Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Off to the USA Olympic Training Center

Well, in about 13 hours from now I'll be on a flight enroute to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO for the 2010 Bill Woodul USA Cycling Race Mechanic Clinic.  The clinic runs from Dec 1 through Sunday, Dec 5th.


 TOPICS COVERED DURING THE CLINIC INCLUDE:

 Race Support for
Road 
Criterium 
Time Trial 
Track 
Mountain Bike 
Bmx 
Cyclocross 

 Team Mechanic Responsibilities 
 Neutral Mechanic Responsibilities 
 Interaction (Coach, Soigneur, Director) 
 Wheel Change Techniques 
 Team Inventory Procedures 
 Bike Wash and Inspection 
 Tool, Equipment And Supply Needs 
 Bicycle Design Fundamentals 
 Bicycle Material Fundamentals 
 Suspension Theory And Tuning 
 Wheel Theory and Fundamentals 
 Tubular Tire Fundamentals 
 DOT Compliance 
 Packing And Transportation 
 USA Cycling Opportunities 

If I do well on the final exam, I'll walk away with a CAT 4 USA Cycling Mechanics License. 
I plan to post photos and my thoughts of the experience along the way.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Ride to Live...Live to Ride

The nature of cycling puts you out in nature.
28 Nov 2010
Temp 34F

When The Sum of The Parts is Greater Than The Whole

"The whole is more than the sum of its parts" is a statement attributed to Aristotle. Holism is the notion that the properties of a system can not be explained or understood by looking at its components alone.
Take a look at a bike frame build.
You start with a basic frame set designed for a specific purpose. In the case pictured, a sleek aerodynamic Time Trail bike. You have a lengthy list of components: frame, fork, headset, base bar, aero bars, front/rear hubs, spokes, rims, BB, crank set, cassette, front/rear derailleurs, chain, brake/shift cables and housings, front/rear brakes, brakes levers, bar end shifters, bar tape, seat, tires, pedals, and wheel quick releases.

It's an elegant assemblage of simple engineered subsystems that combine form and function, bio-mechanical advantage, the laws of physics and motion, and thermodynamics to propel the user in space and time to a higher plane of consciousness.....but, only if the architect of the design can execute the whole from the proper sum of the individual parts and finely tune these precision components to work in total harmony.

It's a beautiful thing to create and a wonder to behold when the tires hit the road.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Scarecrow in the Desert

Someone has a sense of humor. On a recent desert ride along the Landmine and Mustang Trail Loops west of Blue Diamond, NV I encountered this happy fellow sun worshiper.

In the previous hour and a half I hadn't seen another mountain biker along the trail, so stumbling on him was a welcome sight. Although, he wasn't much of a conversationalist. And, at the junction of three trails without a sign identifying any of the routes, he wasn't about to tell me which one to take back to my car. Good thing I had a map of the terrain 'cause he just stood there catching rays with that silly smile on his face.























It was a stellar day on the trail and in this remote area, hidden from observation, I managed to avoid getting abducted by aliens in their mother ship. It was quite, peaceful, and starkly beautiful. Oh, and did I mention I was glad not to have fallen and become a scarecrow in the desert.

Monday, November 8, 2010

"Ride to Live...Live to Ride"

Since I left Butte, Montana in late September I've been really busy trying to get myself in shape both mentally and physically. I had a miserable bike riding summer in Montana because of the combination of crazy mountain weather, family commitments, and working at the bike shop. Here's how bad. From late May through the end of September, a 124 day period, I had only 15 rides, rode a total of 237.88 miles, had spent 22h32m10sec in the saddle, and did 15,502 ft. of climbing. Hardly enough to keep me in shape and keep that committee in my head at bay.

By contrast, since my return to Las Vegas 43 days ago, I've done a fairly respectable job in the fitness and conditioning department. As of yesterday I have done 21 rides, have ridden 580.54 miles, put in 39h48m57s of saddle time, and have done 30,926 ft of climbing. Just this last week I rode 7 days in a row, logged 220.1 miles, had 14h44m40s of saddle time, and accomplished 11,504 feet of climbing. Now we're talking! I hope the winter weather here allows me to continue the pace. But, I do have the back up of our fully equipped gym nearby and my in-house trainer.

I have some pretty ambitious goals for the next few years. First and foremost is putting this 62 year old body back in to its pre-2009 heart attack condition, losing weight, and rehabilitating my knees as best I can. To that end I have recently undergone an extensive array of medial exams, lab work, x-rays, and I am currently working with my internist, orthopedic surgeon, and a nutritionist to kick the plan into high gear.

The primary focus of this renewed health initiative is to live long enough to make lasting memories in the minds of my three grandchildren. I can think of no more lasting legacy than to have them remember me clearly as the Grannan who made them laugh and made everything fun!

On the selfish side of the equation I have some cycling goals as well. My bucket list of cycling endeavors, if you will, includes:

  • riding all of the Montana sections of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
  • riding the Beartooth Highway road in southern Montana
  • riding the 100 mile course of Levi's Granfondo in Sonoma, County, CA
  • mountain bike riding in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Sierra Nevada
  • riding around Lake Tahoe
  • riding across Death Valley
  • riding in Moab, UT
  • riding portions of the Tour of California route
  • riding from Texas to Alaska
  • riding the entire length of the Pacific Coast Highway
  • riding across England, Ireland, and Scotland
I'd like to start by doing several sections of the GDBR next summer on my new 29er with Rob Leipheimer and friends. It's ambitious...but goals are goals. Even if I don't get to do any of these rides on my list I won't be disappointed because I'll still be riding the bike.....that I'll do until they cremate me with the handlebars still in my hands. "Ride to Live...Live to Ride"