More coverage from the State Champs

Blackbeard checking in again... the official 'cross season has come and gone. No big wins by the SPH crew, but some fun was had. As was the case last year, many of the SPH crew wish that they had made it out to more races. But, alas it wasn't meant to be. One week after not reading a race flyer and missing the VeloCX, Blackbeard loaded up his car with Lar, Little Lar, and Job in tow. Jake and Big Huot followed. That's right... 5 of the 6 SPHers were fired up to represent. (Little Lar, aka Marcus, aka Pierre is part of the team SS or not).

The temps were around freezing, but the sun made it seem at least 5 degrees warmer. Luckily the wind made it seem about 7 degrees cooler, so it was cold. Isaac almost wore a winter hat cold.

The first race started out dumb as always... way in the back and wondering what the heck I am doing. Running through the sand pit the first time left me falling off the back of the main pack. Not a big deal, as I'm not main pack material. As I started to wind up the legs I slowly started to pick people off. Riding through the sand pit helped in this quest, though I would pay for it in the second race. The first race ended with Jake in the top 25 or so, me in the top 50, Larry top 75, Job and Pierre were top 100. Not too shabby!


There was about 5 minutes between when the first race ended and when we had to be lined up for the second race. Whoops. What am I doing? The plan was survive as long as possible. As the race started the fast guys (and they were fast) pulled away like they were on motor bikes. The slower crew though started to settle into a nice pace. Not sure how I did, but anytime I almost don't get lapped in a 45 minute race (heck, I'm happy when it's a 30 minute race and I don't get lapped) I'm a happy SPHer.

Highlights of the race were: the sand pit... it was fun powering into and through that thing. The stair hill climb was also "fun". Anything that brutal is fun in my book. What didn't I like? The long straightaways (that doesn't seem like cross to me) pretty much were it. Everything else was sweet.


Next year I'll be racing Bs. And might try to do well. We'll see if I can actually train and mountain bike race (new bike... that is way too nice for this cat).

The ships set sail to Crystal, MN Saturday the 16th of November. Destination.... Mn state cross championship. With The Great making an appearance in spirit (see pic), the whole SPH team was ready for domination*.

The course- stupidly long with a 3 barrier run up, followed up with a 30 step staircase, flooded with goose turds!

At chime of 11 o'clock SPH'ers were off with Little-Lar packing a punch the crew finished with respectable finishes. The second race being the SS state championship... ex-member of the ship finished up in a strong second, behind a dominating Ez Taylor (Kenwood Cycles).

Happy to be done for the day and year it's off to the trainer. See you next year!

* Domination- Showing up, riding, and not getting dead last.

Blackbeard domination!

Watching from the sideline with the soon to be Mrs., we watched the dominating pedal power from Ole Blackbeard. The course ranging from soft grass, to gravel roads, to one nasty run up. On this day hopping off the bike and running was where it was for Black. When he dismounted the steed, it looked like everyone else was standing still. Passing up to seven people at a time. Coming in at what I believed to be his best finish in a cross race!

Right along side Black was Lar-dag and Little Lar. Conquering their first cross race. LL with a bike weighing more than he does, proved himself to be the coolest little guy I know. Lar-dag following up with a broken saddle that took him out of contention.

Next race hopes to see a bit more of the SPH crew... I better check to see where to set sail.

SPH at the cross races '08 part 2 - Racing in Hudson???

Round two of the SPH cross season (I think it's like round 8 for those who race twice every weekend) landed the crew at the Hudson YMCA. Lots of 180 degree corners, off camber riding, and one fun little maze section were the name of the game.

Big props to Turkey Creek for showing up to cheer!! Even though we suck at cross racing every cheer helps! Get a cross bike and get out there Kate!

Toeing the line for the orange and green were the soon to be shaven Scraggs and the never to be fully shaven Blackbeard. Once again the strategy of the day (at least for Blackbeard) was to sit back at the start and then pick through people. While this makes for a less stressful day, it does make the first lap a bit of a snoozer. Maybe, just maybe one of these times I'll try and stick my nose in the middle of the pack or something. Eh... maybe not. I did hold off the women for most of the race though. Which was a bit of a win I guess.

Where were the Asian Express and Red Beard? Perhaps they were trying to keep up with the accessorizing of last week by Scraggs. Who knows.

Next week? Afton on Saturday and maybe, just MAYBE some racing on Sunday too.

SPH at the cross races '08 part 1

The new ship (aka Job's car) made the voyage up to Theodore Wirth Park and the first year of the Theodore Wirth Park Cross Race. The Asian Express and Blackbeard were the lone SPHers to make the trip as "the Red" was out of town, ole Scraggs was being fitted for his new skirt, and Supa Dave has turned in his orange and green (we won't kick Dave out, but if we happen to stick a tire iron in the spokes... eh), racing for Grumpy's.

The course was made for a mountain biker. Not loaded with rocks and log piles, but adding any bits of singletrack seem to make roadies cringe. And this course had some sweet flowy singletrack.

