April 5, 2009
Hornings Hideaway, North Plains Oregon
"In it to win it"
This was the 1st Mountain bike race of the year for me. The weather couldn't be better (70s) and the dirt was about as perfect as can be for an early April race.
I raced single speed as is the norm over the past couple of seasons. I lined up with the group of single speeders and scoped out the competition. I usually recognize most of the guys, but this time it was mostly guys I didn't recognize. Lots of dudes from Bend, Eugene, etc and not much in the way of a Portland showing, which is weird as this is the closest race on the schedule to Portland.
Like last year, the race was a circuit, meaning it had 5 mile laps and we did multiples. This can be a fun way to race because it allows you to try and retry different lines. Kind of like a cross race. The difference, was that the number of laps was fixed. Single speeders only did 3 which for an early seaon race on this course was plenty. We seemed to be either climbing or descending.
Back to the start. The gun went off and the group charged - A couple of guys in a full spring up the hill. I initially had a sinking feeling about being able to keep up right off the bat but I sucked it up and pulled infront of most of the guys. One dude (on a SS flat bar cross bike with carbon wheels no less) and I played a bit of cat and mouse with me catching him and him taking off. His much lighter skinny tired bike had a definate advantage on the long sustained climb, but it was overwhelmed on the technical descents. Mid way into the first lap (on the downhill single track) he went down and I made my move. He sprung up and was on my tail pretty quickly but I definately had the advantage at that point and I pulled away from him at the first water crossing.
Thankfully, I got faster with each lap and started passing the 1/2 geared riders (that started ahead of the single speeders). I also started lapping the riders that started after the SS group.
1 hour 32 minutes after I started I rolled into the finish area, asked the promoter "3 laps, right?" He said yes and tried to get me to do another one... after a bit of convincing he realized that I was indeed finished - 5-6 minutes ahead of the next closest single speeder.
Not bad for an early season race on a bike I haven't ridden since December...
Showing posts with label Soma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soma. Show all posts
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Friday, July 25, 2008
Short Track #5
Portland Short Track #5
Portland International Raceway
SS category
July 21, 2008
Again, I'm tardy in publishing this race report as I've had a ton going on with a really busy work schedule, and our upcoming vacation.
I had an almost perfect starting position and a good (not great) start. I made it into the first corner with the top 10 guys and mananged to stick with this group for the rest of the race, working my way up to a finishing placement of 4th (out of 54 folks). The course as usual was different than the previous weeks. The organizers added in a couple of logs and even a stretch of pavement(!). Fun times.
This is my last STXC of the year and probably my last race until 'cross starts so I'll do a quick recap:
#1: 3rd place
#3: 18th place
#4: 6th place
#5: 4th place
As compared to last year...
#1 22nd
#2 10th
#4 8th
#5 8th
Whoah - in a good way. Same as last year 3 top 10s, but in reality the competition was harder this year and I placed higher in each of the races. My best 3 races this year placed higher than my best all around last year.
I am bummed to miss the final race, but I should be having fun regardless :).
Portland International Raceway
SS category
July 21, 2008
Again, I'm tardy in publishing this race report as I've had a ton going on with a really busy work schedule, and our upcoming vacation.
I had an almost perfect starting position and a good (not great) start. I made it into the first corner with the top 10 guys and mananged to stick with this group for the rest of the race, working my way up to a finishing placement of 4th (out of 54 folks). The course as usual was different than the previous weeks. The organizers added in a couple of logs and even a stretch of pavement(!). Fun times.
This is my last STXC of the year and probably my last race until 'cross starts so I'll do a quick recap:
#1: 3rd place
#3: 18th place
#4: 6th place
#5: 4th place
As compared to last year...
#1 22nd
#2 10th
#4 8th
#5 8th
Whoah - in a good way. Same as last year 3 top 10s, but in reality the competition was harder this year and I placed higher in each of the races. My best 3 races this year placed higher than my best all around last year.
I am bummed to miss the final race, but I should be having fun regardless :).
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Short Track #4
Totally late post, so I am not going to create a lengthy description....
