Cyclocross Racing in Blaine, MN

These images are from the Grumpy's/Little Guy Racing (my team) Cyclocross Race held in Blaine, MN this fall. It was on the grounds of the NSC Velodrome (see earllier posts on this blog). Matt "Little Guy" and Rob "Tuffy" designed a course that was more difficult and varied than anyone suspected possible. It was my first Cyclocross race ever and it was a ball! In 30 minutes, I had to make as many laps around a 2k course as I could. Obstacles included: muddy hills, muddy ditches, thick grass (worse than it sounds), 18" hurdles. There were off-the-bike hills too, but not large ones. I finished in the front half of the pack, not too bad. It was a gas.

The NY Times sent us out to cover the race, so I raced the "c" race, which is for the slower and rookie riders. Then I shot the next two races, which get longer for the participants. "A" racers go for one hour! Brutal!

It was really good exposure for the sport, which is really a niche here in the US. European countries go nuts for this type of racing, but they are not competing as much with the Mall of America, Wii systems and reality TV for entertainment. Sad, we have too many options for entertainment here in the US. Anyway...

Bjorn Selander, divinginto the ditch in the Blue/white Ridley Factory jersey became the (under 23) National Champ in Cyclocross 2007. I think he is only 19, or 20 yrs old. Look out! Congrats, Bjorn.

Aric Hareland, jumping the barrier in the black/white Silver Cycling jersey is another local tough guy.

Enjoy the images. Try to catch a Cyclocross race in the future if you have not. It is a great spectator sport, as it takes place on a short course and involves laps. The Velodrome is good entertainment too. I'll be there this next season. It should be entertaining; spandex.

When it was warm...

Some of you know that I grew up on the east coast and rather enjoyed the surfing and skateboarding lifestyle that the coastal states are known for. So, it was with great joy that I accepted an assignment to wakesurf here in Minnesota. I had done it before, and was excited to get the chance again. Really fun.

Here's the skinny: You get a boat, preferrably one with an inboard motor and prop. Weight one side of the boat (with water bladders call "fat sac's". The boat then produces a larger, heavier wake. Using a surfboard shaped device you pull yourself into the wake just behind the boat and when you can let the wake's power propell you, you toss the rope into the boat. Now you're wake surfing. *Not to be confused with wake boarding, where you hang on to the rope the whole time - lame...

Check out the photos. First, Bill Tyler is deep in the curl. Not easy to do, but he's doing it with style. The rest are of Todd "Z-man" Zaugg on his home lake. He's quite comfortable on the board... comfortable enough to accept a beverage from someone in the boat. Nice Todd.

As a disclaimer, this can be really dangerous without the proper equipment. DO NOT try this with an outboard motor boat, as your body parts and the prop may tangle.

Recycling is Rad: messenger bags

A number of people asked me about the messenger bag I was wearing last night. I was proud to tell them that my wife, Bekah made it. What's more, she made it of recycled plastic bags and caution tape. The caution tape came from the small scraps from the Grumpy's/LGR Cyclocross race this fall.


She takes plastic bags destined for the trash and fuses them together to create a super tough plastic fabric. If you'd like to see more or contact her about getting one made for you, you can contact her at:

http://recyclingisrad.blogspot.com

About half of the bags she makes are custom ordered, so if you have preferences, she can ususally accommodate. You can see some in person at the CRC coffee shop and Re-gifts.

You'll be seeing more and more of these around. They rule.

COLD SPRINTS! - November edition

Last night was the first of four "Coldsprints" hosted by Grumpy's Bar and Grill, Behind Bars Bike shop and One-on-One Bike shop. If you aren't privy: "Coldsprints" (normally "Gold" sprints) are bicycle races on indoor training rollers - a fancy version of a staionary bike. In 20 seconds, you go as fast and hard as possible and try to beat the score of other contestants. A computer tracks the speed and distance and displays it on a screen. Think interactive video game for active types. Have a look:









Two teammates of mine won the event. Jake H. and Lindsey of Team Grumpy's/Little Guy Racing. I barely missed the qualifying heat, but vow to spin faster and harder next time. As a bonus, proceeds from last night went straight to the food shelf. Big thanks to everyone who helped out. Enjoy the images and try to make the next one if you missed this event.