Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
Nobody Cooler - Fun
CLP - Ain’t Nobody Cooler (Video edit) - BNR27 from CLP - Chris de Luca vs Phon.o on Vimeo.
Monday, October 13th, 2008
How to NOT Race Cyclocross!
Yesterday, October 12, 2008, was the first race of the Southern California, Urban Cyclocross Series. We are at a beginning point in the cyclocross season but after a few races this year in the Southern California Prestige Series, SCPS and a lot of practice one would think I would not be trying to kill myself on the first lap…
The group started fast and I was in the top 5 coming out of the first climb and into a tight barrier section. The group was 30 deep and the small area was creating a lot of pile ups. No big deal. I ran, hopped the barrier, and jogged with the group down and up the revine which followed the single barrier. It was here my race went to $hi*.
Once at the top of the revine the course took a hard right turn onto an open fire road. It was in this change from the tight single track to the open road where riders where trying to jump past eachother to push another spot forward in the pack. Unfortunate for me, as I went to remount my bike an overly eager freak decided to try to take an inside line through some bush’s which were almost on the trail, but his goal was to get a few strides ahead to slow others down as they remounted and gain another position.
I was on the outside of his attempt and as I was in mid air during my remount, he clipped my back wheel pushing my bike back towards my body as my right leg was flying to land on the saddle with my inner right thigh muscle… Instead, the bike pushed under me, made me land on my left testicle… THE PAIN!
I went from 5th to 15th in a matter of seconds, which felt like minutes. I bounced forward off the saddle and tip toed to the side of the trail, trying not to throw-up, gather my breath, and make sure everything was still intact.
In the end it was still a fun race but painful lesson in Cyclocross Racing.
-DSheek
If I would have lost it, I could be like Lance!
Monday, September 29th, 2008
Interbike 2008 - Part 1 Shimano Dura-Ace Gone Wild!
The new Electronic Shimano Dura-Ace is one of the most impressive pieces of product developed for 2009. This is going to be one of the most important developments in cycling that will take equipment to a whole new world. After the long drive back home the Outsideallday group has decided we absolutely need the new Electronic Dura-Ace.
However, we were not the only people excited or obsessive about the new Dura-Ace as there were hordes of people around the sample bike all day waiting for their turn to ride, photograph, and drool over this shifting progression.
The best way to explain to people the feeling of the new Dura-Ace electronic shifting is by comparing it to the electronic hand towel dispensers in public restrooms, as you place your fingers in front of the shifters and start to apply pressure (very minimal amounts) the shifters begin to work. They just shift up or down as you please and their is no finessing the chain into a gear. This system is going to take some great mechanic skills otherwise it will shift as asked whether that is into a gear or between two gears.
Regardless, this is amazing new gear for cycling.
-DSheek
Welcome to the future!
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008
If You Want A US Race Series, Now Is The Time To Act!!!
Mountain Bike Racing is not dead it’s getting better…
Scott Tedro’s Call To Action: If You Want A US Race Series, Now Is The Time To Act
From: Scott Tedro/Sho-Air Intl.
“At the end of July several key industry teams, riders and management approached Team Sho-Air with a request for us to take over the now defunct National Mountain Bike Series. We recognized this request as an honor and challenge from the mountain bike community. Since then I have taken the necessary steps to produce a working model for the United States Cup in 2009. I have invested countless hours and extensive financial resources to ensure that America can have the National Unified Pro/Am mountain bike series in 2009 that not only does the community deserve, but that you asked for.”
“In the past two months I have personally traveled to Colorado Springs to meet with USA Cycling President Steve Johnson and his staff, I have received their support and guidance. I have worked hard to achieve support and commitments from event organizers of top venues to join the series “Sea Otter, Fontana, and Mt. Snow” etc. I have worked with the UCI to insure all events are in scripted at the highest level in order to provide maximum point payout for our Pro riders, and I have worked with various industry expert service providers and promoters to take this series from concept to blueprint for success. I have presented you with the turn key solution you requested, and I am willing to take it from blueprint to execution should you choose to support it.”
WHAT OUR INDUSTRY CAN DO
“Now we need commitment from the industry itself. The series will include extensive plans for marketing to create excitement and attendance. I highly recommend that you reach out to each other and challenge each other to support this endeavor. If we just get five manufacturers to come together for a modest racing investment, we can pull off the best racing series the US has ever seen and re-ignite the passion for racing and pro riders in the US. We can make this happen.”