Details:
New Course
SS category
# of Riders: 43 riders
Final placement: 6th place
Cool picture:
http://photos.oregonvelo.com/p/pdxstxc071408r2/pdxstxc07140815940
The guy that took 1st in the race also races for Twin Six. His first race in the series. Nice work Jeff!
I followed up with the Twin Six guys and apparently he is also a good cyclocrosser so I am sure we will see more of him this fall.
Details:
New Course
SS category
# of Riders: 43 riders
Final placement: 6th place
Cool picture:
http://photos.oregonvelo.com/p/pdxstxc071408r2/pdxstxc07140815940
The guy that took 1st in the race also races for Twin Six. His first race in the series. Nice work Jeff!
I followed up with the Twin Six guys and apparently he is also a good cyclocrosser so I am sure we will see more of him this fall.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Tabor #5
Surveying the course. (New Kit)My posts are starting to bump into each other... I wait until my next race until I am forced to report on the last. Not very exciting reporting to say the least....
Tabor #5 was much like Tabor #3 (I missed #4 due to my wonderful wife's birthday). I raced fixed as usual and the field was a bit smaller, but all the leaders were there so I knew I would need to race smart again by not making a break
when the leaders were going slower than I wanted to. I stuck with
them and did my share of pulling until the final lap when the
lead guys attacked. I hung on for dear life and took home the
bronze. Hey, at least I paid for my race fees!
Best Part of the race was my cheering section:
"Go Daddy, Go!"
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Portland Short Track Racing #1
June 23, 2008
Portland International Raceway - infield
Single Speed
I knew it must finally be summer as I rode my mountain bike from downtown in the summer evening sun out to the race track. A beautiful evening with sun shining and the crowds of cyclists all around (roadies on the race track, mtn bikers on the infield). This is my 3rd season racing SS STX and I definitely have something to prove. Last year I did a couple top tens, but for the most part I had a pretty mediocre season. My first race in the series last year resulted in a crash.
If I've learned anything from 'cross, it's that a good crash is critical to a good finish. I took that to heart and got a good starting position on the right side and after the starting bell I took off and took the hole shot. Next thing I knew, I'm with the lead rider - Weaver - the series winner for the past 2 years. Although he was going fast, it didn't fell like I couldn't at least hang on, so I went for it.
A lap later I'm still sitting in 2nd when another guy comes screaming around me. I wasn't sure who it was so I returned the favor on the whoop dees and went around him. We did this a few times until he (ended up being Butler) put the hammer down and him and Weaver started pulling away.
I kept up my pace and ended up the race in 3rd place. My best result in a short track race in 3rd place our of 48 riders. (Big Group!)
Update: Video of Monday's race. All Categories including Kiddies
2008 Short Track Series - RACE 1 from Scott Barker on Vimeo.
On a more somber note, mid way through the race a fellow racer (30 yrs old) collapsed from a cardiac arrest. More info on this at BikePortland.org. Scary stuff, but as it turns out the first responders did all the right things and the fellow is going to be just fine.
Portland International Raceway - infield
Single Speed
I knew it must finally be summer as I rode my mountain bike from downtown in the summer evening sun out to the race track. A beautiful evening with sun shining and the crowds of cyclists all around (roadies on the race track, mtn bikers on the infield). This is my 3rd season racing SS STX and I definitely have something to prove. Last year I did a couple top tens, but for the most part I had a pretty mediocre season. My first race in the series last year resulted in a crash.
If I've learned anything from 'cross, it's that a good crash is critical to a good finish. I took that to heart and got a good starting position on the right side and after the starting bell I took off and took the hole shot. Next thing I knew, I'm with the lead rider - Weaver - the series winner for the past 2 years. Although he was going fast, it didn't fell like I couldn't at least hang on, so I went for it.
A lap later I'm still sitting in 2nd when another guy comes screaming around me. I wasn't sure who it was so I returned the favor on the whoop dees and went around him. We did this a few times until he (ended up being Butler) put the hammer down and him and Weaver started pulling away.
