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Cyclocross’ popularity increases each weekend it seems. Check out page 28 of the Nov./Dec. `09 issue of Chicago Athlete Magazine to see yours truly.

I spent an amazing weekend racing in Toronto (not in those races — I’m way to slow…). Props to all involved there for making it a world-class event that I’ll return to yearly if possible.

Check out my team’s sponsor, El Duke Degreaser, as it removes embrocation from my legs after 2 races in the dirt. There’s not many things this stuff can’t do.

And, never fear, the Cuttin’ Cruiser will always be here (or there — at the races). Glad to be of assistance and glad to see the support to get the bus back on the road.

More races/rides/ rad stuff coming soon!

here: at Bicycling (Magazine).

#30 is one of my favorites — calling to mind a drive home from Hillsboro Roubaix and my comment that traffic was acting as if in a Cat5 road race. #38 while riding the North Branch Trail loop on my track bike mid-day during the week is actually what I credit the most for making me a competitive cyclist. And thankfully I’ve never experienced #s 43 or 55.

Being a cyclist is quite a unique thing, as the article clearly explains. There are constantly moments when you have epiphanies that deepen the significance of cycling in your life as well. Then, it’s the sights and smells that bring back memories of that first UCI race experience, an epic climb, even a horrific crash.  That said, here are some of the more poignant moments that have solidified me as the cyclist I am today:

1) The experience of getting paid to ride my bike and how it still motivates me when I look back on it; when it’s raining out, when where I’m sleeping – as comfortable as it may be – is not as desirable a locale as the cold morning streets, etc.

2) Descending at 50+MPH, laughing hysterically and being unable to hear it due to the wind’s howl past my ears

3) The smell of embrocation beating out the smell of my first girlfriend’s deodorant as all-time favorite scent

4) Watching several riders bumping wheels around me while in a fast chase group during a rainy crit and not being frightened, but getting goosebumps due to the fact that so few people get to experience that thrill

There’s maybe a dozen of those “rights of passage” I haven’t experienced — for one reason or another — and I can’t believe they omitted any mention of gluing/riding tubular tires, but it definitely shines some light on the oft misunderstood life of a cyclist. Even mine.

I hope to find the time to start a more in-depth posting regime ASAP.

In the meantime; check it out: My team is hosting the Chicago Cyclocross Cup race #2 in DeKalb on Sunday.

Drown your Olympic-loss sorrows in someone else’s pain and suffering (and possibly your own beer).

There’s been some editorial press lately about cyclists inhabiting the same space as cars. It seems as though hostility towards cyclists comes somewhat from an assumption that we feel we are more entitled to the road than motorists – which may be unfortunately true for some riders. I take no extreme positions on (environmental, sociopolitical, etc.) motivations for cycling, it is simply a passion of mine. Hearing the backlash from those behind the wheel who are so incensed by our presence does bother me. I often wonder this; if I came across a driver while he was pursuing his passion – say… bowling – and berated that person and/or threatened them bodily injury or death, how well would that go over amongst the patrons of the alley? Yet it seems that this diatribe continues – making neither positive nor negative gains on either side. Thoughts?

It has been a while, but hopefully the Twitter/Facebook updates have kept folks abreast. I have been busy, but not all my time has been spent on bikes. In fact I find it a bit refreshing to have cycling as an escape to fall back on — as opposed to living and breathing it 24/7. Bikes are fun, first and foremost… even when they are a bit unpleasant to ride.

Like I mentioned, personal pursuits and otherwise have kept me from maintaining a semblance of proper training for racing. While I love racing, it’s not the sole reason I ride — in fact it’s kind of secondary. Anyway, the Glencoe Grand Prix is a great event and a crit I plan to continue racing in every year — regardless of my fitness, etc. (unless I become dangerously out of shape).

