's team of 8 Belgians and 1 Slovenian is off to a strong start too, and was especially impressive in taking 1st and 2nd in stage 2.

General Classification after stage 3:

Matt - 683
Alberto - 449
Cheryl - 366
Jonny G - 304
Mrs. Dr. - 262
Charlene - 251
Tenacious V - 192
Mr. Dr. - 165
Cycling Dave - 124
Swatty - 51
Jonny B - 23
Johnny S - 4

The usual spate of crashes during the opening stages has claimed its first victim in Tomas Vaitkus, but I think everyone still has a full complement of 9 riders. My choice of Daniele Bennati as ace sprinter hasn't exactly panned out so far. He doesn't have a single point yet and is hurting pretty bad after being caught up in yesterday's wreck. But he's still racing, so there's still hope. Congrats to Johnny S for finally making it onto the scoreboard today, after being shut out in the first three days.

OTT: Heartless Bastards, Blue Day

FGBC TdF Pool Teams

The clock has struck twelve and the deadline has come and gone. Ladies and gentlemen, here are the teams for the first annual FGBC TdF Pool.

Mr. Dr.
Cadel Evans
Christophe Moreau
Daniele Bennati
Tadej Valjavec
Robert Hunter
Juan Miguel Mercado Martin
Christian Vandevelde
Markus Fothen
David Millar

Matt
Robbie McEwen
Stuart O'Grady
Erik Zabel
Michael Rasmussen
Robert Hunter
Sébastien Chavanel
Axel Merckx
David Millar
Íñigo Landaluze Intxaurraga

Tenacious V
Alejandro Valverde
Oscar Freire
Benoît Vaugrenard
Frederik Willems
David Arroyo
Ivan Parra
Björn Leukemans
Dmitry Fofanov
George Hincapie

Cheryl
Denis Menchov
Andreas Klöden
Thomas Voeckler
Thomas Lövkvist
Robert Förster
Christian Vandevelde
Juan Miguel Mercado Martin
Mark Cavendish
Sébastien Chavanel

Johnny S
Michael Boogerd
Michael Rasmussen
Cristian Moreni
Tadej Valjavec
Francisco Vila
Sandy Casar
Antonio Colom
Juan A.Flecha Giannoni
Yaroslav Popovych

Jonny B
Carlos Sastre Candil
Stuart O'Grady
Michael Rasmussen
Haimar Zubeldia
Yaroslav Popovych
Christian Vandevelde
Axel Merckx
Christopher Horner
David Millar

Alberto
Tom Boonen
Philippe Gilbert
Leif Hoste
Tadej Valjavec
Nick Nuyens
Johan Van Summeren
Gert Steegmans
Frederik Willems
Axel Merckx

Jonny G
Jens Voigt
Erik Zabel
George Hincapie
David Zabriskie
Michael Rasmussen
Iban Mayo
Thomas Voeckler
Mark Cavendish
Axel Merckx

Charlene
Cadel Evans
Andreas Klöden
Paolo Savoldelli
Heinrich Haussler
Mark Cavendish
Frederik Willems
Christopher Horner
Murilo Antonio Fisher
Manuel Quinziato

Mrs. Dr.
Levi Leipheimer
Robbie McEwen
Alberto Contador
Pierrick Fedrigo
Axel Merckx
Iñaki Isasi Flores
Kantstantsin Siutsou
Lilian Jegou
Xavier Florencio Cabré

Cycling Dave
Thor Hushovd
Jens Voigt
Michael Rasmussen
Yaroslav Popovych
Iban Mayo
Igor Anton Hernandez
David Canada
David Arroyo
Axel Merckx

Good luck everyone. Let the fun begin.

Gotta go pack for Canmore. Back on Monday.

OTT: The Clientele, Here Comes the Phantom

Tuesday Night Resurrection

Not bad for a Wednesday. After a two month hiatus, the FGBC Tuesday Night Ride rode again last night. Matt, Jonny B, Cycling Dave, the poosher, Colin, Paddy, Jonny G, Shop Jonny, Luc, and myself.

We hit up a few parkades.

And paid the first visit of the season to VJ's.

Before retiring to the F&H only to be greeted with "Where the hell have you guys been?" They were concerned that we might not have picked up the cheque, which I assured them wasn't the case. And they wanted to talk about bike racks since, apparently, Lawrence has had a bit of a rough time with the city. The tunes, needles to say, were as good as ever.

Luc and Shop Jonny made their Tuesday Night Ride debut and Matt debuted his new San Jose.

More pics from Dave.

OTT: Mouthful of Bees, Airplane

FGBC TdF Pool update

The teams have been trickling in at a steady pace over the past few days. So far, 11 teams have been submitted: Matt, Tenacious V, Cheryl, Johnny S, Alberto, Charlene, Jonny B, Jonny G, Rachel, David S (who still needs to make one correction), and myself. Would still be nice to add a few more. It's really not that difficult.