“The reality is this: If Team Sho-Air does not have the pledged, written financial commitment from the necessary industry leaders/teams by September 19th, 2008, all efforts on the series will cease. I am, at the request of several of you willing to extend that date until October 3rd. I have also been requested to make myself available to any and all interested for a meeting at the USA Cycling booth during Interbike. Please contact Kelli Lusk at USA Cycling to confirm a date and time to meet.”
“Please take action now and contact me with your written commitment and or contact Kelli Lusk to confirm your involvement at Interbike. It was at your urging that I took on the task of creating the United States Cup; now I request your backing. Imagine what racing in the US can be again. Let’s make this happen.”
Respectfully,
R. Scott Tedro
President & CEO
Sho-Air International
Office 800-227-9111
rst@shoair.com
This is just the beginning statement from Scott Tedro but to read the whole story and to discover THE PROPOSED UNITED STATES MOUNTAIN BIKE CUP go to: www.mbaction.com
Leave your comments and ideas!
-DSheek
Keep it alive
Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
Mammoth Lakes, CA - Labor Day Rides
Over Labor Day weekend I spent time riding, hiking, and fishing in the Eastern Sierras of California. All I can say is if you can get out of town for an extended weekend Mammoth is one of those places that everyone should visit or take a vacation to.
So, with cyclocross season approaching and new bikes in my arsenal such as the 2009 Specialized Tricross, S-works (thank you Rock N’ Road). I was off for the long weekend to get in some good riding and enjoy the beauty of the Sierras in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
The town revolves around the village and the ski resort so to find out more about trails, reports, and events go to: www.mammothmountain.com
If anyone knows this women do not let her drive your car or hers:
I thought we were doing good with the Toyota, Prius until we loaded it a bit too much:
This is the top of Rock Creek Rd. a difficult and fun climb:
This is another shot at the top of the Rock Creek climb, once she arrived, HA! This is a really cute picture too, so much that later we inspired to dress identical again with our matching khaki shorts, pink polos, and sweaters tied around our necks… “Tennis Buffy?”
Gone Fishing, Saddlebag Lake, CA- Tioga Pass
Falls above Twin Lakes, leading to Arrowhead Lake:
Mmmm… Elk
-DSheek
I need to go back!
Tuesday, September 9th, 2008
Lance’s Comeback is Confirmed!
Source: www.bicycling.com
AUSTIN, September 9, 2008 (AFP) - U.S. cycling icon Lance Armstrong said on Tuesday he will return to professional cycling in 2009 and try to win an eighth Tour de France crown.
“I am happy to announce that after talking with my children, my family and my closest friends, I have decided to return to professional cycling in order to raise awareness of the global cancer burden,” Armstrong said in a statement, while in an exclusive interview posted on vanityfair.com the 36-year-old cyclist says he has his sights set firmly on the Tour de France in 2009.
Read the whole story… “Comeback Confirmed”
-DSheek
I’m lovin’ it!
Thursday, July 17th, 2008
Bicycle Opponents Launch Attacks on Montana Trails
With one day left before the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) office in Montana stops accepting public comments, opponents to bike access are stepping up their efforts to eliminate mountain biking in cherished places. Despite the attacks, IMBA and local affiliates like the Montana Mountain Bike Alliance are committed to finding inclusive, long-lasting solutions and building a broad base of support for protecting Montana’s public lands.
Please take action NOW by with IMBA’s Action Alert. The deadline for comments is Friday, July 18.
Lionhead, the area in question — which includes 18.5 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail — should be protected from resource extraction and unauthorized recreation. It does not, however, need to be protected from the well-established, low-impact use of mountain biking.
Continental Divide Trail Targeted
The areas in question contain 32 miles of singletrack, including 18.5 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). They are scenic cross-country routes and do not feature “freeride” or “extreme” mountain biking. The local bike shop in West Yellowstone frequently recommends these trails as the area’s best options for intermediate and experienced riders.
Bicyclists have been riding several of these trails since they were built, and the character of the land remains wild and pristine. The area is already designated for non-motorized use, and the continued presence of bicycles will not damage the resource or diminish its character. IMBA is asking for access to 32 miles of trail, in an area surrounded by 3.5 million acres that are off-limits to bicycles.
The USFS can protect the land and allow for continued bicycling — there is no need to choose between the two. Lionhead is a perfect candidate for a congressional designation, such as National Scenic Area, that can permanently protect the area from development while allowing continued bicycle access.
Anti-Bike Arguments Marred by Errors
The anti-bicycle campaign being conducted in Montana is marred by unfounded accusations and factual errors.
