2 Degrees

Whew..! Can't believe I found my way back to this site, it's been that long. Returned from vacation tanned, relaxed and in a deep funk. Downtime this time was far to short, while the outing was exceptional, I was just beginning to get into the daily groove when reality had me sitting on a plane a mere 6 days later wondering what had just happened and how do I go back and stay back there.

Life is far too short to not indulge yourself with taking in the scenery. I think the perspective of a radically different environment sets a ground swell shift in what I believe to be important in life, namely family, friends and making the earth a better place while you were here (albeit that most infinitesimal spec of time in the big scheme of things).

I truly love the life I share with my wife, our home, my job, I count myself as one of the lucky ones who truly set a course early on and has been extremely fortunate with that path taken. However I'm still restless, for every trip taken I mentally take a piece away and try to apply that to everyday life, perhaps the more I travel the more my life takes on a shape of what I'd like it to become or what it will be in the future. We'll never know what the future holds for us, what may sideline us down a different path, what may slingshot us into the stratosphere.

What I do know is that I'm planning a lifestyle change at some undetermined time in the future, probably when the balance between life's responsibilities and life's desires swing firmly towards desires. It's going to be absurdly fun, perhaps risky and hopefully pay off in huge dividends.

A long time ago , I either read a piece or heard it through someone about charting a direction in your life, pick a compass heading. If you stray off that heading even by 2 degrees, the longer you stay on that course the more difficult it is to get back to your original heading. Prior to moving to Colorado many years ago, Jen and I were grappling with some life changes, we were comfortable in Maine but that was the problem, comfortable gets old and I equate it to drifting off course. When we were visiting Colorado and trying to decide if the right opportunity's existed and whether or not to make the move, we went on a hike to talk it out, clear our heads. On that hike we stopped for a snack and drink of water. I looked down at my feet and there was someones compass on the ground, The signs could not have been clearer.

Thanks for reading my philosophical ramblings, now onto the immediate future: Namely the 4th Annual Paris Roubaix Day. We are hosting our annual road/cross bike ride up the Santa Fe Trail to the Air Force Academy North Gate, ride back and join together for Brats, Waffles and Chocolate,Belgium Ales, Frites en Mayo followed by a viewing of the Road to Roubaix and then coverage on Versus.

The rest of April is filled with a trip out to the Sea Otter classic near my old stomping grounds of Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay area and a trip out to Fruita at the end of the month for the Fat Tire Festival, hope to see you out there.

Shotty

Our Daily Schedule:

1)wake up..hang out in hammocks enjoying coffee while watching howler monkeys

2)stumble down to the beach and go snorkeling until noon-ish

3)enjoy Frutas Mixto-typically fresh pineapple and mango

4)retire to the pool and read/nap/swim when hot/watch iguanas

5)back to the beach for sunset, body surfing-boogie boards-surfboards or just floating on back watching pelicans

6)dinner-past out at 9PM

7)repeat

I'm Out

Time to hit the mental reset button, the wife and I are headed to Costa Rica tomorrow for some much needed downtime. We do our best to make an annual pilgrimage to a warm and sunny climate this time of year and meet up with longtime friends from Maine. We can only stay landlocked here in Colorado so long before we start seriously pining for the smell of salt air and to be immersed in the ocean, baptised if you will.

Hasta

Shotty

Goings On

Buried completely and only occasionally coming up for gasps of air. This is why there are few words as of late. Tis the season....lots of projects wrapping up and beginning to look ahead to 2012. Life has been filled with work, play, flu, home projects, bike projects, dogs and of course still rabidly following the remainder of the cross season. Yesterday morning, Jen walked into our spare bedroom/office while I'm transfixed to the monitor watching Stybar take yet another win for the Superprestige overall.

Her patience might be wearing thin after 20 something continuous weeks of speaking cyclocross. Oh ! and speaking of cross go here for a killer video compilation from Nationals in Bend, I spotted myself ( actually staying upright on film this time ) at the 2:34 mark in this vid. it's the shortest snippet and I had to spend a considerable amount convincing Jen that it was actually me, but watching this has me seriously jonesin for next year.

Or will there be some changes amuk at USA cycling requiring qualifying for Nationals because the field sizes are becoming too large ? Lot's of discussion on this topic. For a punter/pack filler like myself I can see the reasoning behind this, while I would hate to be blocked from participating here are 2 immediate thoughts: 1) Please keep the B race and make sure that Cat 1 riders are not allowed to participate and 2) This is motivation, if there is some sort of qualification criteria to participate you can be be sure that I actually start training

I think I share an affliction for the "cross-over" season. You see, I'm not much of a roadie these days and when the cyclocross season is over, it's straight to the fat tires. However, here's the rub, when I've spent the previous solid 4 months on a 700c wheel bike that is hovering around 17lbs, I have some issues with throwing a leg over a 28lb, 5 inch travel bike with small wheels. It's KILLING me!! so gawd-awful SLOW. Solution: get some big wheels with one gear: So here it is, a new ( to me ) Fisher Rig


I am digging this bike! most of the trails down low that are still rideable during the winter are especially suited towards singlespeeding, especially when taking treks down to Pueblo Rez which is wagon wheel heaven. What else is new ? Well, while in Taiwan last month, I get a call from Jen....who's at the Animal Shelter....you can probably guess what's coming:

His name is Rico, a 3 year old male Chihuahua mix who , in a word is awesome. Seems as though some famous actress type in California has popularized this breed of dog to the point of over saturation and now the LA area is shipping out the overflow of these dogs since the owners seem to think that the "fad" has passed. Absolutely pathetic behavior and people need to wake up and realize that dogs are not a fashion accessory. Their loss is our gain and we're giving this little guy the home he deserves.

