Evil XI

2011-12-21T21:17:00.002-06:00

The New Rad.

2011-11-14T08:47:00.002-06:00

gone, but not forgotten.

2011-10-03T22:09:00.003-05:00

the month of september of 2011 is gone. forever. I didn't even know it happened. between trips, trees, trade-shows, my new running buddy and the rest of life, somewhere i forgot myself in august. or maybe that was july. regardless, the plan of action is to bring it back, or rather me that it is.

old habits are hard to kick, they just need a fresh dose of perspective. thank goodness.

yes.

2011-09-12T13:24:00.002-05:00

new addition.

2011-09-07T20:00:00.001-05:00

worked & well needed.

2011-09-07T19:21:00.002-05:00

Earl.

2011-07-30T15:20:00.002-05:00

There is a little Earl for everyone, and a little Earl in everyone. Even elite racers. Enjoy the rides fellas.

2011-07-26T13:56:00.002-05:00

Jet Lagged.

2011-07-25T21:14:00.001-05:00

"Dad? Dad?! Wake up!"

Falling asleep while reading learn-to-read children's books to children wasn't part of the job description.

2011-07-17T13:14:00.001-05:00

The Cronus CX feels right at home in the Alpes. My legs are getting there...

And so it begins.

2011-07-14T20:16:00.001-05:00

The long road uphill for the next chunk of time will be what it is. Long and uphill. I just hope there is a thanksgiving sandwich at the top.

Outsourced.

2011-07-09T06:07:00.004-05:00

Mandatory outsourcing to keep the head in check for the rest of the year. thanks honey.

Comrades

2011-06-24T20:26:00.002-05:00

Riding is a dish best served with friends. But only if their pistons are better equipped to teach you something about yourself. ride on.

2011-06-23T06:56:00.003-05:00

A dirty bath with warm water is better than a bath with cold or no bath at all. Just don't take a drink in the process.

Perfect rotation.

2011-06-20T20:57:00.001-05:00

Ambition.

2011-06-17T23:51:00.001-05:00

Feeling it again on many levels. Welcome back, it's been too long.

Anders says.

2011-06-11T17:16:00.001-05:00

"I'm cold..." -Mom
"we have some sweat pants or something..." - family friend
"yeah! I can wear some sweater pants!" - Anders.

2011-06-09T18:40:00.003-05:00

Anders: "welcome to the GS!"
Dad: "GS? What's that?
Anders pumping one arm "the gun...", then pumps the other "...show!"

Anders says:

2011-06-04T08:23:00.000-05:00

"someone get me a glass.... Because I just found me, a tall drink of water!"

Anders says...

2011-05-26T19:52:00.001-05:00

"Well... What do we have here? ... Underwear!"

Anders Says

2011-05-25T09:43:00.001-05:00

"Mom, I have been thinking so much about Batman, and so much about Spiderman....that I have no more room in my brain to think about Superman."

2011-04-27T15:35:00.000-05:00

2011-04-16T22:20:00.000-05:00

2011-04-16T20:29:00.003-05:00

2011-04-11T13:43:00.001-05:00

2011-04-05T18:53:00.001-05:00

Fish Taco Transport.

2011-03-02T09:24:00.001-06:00

http://shanghaicrushin.blogspot.com/2011/03/gary-fisher-collection-fish-taco.html

It Begins. Again.

2011-02-13T15:20:00.002-06:00

Women who Ride.

2011-01-26T12:58:00.003-06:00

Comfortbot.

2011-01-12T15:01:00.000-06:00

Planet Propaganda: Gary Fisher Comfortbot from Planet Propaganda on Vimeo.

Nice Pull.

2011-01-12T11:00:00.003-06:00

No Americano.

2010-11-25T10:14:00.002-06:00

2010-10-18T21:16:00.000-05:00

Skills to pay the bills.

Earl.

2010-09-30T14:43:00.001-05:00

2010-09-24T12:11:00.002-05:00

U.P.

