Happy New Year! I know January is mostly over, but it feels like the new year has just begun. 2011 is shaping up to be quite an ambitious year for biking. There has been some shake ups in ye 'ole bike stable, but updates soon to come. A few of the things to look forward to in 2011:
- GoPro. I have a few video clips from my brother's helmet cam, so I went and bought one of my own.
- Cascade huts. 4 days, 137 miles, 17k climbing adventure.
- OTH 2011
- Counting Coup 2012 (ok, so it isn't this year, but my training this year will prepare me for CC next year)
A few video clips:
Chumash 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CYhO0lgYzw
Chumash 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knd4p6_Hvu0
Los Robles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHjjVd949ig
A sneak peak at my plans...
Monday, January 24, 2011
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thanksgiving Bike-fest
Thanksgiving tradition runs deep in my family. Not in the black friday shopping, or learning about the first feast where Americans decided to stay indefinitely. Instead, I can sum up my Thanksgiving traditions in three words: Family, food, biking. Biking has been relatively new, since my re-introduction to the sport occurred two+ years ago. Each year, I go home to the Valley to bike with my brother. I will remember Thanksgiving 2008 as the weekend where I took to the mountains for the second time ever. The ride left me feeling exhausted, dizzy, defeated, nauseous, but ultimately inspired. Three Thanksgiving later, nothing has really changed. Three straight days of biking and the familiar feeling has returned. Riding with brother always pushes my physical limits. This week has been ~40 miles and ~4,000 feet of climbing.
Thursday, 11/25/2010
Steve Tames Chumash (sort of)
Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1100ft
The last Chumash posting involved a superman-esque OTB, torn gloves, and a shattered confidence about my downhilling ability. This time, I avoided injury and made it through with minimal walking. I still have a while to go before I can skillfully climb and descend this trail.
Orbea 29er ready to roll
Painful uphill
Ensuing reward
Virgenes Jump Park
After riding Chumash and some lunch, brother and I dropped by Las Virgenes for a quick loop. With time running out, we decided to play around the jump park. I'm very new to jumping, so it took a while to even ride a double. It would have been nice to see some newbie-friendly tabletops.
Prepping for the "jump"
Okay, no jump. But some fast over-the-top riding!
Barely made the smallest double jump in the park
Friday, 11/26/2010
Las Virgenes-Chesebro Loops
Distance: 19.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,400ft
With the whole day ahead of us, we embarked on a long-ish ride through the Santa Monica mountains. A lot of climbing, very rocky downhills, and one decent jump shot.
Middle connector kicks my ass
Yes, continuing to kick my ass
Happy the climbing is done (for now)
Got in a little jump on the Chesebro side
Saturday, 11/27/2010
Los Robles East-West
Distance: 13.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2800ft
In our first trip out to Thousand Oaks, Los Robles provided some tough climbs, spectacular views, and flowy singletrack downhills. This ride will definitely make the rotation. I loaded a geoladders route that covered the West in-and-out, and the East loop. The westward climb up Space Mountain is painful, but we were rewarded with a beautiful view and an exciting downhill to the street. Not one to return on the roads, we headed back up the hill to descend Space Mountain. Two hours into it and three days of riding on my legs, I was ready to give up. I couldn't quit on the geoladders route, so we continued eastward through Sherwood Forest (Los Padres). Tough, but doable, uphills. Fun and fast downhills. I was happy to finish this ride, utterly out of energy, strength, and water.
I hate climbing switchbacks... because I can't do 'em!
More failed switchback climbing
I actually made this one, so the camera decided I shouldn't exist
So that was my Thanksgiving, at least from a biking perspective. Not to get too sentimental or mushy, but here is a list detailing what I am thankful for:
1. God and his continued blessing on me, my family, and my friends.
2. A girlfriend who loves me in fatness and fitness, patiently deals with my quirky behavior, and supports me in my life adventures.
