Gavagan Death Trail

2011-05-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

Looks like the 29ner is here to stay. They are now being sold @ Walmart.
Notice the quick release front and bolt on rear wheel. Totally gnar-tastic!!!

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Ultimate Track Bike Whoop Section

2011-04-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

The Jet Set Cyclist stopped by the shop this week to drop off parts for his new track bike. It’s by far the most high end single speed I have built. Just the wheels and frame come in @ $12,000! This is the third bike I have built for Jet Set Cyclist since The BC opened. I could tell just by how serious he was when we were discussing the build that this is his pride and joy, out of all the bikes in his stable of two wheeled steeds.

I matched his fit numbers from his previous track bike. Measured twice and cut once. I have never been so nervous about cutting a seat mast. Even though I matched the same seat height, I still fear I cut it to short!

This is the most baller track build I’ve done!

Anyways,

I rode up to Northbrook with Iron Maiden on Sunday. It was a nice day, Windy, but nice. We split a sandwich and we each had a mini Arnold Palmer half and half and a apple cider donut. I love the donuts there. Their soo good!

This next part is highly confidential. Don’t let The BackStreet Skeet know that I rode without him breaking our man-date.

Iron Maiden and I found a new feature @ The White Clay

This whoop section made me feel like this guy!

I SWEAR I'm not a roadie

2011-03-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

So I might be getting some base miles on the road bike. But I'm still a skilled bicycle handler! Here is a video that BackStreetSkeeter shot of me during our road ride after work today.

Mountain bike features on a road bike!

No issues with douchie drivers today. Just a solid ride with BackStreetSkeet and Bionic Becca.

Road Riders: 1 A$$hole Drivers: 0

2011-03-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in over a year, but today's ride got me back on the blog wagon.

Iron Maiden and I departed out of Pike Creek on the "morning loop", we were just looking for a mellow 1:30:00 on the road bikes. So, we are rolling down chambers rock when a silver honda civic is blasting the horn and yelling @ Iron Maiden. Not passing, but being a douche bag asshole.

After they sack up and pass Iron Maiden they attempt to play the same game with me. I don't like to play this game! I fire a water bottle at the car as they pass by.

DIRECT HIT! Thump!

So, Thuggie Tweedle Dumb and Thuggie Tweedle Dumber pull over. The Driver, Thuggie Tweedle Dumber, gets out of his beat up civic and says, "ya hit ma car!". His car, in neutral, rolls forward as his homie sitting shot gun,Thuggie Tweedle Dumb, laughs at his derelict companion. Thuggie Tweedle Dumber hops back in and pulls his e brake. TTDer gets back out and says, "Why'd ya hit my car". I told him that, "I don't appreciate you terrorizing me on my road ride". He hops back in a rolls off, but I know it won't be over that easy.

I go back and get my water bottle, check in with Iron Maiden, because she was still startled by the aggresive douchie honking. Minutes later as I predicted here comes Thuggie Tweedle Dumb and Thuggie Tweedle Dumber. Lets face it I'm in lycra and road shoes, which are awful foot wear for combat, I pick up a rock the size of my fist and prepare for the worst.

Thuggie Tweedle Dumber fires his half empty Monster Energy can out the window completely missing us by 10 feet. We High tail it down Chambers Rock and sprint to the road that runs through White Clay (between the Chambers Rock/Thompson station intersection and Corner Catch, by the ranger station) that is blocked off to cars.

As we cross the bridge that is wide enough for 2 cars a soccer mom flips us the bird in her mini van as she is talking with her cellphone up against her ear. She was probably talking about the latest episode of "Bethany After All" with her best girl friend and didn't want to share the bridge and freaked out.

We then make it to the road and ride back to the GavaganDeathTrail Service Course with out a hitch.

In Hindsight maybe I just should have squirting water on the wind shield of Thuggie Tweedle Dumb and Thuggie Tweedle Dumber or simply flipped the bird and told them to "go F*&K themselves". That would have been more appropriate than getting into a altercation which could have ended differently.

Maybe its best to turn the other cheek and just write it off as I have soo many other times.

But you know What! I'm glad I threw my bottle at those douche bags. I hope Thuggie Tweedle Dumb and Thuggie Tweedle Dumber learned today that Roadies will fight back!

I don't really consider myself a roadie, by any means. But, I hope I have helped Roadies get a more Bad Ass reputation!

I guess I channeled my inner Kenny Powers

USAC Mechanic Clinic Summary

2009-12-19T13:41:00.001-08:00

Now that the Mid Atlantic is getting pounded with snow I finally have the chance to update about my journey to Colorado Springs to become a USA Cycling licensed race mechanic.

On the first day of the course we meet in one of the conference rooms of the Olympic Training Center. We were greeted and divided up randomly into 4 groups and then got our learn on!

The Olympic walk

I got to see some Olympic Athletes playing some Ping Pong

Mechanics can from all over the country to take part in the race mechanic clinic. some mechanics traveled from Japan, New Zealand, and United Kingdom.

On the second day of the clinic we took a field trip to the 7-11 Velodrome

These banked turns are steeper than NASCAR's!

My classes mates in the velodrome

We got to check out the shop area of the velodrome

Cool posters on the wall

Mavic Neutral Support was there and taught us how to properly exchange wheels in a race situation

Mark from Mavic taught us the proper technique

Pro mechanics don't get on their knees

Calvin from park tools showed us how to wash bikes

This is how dirty bikes get clean

The last day of the course we had a expo with all the manufacturers and instructors

DI2 TT controls

These controlers are much cooler than the drop handle bar shifter that I installed at the shop

My 15 minutes of fame on usacycling.org
Here I am with Dave from Shimano learning how to use the diagnostic tool for the DA-7970 (DI2)

Certificate time!!!

Here I am with TJ Grove one of the best and most respected mechanics in the USA
TJ has been to the Olympics and World Championships for the US National team

USA Cycling Bill Woodul Race Mechanic Clinic Class of 2009

The 2009 USA Cycling Bill Woodul Race Mechanic Clinic has been something I have wanted to go to the past 2 years. It was completely worth it. I'm proud of myself that I finally went and became certified.

Now I am just waiting to get my License in the mail

USAC Mechanic Clinic Day 1

2009-12-10T20:46:00.001-08:00

Day 1 of the course is over. Alot of information has been gone over and there is still 3 more days left. 2maro we get to take a field trip to the 7-11 Velodrome.

USAC Mechanic Clinic

2009-12-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

So this winter instead of heading to the west to go snowboarding I decided to take the USA Cycling Race Mechanic Clinic held at the Olympic Traning Center in Colorado Spring, CO.

Iron Maiden dropped me off at PHL at 5am to head to ORD and then COS. While wander around O'Hare airport(ORD) I met one of my instructors, Calvin of Park Tools.

A hour delay and a new plane later we were on our way to Colorado Springs(COS).
Got a ride from the OTC shuttle van with more instructors and checked into the Days Inn and took a nap.