Thanks for reading,

Shotty

Congratulations to Srammie sponsored Zdenek Stybar for earning the stripes today !!! To be able to control the pressure of being labeled the favorite,riding on home turf, a super techy course covered in ice and snow....todays performance was the definition of PRO

Photo Credit:Riccardo Scanferla

Finish Lines

The bright strobes and flashing signs all around Taichung city create this extra-sensory experience that cannot be created elsewhere. Vegas has tried but it's no match for the seizure inducing overload that is Taiwan at night. I'm back in the ROC for what should be the second finish line for this past cyclocross season. We should be wrapping up the last pilot run of the Shorty Ultimates cross-canti brake in the following week, but as always to finish first, you must first finish so not by any means will there be any pre-celebratory raising of the arms, finger banging, pointing to sponsors and the sky shenanigans. This will be a heads down all the way to the line finish.

Taiwan and all it's OSHA-free restrictions take some getting used to and it's never,ever dull ( especially dining ), nevertheless I always take something away from each stay here. Today, three other co-workers and myself included, took off to the foothills for a hike. A good way to spend some time when staying through a weekend here. The hike turned into something a little closer to an amusement ride in a theme park. The "trail" consisted of a tight, twisty sometime near vertical, and off camber gang plank of logs pieced together and at time precariously perched on the side of a cliff. Let's be clear, the use of this trail would NEVER be allowed in the US. While all of us had our packs with water and various nutritional supplements in the form of gels, blocks or bar form, by the time we reached the top of our loop after a solid hour or more of trying not to trip and take a potentially life threatening fall from the trail, we came upon this scene.

A nice leisure day in the mountains with friends/family.This group had packed in all kinds of stainless cookware and stoves for a proper lunch, brought a newspaper, they made up some tea and coffee and few other adult beverages. It couldn't have been more obvious that at times we must leave the conveniences at home and set aside the time to ensure the best quality downtime possible.

On the cross front, too much news, Our man Stybar takes the big W at Roubaix and thereby the World Cup lead with only the Finals left in Hoogerheide this weekend. The possibility of the Cyclocross World Championships coming to American shores in 2013(never thought this would happen in my lifetime!!!! ) The Neils Albert drama that for sure opens the door for Stybar to take the stripes in his backyard. I literally cannot sit still watching these races lately, just an amazing string of racing.

As always, thanks for reading and apologies for the lack of posts as of late, been busy building up some big wheels- sans gears...details to follow
Shotty

PS: photo credit of Stybar goes to ispaphoto.com

A Nice Start to 2010

After a few days of rest, yesterday was spent down at Pueblo res, soaking up some sun,singletrack and warmish temps chasing the Boob around on his wagon-wheeled singlespeed. This was immediately followed by digging into a fine chile relleno burrito washed down with a Jarritos at a fine Taqueria in downtown Pueblo.

Then today, Styby and Pauwels making me super pleased ( as well as the folks who sign the checks at Fidea ) with a 1st and a 3rd on the Ultimates. full story here

Worlds is going to be a barn burner, Stybar has fine form but has been eclipsed lately by Nys who's had a phenomenal week but encountering heaps of issues staying on his bike or keeping his bike together. Albert just needs to keep his mechanics from plotting to sabotage his chances at another championship after today's little episode. Props to Jamie Driscoll for a 16th place today. It's great to continue to see the results come through for those commited to moving over to the Motherland.

credit photo goes to ipsaphoto.com

Wishing you health and happiness in 2010, Here's some highlights from the past year

An EPIC Paris-Roubaix Day

Independence Day in Steamboat

Big bikes at Keystone

Mainecation

Cross Nationals in Bend

And for a little reminiscing, here's a shot from (about) the beginning of this decade

THIS!!!...this is cross!!

My sentimental favorite Styby ..( for obvious reasons...I'm a company man to the core ) would LOVE to see him take the stripes on his home turf.

Check out the photography from Zolder WC here...stunning, absolutely stunning work

A Bart Hazen shot of Stybar from the Loenhout race, also check out the insane power output in the video from this race

Downtime

It's been downright wintry here, spare time on weekends has been time well spent watching the World Cups in the morning on Crosstube.net, followed by stuffing my face with holiday leftovers and doing non-cycling type things like visiting our new rock climbing gym downtown. I thought I'd throw out a couple of recommended reads for the dark season.

