tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84566050302863857262024-02-19T08:15:12.791-06:00Nebraska Nomad"Travel is a vanishing act. You move through landscapes and other people's lives much like a ghost, touching some things and being touched by others. And on a few occasions you just sit back and take it all in, maybe even learn something."Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-13267514598824676112013-11-23T17:53:00.000-06:002013-11-23T17:56:14.210-06:00Surly reaches 10,000 miles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWGECFGFplKYA99keYpEgznNyEFhbBsVDTPOJaRQyU0kX1BKA3UgTH_0w8MBly6k-fZanyfDYrtMu-TQk7qSdWbcDEW8Np8i4idvFep4TVMaRc3SBu6S6J3SUa9qDvlz2bmbtoTFOiT0/s1600/10000+miles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWGECFGFplKYA99keYpEgznNyEFhbBsVDTPOJaRQyU0kX1BKA3UgTH_0w8MBly6k-fZanyfDYrtMu-TQk7qSdWbcDEW8Np8i4idvFep4TVMaRc3SBu6S6J3SUa9qDvlz2bmbtoTFOiT0/s320/10000+miles.JPG" /></a></div>Finally, Senior Surly reached this 10K milestone. In actuality, it happened in September but I've been lazy about posting on my blog. Regardless, Senior Surly and I have seen a lot of the countryside which includes riding in 7 different states. Our last major touring trip was back in August when we went from took the GAP/C&O trail from Pittsburgh to DC. The trip was amazing...looking forward to it again next summer. For now, Senior Surly and I plan to brave some of the colder temps during bike commutes. Not every day, but would to continue to ride as weather permits this winter. After all, I'd much rather be steering the handlebars of Senior Surly instead of steering a steering wheel.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-73143354651059798122013-06-22T13:27:00.000-05:002013-06-22T13:27:32.811-05:00MS 150 charity ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PMCOs7_FEvdCKok_Goqcv_8ddDciMSLRv6pcZSuhAUmiG9su-pJQXxDesSK72vCy6Lb-7f9azm8AlMU5Wh4CY7i4kISnOnVNXvft_9PZ0_pF1bicbDQ_FAmDUpp1Zo7xJudgmQPn6LI/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PMCOs7_FEvdCKok_Goqcv_8ddDciMSLRv6pcZSuhAUmiG9su-pJQXxDesSK72vCy6Lb-7f9azm8AlMU5Wh4CY7i4kISnOnVNXvft_9PZ0_pF1bicbDQ_FAmDUpp1Zo7xJudgmQPn6LI/s200/photo-8.JPG" /></a></div>With some financial help from family and friends, I was lucky enough to the do the MS 150 "Escape to the Lake" charity ride. The event organizers put together a fantastic route up to Lake Erie. I managed my first century ride on the first day with the optional loop. Many of us tent camped that night at Allegheny College in Meadville. Then another 64 miles on the second day. So I was a bit of an overachiever at 164 miles for the weekend. The event was very, very well organized and the rest stops had some great snacks. Very well thought-out and would definitely like to do it again next year. Plus, it's for a great cause!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RfQ4q-X8yj4pBavsL6WeBdrFjEGI98t0jkQe3bcRuLx_auGo9Kguk7aDPytX8U8WRQ1cC3ZPp8lacBcH5tCrZ__gHtIZjvI2w58Tnmpim2gBW43KlGexAdOZ7McIkGUENHnHOpgwcO4/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RfQ4q-X8yj4pBavsL6WeBdrFjEGI98t0jkQe3bcRuLx_auGo9Kguk7aDPytX8U8WRQ1cC3ZPp8lacBcH5tCrZ__gHtIZjvI2w58Tnmpim2gBW43KlGexAdOZ7McIkGUENHnHOpgwcO4/s200/photo-9.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZyIMpVbhkr2ThIGRUtgnsq6LPKiw9jONjAa4cAVcl6X5g8G-YT2c_XiiYTMGErtPWhHpeXpOQ2IkRChIQgNyaTnsvQ_Bpy_4obQR5IZGl_dKhwLG0Cr2Efc8v2Cfs05rYOBzpU3MHLk/s1600/photo-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZyIMpVbhkr2ThIGRUtgnsq6LPKiw9jONjAa4cAVcl6X5g8G-YT2c_XiiYTMGErtPWhHpeXpOQ2IkRChIQgNyaTnsvQ_Bpy_4obQR5IZGl_dKhwLG0Cr2Efc8v2Cfs05rYOBzpU3MHLk/s200/photo-10.JPG" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-57575746107193170442013-05-13T21:27:00.001-05:002013-05-13T21:27:47.982-05:009000 miles now on the SurlyMy beloved Cross Check just passed 9000 miles. Impressive. This bike has been through a lot. So, I thought I would pamper my trusted steed with a new rear derailleur. The old, stock derailleur is seeing some wear/rust, and not shifting as cleanly as it probably should. Regardless, stock Surly components have really done quite well given what I've put them through over the course of 9000 miles.