When I woke up I headed to the dinner next to the Days Inn, Maggy Mae's.
I had the whole restaurant to myself

Seriously! Nobody else was there besides the staff.

Off to the OTC 2maro to start the course.
I know I'm very prepared, but
Wish me luck!

DI2

2009-09-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

DI2

2009-09-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

I just started installing the Shimano 7970 DI2 electronic shifting system. It is the most amazing bicycle technology I have ever scene!
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Barge Dirt Jumps What Will Red Bull Think of Next

2009-09-03T20:44:00.001-07:00

Barge Dirt Jumps in San Francisco Bay - NWD 10 - Pinkbike.com

Shared via AddThis

Barge Dirt Jumps What Will Red Bull Think of Next

2009-09-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

IMG00072.jpg

2009-08-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Whiteface 5K. It has been one wet race season this year. Got some runs in yesterday when is was dry and fun. Today I'm just here for mechanical support. Basically replacing shift housing/cables.
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Sicky Gnar, Broh!

2009-08-23T20:16:00.001-07:00

A Tale of 3 DH Forks

2009-08-17T20:45:00.000-07:00

These are the DH forks that I own.

This is the 2005 Manitou Dorado
Carbon fiber bodied inverted 7" travel fork

Pretty cutting edge for its time.
Inverted stanchions just like dirtbikes
2005 was the last year they produced the Dorado, but in 2009 they reintroduced them

The Fox 40RC2
8" travel

As you may know I love Fox suspension!
This fork works great and has an excellent damping system, but the location of the dampening adjusters is on the bottom of the fork. Since it hangs down about an inch the adjusters are subject to impacts, so Fox developed a cover to "protect" it.

Once you impact the cap it is really hard to be removed because the bottom nut that secures the lower on to the dampening rod is threaded on the outside as well as the inside, so the protective cap can thread onto the bottom of the fork and protect the fancy RC2 adjusters. So, when trying to remove the protective cap by unscrewing it counter clock wise the bottom nut un-threads with the cap. (suggestion: reverse the thread on the outside of the nut, so when the cap is un-screwed it keeps the bolt tight, if not tightening it more)
After the realization that my fork was slightly damaged I ordered a new cap.
The most effective way to remove this protective cap stuck on to the bottom nut is to use a dremel to cut it off carefully!!! I used a process of making cuts then using a small flat blade screw driver and hammer to pry the cap off.
20 minutes later Fork fixxed
....2 months later it happens again plus a strained right rotator cuff...FML
So I order the parts this time 2 caps and a new bottom nut(just in case)

The first time this happened I was explaining my problem to Jacy, Monster Energy/Specialized World Cup TeamMechanic. He said "Hmmm I don't have this problem because Sam and Brendan run Rock Shox(Black Box World Cup Boxxer), you should get a 2010 Boxxer Team."

Enter The 2010 Boxxer Team
8" travel

After debating getting this fork for the past 2 weeks I pulled the trigger once QBP had 1 left in stock. Not only am I happy to have this fork because I'm a whiz at servicing Rock Shox forks now, but the fork came with a soft, a medium, and a firm spring to tune the suspension. Fox sells them extra.

The Boxxer a tried and true DH fork.
Recommended by East Coast DH Legend Todd Bosch

Look at the difference between these 2 adjuster knobs!

Whiteface 5K DH race is going to be my first time riding the Boxxer!
I hope the Fox Racing Shox tech support van is there to fix my shitted up 40 for free!
They can deal with servicing my fork and getting the cap off this time,
while I'm riding my new Rock Shox 2010 Boxxer Team!

Cross Practice Wednesday Night!
Oh Yeah!!!

IMG00058.jpg

2009-08-13T23:02:00.000-07:00

The pot season starts on August 19th!
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Mobile blogging

2009-08-13T22:38:00.001-07:00

Now live mobile blogging! Via blackberry
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The Prince of Brandywine Cyclery

2009-08-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

I'm Rad

2009-07-12T17:53:00.001-07:00

2009-07-05T06:14:00.000-07:00

Ok the secret is that Brandywine Cyclery is advertising during The Tour de France

The stars of the commerial: Specialized Tarmac, Iron Maiden, and KJ

Here is the Commercial. If you don't live in Delaware, Southern NJ, or South East PA you won't see it! Only here it is available to the world!

Sorry...check back july 5

2009-07-03T15:49:00.001-07:00

Well because of a glitch in the contractual paper work I can not reveal any information about my previous post "July 4 2009". So check back on Sunday July 5th.
Be ready to be totally blown away!

So here is a great photo from one of the repairs from the Brandywine Cyclery.
The Dirt Diggler BMX tire

Last weekend I had a DH race @ Windham, NY home to the 2010 World Cup Finals.
They received 9 inches of rain during the week resulting in a weekend of riding in the mud. So much mud I had to was my bike every 2 runs because it was completely covered in brown mud.
I could have used a tire named the Mud Diggler (Maxxis 2.5 Wet Screams), but my Kenda Excavators worked fine.

NJ RT 29 TT

2009-06-22T20:44:00.001-07:00

Our Point Of Sale system at the Brandywine Cyclery is pretty cool. When we take money out of the register it asks for a reason to way someone in taking out money.
These are the programed reasons

Pretty funny

Iron Maiden and I did the Route 29 Time Trial in Jersey over the weekend. It was 36k and my first road race. It was pretty cool I'm do it again.

Here's Iron Maiden....we'll this was from May when she did the TT. They didn't get any photos of her this time.
She beat her previous time by 4 secs. She did great!!!
1:01:31

I like the idea of being pinn'd for an hour! It is good training for DH.
I beat the hour
59:13

Did you here that the USA is getting a World Cup race next year!!!! 8/ 28-29/2010!!!!
Round 6 World Cup Finals!!!!
DH/4X/XC
It going to be in Windham, NY. I'm racing there this weekend!!!
From the course video I saw it looks like a ton of pedaling, not much gnar :(

I still like to look like this,
when I race

TTs are cool and all. I'm going to do more of them
But, DH is still King of the Castle

July 4th 2009

2009-06-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a teaser photo

On 7/4/2009 it will come full circle

Make sure to check back on the 4th

Capital Cup 2009

2009-06-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Capital Cup has ended. No crashes all weekend! Bike is working great. And I beat last years times, Saturday's course by 10 seconds and Sunday's by 15 seconds.

I found a new favorite tire the Kenda ExCavator.

It hooks up is the grease, roots,and rocks.

It was the tire of choice last weekend @ Blue MTN.

Iron Maiden finally got a video of me....See the post: Iron Maiden's DH filming Adventure

The step up...Rider unkown

What happens when you miss your start time, because you were to busy talking to 2 girls (HardTail and ShortTravel) in the pits . You go dead last and your friends that normally don't get to watch you race Heckle the shit out of you!

Good weekend

US Open of MTB 2009

2009-05-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the 2009 US Open of MTB @ Diablo Freeride Park. I was a blast! The top racers in the world cup series were there to win....and Iron Maiden and I were there to watch.