* Leading recreation scientists have concluded that the impacts of mountain biking are equivalent to hiking, and less than equestrian use. Mountain biking does not compromise the natural qualities of the landscape.
* The
Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
is no substitute for lost singletrack, as it is almost entirely comprised of dirt roads.
* The CDNST is intended for shared use, including foot and horse travel and bicycling. Like all National Scenic Trails the CDNST was established by Congress to provide for “maximum outdoor recreation potential, and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities of the areas through which such trails may pass.”
* Congress has stated that the potential uses for National Scenic Trails (excepting the Appalachian Trail) include but are not limited to, “bicycling, cross-country skiing, day hiking, equestrian activities, jogging or similar fitness activities, trail biking, overnight and long-distance backpacking …” (16 USC §1246).
Mountain Biking Benefits Montanans
The Outdoor Industry Association points out that cycling is frequently the springboard to any other recreational activities such as hiking, fishing and camping. According to their most recent state-by-state report on outdoor recreation, Montanans strongly benefit from the state’s diverse recreation offerings:
* Recreation contributes over $2.5 billion annually to Montana’s economy.
* Supports 34,000 jobs across Montana.
* Generates $118 million in annual state tax revenue.
* Produces nearly $2 billion annually in retail sales and services across Montana, accounting for 7.5 percent of gross state product.
Active outdoor recreation creates sustainable long-term economic growth and community development throughout Montana. Mountain biking is a vibrant part of Montana’s recreation scene, and is thoroughly compatible with protecting the state’s incredible natural resources. IMBA and its affiliated clubs in Montana will continue working for broad-based, inclusive solutions and building coalition support for lasting land protections in Montana.
Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
Why commuting is fun…
I try to ride to work a couple days a week and tonight I was going to meet EC for a little spin through our local ride spot, “The Outer Limits (super easy, fun trails that surround Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa, CA). Then as I am on my way home EC calls with the message to meet him on the trails because he is taking out our buddy Randy and his Rock Hard Mafia (group of guys that are similar to the metal mulisha except they don’t have tattoos and ride dirt bikes. They are a pretty mellow group of skinny surf industry designers/artist that like to jump the cliffs).
At this point I was sprinting to the trails so I could see this mess and hopefully a crash.
Anyway the results were hilarious!
Randy and others bickered and egged each other to keep jumping bigger drops until Randy did a ten foot drop.
-DSheek
X-treme Commuter
Monday, June 30th, 2008
SDG Saddles on Review
SDG Saddles
As usual you will have to wait a few weeks for the full report. However, I have been riding on these saddles for the past 8 months and I finally found the one that fits my sit. I stopped riding body-geometry saddles to try something different, after I was having issues. It looks like there new saddle is going to be a gem in the Road and Mountain Bike worlds.
This saddle is great!
What Andy and I really need though is a couple of the SDG Mini Bikes to rip around his neighborhood on…
-DSheek
Loving new toys!
Sunday, June 29th, 2008
Weekend Rides
Today was an average Sunday like many others. Wake up early, after a long week of work and riding, to meet at 7:45am in the Tustin Marketplace for the locally famous group ride, “Como.” I don’t know why it is called this and don’t care, but I do know the ride has been happening for 17+ years and every Sunday it attracts at least 60 or more cyclist to race through the hills of Santiago/Irvine Canyon.
The ride is usually fast, painful, and always filled with riders one would not expect to see on their normal weekend ride. This past year I have ridden with 4x champion Brian Lopes, Rising MTB XC star Manuel Prado, and other various professional road racers, I have no clue who they are, other than they race for Jittery Joe’s and other teams.
Today’s ride was awesome! With perfect weather and a large group. I was looking through the crowd to see pro MTB rider Sid Taberlay. The Australian champion and olympic athlete has recently moved to the area and signed a contract to race with local Team Sho-Air.
Tasmanian Taberlay welcome to the neighborhood, even though I was flicked off the back of the front group like a wet booger as you pulled on the first climb!
-DSheek
Local Rides Rule
Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
A Sneak Peak
This just in:
2008-09 Southern California Prestige Series of Cyclocross, SCPS
SCPS 2008 Schedule
These dates are pretty much set as there might be a few changes before the season but we will keep all Southern CA cross racing enthusiast up to date with the series information, results, and race reports again this season.
-DSheek
Ride, Jump, Run, Ride… It’s almost cross time!
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
American Mountain Bike Classic- Stage Race, UPDATE!
