I lied, but on the plus side I found my inner Glassford.

Not much on the training side...Just gym and stuff.On the other hand I have been looking into a good diet.I headed over to Peters blog and the stuff looks tasty but I think I would need a mini Peter (I would keep him caged of course, you cant trust little people.) to cook it for me.I could go with a Tammy but I would hate to take her away from Jer...So with those options out I headed to youtube and found a nice group of Canadians that seem to have the cooking thing down pat.They even calculate the cals for you! It looks like they are starting up a online cooking show so every tuesday will be something new!The show is even funny to watch so I'll keep interested, which is a plus I would say.check one of their episodes out HERE

Cheers,

Tristan

A post before a post

I think I might do something in the way of becoming a fitter me tonight so there will most likely either be an edit to this post or a hole new one.Pretty sweet eh?? Could be two in one day!!If your not excited don't worry I have enough excitement built up for all of us.

Last night Justin invited me to join him on a road trip to buffalo to drop is sister off at the airport.I thought it would be a good idea to tag along to see if they would still let me in after the mishap two years ago.Sure enough they did but not with out some convincing. Apparently when ever I want to go state side I have to bring my hole financial plan and proof that I'm not going to stay there.My house and I are thinking of trying to attend mardi gras again this year so for that trip I think I make like a "going to the USA travel bag" It will hold all the necessities for gaining access to the states. Example: it will have my financial advisor Brian (probably put him in the big pocket),maybe a canadian flag with the words "why would I leave" stitched in and maybe I'll include a picture of Sarah Palin with the words "enough said".I don't know but I have a couple of months to figure it so I'm not worried.The trip was long though, we left at 11:00pm and didn't get home till 6:00am so my days are officially swapped.Ill be albino in no time..I might be back but it will probably be late so dont wait up....Or do....or don't....or dooo.....

Cheers,

Tristan

total eclips

So last night I went out to the valley for a Monday night snowshoe with the group.It had been a while since my heart rate had been above resting (actually during the Victoria Secret show I think I was in tempo) but I held on an made it through. The group was separated between boys and girls, Liz and her crew (Roz and Mandy) and Jacob and his crew (Jer and myself).I have no idea what this girls were talking about but my best guess would be me...I am after all a pretty handsome dude.Us boys chatted mostly about cars and man rides, you know guy stuff.After all that fun out in the snow Jacob handed me a u-brew and we all dove into the hot tub.Im not sure that was the best idea for my already tight muscles but it defiantly had to be done.

Arrived home and Justin turned on "Get Him to the Greek" followed up with "The Town".Both pretty good films.Justin laughed a little more than I did during "Get Him to the Greek" but I'm hard to please.The Town had some pretty good action senes and Blake Lively but fell sort with Ben Affleck and all the actors trying so hard to put on a Boston accent that you have to be from Boston to understand what the heck they are saying.However both are worth a watch.After the films we caught wind there was a moonier eclips going down so we ran outside to take a look. Unfortunately it took so dang long to find the moon it was pretty near over. Oh well eh.

Heres a vid for ya'all (video is rated PG13, it may contain coarse language, viewer discretion is advised.The video content does not necessarily reflect the views of T.S.C.E )

Also from the guys that brought us "I'm on a boat" and "mother lover" here is their new song (video is rated PG13, it may contain coarse language and sexual content, viewer discretion is advised.The video content does not necessarily reflect the views of T.S.C.E )


Cheers,

Tristan

deep impact

Last night I headed out for my first snowy ride.The roads were covered and the cars were out in full force driving people to shop shop shop.The original purpose of the ride was to pedal away some stress and to just think, but as it turns out thats hard to do while your trying to keep yourself alive. Foot came dow in the middle of two intersection, one almost head on collision and many icy slips. The ride had to be cut a little short due to frost bitten toes but over all a good time out doors.I have been writing this post for a couple days now so Ill update what I have been up to.Ummmmmm watching family maters and helping the parents....yup thats about it.Cheers

Tristan

P.S Andrew if you are reading this take a lookski

sick......but feeling better today

Im looking for a new pic for the top there so if anyone has a super cool one pass it on and you will be rewarded with not having to look at the old one the next time you visit T.S.C.E.

Cheers!!

Tristan

Man Points

Just made a bit of a point system to guide us through. Suggestions are welcome.

Points

- one point per minute

- five points for each degree below zero

- no fuel stops =+20

- for every 1000 ft climbed =+10

- Sketchy/busy road= +10

- Dangerous vehicle encounter ie. snow low =+10 per vehicle

- different weather conditions= +20per (snow,rain,sleet,heavy wind…….)

- hill climb bonus=+25 per

Deductions

-nice weather= -15 per (sun,no wind, no rain, no snow….)

-riding partner=-20 per hour

-not finishing planned route=-50

-fuel stop= -50

it was dark,cold and snowing so I rode

Like the titles says it was the perfect conditions for a nice little road ride around the block.This was my second time out for a long while and I'm still spinning.I rode like 25kms ish in like an hour so the pace was that of a pregnant squirrel.On those kind of recovery rides the best part is the time to think and just solve all your problems.The down side however at -7 there isn't a hole lot of body heat being produced to keep a brother warm. By the time I pulled into home riding down the stairs to the shed was a little sketch...

Part of my cool down (warm up) was a nice stretching session which left the knees feeling like 80 bucks.It feels good to be out again after such a long time away.I'm hoping for Peters speedy recovery.

Cheers,

Tristan

This ones for you,

So I read I'm falling behind on my post count. So this ones for you.Not much happend in the day other than some moca making and relaxing by the old computer.People say you have to treat injury with R.I.C.E so that what I did.It wasn't till later last night that I decided to test out the winter bike and star familiarizing my body to the chill which is winter.

Started the assembly of the winter gear, which only took 15 minutes so you know the training season is just getting started.The purpose of the ride was not only for the test of the bike but to test the ever going knee pain I have be blessed with.The two solders have been feeling better so I figured a spin around the beach trail would do them good.Two kms down the road lefty poped into cycling mode and we continued on our way.Righty didn't pop and felt good the entire ride, which in my opinion is a good thing.

Down at the beach I was expecting to run into the 24hr 7 days a week trail patrol (people that choose to not live in a home) but thankfully the only things a saw were one teenager and a cat.The wind was brisk coming off the lake and my fall ring gloves weren't cutting the cake.I decided at that point it was time to head home.

Back at base I got de-suited and hoped on my little ball to loosen up the muscles. Stretching and foam rolling were also part of the post workout.So 35 minute bike and 1:10 post fix me upper.not bad Id say.

Cheers,

Tristan

Winter, well a winter bike

I just arrived home from he shop building the new 2011 winter bike.Its basically my rocky cross bike but with poopy components on it.A couple things I'm worried about though. First on the list the carbon fork, can carbon handle cold??I honestly don't know.What I do know is when we are riding down scenic caves road on Man Ride 2.0 I don't want an exploding fork.Second Item on the list of worries is the bikes name.Last year I had a Cannondale touring bike which I referred to as the Mannondale, which made since and had a nice ring to it.But Rocky Mountain??Every time I try to incorporate "man" into the name it sounds to close to Broke Back Mountain... I haven't seen the movie and I'm sure its really good but it's just not the relation I want my bicycle having.So with that I'm back to the drawing board.Maybe once I do something manly on it the bike will just tell me.

Since it took so long to build the bike I think I might cancel the ride I had planned tonight and move it to tomorrow.It will be my first ride in almost a month I think, so hopefully I haven't forgot.

Cheers,

Tristan

This won't take long

I'm just at the parents for my sisters B-day dinner so while I have the first glass of vino I'll tell you guys and girls what I have been up to.I'm still off the bike and filling in my training sessions with all that is the gym, the rest off the time I'm helping my dad out on the farm or working at the Bike Stop.My knees are feeling much better and thinking I might start the training season mid December hopefully on a Rocky MTM winter bike.The plan for the winter I think will be some long rides on the winter steed, I was thinking I might even try a stage ride or two. Pretty pumped for it, I just hope I don't get knocked off.....Wine is done so I'll go sit on the couch beside the fire.....cheers!!

Tristan

Grow facial hair month....

I have been growing some facial hair for the past month now and it has just got past the point of the five o'clock shadow.Last night me and my house went out for some dancing at the local dance hall, and to get into the spirit of things I shave the man beard into a Fu man Chu.I was going to take a pic but I think I'll have to get my number one sponsor to send over a bottle of Just for Mens, the camera isn't really picking it up.I don't think I'll hold on to the Fu man Chu look, I'm thinking I might like to play with it a bit through out the month.

