tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30266131169773145462012-01-17T03:23:51.968-05:00This blog chronicles my travels and experiences in the competitive cycling community. I offer race reports, honest product reviews and critical views of esoteric cycling culture. The name of the blog refers to the feeling of invincibility that one feels when throwing down a decisive attack which is followed by...usually defeat, but on rare occasions, victory.RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.comBlogger1951100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-46243897422005531552011-08-17T12:41:00.004-04:002011-08-17T13:12:27.106-04:00

I have been fielding emails all day, so here are the details for WNSP 2011. We will start this training event next Wednesday night. It will run through Nationals in December. We created a Facebook invite, which we encourage you to respond to. PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK. There is a course set up. We make no claims about its safety. If you feel unsafe in any way, you should stop riding

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-39743116352965373582011-05-09T16:40:00.009-04:002011-07-06T17:44:44.829-04:00

When I was a young man, my mottos were "drive fast, take chances" and "live fast, die young" and "NO FUTURE." Those of you who know me well can attest that I am understating how recklessly I lived the early part of my life. I have been thinking a lot about crashing recently. Maybe it is my recent 39th birthday that has me feeling my mortality.In my mind, 2011 has become the year of the crash

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-5642901465018381982011-05-02T14:18:00.003-04:002011-05-02T14:30:32.509-04:00

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RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-60407688562527528242011-04-21T15:04:00.003-04:002011-04-21T15:22:41.053-04:00

This is not a race report. This is a review and an assessment of my experiences at the 2011 Tour of the Battenkill. Before I proceed, I want you to think. Think about what you expect to read here. Got a picture? Considering the flame wars that have erupted on this blog in the past and my public disapproval of race organizer, Dieter Drake’s lack of tact and public relation skills I’m sure

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-53406553538154629762011-04-18T20:04:00.005-04:002011-04-18T20:19:19.217-04:00

I am the dude in the white.We rode f'n hard. 26.2 miles in under 51 minutes. It hurt bad.2 Green Line Velo riders (including Sam Rosenholtz) got a gap in the final 5 miles and we reeled them in with a brutally fast and dangerous chase down Commonwealth Ave in Brighton and continuing up Beacon right into the Back Bay. Rosenholtz tried to declare that he had "won" the "race" right before we

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-74278047315398297592011-04-11T15:53:00.001-04:002011-04-11T15:55:49.827-04:00

The joke's on you. The post is on the CB Blog. Here.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-50482488656709198142011-04-06T20:33:00.004-04:002011-04-06T21:44:17.370-04:00

Most races require minimal bike prep. Usually a simple clean, tune and lube will suffice. But Battenkill is different. Racers have been geeking out about bike setup for Tour of the Battenkill since it was a reasonably priced event called Battenkill-Roubaix. Since over a third of the course is unpaved, durable equipment is in order. Tire selection is of paramount importance, since what

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-5696008089044177692011-03-31T15:57:00.001-04:002011-03-31T16:20:58.807-04:00

Anyone reading this blog can ride hard. Hard enough to vomit, hard enough to be sore for days afterward, hard enough to hallucinate and meet god. If you didn’t like to ride hard, you’d be reading another blog. While training hard takes discipline, most of us relish a hard ride. We live for it. We are more than willing to suffer on the bike, even indoors and in darkened basements. If we didn

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-10387134559627165212011-03-23T08:08:00.003-04:002011-03-23T08:31:12.113-04:00

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RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-47125506140878423232011-02-25T14:14:00.004-05:002011-03-01T06:38:28.890-05:00

Back Bay Cycling Club--B2C2Membership: by request with some screening process.This is the newest of the local road teams mentioned here. B2C2 has built up a respectable road team from a solid background in mountain and cyclocross. They are a Boston based team, who competes with Cambridge for prizes such as "hippest team," "most exposed tattoos," and "most fun to invite to a party." I am very good

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-59731193655088283062011-02-25T10:13:00.010-05:002011-02-25T13:48:05.850-05:00

Every year this is one of my most controversial posts. The fallout generally lasts for months with riders commenting in person and online. I do my best to just present things as I see them, while acknowledging my biases. Again, I am category racer, so I will only be offering observations about lower category teams. Part II will be published this coming Monday. Enjoy. North East Bicycle

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-10099694311176495082011-02-22T20:25:00.009-05:002011-02-23T10:21:22.617-05:00

So as many of you know, my team mate Matt Wheatley and I drove down to Georgia to hook up with the Cyclonauts to ride ourselves inside out in preparation for the upcoming spring campaign.Instead of boring you with details about rides and climbs, I'll just say that I have ridden 3 days in a row and have none of the rides have been under 3000 kilojoules, or under 7000 feet of climbing or under 80

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-2818355684209966192011-02-12T20:13:00.007-05:002011-02-12T20:39:58.955-05:00

Well, maybe its not quite a race. But it is an event. While this will compete for cycling traffic with my new favorite website, therollercam.com , if Ryan Kelly sucks up enough, I may be able to arrange a webcam feed of the event. How bout comping my upcoming banner ad big guy?I am getting ahead of myself. The Giro de Fred is an indoor stage race that will take place at the Bikes Not Bombs

