Dirt Duathlon

I took part in a dirt duathlon on Sunday. A buddy of mine that runs did that section and I did the riding section. The race was held on the Flume Trail and Storm Mountain trail. 1.9 mile run, 5.5 mile bike then another 1.9 mile run. I think I did my section in about 35 minutes. I was actually quite disappointed because 5 people passed me. I just didn't have the legs which means I need to ride more hills or do more strength workouts for my legs. It was a bummer.

My team came in first in that category. I think our total time was just over an hour.

BHMBA is going to have another on November 9th. It's a bit more expensive but it all goes to a good cause.

Single Speed Hill Test

Alright, so I rode the single speed bike for the first time to work. Really, it's the first time I've ridden it anywhere that didn't have Oli on the back.

So the trip to work is actually kind of a duzy. It rolls out of my house on a nice flat level road which within a couple of blocks turns to a slightly upward grade. Then after the 3rd block, we go shooting up into the air for the next mile. I believe it's about a 8 or 9 (maybe steaper) percent grade. My single speed is set up with a 32x16 right now. It was the first time that I actually thought I was going to throw up on a bike. I never stopped nor did I get off and push. I kept pushing up and up until I hit Skyline Drive.

At that point there is about 100 yards of relatively flat grade before another steep climb for about 100 yards, then rinse and repeat.

Once I reached the service road it's all a slight downhill. I was maybe going 12 mph at the finish.

It was a good experience and I can see how riding a single speed bike can really strengthen your legs. I really had to push far more than I do on my geared bikes. Now I'm intreagued enough where I may take it out on a trail tomorrow to see what that's like.

I would like to change the gearing a bit to make it a bit more Black Hills friendly. I've heard of most people riding a 32x18 and some even a 32x20. I think the 32x18 sounds nice.

Good Bye

I had to say goodbye to an old friend today. I packed up my Trek 1500 road bike and put it in the mail. It's going to its new home in Minnesota. I am actually quite a bit more sad than I thought i would be. It kind of feels like I am losing a part of myself. I couldn't really justify keeping it when I have 4 other completely capable bikes sitting in the garage. It was my first road bike. I will always remember you (tear)...

I have had many good times on that bike. My very first century, my first and second Gut Check 212 and many many rides on roads that I normally wouldn't have gone on. We've spend alot of time thinking and talking. We enjoyed the scenery together and we've shed some tears and muscle tears. The Trek is a snappy bike that loves to be ridden, which is why I had to say goodbye.

Alright, now I'm going to have to go get it from FedEx... crap, what did I do..

No, wait, it's a good thing. Soon enough, I will be moving on to bigger, better newer bikes that will meet my needs just as much. It's ok, relax and enjoy the feeling of the bright future ahead!

My dearest friend, Trek... Take good care of your new owner. Ride long and hard and remember the times we've shared! Good bye...

Interesting

I came to work today with a down and out mood. It really didn't get any better upon arriving. I have been working with a select group of people that I haven't been able to find a solution for an issue. I ended up solving the problem and provided a more efficient way of completing their task. Upon explaining the way to accomplish assigned task, I was told to "eat shit". No kidding, in a professional work environment and after providing a solution to accomplish a task that couldn't be done without said solution. That was at 9:30am.

Nice day huh???

Then, I believe I have my road bike sold. I need to pack it up tonight and say my goodbyes. It leaves tomorrow.

Tomorrow, we get carpet in our basement.

Why can't it be the weekend???

Rapid City Events

I'm pretty excited about the up-coming week. It should be alot of fun. I am supposed to set up an appointment with Jerry Cole (not sure of his exact title) but he is the City guy who has much to do with bicycling and the black hills.

The second thing is there is a dirt duathlon at Rockerville on Sunday. It's a short 4K run, 10K ride and then a 4K run to finish it up. I think I have 3 other dudes talked into doing it.

Then I just noticed that there is a critical mass ride on Friday. I'm sure it won't be anything like the New York or San Fransisco ones. We'll probably fallow the law a bit better too.

Anywho, more info on Black Hills bicycling events, go here... www.blackhillsbicycling.com

Theory

I hope this theory comes true.

