Dismal Dash Time Trial Registration Open

Enjoy a weekend of racing in Suffolk and kick off the first BAR races in the 2009 VA Cycling season. Race the Sleepy Hole Smackdown on Saturday and the Dismal Dash Time Trial on Sunday.

The Dismal Dash Time Trial registration is now open on Bikereg.


White Marsh Shopping Center
1226 White Marsh Road, Suffolk, VA 23434

General Info: ChampionChip timing provided by Kale Running. First rider starts at 9:01 AM with 1-minute intervals. Pls. be at the staging area 5 minutes prior to your start time. Start times will be written on the back of your number.

Entry fees include $2 USCF and $1 VCA fee. Unlicensed racers (CAT 5 or Women CAT 4 only) must purchase a one-day license for $10. Annual licenses are available for purchase online at USA Cycling.

No refunds, race runs rain or shine. Cat 5 Men are permitted to ride in Masters Time Trials. The TT categories are for prize distribution only. Results will be provided to VCA who will award BAR points. If you have questions regarding VCA BAR points visit their website at Virginia Cycling Association.

***FOR 2008 VCA BAR winners: Sign up for event under 2008 BAR Winners, entry fee is waived but $2 USCF and $1 VCA fee payment is required ($3). Fill out online registration and email promoter obrienkim@gmail.com with your DD TT race category.

Packet pick-up: Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Sleepy Hole Criterium, 4700 Sleepy Hole Road, Suffolk, VA between 11 AM and 2 PM. Packets can also be picked up at the race on Sunday between 8 AM and 11:30 AM.

All racers must present a valid USCF license (or purchase a one-day if your category qualifies) at time of packet pick-up and sign the USA Cycling release form. Racers under 18 years of age must have parent/guardian signature on release form. One-day license (CAT 5 men and CAT 4 women only) will be available for purchase at time of packet pick-up (CASH ONLY). All USCF rules for Time Trials apply. Portable toilets will be available onsite. No warming up on course, trainers recommend.

For Course Description: A flat, out and back course (u-turn around) with only one turn.

Questions: Email Kim at obrienkim@gmail.com

Thank you Sponsors

CITY OF SUFFOLK, ALL ABOUT BIKES, WHITE MARSH SHOPPING CENTER, KALE RUNNING

GamJams Review: Winter Tights

Winter Tight Review:
Adidas Adistar Windproof Tights

These are my favorite winter tights. The Adidas Adistar Winter tights are cut looser than most other tights. They are windproof in the right areas and are not bulky. The thin fleece fabric does not feel like they'd keep you warm but they do by keeping the chilly wind off your thighs, knees and shins. The 4-way chamois is nothing spectacular and suits my preference of less-bulky chamois pads. They did take a few rides to adjust to the pad and tend to bunch at times causing the "sit-up and pick" routine during a ride. When the temps get below freezing, I've worn knee warmers underneath just for added warmth. My current pair are on their 3rd winter. MSRP at the time was around $100. These tights paired up with the Adidas Adistar winter jacket and you're set for those blustery 30 degree base mile rides all winter long.

Castelli Cardio Bib Tights

I just recently picked these up off of Chainlove for cheap. Not having worn Castelli before, I didn't realize they were cut Euro size. The medium I ordered fit more like a small in other brands but I'm able to still squeeze my legs into them (top portion is another story - keep reading). The unique feature of these bibs are the bib design. The straps are not like traditional bib design. The front part of the bib is removed and the straps wrap on top of the shoulder and follow the outline of your lats. The marketing claim is that it opens up your torso for more movement. Since my tights ran small, the straps were almost impossible to wrap around my shoulders when I first put them on. After my first ride, the straps left large red marks on my shoulders (think bra straps red as my wife described it). Another set of washing and riding and they still we're too tight and uncomfortable. They also felt like they were restricting my breathing but that can be lack of fitness at this point of the year. After a few rides I realized I had to do a pre-ride stretch of the straps prior to putting them on. This alleviated alot of the tension and will continue to stretch them prior to each ride and after each washing. I also went to the fabric store and bought $.20 of elastic to modify the straps if I needed to.
The chamois is fantastic - not too thin and doesn't bunch. They claim the chamois keeps your temp (down there) at a 98 degree range. I wasn't about to plug any thermometers anywhere down there but they did feel cooler than other winter tights.

