Oh Yea, That's What I'm Talkin About!

I know it's a little hard to read, I can get you a better copy if you're interested, I've got quite a few of them. It's funny, I raced moto for years, won state championships in my classes, and never even got a mention in any mainstream media. But win a couple of bike races and I get this in the Tallahassee Democrat. Of course, instead of heartfelt congratulations all I get from my crew is "why did they write about you?". Do they really have to ask? Apparently a 55 year old man racing bicycles is news?

I am now aware of how few people actually read newspapers anymore. Only one cyclist (thanks Jim) called to rib me about it. However my neighbor yelled "congratulations!", a couple walking in my neighborhood asked for an autograph, and when B took up collection in church Sunday one of the members stuck a copy of the article in the collection plate for him to give to me. I just hope "my nemesis" Robert Ham, doesn't read this, I don't want to give him any excuses to get stronger. I'm was just kidding Robert! And yea the picture sucks.

The TMBA (Tallahassee Mountain Bike Association) had their summer social this past Sunday and I found another beer that I like, PBR! Thanks to Todd from Higher Ground for providing me 3 cold ones.

We gathered at the BMX tract and rode for a little while then sat down to enjoy burgers and dogs. It looked like about 40 people enjoyed the summer evening. Terry was a hoot in the bull ring, they should pay him just to show up. The ride back to the truck with a little buzz was a good way to end the weekend.

B and I are racing the Columbus round of the GSC this weekend. It's going to be 99 degrees so I expect some riders in my class to have a few problems with the heat. Old guys and hot weather don't go together. I feel like I am fairly acclimated to it. I really shouldn't have said anything, watch, it'll be me that falls out. I have a race strategy in mind but I'm open to adjustments after we take a look at the trail on Saturday. I'm starting to get kinda nervous after all this publicity.

At the social there was a lot of talk about the Fool's Gold race this August in Dahlonega Ga. Sounds like they'll be a big group going if everybody who's talking about it actually goes. It's on my list but I'm going to wait until the week before to enter. I've seen the pictures from last years event after it flooded and I want no part of that.

I'll have another thrilling race report next week.

Thanks for the "diva" tag Benny. I know you read this.

The Rules

Since I'm relatively new to cycling I've had to learn the basic etiquette of riding with a group. Mind you every group has a different set of rules so the learning curve has been steep for me. Mountain Biking, I assume, has less rules than road riding but that's not to say it isn't without some guidelines.
Since I'm so easy to get along with and constantly worry about offending my fellow riders I have kept mental notes of the times I have made certain transgressions while riding on different rides. I can think of 10 of them that I've learned in just the past 2 weeks in no particular order. This is for fun so please don't take any of this personal. I'm just KIDDING! Gosh some of you are sooooooo sensitive.

1. I don't get to say where we go or how fast we go.

2. If I'm more than 2 minuets late to the trail head I'll get left. Unless someone who is a long standing member of the group is also late then they wait till he gets there.

3. If the rider in front of you drops their water bottle, stop and pick it up for them. Even if they have been hammering your ass for the last 5 miles. It's not polite to holler at them and then ride by as they turn around (they will give you a dirty look as they go past).

4. Don't correct inconsiderate riders who cut the trail, then pull out in front of slower riders. They will just ignore you and keep on being rude.

5. Some rides have post ride beers, some do not. Some rides are more about the post ride than the ride. That's not a problem I just like to know before I go so I remember to bring some beer.

6. Some people like to talk while they ride, others don't. It's getting easier for me to tell them apart.

7. For a few folks it's a race from the time you leave the trail head and I don't mean just riding hard.

8. Some people will jump out in front of you on a group ride after every rest stop, even though you have to pass them almost immediately when you get going again.

9. You should not ask the riders in front of you on the line in a race if they'll let you squeeze in. I did once and got chastised for it.

10. 98% of the people who ride mountain bikes are the nicest folks I've ever met.

You'd think that since I'm a little older than most of the people I ride with that they'd cut me some slack. Not a chance. In fact, even after learning all of the above, I still seem to be the brunt of more than a few long running jokes. Riders I don't even know very well picked at me just last weekend about my inability to clear certain sections of trail and this "traitor" theme has gotten a life of it's own.

Anyhoo we rode TB Saturday on the SS's, then FM on Sunday with the Green Bean crew, I did Munson Monday again on the SS, and tonight is the Higher Ground ride. I'll hit the gym tomorrow to work on my already awesome upper body. Then we plan to do a little technical riding Thursday which should have a horrible effect on my self esteem. I know it's a tough life but hey what can ya do?