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoW474xRKFKJQW2MYQ9xqHDDMqOcFIYatDI325smyWTmVYKA0dUjdsYu5wsET2kU_sa6ln9oarMFZ4VdYiGdDtqzGWYC0wkPcv44ULetc4b1pTDyDELhJhuT4jfbobEnmwhw1lfx-QXI/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoW474xRKFKJQW2MYQ9xqHDDMqOcFIYatDI325smyWTmVYKA0dUjdsYu5wsET2kU_sa6ln9oarMFZ4VdYiGdDtqzGWYC0wkPcv44ULetc4b1pTDyDELhJhuT4jfbobEnmwhw1lfx-QXI/s320/photo-6.JPG" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-34509216546707820882013-05-05T21:10:00.000-05:002013-05-05T21:10:50.853-05:00The 2013 cycling race season beginsIn early April, the cycling season began for me. Started off with a few local crits, a road race, and then this criterium in McKeesport. Placed well in both, so overall satisfied with how the season started. More crits and Dirt Fest on tap for May. Then several road races and mtn bike races in June. Ride on!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPvYnZ0cbHpudt7c5_W3IxJbsSHHuHAb1n2nXfdr4DhUeLxz2ubKF04wmGLTxYymGlulrsTgIGnWMdu6p2BPsR2ZdE56lTtIFjJzxwmBc5aIb0PPIhiup1L8Bav20Qho5vmNvUNQFVJ4/s1600/DSC_5076-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPvYnZ0cbHpudt7c5_W3IxJbsSHHuHAb1n2nXfdr4DhUeLxz2ubKF04wmGLTxYymGlulrsTgIGnWMdu6p2BPsR2ZdE56lTtIFjJzxwmBc5aIb0PPIhiup1L8Bav20Qho5vmNvUNQFVJ4/s320/DSC_5076-M.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cGqdf4tdLfKg6h-FjZU5y1UexiQcYZoxcBMGgLkG_lu3_I3DCRT0b5BGt6Xw6rloF_GmaUSy9gYKZHMI594BtCr4siYaFEvmnWa9VEG3JgHYXjTIB2ep2hFue5mrx9EAjp4mkr1hrV4/s1600/DSC_5151-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cGqdf4tdLfKg6h-FjZU5y1UexiQcYZoxcBMGgLkG_lu3_I3DCRT0b5BGt6Xw6rloF_GmaUSy9gYKZHMI594BtCr4siYaFEvmnWa9VEG3JgHYXjTIB2ep2hFue5mrx9EAjp4mkr1hrV4/s320/DSC_5151-M.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLhZz2hibwbbBVnYh-g7rUF3KKwyihRuKPBr-zg3ulFJV5L_1X0spzt6frBIYB6SqaBcJSNnHAF5U8GPX1NtHWkMQuuyScBfjUvXUSci6Mp1H3vAzO1iILzYiJt3MkK6BTBWeP6cc2gY/s1600/DSC_5195-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLhZz2hibwbbBVnYh-g7rUF3KKwyihRuKPBr-zg3ulFJV5L_1X0spzt6frBIYB6SqaBcJSNnHAF5U8GPX1NtHWkMQuuyScBfjUvXUSci6Mp1H3vAzO1iILzYiJt3MkK6BTBWeP6cc2gY/s320/DSC_5195-M.jpg" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-31670544280769167592013-01-27T19:42:00.001-06:002013-01-27T19:45:41.477-06:00Laying down fresh tracks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8HHxFnyHHM0Ov1uUV9iVI7KYGfhr6efx1X87eV3r0HtPAQmdstSbwZAwstLAQGEpBSJyBNZIVlu24jv8gcGEzjxl8egcSmL5K1daROyhdfmcdl3_yBUiD1Cw4TDS63it-DqPv4r4n9Y/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8HHxFnyHHM0Ov1uUV9iVI7KYGfhr6efx1X87eV3r0HtPAQmdstSbwZAwstLAQGEpBSJyBNZIVlu24jv8gcGEzjxl8egcSmL5K1daROyhdfmcdl3_yBUiD1Cw4TDS63it-DqPv4r4n9Y/s320/photo-3.jpg" /></a></div>
Got in some good snow riding at Frick Park. Our small group of cyclists laid down some fresh tire tracks on many of the singletrack trails. The studded tires helped considerably as I noticed just how much of a difference they make with traction. Only issue was ice building up around my cleats toward the end of the ride. Excellent ride given the conditions.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-28068168311063892822012-11-27T17:03:00.001-06:002012-11-27T17:07:01.306-06:00Whoa, that was fast!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Indeed. If you're keeping track at home, Senior Surly quickly gained 1,000 miles in just 3 short months. I actually hit the 8000 miles mark on November 14. Wow, that's a whole lot of riding, Jason! Yes, it sure is. What's great is knowing that many of these miles were logged by commuting around the city. Of course, there were also a few longer trek rides with my wife on some rails-to-trails as well. Good times. Oh, Surly...I think I will buy you some new handlebar tape because you are seeing some wear (if I don't get it for Christmas). Ride on!
