Chaffin Crest Cross-Country Criterium (C5) Trail is Cleared!

The trail to be christened on May 10th is finally clear. We will begin adding the man-made obstacles this week. This an open event but you must email me for directions.

Nashbar can blow it out their A**!

So the frameset I ordered never came. The carbon CX fork, seatclamp, and brake cable hangers did though. Apparently the frame is not available. They never made that known when I ordered the frame/fork combo. So fuck 'em. I'm getting the SOMA!

I'm pissed off!

MTB Season is Here!

After a weekend full of trail development, and on and off again rain today I finally got out on the mountain steed and painted its' undercarriage a fresh coat of brown "...and the mud will flow!" Doesn't that sound like a great movie quote? Or is that the beer talking. Anyway, a friend and I hit up Quarry Ridge this afternoon for a few hot laps. The entrance was full of swimming ducks. Water covers over 2/3rds of the parking lot and the connector trail from the easy to intermediate trails is very slimy. The 1st bridge on the way up is out and the crick (yes I said crick) was engorged. "The Climb" has gotten much easier with all the use; throwing the majority of large stones off to the sides. The downhill section has changed a little (to my liking) since fall, when I rode it last, but everything else is the same. What a great little place to ride when time is limited. I definitely need to get out there for some trail maintenance days.

Frames Away!

I like money, so I saved a bundle an bought a cheap frameset from Nashbar. I couldn't find out who actually makes it for them, but most aluminum frames are made cheaply overseas en-mass anyway, so what the hell. So here it is: Nashbar 'X' Cyclocross frame combo with carbon fork.

I'm thinking white saddle and white bar tape, who knows. I've been finding pretty good prices on Shimano 105 components in BLACK, so I might go stealth, ninja-style! I don't know if I'll find the time to build my own wheels yet or not. This frame uses 135mm rear spacing, so I might find some 29er wheels that will work. I'm excited to see what it looks like in person. I love the lack of decals, too.

First 24MOTAB 3/30/08

Simplification

I have too much shit!

Today I canceled my MySpace account to begin a period of clutter reduction. I will be ridding myself and the world of my many unused, never-updated websites and networking site accounts, as well as email accounts. I will be donating or selling all unused clothing items, electronics, toys, computer parts, picture frames, etc. Over the last few months I have been trying to focus on what's most important in life ant that is definitely not what one owns. I have been buying and re-buying things for many years just to have better shit to clutter up my life.

This weekend of DJ'n at Boulders Climbing Gym competition, climbing, and a nice road ride, have solidified my ideas of what I want my free time to consist of. Music, climbing, cycling, outdoors, and making stuff; along with the combination of any of these with family and/or friends. Buying stuff to fill whatever insecurity I had/have shall cease.

C5

Announcing the first ever C5 (Chaffin Crest Cross Country Criterium) race in the town of Oregon. A multi-lap off-road criterium to help break-in a walking/horse trail on my parents farm. Course will be 95% off-road with a short paved hill climb. cyclocross and mountain bikes will run fine. Grass, hardpack, corn stubble, and a few man-made obstacles await you. Slam a beer to start. Bonfire and BBQ afterwards.

Hand-made awards for first 3 places with a few special ones for style and best crash.

More details to follow.

29lbs

Got the Burley trailer out of winter storage this week after my son's 3yr checkup; he weighs 29lbs! He's still a little guy but with him in tow, I get a great workout. I was excited to hear him ask to go on a bike ride immediately after I picked him up from daycare. We rode to the park. The End.

Post-Ride Reflections

I just got in form a quick ride after work; during which I contemplated my new bike project. I've decided I want a steel frame but, found very few frames in my price range. One of them being this one from Soma Fabrication. Seems to be pretty nice and initial reviews have been supportive. I have a full Ultegra 8spd groupo on my Lemond Zurich that has a few thousand miles, but still works well. I'm thinking of transferring drivetrain components from the Lemond to this frame, then upgrading the Lemond with a new crank, deraillers, chain and cassette. I've yet to decide between barend style (I already have a set of Ultegra barend shifters) or STI. WoW! My heart is racing just thinking of a new build!

For now its off the the grocery store for cheese and BEER! What a perfect combination.

Good Weekend

Just got back home from a day on the town with my boy and my lady. We walked up and down State, a pleasure I seldom get. We saw all the IPODians in their black NorthFace fleeces with white earbuds hanging down and it was so nice outside they didn't even bother me. Beautiful weather all weekend! Sun, warm breeze, and no rain (yet). We stopped for ice cream. Yum! Yellow Jersey revealed numerous track and flip/flop hubs from which to build a new single speed wheel for my beater, although I would have to alter the spacing to 135mm.

Unfortunately the great old tree on University across from where the Open Pantry used to be has been cut down. I'm sure the streets department decided it was crowding the street and sidewalk to the point where they would have to re-route them both, if the tree were to stay, yeah right!

Yesterday we hung out around the farm, played with some cars, bikes, and flew a kite; we also repaired the foundation's insulation.

In other news I've decided to build another bike. I've been trying to decide whether to build a street trials rig or a 'cross bike. I regret selling my previous 'cross machine many years ago to djonnymac when I had built a 105 based Mongoose Crossroads with modified dropbars ala carjack, and alternating green and organge spoke nipples to match. The 'cross would be more practical and could also pull my son's trailer, then trail-a-bike so that's what I've decided. Cyclocross. Can't wait 'til next years bike swap.

2008, April 2nd. 11:39am: Leaving work early to go ride!

(I was sick of standing in front of a Bridgeport anyway)