I kept up my pace and ended up the race in 3rd place. My best result in a short track race in 3rd place our of 48 riders. (Big Group!)
Update: Video of Monday's race. All Categories including Kiddies
2008 Short Track Series - RACE 1 from Scott Barker on Vimeo.
On a more somber note, mid way through the race a fellow racer (30 yrs old) collapsed from a cardiac arrest. More info on this at BikePortland.org. Scary stuff, but as it turns out the first responders did all the right things and the fellow is going to be just fine.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Mt Tabor #1
The first in this summers series of 6 races occurred on June 4th 2008 at Mount Tabor. For those of you that have not read my past years race reports, Mt Tabor is a dormant volcano in SE Portland. Each summer there is a mid week race series. It's basically a crit with multiple laps that are either climbing up or going down. All in all a pretty hard race.
I raced in the fixed category. There was a pretty sizeable group of 19 riders. The group basically stayed together vs. there being any major breakaway by any riders. I felt strong and pulled the group for the first and final lap. Unfortunately, I dug a bit to deep and couldn't maintain my pace for the final climb to the finish. I ended up in the lead group taking a solid 5th. Not great as I have a goal of a top 3, but acceptable especially after racing just 3 days ago.
I finished the race and tasted lunch (blech) before doing a recovery ride home.
Until next week!
I raced in the fixed category. There was a pretty sizeable group of 19 riders. The group basically stayed together vs. there being any major breakaway by any riders. I felt strong and pulled the group for the first and final lap. Unfortunately, I dug a bit to deep and couldn't maintain my pace for the final climb to the finish. I ended up in the lead group taking a solid 5th. Not great as I have a goal of a top 3, but acceptable especially after racing just 3 days ago.
I finished the race and tasted lunch (blech) before doing a recovery ride home.
Until next week!
Falls City Firecracker Presented by Cyclepath
Sunday June 1 2008
Falls City Oregon
Single Speed
The promoters were serving pain by the cup and I was drinking it by the pitcher. This is a great mountain bike race and one of my favorite of the year. Half Fast Velo (another local team) puts on the race and Cyclepath is the primary sponsor. It takes place in Falls City at the Black Rock Freeride area.
I awoke in the AM to pouring rain and the sinking feeling that it was going to be an utter slopfest. As I loaded the car and headed to the pick up point for the carpool down I was really feeling a sense of dread about the weather. Thankfully, as we drove south, it dried out and by the time we were in Falls City it was perfect.
The race was billed as 80% single track which in my opinion was pretty accurate. The course itself was a multi-lap format where each lap was about 4.5 miles with 1400 feet of elevation gain per lap. Basically, each lap consisted of a prolonged uphill grind up single track and fireroad and then a bombing single track & fire road descent. The promoter of the race did incorporate some routes that had ladders and drops into the course which did add to the excitement. It also pushed my rigid single speed to it's limit.
The race start & finish was midway up the fire road climb which resulted in both the start and the finish being on a hill (nice...). At the starting gun, I took off from the very back of the pack. I spent the first part of the climb working through a mass of bodies and was towards the front by the time we hit the first single track section.
By the time I made it to the top and the beginning of the downhill there were about 4-6 guys ahead of me. I picked a couple of them off on the descent and all but one on the next climb/descent combo.
Ended up finishing the race in 2nd place. The 'other' guy was Nelson Snyder. A Cyclepath Teamie and my copilot on the drive down to the race. I can't say I am disappointed.
Falls City Oregon
Single Speed
The promoters were serving pain by the cup and I was drinking it by the pitcher. This is a great mountain bike race and one of my favorite of the year. Half Fast Velo (another local team) puts on the race and Cyclepath is the primary sponsor. It takes place in Falls City at the Black Rock Freeride area.
I awoke in the AM to pouring rain and the sinking feeling that it was going to be an utter slopfest. As I loaded the car and headed to the pick up point for the carpool down I was really feeling a sense of dread about the weather. Thankfully, as we drove south, it dried out and by the time we were in Falls City it was perfect.