2010-09-12T10:31:00.002-05:00

missing the fun.

2010-09-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

Rapha Continental | Ride the Rockies from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Kidlist.

2010-08-28T14:00:00.003-05:00

1. Junker's Blues - Champion Jack Dupree
2. Can You Feel It - Mr. Fingers
3. Keep on Running - Stevie Wonder
4. Don't Push It Don't Force It - Leon Haywood
5. Elementary 101 - Johnny Fiasco
6. Super Bad - James Brown
7. Blue Skies - Josephine Baker
8. Funkin' for Jamaica - Tom Brown
9. Burt Bacharach - CasionRoyale
10.Sir Julian_A Man and A Woman
11.Lalo Schifrin - Danger
12.Bitcrusher (Bit Mix) - Check Em Out
13.Amon Tobin - Sordid, Late Night

Transport+ anticipation

2010-08-23T19:27:00.001-05:00

http://mycargobike.net/2010/08/23/electric-ute-official-debut-trek-coming/

How it's done.

2010-07-28T07:37:00.002-05:00

Cycling Copenhagen, Through North American Eyes from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

2010-07-26T09:40:00.002-05:00

Marco?

2010-07-20T19:22:00.003-05:00

70 teams

3 days

900 games

Trek + Bontrager + Ale Asylum + DougD + The Hunters = The best damn bike polo event the world has ever seen.

Holland wins at something.

2010-07-12T21:17:00.002-05:00

2010-07-10T13:26:00.002-05:00

Brilliant.

2010 Rapha Gentleman's Race | Litchfield, CT from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Winner. Winner.

2010-06-28T21:17:00.001-05:00

http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/us-pro-xct-4-wors-subaru-cup-2/elite-men-cross-country/results

game changer.

2010-06-16T19:08:00.001-05:00

www.trekbikes.com

simple rides.

2010-06-07T20:00:00.002-05:00

it has been a while, but not forgotten. 3 ride days are something special, especially when it comes to riding for transportation. it is a simple idea with so many benefits. simple rides are best served warm with friends, even if they just sit in. we will do it all again tomorrow.

Worlds Collide.

2010-05-16T21:14:00.002-05:00

Ever Efficient Bicycle

2010-05-15T14:42:00.004-05:00

Iain Boal's now famous chart of transport/motion effciency.

spring bugs.

2010-05-14T19:45:00.002-05:00

spring always brings out the best, especially in the little rascals. excited to get outdoors, they are always up for anything...endless days in the park, long rides in the trailer, late nights at the ice cream shop, evenings in the yard. as long as they are together, life is good. thanks goodness for seasons. welcome back spring, its good to see you.

Cronus Ultimate.

2010-05-01T15:30:00.001-05:00

Pleasantly surprised, but afterall - it is labeled "Man's Best Friend" for good reason.

downgrade = upgrade.

2010-03-30T20:57:00.004-05:00

everyday is different, as we all know. all days are staples in time, but some days are nails in the track. today was a deep one, one of the days that you sit back and realize what is happening around you and that time is marching on with our without you. all we can do is capture and remember.

today we got downgraded for an upgrade. a true improvement in quality of life. it is rare that we actually get these...a new toy, a nice meal. all of which are fantastic in their own way. but nothing compared to the true life improvements.

wheels.

2010-03-20T08:39:00.001-05:00

Wheels from Creede on Vimeo.

our little friend.

2010-03-20T08:35:00.001-05:00

Killin' it.

2010-03-19T22:05:00.003-05:00

days end, days begin. rinse and repeat. at the end of the week we are spent...yet we keep clicking along, all in the name of the home commodity common good. the other pre-season has begun.

Hurt Locker.