Yesterday’s event was, again, run superbly. Every volunteer, official, etc was really cool (they we’re probably actually very hot) and helpful. Everything within their control, IE: not the weather, was great. All that was left for me was to have a good race. Well…

While I know that my fitness is not its best right now, outside of training with power, there’s really no way of determining just how much of a downturn I’ve taken without testing myself. The scale let me know I’ve gained ten pounds — that’s about all the measurement I’ve got to work with. So, on the hottest day of the year, I lined up with about 50 other racers, soon to find out just how out of shape I’d become.

Not ideal conditions to do so. I was more frightened about this race than any in a while. The course is a great one, but pre-race I honestly felt like I could be a liability. I hadn’t raced a criterium in close to three months and I was out of shape I honestly did not know what to expect of myself.

While you could pedal through three of the four corners, there was immediately a ton of braking going on in each. I found myself towards the back of the pack and with each l corner it became a bit more difficult to stay on. There were a few laps that I solidified a middle position, but more times than not I was dangling off the back. Then I got dropped. My only goal was to not let this happen, but there was no way around it. I felt like garbage and rightly so.

Quite a few others we dropped before me — and there was some work in vain done by myself and a few other to bridge/keep from getting lapped, but at the bell I looked back to see the break and the peloton chasing closely behind. I promptly pulled myself for a DNF as to not pose a threat to the field.

Most of my surprises, though, were pleasant ones; that my base fitness is still there for the most part, that handling and pack riding are still strong points of mine and that I can still recover very easily after hard workouts — it’s the intervals that I’m not doing that effect the opposite of that though… It really makes me think about shifting focus next year… we’ll see. Congrats to Tom MacNeill-Zimmerman on his podium in the men’s 5! Also to Stanley Sterlinski for 6th place in our race (men’s 4) and the rest of the team that braved the humidity!

Hanging out for the remaining races was a blast — after I attempted to “cool down” with some fluids. The women’s 1/2/3 race in the rain was awesome to see. And, as I’ve said before, just hanging out at the event was nothing but a good time. The only bummer was I broke another rear wheel on my ride home. I’ve broken four so far this year. Wow!

I gotta get fast (maybe lose the ten lbs.?) and get a wheel sponsor… Check out some great photos from teammates/friends of the team.

Well, the action at Le Tour has been pretty hot. First team time trial in years and possible Astana drama have made for quite the spectacle at not even a week in. We should all do a little pulling for Vande Velde — our ‘native son.’

This article in the Tribune today further solidified my lack of desire to own a car. Not only can I simply not afford one, congestion is only going to get worse — especially because I’ve noticed a decrase in trafficn and I don’t even sit in it. Let’s not even get started on the city’s parking debacle.

In addition to last week’s interview; take the survey and help out if you ride a Torker.

And, speaking of ‘cool,’ what’s up with this weather? Climate-change is getting real spooky. I’m afraind I’ll catch cold riding home in ths rain (I forgot fenders). Oh well. If post “sneeze” on Twitter I guess you’ll have your answer.

It has been a long time coming, but the following interview is here just in time for your holiday reading.  I want to personally thank Tim and Gork from Seattle Bike Supply for their time and their honest answers. Any ‘cross racer worth their canti’s and BMXer’s with their Flight cranks should reckognize these two cycling legends– if not now you will!  This is a good read, trust me:

Q: How did you translate your love of bikes into a career in the cycling industry and how long have you been in the business?

Tim: “I have been in the business since 1973, I started at a small shop in Salem Oregon.  I translated my love for all things bicycles from the challenge of fixing bikes and started off by fixing any and all bikes I could get my hands on.”

gOrk: “I’ve been working in the bike industry since 1985 – throughout the BMX industry. My first big gig was as Editor of  the late, great BMX ACTION magazine. Then after that I went to the ABA  - American Bicycle Association, to become Editor/Photographer for their American BMXer membership mag. I feel very fortunate. I think I was just in the right place at the right time, and knew the right people. But it was also a huge dream for me, that fortunately I was able to make come true.”

Q: Are there any trends in the industry that you see evolving that a casual, outside observer may not fully realize? Fixed-gears losing popularity? Cyclocross growing in popularity? Etc?