Dauset

In all my years of racing I've never won a bottle of champagne. I haven't tried this yet to see how it tastes but I don't imagine it's very good. But that's not the point is it? This past weekend was the South Eastern Regional Championship (SERC) race in Dauset Ga. And yes I won the slow old man class. The trail was rockier than the other two rounds I'd ridden, more technical, and not quite as fun.

It was hot. 96 degrees when we finished at 10:30. So hot that 3rd place didn't even show up for the podium deal. The only guy who doesn't look like he shouldn't be in a nursing home is the guy in second.

B got a poor start and finished 7th out of 15 in his class. They started behind us this time and the top 3 caught me before the finish, fast class.

Speaking of the start, it was narrow, on pavement, down hill at first, and then onto fresh gravel. I knew I wanted to get on the front line with 14 in our class. It was then I may have made a cycling faux pas. I politely asked the two guys who had just jumped in front of me if they were racing the series, to which they responded they were not. "If not", I said"would you mind letting me in front with you since he(here I point to the guy next to them, Rob, who's first in the series ahead of me) and I are racing for points". I didn't mean for the whole line to hear this and it must have sounded like I thought I was special (which of course I am but they didn't know it, yet) because one of their friends at the other end of the row said something along the lines of "yea, you two go out hard, I like seeing guys like you blow up as I go by". Turns out at least 5 of the guys in the front row were locals, only riding this one race, and didn't take kindly to me asking for a little courtesy.
One of them did move over for which I thanked him profusely. The whistle blew and we were off. I hit the woods third behind, you guessed it, two of the locals. As soon as we got onto the single track they sat up. What the hell? I tried a couple of times to get around but it was tight so I just fell in behind them. At least I wasn't burning much energy. I suddenly remembered a place to pass I had scouted out in practice the day before just after a bridge that was coming up. As soon as we crossed the bridge I stood on the pedals, only to be pushed off the edge of the trail into a rut, then into a tree, then the dog pile started. After taking a handle bar in the side and piling up every body behind me (bet they were glad they let me in front now huh?) I managed to get going in 6th. I could see the points draining away as Rob was now 2 places in front of me.

With the adrenaline pumping I passed the two in front of me at the same time using an old moto move. I was right behind Rob and he was on 3rd's wheel. Then I got lucky as Rob clipped a tree, went "oofhhhh", and rolled off the trail. I hollerd "you ok?" but didn't take the time to stop. He got back in right behind me. He and I had talked about the first little rock climb earlier. We had both cleared it and had even discussed which lines we were going to use. It was coming up. I had about had it with blue shirt and creaky seat in front of me. Every time I made a move they moved over. When we got to the rocks they both stood up, one went in one line, one took the other, and they stopped. I could hear Rob behind me "@#%& guys!". We all piled up again.

Now during the previous week Wrecking Ball had showed me how to do a cycle cross dismount and remount. So I grabbed my bike, ran to the top of the hill (really more like a mound), elbowed 2nd place out of the way, jumped on my bike just like WB had showed me, but couldn't find the pedals. 2nd pushed back by me. I was pissed. The first opening creaky seat (2nd place) gave me I went inside, hit the brakes, and did a SteveA* on him. 1st must have heard the commotion behind him and didn't put up much of a fight.

I managed to put a little gap on Rob who had followed me around blue shirt and creaky seat. The rest of the race was fairly uneventful except for some guy in one of the classes in front of me who must not speak English since I must have asked him 5 times for a little room. I had to SteveA him also.

That's blue shirt checking out a kid in B's class before the start.

The only other excitment was close to the finish as a red and white jersey was all of the sudden catching me. Rob's jersey! When the rider got behind me I started to ride a little wide thinking if he wasn't in my class he'd ask to pass, but he never said a word. When we got into the clearing before the finish I could hear Rob's friends yelling "go,go!". I came out of the seat and made it through the scoring chute in front of him. Turns out it was Rob's son (next to B in the picture above) and they both wear the same jersey.

I worked for this one. Was it fun? In a way. I don't look forward to the sport class which did 2 laps in that heat. I hope the locals forgive me but it's a RACE! Oh, and I never saw the guy who said he was going to pass me after I blew up. See, told ya I'm special.