First up, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. Let me be perfectly clear. I strongly dislike running...it borders on hate. I can't think of any other mindless, boring activity to partake in,other than perhaps.....jogging, so while reading this book, I must say, it actually makes me want to go out for a run!!! It's an amazing story of the Tarahumara Indians of Copper Canyon, Mexico and their extraordinary abilities to run ultra marathon distances. There's some evolutionary explanations on why the human body is born to run while another interwoven story is told of Tarahumara's being brought up to Colorado to compete in the Leadville 100 ultramarathon race. This tale (which at times seems like fiction), then culminates with the best North American runners traveling down to Copper Canyon to see how they stack up against the locals. Read it, trust me, you will want to head out on the trails by foot.

Second, The Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne. Yes, that David Byrne, former member of the highly eccentric band, Talking Heads. I've been a huge fan of Byrne's musical work for decades and this book didn't disappoint either. While travelling the globe, he brings a folding bicycle in order to explore his surroundings. It's not a "bicycle book" per se, sometimes I was lost in his thoughts on modern art or architecture but it's a fun read and glad to see that someone else feels as though the bicycle can save the world.

Lastly, The Wild Trees, by Richard Preston. For about 3 years, Jen and I lived in the Santa Cruz mountains surrounded by massive redwoods along the California coastline. It was remarkable to be able to see so far through the forest but because the canopy's were so dense that very little light actually made it to the ground. This is a fascinating story of those persons who dedicated their lives and careers to studying and searching out these massive trees, some reaching almost 350ft into the sky. Many had their own very own ecosystems at this height. It's a great read about what brings a number of people who's personalities are polar opposites of each other together to live and seek out these trees.

Plan B...you can't sit still with a book ? Pop in the Road To Roubaix, in my humble view. The BEST cycling documentary ever...yes...ever. A Sunday in Hell is fine but nothing else captures the Queen of the Classics like this movie

Wishes

My best wishes to everyone during this holiday season!! A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May your cup be filled with what fulfills you the most.

I was going to use this space as a "best and worst"of the past year but will pass. Suffice to say, it was one of the years I've ever had! Filled with all the "normal"peaks and valleys that come our way.Is normal boring ? Hardly... 2009 was marked by deep satisfaction by many things, a wonderful companion to share my life with, family and friends, constant personal growth and the drive to rise up to challenges, particularly at the workplace, a non-exclusive membership among crazed group of fanatics who like to race their bikes in the worst conditions possible. The past year was also marked by deep sorrow for a friends loss,and those who are suffering in some very tough economic times.

Thanks to all who've stopped by for a read here, there has been more than a few occasions where I've thought that racing uses up enough energy as it is, I don't want to continue to burn precious spare time by writing about it, but it seems as though there are enough of you on the other side of the tape ringing your cowbells and yelling encouragement, so I keep plodding along here and say thanks for that.

Here's to 2010 ! Happy trails and may the wind always be at your back.Have a great holiday season!
Shotty

Commuter Races

Well, apparently the racing fire still burns...on a long slow climb up the bike path to work, a fellow cycle commuter passes me without as much as "Hello or Good Morning". I let it go but I've seen this guy before and he processes no common courtesy towards his fellow riders. The more I think it about and the further he goes up the road the more steamed I get. So down goes the chain and I am firing on all cylinders while using whatever last specs of fitness remain from the season. It takes me awhile but I catch and pass, look over and fire off a cheery "morning !" and man, did that feel good.

Pics from 45+ Race in Bend

Thanks to James Huang for sending these over....also, go here for a beautiful video of the mens 30-34 race

States- redux

My bold, strategic move to slide down that tricky part of the States course backwards and on my back captured on film about 31 seconds in....enjoy!!

Acknowedgements

Feeling a little out of sorts with a open weekend on the horizon. After 12 consecutive weekends of racing it's not a huge surprise. While I'm very much looking forward to some downtime, there's still piece of me that desperately wants to get out and open it up and charge hard, it's difficult to find something else to fill that void. As usual, I'll get over it and embrace the space.

I'd like to take the time to acknowledge of number of persons who make this silly obsession possible every year.First and foremost, my honey for giving me a strings-free hall pass for the entire season. ( I know it wasn't easy ) J Mathis, my co-pilot for the entire season, pretty sure he's hooked. Lortie, for the stunning imagery, Keller and Matty O for the contagious enthusiasm and inspired speed. Matt K, Rich, Brian, and all the FMVC guys who keep racing in perspective. All the 35/4 guys who I've been chasing all season, the Brads (2), Bob P, James H...shouldn't you all move up next season ? New local cycloblogger, Dale Riley, thanks for posting all the videos so I could re-live how badly I was shanking it. So many others, especially those I re-connected with in Bend, from the New England Cross Mafia ( Stu, Timmy,)to the Santa Cruzer guys and girls ( E-Richter, Willie B, Justin and Jenny ) . To all family and friends who have sent encouragement from afar.

This season, unlike any other, our cross family has grown exponentially and it never ceases to amaze. Thanks All !!!