2010-03-14T13:06:00.003-05:00

evil wisco. oh you nasty, grueling yet beautiful wisco. every year, she reminds us who she really is by unleashing the evil from within. the kind that is forgotten by a long winter snug inside our houses. the kind of evil that legends are made of. the kind of evil that teaches respect.

let's start from the beginning. an early 7am start, you straddle your trusty steed and pedal out for lengthy 90+ miler with some local yet notorious evil doers...and for the first few miles, you think "hell yes -- life is good! this is no problem...sure it is 40 degrees, pissing rain with 20 plus headwinds...but this is living!"

As we click along, through the first of the thawed cow deposits and then up and down, up and down, up and down through all of wisco's best rural hideaways... pop. the infamous and inevitable bonk of a lifetime that puts you where you belong. how could this possibly happen?

a) people do not and should not go out in the march rain and ride 90+ in hypothermic conditions.

b) the off season will kill you.

c) for my associates, there is no off season, and they have the kick sticks to prove it.

after 7 soggy and shivering hours in the saddle, we are taken in by our friends Kwik Trip with open arms.

as for my evil com-padres, that was fun. let's do it again (when it is a little warmer)

Inspiration.

2010-02-18T07:51:00.003-06:00

Spending some time in the bay area is always an eye opener. This time my tour guide is installing the inspiration in the right places. We were lucky to have 70 degree+ days, clear skies and no flats. Now the real work begins.

Over-drive.

2010-02-05T19:52:00.003-06:00

I am leaving the 825 with a headache almost everyday. I would like to think that is because I am using parts of the ole brain that haven't been tapped for a while. On the other hand, it could also be trying to use a part that doesn't exist anymore. It probably doesn't help that I have only ridden my bike 2 times since the B side to my career started. Such is life.

thank you old friends.

2010-01-11T21:43:00.004-06:00

there is something about the melting and scraping and brushing and repeating that helps the brain figure out the tough questions. here is to rekindling old hobbies

Ride Safe.

2010-01-04T09:33:00.002-06:00

As we hit the roads this coming year, let's all make sure we practice safe riding and lead by example. Below is a refresher course.

mountain stages.

2010-01-03T20:39:00.004-06:00

It's go time, and there is a solid plan in place. Unfortunately this years races are all in the mountains, and I have to choose my gearing wisely... All the cogs are greased but one, too bad it's my big ring.

2009-12-29T21:23:00.002-06:00

I'm on a bike.

poof.

2009-12-12T18:56:00.000-06:00

and he was gone. it's hard to put it into words, but on one hand you are extremely happy for them...and on the other you are sad and feeling robbed of the shared grandeur that was on the horizon. we had something good while it lasted, and I hope we meet again someday. you will be missed, more than you will ever realize. good luck and stick to your guns (up).

but now you are the enemy and i'm not talking to you, quitter.

transition

2009-12-04T09:05:00.000-06:00

it's been a while since the last post. but it has also been a while since old man winter showed his face, causing the ultimate critical mass. everything and everyone is slowing for the frigid months ahead, this may be the last bit of sun for a while. enjoy it.

PSA

2009-09-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LydEn_cJ-dM

decomp.

2009-09-21T09:34:00.002-05:00

nothing better.

training tracks & 3 layered cake

2009-09-14T21:14:00.003-05:00

the change in the leaves brings one of the best that wisco has to offer - a secluded trail system so wicked and cunning that only a select few are given the right to roll. thanks goes to uncle ned for putting the ss fun between the legs, it has been a great few weeks of base layer prep and bone shaking. life is good when you get to ride both the asphalt and single tracks everyday. layer 1 of the three layer cake is in process. (that's a long O too...)

kilobyte.

2009-09-09T21:58:00.002-05:00

kil or be killed. byte the dog that bit ya. throw down or go down. in it to win it. which ever your mantra, thank goodness for the offender who keeps us honest and questioning. with the last days of summer winding down, the pre-season is in the turtle position, but we've picked the right gear. beware the hare.

payoff.

2009-08-13T18:16:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Belleville.

return of a new routine.