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-16215263321200133292011-01-31T22:38:00.006-05:002011-01-31T22:56:41.108-05:00

It is winter, therefore there are few developments in New England bicycle racing. I have no comment on Lance, Floyd or any of the other dopers. If I hear of any cat 3's doping, then I'll have something to say.But there have been developments with me. Boring ones. But if you are reading this blog, you are either my friend or you have no life. Either way, you'll probably continue to read.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-82252520579050264872010-12-27T09:08:00.007-05:002010-12-27T09:36:57.124-05:00

Below is the text of an email exchange between me and the Battenkill Registration staff that started about 12 hours after I registered for the cat 3 race. The exchange took place over a 4-6 hour period. It appears that I have more than one interloculator based on textual cues such as terseness of language and lack of punctuation in some of the emails, while others are well composed and

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-22617669280077929702010-12-22T13:15:00.002-05:002010-12-22T13:19:05.264-05:00

I have received a trickle of comments about my decision to register for Battenkill. After my history of protesting the price of the race and the lack of rider support that the inflated race fee gets you, people seem surprised that I would participate in this event. In fact, I even got a personal email from one of the co-promoters that states: “We Are Surprised.” <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-75703223901381912622010-11-17T21:53:00.010-05:002010-11-20T12:52:54.493-05:00

I have known David Wilcox for 6-7 years. When I first met him, he was the kindly shop manager of the pre-move/renovation Bikes Not Bombs who helped me remove a seized lockring from my fixed gear commuter, free of charge (it required inhuman strength and special tools). While I was volunteering with the BNB youth program, David was always around, patient, interested and helpful. A couple of

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-89123183105979591092010-11-14T09:16:00.005-05:002010-11-14T09:40:58.207-05:00

It has been a big week for parties for me to ruin with my sullen moods and my judgmental, negative comments. But the best party for me to bring down is happening at the Middlesex Lounge this Monday night. Last year the Geekhouse party had the most interesting culture clash in cycling. Hipsters mingled and drank, while stunned, uptight roadies silently held up the walls, while sipping water and

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-49388462182183347402010-11-10T11:02:00.003-05:002010-11-10T11:44:50.821-05:00

I like fancy bikes and beautiful people. Superb’s event promises to have both in abundance. It was fun last year; I was the most unhip person there, so don’t allow this communication medium fool you, this is an event for the young, hip cyclists. Expect DJ’s, booze, socializing and geeking out over bicycles.Here’s the official press release:Superb Bicycle is proud to present Bella Biciclette,

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-91118634763284327112010-11-03T15:38:00.001-04:002010-11-03T15:45:48.108-04:00

The UCI may do some great things for international cyclocross, but here in New England they are an unnecessary pain in the ass. There are a few arguments about why making an event a UCI event is good for the sport; they all add up to a steaming pile of…First allow me to enumerate the ways in which the UCI designation makes races less logical and less fun:1. Staging order: Once upon a time, we

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-61611837936968660512010-09-13T20:01:00.018-04:002010-09-13T21:48:15.668-04:00

Special Thanks to Pedal Power Photography for providing images (excepting Kyle's sad face). Thanks.First off, I like this race. Its very local (Cary and I prerode the course the night before the race). It is a nice challenging course with lots of tight turns and some good power sections. There are even a few places that require a bit of finesse. Its essentially a grass crit punctuated with a

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-37968272109675447002010-09-11T09:13:00.006-04:002010-09-11T10:15:27.138-04:00

Please listen to THIS as you read the post.Everyone who races cross has their own personal Grim Reaper. This is the rider who you always beat by a healthy margin. They are usually a friend and/or rival. If you have a shitty race, for instance you go out too hard and implode, the Grim Reaper catches you and passes you, confirming your worst fears. The rotation of Grim Reapers change, as

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-35268606132668897552010-09-05T15:12:00.005-04:002010-09-05T16:15:37.324-04:00

I am not currently fit. This post is not a series of excuses about why I failed to win any primes, get in a break or contest the final sprint. The reason that none of these things happened is due to my lack of fitness. Even with a lack of fitness, I have the requisite skills to effectively participate in an A race at Wells Avenue. No everyone can say this truthfully.Over the course of this

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-79248314294872762472010-08-29T19:07:00.009-04:002010-08-30T10:10:35.592-04:00

For much of my cycling career I have enjoyed a charmed existence. Most of my equipment remained intact for longer than expected and then was repairable when it broke, often at manufacturer's expense (as my last post illustrates). My luck has recently worn thin. In the last month, I have had a series of mechanical failures that I plan to list and complain about. At this time, I have a pile of

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-16587272051881709842010-08-23T21:22:00.005-04:002010-08-23T22:29:35.026-04:00

Last winter I purchased a car that I am rather fond of. One of priorities in outfitting my little race wagon was fitting 4 bicycles and 4 front wheels on top of the car. After doing a bit of research, I stuck with Thule and purchased a set of feet to mount to my factory racks, 2 new bike trays, extra long cross bars and 4 front wheel mounts. I installed the rack per instructions in the early

