Ride the Divide

Ride The Divide Movie Trailer from Ride The Divide on Vimeo.

American Flyer

I finally did it. I watched "American Flyers" on Netflix the other night. The movie made me laugh, cry and sit at the edge of my seat. Na, it really wasn't all that spectacular but I suppose it was pretty good during it's time.

Boing...

I wish I could do a quarter of what this guy does. I love bike tricks and I can't hardly ride a wheelie.

Cross Results

Well, my first experiences at cross racing was quite entertaining. I must say that I'm really slow. Not being able to ride my bike much lately really displayed my lack of bike fitness.

The first day went pretty well. I lacked power in my legs and it was really really cold. My feet and hands were so cold I couldn't feel them. The second day I felt better but apparently couldn't put any more power to the pedals. I actually came in dead last. I can't say I was giving it my all either. It was a struggle but a fun one.

I tell you what though, there is something about being around bikes that makes me want bikes, all kinds. There was one that I found very interesting. It was a Raleigh single speed cross bike. This is the newer model of what I was looking at except the one I saw was a single speed.



I've always been very intrigued at single speed bikes. I like the simplicity and how much it can improve your riding. I know many single speeders and each of them are considerable faster than I am. Maybe I should trade my Kona Kula Supreme for a nice single speed.

I'd really like to try one for a few rides first before I made that big of move.

There's lots going on in the winter season out here in the hills.

Ride.

Cross Races

Got a couple cross races to do this weekend. I've never done one so it should be both interesting and fun and maybe a little cold. I'm not in it to win it but I am going for fun and time on my bike.

Black Hills Cyclocross Series

Pedal-Driven

No helmet... solution

Saturday Afternoon Hike

Saturday I took the family to Buzzard's Roost. It's an IMBA style trail up highway 44 towards Pactola. We went for a 2ish hour hike. The weather was perfect and so were the boys. I had Jonah in a backpack and Oli walked and rode in the stroller.



I haven't ridden that trail in a couple years. They've added a few new loops to it. Maybe I'll be able to swap in a ride out there soon.

The longtail bike

The last two nights have probably been my favorite ever. We eat supper as a family, then I load Oli and Jonah into the bike trailer and off we go. Tuesday night was a long ride. We cruised around the neighborhood and started to head off towards their old daycare. The sun was setting and time was getting short so we opted for a cruise back to the house.

Last night was a little shorter and not so distance focused. Oli wanted to ride his Strider so we cruised around the neighborhood. He loves, loves, loves his strider. He runs outside in the morning while wearing a diaper... wanna ride my bicycle. Anyway, after a while he was tired, so I loaded his bike up and put him in the trailer with Jonah. Oh, I was riding the Ute with a trailer. It was a loooooong bike.

I think we'll do it again tonight.



I was going to take a picture of the boys and I on the ute but didn't get it done. I'll try and get one so you all can see how magical it looks.

Heat

Wow, I rode M-hill today over lunch. 100 degrees with no water is way too hot to be peddling up a giant hill for 1.5 hours. I nearly died.

However, I felt relatively well for it being so hot. I took a couple more breaks.

The other night I took a longer route home. I got about 21 miles there.

I'm riding more and loving it. All kinds, mountain, road (mtb with slicks) and some heavy hauling with the Ute. The boys love riding in the bike trailer and the wife loves the Ute too.

Bike life is good in the Clements household.

Good news in Rapid City also. Safe Routes to School is making an impact here! Thank you!!!

Preperation for the five-0

Full on prep time for the Dakota 5-0 is in the works. It's been pretty slow this last few months. I've done some biking here and there but nothing long and definately nothing that will constitute a sub-5 hour fifty mile time. I do hope to beat my time by following my current training plan. That plan consists of riding alot! Really, I want to ride as much as possible for the month of August. I'd like to try and throw in a couple looooong rides. At least 2 4-5 hour rides are in store as well.



I'll do a few extra miles tonight on my way home. I got a super hard ride in for 7 miles coming to work today, tonight I'll go a little out of the way to get some more mileage. I'll probably crank pretty hard up the hills or do some intervals along the way.