On a somewhat training note I hit up the gym last night for a nice stretching/core/upper body work out session.It felt good to be back at the gym pumping iron.Tonight I think I might head back and work on my bum a bit more,

VROOOOOOOOMMMM VROOOOOOOOM

Last night was the Monday Night Something Pulsar edition, where if you own a Pulsar you brought it out and took the other members for a ride.Unfortunately only Ben owns one and the rest of us had to settle for a ride along in the the driver seat.After the old gal cooled down we traded the car for our bikes and headed into the darkness.

I wanted to take it easy on the old knees so I did a swap with the J man and took his geared bike.The swap was a little easy and I didn't know why at the start of the ride.Turns out the bike is in need of a drive train and it skips more than a tub of peanut butter.So I spent the hole time behind the group and cutting through the Forest to make up ground.Andrew may have been cut off a number of times in the process.

Last couple K I decided to lay down some attacks and get in front of the group.Being the Pulsar edition I decided to show off my drifting skills which got me in the lead.Unfortunately Andrews cross skills came in handy when we came up to a down tree and he got back in front.First piece of double I heard someone say "don't worry there isn't enough room to pass" I thought to my self "I think they forgot who I am, I'm Tristan Spurr" and I took off through the bush, bunny hopped a boulder and regained the lead. Unfortunately there was another down tree and both Jacob and Andrew got by but a man has to try.

The rest of the ride was chill, execpt when we got back to the car and Ben saw his car......that was all but chill.Cheers

Tristan

Streching it out

Last week I decided to take two weeks off just to nail this knee problem once in for all.If this doesn't work then I might have to take up swimming and be the next Micheal Phelps.I received some solid knee work out and stretches this week so hopefully that aids to my recovery.I have also logged in some very long minutes on the foam roller, which I do in the privacy of my own room because rolling just looks to sexual for the public eye.Well Im off to the gym, cheers

Tristan

WNCR

Last night was the cross races at Hardwood hills and not a bad night for it at all.I was running a bit late because I was doing a photo shoot with my sister for the new Quaker Oaks Farm website we both are building so once I arrived it was to to get started.

The guns went off and so did we, over the hill and settled into a nice cozy pace for the first lap.The main group stayed together until the run up climb where it separated the weak from the men. Unfortunally I was weak and I saw guy's like Watson ride up the "forced climb".I really need to put the smaller ring back on, maybe that would work for a Friday job.

Second lap was me just trying to hold on and trying not to loose much ground.That plan failed at the climb again and I settled into a survival pace with Andrew Doble and a couple other guys.I attacked on the flats and suffered on any thing with a grade.Last km I decided to try to catch Adam who was 100m up,so I turned the bike to eleven and drove forward.The plan would have worked but some dude on a mtb missed his tune-up appointment and miss shifted the crap out of his bicycle cause him to look at his chain which in turn cause him to ride all over the trail effectively blocking me.Oh well...I think I might take a couple days off and just stretch the body.Knees are about 70 % and getting better day by day.Cheers!

Tristan

Brewery to brewery

Hey y'all my sister stole my Mac so I couldn't post an update, sad I know.Here it is though from Quaker Oaks Farm in Orillia the official report.

The snooze button was hit a few times to many the morning of the Brewery ride causing the Mathew Spak foot come into play on the drive there.Sure enough I was the first there and locked my bike to a tree outside of Second Cup.JM and LR spotted me and informed me I was at the wrong spot, I followed them to the right spot and enjoyed a coffee.

Off we went and the first two sign sprints were taken by me, followed by Brandon taking Creemore.Upon arrival Brendan and I racked up the bikes and headed streight for the samples ans after a photo shoot we grab a couple travelers and headed to the restaurant.The place was pretty packed so it gave us all a chance to catch up.Since I talk to Liz and Jacob a lot I decided to spend the majority of my time talking to Cayley and Brandon.Jacobs blog states I "hit" on Cayley but to my defense I di tell Brandon I wanted he huge arms.....Food was dealt with and off we went.

On the way out Brendan and I cracked our second beer and had a man toast, then realized that we were about to ride on airport road.Got drinking and prepared for the next sprints.I was boxed in for Angus so Brandon took it, next one two was mine followed by Brandon going for Barrie 10,000 miles away and taking it, only because I didn't know what the hell he was doing...

We arrived at Flying Monkeys and drank some samples after which we followed it up a Tiffs for more beer.Good ride and Cant wait for next year.gotta go race HW cross.cheers

Tristan

I thought logs were the dangerious part of night rideing

MNS re-grouped for one of our largest attendance nights all year and headed out into the night sky.Pace was high and conservations at their usual level of awesome. If you were on a Norco you had a free ride kit on and any other bike came stock with spandex, high fives were dealt when tricks were landed as well as words like "dude" and "rad".

We were moving along with speed Shayne on front me following close behind, "left or right" was shouted back and a quick "left" was returned.I noticed Shayne went right to avoid a stump, then noticed the stump went left to avoid Shayne.He nicked the tail of the stump,then yelled "porcupine". I was going for the bunny hop but last minute bailed to the right screaming for my life. Not beleiving what had just happened we both looked for quills and then continued on our way.

The rest of the evening was spent trying to do tricks and crash people out and stuff......totally rad to the max!!

Tristan

MIdland enduro pre ride

Ok so the plan to race Kawartha Rube-eh went bust because the hole thing just sounded to be bad news bears, so there was a search for something to replace it.Sent a text to Andrew to see what he decided to do and there was the plan for the morning, pre ride the Midland to Horseshoe course.

I had to work at one so leaving at ten I thought would be perfect timing.Left Andrews and head down the yellow brick road.First twenty kms (well in the race it would be about mid way) were alright nice paved/washed out sandy double track, however paved turned into all washed out double track, washed out double track turned to crank the shield puddles, crank the shield puddles turned into swamp and swamp turned into river. At the river crossing we looked at each other then back at the flowing river and decided that would best be saved for race day.If someone wanted to spectate this race/event the river would be the spot and maybe if your interest in a small business boat crossing services would be ideal for that location.

Between the swamp and walking back up the serious decent which led us to the swamp I was going to be massively late for work so I selflessly decided to stick to the ride at hand and suffer the wrath of my boss later that day.Onwards we went and more washed out doubles came, followed by more rocky descending, gravel roads and many cross bike questionable sections. Making both of us realize that this race/event will turn into a long day in the saddle and maybe the race creator is a little crazy or maybe he just went on google maps and pick out sections on there without actually riding them but never the less it should be a good long day of riding bicycles.Looking forward to it

P.S they have a $10.00 purse for climbing a particular hill without using a granny, the only way I can see someone making it up is on a MTB if someone does it on a cross bike they get mad props.

Check out Andrew blog post here.....

Cheers.

Tristan

Let's get back at er

Training season is back and same goes to with the blog.That last month has been pretty chill, just trying to get the body back into a pain free form.To do this the has been a lot of stretching and taking her easy on the old bicycle.Doing so of course has limited me on the bike but for the long run should improve.

Also in the last month I have ordered the need rig for next season, not an mtb but a rocket fast Giant TCR Advanced Rabobank. Size large is as big as they grow in Canada so I had to call up my friends at Giant and get the to whip me up an XL.Being the only XL if you know anyone who wants a season old Rabobank pass my number along in September.
Plans thus far on cross racing have been totally knee depending so keep on checkin in because I am here for you now,

cheers

Tristan

oh man

It's been a while I know but I haven't been to pleased with my mountain bike so I haven't really been inspired to write.It seems every time I touch my MTB I get worse at riding the darn thing, Know how cowboys use to shoot their horses if they came up lame, well my steed is getting close to that 50 cent solution.

However on the road bike everything seems to be there.I have been doing the BCC TT and every week I have been improving regardless of the conditions.Even the mental aspect is there to keep on pushing and not give into the pain which is a TT.So I think I'll pick and choose the rest of my MTB races and maybe put some focus into racing some cross for the fall.Thats the plan for now anyways...

Cheers

TT....

I have been wanting to re do the time trail for a while now but with 24hrs and such it just hasnt happened.Andrew had told me the night before that he was going out to put one last burn in his legs before the flight out west.Andrew has been feeling a bit down ever since 60+ year old Jack Sassiville open a can of whoop ass on him two weeks ago, so I figured I'd go out and give him someone to ride a way from.

The plan was to go to the gym and stretch out the back and hamy's before the race.I arrived at the Phoenix and did my thang however on the way out got to chatting with the owner for a bit longer than expected and had 15 minutes to get to the race. I pulled in with 5 minutes to spare and to Andrew who looked like he was about to send me a "you stood me up you bastard" text.Hoped on the steed road to the stop sign on the 7th and then lined up.

