Portlandia bike clip

I know this is a dated video but I still smile when I watch it. I used to live in Portland back in 1987. I recall how refreshing it was, even back then, to see so many folks riding bicycles. Everywhere. Bike messengers were out in force during a time when the whole urban fixie thang was just emerging. Now the trend has spread throughout every major city in America. I missed out on jumping on this particular bandwagon and as a result, I may just be a little less hip today.

*TWEET TWEET* this means I'm stopped!!

2012 Barry-Roubaix is coming...

The 2012 Michigan racing season kicks off with the 4th installment of the Barry-Roubaix. The Killer Gravel Road Race! This event has replaced the Yankee Springs Time Trial as the the season opener and is quickly becoming the springtime version of Iceman. This year the race is capped at 1500 and there are currently 500 spots left. I have no doubt these will sell out fairly rapidly within the next month. Sign up peoples!

Barry-Roubaix Website:

BikeReg Registration:

Another change for this year was to extend the 60 mile race into one continuous lap versus two 30 mile laps. For me, last years race was difficult as I made the turn for the second 30 mile lap while the majority of riders were finishing out their race. The Barry-Roubaix has also been included into a national series called the American Ultracross Championship Series. This event continues to grow.

My Pic-O-the-Day

My friends tell me I take a lot of photos. They are correct but the majority of my images are hardly worthy of a coffee table book or underground publication. I exclusively depend on a small portable camera that can be tucked in to my back pocket. If I see something that catches my eye I usually stop (which totally messes up my rhythm) and grab a quick shot. I was skimming through some images and saw this photo from the 2010 Triple Trail Challenge . I had just made it back to my car after a long, wet ride on the singlespeed. About 10 miles into the ride the sky's opened up and it poured for the next two hours. I was totally caked with a thin, gritty mud but the beer, food & showers at the finish washed it all away.
I turned the camera upside-down for this shot. I submitted it to Bikerumor and they posted it today. Yea!

Bikerumor Pic Of The Day: Mud Treatment

Sh*t Cylists Say...

Yes, this video has been making the rounds in the blogosphere & every cycling site known. I think the reason I find it so entertaining is we have all heard several (if not all) of these lines somewhere in our cycling lifespan. We are an obsessive bunch. This is so true...

365 days in the life of a bike in NYC

Love this video and it's description as a "unique urban experiment." For some strange reason I am captivated by these 365 day clips.
I also enjoy the viewer comments such as this:

Starts at 0:17

Days when things disappear (earliest I can tell)

0:28 day 157 water bottle

0:31 day 214 basket

0:32 day 225 bike lock

0:33 day 231 seat, day 241 parcel rack

0:34 day 248 front wheel, day 252 handlebar grips

0:35 day 270 rest of the bike

3 months before the water bottle was stolen, and over 7 months before a functional part was taken. It looks like parts started disappearing right after the tires went flat and bike looked abandoned.

I'm impressed by NYC honesty, actually.



Check it out.

Winter riding can be a good thing.

After today's ride I found a renewed sense of passion for my fitness routine. It seems like a shame to squander that season ending fitness throughout the winter months whilst watching endless TV, drinking beer and getting fat? Ideally a little break is fine but as soon as January 1 rolls around the thoughts quickly turn to spring and a new season of riding and racing. The spring training ensues with hours of mind-numbing spinning on the stationary trainer. UGH! Kill me now!
Over the years this has been the usual routine for me. I have fought it over and over and I have discovered that I would much rather endure the harshness of training in the great outdoors versus the prospect of the indoor training experience. As a result, I will be able to maintain my fitness, sanity and pleasant attitude. The key will be to avoid over-training so that I will not be burned out when spring arrives. Sure, I guess I could always embrace a new form of winter cross training such as Zumba, running or cross country skiing but I prefer to "enhance" my passion for cycling on a year round basis.
To make this possible it has taken several necessary additions to the cycling wardrobe. The advent of new insulating products has made a huge difference in cold weather comfort. I have poor circulation (old man alert) and my insulating emphasis is mainly on the hands and feet. I start off with a warm, dry pair of wool blend socks. Lately, I've been digging the DeFeet Woolie Boolie socks. In addition to the socks, a pair of thin sock liners next to the skin will trap warm air. It is important to have plenty of room in the gloves and shoes for warm air to trap between the layers and sweat to wick away from the skin. Tight shoes and gloves will only make you colder.




I finally decided to go with a winter cycling boot. It seems like there is this period of denial where most riders think they can get by without investing in a dedicated winter cycling boot. "Heck, my MTB shoes and neoprene booties got me this far." Eventually, most cold weather riders succumb to the idea of warmer feet and never look back at why the decision didn't happen sooner. There are many makes and models on the market today. I went with the Louis Garneau 0 Ergo Grip shoes and I have found them to be well made, functional and warm.

Louis Garneau 0 Ergo Grip Shoes:



Today's temperatures were exceptionally cold (single digits) so I topped off my winter boots with the Endura MT500 shoe cover. Yes, my feet looked gigantic with the multiple layers of insulation but they were toasty through two hours of winter riding. Success!

