tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75382751555729939562024-02-20T11:44:23.667-05:00Crazy Bastards CrossWE'RE NOT A CLUB, WE'RE A GANGUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger591125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-57258664384621689132014-01-21T13:50:00.000-05:002014-01-21T15:01:30.667-05:002014: YEAR OF THE KISS-OFF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ambassador Kissoff is calling from the war room. Hellow, Dr. Strangelove, it's 2014 and it's KISSOFF TIME! </div>
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Sven Nys Kissed-Off his Colnago goodbye in 2014. How's that mud taste? Like money I'll bet.</div>
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Sven kissing his sweet Colnago (the same one he had been riding since he was three) wasn't the only thing that got kissed-offed in 2014. Probably the most import thing for Michigan Cyclocrossers and bike racers that got kissed off year was this guy ...<br />
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That's right, Mr. T and the Michigan Scene have gotten on their bikes, kissed-off and ridden into the sunset. Crap!</div>
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For Michigan cyclists the Michigan Scene has been a staple of gossip, laughs, bullshits and butt hurt for the last 50-years. Okay, not that long, but a long time. Unfortunately for TMS fans like you and me,the 'Scene has suddenly vanished into thin internet air with no explanation. After my dial-up internet takes hold, here's all that comes up now ...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This blog is open to invited readers only</span></h1>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">It doesn't look like you have been invited to read this blog. If you think this is a mistake, you might want to contact the blog author and request an invitation.</span></h1>
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<span class="blogUrl" style="font-size: large;"><a dir="ltr" href="http://themichiganscene.blogspot.com/" style="color: #245dc1; text-decoration: none;">http://themichiganscene.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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Now I really have to wonder if its only "open to invited readers only" since the whole thing was a crazy rambling rant by Mr. T, Mr. Rotten and Mr Lemmy for what appeared to be an anonymous crowd of self-proclaimed assholes. If you missed the comments, here's a little playback:</div>
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DOPAGE</div>
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DOPAGE</div>
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DOPAGE</div>
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CHUNKY DUNKER SUCKS</div>
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QUESTIONABLE WATTAGE</div>
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LOW T</div>
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JTP IS DOPAGE</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Well there was a lot more to TMS than that. I certainly had plenty of laughs </span>hanging out in T's smelly basemen<span class="Apple-style-span">t. I also will miss easy access to the Hipster Porn, but that's another story. At least I have this one last comment, directed to me personally, to remember that great, great blog/site/whateverthefuckitwas by ...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Anonymous said...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Surly is
dead on, but if you ask that smug DFL mother fucker, he is right about
everything. So much hate, so little heart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6:10 AM</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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So true, so true. I like to think I have a heart of stone, which is kinda cool and I really appreciate being honored this way, especially at 6:10 AM which makes me think it was Adam York's parrot doing the posting. I don't know about you but I'm really going to miss those fucking assholes. Bye-bye T, we loved ya ...</div>
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Here's something else I'm going to miss (and KISS OFF) this year because of a scheduling conflict ...</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="color: #d30000; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.mbra.org/mbra-news/346-2014-cyclo-cross-and-officials-meeting">2014 CYCLO-CROSS AND OFFICIALS MEETING</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The MBRA will be holding a
cyclo-cross race directors meeting and official's only meeting on Sunday,
February 2</span><sup><span style="font-family: Arial;">nd</span></sup><span style="font-family: Arial;"> on the campus of
Central Michigan University.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">I think it's delightful that they MBRA is having a meeting that's about cyclocross, promoters and "officials only" where they will probably address earth shaking and important matters like "Hand-Ups. Are they really a crime or just some stupid cycling disdemeanor that nobody gives a shit about?"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Are beer hand-ups a crime? Not when Drunk Cyclist's little darling Shot Glass is doing the handing-up. Now that TMS is gone you might consider Drunk Cyclist as a refreshing blog spot visit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Hey I think hand-ups are a great topic and could go on and on, or at least until the ward nurse gives me my medication and I shut up. Personally when there's a semi-competitive race going on (any race in Michigan) I'm not a big fan of beer or liquored-up hand-ups, especially if it can screw with the park's rules or regulations and jeopardize the promoter's ability to put on a race. But for the most part when you're totally sucking ass out there or riding a single-speed, which is essentially the same thing, gagging on a piece of bacon or some crappy PBR should be okay.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">So I'm really sorry that I will have to KISS-OFF on this meeting and not put my worthless two-cents in about bacon and beer or even submit a concept for a new cyclocross race. Why? Don't I care about the promotion of Cyclocross in Michigan? Yes I do ... Then do I not care that there might possibly be a death sentence for hand-ups in the coming year? Why don't I go for fucks-sake? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Well that's because the meeting is on the same day and at practically the time as the UCI CYCLOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS! That's why ...</span></div>
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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CYCLOCROSS FEBRUARY 2, 2014</div>
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Maybe the MBRA can be forgiven for their placement of the date and time of their cyclocross meeting on the same day and time of the World Championship because the $100 poster for the Cyclocross World Championships doesn't have the date or time on it. Maybe they though it was just going to happen somewhere around "windmill time" in the Netherlands.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The MBRA already pulled this once this year by scheduling one of their meetings on the same day as the Michigan Cyclocross Championships in Addison Oaks. It's starting to look like they look at a calendar, find a cyclocross championship event and plug in a meeting or a party on that date. So whether I wanted to promote a race, or just drop by to give some lame hand-ups and thoughts or ideas on Michigan CX racing I can't because as a hardcore Vier and Sporza Euro-Cross watching addict there's no way I'm budging from the bean bag in front of my-Fucking-Apple TV and miss this race for a trip to Mount-Not-So Pleasant for a meeting with some bike geeks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Last year I drove to Looeyville just to see the race. You think I'm going to miss it for a meeting? Do you think anybody who really digs 'cross is going to miss this? I don't think so. So probably the only people that show for this "cyclocross" meeting are those that want this kind of bike:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGMez9O9DD9RE5tWCHF7_wNl-ukHS3kVzQpGYVsVMZBXMwOqzegtr3OvOWhYzV47AsUNWf5iNr4ZESmj7I8_Nfc0kpLN91Yq05Scrp-rlgkhP9ZL8r_bf2Oy2S7fPxUNAiGK8QPKCJSY/s1600/niner-rlt9_fe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGMez9O9DD9RE5tWCHF7_wNl-ukHS3kVzQpGYVsVMZBXMwOqzegtr3OvOWhYzV47AsUNWf5iNr4ZESmj7I8_Nfc0kpLN91Yq05Scrp-rlgkhP9ZL8r_bf2Oy2S7fPxUNAiGK8QPKCJSY/s1600/niner-rlt9_fe.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The new Niner Gravel Road Bike. It's a cross bike for people who want a cross bike but don't want a cross bike.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">In addition to the meeting being on the same date and practically same hour as the WC Cyclocross race in Hoogerheide there are also some other important things going on that day that I don't want to miss ...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
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<div style="font-size: medium;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
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<br /></div>
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This is my favorite way to celebrate Marmot Day. Nice Marmot.<br />
<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Marmot Day takes place on February 02, 2014. Marmot Day is an Alaskan holiday established to celebrate marmots and Alaskan culture. Although local festivals have been part and parcel of frontier life for decades, Marmot Day became an official holiday on April 18, 2009. </span></div>
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Who can forget Ground Hog Day? Not me. Not Bill Murray either. But the MBRA, hmmmm.</div>
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Day is an annual holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and
Canada. According to folklore, if a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this
day fails to see its shadow, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter
will soon end. If on the other hand, the groundhog sees its shadow, the
groundhog will supposedly retreat into its burrow, and winter will continue for
six more weeks. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">February 2, 2014</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-WoyZmJmS8ME_PRNQH0mMysWKUAfvlsOQen5O_e9z5sFklewJk3x2tEGHKmI5ghaX3nXQLXfkaOu9xZ6s5DpyBlfX8gnhRaQJEt_vqOpSTN2jfgxR0wxIPJ7wtiZVp3brdiSbvvhAQc/s1600/scary_swamp_sculpture_from_ireland_640_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-WoyZmJmS8ME_PRNQH0mMysWKUAfvlsOQen5O_e9z5sFklewJk3x2tEGHKmI5ghaX3nXQLXfkaOu9xZ6s5DpyBlfX8gnhRaQJEt_vqOpSTN2jfgxR0wxIPJ7wtiZVp3brdiSbvvhAQc/s1600/scary_swamp_sculpture_from_ireland_640_03.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The last guy left in the mud at a cross race. Think he'll be making the meeting? Hell no. Looks like he needs a hand-up.</div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">World
Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 02, 2014. It marks the date of the
signing of the Convention on Wetlands, called Ramsar Convention, on 2 February
1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. WWD was
celebrated for the first time in 1997 and made an encouraging beginning. Each
year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of
citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity
to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits
in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 39pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; font-size: 32.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Taylor Swift</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times; font-size: 32.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">February 2, 2014</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 17pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The
O2 Arena<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Peninsula
Square<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">London
SE10 0DX<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">United Kingdom</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7y9iVdMaJjocO-sbZkT1Z8RN9RdWvzrekaknaYUtjJTYZYgDoEcQVyQt8e_zFWCBnpnBHgMkiiovtfBabKie88Uqfj08i0brwiHKqs2U4zbnAw2zP-HeCplZ76pqgPu8kLc4uRM8iAo/s1600/taylor-swift-red-tour-opener-650-430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7y9iVdMaJjocO-sbZkT1Z8RN9RdWvzrekaknaYUtjJTYZYgDoEcQVyQt8e_zFWCBnpnBHgMkiiovtfBabKie88Uqfj08i0brwiHKqs2U4zbnAw2zP-HeCplZ76pqgPu8kLc4uRM8iAo/s1600/taylor-swift-red-tour-opener-650-430.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Right after the race was over I was planning on jetting over on the private Crazy Bastard G6 to London to see Taylor Swift. Not because I like Taylor Swift, but because she's playing the O2 Arena.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbKyF3Mm1zMrRES1OX0eqJ5tvHOFYIkmrsrcRxjUzqpO_0OtbLxEZKp6W7tB_ZcDDLKNRZZlLUoW51PiPg9hlecSwJrnADYppSGhJO7LZ7-a_amt3EM2o5mtyp42BR8RTpajweh9l44s/s1600/upattheo2_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbKyF3Mm1zMrRES1OX0eqJ5tvHOFYIkmrsrcRxjUzqpO_0OtbLxEZKp6W7tB_ZcDDLKNRZZlLUoW51PiPg9hlecSwJrnADYppSGhJO7LZ7-a_amt3EM2o5mtyp42BR8RTpajweh9l44s/s1600/upattheo2_006.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></div>
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The O2 will be full of Taylor Swift February 2nd, but who cares? Remember where you've seen this place before?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZZAHnrLqIQx1tAp1SjgRpQoUwtkxiQfUa0fFiAvj7jaFgea-Br-JKkqNk0r-y20r4ZOCSY9yWv8M36Hq-dDAgY7ngLjtfpq4ZESJyQHiJfalyCrtkVNR6qHJRCbadQaKA_FPit-IuOY/s1600/bond.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZZAHnrLqIQx1tAp1SjgRpQoUwtkxiQfUa0fFiAvj7jaFgea-Br-JKkqNk0r-y20r4ZOCSY9yWv8M36Hq-dDAgY7ngLjtfpq4ZESJyQHiJfalyCrtkVNR6qHJRCbadQaKA_FPit-IuOY/s1600/bond.jpeg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's right Bond. James Bond. A Much-More-Pleasant place to be February 2nd. (And on top of the O2 that night you can hear Taylor Swift through your feet!) Maybe this would be a good place for a race.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, I almost forgot that this was going on the same day too ...</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">NFL SUPER BOWL XLVIII</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sunday, February 2, 6:30 on FOX</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ct0fmWzWeJk" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
I can't wait for this, and I can't get enough of Richard Sherman's viral video interviews which should be even better and even crazier for the Super Bowl. The only guy that gives interviews this wild is Kevin Pauwels. Here's an interview with Kevin just before last year's Worlds in Looeyville. I was in the room when this was happening and could literally feel the electricity in the air as Kevin went on and on about Power Cranks. He just wouldn't shut up. Watch him ...<br />
<br />
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Wow, I'm waiting for my heart rate to come down before I can update this my hands are shaking so hard from listening to Kevin. I wonder if the MBRA is going to have some Super Bowl / Hand-Up snacks at the meeting?</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-42660389526740839692013-11-01T14:04:00.002-04:002013-11-02T16:45:25.369-04:00RAIN ON THE ICE MAN PARADE - PLUS NEW TEAM KITS ON THE WAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfCX50rMwgZkXz_tLPbu5mxrLQIDZDfW4E2CzXJwog7l76Q8lSiKp33o9DKaZ812ONpNlJjD6Bxr-KYFR0-SqBmB_dr_uundGkjyTUfOCEWxIHevmTxHORifvMZddzn-W2Ees7k8eDq4/s1600/muddy_mountainbike_tour_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfCX50rMwgZkXz_tLPbu5mxrLQIDZDfW4E2CzXJwog7l76Q8lSiKp33o9DKaZ812ONpNlJjD6Bxr-KYFR0-SqBmB_dr_uundGkjyTUfOCEWxIHevmTxHORifvMZddzn-W2Ees7k8eDq4/s400/muddy_mountainbike_tour_012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Could this be what tomorrow's ICE MAN looks like because of torrential rains? Lets hope so.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQplNLaFIBpd8Yil1qdqs4HGYBD02xDib5qqmROp-ryYsudDdD4hVqdyMUSH2_eWDorjjpW1e1Rw8Wd00yT8NBA3hSZB3_Rqqs-gzO_1qIAlJE4WOCG4uVPPGAy5JiFj7O6mhX2_sRbhY/s1600/The_Iceman_Cometh_teleplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQplNLaFIBpd8Yil1qdqs4HGYBD02xDib5qqmROp-ryYsudDdD4hVqdyMUSH2_eWDorjjpW1e1Rw8Wd00yT8NBA3hSZB3_Rqqs-gzO_1qIAlJE4WOCG4uVPPGAy5JiFj7O6mhX2_sRbhY/s400/The_Iceman_Cometh_teleplay.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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Last year nearly wrote a book on the ICE MAN. This year I'm all out of letters. Used them all last year, and yes that's a picture of me on the cover. I'm wearing a wig and a mask of course.</div>
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Well, I won't be making it to this year's ICE MAN to offer semi-live reports, semi-live from the hotel. From the sounds of it, it could be a pretty soggy affair, which would probably play havoc with my plastic toy tent and all the electronic equipment I need to keep my semi-live feeds going. So best of luck everyone, I'm out, though I'd dearly love to hear the sound of 8,000 disc brakes scratching their way through a cedar swamp, but it looks like I'm out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMz3P29rz9Uw_aUdCGvk7V22nnRwDRhV56CKeeQq48z2FCKgRCNyqFZjrHIGftqFK8yu2h3ZVlhvIffw77dB0SvGTO_pkd1KO2hpcSTFnJZEceEpIlTdTiANhI43pTOraC6OWKY8ynRk/s1600/Girl+on+Scott+Mountain+Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMz3P29rz9Uw_aUdCGvk7V22nnRwDRhV56CKeeQq48z2FCKgRCNyqFZjrHIGftqFK8yu2h3ZVlhvIffw77dB0SvGTO_pkd1KO2hpcSTFnJZEceEpIlTdTiANhI43pTOraC6OWKY8ynRk/s400/Girl+on+Scott+Mountain+Bike.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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This is how we imagine our imaginary ICE MAN racer would look like before she got a few sprinkles on her ... and before it started to rain on her parade.</div>
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For those of you participating in tomorrow's ICE MAN here's a song for you (above), sung by long-time ICE MAN Champion, Barbara Streisand, who actually invented the ICE MAN. Bet you didn't know that! So hum a tune, and maybe the rain will hold off. Maybe it won't. No matter what, don't let a few sprinkles ruin your ICE MAN EXPERIENCE™.</div>
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NEW LOOKS AND TEAM KITS AND SKIN SUITS FOR THE SECOND PART OF THE CYCLOCROSS SEASON!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MxaYnvoFll55f8QBwvWJeMeH-Wb-P-LvVwY3N54exYsbwgWPG2c04L78k4qi6vJ-BZ36cqXuBwmdZppRNlO4w6E1WsIjus7ChFnEozWgklXSflMDbpJ6-trak-FlmILP-CHtBWzl3v0/s1600/Leopard+Girl+CX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MxaYnvoFll55f8QBwvWJeMeH-Wb-P-LvVwY3N54exYsbwgWPG2c04L78k4qi6vJ-BZ36cqXuBwmdZppRNlO4w6E1WsIjus7ChFnEozWgklXSflMDbpJ6-trak-FlmILP-CHtBWzl3v0/s400/Leopard+Girl+CX.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Rebecca Wissman rocks the Tailwind Leopard print for her team every weekend. Looks like her kit is getting an upgrade in the near future ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroPjEIeTHC1czEIW8cxS0levG1s5uLNc4fSU4xml8et4FvETLtD-lGNnb3j9eew0Z2QSDaKLgNNs0Wa8K139__arsjrH0LEs3OYvKKJWgpCmFn0NVfYbJMnFfp3zXHrrgY7rcsT5givk/s1600/Leopard+Ruddervoorde+Willem+Beerland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroPjEIeTHC1czEIW8cxS0levG1s5uLNc4fSU4xml8et4FvETLtD-lGNnb3j9eew0Z2QSDaKLgNNs0Wa8K139__arsjrH0LEs3OYvKKJWgpCmFn0NVfYbJMnFfp3zXHrrgY7rcsT5givk/s400/Leopard+Ruddervoorde+Willem+Beerland.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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The new direction for Team Tailwind is for more Leopard spots, everywhere, plus Leopard flocking on the helmet. </div>
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The shot above is by our Belgium correspondent, Willem Beerland. A nice shot from Ruddervooorde, somewhere, we guess, in Belgium, last weekend. This young Japanese lady rocked a bedazzled helmet last year which we think inspired Sarah McIntyre's be-jeweled lid this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgMNp0bZjhxuV5zdXTv7cMD4hULSw3Kpqzn1clFnuJK9zKmTQ5DTLM4URuusbIfSl0dFBIM-SOlWVuHJZPRfqnQVMXExmQdDCm3JQarFJgMKRuIzl94nylwQPNul4JK6txtCI8Nsp8Mc/s1600/Sarah+Smile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgMNp0bZjhxuV5zdXTv7cMD4hULSw3Kpqzn1clFnuJK9zKmTQ5DTLM4URuusbIfSl0dFBIM-SOlWVuHJZPRfqnQVMXExmQdDCm3JQarFJgMKRuIzl94nylwQPNul4JK6txtCI8Nsp8Mc/s400/Sarah+Smile.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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She's smiling because she has diamonds on her lid ... go-fast diamonds that is ...</div>
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BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE IN NEW KIT NEWS!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt8etPdbPhHcGPIpk3UPXa9a4N9SY2Kv_3NGawUVX03q-UQ16HjuTBo_kmKRbq8j_G0Dx9gIRrc1fJWaaU1yWqDDiusoz29lMMOkZ2ZRMsACC6ON_Lb17ap4DbLjxmwX0mgW3s6f_jRA/s1600/Kelly+Patterson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt8etPdbPhHcGPIpk3UPXa9a4N9SY2Kv_3NGawUVX03q-UQ16HjuTBo_kmKRbq8j_G0Dx9gIRrc1fJWaaU1yWqDDiusoz29lMMOkZ2ZRMsACC6ON_Lb17ap4DbLjxmwX0mgW3s6f_jRA/s400/Kelly+Patterson.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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You don't say? Yeah, you didn't say, did you ...</div>
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While I may have missed publishing the press release about the addition of Adam York and Tom Burke to the <a href="http://www.wolverinesportsclub.com/" target="_blank">Wolverine Cycling Team / Wolverine Sports Club</a> at the beginning of the season, I'm not going to miss the opportunity to leak news, that may or may not be true, about the team's new skin suits, coming soon to a cyclocross race near you ... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyTcWtdj16_s3mf-BnDjzJZi30dVbpoe_cLv0EF9ma53aYPMqrxJoiakX4rgP5URtC7z-iyrJ1jQqpedr0OJiF84F8lEjm8IEmmPnqYBfmfUzy5lCLKax8-OaflBUySHzrstje42_WIw/s1600/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyTcWtdj16_s3mf-BnDjzJZi30dVbpoe_cLv0EF9ma53aYPMqrxJoiakX4rgP5URtC7z-iyrJ1jQqpedr0OJiF84F8lEjm8IEmmPnqYBfmfUzy5lCLKax8-OaflBUySHzrstje42_WIw/s400/original.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wolverine Team Management had quite a battle on their hands in coming up with a new design that everybody could get on board with. I think one of those guys above is Matt Baroli, in the bad hair-piece, getting all choked up about the possible new look for the team.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMtfoPXkIKjr-heOmh6Pbf40CwnIoInoilpDYmRzYIqsjRvrI5hQOG3jPwUYuHackao39i-ahvKDF1pzFicg9aq78JnEDuoeQwfi-0hhO8vS2vLezpBjZOKvRN8Ol8saZwROBJjPtjNE/s1600/Kelly+Spin+Down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMtfoPXkIKjr-heOmh6Pbf40CwnIoInoilpDYmRzYIqsjRvrI5hQOG3jPwUYuHackao39i-ahvKDF1pzFicg9aq78JnEDuoeQwfi-0hhO8vS2vLezpBjZOKvRN8Ol8saZwROBJjPtjNE/s320/Kelly+Spin+Down.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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The driving force behind the change is thought to be Wolverine's Kelly Paterson. A long-time Trekky, she thought the new look would brighten-up her race-chops - and make everybody crazy. She was right on one point. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXFH3Ypmp09vv2aGzlwEuj6PvkdeYQN8DjSl8PU39dE9GgBtObrvowQIp2bijP8vSfZcQA9isHT9ABDEI0Gm8JZxfvXYKCxWnGKsLzLqwIfPZg1A46dkw0vK-yp0hjBPRJOa38FGhL8s/s1600/Star+Trek+Skin+Suit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXFH3Ypmp09vv2aGzlwEuj6PvkdeYQN8DjSl8PU39dE9GgBtObrvowQIp2bijP8vSfZcQA9isHT9ABDEI0Gm8JZxfvXYKCxWnGKsLzLqwIfPZg1A46dkw0vK-yp0hjBPRJOa38FGhL8s/s400/Star+Trek+Skin+Suit.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here's Kelly Paterson's idea of the perfect cyclocross skin suit. Can't say we disagree Kelly!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHFnbkR74UqIP0xDqroGfc_kEb4nE0GUr8tVserV2xWaKDmfW26xqHEPrXw0maKMIQVOgCQNXVmnlFUtdLqrElbQOxgZMid5LWCLL3TMcwI_RjIksNVb-1nYCP3kCdJwoOv6PZGDbXAY/s1600/Sven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHFnbkR74UqIP0xDqroGfc_kEb4nE0GUr8tVserV2xWaKDmfW26xqHEPrXw0maKMIQVOgCQNXVmnlFUtdLqrElbQOxgZMid5LWCLL3TMcwI_RjIksNVb-1nYCP3kCdJwoOv6PZGDbXAY/s320/Sven.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Das German in Wolverine standard kit - doing what the Wolverine's have been doing a lot of all season long.</div>
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Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the management didn't agree to the slick silver look and decided to stay with the same, tried and true Wolverine design.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxqNVVgxeNRytagb4Wq1iS84saLOk5K9azIoDhpmc3OG0P6M8xCcsKPWmZ-DYS7jdOSYLfRthvMPd_8rxw4htGeuliTF5pBBx5TxWgEwwOHYOgw4BZdIkF74ipZpiJR2SM1cpvF_qlnY/s1600/Star+Trek+Silver+Woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxqNVVgxeNRytagb4Wq1iS84saLOk5K9azIoDhpmc3OG0P6M8xCcsKPWmZ-DYS7jdOSYLfRthvMPd_8rxw4htGeuliTF5pBBx5TxWgEwwOHYOgw4BZdIkF74ipZpiJR2SM1cpvF_qlnY/s320/Star+Trek+Silver+Woman.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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While some members of the team might have looked great in this kit, you have to wonder how it would have looked on Adam York. Hmmmm ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZDhGLsmXhqBd6amQxyMTC1bFw-997krh4UaXqIWcljfe_aCNavSw-8WfmdsTXWoWwtLJEOXp_qaXmCunEQm6Q787Wnrwr3ADYZWDWrWG7dmATXJPYyxVEOyHR9cTefHxfEeawkKRMVQ/s1600/York.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZDhGLsmXhqBd6amQxyMTC1bFw-997krh4UaXqIWcljfe_aCNavSw-8WfmdsTXWoWwtLJEOXp_qaXmCunEQm6Q787Wnrwr3ADYZWDWrWG7dmATXJPYyxVEOyHR9cTefHxfEeawkKRMVQ/s400/York.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Well it wouldn't be the first time the York had been in a silver-grey skinsuit. This was a nice look by the way - as long as you didn't get too close and got a look at what was under it ...</div>
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After some deliberation, it was decided that Paterson could have her own "special" kit for a few races - just to be different. Look for this on a podium near you, soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvMOIn6_nnvwTPZCHXLJwNrWtwtTdiwbPzZsNZwul3sCiV7XPdN2ooTFbyqkwuV0tlejLUmtqPHTq3ZqsQ8vzW_Gr9p0-5995jqJJrMl7H0ZEMT76I_bfFfzkeruE3yF2ANK-M8TyJAg/s1600/Kell+Paterson+Cheerleader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvMOIn6_nnvwTPZCHXLJwNrWtwtTdiwbPzZsNZwul3sCiV7XPdN2ooTFbyqkwuV0tlejLUmtqPHTq3ZqsQ8vzW_Gr9p0-5995jqJJrMl7H0ZEMT76I_bfFfzkeruE3yF2ANK-M8TyJAg/s640/Kell+Paterson+Cheerleader.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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Shouldn't that say "Wolverine," and be red, white and black?</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-29140322544035821302013-10-25T11:11:00.001-04:002013-10-25T11:11:08.715-04:00LOOKING FOR THE ULTIMATE CRAZY BASTARD COACH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8SqzuukyvadEM1_gfp579mCMPIdQRvPEX23s0V366atYd5dnu150jTOaUV1vn-kd-CvWTDXe8hrkiG52jspxUrhrl1uBpoBZy65eEtLmHN33G8K3gvYVoWyeVX_Tpoda3tA5KSHkyLY/s1600/Adrian+Adam+Fight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8SqzuukyvadEM1_gfp579mCMPIdQRvPEX23s0V366atYd5dnu150jTOaUV1vn-kd-CvWTDXe8hrkiG52jspxUrhrl1uBpoBZy65eEtLmHN33G8K3gvYVoWyeVX_Tpoda3tA5KSHkyLY/s400/Adrian+Adam+Fight.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Most of us need a coach that will get right in our faces. Until we get sick of that and just want to screw off.</div>
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Yesterday I was on the fence about training and was looking for some answers. I guess what I needed was a coach - about ten years ago. It's a little late now. In this episode I'm trying to decide on what type of coach would be the perfect Crazy Bastard Coach - if there is such a thing - and you'll have to read until the end to find out! Here we go in our search ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhj_zYotNabuNs1fEcKibQ64dC4nFsuzNQa6QRpA3Yw15i6oBq_zCJOgAGkbZi_44SpQEbELlOUV-no97hqgWtqrxwyr_4OlI9EPAzFn6kc7PZJOGIVC0JSHSlr1SYCF7LyW4XpZiKe0k/s1600/Hipppy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhj_zYotNabuNs1fEcKibQ64dC4nFsuzNQa6QRpA3Yw15i6oBq_zCJOgAGkbZi_44SpQEbELlOUV-no97hqgWtqrxwyr_4OlI9EPAzFn6kc7PZJOGIVC0JSHSlr1SYCF7LyW4XpZiKe0k/s400/Hipppy.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The Hippy Chick knows her cross, but doesn't have time to coach your sorry ass. Sorry, sorry ass.</div>
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Yesterday I was looking just for answers and a shortcut to success. So I quizzed <a href="http://crazybastardscross.blogspot.com/2013/10/ask-all-knowing-hippy-chick-of-cross-is.html" target="_blank">THE ALL KNOWING CYCLOCROSS HIPPY CHICK OF CROSS</a>, hoping to find an easy solution. You can see what that all came to <a href="http://crazybastardscross.blogspot.com/2013/10/ask-all-knowing-hippy-chick-of-cross-is.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Frites and mayo? Yeah, you don't look like you could use that, fat ...</div>