I might try and get a quick recovery ride in the morning and a down-hill esque ride in after work. I'm not fully sure what my plan will be at this point.

I think we're heading back to Miller this weekend and I'll take my bike. Maybe I can get in a couple back to back 30-60 mile rides in the mornings. We'll see I guess.

Oh yeah, I purchased a couple commuter tires, panaracer pasela, for my hardtail. I needed something that would roll better on the highway during my longer rides since all I have for a "road" bike is my Ute. Trust me, although I love my Ute, it is not a training tool at all. Definitely a hauler. They look funny at 1.5 inches wide compared to my 2.1 or 2.3s or whatever I ride. So far I only have about 40 miles on them and I'm really happy with them. I'll keep you updated as I use them more.

Bulldog

I rode bulldog up by Sturgis this afternoon. It's a part of the centenial trail. Oh man, what a great ride. It was hot, approx 90F or so. It was a pretty warm climb to the top and then a super fun ride down. The ride has a steady 4 mile climb and when you reach the top you turn around and bomb down what you just went up. It's great!

Well, Angie will now be staying home with the kids everyday. I'm really excited about our new path and we'll be able to raise our own kids. The other bonus, I'll be able to ride my bike every day. NO excuses anymore!

Tomorrow is day 1.

Happy riding.

Not very happy

I checked my walk score today. Have you checked yours?

What this proves is that my community has not been planned properly. I think all communities should be built around the 2 mile rule. At minimum, all houses should have the necessities within that distance.

What's your walk score?

Oh happy day

Alright, I drove this morning. I wasn't happy about it but I was running short on time. Fine...

I did end up driving back home to put some food in the slow cooker for supper tonight. While I was there I decided it's time to take the Ute for a spin back to work. So, I packed up my things and headed out the door. Oh how I love that bike. It's so smooth, fun, cruiseresque and all the goodness makes me very happy. I never have to carry a thing on my back, it just all goes right in the bag. Oh it's so good.

There was one bad part of today's ride. The wind!!! Holy smokes, it almost blew me to a standstill more than once. That bike catches some serious wind. It's ok, the bell makes up for it.

Another topic:
Dakota five-o

Should I ride it? I think I should. I need to sign up now!

You should too!

Lazy Dayz

I haven't had a chance to ride much lately. It's time I make it a priority. It's fun. There is no other reason, it's just fun. I can come up with all sorts of excuses on why I haven't been riding and the truth is, I've been extremely lazy. Just lazy.

Not any more. I miss my commute to work. I have a Ute now that can all all my goods and then some with no problems. It's time I put it to use. Tomorrow is the day.

Happy 4th yesterday.

Everythings Amazing & Nobodys Happy

USA Today

Wednesday Ridism

I had the blessing of riding to work once again. This morning led me to believe that Rapid Creek is the highest I have ever seen it. Nearly every underpass was blocked due to high water. Last week, the water was on the sidewalk maybe 3 inches deep. Today, way too deep to ride through. I was surprised.

Over lunch I decided to take a stroll up M-hill. Oh how I love that place. It's within minutes of my office on a bike and I can ride up one side and down the other and all around it in about 35 minutes. It's a good workout too because it goes... well, up, then it goes... down. Lots and lots of fun to be had.

Now I'm pooped and need some more water.

FTF

This weekend is the Fat Tire Festival. I'm not competing in any rides this year. I will be volunteering my services during a race on Saturday. I decided to do my part and volunteer so all of you can enjoy your time in the Black Hills. This will be a full, fun packed event. Lots to do and many trails to ride. Give me a shout if you need directions or a tube or whatever else. I'll be around.

Enjoy the weekend!

Happy days

I was able to do the bike commute this morning. Greatest day ever!

The only disappointment was the bike path dips under major city streets along Rapid Creek, due to the recent rain we've had, they have closed these sections without warning until you reach that location. So, my commute was a bit longer than expected. I had to backtrack then cross the street at intersections. Granted this isn't a big deal except I think they should have put up warnings at major bike path entrance. To ride for a mile or so to find out the path is closed and ride back adds time. If I was not going to work I'd think it was great because I have added joy for riding longer, however, I was in a bit of a time crunch so it was slightly annoying.