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-6831982947773287652012-10-24T08:25:00.000-05:002012-10-24T08:31:00.585-05:00Cross season is on!As the Month of Mud mountain bike series finishes, cyclocross season gets in full swing here in Southwest PA. We are just 2 races into the ABRA series and a few other cross races are sprinkled into the schedule. The ABRA series consists of 8 races that are held in the Pittsburgh/Morgantown region. So far, the series has been a lot of fun using the new Soma and racing in the 3/4 category with friends. Next up, Marilla in Morgantown which had a fantastic course 2 years ago when I raced there.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIO3mmf_AKfLeBLwOW0sK48y_5zw9KkGePWUANo28yf3A7QbN3X_hEpoNVkP8gii33zxYIvlsuNpNvbLwzmuUD36rHxnyKLazlp6EBT8QpGLA7XSKMdHemg5Lw8YbIdaL0xOS5g896gU/s1600/Military+Cross+descent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIO3mmf_AKfLeBLwOW0sK48y_5zw9KkGePWUANo28yf3A7QbN3X_hEpoNVkP8gii33zxYIvlsuNpNvbLwzmuUD36rHxnyKLazlp6EBT8QpGLA7XSKMdHemg5Lw8YbIdaL0xOS5g896gU/s320/Military+Cross+descent.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TpqNa4MDUfLtNh69Tr7ksgLx8jozz3lFdeuzxLP4n0yACu0BCaiWjg06XM-b-0KWj-xJ0qxw6Ma-QUN7ivY6O3hWUBPTHnDJpIzbQWC-XqXK8IwSeZmNkos_9Av9uD4lCSER6kRd2-Y/s1600/Griting+his+teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TpqNa4MDUfLtNh69Tr7ksgLx8jozz3lFdeuzxLP4n0yACu0BCaiWjg06XM-b-0KWj-xJ0qxw6Ma-QUN7ivY6O3hWUBPTHnDJpIzbQWC-XqXK8IwSeZmNkos_9Av9uD4lCSER6kRd2-Y/s200/Griting+his+teeth.jpg" /></a></div>
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-82391226499921073282012-10-19T06:13:00.000-05:002012-10-19T06:19:39.359-05:00Soma Double Cross ready for cyclocross season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSq4htLjhkyQVKmgn_a5OWgsdumBGxpXnqOcqD0P5bey52uPcPY5sc9beow3pkp1x8Q13lTQ1LfRNvxFXA387WwBszWg8W5gF3Fk4KXZg_-v7heRu-SeE00KJ4cjOEAPbaLbuOwVcySM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSq4htLjhkyQVKmgn_a5OWgsdumBGxpXnqOcqD0P5bey52uPcPY5sc9beow3pkp1x8Q13lTQ1LfRNvxFXA387WwBszWg8W5gF3Fk4KXZg_-v7heRu-SeE00KJ4cjOEAPbaLbuOwVcySM/s200/photo.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKa5hJVSjCdi8vG2kZxSItPuMAZn4AoOmhEuQglszGbFZfGjCXKuXdS3XSX7K06v9TGmUw89kJp77hTB7ARKNnbzUATAdUh3_JxGBFE6Y4-t0Vr2T2ghqIjLW342JolHt6wHyDMGgVJA8/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKa5hJVSjCdi8vG2kZxSItPuMAZn4AoOmhEuQglszGbFZfGjCXKuXdS3XSX7K06v9TGmUw89kJp77hTB7ARKNnbzUATAdUh3_JxGBFE6Y4-t0Vr2T2ghqIjLW342JolHt6wHyDMGgVJA8/s200/photo-1.JPG" /></a></div>It's finally done. After hours of deliberation on the frame and what components to put on the Soma, everything was purchased. Then I took some time myself to put together some of the bike. The local bike shop, BikeTek (who I race for), finished up with pressing the headset, routing the cables, and adjusting the derailleurs. All said, I got the new bike out for its maiden ride up to Frick Park. Loved it! Then was able to race it in ABRA's Kickoff cross race and the Month of Mud Northpark race a day later. Again, really liked the ride quality of steel and the easy shifting of the 105, Ultegra, and the newly-introduced CX70 crankset. Steel is real! Ok, not as light as aluminum or carbon, but it rides smooth. Up next - Military Cross in Oakdale, PA as the ABRA series rolls on.