3. A family that's always welcoming, always comfortable, and always there.
4. A career that allows me to work from home and doesn't require me to travel very much.
5. 29er HTs, carbon fiber, 15QR, and 160mm 26ers.
Thursday, 11/25/2010
Steve Tames Chumash (sort of)
Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1100ft
The last Chumash posting involved a superman-esque OTB, torn gloves, and a shattered confidence about my downhilling ability. This time, I avoided injury and made it through with minimal walking. I still have a while to go before I can skillfully climb and descend this trail.
Orbea 29er ready to roll
Painful uphill
Ensuing reward
Virgenes Jump Park
After riding Chumash and some lunch, brother and I dropped by Las Virgenes for a quick loop. With time running out, we decided to play around the jump park. I'm very new to jumping, so it took a while to even ride a double. It would have been nice to see some newbie-friendly tabletops.
Prepping for the "jump"
Okay, no jump. But some fast over-the-top riding!
Barely made the smallest double jump in the park
Friday, 11/26/2010
Las Virgenes-Chesebro Loops
Distance: 19.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,400ft
With the whole day ahead of us, we embarked on a long-ish ride through the Santa Monica mountains. A lot of climbing, very rocky downhills, and one decent jump shot.
Middle connector kicks my ass
Yes, continuing to kick my ass
Happy the climbing is done (for now)
Got in a little jump on the Chesebro side
Saturday, 11/27/2010
Los Robles East-West
Distance: 13.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2800ft
In our first trip out to Thousand Oaks, Los Robles provided some tough climbs, spectacular views, and flowy singletrack downhills. This ride will definitely make the rotation. I loaded a geoladders route that covered the West in-and-out, and the East loop. The westward climb up Space Mountain is painful, but we were rewarded with a beautiful view and an exciting downhill to the street. Not one to return on the roads, we headed back up the hill to descend Space Mountain. Two hours into it and three days of riding on my legs, I was ready to give up. I couldn't quit on the geoladders route, so we continued eastward through Sherwood Forest (Los Padres). Tough, but doable, uphills. Fun and fast downhills. I was happy to finish this ride, utterly out of energy, strength, and water.
I hate climbing switchbacks... because I can't do 'em!
More failed switchback climbing
I actually made this one, so the camera decided I shouldn't exist
So that was my Thanksgiving, at least from a biking perspective. Not to get too sentimental or mushy, but here is a list detailing what I am thankful for:
1. God and his continued blessing on me, my family, and my friends.
2. A girlfriend who loves me in fatness and fitness, patiently deals with my quirky behavior, and supports me in my life adventures.
3. A family that's always welcoming, always comfortable, and always there.
4. A career that allows me to work from home and doesn't require me to travel very much.
5. 29er HTs, carbon fiber, 15QR, and 160mm 26ers.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Looking to Sell
So with the Yeti ASR 5 on order, it's time to part ways with the Turner Flux. It's been a good little project, but ultimately not the right bike. The 4" of travel was enough, but the suspension design was built for speed, not for comfort. The ASR 5 has a more active travel and should bolster the girlfriend's confidence through steeper and more technical downhills.
I still flip through pictures during the Turner build. I remember keeping the build a secret, ordering parts and hiding them until it was time to build everything.
I couldn't wait to unveil the bike, so I actually showed it to her mostly complete (front derailleur was the wrong kind).
Here's a picture of her installing the pegs on her Tioga Surefoot 8 platform pedals.
The Flux is for sale now as a complete bike ($1900obo), rolling frame ($1400obo, no drivetrain or brakes), or as a frameset ($1050obo, frame, CK headset, Fox F100 fork).
Spec List:
Frame: 2008 Turner Flux XS, Red color (copper)
Shock: RP23 with newly installed HV air can. Standard air can also included, along with 1 seal kit.