Got a call from Alberto in Calgary last night suggesting, among other things, an entry fee and prize structure: one bottle of half pints to enter, winner take all. Sounds good to me.

Since I'm leaving for Canmore tomorrow afternoon, I'm going to push up the deadline a little bit. Have your rosters in by tomorrow (Thursday), high noon. I'll post the rosters before I leave, so you can start keeping score from home. I'm back on Monday sometime, so you'll have to be patient for the first general update.

Rider list here. Rules and scoring here.

[Update (12:28pm): Don't pick Petacchi. He's been kicked out of the Tour. Too much asthma medication. Bad news for him. Good news for the other sprinters. There's a chance this could happen to a few more guys yet. Beware.]

Don't forget about the ride tonight. My place, 9:30 pm.

OTT: The National, Slow Show

Tuesday Night Ride, Special Wednesday Edition

Long overdue. Time to get back in the groove.

OTT: Wolf Parade, Disco Sheets

Canada Day ride

Magnificent ride last night. Jonny G, Unger, the president, the secretary and myself. A sendoff ride of sorts for the Secretary, who's flying to Berlin tomorrow to kickoff a three week European vacation. Caught the end of the JP Hoe set at Old Market Square, corkscrewed up and down our favourite parking garage, meandered through a swarm of enthusiastic and fireworks sated patriots at the Forks, before heading back to NK once more on the long way home. Still 20 degrees at 1am when we ran into Olympia John driving a hot white Caddy in front of Portage Place. Sweet.


As usual, the ride was not without incidents. Most significantly, the secretary's suicide fixie became unfixed. And the president was, well, the president, almost totalling his recently repaired hand-me-down Colnago in a brief but heated encounter with a gravel filled rut and some chainlink fence along the Kildonen Park Golf Course. This time, fortunately, he managed to pull out of it and keep the rubber side down.

Another reminder that if things ever do come together for the FGBC Moab trip, the president should likely be confined to the condo. With balance issues like he has, you never know:



OTT: Les Savy Fav, Hit By Car

Updated rider lists

I've updated the list of riders according to the latest available startlists. There are still a few riders included who won't actually take to the start. E.g., Quick Step and Predictor Lotto have only submitted an expanded roster that includes alternates, so the list includes 11 rather than 9 riders from each of those teams. And then there's always the possibility that some will be turfed at the last minute due to doping allegations. Vino? Lots of rumours. In any case, you can find the updated list here. Now, go consult your geenies and put together a team.

OTT: Son Volt, Tear Stained Eye

Introducing the FGBC TdF pool

One week from today, it all begins. Kinda wish I were in London, but I'll be in Canmore, which will be fun too. The cable is hooked up and countless preparations are currently underway to transform my basement once again into the FGBC TdF HQ. Mrs. dr. is even painting the walls yellow, though this is perhaps more a happy coincidence than part of my well-orchestrated plan. I'll be up and watching every morning (broadcast schedule here). Feel free to drop by.

Since there's no honorary captain to root for this year, I've put together a little TdF pool (or rather borrowed one and modified it) to help make following the race a little more interesting.

Here's how it works:

1. Pick a team of nine riders from this list. Salary cap is $50. Note that not all the riders on this list will actually be take to the start line in London. For team by team startlists, go here. Never heard of any of the guys on the list? Don't be intimidated. It's a crapshoot. This year more than ever. Just like March Madness. Just pick 9 guys and submit a team. Do it. It's not like there's a whole lot at stake. Pick a theme and go with it, if need be. Choose 9 from the same team if you like. Or go with an all Basque, Aussie or German team. Just don't try an all Canuck team. Michael Barry got pneumonia at the Dauphine so he won't be there. Bummer. Maybe a team of former mountain bikers. Or perhaps 9 guys named Sebastien. Whatever. Just do it.

2. Points will be awarded per stage and also for the final general classification (see below).

3. Entry fee = zero.

4. Prizes? Maybe.

5. Submit rosters to fortgarrybikeclub at gmail dot com no later than Friday July 6, 9pm.

If you need help, go out and buy the Velo News Tour Guide at Olympia or McNally Robinson. Or, if you're cheap, go surf around at cyclingnews, pezcycling, or Podium Cafe:

Points per stage:

1) Overall

1st = 100 pts
2 = 80
3 = 60
4 = 50
5 = 40
6 = 35
7 = 30
8 = 25
9 = 20
10 = 15
11 = 10
12 = 9
13 = 8
14 = 7
15 = 6
16 = 5
17 = 4
18 = 3
19 = 2
20 = 1

2) Green Jersey (sprinters)

