Tuesday, March 18, 2008
THIS BLOG
Is not dead yet!
Season is in full swing now. LOTS and lots of good race reports. Click on the locals links to the left.
although by the way I've been riding one might think it's owner is ..........
Season is in full swing now. LOTS and lots of good race reports. Click on the locals links to the left.Thanks for all the emails of 'concern'. HAH. Nice to know people are still checkin' up on me.
Full on blogging (what is that?) will be underway again starting April 1.
JB
(Thanks to Bob and BJ for the pics)
Monday, February 04, 2008
It's Official
While most of the rest of the world was up enjoying a nice mountain bike weekend at Sherando and Harrisonburg, some of us went to take the course and get our Cycling Officials certification.
Can't say enough about the people who gave the course. Their enthusiasum made the whole thing totally enjoyable.
We should also send some appreciation the way of those that offiiciate all of our events. Sure they get paid a (very) nominal amount, but most of them are out there just because they enjoy it.
The 50 question test was open book, but still not a breeze. You actually did have think through the questions. I was impressed.
The best question of the test was something like :
The key tenent of Mountain Bike Racing is :
a.) Dirt is always better than asphalt
b.)
c.)
........
I can't remember what the other choices were, but that one sure got a "lol" out of me. Was it the correct choice? You'll have to read the rule book to find out!
Also big props to Roger, who set up the wonderful venue, arranged for the food, and led a bunch of us out on a nice morning group ride around the area. We came across a number of dogs, but they all had 4 legs.
RideOn
JB
Can't say enough about the people who gave the course. Their enthusiasum made the whole thing totally enjoyable.We should also send some appreciation the way of those that offiiciate all of our events. Sure they get paid a (very) nominal amount, but most of them are out there just because they enjoy it.
The 50 question test was open book, but still not a breeze. You actually did have think through the questions. I was impressed.
The best question of the test was something like :
The key tenent of Mountain Bike Racing is :
a.) Dirt is always better than asphalt
b.)
c.)
........
I can't remember what the other choices were, but that one sure got a "lol" out of me. Was it the correct choice? You'll have to read the rule book to find out!
Also big props to Roger, who set up the wonderful venue, arranged for the food, and led a bunch of us out on a nice morning group ride around the area. We came across a number of dogs, but they all had 4 legs.
RideOn
JB
Monday, January 14, 2008
Fixin' the Teeuwen Ride
and you didn't even know it was broke ....................
The last time I rode the fixer was at a RABA century last summer. Unfortunately one of the elbow pads blew off on the way up when the bike was on the roof rack. An impromptu replacement was made with a towel fragment and some 'lectrical tape. It worked just fine but fell short on style points.
If necessity is the mother of invention, who is the father?
So it was switched out before the Sunday ride.
Getting back on the fixer always involves a bit of trepidation and awkwardness at first. But it goes away quick. Got a feel for it on the way down to the shop to meet the crew. Still took another 20 miles or so to get comfortable in a close double pace line. 60-65 miles out to the Ruritan club. Temps in the high 40s. Got blasted by rain a few times, but it didn't last too long. Best thing about being cold and wet was having 12 or so friends out there to share it with. Everything dried out eventually except my feet. Shoulda had shoe covers.
One "rest" stop on the way. Why do I always catch Laura with her mouth full?
Not sure what was happening over by the outhouse, but someone paid me good money to blur the photo, thereby protecting the guilty.
A good crowd was gathered - the elusive DBo even made it out there. (Thanks for the ride home buddy)
The Teeuwen Ride is an annual event in honor of deceased local cycling icon Peter Teeuwen. It was my first time out to do it. We followed the PLT 24 mile time trial lollipop course. Fully escorted by police. Sweet. Lots of folks ahead and behind. A real nice post ride pot luck buffet too. Especially fine was the spicy chili! I thought, at 75+ riders, it was a pretty good crowd, but those that knew better said it was actually a small turnout. The weather kept those with less fortitude (or more common sense?) inside.
Considering my lack of time on the saddle this year (2-3 days a week), I felt pretty good. My foot wasn't even sore after it thawed out. 97 gear inches was a bit much for this ride, but a good workout anyway.
The last time I rode the fixer was at a RABA century last summer. Unfortunately one of the elbow pads blew off on the way up when the bike was on the roof rack. An impromptu replacement was made with a towel fragment and some 'lectrical tape. It worked just fine but fell short on style points.If necessity is the mother of invention, who is the father?
So it was switched out before the Sunday ride.Getting back on the fixer always involves a bit of trepidation and awkwardness at first. But it goes away quick. Got a feel for it on the way down to the shop to meet the crew. Still took another 20 miles or so to get comfortable in a close double pace line. 60-65 miles out to the Ruritan club. Temps in the high 40s. Got blasted by rain a few times, but it didn't last too long. Best thing about being cold and wet was having 12 or so friends out there to share it with. Everything dried out eventually except my feet. Shoulda had shoe covers.
One "rest" stop on the way. Why do I always catch Laura with her mouth full?
Not sure what was happening over by the outhouse, but someone paid me good money to blur the photo, thereby protecting the guilty.
A good crowd was gathered - the elusive DBo even made it out there. (Thanks for the ride home buddy)
The Teeuwen Ride is an annual event in honor of deceased local cycling icon Peter Teeuwen. It was my first time out to do it. We followed the PLT 24 mile time trial lollipop course. Fully escorted by police. Sweet. Lots of folks ahead and behind. A real nice post ride pot luck buffet too. Especially fine was the spicy chili! I thought, at 75+ riders, it was a pretty good crowd, but those that knew better said it was actually a small turnout. The weather kept those with less fortitude (or more common sense?) inside.Considering my lack of time on the saddle this year (2-3 days a week), I felt pretty good. My foot wasn't even sore after it thawed out. 97 gear inches was a bit much for this ride, but a good workout anyway.
RideOn
JB
lyrics 4 the day :
"Lookin' back in front of me,
in the mirrors a grin,
through eyes of love I see,
I'm really lookin at a friend......"
