trips to nowhere

Sometimes a trip to nowhere can be spectacularly exciting. For example, when you know that you a taking a trip from Point A back to.......... Point A. Let us take, for example, a parking lot outside Poolesville, Maryland and substitute it for Point A and make the trip a 25 mile loop through the fall colored countryside. Add in a 7 mile 'detour' (which is my nice way of saying we got spectacularly lost) and good company and suddenly sweating and spinning from Point A back to Point A sounds pretty good. On a recent, sunny Saturday Jen and I had an adventure on the Peach Tree Loop, yes, getting slightly lost on the way in spite of a cue sheet and a wholly inadequate Google map.


We had a lovely time though and got to climb a couple hills that while, unnecesarry to complete the loop were necesarry for the overall fun factor and of course shaping up my leg and butt muscles. We even stopped at a farm stand to buy homemade barbeque sauce and apple cider. While it was clearly Keith's fault that we got off to such a late start, it didn't deter us from enjoying being out in BFN, which really is a welcome relief from the taxi cabs, tourists and commuters that make up my usual ride.





PS Jen........you didn't look all that "80's throwback" to me.... ; )

Some trips to nowhere, however, aren't all that great. Take my new trainer for example. I love the thing. Love it. With the ridiculous work schedule I have right now I am so greatful to be able to get on that sucker and get a kick butt interval workout. Its just a bit.......boring. I think I've discovered the secret to ultimate trainer occupation. Foreign films. Well, French foreign films to be exact. I watched a hilarious (at times) movie called Ridicule the other evening with the subtitles off. I was amazed at how the task of translating kept my mind busy. Before I knew it I had spun at my desired cadence for a good 30 minutes. Forget loud music, forget training DVD's, all I need is a sweat rag and un film francais.

DC Tweed Ride

The first ever DC Tweed Ride was today and holy shit, it was a blast. Aside from a couple kinks that I think were in part because the organizers aren't "bikey people" (and had probably little or no experience organizing a large ride), it went off very well. The energy of the riders was fantastic and some of the ensembles that folks had put together were works of art. Not forgetting, of course, the bikes, which were well represented. Definitely some bikes that don't get a chance to come out everyday, including two penny-farthings and some lovely early english single speeds. The end was a slight dissapointment as it concluded at a bar where they were blasting 70's and 80's dance music, effectively killing the 'vintage' feel of the ride. Instead a group of us went off to dinner and enjoyed our tweeding to the fullest. I hardly ever get an opportunity to dress up as it seems that I'm always getting sweaty or dirty riding a bike or working on bikes, so it was a very nice change of pace for me to put together 'an outfit' (what a novel idea!) and get treated like a lady. Quite frankly, I just want to get dressed up and do it again at my leisure!

meet the ladies

Cecil, the love of my life, a handbuilt Strawberry, lugged steel from a builder in Portland, OR. I purchased this bike from a craigslist seller in Portland(where I'm originally from). When I first got her, she was built up with Nitto Mustache bars and some cheapy components. First things first, I swapped out the bars for a pair of vintage Nitto drops (anybody want to buy a practically new pair o' mustache bars?). She was in fantastic condition when I first got her and her paint was immaculate. She is a royal blue that fades to white on the fork, seat stays and chain stays.



I worked as a bike messenger on this bike for many years and alas, during the years the paint has become more scratched and parts gradually broke or wore out and were replaced. At one time, the rear triangle was compressed slightly and the rear wheel was toast. Luckily its high quality steel, and the amazing Dean over at Bike Central was able to straighten her back out. The wheel was replaced with one given me by a friend, a vintage Dura-Ace hub laced to a Mavic CXP-30.



Cecil was the bike I took with me to tour around Southern France in September and although she's not looking as mint as she used to, she is still in beautiful condition and solid as a rock. Its hard to argue with the logic of a handbuilt, lugged steel frame and while she now sports Speedplay Zero pedals (as she is my main roadbike) she will eventually go back to clip and straps when I get my bike for road season.