1st = 50 pts
2 = 35
3 = 30
4 = 26
5 = 22
6 = 18
7 = 16
8 = 13
9 = 10
10 = 5

3) Polka dot jersey (climbers)

1st = 15 pts
2 = 10
3 = 8
4 = 7
5 = 6
6 = 5
7 = 4
8 = 3
9 = 2
10 = 1


Final General Classification

1) Yellow Jersey

1st = 500 pts
2 = 450
3 = 400
4 = 375
5 = 350
6 = 325
7 = 300
8 = 250
9 = 200
10 = 150
11 = 100
12 = 90
13 = 80
14 = 70
15 = 60
16 = 50
17 = 40
18 = 30
19 = 20
20 = 10

2) Green Jersey

1st = 250
2 = 225
3 = 200
4 = 175
5 = 150
6 = 125
7 = 100
8 = 80
9 = 70
10 = 60
11 = 50
12 = 40
13 = 30
14 = 20
15 = 10

3) Polka dot jersey

1st = 150
2 = 125
3 = 100
4 = 90
5 = 80
6 = 70
7 = 60
8 = 50
9 = 40
10 = 30
11 = 25
12 = 20
13 = 25
14 = 10
15 = 5

OTT: Ryan Adams, Gimme a Sign

Altona-cross

Looks like we're putting on a cx race, boys and girls. Same site as the annual Altona winter classic. Oct. 21, 2007. Mark it down on your calendars now. Nice work, Johnny S.

Also, the re-opening of Birch means the Bring a Friend event is on. So for any FGBCers who want to get out to a race, here's your chance. July 22.

Things are looking up.

OTT: Okkervil River, Lady Liberty

the poosher and the honorary captain

The poosher sends in the following report from Whitehorse about his first 24 solo race:

well, it's done. 16 laps (14 km/lap)/ 4100 m of elevation. my body over all felt pretty good and i was on schedule for 20-22 laps, except for the developed stomach problems. my last lap was brutal. it took me one and a half the usual time. i was so nauseous, i was not able to descend with any speed what so ever. some of the descends were about 60-70 km/h. there were other four solo riders. the guy who took the win managed to ride 25 laps. i came in second. two years ago jonah rode 26. these people really like to suffer. one day i would like be a bit like them.

during the race i realized i don't like grip shift for this type of riding. my right wrist was quite sore from the constant shifts. i am going to try trigger shifters. the 2x9 was good as well, a granny would have been welcomed in the second half of the race. i rode 12 laps in my first 13 hr. i slept for an hours when it was the darkest. and the consequent laps were about as good as the first 13, except again the dreadful 16th. i was really looking at 20-22 laps in the very beginning of the last 11 hrs. but my body was not with me. maybe next time i'll have a better idea of what i am doing.

While searching for results from the race, I stumbled upon this report from the dude who ended up winning. "The guy from winnipeg" clearly had him worried. Nice work, Tom. Too bad about the stomach.

The honorary captain has a new book out.


I'm sure it will end up being disappointing, as these sorts of books invariably are. But that won't stop me from going out and buying it. Need something to read during those interminable Bowflex ads during the Tour.

He's also busy hitting the talk show circuit. I bet he'd rather be riding his bike.

Last KOM event today. But plan for a Tuesday Night Ride next week. It's been too long.

OTT: The Hold Steady, Stuck Between Stations

Kids of Mud

Spent a good chunk of the day yesterday out at Whittier, helping out with the final Kids of Mud race of the season. 130 or so kids. Mud, sweat, and tears. Good times.

The place to be with the camera was along the river trail, where it was good and muddy at a few places. But here, at any rate, is the U9 group at the start:




... and finish:



OTT: Pavement, Summer Baby

Ryan Leech

will be at Bikes and Beyond this Saturday at 10:30 am. He'll also be in Altona on Friday at 4pm at Main Street Station. Not quite Prague, but it should be good nonetheless.



J-man and I were watching videos in preparation yesterday. Now all he wants to do is ride trials.


Another cold and wet ride home last night. Anyone else getting tired of this? Omand's Creek is almost flooded again. Shee-ite.

OTT: Superchunk, Swallow That

talk of the tour

it is that time of the year again - dr. h gets cable and eyes turn to france and coloured jerseys.

here is a nice little primer article from the people of the ny times

10 commandments for car drivers

Just released from the Vatican's "office for migrants and itinerant people":

1. You shall not kill.

2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.

5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

7. Support the families of accident victims.

8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

10. Feel responsible toward others.

While there is no explicit mention of bikes per se, it seems pretty clear that the vatican loves cyclists. Or at least JP II did.


Nice to know they are on our side.

OTT: Frog Holler, One in Traffic

wednesday ride

anyone interested in a ride to bur oak tomorrow after work?

