I pre-ordered a copy of 24 Solo today. The World Premiere is going to be at Sea Otter in April, and then I imagine they'll send our DVD's after that. They were filming Chris Eatough at 24/9 last July. It was cool watching them spring into action to film him coming through the pit area at 2 in the morning. His crew would put little inspirational messages on his bike for him to read when he changed bikes.
You can see some of the torrential downpour scenes from 24/9 in the trailer online. I can't wait to see this movie. I loved Off Road to Athens and I'm sure I am going to like this one too.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Santa Cruz Blur for Sale!
I have a Santa Cruz Blur Classic, size Medium, in anodized orange (great color!!) that is going to be for sale online soon. If anyone is interested, let me know very soon!!! I can take better pics once I get the bike back from the shop. Leave me a comment letting me know how I can contact you.
Info:
Santa Cruz Blur Classic, size Medium.
the frame is a brand new 2005, anodized orange aluminum (2005 Blur frames are disc only and have increased rear tire clearance over previous models)
Progressive 5th Element rear shock, fully factory rebuilt.
the Components are used:
XTR shifters/disc brakes, XTR crankset, XTR front derailleur, XTR rear derailleur.
DuraAce chain, don't know what the cassette is.
Wheels: Mavic disc rims w/XTR hubs and XTR skewers
Selle Italia Flite saddle
Thomson Elite setback seatpost
Chris King headset
Easton EA50 stem
Easton MonkeyLite SL riser carbon handlebars (probably a 3/4" rise)
Fox Float 100 RLC fork
pedals are not included.
Maxxis Steve Larsen tires
$2650 or a reasonable offer
On the Santa Cruz website they suggest that a Medium fits people from approximately 5'6 to 5'10".
I bought the frame thinking it would fit me and when it was built up it turned out that I needed a bigger size. I had my heart set on the orange at the time, and I couldn't locate a new anodized orange large anywhere! Luck was on my side and I was able to buy a used one from someone who works at a local shop and I put my sram parts on the used frame and the used xtr parts from his bike on the Medium new frame, which is the one for sale. Part of the deal was a rear shock rebuild to make the bike like new, and that shock is now on the Medium. The Medium frame being sold is still brand new!!
This bike is really sweet!! If you want a Blur Classic, this one is the one to get, since the frame is new! The Blur has been one of the most popular trail bikes with great reviews in the bike mags over the past few years, pretty much since it came out. The anodized orange finish is striking and looks great, in my opinion. If you are not familiar with this bike, it uses the Virtual Pivot Point suspension system, has about 4.5 inches of travel, and is considered an all-around trail bike which can be raced XC or endurance or just ridden for long fun rides.
Have a good weekend!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Wishful watching....
When I got home from the gym tonight, I wanted to catch up on the Tour of California stages and make some space on the DVR for shows later this week. My DVR recordings menu came up blank - so I couldn't watch anything, nor could I even get to the list of recordings to delete some stuff. Arrgh. The customer service guy told me to power cycle the DVR - hope that works.
I came very close to going to see the last few stages of Tour of California. I was still thinking about going until last week. It turned out both of the friends I would have visited there were going to be out of town. So as happy as I am that OLN, er, I mean, Versus, is broadcasting it, watching it makes me really want to be there. Especially the prologue. It's not like watching a Euro race that is so far away you don't really think about the possibility of being there. This race feels so close (yet so far, to use a tired cliche). Other than that, it's great to be able to watch a world class race in the US on TV in February! Just what I need to get motivated.
Since I didn't go to Tour of CA, that opens the door to maybe go to some other "escape-the-Midwest-gloom" event, like Sea Otter or the NORBA nat'l in AZ. Being in AZ briefly a week ago I was reminded of how the Sonoran desert surroundings make me feel both energized and at peace, strange as that may sound. I am thinking that the AZ race might be in some ways be more fun and less hassle than fighting the crowds at Sea Otter. It would be warmer, too. Tough call, either one would be great in different ways.
Sunday I got to play outside for the first time in a while. I wanted to take advantage of the snow before it went away. I went snowshoeing with a friend and his dog. My friend was on skiis but it worked out fine. His dog had an unusual "snack" out there in the woods - steaming horse poop - ugh. We later found it regurgitated on the trail in front of us. I did not know this was considered a treat by dogs!!
I came very close to going to see the last few stages of Tour of California. I was still thinking about going until last week. It turned out both of the friends I would have visited there were going to be out of town. So as happy as I am that OLN, er, I mean, Versus, is broadcasting it, watching it makes me really want to be there. Especially the prologue. It's not like watching a Euro race that is so far away you don't really think about the possibility of being there. This race feels so close (yet so far, to use a tired cliche). Other than that, it's great to be able to watch a world class race in the US on TV in February! Just what I need to get motivated.