Fork: 2008 Fox F100 RL, 9mm QR
Headset: Chris King Nothreadset, black
Seatpost Clamp: Hope 31.8, Gunsmoke color
Wheelset: DT Swiss 4.2, 1638g (actual measurements 759/879 front/rear)
Front hub is 9mm through axle stout hub, with hadley axle
Rear hub is 10mm through axle DT swiss hub with 240 internals, with hadley axle
Taped for tubeless, but currently set up with tubes
Front Tire: WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4" Folding Bead 600g
Rear Tire: Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1" Folding Bead 580g (127tpi japanese version)
(Also have two Maxxis Crossmark 2.1" tires, if that's more to your liking)
Seatpost: Thomson Elite 27.2 no setback, silver
Saddle: WTB SpeedShe OR Specialized Avatar 143mm
Stem: Thomson X4 90x10, 31.8 OS clamp, black
Handlebar: Truvativ Stylo, brand new
Grips: ODI ruffian or Ergon GP1
Brakes:BRAND NEW Avid Elixir 5 brakeset, 160mm. Magura Marta SL, Avid G3, or Ashima AirRotor
Drivetrain:
- BRAND NEW X7 10sp x-glide crank, front derailleur, shifters
- BRAND NEW X9 10sp x-glide rear derailleur
- 10sp chain, 12-36 10sp cassette
Pedals:SPD, SPD + Platform, or Time ATAC pedals
I still flip through pictures during the Turner build. I remember keeping the build a secret, ordering parts and hiding them until it was time to build everything.
I couldn't wait to unveil the bike, so I actually showed it to her mostly complete (front derailleur was the wrong kind).
Here's a picture of her installing the pegs on her Tioga Surefoot 8 platform pedals.
The Flux is for sale now as a complete bike ($1900obo), rolling frame ($1400obo, no drivetrain or brakes), or as a frameset ($1050obo, frame, CK headset, Fox F100 fork).
Spec List:
Frame: 2008 Turner Flux XS, Red color (copper)
Shock: RP23 with newly installed HV air can. Standard air can also included, along with 1 seal kit.
Fork: 2008 Fox F100 RL, 9mm QR
Headset: Chris King Nothreadset, black
Seatpost Clamp: Hope 31.8, Gunsmoke color
Wheelset: DT Swiss 4.2, 1638g (actual measurements 759/879 front/rear)
Front hub is 9mm through axle stout hub, with hadley axle
Rear hub is 10mm through axle DT swiss hub with 240 internals, with hadley axle
Taped for tubeless, but currently set up with tubes
Front Tire: WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4" Folding Bead 600g
Rear Tire: Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1" Folding Bead 580g (127tpi japanese version)
(Also have two Maxxis Crossmark 2.1" tires, if that's more to your liking)
Seatpost: Thomson Elite 27.2 no setback, silver
Saddle: WTB SpeedShe OR Specialized Avatar 143mm
Stem: Thomson X4 90x10, 31.8 OS clamp, black
Handlebar: Truvativ Stylo, brand new
Grips: ODI ruffian or Ergon GP1
Brakes:BRAND NEW Avid Elixir 5 brakeset, 160mm. Magura Marta SL, Avid G3, or Ashima AirRotor
Drivetrain:
- BRAND NEW X7 10sp x-glide crank, front derailleur, shifters
- BRAND NEW X9 10sp x-glide rear derailleur
- 10sp chain, 12-36 10sp cassette
Pedals:SPD, SPD + Platform, or Time ATAC pedals
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Yeti Demo Day
I set out to ride the Fullerton Loop with Mark. To my surprise, this is what awaited at the trailhead.
The Yeti truck was setting up for a free demo day. The demos were not officially being released, which gave Mark and I a good hour to do the loop. An hour later, I returned to the parking lot to chat with Nick and Sarah from Yeti, and to demo ASR 5C for a quick second loop. I have to say the bike was impressive for 5 inches; it took the little jumps without hesitation and pedaled like a champ. However, it rode very similar to my 575. Though it wasn't what I was looking for in a clyde-worthy XC racebike, I did leave with one important piece of information. The Yeti ASR 5 comes in x-small.