Vital Stats:

Frame: Strawberry lugged steel
Fork: Strawberry steel
Headset: Chris King threaded
Stem: Nitto Pearl NJS
Seatpost: Nitto NJS (I can't remember the name but it looks like a frog mouth)
Front Hub: Shimano Deore
Rear Hub: Shimano Dura-Ace
Front Rim: unknown box rim
Rear Rim: Mavic CXP 30
Front Derailleur: Mavic somethin' or other
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
Cranks: Sugino somethin' or others, 165
Shifters: Shimano bar end
Brakes: Shimano 600




1984 Pinarello covered in Campagnolo Nuovo Record. This is my latest love. Bikes come and go in my life, but I can tell that much like the Strawberry, this little lady is around to stay. She has been repainted (very nicely) and although the components are not the original ones, the previous owner did a lovely job of finding period correct components.



She is literally dripping in Campy, down to the Campy Nuovo Record hubs laced to tubular rims (a first for me). I really must learn how to fix them myself. One of my favorite parts of this bike is the front derailleur, with the three cutout holes. 1984 is the year that the summer Olympics were won on a Pinarello. I plan on making a couple changes to her in time, including a set of arc bars with cork grips, a Brooks saddle and a snazzy front bag from Velo Orange. I really want this lady to look as classy as possible.



Vital Stats:

Frame: Columbus lugged steel
Fork: Columbus steel, crowned
Headset: Campagnolo
Stem: 3TTT
Seatpost: Campagnolo
Front Hub: Campagnolo Nuovo Record
Rear Hub: Campagnolo Nuovo Record
Front Rim: Montreal Ambrosio Medialle D'Or tubular
Rear Rim: Montreal Ambrosio Medialle D'Or tubular
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Nuovo Record
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Nuovo Record
Cranks: Campagnolo Nuovo Record
Shifters: Campagnolo Down Tube
Brakes: Campagnolo

As I said, bikes have a way of coming and going in my life and there a couple hanging on the periphery right now, including a Cannondale SystemSix that I currently have listed on eBay, a Fuji track that currently resides out of state but I plan to bring here and use as my everyday round-towner, and a 1987 Cannondale ST-400 touring frame that I can't decide whether I want to sell it or ride it myself. I literally change my mind daily. On the wish list is a Terry Valkyrie (maybe I can purchase it over the summer?) and the bike I intend to buy for road season, which is the Cannondale Six Feminine 4.

who gives a sh*t?

I really, pointedly could not give a shit about 'creating new cyclists'. I know, as a person who works at a bike shop, that I ought to, and I am often told how important it is. In fact, I feel that most of cycling activism and advocacy are centered around 'creating new cyclists'. How much money (precious little that most advocacy groups have) goes towards creating infrastructure to make 'new cyclists' comfortable out on the road? Bike lanes are expensive, and most seasoned cyclists will tell you that they are dangerous, often creating more of a risk than if the cyclist just stayed in the lane (like the law usually allows). How many free commuter classes, bike to work days, light giveaways, fix a flat classes and bike friendly routes can we throw money at? How about we all just hug each other and tell each other 'its gonna be awight. We won't let those nasty ol' cars get you'. We can follow up with a group circle jerk while everybody gets to spout off about their carbon footprint and how many miles they have to commute everyday. (5 miles! Wow, in the rain!)

A couple days ago a representive from a major bike company came into the store and started talking to me about the importance of creating new cyclists, obviously believing us to be of one mind since I work in the industry. I nodded and politely agreed because, quite frankly, we aren't allowed any other opinion. It makes sense fiscally if you work in the industry. More cyclists means more money. Newbie cyclists are often the largest consumers, as they drop large portions on not only the bike, but all the accesories they need, or think they need. Many new cyclists buy anything and everything they can get their hands on because, quite frankly, they just don't know better. (yes ma'am, I am sure you really need to buy the new cycling computer/special cycling socks/helmet/front and rear lights/u-lock/reflective band for your ankles/cycling specific gloves/summer jersey/winter jersey/short chamois/long chamois/chamois butter/small brimmed cap/rack/panniers/upgraded saddle/pedal system/basket/cycling specific rain coat) So yes, I'll agree with you Representive-from-a-large-bike-company, because new cyclists more often than not are the ones paying my paycheck, but lets call a spade a spade here; the interest in creating new cyclists is not one that comes out of the goodness of our hearts.