I got to meet Monster/Specialized Mechanic, Jacey.

Saw one of my Favorite photographers, Sven Martin

Iron Maiden was truly hard core this weekend

She Tried Down Hill. Not only did she try it for the first time. She was the 1st woman on the East Coast to ride the Prototype Turner DHR w/ DW Link. She got so lucky b/c Dave Weagle was under our umbrella walking back to the pits in the rain after the giant slalom finals and convinced her to try out his new bike.

She loved Down Hill...All the trills and the spills

Aww!

She still loves Down Hill even with her "Sprained" wrist...
She's in alot of pain and is getting a second opinion b/c the first doctor was a fucking jack ass!

The Iron Sheik was on hand to view the bicycle spectacle

Pro Podium
1. Sam Hill 2. Gee Atherton 3. Brendan Fairclough

On Memorial Day Crazy Steve had a "Monster" Picnic @ his house.
It was pretty rad being in the presence of 2 of the world's fastest Down Hill racers.
It was sensory overload eating at the same table as Sam Hill and his mechanic, Jacey.

Once the bikes started getting worked on was the best part for me.

This is Brendan's bike. both bikes are totally titzed out! Complete with Sram black box world cup boxxer fork, 1.5" headtube, 150mm rear spacing(production demo 8s are 135mm), lower BB w/ secret geometry, custom laser etched suspension hardware and anodized green, and prototype specialized tires

I wish my Demo 8 was this cool!

Down to the Wire

2009-05-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

They finally made it to the shop. Designed in December. Delivered in May.

Capo this Ass

Come check out the new kit in action as the Brandywine Cyclery "Off The Chain" Team leads out/paces the runners of the Delaware Marathon on Sunday!

Photos don't lie...I need a Hair cut!

Massanutten YeeHa 2009

2009-05-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my first race of the Gravity East Series , the Massanutten YeeHa 2009.
So this season I knew that there would be alot of Specialized Demo 8s around the pits b/c Sam Hill is riding one and all the guys I race with all got sponsored by Specialized.
Here a pic of just a few Demo 8s

This is the year of the Demo 8
There must have been about 10 blue Demo 8s in our pit area

Talotta's mini gear and chain guide!
This topic of conversation provided many laughs for Crazy Steve and I
25t chain ring for DH application?

Talotta and Crazy Steve

The bike wash line was too long so we made use of our soundings and used a creek to wash our bikes

a clean demo 8

A Redneck Virginia Pressure Wash

About 3 weeks ago Iron Maiden took a Vacation in Va. and went to the Shenandoah vineyard. She brought some wine back, Rebel Red, that we liked soo much I had to stop and pick up a few bottles on my way home.

The weekend was great.
Hanging out with my DH buddies, riding bikes, not crashing, having lots of laughs, and having a good result for my first race, 11th in Cat 2.

I think I will have a great season this year!

Mud

2009-05-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday I marshaled @ the tunnel for The Granogue MTB race

The triple XXX Danger sign was no joke. Once the rain started it was a slipery slope to a creek crossing with a group of rocks that were waiting to send you over your bars.

Aaron House and his Father drove down from New England to race Granogue.
Tom sent Aaron Jeb's old frame and fork. The Frame and Fork were shrink wrapped and then spray foamed into a box. Looks like he got them out.

Somewhere in this picture is a XTR front Derailleur and crank set

Wes about to bring the pain. Dude's looking back scared,
I know I would too...Wes feels no pain!!!

New Season New Bikes

2009-04-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

As the new DH race season opens on the east coast with the Massanutten Yee-Ha! next weekend I have my 2009 Race bike built and ready to race.
This year I have a Specialized Demo 8

I got a chance to ride it 2 weekends ago....It totally rips.
Its 100 times better than my old Jamis Diablo.

Complete with the new generation Saint rear Derailleur

Topped off with a Gavagan USA flag sticker

Also new this year is my Specialized Roubaix Pro SL w/ 7900 Dura Ace
16.8 lbs as pictured

I'm going to upgrade the cranks to a traditional 7900 crankset

So sleek and sexy

Just flat out Sick!

Thanks to the random gavagandeathtrail reader that poked his head in the shop, Brandywine Cyclery, and heckled me for not updating recently

Here you are

Now that racing season is starting more updates!

no tyvek

2009-03-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

2009-03-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

If you don't already know I no longer am working @ Henry's Bikes. I'm now working @ Brandywine Cyclery in Wilmington, DE. It's a short 1 mile from my house and is an opportunity for me to grow as a mechanic and business person.

Grand Opening is March 15th
www.Brandywinecyclery.com
302 475 RIDE

Ray's Indoor MTB Park

2009-02-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

Iron Maiden and I made a trip out to Cleveland, Ohio this past weekend to go to the Ladies Weekend @ Ray's Indoor MTB Park.

Rays is a pretty amazing place. If you like riding bikes. You must go ride here before you die! And if you stay @ the Cleveland Airport Holiday Inn you get the Ray's half off rate special!

The Subaru Park

My BLKMRKT has been collecting dust in my basement for months. This weekend we had a blast! I realized how much I missed riding it.

Iron Maiden made me proud when I watched her ride. This was her 2nd time on a mountain bike. She rode table top jumps, berms, and drop off to tranision features! Gnar!

Riding the berm

On Saturday I met you with S.I.C. Peter(the brain child for the trip) and crew. We sessioned the sideways teeter totter. Its pretty damn hard to ride! I finally got it!

Subaru Park.

Riding the jump line and Red bull mega berm

Iron Maiden riding the 3 pack table tops!

Attempting a 360 in the foam pit. I want to learn this!

Getting out of the Foam Pit

Fat Cats

2009-02-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

On the drive to work today I saw this!
The day before when I deposited my check there were 3 guys in Carhart jackets holding a sign that read, "Shame on DEXSTA".
I asked the bank teller, "What's up with the protesters?" She basically said it was "contractors that got screwed on a deal building the new branch."

Man they must be pissed!!!!!!
They rented a blowup fat cat squeezing a construction workers neck......probably from their union!

America needs to protest like this more often!

America! Fuck Yeah!

VD

2009-02-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

Well....I took a little vacation from blogging....now I'm back.

On Valentine's Day Iron Maiden and I went to West Chester to celebrate the holiday.

Instead of a proper, pricey, and fancy dinner we went to Red Sombrero and had super burritos. I had chicken and for my lady, steak. Complete with red wine salsa!! Romantic!

Our entertainment for the night was the Blood Hound Gang live @ the note.

With song titles:
Your pretty when I'm drunk,
The Ballad of Chasey Lane,
Bad Touch,
Yummy down on this, and
Kiss me where it smells funny.

You can't ask for more romance than that.

Bam Margera introducing the Blood Hound Gang

The Blood Hound Gang really knows how to PARTY!!! Jager shots for the fans!

Head banging!!!! Aussie style!!! This guy won a radio contest in Australia to come to this show.