Half-marathon results

251 Unger - 1:40:50
256 Jonny G - 1:41:00

Something tells me there's a story there.

Also crossing the finish line, at 2:05:38, was Bergen.

Way to go, guys!

Saw Lucinda last night. She did not disappoint.

OTT: Paul Westerberg, Seein' Her

movin' on up

Breaking news. Red Ass HQ reports:

Sat, June 16: Special Update - Marty Halprin has informed us that after flatting near the beginning of the event he accepted a car ride to help bring him back up to the main pack of riders. Accordingly he has DNF'd from the event and everyone who finished behind him in the standings has moved up one in the overall placings.

4th place, baby! Good thing Tom and I had the good sense to decline the ride from that friendly dude just outside of Roseisle.

Also, see Duluthian Charlie Farrow's race report--especially "lucky event number six."

The Race Across America is under way. Jure Robic is leading, as usual. 2142 miles down, 900 to go. Kinda makes Red Ass seem like a short little Wednesday Night sprint.

And just for fun, check out the story of Ted Shred and his innovative approach to braking:



Good luck to Unger, Jonny G, and anyone else taking part in the marathon tomorrow.

OTT: Wolf Parade, The National People's Scare

a few more Red Ass pics . . .

... are available over at Dave Simmons' blog. Courtesy of his buddy Rick, who was driving around the course, helping to keep everyone smiling and, apparently, documenting the event. Thanks for making the trip, guys. But where was Rick in the 2nd half of the race? And no sign of Colin's red pickup either. Seeing those guys every now and then sure was nice in the first half. No wonder the last 250 km felt like forever.

OTT: Spoon, The Fitted Shirt

Red Ass Ramble

Red Ass? My ass. That's way too tame a description for this event. Attempted murder sounds a bit closer to the truth, except for the fact that we all participated willingly and coughed up $50 for the opportunity. And yet while it may have felt like the grim reaper was lurking just around the corner at times, it was somehow beautiful and rather exhilarating in the end.

After too much stressing and second guessing in the process of trying to Red Assify my bike and body, it came as a relief to finally hit the road at 6am. As expected, the eager gearies took off leaving the armada of singlespeeders to form and figure out the right pace for the ride ahead. Hal, Dave, Jonny B, Graham, North Dakota Nathan, Karate Monkey Mike and myself, along with the John, the token multispeeder. Before too long Mike and John dropped off, but the six of us rolled into the first checkpoint at Tinker Creek together at 1pm, warmly greeted by Tinker James and Jonnys G, S, and F. Seeing Dallas and Dave Simmons head out as were pulling in gave us some much needed encouragement, as did the arrival of Tomek just as we were about to leave. Graham pulled the plug at this point, and Nathan decided that he was better of taking his fixed gear (!) rig at a somewhat gentler pace.

The next 100 km was easily the most enjoyable portion of the route, with 4 crossings of the Pembina Valley en route to La Rivierre. The gravel descents were particularly fast. White knuckling it down at 60-70 kmh and barely staying up around the corners at the bottom was a bit frightening, but fun. We were all feeling pretty good and Jonny B put on a show of climbing prowess, easily taking home the King of the Mountains title. Climbing out of the Pembina Crossings valley we caught up with Cory and Ben, who had dropped off the front group. More encouragement, and Tomek immediately picked up the pace. By the time we hit La Rivierre at around 6pm, we could see Dallas and Dave in the distance and ended up pulling into the halfway point just behind them.

Realizing there were only 5 riders ahead of us, Tomek could barely contain himself waiting for the rest of us to get geared up for the second half. We left at 7pm, still feeling strong and more or less happy about our pace. Jonny B stayed back to rest a bit longer, and before too long Hal and Dave dropped off the pace as well. And then it began to rain. And the temperature dropped. And we started to lament the gear choices made at La Rivierre. Morale got a boost when we noticed two more riders ahead, but promptly plummeted when we realized it was Dave and Hal. I'll leave it to them to explain what happened. Of course, competitive jerks that we are, our joint instinct was to turn it up and drop them again. 2 miles of mud just before Altamont really sucked, but at least the rain had stopped and everything was going fine once we got back onto gravel. Until we couldn't find the "blue silo" signalling the road to Roseisle. A friendly farmer got us pointed in the right direction, and even offered us a ride, which was tempting but politely declined. It was after this that the series of wildlife incidents began. First, a deer darted out of the trees just in front of us, leaving us both a little stunned. And then a pheasant or some other large bird decided to lauch itself out of the ditch as I was rounding a corner, narrowly missing my head. After Roseisle, the roads got decidedly less interesting, but since it was dark by then, the straight, flat stretch into Portage was a nice change. In St. Claude we were taunted by some hot shots high school kids in a Camaro who didn't seem to like the idea of two lycra clad cyclists resting by the local pop machine on their strip late at night. Between St Claude and Portage, Tom's stomach finally had enough of the energy bars and started talking back. But he gutted it out, except for when he fell of his bike, and we made it to Portage at 1am. A little later than we'd hoped, but still on pace for a decent time.

