Brews and Bar Ends

I found a team mate for the Urban Assault Ride next weekend. My BCR team mate and friend, Tyson, has agreed to join me on my first UAR event. Our team name: Brews and Bar Ends. Honors both the after ride festivities we often enjoy and the mid 90's era Onza bar ends I continue to rock on my mountain bike.

I'm not sure what to expect, so I'm mostly following Ty this time around. Hopefully we can have a good enough time and consume some fine brews afterwards!
Check back later for results. Maybe even some Twitter updates...

WINNER!

In case you don't recall.....Wiken and I had a little competition going on this year: The BCR Smackdown.

In an email from him this morning, he has conceded! I present that email for you now.

I'm not going to st cloud. We have a soccer jamberie from 10:00-12:00
on Saturday. :(
I originally thought the race was this weekend.

congratulations on winning the BCR Smackdown!

I love it. I have officially beaten my friend on the team. Who showed up to two races. DNF'd one. And will probably kick ass in CX this year....

Yes, my ego is large.

Now where's my prize?

Urban Assault Ride - September 27th

There's a cool race coming up and I need a partner. Click here for a contest and your shot at winning a free entry into this year's New Belgium Brewery Urban Assault Ride!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHhXdk5UaDdVdjUzeXVHSklfdThiQ3c6MA..

MNSCS#6 - Elk River Preview

This weekend marks the fist time that Elk River has played host to a MNSCS event. The organizer, Rich Omdahl, has taken great lengths to ensure that his course is ready for the added participants. I expect this to be one of the largest events of the series thus far. I'm guessing people will want to check out the course. Rich puts on a great event and can draw the crowds, so it should be a good time.

Elk River has had many races in the past, but nothing quite like the size that the MNSCS can draw. So to accommodate for the added racers, Rich has added some new trail to help the entry into the single track. Read the description:

This beginer loop starts in the front parking lot closest to the tar road yet far side of lot from the entrance. this runs the outside perimeter of section 1 then section two of the park property all of it being west of section 1 and 2. This will be used in the race as well.

so for Citizen Race you will start the race in the far back parking lot (though the big gate on gravel road by start and finish of loop in front lot.

Race start from back lot up the gravel road into section 1 then 2.
Instead of using the gravel road again to the front lot you will circle back to the front lot on this beginer loop single/ double track (west of 1 and 2). You pop out of the woods into the front parking lot and head for the port a pottie accross the lot then up the little hill into section 1 then 2 for finish right there in the back lot culdesack. At the end of section 2 a hard left goes to the back lot and straight will continue on into sections 3 . There are signs posted there.

You can see the a GPS of the Comp course - in action - here:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/8034999

I'm excited for this race for several reasons: I love riding at Elk River, I love events that Rich puts on and BCR should have a nice compliment of riders in both the Sport and Comp class!

If you haven't yet, be sure to get your registration on right here: https://secure.tstmedia.com/register/860909185

Bring your fave jersey to be signed - Dr. Chad is making an appearance on the race course after a 4+ year hiatus!

See ya this weekend!

Charlotte at the races!

Charlotte racing in Duluth from Adam Emanoff on Vimeo.

Charlotte's 3rd race. This one is in Duluth. The course was fairly short and started uphill, but had a nice downhill. Way to go peanut!

MNSCS#4 is coming

I haven't been on the bike for a long time. Basically the last race was the last time I've ridden. I'm hoping the fever of the Tour will propel me along in the race this weekend...ha! We'll be hitting Red Wing for the Memorial Classic. The course is pretty fun and has some really good single track. Hopefully it won't be too hot.

Tonight I'm riding with Dr. Chad. Either Leb or Murphy, so I'm sure we'll have a good time.

The more and more that I ride at Leb, the more and more I wish we were doing a time trial there. The new trail would really lend to some good laps and up the challenge a bit.

Anyone want to donate some cash to help pay for the permit?! We'll list you as a sponsor and say your name every other sentence...