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-68301058653347204882010-07-21T16:53:00.008-04:002010-07-21T18:19:49.026-04:00

I have had bad luck with cycling drinks, in particular with recovery drinks. Most of the time they contribute to and exacerbate my "race gut," which is an unfortunate condition that I'll spare you the details of. Endurox R4 almost ended my marriage, as it caused me some of the most disgusting and prolific flatulence imaginable. It was like living in a feedlot. The Negative FX of other drinks

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-49708987968070894972010-06-25T12:05:00.007-04:002010-06-25T15:11:04.457-04:00

By some fortunate accident, I was one of the first users of the CycleOps Joule 2.0 ANT+ computer. Overall I have been enjoying the computer. The display is large and allows the user to monitor multiple ride metrics simultaneously. The rechargeable batteries and USB 2.0 download and charging is convenient, especially compares to the Cervo's cranky proprietary USB cradle/docking station. While

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-55119281550757616462010-05-16T20:10:00.005-04:002010-05-16T22:29:49.122-04:00

New Race Report FormatAfter reading a recent race report by Mr. Sweeney over at the other blog, I have decided to follow his lead and make a template for my race reports. Instead of giving you a boring play by play about people who you may or may not know and/or care about, I will review the race itself, while offering a condensed version of my experiences in during the race. I am not sure how

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-33585531359810192862010-04-29T07:44:00.002-04:002010-04-29T08:49:51.633-04:00

The real race report is on the team blog. I have just a few short comments. Nonsense really.My job was to either get into an early move, and then if the early stuff failed to stick, sit in and sprint. As always, if we got a man in a promising break, I'd control the front, breaking up any chase efforts and sitting on and thwarting bridge efforts.As Gary states in his report, I expected

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-90410817651278968622010-04-19T21:50:00.003-04:002010-04-19T22:12:25.985-04:00

I’ve been busy. Too busy to train. In fact, my training calendar was so sparse earlier in the Spring that I considered hanging up my road season instead of repeatedly wasting time and money in getting dropped out of easy races. More on that after Turtle Pond next weekend. Mountain bike racing is different. Even if you finish DFL, you still get to complete the race and feel like you did

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-28445377399829261052010-04-15T22:50:00.007-04:002010-04-15T23:01:24.367-04:00

The unspoken truth is that we all crash eventually. Some of us more often than others. If you race for long enough, dumb luck is going to run out and the odds are going to get you.Sometimes it is entirely your own fault, as when we overcook the final corner in the last lap of the local criterium. Other times it is clearly someone else’s fault, like when that idiot overcooked the final corner

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-75774531725130752052010-04-13T12:39:00.003-04:002010-04-15T09:26:12.095-04:00

CB had largely boycotted Battenkill, though our cat 3 teammate, Ryan O’Hara podiumed without the help of teammates. While Ryan was riding to glory, the rest of the CB cat 3’s were attempting to dominate the Myles Standish. We showed up with 4 rested and ready riders: Spaits, GG Bavolar and CB new jack Dave Montes. I was not meant to get into a big break. My job was to cover the early moves and

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-53887642088245039952010-03-25T08:44:00.002-04:002010-03-25T08:58:55.231-04:00

Nor’EastThis team appears to be based mostly in NH. The lower category riders appear to be little more than crit jocks, though they also field an elite team that does moderately well in Pro12 racesOne of the major advantages of joining this team would be the ability to train with and learn from higher category racers. Also if you are pretty sure that you are going to make an upgrade to cat 2 mid

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-34656188885455123192010-03-24T13:39:00.003-04:002010-03-25T13:14:41.712-04:00

Last season, I posted a guide to local teams. The post caused some controversy, since some rider’s objected to my portrayal of their team. So here I am writing this thing again. I expect a similar uproar, as I plan to call it like I see it again. Please take all of this with a grain of salt, as it is nothing more than my opinion.This post is mostly meant as a guide to lower category (5, 4, 3)

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-81517895415034804082010-03-22T08:51:00.002-04:002010-03-22T08:57:16.137-04:00

While I appreciate the Cycleloft/Palter/Begemann have broken their silence on the matter of the management "transition," this interview confirms the calculated nature of their actions. At one point in the interview, they waffle on whether they are paying more rent to the land owner, stating that the number is "irrelevant." How is it irrelevant that you may or may not have secretly offered the

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-25836711308885983722010-03-18T13:24:00.002-04:002010-03-18T13:40:41.446-04:00

I sort of thought that this was more a PR sheet than an explanation, but perhaps you will read it and disagree. If you take the time to follow the link, I encourage you to leave a comment. I did.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-77917006979567368622010-03-16T14:42:00.001-04:002010-03-16T14:47:42.686-04:00

Here’s Tony Eberhardt’s statement about the New England Velodrome dustup.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-27304822202194303282010-03-10T15:22:00.002-05:002010-03-10T15:25:30.373-05:00

