The Mud Index!

A friend emailed me a must-click link today! Anyone who has ridden in a muddy cross race or a muddy mountain bike race has got to see "The many names of MUD" !

Otherwise, lots to say but no time to say it in! Hopefully a longer post is on it's way!

Fairness

I went to a fundraiser for the Floyd Fairness Fund tonight. I got there kinda late, just before they had the auction for a Cannondale System 6 (I think that's the model name) bike generously donated by Lou of the Pony Shop. They had a silent auction with items donated by, I think, Chris M. of Turin, Brendan of Albertos, and other shops, and were also selling some autographed posters. One poster was a portrait of Floyd. It had a dark background, and part of his face was in the shadows. It was very striking. I would have bought one of those had I seen them before I got to the raffle. I got the last raffle ticket, so I didn't have a chance to walk around and see what else I might have chosen. I had to make a quick decision about the ticket. My raffle luck was not with me today, unfortunately. I didn't win anything at the WORS banquet raffle in October, either, and almost everyone else there did. Hopefully that means I'm saving my luck for something really, really special in the future!

Floyd looked super-professional in a dark suit for the occasion. When I pulled out the camera, he said that it isn't often that he wears a suit. So I figured I had to share this rare sighting with you. Unfortunately I didn't think to get one of him alone, which would have been better.

When People Are the Message

I just finished a book called "Citizen Marketers: When People Are the Message", by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba. I have been reading it in bits and pieces at the gym and on the airplane a few weeks ago and I realized it was due back at the library and I had better finish it. I just realized that by writing about it in my blog, I am (on a very minor level) taking part in the viral marketing that they write about in the book!

From the inside cover : "The woman sitting next to you at Starbucks focused intently on her laptop may just be determining the next big thing. In coffee houses, offices, homes, dorm rooms, and airport lunges around the world, millions of people use laptops and cell phones to become today's new publishers and broadcasters. Armed with only a broadband connection, these regular citizens are exercising enormous influence on culture and what we buy."

Hmmm, am I about to exercise my influence on you by telling you to read this book??

Yes, actually, this book is a must-read if you are interested in viral marketing. Or, for that matter, in how how people have used their blogs, knowingly or not, to promote something or to get something they want. It talks about how ordinary citizens who are passionate about a product often are the best advertisers of that product. They give significant amounts of their own time, uncompensated, to get the word out about a product because of how they feel about it. They may even create music, art, music, ads or videos inspired by their love of the product, or in some cases, their disdain for the product. It gives examples of how some companies fail miserably at recognizing this and how others really "get it'. There's a lot more to it than my description, but that's a start... (ie. the book is more interesting than my description of it!)

Citizen Marketers fall into 4 categories, Filters, Fanatics, Facilitators and Firecrackers.... did you know there is (or was) a blog titled Slave to Target, about one woman's obsession with buying stuff at Target? And that a link on her site actually increased traffic and sales at Target.com? I haven't looked to see if the blog still exists, but I will! The authors have a blog called Church of the Customer that I want to check out soon, as well. But for now, it's after midnight and I need some sleep.....

If you were going to create a blog or a video or podcast about a product you love, what would the product be?

Can't wait!

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.

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!

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!!

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.

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....

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.

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

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!!!!

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.

Kayak Adventure in the South American Desert

I don't usually see "Kayak Adventure" and "Desert" in the same sentence...

My friend Wendy M. called me tonight to tell me that a video of her National Geographic trip from a couple of years ago is up on the msn.com video page today. She didn't realize it was up there, she ran across it. I can't get to the URL of the specific video to post it here. Here is the general video page if anyone is interested.

Right now (Tuesday night) it's in the Most Watched column, called "Kayak Adventure: South American Desert - National Geographic"

The site has thumbnails of some of the videos. This one is the third thumbnail under Most Watched, which is in the right hand column. You can see a tiny pic of a lake, mountains in the background, and a red kayak. They don't mention her by name in the video, but she has blonde hair and is in a yellow kayak. At times they haul their kayaks across the desert on little carts with wheels. You can see her pulling hers.

The scenery is unusual and looks a little other-worldly. They are in a part of South America called the "Altiplano", a "massive volcano-studded plain" in Chile, Bolivia, Argentina and Peru. The narrator says that NASA researchers think that a portion of it is the part of the Earth most similar to Mars.

She said she's not able to save it on her computer and asked me to save it to mine if I could. Does anyone know how to do this with an MSN video using the Safari browser? I couldn't get it to even play with Firefox, so that won't work.

Time to go hit the elliptical trainer. I need to get to the gym before it closes. Hard to motivate when it's like 10 degrees out.

Cruzin' Coolers... um, a new level of race support

I just read an article in the Sunday Tribune about Cruzin' Coolers. How funny. A motorized cooler with wheels that you can ride and steer. 15 mph around the WORS parking lot, can hold up to a 450 lb person! (sitting on top, not inside!!) Engineered for Clydes!