We don't need no water!

The evening was very romantic.
Thank You Blood Hound Gang.

keep tahoe blue

2009-02-05T02:57:00.000-08:00

Tahoe is my favorite place to visit. we've hit up Northstar, Homewood, Sierra@tahoe, Alpine Meadows.

Here's us dropping in @ Northstar

Be back on Sunday!

Snow Sport Victory Day

2009-01-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Iron Maiden and I went to Camel Back Mtn in the Poconos.

Iron Maiden had a blast sking. She's a natural!

I got in another day of boarding before I head off to Lake Tahoe.
Note: Tahoe has the worlds best tap water!!!

When we were going up one of the lifts we saw Camel Back's Bra Tree!

A Closer Look!

Cuteness!!

Since we were in PA I figured we'd check out Victory Brewing Co. on the way home.

My GPS took me through this neighbor hood...We both thought we were lost. I kept following the GPS, turned right and saw a big industrial park/building with a big Victory sign in the corner.
We had made it!!

We really enjoyed the place.
Victory has great food....the Mussels, Chipotle Crab Rolls, Bratwurst, Liguria Pizza...We were hungry from snow sporting all day.
We had beer too..Golden Monkey, Old Horizontal, Frestbier, & Hop Devil.

I took home a growler.

My growler of Festbier

it goes pppssssttttt!!!!! when you open it!

World Wide Stout....My Favorite DFH Beer!

2009-01-25T20:18:00.000-08:00

Three weeks ago I ordered Dogfish Head World Wide Stout from my local beer store. I got a call last week that it was in, I was super excited!!!

13% Alcohol!!!!!!

I love this beer.
I have some in reserve in my cellar on my beer shelf.

DCCofD Prom

2009-01-18T18:57:00.000-08:00

My Night had a disastrous beginning. My bottle of Belgium beer fell out of the car and busted!!

Rick Hates Dogs...

Fatmarc's dogs love this party because of the food table. Layla has begging down!

The Stare down

I love this dog...This dog loves my mustache

Begging 101

After Layla cleaned up a beer spill The party had its first Drunk Dog

leading up to the party I got a message in my email inbox with a description like this a 5 times.

"What: Some have called it Monkey and Fatmarc's year
end/beginning party, some have called it the DCCoD prom,
Some have called it our motivation to finish re-painting and
putting up fixtures in our bathroom. Call it what you like,
we'd love to have you out."

I was expectiong a nicely finished bathroom.

Looks like the bathroom still needs some work.....
....At least its more finished than Tom's

Thanks Fatmarc and Monkey for the great party. Iron Maiden and I had a blast.

How Not To Install Grips w/ The Boy

2008-12-27T06:31:00.000-08:00

So, The Boy wanted new grips on his bike. After a 20 minute Q&A about what grips (Ergon, Lock-on, Traditional) to get The Boy picked the Race Face Good and Evil traditional grips instead of lock-on grips because he doesn't like the feel.

Here's The Boy installing his new grips using compressed air. It was so entertaining I had to bust the camera out and share this with the world.
Attempt 1

Attempt 2

Attempt 3..accepting failure

Attempt 4

Eventually The Boy got the Grips on.

Maybe The Boy should just bite the bullet and put on some lock-on grips

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T15:43:00.001-08:00

KCCX Nats 2008 Day 6&7

2008-12-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

Nationals took such a toll on me that I'm finally getting to the last update. I had to get my life back to normal. I also realized Christmas is next Thursday and I had to buy gifts....So, here you are the final post of KCCX Nats 2008

Katie Compton's Bike is really sweet!!!!
Brand new Shimano Dura Ace 7900 Derailleurs and Shifters

Full Drive train photo

Our tent was warm up spot of choice for Elite women...Note: Compton (1) and Von Gilder (5)

Compton Stompin

Thru out week the announcers made references to Jeb and Katie b/c they came out of the same cycling club First State Velo Sport/DCCofD (Delaware Cross Coalition of Delaware) . Tom got a shout out during Katie's races for being one of the greatest supporters of Delaware CycloCross Racing.

Elite Woman Podium

Tree farm on top of the box

This is what the venue looked like during the race week

Here's what it looked like an hour after the Elite podium

We were on the way home and we had talked to Jeb, who was waiting for a flight that got delayed. He hinted to pick him up, but we didn't pick up on it. Jeb's mom, La La, called a few minutes later asking where we were. I said 5 minutes from the Air port (we were really 30 minutes past the air port) She told us we could pick him up in the Crafter + Drafter and drive him back to DE. We made a U-turn at the next exit.

Jeb @ the KCI Air Port waiting in the cold ...in his PJs

The entire drive was in snow/sleet/rain, until we him dry West Virginia.

Ice on the Drafter

Tigger Liked to pounce on who ever was sleeping

Jeb's pre-drivers education

"Jeb hold the wheel so I can login to facebook so Gavagan can manage my account"

Pounce and Bounce

Jeff(Quiet kid pose)

KCCX Nats 2008 Day 5

2008-12-13T18:10:00.000-08:00

U 23 Race

Newt

Heckletron

Heckletron

The course today

This guy took some of the course home with him

Wes got third in 30 - 34
Sorry, I missed the podium, but here you go.

Fergie raced Masters 40 - 44, I pitted for him.

Shitters full!!!!

Bounce and Pounce (Jeff's inspiration)

KCCX Nats 2008 Day 4b

2008-12-12T20:56:00.000-08:00

JeB-Bagger did it again!! 2x National Champion

Gavagan, the man behind the scene. Making sure Jeb's bikes were working flawlessly and waiting in the pits with a clean bike and spare wheels.

Juniors 15-16 Podium
Secret Henry's/Van dessel on the top of the box

Jeb was flanked by the cycling media as we got off the podium.
"What other disciplines are you pursuing?
Jeb- "Huh?"
Tom- "Jeff, she wants to know what other kinds of bikes do you ride"

Heidi Von multi-Tasker. Warming up on the trainer and knitting a hat

Just as I was about to publish this blog Bad Andy came into out hotel room with Smash Crash. The whole room came to a halt and we sat on the floor around Bad Andy as he read us, Smash Crash

KCCX Nats 2008 Day 4a

2008-12-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

Jeff Bahnson 15-16 National Champion!!!

KCCX Nats 2008 Day 3

2008-12-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

Jeb loves his fresh Reynolds wheels!

The B Mens 10-29 Race

The Start
No moms were injuried during the start of this race

So About 3 or 4 months ago when I was asked by the DCCofD to be mechanic @ KCCX Nats, La La told me that i had to race if I went to Nationals. So Here I am racing.

I got dropped after 1 1/4 laps.....So I had the entire course to myself...Until I got lapped on lap 3 and pulled myself out. Over all the race was fun and I had a blast!

Meatball rode to the Top Ten!!!