I’ve been busy. I barely have time to train, let alone blog about bicycling and training. Furthermore, I have made a little resolution to stay out of dramas for a while. But recent events at the New England Velodrome tempt me out of my hibernation and cause me to comment on an unfolding drama. As most of you know, the NEV has been lovingly developed by Tony Eberhardt over the last 5 seasons.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-19706244126340218362010-01-18T21:29:00.003-05:002010-01-18T21:44:31.521-05:00

This Thursday my lovely lovely is having a party, an opening, an event and a reason to get off the trainer. Since I have a big mouth, I have been kept in the dark about details, but the known factors are: 1. The best in New England (read: "world") cyclocross photography will be on display2. Sofra is sponsoring the event, so count on some good grub3. There will be beer (my lovely never serves

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-40462759985819702502009-12-30T12:14:00.003-05:002009-12-30T12:21:53.591-05:00

Gloves are one of those things that competitive cyclists constantly think about. In changing conditions, it is difficult to strike ideal the balance between sufficient insulation, low profile and breathablity. In the colder months, I generally bring two pairs of gloves on every ride, a super warm pair and a more moderate pair for when the mercury or the exertion level rises later in the ride.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-62425228670587798602009-12-17T09:04:00.002-05:002009-12-17T09:12:17.535-05:00

I owe my readership an apology.My last post intimated that I was organizing a challenging bicycle ride for April 10th of 2010, the same day as Battenkill. In fact I was.While I was investigating routes and formats, I was inundated with positive responses. Friends as far-flung as Tennessee (isn’t that where you are now Zach?) planned on traveling to Cambridge to participate. Normally, positive

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-3482572733145786082009-12-09T23:27:00.001-05:002009-12-09T23:28:42.234-05:00

Check out this promotional video for The Ice Weasels Cometh. It is somewhat funny. But most importantly, it does a great job of making fun of me and my team. Bravo.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-25286643057509550542009-12-04T10:54:00.003-05:002009-12-04T13:02:27.935-05:00

My post last week about Tour of the Battenkill’s fee increase stirred up a hornet’s net of opinions and counter arguments. Overall, the debate that took place was good and at times productive. Dieter explained that he will use your increased registration fee to make T shirts and rent timing chips. Neither of these additions will improve our experience during the race. While I am skeptical

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-1729037005322556572009-11-28T17:14:00.007-05:002009-11-28T19:12:06.102-05:00

I won a certificate redeemable for these shoes at the MMRacing raffle early in the fall. Matt joked that the winner sends in the cert. and gets the shoes like 6 months later. I thought Matt knew something terrible about Mavic’s supply chain. In fact Mavic turned the certificate around with a week of my mailing it. Impressive. Matt was making a joke about Mavic’s incredible efficiency and

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-23178868543712367472009-11-23T18:07:00.005-05:002009-11-26T21:09:15.323-05:00

Race fees have been rising steadily over the last year. One of my main points when I tackled this topic this summer was that a promoter could only get away with raising race fees far above the average fee if they were offering a unique race experience. I sighted the Tour of the Battenkill as the primary example of such a race. I also noted that the promoter of Battenkill, Dieter Drake, was

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com90tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-83292662266811339432009-11-18T13:46:00.005-05:002009-11-18T14:26:23.909-05:00

Before this season, I believed that no one could design a kit more hideous than Mario Cipollini’s skinsuit.Marty over at Geekhouse has raised the bar by outfitting his team in clown suits with bikes to match. New England take notice: there is a new benchmark for outrageous cycling clothing.Appearances aside, I love the Geekhouse Factory team. While I sometimes have trouble taking them seriously

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-4118216844206633102009-11-16T15:23:00.004-05:002009-11-16T15:35:27.790-05:00

So, I have been taking a hiatus from complaining on this blog. Rosey has pointed out that I have a tendency to find the negative even in great situations. This post represents my return to negativity, so if you are not into it...move on.Problems that I had with the Mercer Cup USGP:1. The registration line was super long. In practice they had one person signing in all category. This is

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-42702274824015593922009-11-12T16:06:00.003-05:002009-11-12T16:10:54.627-05:00

As you may have heard, CB is helping BRC put on the Shedd Park race this year. Since I grew up in and around Lowell, I consider this my hometown race. Most of my season’s training is targeted around dominating this race. I will be doing the Elite race, provided 9 other riders register. I am hereby inviting you to come and take my lunch money in front of my entire family. While some of my

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-19663460110243682392009-11-11T10:16:00.008-05:002009-11-11T11:45:39.281-05:00

As always the photos are courtesy of my lovely wifeI went in to NoHo feeling good. This was one of my "A" weekends, so I had built my training around being fit and rested for these races.There were a number of goals for this season and most of them revolved around beating friends who have consistently bested my in the past. The list and results are as follows:Rosey-beaten at Green Mountain

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-33107307008021964992009-11-06T20:51:00.006-05:002009-11-06T21:21:47.966-05:00

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RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-71831662088119309172009-11-01T08:45:00.007-05:002009-11-01T10:10:47.237-05:00