2009-08-09T21:22:00.003-05:00

With RAGBRAI being a faint memory, and the following week off the bike, the kicksticks are finally relearning their evil ways. Comradery, some new routes and fresh blacktop helped acclimate into base camp for the long haul. The beginning of the end is near, and a solid start is on the horizon.

It's business time.

2009-08-06T18:36:00.003-05:00

Inspiration doesn't come easy. But when Staggolee is knocking, there is only one way to go. The ingredients are out, the oven is hot, now all we need is the right mixture. We've made 'em good in the past, and we have some great recipe's, but this will need a new secret ingredient. Hootie, get ready with the icing.

Perfect Timing.

2009-07-31T08:55:00.004-05:00

We couldn't have asked for better timing for a break in the business and head north to the deepest little lake that I love. Racing is done, preseason is beginning and it is the calm before the beer/brats/bikes/monetary storm. We are ready.

We're in Barney

2009-07-16T20:46:00.003-05:00

With the beginning of the Superweek season being marked with the epic Great City of Milwaukee Lake Front course, we knew it was going to be a scorcher. It doesn't help when the planning committee doesn't pull through and forgets the bare necessities. After a couple of hurdles, we arrived and got our kicksticks warmed up. The climb was a fabulous beast with 2 switchbacks, and the descent was a ripper through the woods turning right onto Lake Front Drive. With the sound of the gun we were off and making history.

We finished up with our go to guru in 4th and a few pairs of weary legs. There were a few minor mishaps that could have turned into major mishaps. Thankfully, the saddle that flew off the rider in front of me missed my front wheel and hit my frame. I stayed up, and he stood for the remainder of the race. It was magical.

beware of crazy eyes.

2009-07-07T21:23:00.002-05:00

The next time you need a haircut, and you go into a convenient location thinking "I will be in an out of here in a jiff!", and there is some girl there with crazed-ass eye shadow/liner and a really bad tat on her neck...do yourself a favor and get the F out of there. Unless of course she has fake cans...then I would stick around for a head massage.

another one bites the dust.

2009-07-06T18:24:00.002-05:00

It's a sad day when you finally assemble the dream team and all hopes of the championship are dashed by one of your key players jumping ship to another team. As our motto states, "throw down or go down." Uncle J, we are on the war path. Good luck.

Evil XI Racer

2009-06-25T19:07:00.003-05:00

The custom training bike is finally complete. Let the real training begin!

Lupe Handmade Aluminum Frame
Brown Custom Handlebar/Stem
Bontrager RXL Carbon Fork
Raw Aluminum/Rubber Coat Finish
FSA Team Issue Crank - 53T
SRAM Rival Levers and rear derailleur
Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 ACC Wheels
Bontrager Speed Limit Brakes
Bontrager RXL Seatpost
Selle Italia SLR Saddle

waterloo classic

2009-06-24T19:14:00.002-05:00

a rare event was in the works, and the evil big rings were ready. I woke to a sour sound of rain pouring through the downspouts. regardless, the venue had been set and the kicks-sticks were ready for action. 12 noon took its time to arrive, making business a little less productive than usual. with pins in place and a fresh chamois, I hit the course for an early evaluation. to be honest, it was streets were broken and scary...but I was thinking too much. it held numerous opportunities for action, all of which would come to fruition soon enough. things starting looking up with the skies clearing and a steamy air developed.

after getting out to the rurals and way from the course for a warm-up, my mind was able to settle in and gather itself for the beating about to take place. an out and back later, I was back to take a couple more laps to size up and evaluate the competition, both the h8rs and course.

being the first race of the day made squirrels out of the many, and they were made apparent in the first 1-2 laps. eventually they got their nuts in sorted (as I did during warm up) and we put our paces in place. there were numerous breaks that didn't stick, and a few bump and grinds that left one lovely couple licking the asphalt. it pays to ride at the front, for the pain and the painless.

the final lap came sooner than expected and I was left fighting for a 8 spot coming into the 2nd to last turn, which was unacceptable. having taken the time to actually do my homework gave me the width and guns to kick it through the last turn and ride through for a 5th place finish. good things do not come to those who wait, only to those who prepare for success. lesson learned.