After some attempts to crush Andrew mentally and he headed out it was my turn to go. I blasted away from the start with 3 minutes of warm up in the legs and was in pursuit of the Dr. and victory.However no matter how hard I pushed I could close the gap.While I was eating my Reeses Pieces for the 3rd time that evening I laid down the last effort on the last climb before the finish now going for my personal best.Successful in the PB made all the regurgitating and 22:08 minutes of pain worth it.Oh and because of me Andrew also had a PB on that course and will most likely take that boost in confidence and go on to winning nationals.

This weekend is the buck of the wallow O-cup which I'm still questioning racing.I'm going to pre-ride the course Saturday and make my decision.

CHeers

24/22/23 hour of summer soltice

Matt and i decided mid winter we would tag team the 24hr and kick some endurance athlete bum.As always the idea of racing a 24 in winter sounds a lot better than it does come race day.The morning of the race I woke to the sound of rain hamming down on the steel roof out side my bedroom window.So I grabbed my muffin (A small, cup-shaped quick bread, often sweetened) and headed to the race.Mid way I received a text from Jacob stating that it was not raining down there and there was nothing but blues sky's and butterflies.Upon arrival I realized the Jacob was a jerk and it was raining.

The go ahead was granted for me to start so I suited up and Matt headed to the start with his chair to save me a premo spot.Just as I was tossing my leg over the bike Matt came rolling in and reported a 1hr delay.10 minutes to 1:00 Shaun came rolling in reporting a 2:00 start.Track pants went on followed by a cozy sweater. 1:30 came quick so I ripped off the F-my-life kit and headed to the start where Mr.Matt had been warming me a spot.Start line was pretty packed full of good riders so I was a little nervous, pep talk from Andrew and a "dont go fast" from Matt I was ready to race.

The gun went off and we flew up the starting loop like trailer flying through the air in Midland. I was with the lead group until the first single track when a little Matt popped up on my shoulder and told me to slow down.Went through the next couple kms with a steady pace until I spotted the main group again and a miniature Jacob popped up on my shoulder and said "na na na na boo boo"power went on to catch some ground.Caught up with Jacob who had been dropped off the back do to brakes or something, he was riding a nice solid ride so I stuck with him to the end of my first lap.Into transition I went expecting Andrew to be there because a couple nights before he told me he was going to ride with me for a few laps in the morning.I guess you can't trust those Elite Amateur Athletes anymore....

Nothing really exciting happened from then to the next morning other than me eating,cleaning bikes,talking to the ladies (The SPakles),getting tired, Oh and on one of my night laps getting redirected through poison ivy because someone hit a tree and died. It wasn't until my 3:00am double did things change.I swapped over to Andrews light and motion and never mounting it before I wasnt sure on helmet placement and being to tired i just wanted to lay down so I didnt test it which lead to it pointing at my wheel when it came time for my lap.Matt being a good guy told me it would be fine and that it might actually be better because it was misty.In any case I spent the lap with my head tilted back and hitting every rock/root I could fined.Once I made it around I fixed the light and heading out for a hot lap.

The light was working well now and the legs where also coming around which is always nice to feel in one of those races.Feeling good I entered the first single track with speed,coming up to a tree I had been ramping off of every lap previous I decided to keep the same line and ramp the tree.I guess mist and tree creates slippery surface and I flew off my bike nailing my knee off the stem on the way down.Laying on the ground holding my knee a little miniature Jeremy popped on my shoulder and called me the "V" word.Then of course he giggled because he had said the "V" word.So I brushed the dirt from my back and hoped on my steed to finish out my lap.

I did one more double after the fall but in the end between the knee and the tiredness my body wasnt keen on any more laps.Matt logged in a triple and we called her a day leaving Albion 2 laps up on second and a red ribbon around our necks. I said I wouldn't do it again but Im thinking now it might be a good idea if I did......

Cheers

Fixi ride and a ride with Jesus

So saturdays fixie ride was another MNS classic hit.I was the first to arrive so I got into the beer while Matt and Robin (or Robyn) were taking a shower (at separate times).Every one else started to roll in shortly there after.Jacob and I had built a new Tandem for the ride and every one seem eager to see how it would all work out, so we hit the waub a dub dub trail to the pub.Since the Tandem was a fixed gear and comes standard with out brakes, every one seemed to have a 20 ft rule.Jacob and I didnt mind this and we passed the time with some circus like maneuvers and Tom Foolery.We managed to get the Man on the back 360(TM.) down pat and also the Man on the back stands on cross bar and pees while man on front pedals(TM.) down as well.

Soon enough we were at the pub and ready for food.The last visit we had at this pub the food service was slow and you will be glad to hear that they didn't change and food service was still not set to Rabbit. We didn't mind as there was a lot to talk about with our waitress Hilary.Like, her favorite dark beer is Bud and.......Thats really all I gathered.When Jacob corrected Hillary by saying "Bud is not a dark beer" she replied with "I don't know it's in a dark bottle."After a lot of sweet potato fries, burger and beer we tried to get Hillarys digits, failed then bounced back to Matts.

Ride home was tame with it still being light out so Jacob and I tried to shake things up with some hide and go seek.That also failed so we settled with a fire at Matts.However Matt has a big pool of water beside the fire pit which I think is suppose to be a pond but isn't flowing, so it acts like a mosquito breeding ground which in turn made unbearable to be out side.After moving the party indoors we chatted for a bit then head out.Good night and good times.

Today I had to do an endurance ride so I went on an adventure to find another way into Orillia. 130kms later I managed to find my way into town and back again.This being Sunday I knew I could risk getting lost because Jesus would be in my back pocket looking out for me because there's an app for that.....On that note I got lots of sun and lots of kms and that made the day swell.

Cheers

super fast update

So just a fast little update to let yall know what I have been up to the last few weeks.On the racing front I havn't found my groove yet and struggling for another yea in the single track.I know I have to get out there more but riding that darn road bike is just a lot easier of a choice.Mountain view O cup was one of my worst races to this day and made the road bike look like a better option again. Fitness wise I feel strong but when you cant flow through the single track that doesn't mean a hole heck of a lot.I think I might try and get out a couple times a week before Buckwallow and start fresh.

cheers

Slacking

I still havnt found the time or internet to really keep this up to date and now with the nice weather it seems harder than ever.I'm laying in bed right now and it feels like 30 degrees so I'll type till is cooler if that makes since.I have been getting out on many good rides and getting a kill spandex tan while I'm at it.

To give a quick up date I'll start with my race at Mont Tromblant.Pretty nervous going into it I wasnt 100 percent and didn't know what to expect.I decided to start easy and pick it up lap by lap and see how I would fair.First single track the pack bottle necked in and every one except the leader got off and ran.I decided I didnt come all the way to push a bike so I stayed on and just try and get by those I could.The first lap went this way right to the bottom where I finally got the chance to crack into the legs up the 3km paved single track which I loved so so so so so so so so so so much.One by one I started to pick guys off and the legs kept saying "use more Scotty, use more"so I did.I caught Brendan and rode with him for a bit and followed his lines until we hit the final big climb and it was time for me to try catch some more guys.Caught a couple more with loads left in the tank.Stretched it out and to the calories I went.I think for Hardwood I might try for a better start and see what can happen there, I diffidently need to work on being more tired after a race.

One last story then off to bed.Jacob and I rode some rail trail tonight and on my way home a bee flew into my newly glorious black chest hair and stung me.I dont know if that's a sign to shave it off or grow it longer so they cant reach my skin.All for now

Cheers

Blowin in the wind

Still lacking interweb do another post from me phone. My back had been killing me after Albion so I have been taking it easy and streching. It has been a good week for it atleast.

Thursday I decide it would be a good idea to ride home in that down poor/windy/cold/busy contions and failed on a most epic level. I had brought with me knees hand arms but no gloves so body temp was great hands not so much. It got to a point where I blew in one hand for ten seconds then moved to the other and put that on repeat untill I called the ride. I was only 7 kms away from home but I don't think I could have made it. The rest I'd the went like this, 45 minute hot shower followed by couch time under a big wool blanket that I think is named Steve.

Friday my back was not 100% so I waited untill today to ride. Being overcast and not the warmest day I had to dug out the legs and arms. A friend is leaving on a trip and she was up in waub at the camp for the day, so I decided to ride up and give her a sweaty hug. Along with the bad weather came a nasty head wind. I faught that battle the hole way and I may have even won it. Other than the wind the ride was good and the temp was great for what I dressed for.

Sunday they say it will be warm so another road ride i think will be in order. I might even try and get some help for my back and hamstrings. Pumped.