$750 paid 10 deep draws a crowd. While most fast riders may know that someone fast like Justin Spinelli will show up to take first, they think they are fast enough to at least make their registration fee back. There were about 40ish fast dudes on the starting line. Everywhere I looked was a dude who's definitely faster than me. And even the rare rider that I have beaten before, had also

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-80108742000326049912009-10-25T23:15:00.010-04:002009-10-26T14:37:15.414-04:00

All Photos are Courtesy of my lovely wife, who spent our first anniversary photographing this race. For Reals. Those of you who know me know that I have perfected many ways to suck on a bicycle. Poor bike handling, lapses in training, general lack of fitness, advancing age, inability to produce and maintain adequate power, mechanical failures, chronic dehydration, under resting/poor sleep

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-65541871011417342692009-10-22T09:23:00.004-04:002009-10-22T14:37:34.172-04:00

Natasha has been doing a brisk little business; furnishing people with pictures of themselves from races.You should know, that her system is changing. She used to post pictures and allow you to pick out ones you like. Now she is taking orders before the races. Then she concentrates on getting good pictures of you throughout the whole race.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-65094225624592031912009-10-18T21:16:00.003-04:002009-10-20T14:03:14.474-04:00

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RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-91833439956734649812009-10-18T19:50:00.002-04:002009-10-18T20:42:34.881-04:00

Most race reports focus on the race and the action therein. This post represents a departure from the (my) normal format. While I will roughly outline my race, I think that my readers will appreciate my observations about the race in general more than my usual ramblings about my performance in comparison to others’. This race has received many good reports from friends. It was highly

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-79391616356742086822009-10-16T14:56:00.003-04:002009-10-16T15:07:53.214-04:00

So here are some pics of me sucking at day one at Gloucester. Courtesy of Natasha

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-22098405991500060682009-10-04T08:02:00.002-04:002009-10-05T22:42:24.394-04:00

I had a front row call up and my father was at the race. I knew that I was screwed. I always, always do poorly at things when my family comes out to watch. Ever since I was a little kid. Its not like I get nervous, there just always seems to be bad luck.We sat shivering on the starting line. Looking at our shoes, taking what little shelter we could from the salt-water-filled wind whipping,

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-1610531795192579322009-10-02T07:22:00.003-04:002009-10-03T08:36:41.429-04:00

I am aware that I sometimes say things that are offensive or that rub people the wrong way. This is part of my charm. Sort of like Gorgeous Gary, except less lovable and without any cutting edge hair situations. Today, I have nothing controversial to say. So, if you are here get pissed and then post a comment, move on. Last night Natasha and I went to the MM Racing party, her as photographer

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-71444586831706847002009-09-30T14:46:00.001-04:002009-09-30T14:47:48.885-04:00

I did well in day one of VT Verge. 7th place. With the overnight rain, the abundance of rest, my front row call up and my newly acquired and recently demonstrated bike handling skills, I was confident that I would pull down a good result, perhaps even better than I had done on day one. The course was degraded but rideable. While the moisture made the going slow, the corners remained mostly

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-73963595703789524622009-09-29T20:13:00.007-04:002009-09-30T12:02:15.916-04:00

My friends (I am sure that they cringe to see that in print!), Matt Roy and Maureen Bruno Roy are having a party to celebrate the kickoff of what will surely be an incredible cyclocross season.Last year this was the party to attend. All the cool kids were there. This year promises more of the same. Seriously it was a who's who of New England cyclocross.As always there will be beer, food and

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-72528000893971059142009-09-28T10:57:00.012-04:002009-09-28T14:10:59.266-04:00

All photos are courtesy of my lovely wife over at Pedal Power Photography. Saturday's race saw sunny and warm weather and a dry grassy course. Sunday was misty and damp, with course conditions deteriorating quickly. I got to the starting line of Saturday's race feeling amped. I was rested and ready. I had a good deep warm up. I was quite nervous since I felt confident that I would earn a

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-33160192809497653972009-09-13T19:19:00.015-04:002009-09-14T15:43:36.241-04:00

As an intro, Quad Cross (had a different name) 2007 വാസ് my second cyclocross race. I broke my shoulder in a high speed fall in a fast corner. It ruined my season and put me in PT for the entire winter of 2007/2008. I was careful in that corner this year. Quad Cross is a great little race, local to Boston in Bedford. In fact it is so close that I drove out the evening before the race to

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-36078551977212118502009-09-10T16:31:00.004-04:002009-09-10T16:48:03.199-04:00

As some of you know, I am one of most merciless hecklers in New England cyclocross. I am especially known for calling people out for sandbagging and coming up with creative taunts and comments to get a reaction from pinned riders.Apparently my skills have been noticed. I will announcing at Quad 'Cross this Sunday This morning, I got an email from Ian Sutton, the quiet promotor of Wednesday

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-68548151738495532562009-09-04T13:55:00.003-04:002009-09-04T14:37:47.322-04:00

Here's the rub (see justification below): I am good at gluing tubular tires. I have glued many tires and I have never even come close to rolling one. I am also a teacher by profession. For $100, I'll take your clean, new tires and clean, glue-free rims and prep them over two days and then teach you how to finish the job on the third day/night. The gluing lesson will take between 1 hour and