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-77737068679616963122012-08-14T16:09:00.000-05:002012-08-14T16:09:42.875-05:007000+ miles on the SurlyFinally was able to reach another thousand miles on my commuter/touring bike. The Cross Check battled the rain today on the way home from downtown. It really needed a bath anyway, but now I need to re-lube the chain. GAP trail this weekend for the steel ride.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhH55ovizrhBXP7ob4pLpWq6tLmTthoBix-9sZmGJpJV0ttq7WfR0at2v3ONQ2CetU7cBACkiax6WTaJAbCPGXxam2d7YxvEPBqmGUjTMEHGr975j7BzOCJzsP5UOH4WIsR9ZdSqyIhk/s1600/7000+miles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhH55ovizrhBXP7ob4pLpWq6tLmTthoBix-9sZmGJpJV0ttq7WfR0at2v3ONQ2CetU7cBACkiax6WTaJAbCPGXxam2d7YxvEPBqmGUjTMEHGr975j7BzOCJzsP5UOH4WIsR9ZdSqyIhk/s320/7000+miles.jpg" /></a></div>
Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-2195981468483707532012-06-23T15:33:00.000-05:002012-06-23T15:38:39.645-05:0021 excellent mountain biking miles in Frick ParkGot out with a PORC ride and managed 21 miles of mostly singletrack. I ended doing parts of Iron Grate 3 times because I was running out of unridden trails. Still I/we managed to cover much of the park as evident from the photo.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wumOYhpm-K0-BYmrNLQYk8xPMjOCuqKsRab-xmI-oVJo9tw1pz-da62yYgWxLy4TZhQkCsXF3bzAg7nFYvl1qEa7BrlKKii1O3DD43xGj4txuvpXDbmOIgIi0_7D3iLAwqDhvFq4xaQ/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wumOYhpm-K0-BYmrNLQYk8xPMjOCuqKsRab-xmI-oVJo9tw1pz-da62yYgWxLy4TZhQkCsXF3bzAg7nFYvl1qEa7BrlKKii1O3DD43xGj4txuvpXDbmOIgIi0_7D3iLAwqDhvFq4xaQ/s320/photo.PNG" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-41330381186427123202012-05-24T13:56:00.000-05:002012-05-24T13:56:34.361-05:00Dirt Fest 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZbau5I8qwszWhgPEqKSOB9KbVn3IuEE1g0pXwqh67WjsHxJW3tjHw1gkqZx_bLbWkRYqgb9qefBPUU41Sgv3okLk-wc-SZi_FXMBQeXiLlv0pc8xfiEzjQ5v2OHzW2ElybJFUK6LN1E/s1600/IMG_0520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZbau5I8qwszWhgPEqKSOB9KbVn3IuEE1g0pXwqh67WjsHxJW3tjHw1gkqZx_bLbWkRYqgb9qefBPUU41Sgv3okLk-wc-SZi_FXMBQeXiLlv0pc8xfiEzjQ5v2OHzW2ElybJFUK6LN1E/s200/IMG_0520.jpg" /></a></div>For the 3rd year in a row, Dirt Fest was an absolute blast. This year, 7 of us - the Frick Burghers, ventured out to central PA for some of the best singletrack in the area (maybe nation). According to a friend's GPS, we did approximately 55 miles of riding during the entire weekend. But, according to the Dirt Rag map provided, we did way more than that. It's hard to really know for sure.