Constitution Day

It's Constitution Day here at work today. We get a free lunch... yippee (sarcastic)

I wish I wasn't so busy at work. I wish work wasn't such an important part of the American lifestyle. We are so caught up in our work, we can't find time for our families, fun, activity and time to ourselves. That is probably why the American population is getting heavier by the second.

We have to go to McDonalds for lunch because we get a total of 5 minutes off for lunch, and that's assuming your boss doesn't have a list of crap for you to do 10 miles long in which case... you wouldn't get a lunch.

Work is what people do to pay for crap they don't need. I admit, I am one of those people who likes to have "stuff". I don't need most of it but I like to have it.

Some day soon (hopefully), Angie, Oli and I will be able to just pack up and leave. We're going to go somewhere new, different and full of adventure. There will be no 401K, there will be no 8-5, there will be no mortgage... just adventure. I don't know where this place is going to be, but it's going to be great not being tied down to a job, house and things.

Work blows!

Realization

I just realized today that I have not been on a bicycle since the Dakota 5-0. Not one ride, not one peddle stroke, not, none, notta. I'm sad. I honestly have not had the time. I have the energy but seriously, where did the time go? There are times when the moon and earth are aligned and I can ride pretty much whenever, then there are times like these when nothing seems to fall my way. Oh well.

Angie is sick today. It makes me sad cuz I miss not having her at work. Plus I don't like it when people are sick because it's no fun.

I have nothing to say...

I think I'm going to drink a beer tonight. Yep, a beer for me...

The Night the Carpet Came.

Tonight, we look for carpet. There will be no biking, there will be no running and there certainly will be no outdoors. We will be searching for the perfect carpet which will finally deem our basement livable. Cheap carpet that is durable, looks nice and will last a while is what is on our minds. Something which will give Oli a place to fall over backwards while sipping on a bottle and not crack his skull open is what is in order. Oh, we'll find it. I'm not worried.

I have 2 offers on my bike. It will either be headed to MN or Virginia. I should know by tomorrow where it's going. Then I will have to round up a box and prepare it for shipping. Any ideas on what it costs to ship a bike. I'm guessing $35 or so but I really have no idea at all. I wonder if my fantastic local bike shop would help me out.

For Sale! 2006 Trek 1500 (Again)

I didn't get it sold last time. I had a few interested but then for some odd reason things went South and I ended up holding on to the bike for another year. It's time for it to go. I need the money to put carpet in the basement among other household items. Since I've recently added a couple other bikes to my collection that were all either 1. very inexpensive or 2. free, I have more bikes than I truly need or have time to ride. So, one has to go. I'd sell the others, but frankly, the one's I would sell are not worth anything to anyone... except me.

So, here are the details again. I've lowered the price for a quick sale. If you know anyone that is interested let me know or have them email me at dclements0@gmail.com. I can even work out slight travel arrangements if it's within a couple hours.

Excellent 2006 Trek 1500. It's been ridden a total of maybe 2,000 miles. All components are in excellent shape. Shifts well an stops well. It's a great bike for a beginner or ready to race. E-mail me at dclements0@gmail.com for more questions or photos.



$750 Or Best Offer...

FRAMESET
Sizes 58cm
Frame Alpha SLR Aluminum
Fork Bontrager, carbon

WHEELS
Wheels Bontrager Select
Tires Bontrager Race Lite, 700x25c

DRIVETRAIN
Shifters Shimano 105 STI, 9 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Crank Shimano 105 52/39/30
Cassette Shimano HG50 12-25, 9 speed
Pedals none

COMPONENTS
Saddle Bontrager Race Lux
Seat Post Bontrager Carbon
Handlebars Bontrager Select, 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager Select, 17 degree, 31.8mm
will also throw in an adjustable
Specialized stem that I have on it currently
Headset Aheadset w/semi-cartridge bearings, sealed, alloy
Brakeset Alloy dual pivot w/Shimano 105 STI levers

More pictures here...