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Years ago, back in 2010 in fact, I tried the same thing by leaning on the <a href="http://crazybastardscross.blogspot.com/2010/12/cyclocross-chef-of-knowledge-and-ride.html" target="_blank">CYCLOCROSS CHEF OF KNOWLEDGE</a>. While I didn't get any better training tips, I sure did put on a lot of weight. Thanks Chef!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDp8vPFGXSMiRbd7-zQwaN0gFwjdohajn9cYp4wYo3pDKM60OGLUo-AnxybRkPPQblXACLLg43Geo5GviOPsiT6NkWO1y7imbZYCjr9guOAowX9v40f_Off2CAg1p9H5LxYjlsetnUjw/s1600/Mike+S+Colored.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDp8vPFGXSMiRbd7-zQwaN0gFwjdohajn9cYp4wYo3pDKM60OGLUo-AnxybRkPPQblXACLLg43Geo5GviOPsiT6NkWO1y7imbZYCjr9guOAowX9v40f_Off2CAg1p9H5LxYjlsetnUjw/s400/Mike+S+Colored.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Experienced at 'cross, but maybe color blind.</div>
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When looking for coach, look for someone with experience, like the MICHIGAN PIRATE OF 'CROSS, above. Whether they have the time or inclination to coach you is another thing. Experience, and somebody like the Pirate has a lot, will tell him you're not worth the effort.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt8etPdbPhHcGPIpk3UPXa9a4N9SY2Kv_3NGawUVX03q-UQ16HjuTBo_kmKRbq8j_G0Dx9gIRrc1fJWaaU1yWqDDiusoz29lMMOkZ2ZRMsACC6ON_Lb17ap4DbLjxmwX0mgW3s6f_jRA/s1600/Kelly+Patterson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAt8etPdbPhHcGPIpk3UPXa9a4N9SY2Kv_3NGawUVX03q-UQ16HjuTBo_kmKRbq8j_G0Dx9gIRrc1fJWaaU1yWqDDiusoz29lMMOkZ2ZRMsACC6ON_Lb17ap4DbLjxmwX0mgW3s6f_jRA/s400/Kelly+Patterson.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Silly Kelly. It's always good to work in some humor with your training and racing, and have some fun.</div>
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While a coach like this may seem fun on the surface, it's probably hiding a killer work effort that you don't want any part of.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnejjOAnD9J1Mr118-fbfOwtJSTMJMwv1Jg3VRwQyL5Ng2hj9_fi93RrL-DnJ0w2TTBTbpdIttPdfvglF3PFEHehCuDx93phsflQlLYNkHuIw8f4u-wcMMo7Ruatab8ntCIEGLilxr1o/s1600/Osgood+checkers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnejjOAnD9J1Mr118-fbfOwtJSTMJMwv1Jg3VRwQyL5Ng2hj9_fi93RrL-DnJ0w2TTBTbpdIttPdfvglF3PFEHehCuDx93phsflQlLYNkHuIw8f4u-wcMMo7Ruatab8ntCIEGLilxr1o/s400/Osgood+checkers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then there's this approach to coaching and training.</div>
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Well, uh, no ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6N1bcJup0d1HgcUmNZWiXV2OOiXCkrwB_3FFeIlTFMuP400Hr8t1TI5dwsKtJZUYR_bviKPiGY91V9qRTqOX6abMfvHONsSg9P9Ojvr2bUb3NM9E6oAYYQWkR4onYft9GqcnIZc6hWI/s1600/Kim+Lee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6N1bcJup0d1HgcUmNZWiXV2OOiXCkrwB_3FFeIlTFMuP400Hr8t1TI5dwsKtJZUYR_bviKPiGY91V9qRTqOX6abMfvHONsSg9P9Ojvr2bUb3NM9E6oAYYQWkR4onYft9GqcnIZc6hWI/s400/Kim+Lee.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This guy is smart. Probably smarter than all of us put together. </div>
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Do brains alone make a good coach? The smart guy above loves training in total crap weather. He rides his steel single speed cross bike in so much mud and snow that it's a wonder there's any paint left on it from all the power washing. His motto to training: "Slow speed, high watts, baby." Yeah, too smart for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItJUNuxCvFq0OzRZd3WHY6LYPgILap-0un3Fvpdp7Iaa1D1JS2PQskcWDPrXj2LzXa0v8fgkkRnbYeNNoq7a0CzxSy58RqyiawkEZoOgPXLclFXiWVc5TQNxGfQW7KPbu3QZSg7d7UYA/s1600/Muddy+Scott.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItJUNuxCvFq0OzRZd3WHY6LYPgILap-0un3Fvpdp7Iaa1D1JS2PQskcWDPrXj2LzXa0v8fgkkRnbYeNNoq7a0CzxSy58RqyiawkEZoOgPXLclFXiWVc5TQNxGfQW7KPbu3QZSg7d7UYA/s400/Muddy+Scott.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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All-round superior riders that know how to train right.</div>
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Unfortunately they don't have time to share the secrets with you. That's how smart they are.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij11nOtJ1gWYmZxr1vPiBOl_4-xoI6kIIGTBPaAZe3cU9SXZE6gW0qFOYozs9eQdEz8TZ0sMAkFFfnLzAgmcuebG9_yEB53m8QlF30e-5PF_0CTezegDHP_igIwNxnSMg3C14RKXlwClY/s1600/Denny+with+small+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij11nOtJ1gWYmZxr1vPiBOl_4-xoI6kIIGTBPaAZe3cU9SXZE6gW0qFOYozs9eQdEz8TZ0sMAkFFfnLzAgmcuebG9_yEB53m8QlF30e-5PF_0CTezegDHP_igIwNxnSMg3C14RKXlwClY/s400/Denny+with+small+bike.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then there's old school.</div>
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Thanks coach! You've made me what I am today!</div>
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... completely insane. </div>
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In selecting a coach, you want somebody that's really into cycling, heart and soul.</div>
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But not this guy. He looks smelly.</div>
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You may want a coach that believes in enjoying the ride, too.</div>
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But not this crazy b&$#ch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn16q7b3XfrtevfQbkiva3xwF5DiQK_BhyDMO6f6i4OkwjnXNmxU1RQHMv5Xm_u61JQKOuBo2Bb1O_xQADB8OkQ1psO4H88ipYEnHMChM0Lxa6_Mz2rRBnmJxxt30z_qPyCqwgQIyX7pI/s1600/Funny+shot+of+Nate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn16q7b3XfrtevfQbkiva3xwF5DiQK_BhyDMO6f6i4OkwjnXNmxU1RQHMv5Xm_u61JQKOuBo2Bb1O_xQADB8OkQ1psO4H88ipYEnHMChM0Lxa6_Mz2rRBnmJxxt30z_qPyCqwgQIyX7pI/s400/Funny+shot+of+Nate.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Champions that have beers named after them are also a good bet for a coach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPIxz8bzc4O0vhvM21EOwyWSIJ2nA5Pm0SKHjJNCzV5KDL9uA9y5kRm7ZSVSBBBh0DF93REtLcueqa17E8BtoOEhLBMEfVYVkA9ZVw_C6oaktVhJuOF5CIHf_OI-74azypO_PaRoUwys/s1600/Cupcake+with+beer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPIxz8bzc4O0vhvM21EOwyWSIJ2nA5Pm0SKHjJNCzV5KDL9uA9y5kRm7ZSVSBBBh0DF93REtLcueqa17E8BtoOEhLBMEfVYVkA9ZVw_C6oaktVhJuOF5CIHf_OI-74azypO_PaRoUwys/s400/Cupcake+with+beer.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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As well as racers that drink the beer of Champions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qVFxQRzONcq_KbV1s287uUFMAwvgMIvl7E49HVfP7Xg5Q1FnKx_rDMgPUkALAfv7xMx_pxd0p13NKa5NsEctBM30i-r2PUn92lyxa7zHyh8Y3S76Q4TMBrk0geHv-bDB45VUnaX6BSg/s1600/I+don%2527t+alwasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qVFxQRzONcq_KbV1s287uUFMAwvgMIvl7E49HVfP7Xg5Q1FnKx_rDMgPUkALAfv7xMx_pxd0p13NKa5NsEctBM30i-r2PUn92lyxa7zHyh8Y3S76Q4TMBrk0geHv-bDB45VUnaX6BSg/s320/I+don%2527t+alwasy.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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Or you could go Hollywood and pick a national icon and get coached online.</div>
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More beer drinking coaching here, I think,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPR1n1xbHiAtdqq04gsANWTAim578HQyMxO4q9sLx7-HwXeT-2wssG6MRg2n9Es0Ce0c6vgV-yJTgFeAdQ7MhQV15ifHlSZFc9bCIohhgn98n6WyWycJBFBZxZddgXTHw3tlM5gkqV6I/s1600/3542_509472445782461_1180122306_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPR1n1xbHiAtdqq04gsANWTAim578HQyMxO4q9sLx7-HwXeT-2wssG6MRg2n9Es0Ce0c6vgV-yJTgFeAdQ7MhQV15ifHlSZFc9bCIohhgn98n6WyWycJBFBZxZddgXTHw3tlM5gkqV6I/s400/3542_509472445782461_1180122306_n.png" width="311" /></a></div>
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But apparently the beer drinking approach does seem to work for some. </div>
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If you follow <a href="http://www.cxhairs.com/" target="_blank">In the Crosshairs</a> you'll find one of the best teaching tools around are the #SVENNESS videos that crop up on their site after big European races. Watch these and learn from the best rider in the world, most often that rider being Sven Nys. The downside is that I look at this stuff, and yeah it's great, but do I have any of the skills or the engine to pull any of this shit off? The answer is NO. Still it's fun to watch.Tune in <a href="http://www.cxhairs.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/77216395?byline=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/77216395">#SVENNESS 2.3</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/cxhairs">In The Crosshairs</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Finally here's the ultimate Crazy Bastard coach, in my opinion. You don't really work hard or train hard, because you have no expectations of success. He knows you are a loser and just keeps pounding that reality home. It's just a long, drawn out process of humiliation. A lot like everyday life. Watch and learn, kids. I love his use of the word, "miscreant."<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/42209600?byline=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/42209600">Weak Men Pay This Boxing Coach To Tell Them They Are Terrible</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/animalnewyork">ANIMALNewYork.com</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-16667731608523211032013-10-24T12:43:00.000-04:002013-10-24T12:43:47.138-04:00ASK THE ALL KNOWING HIPPY CHICK OF CROSS: IS IT TIME TO TRAIN OR TAPER?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fsdppU6IdzX4Gn8XnCVOQR1Pu9q9wEhkNYcrLUQuTjJKdmZSnFPT0WWGLuG17_k9GwbrjRiTYJJZb-90rXtN-KFNtQZbqr1kV77n7zfZw_Auob5QRW0jWTWpsnm92sM_DHXywGsxVZM/s1600/Hipppy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fsdppU6IdzX4Gn8XnCVOQR1Pu9q9wEhkNYcrLUQuTjJKdmZSnFPT0WWGLuG17_k9GwbrjRiTYJJZb-90rXtN-KFNtQZbqr1kV77n7zfZw_Auob5QRW0jWTWpsnm92sM_DHXywGsxVZM/s400/Hipppy.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Wanna know something 'bout cross? Well dude, put the bong down for a minute and I'll tell you everything you need to know ...</div>
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Due to the Retirement of The Cyclocross Chef of Knowledge, The All Knowing Hippy Chick of Cross will now be providing us with answers to all of our 'cross and gravel racing questions. It's great to know that she's on the scene, because I've got a lot a questions that need to be answered.</div>
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I'll have some fries with that poodle, thanks!</div>
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You remember the Cyclocross Chef of knowledge from a few years ago? He knew it all, he fried it all he dished all the 'cross info we were hungry for. Unfortunately he has retired and now has a television cooking show in Korea called "Dog Eat Dog." Tune in some time, it's tasty!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YZ9KsiMPf4goqLE94YCn3z9K1vcHeW7NRJVUJWnfqrKzEYUXL_4ERh7khosKp3iszVaG1-0K5XnZuG__MR9fDV7Yyqs7W2Av4aByE2RjR6gYO3aVY_uGhdI7WPE6U0rOuOcIIcdXtn8/s1600/Tony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YZ9KsiMPf4goqLE94YCn3z9K1vcHeW7NRJVUJWnfqrKzEYUXL_4ERh7khosKp3iszVaG1-0K5XnZuG__MR9fDV7Yyqs7W2Av4aByE2RjR6gYO3aVY_uGhdI7WPE6U0rOuOcIIcdXtn8/s400/Tony.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. TRAIN OR TAPER FOR THE RACE THIS WEEKEND?</div>
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The <a href="http://www.thelowell50.com/" target="_blank">Lowell 50</a> is coming up this Saturday (have you registered yet? If not do it <a href="http://www.thelowell50.com/" target="_blank">here and now</a>!) and a lot of people want to know, like me, if it's too late to start training or if I should start tapering? People like Tony H, pictured above, have started to taper for a race that's weeks away. Tony is a pretty fast guy and seems to know what he's doing. What should I do?</div>
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THE ALL KNOWING HIPPY CHICK OF CROSS: Crap, the race is Saturday. WTF and you want to start training now? Well dumb ass it's too late to start training, like that would help anyway, so you might as well just do what Tony is doing right now - start drinking! That way you'll either not feel the pain or just entertain the rest of the racers by puking in the ditch after the first five miles. Kinda like the Swanzy does when he races ... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHwrgw2DfZSOwCyWkpYEGIoLwJEtOkY0CofwT4Vl8KkDn6A_f3PNZIlUHdwf4ta8IWD0HKTfsNOgSbFkBR0eYYqKk0HfzjjC8-HnCxs-sr0b11qZ9u7CqC54FYC747T98f7NmSco-Elg/s1600/Anthony+Clark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHwrgw2DfZSOwCyWkpYEGIoLwJEtOkY0CofwT4Vl8KkDn6A_f3PNZIlUHdwf4ta8IWD0HKTfsNOgSbFkBR0eYYqKk0HfzjjC8-HnCxs-sr0b11qZ9u7CqC54FYC747T98f7NmSco-Elg/s400/Anthony+Clark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. COULD I PLAY CATCH UP BY MOTOR PACING MYSELF INTO SHAPE BY SATURDAY - YOU KNOW, LIKE THE PRO'S DO?</div>
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THE ALL KNOWING HIPPY CHICK OF CROSS: Man you are one dumb f*ck, aren't you. Listen up loser, the only thing you're get from motor pacing probably some frostbite from the wind chill and a cough from eating exhaust. Leave motor pacing so somebody that is totally freaked out flipped out and wazzzzzzupppsiiiiicksoofreeeekingsssiiick like the dude above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwPE0A79VLaRRQk336PZWmkm3pFVYL4vwgDB1vNsWUVU3gAIEcI_dnCQ8Vq5-Cj2mEiKv-7iS6Z9ImZdrlBGXT9YO2ZwRSNb4goA1JKXixz7IWsbO-Wa4YeoVl4z7DqSGX7J5bBkosgQ/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwPE0A79VLaRRQk336PZWmkm3pFVYL4vwgDB1vNsWUVU3gAIEcI_dnCQ8Vq5-Cj2mEiKv-7iS6Z9ImZdrlBGXT9YO2ZwRSNb4goA1JKXixz7IWsbO-Wa4YeoVl4z7DqSGX7J5bBkosgQ/s400/IMG_0403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(For Sale $400 - really)</div>
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3. I DON'T HAVE A DEDICATED GRAVEL BIKE. WILL MY CYCLOCROSS BIKE WORK FOR THE LOWELL 50, ON SATURDAY?</div>
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THE ALL KNOWING HIPPY CHICK OF CROSS: While I hate to prop up the Capitalist Pig Establishment that runs this country, and put money in the pockets of those profiting from pure marketing and consumerism baloney of having to have a dedicated bike for everything, I have to say that you don't stand a chance in Timothy Leary's most freaked out Acid Nightmares without a dedicated Gravel Bike. Cross bikes just don't work. I don't know why, but they don't. Something about the weird-ass chainstays or some shit like that. My advice is to ride a single-speed, like the one above that is now for sale at a low, low Lowell 50 discount price and available for the race this weekend. By riding a single speed you can ride as stoned or as blind drunk as you want, 'cause you never have to make a decision like, "uh which gear now?" The other big plus of a single speed is that you have a ready excuse for sucking and coming in DFL. It's like, "Hey I couldn't keep up, I was on a single speed and my 53 x 14 just bogged down in the hills ..."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrzShuCpan9QjVfdRCAqGVws3j0U2an2n-XEtda_zoTyzjNKJcWYamu42mWdte_YCNRWxp8ObIcH1QmqF3mcJ6Gi_kAAFAYx4bMQw15fPwvI1rUhsf4J4ZlazHWEgvA0yfxd3Oa2Psjk/s1600/Orange+Tires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrzShuCpan9QjVfdRCAqGVws3j0U2an2n-XEtda_zoTyzjNKJcWYamu42mWdte_YCNRWxp8ObIcH1QmqF3mcJ6Gi_kAAFAYx4bMQw15fPwvI1rUhsf4J4ZlazHWEgvA0yfxd3Oa2Psjk/s400/Orange+Tires.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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4. WHAT KIND OF TIRES SHOULD I ROLL?</div>
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THE ALL KNOWING HIPPY CHICK OF CROSS: Roll what Aaron is rolling -and smoking apparently. Whatever those hot-ass skins are he seems to get off on them. I dig the color too. Isn't orange the color of "INSANITY?" Must be, look at Huntington's eyes. Whoa, whacked, dude, whacked!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_EUNgkM79n6flt8e7aIAWQt1tNmhiKquL-xtUwqfAiTqnUUKF1rywDb61hb46N-XotM36PSgaZcxWXDSn1rgf9yLrussz0wVedwHVJQy5H-iUEzaClVMGLExwV7PISwwiMn9gAZ_esg/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_EUNgkM79n6flt8e7aIAWQt1tNmhiKquL-xtUwqfAiTqnUUKF1rywDb61hb46N-XotM36PSgaZcxWXDSn1rgf9yLrussz0wVedwHVJQy5H-iUEzaClVMGLExwV7PISwwiMn9gAZ_esg/s400/IMG_1412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(A typical Slayer Training Ride)</div>
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5. WILL MOUNTAIN BIKERS HAVE A BIG ADVANTAGE IN A RACE LIKE THE LOWELL 50? HOW ABOUT AT ICE MAN?</div>
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THE ALL KNOWING HIPPY CHICK OF CROSS: Don't worry about the mountain bikers, they are so full of holes and have had their head rattled so many times from hitting trees all season long they're sure to make a wrong turn. As for iceman, you don't need to be a mountain biker to get it on, you're better off if you're one of these dudes ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYXRnTwP8JrF4xTOe_dcHkAhfdnfvj7KxcTDmAa-egeCr8DsQTNygYJVgw1-fOAs9bs6DGnJSvPDRNkLDNMgM5qX0kqjSdhcy7pMufbjYJ1hOg8rN_DrGzezMJaJBoFdHZTnCndi5bFM/s1600/imagefly.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYXRnTwP8JrF4xTOe_dcHkAhfdnfvj7KxcTDmAa-egeCr8DsQTNygYJVgw1-fOAs9bs6DGnJSvPDRNkLDNMgM5qX0kqjSdhcy7pMufbjYJ1hOg8rN_DrGzezMJaJBoFdHZTnCndi5bFM/s320/imagefly.aspx.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Is Ice Man a Mountain Bike race, or a Time Trial? Maybe we'll Julie Boonen Davison's brother next time.)</div>
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6. IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY TIME I RIDE OR RACE THIS SEASON IT RAINS AND THERE'S MUD UP TO THE SEAT. I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE THINK IT'S 'CROSS ROMANTIC, BUT I'M F*%KING SICK OF IT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?</div>
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THE ALL KNOWING HIPPY CHICK OF CROSS: For a two-bit guy like you I say the best bet is wipe the whiney-ass mud-snot of your face and go to the nearest, and crumbiest car wash you can find. Don't listen to all that crap from the boyz in the bike shop about power washing bikes, either. Half of those dimwits are stoners and they've got nothing better to do than clean shit out of the cracks with a tooth brush and smoke Wednesday Weed. Besides that they make new bottom brackets and hubs, duh, don't they?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHC_2C_8lk_WA82cJ2T9UqwUlcaVefwPJZNmOQBH1oeLP7tDiUqtuOD07OFjCm0aRMsRfkk2ZMwsFa3oZrUfKQenc1btbD_8GNyahk2MJqwHxC-zXmiznQigt_vtDMhLM0972gMxr3LXU/s1600/Wall+of+bike+dirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHC_2C_8lk_WA82cJ2T9UqwUlcaVefwPJZNmOQBH1oeLP7tDiUqtuOD07OFjCm0aRMsRfkk2ZMwsFa3oZrUfKQenc1btbD_8GNyahk2MJqwHxC-zXmiznQigt_vtDMhLM0972gMxr3LXU/s400/Wall+of+bike+dirt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(A scene that keeps repeating itself this season)</div>
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If you don't dig the car wash, and don't have a garden hose, then maybe you could find somebody like this to wash your bikes ... but I think it will cost somebody like you more than a handful of tokens ... dude ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeaHGvR-r_F5AQ4Uuko7yZ5ve7ujs2hbLGhmnOxOfV-31i30RY9il9ed3bKjtLBp8S-UyB6WP1ZCCULYfPnSEt3jjJ5fdSi2zZCsXk4GhDmU0IiYQxh-d2lnbsnbtbufMtOUubFAYZrA/s1600/Woman+bike+in+tub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpeaHGvR-r_F5AQ4Uuko7yZ5ve7ujs2hbLGhmnOxOfV-31i30RY9il9ed3bKjtLBp8S-UyB6WP1ZCCULYfPnSEt3jjJ5fdSi2zZCsXk4GhDmU0IiYQxh-d2lnbsnbtbufMtOUubFAYZrA/s400/Woman+bike+in+tub.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our thanks to THE ALL KNOWING HIPPY CHICK OF CROSS for her help in preparing for the upcoming race this weekend. If you have a question for THE ALL KNOWING HIPPY CHICK OF CROSS, don't Bogart it, post it in the comments or on Face Book and we'll pass it on to her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fsdppU6IdzX4Gn8XnCVOQR1Pu9q9wEhkNYcrLUQuTjJKdmZSnFPT0WWGLuG17_k9GwbrjRiTYJJZb-90rXtN-KFNtQZbqr1kV77n7zfZw_Auob5QRW0jWTWpsnm92sM_DHXywGsxVZM/s1600/Hipppy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fsdppU6IdzX4Gn8XnCVOQR1Pu9q9wEhkNYcrLUQuTjJKdmZSnFPT0WWGLuG17_k9GwbrjRiTYJJZb-90rXtN-KFNtQZbqr1kV77n7zfZw_Auob5QRW0jWTWpsnm92sM_DHXywGsxVZM/s400/Hipppy.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div>
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"Peace out, bitches! Now for some real music. Enjoy the ride!"</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-65817126365744317762013-10-22T11:32:00.000-04:002013-10-22T11:32:04.443-04:00 MAD ANTHONY REPORT: WHO YOU CALLING PSYCHO? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRahFPN87CHVpGwEnUTb7MLoahdCHnFATzTjYRr5OeARkawKHehMmTeYqvLbJkuv-jWLIbjr58Y29C9dFbd_0ee1wv14TRPpbo_n16uxglQbhUDw8AT3vh9Hz8ZYfndPxIWdlTooK_Fg/s1600/Adrian+Adam+Fight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRahFPN87CHVpGwEnUTb7MLoahdCHnFATzTjYRr5OeARkawKHehMmTeYqvLbJkuv-jWLIbjr58Y29C9dFbd_0ee1wv14TRPpbo_n16uxglQbhUDw8AT3vh9Hz8ZYfndPxIWdlTooK_Fg/s400/Adrian+Adam+Fight.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Adrian and Adam get in each other's face at the start line. "No #1 call-up for you today, Big Boy! This isn't Chicago, this is Detroit, and we're Punk as Hell!" Yeah, Adrian is a tough guy, she is. I fought her once, and lost ...</div>
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Mad Anthony entered a new era on on Saturday as apart of the Tailwind Series with a new course, a new look and for the first time ever - rain and a little mud. But it was still the same battle for the fort that has been raging now for over 200-years.</div>
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This is what the battles at Fort Wayne's Mad Anthony looked like before cyclocross was invented. It was dirty, smelling and people got hurt. Wait, nothing has changed in over two-centuries?</div>
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Mad Anthony got more coverage in the Detroit Free Press than Mad Anthony Wayne, ever got. Here's a nice shot of Cupcake clearing the barriers.</div>
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For those of you that weren't there, or were too busy hiding in your truck accidentally putting embrocation on your naughty bits, go <a href="http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=C4&Dato=20131020&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=310200110&Ref=PH" target="_blank">here</a> to check out the great <a href="http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=C4&Dato=20131020&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=310200110&Ref=PH" target="_blank">photos</a> that were posted on the Detroit Free Press website.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8tG69OEtRZMj9HK7efl_A0PH9ZogF00t_etO6o39YGC2m0IzHte-T_5RG9nEr3pmhQT9YhZqNwIbI2kcmQwHZmlKldlnkgdrRJwylWuA8CdzxJuzzzYum4H-lUAcE_ea-cMzrG9g9CE/s1600/First+Hill+Elite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8tG69OEtRZMj9HK7efl_A0PH9ZogF00t_etO6o39YGC2m0IzHte-T_5RG9nEr3pmhQT9YhZqNwIbI2kcmQwHZmlKldlnkgdrRJwylWuA8CdzxJuzzzYum4H-lUAcE_ea-cMzrG9g9CE/s400/First+Hill+Elite.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Start of the Men's Elite. Yeah it's the Pony up the hill first and gone. A little rain and it's like "My Little Pony Magic Go Dust." Can you get tested for that?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMvFUiOiNxHFqC-Yhn9I6-EgP555sENV8km9z2CO9Ak52rDbb8T9_cEDx_i7lWWlR2iDBg6EpgP2AuddcZso-S26MqDjiHJEnTDrCEzQtJuaNFdiK568sZLxNMECHh9CCuevlTSeFsZk/s1600/Adam+Muddy+Face+MA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMvFUiOiNxHFqC-Yhn9I6-EgP555sENV8km9z2CO9Ak52rDbb8T9_cEDx_i7lWWlR2iDBg6EpgP2AuddcZso-S26MqDjiHJEnTDrCEzQtJuaNFdiK568sZLxNMECHh9CCuevlTSeFsZk/s400/Adam+Muddy+Face+MA.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I don't know about Pony-Dust™, but maybe we should all get tested for that Detroit Black Shit™ that got all over everything and ruined my F*cking Yellow Shoes™ and Sausage White Skinsuit™. After two centuries of shooting with black powder and giant lead balls soft enough to melt in your mouth, and blowing to bits in the air, I wonder what the contest of that Black Shit™really was?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg0y0OHp7DYzSRpH3DVrqNQNvPC6npJx6tCcLDqfpoK_weRPvGFi7DYKLigXmX8HIvYYXAuyYxNKPC1XnOr9_RunrzgnTqaPJE5629KgSg45farmrvKn2sb2aktrDbviF5NhOiR_13x8/s1600/Fort+Guys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbg0y0OHp7DYzSRpH3DVrqNQNvPC6npJx6tCcLDqfpoK_weRPvGFi7DYKLigXmX8HIvYYXAuyYxNKPC1XnOr9_RunrzgnTqaPJE5629KgSg45farmrvKn2sb2aktrDbviF5NhOiR_13x8/s400/Fort+Guys.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Men, you might not seeing them put we will be killing and wounding Cyclocross racers, inside our beloved and sacred Fort Wayne, two hundred plus years from now, or something like that. Fire that crappy shit in your guns down there NOW!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeZNivfCPoi0pGnyLKokJTAH4Fv5xXOMtZAYvbiqvwlBzKDzQZoGtIdRQIC6As7NLHU7ABeW_kwOMzPlAwazv44EHeRSWBfS3HazLaJsgQ3NX9R23__T8jXfbLbxzJYd3uJHQ7fC9XF8/s1600/Gun+port.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeZNivfCPoi0pGnyLKokJTAH4Fv5xXOMtZAYvbiqvwlBzKDzQZoGtIdRQIC6As7NLHU7ABeW_kwOMzPlAwazv44EHeRSWBfS3HazLaJsgQ3NX9R23__T8jXfbLbxzJYd3uJHQ7fC9XF8/s400/Gun+port.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once a great spot for shooting and killing invaders of all races and creeds, this was also a cool spot to watch the race. And smoke cigarettes, if you were a hipster. But more about that later ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyDSjWV_Uu1dBwaz2K69QpKL3rcrqg8ZL1ScGTeGzVfB4funSYPQ4AvD2geo6ct2lyklm-Viso9_A-04FHiHYpfEjgIaFd0tWzTHHaODZ76tOmBtNCjh6yolGW9Wo6ndiJi3lhODbvpA/s1600/Mad+Anthony+gun+port.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyDSjWV_Uu1dBwaz2K69QpKL3rcrqg8ZL1ScGTeGzVfB4funSYPQ4AvD2geo6ct2lyklm-Viso9_A-04FHiHYpfEjgIaFd0tWzTHHaODZ76tOmBtNCjh6yolGW9Wo6ndiJi3lhODbvpA/s400/Mad+Anthony+gun+port.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just wait until they get a closer before you shoot ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglIE80Ocq4oWvUd8mrL8Aq7rRiHzd-9b8gQ-MFEkCEpxQujlgvyo4XxR-2oHXrbglorm8PE2cvYIj2ST7kVAXC_M-TnhdCeIFZr8ItPB9329tjOe2hPb3t7lHPCTVvrY5Tq-5ZZjjZs8/s1600/Elite+down+the+drop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglIE80Ocq4oWvUd8mrL8Aq7rRiHzd-9b8gQ-MFEkCEpxQujlgvyo4XxR-2oHXrbglorm8PE2cvYIj2ST7kVAXC_M-TnhdCeIFZr8ItPB9329tjOe2hPb3t7lHPCTVvrY5Tq-5ZZjjZs8/s400/Elite+down+the+drop.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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SHOOT NOW! Great views of the action from the gun ports, aimed right at the invading Elite Men's chase group coming down into the moat. Guess I should have waited until they were closer ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDH_hN3diWRCrN70VHysDix4b2QXEKOjal_AGo9jfmcggVKbHKGT7CewxJ9zpcm8_0AJFX_t7khG2zExbB8tRQHI9m6xwf8BZPpTzwAhKwLPn0CthTpx0_lvanTdqWNlNC_RfAuiCc0E/s1600/Laura+no+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDH_hN3diWRCrN70VHysDix4b2QXEKOjal_AGo9jfmcggVKbHKGT7CewxJ9zpcm8_0AJFX_t7khG2zExbB8tRQHI9m6xwf8BZPpTzwAhKwLPn0CthTpx0_lvanTdqWNlNC_RfAuiCc0E/s400/Laura+no+photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Of course you can get too close to shoot ... here's Cupcake screaming "DON'T SHOOT! DON'T SHOOT!" Funny, I didn't hear that when the Free Press Photographer was snapping her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_cdZjmMD6RmrOf45xPoH6ncIK_uAfV-EcxWw74Su5QOcSiQpsEx6S5bd-Ipy71AoMAnhow4YV2CrojS2QAqfAKc2ACWqIET6eDkJJXQ_3x_YafPafP_OB6wQykH6OJw1YvZNzq5wxJ4/s1600/Elite+down+the+tube.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_cdZjmMD6RmrOf45xPoH6ncIK_uAfV-EcxWw74Su5QOcSiQpsEx6S5bd-Ipy71AoMAnhow4YV2CrojS2QAqfAKc2ACWqIET6eDkJJXQ_3x_YafPafP_OB6wQykH6OJw1YvZNzq5wxJ4/s400/Elite+down+the+tube.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year's course not only featured greasy mud, it also had a bunch of Twisty-Ass-Turns™ courtesy of the good folks at Tailwind.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVOvItOhKJEclrIvFef0-7RaJBurQ9NhETIUPo6H5i1a5nAtczHvVIL1gtnH7klK-22_5sdzE9hnHLess4kUf4eeyqCYo2ZLm-Ckyhziztl9d9VOCIeA-nKaqOMpRLlRHV9KatnD4uhY/s1600/WA+of+inside+fort.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVOvItOhKJEclrIvFef0-7RaJBurQ9NhETIUPo6H5i1a5nAtczHvVIL1gtnH7klK-22_5sdzE9hnHLess4kUf4eeyqCYo2ZLm-Ckyhziztl9d9VOCIeA-nKaqOMpRLlRHV9KatnD4uhY/s400/WA+of+inside+fort.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nice viewing on the infield where there was more action to watch. It still seemed like they were gone too fast ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhkSp0AzMLtI8M8-MVqNIglkGngFl41BAfZoacHZj2rH0fUWylKLp6srlqGQynL9yEH_iULCtakSqXO894rfvoTftgWy8mQzZQWJIyc8a2YYWNGd8iJvS2jyPX5cWQPTJ06AJJ_78cwc/s1600/CU+Hill+Elite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhkSp0AzMLtI8M8-MVqNIglkGngFl41BAfZoacHZj2rH0fUWylKLp6srlqGQynL9yEH_iULCtakSqXO894rfvoTftgWy8mQzZQWJIyc8a2YYWNGd8iJvS2jyPX5cWQPTJ06AJJ_78cwc/s400/CU+Hill+Elite.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The top of the first climb out of the fort, after the start, was the place to watch the bottle-necks, and carnage.</div>