Champion System Fleece Bib Knickers

If your team kits come from Champion Systems, you know they are not the high end of kits. However, the bib knickers are fleece lined and the chamois pad is decent. The bib straps are very comfortable. I like these on those 50-60 degree days in the fall/winter/spring and mountain biking in the winter.







Performance Ultra Bib Knickers (Discontinued)
Performance house brand Ultra line of shorts are my favorite shorts to ride in. When they came out with the knickers a few years back, I picked them up on sale ($50). The knickers have a heavier lined material than their Ultra shorts but are not fleece lined. They still give you the compression and warmth when riding in cool conditions. These are my go to bottoms in the 60 degree days when not wearing the team kit.

GamJams Review: Trainers and Rollers - Trek branded Cyclops Fluid 2

A few years back, my wife gave me a trainer for Christmas. It was the Trek branded Cyclops Fluid2 trainer. She definitely did her research on this model before she bought it. She wanted one that was quiet (so I won't wake up the house at 6am or 10pm during the cold winter), smooth, low maintenance (just like me) and reliable. Needless to say, on initial use, those features were right on.
I banished my truck from the garage and parked it permanently in the driveway. I setup the garage as my indoor training room with a DVD player, TV, stereo, fan and trainer. As a newbie cyclist I put endless hours on it over the course of the winter and on wet spring days.
Besides using it for warmup on race days during the warm months, the trainer collected dust in the garage waiting for sub 32 degree winter days.
The following winter, the trainer developed the loudest screech and a metal-on-metal sound. The sound became so annoying that the sounds of Metallica or Coach Troy couldn't drown out the noise.
I took it back to the LBS and they got it back to Cyclops for a replacement under warranty. It was about a 10 day process - props to Cyclops.
They installed a new "head" on the trainer. The older version had a screw type tension and the new model has a lift-type mechanism that releases the tension with one movement. It's a better design and is quieter than the original unit before it started to act up.
It's been 2 years since it's been replaced and have no issues with it (besides lack of use - thank you mild 757 climate).

A few accessories are worth mentioning. My wife also got me the 'bike bra' so my salt won't corrode the bike. It works for what it's intended for but I usually just keep a towel draped on the bars and wipe down both bike and body. Spend your money on a new DVD like "Bending Crank Arms" and use some home towels.
The bike block/riser is worth the $20. I've used phone books and 2x4 blocks but the bike block gives me the secure feeling when I hammering out the last of the intervals.
The cycling pad - the expensive piece of rubber that you lay down the floor and put your trainer on it. It's handy if you have hardwood floors and reduces vibrations but there are cheaper alternatives. Yoga mats are 1/2 the cost and serve the same purpose. Make sure get your own and not your wife's yoga mat since she might discover salt stains and lube residue during her "hot yoga" class. If you have a garage setup, go to Sam's or Priceclub and buy a set up rubber floor mats. It'll cover an area where you can setup both your trainer and home shop. It only took me one time to drop a Thomson stem on the hard driveway to go out and invest $30 on those rubber mats in my wrenching area. Savings tip: Look for the ones that they use in "Children" rooms. They're cheaper than the industrial use mats and they come in colorful colors (but black on the other side).

If you're in the market for a trainer, I recommend the Cyclops Fluid2. It's quiet and smooth. Besides the issue I had on the first unit, I've had no problems with it since.