Dirt Rag again put on an excellent event with tons of sponsors. The free music and beer were again a treat following a long day of epic trails. Every year, I try to determine the trail that I enjoyed the most. This year, it was definitely the Hydro Loop. We blasted through this loop each day, the last day at what seemed like Mach 1 speed thanks to Steve and Jorge leading the charge.
This was also the first dirt that the new Niner Air9 has seen. The scandium frame definitely soaked up some of the bumps that the old aluminum Paragon didn't do as well. It's also a bike that climbs nicely. The suspension fork needed some servicing following Dirt Fest, moreso, that it hasn't been rebuilt in 3 years. Guess that's all part of sport.
I can't wait to get out there again. Going to try to make it out there at the end of the summer. If not, Dirt Fest happens every year in May!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTHwKdFlhYeeV_w_uH4XxNX0nKpoEeIzYYG4iW2sb_-jkghOVPDiM7dYRXiB52pNo74RPMjkXdjCVAvhZfbfDHxScTSSdth54i4sZ6wiEjcY_U5YudqQVyw14ETQs4bx1RLJ2B74yLxg/s1600/IMG_0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTHwKdFlhYeeV_w_uH4XxNX0nKpoEeIzYYG4iW2sb_-jkghOVPDiM7dYRXiB52pNo74RPMjkXdjCVAvhZfbfDHxScTSSdth54i4sZ6wiEjcY_U5YudqQVyw14ETQs4bx1RLJ2B74yLxg/s320/IMG_0510.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEH15G7RrCulNCR9D-tcbnUizn4-vo-3y3ke0sbTtCdUugYuBQsarQztNiBhQnUHBb7yxRJNgcdOp4hbBJI1skVzCh73c3GjseSm5qlpoYPKmqrnbr_iU4aVsNFmmvLAJ6Rgy1d6anI4/s1600/IMG_0514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEH15G7RrCulNCR9D-tcbnUizn4-vo-3y3ke0sbTtCdUugYuBQsarQztNiBhQnUHBb7yxRJNgcdOp4hbBJI1skVzCh73c3GjseSm5qlpoYPKmqrnbr_iU4aVsNFmmvLAJ6Rgy1d6anI4/s320/IMG_0514.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqgK9bglDrfjBUue7-O_c6_vNCeZyxI8R9QyJRakNDAuX_JkySaAfR79Cy3sZK0UNBtAmQNHbChwZTuBoYBaHbhucTK8tPAoyaDeFAG5HzqY6uSfIs9sQej20JTuimLZvEI8gJKUiADg/s1600/IMG_0515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqgK9bglDrfjBUue7-O_c6_vNCeZyxI8R9QyJRakNDAuX_JkySaAfR79Cy3sZK0UNBtAmQNHbChwZTuBoYBaHbhucTK8tPAoyaDeFAG5HzqY6uSfIs9sQej20JTuimLZvEI8gJKUiADg/s200/IMG_0515.jpg" /></a></div>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-73378728919484038142012-05-02T08:21:00.001-05:002012-05-02T08:30:21.804-05:00Let the racing beginRoad racing season began recently with the Greene County race. It was a 36-miler through the hills of SW Pennsylvania. I, along with many others, hung on to the pack until a tough climb around mile 26. By that time, several riders had dropped off. I joined a group of two for the remaining 10 miles. Finished in the middle of the pack - not really what I was hoping for, but it was my first race of the season.
Then I rode the Steel City Showdown. It's a criterium that races over two of the main Pittsburgh city bridges. Great cycling atmosphere and always some strong competition from the surrounding states. A pack of 10 of us managed to race for 30 minutes. But we were pulled after the lead pack managed to pull ahead of us leaving us out of contention. I was hoping to race for 40 of the 50 minutes, so still managed to hold my own for a good portion of the race.