Lets set all the internet rumors straight!
Jeb DNFed b/c he was doing openers. I DNFed out of pure laziness and I had to go work on Jeb's bike. Tom DNSed b/c he clapped his dome @ a race earlier this season and makes even less sense

Kansas City style bike wash

We had enough time to clean all the race bikes and clean the Crafter plus Drafter on site.

Fergie made it from Jersey

Did you know Red Bull now comes in cola form!?

KCCX Nats 2008 Day 2

2008-12-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

Today we headed over to the venue to ride the course....The course was closed so we walked it.

Sweet Barrier....Not. Its held upright by chewing gum and duct tape.

After walking the course we hit up Chipotle

Then we crashed out @ the hotel and facebooked, texted, and checked emails

Tom awaiting a special package checked the status of the package and saw it wasn't going to be delivered today, but was in Kansas City. Then we went to go pick it up.What is this special box you might ask?

Our Heater for our tent.Not only do I work on Bikes and Dog Sleds I also work on portable torpedo heaters

Race day 2maro for myself, Jeb, and Meatball.

KCCX Nats 2008 Day 1

2008-12-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

Today we loaded into the Crafter+Drafter around 9:30am and headed off to Kansas City Cyclocross Nationals. In the van: Gavagandeathtrail, Jeb, La La, Tom, Wes, and

18 bikes and 30 plus wheels (most are Jeb's)

We were behind schedule so some of the bikes got thrown into the drafter.

Right now we are in route in traveling through Illinois and should get to Kansas City around 6am Weds...according to the French speaking GPS.

2nd annual Thanksgivings Eve Night Ride

2008-11-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

This past week Rob and I helped organized the 2nd Annual Thanksgivings Eve Night Ride. It's an alternative for those that don't want to flock like sheep to bars the night before Thanksgiving and see all the douche bags from high school and make pointless small talk about the past.

We had a smaller than expected turn out. Rob, Eric from the North, Alex also from the North(Eric from the North's brother), and myself.

We rode off into the woods w/ packs full of cardboard, a lighter, sausages, peppers, buns, Rob's mystery meat, and cans of Modelo Especial, Heineken , Yuengling, The only hint Rob gave us about his mystery meat was that it crawled across his kitchen floor.

The mystery meat was shrimp in Itailian dressing. In my opinion shrimp is the best for tinfoil cooking on a camp fire

Hungry!

This was also my first ride on my 29ner. Hmmmmm....its ok. I can't get as extreme on it as I can on my 26. I have no issues turning it, but I just can't rail turns like I can on my 26. It does fit me very well and climbs like my road bike. Its just a different bike.

"Cheese steaks, Cheese fries"

2008-11-24T13:08:00.000-08:00

Went to the Philly Marathon on Sunday to support Iron Maiden.

I saw Super Dan @ the finish of the Half Marathon. He rode his bike there from his house...Sike!

After the Marathon we went to get some cheese steaks...I prefer Pats, but it was Iron Maiden's day.

We also got some Italian pasteries from Termini Pastries

The Pastries were out of this world.

Housesitting another house and dog this week should be fun!!

EOFDM

2008-11-21T05:51:00.000-08:00

Last night Iron Maiden and I went to The Note in West Chester to see Eagles of Death Metal. The Note is Owned by West Chester Local, Bam Margera. Its my new favorite place to see a band. you can stand on the main floor or from the balcony to watch the show. The menu looks pretty tasty. Basic pub fare, I thought the California burger, a lettuce wrap cheese burger w/ avacado, scallions, chedder and the Glutton which is any burger or sandwich on the menu that has 2 grilled cheese sandwiches in place of the bun!

While on tour with the new "guns and roses" Axle Rose hated EOFDM and called them the Pigeons of Shit Metal. The lead singer of EOFDM was so pissed he got a Pigeons of Shit Metal tattoo during the last tour stop in DC.

Rockin out

Another thing that I liked about The Note is they sell Pabst Blue Ribbon tall boy cans and Dogfish Head is on tap

West Chester has been the loudest crowd...Can you dig it!

Rockin out

All the ladies dancing on the stage!.....plus one dude?

Check the Eagles of Death Metal they will rock your pants off.

house/petsitting day 3

2008-11-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

the_SHT had their annual go-cart night @ mid atlantic grand prix last night.
2 hours of go-carts leaves you all jittery on the drive home and smelling like gasoline/exhaust/rubber.

Here I am after winning my heat

Art from around my boss's house.
My boss's wife is an artist and has alot of her work around the house.

More Art coming 2maro

House/petsitting day 2

2008-11-16T21:18:00.000-08:00

Since I was in road riding central...and it poured its ass off the last 3 days I rode some road. After I did a 30min warm up I stopped by the newest Indie Bike Dealer. My good friend Steve was painting the walls of the store. Steve and I go way back. Steve was my first boss @ a bike shop..BL Wilmington...He taught me alot about retail...and about life. Steve's a good fucking guy, mang!

After I rode an 1hr I stopped back to the shop 2 hang with Garrison...He taught me the most about how bikes work/how shops run. He took me under his wing when I first entered the bike industry... I owe him much respect!!!

From out of the basement and into the free market. Garrison is official legit!

After the shop tour I returned to the house and watched surfing/snowboarding on Fuel TV.

When Iron Maiden got home we made and awesome feast. that included steak, Dijon onions, seasoned asparagus, fresh oven baked rolls, and salad.

With our steak dinner we had some Godfather wine.

This wine is only available from F&N liquors(Nwilmington) and Tim's liquors (Hockessen)...due to the fact that the owners went to Napa a picked out all the grapes.. its real smooth.. and makes ya feel good

I also had my first pomegranate

House/petsitting day 1

2008-11-16T20:55:00.000-08:00

Cats with candles in their butts are funny...

Scooter the Dog is my dawg...

..Well that least for this week. I'm watching my Boss's house/petsitting for him while he's playing baseball in Florida.

I'm staying in a dope house, in the middle of the valley(where the road riding is the best), with my Girl friend, Iron Maiden, and i'm 15 mins closer to work!!! life is good

Ruckus @ the Ranch

2008-11-10T21:03:00.000-08:00

On Sunday the 9th in South East PA there was the 3rd annual Rancho Relaxo Jump Jam. This Jam was a benefit for Pro BMXer Mike Aitken, who is in critical condition from a crash on his BMX bike on secret/locals only DJ trails in PA.
The jump jam was a great success, $3,000 was raised for his medical bills (most Pro BMXers aren't covered by most insurance companies b/c they are "too much of a risk")

Blogger's Note: Wear a helmet when you ride a bike!!!
Or else you clap your dome!!!

This is a pretty sweet 180 degree concrete berm

Ted in his Anton Chigurh pose

Rotten in his Anton Chigurh pose

It makes the coals heat up

Mountain Dew vid

Fuzzy, Bosch, Roger watching some dope shit

The High Jump Comp

Everyone that made the Jump Jam happen

Raffle/swag toss....

Gavinating

Roger Gripping

Trashcan/Dumptruck?