Gatewood Ridin'

Got a chance to ride with the All About Bikes Chesapeake shop crew on their weekly Sunday morning moutain bike ride. The destination this week was Gatewood in Newport News. I met the crew of Jeff, Larry, Alex, Dennis (Alex's dad), Todd and Keisha about 9am at the trailhead and headed out soon after.
Gatewood doesn't offer the technical sections or climbs of YRSP, New Quarter, Freedom or other Williamsburg trail but it's closer to home and it offers some nice flowing tight switchbacks, logs and some small climbs to improve my sucky off-road bike handling skills. The presence of roots will make sure you pick a good line. This trail begs to be ridden on a single speed, which Alex had.
After a bit of riding, the gang headed to the 'gravity cavity'. A 6' drop with a jump on the other end. After 'hitting it' once, I watched as the rest of the crew catch some air. After some tips from Jeff, I was able to get both 29'er wheels off the ground - a feat for this roadie. We then took a quick pace on the trails back to the cars.
If you get the chance and don't feel like driving the extra 20 minutes to the James City trails, give Gatewood a shot. It's next to the Mariner's Museum and by Christopher Newport University. I know that when I race Casey Crit this coming Spring, I'll have the Niner with me to hit Gatewood after the races.
Thanks to the AAB shop for showing me another off-road trail to ride.

Trashmore State CX Championships

Six inches of mud on downhills, long grinds on a soggy uphill climb, mud in you eyes and agonizing slick run-ups. Gotta love this year's Trashmore's State Cross race. Epic.

What's not to smile about?





A few shots courtesy of BJ. See the rest of her photos here.



Last two pics courtesy of Jeni.


The unofficial post-ride bike wash area. Photo courtesy of McSilly.


Thanks to Tripower for putting up an excellent race this year and to Carol and Lynn for the bottle hand-ups. Thanks to my Crank Bros pedals for always clearing mud for my cleats to engage.
A very special thanks to my wife for getting the "Gumby suit" spotless after a few washes.

Cross Bike For Sale

For Sale - Cross Bike Size 52 (53 Top Tube) - Excellent condition




Here's the build list:

Frame - Motobecane Fantom Cross 53 TT c-c
Fork - Carbon w/ chromoly steerer
Shifters - Shimano Ultegra 10sp (brand new w/ new Jagwire cables/housing)
Front Der - Shimano Ultegra
Rear Der - Shimano Ultegra
Crankset - Truvativ Rouleur Cross Compact (46/34) GXP BB
Cassette - 105 12/25
Brakeset - Tektro Onyx
Wheelset - Mavic Open Pro/Ultegra
Tires - Hutchinson Bulldogs
Stem/Bar/Seatpost - Kalloy
Seat - Specialized Toupe 143

Price - $500

Frameset was purchased last summer to use as a commuter and pit bike. I
originally built it up with a Shimano Tiagra 9sp components. I only commuted
about 10 times and was never rode in the rain. It was never used in a race.
It was just recently rebuilt and upgraded from last year using completely different
components and parts with an upgraded Ultegra 6600 drivetrain and Truvativ
Rouleur compact crank with a new 46t FSA outer ring. The dependable
OP/Ultegra wheelset has about 500 miles from road training only and the
Hutchinson tires are barely used. It's race-ready.
The frame and fork has fender braze-ons and would make a great commuter
bike. I have Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires that I can swap or throw in if you will use
this as a commuter.
Also, if you're not a fan of the Toupe saddle, I have a VeloSport saddle
that has more cushion for those remounts.

I'm 5'9 and ride a 54 road bike and this bike fits me for cross.

Get it in time for the remaining VACX races and soon to be announced January races.

"B" is for Butt-Kicked in Richmond

Photo courtesy of KD - www.demoncats.com

Racing Bs kicked my butt.