The race was billed as 80% single track which in my opinion was pretty accurate. The course itself was a multi-lap format where each lap was about 4.5 miles with 1400 feet of elevation gain per lap. Basically, each lap consisted of a prolonged uphill grind up single track and fireroad and then a bombing single track & fire road descent. The promoter of the race did incorporate some routes that had ladders and drops into the course which did add to the excitement. It also pushed my rigid single speed to it's limit.
The race start & finish was midway up the fire road climb which resulted in both the start and the finish being on a hill (nice...). At the starting gun, I took off from the very back of the pack. I spent the first part of the climb working through a mass of bodies and was towards the front by the time we hit the first single track section.
By the time I made it to the top and the beginning of the downhill there were about 4-6 guys ahead of me. I picked a couple of them off on the descent and all but one on the next climb/descent combo.
Ended up finishing the race in 2nd place. The 'other' guy was Nelson Snyder. A Cyclepath Teamie and my copilot on the drive down to the race. I can't say I am disappointed.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Hornings Hustle Season Opener
April 6th 2008
Hornings Hideout
North Plains, Oregon
Single Speed
"The race that was won by the guy who could push his bike the fastest". A bit of a joke, but only half way. Seriously, though there was a ton of running/pushing the bike. This race was more cross race than the past 2 cross races I've done out at the same venue. It was a mud bog suffer fest.
Photo (Oregon Velo). Mid way through lap 1.
The race started neutral (meaning everyone starts slow until a point on the course). We hit the single track and it was a bit of a cluster. The race started heating up about midway 1 mile into the first lap and I started to take the race serious to try to make up lost ground from my horrible starting position at the "neutral start".
Photo #2 (Oregon Velo)- Weather heating up -lap 1
We did 3 laps, each lap was about 5 miles each (total race time on the odo: 1:56). Each lap was progressively harder with the 3rd taking me into the pain cave. It started raining towards the end of the second lap and made the mud that much deeper and thicker.
This was a muddy race. I think this was lap two:
Muddy Dan - Oregon Velo
Good times. A good early season race, but in case you haven't gathered, it was MUDDY. I was thankful I was running single speed, as I didn't see the drive train issues I saw others having.
Oh, I got 4th place. Not a bad start to the 2008 season.
Hornings Hideout
North Plains, Oregon
Single Speed
"The race that was won by the guy who could push his bike the fastest". A bit of a joke, but only half way. Seriously, though there was a ton of running/pushing the bike. This race was more cross race than the past 2 cross races I've done out at the same venue. It was a mud bog suffer fest.
Photo (Oregon Velo). Mid way through lap 1.
The race started neutral (meaning everyone starts slow until a point on the course). We hit the single track and it was a bit of a cluster. The race started heating up about midway 1 mile into the first lap and I started to take the race serious to try to make up lost ground from my horrible starting position at the "neutral start".
Photo #2 (Oregon Velo)- Weather heating up -lap 1
We did 3 laps, each lap was about 5 miles each (total race time on the odo: 1:56). Each lap was progressively harder with the 3rd taking me into the pain cave. It started raining towards the end of the second lap and made the mud that much deeper and thicker.
This was a muddy race. I think this was lap two:
Muddy Dan - Oregon Velo
Good times. A good early season race, but in case you haven't gathered, it was MUDDY. I was thankful I was running single speed, as I didn't see the drive train issues I saw others having.
Oh, I got 4th place. Not a bad start to the 2008 season.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
New Wheels...
I 'commissioned' Cyclepath to build me some new wheels for my 29er. They were just competed and I brought them home tonight... I can't wait for it to dry up so I can take them for a spin.
Specs are as follow:
Paul Single Speed Disc Hubs
DT Swiss Champion Double Butted spokes
Stans ZTR 355 rims
1800 grams (w/o tires, rotors or a SS freewheel)
My old wheels are actually not SS specific. I'm going to save them for a future project (disc brake cross bike maybe????)
Monday, October 08, 2007
Fixed gear for 'cross training?
