Strava Hookup

Just a quick post to let you know if  you're reading this and care about places I ride, where you also might like to ride, I do have an account on Strava.com:  robkritoff. Just join for free and follow me, and you can see each ride I record.

I try to get around, but I'm biased to less techy, more twisty.
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Yes, I know this is New England.

Yes, I know peoplle don't ride rigid bikes anymore.  Well, some of us do.

Yes, I know, singlespeed MTBs haven't been the darlings of the bike industry for years, and I don't much care.

That said, if you wanna follow me, there you go.

BMX

Photo from Travis Brown's facebook page.

Visited the BMX track in Wakefield/Lynnfield today.  My daughter wanted to go ride.  Fun spot.  Just so y'all know, they have races there sunday mornings through the summer.  Look 'em up on Google to get directions- I'm not sure I know street names well enough to tell you how to get there.

Sebin-Lebin

When I was a new roadie cyclist, the big team was Seven Eleven, and one of my favorites for a time was Davis Phinney.  I can't even remember exactly why I went through the Davis phase, but I've always liked him and I really felt for him when it was announced a few years ago that he has parkinson's disease.  My great uncle died from PD, and it's a mean old bugger.

Now his SON is a pro cyclist, and won the pink jersey at the Giro D'Italia on the first day.  This isn't about feeling old so much as it's about roots.  The next generation isn't born- it's in power.  Taylor is serious business.   Here's his Bicycle Manufacturing Corporation Time Trial bike.

The second picture is just another wonderful shot from Brian Vernor, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite photographers of all time.  You really should visit his blog.

A Ride With Chewbacca: A Photo Essay

So, Han and I went for a ride the other day...

I rode my old drop-bar Salsa with the sweet drilled-out Modolo levers.

I saw someone who i thought might be a wookie, and was so disappointed when he wasn't, I got him in the face with my water bottle!

We met these nice ladies and joined them for a picnic.  I guess one was a "Rita Hayworth", whatever that is.

After meeting up with our Tattoine riding bros, we decided to camp out like Sand People.

I climbed up the hill to take this picture of our glowing pods.

Han and I were closer to the lake in this cozy tent.  A little TOO cozy, if you ask me.

Matt's Trail II

Went for a great ride today.  Saw a little yellow bird that I can't really identify and he was kind of a b@stard about sticking around so I could look at him (see me?  No, I'll fly away.  Now I'll come back- now do you see me?  Now I'll disappear).  Also a swan and a redwing(ed?) blackbird (not rare- but pretty!)

Also, some frogs of some kind (unless beavers sing) were going crazy in the beaver pond.  Really quite loud.

Oh, and the title.  Long ago we had a trail called Matt's Trail (by Matt, Mark, Jim, maybe Forrest, and I- I'm quite sure that no one else ever even heard this name).  This was I think back in the time when we felt a little more exploratory.  At least speaking for myself, this was true.  I don't really feel like leaning back and plummeting from rocks like I used to.  (though I must add, the rock to which I refer has been either removed or buried, and gravel trail put in its place).

So, with my newly realized riding motto in my head (I don't want to do battle with the trail- I want to ride on it. And I don't like getting off the bike to carry it up things or over things), I did a tiny bit of exploring in the other direction from the artist-formerly-known-as-rock-plummet, and found two nice little loops.  One of which involved a rickety old up-and-over job over a rotten log (see above parenthetical statement).  After some poking around, I realized that the rotten log was so rotten it could be kicked apart.  I was able to make a new line (without ruining the old rickety) by piling rocks in the V of an un-rotten fallen tree.

One more note, and I'll show you my drawing of the trail.  A unique feature of these little loops is that they pass between the reservoir and a dirty, copper-colored, opaque little lake, into which a pipe spews liquid at a good clip.  Perhaps it just stirs up the dirt on the bottom, but it looked awfully... unclean to me.

So, without further ado, I present to you Matt's Trail:  V. 2.0.

Oh, and Mark, you'll be sad to hear that "motocross", the trail where you performed your amazing front flip off a rock, seems to have been destroyed or abandoned.  There's a giant pile of brush/wood near where it used to begin, but large piles of dirt block the trail.

Hubris and Humility

My first mtb hero.  Juli.  Completely unrelated to this post, but a cool photo  by "Kid" Riemer from Salsa.

I did go for a kayak out into the ocean yesterday, though.  Found an island full of seagulls, lit a big bonfire, and basically lived like a wildman.  That was fun.  I don't think the vikings would've been as careful putting the fire out, though.

And honestly, a little humbling.  The waves started to get a little big, and I started to feel pretty small in my little kayak.  All I could think was to keep perpendicular to the waves, and thank goodness that worked out.

But it sure did remind me about getting in over your head.  About respecting nature.  About common knowledge.  That when R.E.I. staff says you'll need something, it just might be a good idea to listen to them (in this case, I was afeared I was going to soon need either a paddle float or a bailing pump (is that the right name?) or both.)