My hands are another extremity that require adequate insulation. If I can keep my extremities warm then my whole body will remain comfortable. For extremely cold days or anything under 20 degrees I tend to go with the handlebar gauntlets. Mine are a cheap knock-off designed for snowmobile and ATV use.


For the absolute best I would recommend the authentic Moose Mitts designed and manufactured right here in Michigan.

Next, I start out with a thin silk blend glove liner. I love the feel of the Thermasilk liner and the added layer of insulation is ideal. As a result, I can wear a less bulky glove with good results. The bonus with the glove liner is if you need to remove the outer glove to reach in a pocket or repair a flat the liner is perfect for preventing the hands from exposure to the cold air.



After freezing my digits off with inferior mid-weight gloves I have recently opted for the Louis Garneau ETS Ski Glove. LG has many varieties available for winter use and these are getting the job done. These gloves are less bulky and offer plenty of dexterity for shifting as well as being well made and durable. Sweet!

Louis Garneau Winter Gloves:



Simply stated, warm feet and hands can put the enjoyment back into winter riding where it belongs. Winter riding is hard enough as it is without the hassle of numb limbs. Suit up and get out! Good luck!

Worst Day of the Year Ride - January 22, 2012

The snow and cold temperatures have returned to Michigan just in time for this annual event. Wheels in Motion have been hosting this ride for awhile and I have yet to attend. I admit it, I am a marshmallow and I have plenty of excuses to avoid the harsh conditions usually found out on the road, in Michigan in January. Our team has decided that this would be a wonderful opportunity to gather for a group ride. Peer pressure may be the deciding factor for me and my absence from this event. Regardless, the event is free and I REALLY am looking forward to it.

Details:

The weather outside is frightful, but a bike ride is so delightful. Bundle up and join us on a festive, winter ride around the streets of Ann Arbor.

The seventh annual Worst Day of the Year Ride will take place on Sunday, January 22nd. This free event always promises to be a fun filled, snowy day of riding. We will offer a variety of routes for you to choose from including:

Polar Bear Ride- 40 miles 12:00pm
Polar Cub Ride- 20 miles 1:00pm
Abominable Snow Man Ride- Mountain Bike loop 1:00pm (dependent on trail conditions)
Reindeer Ride- 12 miles 2:00pm
Snowshoe Hare Ride- 6 miles 2:30pm

All rides will be lead by ride captains and will be at a casual pace. The Polar Bear ride will have a fast group leading the charge with moderate paced ride captains following the faster riders. You will be provided with route maps on the day of the event. All rides leave from the Kerry Town Farmer's market and end at the Arbor Brewing Company where there will be free hot soup, attended bike parking and cash bar. A full menu will also be available for those that want to purchase additional food.


Register for the event
Learn more about the routes & start times
Winter Cycling Information
Sponsorship Opportunities

Prizes & Giveaways

In years past there have been giveaways and prizes, and that will continue for 2012. We've been in contact with local businesses & bicycle vendors to gather up as many prizes and giveaways for the event as possible. Prizes will be distributed at the after party by a lottery drawing of those who pre-register for the event. We'll post up prize information as we have it.

WEBSITE:

STRAVA link to MTB
route:

1st Annual Arcadian Grit & Gravel Mountain Bike Race

On May 19, 2012 the gravel road phenomenon continues here in Michigan with the advent of another event to add to the race calendar. Endoman productions hosts the Peak2Peak XC in October and it looks like they may be jumping on the gravel road band-wagon with an early season event featuring some great Michigan terrain. As this gravel road trend emerges here in Michigan we may see these events form into a state wide series. The Barry-Roubaix is already part of a national series called the American Ultracross Championship Series. It's only a matter of time as the popularity of these events increases.

WEBSITE & Details:

MAP:

View Larger Map

The Whole Enchilada

With a cold Tecate of course!



Fabulous!

From the video:

Arguably one of the top mountain bike trails on the planet. Linking up several Moab favorites, this trail spans almost 30 miles and has a cumulative descent of over 8,000 feet.

The beauty of this ride is not just the sheer scale of it - but its diversity. Starting in high alpine forest at Burro Pass, the ride transitions to aspens, high desert and finishes off plummeting down to the Colorado River on exposed singletrack.

The type of riding if vastly diverse as well: from slow, steep and technical rocky singletrack to wide open high speed sections and everything in between.

My first time doing this ride could only be described as 'complete sensory overload'

Riders: Chad G, Steve Cooke, Tom Bishop, Adam Simpson and myself.

Music: The Dandy Warhols - The Creep Out

The Whole Enchilada: Top to Bottom - Moab, Utah from Phil Shep on Vimeo.