Cheers.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Albion hills O-cup 2

Yesterday was O-Cup 2 at Albion Hills.As I was heading to the race the temperature was sitting at -2 and the snow was coming down.There was a thought that maybe I should just stay in bed and take it easy but the xc bikecycleist took over and continued on my way.

Arrived down there in good enough time and the temperature was rising.Met up with Jacob and did a nice warm up then off to the starting blocks.Brendan was there stripping his warmers off because he said her saw the pro's doing it.Chatted a bit then the buzzer went off.

1st lap started slow because I couldn't get around anyone on the start loop.Dove into the first single track right into a traffic jam.My plan was to ride with Tim and Brendan but a rider whom I will not mention kept diving into the single track in front of me then eased up. Tim and Brendan's group broke away and I couldn't make enough time on the double to catch them.

Next couple laps my lower back started to cramp up pretty bad so I lost some power.I could feel that I had lots in the tank but when ever I tried to use it it made my lower back cramp more.I had a pace I was somewhat comfortable riding so I stuck with that and picked off all the guys who fell off.

Finished 22nd overall which I'm happy with because I finished but at the same time I know I have a lot more which wasn't used.I going to try and get a bike fit done and if that doesnt work then I'll move to a new frame but I dont think I want to race that set up again.Keep you posted.

Tonight I did a spin out the legs ride and leg wise it didnt feel like I had raced them the day before, however the lower back was still tight.Good ride tonight lots of horses and green grass but it was fairly cold.

Cheers

Lack of Internet in sebright

So I havnt posted in a while because sebright isn't known for it's Internet. The winterbike classic on wendseday didn't go as planned, but still had a good time racing. The manondale is pretty stiff and the bars don't like to stay tight when there is a 175 lbs of man on them.

Jacob and I are currently driving to Copeland because Chico shut the race course down for pre ride tonight. Looks like the first lap will be my pre ride. Since there was rain in the forcast I seated up some Rocket Rons for better traction in the Albion mud. Tonight will be the first ride on them and I think I might start a reveiw page on the blog to give my feed back on some products.

All for now, I about to ride in the rain because that's just streight up mountain biking.

Cheers.
P.S this was writtin on my I-phone because there's an app for that.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Good ride,from sebright, where I live now, because I moved.

Tonight I headed out around 5 for a ride that looked like I would spend in the rain.The weather lady in the sky however blew the clouds away and oped the sky.I was able to get in a good half hour of sun before the clouds came back and chilled the temperature a bit.The seconday objective beside the ride was to drop off a couple pieces of paper to my sister in Orillia.So once the job was done I headed on home.

I had come well equipped with G-rade and food so I was feeling really good and my heart rate monitor was charging at home so I could really control the pace.So I rode and rode and when I came to a hill I tested the legs and put down some power and then more power and more.For the first time in two years the legs are feeling really good on the climbs plus at the tops of them.Arrived home satisfied with the results of the ride and hungry.

The Time trial went well on Thursday night but between cold legs,60 psi in the tires and lack of fluids I came away disappointed.I think I'll miss the next one for a redue because of Albion on sunday and Hardwood weekly on Wednesday but maybe in two weeks I'll be able to do er.Pumped.

cheers

days gone by

Last couple days have been spent as to the normal routine of eat, work, eat, work, eat, ride, eat, eat, sleep.Tonight I decided to ride out to Hardwood Ski And Bike to get signed up for the weekly series so I didn't have to deal with it on the first night.It's kinda of funny the amount of extra riding I am doing with out a car.I have also discovered commuting on a bicycle is kind of lame, but once you toss on the kit and shoes riding becomes exciting again.

Sine I only have one MTB at the moment I hoped aboard the U.S.S single speed and head toward H.W.S.A.B.I logged in a lot of spinning and hill intensity along the way.Arrived in recorde time, filled out the paper work and hit the Gnarly.I decided to ride Gnarly because next week is the winter bike classic and I wanted to be sure I somewhat knew where I was going.The crew had change a lot around since last year manly focusing on the beginning. The course now runs a lot of Sidewinder or T&T depending on you talk to.It's in alright shape, it could use a trimming in some spots.After the ride I met up with Jacob and we attempted the Bone Shaker backwards but it conquered us.I was on a SS so thats why I failed but JM had no excuses.

Ride home was next and went the same as the way there.The only difference is I jumped into Scouts Valley for some single track climbing before I headed onto HWY 12.Good ride all said and done.Tomorrow it's sounding like team Bike Stop Orillia might head to Oro to do some Barrie Cycling Club time trial action.Im not sure if I will try to break the old pain train tomorrow or not.Will have to wait and see.

Cheers.

race report Mansfeild

So the thought was that everyone fast would be gone to Europe leaving the rest of us to fend for our selves.It didn't work out this way, in fact we got more fast people imported from the country to the east Quebec.All was good in my mind because it would give me a good idea of where I am at and what I need to work on.

Race started at a fairly high pace straight up that deadly gravel climb. I was holding my own but couldn't get up with Jacob because our category had increased in size.I saw an opening along side and put the power down to close the gap, got in 3 guys back from J.M in the first single track.The guys in front were kind of sand baging so put the power down on the next set of double track which got me up with J.M but turning onto the 2nd set of Single track my tires could hold on through the sand and I experienced my first fall.Got passed by all who I work hard to pass and started over.A little pissed I put down some more power coming out of a single onto a double and my tires gave out again for my second fall.

At that Point I decided to hold on with Brendan and just try to ride a smart race and pick it up on the last lap.Things were working out and I started to get into a bit of a groove.The pace in our little group did drop a bit so I went up to pick it up a bit follow with Brendo picking it up more.Which brings me to the sad part of my race, as I was decending on a rooting, sandy and very bumpy section my XTR shadow decided this was just unbearable and exploded. Not knowing what had happened I was looking down trying to figure it out and hit some quick sand causing crash number three.Race was over I was mad and Walked the walk of shame.

I think I might order up some X.O next week and see how that goes...Until then have a good night.

Cheers

takin her easy

Not a hole lot to report but I was just on AWI's site and watched a video interview.Andrew is redound for his hand talking but this time stuck his hands in his pockets to stop from doing it.The last ten seconds of the video I guess he couldn't hold it back any longer and his hand broke out from their cage for a quick hand talk for his fans.

video of the day

Continued and tonights MNS and I reveal the modern day Jesuses

During the manly attempt to regain some positions we came up rather quick to two rider yelling "on your left" Jacob made it past the one but half way through the pass he decided to merge in behind Jacob not knowing that the other half of the tandem and my self was there.At 34kmh he collided into my handle bars bounced off and rolled onto the ground.I yelled back to see if he was alright but the pain train wasn't stopping and I would have heard him anyway.More on that later.

The rest of the race was basically power power power chain fall off, power power power chain fall off repeated that for about five times through out.In between that though we caught Tammy twice, shake and baked Brandon twice, dropped Brandon and his group, Slipped and slopped in some mud and climbed some hills.

As for people drafting it pretty much went like this.They would yell to there group as we passed "hop on,go go hop on" get on the back of us, I would see this and answer back with more coal in the engine and they couldn't hold on to the never stopping Pain Bike Stop Orillia Express.At one point we had a good 20 man tail on a flat rail trail section,they didn't make it.....

Last km or so the course got really tandem unfriendly and wasn't the funnest but the second we saw the last climb Jacob and I were looking forward to the end.Half way up the steep ascent the spectators were out full force so I said to Jacob "Let's give the a show" I stood up and made a Lance Armstrong attack while Jacob was hammering in the saddle for what was probably the most spectacular climb of the day.At one point on climb I look over at a little girl standing beside her father and she turned to him and said "papa is that Jesus" and the father replied to the little girl "yes sweetie those to men are all that is man, and they don't look homosexual at all in spandex on a blue cruiser tandem almost hugging climbing the hill".Crossed the finish Line and almost immediately the fans and announcer rushed over. Finished answering questions and completed our after race interview and it was back to the car.

We took awhile by the car for snacks and such and even went inside the arena for more snacks and such.Ran into Havy and he asked if Jacob and I it someone on the trail because a guy limped in with blood dripping down his hand and a flat tire.We looked at each other and Laughed and replied "he hit us" Havy said "haha I knew it".Apparently he wasn't mad or anything so all was good.Hit up awards cheered on a Andrew and his talking hands then went up for our first in the Tandem field.Good race I think we might be looking for a more suitable tandem for next year.