Under the cheerful and attentive care of shop guys Luc and John, we had a pleasant rest for an hour, with coffee, cookies, samosas, and other eagerly anticipated real food. Brian Sklarchuk's wretched moaning on a cot behind the forklifts was a little eerie and disconcerting, but it also meant there were only 4 riders out front. So we set off at 2am, still feeling good, just as Hal, Dave, Jonny B, and Cory rolled in. With a change of clothes, we were now warm and dry again. But that didn't last very long, as the slippery algae covered spillway at Delta Marsh took us down. We didn't fall entirely into the lake, but it was close and we ended up wet enough and left with a healthy dose of bitterness. Tom cursed Lindsay almost as much as he did the elusive Finklestein Rd earlier in the day. Riding back to the main road, we startled a skunk who was hanging out in the tire track I was riding in. He turned around, lifted his tail, and cocked himself in my direction. I was sure I was toast, but either he missed or held off. Sheesh. Leaving Delta Marsh, we met up with Hal again, this time accompanied by Cory, on their way in. They looked really strong and focussed.

After feeling surprisingly good for the first 400 km, the last 90 were nothing short of miserable. Both of us literally nodded of while riding our bikes a couple of times. With 50 km left to go, struggling to go 20 kmh, we finally decided to stop and rest. Lying down on the side of a gravel road for a nap seemed like the wrong thing to do for so many reasons, not least of which was the fact that we figured Hal was about an hour behind us. But we woke up in 5-10 minutes and were able to pick up the pace for the next hour. We needed another nap at 30 km to go to muster up enough energy to finish it off. In the end, we rolled in at 9:30 am, finishing in 27.5 hours, well back of the 4 leaders, but still within the 24-30 hour window I was hoping for.

No room in my pack for a camera, so no pictures. But Hal took a bunch and he has a brand new site from which to share them, so surf on over there.

Next year? Way too early to say at this point. We'll see. But I have a feeling it'll be hard not to give it another go if it all goes again, especially if a few more FGBCers sign on. Good company, nice comraderie, and, in the end, lots of fun, despite being gruelling and excruciatingly arduous at times. Thanks to everyone behind the scenes who made it all happen.

OTT: The Bottle Rockets, Suffering Servant

pictures (and story) of a redass

http://beerbikesbread.blogspot.com/

mission accomplished

Tied for 5th overall; tied for 1st singlespeed.

More to come. Still recuperating. But I did ride my bike to work today--very slowly. So at least those sinister thoughts I had yesterday at about 7am about never, ever riding again have been overcome.

virtual red ass

Word is that updates will be posted from the checkpoints along the way. So if you want to check in to see how we're doing, maybe participate in a little vicarious suffering, surf on over to Olympia's Red Ass HQ.

What's done is done. Let the games begin.

ready or not

T minus 21 hours to Red Ass. By tomorrow at this time, the plan calls for us to be about half-way to Tinker Creek. "The plan," however, is admittedly rather imprecise. We really have very little idea what to expect, other than a noticeable amount of suffering. But the spirits are good, or at least as good as can be expected before heading out for a 500 km bike ride. Bring it on.

Hope to see the FGBC support crew out in full force at Tinker. Johnny S, we will try to call you from around Carman.

OTT: The Jayhawks, Ain't No End

Jean S

Mustaches are so yesterday. But I'll post this anyway because I think someone really wants to say something through it. As with his insistence on riding the Softride, I'm not sure what he's trying to say, exactly, but it seems rather bold.


I spent the last 4 days in Kitchener/Hamilton for a conference. Got out for a couple hours of riding in Waterloo on Saturday morning. Sweet, flowing singletrack. Kind of like riding a roller coaster. We just don't get that stuff around here. If you're ever in K/W, make sure to check it out.

OTT: The Minus 5, The Town that Lost its Groove Supply

my norco on the fixed gear gallery

somebody who's even more excited about his Norco Avanti than I am...

Spin 2 report

a nice group(a couple hundred mabe?) jaunt across the south end of Winnipeg. speeches at both ends. yup, a trail would be good around there... Joshua and I rode most of the way back on the shoulder of Bishop Grandin without the police escort... faster than the group ride, but the traffic is fast there....
all in all it went well... oh, except when the first two prizes went to Phil Roadley's kid and Jonny B (he picked up a bike computer)...