1st Day - 2nd Job

Well, I'm officially not a farm kid anymore. I can surely tell after 4.5 hours of hauling, stacking, loading lumber that my work toughness I once had is officially gone. My last 6 years of sitting at a desk not doing much throughout the day has really worn on me. I feel like a piece today. My hands hurt, my feet hurt and I'm just all around worn out. I get to do it again tonight and tomorrow and the next day.

Life goes on I suppose. It will all change soon enough. Things will shape up and turn in the direction we want it to go. Sometimes things take a little blood, sweat and tears to get them where you want.

2nd Jobs

Well, I officially got myself a second job. Where you ask? Menards, that's where. We need to finish our basement after the big flood and we really don't have any extra money to do it. So, second job comes into play. I start tonight. I will be in the yard helping people load stuff. I know am the proud owner of a blue Menards vest, a knife, tin snips and a 25 foot tape measure.. and holders for each that I'll get to strap to my belt.

I'm not real excited about it, but heck, maybe it won't be too bad. Time will tell.

Coffee and kids

We get free Farmer's Brothers coffee here at work. I drink it although I think it is probably close to the worst coffee I've drank. It doesn't have the real coffee flavor. It's definitely coffee, but it tastes more like watered down, burnt coffee. You know the flavor. Yet, I drink it because it's free.

Oli is still not sleeping at night. Now he won't really eat much either. I think it's because of his little teeth trying to come in. I hope anyway. It's getting old too. I like to sleep. We go to bed shortly after Oli does (9:30 or so) and we struggle to get up at 6:00am. I'm sure it wouldn't be bad but there is a 2 hour time frame when he gets up in the middle of the night and we have to change his diaper and give him a bottle. Technically, we're not getting that much sleep.

Decision 2009

Thanks to all who posted on what I should train for next year. There was an overwhelming response of 1. all of them, don't be a pussy and 2. Leadville.

I would really like to do Leadville, and I think the best part of it is that I looked through the finishers for the last couple years and I have yet to find a person from South Dakota who has ridden in it. I am going to have to do some serious training to accomplish it, but I know it can be done. I think Leadville on a single speed would be pretty stellar. We'll see. I looked into registering and I think I have to do it by January 31 and it's going to cost me $240. Placement is not guaranteed so I might not even get to ride. We shall see. Heck, all those other races might even be good training for it, well, not since Leadville is before the others.

Hmmm, sounds like a plan. Let the training begin.

9 hours here we come!

Poll

Alright, I have time for a quick poll. What should I train for next summer?

- Sub 5 hour Dakota 50
- Leadville 100
- Mickelson Trail Marathon
- Laramie Enduro
- None of the above (drink beer, be happy)

I guess leave comments on what you think should be my priority for next summer.

five-O

I sucked a big fat pickle at the five-O this year. Right off the bat I knew I was in for a long day. The race starts at Spearfish Park and rolls up Tinton road for about 3 miles or so before getting to single track. It is a fairly healthy climb but nothing that is too strenuous. Except for the dreaded Sunday. I actually felt weak and tired about half way up the climb to start the single. Thoughts were rolling through my head about quitting and maybe even the slightest hope that the weakness would subside if I continued on. So, I tried and tried... My legs felt like lead and my stomach felt horrible. Each time I would take a sip of my water, a sick feeling would soon follow.

I finally made it to the first checkpoint which is about 10 miles in. I still didn't feel well and I really wanted to pack it up and head home, but I thought the bad feeling I had would go away if I kept on peddling. Well, it didn't at all! I pushed my bike up more hills than I think I ever had. Most hills I wouldn't even attempt, I'd hop off my bike at the base and just start pushing. There were even times on flats that I just didn't have the legs for.

I did make it to the finish line but not in a good time by any standards. I was hoping to get in the 6 hour mark for the first time, instead, I rolled in at a very unhealthy 8 hours 54ish minutes. It was even a worse time than 4 years ago when I fractured my collarbone and got stung by a bee. Then I came in at about 8:16. I'm very upset about the result and I will be back next year for some revenge on the course.

I was extremely surprised that a new course record was set. 3:40 was the time. INSANE!!! I have no idea how anyone could clock that kind of time. I'd really like to meet these folks who even ride under 5 hours and find out how they do it. What their training is like and how often they ride. It blows my mind. Congrats to them.