In retrospect, I think I went a little further out toward the "real" ocean this time than I did last time.  I headed for the point of Forest River Park, then out to sea, rather than coming from Salem Willows and staying in the "shadow" of the islands as I approached them.  I did make it to an island further "out" than before- but there was no place to come ashore that I could see.  I decided to return to the island I knew. (which would mean putting the waves behind me and using them to my advantage vs. fighting through them).

All told, if you have a kayak, an ocean, and some uninhabited islands at your disposal, I heartily recommend it.

My Dream: inspired by Patriot's Day at the Studio Cafe

You know what I wish?  That I could have every bike that I see, and could have a big old barn, with hundreds of those screw-in hooks, and keep all the bikes there, and ride a different one every day.

I'm not kidding, but perhaps if I explain yesterday a bit, it will at least make sense- I was down in Concord and Lexington for Patriot's Day (which wouldn't seem to be a big bike day, but boy it sure was).  Bikes (mostly road bikes) were EVERYWHERE down there.  So many that you're constantly passing them and you want (at least I do) to look at each bike, but you just can't for the safety of both of you.

I have a sickness- I know it's true- I would like to photograph and study EVERY bike I see.  Well, that's not precisely true.  There are plenty of junkers out there that I'm not at all interested in. 

But still, that leaves so many, many bikes that I'd love to study in detail.

And thank you, RideStudioCafe, for being there before the parade started.  And partly during.  You were a godsend.  Getting to read Rouleur and Privateer instead of sitting on a curb looking at nothing was beyond a miracle.  Especially since the parade started an hour late.  Thank you.

From Rivbike.com- check them out and give them some business too.

MTB BOSTON on Android!

My Sutro App MOUNTAIN BIKE BOSTON is now available for Android smartphones.  Go HERE to purchase it, please!

Even if you think you know all the trails in the area (and you very well might)- consider recommending this to friends who may be coming to visit the area.

Thanks for all your support when this was out only on Apple, now let's get the word out to a whole new group of people!

Micro-Touring a la Velo

Just wanted to combine together a few resources for you.  Found this new page from the Adv. Cycl. Assoc.

And of course there's always the information here.  Riv also has a list of what to pack, and it's worth checking out the products for camping that they sell, just to get an idea.  Now, as Grant at Riv often says, if they're the ones that turn you on to a particular product idea, you really should buy it from them, but that's between the two of you.

A final resource for those of you who have netflix is this movie, recently added to the netflix selection of bike movies.

Have fun out there.

Phriday Photo Post

Just some photos today, taken from here and there.

Gary Perkin photo- from the Cape Epic.

pink CX bike by Ira Ryan

Where does one buy a helmet like that?  from Sweetpea (the picture)

anodized lug nuts from Blue Lug bike shop in Japan.

Willow's book

Ms. Koerber-Rockwell has a book that's just come out too, btw- if you found yesterday's story inspiring.

Willow and Letting Go

Love this article about Willow Koerber Rockwell.  There's no doubt she sounds spacey and flighty, but she's also well aware of what everyone thinks of her and doesn't care.  There's a lot to think about in this article.  I encourage you to read it.

I can't say I know Willow on any level, but I'm sure I met her quite a few times when Kathy and I were attending the NORBA races at Mt. Snow and she was riding for Polo Sport/ RLX.  I only met Myles, her husband, once, but I did walk down the dowhill course in Big Bear/Snow Summit in CA once with some people, only to learn at the bottom of the mountain that I'd been talking to Myles' mom the whole time!

So that's my connection... tenuous though it may be.

Red Bull plus some results

If you don't know it

and

If you are interested in racing at the highest level

then

You should look up RedBull's TV coverage online.  I'd give you the link, but it's so easy to find on Google I won't even bother.

This weekend was South Africa's World Cup.  Christian Downhiller Aaron Gwin came in 2nd while Greg Minaar won.  Tracey Hannah (Mick Hannah's sister, btw) won the women's downhill.  (What IS it with these brother/sister dh teams?-- cf. the Athertons).

On the XC side, Emily Batty of Canada came in 2nd- a major, life-changing result for her.  Maja W. (a long, long name that's not on the tip of my tongue) from Poland won for the women, while Nino Schurter from Switzerland won for the men.  Bit of a bad day for the No. American men.  I believe the highest ranked was... um... let's see...Canada's Geoff Kabush in 37th.  Now, if you know about racing, that's actually not as bad as it sounds, but Kabush has won a world cup before, so you know he's not too psyched on this one.  Top USA rider?  Sam Schultz in 42nd.

So, that's the latest there.  At least memorize these names if you're going to watch MTB in London 2012!

Guilt & Groceries

After a long mountain bike ride the other day that was frankly a little too rocky and a little too long, I was laying down resting when the idea was put forth that my wife could get some things done she wanted to do, and I could take our daughter grocery shopping.  Sounded fine to me.  Until I heard those fatal words:

'We can take our bike!'.  You see, as the photo shows, we've recently acquired a Trail-a-bike, and Lucy really loves it.  So, since I've been brainwashing (I'm kidding, I think) my child into Velocentric thinking ever since she was born, I was well aware that there was no way I could say no to this request.  Backpacks were found, Mom made a list, and off we went.