MNSCS#2 - done

"I'm always trying to get you pumped for Afton"
-Marc Wiken

And I appreciate the fact that you're trying to get me pumped up for it, but dude, I don't think it'll ever happen. We just don't get along. Maybe because Afton exposed my non-climbing skills. Or that it always feels either up or down and the technical stuff is absent (apart from one or two short sections).

My day started out just as I was feeling. Slow. I hovered near the back knowing that if I were to be up front with Marc, I'd just get in the way. The course changed up the first part of the lap nicely, running us down the dirt road for a bit before hitting the single track. There were some small additions as well along the course - new switchbacks - that seemed to get lots of people riled up due to having to slow down. There was one section - Cliff's Edge - that was pretty cool. Very rocky and had a sharp corner. I managed to pass someone through there. A couple other sections that were twisty and bumpy I also put a gap on the riders behind me. However, that didn't last long as I had to go uphill. I just had no legs. Or mental confidence. However, I did get to see Wiken haul ass up near the front for part of the first lap. He was making some good passes and getting near the front. The manhandler couldn't handle Wiken as he picked off riders using his middle ring. Sadly, Afton got the better of him and he DNFd after two flats.
After awhile, I saw Dan coming behind me up Shady Lane and I was relieved that it was taking him so long to catch me. Was I riding better than I felt? Or was I delirious and Dan had already passed me and what I saw wasn't real? Dan never caught me, but in post race discussions it turned out that we both had poor races that day. Afton got the better of us.

This was almost the most fun I had on course:


Photo courtesy of www.skinnyski.com

In other races, Jess, Scott and Dave completed their Sport races! This is Jess' first year in Sport, so an extra lap at Afton is no easy task. Dave decided that he better get some extra sleep and woke up just in time to speed to the race and line up literally within minutes of the start. He's no Dan, but getting close....
Scott finished his first Afton race for BCR! We first met at Afton way back when. We should have had some sort of anniversary dinner....
We were missing Tyson, but for obvious reasons.

Tim, or other newcomer to the team managed to rock the house on his SS in Comp. He tagged me sometime on the 3rd lap as he went by and managed a nice 4th in age group finish. Again.

Next up: Dirt Spanker in Duluth. It appears we'll be heading up for that one. Hopefully I can find my climbing legs as I enjoy the course. I have placed there before....

As much as it pains me to bring it up....with Wiken's DNF at Afton, we are now tied in the BCR Smackdown.



Should be interesting from here on out, as I don't know that we'll be at many more of the same races...

MNSCS #1 in the bag

What a great day for a race. Very little wind, sunny and good temps. The crowds looked big the general buzz around the race was positive. People were excited to back in competition.
This year we had a full field of Sport racers for BCR, so there was a lot of orange. Great to see that again. Same went for Comp - 5 total racers, wow.

The course this year was different in that we would be running it backwards - say what?

Charlotte also had her first race today and she was pretty excited. We had her line up at the line for some good photo ops. However, once the kids were all lined up around her, it was apparent that she may get run over. She was brave though, and handled the start like a champ and took off on her Strider bike. The lap was part of our course and longer than what I thought it was going to be. Still, she stuck to it and rode like a champ. She crashed once (like her daddy), got help from me twice, and missed the finish line (also like daddy). After we were done, she said in her cute little voice "I wanna go 'gain."

Now it was time for my race. I lined up near the front because there was no prologue lap and I saw the Sport racers bunch up like mad into the singletrack. Andy M. said his first lap was slower by 5 minutes due to the pileup. I was hoping to avoid as much of that as I could. I was just behind Wiken at the line and rocketed off on GO. I have a great start, just not enough gas to keep it for the entire race. I managed to stay near the front entering the singletrack and was cruising along pretty well. I made some quick decision passes when people dabbed or went offline and had a good pace going. I got stuck behind a CX bike and he rode wide, meaning he filled up the trail, so it was hard to pass him. I held on until the rock drop and when he went around I took the rock and passed him. There was a train behind him, so I had to push it to make more time. I managed to stay in front of Wiken the entire first lap - yay! But then early in the 2nd lap I called out a pass to the right and the person moved right, hitting my bars and sending me into the weeds. I heard my shifters hit the carbon as they crossed the top tube. When I got back on I realized my shifter pod for the rear was busted and not working. I was stuck in this gear. Luckily my front derailleur worked, so I had something to work with. However, the gears were never really all that great, so I lost a lot of places trying to make things work. Wiken passed. More riders passed. Dan passed and more riders passed. I limped it home got a nice hug from Charlotte and we shared chocolate milk to celebrate our races.