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"But what about you, Surly? How did your race go?," asked no one ever.</div>
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A pouting, grumpy face is worth a thousand Surly words, or not worth bothering with. I didn't have a good race, thanks for asking. The only people I passed were laying on the ground or being carried away - and that's no way to move up. While I could blame myself for another poor performance, I'll try to find some excuse for my Shit Race™.</div>
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<b>HIPSTERS SMOKING IN THE TUNNEL</b></div>
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It wasn't enough to go into the darkness of the tunnel (note the ghost image), and then be blinded seconds later by the good old "Light At the End of The Tunnel," I also had to suck in a good lung full of cigarette smoke as a free "Hand-Up." I guess second-hand cigarette smoke hand-ups aren't a crime - in Detroit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSFfrfYwvUx8fypN92dcKqHt7-qJxAhoDkCgJ0jA43LuNNo_LZv3RvulNKPZ_709JUM-avtSfiFOsPupttz9v2tCn2nj40aEUEFzKkxoArLDRBS68bEeizDDW6te5P2emU9hyphenhyphenN-GbWUk/s1600/smoking_1461714c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSFfrfYwvUx8fypN92dcKqHt7-qJxAhoDkCgJ0jA43LuNNo_LZv3RvulNKPZ_709JUM-avtSfiFOsPupttz9v2tCn2nj40aEUEFzKkxoArLDRBS68bEeizDDW6te5P2emU9hyphenhyphenN-GbWUk/s400/smoking_1461714c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are "Smoke Hand-Ups" a crime? I'll have to check the hand book on that one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMgKgfAqdgsVFtaePbadSu_Kj-eipffqhkK5H7-pymqmass2JT5G16a1-X7vP26S9Aa8DDzAOZufHXw9WpFCI8tkzPmOsxpKqBaAVg_5Qb2qGof1WL91rfyQT_xOeN0hgK6AvVBudxcQ/s1600/Hipster+in+tunnel+smoking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMgKgfAqdgsVFtaePbadSu_Kj-eipffqhkK5H7-pymqmass2JT5G16a1-X7vP26S9Aa8DDzAOZufHXw9WpFCI8tkzPmOsxpKqBaAVg_5Qb2qGof1WL91rfyQT_xOeN0hgK6AvVBudxcQ/s400/Hipster+in+tunnel+smoking.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Since it was raining, the Mad Anthony Tunnel was a great spot for a smoke and made it less likely that grubby, hand-rolled hipster cigarettes didn't fall apart when hit by a rain drop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGB0azl8me1ne5AHW0NUpTC8SLmFEoD4eouW8tivST64jsRFAOh3dVa41bFtBuXGhlrhJv7cLKJNJVtSvFW7qrMChThMWpsPNSlaYe_wX9dYjEzTvlWVvCqvz2kUDZU8XKqR7l7IsG8vI/s1600/bearded-hipster.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGB0azl8me1ne5AHW0NUpTC8SLmFEoD4eouW8tivST64jsRFAOh3dVa41bFtBuXGhlrhJv7cLKJNJVtSvFW7qrMChThMWpsPNSlaYe_wX9dYjEzTvlWVvCqvz2kUDZU8XKqR7l7IsG8vI/s400/bearded-hipster.gif" width="347" /></a></div>
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In case you didn't see them, this it what the filthy hipsters looked like. Almost as bad as dirty hippies, aren't they?</div>
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There were just a few Hipsters that made it through the Mad Anthony defenses to share their hipster life-style with the rest of us. When I told the little smoking-shits in the tunnel that they shouldn't be smoking, I was informed: "HEY, MAN. THIS IS DETROIT!" After driving by abandoned buildings and crack houses on the way to the race, how could I forget so quickly? By the way, Detroit is Punk as Hell and Broke Not Broken, in case you didn't get a T-shirt that said so, or if you don't have this record in your music library ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKYqVBjtULFSEs5asp2OMYeFRNXXp86eBhbsd_KOXCvEslX0oaOo_HcphO0J3D-e3npSr4VfDtgWNS0dYbpf7cG7n-8s_5fLdF0sJzCkURDYIcjXOT4QjEdl2LDonbTF19tOufEu7d_Y/s1600/projections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKYqVBjtULFSEs5asp2OMYeFRNXXp86eBhbsd_KOXCvEslX0oaOo_HcphO0J3D-e3npSr4VfDtgWNS0dYbpf7cG7n-8s_5fLdF0sJzCkURDYIcjXOT4QjEdl2LDonbTF19tOufEu7d_Y/s320/projections.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Whenever I forget that Detroit is Punk as Hell, I just put on THE PROJECTIONS and it all comes back to me ...</div>
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<b>ON YOUR LEFT, OR RIGHT, OR WHATEVER</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5z_2NI29nUnf1sP58twwQmQaNpXx2uQj6XUtPGphaZpxsTsjvq1-SDj6LDgWh_aN4MOaP_4dPHbmmM3Yc4LQ68xiKKrd4kf7GMuTaiP6ke1JAgWufs_SFd0IywINzKAGHprslmRRhf1A/s1600/reasons-my-son-is-crying__oPt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5z_2NI29nUnf1sP58twwQmQaNpXx2uQj6XUtPGphaZpxsTsjvq1-SDj6LDgWh_aN4MOaP_4dPHbmmM3Yc4LQ68xiKKrd4kf7GMuTaiP6ke1JAgWufs_SFd0IywINzKAGHprslmRRhf1A/s400/reasons-my-son-is-crying__oPt.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Somebody wanted to win the Children's Category Cat-3 really, really bad.</div>
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Near the end of my race I was sadly getting lapped by one of the Children Cat-3 racers. One of them gave me the ON YOUR RIGHT/LEFT warning from behind, which if you know is real low on my list of things I like to hear in a race, no matter how shitty I'm riding. While I tried to move out of the way, I got a second ON YOUR RIGHT, and then was told in a whining tone of desperation: "I'M TRYING TO WIN THIS RACE!" To which I replied: "Well I could give f*ck less if you win this race." After the finish we had a little discussion, which didn't go well. I think he finally called me a "PSYCHO!" which may well be true ... so I've got that going for me.</div>
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Yeah, who you call in Psycho, you big baby-cat guy?</div>
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<b>WHAT THE HELL IS CROSS WEATHER AND WHEN DOES IT ACTUALLY START?</b></div>
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From now on I am waiting until she decides what's real cross weather and what's not before I go.</div>
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I became embroiled in a minor controversy, on a thing called Face Book, after Mad Anthony, about what are real cyclocross weather and conditions, and what are Faux-Cross conditions. When I read that that Mad Anthony had the first real true cyclocross conditions of the year, I reminded the poster that Lower Huron also had mud, which appeared to be the true mark of a true cyclocross race, according to the criteria he was using to decide the legitimacy of a race. His reply was "NO," that the temperature was too high (steaming in fact) at Lower Huron so it didn't count. According to this, it would seem that window for having a real cyclocross race is so small, that the only way we can be sure of having a real cyclocross race is move to Portland and only race in November. I can't tell you how disappointed I was to learn that all the races I've done so far this year were only Faux-Cross races.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/16259685?byline=0&color=ff0179" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/16259685">Cross Crusade Race #4 PIR</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/burkwebb">Burk Webb</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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According to some, this, and this alone is true Cross Racing. If the mud isn't over 6-inches deep and the temperature between freezing and really uncomfortable, you should stay home.</div>
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<b>BACK TO THE GUYS AND GALS WHO ACTUALLY RACED LIKE THEY MEANT IT</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpOM1Ka2gErBKPEW5Dq0s0FjnxVQwxe5wwc3lKDwjsjyD__jVwHMM6XRv8gmn2jcN5aR3d6X_SqTUDKNAPUiIlqxCECucGpnGeJ_K8696Aq4Zy1chfKize0LaRcZs1B6qdAcuKbkQ96A/s1600/Adam+5th+MA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpOM1Ka2gErBKPEW5Dq0s0FjnxVQwxe5wwc3lKDwjsjyD__jVwHMM6XRv8gmn2jcN5aR3d6X_SqTUDKNAPUiIlqxCECucGpnGeJ_K8696Aq4Zy1chfKize0LaRcZs1B6qdAcuKbkQ96A/s400/Adam+5th+MA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Congrats to Jeff Weinert on running away with another one, and the other guys too. </div>
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A special tip of the cap to team mate Adam McIntyre for looking strong in the first chase group, but then flatting a tire, and still coming back for a step on the podium. It was also great to see Queen Anne back in action after her injury at Lower Huron. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTI_a7-oLda-_1pJqoahYfzh259L47zTB8Nycpp5rNMK5ZqtYG2YwzFnqvAEbuRF7nb-Oz_ZmeA_0vahYMizx2XVTcGyKFdmBw6dbKA-WfqyZeUyXbEIotypKvqoTFssioAorQMFubD8/s1600/Bruce+laughing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTI_a7-oLda-_1pJqoahYfzh259L47zTB8Nycpp5rNMK5ZqtYG2YwzFnqvAEbuRF7nb-Oz_ZmeA_0vahYMizx2XVTcGyKFdmBw6dbKA-WfqyZeUyXbEIotypKvqoTFssioAorQMFubD8/s400/Bruce+laughing.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Bruce LeBlanc isn't laughing with you, he's laughing at you silly cyclocross racer. </div>
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One more special thanks to Tailwind for the great course, and to Bruce LeBlanc for looking after the course and ensuring our safety out there. Most of the time you don't even know see or hear about the work the officials do, but they inspect every inch of that course to make sure we can enjoy our racing without working about unseen dangers. Well done Bruce, we really appreciate your often unseen, and under-appreciated work.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-15823136950588053822013-10-17T10:29:00.001-04:002013-10-17T10:29:07.736-04:00IS NYS TRAINING FOR MAD ANTHONY? LOADS OF VIDEOS AND MORE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJmSrsn0ZnlTvR78OLC5MJxJpsXQjOEBIJ3P7xJb3OxrAkGEwvs2mx5dgLirCUf-BMeB4nSZCB4YOl5JZ0Cd5ZZEQrPxIt2tq_EW2IyZPwH67Ro28r3sYMfOAPaqD4rv1Z1WevJxANDI/s1600/Mad+Anthony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJmSrsn0ZnlTvR78OLC5MJxJpsXQjOEBIJ3P7xJb3OxrAkGEwvs2mx5dgLirCUf-BMeB4nSZCB4YOl5JZ0Cd5ZZEQrPxIt2tq_EW2IyZPwH67Ro28r3sYMfOAPaqD4rv1Z1WevJxANDI/s400/Mad+Anthony.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="258" /></a></div>
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Mad Anthony is back - and is now a part of the Tailwind Series. Race is on this Saturday!</div>
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Who would have thought that a novelty race in a Revolutionary War fort, surrounded by Crack Houses, would become a Michigan Cyclocross classic? Well it's true kids, and it sounds like it will draw another big crowd of crazy 'crossers. While the originators did a nice job of building the foundation of this race, it's nice to see that Mad Anthony is now a part of the Tailwind Series. It's a fun course, always has a great vibe, and most amazingly, thanks to electrified wire and machine gun towers you feel completely safe from the surrounding neighborhood which is filled with Meth-Zombies and Crack Zombies. Well done guys.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3xQ4nemAj-5MiHuRFGUDHTZBvFCzKqtOVrZ4golTlUsAY6TyzgaO33aTFrIBgij68Q4UM21rgNxM0uo0B0KVvY809zWxI9R4AfePoNw9CAiJqlQRmB5hC_ioDmTvFco7J3F3NUaoDvs/s1600/crackheadsjpg-9ee4f7e0f78cb9b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3xQ4nemAj-5MiHuRFGUDHTZBvFCzKqtOVrZ4golTlUsAY6TyzgaO33aTFrIBgij68Q4UM21rgNxM0uo0B0KVvY809zWxI9R4AfePoNw9CAiJqlQRmB5hC_ioDmTvFco7J3F3NUaoDvs/s400/crackheadsjpg-9ee4f7e0f78cb9b3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This sign IS NOT FROM THE MAD ANTHONY neighborhood. But if I saw it driving in I wouldn't exactly go, "Oh wow, who would'a thought ..." Also, don't worry, you're safe inside the fort! Plus I exaggerate.</div>
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Of course there are additional, available pit crew personnel available in the area at very reasonable prices. Wait does that say PIT? Hey where's my bike and all my wheels?</div>
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<b>MAD ANTHONY VIDEOS</b></div>
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Over the years Mad Anthony has produced a number of really quality videos. Let's start with one of my favorites, Adam McIntyre's on-bike video from 2012. Nice music track, Big Mac.</div>
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A beautiful Mad Anthony video by Hans Nyberg from 2011. The fort's backdrop, the bikes, the music, all well done.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/36214520" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/36214520">2</a><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/36214520">011 Mad Anthony Cyclocross</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/tenmilemedia">Hans Nyberg</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Here is one more nice Mad Anthony by Matt Dughi in 2010. Fitting music score. Things haven't changed much when you look at the course and the racing. I hear there are course changes in the works for this year, but how much can it really change? Jump of the wall? Awesome!<br />
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<b>IS SVEN NYS TRAINING FOR MAD ANTHONY? SECRET TRAINING VIDEO REVEALS RAMPART TRAINING INTERVALS BY THE CHAMP MEANS IT MAY BE ON HIS HIT LIST!</b><br />
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Of course Sven Nys isn't coming to Mad Anthony, it's just that I'll say anything to get people to tune into this stupid blog. Watching this video reminded me, however, of the short sharp ramparts inside the fort that can make a big difference in how your race goes. If Sven were training for Mad Anthony, this would how he'd do. See you at Mad Anthony!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-78825601762789902592013-10-16T12:30:00.004-04:002013-10-16T12:36:27.133-04:00THE MUD, THE DUTCH, THE RIDE AND A STRIPPER CAR WASH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4GY2NUr_yWX3DbGlT2Ds-Qnvi1m5QIibOAoZ02gr-_Imcx8KZX-wop1ra7wKIAXBnPFl1KILSNkqzNz1QyxdysreoSPUEjkYjTbIGVThhCegPj6nfe6WrMLlB1eIKoTzhJSX1pvCcA4/s1600/IMG_0690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM4GY2NUr_yWX3DbGlT2Ds-Qnvi1m5QIibOAoZ02gr-_Imcx8KZX-wop1ra7wKIAXBnPFl1KILSNkqzNz1QyxdysreoSPUEjkYjTbIGVThhCegPj6nfe6WrMLlB1eIKoTzhJSX1pvCcA4/s400/IMG_0690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last Night's ride was classic Crazy Bastard. Pissing rain, mud, and wind. </div>
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The photo above isn't really that grainy - it's just the wet sand that got into everything. We had 9-Bastards braving the elements last night. L-R Casey, Dr. Phil, Dave, Michaccchael from the Netherlands, Aaron Beebe, Adam McIntyre, and Kim Lee.</div>
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A divine light? Or a spotlight from Hell. You decide.</div>
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While I don't really care to get a photo of myself in my own blog (I mean enough me already), in this case I stepped in and Dave took this shot. You will notice that a divine spark has illuminated me in this photo. I'm sending it in to the Vatican today ... I thinking a Tom Hanks movie is on the way.</div>
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Michaccchael, fresh in from the Netherlands rode with us last night. </div>
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What a treat for our visiting friend! While I didn't get a good shot of him on the ride (you can see him in the group shot), this is just about what his face looked like when he wiped the mud off at the bar. Oh, and instead of the paint, there was a bucket of beer sitting in front of him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFhkujoTu7iimrTG1Ioo5qkj0oQCu42b6n-GgBRi4wEvV4t-fnlh1no5nd4lczadSKSaiKWf5Egqveuv12JE-AtB0O7_5oSoG0zhrFA3gTR-vVnVNtSwOeCIMkmdKabBSwodjakhUv68/s1600/Challah.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFhkujoTu7iimrTG1Ioo5qkj0oQCu42b6n-GgBRi4wEvV4t-fnlh1no5nd4lczadSKSaiKWf5Egqveuv12JE-AtB0O7_5oSoG0zhrFA3gTR-vVnVNtSwOeCIMkmdKabBSwodjakhUv68/s400/Challah.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Before we go any further, for translation purposes and correct pronunciation, Michaccchael's name sounds like a combination of Challah and Michael.</div>
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It's always fun to share our twisted version of American Culture with our European cousins. Michaccchael was rather surprised to discover those lumpy things we call "hills" which it appears that they don't have in Holland. "You guys just go up them without slowing down." The other thing that Michaccchael couldn't get his blond bangs around was the fact that we chose not to ride on pavement. Pavement it seems, is all the rage for riding in Holland. Just to be sure I looked it up on the "internets" to see if he was lying ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkH8fnbDnLAyJdo62gZCgfhtpKPV4uIuFyiBcW0o2cN3FsVzyebAmuWcrb_uUVP-kSKcz7Hwd-6-L6Ky9kxCHb5RuuBY90rCqQqgPw9hprNVDpHxBMjR1yeQmEHFzCF4F-JPyrWlLxHk/s1600/Flat+Nether+lands.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkH8fnbDnLAyJdo62gZCgfhtpKPV4uIuFyiBcW0o2cN3FsVzyebAmuWcrb_uUVP-kSKcz7Hwd-6-L6Ky9kxCHb5RuuBY90rCqQqgPw9hprNVDpHxBMjR1yeQmEHFzCF4F-JPyrWlLxHk/s400/Flat+Nether+lands.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nope, sure enough Michaccchael wasn't kidding. The Netherlands is as flat as a pancake, no hills and nothing put pavement and tulips as far as the eye can see.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XECLqPem25PJ8nlX8yn3biHePqpezPJfwblxqwr0Z5jB9CZWaiKt042dYEnhVOOyVbq-u1Dp8jK3JbmnXPIEtPe7nlKzwDa7rDZ0DcwawV-G9FCQ3g-QmRYkQ7XjYNg5_HHu8YjK3g8/s1600/Cycle+Chic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XECLqPem25PJ8nlX8yn3biHePqpezPJfwblxqwr0Z5jB9CZWaiKt042dYEnhVOOyVbq-u1Dp8jK3JbmnXPIEtPe7nlKzwDa7rDZ0DcwawV-G9FCQ3g-QmRYkQ7XjYNg5_HHu8YjK3g8/s400/Cycle+Chic.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Upon further investigation I also discovered that a lot of Dutch biking and bikers looked like this.<br />
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Looks like way more fun than slogging through 20-miles of mud, a flat, and teeth full of grit, with a bunch of smelly, cursing Americans. Poor guy. What are you doing here anyway? And what kind of friends would drag you out on a shit night like this one to ride?</div>
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Another thing I discovered about Dutch cycling is how they roll in the rain - with bike umbrellas! </div>
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How come we've never thought of this before? Because it would totally screw our Strava Kings and Stop Ahead, No I Can't Stop Sprinters, that's why. Michaccchael also asked how many times it rained like this in our strange fucking country. "Two, three times a year?" Yeah, he's never coming back here again.</div>
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If you don't believe me about the umbrella on a bike thing in the Netherlands, just watch this. It's all true! I wouldn't lie to you ... unless I had to.<br />
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Not all Dutch cyclists use an umbrella when they ride. We pointed out to Michaccchael that there are some Dutch cyclists that don't mind mud, hills or anything else for that matter ....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ueoMP6vhyphenhyphen6Z4gSf8Yt_MavHlUyJzdnZHDqRYU4EpgzQv0Ofhjm6hQLaOfl-8o0ZsU2AGlBcsyhqJBzCDOG-8z1rrnFa_L97iANBYuJL7FS4CwwZGPnCFB6STKB4dVpK3BWFJydf9U30/s1600/Vos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ueoMP6vhyphenhyphen6Z4gSf8Yt_MavHlUyJzdnZHDqRYU4EpgzQv0Ofhjm6hQLaOfl-8o0ZsU2AGlBcsyhqJBzCDOG-8z1rrnFa_L97iANBYuJL7FS4CwwZGPnCFB6STKB4dVpK3BWFJydf9U30/s400/Vos.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Marianne Vos. Some women have a closet full of shoes, she has a closet full of trophies and bike crap.<br />
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So we shared,with Michaccchael, our admiration for the greatest cyclist in the world today, Dutch cyclist, Marianne Vos. Here Vos pictured sitting among some of her winnings over the past week.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPQ4ywNDAHclIXDsYmsI60CurO1kuBtqqaxG5UxuXo6Xb50hszfmF5Nt1lPU0v4Klka6Y8oO_YbBsLSf0Rj5l7IA1Cmyr_vGKlt9VuB58jK_NwMhBVqCZgnF8A55yWYJIhRVAnVp6aec/s1600/IMG_0697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPQ4ywNDAHclIXDsYmsI60CurO1kuBtqqaxG5UxuXo6Xb50hszfmF5Nt1lPU0v4Klka6Y8oO_YbBsLSf0Rj5l7IA1Cmyr_vGKlt9VuB58jK_NwMhBVqCZgnF8A55yWYJIhRVAnVp6aec/s400/IMG_0697.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a><br />
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The Dirty Mudder Single Speed lived up to its name. Thankfully the only replacement part that might be required is a $10 single-speed chain.</div>
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Yeah, (above photo) was what was sitting in the back of the Grandpa van this morning. Along with some trashed bike kit, boots and helmet, all caked in white mud-poop. Thankfully there was a car wash with just the crew I was looking for - and they happened to be specializing in bikes today! Just ahead of me, in line, was good old Mario Cipollini . His bike didn't really look like it needed that thorough of a washin, but he got the deluxe wash anyway.</div>
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When they were done, this is what Mario looked like. Looks like they got it all ... now that's clean! Well except for the STDs on the saddle that is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegDiqup3rUxwvGPNjVswJ_1sEqk6ILT-zvHgai7dNdmZ6F2Jvq9_OcOUpUEObNm6Z-YGHZtDKRUGtiqnCC0kUV31vLAipM81nkMxVrHI3GkjEB9ZWxh-UIufajCSNIlPdQSGSkTGdgyo/s1600/Mario+Cipollini42.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegDiqup3rUxwvGPNjVswJ_1sEqk6ILT-zvHgai7dNdmZ6F2Jvq9_OcOUpUEObNm6Z-YGHZtDKRUGtiqnCC0kUV31vLAipM81nkMxVrHI3GkjEB9ZWxh-UIufajCSNIlPdQSGSkTGdgyo/s400/Mario+Cipollini42.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-87084726897936443722013-10-15T13:51:00.003-04:002013-10-15T13:58:17.492-04:00 CROSS RACING GOES GONG SHOW: A FAST AND FURIOUS REVIEW<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"What we have here is a failure to communicate." The Bell Lap at Chicago Jackson Park is serious business - don't mess with it, or him, or you will be relegated permanently to hell, okay?</i></div>
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Riding around the course at the Lansing CX Festival (notice I didn't say racing) this past Saturday a heckler dropped a good one on me ...</div>
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<i>"Hey, why the fuck don't you update your goddamn blog, asshole?"</i></div>
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Point well taken, sir. Well, I have been pretty busy, yelling and swearing at fellow bikers, maintaining a poor diet and trashing my training program on a daily basis (training with power are you kidding?), and oh yeah working and the having my brain turned to snot in Genesee County, but I guess that's no excuse, so it's time to get down to it, push on the pedals, or the keyboard in this case and rumble through as many races I can in one lame blog. Here's what I know since the last blog report since Waterford ...</div>
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<b>CHICAGO CROSS CUP #1 JACKSON PARK</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HdpbViOvZrM3kSgmoFNn5kwUrDhZtgZo5cHBFyw6-izCc_qvJyYkKzcZIxP1b_yktO7ZZlvYAgK7M9z890Xx34JFyQpd56gCvq_SPbvrbw7qpW8p2pOq0z5283ZRpBL9yn9CMqzAio4/s1600/CCX+Turns+Tape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HdpbViOvZrM3kSgmoFNn5kwUrDhZtgZo5cHBFyw6-izCc_qvJyYkKzcZIxP1b_yktO7ZZlvYAgK7M9z890Xx34JFyQpd56gCvq_SPbvrbw7qpW8p2pOq0z5283ZRpBL9yn9CMqzAio4/s400/CCX+Turns+Tape.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Racers, tape, and turns as far as the eye can see.</div>
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I've been doing this race for a lot of years. A lot. When I started there was one piece of tape and some Styrofoam cups making the course. Now it's a packed affair. Unfortunately, this year, the course and all the people (600-700 racers!) were packed into a small sliver of grass. Adam counted 80-turns per lap - every race was at the limit with a 100-riders, so it was a dizzy ride, to say the least. Amazing I only dropped one F-bomb on a guy who squeezed past on the outside, smacking my bars (that was okay, not a word) but then when I held on and rode him into the tape exiting the turn he wanted me to "hold my line," (Hahahahaha!) I let it go ...</div>
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If you think a Crazy Bastard pit looks overloaded with Cross-Crap™, you ain't seen nothing until you've been to a Chicago Cross Cup. There is more ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3cI750MOPWHixYnXDpNaUsfgGOeHopJHZJMOj8fhQSbStvtqd0L_LsttCQMU1gKCCe1P8Bn5Idlzj-F3TVZIcXYNMCoiCS68N67vIuTSzefcJEfuf3Wgi64-8nriYeRLMZOyRBjdELc/s1600/CCX+Garbage+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3cI750MOPWHixYnXDpNaUsfgGOeHopJHZJMOj8fhQSbStvtqd0L_LsttCQMU1gKCCe1P8Bn5Idlzj-F3TVZIcXYNMCoiCS68N67vIuTSzefcJEfuf3Wgi64-8nriYeRLMZOyRBjdELc/s400/CCX+Garbage+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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....Cross-Crap™, bags, clothes, and junk ...</div>
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... and bikes (everybody brings 6-bikes to the race, than you've ever seen before.</div>
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Sarah McIntyre was a on wait list to get into the Cat 3/4 Women which had been closed for weeks. Lucky her, she got to start in the Cross-Mosh-Pit™.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_SMwRtJRW_KsNmv73oPjc95ODQcm5zXUt-C0IHh86WPmuA9KUm_yOBfWSbKmuesqeDJ9SW7O_WUh9xwdUr_UHyakXZzAp8h28ARgxAV__x0D_UMJhscjTa1ik0zHMzYeqsm0gPnAhgY/s1600/Nancy+CCX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_SMwRtJRW_KsNmv73oPjc95ODQcm5zXUt-C0IHh86WPmuA9KUm_yOBfWSbKmuesqeDJ9SW7O_WUh9xwdUr_UHyakXZzAp8h28ARgxAV__x0D_UMJhscjTa1ik0zHMzYeqsm0gPnAhgY/s400/Nancy+CCX.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nancy Lange was in it to git' it. In 80-turns, in 4 or 5 laps, Nancy had a few miscues and crashed 3-times. If you consider she had to negotiate around 400-turns in her race, that's not too bad. And she wasn't the only one ... plenty hit the deck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQHLYChTiqnNL_dFSrszMiWFSfW0E0lIKKvHBNOk_0Zh_3vgOYU2mVphsCIpNg5052cEGVN9yIPlPNlKf101xZv07GvajkF6aTNYtVjCGz09DB7I9-oSVwNSJuJrfVUwF2CfPHoxfBrc/s1600/Sarah+at+the+line+CCX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQHLYChTiqnNL_dFSrszMiWFSfW0E0lIKKvHBNOk_0Zh_3vgOYU2mVphsCIpNg5052cEGVN9yIPlPNlKf101xZv07GvajkF6aTNYtVjCGz09DB7I9-oSVwNSJuJrfVUwF2CfPHoxfBrc/s400/Sarah+at+the+line+CCX.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Good crowds on hand. Ever see this many fans on the hand at the end of the Cat 3/4 women's race in Michigan? Come on ... we can do it!</div>
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Want to see what the race was like? Here's a video from father back in the field of Adam's Cat 3 Race. 100 riders, 80-turns a laps - yikes. Adam had a mechanical and two bike changes and still managed 5th place. </div>
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<b>TAILWIND RAIDING #4 LOWER HURON</b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszz_fedM0D_eyo85uwuKfDRraaul3XxEziDOf1Ov3N-mdIwVLpADLqB6qTTxp0vRkgVy3oQrwMmuDnVtvPNz_HqyLdA0ujUhCxyBZAsQOvt-5GbYWv1qA4k72qI4DotF0GBaTYbMYWRw/s1600/REbeca+Bell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszz_fedM0D_eyo85uwuKfDRraaul3XxEziDOf1Ov3N-mdIwVLpADLqB6qTTxp0vRkgVy3oQrwMmuDnVtvPNz_HqyLdA0ujUhCxyBZAsQOvt-5GbYWv1qA4k72qI4DotF0GBaTYbMYWRw/s400/REbeca+Bell.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></b></div>
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The Bell at Lower Huron has some issues with the Leopard Girl. Hmmm, wonder what it all means?</div>