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-6064008460107927642009-09-03T19:17:00.004-04:002009-09-04T13:45:51.865-04:00

I don't like to make excuses for poor performance. For instance there were a few mountain bike races that I didn't place well in. When asked about the race afterwards, I stated that I was happy with my performance despite my results. What I meant was that my equipment performed well, I evenly dosed my power output over the whole race and my bike handling was good. Results mean nothing if you

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-22257847065077191302009-09-01T12:08:00.011-04:002009-09-03T19:52:02.319-04:00

My initial impression of these wheels, before I owned them, was that they were flimsy. PVB had a set that he thrashed during a cross season and then on the road. Obviously with a wattage cottage like Pierre, who is known to destroy parts, the wheels gave up under the abuse (PVB later stated that he was happy with the wheels and admitted that they held up well under after he dogged them).I got

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-18032036280821931882009-08-31T22:20:00.003-04:002009-08-31T22:26:20.501-04:00

Action is here.Can you really look at these pictures and tell me with a straight face that cyclocross season hasn't begun?

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-56015371969360041282009-08-30T22:27:00.004-04:002009-08-31T10:04:13.039-04:00

I got home from work after midnight on Thursday and I had a meeting early Friday morning. But my mud tubulars needed to be glued. Even in my advanced state of exhaustion, I completed one of my better mounting jobs in record time (under an hour for final coat, mounting, setting/straightening and broomsticking). Tubular cement needs 24 hours to cure and this was my last opportunity to get these

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-45434688562033041152009-08-23T18:16:00.005-04:002009-08-24T09:24:28.595-04:00

I was pretty keyed up for this race. I did well at Blunt Park last year (5th) and expected a good result this year too. My big goal was to beat Chris Bailey, as this was the only race that I beat him at last year. I didn't rest particularly for this race, but I have been training through the heat on my Igleheart, which helped me continue riding through the high heat and humidity today. I had

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-59458536601719877532009-08-21T08:52:00.003-04:002009-08-21T09:25:26.871-04:00

As some of you know, I just recently got a great job (yesterday). Seriously, if you asked me to describe my ideal teaching position, it would be really close to the position I just accepted. Yesterday, I had my final interview for the position. Given my long stretch of unemployment last year and my genuine excitement about the job, I was quite nervous going into it. Adding to my anxiety, my

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-82076579674509301022009-08-17T12:59:00.005-04:002009-08-17T17:19:38.853-04:00

On a damp Friday a couple of weeks ago, I was on my home from a training ride. I had time to burn and wondered what I was going to do once I was home. As I was heading out of Harvard Square towards Central when I noticed a clot of cyclists taking up the whole traffic lane going in the opposite direction.There were about 50 cyclists riding deliberately slow while taking up the whole outbound

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-43049042080274720512009-08-10T17:11:00.005-04:002009-08-10T17:17:39.001-04:00

>Yash has been indignant that I have not posted pics of this repainted bike sooner (I got the frame back 25 hours ago). Here they are. In an upcoming post, I will discuss my all-left side cable routing. Gripping.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-8820418650913980822009-08-08T19:48:00.008-04:002009-08-09T18:13:19.975-04:00

If you are reading this, chances are you like to race bicycles. My friends Jason at Superb and the one and only Rob Gigantic are putting this event on. Start is here, at 1pm on Saturday August 22nd. Organizers say that you'll be wanting a bag for the race, which indicates that you may be required to carry something at some point. You are not required to ride a fixed gear, though I'd suggest

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-25386698012660651662009-08-06T10:11:00.009-04:002009-08-07T19:26:01.502-04:00

>So I started mountain biking this summer. I have been racing regularly and riding offroad at least once a week, usually twice. While I have noticed an increase in bike handling skills, I have also noticed that my hands are really sore after a long ride. I asked other off road riders if they had the same problem and most of them indicated that it came with the territory; they told me to man up

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-71869093890854716642009-08-05T10:03:00.004-04:002009-08-06T09:53:52.890-04:00

Tyler Hamilton has started a coaching company. He also recently earned his second doping violation while holding the US National Road Championship. The internet has been abuzz with people tittering and scoffing at Tyler's new venture. Why? Do people doubt his talent as a cyclist? People forget that dope only makes you marginally faster. You still need talent and to train hard to race

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-5820947226717110822009-08-04T00:37:00.005-04:002009-08-04T10:59:54.123-04:00

This year's Tour de France was billed by the ASO as a clean tour. If you are reading this blog, I don't have to detail and recap all of the wranglings prior to and during this Tour over doping and its prevention. Alas, a stage winner was caught using EPO in an out of competition test before the Tour (some test results take almost a month). My intent is not to comment on Astarloza's apparent

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-87754771178424920052009-08-02T21:27:00.006-04:002009-08-03T12:48:09.780-04:00

Beforehand/BackgroundPerhaps I am delusional. Or perhaps I have am hyper averse to sandbagging. All summer I have maintained that I would be upgrading after this race. This season, I have consistently placed top 5 in Root 66 cat 2 races, podiuming most of the time. My plan was to rest up and slay this race. It is the Mtb Massachusetts State Champions and I like gold medals. But we all know

