Archive for the ‘Useless Info’ Category
Nailed
Some dude in Africa did his best Aaron Check impression from the Back 40. Ouch.
Low pressure
OK, I’m a fan of low tire pressure, usually low 20′s, but I found this pic in the gallery section of Marco Fontana’s website. The rider is Jaroslav Kulhavy. Sure he just landed a jump, but that’s pushing the limits. Fontana’s photo gallery has amazing XC images BTW, way better than the usual stuff.
Mind blowing
Jed Mildon, some dude from New Zealand has pulled a triple flip on a BMX. This video gives the back story of what it really took. I love the smooth airs this guys pulls onto the airbag around 4 minutes. Enjoy.
If you just can’t wait, here’s just the flip.
Excuses
It’s a topic that has come up with the Steve the Viking and I a couple of times this summer, on the starting line in a race. We both felt that if you show up to a MTB race, without your list of potential excuses ready to go, you’re totally not prepared to race. Excuses are pretty much essential to racing. I’ve heard a lot of em, I even used a lot of em.
The real trick is to make sure you roll em out BEFORE the race, maybe in the parking lot while warming up, but for sure on the starting line.
Here are some of my favs that come to mind. Feel free to add you own in the comments.
“I just finished a huge training block this week and did a four hour group ride yesterday.” (You actually use this one if you are feeling really good, so your potential win will look even more impressive.)
“Man, am I ever hung over!” (I’ve heard this one at Wednesday night races. Still hung over at 7pm the next day…)
“Work has been nuts lately, I’ve had no time to get out on the bike.”
“I’m using this race as a training race, I’m peaking for Master’s Worlds.”
“I’m feeling a little dehydrated.”
“My gears were jumping around in warm up.” (Or, if you’re single speeder.) “I’ve got the wrong gear for this course.”
“The last time I was on the bike was at the last race.”
“I should have put on my other tires.”
“My recovery needs work.” (Possibly the most ironic.)
“This course doesn’t suit me, I’m prefer longer climbs.”
“I think I’m coming down with something?” (Pretty much as standard as saying hello at a race.)
World Championships on CBC
Not all of us can go watch the World Championships in MSA in person like Jeff. But don’t worry, CBC is televising it Saturday afternoon. Go Catharine P & Geoff K!
This pic was borrowed from Canadian Cyclist – photo credit goes to them. I just wish they would show the next 2 or 3 frames as well. Ouch!
Yikes
OK, was riding around near U of M on Thursday and what did I see in the bush?
First time in my life to see a coyote in the “wild”… make that CITY. I only saw it for a few seconds, but one thing really stood out, it was WAY bigger than I thought a coyote would be. Cool.
Blown away
Love riding in spring, love riding with friends, love riding in March when it is 9 degrees celcius, but today it was a tad windy.
Tim picked me and my bike up with his truck around 1 today, we drove to his place and then went for a rather windy ride, he stopped off at home after our 30km western loop to White Horse and back to his place. I carried on homeward bound, into the rather stiff breeze. Good times were had.
Spring ritual – PUNISHMENT
So, not sure why, but every spring I manage to find my self on an “easy” ride with a friend or two. Sunday afternoon I went for one of these “easy” spring rides with a good friend JP. Last March it was DJ, the year prior Hal and Chris H. Now, the term “easy” seems straight forward, but obviously I need to learn to use the SAME tire/bike setup as my riding companions.
Stating the obvious
Apparently there is a HUGE difference in rolling resistance between road bike tires and low quality cross tires. Last year DJ was polite enough to allow me to keep my HR around 160, while his was much, much lower. On Sunday, I didn’t wear my HRM, but could barely talk most of the ride while JP was just cruising along at 120 BPM, unclipped, on a SS road bike… Just glad he didn’t start pulling wheelies. It was just about ALL my early season lack of fitness could handle. I was really glad the sun still sets early. But don’t get me wrong, I still had a great time (time trialing).
Silk purse
Nothing Tinker related what-so-ever in this video, just swiping it to add to the litternet. Considering that Winnipeg river trails will be flooded til July again, this may be the only way I can see a Winnipeg trail til then. This guy did a great edit job, great angles, making an OK trail look really good. Good job whoever you are.