Tim: “Electric bikes are going to happen, commuting bikes are going to expand, all practical aspects of cycling will grow during these tough times.”

gOrk: “Both of us have seen so many trends come and go. From F-1 bikes to lowriders, scooters to choppers … whatever happens next is definitely going to come from the street. I’m pushing for a BMX revival, myself. Everyone who raced in the 70’s and 80’s – which was a LOT of people, will eventually bring their kids or grandkids out to try BMX racing. It’s due.”

Q: As a former BMX rider and current cyclocross fanatic, it’s obvious that we share similar passions in cycling. What are some other aspects of bike riding/racing that you guys enjoy? Touring? Racing crits 3 or 4 times a week?

Tim: “I still love riding to work—it gives me such a great release, after a day of work.  I still love ‘Cross because it is so pure and simple, the cross culture—you are part of a “tribe.”

gOrk: “Have raced BMX since age 13 and now at 45, am still doing it in the 41-45 cruiser class. In fact, I was just dicing for the win last Thursday night at one of our local tracks here in Seattle. Beside the occasional bike ride to work – the second most riding I get done is hopping on the Torker Tandem with my wife and riding the Burke-Gilman trail up to Redhook Brewery for dinner and some blonde ale.”

Q: Anything you dislike?

Tim: “I dislike attitudes of exclusion, I like welcoming everyone to the sport. There really is something for everyone in cycling, from DH to BMX, to ‘Cross … so much diversity!”

gOrk: “What is there to dislike in cycling?! I guess I dislike how we cyclists are treated – honked or yelled at while riding in to work. I’d really like to change the perception of car drivers towards anybody on a bike on the road. Still not sure if it’s possible. I’m definitely not the best example for following all of the traffic laws myself. Suppose I’m as guilty as the rest of ‘em.”

Q: I get a lot of feedback on my daily commute; 15mi (30 round-trip). Most people, even some fellow racers think that’s a lot of miles. Personally, I wish it was about 5 miles longer. What was your longest regular commute?

Tim: “Now it’s only 6 miles. Used to be 15 back when I lived in Portland.”

gOrk: “I’m definitely not a daily bike-to-work commuter – but wish I could. I live 21 miles from work and I try to do the distance a coupla times a month during good weather. We’ve got some hardcore guys in the SBS warehouse who put both Tim and I to shame. Not only for days commuted in, but for distance. Our Redline hats are off to Val and Reo.”

Q: Do you commute to work? If so, on what? How is it commuting in Seattle as far as “bike-friendliness” goes?

Tim: “I use a Redline Conquest Pro ‘cross bike, I am out in the ‘burbs,” so car/bike relations are pretty tough. Some days everyone gets along, some days I can feel the tension of not being welcomed on the roads.  I use sidewalks and shoulders depending on the road, but I always keep heightened awareness of what traffic is experiencing around me.  Overall Seattle is getting much more bike friendly, things are changing.”

gOrk: “What Tim’s not telling you is about the time he ran in to some East Indian dude with a turban on his head, who was listening to a I-Pod. Tim was blasting down the hill and this dude stepped out right in front of him. Took him out like he was Bin Laden – but also took himself out at the same time. Tim’s got some GREAT bike-accident stories .. like the time we were in Holland on a business trip and I slammed on the brakes because I saw this car about to turn in to the driveway, and Tim was in a full sprint trying to catch up, and just SLAMMED the backend of my Batavus rental bike. He broke off the rear taillight. Total Dutch traffic accident. He’s also gotten cut off by homeless people and busted his collarbone … he could write a book on all of his commuting incidents. It’s crazy.

When I do ride in, it’s on a Redline R-760 .. our stab at a sweet road bike from two or three years ago. And I’m the King of taking short cuts … my fellow co-workers have dubbed them ‘gork-cuts’.”

Q: I know Redline is making some pretty hot ‘cross bikes.’ Are there any other bikes in the product line that the company is particularly proud of, etc? Anything unique about any models?