Finally kicked off the VA cross race series with the Festival of Cross in Richmond. Shawn and I traveled up 64 both days. The weather was nice - not your typical cross weather - sunny in the 70s.
Chimborazo was Saturday's race site. They changed the course from last year. Gone is the singletrack sections (both the downhill and tighter flat section) and they removed the road-section hill climb after the stair run-up. They added a fast paved downhill that continued to cobbles before hitting a tight turn onto grass. Also added were a few more turns on the bottom section around the new dog park. The top section had the spiral section removed and ran clockwise vs. counter clockwise last year. Also, curb ramps were designed in the course. If there wasn't a sidewalk ramp installed, there was a makeshift one for those like me that can't hop a curb.

As far as the race, this was my first race in the Bs. Saw familiar CAT 3/4 faces from the road races and from guys that moved up from Cs last year. Ended up getting to the line late and had a last row start. It wasn't too bad as it gave me a chance to line up next to a hottie Pro - Sarah Caravella (Tibco Cycling). I asked how she did in the women's race - "Oh, I didn't race - I wanted to sleep in." Must be nice to be a pro. The race started in a tight section on the top of the course. It was hard to try to move up without causing an accident. I did touch Sarah's wheel on one of the turns. Not Pro. With 30 people in front of me I knew my chances of a decent finish were gone even before the first lap. I managed to pick off some riders as the race went on. I caught up to a Coppi guy in front of me 1/2 thru the race. It ended up being Ken Woodrow who kicked my butt when I raced against him at Trashmore for the Cs championship. I clung on his wheel for about 2 laps. He was fading and I passed him when he was getting his B bike in the pit. About 1/2 lap later he stormed by me. I again became a wheelsucker. I was feeling good about myself for hanging with Ken. Last year he dropped me after 2 laps at Trashmore to pick up a 2nd place medal (vs. my 5th). As the bell for the last lap sounded, I was still on his wheel and decided to make my move at the bottom section. I caught him and passed him on the stairs. I got clipped in and managed to sprint to the line for a 21 spot.
(As the results were posted - I noticed Ken did the Master's race already that morning and I'm sure he was dead from by the time our race started.)

Packed up and headed back up to Richmond on Sunday for the Bryan Park race. I liked this course last year and they kept the design pretty much the same from last year. All big-ring. Once again, I took that one extra warmup lap and ended up in the back row again at the start. The field was bigger than Saturday's race with about 45 starters. The start was a dust bowl after we got off the road section. I had a hard time seeing thru all the dust and dirt. As we got into the grass section, it was a cluster of bikes going thru the turns. The sharp uphill turn took about 3 riders down and I was stuck behind it as I watch the lead gap hit the barriers and drop into the singletrack section in the woods. Any expectations of a decent finish were over. There was nothing too exciting for me on the race. I ended up talking with a guy from Philly who was on a sweet Moots. I came across his blog and post on Roadbikereview.com. I saw his Moots and Trek kit and just assumed it was him. He thought it was cool that somebody recognized him from his blog. See Vaughn's race report. I was in no-man's land for this entire race. No group to ride with and didn't have the legs to try to bridge up to one. I was going backwards as Moots, Chris Scales (JRVS), teammate Shawn, Creed and others rode away. I did try to keep Andrew Alli (Carytown) off. Granted, this was his first cross race but he has a mean sprint and a big engine on the road/track. I watched him remount wrong one time after the barriers and I think it took the wind out of his sails for awhile as he stopped and rested on his bars for a second (ouch). I made some futile attempts to bring back Scales and Vaughn but it wasn't going to happen. My legs and back were feeling it from Saturday's race. I did try to make the most of my photo ops with Kevin Dillard during the race. The race pics of the weekend should be up soon on his site - www.demoncats.com.
On the way home, we made our mandatory stop at Pierce's BBQ. Nothing like some good BBQ after a weekend of races.

Congrats to the 757 cx gang that traveled to Richmond too. Bill Gilmer 1st 45+ Saturday before driving north to Ironcross, Jon Nisbet picked up a 2nd in B on Sunday, Superdork top 10 on Saturday and Jeff Craddock took two top 5s in the Cs and a 2nd overall in the omnium in his first ever cross races.