Spin 2

the ride is happening tomorrow (Thursday) eve. Advocating for a long bike route along Bishop Grandin... There is no KoM event for us, so Joshua and I are thinking of going...
More info here.

volunteers wanted

ran into lindsay at work and he was asking if anyone could volunteer to be at the finish line for the red ass. if you have a couple of hours to spare on sunday, june 10th, and you want to see what the riding dead look like after 24-30 hrs on a bike, contact paddy at work: 888-4586.

Tuesday Night Ride

Or is it Tuesday Night Swim? Jonny G & I got soaked last night, but still had a good ride. Meet at my place, 10pm.

OTT: boysetsfire, Requiem

cross season is over

Red Ass

Just got my registration turned in--finally. Now I can enjoy the feeling of dread as it looms very near on the horizon and I have no time to ride. My ass is turning red just thinking about it. There's still a few days for others to get in on the fun. And by others I mean Juan Eppstein, in particular. You know you want to do it. Don't wind up saying you wish you would have, like 24 Hours of Ass.

Juan has suggested a Tuesday Night Ride that would terminate at his place to finish off the leftovers from Mrs. Eppstein's birthday party over the weekend. Stay tuned for further details.

OTT: Golden Smog, Until You Came Along

spring ride 07 memories

Enjoy!

Tuesday Night Ride, Monday Edition

Last ride for Jonny N. Paid a little visit to the president and the secretary up north. Yes.



OTT: Paul Westerberg, Dyslexic Heart

ride tonight

Jonny N has called a ride tonight. Meet at my place, 9pm.

fixie freak show

And here I thought the only reason to ride with your bars flipped up like that was to accomodate a case of Club.

Not sure if this is cool or creepy. But either way, it's kinda interesting. Crazy Germans.



Anyone else glad the Spring Ride was last weekend and not this weekend?

OTT: Winterpills, Handkerchiefs

Yes, Arlene, Yes

From Loren Mooney's coverage of the honorary captain's hearing:

Landis’s parents, Paul and Arlene, have settled in for the duration. Today, Arlene wandered into the media workroom and struck up a conversation with a reporter about the cycling photo on his computer’s desktop background. A race he did, it turns out. “I can’t imagine a greater thing in life than riding a bicycle,” said Mrs. Landis, who often rides her bike to church, six miles one way, and for transportation around her town of Farmersville, Pennsylvania. Amen.

Arlene's sentiment is echoed in yet another ride yer bike ad, this one from London:



I wonder when the campaign is going to launch on this side of the puddle?

OTT: Clem Snide, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Your Grievience

descend like a demon

. . . with tips from coach G. Shoulda seen these guys on their first attempt: endo-city. But with a little encouragement, not to mention a camera rolling, and it all comes together nicely.



OTT: Whiskeytown, Here's to the Rest of the World

Tuesday Night Ride?

Not for me. But that shouldn't stop anyone else. Feel free to meet at my place if you like.

How not to climb the steps

Spring Ride 2007 is done. Good times, great weather, copious ticks, sexy 'staches, lovely campsite, riveting conversation, maybe a little bullshit, delicious FGD, sweet jerseys, sweeter riding. No injuries, not even the president!

The final four at the Top of the World on Sunday

If you've got pictures, send them to the secretary.

The honorary captain's hearing began this morning. It's gonna get nasty. Good overview here; full coverage here.

OTT: Jay Farrar, Why Should We End this Way?

hotter than hell

while this might be a good time to post last minute updates for the spring ride, it seemed just as important to post a link to the short film created to share the news that Spinal Tap is reuniting for a concert supporting global warming. enjoy.
http://www.liveearth.msn.com./spinaltap

now i feel obliged to say something about the ride... um, don't forget chairs and firewood... and dog fest is Saturday supper.

shorts

Comments?

OTT: Jolie Holland, I Was Drunk at the Pulpit

Beautiful night

. . . for a hot dog and some stir stick stout. Not to mention a bike ride. One of those nights where you don't want the ride to end. Somehow I ended up accompanying the secretary home last night to extend the ride home from Juan Eppstein's just a little bit longer.

Sweet dogfest last night. All the details were worked out. I can't really remember what they were, though. Other than that the Spring Ride dogfest will be Saturday. And this year we're on our own for dogs, avocados, or what have you.

At this point it looks like the roster will be somewhere between 15-20, at least for Saturday. Perfect.

Halberto was the official photographer for the evening. Photos are coming.

OTT: The Decemberists, On the Bus Mall

rider down

Word at the F&H last night at the Living Legends' post-ultimate gathering is that the long-overdue odds of a wreck finally caught up to the president. He wrapped his hand-me-down Colnago around the post on the bridge over Omand's Creek. Not sure if there were any witnesses, nor what the extent of the damage was. Nice of him to get that long overdue crash out of his system now and not, say, 2 kms into the ride on Friday. Fate's a bitch. Good luck, brave soldier. Hope the bike's not too roughed up.