Drive home is where things got a little dicey.So the car healed it's self when Liz drove it from Paris to Ancaster and I thought it was a little weird.You know the saying things get better before they get worse.Well driving down the QEW we heard a thump thump Crackle BANG BANG CRACKLE BANG SMACK all my loose change was flying every where, Jacob and Liz were screaming so I pulled over to the side of the road.Turns out the transmission didn't like to be attached to my car any more and decided to come in side with us.First tow truck came not CAA so he got back into his truck, cops came accused me of drinking and driving and got the tow truck to pull me off to a car pool lot.I yelled at the cops because they were being out of this world stupid they yelled at me, I yelled back and we parted ways.CAA comes and the first sketchy 5 tooth tow trucker tells me that the CAA guy is sketchy, so I was like tow truck drive 1 is total sketch so tow truck driver 2 must be like tow truck driver 1 but stoned or a rapist.Turns out he was just stoned which I guess is better than the other.... Said my good byes to the rescue crew of Andrew,Tammy and Jer and my co-piliots of Jacob and Liz. Jumped in to the truck and started the awkward conservations.

There were Jokes while waiting for the CAA mad to load the car on the truck that he would take me off the HWY and rape me then murder me.I didn't find it to funny but they did.Sure enough he did make it off the HWY and while this was happening I got on the phone and text my good byes.Turns out he need fuel and he also wanted to show me his favorite convenience store.He said he likes it because it has a Tim Horton's and also stocks trucker swag.....The rest of the ride home was filled with conversations like I" want to move to the country cause I know my way around a gun" or "so you bikecycle I like to ride my bike down stairs, haha man it's awsome haha" and even "the problem with truckin s those guys from india coming over and getting paid 15 bucks an hour.Know they do? there is three guys right and the take turns driving.When the need to use the washroom they go in this hole they cut in the floor.I Know this from a very reliable source right, my brother is a welder and those Indians who I dont have a problem with came and said can you weld the trailer?My brother looked under the trailer and he said the under body was cover in poop.(pg 13.)" Good drive home I learned a lot.But at the end of the day I was sure glad it was over.

MNs kicked off as usual tonight except no one showed other than Jacob and I.We didnt mind to much we just did a nice little ride talking about store stuff and other very important things.Ride ended before dark and since I dont't have a car anymore I rode home.It did get a little dark at the end but nothing I couldn't handle.Good ride good times and this post is way to long.

Cheers.

P to A

Headed out late last night to meet up with Liz and Jacob to head on down to the hotel for Paris to Ancaster.There was talk about not taking my car because it had some sketch to it but I convinced Liz and Jacob to take it because it just adds to the adventure.

On the way to the hotel I was stuck behind a big bus and I was getting a bit sick of being there so I decided to shake and bake it only to realize that upon shaking and baking I had mist my turn off. Pulled off at the next exit and made A very loud thumpy turn around.Not ever hearing of feeling the new symptoms before in the old Subaru we were all a little worried.Arrived at the hotel with knowledge that the car was unhappy between the speeds of 0 and 30kph and that the drive home could be even more of an adventure then first thought.We checked into the hotel,went on an ice cream run then turned in.

After some breakfast we hit the road in the dieing beast towards Ancaster.The three of us went inside and got registered.Jump back in the car drove to Paris put the tandem together, spandex on and to the start pit. During the wait to begin there were a lot of guys smack talking us and asking why we up at the front, we just replied this bike is fast and so are we....

Gun went off so to speak and the race was on.We bolted to get to the front pushing people over and out of our way.Second corner first crash happened and the tandem manovered around like a well tuned machine.Continued down the rail trail where the first of 5 plus chain drops happened. The chain lodged in between the crank and bb which was a good 2 minute fix.We were mad and brandan yelling shake and bake as he passed us made it worse.When the chain was fixed we got back on and put the power down.


to be continued.......

Last couple

Last couple days have been pretty good on the home front.Yesterday night was spent testing out the tandem for the up coming 60km Paris to Ancaster race.Jacob and I took her for a spin on the beach trail for a nice easy spin.Peoples reaction to two guys in spandex on a blue cruiser tandem was really interesting to see.We even had one young lady ask if it was alright to give us her number. She was a little young so we kindly said no.A couple honks and waves and the ride ended at my house.The bike is feeling good and so are we so I think we could stand a chance on the weekend.

Also yesterday I went out to Hardwood Ski and Bike to meet up with Jason for some single track building technique lessons.We hit up Radical because it has a lot of stupid corners to up hill sections and many tight corner which is where I need most of my help.I learned a lot and have some stuff to lock into the ol brain before the next race.But I would like to thank Heather my coach and Jason for helpin a brother out.

Tonight We headed to the 8th line for some single track building for myself.I took my single speed and Jacob took his pro-type Giant Advanced Limited Special Edition Performance Hard Tail to test his new cranks.Some one has been in there doing some good maintenance on both the 8th and 7th.Unfortunately I ran into a problem were me being a huge man tank caused some serious shoe issues.To make a long story short the enormous power which comes from my legs ripped the carbon sole from my shoe.Jacob was in aw and I was like it happens all the time......Good ride.

ello

Tonights venture was to my training grounds which is the Orillia beach trail.There is nothing better than a sunny day on it, there are so many more obstacles than just a normal day.

I wanted to test the legs out a bit since my race on Sunday failed so I included a couple intervals in tonight's work out.All was going well until a couple of skate boarders made a smart remark as I was passing.I kept on riding and finished my chill lap, turned around and started a race pace interval.Sure enough they hadn't got very far and I was coming full speed head on with them into a corner.There are two sides to the trail like a normal road so in theory you would think most people would stay on their own side so they don't get hit by an on coming person.These skaters didn't follow the rules and I'm not know to slow down for rule breakers or people who make smart remarks towards me.I decided to work on my cornering at that point and see how close I could get to them while pushing my top speed.I managed to get about an inch away from one pushing him on to the grass and scaring the others.I think I'm getting better at cornering.....

The rest of the ride was fairly tame and when ever I ran into those skaters they made sure to stay on their side of the trail.To sum up good ride good test and I even taught some kids the rule of the road oh and not to make fun of spandex.

Tomorrow I'm heading to HWSAB to be taught how to ride some single track by Mr.Jason.Looking forward to it.After that I think there is a plan to hit up the beach trail to test the tandem for the weekends race.Their could be a interview of the our thoughts about the race on tomorrows post.

Video of the day.
Cheers.

Black teeth

Tonight's ride was an adventure ride to Black Tooth Grin a Giant Cannondale dealer in Barrie.Jacob and I started at his house and rode out via Ridge rd.The sun was showing but wasn't producing much heat so knee warmers and arm were a must.

Ride out we were just chatting when a cyclist was spotted in the distance, of couse we put down a little more power to breach the gap and pass.We caught him in no time but as it turns out he was an old friend from HS so I eased up and caught up a little.While in mid catch up Jacob interrupted and informed me that another cyclist was attempting to do the same to us from the behind, I thought that was kind of sneaky and would have none of it so the power came back on to put the time in on the mystery cyclist. We decided to ease up and to see if he could pass us so that we could pass him back but he never could close the gap.

Arrived At Black Tooth took a gander around,talked,chatted,gossiped,awkward silenced, replenished and even talked about some of our vids which we had posted on the net and they saw.Jacob and I are kind of a big deal......

Hit the road to Hawkstone talked bikes,races,bike stop,bike stops new fan page on fb (join it up)and I think even some girl talk happened.All in all a pleasant ride.

Cheers

First Race

the first race of the year for me was held at Masfeild for the 50k challenge.A couple big names showed up which had me a bit nervous. There was a call up to the starting line which had me confused because this was the first time this race had been raced.Off the bat I stated from the back which had me a little angry because I knew the majority of the people in front of me were going to try to win the race in the first 2kms.

Race bells rang and we were off.I headed to the left and Lances Armstronged it to the front group which had Peter,Jacob,Noble and some other fast guys in it.The course had a 2k start loop and 6k double track to the first set of single.We developed a train of about 7 guys and headed on our way.Legs were feeling good and I was hanging on with little effort which had me pretty pumped.

I was passed just before the first single track which would have been alright if the guy continued going fast but that was not the case.I could see the train disappearing in the distance and leaving me behind.We were warned about a "pot hole"that if we didn't mind riding through them we could.Well when the guy leading me came up to the "pot hole" he went head first into it leading me there as well.The "pot hole" more like a cavern grabbed a hold of my 7ooo series wheel bent it up and spat my carbon fiber saddle in the guys wheel.Front wheel bent and tire drained of air my race was over and I began the walk of same home.

Tonight after the race Jacob and I singed up for Paris to Ancaster so the next couple days we will be working on our tandem skills.

Cheers

Fine tuning

for the last nights Jacob and I have been fine tuning the racing rigs for the weekend race at Mansfeild. Yesterday was my first ride on the XTC since last year and between brakes needing to be bled,cables redone and me growing a little the bike needed the attention.