Of course, we sucked. Which is fine. We also had a blast. The new SS cross machine worked awesome and the green and white Salsa was also sweet for Jobber. The brakes are a bit squeaky, but no worse than lots of other guys.

No team photos from the event, but a covert operative did catch Scraggs in the act of purse shopping. Remember don't wear white after Labor Day.

Eric the Red is victorious!!!

In a muddy, rain shortened race, Eric destroyed all other SPHers (who couldn't even finish) at the third annual U of M XC race. In the process he also took 2nd in the Expert race. Don't ask how many people actually finished.

Nice job Eric! The traveling SPH trophy resides with you (once we make one).

Next week it begins..... I think

Have an hour and a half to kill?

Fat Tire Fest!

Eric and I headed up to Cable for the big 40 miler at the Chequamegon Fat Tire Fest a couple of weeks ago. Eric with a man's gear of 34-16 and his new (as in not for sale yet) Salsa 29er, me with my standard 34-18 Waltworks Eno-ified. I think we were both pretty happy with how our races went. Maybe me more-so as I was the top SPHer at 3:20 or something like it.

Some highlights for me of the race weekend:

- hanging out with Norma, Katie, Lars and Eric
- getting to the start area with about 10 minutes to spare. Looks like we'll have tons of people to pass.
- Katie and Nora's water bottle hand-up about halfway through. THAT HELPED SO MUCH!
- "SON OF A #&$%@!!" as I passed Eric on a hill
- the lovely sound of gears and chains and cassettes popping and cracking after a couple hours of damp sandy goodness
- feeling like a superman as I passed tons of geared riders every hill... seriously... is the granny gear that necessary???

One thing I learned: I either I'm a freaking beast (doubtful) or I need to get a clue about how to maintain my drivetrain. Tally after the big puddles of the 40? New Bottom Bracket, New Freewheel, new hub.

NEXT YEAR: Utter domination of at least 20 more people!!!

Season Recap so far

So we sorta suck at the blog thing.... I'll keep it short mainly because I've wussed out/passed on a few races due to not wanting to throw money at some events that just didn't seem perfect to me (doing 5 laps seems too much like cyclocross racing for a mountain bike race, stupid reason with 'cross coming up fast - and I HATE Afton for some reason even though I love to climb most of the time).

I've decided that when I get angry that I didn't race in a race I need to just register for the next race that I kinda want to do. Next race: Border Battle. And I'm registered. Stupid bridge is already giving me worries... that's a dicey thing for a sport race.

Chaindrive '08 or Rocky Horror Picture Show

Roughly half of the SPH crew made it up to da UP eh for the annual Chaindrive Festival. The weather was perfect, the trails were awesome and the driving was tedious (but the Garmin's sweet voice kept things interesting).

Big Lar and Mad Man Marcus competed in the 16 mile race and clocked in just under 2 hours. Considering the amount of rocks and climbing on the course that's pretty sweet. Props to Larry for stopping and helping a few guys out on the course. Representin' the colors baby.

Eric the Red and Blackbeard decided that riding 32 miles on rigid singlespeeds would be a good idea. All in all, I guess it was.

Race day started with the cell phone alarm going off at 5:30 EASTERN so I could make sure to take care of a little business before starting the 2 hour drive to Houghton. Unfortunately one of the items I forgot to take care of was eating. One banana and a granola bar was my breakfast of choice. 5 bikes on and 5 people in the Civic and we were ready to roll. Passing through L' Anse, ummmm... Baraga... maybe some other small towns was a treat as we got to drive up Lake Superior on highway 41. Very scenic. Plus we threw on some sweet tunes (Who stole the Kishka again?). Pretty soon Houghton was in our sights. Side note: I don't think one vehicle (buses included) carried more people or bikes to the race. Thanks Larry, Marcus and Elliott for not being big!

Signing in revealed that I drew #6. Crap, I'll look like a pro. Luckily Elliott drew #3, so while he does look like a pro, I didn't feel quite so stupid. Of course we were there a bit early so we went to the bathroom a few times.... stood around.... basked in our orange and green glory... etc. etc.

Upon starting (again in the back) we promptly started to pass lots of folks who were doing the 16 miler. Rolling through town and across the bridge is pretty sweet/neat. Here the 34-20 gearing was questioned... a few of the hills heading out of Hancock left more gearies in the dust. I was actually feeling pretty good as I pounded up Cemetary Hill. Somehow this small paved hill is the bane of a large portion of the less serious 16 milers' existances. It's not that bad.

Clogged initial singletrack (that would be sweet to go at your own pace on) led to the rockiest bits of ATV trail that you could imagine. Climb, bomb down an insanely rocky hill and repeat. I was still feeling alright, but was starting to get bits of trepidation creeping in. We were 6-7 miles in super fast.... and my back, legs and arms were feeling the rockiness.

Most of the singletrack (which is predominantly in the final 24 miles, which is largely singletrack) was a bit of a blur. I was still passing a few people that were having more cramping issues than I. But I also was being past (usually on or right after insane rocky descents). Eric was doing sweet and passed me in "Drunken Sailor" (which is beautiful trail). I wanted to stick with him, but soon after there was a big climb and both legs seized up. Some goo, half a powerbar, and a gulp or two of energy drink solved that problem.