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Tailwind's Lower Huron is one of my all-time favorite courses and races - anywhere. Last year after a night-long downpour, the course was surprisingly dry. This year ran during the day added a slick coating of mud that saw a lot of spills - and brought the mudders to the front.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecfteP8zXAd0KPrI0pssbxz2i_WoT4minFCCG403oiPsmvzj_Kl3DC1NTvVH2GxrSDQhoq0SQf27UPtNE1oKnV115lJI8rKka9gphS42oTGsmUg-i5bKnGllwklYYgf68KjxDck0k-wk/s1600/Me+Jumping+LH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecfteP8zXAd0KPrI0pssbxz2i_WoT4minFCCG403oiPsmvzj_Kl3DC1NTvVH2GxrSDQhoq0SQf27UPtNE1oKnV115lJI8rKka9gphS42oTGsmUg-i5bKnGllwklYYgf68KjxDck0k-wk/s400/Me+Jumping+LH.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Me jumping for joy that my leg grew back. Still didn't make much difference in my performance though. I still suck.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvegSXr04fP2BoVIIUZZrEkkiT64Dvn47QY8ZIN8fwW9jpOz-SmTLM2TaqWrRwk5N7C9-RuV3WWhLvQBeok5X3_1WrIXMAmdg4U9cmKtEu5E41Xdj_ArLgteFPbAsh8DZMr5StOoMUkY/s1600/Dunker+on+the+LH+Hill+Climb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvegSXr04fP2BoVIIUZZrEkkiT64Dvn47QY8ZIN8fwW9jpOz-SmTLM2TaqWrRwk5N7C9-RuV3WWhLvQBeok5X3_1WrIXMAmdg4U9cmKtEu5E41Xdj_ArLgteFPbAsh8DZMr5StOoMUkY/s400/Dunker+on+the+LH+Hill+Climb.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Somebody who doesn't suck, at least on a cross bike - is Chunky Dunker (aka John Osgood). Here the Chunky One kills it up Lower Huron's slippery back hill. Man did the Dunker ride his heart out, taking chances at every slippery turn and chasing down the Elites just ahead of him. Well done, Dunker!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbVvA8CRbQVn5BEmk25q8szdAoYWqEDqQ2q1xaNjgO3adSadjXhsSQT_iHRTOSlkaq5SaQTEXx5-DHQ2oPAZ5z3IDMnyo-cRfpMB5wy_aVvwdL5RKPPloLLStE34TqPoo4s2XKVvHxRU/s1600/Leopard+Girl+CX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbVvA8CRbQVn5BEmk25q8szdAoYWqEDqQ2q1xaNjgO3adSadjXhsSQT_iHRTOSlkaq5SaQTEXx5-DHQ2oPAZ5z3IDMnyo-cRfpMB5wy_aVvwdL5RKPPloLLStE34TqPoo4s2XKVvHxRU/s400/Leopard+Girl+CX.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Leopard Girl and her Bionic leg made a comeback in the Women's 3/4 and took the win. Is the the Leopard skin (real)? The Bionic leg (not real)? Or the awesome pigtails that makes her 'cross so awesome?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrE2GLRuIwLmrWzu_6vpJwBYVjrg13i2cX_Icbarq_J5KPwJpoi336C91mUdnWp95KIV57463FVaXyL0tQS9FU2tUYzwlHPtuE5OcOsH4AcnM27OZHfX9p3EG5dOvWdHXA07Xirmcsyw/s1600/LH+Hill+Below.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrE2GLRuIwLmrWzu_6vpJwBYVjrg13i2cX_Icbarq_J5KPwJpoi336C91mUdnWp95KIV57463FVaXyL0tQS9FU2tUYzwlHPtuE5OcOsH4AcnM27OZHfX9p3EG5dOvWdHXA07Xirmcsyw/s400/LH+Hill+Below.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's another look at that hill. Yeah that last lip is a killer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Ej8qbrPgWomJgDzruFtmubTb1ECFBViSHlLNW_yLyb3rI0rR0X06GkgXtRhyphenhyphen400xLI4fcAgw9rE8P1z2SgFlaKduGGjE9e4B9r7rf1_dzIrJUk9bei3kWYUoFAMEnaYSUYplzbyHYU/s1600/LH+Hill+WA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Ej8qbrPgWomJgDzruFtmubTb1ECFBViSHlLNW_yLyb3rI0rR0X06GkgXtRhyphenhyphen400xLI4fcAgw9rE8P1z2SgFlaKduGGjE9e4B9r7rf1_dzIrJUk9bei3kWYUoFAMEnaYSUYplzbyHYU/s400/LH+Hill+WA.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Almost there, guys. Hup, hup, hup.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaZAYKxWIVU68bZooa_s0SuNI2MRVQyyS2JSRJlHno-GSyB3_o1YDd2FC7pXi110OJYjbM4GBUGJWqhT6nMr27kWbc52sC3jsGh3TYronyWAye8maHao4qcRbdpEEN2CHTa68MI9apjM/s1600/Pony+Climbs+the+LH+Hill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaZAYKxWIVU68bZooa_s0SuNI2MRVQyyS2JSRJlHno-GSyB3_o1YDd2FC7pXi110OJYjbM4GBUGJWqhT6nMr27kWbc52sC3jsGh3TYronyWAye8maHao4qcRbdpEEN2CHTa68MI9apjM/s400/Pony+Climbs+the+LH+Hill.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Somebody who made that hill look easy was the Pony (aka Jeff Weinert). The Pony rode off the front of the Elite race and never looked back. Yes, when conditions get challenging the Pony can ride it. You'll notice there's no sign of the competition.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicd92vlt9en5h6Ow04iXkQ71eR3ZYggDyHebJTB9X4DeD2u2NAbX0Voqgru_gjXYwWjlb3XkPjPWqxTQX0xRqTevk9FW2ARwFvI5gxOJ-RJe0RApBnvzboFB1oNAw-2SOEv4FM5Kxrxiw/s1600/LH+Tent+CBX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicd92vlt9en5h6Ow04iXkQ71eR3ZYggDyHebJTB9X4DeD2u2NAbX0Voqgru_gjXYwWjlb3XkPjPWqxTQX0xRqTevk9FW2ARwFvI5gxOJ-RJe0RApBnvzboFB1oNAw-2SOEv4FM5Kxrxiw/s400/LH+Tent+CBX.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The CBX Team area. How much stuff you do you need to race cross? This much? Time for an intervention.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvhnMMwlN9tNcrPCnfK6bKdi8uK1xViBI3lxiIfjb6JiNIPcAg1ta-XrSZVi8GTzrv5uNiavX7Yb_VIMnQM4kJS1WHh-Ube89uiKzCFc0RiU7YNyjl7kpULlXVjcA6Z4v-GZsJV-oSLM/s1600/Sarah+Podium+LH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvhnMMwlN9tNcrPCnfK6bKdi8uK1xViBI3lxiIfjb6JiNIPcAg1ta-XrSZVi8GTzrv5uNiavX7Yb_VIMnQM4kJS1WHh-Ube89uiKzCFc0RiU7YNyjl7kpULlXVjcA6Z4v-GZsJV-oSLM/s400/Sarah+Podium+LH.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Leopard Girl Wins, Sarah McIntyre Second, Pam Bufe 4th. Nice race ladies, and almost perfect Podium form ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCXwjp8MpRMJXslJBUdOK0qHcTeqE8poEqQV_0Kr4AoW6kkZT0Mu-HDNpyZJ3UFefagYlIHD_KKPz3IERSc_lwGc_37AmzxmBWsaYgQxDMEB0xKyoeIWsXm9K1qBTYeUyi-tMV-0MU1E/s1600/Adam+Podium+LH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCXwjp8MpRMJXslJBUdOK0qHcTeqE8poEqQV_0Kr4AoW6kkZT0Mu-HDNpyZJ3UFefagYlIHD_KKPz3IERSc_lwGc_37AmzxmBWsaYgQxDMEB0xKyoeIWsXm9K1qBTYeUyi-tMV-0MU1E/s400/Adam+Podium+LH.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Men's Elite Podium. The Pony top step, Aaron Beebe 2nd, Parmachicken 3rd, Adam Big Mac McIntyre 4th. Two BISSELL's on the Podium, and only one Podium form fail ...</div>
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<b>LANSING CX FESTIVAL</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDeKqpTDVsMEea2bGBGfYHrOkV8ohO0cVtvcd9ZkkpS8t_1d8wuM_HCLbBNYAICNHWHHGEETEjapAhIBpHVXXuEZIgBuVicXuHIuHc7hnBQ5u2lPDH0n8_nEzT4OCUQ-V715lwSPxEZs/s1600/Lansing+the+Hill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDeKqpTDVsMEea2bGBGfYHrOkV8ohO0cVtvcd9ZkkpS8t_1d8wuM_HCLbBNYAICNHWHHGEETEjapAhIBpHVXXuEZIgBuVicXuHIuHc7hnBQ5u2lPDH0n8_nEzT4OCUQ-V715lwSPxEZs/s320/Lansing+the+Hill.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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The "Hill"was the main attraction coming after a nice starting chute made the selection early.</div>
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This is the first Lansing CX race, or rather festival at this location, under a new promotion and management team. I think they should let every one now about the changes they've made. While it's on a golf course, like the old Lansing venue, it's far hillier and just a far better laid-out course. It was a lot of fun and the atmosphere was laid-back and fun - still with a lot of really competitive racing. They also had Port-Johns, so there's that, too ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtqvpAl8lgEY6BLWyDznMlgWZXgIn-xZL438KsK3ffPyyEfp77YQnV3tRyZWqx1SjplTJJfF3_bHhKc01LA2hwLfqtYr1HO2dpzPczfoYWBFBDItEHe-1-wmM-lCy3aLM24HNsmfPae8/s1600/Kroske.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtqvpAl8lgEY6BLWyDznMlgWZXgIn-xZL438KsK3ffPyyEfp77YQnV3tRyZWqx1SjplTJJfF3_bHhKc01LA2hwLfqtYr1HO2dpzPczfoYWBFBDItEHe-1-wmM-lCy3aLM24HNsmfPae8/s400/Kroske.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div>
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Scott Kroske was so awesome he would race ahead of everyone, jump off his bike and snap photos. Absolutely amazing!</div>
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A future Cyclocross tar from West Michigan is Claire Reeves. Here Claire is trying out a new cross bike. Claire took second in her race and then motored up north to win the next day in Traverse City.</div>
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Kelly Patterson trying to look cool while working something out after a win at the Lansing CX Festival and getting ready to try her hand at the Single Speed race later. Where's Queen Ann? If you didn't hear she reopened her knee at Lower Huron - hopes she's back soon.</div>
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You've been Gonged. One to Gong-go.</div>
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Here's something neat from Lansing CX Festival - the Gong! A nice idea, but while I had a little better ride than usual, after a crash, and a heat stroke (it was 81˚!) slipping a few positions and dropping off the back, it felt more like I was in the Gong Show, not a cross race. Good officiating and a well run race. "Give him the Gong, Chuck, he sucks!"</div>
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The Whiz is back! Great to see him chasing down the leaders.</div>
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If you get a chance to try one of Lansing CX races, at the new Waverly course, give it a try. You'll like it, hill, Gong and all.<br />
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<b>KISSCROSS CASCADE PARK</b></div>
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KissCross Spectators at the top of the Pinwheel of death hill. Nobody died up there, but some chains got dropped and some beer got drunk, that's for sure.<br />
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I've hit the Cascade race two years in a row and while the course has been altered a little it's essentially the same ground and makes for a pretty good course with off-camber, a little sand, and some pavement here and there. It looked like a lot of people were there. The pin-wheel of death on the top of a little hill, right after the start, backed up traffic, and then spread the race out and it wasn't soon before the course was covered with racers. The only downside - spectators were wandering and riding across the course, and some creative sand castle work in the sand pit cause a few, but not serious, wrecks.</div>
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Adam and the Geeze coming up the sidewalk. Who are they chasing?</div>
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Probably Aaron Beebe, coming across the start finish line. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7Gmq6ZhcoABbcFN9nTI_QcN4JPohiwah149QpncMyyJXsyFehyit2PPspvSPZBUpzV80qZH2qYUwaIE6ULDYKZWrtXtBpZ18wtqskC4qT66bdOwHrNPqJXr3RXqZyJLZ1rg26fiMoQc/s1600/Girl+and+Dog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7Gmq6ZhcoABbcFN9nTI_QcN4JPohiwah149QpncMyyJXsyFehyit2PPspvSPZBUpzV80qZH2qYUwaIE6ULDYKZWrtXtBpZ18wtqskC4qT66bdOwHrNPqJXr3RXqZyJLZ1rg26fiMoQc/s400/Girl+and+Dog.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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KissCross Cascade Park Spectators. One seems interested in the action, the other could care less who won. It was a beautiful day to watch bike dorks jumping over things and crashing in the sand.<br />
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Speaking of crashing in the sand, from reports I've received this is exactly what Slayer's crash looked like in the sand when he hit a ramp built by some kids, after the A's pre-ride. Just insert Jeff's Okay, where you hear Joey. Glad to hear he's okay. See you all at <a href="https://www.usacycling.org/register/2012-3756" target="_blank">Mad Anthony</a> this weekend.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-37088521988229109732013-10-06T00:03:00.000-04:002013-10-06T00:03:49.031-04:00 Vomit Colored Kits, The Many Faces of Kelly Patterson, and Dave Massey Gives Himself A Selfie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm way behind on posts - just getting to Waterford Day Two, before moving on to Chicago. From what I hear, though, I will probably drown at Lower Huron tomorrow, so this could be it. Good luck! Bring your floaty! </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">VOMIT COLORED KIT PARADE AT WATERFORD</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwkKO7n_uz8TpivQDc85Elep3ZTXGdBN8DGiGAWqiCk5Z5fnM_pidqYCF92MR5yTxLNn3_kC88VZ1_8LH95AUlJHWtLWRbyA7aIQ6wXdJFPfJ6fL0_A4zsix3qG2p1sTOCX0uk2UnAFA/s1600/Mike+S+Colored.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwkKO7n_uz8TpivQDc85Elep3ZTXGdBN8DGiGAWqiCk5Z5fnM_pidqYCF92MR5yTxLNn3_kC88VZ1_8LH95AUlJHWtLWRbyA7aIQ6wXdJFPfJ6fL0_A4zsix3qG2p1sTOCX0uk2UnAFA/s400/Mike+S+Colored.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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Yeah there's some color-cordination malpractice going on here. Mix in the Tron-style paint job on the bike and you've got a bile-o-thon combo on wheels. Nice job Mike Seaman! In the Vomit-Colored Kit Kategory, you are number one in our twisted coloring book.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfSlhbmVTZXOqTAicATeLGD-BeZDfnrF64hxeGNCdfKTDkYsFOzBJ8YPEfSMsArLoKuOL0hUwLnHFZa8d5G9WGjZYuwq2bkKlthgRo9CiTB1BUeHUZelG5QopFOeQ5EBdiURlame4x9k/s1600/Adam+Color+Leggings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnfSlhbmVTZXOqTAicATeLGD-BeZDfnrF64hxeGNCdfKTDkYsFOzBJ8YPEfSMsArLoKuOL0hUwLnHFZa8d5G9WGjZYuwq2bkKlthgRo9CiTB1BUeHUZelG5QopFOeQ5EBdiURlame4x9k/s400/Adam+Color+Leggings.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Number two, in the Waterford Day-2 Puke colored kits kolumn was Adam McIntrye. Pink goes with ... well, pink and that's about it,big boy.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THE MANY FACES OF KELLY PATTERSON</span></div>
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While some people have split or multiple personalities, like several members of my family, Kelly Patterson has many faces. All of them crazy if you ask me. While I tried to ask her a few simple questions about her win on Day-2, she just made fun of me by making goofy faces. I've tried to interpret the meaning of theses faces. Let me know if I'm close.</div>
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"Yes I'm happy with my win today. I'll bet you wish you were me. Want me to tell you about my awesome sponsors?"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJ_pYIfJLEdaqg-ykFwJWNhzkKz871LqDcgwAL6kXrn4FAKV7kwyB5q5QwX1LAbZr-AmAHrhyphenhyphen3qTuEVCi1l4jwkgHLDpQeG_IeCbvHf8b19pIQwvmD-XH4-5HtlqyZjnvwg8y-HNJ8hc/s1600/Kelly+Face+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJ_pYIfJLEdaqg-ykFwJWNhzkKz871LqDcgwAL6kXrn4FAKV7kwyB5q5QwX1LAbZr-AmAHrhyphenhyphen3qTuEVCi1l4jwkgHLDpQeG_IeCbvHf8b19pIQwvmD-XH4-5HtlqyZjnvwg8y-HNJ8hc/s400/Kelly+Face+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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"I was just thinking of a heckle that would be awesome for you. If I ever saw you race. Of course never get up that early in the morning."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjev4vuQ1N0OUSjOh3ioCuhyTyAJeFpLLwN5dkqwPbP_Z6Gzz5gAuPqZjlM2Sr9EqiY6m2Kn7mPA1j4D81H1k2FEGdU2NBC_cxzhbd_RdpwpZUBAG98vk-yu2i5AVyct0ldYjxm5DTTsVA/s1600/Kelly+Patterson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjev4vuQ1N0OUSjOh3ioCuhyTyAJeFpLLwN5dkqwPbP_Z6Gzz5gAuPqZjlM2Sr9EqiY6m2Kn7mPA1j4D81H1k2FEGdU2NBC_cxzhbd_RdpwpZUBAG98vk-yu2i5AVyct0ldYjxm5DTTsVA/s400/Kelly+Patterson.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Ooooooooh really? So a Nigerian Prince is holding my winnings from today? Can I borrow your Smart Phone and call him?"</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">IN OTHER NEWS DAVE MASSEY GIVE HIMSELF A SELFIE PODIUM INTERVIEW</span></div>
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Dave Massey on the podium of the Cat-3 45+ Race. He was one of the first racers he interviewed. The following is a transcript of that interview.</div>
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DAVE ANNOUNCER: So, how was your race, Dave? You looked awesome out there today.</div>
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DAVE RACER: Awesome? Did you even watch what I did out there? Or were you too busy twerkin' your Mr. Microphone to take notes? I was F#$%in' super-ass wicked, my man, and by my man I mean me.</div>
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DAVE ANNOUNCER: That's great Dave, but watch the language huh, there are a lot of kids out here today ...</div>
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DAVE RACER: Better they hear it from somebody kick-ass like me instead of that guy that's been lurkin' around the van all day in the smelly skinsuit ... it's time to grow up, glue on the tubulars and get to work boys and girls. Awesomeness waits for no man ...</div>
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DAVE ANNOUNCER: So back to the race, when did you make your move? When did you decide it was 'GO-TIME'?</div>
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DAVE RACER: It was GO-TIME from the gun, good-lookin. Those guys took one look at my rig with the twin-towers of hydraulic hood awesomeness sitting on my bars, got a load of my groovin' retro side-burns and they were peein' in their bibs before we twisted a crank arm in anger. It was over before it started.</div>
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DAVE ANNOUNCER: Nice. Well, great race Dave. Thanks for showing up, and thanks for your time.</div>
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DAVE RACER: Think nothing of it. My time is your time. I mean literally, my time is your time.</div>
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DAVE ANNOUNCER: Sure thing. See you later, Dave.</div>
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DAVE ANNOUNCER: Like lookin' in the mirror handsome, like lookin' in the mirror ....</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-38521725459135448502013-09-21T23:49:00.000-04:002013-09-21T23:49:00.068-04:00Waterford Day 1: Find What You Love and Let it Kill You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Find what you love and let it kill you."</div>
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The above is a great Charles Bukowski quote, which I think I have actually heard Osgood, aka Chunky Dunker, use as a race heckle. Or maybe not. More like ... "find what you love and let it drive insane Chunky..." like cross. By the way, if you weren't there today you should know that Osgood is taking over the roll of Bob Wydra, racing in something like 13-races a day.</div>
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First race of the year to fly the Bastard flag. It was a tough day, but nice to be back in the saddle again. Oh yeah, I sucked.</div>
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In terms of weather Waterford Day 1 offered everything rain to shine ... but it was all pretty warm ... but not too warm. Great day for cylocross, with a sweet course that was just right ... plus the rain softened up what is sometimes bumpy ground. Very nice. Plus they didn't put in those stupid, goddamn yellow 2x4 pieces of shit. Thanks you Mr. Course Designer. Job well done.</div>
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New for 2013 are these Official Tailwind Leopard Pants™. Yeah, that Ms. Tailwind herself rocking those "bad boys."</div>
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Lot of spectators, junk, tents and kids running all over the place. It's starting to look like a Chicago Cross Cup race. Who does that leg belong too?</div>
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This was at the end of the day - racing over. Another nice big course that was filled with racers all day long.</div>
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Great racing, with lots of action everywhere you turned.</div>
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In the Elite Race Das German aka Sven Bauman, followed closely by the Bunny aka Adam York, showed why these guys are the best cyclocross racers you'll see anywhere - and in Michigan - no question about it.</div>
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Big Mac grinding up the hill with the Librarian in tow. "Hey you, come back! Those Sven Nys videos checked out are well overdue! And heroic effort by the way. Well done"</div>
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Westside heroes Big Mac aka Adam McIntyre and Shawn Davison made the Day one Waterford Elite Race. Nice job by both. Adam worked hard and pushed into the top ten. Both of them will be back tomorrow (Sunday) for another throw down.</div>
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Adam looking tough - and not just from wicked facial hair sculpting.</div>
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There were a lot of kids and kid racing at Waterford, which was great to see.</div>
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Above, John Osgood is offering tactical advice to his daughter Makeena Osgood on her very first cross race. I wonder if he gave her the same advice he gives everybody else: "Now honey if you're NOT tasting blood in the back of your throat, you're not going hard enough. Now go out there and have fun sweetie."</div>
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This young ten year old chewed up a lot of grown men. Future 'cross star here. Nice job young man!</div>
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Matt Baroli takes the kids for a warm-up lap.</div>
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Hats off to Matt Baroli and his Wolverines for all the work they are doing with the next generation of young racers. It's good to see that somebody is thinking ahead in Michigan. Great bunch of young racers, Matt. </div>
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Makeena Osgood crosses the line, finishing her first cross race in style. </div>
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The Osgoods, Dad and daughter at the end of a beautiful day of cyclocross racing. "Now tell the old geezer with the camera to get lost, honey. He's smelly."</div>
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Before the beginning of the last race of the day the ladies, were, uh, like ladies. Well Maybe.</div>
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Yeah they were ladies until the whistle for the start of the women's Cat-3/4. Sarah McIntyre listens while Anne Grovert tells Pam Bufo how she's going to hurt her, and hurt her bad. And she did, Anne wasn't wasn't lying. Those girls are just so funny, aren't they?</div>
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Sarah McIntyre hammers up the hill, in true McIntyre style.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SakhfHWCmrlp6igkOBzyruGAQZ73l2x98ynJrEM7gkx3Rng9CLH5R2AkDdmfJEAtV6P7BYcpYW_0hz537rRsVBmeeKyfGuKD9JpmFHeBbj_jd6gqaxacbMERukgy6zGgNfrefaLlJaw/s1600/Sarah+and+Pam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SakhfHWCmrlp6igkOBzyruGAQZ73l2x98ynJrEM7gkx3Rng9CLH5R2AkDdmfJEAtV6P7BYcpYW_0hz537rRsVBmeeKyfGuKD9JpmFHeBbj_jd6gqaxacbMERukgy6zGgNfrefaLlJaw/s400/Sarah+and+Pam.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When it was all over they were friends again. Really you thinks so? Sarah and Pam put their best smiley-I-don't-hate-your-guts faces on for their adoring public.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUcsmlxDtv2PMvVgkijxTyiav-aDXwR5xf3hsXvEK02hlnl28GzskviHeFcp_6_51B1inFRMYMf3y-5VjpH1-jpaF8NgCUe3h7v7GW1HcQlSt2SileaMHpgYk4vNVueE6Rl6KNjaM_c0/s1600/Women's+4+podium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUcsmlxDtv2PMvVgkijxTyiav-aDXwR5xf3hsXvEK02hlnl28GzskviHeFcp_6_51B1inFRMYMf3y-5VjpH1-jpaF8NgCUe3h7v7GW1HcQlSt2SileaMHpgYk4vNVueE6Rl6KNjaM_c0/s400/Women's+4+podium.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A pretty podium to finish the day</div>
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Women's Cat 3/4 podium: Anne Grovert with the win, Sarah McIntyre second, Pam Bufo, third. Now it's on to Sunday's races ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKNMRSLm9-tWd3lW59PZ1SM0sVQ-GNhfyKncJyaewhvDevFK3hyLJr3uQ-YlAga1qa1mBPj6bzSc43wN_fvesXAMTw869EstBpZ1ukjqTIMCF3nq_pF7FWxAGtkVe-COLofsy4erVw7g/s1600/Sarah+drinking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKNMRSLm9-tWd3lW59PZ1SM0sVQ-GNhfyKncJyaewhvDevFK3hyLJr3uQ-YlAga1qa1mBPj6bzSc43wN_fvesXAMTw869EstBpZ1ukjqTIMCF3nq_pF7FWxAGtkVe-COLofsy4erVw7g/s400/Sarah+drinking.JPG" width="264" /></a></div>
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And one last gulp to refuel for tomorrow. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-67750040663311367792013-09-06T12:03:00.000-04:002013-09-06T12:03:11.671-04:00SUMMER GRAVEL RIDES INTO THE SUNSET<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUq4J4BJAvlbqPNi4zB9Qxml1afofqhS4pXRjiY0QkOR7rmWwq91TBeX2qpf1N9WgrdvjB5fBwDI9h_oo9YdBqqYUdfGeX5GKKdzzTFWpbCLR01sW2yHZNYqma06rLK3vxIt0VJR0mbg/s1600/Riding+into+the+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUq4J4BJAvlbqPNi4zB9Qxml1afofqhS4pXRjiY0QkOR7rmWwq91TBeX2qpf1N9WgrdvjB5fBwDI9h_oo9YdBqqYUdfGeX5GKKdzzTFWpbCLR01sW2yHZNYqma06rLK3vxIt0VJR0mbg/s400/Riding+into+the+sunset.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The sunsets on summer riding.</div>
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CBX gravel riding literally rode its ass into the summer sunset last night. This was the last night for "no-lights" riding. And within the last mile from the parking lot, fall set in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc5Uq4m3SvbTiqELD0ZwlQlFlXiwevyRWb6jX8pRv2Yp38BrO1MWFyF1tqrC3z2di6JPdwemdpt2RvxWZIeqoNEPTB73tX1NvzkA2YpDWbUKO7B2LvjquV6MqHTCa5jWvrR2TJ4poskk/s1600/CU+Sunset+riders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc5Uq4m3SvbTiqELD0ZwlQlFlXiwevyRWb6jX8pRv2Yp38BrO1MWFyF1tqrC3z2di6JPdwemdpt2RvxWZIeqoNEPTB73tX1NvzkA2YpDWbUKO7B2LvjquV6MqHTCa5jWvrR2TJ4poskk/s400/CU+Sunset+riders.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shortcut group.</div>
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Last night's ride split into two groups halfway through the ride. One that wanted to go longer, and one that wanted to get back for a beer - although the excuse was they were racing this weekend. Pace was great, and actually fairly moderate considering that we were loaded with strong guys. The group include Mike K, Dave Stebbens, Tony H, Andy from Fusion, Scott Chapin, Doez, Chris D, Cupcake, Craig Rawlings, Don G ... geez, who did I forget? I'll find out later no doubt ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHjbPKBVIK1JNNCcBz9aXYjbC4FgrkZR5qJMu7IcpSyHejsNDbYexPgQBuIeZgeGUIBfNQ8DNFdThEIFL8sXS6JUpA3Yvrsy1X0DAuT79RZHTRdenV4Ik0fJZyYbPBMwoom60Yd5lIjc/s1600/GAng+under+trees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHjbPKBVIK1JNNCcBz9aXYjbC4FgrkZR5qJMu7IcpSyHejsNDbYexPgQBuIeZgeGUIBfNQ8DNFdThEIFL8sXS6JUpA3Yvrsy1X0DAuT79RZHTRdenV4Ik0fJZyYbPBMwoom60Yd5lIjc/s400/GAng+under+trees.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The call of the Gravel came earlier than ever this year.</div>
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As noted, the CBX rides started earlier than ever this year. Almost all of August ... here's a typical group bullshitting and lying in the shade before an early ride.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tvLncyPV4V9_4zeMvtnupPW2eVRFjkGu0O_pqRqFUaWi8At6oypgZvfBJQZqTYhV-72JVpxEicS7_YvXm_KcZepO32ljTn_OtNQ7o1eA9XVWhLBoG81c5-oYtoReC65DzXz6YytwNEs/s1600/Aaron+H+Organge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tvLncyPV4V9_4zeMvtnupPW2eVRFjkGu0O_pqRqFUaWi8At6oypgZvfBJQZqTYhV-72JVpxEicS7_YvXm_KcZepO32ljTn_OtNQ7o1eA9XVWhLBoG81c5-oYtoReC65DzXz6YytwNEs/s400/Aaron+H+Organge.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We see all sorts Crazy Bastards in the early season. Aaron Huntington shows off his new way of buying even more speed: Orange Sherbet Insane Tire Technology™. I'm sure the UCI will ban those tires next year.</div>