2012 MMBA Championship Points Series schedule

from the MMBA.ORG website

Championship Points Series (CPS)

The Championship Point Series (CPS) is Michigan's premier grassroots racing series. The CPS raises funds to support local chapters in their ongoing advocacy work and trail improvements. The Series supports state-level advocacy.
The race series attracts all levels of racers from the first-timer to national and world champions. The races are exciting and competitive, as well as beginner friendly for those wishing to try their first mountain bike race. See the CPS Rules link for more information.

All Racers are welcome to compete in the Championship Point Series. No license is required but you must register for the series on BikeReg to have your points tabulated.

When I started racing in Michigan in 2004 this series was my introduction to the local race scene. The series forced me to drive to new locations throughout the state and I met a lot of great folks along the way. That first year I dove in and raced 13 of the 14 race series. Since then I have moved in other directions, raced in other series and the series became a tad stale for me. The new schedule has been pared down to 10 races and features several new venues. I may have to add a few into this years schedule.

Yankee Springs Time Trail Sunday, April 22

Fort Custer Stampede Sunday, May 6

Hanson Hills Challenge Sunday, June 3

State Games of Michigan Saturday June 23

Boyne Marathon Saturday, July 14

Sweat Shaker Saturday July 28

Ruby Campground Sunday August 5

Maybury Time Trial (MMBA Chapter Benefit) Saturday, August 18

Addison Oaks Fall Classic Sunday, September 9

Pando Challenge Sunday, September 23

Your trails. Your backyard. Supported by you and the MMBA.

My arms look like toothpicks....

As the racing season wound down I recently came to the realization that my upper body and core were getting progressively weaker with age. Jars were getting harder to open. My t-shirts were hanging off me like a strung out junkie. Last, but not least, my arms were beginning to look like one of the Schleck brothers.

My un-shaved arm:


Now that the winter season is upon us here in Michigan I decided it was a good time to pump it up. I set up my weight set and trainer and I'm determined to beat this diminishing girth by the time March rolls around.


There is plenty of great articles on cycling based weight training.
This is a good point:

Most coaches recommend a program of strength building (higher weights, fewer reps) in the winter and then a shift to lower weights (perhaps 50% max) and more reps (3 sets, 50% max.weight, 25 reps OR 2 sets, 25% max.weight, 50 reps) as the cycling season approaches to mimic the ways you use your muscles on the bike and to decrease the possibility of injuries.

Article HERE


Roger Marquis outlines a great weight plan:

Weight Training for Cyclists

These are some of the most helpful tips for weight training I've found over 25 years of riding and lifting. Also recommended are the Weider series of bodybuilding books for sound training guidelines (as long as you ignore Weider's nutritional advice).

Warm up for 10 to 20 minutes with an aerobic exercise. The Concept II rowing machine and Turnturi exer-cycles are good if you're stuck indoors, jogging and cycling are preferable otherwise. You'll still want to start lifting with relatively light weights.

Start with a light enough weight to warmup and add weight with each subsequent set. Take weights off for the last 2 to 3 sets as necessary. This is known as pyramiding.

Maintain strict form. Isolate specific muscles as much as possible. This means not swinging the weights up when curling, not using too heavy a weight, and lowering the weight slowly after each rep. Advanced bodybuilders can 'cheat' to advantage, runners, cyclists and other endurance athletes generally cannot.

Work your weakest muscle groups at the beginning of the workout.

Train opposing muscle groups on separate days i.e., biceps and hamstrings Monday, triceps and quads Tuesday...

Train abdominals, forearms and calves daily. Other muscle groups should be worked at most every other day.

Partials are good for break up a routine. Use higher weights over a portion of the normal range of motion: the top 1/4, middle half, or bottom third of a curl for example.

As with riding the payoffs from weight training parallel the time spent doing it. Try to (gradually) work up to 4 hours per week plus cycling or 8 hours per week otherwise.

Training partner(s) will really help you stay psyched.

Don't avoid certain exercises because you need to use a light weight. In fact the exercises requiring light weight (deep squats, deltoid flys, etc.) are also the most likely to show rapid improvement. Remember, endurance athletes have different objectives and requirements from bodybuilders.

Roger Marquis

Full article HERE


Good luck!

2012 UCI Masters Cyclocross World Championships

Wow! This looks pretty cool. I'm gonna make it a point to go next year and check it out. I'm too slow to race it but maybe after watching in person I would have a better idea as to how much I really suck at CX. Best of luck to the Michigan riders who will be there. Take no prisoners!

UCI CYCLOCROSS MASTERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
January 12-15th 2012
Louisville, Kentucky

Website & INFO

BikeReg registration info:

Chicago Cross - New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Resolutions - CX Bike Race from Kyle Bainter on Vimeo.

Video by Kyle Bainter. Montage from the NYR Race on 12/31/11. Shot all overcranked at 120 and 300 fps on Canon glass.

Gravel Grinder News

It looks like the 2012 gravel events calendar is starting to take shape. It would be cool to try out a few new races this year. Have a look.

Gravel Grinder site

Move

Sound advice from a guy who obviously get's out.

For 2012 I plan to find some new digs to MOVE in to. In the meantime, I will make it a point to put down the Christmas cookie, get off the couch and move.