I've been riding my fixed gear alot this fall (Mainly because this fall has started out so rainy and my fixed gear is my rain bike). I typically ride it all winter and into the spring to prepare for Tabor and then hang it up for a few months during the summer and fall to prep for cyclocross. Riding it only occasionally on severe rain days. Anyway, this year I've been riding it quite a bit and the question came to mind - is this helping or hurting my 'cross? I know it has made me a strong climber and it helps me learn to suffer, but does spinning at a high cadence (downhill) and a slow cadence (up hill) help or hurt?
Only time will tell I guess.
Only time will tell I guess.
About time
Just read on the Soma website that 2008 will bring disc brakes to the 'Soma Double Cross' cyclocross bike.
Looks like I might have a new bike on my wish list for 2008...
Looks like I might have a new bike on my wish list for 2008...
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Master As vs. Single Speed
I put cross tires on my mountain 29er a week ago and have been putting some miles on it (Forest Park, Tabor, Commuting, etc.). I loved the bike before, but am really loving it now. Skinny tires are fun & fast. The confidence of being upright and using disc brakes is so liberating. I feel like I’m pretty capable of at descending in the dirt on the cross bike, but when I do the same descents on the 29er, I absolutely slay them. I’m riding a 36x18, but need to test out 36x16 which I will try to swap out tonight for a ride on Thursday...
Which makes me wonder if I should plan on racing SS this year? Here is what my schedule is looking like right now.
Sept 30th: Battle at Barlow - Master As
Oct 4th: Alpenrose (Cross Crusade #1) – Master A’s
Oct 14th: Horning’s Hideout*: Single Speed
Oct 21st: Rainer High School: undecided. May take a by
Oct 28th: Astoria Fairgrounds: undecided: May take a by unless the family wants to make a weekend out of it…
November 4th: Barton Park: Master As
November 11th Estacada/ World Single Speed CX championships…: Undecided on which to race. SS might be more fun to watch
November 18th: Hillsboro Stadium: Master As
December 1st: PIR/ USGP of Cyclocross #5: Single Speed?
December 2nd: PIR/ USGP of Cyclocross #6: Single Speed?
* I won at Hornings last year in the Bs. Supposedly the course will be mixed up a bit from last year, but still, there is no pavement, so definitely a mtn SS course.
Which makes me wonder if I should plan on racing SS this year? Here is what my schedule is looking like right now.
Sept 30th: Battle at Barlow - Master As
Oct 4th: Alpenrose (Cross Crusade #1) – Master A’s
Oct 14th: Horning’s Hideout*: Single Speed
Oct 21st: Rainer High School: undecided. May take a by
Oct 28th: Astoria Fairgrounds: undecided: May take a by unless the family wants to make a weekend out of it…
November 4th: Barton Park: Master As
November 11th Estacada/ World Single Speed CX championships…: Undecided on which to race. SS might be more fun to watch
November 18th: Hillsboro Stadium: Master As
December 1st: PIR/ USGP of Cyclocross #5: Single Speed?
December 2nd: PIR/ USGP of Cyclocross #6: Single Speed?
* I won at Hornings last year in the Bs. Supposedly the course will be mixed up a bit from last year, but still, there is no pavement, so definitely a mtn SS course.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Portland Short track #4
July 16, 2007
Portland International Raceway
Portland, OR
I'm tardy in publishing this race report as I've had a ton going on with a really busy work schedule, our kitchen remodel and of course the recent trip we (the Porter clan) just took to Disneyland!!! (tons of fun, but word to the wise - Thunder mountain railroad is not the most appropriate ride for a 3 & 6 year old. I think both kids may have almost had heart attacks and Megan & I had to build up their trust again for the next 2 days!)
The race as usual was great. I completed 7 quick laps along with the rest of the race leaders and managed to hang on for a series best of 8th place. One thing really exciting, is the number of riders from "Team Cyclepath" in the top 10!