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Yeah, it's been a who's who of cycling weirdness this year. We've had our regulars, and guest appearances. Let's flip through the CBX Summer Album and see who had the nerve to show their face.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtMNmeTAFZH_-dNubPZfZ5fchU8ka3Q8JtzkQ-ImymnNeM0YV8R4UqkaEtYwrGEPCncsAxv7ZSK2WlHowY01rQfHGyJh5fRX9jSdZe_8H-CX7qgOQ28pslxDLLXAYg14GDwuY23P_MR0/s1600/BRUCE+L.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtMNmeTAFZH_-dNubPZfZ5fchU8ka3Q8JtzkQ-ImymnNeM0YV8R4UqkaEtYwrGEPCncsAxv7ZSK2WlHowY01rQfHGyJh5fRX9jSdZe_8H-CX7qgOQ28pslxDLLXAYg14GDwuY23P_MR0/s400/BRUCE+L.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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USAC Official and East-Side 'Crosser Bruce LeBlanc showed up for a week of riding this summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPc6CziWkIj0pg8craVJbzN3wadxYBky6m9txmc1oUuM_HGqGewg8qFzSj1xqlLgsKTBQ8ECFq_uu4g8OGwrz2VySW29WLNnSI6f-t4DJp-8ixdIyEJJjd3Ek3hv78IFuVHaeLTbBgmYU/s1600/Group+Bruce+Adam+S+Craig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPc6CziWkIj0pg8craVJbzN3wadxYBky6m9txmc1oUuM_HGqGewg8qFzSj1xqlLgsKTBQ8ECFq_uu4g8OGwrz2VySW29WLNnSI6f-t4DJp-8ixdIyEJJjd3Ek3hv78IFuVHaeLTbBgmYU/s400/Group+Bruce+Adam+S+Craig.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Regulars and guest - posing in front of the new Big Mac Van. Craig R looking so "hot" and Bruce ready to leave town. Can't blame him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoAJZUJ0xhZu73Ugkjg9XTosgqRAHl_724o3AXSHY9SryGvday1n2Cv-VZLx6MmXmWhAd7uH1YsZ3sQT2Ld_3fcv0uBcsMN5R7WkoydFdlyJjSEL0PfxiRhgmiwj0ivDK_i9ElQzYTR8/s1600/JEFF+F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoAJZUJ0xhZu73Ugkjg9XTosgqRAHl_724o3AXSHY9SryGvday1n2Cv-VZLx6MmXmWhAd7uH1YsZ3sQT2Ld_3fcv0uBcsMN5R7WkoydFdlyJjSEL0PfxiRhgmiwj0ivDK_i9ElQzYTR8/s400/JEFF+F.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Between epic cycling events Jeff Festian (Werdy) was on the road this summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnZ7p4c5ZhkD5rA6507LZQPsIPrE02zL58KMYFgFCxUgqDvW4w_IYl6N-960A6V986I_2UQgFG0nflZGYn-i16FE4oLiDYPvhhQbEG9_3wDH3UrBOSvmyA1wOWNvXLDaN2zPsQA1Ifrs/s1600/Kim+Lee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnZ7p4c5ZhkD5rA6507LZQPsIPrE02zL58KMYFgFCxUgqDvW4w_IYl6N-960A6V986I_2UQgFG0nflZGYn-i16FE4oLiDYPvhhQbEG9_3wDH3UrBOSvmyA1wOWNvXLDaN2zPsQA1Ifrs/s400/Kim+Lee.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Like Jeff, Kim Lee hovered between guest star appearances and being a weekly regular. He's not spitting at you by the way, he's showing his gravel collection in his teeth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3z76GLqD5yOyAl3l9K_wSTMD4NY7p7aIM9kmagBTqvwgWe2hya8QKmAoAgL035pUTUgk_VNZjxeVeNQ-OsumQ7vbELbi1SJrYpRataqj05bWOlAxXvtVqLu-r5TTApsXMbwevRaRUtQ/s1600/Slayer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3z76GLqD5yOyAl3l9K_wSTMD4NY7p7aIM9kmagBTqvwgWe2hya8QKmAoAgL035pUTUgk_VNZjxeVeNQ-OsumQ7vbELbi1SJrYpRataqj05bWOlAxXvtVqLu-r5TTApsXMbwevRaRUtQ/s400/Slayer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Slayer, aka Jeff Haney made some rides, returning to Slayer form after a horrific mountain bike accident involving Slayer's lung and a tree.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AFty-W3SK6YoZryySN2VCZF7MULWGaBDahn-872SZObCPWZDWpcwkyDZJYPEeEPDXfFE1LM2h1imz4Qsq-LL_25RMSmwWFEfoPsSnTL13EhDsT9fafq2qmg7Y3Uanif0tr6pKRX2Q_I/s1600/Kirk+G+Scott.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AFty-W3SK6YoZryySN2VCZF7MULWGaBDahn-872SZObCPWZDWpcwkyDZJYPEeEPDXfFE1LM2h1imz4Qsq-LL_25RMSmwWFEfoPsSnTL13EhDsT9fafq2qmg7Y3Uanif0tr6pKRX2Q_I/s400/Kirk+G+Scott.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kirk G was there for a lot of ride (left). Scott Walburn was a regular. He pulled the entire group around for weeks straight. Nice work for him, great motor-pacing for the rest of us. Thanks Scott!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHk6anlVoSlQdpDKAKJZykKJKdCpYTa-BQca7EkxROH6NJIzUyi55v1ges4R9OBMkcXelmcxqvUx4QRgscga5X2VtstPcPbLoQsx_bvuB9W_KIMm02gBPHwCd4Xj2ixp3H8HCk_9Ponk/s1600/Bob+Dave+S+Steamy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHk6anlVoSlQdpDKAKJZykKJKdCpYTa-BQca7EkxROH6NJIzUyi55v1ges4R9OBMkcXelmcxqvUx4QRgscga5X2VtstPcPbLoQsx_bvuB9W_KIMm02gBPHwCd4Xj2ixp3H8HCk_9Ponk/s400/Bob+Dave+S+Steamy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bob Hughes, left, made some ride, Craig a lot, and Dave Staublin, quite a few. This night was so hot and muggy that even the camera got sweaty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50FnHqgAovV4tokrnMJhetVpmys4ObdUobBwktW78x_PpYpmB8LCbt-XmO6i7IAe22jmR-_CRr1Hlh8NF36InTGj4KEJJXJAzjeqH0LvlK2HeKmNbNGn_ZqVnGzGQOLVapWEPxLvx8fM/s1600/Muddy+Scott.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50FnHqgAovV4tokrnMJhetVpmys4ObdUobBwktW78x_PpYpmB8LCbt-XmO6i7IAe22jmR-_CRr1Hlh8NF36InTGj4KEJJXJAzjeqH0LvlK2HeKmNbNGn_ZqVnGzGQOLVapWEPxLvx8fM/s400/Muddy+Scott.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Speaking of weather, we even got some mud, which Scott displays. I don't believe we ever rode in any rain. Did we?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5I-pUyquAzmfQfpkSCJmUPmBPAaPloybqwcFwNFNIw7GiayaX3Bu0uHFkQH2sPWBNf-TSPgm3rv7sLRSZ-Bvu66FrdMoHO07PPvLcYrMkQxa0TktaMr89yNmfsz5SxdAnEfII12NMR4/s1600/Group+Dog+Mile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5I-pUyquAzmfQfpkSCJmUPmBPAaPloybqwcFwNFNIw7GiayaX3Bu0uHFkQH2sPWBNf-TSPgm3rv7sLRSZ-Bvu66FrdMoHO07PPvLcYrMkQxa0TktaMr89yNmfsz5SxdAnEfII12NMR4/s400/Group+Dog+Mile.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nice group last week at the end of the Dog Mile, which as always is a hotly contested stretch of dirt. The good thing about the Dog Mile there is no more Killer Chihuahua to get tangled in your wheels at 30 mph. The only bad thing there no more Killer Chihuahua.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTFdqL7XBSTtbZu29HPCiQw9v-PBvmjqRGfOo6_M1SLVRunpbwAnqngw7ez5LWq5CoYAseamCDjoNdxO2YjrWqhXyUBmyQG_Mtc5ZUpE9oMirFIB0jIVIhqHXIaT_D4O3BOWYPURgEsw/s1600/Girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTFdqL7XBSTtbZu29HPCiQw9v-PBvmjqRGfOo6_M1SLVRunpbwAnqngw7ez5LWq5CoYAseamCDjoNdxO2YjrWqhXyUBmyQG_Mtc5ZUpE9oMirFIB0jIVIhqHXIaT_D4O3BOWYPURgEsw/s400/Girls.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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On Tuesday the "ladies" came out and showed the boys how it was done. Cupcake, Sarah McIntyre and Amy Stauffer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZ9pMM9cwirRdibk6xAHNJskYoLiP-8n41Ps-YbV9FjqGQvDppD3rrVnbU50FQuVliCcE0R70e4apJ1i3CS70ZWVkZSdDBLCpotIDGdU1KPsmKXQkvZQRzk_xRvs1f8dgndBbGRcA-1k/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZ9pMM9cwirRdibk6xAHNJskYoLiP-8n41Ps-YbV9FjqGQvDppD3rrVnbU50FQuVliCcE0R70e4apJ1i3CS70ZWVkZSdDBLCpotIDGdU1KPsmKXQkvZQRzk_xRvs1f8dgndBbGRcA-1k/s400/IMG_0557.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you see a fork in the road, take it.</div>
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So that's it for summer. The has officially set on the longest preseason in Crazy Bastard history. Now it's on to fall, more rides, warmer clothes, boots, snow ... yikes is that all going to happen again. First though, it's on to racing. See you at Ithaca and/or Highland this weekend.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-26131736265019533342013-08-29T13:41:00.001-04:002013-08-29T13:44:40.254-04:00LOVING BRUTAL RIDES, HERE'S MUD IN YOUR TEETH, AND CROSS BIKES FOR SALE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVvJxGq3zcYb18BhbnRA-gQYoVhXPvViEDdDOU54MgcQFwevYv0Qegp22vUjv9_gQEgQuQU2I4rmVyhmwGObFw0FumeaM1DSOh29HnXAb_FuqnR4DmdJEupL-RAOBNvdFij7ZNC4PYUo/s1600/IMG_0515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVvJxGq3zcYb18BhbnRA-gQYoVhXPvViEDdDOU54MgcQFwevYv0Qegp22vUjv9_gQEgQuQU2I4rmVyhmwGObFw0FumeaM1DSOh29HnXAb_FuqnR4DmdJEupL-RAOBNvdFij7ZNC4PYUo/s400/IMG_0515.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Who got the worst of the mud, and collected most of it on Tuesday? Maybe Scott, who is wearing a lot of mud. Strange, since he pulled most of the 35-miles. I should pay him for at least half of his rear wheel since I was sitting on it for almost the entire ride.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3X_wHUy-to5XN_eJSnOCtTnKSN40FeACsC-hRJLKi7HfF1lCY9DCVG4Ixjt40YPFHUpH7noH5PY3isZdRkIiS1LBi-R5HO31BEsvr33wkZ4MKJiAk5Gp3P1C390MQBk0JOaymZi3YyXQ/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3X_wHUy-to5XN_eJSnOCtTnKSN40FeACsC-hRJLKi7HfF1lCY9DCVG4Ixjt40YPFHUpH7noH5PY3isZdRkIiS1LBi-R5HO31BEsvr33wkZ4MKJiAk5Gp3P1C390MQBk0JOaymZi3YyXQ/s400/IMG_0516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Big Mac also got a facial. Looks like most of it was in the eyes. Yeah, always wear protective eye wear. Chances are there won't be any of this tonight. Even Big Mac's motor was hurting. Fast ride, mud, lots of go in everybody legs, but no air to breathe. Reports of big gravel were highly exaggerated, roads were pretty smooth and the gravel dump from 3-weeks ago is just about all absorbed. Adam says it was one of the fastest, recent rides (as recorded on one of his many electronic devices). But then he did have mud in his eyes ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a6-n-E6rSjR-GEWrXvekAguuaoixqPVTmdsw78JcnicA8AdIck47vsxjdRDfpNDAggxLMIBIN1xp7VY0Z_J5Xpn2LnS63fFCS08V3OddmI9oqkpTiXQZpi2nrC_pHjfvWfV0ijxZkmQ/s1600/IMG_0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a6-n-E6rSjR-GEWrXvekAguuaoixqPVTmdsw78JcnicA8AdIck47vsxjdRDfpNDAggxLMIBIN1xp7VY0Z_J5Xpn2LnS63fFCS08V3OddmI9oqkpTiXQZpi2nrC_pHjfvWfV0ijxZkmQ/s400/IMG_0517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kim Lee looks pretty clean. Here he's showing us the dirt in his teeth, as if you could see the dirt between his teeth. Or maybe he's doing an ad for tooth whitener with cyclist EPO-PED? "PEDOMINT: It makes you faster while it makes your teeth whiter! Only from the Laboratories of Kim Lee." Kim loved the ride, and spent the night going between "Man this is so painful, but I love it so much. What a ride!" Time for some professional help, Kim. Oh, you are a professional.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbwlrAYbYroR0UZ70WmGS-fYNBJv-Ln0EOBy5wLHbTkzAzzjzf0yrIhzMXvvU5QGRy_o66H2vhbNehuBWPWGyX7cKOFOB51m9Fd9-jbGm9KTFgpVaTHtVt9CA9IQMn3h3SnNgktu-EPw/s1600/IMG_0522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbwlrAYbYroR0UZ70WmGS-fYNBJv-Ln0EOBy5wLHbTkzAzzjzf0yrIhzMXvvU5QGRy_o66H2vhbNehuBWPWGyX7cKOFOB51m9Fd9-jbGm9KTFgpVaTHtVt9CA9IQMn3h3SnNgktu-EPw/s400/IMG_0522.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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After the ride I was wearing a semi-permanent "man-jaggins" around. Nice look!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMin5uwwofJQnQtmLYVO_wjZyZGzMFzpZljaZzBcc2R0u-p1YS9o6P1XPmy_rF1xi4onZd8gUwBL4mWr0_J92oPIP_2BpARMVpWVIChDATgQtgePWSRWNDokjpvMVzARciHgMfREMQpZQ/s1600/IMG_0524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMin5uwwofJQnQtmLYVO_wjZyZGzMFzpZljaZzBcc2R0u-p1YS9o6P1XPmy_rF1xi4onZd8gUwBL4mWr0_J92oPIP_2BpARMVpWVIChDATgQtgePWSRWNDokjpvMVzARciHgMfREMQpZQ/s400/IMG_0524.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This is what the bottom of my bike was wearing. That's just dried rivulets of mud - the bike, thankfully is internally cabled. Note the kink in the muddy-buddy chain.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">JUST IN TIME FOR CROSS SEASON:</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">REDLINE 54 CROSS BIKE FOR SALE!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJoltI2z1dbMfEPJw3GiM19BCOSeMkXNA8dJjtItlYAfpdv4lLdfyPLZvLamKhqSUlY3Fit-jH_gWqwcDFOAEaEva758Bz432kQRcRmA5nzBlPQU7_fnJKQHTQ1vzyck0o69coT3rnkM/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJoltI2z1dbMfEPJw3GiM19BCOSeMkXNA8dJjtItlYAfpdv4lLdfyPLZvLamKhqSUlY3Fit-jH_gWqwcDFOAEaEva758Bz432kQRcRmA5nzBlPQU7_fnJKQHTQ1vzyck0o69coT3rnkM/s640/IMG_0527.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Redline Conquest Pro 2008 </div>
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Bought this frame and fork in 2009 and used this bike as a training bike and pit bike. It has a few wear marks and paint chips, but no dents and is in good shape. I have rebuilt it with a lot of new parts, as well as good used parts that were waiting to be used again. It's ready to roll for only $500! The perfect gravel grinder or race bike. I also have a use Trek 54 Cyclocross bike that's set up as a SS, but can be converted to gears.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Yap13xtlYx8BJzqBMkYYR3peUyUl6ENMporRzsn_t3Rnakx_7rDtqQ4gPVe1p8Hht9GpwU7LaMidq9kpuVz5GZv7u599l23vkXAsgfIs6gJ0MrGu9EVqtwvTZNWFQJEU1SzDttPUNKg/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Yap13xtlYx8BJzqBMkYYR3peUyUl6ENMporRzsn_t3Rnakx_7rDtqQ4gPVe1p8Hht9GpwU7LaMidq9kpuVz5GZv7u599l23vkXAsgfIs6gJ0MrGu9EVqtwvTZNWFQJEU1SzDttPUNKg/s400/IMG_0530.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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NEW: SRAM Cassette, Chain and Sora 9-Speed Derailleur. NEW cable and housing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEfq1kF4gdm49j0GepPep1_bqR-0PZBfj6VmTk8Ws2dcJBuwYa_uGARmLGSSvaN1e6ePu1RaYs_gOqlRaZlJdqKGJRJVjJMn8bBJLw18Oqfws4HUY58bme3G-kVt1d-O56-QCiYKcHI8/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEfq1kF4gdm49j0GepPep1_bqR-0PZBfj6VmTk8Ws2dcJBuwYa_uGARmLGSSvaN1e6ePu1RaYs_gOqlRaZlJdqKGJRJVjJMn8bBJLw18Oqfws4HUY58bme3G-kVt1d-O56-QCiYKcHI8/s320/IMG_0528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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NEW Sora Shifters, USED Ritchie Bar, USED Origin 8 Brake set with KOOL Stop Brake pads. Great braking!</div>
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Frame: Redline Conquest Pro Alloy, size 54.</div>
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Fork: Matching fork with carbon legs and alloy steer tube - cut, but plenty of height left.</div>
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Shifters: Shimano 9-Speed Sora NEW - no thumb shifters, shifts like all current Shimano systems. Has shift indicators, just in case you don't know what gear you're in.</div>
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Rear Derailleur: NEW Sora 9 Speed</div>
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Chain: NEW SRAM 9-speed chain</div>
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Cassette: NEW SRAM 12-27 cassette, perfect for cross.</div>
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Cables: Brake and Shifter cables and housing - all NEW</div>
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Pedal: No pedals</div>
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Crank: Truvative Carbon arms, alloy spider, outboard cups. USED</div>
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Chain rings: USED FSA 46-38</div>
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Front Derailleur: USED </div>
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Wheels: NEW Weinman. Black rims, red alloy nipples</div>
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Tires: USED Specialized Houfilize</div>
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Bar: Ritchie Comp 42</div>
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Stem: Options to fit</div>
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Seat post: Ritchie Comp</div>
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Saddle: WTB</div>
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Brakes: Origin 8 Euro Style wide arms - new KOOL Stop pads in rear, lightly worn fronts</div>
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Bar Tape: Will wrap with your color of choice - black?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-36839759221037079292013-08-27T10:52:00.000-04:002013-08-27T10:52:27.133-04:00STEAMY RIDES WITH A STEAMING PILE OF WHAT WE LEARNED THIS SUMMER ON THE SIDE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBn8kE_xcyw4KykcQAAINlgC8vY_NzO38IVlMGZU3w9YacyASEg9Tw8BR_DPaUYAZ7KrSK_IU80K0dPVltPT0lY2xmQVN7qb3p_1IdN2uRIMLwi4G1bhwenntvoLCcC1KqO1w9o4uClw/s1600/IMG_0511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBn8kE_xcyw4KykcQAAINlgC8vY_NzO38IVlMGZU3w9YacyASEg9Tw8BR_DPaUYAZ7KrSK_IU80K0dPVltPT0lY2xmQVN7qb3p_1IdN2uRIMLwi4G1bhwenntvoLCcC1KqO1w9o4uClw/s400/IMG_0511.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A small bunch of Bastards rolled Thursday.</div>
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A steamed up and sweaty crew from last Thursday's CBX Ride: Bob H, Craig R, Dave S. were the only Bastards to brave the humidity. But they didn't just get all steamed up from riding ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BnY_A4cCVPK9KUEP5KrtSPFa7Xazx5RtPxPtWDqsk58xM2GaeA4pciIHj6DYRoCxvN9WtD8R7E4y9DIEnh12URyDMAFWSKpfDKrtHKPmJ4roYDMajYK4mqCC5sPFOxVXrweCv4ZnbeA/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BnY_A4cCVPK9KUEP5KrtSPFa7Xazx5RtPxPtWDqsk58xM2GaeA4pciIHj6DYRoCxvN9WtD8R7E4y9DIEnh12URyDMAFWSKpfDKrtHKPmJ4roYDMajYK4mqCC5sPFOxVXrweCv4ZnbeA/s400/IMG_0513.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The irresistible bouncy tent provided a different kind of cross clinic. Good practice if you're going to try your hand at the Single Speed Cyclocross World Championship.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M8A4Kj36m1UY1-sI4wSZxRDWzfEMTrXNvMy1BnNgKxQ7UKVpLkygQVR54YIU7RkFpcoucCKeFFqUV6MFp6obCIDDJaNdQIJPgMl3voEmVaBUGA5JoYxvWPAJ8wYzILUnGRNr91NrE2Q/s1600/Bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M8A4Kj36m1UY1-sI4wSZxRDWzfEMTrXNvMy1BnNgKxQ7UKVpLkygQVR54YIU7RkFpcoucCKeFFqUV6MFp6obCIDDJaNdQIJPgMl3voEmVaBUGA5JoYxvWPAJ8wYzILUnGRNr91NrE2Q/s400/Bob.jpg" width="298" /></a><br />
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Winner, winner, Bob Hughes is having a Sparty Dinner.</div>
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The winner of Thursday Night's CBX ride was Bob Hughes. How he won it, nobody knows, since it's not really a race, but here is a proud Bob, with his winnings. Well done Bob ... now it's time for you to get the winner's tattoo just like the SSCXWC winners do ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_42KhMkO_BRA28cMCxcY-80K52CN7j7vDNRW-yUyFgvKGpyjZ9YP-Fc8dZv3Vsqr9lvlDH2zoeGp6kQ2BN-PmkPqC7blFIVYP-oX2-yY43127LfK7cTRN_U3bD7eE23UdVHlPSdxqzk/s1600/Bike+Tat+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_42KhMkO_BRA28cMCxcY-80K52CN7j7vDNRW-yUyFgvKGpyjZ9YP-Fc8dZv3Vsqr9lvlDH2zoeGp6kQ2BN-PmkPqC7blFIVYP-oX2-yY43127LfK7cTRN_U3bD7eE23UdVHlPSdxqzk/s400/Bike+Tat+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First choice for a memorable, and severely painful winner's tattoo ... "Bike My Lip." No thanks I'll pass.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagKOOREY1c1KoB6MkJRgtmGaAuUZ6Gfmywq8WgZ32QdbZA6mKRuBPaHJzw86f2MeF_IlYF5z1MQjtl1LbJ3p_CLwsgTqBqfpHfoflvItmdNYxSiBJMLEcLdfP195i5X0cNj3mTzdceIQ/s1600/Bike+Tat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagKOOREY1c1KoB6MkJRgtmGaAuUZ6Gfmywq8WgZ32QdbZA6mKRuBPaHJzw86f2MeF_IlYF5z1MQjtl1LbJ3p_CLwsgTqBqfpHfoflvItmdNYxSiBJMLEcLdfP195i5X0cNj3mTzdceIQ/s320/Bike+Tat+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Maybe a better tattoo for Bob would be this handy reference diagram tattoo which shows you how to assemble your bike before a ride. I wonder, will you have to update the tattoo when you get a BB30 PF bottom bracket? How about disc brakes? That could hurt.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So let's review what we've learned so far this summer on our CBX rides ...</span></b></div>
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We learned how to trash talk like champs in the parking lot ...</div>
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We learned how to properly crash in the parking lot ...</div>
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We learned how to stand around in the parking lot and tell a lot of lies about our training ...</div>
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We learned how to stand around in the parking lot looking cool, and that's no lie ...</div>
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We learned how to properly fondle our sweet-ass, magic sherbert tires in the lot, but not how to spell sherbet correctly, apparently ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJxgp4mbnaWJJCaRTs3PTsHuWlBSi1WI-uD1TBatWvd76S7g6a4mYfnyBRtXxbbFgRVMyEGqms8_3SWMkZLUT3JcV7BIFjdEy7qy2J__9Ea1apDu7ty866TCp85L2vJ6T3ntZ-J8q7tY/s1600/Scott+Walburn+leg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJxgp4mbnaWJJCaRTs3PTsHuWlBSi1WI-uD1TBatWvd76S7g6a4mYfnyBRtXxbbFgRVMyEGqms8_3SWMkZLUT3JcV7BIFjdEy7qy2J__9Ea1apDu7ty866TCp85L2vJ6T3ntZ-J8q7tY/s400/Scott+Walburn+leg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We learned how to post up fake photos on Face Book hours before the ride so we don't have to roll when it's too hot or raining ... where's that fake cast I had from Halloween?</div>
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We learned proper bike fit ... how much did that fitting cost, mister?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIpdsW3nRfEv7Jri3f7zE9zsZqlOvpq-gH-qG229e4m9ug1-AkWsM5P9nDwbGJNBdO7sYGqf9TwZmJzFbSYAZRjd1t_TExSv2jHereYoc6EVgVsJp5_SaFmUtwwERaPo0N8uYbk3doog/s1600/Belgie+Socks+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIpdsW3nRfEv7Jri3f7zE9zsZqlOvpq-gH-qG229e4m9ug1-AkWsM5P9nDwbGJNBdO7sYGqf9TwZmJzFbSYAZRjd1t_TExSv2jHereYoc6EVgVsJp5_SaFmUtwwERaPo0N8uYbk3doog/s320/Belgie+Socks+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We learned all about proper CBX ride sock fashion and style ...</div>
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And we learned how to celebrate those "Big" wins on the bike with class and dignity ...</div>
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To finish off this meandering and near meaningless post, I'd like to show you what's next for the Crazy Bastards ... like the Dutch Army Bicycle Corp, we're going to have our own Crazy Bastard Bicycle Band ... pick your instrument, you already have the bike, and play on, players.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-41763245552433312602013-08-21T11:25:00.001-04:002013-08-21T11:25:32.947-04:00CYCLOCROSS - IT'S ALL ABOUT THE TIRES ISN'T IT?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdq0fpVmHvificFSFgT3jkVet3u7aIPep-niiECroQyvAS00LzAuJI8huwRIQ0NHeXrKVqsbHLgDOGUlqIwVbepqW1rH5BZC29gJcndSAU14An6mWpJfh8AS9vXfEeHorDm02gNpz7tA/s1600/Aaron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdq0fpVmHvificFSFgT3jkVet3u7aIPep-niiECroQyvAS00LzAuJI8huwRIQ0NHeXrKVqsbHLgDOGUlqIwVbepqW1rH5BZC29gJcndSAU14An6mWpJfh8AS9vXfEeHorDm02gNpz7tA/s640/Aaron.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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("There, there my sweet orange babies, we'll release the power of your Atomoic Sherbert soon. Let those dogs eat your Sherbert flavored atomic dust and die! Arrrgh, arrrgh, arrgh!")</div>
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It could be all about the tires. Probably close to bike costs, in the total cyclocross expenditure list (we're not talking giant vans, road trips, motels, beer and bail money) and in the time we spend bullshitting about 'cross, tires have to top the list. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm1x6QVY3ZM9UapWVIfMf4nmAq_St1Q4iWPHdJYFKjevYmN7f-uXatWOAo3u4r4rnmVk4Ek4B_bLLm85sup111_bW8kB_ZqncPow5AWiotkNiAjOpbMNvyxRlVfJXj3EaKhkwz5coAPQ/s1600/Grifo+XS+Photo+Good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcm1x6QVY3ZM9UapWVIfMf4nmAq_St1Q4iWPHdJYFKjevYmN7f-uXatWOAo3u4r4rnmVk4Ek4B_bLLm85sup111_bW8kB_ZqncPow5AWiotkNiAjOpbMNvyxRlVfJXj3EaKhkwz5coAPQ/s400/Grifo+XS+Photo+Good.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've tried all sorts of tires. Like this tire, which I've discovered is only good for gravel road rides. Oh, well, add it to the 'cross collection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aJeKqItmzvOOXnQPymj54lMWhpbDO4nPzNJixwo7n4AZuIAMggcNs3EYGQQtby6Cnt_czseEEPqIagqIJvV6yIZFE38fZfL1z43yFqsYFfXYD1Ea8wmn4AICXbeH1e1REJsy8oNppZ0/s1600/Adam+on+his+ass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aJeKqItmzvOOXnQPymj54lMWhpbDO4nPzNJixwo7n4AZuIAMggcNs3EYGQQtby6Cnt_czseEEPqIagqIJvV6yIZFE38fZfL1z43yFqsYFfXYD1Ea8wmn4AICXbeH1e1REJsy8oNppZ0/s400/Adam+on+his+ass.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Of course you need all sort of tires. Here's Big Mac in Chicago in the what I believe were the PRE-LIMUS days.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqbJaBXPRzkCQm7hKJ1wntjvD_gryb6rhoIr2R3_4xg77gDnrLCS-Gk9opktGjJ8DkdaTaR98sj50gvNSmf8P7OpHbkwXpu_I2uAlFKdbJz8-iPJxzbId1r4ML-jFfX8LU2cXz7fVxlg/s1600/10810-Chicane-33-590x1129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqbJaBXPRzkCQm7hKJ1wntjvD_gryb6rhoIr2R3_4xg77gDnrLCS-Gk9opktGjJ8DkdaTaR98sj50gvNSmf8P7OpHbkwXpu_I2uAlFKdbJz8-iPJxzbId1r4ML-jFfX8LU2cXz7fVxlg/s400/10810-Chicane-33-590x1129.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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(God, a tire I don't have? What the hell ...)</div>
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There's hardly a day that goes by now that there isn't a new tire available that we didn't know we needed. While I thought I had the whole spectrum of tire to surface interface combinations covered with the Grifo, Grifo XS, Grifo XS White, Fango and Limus, Challenge hit me with a new one today, the new Challenge Chicane, which is made, I'm guessing and riding through Chicanes, like this one below. You can read more about the new Challenge Chicane today on the <a href="http://www.cxmagazine.com/" target="_blank">Cyclocross Magazine website</a> right <a href="http://www.cxmagazine.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkuXJyTatBlAZMsmYGK9w3Sy9EHbDFzTsI-n8AAhIwAsDyChbimoqKCgpQXx08sFX4-T42_bhmSunFOj87BgUDWlNlFKHMlR-3psYuRs-VM1V8klEDXMt_DTjhmc3ODuJKu7OZywwJX4/s1600/Ithaca+Course.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkuXJyTatBlAZMsmYGK9w3Sy9EHbDFzTsI-n8AAhIwAsDyChbimoqKCgpQXx08sFX4-T42_bhmSunFOj87BgUDWlNlFKHMlR-3psYuRs-VM1V8klEDXMt_DTjhmc3ODuJKu7OZywwJX4/s400/Ithaca+Course.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Ithaca Grand Prix course - the Hallway of Doom, Pasture of Pain, or something like that ...)</div>
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Great place for a Chicane ... I mean the tire not the course configuration. And yes this is a shot of the <a href="http://ithacagp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ithaca Grand Prix</a> course, which will be the first Michigan Cross Race of the season this September 7. While it looks like the Challenge Chicane would be the perfect tire for this part of the course, I don't have one (yet) so I guess I'll just suck again. You can always blame the tires.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiYSsBf78xaqdfEbkIGt4sUmEyfDY7-yjMSb-6k26-jf5d_pCadFXdIlMHnk5BzPQ8-p_mbPo48VKofr-ur3BIESkNIgONK_dPbo0WmcO_IJdoblPQV9K0NtcGeWbGIESlsf8T775saA/s1600/Ithaca_2013_Tshirt_PRINT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiYSsBf78xaqdfEbkIGt4sUmEyfDY7-yjMSb-6k26-jf5d_pCadFXdIlMHnk5BzPQ8-p_mbPo48VKofr-ur3BIESkNIgONK_dPbo0WmcO_IJdoblPQV9K0NtcGeWbGIESlsf8T775saA/s1600/Ithaca_2013_Tshirt_PRINT2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Just to remind you one more time, JB-style, the Ithaca Grand Prix is almost here, so register now. There might even be some special stuff in it for you, like this Ithaca T-shirt, but I'm not sure what this special offer is so you'll have to go to the Ithaca GP blog and find out for yourself right <a href="http://ithacagp.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<b>MY USUAL TUBELESS TIRE RANT. STOP ME IF YOU'VE HEARD THIS ONE BEFORE</b></div>
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(Here's a video on mounting tubeless tires which in my opinion is a total crock of horseshit. It's not simple, it's not easy and you can't do it with a floor pump. You need like enough air pressure to launch a 40 pound dog through the air to get the tires to snap on, and then it's another week of suffering through leaky tires and whale jis all over the floor.)</div>
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As far as cross tires are concerned, no matter what the tread, I'm sticking to tubulars for after my short foray into the world of tubeless tire systems. While I have enjoyed the quality of the ride of tubeless tires on my mountain bike (yeah I rode it once) I found the task of mounting tubulars and gluing far easier than fucking around for a week trying to get the tubeless system to hold air. Also, hunting and killing sperm whales for their jism, to properly seal the tires, is also pretty tiring if not down right dangerous. Plus get that stuff on the garage floor and you could slip and fall. And while the rest of you are plunking down good money for that synthetic whale jiz, from that guy named Stan, I'm going old school and harvesting my own. Here's how its done, kids.</div>
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<b>ENOUGH TIRES, NOW ONTO THE CLINICS</b></div>
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With only weeks to go before the kick-off of the 2013 Cyclocross season, after talk of tires, it's talk of training. From power meters to practice, we're all looking for someway to not make total fools of ourselves out there in front of our peers, or those assholes we call friends.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidikLWv52miHsOb90Noqiz9nxb_BPi0hMnqud6nhI_cSgxNjQw2c76v_YKmJ79pGb3Xev6YDXxqcN4GwRScdBC3chP1E9vtg16mrZSj_hk-hhoVdxUxeejt_KLTfHsCChpi6OG3fIiCFY/s1600/RWT+Clinic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidikLWv52miHsOb90Noqiz9nxb_BPi0hMnqud6nhI_cSgxNjQw2c76v_YKmJ79pGb3Xev6YDXxqcN4GwRScdBC3chP1E9vtg16mrZSj_hk-hhoVdxUxeejt_KLTfHsCChpi6OG3fIiCFY/s400/RWT+Clinic.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(The <a href="http://www.realwomentri.com/" target="_blank">Real Women Tri </a>Cross Clinic a couple of weeks ago at Manhattan Park.)</div>
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There's clinics and practices all over the place right now. We'll have a small one tonight, as a matter of fact. The <a href="http://www.realwomentri.com/" target="_blank">Real Women Tri </a>club hosted their e own clinic a little while ago, conducted by Ann Swartz and the good folks from Tailwind who put together an awesome little course. And of course Ann is one of the best cross teachers in the business. Next year this should be even bigger.</div>
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<b>SHOULD I BUY A CROSS BIKE?</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrGtBC6s_UmhbJJz4uu1X8eCbR2BbPsdvcVIvQ4bCjbey4BivqDSZrL_uzUI43DNDgYd4Cr3QM1OFAyuPb5hvuRQm12fICMB3hfqe-VFRcrG1sFX4y3XNbvZ3yRhAU0_VXtO1wenvjPM/s1600/sven-nys-2013-world-championship-colnago-cross-prestige-cxmagazine-clee-img_0829-c_1-590x379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrGtBC6s_UmhbJJz4uu1X8eCbR2BbPsdvcVIvQ4bCjbey4BivqDSZrL_uzUI43DNDgYd4Cr3QM1OFAyuPb5hvuRQm12fICMB3hfqe-VFRcrG1sFX4y3XNbvZ3yRhAU0_VXtO1wenvjPM/s400/sven-nys-2013-world-championship-colnago-cross-prestige-cxmagazine-clee-img_0829-c_1-590x379.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Should I buy cross bike? The answer is no, you should buy 3 or 4. Just like this one. That will be $15,000 please.)</div>
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So after the clinic and the practice those of you trying it out on Mountain Bikes and Frankencrossers start to think about buying a proper cyclocross bike. There above headline and photo were on the Cyclocross Magazine website. When I saw it I had to laugh. Buy a "one" cross bike, are you flippin' kidding me?</div>
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(Yeah it's a little small but it handles like a bitch and it carries like a peach.)</div>
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Choosing the right bike is easy, well maybe. I still say one size smaller than your regular bike size. It's old school, but for all the people I've seen riding cross bikes that are too big for them, it still makes sense.)</div>
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<b>PRE-SEAON TRAINING RIDES: LEARNING TO TRASH TALK BEFORE THE RACING EVEN BEGINS</b></div>