Thanks to everyone who showed up to respresent BCR today!
Matt H.
Scott M.
Andy M. - in stealth mode with no BCR jersey
Jess W. - in stealth mode with no BCR jersey
Dave B.
Shane M. - in stealth mode with no BCR jersey
Neil O.
Dan I.
Marc W.
Chris D.
Tim W.
(did I forget anyone?)
And of course friends and family who gave us water, cheered and helped us out - you rock.

On a sadder note - Wiken takes the lead in the BCR Smackdown Score:


And now the pics:

BCR Paper Plate Shooutout Invitational Results

The morning started off with 3 pieces of french toast with peanut butter and syrup. Next up I ran around trying to find all my gear. I guess the last time I used my long sleeve jersey I left it in some backpack/bag to fester and smell nice, so I had to dig around for my arm warmers. I had the stopwatch ready. Bike was set. The time was approaching quickly as to when Scott would arrive to give me a ride.
Once we got loaded up, we took off. One last call to Wiken to ensure that I didn't need to bring anything else and we were considered on our way.
As we drove up to the parking lot, there were other cars! We also spotted Tybo Ty hanging in the Jetta and Wiken running around in only his bib shorts (not really...). Wiken informed us that the we were the lucky 4! The other cars were there but he hadn't seen anyone with a bike. We unloaded and asked Ty and Scott to work registration and parking while Marc and I marked the course. After several explanations of how the course was going to go, it was clear Wiken had no idea. We set up cones for the lap and flags for the prologue. My stop watch managed to be about 10-12 minutes slow, which was okay, as it was reading a couple minutes to 8am. Perfect time to get underway.
The three of them hungout in the designated start box and I stayed by the watch, doing the countdown.
GO!
As the group made their way to me, I joined up and we were underway.
I knew that this race counted for something in the BCR Smackdown Challenge, so I wanted to do what I could to come out ahead of Wiken. My strategy was to suck his wheel and see if I could hang on. As we entered the singletrack, the order was Wiken, Ty, me, Scott. After the first turn I think Ty was trying to block me...or else he was just having flashbacks to Afton and weaving back and forth in the trail, In case he was having flashbacks, I didn't want to be in the way, so I went around him and settled into position with Wiken. The pace was good, but I found myself wondering if I could hold it for 4 laps. In my peripheral I could see Ty hanging on a bit back and occassionally Scott too. As we entered the wooded section at the southern most part of the course, I found myself closing any sort of gap and thought to myself that if I needed to make up (or put on) any time, this could be a place to do it. I hung on until we hit the course-option rock. Wiken went left and I took the rock placing me in front.
I tried to keep the pace and could tell I was able to create a small gap in the Northern Loop as it gets tight and twisty - another spot to gain/add time? Yes.
I led for the 2nd lap and after awhile Wiken started talking to me, so I figured my pace must be slower than the first time around....sometimes I still see Ty behind us for the 2nd lap. Lap three starts and I pass my other water bottle. Next time I think to myself. Wiken goes around me as we start #3 and instantly there's a gap. I try to close it, but can't. He seems to be pushing hard. Little areas that I told myself I could make up time didn't seem to be working. Would Wiken be getting the first kudos in the BCR Smackdown Challenge? Seems like. I tried to press on. As we hit the North Loop I found myself getting closer. A couple more turns and he's within striking distance. I keep the RPMs high and keep pushing. I'm on him and we're headed to the lap area of the course. We both stop and trade bottles and chat for maybe 10 seconds.
Now it's on to lap 4. I take the lead and try to psych myself up for a sprint to the finish. Fortunately it's not likely to be that type of finish, as there's a gap between us right away. I smile. However, a short time later, I see Ty coming. Nicely done I think to myself. Then I notice that Ty is between Wiken and myself. Uh oh.
Not much I can do as Ty catches and passes me. I try to hang on, but it hurts. I can see Ty's sweat trail in the dirt, so I know he's working hard. Pretty good for a guy who just broke his neck....
We hit the prairie sections and I curse the wind and try to get aero. Just before the North Loop there's a "hill" and I know that there's little chance of me catching Ty there. It has to be inside the North Loop. I hit the RPMs again and try to do my best singletrack riding, but Ty's on a mission. I hit the pavement for the home stretch and I see him dismounting to grab the clock. I do the same and log in about 17-20 seconds behind. Later Wiken comes in with Scott just behind him.
Excellent time everyone! I had a blast.
Way to go Ty on the win - not bad for a guy who broke his neck....

