Thursday, August 30, 2012

Trek Trails

I rode the Trek trails yesterday with David Blomme, my brother, and a friend.  The trails were spectacular and it felt great to get off road.  It certainly whet my appetite for cross season.  I have to give a huge thumbs up to our sponsor, Smith Optics.  I used the pink mirror lens on the Pivlock V2 and was totally impressed with the visual clarity they provided.  Shadows were not an issue and going from light to shade to partial shade, etc. was hardly noticeable in these glasses.  Overall, the frame/lens combination made the ride more enjoyable.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Ore to Shore

One of my favorite races of the Summer and I think I like it better than Chequamegon:

-It is not as crowded
-You do all the hard stuff first and the rest is a gradual downhill back to Marquette
-I like the varied trails, there is even a bit of single track.

Had a good start on the road lead out for a few miles and was able to make my way towards the front.  Made it up the first stair step climb and my heart was screaming but settled into a line and recovered a bit but that is when my troubles for the day started.  As I am riding in the line a rock shoots out and of course it collides with my rear sidewall and I hear that sound as Stan’s proceeds to shoot out the side.  Get off and attempt to give it a blast of my Big Air and dang liquid shoots out!  What the…One of my friends comes by and throws me his CO2 ( yes I know can’t take assistance like this), gave the tire a shoot of it and was able to get it sealed.  I was able to continue on and by this time a couple of minutes had passed.  I ride for a few more miles and had to stop again to give my rear another blast of air and was fine until we reached a bit before the mid-point and the most technical part of the race.  I make it through this section and as we made a right turn onto the pavement I was flat again and now I had no CO2.  I throw my tube in and hope that one of the cars parked along the side of the road had a pump.  Was able to find a pump and fill up.  I continued on and was able to finish the remaining 25-30 miles. 

Weight weenie tires in the trash….

-Sanjay

Sunday, August 12, 2012

CX at Badger Prairie Park today - plus - Wednesday CX practice info

dblomme
Badger Prairie Park – home to cyclocross nationals! – was where we had our first cx practice today. Thanks for setting it up Greg.

Don’t forget Wednesday’s at 5:30 are also cyclocross practice nights. Hope to see everyone there, the more the merrier!
Here’s the info from UW Cycling club:
This years west side CX practice will be run by the UW Cycling club to be held every Wednesday night just like before. The course will be set up each week to give riders a taste of the upcoming WCA races on the following weekends. Since the first few practices will be held before racing starts, the courses will be set up to work on specific skills such as running, tight cornering, high speeds, and barriers. Below is a link to the location, just in case you've never been there. Feel free to invite your friends out who are interested in trying cyclocross, these practices are the ideal place to test the waters!
Garner Park Madison.