It was a beautiful morning and I'm very happy I rode.

Storm Mountain

Myself and 2 other rollers were up at the crack of dawn to head to storm mountain for a nice little loop this morning. We rode, we got a little muddy, we did a little bit of branch moving from the trail, we did a drop and we rode. It was a great easy ride for a Saturday morning. This trail is in great shape. I wish it was dryer so we could have ridden the coon hollow section but it's always too wet to ride in the spring.

I did a small 2-2.5 foot drop that I've been too chicken to do in the past. It took me 4 attempts before I actually committed. The drop had a nice entry point and a good landing. It really didn't feel like much so I'm not sure what my deal was. I feel proud that I've done it now. The skills are improving.

I wish I would have remembered my camera so I would have some shots of the ride, but I forgot... I was also going to bring my gps so I could map the route for some of the rides during the Fat Tire Festival but my gps was not working. Kind of a bummer.

Parts were a little muddy so I had some bike washing to do when I returned home. I'm really glad I completed that task because I found a broken spoke on my rear wheel. It might have to get an upgrade. I believe my riding has grown past the wheel's capabilities. It was a cheap wheel I bought a couple years ago when I upgraded to disc brakes. Now the wheel is crap and won't stay true. One ride and it's toast and now broken spokes, not cool. We'll see what happens.

Now, stop reading this and get out and ride.

Commuting

My bike commuting adventures have been sparse (note: none) this year. I'm getting quite concerned. The wife has had to work late or travel much more so I've had to either take kids to daycare or pick them up from daycare. This is not a task I'm willing to take with a 7 month old and 2 year old. If there were more safe streets to ride on between there and here I would be far more inclined to try it.

Depending on how tomorrow morning goes (if I have to drop them off or not) I will ride my bike. I miss it and I miss it alot! I'm tired of driving everywhere all the time. It's boring, there is road construction everywhere and gas is expensive. There shouldn't be a need for it but when you have 2 kids under the age of 2.5 and they go to daycare on unsafe biking roads, what's a dude to do? Any ideas?

Based on readings, it's not safe to have a child under the age of 1 to be in a bike trailer or on a bike seat. They do not have the neck strength to hold their head up with the added weight of the helmet.

So, does anyone have any ideas of how I could make this work better?

Riding Update

I was planing on pre-riding the course at Alkali Creek yesterday up by Sturgis. There is a race next weekend. It ended up raining and snowing enough to make the trail pretty wet. I didn't want to cause any distress to the trail so I opted out. I rode M-hill instead.

It was awesome! I was meeting a couple dudes there and I was a bit early. I made a quick climb to the top for a warm-up then bombed down. I met Kris at the bottom and he started to push his bike up while I rode. To his credit, he has a downhill bike that does not go up well. 

Once we got to the top, we cruised around the peak a bit then headed over to a new downhill section. It was fantastic. It's fast, flowy, jumpy, smooth and has a little something for everyone. I wish I had my camera to take some pics. I need to work on my jumping abilities although I would say I did alright. I know I landed some of them as I should and some I came up a little short. 

It wasn't the greatest training ride, but it was a ride and a fun one at that. 

Moab 2010

We got back from the most spectacular Moab mountain biking trip ever. We started out looking for a camping spot on Friday night. Finally, at 10:30, we found our spot... a free spot. We had no idea how amazing the scenery would be until morning.

Upon waking, we were pleasantly surprised when we looked around. We were surrounded by hundred foot bluffs of nothing but red rocks. It was nothing short of amazing.



The first day of riding we rode the famous slickrock trail. I heard rumors about how if you had the legs, you could climb anything. It was true. We encountered many steep rocks to climb and I was able to power up all but one. That one was about 40 yards long and probably about a 30 degree angle, maybe more. I made it about 10 feet from the top when I actually lost a little traction and my front wheel popped up. I landed on my elbow and needed assistance getting up. The rock was too steep for myself to gather enough traction on my hard soled biking shoes to get any traction.

