Wednesday, April 29, 2009

CrossClub #10 and #11

Jason over at ATXBS beat me to the punch this morning, but it still needs to be posted again so some of you go. I know it is going to be raining, but that's what makes this all so awesome!!!

Brian, you're a beast.

1) I would really recommend wearing a helmet from now on. I'm not going to demand it *yet*, because I know some of you are really concerned about keeping your hair pretty. In the near future - it will be a requirement.
2) Do NOT wear tight jeans. For two reasons - wet and barriers. If you, for some reason, HAVE to wear tight jeans, do NOT bitch about being wet, cold, or embarrassed because the barrier made your crotch rip out. While I'm not a big fan of cutoffs, they make more sense, functionally, than jeans do. You will thank me later.
3) Get some lights. There are reasonably priced options out there. Seriously.
4) Get some decent tires. Also out there. If you're a real bargain shopper, you can get 5 tires for $30, like I did this weekend. If not, you can get good wire bead tires for ~$20-30 a piece at a lot of shops.
5) Bring a friend. For real. If you bring me people, and continue to be stoked, I promise that I will keep doing this year-round.
6) Important for tomorrows race ONLY - you will need a little bit of storage. Jersey pocket should be sufficient, just something.



Cross Club #10 aka The Noah's Ark Race
Date: 4/30/2009 (That's this Thursday!)
Time: 8 pm
Start/finish: Lamar Ped Bridge
Distance: In the 10-18 mile range
Cost: $5
Prizes: Yes
Slop: God, I hope so.
Advice for homework: Know the Shoal Creek trail. KNOW IT. I'm done holding hands, my friends. Time to step it up.
Added Bonus: A copy of Cyclocross Magazine to the first 20 attendees - spectators and racers.




Cross Club #11 aka The first one with barriers

Date: 5/3/2009 (That's this Sunday)
Time: 6 pm
Start/finish: Undisclosed at this time - likely NOT at the ped bridge
Distance: Probably "sprint" distance. That does not mean drag racing, just probably short and vicious.
Cost: $5
Prizes: Probably so.
Slop: Should be a total nightmare if it really T-Storms for the rest of the week. At least it will be warm-ish. hehe
Advice: Get a lot of sleep and carb up. I'm throwing a wrench in the works this time. It's time to see what everyone's really got.



THere you have it kids...be out there tomorrow and cheer all the crazy racers on!!!




Hopefully this will be you... and I get to see the aftermath!!









til next time


OLC

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Photos from the MS 150













































































Trying to post these pictures has been giving me tons of trouble. I'm frustrated and have given up on trying to put captions for the photos or telling the story... So, see here are some photos of the ride, plain and simple.

Ride safe.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Free Ice Cream w/ Chris Riley

Just got notice of this....






I bit of Q and A wit Chris Riley at Spiderhouse on the 25th. Starts at 9pm and ends late. Free bands, free ice cream, what more could you want?

MS 150 recap.... day one and two

So as you know, Jenn and I rode in the MS 150 this weekend. We both had been looking forward to this since last year. Last year we didn't register in time and weren't able to ride. We registered in time this year and were pumped since the registration filled up in less then seven hours.

So Friday afternoon comes along and we're on our way to Houston. Jenn gets a call from her uncle (who we're riding on the same team with) and he tells us that some city in between Houston and La Grange had gotten 12 inches of rain. He then proceeded to tell us that the first day had been canceled. Jenn's sister did not want to take us the rest of the way, because she didn't want Jenn to be riding if it was going to be lighting. I mean that is a reasonable request, but both of us were in the frame of mind that Texas weather can change at any given point in time, so we'd take our chances. Driving the rest of the way to Houston and everything in between was hit pretty hard. Some spots looked as if they were huge ponds or small lakes.

We make it to Houston around 8:30. We eat some homemade spaghetti, I in the mean time was constantly checking the weather channel for the conditions in between Houston and La Grange. We went to bed not knowing what was going to happen. I was pissed /upset/disappointed.




Day One:


Jenn had woken up early to go to the store and get some half and half for coffee and to call her uncle. Chris( Jenn's uncle) had to go and pick up his stuff from team shell in between six and nine AM. We had a big breakfast, two huge breakfast burrito's for me and one for Jenn. After talking with her uncle a couple of times and after breakfast, we all decided to ride even though no one else was riding really because it had been canceled.