OTT: Magnolia Electric Co., Don't Fade on Me

mmmm, hot dogs

Any remaining Spring Ride details will be sorted out here. In other words, be there. Bring dogs, buns, beverages, and whatever else you might like to consume around the fire. Juan will supply the fixins for the dogs.

Meet at my place at 9pm if you want to ride over together.

OTT: The Down Trunks, Misery

INGOLF transportation needs

it would seem that my ride out to the event will be delayed. The secretary now has a conflicting engagement and will only be able to arrive later on Friday (post rides).

Does anyone, who is planning on going out for the "friday rides", have space for the figurehead president and his bike.? I will not need a ride back.

Tenacious V, the "dingbat" will arrive Friday evening. What are you plans for the friday ?

New Items for the Weekend

I'm ready for next weekend. I'll be riding the white shadow. Yes, it did take a long time to figure out what bike to get (3+ years), but this one just seemed right the moment I saw it. And, I got a new argile from Damascus, which I dare say is as sweet as the bike:

when in Brandon

Passed along by cousin Bill. Not exactly sure what the exhibit involves, but it looks like it might be worth looking into.


One week from today we will be riding at Ingolf. Or perhaps waiting for Unger to make the first move.

OTT: Lucero, I Can Get Us Out of Here Tonight

Urban Cyclist

. . . has nit the virtual newsstand. Urban Cyclist is the new offering from Brad Q and Jeff G, formerly of Dirt Rag. Formerly? They were both fired recently over an alleged "conflict of interest," ostensibly due to their involvement in this new magazine. Looks interesting. Check it out.

OTT: Tubeway Army, We Are So Fragile

and now a word from our sponsors

Spreekt u Nederlands? Met de fiets = with the bicycle.




OTT: The Rifles, Peace & Quiet

annals of style

(Stolen at random from the fixed gear gallery.

It was called a Jonny)

Yet another major media outlet is hyping fixed gear culture, courtesy of the NYT. Enjoy.

OTT: The National, Patterns of Fairytales

Tour de Half Pints

It may have taken a little while to get it all together, but Brewmaster Dave delivered last night. Informative tour, impressive set-up, and samples that did not disappoint. Turned out to be four stage Tuesday Night Ride: 16 made it to the brewery, 12 to Garbage Hill, 5 to the F&H, and a mere 4 for the ride home pit-stop at Omand's Creek. Juan Eppstein wrecked on the chains going down the hill. Sounds like we just missed Jonny N at the F&H. Bummer.





Warning: don't watch if you're prone to motion sickness. Maybe I was a bit woozy after my own climb up the hill. Maybe not. It may help to think of this as my dogme rendition of the FGBC late night training program.



If you think that video sucked, then you probably don't even want to bother with this one:



OTT: Cat Power, Satisfaction

confirmed

Just spoke to the brewmaster. We're good to go. I'm riding at BHP with the Wolesely Wheelers this evening, but should be back in time.



'Stache-cross lap 13 presented by SWOBO:


OTT: Interpol, PDA

next step in the skidding scene

ok, jonny and I thought we were getting it together, but this is the next level!

gravel grunt

Billed as a Red Ass training ride, it felt more like a Black and Blue Ass ride over some of the bumpier gravel roads. That and a 30-50 kmh headwind on the way back conspired to make it a bit of a slog. A head down, take your turn at the front, and hold on at the back sort of ride. But it feels good to have done it. 233 kms in just under 9 and a half hours, lots of Mennonite cemetaries and, according to Tomek's heart rate monitor, 7000+ calories burned. Sorry, no pictures. I forgot my camera and Paddy forgot to check his batteries.

In addition to being a mini(!) trial run for Red Ass, it was also a test of sorts for my leg. This was, of course, a massive violation of my doctor's 10% rule--don't increase your training efforts by more than 10% from one week to the next. But it's been feeling good and it seemed like the time was right to test it out. I'm doing some heavy pre-emptive icing and waiting anxiously to see what happens over the next day or two.

Thanks to Johnny and Cheryl for cold beverages and some good Altona hospitality.

Can't wait until tomorrow. Half Pints revisited. Maybe we'll get inside this time.

OTT: New Ruins, Flowers

sweet ride report

G and I cruised for about 3hrs last night. Super deluxe evening for a ride. I still love my bike, which may have been in jeopardy had I ridden even a quarter way to Altona like some did yesterday. I'm sure we'll read all about it soon.

We're working on the trackstands and skids... it's coming... The only thing that went wrong was that VJ's was closed 15minutes early... so we got burned. Next time.

bike for sale

not mine, but my friend's...

For Sale:

Surly 1X1 single-speed mountain bike, size large (approx. 20”).

