Entries Tagged 'mtb riding' ↓

Alter Ego’s new club jersey and shorts kit for 2010

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Alter Ego Jersey-Short

Rick at the Cyclocross

It was an excellent course; fast, smooth; technical in sections; had great flow and the barrier placement was as challenging as it gets. The post race draw for jerseys, caps and those brakes while eating hot dogs, Euro weiners and sausages was a socializers’ dream. An excellent set-up with fine seasonal weather. Alas, this typers legs weren’t there but it was an excellent workout; fun was had by all; until next CCross race WHICH IS THE PROVINCIALS AT WOODHAVEN PARK on November 1 – a great venue and perfect to burn off those Halloween treats; see you then.
Thanks to all those volunteers for the course, feeding and cheers.

… was a technical mud fest. The course was fast and challenging – the snow and melt resulting in mud, slippery off camber grass; 180 degree turns after a descent with speed on the grass made the course a technical riders dream!! It was a blast – although my bike weighed about 4 kgs more at the end and my shoes about the same – cleaning of me, the ride and shoes took about 60 minutes; kudo’s to the organizers for the work they did before and after the event; the music and announcer; the course and ‘lack’ of a mud pit made it the Event as promoted. Next up is Altona and the Sausage Fest. Until then, quality.

My season began on my trainer in February.  I am always keen in the spring as I will have been cooped up all winter in my basement with the exception of the once or twice a week I xc ski in my back yard with my dogs.  I watched tour de France videos and spun till my heart was content.  From what I can gather not alot of people can sit on a trainer for 2-3 hours at a time, not a problem here.

My spin came back after 3-4 weeks as it always does and I was looking forward to the race season on my Mountain bike.  Living where I do I tend to only ride my road bike unless I’m racing in which case I am on my MTB obviously.  I did ok in the first few races of the year finishing in my usual mid-pack expert form and was not expecting to do any major damage with all the usual suspects looking fast as usual.

Being lazy and not wanting to drive  out to the hills (of which there definately are within 1.5-2 hours away) every weekend I tend to focus on the Wednesday night series at the bur oak trail in Birds hill park.  This for me has always been the most enjoyable racing  by far.  If you want to try mountain biking and don’t want to put your job, family, and life at risk riding some of the silly courses that can be set up at times , this is the series for you.  I spend my mountain bike days riding at the bur oak because its close, it’s dry and if its not challenging enough for you….go faster.

I would also like to mention how much I enjoyed The Alter Sunday morning shop rides.  This was our second summer running them and for most who attend they seem to become a regular.  Our pace is quite casual relative to the paces that I’ve been told many other group rides  are performed at.  We do not consider these rides races by any means so much as a casual conversation pace gathering of like minded cyclists.  Having said that, for those who have been on these rides know there are a couple of areas where the speed will jump up considerably for a short period of time for a few of the riders before settling back down and re-compressing the peloton.  These are not sprints of course as this is a “casual” ride .  Merely a chance for those involved to create a platform from which to brag aloud post ride.  Hope the bridges are repaired by spring.

I really had a great summer of riding despite the great farming weather.  I do have to say though (and I may be a bit biased here) my favorite race of this year, as it was last year had to be the 8 hour race held at the birch bike park, put on by the alter ego club. Shawn, Moni, Al, Team Seier and others laid out a great course for the event (true flow).  Mother nature took the opportunity pre event to ensure that the number of racers who came out were limited.  Despite that the comradarie and attitude of all who attended just seemed to be about having fun.  The keg of beer may have aided to that end as well.

All in all a great season of riding bicycles.  I now need to change my focus and pull out the misery sticks for another season of xc skiing.  We had tried to have a regular night of skiing at windsor park nordic center in the past but have been very hit and miss.  We’ll see this year I guess.  I need to learn to like classic skiing.  It’s tough to strap on the shufflers when I know I can go skate skiing where I may be a little more proficient.

I did manage to win the Wednesday night point series in The Expert men category somehow.  Perhaps due to all my mtn bike riding being done there.  I guess I’ll have a bit of a target on my back next year….oh well (maybe next year Steve ).

