My Equipment

Mountain Bike
2010 Giant XTC 29er 2
This bike is a blast to ride.   It rides great and is perfect for the obstacles Michigan trails have to offer.  The frame is very stiff and climbs great. The new Giant rims allow me to run 25 psi with tubes.  If I had any complaints it would be its weight.  I am guessing mine weights some where around 29lbs right now.   With some upgrades down the road I am sure I could knock it down to 24lbs or so. 

It also tends to push a little bit in corners, but that might just be my handling skills.  I am still adjusting to the 29er ride, but I am hooked on it. Its a great cross training bike and with some Nokian Gazza Extreme 294 studded tires...should be a blast to ride this winter.

 


All Purpose and Training Bike
2008 Novara Squadra
Configured with SRAM Rival, Force crank and Fulcrum Racing 1 wheels.  Somehow this bike survived the entire 2009 season.  For my first season I wanted a cheap disposable bike.  In the end I think I would have been much better off buying and bike with an Aluminum frame from a more reputable manufacture.  While the carbon frame is semi light, it lacks the stiffness to be a great race bike.  However this bike provides a very comfortable ride that is great for 3+ hour training rides.


 
The Bike Carrier
2005 Mazda 3s
What better bike carrier then a sport compact that can get 30 mpg.   So whats the best way to carry expensive race bikes...build a custom bike mount to store the bike safely inside the vehicle.  To do this I took out the rear seat and gutted the back interior, then replaced the rear seat with a plywood sheet. 

Then I added a fork mount that attaches to the spare tire.  Lastly add a little carpet and you have a nice looking bike carrying system.






For 2010 I will have a new race bike.  Post to follow when I get it.

2009 Year In Review

2009...I guess it can be best summed up as a learning experience.   My original goal was to compete in 10-15 races.  In the end I participated in 25+ races.   After my first time trail in March I realized I had a long ways to go.   I wasn't aerobically fit enough, I wasn't strong enough, I knew nothing about race strategy and technique.  The only thing I had was determination and luckily a good group of ridding buddies to support and keep me motivated.   I have done lots of athletic activities in the past and I can't think of anything more demanding then cycling. What defines a great cyclist is the amount of pain and suffering he can endure.  There is no easy hill climbs or sprints.  Every effort is painful, yet I am hooked.  Racing this year was a ton of fun. I got to travel all over this state and see the beautiful parts of Michigan.

So what did I accomplish?  Lots. I started my season as a Category 5 beginner.  I ended it as Category 4 with a petition to Category 3 awaiting approval.  I won a sprint prime in my last race by a landslide.  My top finish was 3rd, in a race where I helped my cycling buddy win. I avoided many crashes, battled injuries.  I even participated in a race in downtown Chicago. Every race I got stronger and smarter.  I ended my season with a top 10 in 5/9 of my last races.  Would have been more if I hadn't suffered a calf and hip muscle injury.  A few crashes I got caught up in set me back also.  That's cycling for you, often the strongest don't win.

So what are my goals for 2010?  Simply win, and help other members of my new team win also.  Try a few mountain bike races.  Move up to Category 1/2? Train smarter,  I overdid it this summer.  I didn't rest right, or train right.   Hopefully with my power meter I will be able to build a smarter training schedule to follow.  2010 should be a fun journey.

Welcome

Welcome, for 2010 I decided I would try something new.  So I created this blog to give reports on my cycling races and adventures for friends and family to follow.   This should be interesting.