The rest of the day consisted of climbing lots of hills similar to the one previously mentioned. It was a tough day of only 12.5 miles. The weather ranged in the 80s and with the rock warming up kept us heated up.



The next day we got some information from a local bike shop, Chili Pepper Bike Shop. They told us a great ride was Sovereign. They were right. It had some moderate climbs and some extremely technical riding. It was the best ride I've ever been on at that point. It was tight, windy single track with lots of rock climbs and little ledges. It was an up and back route in which the back was definately worth the climb. Riding back to the truck was very fast and flowy. The trail fit so well with the natural elements the desert had to offer. We had a couple drops and ledges to ride off as well as some super fun roller coaster type rocks. I didn't take any pictures this day since I forgot my camera. I would highly recommend this ride to anyone who is willing to put in a little time climbing for an awesome downhill adventure.

The last day we went to Porcupine Rim. This trail had a shuttle that took us to the top. We started off with a small jeep trail climb that led us to the Rim. There was a couple hundred foot cliff that we rode along for the first couple miles. The view was absolutely amazing. Lots of stunning scenery with some death opportunities. Most of this first part winded through some trees to evenutally turn just short of the edge. We then met up with about 5 or 6 miles of double track that was very rocky and had lots of little 2-3 foot drops that flowed very well with the landscape. It was so fast that I was in my middle ring and the smallest in the rear and I couldn't peddle fast enough to gain more speed.

All this led to the greatest single track around. We finished off the ride with 5 or 6 more miles of winding single track with moderate drops and some opportunities to take a few jumps. We hit most of them and they flowed so well, it didn't even make me nervous or anything. The trail was a 12 out of 10. We rode along the Colorado River and it had so much fast, flowy technical riding that fit so well with the landscape, it would be hard to rate anything lower. I would definitely recommend this ride to anyone who wants an adrenaline rush with an addiction for beautiful scenery.





I can't wait to go back!

First Experience with a Ute

I picked up the Ute today. I had to drive it home since I had the truck. That bike is loooong. It barely fit but fit it did.

I parked it in the garage and kept begging my wife to go check it out. I couldn't stop saying how different and useful this bike could be. After about a half hour, she finally went and looked. Her first glance was, "yeah, that's a cool looking bike". Then she went into how weird and different it looked. It does. In a good way of course.

I was finally able to take it for a spin at around 8pm. I tooled around the neighborhood cruising up on the sidewalks, riding on the street and up and down hills. It peddles surprisingly easy. It rolls really nice thanks to the continental city slick tires sizing in at 700c. It rode real smooth and had a very comfortable, upright position.

The hardest part for me to get to was the fact that this is not a racer. I'm used to pretty aggressive bikes. My mountain bikes have more aggressive positioning and I used to have an entry level road bike that was pretty quick. If I decide to keep the ute, it will be an adjustment. I'm sure I won't be getting to work in any record time. That's not what this bike is for.

Some of the components felt a little cheap. Mainly the peddles and the cranks. I could tell they weren't of the highest quality but with a $900 price tag and the amount of bike you get, I can't complain. I didn't have a chance to run to the store or haul anything yet but I'm sure that will come.

My main concern is if I will decide to use this bike to it's fullest potential. Would I be happier with more of a touring bike where I can go on long rides and camping trips? I've heard of this other fellow in Sioux Falls who does bike camping trips on his Big Dummy. The Ute will work the same and I'm sure I can do some pretty serious rolling on the Ute. It's a hard decision.

I have some time before I have to decide. It needs a few more miles before I can make an informed decision. So far, I'll give the ute one thumb up. I'll post more as it gets some more miles.

8 Days

8 Days until we go to Moab. It's going to be a busy 8 days too.

First, Angie leaves to go to Chicago tomorrow morning.

I travel 1/2 way to Miller to meet my mom to get a suburban for the Moab trip.