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After tires, bikes, clinics and a proper doping program has been established, the next thing you need is a pre-season training ride. We've got one. Not only it is good for your legs and bike handling, but you can also practice your trash talking and heckling. But just remember, there's no one out there to break up the fight, and most of the people that ride with us will just want to watch you get your ass beat anyway. Rides roll out of Townsend Park at 6:30 every Tuesday and Thursday.</div>
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(Adam practices some early season trash talk on Michael before the ride even begins: "Watching you ride around the parking lot was the first time I've ever seen the back of your jersey on a ride. I didn't know about all your sponsors. Good luck to them."</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-82944258486357569092013-08-07T10:28:00.000-04:002013-08-07T10:28:19.765-04:00GRAVEL GRINDING, MI CROSS PREVIEW, AND DOING THE ARTE JOHNSON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqg8Q0w5szkx4l2I1cn37XktNffUHU05gRs36hIw7kjiTXyH_Q2GEsDTxl_NjFa3OVp8vTE9IiPaSU_tdvOI9izC-prWFhNf-vM_Jf4iHEN2la-WCYVnJhRVsLSwre-801ISw20rS7eNs/s1600/IMG_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqg8Q0w5szkx4l2I1cn37XktNffUHU05gRs36hIw7kjiTXyH_Q2GEsDTxl_NjFa3OVp8vTE9IiPaSU_tdvOI9izC-prWFhNf-vM_Jf4iHEN2la-WCYVnJhRVsLSwre-801ISw20rS7eNs/s400/IMG_0431.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The CBX gang hanging out in the parking lot waiting to roll, telling lies and trying to hide their disdain for each other ... wait this isn't a road ride, oops, forget that. To entertain them I did my Arty Johnson tip-over-in-the-parking-lot routine just to keep everyone feeling good about themselves. Bastards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCzjYGUIBo17gt0BPvEw6_X9-c-QjQ6N8M6HuO7bFOAFouSKGtJkEIPyqjsrnAb2H488BsOMlhyCyncgVV7w04CPKgwTueEyZ2YpWFbV_5Bljc3b3nv2AJvwbs4OoFKmFBJ2-0-pancE/s1600/bike_fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCzjYGUIBo17gt0BPvEw6_X9-c-QjQ6N8M6HuO7bFOAFouSKGtJkEIPyqjsrnAb2H488BsOMlhyCyncgVV7w04CPKgwTueEyZ2YpWFbV_5Bljc3b3nv2AJvwbs4OoFKmFBJ2-0-pancE/s400/bike_fall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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While there was no photo or video evidence of my non-epic tip-over Craig, Aaron and Adam quickly marked the spot with fast-drying tubeless-tire-jism as a warning or just a reminder of my crash to others. The Bastards.</div>
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Despite my unspectacular fall it turned out to be another great ride last night, graced by Cupcake, Jane Van Hof, Craig Flying Bats Rawlings, Big Mac, Aaron O' Huntington (he has a new name since returning from the his Scotland/Ireland excursion), Tony H (short ride for him on road tires), Dave H (even shorter for him on road tires as well) and me, the new Arty Johnson. Perfect temps, and a lot of good sections along with some deeper gravel that was a grind ... but a good grind.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZrlF9FjW5eOCVxm2qaPmHqUYOjhM44SHP7Y7RpY-QKmfp6Mrd326A4Hsl0liifynUu86b8ydrhm9_CWTOJafTuVKyirL1RwlDwzuJpWuPdRxcOUo6pgQRco1rnyqEXiwpOC3eZRORXM/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZrlF9FjW5eOCVxm2qaPmHqUYOjhM44SHP7Y7RpY-QKmfp6Mrd326A4Hsl0liifynUu86b8ydrhm9_CWTOJafTuVKyirL1RwlDwzuJpWuPdRxcOUo6pgQRco1rnyqEXiwpOC3eZRORXM/s400/IMG_0428.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just in from his semi-live appearance in Ireland and Scotland, the jet-lagged, Single Malt and Guinness marinated Aaron O' Huntington joined us for the ride. In the background Big Mac is telling Jane how it's all going to go down in the final non-sprint of the night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZ19GUOrgbjorJbcJZsuNAjZg_avMA6r4R4Z3t4dBZzfxN_LtoRpF24mZ4oqtwEFk3mQyH6QMxb4MDK9gGcjH94gPUmc5qtwxfLi8ATcFXAsr85DT2NEDVZ-_G7txxeONQJUOiiClbbY/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZ19GUOrgbjorJbcJZsuNAjZg_avMA6r4R4Z3t4dBZzfxN_LtoRpF24mZ4oqtwEFk3mQyH6QMxb4MDK9gGcjH94gPUmc5qtwxfLi8ATcFXAsr85DT2NEDVZ-_G7txxeONQJUOiiClbbY/s400/IMG_0426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aaron O' Huntington's new jersey. I guess this is what people look like in Scotland.</div>
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MICHIGAN CROSS SEASON PREVIEW AND STARTLING PHOTOS OF FAT CYCLOCROSS RIDER ON <a href="http://www.cxmagazine.com/michigan-cyclocross-ithaca-gp-zevlin-2013" target="_blank">CYCLOCROSS MAGAZINE WEBSITE</a> TODAY! </div>
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Imagine my pride, horror and dismay at having my fat-ass plopped in a story about the Michigan Cyclocross scene today. The photo is courtesy of Big Mac, story I believe is by JB Hancock. It's all about the coming season and the kick-off race at Ithaca in just a month and the entire Michigan schedule. To see it all go <a href="http://www.cxmagazine.com/michigan-cyclocross-ithaca-gp-zevlin-2013" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Also featured in the story was this nice photo of our Michigan Cyclocross cover girl, Sarah McIntyre running up the ramparts of Mad Anthony last year. Mad Anthony is back on the schedule as part of the Tailwind series. Again, you can view all of the series dates and locations <a href="http://www.cxmagazine.com/michigan-cyclocross-ithaca-gp-zevlin-2013" target="_blank">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-27537517254415371352013-08-06T10:24:00.001-04:002013-08-06T10:24:59.888-04:00Gravel Road Riding: AUGUST IS THE NEW SEPTEMBER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Thursday's ride was a good one with: New Guy Dave, Jeff F, Jerry, Dave S, Don G, Kim T, Scott W, and the Shadow rolling up about 33 miles of dirt road goodness.</div>
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Last week's riding was sweet. The roads were good and fast, there were some nice intervals but not a hammer fast, the riding was safe, no big gaps, no half-wheeling, nobody got dropped. It was good times as Gunter Vogler says. The Crazy Bastard rides have been up and rolling for well over a month now, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, far earlier than I've ever seen before, which leads me to believe that August is the new September.</div>
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Since the Crazy Bastard rides have launched so early this year people ask me, "hey dummy, don't you usually do these these stupid rides in the fall?" My answer goes something like this ... "there are a number of reasons for people switching over to gravel riding so early, and if you didn't Google the reasons why, here are mine ... dumbass."</div>
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Road Racing hurts. If you don't believe me watch this video above and tell me if you haven't seen this before. Yeah crits and road races can be dangerous, especially if you or the person you're racing again doesn't know what the f&@k they're doing. I love road racing, but frankly I'm getting too old to get busted up that bad and do all that nasty rehab shit. The sound of popping tires, snapping carbon and the accompanying screams are starting to get to me. I'm just getting old ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq6xx82LoSHqNTh_uCS-HNldnamoyRjz12lxGs6CbU4qa3BrthbeYc2W3xoxtnD1BS_3Q8i5xmDiqBJOQYqBOvr0R8FjTbV2frW4aNCAG2qQzLdPXNZEFf8fd5UIytvurR7winajV7rY/s1600/Guy+hits+tree+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq6xx82LoSHqNTh_uCS-HNldnamoyRjz12lxGs6CbU4qa3BrthbeYc2W3xoxtnD1BS_3Q8i5xmDiqBJOQYqBOvr0R8FjTbV2frW4aNCAG2qQzLdPXNZEFf8fd5UIytvurR7winajV7rY/s400/Guy+hits+tree+photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anybody that thinks Mountain Biking is any safer needs to just look out for that next tree around one of the million-and-half redundant turns featured on our local trails. I have color photographs for future publication of Shawn Davison and Jeff "Slayer" Haney that prove that the human rib is not mightier than the tree.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqge5DLV5CN1-BDdevI2MqrmQesGu6LxRU7HrJuyeJjU2kZ8GPtfZoXQTpj-Umgo7XQ74oUWtyTNkzHcKlt8ynGr3LtgJ5qbaAaXLvong_UFDzILA33Bdf-WYraKwnu2TaQt5Vas910M0/s1600/Katie%2527s+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqge5DLV5CN1-BDdevI2MqrmQesGu6LxRU7HrJuyeJjU2kZ8GPtfZoXQTpj-Umgo7XQ74oUWtyTNkzHcKlt8ynGr3LtgJ5qbaAaXLvong_UFDzILA33Bdf-WYraKwnu2TaQt5Vas910M0/s320/Katie%2527s+wheel.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Riding on the road is also getting pretty damn dangerous. Well it was anyway. I believe this is Katie Hamel's wheel after she was run down by a hit and run driver on her way to the Monday Night Time Trial ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvup0-1KEBXbOZ1RWbR-xpGtyhlL5nVl99xnkdcTrzK0v1sRkGhzCuI3b9ZmdsuM86ee8l59SgdrmUSlVsbYe74bXdjbcB2Lg407GGX05wteglEEcpAjllNpK6JZnxKkTcgEu1TuX0Eo/s1600/Katie+Hamel's+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvup0-1KEBXbOZ1RWbR-xpGtyhlL5nVl99xnkdcTrzK0v1sRkGhzCuI3b9ZmdsuM86ee8l59SgdrmUSlVsbYe74bXdjbcB2Lg407GGX05wteglEEcpAjllNpK6JZnxKkTcgEu1TuX0Eo/s320/Katie+Hamel's+bike.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The driver also adjusted Katie's seat, unless that's one of those new Specialized seats that "moves" with you as you pedal ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyl1msdAzUUC_wdL-0QqrskGiUzlp3ZUQrrQdkIrbhZ57d1HxnUt_VN5ROaPsYI7-6FxVMxUEFH4dQ64aI_PwMFUU5DQbW0OXLPwzfI_gM8z5iywTfETybzOH4MYkFyPjUCaD1vktm0I/s1600/Top+view+Katie's+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyl1msdAzUUC_wdL-0QqrskGiUzlp3ZUQrrQdkIrbhZ57d1HxnUt_VN5ROaPsYI7-6FxVMxUEFH4dQ64aI_PwMFUU5DQbW0OXLPwzfI_gM8z5iywTfETybzOH4MYkFyPjUCaD1vktm0I/s400/Top+view+Katie's+bike.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh yeah, the car is mightier than the carbon bicycle ... that's also a nice derailleur adjustment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHKn9qQrMO48Bqx4HE3DgEY1v-bkDt_pVkbXXQ0nytuyuOm5677A1FbKL75QhT_-pT1NWpRADSO_f0dg_3kyFqXZXpCDyYY8Ba4zUgRAV-pFpROFYuCe5kmHzuKqVcnCCaIEQCVpt_Ow/s1600/Steve+Bartzen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHKn9qQrMO48Bqx4HE3DgEY1v-bkDt_pVkbXXQ0nytuyuOm5677A1FbKL75QhT_-pT1NWpRADSO_f0dg_3kyFqXZXpCDyYY8Ba4zUgRAV-pFpROFYuCe5kmHzuKqVcnCCaIEQCVpt_Ow/s400/Steve+Bartzen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A driver also made some modifications to Steve Bartzen's bike this summer while riding on the road. I believe that was a mountain bike, but I'm not sure, but if it is he should have been out trying to dodge trees with it, not cars. I also notice the shadow is there taking photos again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKl_AlNp6FdwCN3jD7bvXbYUU1q49jrU6qq4NdPcViP5WF7A2Tbkj2orITsCXlWg2SXrZwwYUbIXde6t126oTkUFelSM8QQ4hU_0dHtmcp0DwDX8Jv8OY1cVatK94r0fnC57BUAOdg3dc/s1600/Start+Lot+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKl_AlNp6FdwCN3jD7bvXbYUU1q49jrU6qq4NdPcViP5WF7A2Tbkj2orITsCXlWg2SXrZwwYUbIXde6t126oTkUFelSM8QQ4hU_0dHtmcp0DwDX8Jv8OY1cVatK94r0fnC57BUAOdg3dc/s400/Start+Lot+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So it's my assumption that people like these people above, milling around and fussing with their Garmens and Stravas, are switching from the road, and maybe even the trail (hey you can't ride when it's wet can you?!) for the relative safety of gravel roads where the traffic is lighter and slower and there aren't any trees in the road to hit. Okay Craig hit a tree. And there are deer. And those nasty Sand Hill Cranes that can peck your eyes out. And Swans that will bite you. And Killer Chihauhaus (I wish) and about a billion dumb bunnies that don't do anything dangerous ... oh yeah and the chicken that almost took Craig down ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hfRPU2uJKMwP_8KTIzai_PWaQD8MdVWtYeum3apGggIRsEFiA7Lblan9WeKmZiO5esvf0zr98pWrOMlKinnDTDMMqHjYtb-IFIT-NWaUJtfANvlbJhAilbHNxXe9quw4_497RAKIs20/s1600/Belgy+shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hfRPU2uJKMwP_8KTIzai_PWaQD8MdVWtYeum3apGggIRsEFiA7Lblan9WeKmZiO5esvf0zr98pWrOMlKinnDTDMMqHjYtb-IFIT-NWaUJtfANvlbJhAilbHNxXe9quw4_497RAKIs20/s400/Belgy+shirts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since we are cyclists we can't let anything appear to be too easy or safe so we add some hardman drama to the dirt road riding scene to make it seem like we are living on the edge of crashing or puking our guts out from over the top efforts, like the rest of the cycling world does everyday. A good example is the whole Belgian-The F*ck up brand that's pretty much focused on cross, dirt road riding, and Classics wanna-bees. It tells the world that even though you're scared of road racing, riding on the road, and your ribcage has an allergy to pine trees, you're still a tough guy or gal. So Belgy the F*ck up, okay?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkCI4A6QnKNUYqLOmQkKuw_uhp6GAuUe0DCPk2p3Yz-sNaOcnGnBXdRVUzkbwvlHDu4CyCyag_SKVj0SFUiDV34GcESqpJTVHEcsd5O5n8713lw1l-6TmHq32ea9bzD-dMzikWv5oNOU/s1600/Belgy+Socks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkCI4A6QnKNUYqLOmQkKuw_uhp6GAuUe0DCPk2p3Yz-sNaOcnGnBXdRVUzkbwvlHDu4CyCyag_SKVj0SFUiDV34GcESqpJTVHEcsd5O5n8713lw1l-6TmHq32ea9bzD-dMzikWv5oNOU/s400/Belgy+Socks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you don't believe me that we're infected with the Belgian The F*ck Up theme all you had to do was look around the parking lot before the ride last Thursday .. or any other day there's a ride.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJRfA8Tdc6GcRs4hnvJ6SfNdL93u26yiPx76CSj6nx3Uv0v4rU1Z39SKr7ks2edLkqYIA7_nOBMBGO7rNSONoEX0UeLO9q0HYB2J7MGpM67LiwHux6wxmAR-d2eh2ackZyFc8f8eG2ao/s1600/Socks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJRfA8Tdc6GcRs4hnvJ6SfNdL93u26yiPx76CSj6nx3Uv0v4rU1Z39SKr7ks2edLkqYIA7_nOBMBGO7rNSONoEX0UeLO9q0HYB2J7MGpM67LiwHux6wxmAR-d2eh2ackZyFc8f8eG2ao/s320/Socks.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Solid yellow not tough enough and make you look chicken? Then add a bit of some baby blue to your Manly Belgy kit like Big Mac does.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSFdOJtMPpYVIazEKszMaqEKEaYeTiJODtGWQadmjX0w7FCspL1qVCqd7sMC20NJVWhjcs32kcUziVilGAgQBx7JP6CK-aPOhPsCG583JrRxJZe3og5kmYpSCqJrf826mQ4ZGPRHbbTc/s1600/weiner.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSFdOJtMPpYVIazEKszMaqEKEaYeTiJODtGWQadmjX0w7FCspL1qVCqd7sMC20NJVWhjcs32kcUziVilGAgQBx7JP6CK-aPOhPsCG583JrRxJZe3og5kmYpSCqJrf826mQ4ZGPRHbbTc/s400/weiner.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="265" /></a><br />
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Carlos Danger lives the life of danger. Why not me?</div>
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I refuse to pretend the life of danger with Belgy socks or kit. I have a whole new game. To make sure that I am safe, yet appearing to live the life of "danger" on tonight's ride I'm going to ride this sturdy bike and Kevlar suit - yet I am going to change my name from Surly Bastard to "CARLOS DANGER" just ot make myself look way-badass. What do you think? Maybe I'll lose the lapel pin though, don't want stick myself - but I'll be at Townsend tonight for a roll-out at 6:30.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-72840850558129044872013-07-24T10:48:00.000-04:002013-07-24T11:03:08.837-04:00THE YELLOW JERSEY THAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw5hj-aRc8dVDZu-Ta_7UNH9hzTM5r8LNAErrVcgkyVrfZH18OjRN-MfB4rjlBwuTVfLirr-EKGy8UqMM5Zhaj3ld7b88j-UKdGByFxkqw0AvysZIKgwvvs1JbqlsKIUsTv8H6pE_k5k/s1600/Yellow+Guy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw5hj-aRc8dVDZu-Ta_7UNH9hzTM5r8LNAErrVcgkyVrfZH18OjRN-MfB4rjlBwuTVfLirr-EKGy8UqMM5Zhaj3ld7b88j-UKdGByFxkqw0AvysZIKgwvvs1JbqlsKIUsTv8H6pE_k5k/s400/Yellow+Guy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wear this yellow jersey everyday. It won't come off.</div>
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There's only a yellow jersey that will actually stand the test of time - jaundice caused by liver failure by one too many chemicals and drugs in the system. Actually I'm not saying that the new champ is riding dirty, and I hope against hope that in fact that he's not. I cheered him on even when he was picking on that little guy in the mountains that weighed like 75 lbs. and was riding a miniature bike (actually a size 44).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9MPZqE7OGgAD2I_nN29kbYc9GaQxY2wbHfC89n1yMYCOqKn08iYth8rEfN9ZKBhThmjlZTqQrDVbXHfi-0GHs8uuMWxdYOA88vxuWYldufNyo5jwii5lHJkehskLbReO_lThkjnP_9E/s1600/Podium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9MPZqE7OGgAD2I_nN29kbYc9GaQxY2wbHfC89n1yMYCOqKn08iYth8rEfN9ZKBhThmjlZTqQrDVbXHfi-0GHs8uuMWxdYOA88vxuWYldufNyo5jwii5lHJkehskLbReO_lThkjnP_9E/s400/Podium.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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When you see this you know the TdF has officially entered the "Lab" Stage.</div>
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But now the riding is behind us and we've entered that TdF period where the cheering has died away and the waiting for the lab test to come back begins ... so to say the thrill is gone is like yeah, it is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRyh62jRmXhliEjK_Efl9Ft8V_NqYxLXvAFY5EiOros-Ao86q_Rq-qTyHiuI5wC3vRlMuSRudCeiBZ49_ncreetdy7U_vVtIvZ0pmn7npI-yvPkuM5uLU0JIon1K2fUbUNlfouIN0j3s/s1600/Louis+Pasteur.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRyh62jRmXhliEjK_Efl9Ft8V_NqYxLXvAFY5EiOros-Ao86q_Rq-qTyHiuI5wC3vRlMuSRudCeiBZ49_ncreetdy7U_vVtIvZ0pmn7npI-yvPkuM5uLU0JIon1K2fUbUNlfouIN0j3s/s400/Louis+Pasteur.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Louis, who's riding dirty this time?</div>
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Every wonder why it takes to so long to get TdF lab results back? Contador's meat took two years to cook, and Lance, why hell it took a turn of the century to go by to get the bottom of whatever that was. The main reason it takes so long, in my opinion is French Labs - and the fact all the work is still being done by Louis Pasteur who has been dead a long time. Nice guy, smart guy, but a French guy, and that means a different set of values, priorities and work ethic - like taking constant coffee, cigarette and sex breaks breaks with partners that are half your age plus seven.<br />
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Here's who I think should do the testing. Hell if we had this guy doing the testing we would have the cheating riders busted before they could even throw their hands over their heads at the finish line.</div>
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<b>WHEN I DISCOVERED THE TOUR WAS REALLY OVER ...</b></div>
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Is the Tour over? Where's the remote? Where's my f*ckin cheeseburger?<br />
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The realization that we were in the "Lab" stage of the TdF hit me like a cold cheeseburger glued to the floor was on Monday morning when I awoke on the floor, as I always do, finished last night's meal that had "cured" on the floor like a fine tubular tire, groped around until I found the television remote, and turned on my massive flat screen, and I was shocked to learn that the TdF was finally over with for 2013, or whatever year this is. No longer would I start my morning with Phil trying to figure out what country he was in, what year it was, and what those guys on those two-wheeled thingies were doing riding around in their underwear ... well the TdF was officially over and it was time to get on with my own riding.<br />
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Since it was Monday it was time to get back on the bike and start TTing again. I don't know if you know it, but there is a local TT that happens ever Monday night. About 1000 people do it every Monday, and finishers will often come in around midnight. I'm not saying you need lights, but better have a team car with the brights on to lead you home ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhTd0uRiUBYkUokfHPG7IFqf-yKNzEPYmW_g94syhjOG9fOvUUlumnabP3Dx-INxmiSKkB2vcY2hJxbi9Ab8Oll7_hxhwpZQoJ__rZFhegSLbJ8qllCt3k17NbVUQUDID4_CucV39h-k/s1600/Crazy+TT+Donut+Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhTd0uRiUBYkUokfHPG7IFqf-yKNzEPYmW_g94syhjOG9fOvUUlumnabP3Dx-INxmiSKkB2vcY2hJxbi9Ab8Oll7_hxhwpZQoJ__rZFhegSLbJ8qllCt3k17NbVUQUDID4_CucV39h-k/s400/Crazy+TT+Donut+Bike.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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A new TT bike with the latest materials and an awesome-ass position. So why am I so slow?</div>
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This year I made the mistake of buying a new TT bike. It takes years to dial in a TT bike correctly and I'm thinking that by the time I get this one dialed in I will have been dead and buried for about five-years. Yeah, what the hell I was thinking ... I was going to live forever?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DZP06KYd97jT_bMkQE7r-h_VqWlpu-TRcGXFnVBK0iVcOU1rj9wyPQYyQa2ksztcCUxlJOnxXq80a9ssaSg0WFt_gX7_8F7cixl_8nVOoToZcvbytQ3T8-anMeuebs3qDrRtBNSWS4s/s1600/TT+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DZP06KYd97jT_bMkQE7r-h_VqWlpu-TRcGXFnVBK0iVcOU1rj9wyPQYyQa2ksztcCUxlJOnxXq80a9ssaSg0WFt_gX7_8F7cixl_8nVOoToZcvbytQ3T8-anMeuebs3qDrRtBNSWS4s/s400/TT+2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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I experimented with some different TT bikes and positions. This one was okay, but it always felt like something was missing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiTsJ7P7envj09wZAfKlnu68PjWZ_1lLEwVLYlwtX_8-yw3TuUaIOAp39TGKh7m28-VIlXzC6ir9Pd3A33drxasB_UbZ1NCjYf342ErGarrCYLy-nmVSEsQU1j1USXonSIOAfoNd1NZY/s1600/TT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiTsJ7P7envj09wZAfKlnu68PjWZ_1lLEwVLYlwtX_8-yw3TuUaIOAp39TGKh7m28-VIlXzC6ir9Pd3A33drxasB_UbZ1NCjYf342ErGarrCYLy-nmVSEsQU1j1USXonSIOAfoNd1NZY/s400/TT1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I even tried Nairo Quintana's TT bike<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">. Something about the sizing was off ...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhV7EUpYXZ4pwIJMs1yNcJmoXZSNZG77z5jXgq5YW7qaBqz8mZOD2g2sgqcdXu1IgANhMgr03_xK-sEcaUo0ywSteAEyTOkCo5wKf7lCwlcxeAFopbAoB0itaBpx-rKWEb1OUDgLnDTw/s1600/Vonn+Skier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhV7EUpYXZ4pwIJMs1yNcJmoXZSNZG77z5jXgq5YW7qaBqz8mZOD2g2sgqcdXu1IgANhMgr03_xK-sEcaUo0ywSteAEyTOkCo5wKf7lCwlcxeAFopbAoB0itaBpx-rKWEb1OUDgLnDTw/s400/Vonn+Skier.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a><br />
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Finally I got the the position "dialed" as they say at HUP United Headquarters. I used Lindsey Von as a model to achieve the correct "tuck." the only problem is that my skirt-tails keep getting caught in my rear derailleur - the big plus are the aerodynamic pointy-pumps.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KFr-U-ZS5bnUGauK0CD81RNiczVMtrrk_CTfzHptMm8gMHHhFI86zHvuAuPmlJZE7H4Ef8vrryXtM20kquPYEYtCB2Pus0og0aYf5fVf5hWAm1IIfByt-iqVotPKVhZ6-_EbWR1nj7w/s1600/Bike+Garmins.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KFr-U-ZS5bnUGauK0CD81RNiczVMtrrk_CTfzHptMm8gMHHhFI86zHvuAuPmlJZE7H4Ef8vrryXtM20kquPYEYtCB2Pus0og0aYf5fVf5hWAm1IIfByt-iqVotPKVhZ6-_EbWR1nj7w/s400/Bike+Garmins.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br />
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How fast. How far. What time. How much time. How do I look. How do you look. It's all right here.<br />
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This year I have also had a time and language barrier issue with the starters at the TT and have had an occasion to miss my start times for reasons I have yet to fully understand. I don't know if we're not speaking the same language, or I'm operating in a different time zone, or what - so I have pumped up the technology to try to resolve the problem. (Unfortunately, it just ain't working.) So if you're waiting to see me "slay" the Monday night TT any time soon, don't hold your breath, or that inhaler you're always huffing on before the start.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEnkEjCAV3YA0D2FbpntSWXjzDZCa0HJ6-OTDSiORP3EBM20Lhlus_bqrTXqoc5aYEsaPYqXvQlZtlul6tlgtRoFgSi3FzKV-tfo-NdG_IbkL97T3DBjU8sic-DaFEfx1wIekmH5huHM/s1600/Girl+on+Scott+Mountain+Bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEnkEjCAV3YA0D2FbpntSWXjzDZCa0HJ6-OTDSiORP3EBM20Lhlus_bqrTXqoc5aYEsaPYqXvQlZtlul6tlgtRoFgSi3FzKV-tfo-NdG_IbkL97T3DBjU8sic-DaFEfx1wIekmH5huHM/s400/Girl+on+Scott+Mountain+Bike.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
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New bike. New position. Yeah, this is more like it.<br />
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So I'm giving up TTing, but not biking. I think I'll see if I can suck at Mountain Biking as much as I'm sucking at the other cycling genres. Now to get my mountain bike position "dialed." I think this it.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-70405882759921260662013-07-19T11:16:00.000-04:002013-07-19T11:33:04.596-04:00 HEAT WAVE GRAVEL GRINDING DROWNING BEERS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Townsend Park Cooling Station. The only way to beat the l,000˚ F heat last night was with tree-lined roads and a bike that generates it's own air-conditioning. It was still pretty damn hot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKFt4gy2YyjswPwRfWDNFiDn4O0K4Vahe588J4eXiV4VNum3zscOKvrpxtIkKvjZM6aDwrK5Sa6ElSG7iFTT41kmHtN5ucgOHixWVEdAZ_mYRu44Ixal9Z8Qw9bwk9SkSgwXR4jDQqn8/s1600/burning-man-2012-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKFt4gy2YyjswPwRfWDNFiDn4O0K4Vahe588J4eXiV4VNum3zscOKvrpxtIkKvjZM6aDwrK5Sa6ElSG7iFTT41kmHtN5ucgOHixWVEdAZ_mYRu44Ixal9Z8Qw9bwk9SkSgwXR4jDQqn8/s400/burning-man-2012-40.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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With the trees this is what it looked like - in fact this was somewhere along Ashley and 7-mile (though I don't think her name is Ashley). And yes, no it never happened.</div>
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So it's hot. Don't tell me about the heat, I don't want to hear it anymore, okay? I don't care. And neither did a few Crazy Bastards who put in a few nice gravel grinding miles last night (Scott Walburn, Jeff Festian, Lee Boughner and myself) . It's been two-weeks now and the rides have been rolling around pretty steadily on Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 for around 30-miles a pop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sZmzM5jWrhbUDLni7zqt6Hc4KBkKwsrMRcfOyoOTqbWKlDweaTgoq3QT5Ro75ihNd5MI07UEjs0NvKSNU5AXp61gUqdYGQqnEoTeDs71ti0pIJjRvJAXHQpU9OYyMQNgH9u5694eNAM/s1600/Scott+Walburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sZmzM5jWrhbUDLni7zqt6Hc4KBkKwsrMRcfOyoOTqbWKlDweaTgoq3QT5Ro75ihNd5MI07UEjs0NvKSNU5AXp61gUqdYGQqnEoTeDs71ti0pIJjRvJAXHQpU9OYyMQNgH9u5694eNAM/s400/Scott+Walburn.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Tuesday I got my motor pacing work on the wheel of Big Mac. Last night it was this horse pulling us along - Scott Walburn. Scott has killed more varmints on dirt roads with that front wheel and has ridden more pretenders off that rear wheel than you've had Margarita's with Beers stuffed in them at the Score after a ride. If you don't know what I mean, it's this thing ... yeah, what the hell is this, anyway? Something they serve at the Score, or as Flying Bats calls it, THE ZONE.</div>
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If this looks good to you for anything more than icing down a bruise, well you may have some issues with alcohol, appropriate glassware use and putting contaminates in your beverages.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHTJGQow318nR_5NZihkhq_d_mdgLsOuRGiW8KPvHsOd-vFSxia8zJ9lDfmYz7ww313ZLrFghhWC7cKvbvQZrUX4uM7fRnrH669UHrDgo0CC4tBeymqjj1iZ51pAGEF-Q1Lag48HD9p0/s1600/Jeff+F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHTJGQow318nR_5NZihkhq_d_mdgLsOuRGiW8KPvHsOd-vFSxia8zJ9lDfmYz7ww313ZLrFghhWC7cKvbvQZrUX4uM7fRnrH669UHrDgo0CC4tBeymqjj1iZ51pAGEF-Q1Lag48HD9p0/s400/Jeff+F.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another Crazy Bastard Original out to beat the heat and grind the gravel last night - Jeff Festian, aka Werdy Bastard, only in 1000˚ F heat last night nobody was that chatty.</div>
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Like everyone, Jeff's bike was loaded with drinks. An essential additive for like, uh, not dying. Lee was rocking a MTB ... one of those things with big fat wheels.</div>
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This rolled a little over 28 miles last night. Considering the pace and effort of staying on Scott's wheel, that was enough for me.</div>
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On the front end my other tire wasn't quite up to making the ride without taking a piss. It went flat about 4-miles from the finish. Too hot and lazy to change the tube I just gassed it up with CO2s to keep it rolling. Thankfully the tire gave its last gasp at the Grandpa Van - and thanks to Lee for helping me limp home after the other guys thought that a flat tire was a good time to throw in one last 1000˚, no PSI in my tire attack. (Hmmm, first time I've rolled this ride without tubular tires this year - maybe the last.)</div>