For those who are of similar stature to me [5 foot 8 ish] .  I have a couple of bicycles that need to leave the comfort of my home.  I have a gently used  Specialized 2009 Tarmac SL2 with world champion Paolo Bettini colors (special edition) with full Sram red groupo, Roval fusee star wheelset and schwalbe ultremo tires for sale.  Size 52 cm.  I have a new bike on the way (yes we’re very spoiled at Alter).                                                            dave@alteregosports.com

I also have My beautiful hardtail for sale.  A 2007 Secialized stumpjumper comp frame 17″ in arctic cat green with full XT components and an XTR rear derailleur.  FOX rl 90 fork.  The wheels that will be sold with it have not been used with the exception of the rear that was used for one race by a member of Team Seier.  Obviously mechanic owned and maintained.  $2500.00 retail approx.  $1200.00 price                          dave@alteregosports.com

The wheels I put on that bike as soon as I received it are going as well.  Stans olympic ZTR rims laced to DT Swiss 240 hubs 6 bolt via DT swiss revoloution 1.8-1.5 stainless spokes with blue anodized aluminum nipples.  I built these myself and have not had to true them.  Max rider weight is around 190lbs.          dave@alteregosports.com

Don’t need to sell this stuff however with my current ride being a Trek top fuel 9.9 ssl I haven’t been using much else.

Again ,Thanks to everyone who was a part of one or all of my adventures this year and we’ll see you next year.  Rumor has it I may have access to a coach for the winter .

Dave.

The Belgian CCross event is just that – an event that s/b on your calendar even if only to come watch. THIS IS A MUST DO EVENT, EVEN IF IT RAINS OR SNOWS; it has grown each year as a showcase cross event. The course is always fast challenging and fun; plus the frites avec mayo are worth the trip; guaranteed appetite builder for the turkey and pumpkin pie later on in the weekend. Don’t miss the fun! C U THERE!

Manitoba Cyclocross Race #1

The season starts off on Sunday, August 30th with Manitoba Cyclocross #1, brought to you by the Olympia Cycling Club. We’re trying an new venue at Crescent Drive Park which should be a fast course.

For those who do not have an MCA license and want to give cyclocross a try all you need to do is buy the MCA citizen license and we’ll let you into the race for free! For that matter, you will get into all remaining races* for free (excluding the Provincial championships) with a citizen’s license. To help you get ready for your first cyclocross experience a group of experienced racers will be offering a free clinic on the ins and outs of cyclocross at the race site starting at 2:00.

For more information go to: www.olympiacyclingclub.ca  or www.cxmb.blogspot.com. Registration forms available at: http://www.olympiacyclingclub.ca/?p=1304

Date: August 30th
Location: Crescent Drive Park
Times: races start at 3:00 for the kids, 3:45 for B and citizen, and 4:45 for A
Cost: Citizens and 15 and under free, all others $10

*all participating organizers

I’ll start by saying  that this was my favorite race last year and judging by the mca polls it was also a favorite of many other riders.

This year did not disappoint .  Not a great turnout for the race with the forecast coming into the race being lots of rain, locusts, and several other plagues piled on one another.

The lack of riders did not dampen the spirits those who were not big wimps.  The course….All I can say is that this is how a course should be set up, finally a roseisle course with flow and a perfect balance of ripping fast flowy downhills and steady easily paced uphills.  Feel free to agree or disagree in the comments section at the bottom of this page.

My race.

I was first leg with the incomparable Allan Robertson as my partner in the two man category.  I went out with the intention of riding a pace that I could hold for four hours.  Not too difficult with the rain we had had.  My snowboarding background came in handy as I slid down everything with even the slightest of angle (wet).  My first lap was  38 minutes .  Based on this we decided to do 2 hour stints.  The rain had stopped by the start of the event and every lap was getting faster, stickier, easier.  I then posted a 35 followed by a 37.

When I came through for transition to Allan…He wasn’t in the starting blocks (turns out Don Sissons had sprained his ankle and Al was making sure he was ok, excusable…I guess .  Al went out and held our position in third, first place was already out of reach due to some fast Morden locals who went untouchable all day.  We had Graham and Josh to worry about and with Graham doing 5 laps on his first stint we were in a bit of a hole.  Al filled alot of the hole , 1 beer and some idle chit chat  later, I was back up for my 4-5-6 laps.