V2.0

2009-06-24T19:07:00.002-05:00

rairly does one get a chance to do their dance, and then gets an upgrade the changes the game. today was the day, and v2.0 was the upgrade. suckas and h8rs beware, there is a new dog in town and it has all the new tricks. L8R H8TRS.

Bonus Points.

2009-06-12T16:39:00.003-05:00

With gutter bunnies and caped crusaders in tow, we earned bonus points and survived booby traps and the grease bath. Just the thing to prepare for the tomorrow's throwdown.

Progresso.

2009-06-10T21:03:00.003-05:00

Camera time is training time. The day started off at 7am with camera crew in tow. A quick stop and drop for the wannabes and the weefae and I were off to work. We were pleasantly surprised to see that the weather yodas aren't payed based upon their accuracy, we had sunny skies both in and out. We tagged on a U ball to avoid any redneckery, and give our new friends some open road to work with. Our secret weapon was the tailwind, making us look like the creepy on a his day off. We have yet to see if everything went as planned, but the lens master was pretty stoked. All in all, a great start to a killer program. Now, for the summer solstice pain cave.

Baby Steps

2009-06-01T22:28:00.003-05:00

After a race filled weekend, I woke with visions of mistakes and possibilities in my head. There is something to be said about replaying the would've, could've and should've. All in all, it was a great weekend, and another learning experience to add to the books.

Brookfield 4/5

The course was a short but had a good elevation change, with the line 2/3rds the way up a mini widow maker. From the start, the 5s were squirrelly as usual and kicked it into high gear for the first 2 laps. As we all settled in and started sizing eachother up, a couple flyers cranked prematurely and were pulled back. The 3rd flyer on the other hand was a good effort with great timing. "Gorgeous George" (his name for now) stayed off the front for 3 laps. And it was at 5 to go that I said enough is enough, and bridged to join Gorgeous George. After a lap and a half of riding out of my skin, I finally grabbed on...but Gorgeous George had nothing left. We kicked it through another lap and hit the climb where he motioned for me to go around. At the summit, I turned the corner and he was gone. Knowing the wolves were near, I sat up 1/2 a lap later.

Catching the pack and squeezing into a modest position, I had a lap to recover before the bell. With one to go, I was in 8th/9th place and made up some ground on the inside at the summit. Descending into the 3rd turn was a dodgy endeavor, of which I heard the crashing of a rider who later I found out was 2 behind me and had a great kick. Luckily, he cartwheeled his way through plush clovers and found himself a happy place. I on the other hand had 1 turn and enough juice to make it stick. To my surprise, the top 2-3 riders sat up before the last turn and climb to figure out who was doing what, and thus left a gap the size of texas on the inside for a line of us to squeeze through and get an early start on the climb.

A grit and bear it finish led to 6th and a well deserved spinning of the little buddy below to recover. Now, if only the 4/5 was right before the Masters 4/5...I wouldn't have to wait so long. School has never been so much fun.

Rain Haven

2009-05-27T20:46:00.002-05:00

After a few days of mandatory rest from the good doctor, I was back in the saddle for a rainy ride to H20loo. Blinkies in place, and a swift new pack, the rain was barely noticeable. Will my health continue, or should I be easing back into it rather than jumping head first. Time and the weekend ahead will tell.

Kick Sticks.

2009-05-21T21:17:00.005-05:00

Last weekend we were blessed with the riding weather that we in the wisco dream of for months on end. 70 degrees, no clouds, and endless racing around the capitol square. The scheduling of the back 2 back made it an epic showdown, a blessing in disguise, and lucky enough to have time to put on the 5mph gloves before the second showing.

As i fell into the ranks of the pain cave, it all come down to strategery and commrodery, a few lucky breaks, and some last minute kicks to get things into place. Blomme was in top spirits and form, giving the peanut gallery a wicked taste very early on, while the rest of us sat in for the chase. We have a better plan for next time, and will keep it to ourselves, but knowing is half the battle.