My first thought was, do they have an off-road version? Sure enough, the article said they will eventually have an off-road version. No more dragging coolers into the woods during the long expert races? Maybe just in time for WORS and better yet, WEMS? A whole new dimension in race support?

Hmmm, are those young bottle hander-uppers Russell talks about in his blog old enough to drive a cooler?

I think they are like, $500, so you better have good cooler sponsorship.

What's next, cooler races?

Sssssilverrrrr at Worlds!!

Congrats to all of our U.S. Cross team for their great showing at CX Worlds!!

There are some sweet Graham Watson pics (as well as articles on all of the races) on the VeloNews site.

The VeloNews article on the men's race calls Jonathan Page (who got second) "the greatest cyclocross racer that the U.S. has ever produced". You can read about Katie Compton (who also got second!) and see pics here.

The Xgames are on this weekend. Me, I'm a bit of Shaun White fan. Besides how good he is, I loooove that mop of red hair! Superpipe tonight, I think.

McDreamy on a bike...

Sooo, I was looking at People mag at the gym on the elliptical trainer. Yeah, I admit it. Probably even worse was the moronic MTV show that was on the TV .... but anyway, in the photo section there was a pic of Patrick Dempsey, who Grey's Anatomy fans know as "McDreamy". He rides!! Well, maybe he does.... he's got the gear....which doesn't necessarily mean anything....

He was on a Specialized Roubaix red and white road bike with what looked like SRAM Rival components (hard to tell in the pic) and had his white Specialized bike shoes on but no helmet. Probably because he was on a little ride with his young daughter, who has training wheels on her pink bike with pink tires and a white basket. Her helmet was tipped way back off her forehead just the way they tell you not to wear it...in typical little-kid fashion.. but at least she was wearing one. It looked like it's HIS helmet, actually! He was wearing a jersey with arm warmers and a black specialized vest over the jersey, and black Puma track pants with a stripe down the side of the leg. And a black beanie on his head.

Those white hood covers Rachael has on her blog would look really good on his red and white bike!

Thought Grey's Anatomy fans would want to know!

January stuff

I just downloaded some pics from my little pocket camera. These three are pics from a gathering at Brian's a few weeks ago. At the end of the evening I was talking to Brian and Kristin and we realized that we were the only people there who weren't moving away in the next few months. One of the most discouraging things about living here is that so many friends eventually move away in search of a better cycling (or outdoors in general) lifestyle. Some move for jobs too, of course. I am still not used to it, even though it happens like clockwork. Maybe it's different outside of cycling. I guess I need to get to know a few couch potatoes!! Elizabeth just moved to Santa Cruz a couple of weeks ago for a job at the university, so she was the first to go. Lee just got his PhD and has alot of research options, including Europe, and will be leaving soon for somewhere. I hope it works out that he and Elizabeth end up in the same place! Craig and Kristine are headed back to Boulder in April, now that Kristine is done with med school. That night Craig and Kristine had just driven through the super-nasty Colorado/Nebraska snowstorm and subsequent power outage (no running water or power at their motel and for the next two hours on the road!) and came straight to the party instead of stopping at home first! Noah may be headed for Colorado as well.


CP was in town from L.A. with his friend Molly. He didn't get to come home for Christmas cuz he was working on a show, so that was his "Christmas" weekend with his folks in mid-January. It was great to see him and meet Molly. In the midst of the L.A. film industry craziness he found a really cool down-to-earth girlfriend. Good to see Laura and his old bandmate Bill (Roller Coaster!) too. Some of our old bike racer crowd got together the night before that at Opart Thai (sp?) in Lincoln Square - it was so much fun to see those guys again - it made me really long for the old days.... (unfortunately didn't get a pic of that.)


This pic was taken at a women's cycling dinner last weekend. This bunch was among the last to leave - there were alot more people there earlier. Everyone there got an award - a small prize thought up by Francine, based on something she knew about the person. Like the "energizer bunny" person's award would be batteries, and the "nervous nellie's" award would be something to calm her down.... and so on.... Thanks to Francine and everyone else who helped her organize this!

Good Luck in Belgium!

Good Luck to Tristan and all of the U.S. riders at Cyclocross Worlds in Belgium this weekend!!!

Bumped

So, it turns out Chris Carmichael got bumped from the Today show on Monday. They are moving his segment to some other day. My friend thinks it will probably be January 30th.

Training Secret?

Mountain bike legend Ned Overend, with Suzette Ayotte, marketing director for fi'zi:k saddles (and race volunteer), right after he ripped the legs off the other guys in his age group to win the 50-54 men's race at Cross Nats in December.

Seems like everyone is talking about their 2007 training programs on their blogs. Maybe some of them even got some cool stuff for Christmas that is helping them in their training. One training and riding related book that I have been meaning to get for a long time is Ned Overend's "Mountain Bike Like a Champion". I put it on my Christmas list but didn't get it. Looking through my cross nats photos, however, I think I may have discovered his training secret, the one that isn't in the book!! Think how much lighter and faster you would feel in races if you trained with a friend on your handlebars! Maybe it explains the incredible bike-handling skills as well??