Orange Fox Fork for Johnboy

Halloween Gears and Beers

2008-11-01T16:02:00.000-07:00

Rotten and I did some Gears and Beers action in Newark on Halloween. The next morning was the FairHill Cross race. when we were @ home grown we bumped into Fatmarc and other cross racers. They really liked our costumes. Jan really liked mine, he said I needed a half smoked cigar and a bottle of liquir to go with my costume.

We hit up some other bars and then harassed the BMX riders

Homegrown had the shortest line out of all the bars so we ended up there most of the night.
This band Rocked

The sound guy was doing a ok job

Rotten thought he was doing a better job

The lead singer disagreed

Rotten's Newark slut pose

I was to hung over to race FairHill...But Halloween was awesome

Granogue Cross 2008

2008-10-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Last Weekend was The Granogue Cross race. It was my first CX race. It was pretty eventful. To some it up in the starting sprint a douche crashed into me, took us both out. I crashed into a Mom and knocked her out for about a minute and broke her wrist. After she stood up and said she was ok. I got back into the race. I fought my way from dead last 96th to 61th. I now have 2 new nick-names: Lady Killer and M.I.L.F. (Mom I'd Like to Flatten)

I pitted for Dr. Destructo and his orange bike in the B race.

DR. Destructo (blue) and Jeb (pink)

Jeb took the "W" and DR. Destructo took 2nd. Jeb also had 3 0r 4 bike changes...he's so pro!

I also pitted for 2 other orange bikes which belonged to:

Trebon

Wicks

Pitting for 2 guys on the same team that are both just as fast and super tall was pretty difficult. I said to Wicks "How do I tell you two apart?" "Hmmm he said...Oh I got white tires". Wicks had to exchanges bikes once.

Jeb pitted for Newt

Well he just texted the whole timeBut I talked on the phone

Newt and his hippie neck trinkets.
Little known fact Newt is the only factory rider that is also sponsored by the DCCofD

Tearing down the race went pretty quick I rode around with Slick Rick collecting stakes.
"Hey Rick shouldn't we put the pointy end out?" "Nah, I don't want to hurt anyone!" "??????"

Old Man Mihills...You don't want to go into his backyard

The truth

Get er done

Sunday I pitted for wicks and Trebon again

This was the gap

Dog Sled

2008-10-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

Some times working @ a bike shop you get to work on some strange contraptions. Today I got to put new brakes on a CannonBall Dog Sled .

Dog sled racing is pretty big in the Mid-Atlantic. Fair Hill is one of the main dog sled racing venues.

The owner of the sled let his wife drive it while he was waiting in the parking lot of Fair Hill by his truck. When he saw the dogs coming over the hill the sled was upsides down and his wife no where in sight. He said the dogs were pulling the sled upsides down at about 30 MPH!!

So I installed new brake levers, cables, and brake pads.

This sled was constructed from pipes & 2 department store bikes and then welded together.

This was the first production model of the Cannonball Dog Sled. It was purchased for $1,000

T-town swap & GES Finals

2008-10-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

So The Fall swap is so big that people tent out to get in line first

Some many people came out to buy junk and to find bargains

Peaches, Paul I, Lisa, Ddub, and myself got a spot

Speaking of Junk&Bargains Ddub was getting nothing less than wholesale for his used stuff. I wish I had bought one of his used skin suits...sike

Paul I: "I'm Selling! Now Who's Buying!"

Philly G made it out

The Jean Jacket made an appearance

After the swap I headed up to Plattekill MTN in NY for the Gravity East Series Finals

Colors were popping like Woah!

The Night before the race in the resort bar there was a movie Premier of Don Hampton's Latitudes. It cost $5 to get in and you got a drink ticket and a raffle ticket. Since most of the riders in our pit area are under age we collected their tickets and drank some IPAs. Thanks for being under age guys!!!!

Pro Podium
Look @ Ben Hulse in red with a 5th overall. Yeah bro!

Overall in the series I finished 4th overall in Sport 19-29.
Next year I will stand on the box!

You guys ride the tunnel yet? What tunnel?! Shut up!

2008-10-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

This is what I found today on my ride with friends that can't normally make it to White Clay/Middle Run b/c of location and family.
I was excited because I no longer have to dismount and hop over the barrier on RT 72 to get from Middle Run to White Clay

All I got to do is ride through this tunnel that the trail spinners cut a path to and filled the center with rock and dirt.

Dogfish Head Vacation

2008-10-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

This past week Iron Maiden & I took a little Vacation away from training & bikes, well we brought our road bikes,I have Gravity East Finals on Sunday I'm 5th overall in my class, So I still needed to ride.
Iron Maiden just completed her first Iron man Triathlon, Chesapeake Man...she got 2nd in her age group!!! She really needed the Vacation!
.....Why is this all underlined??? I can't make it stop!!!....
Anyways, After a out and back ride from Dewey to Bethany, we walked from our house in Dewey to Rehoboth to get some food

It stopped underlining!!!Sweet!

The food here is just as amazing as the beer! Sorry no pics of the food...we were hungry!

This the the Theobroma. After we had about every beer they offered, we got this.
Its made with honey, cocoa nibs, Cocoa powder, ancho chillies, & ground annatto.

"Theobroma, or "food of the Gods." is a recreation of the premier chocolate beverage of the Americas, intended only for the Gods, Kings, and the Elite. This liquid time capsule is based on the earliest chemical and archaeological evidence of cacao in the New World, dating to before 1100B.C., and enhanced by natural additives of the later Mayan and Aztec drinks."

Our waitress served it like a fine wine.

Our dessert, Chicory Stout Cheese cake

The theobroma was SO good we got a second bottle.

Yay!

We also went to Delaware's claim to fame The Dogfish Head Brewery

Iron Maiden next to the old aging barrels

Quote on the wall when you walk in to the brewery
The words blurred out are (name and must)

Out tour guide next to sir hops alot

This is the very first brewery Dogfish Head that started it all. The owner Sam used this to make all the beer for the restaurant. It was was a full time job, 8 hrs a day.

Random Fact:
Chicory Stout is the only Non-Depressant beer. B/c DFH puts St. John's Wart in it!

Inside the brewery

Beer tasting!!!!Yes!!!!!Its so good when it hits the lips!

The Tasting Room

These first 2 tanks are Oak. They age the 120 Minute IPA, Immort Ale.
This first one has a leak.."That's slowly sealing itself"
Random Fact:
All 3 hold 10,000 gallons each, these are the largest brewing vessels built in America since before prohibition.

This is Dogfish's newest addition to the line.
Palo Santo Marron
Its aged in Paraguayan Palo Santo wood

Here's the Palo Santo Marron tank.
The wood was shipped from Paraguay, Then hand built.

I got this pic b/c the tour guide came up and asked me if I was the guy that wanted to see the palo santo tank. I had had a few samples and said, "I'm not the guy, but sure I'd like to see it."

All this beer drinking over the past week made me bring all my bottles back to Total Wine for my 5cents per bottle.