Things are falling in for the J/J months of superweek and the Dairyland Tour...lets hope the boys behave and fall in as well. Off for an ultrasound tomorrow and hopefully back at it this weekend.

ATL

2009-05-12T20:36:00.003-05:00

After a weekend of rippin' it with the family in the ATL, it was tough coming back to the wisco headwinds. But the open and traffic free roads make it all worth while. The realization that wheels on willy is this weekend and I am way off target...mostly due to a chest cold (thanks son) and the liquid diet from last weekend. Well, here goes nothing...throw down or go down.

2009-05-07T21:54:00.003-05:00

With a wicked crit in the past, EVIL XI is ready for Atlanta heat, steak and bro-tatoes. Bring it.

Green with Evil

2009-04-28T20:59:00.004-05:00

As the weekend came to a close, the memories and aftermath of the night before were still lingering. It was epic. When a man dubbed "Hammer" gets serious, it is not to be missed.

This epic adventure started off with a windy, cold and rainy afternoon of Pole Position and a smattering of your first liquid weaponry (and second and third). As we choose to jump head first into the swirling vortex of debauchery, it was clear that the right evil doers were present and accounted for. With the fun between our legs, we schlepped over to the Monkey Bar for some pull-ups and shuffle board and some epic inspiration. As the rain continued and the bruising settled in, we opted for some much needed eye candy to complete the night. This little rendezvous had little hide and plenty of liquid to spoil. The evening closed for the XI with the faint recollection of live performances of Drum 'n Bass and of course, more rain.

2009-04-02T21:12:00.000-05:00

http://www.artcrankpostershow.com/

Be there.

wicked wisco

2009-03-28T15:45:00.003-05:00

Discovering new rides right outside your door... But like everything the wicked has to offer, it always leaves it's mark. Should you choose to accept the rath or get a push, you won't forget it. Today's epic consisted of miles of headwinds to make the ambitious fade, with a check of reality to put it in perspective. Wisco always delivers.

Re.Grind

2009-03-21T20:17:00.003-05:00

Starting with a dusty shakedown, an easy ride(thanks to the "Heal Biter"), dinner with my wannabe's and capping it off with a PBR scavenger hunt. . And yes, that is a new castle being built in the middle of no where...Wisco in spring never disappoints, and always represents.

Modificatiano

2009-03-19T07:13:00.003-05:00

Mello Yello is the vehicle of choice for Waterville...but to complete the experience it needed the final touches, which it received with high fives and ass grabbing. It was decided yesterday, after much deliberation that the silver rack would be the perfect solution... but not without matching pannier shopping bags. Sans the rack, it is true in-house design from the bottom up. The wife is happy, asses were grabbed.

2009-03-15T18:28:00.002-05:00

up and at 'em kids on saturday makes for a good but early day.

Pain Cave #2

2009-03-14T13:04:00.002-05:00

2009-03-14T09:02:00.004-05:00

Never Dull.

2009-03-12T21:22:00.004-05:00

More to follow when the time is right, but I am one lucky feller, eh? Let's hear it for the Ocnomowoc EMS!

2009-03-10T20:17:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwpV7Synl9g

Thanks to Creepy Friendly, this video is the funniest damn thing I have seen in a while. Let sleeping dogs lie.

ATL vs WIS

2009-03-10T07:06:00.000-05:00

It's always fun when family stops by for some tastey treats, but only if they leave their Crackberries in the car. ATL has nothin' in wisco!

Indoor-ath-a-lon

2009-03-08T20:33:00.000-05:00

rainy, nasty, testy weather and kids round off a great weekend. We finally got to a lot of the projects that we have been procrastinating on this winter...painting rooms and bookshelves.

2009-03-07T15:24:00.000-06:00

Spring pain cave with Creepy Friendly. All fun and no pain makes jack a dull boy...