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Criticism is something we can avoid easily by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing

Elbert Hubbard

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Recapitulate

Driving up to the venue known for Mt Krumpit is always an enlightening experience. For this year the boss decided to see what this "Party on the Krumpit" was all about. Well she got more than she expected.
Fridays night race, new for Jingle CX, was my only one for the weekend. Adding insult to injury it was on the first lap that I decided to 'ride' the downhill. Typically not a difficult thing for me. But add in 60 testosterone raging fella's trying to tear the legs off of each other the picture becomes muddled.
The run up killed me, putting me further back into the maelstrom. As I approached the top I decided to let it rip, full on! There was one problem someone decided to stop at the first corner of the off-camber downhill causing a bottleneck as I charged full steam to meet my destiny.
I was bobbin n weavin through the scrum, as a body laid out right before me. Leaving me no option to abort(I really thought about running over the f*&%er though) as I aborted a bicycle flipped up catching my shin with it's chainring. Next thing I know my shin was numb with alot of throbbing going on. I remounted, with the first pedal stroke was a sure sign tonights match was over for me. I struggled over to the mwi tent to assess the damage.
One fancy mwi knee warm only had a trickle of blood showing. The thing that bothered me was the obvious two chainring teeth marks in my shin, not only that the quarter sized skin graft now hanging from the inside said knee warmer. FANPHUCKINGTASTIC! The boss got me cleaned with the medical kit I carry in the vehicle for such occasions. Out of my onesy to get cleaned up to see how this sucker looks.
A little throbbing all night gave me a bad outlook for the racing for the weekend. Which I decided to bag due to the running would only make it worse. So found RV and crew to commence with the friendly comments from the peanut gallery.
On the downhill of Mt Krumpit many beers were drank by us, along with many riders. The fun really didn't start until the dollar bills were stuck into the tape post's. Right before a wonderful deep bike length quagmire. Not many people felt very sure of themselves to release the bars to go for the dollars.
After awhile a couple racers started to take the colorful commentary to heart. That's to bad, it was all in good fun. At least WE were having fun. Just remember those that took it serious-your dumbass paid to ride that course! In CX it is common to be harassed, so don't take yourself so f*&%ing serious. If you don't like it, stick to the road where you can keep your ass puckered, nose in the air attitude among your hoity toity pals!
As the 2/3's started we followed the keg to the top of Mt Krumpit were the fun really started. Many new 'hand-ups' were created i.e. turkey sandwich, beef sticks, meat log, cheese whiz with the regular old beer hand ups.
I do think I did hear someone say we were going to 11 on the hill! Here are some pics. Enjoy.

Some people think the course is a little goofy. Here is some perspective. Go watch the video titled Laatste Ronde Wereldbeker Koksijde.

Now I have to wrap my mind around the fact that Missouri State CX is next weekend!!
So I decided to hire this guy . Thanks JJ I hope this works for me!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Christmas Idea #1

In a pinch? Need a quick gift to pick up for your finicky spouse?

Well here is something...
Technology has given us a lot lately. The car. TV. X-rays. The refrigerator. The Internet. Heck, we even cured polio. But what have our envelopes tasted like for the last 4,000 years? Armpit, that’s what.

Really, people? If we can’t overcome this kind of minor technical challenge, it’s only a matter of time until some super-advanced race of aliens with lasers, spaceships and a delicious federal mail system comes down and colonizes the world. And nobody wants that (except for the aliens, of course).

So, after thousands of years and kajillions of horrible tasting envelopes licked, we’re happy to report that J&D’s Bacon-Flavored Mmmvelopes™ are here to save the day. No longer will envelopes taste like the underside of your car. You can enjoy the taste of delicious bacon instead.

That’s right, bacon. It’s not real bacon, mind you, so you won’t have to start storing your envelopes in the refrigerator. But it really does taste like bacon. Which is what you really wanted in the first place, isn’t it? And it only took us 4,000 years to get there. Eat that, alien invaders.






Monday, November 16, 2009

Beer of the Week


My Name is Mud

More about the title later...
Friday the 13th was bad luck for the man as a fire in the facility forced an early departure.. to bad so sad. That meant I got an extra hour of light to hit the trails. Which I did. Happy, Happy.

Saturday morn presented itself with another fantastic opportunity to hit the trails before the rain came in. Lately I haven't trusted the weathermen/women in the area. So off to the park to hit some trails I missed the previous day. I did a visit to the old 10/11 trails. To my surprise they were still well maintained. Not only that there was tire tracks laid just recently. While I was out in the midst of the good stuff I did notice one other rider(the beginning of the stalker). on the loop I just came up. Later I ran into 'him' on the trail.
Two days of trails was very enlightening to the soul. Almost forgot why I started biking, only to be reunited with my dirt friend with fat tires. Love!

Went home to mentally prepare for the festivities for the night. KCSprints. Oh the joy of visiting Harlings Upstairs. Every time I visit I'm reminded of the days when we were under 21 and visited this shit hole. Yes, its a shit hole and I love it. The people that show up are truly diversified. Tonights fragrance lofting in the air, PISS! Fanfuckingtastic. Nothing an hour of acclimation can't resolve or was that a couple of Guinness? Not to sure but the crowd was gathering, the usual victims were present along with some new faces(stalker was in street clothes). It seemed that there was some confusion on the program the crew uploaded, which was actually fastest time of the night not bracket, which was first announced. Luckily for me I wore my Podium Shoes, as per Half Lap. 3rd fastest for the night. First and second were 21,23 years old respectively.