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Toweling off and considering the options for hydration and carbloading after the ride. I can't tell whether Jeff is doing a Roman Emperor thing or Japanese Bath thing. Of course I took this photo while wearing a kilt, wooden shoes and a white wig. After a little toweling off we decided to go to THE ZONE for refreshments and some air conditioning. </div>
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While the drinks and food at THE ZONE were awesome, the waitress sucked. I mean sucked. Well I think you know what I mean. Nice ride. See you on the other side of the Heat Wave on Tuesday, same place, same Crazy Bastard Time. Roads are in great shape, no traffic, and great guys to ride with - right now. How long is it to Ice Man? I'll ask the waitress at THE ZONE, I'm sure she'll know.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-15983000791252030492013-07-11T11:25:00.002-04:002013-07-11T11:29:21.444-04:00GOING FOR THE NUCLEAR OPTION - BIG MAC'S BIG BIKE VAN <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Leave it to Big Mac (aka Adam McIntyre) to escalate bike carrying capacity for this year's Cross Season with the introduction of a dedicated big bike van to carry all his and Sarah's gear. Here's a shot of the new van from my helicopter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLXW8WTZfytRwhRK599DTEdYhpB4w7XqDMEJTK-1uMQlWKxYfzFWBDb21GF-ET1y2QQTS850Pm9Rv33DGhnZT_M0JwWTaOPtj4NwwPtmRTO3vbNqlvyOd1UcaMYpBpDxS_WYEM_X5dME/s1600/Ithaca+Pit+Trailer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLXW8WTZfytRwhRK599DTEdYhpB4w7XqDMEJTK-1uMQlWKxYfzFWBDb21GF-ET1y2QQTS850Pm9Rv33DGhnZT_M0JwWTaOPtj4NwwPtmRTO3vbNqlvyOd1UcaMYpBpDxS_WYEM_X5dME/s400/Ithaca+Pit+Trailer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Many of you will remember Big Mac's Long Trailer, introduced at last year's 2012 Ithaca Grand Prix of Cyclocross (which is now only a couple of month's away!) While the Long trailer could carry a lot of gear it didn't have the capacity to a gobble up all the bikes and wheels slated this year's campaign. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhausd5VJD8cemVHFxMDtG1EWrvBl4xUsgIW4tfacUrtEI-We35oMictxu0oG7v3BiEZDJVOITHPIXcZI1rV5Zeoiw1l3E5hpxHSV5V2YvceisAasWKW_js7WoOHdniGmv5FVVJIa4NJTY/s1600/IMG_0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhausd5VJD8cemVHFxMDtG1EWrvBl4xUsgIW4tfacUrtEI-We35oMictxu0oG7v3BiEZDJVOITHPIXcZI1rV5Zeoiw1l3E5hpxHSV5V2YvceisAasWKW_js7WoOHdniGmv5FVVJIa4NJTY/s400/IMG_0340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sarah McIntyre, at Tuesday Night's dirt road ride, where Big Mac's Big Bike Van made it's biking debut. Did she hit it with a bottle of Champagne? No, we think it was Spicy Feta Dip. Hope it didn't hurt the paint.</div>
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The yawning side door of the Big Bike Van yawns open like a giant bike and gear swallowing throat. I'm jealous. I'd put a bed, and arm chair and a reading lamp right there. Big Mac will probably put a wheel rack, an arc welder, an air compressor and something else that goes cha-chunka-chunka-chucka in that spot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uy0-xuEarR-ktMjituNjxWtgqmClKfBy27EIhBi-4TH0O_vVHqptUOxd_EPwVHrr27ZN0SrYAR8ROGq0rNygI3BGJgjeEFPnui_whthLrzv4uwvpkHeCUWuBNw_C6RuN4vQSbcmR4_M/s1600/IMG_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uy0-xuEarR-ktMjituNjxWtgqmClKfBy27EIhBi-4TH0O_vVHqptUOxd_EPwVHrr27ZN0SrYAR8ROGq0rNygI3BGJgjeEFPnui_whthLrzv4uwvpkHeCUWuBNw_C6RuN4vQSbcmR4_M/s400/IMG_0348.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Got Bikes? Well if you do, here's where you stack them up. More big, yawning openings to swallow loads of bikes and cross crap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH2L5sKi9adbnCVJf68zXbls5Lx86MuLBh2yLeIP_8S3lcEBGO7ls_TXimdq8vE-616-HHluaviJcTTqRQfb5i7hyJfxhd0s1EEeidwjvFeklPP1-J7yK-LJAYLTcaTsS9nDAG_eUPDA/s1600/IMG_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlH2L5sKi9adbnCVJf68zXbls5Lx86MuLBh2yLeIP_8S3lcEBGO7ls_TXimdq8vE-616-HHluaviJcTTqRQfb5i7hyJfxhd0s1EEeidwjvFeklPP1-J7yK-LJAYLTcaTsS9nDAG_eUPDA/s400/IMG_0347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the Bike Bike Van shot from a hundred miles away, which makes it look slightly smaller. Its sole purpose in life is carrying bikes to bike races, and that's it. Think you've seen it before? Yeah you have. Watch the following clip about wheel sucking and you'll know where ... the most famous Big Bike Van ever? Possibly.</div>
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Even if you don't have a Big Bike Van you can still ride tonight. Some of us will be out to Townsend Park for a 6:30 roll time. See you Bike and Big Van fans!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-22206459951635223652013-06-26T12:26:00.001-04:002013-06-26T12:29:13.691-04:00THE FARMER GETS HIS JUST BEERSSERTS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Happy, Hoppy Farmer, Nate Versluis celebrates the release of his own beer at Harmony Brewing Company. First Prize for being just too awesome on a Fat Bike.</div>
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I am way behind on my always inaccurate and highly opinionated cycling scene news, and before time and my declining mental capacity completely wash away the past, along with the injection those Federal Agents just gave me, here's a quick look back. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgV_4-C1Pi5IznRBNRG_txYsyxiyha4QMjYqV3rybL-3cji23EfP786CFPyb6KYl3xzszq3SAc1-HMuEpwsV3r_-cYcg7HNRTPA7vNBxVDlQ6ZwNExN3I5edi8O7Wfmq6GeSl7uxF7VcM/s1600/Nate+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgV_4-C1Pi5IznRBNRG_txYsyxiyha4QMjYqV3rybL-3cji23EfP786CFPyb6KYl3xzszq3SAc1-HMuEpwsV3r_-cYcg7HNRTPA7vNBxVDlQ6ZwNExN3I5edi8O7Wfmq6GeSl7uxF7VcM/s400/Nate+Sign.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">One of the most important "cycle-happenings" this spring was the release of the Hoppy Farmer beer at the Harmony Brewery in Eastown, honoring The Farmer, a.k.a. Nate Versluis, of <a href="http://www.farmteamracing.com/" target="_blank">Farm Team Racing</a>. The naming of the beer was actually an award for winning the Farmer's Fat Bike Race Series this past winter - since winter is when you race on those things and spring and summer is for not only celebrating your accomplishments on a Fat Bike, but also celebrating the fact that you no longer have to ride those miserable, overweight two-wheeled pieces of fad-a-licious velomonstrousities - at least until the snow flies again. Okay so one man's </span>velomonstrousity<span class="Apple-style-span"> is another man's Fat Bike - so don't name a beer after me, see if I care.</span></div>
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For those of you that aren't familiar with Fat Bike Racing, or the notion that anybody would even think of racing big lumbering two-wheel lorries, here's a taste of how The Farmer got his "Just Beersserts."</div>
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Harmony Brewing Company is where it all went down. Nice place, but park your #$^%!@!! Fat Bike at the curb, please. The Brew-house is one of 14,000,000,000 breweries now open in Grand Rapids. In fact all the home in GR are now Brew Houses and we have to all go to Rockford to sleep at night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4iS7SGzny9kBz27PlfXatHLpVv9baeaHMyU282_jKR_mNrFWC8udYz5qz1zbj8MBqlIdf85INv2vmXAK9AfR4xftTg0ussEjxZS3Et8JG9bv7RlA6emyXfRv3GRfIIZ3JEFAI0__GBU/s1600/Hendershot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4iS7SGzny9kBz27PlfXatHLpVv9baeaHMyU282_jKR_mNrFWC8udYz5qz1zbj8MBqlIdf85INv2vmXAK9AfR4xftTg0ussEjxZS3Et8JG9bv7RlA6emyXfRv3GRfIIZ3JEFAI0__GBU/s400/Hendershot.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mark Hendershot parked his Fat Bike at the curb, as did other celebrities that arrived for the Hoppy Farmer beer release. You can just see the fender of my Rolls on the left. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0dO-lau4q3zvHTgBHfu8WtYlP4pctglGsM2dyQgQGpWJgJZD_jK-bn_pxTf8Y_KemZXK-gGs7TOHnzBhQYTrHiK5ebg5FAhyphenhyphenYg8tfepZ6kR2aGXwJy7ILAr9jYo1Upf3q46eqTHV4fo/s1600/Nate+and+bike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0dO-lau4q3zvHTgBHfu8WtYlP4pctglGsM2dyQgQGpWJgJZD_jK-bn_pxTf8Y_KemZXK-gGs7TOHnzBhQYTrHiK5ebg5FAhyphenhyphenYg8tfepZ6kR2aGXwJy7ILAr9jYo1Upf3q46eqTHV4fo/s400/Nate+and+bike.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nate even rode in on the Fat Bike that carried him to victory for the crowd to to see and admire its large an big tires - and to ride home - maybe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHM_qXLcSmZKGWTZxhQKaM7WsGe-FR-reoUG7B77sPEC8JphjdhkCWVlhpNfsCKJjj9g-to5skl5W-0pqBwICiz4Co0e0cVwVkeRgAG_0If8h7GSz47RJYpgRVkfEbBL7gMr6pTTtyG4/s1600/Crowd+at+Party.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHM_qXLcSmZKGWTZxhQKaM7WsGe-FR-reoUG7B77sPEC8JphjdhkCWVlhpNfsCKJjj9g-to5skl5W-0pqBwICiz4Co0e0cVwVkeRgAG_0If8h7GSz47RJYpgRVkfEbBL7gMr6pTTtyG4/s400/Crowd+at+Party.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The place was packed with people I knew and didn't know. Here's the Farmer's Wife, Sheri, right, toasting the Hoppy Farmer with two people I don't know and don't care about.</div>
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Kim Kordecki, Matt Mead and others beer and bike aficiandos crowd the bar waiting for a taste of the new Hoppy Farmer beer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JwuV969wLsDo4AHDgW56cjZXf2bT1QEaKp0GjqFU2zM2ojsT6ZazcqknrwDqhe-czn5iHTOxg_7eb42LIXjdiJP4TchcQzsxE9qHg37wZbtXp1gwXgJSikdonfG8tO5K8yn6yE8Dwrc/s1600/Beer+glass+WA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JwuV969wLsDo4AHDgW56cjZXf2bT1QEaKp0GjqFU2zM2ojsT6ZazcqknrwDqhe-czn5iHTOxg_7eb42LIXjdiJP4TchcQzsxE9qHg37wZbtXp1gwXgJSikdonfG8tO5K8yn6yE8Dwrc/s400/Beer+glass+WA.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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I even tried the Hoppy Farmer, though I'm not much of a beer critic - plus I don't have any tattoos which disqualifies me as a craft beer judge. My verdict, however: very good and tasty beer. While I could taste the hops, I couldn't catch a hint of any farmer - which is a good thing, I guess.</div>
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Cupcake seemed to enjoy the Hoopy Farmer, even though there wasn't any cupcake flavoring it. Or frosting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdByFCCn8hfpEnoVqvK6JyCmFCy7RVDN9cpNz3PMluZ_Cl82CFniicvUPA0uhklVbMTKlUhWXQoFtfw8robNJyRWNopnRw4TH3LpLyrDKwrYKqH8ypfvipOiCXDn6V6T4sp8_y1z9HAXc/s1600/Logging+Miles+T+shirts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdByFCCn8hfpEnoVqvK6JyCmFCy7RVDN9cpNz3PMluZ_Cl82CFniicvUPA0uhklVbMTKlUhWXQoFtfw8robNJyRWNopnRw4TH3LpLyrDKwrYKqH8ypfvipOiCXDn6V6T4sp8_y1z9HAXc/s400/Logging+Miles+T+shirts.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cupcake sported Fat Bike appropriate fashion for the occasion. This seems the perfect application for a Fat Bike - logging. I'm buying one right now, growing a beard, getting an axe and a plaid shirt.</div>
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The Farmer enjoyed his Hoppy Farmer Beer. Oh yeah ... he enjoyed the hell out of it.</div>
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... as did other members of the <a href="http://www.farmteamracing.com/" target="_blank">Farm Team</a> like Joe S. Not that's not the camera that's blurred, that's Joe.</div>
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But just as every Fat Bike race season comes to an end with the melting of the snow, the celebration of a Big Fat Bike Series win has to come to an end as well ... as soon as the last keg is drained ...</div>
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... and what started as a celebration of Fat Bike supremacy for the Farmer ends up face first on the Easton sidewalk like any Blues Fan kicked out of Billies on a Friday Night. It must be an Eastown thing, ya think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-79733453737010845142013-06-13T16:01:00.000-04:002013-06-13T16:01:00.721-04:00Holy Bike Crashipotimus Batman!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkVlEAfcOmtJDVORm93Qj8zVB3B4gKVst7RSVWMDdWsUisxb_TxcvgkHYvog-Gi9QhfWOhqConQflcFdZe8HTd0fYRV5LJdkpQbRWUGfp4qV2yKWb-c1rn6vKCUZ3vRW4NSh3iXYeXaM/s1600/Crash!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkVlEAfcOmtJDVORm93Qj8zVB3B4gKVst7RSVWMDdWsUisxb_TxcvgkHYvog-Gi9QhfWOhqConQflcFdZe8HTd0fYRV5LJdkpQbRWUGfp4qV2yKWb-c1rn6vKCUZ3vRW4NSh3iXYeXaM/s400/Crash!.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Racing crashes can happen for no reason at all and are often just bad luck. But this fixed-gear-night-Crit, as reported, photographed and posted by You Got Dropped! was pretty much a sure thing. Promoters could have listed a "Crash" on the program. Below is the video version, from the other side of the course.</i></div>
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Road season is in full-swing. I can tell it is when I get a call on a sunny weekend afternoon informing that my friend so-so crashed at the Tour de Saginaw, Tour de Hudsonville, Tour de Lamont, or Tour de-something-or-other and broke their______________.</div>
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a) Collarbone</div>
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b) Arm</div>
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c) Leg</div>
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d) Finger or Thumb</div>
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e) Skull</div>
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f) Carbon bike or wheels</div>
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g) Ass</div>
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h) Oakley's</div>
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i) Hotel Room Card Key</div>
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j) Newt team kit</div>
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k) The ratchet on new white Sidi's</div>
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<i>Tough Guy Mike Krywanski chats up what he thinks about crashing.</i></div>
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Not too long ago I got the bad news that Mike Krywanski, (shown above in an amazing celebrity look-a-like photo) suffered a very damaging crash in mile 97 of the Tour de Middle of Michigan (or something like that), in the Cat 1-2's. Mike's a tough racer and like many experienced "Masters" has the mad bike skillz to "Land on His Wallet" and save his more valuable hide to race again another day. This time Mike wasn't so fortunate and it looks like he may be out for the rest of the season. Our thoughts are with him, but we are sure he will be back racing again soon. Get well Mike!</div>
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<b>TWO WAY TRAFFIC CRIT = CRASH CARNAGE AND VIRAL VIDEO</b></div>
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While there are any number of reasons for crashes, like blowouts, crappy riding, or fried chicken grease all over the road, sometimes you can chalk it up to course design and traffic control. You need to watch this whole video. It just keeps getting worse and worse. Bunny-hopping a downed soccer mom and getting a concrete facial is no way to race.</div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/68001999">Crystal City</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user323022">Patriot</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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<b>ANATOMY OF A BIKE RACING CRASH SERVED FRANKENMUTH FAMILY FRIED CHICKEN STYLE</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRms7t5DUwanThwL4fR6d6WqMvFci_2HYq_09mkgUI6eXkrl-3bJOU8Pd4dghLd5vkXocVlS0lomQSu5Mn0tNuvtAqwDxPP8X3RlJljaccho9ibLsCh8zaN3J_GrqjTd7RA6bgmHNdWY4/s1600/Crash+Frankenmuth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRms7t5DUwanThwL4fR6d6WqMvFci_2HYq_09mkgUI6eXkrl-3bJOU8Pd4dghLd5vkXocVlS0lomQSu5Mn0tNuvtAqwDxPP8X3RlJljaccho9ibLsCh8zaN3J_GrqjTd7RA6bgmHNdWY4/s400/Crash+Frankenmuth.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Matt Norton, Free Wheeler team, hidden by a scrum consisting of members of his team and medics in front of a greasy chicken factory, crashed just after the finishing sprint of the Tour de Frankenmuth.</i> </div>
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Examination of this crash, in the video (below), tells us that a race is never over, even when it's over. You'll notice there was a lot of Oakley destruction, new kit shredding and carbon bike and wheel cracking. Thankfully Matt fully recovered from the crash and will once again be out there destroying equipment, kit, and those expensive Oakley's. </div>
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If you don't have time to go through the video, examining it frame by frame to discover the source of the crash, let me make it easy for you. I recorded a series of shots that show you exactly where it all when pear-shaped. Follow along and learn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOQ88cUynCA0TX1_FIYZWC_-oOLBkJdPv8zBZ7-ViCsjQIp5VxBm5PZTmsKzxvPrqbdvezyU-lHR1mINgW3gkd1OItzDyGaRaXiyOO2LIrqVShz_Ao_OXV88ovzPM1RTwNOrMsaFL8vA/s1600/Frankenmuth+Sprint.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOQ88cUynCA0TX1_FIYZWC_-oOLBkJdPv8zBZ7-ViCsjQIp5VxBm5PZTmsKzxvPrqbdvezyU-lHR1mINgW3gkd1OItzDyGaRaXiyOO2LIrqVShz_Ao_OXV88ovzPM1RTwNOrMsaFL8vA/s400/Frankenmuth+Sprint.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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1. Here's where it starts to go all wrong. Too many in the group and every single of one of them thinks they can win it. A formula for disaster. See the guy up the hill, in the back, that looks dropped? That's the way you do it. First or way-back last are the two safest place to be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKKoyEUR4l0BBelUzXX97S17etSHpchJS24jVMhLt8mqC7ZHURUs_Y_os5euZX1T0bnMcIPVwJ3umbzHSdaSQS60y8hrGKBuEjTdNIMlxw4ncTtMUpTt3NxY381XtbjXr2O5WnWyosg0/s1600/Frankenmuth+Sprint+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKKoyEUR4l0BBelUzXX97S17etSHpchJS24jVMhLt8mqC7ZHURUs_Y_os5euZX1T0bnMcIPVwJ3umbzHSdaSQS60y8hrGKBuEjTdNIMlxw4ncTtMUpTt3NxY381XtbjXr2O5WnWyosg0/s400/Frankenmuth+Sprint+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. I can smell the rubber burning and hear the carbon snapping before it even happens, looking at this. Guys spread all over the road, out of gas, but still trying way to hard even though this thing is as done as a bucket of chicken bones. Essentially this is the "Crashed Guys Still Riding," picture. Again, the guy back up the road is doing it right in my book. I believe he's shaking his fist, celebrating his teammate's win, as if he led him out. Chances are they aren't on the same team and he's never seen the guy who won in his life. Well done dude!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sFxV7fAcuLqrT3qz_gEiZ_t88ITI7vNhzWBtnajQD0tfRMYu5FkN_fOPSjh9JklzjScskY1RNqRz2QouFMzYSwaSG3zHNE63ySvKyCS_bjgPQn2N4uv8MgZYjUymp8jl-nVc_ySE2Z4/s1600/Sprint+3+Finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sFxV7fAcuLqrT3qz_gEiZ_t88ITI7vNhzWBtnajQD0tfRMYu5FkN_fOPSjh9JklzjScskY1RNqRz2QouFMzYSwaSG3zHNE63ySvKyCS_bjgPQn2N4uv8MgZYjUymp8jl-nVc_ySE2Z4/s400/Sprint+3+Finish.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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3. Here the race is as over as my racing career is right now. At this point in the race just keep pedaling in a straight line and start thinking about where you want that post-race fried chicken. But while you think the race is over, some doofus has decided to put his head down and sprint for 26th, or has hit that chicken fat slick ... or something else that you, or somebody like Matt, never saw coming ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONNcLxo5Dc9KhmwRK6Y9xaqAX3PGb7da7IysovjNNqNckidTokqPv2O-vPkpYLr4aFzi3Haoa4icoBuUn_x5PLElRlaz1llDIekFS5p0fq0dYL-UuS3J6s0OJDdouUc8NvQyBzM8fGA8/s1600/Batman-Pow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONNcLxo5Dc9KhmwRK6Y9xaqAX3PGb7da7IysovjNNqNckidTokqPv2O-vPkpYLr4aFzi3Haoa4icoBuUn_x5PLElRlaz1llDIekFS5p0fq0dYL-UuS3J6s0OJDdouUc8NvQyBzM8fGA8/s400/Batman-Pow.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div>
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4. Batman! This happened so fast you can't even see it on the video because Batman popped in between frames. Luckily I caught it on my super-speed atomic race camera. It appears that Batman jumped out of his Frankenmuth Chicken suit and punched somebody, probably Matt, right in his carbon wheel, or maybe even right in his Oakley's! You bastard Batman!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fvnJtktZuIwfcNi3y1TaZpgcIUm33PvOOSlCmh-EriPb7u2s5_lvMwYV1NUE7EjKmqW6KdX_mpg-sm_W5e-z29eQo9ebVhjKzhSH4v6XsMdY8JNX4eo2R9hVyNvrnZmyitafXQJTY9s/s1600/wile-e-coyote-5000806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fvnJtktZuIwfcNi3y1TaZpgcIUm33PvOOSlCmh-EriPb7u2s5_lvMwYV1NUE7EjKmqW6KdX_mpg-sm_W5e-z29eQo9ebVhjKzhSH4v6XsMdY8JNX4eo2R9hVyNvrnZmyitafXQJTY9s/s320/wile-e-coyote-5000806.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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5. Here's a close-up I caught of Matt just before Batman connected with him after crossing the finish line. Matt can't remember what happened after the crash. Maybe this photo will bring it all back.</div>
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6. Where the hell are my Oakley's? Matt's down and waiting for help while other racers are looking for pieces of their expensive designer eye-wear.</div>
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<i>Here they are buddy ... lets see how good that a Oakley warranty rocks.</i></div>
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">IF YOU DON'T RACE AND HAVE LITTLE CHANCE TO LEARN HOW TO CRASH HERE'S A NICE HOW-TO INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO</span></b></i></div>
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If you think you aren't up to crashing, you can always practice crashing on your weekly ride. Here you can see the author of this video is honing his "I'm going to eventually go down riding like this, and maybe take all over you with me," moves, as well trying to cause additional crashes by GoPro'ing his buddies.<br />
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<b>TIME TRIAL CRASHING CAN COME RIGHT OUT OF THIN AIR</b></div>
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Just because you aren't touching wheels in a high-speed crit or road race sprint, or getting smacked in the face by Batman, you can still go down. Even on a perfectly good time trial bike. Here's a somebody that one pound too many in his tires.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-58277783528424244122013-06-04T16:57:00.000-04:002013-06-04T16:57:27.714-04:00Breaking News: If Wiggo's not racing the TdF neither am I! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOgqnnM7thuEviHIqubQ0AlrbAHsVlNGnWQokpb3LXc3FTQkUsxye-OvEBC8mqmp0wOtM_K8ijoWkS0ktoVM8HNFg5-zCM3tXP7-SXEvRJhGArOtYkIgA-7mV2fEf-DknCsMyhgHMLus/s1600/Wiggins-and-Sutton-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOgqnnM7thuEviHIqubQ0AlrbAHsVlNGnWQokpb3LXc3FTQkUsxye-OvEBC8mqmp0wOtM_K8ijoWkS0ktoVM8HNFg5-zCM3tXP7-SXEvRJhGArOtYkIgA-7mV2fEf-DknCsMyhgHMLus/s400/Wiggins-and-Sutton-008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sutton: I love touching your sideburns, my boy. Sure you don't want set new goals like being a proper bike racer again?</div>
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Wiggo: Hands-off me you smelly old c#nt!</div>
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Bradley Wiggins is at crisis point, says GB head coach Shane Sutton</h1>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">• Injured Wiggins ruled out of Tour de France defence</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #666666; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;">• Cyclist 'needs to set new goals', says Sutton</span></div>
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While you may have been shocked and dismayed to learn that Wiggo isn't going to race the Tour de France this year, I image that you'll be totally gutted to hear that I've pulled out of the race as well.</div>
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Here I am waiting to get out of site of the downtown crowds in Frankenmuth to do what I do best these days on a bike - get dropped, quit and slink back to the Grandpa Van.</div>
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Despite my craptacular form this year, like Bradley Wiggins, I have decided not to ride the good old Tour de France. Of course I never was going to ride it, but there's some satisfaction in saying you're not going to, as if you could ...</div>
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I thought early on in the season that I could use some professional training programs to get me going ... drinking beer may work for Fabs, but for me ..</div>
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Well this year you can just call me Flabs ...</div>
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To keep from becoming over-trained I even experiment with Basso's approach to training. Again, total fail. Call me Flabs Fat-Basso.</div>
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While my excuse for not being able to compete in even the lamest of races is solely because of piss-poor training, old-age, terrible attitude, crap-diet and too many beers, Bradley has decided not to defend is TdF title because of a bad knee. It looks like it is going to take him some time to recover from this injury because from this photo it appears like his doctors don't know where his knee is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KuHTC4_kzdgKzjzTejn4kXGijcAQV2_6Lc7RzEwKLS6lzFIpKY5JT_-zCcHZasFloI8XzDSN311vd1pCsCmYZ_RrRGsPBAHxXm2opEursNyvlD7PhQqqhUN3ylZHLAs7f0aExv2_-Qs/s1600/Sagan+Snatch+Boonen's+Boner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KuHTC4_kzdgKzjzTejn4kXGijcAQV2_6Lc7RzEwKLS6lzFIpKY5JT_-zCcHZasFloI8XzDSN311vd1pCsCmYZ_RrRGsPBAHxXm2opEursNyvlD7PhQqqhUN3ylZHLAs7f0aExv2_-Qs/s400/Sagan+Snatch+Boonen's+Boner.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tom Boonen, Julie Bonnen's brother, also had a knee problem that sidelined him for the early part of the season. When they asked lil' Petey Sagan where he thought Tom's knee was - well he got it wrong too. Looks like he could practice medicine in Britian.</div>
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JWOW from Jersey Shore fame has been having knee problems as well - which is apparent in this recent photo. I'm not sure if it is a cycling injury, or just from old fashioned "Jersey Floor Carpet Sprinting." Looks like her bad knees should be easy to spot by even a confused soul like Peter Sagan. It's just a matter of deciding Upstairs/Downstairs, isn't it?</div>
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While figuring out how to get into shape for the upcoming cross season, and what's left of whatever cycling season we're in right now, I'm going to contemplate a completely new training program while I swing in the hammock in the back yard drinking beer and watching another cycling great, Mr. Zdeneck Stybar, or Styby-My-Lawn-Boy as I like to call him, pictured above, rehab his bad knee by mowing my lawn. Thanks Styby - nice work, and nice no shirt!</div>
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When I'm done with that, I plan to get my ass going and do some cyclocross skill workouts with Wiggo to get his knee in shape, as well as doing something for his absolute shit cyclocross form ...</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-5542528207300715802013-03-28T10:03:00.002-04:002013-03-28T10:03:52.629-04:00Hatching the Classics<br />
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<i>After sitting on it all winter it's finally hatched - Spring Classic's in someplace called Belgium.</i></div>
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I'll skip our own "Classic's opener, which was the Barry Ruby, which has had so much posted about it already that one more thin mint might make Mr. Creosote explode. After all it was attended by about 10,000 riders, racers, photographers, hanger-ons, beer drinkers and race-reviewers (which thankfully I am not - a race reviewer that is in this case - and some of the other identities are questionable too) so if you weren't there or didn't hear about it you are probably dead. Rest in Peace, bro.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HEccgjSLgNBO_VpUrmXJd7IMqAj8uxKlBD_Usk9jgAHs3jYjRT9_kCfJdSPGuInU6Q786aj9Q6M3v-y8xqoASCv7-Gu0lkAXq2aYwEYigXasWnFzf9r_v7U8bsq3klKy8D3kD6RFzMc/s1600/funny-koala-bear-suit-boss-koalafied-pics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HEccgjSLgNBO_VpUrmXJd7IMqAj8uxKlBD_Usk9jgAHs3jYjRT9_kCfJdSPGuInU6Q786aj9Q6M3v-y8xqoASCv7-Gu0lkAXq2aYwEYigXasWnFzf9r_v7U8bsq3klKy8D3kD6RFzMc/s400/funny-koala-bear-suit-boss-koalafied-pics.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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<i>The Koala's Barry Ruby race reviews got mixed reviews, which begged the question "Are you Koalafied to Krazy Koala assumptions if you live at the top of tree? Trying to figure out what went down in a race of 10,000 is mind-boggling, especially for a little bear. Stay in the beer tent is my motto.</i></div>