Order Plate Name Team
1 90 Andy McKerrow Bike Gallery
2 141 Ryan Weaver (prime) River City Bicycles
3 30 Patrick Wilder Cyclepath
4 114 Martin Baker bicycleattorney.com
5 64 Jacob Furniss Eddy Merkin
6 11 Pete Zlatnik Bike Gallery
7 31 Nelson Snyder Cyclepath
8 13 Daniel Porter Cyclepath
9 353 Michael Gallagher River City Bicycles
10 240 Matt Hall Ira Ryan Cycles/Veloshop
34 single speeders started the race which was a decent sized group. The course was more like a cyclocross race than a mtn bike race, though it did not contain any dismounts.
I missed this past weeks race (July 23) as we were still traveling, but I am anxious for the series final on July 30th. Stay tuned!
Portland International Raceway
Portland, OR
I'm tardy in publishing this race report as I've had a ton going on with a really busy work schedule, our kitchen remodel and of course the recent trip we (the Porter clan) just took to Disneyland!!! (tons of fun, but word to the wise - Thunder mountain railroad is not the most appropriate ride for a 3 & 6 year old. I think both kids may have almost had heart attacks and Megan & I had to build up their trust again for the next 2 days!)
The race as usual was great. I completed 7 quick laps along with the rest of the race leaders and managed to hang on for a series best of 8th place. One thing really exciting, is the number of riders from "Team Cyclepath" in the top 10!
Order Plate Name Team
1 90 Andy McKerrow Bike Gallery
2 141 Ryan Weaver (prime) River City Bicycles
3 30 Patrick Wilder Cyclepath
4 114 Martin Baker bicycleattorney.com
5 64 Jacob Furniss Eddy Merkin
6 11 Pete Zlatnik Bike Gallery
7 31 Nelson Snyder Cyclepath
8 13 Daniel Porter Cyclepath
9 353 Michael Gallagher River City Bicycles
10 240 Matt Hall Ira Ryan Cycles/Veloshop
34 single speeders started the race which was a decent sized group. The course was more like a cyclocross race than a mtn bike race, though it did not contain any dismounts.
I missed this past weeks race (July 23) as we were still traveling, but I am anxious for the series final on July 30th. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Portland Short Track #3
Lucky # 13I should have published this photo last week, as it was during last weeks race that I crashed, almost lost my front wheel (had to stop and tighten the skewer) and got off course requiring a reride of a section I already completed. I'm not a superstitious person, and this week the #13 worked just fine. I moved up 12 spots from last week to finish in the top 10 (10th place to be exact). The race was course was a little more technical and longer than the week before and although it was a hot night, we had a nice summer breeze that kept the temps in check.
Single speeders finished 6 laps in the 30 minute race. Each lap was about 1 mile long. I'll let you do the math on how fast that is. As mentioned earlier, the course was a bit more technical and quite a bit longer (though strangely we did the same number of laps). I managed to keep the rubber side down this week, however the same could not be said for everyone. Lots of guys were going down on the course. I removed the bar ends (that although I like) caused me problems in the last race. Also, I lowered my wheel pressure down a bit which gave me a tad more traction. Next week I might try making my gear ratio bigger (or is it smaller?) Anyway, easier.... Currently riding 36 x 18 which is a great forest park gear range. Not so great for slow flats where I need to have quick etup & go. I think.... If I have a 20 tooth rear cog I might try that instead.
Totally unrelated to bike racing, but just curious if you know what stress is. Here is a picture of stress:
My Kitchen(actually, sheetrock was installed today, so it looks a bit better)
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Portland Short Track #2
Portland Short Track Series
Race #2
July 2nd, 2007
Portland International Raceway (PIR)
Like the Mount Tabor Series, Portland Short Track is another week day (after work) racing series that happens every year here in Portland.
I missed the first one as it happened to land on my wife's birthday, so I was quite anxious at the start of this weeks race.
I rode out to Portland International Raceway (about a 6-7 mile ride from downtown) to revel in the whoops, turns and twists of the popular MTB Short Track course. (200+ racers showed up this week (for all categories).
The gun went off, I tore into the first turn hot, and bam next thing I knew, I was on the ground along with a couple of other guys. I picked myself and my bike out of the dirt and jump back on the saddle. Unfortunately, the damage was done and I lost my chance at a good placing. I played the rest of the race trying to catch up. I had a few more problems over the next 6 laps - my front skewer was loose (due to the crash) and I opted to stop and fix it over the chance of losing teeth in the event of my front wheel coming off. Then, I got lost on the course (how does one get lost on a STX course?).
