So, road season has come to an end.
And, the shop I'm working at is sponsoring Austin's Cyclo-cross and mountain bike series, the Dirt Derby. The great thing about this is - well, a lot of things. I was going to say, "the great thing about this is I get to race for free," but there are probably a few more great things that out weigh that. It's awesome hanging out there, at our booth, chatting with everyone, watching the races, and drinking beer. I'd never raced cyclo-cross before, but I figured my touring bike would be a great bike for doing so. I ordered some 27 x 1 3/8" knobby tires (offered by only one company!) and gave it a go. It felt really natural and familiar. I guess I've done tons of riding off-road - farm roads with Leo and upper campus at UCSC. I kept being reminded of racing BMX when I was like five. The track is really similar, but I'm surprised that I would remember so well the feeling. I guess some stuff when you're a kid just always stays with you... like riding a bike (funny, huh?).
Anyway, the second week, I was already winning the beginner's race, so I decided I should stick with the intermediate race. Though half a lap into the intermediate race, I wiped out and destroyed my rear wheel (the guy behind me ran over it). Then, I got bit by an ant and had an allergic reaction (sneezing, face swelling, itchy body, and anxiety). It would've been a total wash if a pretty girl hadn't given me an amazing shoulder rub to help me relax (the highlight of my week, by the way).
The next day I rebuilt the wheel, installed it, and realized that my fork was buckled. Did I mention that it's a 27" fork? They do not make replacement, high end, 27", touring forks anymore. I have to try and find an old one or have a new one made. Lame, ay?
I'm considering picking up a really inexpensive single-speed cyclo-cross bike that I can get as an employee purchase from Raleigh. It's called the Furley (named after Mr. Furley from Three's Company). It has disk brakes and all the braze-ons make it possible to convert it to a geared bike in the future. I think it's a good investment for the money.
I just love my touring bike, and I actually do tour on it. In fact, that's why I bought it. I shouldn't trash it doing other stuff. So, when it's fixed, no more racing on it.
And, the shop I'm working at is sponsoring Austin's Cyclo-cross and mountain bike series, the Dirt Derby. The great thing about this is - well, a lot of things. I was going to say, "the great thing about this is I get to race for free," but there are probably a few more great things that out weigh that. It's awesome hanging out there, at our booth, chatting with everyone, watching the races, and drinking beer. I'd never raced cyclo-cross before, but I figured my touring bike would be a great bike for doing so. I ordered some 27 x 1 3/8" knobby tires (offered by only one company!) and gave it a go. It felt really natural and familiar. I guess I've done tons of riding off-road - farm roads with Leo and upper campus at UCSC. I kept being reminded of racing BMX when I was like five. The track is really similar, but I'm surprised that I would remember so well the feeling. I guess some stuff when you're a kid just always stays with you... like riding a bike (funny, huh?).
Anyway, the second week, I was already winning the beginner's race, so I decided I should stick with the intermediate race. Though half a lap into the intermediate race, I wiped out and destroyed my rear wheel (the guy behind me ran over it). Then, I got bit by an ant and had an allergic reaction (sneezing, face swelling, itchy body, and anxiety). It would've been a total wash if a pretty girl hadn't given me an amazing shoulder rub to help me relax (the highlight of my week, by the way).
The next day I rebuilt the wheel, installed it, and realized that my fork was buckled. Did I mention that it's a 27" fork? They do not make replacement, high end, 27", touring forks anymore. I have to try and find an old one or have a new one made. Lame, ay?
I'm considering picking up a really inexpensive single-speed cyclo-cross bike that I can get as an employee purchase from Raleigh. It's called the Furley (named after Mr. Furley from Three's Company). It has disk brakes and all the braze-ons make it possible to convert it to a geared bike in the future. I think it's a good investment for the money.
I just love my touring bike, and I actually do tour on it. In fact, that's why I bought it. I shouldn't trash it doing other stuff. So, when it's fixed, no more racing on it.