BCRPPSOI Details

BCR Paper Plate Shootout Invitational Details


Due to weather, keep an eye on MORC for the latest trail conditions. If it's too wet the event will be post-poned/canceled.

When: Saturday, May 2nd 8am. Arrive earlier for a race meeting at 7:45.
Where: Salem Hills (click for a map)
How Much: Free!

Details:
As stated in the original email, this event is free and very loosely organized. It's important for you to know that the course is open for any riders. This will not happen on a closed course, so don't be a jerk to other riders who may be out riding. Registration will be at the black Jetta, first come first served. Timing will be by a battery operated clock and final timing will be posted at www.oncourseproductions.blogspot.com. There will be a short prologue lap.
Two race groups:
Novice - 2 laps - 9.2 miles
Advanced - 4 laps - 18.4 miles

Start times will vary slightly depending on the turnout.
Small: everyone starts at the same time.
Large: Advanced first.

Timing:
We will be using an honor based timing system. This means you race the number of laps you signed up for and record it on the the "Timing" sheet that will be displayed on the black Jetta.
Example: #001 1:20
We will pull the results together and post them on www.oncourseproductions.blogspot.com

Things to remember while you're racing:
Be courteous
Don't cut the course
Announce your passes
Be courteous

The race course will be discussed at 7:45am. We'll go over the distances, trail etiquette, and start/finish/laps.

BCR Paper Plate Shootout Invitational

Check this link for more details:

Psuedo Famous

Check out who I made psuedo famous on the interwebs!
http://jimination.com/2009/04/19/earth-week-day-5-jimi-giveaway-and-a-guy-who%e2%80%99ll-get-you-to-ride-to-work/

I can do this for you as well. Conatact me if your image needs a makeover or you simply want a picture of you on the web. Price is negotiable

Shoe Quiz

The other day I found myself daydreaming about shoes. Not just any shoes, mostly shoes from my high school days. I remember I had some crazy weird RED adidas that I had no idea how to match up with any of my clothes, but yet I wore them anyway. Remember Reebok Pumps? Hightops? 3/4 tops? What about those little friendship pin thingies...yeah - I had none to put on my shoes.

To help bring you along in my daydreaming, I've created this simple little shoe quiz. Check out the pics below and then enter the brands into the form after the pictures. See how well you know your shoes.

Shoe #1


Shoe #2


Shoe #3


Shoe #4


Shoe #5


Shoe #6


Shoe #7


Shoe #8


Shoe #9


Shoe #10

Too Little Too Late?

I figured that I better get to work on preperations for the BCR Smackdown, so I finally sat on the bike last night and rode for 30 minutes. Top Gear on mute listening to an iPod really helps the time fly by.
For the BCR Smackdown, I realize that I'm going to need all the help I can get, as Wiken is quite the beast on the bike. He's got some strong legs and lungs and can keep pushing for the entire race. While I tend to fizzle and don't seem to have much endurance (or crash right after the start).
So my focus for this late training session will be on endurance and focus. Trying to maintain a good pace for the entire race distance.

On a good note, my weight is down by about 7lbs from this same time last year:

One more thing that I think can help me score points against Wiken will be the technical courses. I seem to have an advantage on him there.