Sho-Air, Team Big Bear and Blue Wolf have some exciting updates regarding the American Mountain Classic MTB stage race, set to take place August 21-24 in Brian Head, UT.
Click to read the press release:
american-mountain-classic-event-sponsors-update
Thanks to the guys at Team Big Bear and Sho-Air this is going to be an amazing event.
-DSheek
4 Days of fun in the sun racing.
Friday, June 6th, 2008
Don’t Bet with Kids
My day job is teaching 26, 4th graders and recently I made a deal with them. I encouraged them to achieve higher scores on their final exam for the semester and we could do something fun. After a few discussions they decided shaving my head would be fun.
I laughed and gave them a pretty hard task, never imagining they would improve their score 14%, to obtain the 84% class average on the Math Final. Basically, I lost as they scored exactly an 84% average.
-DSheek
I should have sabotaged their scores!
Thursday, June 5th, 2008
Welcome Fluid Recovery Products to the team!
It’s with great excitement that we welcome Fluid Recovery Products to the Outside All Day team. The guys at Fluid are sharp and their products are first class. It’s a partnership that Dave and I are super excited about.
Support our newest sponsor and check out their products and website.
As I wrote this post I realized how many dope sponsors we now have on board. With Bonk Breaker, Motor Tabs and Fluid you have the nutrition trio for all workouts and races. Breakaway Training offers the best training services on the planet for cycling and triathlon and Rock N Road has been my local bike shop for 5 years. It all kind of gives me a warm fuzzy.
Andy B
outsideallday.com
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
I Hate Snakes!
I received an email today from a local Mountain Biker in Orange County, CA who was riding some local trails this past weekend. It turns out from all the fires we had this past year there is a lot more exposed ground that I never cared to see. The lovely Summer weather in the mid 80’s last weekend shows that it was enjoyed by all… especially sun bathing reptilians!
What you can’t tell what the first picture is? Keep looking at the sequence of photos until it gets close enough.
If I saw this on a trail I would probably $hi! my pants. If Andy saw this he would have a heart-attack!
-DSheek
I think I found a new rattle for Andy’s kid!
Thursday, May 29th, 2008
Team Velocity at the 2008 Traverse Mountain Bike Race
The Warrior Society’s 2008, Traverse Race had riders such as Tinker Juarez attending…
One of our local Clubs, Team Velocity raced and here are the results:
The Warrior’s Society Traverse Ride Saturday, June 7, 2008 turned into an epic race! It was around 44 miles from Black Star Canyon to Trabuco Canyon Road and included blistering heat and steep climbs that caused 37 DNFs.
Velocity was well represented as all four of our riders finished. Amazing in itself as the heat was brutal. Dalton got 3rd in Expert, Gibson a 3rd in his category. Baldewin looked fresh -like he cruised around the loop- came in for a 10th and Williams took 4th.
Great Job from the Mountain Bike Division of Team
Velocity. I am inspired to ride my bike on the loop
more….
Al Morinaka
Team Velocity
For more info on the Warrior Society or the race report
-DSheek
I love stories of others outside enjoying themselves!
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
Team Sho-Air and Niner Bikes go to Italy
I received a phone call Tuesday night from my cycling coach/Pro Mountain Biker Cameron Brenneman of the Sho-Air Team as he was explaining his recent trip to Italy for a 24 Hour mountain bike courtesy of Niner Bikes.
The conversation went something like this:
“24 Hours later and I am back in New Mexico. I am tired. The trip was good but for being in Italy almost a week I think I learned two things to say, I’m on your left and I’m on your right. Obviously, I was saying it wrong though because I took out a team on a tandem bike early because they didn’t understand.”
But Cameron sent over a little email too with information and pictures from the race:
The race went well in Italy. We won the 4 man team classification & took 3rd overall. We raced on single-speed Niner bikes and only one other team used single-speeds. We completed 59 laps of the 4 mi course. It was a lot of fun and there were some amazing views of the sea from the course. One of my teammates girlfriend decided last minute to compete in the solo category on a single-speed (crazy!!!). She finished 2nd with 33 laps. For more info go to www.24hfinale.com.
Hope everyone is doing well,
Cameron
Thanks for sharing!
-dsheek
I would have been so amazed by the views I would have forgotten about racing…
Tuesday, May 13th, 2008
My Version of the SCNCA Road Race Championships
I spent the week prior to the road races at fifth grade camp with students hiking, dancing, and singing camp songs. I had the opportunity to ride my bike for about an hour each morning so my training fizzled drastically. By Friday I was exhausted but I returned home from camp only to load my car again and eat before heading to Bakersfield.
