When it Rains

I took Pascal's spin class at the YMCA this morning. The Y is terribly fortunate to have this instructor. He is from Belgium and has competed in European mountain bike events, including one that used the same course as 2008 World Cup in Houffalize (aka the Mecca of International mountain biking).

He properly assimulated into Virginia cycling when he did the 2008 Blue Ridge Extreme, the brutal 100 miler that ends at the top of Wintergreen Mountain.

I also have a great deal of confidence in an instructor who rides a fixie to the gym. Plus, he's got a great playlist, including Blue Eyes remix. Pascal's time here is limited, so check out his class soon.

(See my 2005 post about spin instructors.)

What recession?

I pride myself on brand loyalty. Honda, Mullers, Q-Tips. Cannondale, Specialized, Shimano. During my 10 year sabbatical from buying a new mountain bike equipment, Shimano XTR groupos have skyrocketed. The bikes I can afford ($2000 or under) are equiped with SRAM not Shimano XTR. Apparently XTR only goes on the high end frames now. XTR has gone the way of gold--UP.

I think I am getting last year's Specialized Era (pictured). I have been awfully reluctant to switch to SRAM after all the success I have had with XTR shifters and derailleurs. But the Era has SRAM, and I got a chance to test ride one today. Seemed ok, at least initially.

I started thinking--I have actually never bought a new mountain bike. I bought my first one, a Jamis, in the 80's used from a great friend for cheap, $200 I think. I bought a rigid Specialized Rockhopper used from Mike Shipp's personal collection in early 90's, about $650. Then I actually got a Cannondale factory sweet deal--all XTR, Super V frame--for dirt cheap in late 90's, probably $1000. I bought my current Cannondale from Robert a few years ago for $800.

Can someone tell me what loyalty I can expect from a SRAM X-9 rear derailleur?

Take two

Wes is back in competition for the bicycle film festival. He submitted last year for the first time and is making another go of it. He got lots of trail shots during the Wednesday night Conte's Norfolk-to-Ipswitch ride. [Wes and Young Zach]










The 2 hour Ipswitch ride took 3.5 hours with all the camera adjustments and mechanicals. It was in the 60's, so very pleasant night out. [Sally, Mike Park, Mike McMahon, Kevin]












We had to pause so Wes could film the the stair jumps at Norfolk State University. Kevin and Jerry were jumping when--





A security officer approached and said simply, "Just make sure you don't leave black marks on the concrete. She doesn't like black marks." Then he left. I am not certain who "she" is (President Carolyn Meyers?) but I sure like the bike friendly attitude.



Personal note: thanks Carol and Paul with help getting my new bike rack installed.

Superbowl Commercials

My Superbowl weekend in Harrisonburg, VA inspired the cycling version of the Superbowl Advertisement. Such as. . .

Power naps build power climbs

The high life is at 4360 feet

Bring it on

Legalize Fireworks now

Kill your kickstand

Climb for fitness, descend for fury

Trek, bike of Champs (Sue Haywood, right)










4-wheel drive or 2-legged drive: Your choice