Many new cyclists have 'freshman in college syndrome'. Like many freshman, they are eager and excited to be a part of it all. They want to participate, to feel like they are a member of a team, to speak up and join in. They have moved beyond anonymous bumfuck and have bought themselves into the club. Some join slowly and more quietly, others get really loud and obnoxious and want to show off their glitz and glam. They are 'in'. But like freshman, as cyclists pass the years they tend to quiet down, buckle down and ride. When they have laid out miles on the road, quiet miles no longer bragged about, they realize what it really means to be 'in', to not have to talk loudly about it, because their worn in, well ridden bikes, patched up cycling clothes and confidence now show it (the ability to patch a flat in 2.5 minutes flat doesn't hurt either).

Now I realize that I am an unabashed bike snob, but I was once a newbie myself, a newbie cast afloat to make my way on the pavement alone. No hand holding allowed, I sweated and fell over and got drenched and got pushed off the road by aggresive cars all by myself, and you know what? I'm a stronger cyclist for it. Cycling is sink or swim. If you are a cyclist, you will make it. Every incident will drive you to push a little harder, hold your lane a little more, ride one more cold day, push it one more mile. If you aren't, well then, I'll buy your bike for cheap off craigslist and good riddance.

what I learned

Oh my fucking gawd. I just raced my first cross race. Jeezus H. Chrrrriiiiist. I thought I was in pretty good shape. I can ride miles on the road. Let me assure you, riding through the mud is nothing like riding on pavement.

The day before the race I attended a women's only cross clinic lead by a woman named Arley. She rides for Hub Racing and is pretty much kicking butt at every race this season. It was a nice opportunity to get on the course ahead of time. We went through step by step, examining the different turns, hills and barriers and got not only good advice, but also the chance to try it out a couple times. I met a lovely woman named Jen who was also riding for the first time. My only gripe was the complete lack of unity amongst the women attending the clinic. I think there were alot of young women who were very concerned about looking good, at the expense of putting themselves out there a bit and supporting one another. A couple of us were keeping the comments positive but at one point I was waiting for my turn to try a hill and I heard two girls in front of me talking shit on a girl who had fallen and was having a hard time getting going again. Kinda puts a damper on things. Overall though, it was worth it to have a couple familiar faces the next day at the race.

Race Day. Danny, Steve, Elliot (who charitably let me borrow his bike) Chris and two of his friends from Philly were racing and it was really rad to ring the cowbell and scream for them. It was also a great chance to watch people riding the course and get some more ideas. I swear, I tried very hard to chicken out. Very hard. I came within inches of not racing. Some horrible idea of pride popped into my head though and I ended up shelling out the $40 bucks to do it. Of course, once the money is laid down it would be folly to not race. I'll steer clear of a full race report and just tell you that I almost died. My lungs were burning in my chest. My legs felt fine, but my cardio was absolute shite. Arley lapped me at some point and at the back section of the course my chain decided to crap out and get lodged in between the chainring and the chain guard. While I was unsticking it I watched about 7 ladies fly by me, which was incredibly disheartening, especially since they were women I had just passed. On the next lap I yelled at Elliot about the problems and he met me over at the pit. The woman supervising asked me if I planned to quit. I seriously considered it for a full 2 seconds before screaming 'fuck no!' and taking off again to complete my final lap. Coming in to the home stretch I saw Jen up ahead of me and started sprinting towards the finish, intent on beating her across the line. As I came up beside her we both yelled "Go!" to each other and finished almost wheel for wheel. I thought she'd beat me until I looked at the final results and realized I had inched by right at the line. Overall, I finished 30th out of 44, but there might have been some problems with the results because a coworker of mine definitely finished before me but was somehow behind me in the results. So, post race, and in preperation for the next one, here's some things I need to remember.