Monday, drop off suburban and my gear for trip on Friday (16th)

Tuesday, fly to Denver for work

Wed-Friday noon, Denver for full days of meetings

Friday noon, hopefully my friends will have made it to Denver to pick me up to get to Moab

Friday night, should have reached Moab and found a camping spot.

Saturday, ride

Sunday, ride

Monday, ride

Tuesday, travel all the way back to Rapid City and try and make it before 5pm.

Tuesday, Angie leaves to go to Nashville through Friday.

Oie...

Kona Ute

The Ute arrived at Acme Bicycles today. I stopped in to take a peek. It looks awesome. The Ute is very comfortable to sit on and I can already dream up ways to use it. The one thing I'm disappointed about is that I didn't take it home. It was a snowy, wet mess outside and I didn't want the bike (which will start out as a trial) to have it's first ride in nasty conditions. I'm sure it's up to the task, but I didn't want to subject it to the elements quite yet; especially since it's not mine, yet...

My father-in-law is a woodworker so I'm sure I could negotiate with him to building me some bolt on deck options. I've seen a couple pictures out there where they would build 2 child seats onto the deck. I've also seen a beer deck among other nifty items I'll have to look into if it becomes a reality in my household.

If the weather turns around, I'll get a ride to the shop and ride it around for a couple days and decide if it is worth the purchase. I think it would be a great commuter with tons of options for a grocery getter and child carrier. It's just fun and economical.

Weekend and Easter

I had planned to ride up to my parent's house by Nemo. This didn't happen. We got snow and the higher elevations got even more snow. I didn't want to risk riding on a no shoulder road with wet and slippery conditions. I'm going to have to start getting some rides in so I'm prepared for Moab.

I'm going to start gathering my leftover parts to put my Dawg back together. I need a bike where I can go bash around and have some fun. It won't be a light build but it should still climb well and will only have a few minor upgrades from stock. The fork will be different and probably some other minor things. As long as it runs and is fun, I don't care.

I have my hardtail for races and training. I'll probably end up riding it the most.

If the weather would straighten itself out I could get some more riding in. I might have to make due with what it is.

Ute

It sounds like my favorite local bike shop (Acme Bicycles) will be offering me a chance to test out a Kona Ute next week. Am I excited you ask? Well, I think that's a stupid question. I get to try a Kona Ute for free! It's going to be my commuter, get groceries, haul the kids places bike and I'm going to like it, then I'm probably going to purchase it. I might have to see if I can trade or offer services to help pay for the damn thing, but I think I can make it work.



I'm excited. Yes!

The weather sucks today.



I was hoping to ride up to my parent's house by Nemo tomorrow. The ride would be about 20 miles mostly uphill which really doesn't matter to me. It'd be fun and i could get my first long-ish ride in of the season. If I had the Ute, I'd take it and maybe haul a kitchen sink, but I don't... so I'll probably just haul myself and maybe a water bottle or two. This will all take place IF the weather cooperates. I'm not going to ride when the roads are slippery and slushy up that dreaded, windy, drivers don't pay attention road.

Moab 2010

Me and some buddies are heading to Moab, UT in a couple weeks for 3 days of slickrock riding fun. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Moab biking since I got into the activity. I'll have to post lots of pictures once we return.

I went on my first (real) ride of the season last Sunday. It was spectacular. I know crossfit has definitely help me keep my fitness over the winter but I will still have to incorporate some more riding. My breath seemed a little short at times but I did have good power and my recovery time was very short.

The fat tire festival is coming up soon also. I'm not sure if I'll be doing any races. I might try the hill climb, maybe the cross country. I'm thinking of just helping out though. I will try and ride as many bhmba sponsored races as I can this year instead.

WOD

Today was one of my favorite workouts. Deadlifts...

21-15-9-15-21

Deadlift (205 lbs)
Pushups
Situps

Tabata pullups
- if you can't do any more pullups you have to dead hang.

I was wanting to go for 225# for my deadlifts but decided against it since there were so many reps. I'm glad I stuck with 205# because my core was all the way shredded at the end. I'm sure my form was lacking on the last few. Pushups and situps were excellent.