Last night we spent two hours in Copeland riding up and down the bumps in search of the holy berms.Unfortunally we were unable to find them but Copeland did through a couple great pieces of single track at us.I would like to get in there sometime next week and tour around for a couple more hours and maybe even bring the Garmin.

Tonight Jacob had to try and seal up his tires for the weekend so we decided to ride to Barrie via rail trail for a coffee with Liz.Both ways we had to stop in the snow storm to pump up the rear tire but by the time we got back it was somewhat holding.Coffee and a Coffee toffee Browne were consumed and were delicious.Way home there was some strategy talk for the Mansfeild race and as well as who we thought would make it down.I just read Peters blog and looks like he might make an appearance which would be sweet because he is a strong rider and I am kind of using this race as a guide for what a O-cup could be like.So hope he can do it and check his blog out, he has a fantastic link to a Geoff Kabush interview.

Cheers

Myth Busters

Tonight JM,Liazard and I filmed a little Myth buster session.The Myth was whether or not you would go over your handlebars if you were frame pumped like shown in the 1979 cycling film Breaking Away. Watch the vid and find out, I still need to work on my film editing skills but for now it will do.

Cheers.

urrg

I hate rain as of tonight....I have been spoiled with nice weather and it rains.On a plus not my legs are ready for when the sun does come out thanks to my Venus razor specially designed to cut down any kind of leg hair.

Cheers

MNS

Today was Jacobs first day back at the shop so we converstated (patent pending) about a ride for the evening and since there was no MNS event made it was up to us to cook something up.It was decided Midhurst at 7 with confirmed guests of Jacob,Lizard and .Not a bad size group but always could be bigger so when I arrived home I logged onto FaceBOOk to do some quick invites.Spak was out but there was still hope for another, a quick message later and Andrew was in.

Ride started at the new meeting spot at the board of education building in Midhurst and went through until 15 after 8.Mixed conversions,an attack or two,Lizard making fun of me,breathing of dust,other random riders playing chicken with me,Me loosing at the game of chicken and another Mns for te books.

I think this will be Watsons last MNS for a couple weeks because he is off to kick some butt in Guatemala so we at T.S.C.E Ltd. wishes Andrew luck and for him not to get deathly ill with some incurable foreign bacterial disease.Also he should remember two very important facts of racing which are no one remember 2nd and 2nd place is the 1st looser.

Cheers.

Waub a dub dub

Headed up to Spaks house for a little fixie pub ride with a bunch of people tonight only to find ot that we were in for way more of an adventure.I didn't want to be that guy who was late so I arrived super early and reviewed Matts new whip(whip means car).It's an interesting choice for his MLC but hey at least it's not the usual corvette.Slowly the rest of the group trickled in and we got on our way.

We were riding on the rail trail so you would expect the ride there to be fairly tame but no we had one flat and one chain malfunction which probably in the long run was better for them.The rest of the way there was tame, just the usual off road fixie riding,beer drinking,laughing,crying, tornadoes,hurricane force wind which came out of no where and bikes falling over.

Tammy and Jer drove out to meet us at the pub for the food and more beer portion of the ride, well Tammy and water that sparkled. I my self had two chicken clubs with a side ceaser salad mmmmm.During dinner mother nature was hammering the outdoors with wind and rain which put some concerned looks on peoples faces,it also could have been the fact none of us thought to bring lights for the night portion of the ride.Never the less we paid the lady and hit the road.

Walked out side and the sky opened up almost like a resurrection happened.First thing out of Lizards mouth was to tell me not to ride beside her,I said ok and she it a stick almost causing a massive pile up on HWY Waubabeachtrail. After that Scott and I took charge of barrier look out and protected the flock.Made it back alive and had a good chat by the cars.good times.Andrew had a camera so maybe check his blog for photo and ride details later.

cheer.

And the sun was shining....

Woke up a little ill from my friends birthday last night so I jumped into the car and met up with Jacob and Lizard for what was to be a 4 hr ride.First bit of the ride was fairly tame and I was searching for some leg power which seemed to no be present.Lizard jetted off down a back ally on Old Barre rd. and left Jacob and I to finish the task at hand.

Jacob used the interweb to map our ride and sure enough it told him to go down a road which hasn't been built yet.Instead of turning around we decide the railway was the better route to get to the road we needed.70 meters down the rail bed and Jacob flatted, which wouldn't have been to bad if either one of us carried a tube and pump.A call went out to Johny or John or Jon for a drive by pit stop and got the bike fixed up.As we finished the install two cyclist ripped past us in the direction we weren't going to go, so we looked at each other gave a nod and went on an attack.They had gained some time while we were stopped but the two Giants closed the gap and demolished the inferior Cannondale and another bike that I couldn't see the name because we were going to fast.We did some horseshoe valley and head back to Jacobs to finish off at 2:30.

Since the ride was suppose to be 4hrs once I arrived home I filled the bottles and headed out to visit the summer camp in Waub.Arrived said hello and headed homeward.The legs were feeling fairly drained at this point and the headwind wasn't helping,the only thing I could do is put the head down and give er.Made it home safe but burnt to a crisp maybe I should replace all the winter gear with sunscreen.

Cheers.

sunny side up

Matt Spak inspired photo^^
Untitled by spurrt at Garmin Connect - Details the loop of the beach trail.

The sun is out and I'm Lovin it! Even if I spend most of the day looking at it and not out enjoying it on the bike.On tonight's ride I could almost feel the cancer piercing my skin what a feeling after a long but short winter.

Today at work the boss spent the day at the dentist so Jacob was the sub.He hasn't been brought back to work because the owners say there isn't enough work but come Monday there will be and he will be back full time.Over the last couple weeks I've been working I have been telling him there is enough work and they are just being a little tight, well he got a taste of the busyness today.Lets just say from open until the time we left we either had a wrench in our hand or selling a bike. Good times.

Ride was done on the beach trail with Jacob with some sprints mixed in.For some reason that trail brings the pain and in a short amount of time.We were talking about it tonight and Jacob and I are going to host a ride leaving from my house and finishing off with a lap of the trail.It will be a good chance for those who don't know our little piece of heaven to experience it.More on that later.

hot stuff.

So the weather is looking up for this week which is a super duper plus because I have some longish rides to log in.Also this just in Jacob will make an appearance at work tomorrow so it should be some good times.

Ride wise I did my usual beach trail loops and some car racing sprints on the way home.Knee warmers were the only stay warm piece of kit needed so I liked that. I think my tan is coming in nicely, skin tone is I think close to taupe.Long ride tomorrow so better get some sleep.

cheers

7 Dwarfs

During the MNS ride tonight I was thinking what to write about when somehow I thought I could link almost everyone who confirmed of maybed or declined to the event to a dwarf. This thought of course happened some time after my muddy arrival to the song The Bad Touch.The Subaru was steamy and the air was getting thick so Jacob and I hit the trails.

Trail conditions were alright with some patches of snow in spots and the sandy areas soft but the only damage done was to our legs from the power draining quick sand.Good chats and a good test near the end to see if I was "worthy" enough to ride with sir Jacob at Mansfeild 50km thingy.I think I passed....

Near the end of the ride is were I got my Dwarf obsession and got down to linking people together to their Dwarf counter part. I started with the easy ones Matt>Sleepy,Andrew>Grumpy (there wasn't a Pissed dwarf so Grumpy it was), Jeremy>Doc, Liz>Happy, Me>Dopey, Jacob>Bashful and Tammy>Sneezy.It took a lot of thinking but I think I nailed it pretty good except there is no Snow White.hmmmm

Cheers

I fold

Today I missed The Collingwood Thing presented by AWI and it sound like I missed a good ride and time.Full details of the ride are posted on the AWI site along with some power data.The ride I did to replace didn't come near the vertical climbing which would have been nice to test the legs.I rode out towards sebright way to check out a culvert which collapsed on HWY 45.

The ride started with a lap of the beach trail then headed to HWY 45.The sun was out but so Jack Frost and the guy that makes wind.I was dressed very similar to what I was in the winter minus the plastic bags over the socks.I kept on the warm side the hole ride the only part of my body which was over heating were my hands which I solved by taking off the mitts and putting them back on when I lost feeling in my fingers.The collapsed culvert was about 55km out so by the time I got there the sun was full force and heating the spandex nicely.I was going to take a picture of the damage but I couldn't feel my hands and didn't want to drop my phone into the deep brown river.Road to my rents house for some cal intake at the store and then hit the road back for a hour intensity session to beat the dark.Arrived in Orillia in good time finishing the remainder of the time on the beach trail.The ride wasn't to bad it just would have been better in C-Wood, but there is always next time.