Jenn's mom dropped us off at her uncles house in northwest Houston. WE RIDE!!! It wasn't raining when we left and it wasn't to windy (it was still windy though), it was kind of nice because we went forty miles before we really hit a hill. At around mile 32 it started to rain a little, it wasn't a down pour, but it was steady. Right before we hit Bellville it started to pour on us. We all had rain gear, but none of us were wearing it, and it would have been pointless, because we would have still gotten soaked. We had lunch in Bellville and waited for it to calm down some more before we started backup again.

From Bellville on, it was rolling hills. Most of them weren't anything at all, but when you throw in the rain and the wind, it made them a little tough. We went through the small town of industry. Normally industry is where a scheduled stop would be, but one there was no one at the stops and two, we decided to keep going. When we got to Rek hill, that kind of sucked. I mean the town has "hill" in it. Believe me, there was a hill too. It sucked. At this point I was starting to get worn out. Rolling hills and about sixty-five miles in, I was getting pooped. We still pressed on.

We got into Fayetteville which was my favorite part of day one. We just got done climbing another hill and were coming up on the town square, or at least it looked liked it, and there was a group of people yelling and screaming and ringing huge cow bells and cheering us on. We stopped to take a break since we didn't the last rest stop. This place was cool, because someone had purchased this old building and turned it into there house. They were nice enough to have water and beers and food for the cyclist, along with letting them stop and rest for a bit. Everyone there was awesome and very friendly, they wouldn't even let us throw our trash away, they would just take it and say "oh I'll get that for ya" I was super tired so we stayed and rested for a bit longer than normal. As we were about to leave, Chris, noticed that he had a flat, so we had to change that real quick and then we took off. The whole town seemed nice because even as we went through people wanted us to stop and have a cookies with them or just hang out.

At this point we were a good seventy plus miles in and had about twenty more to go. The rain wasn't to bad the rest of the way into La Grange. Still had the rolling hills and steady rain, but it wasn't that bad. I ended up having to stop a couple of times because the three beers and three bottles of water I drank in Fayetteville caught up with me real quick.

We got into La Grange, and it was nice. I knew that this was the final stretch before we got to Jenn's Aunt's house there. I was super tired at this point and the road sucked a big giant ass. It was supper bumpy and the bum didn't feel to good already and here is the road that makes it feel even worse. We got to the house and it was awesome to have just gotten done with day one of the MS 150. I felt accomplished at this point, but ubberly tired. We all took showers had snacks and dinner and got to wash our clothes. We all got our sleeping arrangements setup and it was a solid 15 minutes before I was out like a light.

Day one stats :

Hours of riding: 5:34:52
Miles ridden: 92.48
Average speed: 16.6
Max speed: 33.5


Day Two:

We all woke up around six thirty. The starting time in La Grange was supposed to be right in the morning, but we saw cyclist already on the road. We all drank some coffee ate breakfast and then got ready to ride.

About three miles in Chris got another flat. We changed it got back on the road. It was a beautiful day out. There was a ton of cyclist, and my arch enemy was also present. The wind was in full affect going through Bastrop county. We had the awesome climbs through Bastrop with the wind in our face the whole time. We didn't go through the parks because we all weren't sure of the conditions of the roads how many cyclist that don't know how to bomb a hill and then climb the next, plus our asses all hurt.

We stopped in Smithville and Jenn got her chain lubed up and we had some bananas, water, and some gatorade. The next stop was the city of Bastrop for lunch but before we could do that we had to start the major climbs through Bastrop. Jenn and I had already ridden these hills, so we knew what we were in for. We ate subway and had some more bananas and water. All the basics of re-fueling yourself. So far my arch enemy had been kicking my ass along with those gnarly hills. We met up with our buddy Greg in Bastrop also.

After Bastrop we stopped one more time, I forget the name of the city, but I knew we were in the final stretch. It was around 18 miles before we hit the finish line. There was one more stop about 7 miles from the finish line, but we decided to not stop there and to just press on.