We'll see!

You can help local homeless youth

Myself and a small team at work are working towards helping out a local shop in town that gives back to the community in a great way and we need your help.

Are you planning on a bike upgrade this year?
Are you looking to get rid of that old bike in your garage?
Don’t sell them or throw them away!


Full Cycle is a bike shop in Minneapolis that helps homeless youth by giving them free bikes to fix up and ride. Full Cycle also sells quality used bikes and provides expert bike servicing to fund programs that help homeless youth.

We met the team at Full Cycle last week and were very impressed with their program and their desire to help homeless youth. Not only do they provide bikes for them, but they offer internships at the shop to learn how to wrench on the bikes, how a business works and show them what helping others is like. It's really a great program and the staff there are a real dedicated bunch.

We need your help. Please consider donating old bikes/parts so that Full Cycle can implement your parts into their program and you can help save a youth. Full Cycle is also on the verge of opening a section of their floor to used bike sales to help fund their endeavor. If you feel like donating cash in addition or instead of, I can get details on that for you.

Get in touch with me if you think you have something that could make a difference in a homeless child's life.

Thank you.

MINI Meet 09 Registration is open

Registration for Mini Meet East meets West 2009 is now open! The event will be in Winona, Minnesota starting the evening of June 29, and going through July 2, 2009. Go to:
http://www.minimeet09.org/ click the registration button, and follow the instructions from there.
Registration is being done on-line and you can pay on-line by credit card through PayPal (you do not have to join PayPal to do this) or you can pay by check through the mail if you are not comfortable with on-line payments. When you have filled out the registration form click on the PayPal symbol for credit card payment or on the mailbox symbol for payment by check. Either way, you will get a confirmation email listing your choices. If you choose to pay by check, payment details will come with your confirmation email.

We're planning a great event with a lot to do this year. Here are the plans:
Monday, June 29th is check-in starting at 1:00 PM at the Riverport Hotel. Mini vendors will be present all during the car show. That evening there will be a welcome reception in the hotel's ballroom. A great chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
Tuesday, June 30th is the car show at St. Mary's University followed by the panoramic photo. Tuesday evening we'll be celebrating the Mini's 50th Birthday at the bandshell in the park in Winona with a live band, cake and soft drinks.
Wednesday, July 1 is Autocross and Funkhana day at Southeast Tech University. They have a great track for the Autocross and drivers should have a ball. With time constraints, we need to limit spaces in the Autocoss to 150 so be sure to sign up early. Since spaces are limited in the Autocross, we are making that event a la carte for meet registrants. The wacky hijinks of the Funkhana will be held nearby and should provide a great time for all. In between the two venues, there will be vendors setting up shop along with several planned tech sessions. Wednesday evening will be "Cruise Night" at the local drive-in.
The Rally will be held on Thursday, July 2, and with all the scenic river bluffs throughout the area, it will prove to be an unforgettable drive in the countryside on some great "Mini" roads. Thursday evening is the awards banquet featuring some great food, fascinating speakers and door prizes.
We're looking forward to a great time and hope all of you can come to the meet in Winona, Mini-sota!

For those of you interested in checking this out, but maybe not participating as much, we are in need of volunteers. Consider helping us out for this. Check out the dates and let me know.

BCR Email list

BCR 2009 Planning Meeting **Updated**

**EDIT**
I double-booked, so it's just a UFC night. Bring your fave beer and some snacks and show up around 8:45pm for one of the best fights; GSP vs BJ Penn!

You're invited to my place on Saturday the 31st for an informational meeting about the 2009 season that's ahead of us. There probably won't be too much to talk about, but there's a UFC fight that night and I figured it'd be a good ploy to get people over to watch it with me.
We can discuss kit options (carry over from '08), team competition, the new race in MNSCS, plans for the BCR Winter Olympics. We can also make for some PS3 time. I'm thinking of making an evening out of it; potluck style dinner, BYOB, winter ride at Leb, team meeting, stay for UFC if interested....

Let me know if you can make it or need directions. Feel free to forward this along.

Pre-dance warmup