Friday:
We arrived in Bakersfield and were lost due to google maps, thank you, so we finally got checked in and to bed around 11:30pm.
Saturday:
Wake up 5:00am but it felt like I slept for three hours. Got to the race registered and then fell asleep in my car only to wake up ten minutes before my race start so I threw on my shoes and helmet darting to the starting line. This was the Mens 30+ Cat 1-4 race. It was off, it was fast and I was off the back as soon as it started.
Basically the guys I was racing against were so fast that I was spinning out in the flats with my compact crank set. I wish I would have had a computer so that I could have seen the speeds. After one lap and getting dropped I pulled the plug so that I could just rest for day two.
Saturday night Hanhster and I prepped for day two with what we are determined is the magic combination of foods, stretching, etc… (I can’t share all of the strategies otherwise the other Cat 5 roadies will know my secrets and tell the rest of our horrible wack pack).
Diaphragm Stretches
Sunday:
The race was on! I woke up early again and was at the races but alert and feeling surprisingly well. I raced the 30+ Cat 3-5 only to find myself up against team Triathletix. They were a bunch of fun even though they tried to burn me out, block, and attack me towards the end of the race.
The end result was me VS. Triathletix, two sprinters took off in the final 400 yards but I found a gap in their block attempt and I chased the sprinters down for the win.
So in true champion fashion I showed my stretched diaphragm off on the podium so everyone could see just how big my lungs are… Why the rest of their team didn’t show up I don’t know but word around the race was that it was due to my ominous podium belly display.
I walked away from this race having a blast and with an extra $55 in cash for winning… We kept saying we were going to Sizzler but instead we got coffee and Taco Mesa.
-DSheek
Big Belly Road Racing
Wednesday, May 7th, 2008
Mountain Bike 29er Wheels VS. the Standard 26 Inch Wheels
After a conversation with Matt Smart (contributor) where I explained to him the difference of Mountain bike wheels, in reference to surfing terms. He suggested I share my explanation of Mountain Bike wheel sizes and how each rides, as the market seems to be more and more flooded with 29 inch wheels on bikes.
The best way I can briefly explain a 29er is by comparing a long board to a short board… You can create the shape on a long board to surf pretty snappy and quick but it will never respond as fast as a short board. The 29er rides like that of a long board, it’s the soul riders bike. They peddle a little smoother over rocks and can climb better in most areas but they do not accelerate as quickly or pop out of turns as fast as your standard 26 inch wheeled bike. However, because of the bigger tires the 29er bikes do hold a line better while cornering.
You can see each type of bike has its own benefits and the rider has to decide which of the two they like with all the riding aspects that fit their style and weight factors which may apply with a 29er too. This weight is all due to the larger wheels which is also consistent with larger or a little more elongated geometry on 29er bikes which 29ers use to make up for the larger wheels.
The more I think of my experience with 29ers the more I want my Pivot Mach 429. The new 29 inch full suspension beast from pivot cycles.
Check one out: www.pivotcycles.com
-DSheek
Hang Loose Bike Geeks!
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008
5th Grade Camp!
To protect the innocence of the underage I will not mention names, etc. but I would like to share my experience this week from camp:
Day 1:
My phone is not working but I have internet access. The riding seems like it is going to be sweet. I am getting up at 6am to hit the trails. I have attached some pictures of my room and the forest on our first hike. The teachers dorms are less than desirable, I don’t mind. However, one of the women in the room next door is taking a dump right now and I can hear it…SICK!
Day 2:
I woke up this morning and took a ride back up the 1 mile dirt road that leads to camp from Highway 2, Angeles Highway. I crossed the main highway onto a single-track for about 6 more miles up and could of kept going but I had to turn around to be back in time for breakfast. The views were amazing and I plan to go back tomorrow and take pictures. As I hurried back I hit a gopher snake and did not turn back to check the damage (reptile lover).
After just making it back in time and scurried into my room to change and wash up only too find all the bathrooms filled by teachers. As my teacher friends were walking out I heard sorry I would have warned you if I knew you were going in next. The smell was torturous. I barely survived to wash my hands.
After breakfast we hit the trails to hike and climb some ropes…Sweet!
After a long day of hikes, geology (rock collecting) and the morning ride we went back out to do a little astronomy. When the sky opened I looked through a $10,000 telescope to see Saturn (not the car). It was amazing. I could see the ring around the planet and it reminded me of a little sticker in the view finder.
Until tomorrow,
-DSheek
Americas biggest 5th grader
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