Tomorrow I am helping out at the farm doing some fencing so my ride will most likely be of the night verity.Looking forward to it but not as much as some more xc on Monday night.

Cheers

the every othe day posting system

Hey remember me?? It seems I have fallen into a every other day posting system.I'll will try my best to rectify that.

Yesterdays ride was a endurance base kinda ride so I headed out towards Jacobs house so I wouldn't have to do the full workout by my self.We rode for I think 2 hours together which meant I only had to ride about two by my self.Riding it's self was pretty chilly with a fair amount of wind but the sun was making an appearance which is always a plus.I forgot to charge my watch so I'm not to sure how long I was out but I found some fairly good hilly roads on the way home so even if the ride was short I put in some really good climbs.

Today winter decided to come back so I decided to head out to the farm and help the folks out, in return they cooked me up a good home cooked meal.I'll be moving back out there for the summer season so home cooked meals will happen more often.I think that will be a huge part in me doing well this year.Good nutrition, lots of good food and good support.

Tomorrow Andrew organized a ride which is being called the Collingwood thing which I am sad to announce I wont be able to attend.I really wanted to because it sounds like my kind of ride, but being just the second week back at work I think I wont call in sick and just do a crappy ride here.I am sure more of theses rides will happen again.....I hope.

Song of the day.

Cheers

over easy

Todays training I opted for the shorter of the two choices,I'm just not motivated on Wednesdays. tomorrow will have to be the longer ride.I had to do some intervals so I took the TCR to the beach trail where I can do intense stuff with out getting hit by cars, I also like to give the cougars a show.

The ride isn't one of those exciting ones so there is not much to tell.I did see a few people I knew but when ever I saw them It was in the middle of a interval so the conversation was short.

Dinner on the other hand was brilliant.My friend/roommate and I made some McArgiles.A McArgile is pretty much a normal egg McMuffin but with our street name replacing the Muffin.We made a cyclist portion for the each of us which is kind of interesting because he isn't a cyclist nor does he burn that many cals.Anyway they were fantastic.

cheers.

Fitness singles....

I dont know why Fitness Singles is always the biggest advertisement but it is.Today the Giant sales rep came by the shop and dropped off a rather cool little prototype which was the Trinity Advanced.Being a prototype the frame was missing some cosmetic features and it had steel bolts and skewers.There was a offer to ride it but the Di2 was dead so that ended that.

I just read Jacobs blog and implied that he removed both pedals which he didn't.After he very non cyclistly removed the right one (which I spent ten minutes last night waking it with a seat post so I loosened it for him) I removed the left very superman like.I had to clear that one up,I felt that my man hood was in question.Other than that his blog told the story of our ride tonight rather well. The beach trail is under construction in some areas so it did get a little sketch in some spots but nothing the Michelin Pro Race3 tires and the Giant TCR Advanced 2 couldn't handle.

Cheers

Trails are a go.

Tonight was the first night the mns crew could hit up the trails of the Midhurst forest.We met at the usual time and place with the lights mounted and the warm spandex.The Simcoe building looks to be building the great wall of simcoe in front of the trail entrance so it looks like we need to find a new starting point.

The ride started off in some rain but cleared right up after the first ten minutes.The trails were mostly cleared of that dreaded white stuff and all that was left was some mud.Or if tom asks it was dry with sun and butterflies.Only one major crash in the crew tonight and I'm not going to mention any names because even I don't know how it was possible.Good ride I'm super pumped now that I can mix it up in the training with some xc.

Oh I got some Carbon in the mail today too.I think I want a rematch with Mr.parker,maybe I'll have to make a trip to Midland.

Cheers.

A hard rest day

Today's rest day was set a side for what is known as The pancake ride.The Pancake ride is basically riding from Second Cup Barrie to Shaws Maple Syrup shack for pancakes,fresh syrup,sausage and coffee.The day weather wise was overcast and a tad on the chilly side.On the way to the shack when ever you saw a blue town sign your job was to sprint and when you came to a huge hill your job was to climb it first.

We started at the coffee shop waiting for everyone to gather.Spak was late so we decided to head out with out him,unfortunately he was just outside the door getting dressed by his car. First climb was won by Brandon P followed by me taking the unofficial Oro Madonte sign sprint.After the major loss on the climb Jacob and I started our planning to take victory.Unfortunately it didn't work and Spak took the next sprint followed by Brandon taking Jacobs home town Sign of Hawkstone. Things weren't looking good so for the next hill climb Jacob and I decided to go on the non taped rail trail so that we could knock off a km and come out at the top of the climb.The plan succeed but when the others re-grouped they couldn't handle our creativity and said it didn't count and that Jeremy took the W.

In side we had our breakfast, some took longer than others but never the less good times.On a food report the Maple syrup was a good vintage and same with the sausage but the pancake it's self with no syrup was like a 6.Free coffee refills tho.

Ride home we decided to extend the ride for a couple hours and enjoy the day.First two sign sprint were a one two by Jacob and I followed with Jacob taking the last hill climb,Brandon killing Matt in Craighurst , a tie between Jacob and I in (I think its called) Spring Water.All I think the performance hybrid did well today but I will admit I am looking forward to the arrival of the TCR Advance.

Cheers

cons of a lighter bike.

Last night I had to do a endurance work out which meant after work I would hop on the FCR and ride for 4 hours.The past couple months this would have been easy because the temperature was always cold but now I have to ride in 14 degree with sun for the first 2.5 hours and the rest in the cold dark night.The clothing was as follows under armor,normal kit,legs,gloves,head light,tail light. Both lights were put in the jersey pockets for the day light hours so I wouldn't look like a complete tool, also in the pockets were keys,phone and night time glasses.Lower back was killin but it's all in good training.

Another issue I seem to be having is as I am transitioning from the Mannondale to lighter bikes have have to travel longer distances.I am seriously considering riding the Manondale for training, it makes sense like for a 4 hour ride I would only have to do like 10 kms.The formula is basically take the distance you would normally do in that time and divide by 11.

Today's ride how ever was all done in the glorious sun.Met up with Jacob in the town of Hawkstone and hit the road.I would tell you where we went but I have no idea but it did seem like we climbed a lot.Weather was good wind was high and roads were clear.On the way back we saw a cyclist use his hand and arm to signal but we took it as "I'm heading this way bring the heat" so Jacob and I went out of our way to drop him.We were successful and dropped the larger man on the BMC cross bike equipped with power tap.As we were passing he gasped "I'm sure I have an excuse".Hit the road homeward and with a tail wind on our side we got er done in record time.Good ride good times.

lookin good.

I tried out my new kit today and I must say I am looking hansom,or at least thats what my mommy told me.Todays ride was another rail trail adventure just loop after loop until your tired of loops.On the plus side to all the loops I am turning lot and in both directions so it's just a mad training session.I am riding my bro's FCR performance hybrid and it kind of has that mtb geometry which is really putting the pain into the lower back.I feel like im like 29 or something.

Jacob rode into the shop today bragging about being out in the sun all day and telling us about how good of a tan he is getting, needless to say I didn't care for that to much and would like to say if any one else does it I will send flying monkeys after you and they bite.

Cheers

wake up,eat,work,eat,work,eat,train,eat,sleep.

I started back at the Bike Stop on Monday and feeling the burn today.I have been so use to my training days that I had forgot what it feels like when you add work to the mix.I have been fairly hard pressed to stay awake past 1:30am and that time decrease nightly.As soon as work ended I went home tossed on the kit and hit the streets on the the FCR.

The sun was out and burning bright, this was much needed for the pearly skin.I had to log it some jumps, so I decided to ride on my training ground which is the Orillia beach trail.The trail is nice on the sunny day's for training because you get the obstacles which are your dog walkers,runners, people riding bicycles,walkers, joggers, strollers and wild life. Put in some good time and made it home before it got too cold.

Tomorrow is sounding like there could be a good ride around couch if everything goes to plan which would be awesome because I have to do a endurance ride for tomorrows work out.The ride would be like two hours and if I can do that with someone to talk to then I will only have to spend 1:45 with my imaginary cycling friend Fred Fernbuckle.Fred is crazy.....

Cheers.

MNS

Tonight Jacob and I went out to the MNS in Midurst.There was no event made so we ere the only ones that showed,I did inform Andrew but apparently he needs more than half a hour notice.

We pulled in the lot and the pines were looking super with hardly any snow on the forest floor. Geared up we hit the trails like it was the first time we had rode xc in 5 months.Started muddy then transitioned to ice followed with full on snow.We might have jumped the gun by a week or so but both looking forward to the MNS hoping back on the single speeds next week.