Upcoming races include road races at the oval and some mountain biking races in June.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG70NvXWgsyUtCsUyMU_GHC-NCGXBX59roFr8Y6bHIYXt2tpABuX9d_THaa64Gu_lZJWSqKXLyySvsbEzwwGLBLrn6JzVdiMHgWdlY2KnwJ1ZKETmZK_H-HY37i3T53MoXwbH521W6KOk/s1600/DSC9729-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG70NvXWgsyUtCsUyMU_GHC-NCGXBX59roFr8Y6bHIYXt2tpABuX9d_THaa64Gu_lZJWSqKXLyySvsbEzwwGLBLrn6JzVdiMHgWdlY2KnwJ1ZKETmZK_H-HY37i3T53MoXwbH521W6KOk/s320/DSC9729-M.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHywRPVUbXtgR0EV7gpLFM0qMKlYJ81wkXGLRIUjMXlHb7AnPcjtKayems0FKQBOQXINCIfWZFpdnZ08dXPVTBKXdE1jkzWhw-H_X5wFa-BORd_TfJk6w7C5La2gTFUMbbqgJeIo1GME/s1600/DSC6788-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHywRPVUbXtgR0EV7gpLFM0qMKlYJ81wkXGLRIUjMXlHb7AnPcjtKayems0FKQBOQXINCIfWZFpdnZ08dXPVTBKXdE1jkzWhw-H_X5wFa-BORd_TfJk6w7C5La2gTFUMbbqgJeIo1GME/s320/DSC6788-M.jpg" /></a></div>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-8054223841583415462012-04-12T07:57:00.005-05:002012-04-12T08:06:18.190-05:00Ghost Trail ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGSHRVdJHZiaBeFnlwIPm68gNFc7yTd6Wwc7pnJCe2eLT2FZK7cJt_8K86W8nJDSZf27GpMYN-UBlVq7XxL_hdK0cHftByDGL8Vo3TbLePiH5BaWynq-TmfY7FkyExT2u-7z0934byaU/s1600/photo-2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGSHRVdJHZiaBeFnlwIPm68gNFc7yTd6Wwc7pnJCe2eLT2FZK7cJt_8K86W8nJDSZf27GpMYN-UBlVq7XxL_hdK0cHftByDGL8Vo3TbLePiH5BaWynq-TmfY7FkyExT2u-7z0934byaU/s320/photo-2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730499728210628882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklC2uY6skbpluSu1miudGoTMpPJdauSFtcDE_-UaaWbZ9zUFJduufSV0ETUetDBW8OiZjNiSZe3qTW0EAhEi1wVAWTQA6AzylrI3rfvhV-FpowjDYzzfNAT4uxvXQS-uBZBaQ_zKw4xQ/s1600/photo-1.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklC2uY6skbpluSu1miudGoTMpPJdauSFtcDE_-UaaWbZ9zUFJduufSV0ETUetDBW8OiZjNiSZe3qTW0EAhEi1wVAWTQA6AzylrI3rfvhV-FpowjDYzzfNAT4uxvXQS-uBZBaQ_zKw4xQ/s320/photo-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730499635639363330" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Over Easter weekend, we did a bike ride through parts of Pennsylvania that has some rich history. The Ghost Trail that runs approximately 32 miles through mostly small towns, is where many of the old coal mines used to be. Since the late 1800's and early 1900's, these once populated towns and mines have been abandoned. However, there is still the old Eliza Furnace that is near Vintondale, PA. Basically, it's a huge furnace that is in the middle of nowhere. Coal was brought brought to the furnace where it was heated and then shipped out to Pittsburgh. Interesting that we now have a trail in the city named after this furnace. Anyway, decent ride to get out of the city for a day.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-27979974819365840712012-03-29T12:43:00.003-05:002012-03-29T12:47:09.620-05:00Simple acts of grandeur<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/549673_3274218127101_1016858970_33050287_533491289_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 242px;" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/549673_3274218127101_1016858970_33050287_533491289_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-11097917317695270732012-03-22T07:31:00.008-05:002012-03-22T07:55:49.270-05:00First day of spring road ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowRcuviMQ9hyGptmK8qJRIoujFcNYX72_Z_t25MvS6_oTjymqKEfQXPu__N2L83gt2mQrCirZ_ymtyXkPxzQKAVe3rkJhubTzVXPf4cLWkW4JM-GJAUQxPf8I1C_oJHX0rhV2VfYfXA4/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowRcuviMQ9hyGptmK8qJRIoujFcNYX72_Z_t25MvS6_oTjymqKEfQXPu__N2L83gt2mQrCirZ_ymtyXkPxzQKAVe3rkJhubTzVXPf4cLWkW4JM-GJAUQxPf8I1C_oJHX0rhV2VfYfXA4/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722702902140631186" /></a>Got out for a nice 38 mile ride which took my around the city. Went through Highland Park, across the bridge to Aspinwall and up Center (Dirty Dozen hill). Then up Spring Garden Ave, which was a pleasant gradual climb that I've never done before. This took me near Riverview Park, so I road through there on the on-street bike path. Then back down to the city via the riverfront trail. Hit the Jail Trail and back up to Squirrel Hill via CMU campus. Longest ride since the fall, so I was hurting that day and the next. The racing season kicks off in April.