I tracked down the Yeti demo truck a few days later near Whiting Ranch, but this time had girlfriend in arm. Sarah was reluctant to take a bike out for a demo, reluctant as always from buying more bike toys. With a few test rides around the parking lot, she seemed determined not to take the bike out. It didn't feel right. It's too big. It's too expensive. But with a bit of persistence, and some A+ help from Nick @ Yeti, we finally got the fit dialed in. Nick swapped out the 90mm stem for a 70mm, put on brand new carbon bars, and then cut the new bars (!) for our use. Still, the bars were maybe 1/2" too wide on each side, but Sarah said they felt much better.
We rode Whiting with vigor and excitement. With every trail section, Sarah seemed to enjoy the bike more and more. She said things like, "The bike is just so smooth," and "This trail is actually a lot of fun." Being that it was her first time at Whiting, we hit the same trail the next day on the Turner Flux for a direct comparison. Here is how the bikes fared in a back-to-back trail comparison.
Our ride began with Borrego, as per the usual Whiting loop. The ASR5 suspension is much more active than the Turner Flux, and Sarah says she feels like she's gliding through the terrain. I can visually see the rear triangle actuate over bumps, something I never really saw with the Turner Flux. Even with the high volume air canister and 50psi of pressure, the Flux didn't look quite right. The Yeti looks spot on.
Small bump compliance - Yeti: 8.5/10, Turner: 4/10
Climbing Mustard proved to be physically strenuous, but the bike characteristics were apparent. Even though the suspension was moving, the ASR 5 didn't seem to exhibit any pedal induced bob. Though it goes against traditional thinking, suspension movement while climbing isn't always a bad thing. Less slipping, more traction, minimal power loss through pedaling. You could argue that a stiffer, less active rear suspension is more efficient, but a novice needs more rubber on the ground. As long as pedaling doesn't cause the suspension to actuate, there really isn't much efficiency lost. Perhaps if the climb was a stand-up-and-smash climb, the Flux would have the edge.
Climbing Efficiency - Yeti: 8/10, Turner 7/10
Top of Four Corners. Yeti Tribe!!
Our descent from Four Corners took us through Whiting Ranch Road and Serrano Cow (no Cactus/Sleep Hallow yet). I call out the upcoming downhill sections, but Sarah just plowed through. The rest of the trail has somewhat steep, non-technical fire road downhills, some flowy singletrack/doubletracks, and a few dips. Though there were some squirrely parts on the dips and rutted downhills, the ASR5 floated through it all. The Flux performed much better with the high volume air canister vs standard volume, but it wasn't even close to the ASR5. Yeti all the way. Stable, 67d headtube angle. Longer wheelbase. Superior suspension design.
Downhilling "Fun" - Yeti: 10/10, Turner 6/10
In the end, the Yeti wins hands down. Is it worth the $$$$ to upgrade Sarah's bike? Hell yes. Sarah and I discussed the particulars and have the exact bike we would like to purchase.
Yeti ASR 5 Alloy
X-small, blue with white rear triangle
2011 Enduro Build
(Fox Float 140mm fork, 3x10 SRAM X9/X7)
Eventually, the bike will get the Thomson/Ergon/Shimano Dyna-Sys treatment.
Unfortunately, I haven't seen any 2011s in the right color/build combination. I have a few calls out to my LBS, so I am hopeful. I have the specific frame, fork, build, and price point. Let's make a deal!
The Yeti truck was setting up for a free demo day. The demos were not officially being released, which gave Mark and I a good hour to do the loop. An hour later, I returned to the parking lot to chat with Nick and Sarah from Yeti, and to demo ASR 5C for a quick second loop. I have to say the bike was impressive for 5 inches; it took the little jumps without hesitation and pedaled like a champ. However, it rode very similar to my 575. Though it wasn't what I was looking for in a clyde-worthy XC racebike, I did leave with one important piece of information. The Yeti ASR 5 comes in x-small.