I went out slowly and could feel my previous laps in my legs.  Anyone who has ridden at this amazing place understands that.  4th lap bang on 38 minutes, 5th lap a little slower, 6th lap…OH hello Mr. Crampy legs.  I maybe should have drank water instead of that refreshing malt beverage.  I had caught and passed Josh for second place on my 5th lap.  I was 5 minutes slower on my 6th lap… He was slowing as well.  We were down by two minutes.  As I came meandering into the transition for Al I told him to go catch the Gerolsteiner Jersey.  Apparently that was all the motivation he needed.

As he came through for his lap he looked right into my soul with the fires of hell burning in his eyes and said “You’d better be ready when I come through”.  Obviously with the assistance of Beelzebub himself he posted the second fastest lap time of the event.  when you dance with evil you will always pay the price,  For Al it was in the form of  a visit from Mr. Crampy legs.  When Al came through for transition He looked like he had been chased super fast zombies of some kind.  I was ready

While in the pits I had “accidentally” overheard josh mention to another rider that he had to stop on “Gilles secret trail ” climb to fight off vertical expulsion of his previous meal.  Hmmmm.  Graham handed the reigns to Josh just behind me as I went out for what was to be our final lap.  2nd and 3rd separated by 1 second after 7 hours of racing.  I did not want another visit from Mr. Crampy legs so I had to be reasonable about my efforts.  Immediately after our transition I let Josh go.  A draft is a wonderful thing.  I let him gap me by about 10 seconds hoping he would push a little harder.  He did.  I kept him within reach as much as I could.  My plan was to slowly reel him in by the time we got to “the climb”.  I slowly reeled him in by the time we got to the climb.  It was difficult sitting on his wheel up the climb as my top fuel does not have a granny ring (I wished it had).  Josh and I rode off the top of the climb and through an uber flowy new cut section along the top of the ridge.  When we got to the opening just before the descent I reached down ,got my can opener and opened a steaming fresh can of whoop ass.  I think I put 35 seconds on Josh by the bottom of the descent.  I love my bike.

Josh and Graham were awesome opponents and I thank them for making it such a close battle all day.

I thank Allen (or at least the person I knew as Allen before the possession) for keeping it real.

As I said off the top this is such a well run event,  Gobs of prizes courtesy of Norco,  Great trails and perfect weather for racing.  Again my favorite race this year.

BEEEAW!

Dave./D.J.

• Where: Birch Ski Hill (Roseisle MB)
• When: July 26^th, 2009
• Meet Location: Humpty’s/Petro Canada corner of McGillvary  and Perimeter
• Time: meet at 9:00 am

This ride is anticipation of the 8 Hour endure race the Alter Ego is hosting in August. After our ride and minor trail maintenance, we will have a BBQ and the club will bring drinks and burgers.

Please RSVP to Moni and Allan at: mubouch@shaw.ca

Come out this Monday with your mountain bike and check out the fantastic obstacles that have been built this summer for the purpose of practicing all manner of off-road riding skills! Last Monday was awesome and this Monday Shaw Cable is coming out to film some riding and interview riders of all abilities. These rides are great for the very “green” to the much experienced as our obstacles can be altered to suit all levels of ability and courage!

Ride a little or a lot. Stay late or leave early. Just come on out and have some fun on your bike!

MOUNTAIN BIKE SKILLS – Shaw Cable session
Date: Monday July 20, 2009
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Whittier Park
Bike: MTB
Skills: We’ll use some props and obstacles to practice slow speed technique, wheel lifts (over logs etc.), basic wheelies/drops, riding skinnies & teeter totters.

N.B – This session is being set up for a Shaw Cable segment on cycling.

Thanks!
Allan

We will meet at the Forks (in front of Johnson Terminal, by the winter skating rink) at 6:30 and determine a route form there. With the rain again yesterday likely not many river routes available to ride but we will do our best.

At Whittier Park there will be the option for a skills workshop. We’ll use some props and obstacles to practice slow speed technique, wheel lifts (over logs etc.), basic wheelies/drops, riding skinnies & teeter totters.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the weather!