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-5132243106622114812012-01-08T11:25:00.004-06:002012-01-08T11:29:35.359-06:00New studded 29'er tires!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuk8GOY84-BiG9yl1UM201QOI5Mfese1N3Ao3QiPnRxqo-enNvbKTBc9yV_Z1VB7ydEL3yRFH3u0ctaxhEe3Qm9tW9n13gp0GDWDQadv9PVWntZ-g3kJWqlpQK2aOckJyd4qxpBlHIG8g/s1600/studded+tires.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuk8GOY84-BiG9yl1UM201QOI5Mfese1N3Ao3QiPnRxqo-enNvbKTBc9yV_Z1VB7ydEL3yRFH3u0ctaxhEe3Qm9tW9n13gp0GDWDQadv9PVWntZ-g3kJWqlpQK2aOckJyd4qxpBlHIG8g/s320/studded+tires.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695314484025033106" /></a>Rocked the new studded tires on the Fisher Paragon through Frick Park. They made for a great ride!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-81735388044803079992012-01-08T11:17:00.007-06:002012-01-08T11:25:35.969-06:00Big Papio trail - OmahaNearly 50 degrees over Christmas in Nebraska meant that we needed to be on the bikes. We headed out from home and road through our old stomping grounds of Wildwood Park and Ponderosa. Stopped in front of our old house where we reminisced about our younger years. Cruised around Ponderosa for a while where we pointed out homes where our friends used to live. Then through Seymour Smith Park onto the Big Papio trail. Ended up logging almost 20 miles for the entire round-trip ride. It was an excellent way to spend a warm, sunny winter day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNyPyO0tGAuCAvmA8yXwhm0euRQf1ngkR0NvUHxSPEThIk0WaT5mzmaEyD8gNRmOu8PfttP5BzhyphenhyphenPeAYDRuIwFY0Enk9TJqVhK9NuFho2aO9bFaPQVgpAE_BNuAnZLV9Zm4aE7j-aEw4/s1600/photo-14.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNyPyO0tGAuCAvmA8yXwhm0euRQf1ngkR0NvUHxSPEThIk0WaT5mzmaEyD8gNRmOu8PfttP5BzhyphenhyphenPeAYDRuIwFY0Enk9TJqVhK9NuFho2aO9bFaPQVgpAE_BNuAnZLV9Zm4aE7j-aEw4/s320/photo-14.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695312379771764194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoNmSn4IlsgE_602ysZzHKg3kTQnOAha0xapkQWbWqpQRSododHA8ktHMHYh4abljvxCZRIkDiR1_731uHLka2QyeiuLsbyYbcCXaV8SQhltzkdJ8dB6cA5g-6ABesOGYCUGsw78U9yg/s1600/photo-13.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoNmSn4IlsgE_602ysZzHKg3kTQnOAha0xapkQWbWqpQRSododHA8ktHMHYh4abljvxCZRIkDiR1_731uHLka2QyeiuLsbyYbcCXaV8SQhltzkdJ8dB6cA5g-6ABesOGYCUGsw78U9yg/s320/photo-13.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695311961853642562" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-63417434782629142452012-01-08T11:11:00.005-06:002012-01-08T11:17:07.577-06:00Tranquility Park - Omaha - trail ride<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEec976tdcnw87VWxTPXcYYwtZLEOzzqAF58HGIWjTqOEjXbPS6jkxmxVCHM8EjrxevOMfjsBx_iPKO2zPp7jLwqYZjPZiyHKmcpPK4ByhTwL-8GnOaYbNbWhk9I_CU_hUPoRoV3AsOSg/s1600/photo-12.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEec976tdcnw87VWxTPXcYYwtZLEOzzqAF58HGIWjTqOEjXbPS6jkxmxVCHM8EjrxevOMfjsBx_iPKO2zPp7jLwqYZjPZiyHKmcpPK4ByhTwL-8GnOaYbNbWhk9I_CU_hUPoRoV3AsOSg/s320/photo-12.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695310439073554450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNx_KT4FLWOHk_RSjOcNXytGh5C0qwMhaTIO2e5jE2Yi3hhytC9lHskdfYejm2UZOR_eXorBZ-Z8Yqz3786umMFI3ZoletBrkwPJzp3ruyh1BFEvU5-0wCPQVT5B-rFrd-WTSiyd1fPl0/s1600/photo-11.