Lots of singletrack, lots of rocks, lots of climbing preceded the creek crossing, which after "Drunken Sailor" was probably the next coolest part of the race. I didn't really know what was going on at that point, so I didn't exactly bomb through the creek. But the cold water felt awesome and I made it 75% of the way through. Next year I'll be fine and bomb it.

Long story a bit shorter, Elliott finished in 3 hours 5 minutes (approx.) and stakes a claim to being on the team. Eric dominated and finished in roughly 3 hours and 10 minutes. Isaac didn't do too bad either (hey, I finished), crossing the line at 3 hours and 15 minutes. Over 32 miles, those aren't huge time gaps. I was hoping to at least beat Elliott and Eric, but that will have to wait for Chequamagon... Nice race guys. Seriously. Awesome job. It was fun, and I'd be up for it again. Rigid. SS. Next time I'll be under 3 hours.

HEY! SCRAGGS IS BACK!

Ole Scraggs is back in a big way, taking his Mad One all the way from Colville to Colville. Completing the complete Ragnarök 105 course on those cushioney 25c Gatorskins (they were down all the way to 100 psi). I thought I was a tough guy for riding it all on a singlespeed.

Some pics... actually just one. I think Larry might have lost a contact or something in the woods and he and Jake are looking for it.

Snow in March is for scurvy dogs

Here is the state of the opening climb of any gravel road ride as of yesterday. I'm pretty sick of winter right about now. Lehrbach (I can't spell it correctly!) was actually rideable up the easy side. Sloppy all the way up, but not too bad.

But once on top of the bluff/hill things got a bit more dicey. It was definately only a one lane thoroughfare as I don't think an official plow had done anything up there. Just some kind soul with a 4x4 and a plow on the front of it. This sketched me out as I didn't trust that I wouldn't die going down the harder side of the hill, so I packed it in and bombed down the hill back to the golf course.


Which left my bike half encased in frozen Goodhue county gravel muck. This stuff is gross, and probably destroyed my BB. We'll see....


Here's hoping for 2 things. 1) A couple of warm weeks to get the Ragnarok course in shape and B) that our Chequamagonagongagon checks are cashed.

Happy Easter all.

Man Down!!!!

Get better soon Scraggs! Don't worry... we'll hold down the fort racing wise until you're back up and sucking in the MNSCS series and stuff. Now you have an excuse for me kicking your arse.

Lose that extra gut that you're growing and build up for Chequamagon! It's only 8 or 9 months away!

Decision time - Finally some real outside riding

I'll let the pictures do the talking. Only enough time for 30 miles... Lehrbach-Orchard-Flueger-Old Church-Hill Valley-Kolshorn-Old Church-Langhans-Flueger-Orchard-Lehrbach.

Chilly Chili Maaaaadness (said in over dramatic commentator voice)

The rickety ole ship sailed on over to Bush Lake in the fine municipality of Bloomington, MN for some always interesting ice racing action. Previous years of ice racing have brought us (in no particular order):

• below zero temperatures
• multiple shazzy lake to land transitions
• mud
• inches of slush
• tight and twisty iciness

As the maroon schooner pulled into dry dock it was obvious that the orange and green army was in for something different. The weather was actually halfways decent (wind was cool I guess, but mid twenties is a blessing in Feb). The on-ice sections were less twisty and less snowy than usual, but fishermen had left the course rutted out with waves of ice that would prove to crash against the bow quite lovingly. The normal hill climb was still there and in perfect shape. The off-season of penguining and a little spinning made climbing the hill seem as easy as trying to make off with a scurvy wench (which I hear is easy, but I have no experience with... so it might not be an apt comparison).

Onto the downhill. Which was shazzy... no... make that SHAZZY. The lead in was 8-12 inches of crusty snow that made getting to the hill a bit crazy... then you get to the top of the hill... and ... lap one left Blackbeard wondering what to do. Someone was on the ground sliding down the hill so he stopped. And then let 4-5 people through so they wouldn't have to try and avoid hitting him. What a doof.

Lap 2 produced this:

Yes... that is the "I'm about to go down and maybe hit some trees but I'm not going to wuss out again" look. With luck the hill wasn't that bad.

Lap 3:Whoops. Guess making it once doesn't mean it's any easier.

Not sure of the finishing place, but top ten for SPH is pretty decent. Not too many SSers finished ahead of the black ship (though not too many were around anyways).

Super Dave represented big time in the A race. He was no match for the SS serenity that is Ezra, but a solid #4 showing and some major style points in making it down the hill every time made the day a complete success.

Thanks to the Asian Express for making the voyage even though his bike was in pieces. Watching a kid almost get taken out by a flying death bike made the trip worth while for sure.

First race of the new year!

Blackbeard and Scraggs hop aboard the maroon cannon and shot up to Elk River to give our best at the Cold Bear race at Hillside. The snow was packed so nicely it felt like riding on dirt. That made the hour and half drive "bear"able. Here is a couple pictures for your eyes to enjoy. We will never be shot by hunters!