I got $7.70 back....do the math...that's how many bottles are in this picture.

Bay the Bike

2008-09-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

This is Rik's Torker MX (26")bike. Its older than me

Its pretty red

On Saturday while everyone else was biking to the bay. We installed new flooring in the shop area.

Looks Sharp

These stink bugs Stink!! and they are everywhere!

John also brought in his RC truck. It provided some great entertainment. It can go 60mph, but never gets past 45mph b/c its too light and flips over. It also has led headlights. He could have bought a XTR crank set for his bike....but instead he got a RC car.

Today I rode XC @ brandywine in the rain w/ Incognito........It was wet!

Going to Dewey beach for a week. The last time I was there was senior week 2002.
Gonna ride some road, drink Dog Fish Head beer, tour the brewery, eat @ the Dog Fish head restaurant.

Whiteface 5K Downhill Race

2008-09-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

After 6hrs of driving north Whiteface showed itself

So I drove from Wilmington,DE to Wlimington,NY

A nice garden on the Gondola to the top

Half way up

The top of Little Whiteface

Lake Placid

Walking the course...checking out my lines

History was once made here!

The Pit for the weekend.
Thanks to the Mulally family for providing a trailer, shelter, food, and a work stand(I bent rear rotor, broke a deraileur hanger, deraileur, and shifter. So I had to install new ones(had to deal with the broke shifter, didn't bring a spare), plus I put on some fresh tires(always bring 2 of everything...shit happens).

The flume. We hit this up every night after practice. What a great why to end the day.

Jumping in

Most of the DHers made their way over here. it was fun hanging out with everyone and jumping off rocks.

Parker

Pre Race Dinner

I watched Wedding Crashers in French...I had no idea what he was saying either

I heard music across the street from the motor inn i was staying @. I took a few Lake Placid brews over and checked it out

Let My baby Ride...The devil gonna get you

Before the race I had a few things wrong with my bike,I had only 2 gears(a 15t and a 14t) that worked because of a broken shifter and I had a slow leak in my front tire. I paid over $120 to race this fucker, I was going to finish no matter what. I started to feel a little nervous before it was my time to race, Then I felt someone kick my rear tire and tell me good luck! Thanks Neko, I needed that kick, .
I survived the Whiteface 5K. I came in dead last in the sport 19-29 class, 5 guys DNSed in my class. The staging lady said, "They must be scared"
Next year, Whiteface, Next year I'm coming for you!

Dual Slalom, Fire, Motos, & a Bent wheel

2008-08-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

The Jeep King of the Mountain was held this past weekend @ Diablo. Lots of great racing went down. Lopes crashed out of the race in the first round on Saturday. I guess he lost control of his Mojo(Ibis).

The Finals were great. J.D Swanguen Vs. Cody Warren

Warren coasts in for the win.

J.D brushing off the Jersey dirt

Back on the bike. Finishing for style points.

Mr. Van Dine

All chick AC/DC cover band Helles Belles

This is what chad thinks of his Motorola Razor

Yeah

Jason Rinker, of Ridetopia. No hander on his home track

Yep, bent front wheel #2 this season...but its ok it hapened to my Diablo/training wheel set.
I expect this shit to happen to them. Time to rim swap

But, I did get some new bling for the bike.
Fuck Manitou Customer Service

DFRofD

2008-08-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Got some footage from The Salvation trail @Diablo Freeride Park this weekend!

Next update: KOM/48 straight and other nonsense from North Jersey.

Pedal like you have a pair!

2008-08-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

The Maryland State Champs was held Aug 2 &3. It was a good DH course, but some rain the night before turned it into a slick mess.
Pics from Nick

I had my best finish, so far this season...5th...First time I didn't crash on my race run!

After a day of pounding countless stakes into the ground w/ a sledge hammer/taping the course w/ the Racer's Edge Crew or day of DH practice, we all retired to the Racer's Edge club house. It's definitely a designated Man Area. Beers, charred meat, motos(2wheeled and sled type), mountain bikes, and the ring game occupied our down time each night.

This ring game had me addicted to trying to get the ring that's tied onto a string thats connected to the ceiling, to hook onto the J bend hook on the wall for 2 nights.

The hook

I finally made it later that evening. Its all about the arc! It was a pretty sweet personal victory.
Just like the golf ball on the island, I never can get this stuff on camera.

Bike, Run, Drink Season Is Coming

2008-08-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

Can u guess what season is coming?

If you guessed Cyclo-Cross you are correct, my friend. The nauseating headaches will be chronic from gluing tubular tires (griffos) @ the cross club house.

I also made a new addition to my quiver of cycles.
I will channel the powers of Slick Rick by riding his old cross bike this season.
It actually fits me perfectly...and its lighter that my road bike!

Here's what I know about cross:

-I've never been to a cross race.
-I've wrenched on cross bikes before, so i'm familiar with them. (From my understanding their road bikes with knobby tires with brakes that won't stop on a dime)
-No disc brakes allowed
-Cross racing is like dual slalom, but without the jumps & berms, plus up hill climbing.
-Jeb is really good @ it, so was Slick Rick.
-DCCofD cross practice is fun.
-El Hefe after cross practice.
-Skinsuits are the costume of choice (I'm gonna wear my DH jersey)

Oh, Yeah I added some more blue anodized parts to my Ibis Mojo

??????????????

2008-08-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Comcast's Top Pictures of the week.
It was #4

After reading Rotten's blog I had to post this.

2008-08-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

About a month ago I went to California to visit the east coast fugitive, John Bain. You might remember him for his largest rubber band ball in the world accomplishment.
Now he's a Manager at Orange County's dopest bike shop chain, Rock N Road Cyclery. Every one is really cool there! I got to be the Guest Mechanic one of the days I was there. Alot of laughing and high end bikes. Tony and Parker are pretty funny guys.
I also met one of their customers that thinks that The Fredrick Water Shed is the best place to ride. I agree.

So, on this ride I rode a Specialized Dual Suspension bike. I think it was a 08 Stump Jumper?
Bain took me to the San Juan Trail.

Switch backs

Henry's Syndicate

MTB riding in Socal in a nut shell.
Climb for 1 1/2hrs descend for 20 mins

we rode up 16 or so switch backs

Bain action shot

Gavagan action shot

Taking in the view/recovering

Cocktail rock

switch back

Got to see my friend since the 1st grade.
Amanda designs clothes for Matix. She gave me so much clothing That I had to check my bag because it couldn't fit into the overhead compartment.
Coops and I in LBC

Long over due 1

2008-08-09T16:23:00.001-07:00

So about a month ago I went to Orange county to see my buddy, Bain. He works @ Rock N Road Cyclery. I got to use a lightspeed "test" bike so he could show me around the area.