Not to complain. The race was great fun and well run as always. Plus, you need to have bad races to appreciate the good ones. I ended up in 22nd place out of about 40 single speeders. We all did 6 laps on a beautiful summer evening. How bad can it be?
Race #2
July 2nd, 2007
Portland International Raceway (PIR)
Like the Mount Tabor Series, Portland Short Track is another week day (after work) racing series that happens every year here in Portland.
I missed the first one as it happened to land on my wife's birthday, so I was quite anxious at the start of this weeks race.
I rode out to Portland International Raceway (about a 6-7 mile ride from downtown) to revel in the whoops, turns and twists of the popular MTB Short Track course. (200+ racers showed up this week (for all categories).
The gun went off, I tore into the first turn hot, and bam next thing I knew, I was on the ground along with a couple of other guys. I picked myself and my bike out of the dirt and jump back on the saddle. Unfortunately, the damage was done and I lost my chance at a good placing. I played the rest of the race trying to catch up. I had a few more problems over the next 6 laps - my front skewer was loose (due to the crash) and I opted to stop and fix it over the chance of losing teeth in the event of my front wheel coming off. Then, I got lost on the course (how does one get lost on a STX course?).
Monday, June 04, 2007
Mount Tabor #1: 2007 Mt Tabor Series
Shortest Race Report Ever...
Mt Tabor Park: Portland OR
May 30th 2007
Circuit Race
Category: Fixed Gear
The stats:
17 riders
Temp: about a gazillion degrees
4 laps
4th place!
First Tabor race of the year. Turnout in the fixed gear category (the sideshow) was the biggest ever. We took off, raced around the park multiple times and I was beat by a 15 year old... (he then raced again and one the men's cat 3 race, so I *think* he'll be someone to watch) Made me feel old.
This was my first race on the Soma Rush, though I have been riding it alot since I built it up. The ride performed as expected. I absolutely love the bike. I also received a few compliments on "my fancy new bike" from the usual suspects.
I am going to try to race again this wednesday, unfortunately I pulled something the next evening on a mountain bike ride and may be out of commission. :(
peace
Mt Tabor Park: Portland OR
May 30th 2007
Circuit Race
Category: Fixed Gear
The stats:
17 riders
Temp: about a gazillion degrees
4 laps
4th place!
First Tabor race of the year. Turnout in the fixed gear category (the sideshow) was the biggest ever. We took off, raced around the park multiple times and I was beat by a 15 year old... (he then raced again and one the men's cat 3 race, so I *think* he'll be someone to watch) Made me feel old.
This was my first race on the Soma Rush, though I have been riding it alot since I built it up. The ride performed as expected. I absolutely love the bike. I also received a few compliments on "my fancy new bike" from the usual suspects.
I am going to try to race again this wednesday, unfortunately I pulled something the next evening on a mountain bike ride and may be out of commission. :(
peace
Friday, March 30, 2007
Soma Juice...
The new Soma Juice I mentioned way back here. is finally done. Actually, it has actually been completed for a month or so. Thus far it has been mostly ridden around town and with the family 'trailer bike in tow', though it has also been on a couple Forest Park rides (Forest park is a huge urban park here in Portland. The trailhead is about 1 mile from my new office, so hitting the trails at lunch will become a sweet summer time activity). The first time in "The Park", I basically stayed on the dirt road that leads through it cause everything was pretty mucky. Today however I rode with a coworker (on a geared bike no less) and we hit the firelanes - Up firelane 1 to Skyline, down
I love the way it rides - I'm really not seeing much in the way of rear wheel drag (some people complain about 29er bikes feeling like boat anchors when you get them going). The thing climbs like a monkey on crack! I opted for a rigid carbon fork on the bike, so that definately makes it feel different, climbing is much much nicer...
