Going Tubeless

In early May of this year I decided to sign up for a season opener by doing the Battle at Burlingame 6 hour solo.  I had been fat biking and cross country skiing all winter and I wanted to see where my fitness stood at the end of a busy, but fun winter, and to gauge the effectiveness of training this way for future seasons. 



Road rash from blowing out on a sandy corner

So I showed up ready to give it my all on a course I knew nothing about, and  I was destined to have a literal blast at this race.  The Battle features a 14 mile lap that includes the last 2 or 3 miles of the XC course and a whole other beast of single track that laps around the lake at Burlingame.  There were a few sandy road sections in the very beginning that I managed to completed wipe out on, but other then that the single track was really nice: certainly challenging and sweet. 

I remember 2 sections in particular, one was the rocky outcrop that actually turned into a trials ride for a few sections and the other was the winding bridge section that raced us over a swamp and at one point through a gazebo! 

It was on my 3rd and final lap, however that I was to have the biggest blast, which occurred when I cleared a log obstacle, only to proceed to experience a completely flat front tire.  So I did what any racer would do, which was to pull over, quickly unscrew my front wheel, take it off, remove the tire, and the tube, and feel for thorns in the tire tread.  But, in my race-haste I did not search diligently enough (which would be the cause for my demise).  After installing the new tube, I proceeded to pump it up, only to terrifyingly witness my only spare tube deflate!  "Oh crap!" was my immediate thought, followed by, "how the hell am I going to finish this thing without a DNF with 5 miles to go on a fully flat front tire?"

I began to run my bike, but that was a disaster as I couldn't get out of the way in time for other racers to pass me and my bike shoes were giving me horrible blisters, plus my fitness wasn't there for me to run a bike out of the woods for 5 miles.  So I decided to carry my bike on my back like a wounded soldier, but that was even worse and the frame was digging into my back and starting to hurt and I couldn't maneuver through the tight turns of the single track. 

I allowed myself to get very upset and curse profusely for about 5 minutes (enough to make any sailor proud), and then I told myself that I would not DNF; and that the only way I would get out of the woods was to do the unthinkable and ride my bike on a flat tire. 

This was a lot tougher then I initially thought but actually hysterical.  I was to navigate some fairly hardcore single track on a bike rim cushioned by a mere few millimeters of rubber, but surprisingly I was able to ride.  Down hills and turns were a disaster though, but somehow the tire stayed on the rim.  I did finish the race within the 6 hour time frame, and I also finished laughing at myself for the less then ideal predicament. 

I proceeded straight to the local bike shop tent that was supporting the race, explained what happened and asked them to inspect what I believed would be my destroyed bike rim (I had hit some rocks pretty hard while on my way out of the woods).  To my astonishment there was nothing wrong with the rim, and it didn't even need to be trued!  On my way home I drove straight to my bike shop and asked for a conversion to tubeless so that a thorn would never have the chance to ruin my race ever again! 

It took me awhile to convert to tubeless, but now that I have I haven't suffered any pinch or thorn flats and that's alright in my book!

See Race Results

Earnin' the turnin'

Earnin' the turnin'

If you're like me, when the flakes start to fly you get a certain feeling in the pit of your gut.  When I hear of a big snowstorm, or watch as those first flakes begin to fall, I get giddy.  Down right, ashamedly hyperactive.  My speech quickens, my pace hurries, and I can't stop smiling.  As each flake begins to amplify, accumulate, and pile up, my excitement grows in as fast and as furious as the snowfall itself.

I am waiting for the snow to build to such an extent that allows for excursions into the back country.  Now, if you're from out West or Vermont, then I envy you: because you know exactly what I'm talking about, and you're spoiled :) 

This year in New England we have been blessed (or cursed depending on who you talk to) with 2 storms that dumped 33 inches and then 18 inches respectively of the sweet stuff.  And I took it upon myself to go and enjoy this powder the best way I know how.

Most people will dress in layers, grab a group of friends, pile into a car and drive many hours to a ski resort where they will spend a small fortune and a lot of time waiting in lines and on chair lifts to get to the groomed corduroy.  That used to be my scene, and once in awhile I'll still do that, as there's always a place for that.

However, lately, and perhaps not by coincidence, I have found myself longing for simpler methodology and perhaps harsher conditions. And an experience that is more satisfying (although admittedly riskier).  But where there is great risk, there is greater reward.

When I first started to telemark, my goal had always been to leave the ski resort behind.  I longed for virgin snow, where no man, ski, or groomer had spoiled that smooth, creamy blanket.  

I wanted to get away from the heated spa-lodges with all the crowds, pub fare, and booze and return to an experience more spiritual and perhaps even, religious.

The back country is where I find this.  No chair lifts anywhere, the simplest of runs must be earned by hikes that take several hours to complete.  No crowds.  Sometimes you'll stumble upon a few kindred spirits, and sometimes not.  Natural scenes that are drinkable, to the soul at least.  After many labored steps, there is the pause, the rituals of gearing up for the run down, and the exhilaration of carving down that trail as you could be the first and only person to do so.

What better way to carpe diem then by earnin' the turnin'?

Winter training

How I've been training for the past several weeks.

With the crazy amount of snow New England has received in the last few weeks, I've been training by taking care of the snow the old fashioned way:

Getting "fat" in the off season

Getting Fat in the off season

Ah the off season.  A time to kick back and relax on the coach catching up on movies and beer consumption.  Warm memories of the past season's triumphs and tribulations fading into the dark corners of my brain.  No races to anxiously prepare for for another several months, and just days upon days of early nigths and long slumbers.... or so I thought.