I fell back a bit, because I was pooped and I got stuck behind some folks that decided to go down hill with their brakes pulled and the people passing on the left didn't say anything, so I almost ran into them. If I hadn't turned around to look first I would have taken them all out. Believe me, I like to go fast down hills just as much as the "professional rider" but at least say your going to fucking pass on the right. Your not that special that you don't have to say anything. You sure as fuck aren't that fast either... because I passed you going back up the hills. Anyways, Jenn and Chris waited for me on Campus and we all rode in together.

It was an amazing feeling crossing the finish line and giving high fives to people there and cheering us all on. Over all I had a really great time. It was a blast.


Day Two stats:

Hours of riding: 5:03:47
Miles ridden: 66.61
Average speed: 13.2
Max speed: 30.5


This is were I rant for a minute. I really did have a great time riding. I did enjoy the first day more, even with the rain. You see I am not a fan of stupid people. For some reason, there are lots of stupid people out there, that don't know how to ride in big groups of people. If you are going down hill, and some one calls out on your left what should you do?

A) stay in the lane going the speed you are.
B) move over to the right.

Well the answer might seem obvious to you, but for half the people on the ride, that's not the obvious choice. I was bombing a hill going thirty miles an hour and people were riding not one, not to, not three, but four a breast and I called out on the left 2 times, before I screamed it at the top of my lungs and having to go into on coming traffic to avoid them. This is not safe for anyone. One you shouldn't be riding four abreast and two, if you do, move the fuck over when someone else is going fast than you.

I can' tell you how many times something like this happened. Overall I am still super stoked that I rode and finished both days of the MS150.


Desmond took some photos of everyone coming in, he was stationed at Clemtine, I will post some up, as soon as he does.



til next time



OLC

Friday, April 17, 2009

cross club#9

Just got this in mail.....be there!!!



"I actually DO want to throw a race tonight.

The rest of you mugs - I've been threatening to do it and now the timing, my health, and the weather have joined forces to make this the most awesome/shitty day to throw a race.

Here's the specs:

Name: Cross Club #(sixty)9 (in honor of my page placement in the Chron and the fact that the last one was actually the second #7. hehe duh)
Start/finish: Lamar Ped Bridge
Time: 8:30 pm
Date: 4/17/09, aka TONIGHT!!
Prizes: First place: Honor, glory, muddy teeth. Second: A deep sense of regret. Third: The best/worst story you'll ever tell your grandkids.
Cost: $5
Required equipment:
- Helmet
- Lights
- Grippy tires
- Someone to cheer you to glory. Recommendations for spectators to bring: Portlanders, Seattle-dwellers, or maybe a buddy from Belgium.

So I don't want to hear any excuses. If you can't make it, it's your loss my friend. Just know that the first Cross Crusade I went to this year had 1200 attendees!! The corners were PACKED with spectators. Some drunk, some old, all smiles. Let's do this shit already!

I'll see you on the battlefield"



I can't make it, because I will be in Houston for the MS 150.....


til next time



OLC






Thursday, April 16, 2009

So just a few things, some bike related....some not

So first, I wanted to say that the MS 150 is this weekend. I still haven't reached my goal of raising money, so if you wnat help a brother out. This is a a link to my page if you wish to donate. I have to have a minimum of $400 dollars, my personal goal was $600. The ride is for a great cause, so don't buy that six pack of beer this weekend, donate it to me. It looks like it is going to rain all weekend, so while you're chillaxin I'll be riding from Houston.

There are plenty of other things that I was going to post, but got beat to the punch. That is what I get for slacking off.


So I will love anyone who gets me a matching set of these pint glasses.





If you're super awesome, you'll get me a couple of these too!!!


WOW!!!! this post is all about me!!! All kidding aside, the MS ride is for a good cause so donate to it.



til next time


OLC

Monday, April 13, 2009

rain rain go away!!

come again another day!!

I just looked at the forecast for this weekend from Houston to Austin and it's looking pretty ugly. 40% chance of thunderstorms on Saturday and 30% on Sunday. Hopefully the meteorologists are wrong on this (like they are on so many things). I do not want to ride from Houston to Austin in the rain. What happens if it starts lightening??

Rain, if you're listening, please come before the MS150, or after we finish.

Thank you.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Cross Club 7

Just got this in email.....