I am fixing to go into the kitchen and get that bottle of champagne out of the fridge and try a little bit, maybe more than a little if it's any good.

*The SteveA is a take out move where you take the inside line away from the guy in front of you, hit the brakes, almost take his front wheel out, then laugh about it so they can hear you.

The SS

No, not that kind of SS. I'm talking about single speed bicycles. Still, I like the Nazi Zombie look. Oh, and if you Google Nazi SS, you'll get some very disturbing images.

It all started when the Worm lent us his Voodoo and we were able to borrow a Niner from Higher Ground. Both single speeds, both fun. I had to have one. Of course as long as B is in the house I would never get any peace if I just bought one so using the "found money" from the sale of the dirt bike I bought 2. I know that's a little extravagant but I'm at the stage in my life where I am acutely aware of how quickly time passes. I know that's a weak rationalization for buying two bikes but just you try to get through the day without a juicy rationalization. Anyhoo that's a topic for another time, back to the new SSs.

They are both Specilized Rockhoppers, normally a geared bike, 29" wheels, and hard tails. The shop converted them to SS for us and even though they are a little heavy they're still fun. If you already have a SS you already know how different they are from a geared bike. They are quiet, no chain slap, the big wheels help a little with not having a rear shock (well that may be a stretch), and not having gears makes the ride both challenging and relaxing at the same time. They are a perfect bike for rides to the restaurant on Friday nights, fam rides, beginner rides, and solo rides when I just want to poke along and enjoy the woods. I've found that SS riders are like vegetarians, if there's one in the crowd all you have to do is wait and they'll let you know that they're there. Now I kinda understand why.

I'm getting to like the way my shop looks now. I think I have room for a couple more. By the way I have a huge dog, a security system, and a retired cop for a neighbor so be forewarned. Not that the 5 people who read this would do anything like that but you never know.

Oh, and by they way, did you happen to notice all the trophies discreetly placed in the photos? No? Well here's a better look. Just don't focus on the dates. Yes, I was a legend in my mind.

No Race Report

I'm sure it will be better covered by other local bloggers, both those who finished in front of me and the few that finished behind me. The Redbug Challenge was fun even though I didn't do as well as I should have. If you'll look at the picture above you'll see I am standing with the women's class. I mean no disrespect to the ladies but it was not the place for me to be at the start. Suffice to say they got out in front of me due to my timid starting procedure and their urge to crush each other. I had listened to my "friend" BJS when he said "a 25 minute lap time should be about right". Of course he went out and turned 23.66 minute laps and blistered the whole class. Oh well it was a blast anyway. It was a "C" race for me since I'm the only one in my class WHO IS ACTUALLY RACING A SERIES. There, that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it. By the way I'm proud of B, he bumped up to the older class and had a good ride. He actually showed some emotion when he crossed the finish line. Most of the time he reminds me of Dr. Spock on the old Star Treck series. Must be a teenage thing. Of course it may not be as wonderful to be my son as I think it is.

Local races are so different than out of town events. Here everybody yells at you as you go by. Even though it's not always complementary (not when I go by anyway) at least it takes your mind off the suffering. There was a good vibe after the race since most of us know or have at least seen each other before. A large group ended up at Moe Moe's Pizza after the ride. We ate and drank outside under the trees. I was sorry to see the day end. I went home and fell asleep on the back porch like a happy dog.

I got the stitches out the other day so for the first time in maybe a month I don't have anything to complain about when I ride. It was a relief to walk out of the doctors office knowing I was free of that crap for at least a little while. Whenever you get two or more guys over 50 together the conversation invariably turns to medical issues. Don't think you'll be like that? I didn't either.

Seven Days

Yep, that's how long I've been off the bike. It seems like much longer. From a career in the sunshine I get these little presents that pop up on my arms almost every year. My dermatologist seems to get a kick out of slicing and dicing these things off of me so with 6 stitches I figured I better not ride till it got closed up a little. On a positive note the time off allowed me to do some things I had been putting off. I cooked more, cleaned the kitchen, and even slept better. But I found myself looking out the back door wondering if this is how the rest of the world lives their days.

I went to Munson Monday this week and was surprised how good it felt to be riding again. I am addicted to cycling at the present time, in the past I've been addicted to running and to motorcycles, but it's bicycles now.