1) Get a strong start. I dawdled a little in the beginning and ended up behind some women that fell down on a hill that I could have ridden all the way up. Also, I was maintaining pace with women that were ahead of me because they got up front early on. Thats good thinking.

2) I need to work on my cardio. Burning lungs is bad.

3) Don't drink beer right after the race, especially when dehydrated. I had one beer and got completely shit hammered. I was talking to my old boss and realized that I didn't remember the last 5 minutes of conversation. Ooops.

4) Its going to hurt. Cyclocross hurts.

5) Race your own race. I planned on completing two laps, but I actually did 4. I am very proud of that.

In a nutshell, I would describe it as one of the worst experiences of my life, so naturally I've just pre-registered for the All Hallows Race happening this coming weekend.


Jen and I sprint for the finish.

bienvenue

I moved to Washington DC almost exactly a year ago. When I first moved here, I hated it. It took me months to peel back the layers of what on the surface appeared to be a fairly artless, soul-less, bikeless town. About three months in I started meeting some amazing folks who introduced me 'real DC'. Not the phony touristy crap or the government office DC, but the parts of this city where art, community and cultures are thriving. Of course, most of it was done from the view of a bicycle.

Since I was initially unsure how long I was going to stay here, I didn't ship my bike when I first came. Just me, my backpack and my dog. A month later, I was sick and tired of hoofing it, and even more fed up with shelling out the cash for constant metro fares. When my little lady arrived, it was to my infinite relief and I put her together ASAP. Lacking a pedal wrench and needing a slight bit more expertise, I rolled into one of the local shops and had two exceedingly nice mechanics help me out. Later in my bike career in DC, both of these people would crop up again at suprising times.

Bike back between the legs (where it properly belongs), I set about riding as much as possible, trying to learn a town that although set on a really easy grid system, is still fairly easy to get lost in. I also found myself demoted from bike messenger (in Portland, OR) back to bike commuter again as I rode out to the suburb of Bethesda, Maryland everyday during the month of December as I was selling Christmas trees (yes, it rocked). This is also when I first started riding on the Capital Crescent Trail, which is still one of my favorite rides around town. It was on this trail that I saw my first cardinal. During December I started to meet more folks, including a tall drink of water named Danny, whose friendship introduced me to more bikey folks and also clued me in to more of the bike scene here. Shortly after meeting Danny he invited me to a cyclocross race, which is where I met a friend of his named Chris. My pup Jack and I cheered them on rang the cowbell. This is also where I met (again) one of the mechanics who helped me put my bike together.

Here Danny takes one of the tighter turns. It was a frigid cold, but sunny day. After living in Portland for years, I was totally unused to this type of winter and was wearing just thin trainers. My feet almost froze to the ground, but I had fun.











Since then, I've met a myriad of people and become more and more involved with bikes
here. Chris is now a good buddy and helped me get hired at City Bikes, a small shop in Adams Morgan where he used to work. At the same I started working there, a female wrench was hired, who turned out to be the other mechanic who helped me reassemble my bike. As much as I miss being on my bike all day, there is something to be said for working in either the air conditioning or heating of a shop.



This is a year that I'm also trying to step up my more serious cycling side. Aside from dallying around with road, cross and track racing in the past, I have decided to really commit to the upcoming road season and race at least a couple cyclocross races this season. I just spent a month riding around France and I've been trying to lay down as many base miles as possible, interspersed with some intervals. I feel strong, but I also feel I have alot of work to do. I'm hoping that with a little cross under my belt, and lots of miles at Hains Point, I'll face the next year even stronger, and definitely more knowledgeable, than the previous year.