Road ride to Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach. Side note: All the girls wear the tiniest bikinis. Sorry Rotten no Pics

Steep Road

It was short. Not to hard

Bain peed on a Multi Million house in the Hills. I heard goats and then he called me over to where he just peed and low and behold a bunch of goats. So we're standing under a window and we hear inside. "I thought I heard someone out side" So we start talking to this Rich lady about the goats. She said the goats and the Shepard are from Peru and the goats eat all the brush in the gullies to help prevent fires.
I once had a college professor that bought some goats to clear land on his property....but that was hill billy western Maryland. These were refined Peruvian goats that travel the globe eating brush

After the goats we continued climbing to "the top of the world" (Alta Laguna). The steepest climb I've ever climbed on a road bike.

Scenic Shit

If i look grumpy. I just climbed up super steep streets w/ a gear ratio of 39/25. I'm used to a 34/25

Just another day @ the shop

2008-07-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

So here is a glimpse of what it is like to work @ Henry's.
Building high end race bikes, laughing, and getting work done.

If bikes (in this case a Dura Ace rear derailuer) aren't working properly I'll talk to them. I'll work the bike's issues out verbally (when drivetrains are popping and clicking they are communicating to the rider or mechainc "please fix me") until their problem is solved and everyone is happy.

Andrew has this cellphone/camera/magic machine that can stream video straight to the web. He films me working some times, so this time I decided to give him and the WORLD WIDE WEB a show. did you hear me talking to the bike?

Also, the full time Henry's summer time staff went out on a retreat Friday night to build a better working relationship and to update our quotes from movies.
We saw step brothers. very funny.

Tiger Tiger Woods Yall!

2008-07-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Got to hit the small ball in Reno. The driving range was pretty sweet.

You'd drive the balls into a pond and try to make the ball onto one of the islands.

I hit one of the islands by luck.

Reno 911!!

Bright Lights

A Reno Parking Brake

Totally Gnar Gnar

2008-07-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

I rode some DH @ Northstar @ Tahoe.

It was fun, but my rental bike sucked and my burrito from Big Wave Burritos in the village was 2 thumbs down.

The trails are way different than the East Coast. Super dry and dusty, you mos def needed goggles it your behind someone. I rode Live Wire it was a trail w/ fifty jump and burm features. Bike Magazine rated it was the #1 trail in Norcal.

If I was president I would be James Gnarfield

My dinner was scrumpchulessant

You haven't lived until you have had In N Out

Look how good that looks!

I'll stay in Delaware If I could open a In N Out franchise in Wilmington.
I mean Charcoal pit, Wackarnolds, BK, Wendy's, Five Guys, Cheeburger Cheeburger suck compared to In N Out.
I felt really healthy eating it. Its all fresh too!
Lettuce was picked off the head, tomato slices cut off a tomato, and fresh burger patty put on the grill as soon as I ordered it.

Gapers have no steez, bro

2008-07-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

I went to Lake Tahoe earlier this week and I met up my college buddy, Eric, and had some fun.
As soon as I got there we headed to Rock Island beach on the Nevada side.
There isn't much sand its more like tiny pebbles, but there are tons of rocks to jump off of into the lake . The water wasn't that cold. Apparently, Tahoe is so deep that it never freezes.

Eric said to me "drink the water, its not like home where its salty or brackish" I drank some. It tasted like poland spring water.

I also met the coolest dog in the world, Kaya, a 1/2 Lab 1/2 Pit. At first I said "this dog can't be that cool, Jack the dog is the coolest dog I know". Then Matti, Kaya's owner, said "can Jack climb trees?"

Kaya loves to play fetch. Her frisbe is her favorite possession. When standing on a rock Kaya holds her frisbe in the shape of a taco with her paws, so she can grab it w/ her mouth and so it doesn't fall off the rock.

Truth 1.0

2008-07-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

Truth 1. Niners are selling like hot cakes!

I'm Still loving my 26...not sold on 29 yet!
&
Why no Fox Fork Love?

Truth 2: Gas price has hit $4.09 per gallon and people are starting to ride their bikes to do errands. So the shit box bikes are getting dropped off like their going out of style.

"Yeah, its hasn't been rode in like..10 years....What do you mean I can't have it back by the weekend? I just want to ride it!" I hear this just about everyday.

Truth 3: Rick shredded a USAC card from 2007. He can still race! So watch out for the Come back!

Panic Button

2008-07-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

So Ddub stopped by the SHT for a new ass hatchet the other day and also used the shop as a transition area for his weekly AC ride.
He made some adjustments and left to go on his ride leaving his car keys behind.

Being the nice guy that I am I grabbed his keys and tried to catch him before he left for his ride. As I approached the store front window I saw he was getting something out of his car.
My evil side said to me "Press the panic button on his key pad it will be amusing!" So I hit the panic button...Panic ensued!
As soon as the Alarm sounded Ddub in full riding kit started searching for his keys. Emptying out his left, center, and right pocket. Then Ddub's car alarm set off another car's alarm, Ddub went ape shit, and started searching through his gear bag like a dog going through a trash can looking for scaps.
At this point the entire shop was watching and a few bystanders in the parking lot. I knew Ddub had had enough so I opened the door and yelled "Looking for these?" and threw them to him.
The parking lot returned to silence except for bystanders laughing and theSht staff giggling inside.
Man I wish I had shot video of this spectical...next time.

Rumor Starter 1.0

2008-06-08T16:35:00.000-07:00

It's Official Slick Rick has given up racing.

Only recreational riding for Rick. Note to all young cyclist of the world: marriage is the end of your endless summer of bike racing...unless your wife races, then your golden!

Below is a Video of Rick shredding his USA Cycling License

Keep The Graffiti to Train Cars & I-95

2008-06-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

So I found out the Covered Bridge by the Ashland Nature Center has opened up again after a few weeks of construction. Hearing this news motivated me to ride to and from work on my road bike. Gas is $4 a gallon, but that wasn't the factor that made me start riding. Driving a car from point A to B then from B back to A is pretty boring. Not much changes. Riding is more rewarding

Ashland Bridge
Graffiti on the bridge already! What the Fuck!

Pretty Solid structure

Sturdy Too!

Seriously! What the Fuck! No respect for anything these days

Ride the bridge sitting @ your computer...while you think about riding!

More US Open

2008-06-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Here's some video from the US Open. My video sucked. Check out Freecaster.tv for more action sports videos
Check out the video @ 1:08 which features Nick Van Dine(riding) and Peter and I (green shirt. trail right)

Products from the U.S. Open

2008-05-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

Walking around the mountain the GDT staff found some new MTB products
The day before We headed up to the Diablo for the US Open I saw this on the E13 site

Here it is

Eastern Woods Research has a new bike coming out

Nice brake support

At last............the new kid on the mountain.

This shop is going to be great! Rumor has it Aaron Chase and George Ryan may help build a pump track on the side of the shop. Ridetopia has Brodie Bikes for Rental and for sale.
$65 for all day rental w/ protective gear. Deal!!!
Brodie and SIC have jumped in to support this shop.

Stop to Ridetopia and say "What Up" to Jason and Pam

oh yeah Ridetopia sells motocross bikes and ATVs, too.