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-5329627028825033002009-07-26T12:19:00.007-04:002009-07-26T17:45:58.546-04:00

If you know me, you know that this is not my kind of race. I can attack rollers and 3 minute climbs all day, but put a real climb in front of me and I wither. Despite the course's not suiting my skillset, I have raced Hilltowns 3 years in a row. It is one of the few selective, single loop hilly races in New England. If the word wasn't so overused, I may even call it epic.The course is fairly

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-63025746214761320642009-07-22T11:27:00.003-04:002009-07-22T12:33:30.309-04:00

Both mountain biking and the Verge series have taken steps to allow (read force) lower category riders to race as pro and elites respectively. Mountain bike categories changed this year, which effectively combined the former semi pro category with the pro category. Squirtgunshow (1, 2, 3) has done a great job of pointing out the various follies in the new scheme, so I won't belabor the point.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-84992746143067312712009-07-21T12:21:00.006-04:002009-07-21T15:47:28.450-04:00

Race fees are rising steadily. One expects race fees to rise over time due to inflation. In some cases the costs associated with putting on a race also rise, requiring promoters to increase race fees to meet basic expenses. These price increases are natural and perfectly acceptable. While we may complain that races no longer cost $15, for the most part, our salaries keep pace with

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-20645713081992831392009-07-15T10:14:00.006-04:002009-07-16T12:42:35.587-04:00

For years people have been justifiably complaining about blatant sandbagging in cyclocross. The accepted wisdom is that as you progress and come to dominate a category, you should graciously upgrade. Of course no one begrudges you a good result here and there, but if you are consistently placing top ten, along with 9 other guys who are also consistently placing top ten, then you and your 9

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-11747659295871205572009-07-14T09:31:00.006-04:002009-07-14T10:25:15.320-04:00

So a teammate has this huge tub of chamois creme at the track. It makes my diminutive jar of the good stuff look silly. He says that it is Pro Bike Kit branded chamois creme by Morgan Blue. He also says that he likes it. The next time I am ordering from PBK, I throw a jar of the bum grease into the basket. It was cheap enough...PBKCC comes in this brittle plastic container, that would

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-47298316867313570092009-07-12T19:29:00.008-04:002009-07-13T10:55:42.488-04:00

I hate mud. I hate it so much that I don't even own mud tires. My bike and my team kit has an excess of the white colorway. Secondly, I hate roots. I suck at descending. Roots covered with mud have haunted my dreams since I began regularly racing mountain bikes this year. Roots covered with mud on a steep descent are enough to transform me from my normal placid self into a raving lunatic

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-3920582053382321752009-07-10T09:22:00.004-04:002009-07-10T11:36:41.748-04:00

I have used a few different bar tapes and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. While I believe in trial and error, I also believe that hearing what I have to say could allow you to avoid getting something that you will definitely not like.Cinelli Cork RibbonFor many years this was the benchmark by which other tapes were rated against. I have had lots of experience with this tape.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-88980344744323538732009-07-07T12:25:00.009-04:002009-07-07T13:38:51.225-04:00

Competitive cyclists abuse the hell out of themselves all week and especially on weekends. We spend a good portion of our waking hours with sore legs. We put in inhuman efforts at Tuesday night training races (which mind as well be PRO races), intense weeknight track racing, viciously fast and dangerous downtown criteriums, grinding multi-day stage races, grueling all-out one day road races and

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-60999600321250284602009-07-05T21:47:00.013-04:002009-07-06T13:16:25.131-04:00

I have caught lots of shit about my decision not to race Fitchburg this year. From teammates who would have liked support, to friends who feared that I was leaving road racing, to competitors who were deprived of an another opportunity to thrash me; I found myself explainng my reasons for not stage racing repeatedly. For the record here are the reasons:1. Money- I am broke and stage racing

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-29280202292643937752009-07-01T09:45:00.004-04:002009-07-01T09:58:08.337-04:00

Actually, I just emailed the city bicycle office and asked them to install some bike parking in front of my house. It took a few weeks, but they called late last week to tell me that they had approved my request. Yesterday I awoke to the sound of jackhammers...Just another reason that Cambridge is the best city in the world.

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-45520171623658076652009-06-30T10:19:00.006-04:002009-06-30T10:34:45.297-04:00

I just found these on my camera. When Gary was going through his ongoing ordeal with Wheelworks (Part 1, 2 and 3), he asked me to corraborate his assessment of the shoddiness of the glue jobs that Wheelworks claimed were solid.Though delayed, here is the photographic evidence:I wouldn't ride these, let alone race them, you?