Anyway, I'm stoked on the bike. A shout out to Stan @ Soma and to the guys at Cyclepath for helping me pull together all the missing components.
The stats:
- Soma 29er Juice Frame
- Black Chris King Headset
- Pace Carbon 29er fork
- Easton Seatpost
- IRD Seatpost clamp
- WTB Speed V titanium rails
- RaceFace AlloyAir bars
- RaceFace Prodigy stem
- ODI Lock on Grips
- SRAM 9.0 levers
- Avid BB.7 Mechanical Disc Brakes & Rotors
- Avid Full Metal Jacket Brake Cable System
- RaceFace Turbine (old school) cranks
- RaceFace 36T Chainring
- Time Z Atac petals
- Shimano Square Taper Ultegra BB
- BBG Bashguard
- Avid 8 spd chain
- Bontrager Race Disc wheels with ‘Gusset’ single speed converter
- IRC Mythos F&R 2.1 29er tires
Misc
- Zefal Bottle Cage
- Specialized ‘Turbo’ Odometer
- Jand Mountaineering seat wedge
- 2 Spot Brand ‘rocket’ chain tensioners
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Soma Rush
I started & finished the transformation of the Soma Rush this weekend. I took it on it's inaugural ride to return a movie and it rode great. I can't wait for the commute tomorrow.
frame with headset
frame, fork, cranks, bars, etc.
finished!
frame with headset
frame, fork, cranks, bars, etc.
finished! 
Much of the bike was transferred from my old fixed gear. New stuff includes frame, chain, tires, bar tape...
Here are the stats
55 cm Soma Rush
Forte Carbon Fork
Kore bars
Fizik tape
Sette stem
Shimano brakes hoods (the left is a dummy)
Shimano 105 front brake
Surly fixed/fixed hubs with 15/17 cogs laced to black velocity aerohead rims
Soma extra thick tires
Hurricane components cranks with a 42 tooth downhill RaceFace chain ring
Time ATAC pedals
Sram chain
black seatpost (forgot the brand)
Specialized seat
Surly Tuggnut Chain Tensioner/keeper
Zefal cage
One Less Car sticker...
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Some Soma Love
Friday afternoon I got home from work and found these two big boxes sitting there waiting for me.
Boxes arrive
Boxes arrive
Simon thinks the boxes are for him
Juice Unveiled
Rush UnveiledBoth frames are super pretty - I can't wait to build them up. Here's the dilemma - I can build up the Rush now by pulling apart my other fixed gear frame (I already mounted a headset). the problem is that it is sooo pretty that I don't want to ride it in the winter! I have all the parts for the Juice as well minus the fork and wheels (though I did order a Pace Carbon fork) . Unfortunately I need to sell some stuff before I can build the wheels, so if you know anyone who needs a 54cm track frame & fork, a 26' Single Speed Eccentric Eno wheelset, or a 17 inch mtn frame & fork let me know)
Friday, January 12, 2007
Soma Fabrications
I recently sent out letters to a few choice bike related companies - hoping for sponsorship opportunities. I got few responses - mostly to the tune of "Thanks for your interest, but not at this time".
I did however get a hit from a great company, Soma Fabrications out of the Bay Area. They responded back to my 'pitch' with a favorable response and are now offering me a limited sponsorship - Similar to the deal I have with Twin Six.
So anyway, I'll be replacing a couple of the bikes in the stable with some high quality steel bikes - The bikes on the chopping block are my Fixed Gear (being replaced with a Rush) - Actually the Rush I am getting will be Red.
and my single speed (being replaced with a Juice), and actually the Juice I'll be getting will be grey.
I did however get a hit from a great company, Soma Fabrications out of the Bay Area. They responded back to my 'pitch' with a favorable response and are now offering me a limited sponsorship - Similar to the deal I have with Twin Six.
So anyway, I'll be replacing a couple of the bikes in the stable with some high quality steel bikes - The bikes on the chopping block are my Fixed Gear (being replaced with a Rush) - Actually the Rush I am getting will be Red.
and my single speed (being replaced with a Juice), and actually the Juice I'll be getting will be grey.
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