Tabata pullups were extremely difficult. I didn't have any grip strength after doing all the deadlifts. I'm sure I could have completed more pullups than I did but I just couldn't hold my grip.

My hands and forearms are fatigued to the point it's nearly impossible to type. I'm managing though.

I'm not sure if I should take tomorrow off or go. I could rest tomorrow, go thursday and off Friday, then on Saturday. My plan would look like 2 on, 1 off 1 on 1 off 1 on 1 off and continue... It has more to do with my schedule than anything. I'd like to do a 2 on 1 off senario but my schedule isn't allowing me to do that consistently. I guess I go when I can.

WOD Mon. Feb 8

10 Thrusters (85 lbs)
15 pullups
20 double-unders

5 rounds

Today was a bit difficult to get back into the swing of things. It's the first day in 2 weeks in which I have actually done a workout. I've drank a lot of beer and traveled and tended to sick kids, but workout was not one of them. It felt fairly good. I was slightly out of breath and I could tell my pullups were struggling. After I finished the workout in around 13 minutes, I had a terrible gut cramp that went away in a few minutes. It was nice to be back in the gym.

Everyone did very well with the workout today. Thrusters should suck, but I'm finding that I kinda like them. They use so many different movements and incorporate the full body. Pull-ups were a struggle. I was able to knock out the first 15 no problem but anything after that I had to do in sets of 5.

My diet has been pretty poor the last couple weeks as well. It's time to get back to it and keep it paleo and clean. I feel much better and my workouts are much more productive with the proper nutrition.

Bikes

I think I might have a good source on a Kona Ute. It's going to come in handy this summer when running to the store or taking little bike camping trips with Oli. Maybe. We might not go far either, but I think it would be fun and he could already start to learn the abilities of traveling with two wheels.

I'm also thinking of building the Kona Dawg back up. I have most of the original parts to get it rolling again. I'm not really sure why. I guess just because I have extra parts and what good is a frame if it's not built. I might have to take some things off the Schwinn Single speed, like the fork... but i want a rigid fork for that anyway.

Crossfit WOD Thursday, Jan 21, 2010

For my WOD today I did a little challenge we came up with. It was Ryan and Justin's idea to do 100 box jumps (30"box) and 100 pullups. I decided to open my trap and add in 100 burpees. Jared and I completed it today.

100 pullups
100 box jumps
100 burpees

23:something

I gotta tell you, it was hard. We split them into sets of 10. Now I wish I would have done sets of 20 or possibly 25. I think I spent too much time walking between stations. The good thing is I was able to complete each exercise without taking a break. I might try again next week and do sets of 20 or 25. Jared struggled a bit more because he isn't proficient at kipping pullups. I could easily crank out 10 before he was done with 5. He'll get there.

It was a good day. I've had alot of rest the last week and a half so everything felt good. I have to try and get back into my routine of 3 on 1 off but it all depends upon my schedule

Trip

Heading to Denver for a few days for work.

Basketball

City league basketball started yesterday. I was amazingly impressed with my fitness from crossfit. Seriously, I was able to go all out for 40 minutes. My recovery time was minimal and needed very few breaks. Unfortunately we lost, but I felt my performance was very good. I need to shoot better but that comes with practice which I haven't done lately.

At CF on Saturday I did Fran for the first time.

"Fran"
21-15-9
95lb Thrusters
Pullups

My time was 8:10 which I think is pretty good considering I've never done it before. The thrusters were killer. My shoulder strength is a little poor for pushing things overhead.

I'm excited to see how CF relates to my bike races this summer.

Birthday, Christmas, New Year and today

Not much new out West.

I haven't been on a bike in nearly 2 months. There seems to be alot going on. My dad had surgery, baby, daycare, christmas, new years, job, traveling, family, hunting and anything else that could make our lives busier.

New Belgium is sponsoring the Fat Tire festival this year. It's coming in May so get signed up. If you want to come out but don't have a place to stay. Let me know, we have a back yard you can throw your sleeping bag on. If you're nice we might let you come inside.

Have a great weekend.