I tracked down the Yeti demo truck a few days later near Whiting Ranch, but this time had girlfriend in arm. Sarah was reluctant to take a bike out for a demo, reluctant as always from buying more bike toys. With a few test rides around the parking lot, she seemed determined not to take the bike out. It didn't feel right. It's too big. It's too expensive. But with a bit of persistence, and some A+ help from Nick @ Yeti, we finally got the fit dialed in. Nick swapped out the 90mm stem for a 70mm, put on brand new carbon bars, and then cut the new bars (!) for our use. Still, the bars were maybe 1/2" too wide on each side, but Sarah said they felt much better.
We rode Whiting with vigor and excitement. With every trail section, Sarah seemed to enjoy the bike more and more. She said things like, "The bike is just so smooth," and "This trail is actually a lot of fun." Being that it was her first time at Whiting, we hit the same trail the next day on the Turner Flux for a direct comparison. Here is how the bikes fared in a back-to-back trail comparison.
Our ride began with Borrego, as per the usual Whiting loop. The ASR5 suspension is much more active than the Turner Flux, and Sarah says she feels like she's gliding through the terrain. I can visually see the rear triangle actuate over bumps, something I never really saw with the Turner Flux. Even with the high volume air canister and 50psi of pressure, the Flux didn't look quite right. The Yeti looks spot on.
Small bump compliance - Yeti: 8.5/10, Turner: 4/10
Climbing Mustard proved to be physically strenuous, but the bike characteristics were apparent. Even though the suspension was moving, the ASR 5 didn't seem to exhibit any pedal induced bob. Though it goes against traditional thinking, suspension movement while climbing isn't always a bad thing. Less slipping, more traction, minimal power loss through pedaling. You could argue that a stiffer, less active rear suspension is more efficient, but a novice needs more rubber on the ground. As long as pedaling doesn't cause the suspension to actuate, there really isn't much efficiency lost. Perhaps if the climb was a stand-up-and-smash climb, the Flux would have the edge.
Climbing Efficiency - Yeti: 8/10, Turner 7/10
Top of Four Corners. Yeti Tribe!!
Our descent from Four Corners took us through Whiting Ranch Road and Serrano Cow (no Cactus/Sleep Hallow yet). I call out the upcoming downhill sections, but Sarah just plowed through. The rest of the trail has somewhat steep, non-technical fire road downhills, some flowy singletrack/doubletracks, and a few dips. Though there were some squirrely parts on the dips and rutted downhills, the ASR5 floated through it all. The Flux performed much better with the high volume air canister vs standard volume, but it wasn't even close to the ASR5. Yeti all the way. Stable, 67d headtube angle. Longer wheelbase. Superior suspension design.
Downhilling "Fun" - Yeti: 10/10, Turner 6/10
In the end, the Yeti wins hands down. Is it worth the $$$$ to upgrade Sarah's bike? Hell yes. Sarah and I discussed the particulars and have the exact bike we would like to purchase.
Yeti ASR 5 Alloy
X-small, blue with white rear triangle
2011 Enduro Build
(Fox Float 140mm fork, 3x10 SRAM X9/X7)
Eventually, the bike will get the Thomson/Ergon/Shimano Dyna-Sys treatment.
Unfortunately, I haven't seen any 2011s in the right color/build combination. I have a few calls out to my LBS, so I am hopeful. I have the specific frame, fork, build, and price point. Let's make a deal!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Lethargy
It's been a while since my last blog post. It all started when I couldn't make it into Counting Coup. I was traveling for business on registration night and the hotel internet was too slow to handle. I put in all my information around 12:12am, but it had already sold out (I heard Counting Coup sold out in under 8 minutes). I really need something to train for, or I'll start getting soft. I'm teetering on 250lbs at the moment, so I need to kick it into gear. With fall approaching and daylight fading, it's been hard to get out of the house. Good thing I have my rollers to keep me active.