Since I didn't go to Tour of CA, that opens the door to maybe go to some other "escape-the-Midwest-gloom" event, like Sea Otter or the NORBA nat'l in AZ. Being in AZ briefly a week ago I was reminded of how the Sonoran desert surroundings make me feel both energized and at peace, strange as that may sound. I am thinking that the AZ race might be in some ways be more fun and less hassle than fighting the crowds at Sea Otter. It would be warmer, too. Tough call, either one would be great in different ways.
Sunday I got to play outside for the first time in a while. I wanted to take advantage of the snow before it went away. I went snowshoeing with a friend and his dog. My friend was on skiis but it worked out fine. His dog had an unusual "snack" out there in the woods - steaming horse poop - ugh. We later found it regurgitated on the trail in front of us. I did not know this was considered a treat by dogs!!
A Day without Chocolate....
..... is an evening with a headache!!
I'm trying to cut back on sugar, so on the spur of the moment I attempted to have a chocolate-free day today (Tuesday). I forgot about the chocolate withdrawal headache until it hit me like a ton of bricks. Ugh.
I'm trying to cut back on sugar, so on the spur of the moment I attempted to have a chocolate-free day today (Tuesday). I forgot about the chocolate withdrawal headache until it hit me like a ton of bricks. Ugh.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Where was I?
The other day I woke up, looked outside, and saw this...
And then, later in the day I could see this...
Can anyone guess where this is, and better yet, the name of the peak on the right? It has some significance in mountain bike racing history....
more to come....
And then, later in the day I could see this...
Can anyone guess where this is, and better yet, the name of the peak on the right? It has some significance in mountain bike racing history....
more to come....
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Condolences
My thoughts are with Jason LaBella and his family this week. I found out, from his team's blog, that his father just passed away. My condolences to them at this very difficult time.
Reading the sad news made me think of a scene in Gray's Anatomy a few weeks ago when George's dad dies and Cristina sadly welcomes him to "the dead Dad's club", wishing that he didn 't have to become a member. I guess I have to say the same to Jason - I'm so sorry he had to join us in the club.
Reading the sad news made me think of a scene in Gray's Anatomy a few weeks ago when George's dad dies and Cristina sadly welcomes him to "the dead Dad's club", wishing that he didn 't have to become a member. I guess I have to say the same to Jason - I'm so sorry he had to join us in the club.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Myrtle the Turtle?
In this extreme cold, I have been wondering how DJ and Mike are doing in the Arrowhead Ultramarathon. This has to be the coldest weekend/week of the year, and they are out there riding snow bikes for 135 miles!! It hurts just thinking about it.
So, I looked at the web site to see how they are doing. A posting as of 7:30 pm tonight (Tuesday 2/6) says that the Myrtle the Turtle award goes to Mike, meaning he was beat in the sprint by DJ. That means they passed the (one and only!) checkpoint together, and that they were the last ones to cross it. Good for them!! I think that's a good sign that they could sprint, turtle or not! It sounded like 3 people had finished at that point, and quite a few people had DNF'd
So, I looked at the web site to see how they are doing. A posting as of 7:30 pm tonight (Tuesday 2/6) says that the Myrtle the Turtle award goes to Mike, meaning he was beat in the sprint by DJ. That means they passed the (one and only!) checkpoint together, and that they were the last ones to cross it. Good for them!! I think that's a good sign that they could sprint, turtle or not! It sounded like 3 people had finished at that point, and quite a few people had DNF'd
Friday, February 02, 2007
No more Age Classes?
I just got an email today that USA Cycling is doing away with age classes in some categories of women's MTB racing.
Please help sign a petition to get this decision reversed!
Even if it does not affect you, it will probably affect someone you know, and make them less likely to race at NMBS races. The link is in the letter below, and the details are available on the petition web site. You can check a box if you want to remain anonymous on the public petition.
This is the gist of the email:
Dear Friends,
I have just read and signed the petition: "Support Reinstatement of Age Classes in Womens MTB Racing"
Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference. We are trying to reach 1,000 signatures - please sign here:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/671795204
Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign as well.
Thank you!!!!
Please help sign a petition to get this decision reversed!
Even if it does not affect you, it will probably affect someone you know, and make them less likely to race at NMBS races. The link is in the letter below, and the details are available on the petition web site. You can check a box if you want to remain anonymous on the public petition.
This is the gist of the email:
Dear Friends,
I have just read and signed the petition: "Support Reinstatement of Age Classes in Womens MTB Racing"
Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference. We are trying to reach 1,000 signatures - please sign here:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/671795204
Once you have signed, you can help even more by asking your friends and family to sign as well.