Frame is 100% Surly 4130 cro-moly steel, main triangle double-butted & TIG-welded and is matched with a Surly 1X1 rigid fork. Frame alone retails for US $430.95. For further details check www.surlybikes.com.

Wheels have black Surly single-speed hubs (rear is designed for freewheels on both sides), laced with stainless spokes to Mavic XM317 rims (black with natural aluminium braking surface) 40 X 15/17 gearing.

Reason for selling: my wife says six bikes are too many! (hardly - alberto)

$650.00

questions????

contact me.

gravel baby

Red Ass training ride this Sunday. To Altona and back. 200+ km of backroads and gravel. Departs from my house at 6:30 am. So far, it's Paddy, Tomek, and me. Maybe Jonny G on the way back. Johnny S will provide refreshments in Altona.

OTT: The Hold Steady, Your Little Hoodrat Friend

do-over

I am rather relieved to report that this Tuesday's bungled Half-Pints excursion was not my fault. I spoke to Brewmaster Dave himself yesterday, and he claims to have just plain forgotten about it. Says his wife gave him crap about it too when they woke up on Wednesday morning. Poor guy. He says he feels really bad--as he should--and wants us to try again this Tuesday. And he says he's not going to charge us anything either. But I'm sure he'd still accept some cash if you want to give it to him. And this time he's put it in his palm pilot, so he promises not to forget. I may call to confirm anyway.

This is all kind of appropriate in a way because, as will be evident at the spring ride in two weeks, the FGBC is all about the do-over.

OTT: Mother Mother, Touch Up

back in black

When it says on the collar of our jersey that we are exactly what we are, what that means is that we are really just not very good. And yet we don't let details like that get in the way. Dr. last place it is. But a most enjoyable last place finish, if that's possible. First mtb race in almost two years, first race in expert, and first mtb race on the ss rig. Lots of room for improvement. The course at Bur Oak, especially the enchanted forest bit, just doesn't seem to like me very much. But at least it didn't take me down today. I crashed elsewhere instead. Good times. Can't wait for the next one. And by the end of the season, I won't finish last.

Photos courtesy of little m.:

the poosher was working

he loves it

still too fast for the camera

got back before dark . . . barely

OTT: Wendy Bucklew, Buckets of Rain

half-assed

So at least we now know what it takes to get people out for a ride. Long-forgotten FGBC associates were crawling out of the woodwork at every turn. Nice. There really was no Half-Pints tour. It was all just part of a scheme to boost the numbers for the F&H buyback plan. With 15 or so in attendance, it looks like we'll be well-stocked for the spring ride in just over two weeks. We will have a tally by next week. Good times at Garbage Hill between the brewery and the F&H. The president's hand-me-down Colnago made its debut. And the much anticipated arm-wrestling match between the secretary and Jonny B finally went down.

First Wed. Night race is tonight. It is going to hurt.

'Stache-cross is still on. 12 laps, baby! Six more to go.




OTT: The Frames, Bad Bone

yes

grand beach report

another lonely race...

beautiful day for a race, not quite the 11C and rain they were calling for earlier in the week. day started early because i offered to help with course setup; lindsey picked me up 7:00, off to get donuts from tim's, pick up tomek, and on the road by 8:00. thankfully paddy did a bunch of the preliminary work on friday, but it still took over an hour to tape, sign, and clear body impaling branches and such.

this would be my first race in expert and first on the 29er, and these will be only firsts i will see all season. the pace is quicker, as to be expected, but it is still the same race experience with crowded single track sections, jockeying for position, and world of hurt - only this time it lasts longer. overall i was pleased with how i finished; not last and within respectable time of some of the riders who i want to stay with. would have been a couple of more positions down on the list if kevin braun and dale cramer did not blow tires. the only thing i can gripe about is losing to this punk (see his race report here) by a second. pictures here.

more "you only need one" video action here by the "mostest bestest unicycle chick ever" (that's how the people in lincoln describe her).

29er

courtesy of Dave Benson

you only need one

bike polo

Shona has a plan. Sounds like a good one. Wish I could be there but I can't. Hope others can make it.



OTT: Over the Hill, Into the Desert

Saturday morning ride

. . . to Lockport.

Late notice I know, but join us if you can. 7am at Tom's place or 6:45 at mine.

field trip

Forget burgers. It's time to get serious.



OTT: Apostle of Hustle, Fast Pony for Victor Jara

big announcement coming for next week's ride

you'll want to clear your schedule for this one... I'm not saying more until the ride director unveils the plans.

minutes april 17

very little really, the ride report covers most of it. The burger tasted a lot better than it looked.

Camping for the Spring Ride. It has been confirmed that we can camp pretty much anywhere on the dates we're going. We can't reserve, however. So, the camping director is awaiting a return call to make sure we can just show up where we were last year.