I head off on vacation tomorrow for 5 days; no doubt my activity-to-eating ratio will be out of whack until I get back.
We'll see what my winter training looks like, especially without any solid events to train for. Maybe OTH 2011? Maybe Durango to Moab? Who knows. But I do know my thirst for biking adventures continues...
I head off on vacation tomorrow for 5 days; no doubt my activity-to-eating ratio will be out of whack until I get back.
We'll see what my winter training looks like, especially without any solid events to train for. Maybe OTH 2011? Maybe Durango to Moab? Who knows. But I do know my thirst for biking adventures continues...
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Counting Coup 2011
It's been 3 weeks since the end of Over the Hump. I continue to ride 4-5 times a week, but not with nearly the same intensity as OTH. That said, I've gained a few lbs. Still under 250lbs, but I fear I am getting complacent. That is why I will commit myself to racing Counting Coup 2011! I'm not sure I can get a spot, but I'll sign up as soon as registration opens on Oct 1.
For those who don't know, Counting Coup is a race put on by the Warrior Society. It is arguably the easiest of their three races, but still requires 40+ miles and 8,000+ft of climbing. The first checkpoint is 4 hours into the race at the bottom of Silverado and Maple springs. That's 18 miles and approximately 4500ft of climbing (thanks to Weyland for the stats!). As a test run, I tried to make the first checkpoint last Saturday. I made it halfway to the first checkpoint in 2h and 20 minutes before failing and turning around (9 miles and 2100ft climbing). By my estimation, I was 20 minutes behind the minimum pace, and I gotta keep it up for another 30 miles! I'll continue to pound through Blackstar until I can get my half-to-first-checkpoint time in the 1h 45m range. Sounds "unpossible" at the moment, but with 7 months left, I'm hoping to drop 5lbs and shave 5 minutes per month.
For those who don't know, Counting Coup is a race put on by the Warrior Society. It is arguably the easiest of their three races, but still requires 40+ miles and 8,000+ft of climbing. The first checkpoint is 4 hours into the race at the bottom of Silverado and Maple springs. That's 18 miles and approximately 4500ft of climbing (thanks to Weyland for the stats!). As a test run, I tried to make the first checkpoint last Saturday. I made it halfway to the first checkpoint in 2h and 20 minutes before failing and turning around (9 miles and 2100ft climbing). By my estimation, I was 20 minutes behind the minimum pace, and I gotta keep it up for another 30 miles! I'll continue to pound through Blackstar until I can get my half-to-first-checkpoint time in the 1h 45m range. Sounds "unpossible" at the moment, but with 7 months left, I'm hoping to drop 5lbs and shave 5 minutes per month.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
In The Books
Over the Hump 2010 is in the books! 12 races, 15 weeks, hours of countless fun. Instead of rambling on in an essay-style post, I will deviate from the norm and go with a list of notable events over the last 12 races.
- It is very dusty.
- DFL to 16th is a big win.
- I wonder if @Mark will place today.
- Keep my heart rate down.
- Can't nose breath through anything!
- HR=170. I don't feel terrible, though.
- HR=184. Getting dizzy...
- Did Tinker Juarez already lap me?!
- ANY race for a clyde is an endurance race...
- Hydrate!
- Don doesn't seem to like gears.
- Keep it rollin' on 29ers!
- Where is Adam B.?
- Vs. Adam: WLLWWLLLL.
- A B1 clyde class will be exciting and close.
- It is very dusty.
- DFL to 16th is a big win.
- I wonder if @Mark will place today.
- Keep my heart rate down.
- Can't nose breath through anything!
- HR=170. I don't feel terrible, though.
- HR=184. Getting dizzy...
- Did Tinker Juarez already lap me?!
- ANY race for a clyde is an endurance race...
- Hydrate!
- Don doesn't seem to like gears.
- Keep it rollin' on 29ers!
- Where is Adam B.?
- Vs. Adam: WLLWWLLLL.
- A B1 clyde class will be exciting and close.
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