It left the house in the back of a black Ford F-250 pickup. I have had one since I was 11 years old (except for a 4 year break for college and marriage) and this is the first time in all those years that I'll be without one. The guy who bought my Honda 450 got a good deal. I knew he was leaving with the bike when he saw it and said "wow" as he walked into the shop. After he left I had a beer and just stood in the empty space the bike had just occupied. All those years, all those miles.

We've got a busy summer coming up. The Red Bug Challenge is this weekend, then we have 3 more rounds of the Georgia State Series, plus Bump and Fools Gold. We made a commitment to do the Georgia Series and with gas at $4.00 a gallon I don't know how many of the other over night events we'll be able to do. Heck, ya know, maybe we should just do them all, you only go around once right? They say they only regrets you'll have are the opportunities you missed. Besides I'm tired of staring out the back door.

Race Weekend

It was a solo adventure this time around as B came down with Strep Throat the week before. I'll admit some trepidation about going by myself since the race was 5 and a half hours away but I had made a commitment to this little series so I headed out Saturday morning. The trip up was pretty uneventful except for a traffic jam on I-75 and not being able to find Yargo State Park when I finally got to Winder, Ga. I stopped at a Walmart (of all places) to get directions and then had to stop and ask again when I got into the park. I had a nice headache by the time I got registered and unloaded my bike. Two other riders from Tallahassee, Dan and Paige, had already made their practice lap before I even started mine so I made sure they knew I was there just in case something happened. You begin to think about those kind of things more often after you turn 50, things like: where my insurance card is, and who could drive me home if I couldn't drive. Anyhoo the practice lap was relaxing, the course was beautiful (the local club had swept the trail), and I was able to find the Jameson Inn without too much trouble.

I found Paige and Dan again at the hotel and we went across the street to a Ruby Tuesdays for dinner. Other than the waitress forgetting Paige's order it was about what I expected for Winder, Ga. on a Saturday night. The Jameson Inn was, well, let's say different, than the Hampton Inns I normally stay in. I remember hotel rooms looking like that in the 80's when I was racing FTR hare scrambles. In fact my room probably had the same furniture in it that it had in the 80's, including the bed. The train tracks ran right by the hotel so 3 times during the night I got jolted awake by the horn as the train crossed the highway. My fear of bed bugs kept me thinking I felt something crawling on me but when I turned on the light I couldn't see anything. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

We made the trip into Athens, Ga. after dinner to see the Twilight Crit. Just finding a parking space was an adventure. With 55,000 people, most of them drunk college kids, the race was fun to watch. I did get a little tired of hearing "oh mygod!" and "hey man let us across the street" while they chain smoked cigarettes. I have no idea who won, I had to call BW and find out how the format worked. I'd like to watch it sometime when I didn't need to get up the next morning and race my mountain bike. We got back to the hotel around 11:00.

Race day was a cool 60 degrees with some light clouds. After a "breakfast" at the hotel I left for the park. I just don't sit around and wait very well. I missed not having B with me. He enjoys these races and it just wasn't the same without him along. I warmed up and went to the line. 16 old guys in my class! We were lined up two deep. Fortunately I had a spot at the front and got off to a 3rd place start. I knew the riders in first and second had finished behind me at West Point so I settled into their pace until we got to the first open section and I went to go around. Just as I moved left another rider came by me, pushed me back in line, passed second, then first, and put me back to fourth. Crap! We freight trained through the next single track section and as soon as we came out onto the gas line climb I passed third, then second, and got onto first place's wheel. Unbeknownst to me I had brought another rider around with me and he was right on me as we started the climb. Now I thought the rider in first had introduced himself to me on the line as being 68 years old. So I thought "he can't keep this pace up, he's gonna blow soon". Wrong. I was the one who was gonna blow up if I didn't back off. I never saw the guy again and no he wasn't who I thought he was. Third place had finsihed just behind me at West Point and he kept me honest until about the half way mark where I was able to get a little breathing room on a couple of climbs.

I managed to stay ahead of third place and had a comfortable margin at the finish. I won some neat stuff and didn't feel as guilty (now why would I feel guilty?) about racing the base class as I did after West Point since I had gotten beat soundly by first place. I stuck around and handed water to Paige and Dan who no doubt have their own race stories to tell. I left before they finished as I was itching to get on the road to home.

The promoters wife asked me "where are all the other Bikechain guys?" to which I could only shrug and say "I don't know".

It was another great weekend. I love the trails we've ridden so far. They are so much better than some of the stuff we ride in Florida. I hope everybody is healthy for the next one.