Tim: “The new commuter/lifestyle bikes such as the Redline Metro Disc, and the Metro 9 are really going well, and are great bikes for commuting and getting around on.”

gOrk” …and don’t forget about the newest addition to the Conquest family;  the Conquest 20. The birth of our pint-sized Conquest bike for your kids. 20 x 1 3/8 wheels, flat bars, 14 speeds all at under $390!  We actually just posted up the new 2010 Conquest bikes on the website – so check ‘em out on RedlineBicycles.com. And they’re all due to arrive mid to late July. And you’ve still gotta love the Redline 9.2.5 .. that bike is still the best bargain for the urban single-speed crowd.”

Q: What are your most memorable race results?

Tim: “Winning ‘Cross Nationals and the Super Cup for Masters in 1999 is hard to beat, but racing in the 67^th Giro d’Italia is always most memorable.”

gOrk: “Hmmmmm …. last week at SeaTac was pretty memorable. I pulled a killer swoop in the first corner, because I run platform pedals and was able to do my patented retro foot-off inside swoop on the clipped-in leader, and rode him high in the berm. Took off from there, didn’t case much in the rhythm section, scored the win and about passed out after the finishline. But I guess I’d have to go back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, when my brother and I were pretty unbeatable on a sidehack – took the UBR No.1 plate for Northern California for three years in a row.”

Q: Finally, the question every cyclist loathes: if you could only have one bike what type would it be?
Tim: “The 2010 Redline Conquest Team – versitle and beautiful, all in one!”

gOrk: “Without a doubt – my Flight 24” cruiser. I couldn’t live without a BMX bike.”

It’s tough to say this; but not only have I been a bit too busy to post on the blog a lot, I’ve also not been getting in much riding. But, like any good blogger/bicyclist I’m justt gonna barrel headlong back into both the best way I know how; with short and easy rides and with these bits of information:

I just got back from a business event in Keystone Colorado. Their mountain bike park didn’t even open ’till this past Friday but I can tell you, regardless of the lack of my own rubber-to-ground experience, that this place is a mecca for all serious cyclists. Check it out if you can!

Speaking of mountains, Le Tour begins Saturday! I am not a gambler nor even a good judge of sporting event outcomes, but I still think Contador will give the peloton hell. But I’ve got to pull a little for my all time favorite; Ivan Basso.

Finally, on the home-front, Ive been tuning up the blog and my bike. Changes are in the works, but check my Twitter for more frequent updates and be-friend me on Facebook. I just might be the life of the party — I know they can hook one up to a trainer, but this is dedication!

Ride safe over the holiday!

While there are an extensive variety of bicycle commuters out there, I tend to feel a bit atypical. What is practical for most is not always what I’m looking for. As much as it costs me time in maintenance and, to a certain extent comfort, I continue to find it most practical for me to commute on bikes I also race. This is not to say I will never own a “commuter bike,” just not right now. However, I can not help but be intrigued by the following product.

The Fallbrook NuVinci “transmission” can be applied to several different transport applications, as well as wind turbines. When I first heard about it today, I found that it is readily available in bicycle hubs. You can go to your local shop and, as long as they have a QBP account, order one up.

I am continually interested in internal gearing and hubs with enclosed shifting mechanisms. The NuVinci takes this to a whole new level. Here in Chicago we may not fully benefit from it (due to our lack of hills, etc.) but a fully loaded bike on it’s way home from the grocery store would surely benefit from one of these when you need to get up that expressway overpass.

Personally, I’d love to try one out just to feel the way it “shifts.” My current plan for a commuter – if I can get one together practically – is single-speed. But, I’d defiently consider one of these if possible. Only drawback I can see is weight. Available only in 36 hole means that you’ll get a strong, but heavy wheel. Either way, I just found it cool.

Come out to the Ed Rudolph Velodrome in Northbrook tonight. My team is sponsoring the evening’s event. Track racing is arguably the “purest” form or bicycle racing. Even for experienced racers of other disciplines, it’s a great way to watch tactics unfold (the entire “race course” is visible) and I can guarantee you’ll learn something.