Thank you!!!!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Arrowhead 135 Ultramarathon
Good Luck to DJ and Mike, who are leaving Friday for the Arrowhead 135 Ultramarathon!
from the web site:
"The Arrowhead Winter Ultra is a non-profit human powered ultramarathon on bike, foot or skis, covering 135 miles across the Arrowhead Region of Northern Minnesota from International Falls near the Canadian border to Tower, MN. The course follows a scenic, hilly, State multi-purpose trail under extreme winter conditions starting at 7am--Monday, February 5 through Wednesday night, 7pm--Feb. 7th, 2007.
Completing the course is no small feat as winter temperatures in this area of Minnesota have been known to reach a record -60F degrees. No wonder the locals have dubbed their town the "Icebox of the Nation" and "Frostbite Falls".
There will be one race check point serving hot soup and water at a cabin about the midway point by Elephant Lake near the town of Orr. Otherwise, racers are fully self-supported with a cutoff time of 60 hours. Each racer is required to carry mandatory food, water and gear as outlined on the rules page to cover the 3 days and 2 nights outdoors."
Brrrrrr!!!!
Here are some (but not all) of the race rules I found on the site:
No outside help from anyone except other racers. This means that there are no support crews of any kind and no rides/tows accepted from snowmobilers, nor other vehicles. Participants are encouraged to help each other. The buddy system is a good way to do this race.
No littering. (and no stashes). This should be obvious but it is so important to us that we thought we should put it in the rules. Leave no trace. Make use of sanitation facilities provided along the trail. There is an outhouse next to each of 9 trail shelters along the trail. Bring your own t.p.
Last person to reach the MelGeorge's checkpoint wins the Myrtle the Turtle award.
Snow machines and dog sleds have right of way. You must pull to the right side of the trail and let them pass. Stop at all intersections and obey traffic rules.
(do wolves and bears have the right of way too??)
All racers are expected to carry or tow a minimum of 15 lbs. of gear (not including the sled, bike, skis, nor water) at all times and must finish with at least 1 day or 3000 calories of food and 8oz. of fuel. Racers may share gear and assist each other; however, each participant must have their own mandatory gear at all times.
(One hint they give is that a lb. of butter has 3200 calories!! ugh!)
They also mentioned somewhere that it burns too many calories to eat snow. better to take water. I guess I knew that already.
So, who wants to sign up for next year? Not me!
I think it's supposed to be 4 degrees here this weekend. I'm sure it's much colder up there. I hope it "warms" up a little for them by Monday!
Now THAT'S an adventure.
from the web site:
"The Arrowhead Winter Ultra is a non-profit human powered ultramarathon on bike, foot or skis, covering 135 miles across the Arrowhead Region of Northern Minnesota from International Falls near the Canadian border to Tower, MN. The course follows a scenic, hilly, State multi-purpose trail under extreme winter conditions starting at 7am--Monday, February 5 through Wednesday night, 7pm--Feb. 7th, 2007.
Completing the course is no small feat as winter temperatures in this area of Minnesota have been known to reach a record -60F degrees. No wonder the locals have dubbed their town the "Icebox of the Nation" and "Frostbite Falls".
There will be one race check point serving hot soup and water at a cabin about the midway point by Elephant Lake near the town of Orr. Otherwise, racers are fully self-supported with a cutoff time of 60 hours. Each racer is required to carry mandatory food, water and gear as outlined on the rules page to cover the 3 days and 2 nights outdoors."
Brrrrrr!!!!
Here are some (but not all) of the race rules I found on the site:
No outside help from anyone except other racers. This means that there are no support crews of any kind and no rides/tows accepted from snowmobilers, nor other vehicles. Participants are encouraged to help each other. The buddy system is a good way to do this race.
No littering. (and no stashes). This should be obvious but it is so important to us that we thought we should put it in the rules. Leave no trace. Make use of sanitation facilities provided along the trail. There is an outhouse next to each of 9 trail shelters along the trail. Bring your own t.p.
Last person to reach the MelGeorge's checkpoint wins the Myrtle the Turtle award.
Snow machines and dog sleds have right of way. You must pull to the right side of the trail and let them pass. Stop at all intersections and obey traffic rules.
(do wolves and bears have the right of way too??)
All racers are expected to carry or tow a minimum of 15 lbs. of gear (not including the sled, bike, skis, nor water) at all times and must finish with at least 1 day or 3000 calories of food and 8oz. of fuel. Racers may share gear and assist each other; however, each participant must have their own mandatory gear at all times.
(One hint they give is that a lb. of butter has 3200 calories!! ugh!)
They also mentioned somewhere that it burns too many calories to eat snow. better to take water. I guess I knew that already.
So, who wants to sign up for next year? Not me!
I think it's supposed to be 4 degrees here this weekend. I'm sure it's much colder up there. I hope it "warms" up a little for them by Monday!
Now THAT'S an adventure.
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