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If you want to read a really good review of the Barry Ruby Experience™ may I suggestion <a href="http://drunkcyclist.com/2013/03/25/barry-roubaix/" target="_blank">The Drunk Cyclist review</a> posted just days ago. It's utterly Classic. For visual evidence of the race I suggest that you only need to flick the blue bar on the right hand side of your Face Book Page u as fast as you can. The 10,000,000 Barry Ruby photos that have been posted will all blur together and create a moving testament to the race. Of course you'll get blurred vision and throw up, but then again, you'll be getting the full Barry Ruby effect.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ltnPigfSc2zYBQ2q4dtCoYaUecAIt6FCS2ZTuBlAZBvPs9CrtPi353XPspAsqRPI05zW5O8OZX737PnugRKmBSzv083CpjCe_UYCt73-F8RTO5kK0KjYBkjkRxJVJVFTkgK6CVn0xZ8/s1600/RvV-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ltnPigfSc2zYBQ2q4dtCoYaUecAIt6FCS2ZTuBlAZBvPs9CrtPi353XPspAsqRPI05zW5O8OZX737PnugRKmBSzv083CpjCe_UYCt73-F8RTO5kK0KjYBkjkRxJVJVFTkgK6CVn0xZ8/s400/RvV-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>What does the Classic Season really mean? Great Beglium beer and shaky internet feeds.</i></div>
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Well if you are a real Classic (Euro-Style) fan you can sit around getting sloshed while trying to keep the crap internet feed going, or get out there and try your hand at recreating your own private Belgium Classic effect by riding downtown over cobbles and potholes along with stopping by the pub for a Belgium Brew or two. That's really riding Belgy-Style since you don't carry anything to drink or eat and stop at bars to refuel - or refool in this case.</div>
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Here's a video put together by Vittoria that celebrates this year's freezing-ass early Spring Classics. While it's pretty good, the over-the-top melodrama and gushy-romanticism made me want to throw up in my mouth a few times (maybe it was all the Duval I drank on the ride?). Hey, it was tough, but these are pros getting paid to do this and they can get back in the car and meet me at the brewhouse anytime they want - they're not soldiers in combat, so lets not forget this isn't exactly life or death. If you want that you can try riding through East Grand Rapids at night. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-46968485170438853862013-03-22T11:20:00.000-04:002013-03-22T15:06:16.115-04:00Ruby, Ruby, Barry Ruby, When Will You Be Mine?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfbDlZntZv9pPYZ-ydZ41xUDcMmZ2APn3y0a0UHtT2eMEtDj9YvqnXgMH06E6AnGBRy-u5RaJg7LK9uz5hBRgp6hANd33-xU4WJBcgPWg_Wcgb9n88AHQGOc9tv1KxskJ5JL4wrRKzow/s1600/Your+new+snow+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfbDlZntZv9pPYZ-ydZ41xUDcMmZ2APn3y0a0UHtT2eMEtDj9YvqnXgMH06E6AnGBRy-u5RaJg7LK9uz5hBRgp6hANd33-xU4WJBcgPWg_Wcgb9n88AHQGOc9tv1KxskJ5JL4wrRKzow/s400/Your+new+snow+machine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Barry Ruby™ Approved/Not Approved Course Sweeper™</i></div>
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Otto and I plan to play unofficial sweeper tomorrow on Otto's SHIT JUST GOT REAL SNOW SLED (as long as there is no actual law or ordinance against it, or somebody digs up that warrant on Otto) to make sure there's no one left behind - at least not alive. While I thought I had covered all possibilities of conditions in my trademarked yet worthless <a href="http://crazybastardscross.blogspot.com/2013/03/cyclocross-in-national-tv-ad-for-car.html" target="_blank">Barry Ruby™ Conditions Rating™ Chart</a>, Dan Socie, the man and the myth behind <a href="http://www.soigneur.net/" target="_blank">Soigneur products for the athlete</a> (I'm pretty sure Dan will be at the Soigneur tent tomorrow so you can congratulate him on one-upping and essentially destroying my <a href="http://crazybastardscross.blogspot.com/2013/03/cyclocross-in-national-tv-ad-for-car.html" target="_blank">Barry Ruby™ Conditions Rating™ Chart</a>) with an up-to-the-almost-damn minute report, complete with live still photos from the course.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoGGnjBodbK5By7y1tg_a3E8k6iEbu65YWZJ-m-m2uKjA6hOAC8Lz3VBRndL-AeZx4xUeWmrUB0UnWh9o_4992nA1tAfN-D6Ka4XgNkawpiKCEUgH769HBi-0JP1etqP6nO9Hss8Xqhc/s1600/Dog+Crap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoGGnjBodbK5By7y1tg_a3E8k6iEbu65YWZJ-m-m2uKjA6hOAC8Lz3VBRndL-AeZx4xUeWmrUB0UnWh9o_4992nA1tAfN-D6Ka4XgNkawpiKCEUgH769HBi-0JP1etqP6nO9Hss8Xqhc/s400/Dog+Crap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>I only thought about ice, snow and mud. I forgot about dog shit and road kill.</i></div>
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According to Dan, here's what Barry Ruby riders can expect to find on the course tomorrow. Of course you won't see this, you'll just be running over it before you know it, because you're going to be surrounded by 10,000 other racers gunning for one of three steps on the Barry Ruby™podium. (Good luck on that!) Hopefully the aroma of 20,000 legs slathered in <a href="http://www.soigneur.net/products/" target="_blank">Soigneur Embrocation</a>, and 20,000 butt cheeks stewing in <a href="http://www.soigneur.net/products/" target="_blank">Soigneur Chamois Creme</a>, will kill the smell. Here's Dan's report <i>(This just in: Dan reported that he picked this photo (above) and report (below) from Rick Plite.)</i> on that thing called Facebook, this morning:</div>
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<b>You’ve Been Warned!</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">... roads have fresh road kill, dog crap, snow, ice, mud, ruts, washboards and
dry sections. The 62 milers need to hold your breath on Henry St near the dead
skunk. On a good note, I spoke with the road commission and we will pay them
for an extra pass to drop more sand tomorrow for all courses</span><span style="color: grey; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";">.</span></b><br />
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Well I'm glad to hear about the sand. That will improve the possibility of survivability if you believe my conditions rating #5 and #6. The sand will also provide a proper burial for the dead critters and turn the dog shit into something resembling fried chicken or a Clif Bar,</div>
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The only thing to really watch out for when you're racing tomorrow is road kill that look like this ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7xcOPq1F7TzMQb4ACTl8eLafXZSoerIpVVw-MqPp0P_ch-6ed9ophsirLIlyYvFCKyCQRRjVWHg8fQuRUGZPkpoQoZ834Ld_HD5tMhUa0Es5p4FLu4J0qj94-Mth0xxcogj8ID4neP8/s1600/possum_with_dolls_face_andrew_lancaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7xcOPq1F7TzMQb4ACTl8eLafXZSoerIpVVw-MqPp0P_ch-6ed9ophsirLIlyYvFCKyCQRRjVWHg8fQuRUGZPkpoQoZ834Ld_HD5tMhUa0Es5p4FLu4J0qj94-Mth0xxcogj8ID4neP8/s400/possum_with_dolls_face_andrew_lancaster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Kelly Paterson, MI State Cyclocros Champion, found a photo of this creature. I don't know if she was riding the Barry Ruby™course or not, but it looks like something from Barry County. You know those crazy meth heads out there in the woods ... it's all just fun and games until the cross-species breeding starts!</i></div>
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The thing above, a cross between a human baby and possum, may be something you want to avoid if you see it laying on the course tomorrow. First, it's big fat and will probably take you out if it's dead or alive. Being possum (should oh-possum, I know) it could just be playing dead, and still be alive when you hit it. It could also just be overcome with <a href="http://www.soigneur.net/products/" target="_blank">Soigneur Embrocation</a> fumes and has just fainted. If you hit it, and it is alive, and kill it, you may be brought up on manslaughter charges (ask Otto about that when you see him on the sled tomorrow) since the creature may or may not be half human. Also figure that the Barry County Prosecutor may be related to it ... you know those small communities.</div>
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So hear are things you'll need tomorrow ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTL-0mA839hRn5HbZLgBeFzsiLqNJAVU5pezGZOxlRpGcNIq7d79hKKsmaSurVCmOxz4rEgeuSZ66pzwkPXL8BBn-gdSBxqvAChY5AINoCmSiCA0wjQi4r5HIymhoAIn_YvSsweYp20nw/s1600/soigneur-chamois-cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTL-0mA839hRn5HbZLgBeFzsiLqNJAVU5pezGZOxlRpGcNIq7d79hKKsmaSurVCmOxz4rEgeuSZ66pzwkPXL8BBn-gdSBxqvAChY5AINoCmSiCA0wjQi4r5HIymhoAIn_YvSsweYp20nw/s400/soigneur-chamois-cream.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Plenty of <a href="http://www.soigneur.net/products/" target="_blank">this and embrocation</a>. And don't get them mixed up! Not only will your ass be kissably soft, and your legs warm, you'll also kill the smell of dead animals littered around the course.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkoBqQapN0MAk-tR3Rgt-iuSzt9w_vtxrUJU0VPI83buXvUcAs0PjGq19RWLxRqn0u5LmE7-q1O-JTRkX8-hWdbYtcLhqwsrOgDNCAtpppoPnmnsTKYheM82p6RS40ePoldhixK4vrWg/s1600/Nibali-helmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkoBqQapN0MAk-tR3Rgt-iuSzt9w_vtxrUJU0VPI83buXvUcAs0PjGq19RWLxRqn0u5LmE7-q1O-JTRkX8-hWdbYtcLhqwsrOgDNCAtpppoPnmnsTKYheM82p6RS40ePoldhixK4vrWg/s400/Nibali-helmet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>You'll also need one of these crappy new helmets. Perfect for crap-weather riding. This is the latest thing from Specialized. They just released it in an effort to close the Crappy Looking Helmet gap Giro had on them.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uXMiE85Fx-CtHpgJOti_oqtzv6U02BCUchuxNuY0rfSVEF3mCk-fBdlLPvXzhWtHCJlocmra1f1xsJLQyiU4GuNawG3wDO7VYuNxumsG0oEbsOE3lsOHv6yWRDFsj2PvlEYsbV15qVE/s1600/Taylor+Phinney.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uXMiE85Fx-CtHpgJOti_oqtzv6U02BCUchuxNuY0rfSVEF3mCk-fBdlLPvXzhWtHCJlocmra1f1xsJLQyiU4GuNawG3wDO7VYuNxumsG0oEbsOE3lsOHv6yWRDFsj2PvlEYsbV15qVE/s400/Taylor+Phinney.jpeg" width="298" /></a></div>
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<i>Taylor Phinney, get on the bus. And what's that on your lid, frosting or Italian Love Batter?</i></div>
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As you can see above the crappy new helmet designs look so much cooler than regular old helmets with those vents that let shit (tomorrow literally shit) leak onto your head. The crappy new design let the world see the epicness of the elements stuck to your dome.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>What are you riding in tomorrow's Barry Ruby™, Surly?</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b> ... asked no one, ever.</b></span></div>
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Well that's not true, people do ask, but they all assume that I will be rocking a 'cross bike. Unfortunately I don't have a 'cross bike that would withstand the rigors and jarring of the Barry Ruby™course - not because it's that rough, but because I have hollowed out all the carbon tubes and filed away most metal material of my bikes to make them as light as possible for cross racing. They are perfectly timed to "fall to pieces" after approximately 45 minutes of racing, making them unsuitable for Barry Ruby™ style racing. </div>
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Lately I have been telling people that I will race Barry Ruby™ when I get a Fat Bike. I've been holding off getting a Fat Bike, but once I saw this proud beauty I knew I had to have it. It's just got Barry Ruby™ written all over it, don't you think so?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil16dk463r80sO1cdBwnbVyusf8ybjQw4cLm-HEB_rX1PpHujdEW0GhH9Q0D54e8lNPKE3KeDG6RSI-74V2lN7epqWDkoeB8Ui4KGP8XeyfSVqFRGfQqrW3emEXLamaiyABOyFePAteNE/s1600/3+Wheeler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil16dk463r80sO1cdBwnbVyusf8ybjQw4cLm-HEB_rX1PpHujdEW0GhH9Q0D54e8lNPKE3KeDG6RSI-74V2lN7epqWDkoeB8Ui4KGP8XeyfSVqFRGfQqrW3emEXLamaiyABOyFePAteNE/s400/3+Wheeler.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>No, this is the way to rock a Fat Bike. I think there's even a cup holder for my Embro!</i></div>
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Unfortunately it didn't arrive in time for this year's race, so it looks like I'm going to be riding shotgun with Otto tomorrow. Good luck everyone racing, or just standing around drinking beer. To keep everyone motivated, like <a href="http://www.soigneur.net/" target="_blank">Soigneur products</a> do, Otto and I are going to be blasting the official Barry Ruby™ Theme Song™ out from giant speakers on Otto's SHIT JUST GOT REAL SNOW SLED™. Crank up the volume, and enjoy Barry Ruby™ Racers!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7538275155572993956.post-21609390258612199412013-03-21T15:49:00.000-04:002013-03-21T16:03:54.797-04:00Stupid Bicycle Races<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHqpP9g_S59jmP9_pHfAYjKejVQOjeBUDPhcpaIOPVI-E3Csknt9AIyWLgPj18fdPPQYh0e-Ztp0nbSrDDzDE-xuu0CI6cJaUTppNK7kwD8-IptbMKht7NC3zGwDvl1pRMnu2clvMiaY/s1600/Koala+Tongue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHqpP9g_S59jmP9_pHfAYjKejVQOjeBUDPhcpaIOPVI-E3Csknt9AIyWLgPj18fdPPQYh0e-Ztp0nbSrDDzDE-xuu0CI6cJaUTppNK7kwD8-IptbMKht7NC3zGwDvl1pRMnu2clvMiaY/s400/Koala+Tongue.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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<i>Some people live for stupid bicycle races. The stupider the more awesomer. Just ask the all knowing, all seeing, all chewing, all tree-climbing little Koala bear.</i></div>
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Okay, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that there are a lot of stupid bike races out there right now, like the plethora of weird-one-off races taking place in a day or two, or week or three, and on and on until the actual race season begins when it all gets really stupid. No, what I'm saying is that they're stupid, like stupid good, crazy, sick, or bad-ass as in great, not bad. You know, like this ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomm_Tp3kDICR1lxYRd2aB8wcBu42WKmG8wcT8WIiFlLN8SCNTIg9EhCw7UblpGyjWoqO-JMGh63dM3QafPqHxKhjXZsR8fefJ2SaBa5qIpvbJA5Tny5Ckjg2wEsD_rqKUaC97zcTEbIY/s1600/Nurse+with+tire+pump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomm_Tp3kDICR1lxYRd2aB8wcBu42WKmG8wcT8WIiFlLN8SCNTIg9EhCw7UblpGyjWoqO-JMGh63dM3QafPqHxKhjXZsR8fefJ2SaBa5qIpvbJA5Tny5Ckjg2wEsD_rqKUaC97zcTEbIY/s640/Nurse+with+tire+pump.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Being stupid, is kinda of like being sick. Just hope there' a nurse like this for your kind of bike racing stupid - you may need this health care pumper in pumps for the race this weekend. See my <a href="http://crazybastardscross.blogspot.com/2013/03/cyclocross-in-national-tv-ad-for-car.html" target="_blank">Barry Ruby™ Conditions Rating™ Chart</a>, for the upcoming Scary Ruby™ on Saturday. I'm certain you're doing it. Everyone is.</div>
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It doesn't matter where you live, Michigan, Portland, Colorado, Portland, New Mexico, Portland, Australia, Portland, Mexico, Portland, South Africa, Portland, Alaska or Portland you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a stupid race right in the spokes. Take for example Cult Cross. Cult Cross was created to fill needs of cyclocross racers that didn't get enough 'cross race pain and suffering from August through February. Born in the High Country and the Front range, wherever the fuck that is, the promoters dropped in a cross series to cover the spring months. Whatever spring is. Have you seen spring? As you can see the branding is all about suffering and pain - and how it's a bad thing to let up on the pain for even a few weeks?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2e9ymph8_t3VKvJ9lgJ7mSMtkQpfvK8d1h9V7b1ALh4UTFgQ2uyeeNApEohINiRtIUi11PiJfPb6usJsquvy6De_T8UI3yiR11Zk1oEobe6H7lCszjh3UhbjvNbt62yLPLYOv7SQWEk/s1600/download2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2e9ymph8_t3VKvJ9lgJ7mSMtkQpfvK8d1h9V7b1ALh4UTFgQ2uyeeNApEohINiRtIUi11PiJfPb6usJsquvy6De_T8UI3yiR11Zk1oEobe6H7lCszjh3UhbjvNbt62yLPLYOv7SQWEk/s400/download2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a little video from the promoters about what Cult Cross is all about. Nice guys, but I still don't get the High Country / Front Range stuff. What country does this take place in again?</div>
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If suffering from the fall through most of the winter makes sense to you, I guess the question is why stop ever? And why can't we enjoy cyclocross suffering all Summer long? It seems that road racing and mountain bike leave a lot of suffering to be desired, for some reason. And if the suffering and pain part is all we really want out of our cycling experience then why don't we all just pick up some rusty dental equipment at a garage sale and save all that money we squander on carbon bikes and expensive wheels, registrations and travel, and just take our non-stop masochistic selves to the basement. "Is it safe, right?" </div>
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Stupid races don't just take place in the High Country or Front Range (isn't that a movie with Kevin Costner and Bob Duvall?) It's everywhere in the world. And apparently very popular in places where everybody sounds like they are narrating an Australian beer commercial.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/59221422" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/59221422">kunye</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/sinamatella">Sinamatella Productions</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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I found this race (above) exceptionally stupid because of the over-the-top video that touts it. It all begins with a profound reading of a T.S. Eliot or Charles Bukowski poem with dramatic shots of dead bodies and skulls, war and images of raw survival on the Veldt. Next thing we see are a bunch of knuckleheads on single speeds all dressed in drag, bras, slips, tights, as if they were living in Portland. Crazy, hip, or just plain stupid? The exceptionally stupid part isn't just riding around Africa, Australia, Antarctica, or wherever they talk like a continues Foster's Beer commercial, wearing their mommies underwear, riding around WOOF MUTHAFUCKA signs, and getting stupid tattoos at the end of the ride, it's riding a single speed mountain bike in a place where there are animals that can eat your ass if you can't get away that's the most stupid part. And believe me, you can't get away from much on a single speed mountain bike. Ask my dog. I'm just glad she can't eat me. But this WOOF MUTHAFUCKA could ... </div>
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Too bad in the middle of "Kunye", the single speed race across Afristraulia we didn't see some of this sweet animal on cyclist action.</div>
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Like I said there are stupid races all over the world. You've probably seen this stupid kind of race, which really goes beyond stupid, it's pretty much fucking insane. I think it takes place somewhere in Mexistraulia. The beer they drink there is probably called something like Dos Fosteruis.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Whenever I watch one of these Stupid/Insane downhill races I'm always waiting for a dog, a drunk, or a </span>Mexistraulian<span class="Apple-style-span"> Cab driver (drunk and high) to pull out in front of the stupid/insane bike racers. Good advertising for Red Bull isn't it? If I ever decided I want to die I don't need to shoot myself, I'll just drink a bunch of Red Bull and I'll do something stupid enough on my bike to kill myself. The added benefit is that the video of me offing myself will probably go viral. The downside, I'll be too dead to see it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bboXjtigfL6CixBfMNClI3x7WaOMZD7XC53Gy22WNicfw7gLZZdfCTadgGsvV6_zgqvnZCrEmsfhWSJqBhAlTwcVyhm5qDHoII8bf7GGTP4fsjzALlCpcFp0b4De8xKrusCNi4E5bFQ/s1600/Guy+playing+Hard.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bboXjtigfL6CixBfMNClI3x7WaOMZD7XC53Gy22WNicfw7gLZZdfCTadgGsvV6_zgqvnZCrEmsfhWSJqBhAlTwcVyhm5qDHoII8bf7GGTP4fsjzALlCpcFp0b4De8xKrusCNi4E5bFQ/s400/Guy+playing+Hard.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Red Bull. It gives you wings.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY60MO2ZiitAMEjPs1AdedLfIlCPwcolj1DqF0WpWt7xf5tQaeDdRkv_KBlCOF_y1EOJ4lW1-hhzvIzClmgjzTUuPoF_zZA3ClfLd2M-LEhldxpVumOe4obbVP20QRTbh1bUL7xj1ifiE/s1600/Dan+on+ICe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY60MO2ZiitAMEjPs1AdedLfIlCPwcolj1DqF0WpWt7xf5tQaeDdRkv_KBlCOF_y1EOJ4lW1-hhzvIzClmgjzTUuPoF_zZA3ClfLd2M-LEhldxpVumOe4obbVP20QRTbh1bUL7xj1ifiE/s400/Dan+on+ICe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The 2013 Yukon to North Pole Race could be called stupid by people that are afraid to freeze to death or get eaten by wolves. But then those people are big babies. Like me. Here's a shot of our own Dan Jansen, taken from some kind of flying machine because the photographer wasn't stupid enough to get down there with him. Pretty impressive, actually. Hat's off to Dan, who has his hat off - strange because it 120 degrees below zero!</i><br />
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In this stupid good and crazy bike race, where people race their Fat Bikes from the Yukon, someplace that's even colder than Michigan, to the North Pole where it's so cold it's literally stupid. Our own Dan Jansen (above) did this race and survived. That is certainly bad-ass, and at the same time stupid crazy when you think what could have happened out there on the frozen tundra (Green Bay Packer's Field?). While we are wildly happy to report that Dan was a successful finisher of this stupid hard race some were not as lucky or tough ...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblm5GZCCVaR9J0T3E-RF_OZ02qK4Ybe640w1ltIb6B_haBZl15UwWW_mOlnmSNRT7zWn1PgL-5hrgnBtzBrMYCHgty-nzLbKFr6_IItVJSFdUIwSmFovsBiRvb27Fz5YwJM3x1LnWe6A/s1600/Wolf+chasking+alaska-cycling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblm5GZCCVaR9J0T3E-RF_OZ02qK4Ybe640w1ltIb6B_haBZl15UwWW_mOlnmSNRT7zWn1PgL-5hrgnBtzBrMYCHgty-nzLbKFr6_IItVJSFdUIwSmFovsBiRvb27Fz5YwJM3x1LnWe6A/s400/Wolf+chasking+alaska-cycling.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>In the Yukon to North Pole Race keeping ahead of starving wolves is more important than a podium step. And on a Fat Bike, that's stupid challenge. (See Cheetah video somewhere above and factor that the wolf may be slower, but that the fat bike on snow is too.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHl2ig4Y2CUt3CULwexJcFtBN8T8QIwEqkjwG5-2kryNpvNpZoyzrpUSYNNMs-NaK6IAZoo9Fz-Hz73J4YVUB5Zbw0flpI0yo-B1xDwVQvbX2Ev2vOWAuLo9sGnM0KjDKNNN6ekAnEcI/s1600/dead+alask+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHl2ig4Y2CUt3CULwexJcFtBN8T8QIwEqkjwG5-2kryNpvNpZoyzrpUSYNNMs-NaK6IAZoo9Fz-Hz73J4YVUB5Zbw0flpI0yo-B1xDwVQvbX2Ev2vOWAuLo9sGnM0KjDKNNN6ekAnEcI/s400/dead+alask+bike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>After the wolf made his catch all you could hear was wolf burping and belching from that distant tree line.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfeugWa2gnqr-n4vsoKYketluUp7cZRsKC47zDXSgSaXjEHN71m81BfbdT527g3qK4obsV8Csw4Cty9xKr1-xdfuSAq-2Iv6dj5QC4IibFu0f4vXZuRcbZ1igfE60VbizoBzsfBKwpI4/s1600/Training+Shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfeugWa2gnqr-n4vsoKYketluUp7cZRsKC47zDXSgSaXjEHN71m81BfbdT527g3qK4obsV8Csw4Cty9xKr1-xdfuSAq-2Iv6dj5QC4IibFu0f4vXZuRcbZ1igfE60VbizoBzsfBKwpI4/s400/Training+Shot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Could be last year's Barry Ruby™? Or maybe not. Looks like it anyway. Let's call it a dramatic re-enactment of a race that hasn't happened yet, shall we?</i></div>
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Due to stupid cold, icy and snowy conditions this weekends Barry Ruby™, or recently renamed Scary Ruby™, could fall into the stupid file. With over ten-thousand participants there has been some concern that the snowy and icy trails will become some kind of stupid bike trap that will strand racers out in the Meth Lab infested woods of Barry County for weeks to come. The sheer number of people doing this race is literally mind-blowing to somebody like me who thinks a field of 30 in a race is big. Barry Ruby™ is now so big and popular I hear about it from people I don't even know, and that don't even look like bikers. The Barry Ruby™ buzz is on the street, in restaurants, and in the shower.</div>
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Here's another dramatic re-enactment of a Barry Ruby™ incident, overhead by your humble reporter, just last night in the MVP locker room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgjuBZfYj6VOs7K2Dom1NuhMTOJLoJIWqbYX56m5TFj85bosoSyl1smfsDxMURVU6voUSi0kDxZVTs9YmFt5CfbMjX2biEDmt4a0JnITTDk4jhY9V6sstRqTaAZXvnW4cuU95M7ZKp6w/s1600/topgun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgjuBZfYj6VOs7K2Dom1NuhMTOJLoJIWqbYX56m5TFj85bosoSyl1smfsDxMURVU6voUSi0kDxZVTs9YmFt5CfbMjX2biEDmt4a0JnITTDk4jhY9V6sstRqTaAZXvnW4cuU95M7ZKp6w/s400/topgun.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Hey, any you guys doing the Barry Ruby™ this weekend? I heard they were going to call it the Scary Ruby™ but then they took out all the stupid hard parts that mountain bikers like us dudes are so good at, and it's the Barry Ruby™ again. Did you hear that? You still doin' it?</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzU0rh6hWe7I_aB9SySVpxL3GPl4FYxe8oL7gaPNPgjLi97mhtQf1c8QfcMY_v3AWWxTJxyVMYAd-WJ1Rk8FRLOEvK5b7UEQlgs_eT4qPYH3oCkPMyAtbUSSjp4Cemk8EDYRuencucdE/s1600/article-2072305-0F1EB22A00000578-629_634x357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzU0rh6hWe7I_aB9SySVpxL3GPl4FYxe8oL7gaPNPgjLi97mhtQf1c8QfcMY_v3AWWxTJxyVMYAd-WJ1Rk8FRLOEvK5b7UEQlgs_eT4qPYH3oCkPMyAtbUSSjp4Cemk8EDYRuencucdE/s400/article-2072305-0F1EB22A00000578-629_634x357.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Yes, yes, yes! We're going to be there, you betcha! Do we look stupid enough to miss the most epic race of all time? Even without the stupid hard parts that would have given well-washed mountain bikers, such as ourselves a distinct advantage over pathetic road racers and cyclocross racers that are actually better on that shit than we are, we're still gonna do it. Now could you bend over and pick that soap up for us?</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlH4CIEf9ALSQohYfCIpSyITfSaLrHZK2DZId-TX2rGNFykKRkbmHbUgVFj4fP0lxXKL66RgP5RiriUG4Goiv1pm-oGCiPjQDZ9q56gK4zKZBodpjw26TDxvuvdYvaNiIVAQZ-odRuVgQ/s1600/http-inlinethumb61.webshots.com-12028-2905533210104181437S600x600Q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlH4CIEf9ALSQohYfCIpSyITfSaLrHZK2DZId-TX2rGNFykKRkbmHbUgVFj4fP0lxXKL66RgP5RiriUG4Goiv1pm-oGCiPjQDZ9q56gK4zKZBodpjw26TDxvuvdYvaNiIVAQZ-odRuVgQ/s400/http-inlinethumb61.webshots.com-12028-2905533210104181437S600x600Q85.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Let's hope that conditions are good this weekend. With over 10,000 riders on this trail, a little ice and snow could go a long way .... down.</i></div>
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Speaking of bending over and picking up the soap, there have been crazy stupid predictions for the race this weekend and the possible race winners. There was even my own stupid <a href="http://crazybastardscross.blogspot.com/2013/03/cyclocross-in-national-tv-ad-for-car.html" target="_blank">Barry Ruby™ Conditions Rating™ Chart</a>, which doesn't actually predict winners, or the conditions, but it just gives you an idea of what to expect, depending on the cards Momma Nature deals you on Saturday, which covers everything from #1 <i>fast and dry</i>, to #6 <i>we're all going to die</i>.<br />
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For out an out and out lead-pipe and sure thing-locked up picks the all knowing Koala Bear once again busted out some some surprising predictions which include everything from real-world favorites to the Koala's usual "WHO THE FUCK ARE THESE PEOPLE?" picks. To understand the Koala Bear's selections, especially if you are going to be gambling big bucks and the farm on the race like I am (and will probably be going into a gambling rehab unit after the race when Bob doesn't win), you have to get into the Koala's head and find out how he knows so damn much about bike racing even though he lives at the top of a tree in far off Afristraulia. Well I found out how the Koala does it by getting my sweaty gambling mitts on this exclusive Koala footage shot on location in Afristraulia. Drink up the cycling knowledge of Koala and let it enlighten you like a six pack of ice cold Dos Fosteruis. Good luck to everyone racing. I've hear that the temps on Saturday are going to be the 40s so all should be good, fun and epic. Enjoy, ride hard and be safe!</div>
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