Stomach Churn 2005
The 7th annual Stomach Churn Cyclocross Classic is now but a memory. It happened Saturday 12/3. There’s something about this weekend – it’s always bookended with gnarly storms and rain, but crazy beautiful come race day. The course was a mess – it was perfect!
Cranky did not put on this year’s event, but rather Justin at Revolution Bicycle took up the cause and pulled it off in fine Churn style. Suffice it to say my hands are plenty full these days. I didn't miss the huge commitment and relative stress of it all. It was great to simply be a participant. Thanks again Justin!
We do this event mainly as an excuse to get all the locals together at season’s end for a final to-do. The racing is light-hearted, yet competitive. The beer is top notch and there’s plenty of it. In year’s past it’s been a FREE event, along with the donation of animal food and/or a gently used toy. The animal food goes to a local "no-kill" animal shelter, with the toys going to Toys for Tots. Last year we began assessing a measly $5 entry to help cover insurance, the cost of the port-o-potty, etc. We always have a serious swag-fest at the end of the thing. This year we had a fine lineup of donations from:
Thule
Outdoor Research
Surly
Columbia Sportswear
Soulcraft
WTB
New Belgium Brewing
Hypnotic Designs
Etc.
Thanks ya’ll. Awards were yet again provided by master metal smith Jude Stromberg. We had about 50 or so competitors total between both the 1/2 hour churn and the 1 hour burn. As a twist we ran the hour race backwards. Didn't tell people until they lined up. Added more barriers too. A bit of grumbling at first, but by the end of the race everyone was thrilled with the "new" course. There was plenty of mud, but nothing out of control. Some newer singletrack added, but mostly the same old same old. Why mess with a good thing?
A certain frosty-haired skinny electrician from Eureka took the hour race. A win I know he’s coveted for some time. 3 months after knee surgery no less. I guess it worked. But there were lots of winners folks – the animals, the kids, etc. This one is always a win win win win . . .
Cranky on 12.07.05 @ 03:48 PM PST [link]
Monday, December 5th
Knickers Are Here!
On Friday I received MD & LG men’s black knickers. They’re officially in stock, but not up on the site yet. I’ve got a small mountain of backorders to fill before that happens. Patience. Should receive the rest of the lot tomorrow or the next day. Should be able to update the site by next week at the latest.
When I rode home on Friday it was cold (40s) and I got rained on pretty hard for a short amount of time – a small dark cloud hovered overhead for a few minutes, before running off into the mountains. The new DWR (durable water repellant) finish is excellent! Way, way, way better than that of its predecessor. Prepare to be impressed.
It was clear and high-30s when I rode in this morning and they did just fine in those temps. Granted I wore my wooly knee warmers beneath, but that’s mainly because I’m freaky about keeping my knees warm. Even with the slightly lighter material from the knicker of old I think most people could take them comfortably down to freezing, layering or not. Then back up into the 70s zone for late Spring and Summer riding – a much better usage window than before.
The new pocket lining is super plush. The cell pocket is slick. Packability is better than ever. The contrast stitch is still a cool contrast, but it’s nice and subtle. All in all they RULE! Get some.
Cranky on 12.05.05 @ 01:07 PM PST [link]
Friday, December 30th
Hey, Read This
I’m definitely not good at daily blog entries. I get caught up in the writing process – b(l)ogged down if you will. I tend to run on. The writing process for me usually involves several revisions, over several days, editing the thing down to a concise entry. I often start entries, but then get sidetracked and don’t finish them (i.e. Soulcraft ride report). Sometimes I finish them, but then like to let them gel, get some distance and revisit them, making sure it reads well. In an effort to be more “in the moment” (throw caution to the wind), I thought I would make a few newsworthy points here and now. Simple points. Not overly developed. The quick and dirty:
The Soulcraft rides like a dream. My dream. I’ll be racing it this weekend as a single with narrow ‘cross knobbies. Love the versatility! I'll post some pics of it built up someday soon. Promise.
The 7th annual Stomach Churn Cyclocross Classic is this weekend. Cranky is not the promoter this go 'round. Too little time and not enough energy. Long ago I put it out into the community and Justin @ Revolution Bike took up the charge. Thanks dude!
Speaking of 'cross, this afternoon my friend Timmy P sent me this link - an entertaining old school read on turn of the century cyclocross techniques. Pretty cool.
Speaking of Timmy P – master eBegger – props to those of you that have pitched in to the Fruita “JackPot”. Believe it or not, it’s growing! If I’ve got enough left over I’ll put it towards a new fork for Timmy. He buggered his custom Wily 29er straight blade last weekend. Bummer.
Saving the best for last - MEN'S KNICKERS WILL BE HERE THIS WEEK! I’ll do my best to get them out the door ASAP. For those with backorders, again, thanks for your patience. You’ll be styling soon enough.
Cranky on 12.30.05 @ 17:40 PM PST [link]