I got about 1 month into the off season before I started to get nostalgic for some serious mt biking and outdoor workouts.   I hopped back on the bike to squeeze in as many rides as I could get, even riding on new year's day in temperatures hovering just around 25 degrees.  There was no snow or ice yet, but the cold was bitingly fierce. 

I was ready for telemark and back country skiing and indoor weight training workouts, but there was no snow, just very cold temps.  Then a few flakes began to fall and ice started forming on all my favorite trails.  The temps were too cold for comfortable mt biking, and the snow wasn't deep enough yet for the back country... so I started to shop. 

I have known about fat bikes for several years now with several of them showing up on local trails and races.  I always thought of them as a passing fad, but this year I took a serious look at them.  I thought what a great way to enjoy the iffy months (October-April).  The months where the weather is very unpredictable and the trail conditions equally so. 

I did my research as best I could, determined my price range, and started hunting.  I didn't want to break the bank on a bike I knew I wouldn't ride all year, and I wanted a simple, but tried and true design.  I settled for a chromoly frame, knowing that chromoly is indestructible, although heavy, but would last me a long time and fit into my price range.  Components and brakes I was flexible on, although I'd want the best my price range could afford.  I had my eye on the Fatboy (entry level trim) but couldn't find a local bike shop that had any in stock, and there was no one who could give me an estimate on their arrival.

However, I did find one bike shop that had a different model still in stock (although a previous year's model).  It was for a bike built by a company I had never heard of before.  The bike had everything I was looking for in my price range, and as a bonus, it was on sale!  So I picked it up.  The Maxi is not the lightest of bikes, but it is very fun to ride.  It is very stable, offering 4" tires, and just an absolute blast.  I've been so happy with it that I have found myself riding in all sort of conditions, from a bitterly cold 8 degree ride, to a snow storm ride, to a bush whacking snow trail run.  I've even started entering fat bike races.

As for the couch, the movies, and my beers? They'll have to be enjoyed by someone else; 'cause I've got riding to do :)

Zip linin' in TN

Some footage of a recent zip lining trip I did in the Smoky mts.  There were a few really good lines here, with the highest one at about 300 feet.  I also managed to go on the 2nd half with just the guides :)  If you're in the area check them out, the place was really nice, low key, well priced, and not boring/very small wait times.

Cross training with disc golf

Cross training with disc golf

A few years ago I stumbled upon disc golf almost accidentally.  I had always heard about disc golf from my days of ultimate frisbee, but I had never played until I found a course on a vacation.  I immediately fell in love with the sport and try to play at least once a week and I've found that it is a great way to spend as an off day when not on the bike.  It gets you outdoors, there's a significant amount of hiking involved, and you still work your upper body on some of the throws.  Plus it's just loads of fun being out there.

There's a great course somewhat nearby at Barre Dam.  This course is actually one of my favorites as it is absolutely gorgeous, especially on a fall day.  Many others have also said the same thing.

Barre Dam disc golf

Recently I went for a game and was blown away by how beautiful the course was.  It made for some excellent disc golf.

Biking in the hunting season

October Mt bike safety

It's that time of year again when the leaves turn brilliant colors and begin to fall.  This is a great time to get out on the mountain bike for some end of season riding.  The dramatic changes that take place within the forest are a real treat as the trail conditions and forest itself change on a daily basis.  However, there are some important safety considerations to take note of during this time.

This is the time of year when our beloved trails and forests are shared by a group of outdoor enthusiasts of a different kind: hunters.  Now I don't mind hunters, or hunting.  I say the more individuals that respectfully enjoy all that mother nature has to offer the better as it furthers the cause of preservation and that usually means more forest to build trails on (in fact there's a special sales tax added to hunting purchases devoted to this very cause). 

However, our hunter friends can pose certain dangers to mt bikers.  Especially during deer season.  Greg Lemond suffered a hunting accident that left several shotgun pellets lodged in his lungs.  Now he went on to win the Tour de France with many of these pellets still inside him. I'm not sure many of us would fair the same with a similar incident so it is imperative to be aware of your surroundings when on the bike during the fall. 

First, never wear any clothing that has the color white or brown.  When a deer is in the forest and startled, it starts to run, but it first flicks its white tail in the air and then crashes off into the forest.  Many a mt biker makes a very similar sound, especially when riding on crisp leaves, so stay away from any colors that resemble the very thing a hunter is looking for.

Second, find a safety orange vest and purchase and wear it even on Sundays when most states ban hunting.  Seriously these vest are unnaturally orange and for a good reason.  You want to be seen in the forest during this time so a hunter knows you aren't a deer. 

Third, obtain a small bell and zip tie it to your bike.  This might drive you crazy, but it could also save your life as no animal being hunted makes bell sounds and it will warn hunters that a non-hunt-able animal is in the area (usually a dog) but it alerts them to your presence, which is important because you don't want to startle someone who can shoot you. 

And Finally, be respectful of these guys, even if you detest hunting.  They are there to legally enjoy another outdoor sport and you want to be polite and accommodating.  But also make sure they know you are around.  They will hear you first and you might sound like a running deer, but then they may hear your little bells, or they will spot your bright orange vest and know not to sight you.  So be safe and enjoy the fall riding!