Thankfully, the big hill was on the way TO the store.  Unfortunately so was a major avenue.  Not a big problem, I simply told her to hold on tight and since the crosswalk light took forever, had plenty of time to tell her why.  We got to the store, did our shopping (passing on the heavier items like multiple bottles of Pepsi) and headed home.

It had gotten dark, but this was not a major impediment either.  There were wide sidewalks the whole way home.  And it was this ride that really drove home why we did this in the first place.

We heard Spring Peeper frogs for the first time on the ride home.  Had they been out before?  I don't know, but we didn't hear them in the car.  But we did on the bike.  It took me until we were almost home to realize that this was the first day of 2012 that I'd had shorts on.  And it was the day after we'd 'sprung ahead' on the clock.

We were happy to see Mom when we got home (how long did she stand and wait?).  And my guess is, with the darkness, she was happy to see us as well.

What did I teach my daughter?  I'm not sure- but I will say that while we were locking the bike up, she said 'Cars will kill the earth- look at ALL THESE CARS!'.  I'm not sure she got that from me, and I'm not sure where she got it from, exactly.  But I don't disagree with her.

NAHBS & an offer

first, the offer- anyone want to trade a worn-but-solid Selle Italia Flite Ti saddle for the same, but in black?

Now, on to the reason for today's post: The North American Handmade Bicycle Show.

It was this weekend, in Sacramento, CA- and if you'd like so many photos of the bikes shown there that your head will spin, by all means head on over to bikeradar for over 400 photos.

But having looked at them all, I was personally happiest looking at:

• Jeremy Shlachter's Gallus old-school mountain bike.  650b wheels.  Ritchey-looking biplane fork crown.  Just sweet.
• Rob English's baby blue 29er was pretty cool.
• And always:  Tom Ritchey, Pereira, and Retrotec.

Leave a comment if you're interested in that saddle, and we can exchange pictures or whatever.

Also, I checked out Momentum Magazine today while at B&N.  Really impressed with it.  Def. check it out if you see it at the newsstand.

Brooksby Farm Ride

I <3 Silhouettes.

The moon framed by branches

Moonrise over orchard.

See?

My treasured Rapha hat I won in a photo contest.  First time I had the gall to wear it in the woods!

"Guy in the woods"

"What do you think it is?"    "Well, how should I know?"

"Hmmm.... Old style QR hubs.  Generic brand, too."

Serious off-road machinery

The stone table?

What are you supposed to do in a self-portrait?

Fixed Perceptions

So I got everything running right, and went out after dark (after mid-afternoon, then) to give fixed riding a try.  I've tried one road bike at a shop years ago, but this was MY bike, that I'm used to, that fits me as perfectly as I can make it.

THOSE.

I tried it on the level first, just to see if everything was tight enough.   Yep.  I tentatively took on a hill.  Not a big deal.  It really feels like the way I already ride, to a large extent.  Especially climbing hills.


CRANKS.

But two things gave me pause (paws?)- turning, and things like hopping up onto curbs/dropping off of curbs.  I would say that these two things apply pretty directly to riding in the woods.  And while I primarily bought this fixed cog thinking of the Danvers Rail Trail, and other flat non-technical areas, it does pop into my mind.


JUST.

So how do you lean into a turn when the cranks don't stop moving?  Just time it?  Just make sure to keep the bike upright while you round the turn?  That will be something to work on.  And while it's easy to hit curbs like a freight train or steamroller, the weight transfer I'm used to will certainly be tricky.  Copy that for dropping off of something (and by that, I don't mean 10 foot drops, I mean more like 1')


KEEP.

Still, there IS something amazing about controlling the bike's speed and never touching the brakes.  This was only my second ride (counting yesterday's mini-ride) on the bike with this set-up, and it's undeniable there's something neat going on.
 

COMING.

On the other hand, though- I like my coasting moments. I don't think I'm quite ready to give those up.  Not completely.  But this is just one after-dark ride.  And the Christmas lights were pretty, too- by the way.  I was pursuing a moment there, y'know- fixed gear- late december, and Xmas lights, dark early....


AROUND

I'm in the running for a Rapha photo competition.  And I honestly think mine could win just on photographic merit.  But I'd like to stack the deck just a little.  So will you all please go to

http://www.rapha.cc/cyclocross-photos-week-one and vote for me?  I'm picture 'C' of the green van.

Thank you.

Polaroid Opposites

Rapha Continental chillin' somewhere in CO.  From Velonews.com

spooky view of Arizona fire smoke.  From H. Irminger's twitter (I think).

Clearing Off The Harddrive, #1100

The Rapha-Focus truck.  So much goodness inside...

1

Former world champ Bart Wellens, racing in the US.  Too bad he didn't come to Gloucester.

Mo Bruno Roy, in a muddy CX race.