Sunday well brought De Stad Cyclocross which is why I threw the video down below. Pics below that. I can tell I'm getting some fitness back little by little. Such a slow process to gain back what little was there. I do have to admit that was my favorite CX race in years. I was practicing lines throughout the race. Just seeing which was better for me. It's not always the fastest to follow the herd. It is ok to go your own path. Someone might have a "Why didn't I do that" moment. Thanks for those that stuck around and yelled. Positive vibe is always good. Karma will come back to ya'll.
I also set my record of psi in tubs 18psi in front and back.
A side note: JJ was in a zone like no other I have seen. Eye of the Tiger was an understatement at the line(few words exchanged was wonderful) then as the race started in the mayhem he gave me the new found "Hate Bump" because he still the fire in his eye's!! The man was a self wrecking ball. Plus he forgot his shoes after leaving the venue. Old Timers Syndrome. We are there for you OLD Buddy. We might have to start tagging your items. So promoters can call you to send those items left behind at each place you visit.
If you haven't seen the results Dunnsberry, has flicked the switch. Good job, mate!
Yea the stalker was there too?! I'm watching my back now!!

Enjoy the video and gallery from the weekend.








Monday, November 9, 2009

Beer of the Week


DFL and Lapped

Yep accomplished both in one race. Fanphuckingtastic!

My fourth row call up was a surprise. I figured I would be in the 6th row with the eventual race winner. Oh wait he moved up to the front row after the official moved out of the way. Nice!

As the whistle went off we all got off to a smooth start. Well at least as smooth as uphill pave(red bricks) will allow. Pick and choosing my through the group to maybe the top ten when the bomb went off in front! A 180 proceeded by a downhill with a slight jog to the right caused mayhem 3 men down in the corner caused me to vier off course or join the carnage. By the time I got back on the course, well I was DFL. Fanphuckingtastic! My mind checked out and decided to have some fun when I could.

Here are the results...


Nice arse!







I paid for this didn't I? Dumbarse!









I got skillz, beicthes!







Yes, I did do that on purpose. That wasn't the landing from the above picture either. Two separate shots by Roger Harrison. Unfortunately he didn't get my sweet X-up over the bump. It was really cool and scary at the same time. All most cased it.

I can definitely feel 8 weeks of cold still. My first double weekend and I'm wrecked. 12hrs of sleep, a sweet 18 hole frisbee golf with the boss and I'm almost ready for a nap.

If you didn't hear me this weekend you had to see me. The mwi summer skinsuit was rocked both days. It was washed between races. I didn't want anyone to smell me.

My damn Spooky brakes have decided to die on me. Springs have shot the shit, but never fail Vladimir has a couple of new sets in the mail for me. Just hoping I get them before the weekend. Otherwise one bike is going to be butchered to get a smooth, no turkey calling bike to race on. I'm bidding my time till these(these) come out. So sweeet! Old school updated with todays technology. I still have some of the original parts for spares. Avid rocks!
Next weekend will be at the same place. Heard through the grape vine people weren't so happy with the course. Oh well, CX is for hard men. Either you are or aren't. Just remember one person's fav course won't be your's and the opposite holds true.

Just remember that next Saturday Night! Good warm-up for the CX race on Sunday. Hope to see you all out there.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

HPT GP DFL(almost)

Well we were out at Heartland Park Topeka Grand Prix or 'avondcross' or night cross. Plus to celebrate the boss and I's 11th wedding anniversary. Played it safer this year than last. Ask the boss what a great time she had last year when you see her!

I do admit this is one my favorite course's all year. The use of the dirt track oval, the infield, behind the grandstand, to the front of the concession stand this course just plain rocks. Tonights course was better than the previous editions. A little more flowy, but still with the right amount of difficulties to keep you aware of your surroundings.

As stated in the title I was almost DFL. Knife fighting for lantern rouge. Oh the joy!

Excited I got to wear my summer skinsuit tonight. 7:45pm with temps in the 70's, crazy. Tomorrow is the same. So I'm washing the SSS for tomorrows ride, I mean race! No Sunday Suit for me. Long sleeves will be overkill for the onslaught on St Mary's course. Pave, Pave, or just plain red bricks either way I'm riding/racing over them for a few laps.

Pics...

Spokey light things, that way they could still see me when they shut down the lights!

So fast I was a blur! In the parking lot.

Ok, I pulled a fast one. After call ups no one took the inside line. 5 rows deep or front?

A trend is starting. Hope you see it.

The trend? No one near me or the blurry shots. (boss is fired from camera usage!)


Spokie light things are sweet.

Good night.

Movember for Cancer

I've jumped with both feet on this one.

Please go to here and make a donation. Every little bit helps others.
thanks,
crusty
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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Plan A, No. Plan B, No. Plan C, No.

I'm glad I have a flexible coach. I mean in terms of scheduling, not actual gymnastic flexible. Why?

Well from the title my plans were laid out in standard form:
1. CX practice with starts, cornering, and dismounts/mounts the focal point
2. Go to the 'new' old course for some refreshing sights and sounds.
3. Somewhere in the middle turn yourself inside out. Then ride home.

The 'actual' plan was to be out about 2.5-3hrs but...
...all entrances to the park were shut down due to deer season in the park. All three entrances stated the same. The front part of the lake was to be unachieved. Most time I would 'poach' the park. NOT this year, rifle's were in use. Very LARGE rifles echoed through the park matter of factly. I pulled out the wuss card for sure.

So coach now what? Plan A-C was a no go! Shut down by the man! Fast thinking by the coach came up with an alternative plan. Stay close, check out some of the really close flavor. Here are the mixed results in pics.

No trail obstacle is to small or large when a plan is in effect!

I had to have proof that I made it through it! Or got stuck there when they found my body!

Success!

The work paid off for a wonderful view!

Still had these little bastards scattered through out the trail. No flats!

Stairway to Heaven?

A bridge to far?

The photo gives no real depth. That plunge is at least 20ft.

More hidden treasures.

I was busy as a beaver!