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-3187535278155185592009-06-29T15:20:00.005-04:002009-06-29T15:27:29.811-04:00

I just wanted to comment on how terrible cyclingnews.com's new format is. Its jumbled, you can't find a damn thing...Check out this jumbled mess on the "Fitness" section. Sure, you can figure out what is going on if you take a few minutes, but seriously? The old website was no great shakes, but at least you could navigate it. I sense a spike in web traffic at Velonews.com and

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-78635091928448188042009-06-28T22:54:00.009-04:002009-06-29T17:15:26.398-04:00

My first impression of the course, as shown by Cary: Cycling Videos on CyclingDirt I learned a few things this weekend. First and foremost, racing mountain bikes involves far more suffering than criterium racing. Saturday I raced the Twilight Criterium and was able to pull a couple of breaks back, get in a few breaks, bridge to and then sit in a break or two and then give the initial

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-90877168570777373912009-06-26T09:49:00.005-04:002009-06-26T10:55:30.765-04:00

Croth captured this series of photos at the track last week. The photos illustrate some of the great features of bicycle racing: an attack, a counter attack, a chase group, sitting in on a chase, and the results (the finish line is just outside of the frame in the last photo). One of the great things about track racing is that the strageties and patterns that take hours to play out in a road

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-46966676308302374472009-06-25T11:45:00.006-04:002009-06-25T12:20:05.641-04:00

The Accelerated Cure Series has posted thier dates for the 2009 season. The series has expanded to 4 races, 2 of them in August. You may remember the first race in this series last year was in August, Blunt Park. I raced Blunt Park last year and enjoyed it. My 5th place result, combined with my OK results at the other 2 races in the series allowed me to place 3rd in the series, yeilding

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-28310020705869644382009-06-07T21:01:00.004-04:002009-06-07T21:10:15.668-04:00

Perhaps you have already filled out the survey, if so, you can move on to the next blog.  If not, below is a link to a survey that is part of a feasibility study concerning the construction of a national level indoor velodrome and full service cycling center in the Boston area.  Even if you don't race track and don't plan to, this would be a great asset to the competitive cycling community.  All

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-81997129766961315802009-06-02T18:36:00.001-04:002009-06-02T18:41:47.749-04:00

Our Cat 3 squad decided to represent at the first annual CT Stage Race.  The stages were, 1st a 8 mile ITT on Saturday morning, 2nd a 24  mile circuit race later Saturday afternoon and a 91 mile Road Race on Sunday.  The race was scored based on accumulated time and there were no time bonuses for sprints or stage wins.  We came deep:  Kyler, Spaits, Jordan, Cary, Jackson, The Filthy Rosenberg

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-63588436938295095362009-05-14T21:59:00.005-04:002009-05-14T22:24:33.542-04:00

One of the advocates for Bike Week recently asked me if I thought that competitive cycling was going to become more popular.  I didn't have an answer, but it got me thinking.  Would it be a good thing if bicycle racing "blew up?"I have lived through the blowing up of one subculture activity already.  I have retched as the passion and its asthetic was appropriated and abused by the masses.  In the

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-77528200237927975982009-05-04T22:30:00.005-04:002009-05-04T22:59:49.902-04:00

Dear Team,   I hate apologizing.  Mostly, I avoid it.     So, why am I apologizing this time?  Because I hurt people who I care about.  In my last post (deleted) I hurt Ryan O'Hara and I hurt my team.     When I originally put up the offending post, I didn't think it through.  When the negative comments started rolling in, I treated them as the usual disgruntled idiots who always post

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-17007086380470758092009-05-04T16:13:00.003-04:002009-05-04T22:00:46.461-04:00

Tuesday is beginner night with C and D races.Wednesday is advanced night with A and B races.  Racing begins around 6pm both nightsBikes are available rent if you don't have a track bike.  Generally there is a train that leaves Cambridge around 4 on both nights if you need a ride.  Hit me up if you are interested in joining.  I will be there on Wednesday to challenge all A riders (and then

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-47117829153353265902009-04-25T19:49:00.004-04:002009-04-25T20:37:00.424-04:00

CB had alot of riders chomping at the bit.   Many of us are on good form, and we fielded several riders who could have won the race in a variety of ways.  Kyle, Glowa and I have been sprinting well, sweeping up primes and field sprints in training races since early season; Spaits and Cary handle hills with ease, making them both fearsome breakaway riders, Ryan is an excellent and enthusiastic all

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-27716230060889120812009-04-21T14:44:00.008-04:002009-04-21T15:24:05.898-04:00

As many of you know Natasha has been collecting photos and interviews over the course of 2008. She has compiled these into an awesome book that celebrates New England amateur cyclocross.If you missed the release party, you missed one of the best cycling parties of the year: Free Chimay, Mo's vegan cupcakes, national cycling luminaries and plenty of celebrities.  Thanks to everyone who braved

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3026613116977314546.post-11224830464917032272009-04-19T19:25:00.010-04:002009-04-21T10:24:11.771-04:00

This is a hardman event. 63 miles of rolling hills punctuated with dirt roads, loose gravel, climbs and climbs on dirt roads and loose gravel. As a sprinter, my goal for the event was to hold on to the lead group for as long as possible. If I was still in the front group after the final climb at 57 miles in, I planned on cleaning up the sprint. Last year in the cat 4 race, I was shelled out

RMMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02586927082756267932noreply@blogger.com8