I'm calling out a race this weekend. BUT, since my Sundays have gotten busier and complicated, and it looks like there's nothing else on the calendar for that night, I'm calling Saturday night. Hope this isn't a problem for those of you that race. Here's the details:

Name: Cross Club #7
Date: Saturday, April 11
Time: 8 pm
Start/finish: Lamar Ped Bridge
Fee: $5
Duration: Hour or so
Prizes: Lots
Spectator-friendly: Always - BRING FRIENDS!! Friends with cameras and cowbells!






I'm going to be out there this weekend to cheer everyone on...you should come too!!






til next time


OLC

hipsters and their hip tricks....

Saw this photo and I was just like holy dog shit batman!!!




David Munson is the photographer, every picture I have seen of his, is awesome!! Check them all out.


til next time


OLC

Monday, April 6, 2009

Crazy German.....

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Through the pines

So yesterday, Jenn her sister and I drove out to Bastrop to do a training ride for the MS 150. This is the map of the route we took. This is actually a training ride, called pedalthrupines, but we cheated and didn't pay the $40 registration fee. We did the metric century route. The map says that it is 62 something miles, but it ended up being around 66 miles.





So if you haven't done this ride, it is a killer ride! The first part of it, you go through Bastrop State Park and Buescher State Park. It was a really pretty ride, and all the tree's blocked the wind. There were some good hills that you had to go up, but you usually had a nice down hill before going up one, so if you charged it, it was fairly easy to get up the next hill. Once we were out of the state parks, the wind hit us and was kind of brutal. There were not to many hills, but the hills that were there, were fucking huge! I'm sure some of you have made the drive from Houston to Austin, those hills on 71 are no joke.


I finished the 66 miles in just over four hours of ride time. Not to shabby considering those damn hills. If you have never ridden this ride, I suggest you do so. You don't even have to do the farm roads, just do the ride through the state parks, good ride, lots of up hills and down hills, I topped out at 38.8 miles an hour yesterday. I could have gone faster, but there was a side wind, and it made me feel super unstable, so I didn't push it.

All in all, had a great time yesterday, just wish I could have slept in today.


til next time


OLC

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Adventures of onelescar and the stupid driver's he encounters #1

So I decided to make a new segment, if you wanna call it that. It will feature the stupid drivers that I encounter when riding to work or where ever.

So yesterday I was riding to work. I left at 6 am, it was cold, 40 something degrees. I was just wearing a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. I thought that I would warm up, but I, in fact did not. I was fucking cold the whole ride to work.

So am almost to work, less than a mile to go. Still cold as shit. I'm riding through a business complex and this car is barreling towards the exit from the parking lot of their building. I know that there is a car behind me, by at least 250 yards, so I pull into the middle of the lane, because I'm not sure this guy sees me or if he just doesn't care. As I am passing him, giving him a dirty look and moving back into my part of the lane, the car behind me honks at me, startling me, so I yell "fuck off" and flip him off.

I feel better just yelling, so I am just cruising to get to work. I'm going about 25 miles an hour, the speed limit is actually 20, and I am starting to gain on the car that honked on me.

So I guess he thinks that I am chasing him and he starts to go about 30-40 miles an hour around a almost 90 degree turn. I start laughing, because I think that it is pretty funny. It looks like his hyundai is about to roll. Well in his hast to avoid me, he completely misses a stop sign and blows through it at around 50 miles an hour. Again I laugh.

So the whole point of this, is I think I scared the driver. I mean I know the beard is starting to get fierce and I'm a big guy, but come on now, I wasn't trying to catch him at all. I guess he has maybe encountered an "angry cyclist" before and maybe suffered some kind of backlash from them, and didn't want it to happen again.

Needless to say, that kind of made my morning, after riding in 40 degree weather while only wearing a t-shirt and shorts.


til next time


OLC

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

While we keep talking about the ladies...........

So I know that this has been posted elsewhere, but it could use some more publicity.








I know Mo has been talking about doing one of these, but Annie D has got something a brewing now.

I've wanted to get an all ladies race going myself, I just wasn't sure how many ladies would actually show up. I hope lots of the ladies show up. I'm sure Jenn will race in it as well.


til next time




OLC

Thanks Ladies!!

Awesome response gals!!! Thanks to everyone who emailed me!! I think we have enough people to go ahead and get things started! I'll be emailing all of you soon!!!

Thanks to everyone for telling their friends and all that jazz.

Be safe!
Enough Waiting for Bicycle Infrastructure. Click Here to Sign The Austin Bike Plan Petition

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