Forgot my extension so the hockey tape was busted out.Held together well but the neck is feeling it.


Just finished a new epp of Chuck and I got to say things are getting juicy I can't wait till next week.House is going on now and my pasta smells done so....

cheers

rain,windy and cold AWI must be coming back to town.

Today's ride was the opposite of what the last couple weeks have been with there being lots of rain, really windy and cold. Gearing up also took a little more time and thought, I had to put on the insulated tights,booties, under armor,beanie, gloves and sweat box.

I had to log in 3:30 on the bike so decided to head out towards Midhurst and if I got there in good enough time head to Sunnydale Corners to Ridge Road then home through Hawkstone.As it turned out the heavy winds and rain slowed the ride and the turn around spot was Midhurst.While I was there I mixed business with pleasure and check out the mtb trails, after 100 ft of trail riding I came to the conclusion come Monday I could be riding the viper ripin up some trail.

Ride home there was a lot more rain which meant my gloves were soaked which also meant my hands were frozen for the first time in over a month.The wind also picked up a lot and it didnt seem to matter which way I turned I was hitting it.Riding on the 15/16th I had to make a decision whether or not to make the ride longer by going into Hawstone and then Lake Shore, looked at the watch and I was at 3:00 hrs so just booted it home. Cals,hot shower and coffee now Im ready for tomorrow 2hrs.

cheers.

fixed

Just got back from a fixie ride in the sun and now sitting down with a brew enjoying summer. Today I did a little Hawkstone to Barrie ride with Lizard and Jacob,we were planning out sign sprints and hill climbs for the up coming pancake ride.I am super pumped but unfortunately I don't think the Giant will make it here in time, apparently they are updating the computers and wont be able to ship out until Monday or Tuesday.

Yesterday Jacob and I headed out to do the big shoot loop from my house here in Orillia.I forgot to charge the watch so I couldn't map it but the ride was something close to 115 kms with head wind and sun. The roads were fairly clear traffic wise but did get rather sandy up near the locks, nothing the FCR and TCR couldn't handle.We stopped for pee break at brendo's rock and took in some of that summer like heat.Near the end of the ride I was getting that lack of food and water head bonk and Jacob tried to take advantage and make a break for it which didn't make since because the legs still had lots of fight and like pistons from a Bugatti Veyron I matched his speed increase and didn't slow it down until he let up.

On the rides recently there has been a lot of conversion on what this season will be like for me.It has been the most I have trained over the winter and the strongest I have felt.Heather has built a nice base it feels and I'm really looking forward to testing it out.I have no idea what is in store for me this season and for the next.There has been a little talk of maybe doing a couple road races this year and seeing if I can perform a little better there.I still have lots to learn in cross country and going to give it my all this coming season all I can do is giv'er.

not today but tomorrow.

Hey gents and gals I am sorry to say I did nothing worth writing about today, so I will fill you in on some plans for tomorrow and say my good nights.

Tomorrow's ride will be leaving my house and going out towards The Big Chute.Jacob will also be joining me and we will be leaving at 11:30 on the dot....ish.Weather looks good and hopefully will be able to make a 3:40ish loop in the sun.Clothing I think will mostly consist of shorts with knee warmer and jersey.

On a non training note I might also call up Giant and get them to send down a TCR Advanced so I have it in time for the pancake ride.Will fill you in on the details tomorrow night.

Cheers.

Please don't tell my mother....

I am currently in transition back to a normal sleeping pattern as I am expected back at Bike Stop Orillia at the start of next week.This being so I will skip to the work out session of the day as I'm feeling a little tired here at 12:10am.

I got a text from Jacob asking if I would meet him out at Hardwood after he was done work for a night ride,I accepted the invitation and headed out.I was a little rushed getting dressed so when it came to decided if I should light up I decided not to in interest of saving time.So head light out I went to grab the tail light off the passenger seat of my car only to find someone must had sat on it killing the battery's. Now I'm only at a single LED flasher on the front of my bike Just so on coming car either passing or turning can see me.

Hit the roads just as the sun was setting which was really beautiful,but that beauty soon turned to darkness.In the winter when I ride light less the snow kind of brightens everything up and you can see but tonight and it being spring that was not the case.I decided to take it easy to Hardwood and give cars lots of room.One dog and a cigarette bud later I arrived for my foamy beverage. Lizard was there as well so the three of us talked while we waited fo the last of the skiers to vacate.

We took the longer root back to Hawkstone and talked about the up coming season and clubs we may or may not join.Traffic wasn't bad and the ride went smooth like it should. Jacob left me at Hawkstone and I continued light less towards Orillia.I could just make out where the pavement turned to gravel and was confident that the ride would be alright.My first encounter with a car came next, since I don't have a head light they cant see me and since they can't see me they don't turn off their high beams and if they don't turn them off their light it burns my retinas and I can't look away because I have to keep an eye out in case they try something crazy and drift in my direction and after they pass I'm blind and the hole getting use to the dark starts over.Same story for all 9 cars.

Being spring I guess all the wild life are coming out to play much like the humans are.After the second crash crack bang clack sound coming from the dark forest I thought to my self what would happen if a deer was standing on the road? I cant see him, can he hear me? if I hit him would it be soft?or would we hit causing me to fall,then said deer would proceed to spear me with his horns?would he make a funny sound as he gored me?What if it was a pack of raccoons, would they send in their young to jump one by one into my spokes causing a bail of epic proportions?after they found out I was a cyclist with no body fat, would they leave me for the squirrels? These were all thought going through my mind and when I heard the third crash crack bang clack the chill ride turned time trial.

Arrived home to some pasta in the pot, Chuck and house on T.V and a small glass of wine.I'm heading to the store for some battery's for the tail light tomorrow, maybe even plug in the head light just in case.

Cheers

Feelin good.

Today was the ending of a slow week in my training world and what a day.I wasn't suppose to put in to much time so I decided to head out to Hardwood Ski and Bike for a coffee and to rub the nice weather in Jacks face.

I had left my cycling bag in the car so when I went to grab it and noticed how nice and warm it was outside I decided to make today the firs short and jersey ride.Headed out towards Hawkstone feeling the rays on my pearl white skin and breaking through a massive head wind.The wind cooled me down a bit but whenever I hit a hill and the wind wasn't present the warmth came back in full force.

Pulled into HWSAB only to notice that the parking lots were just one big giant mud fest.Grabbed a foamy beverage,talked to Jacob,rubbed the heat in Jacks face then headed out.The ride home I had a tale wind so the heat was more noticeable and was much enjoyed.I decided to hit the beach trail as well but had to get off because I was scaring people right into my bike.

I dont know what the plan for this week is, but hoping for some long rides.It seemed once Ben and Andrew left the heat came,hopefully the heat doesn't leave when the get back...

cheers.

Headed south.

Today the lads and I headed south to the banana belt which is Toronto for the bike show and Joy Ride 150.The meeting spot was Spaks house to see if all the bike and gear would fit in das German auto after all it's no AWI team van.I arrived on time where as Jacob was fashionably late, I guess we switched roles for the day.After playing a game of stack-a-bike-in-das-German-auto we sped out of Waubaushene and headed to a place the elders call the "big smoke".

Arrived at the show trembling but alive, Matt is craaazy.We did a sweep of the place twice and then a third to make sure, on the way seeing some familiar faces (Deena Brooks, Mitch Brooks, Kristin Brooks, Cayley Brooks, Lizard Ross, Jeremy Simmons, Don, Andrew Lafever*, Chris Wong and Lloyd).Please note I know I could have said the Brooks family but that's not how I role.There wasn't a hole lot to interest Jacob or I so we looked and found a handle bar for Matt then headed out.

Joy Ride started the same cold cold cold foam pit.After some fooling around it was straight to the xc course for some "training".I was told to do 1 hour at race pace but that failed 17 minutes in when I hit a steel door frame with my waist at 15kmh.After too much time on that course you get way to confortable going fast that it's dangerous.I then retired to the expert skinnys where I actually road everything boosting my confidence level to a all new high.Three hours one almost back flip from Jacob and it was time to head back to the cold north.

Before I go just a little congratulations is in order for Norco factory team rider Andrew Watson, he has been selected to the pan am championships team, in Guatemala on april 11th, and then shortly after that he'll be heading to the first two world cups first one is, Dalby Forest in England and the second being the infamous Houffalize. Just recently he got the official invites so he's pretty excited about those races. Three new countries, three new courses, two new languages he will not be able to speak.(there may or may not have been some copy and past and I may or may not have switched all the "I"or"I'll" with "he"or"he'll")



The door frame.