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNx_KT4FLWOHk_RSjOcNXytGh5C0qwMhaTIO2e5jE2Yi3hhytC9lHskdfYejm2UZOR_eXorBZ-Z8Yqz3786umMFI3ZoletBrkwPJzp3ruyh1BFEvU5-0wCPQVT5B-rFrd-WTSiyd1fPl0/s200/photo-11.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695310344914645330" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ryan and I got out for some singletrack riding over the Christmas break. I opted for the bike rental from former employer Bike Rack. They hooked me up with a Trek hardtrail that did the trick for the ride. I think we did most of the Tranquility loop. We even did the new section that goes farther north past the baseball/softball fields. Several nice pump tracks were added to the trails that were even marked (as blue). Tranquility was one of my favorite Omaha locations to ride and race, and it seems that it even got better with the new additions.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-48096099079534331952011-12-18T21:53:00.003-06:002011-12-18T21:57:52.884-06:00Now 6000+ miles on the Surly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmwZHVYpPQQm3A7Yo1nIxShkceI8wl1O-3GY869dvosabMmQyVyXaPdfjOzeamX4kzLb3i3zwNy-Cl7E5R8qpqA1itm7RrpfG8bCqCFe2nvnpXw3dCrjtTWmv9O-U_glLu7T7rdXkoBA/s1600/photo-11.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmwZHVYpPQQm3A7Yo1nIxShkceI8wl1O-3GY869dvosabMmQyVyXaPdfjOzeamX4kzLb3i3zwNy-Cl7E5R8qpqA1itm7RrpfG8bCqCFe2nvnpXw3dCrjtTWmv9O-U_glLu7T7rdXkoBA/s200/photo-11.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687683632131385410" /></a><br />The commuter bike surpasses 6000 miles just the other day. Thought I should take a picture and post the picture on the blog.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-81110958656654964792011-12-12T09:27:00.004-06:002011-12-12T09:44:38.705-06:00Punk Bike Enduro<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxpyTBk_z5sVBKCt69sNk2xUtrOMprDBj2rAcmVDMpdwt1XjFU7ZuD2ielTFjwCio17GAr6t4QdTnDK0yMZ5cQzpchyjrcMG1dEtspGK1-WEEsB_GgyLXvniuq8ajx1btQU1A_vZMUh0/s1600/photo-7.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxpyTBk_z5sVBKCt69sNk2xUtrOMprDBj2rAcmVDMpdwt1XjFU7ZuD2ielTFjwCio17GAr6t4QdTnDK0yMZ5cQzpchyjrcMG1dEtspGK1-WEEsB_GgyLXvniuq8ajx1btQU1A_vZMUh0/s200/photo-7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685267779024147362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvprUHsmH-A9mnkLZ-XvQeXnP00zAd_TtyaR1iPk4ldSrxYzCeTya5Nb9JZ6jzqv0Zm_ov85CCQe1Ai7CSbosBeHVdalNY1CGyEDHhXWKeVsl3vDbZNG9TTL3s0MmQRiIpe7dr8K0hQzg/s1600/photo-6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvprUHsmH-A9mnkLZ-XvQeXnP00zAd_TtyaR1iPk4ldSrxYzCeTya5Nb9JZ6jzqv0Zm_ov85CCQe1Ai7CSbosBeHVdalNY1CGyEDHhXWKeVsl3vDbZNG9TTL3s0MmQRiIpe7dr8K0hQzg/s200/photo-6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685267699254768578" /></a><br />Dirt Rag held its annual Punk Bike Enduro at the beginning of December. It's basically a moving party on two wheels, equipped with outlandish costumes and some, just some tasty beverage consumption. It is still racing (if you choose). The Punk Enduro offers 11 stages of varying difficultly and skills. One such is the bike derby (complete with a ghost bike).<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwxBYRxUnJFkoZUz-HRqv0eFMqY7ovfIEVIu_MGQbmzbO4JukmKA0lkD0lcYMY6GiDtSGGkCOl2eMafwcZYqg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Other stages include a steep run up, and then a steep descent down a chute. This is the steepest chute I've ever attempted, and unfortunately washed out toward the bottom because I chose the wrong chute.<br />Two other stages had massive road climbs. So the first 7 guys and girls up the road one Punk points.<br />Yet another stage was an incredible descent down singletrack that ended with this off-camber rocky section where on-lookers could view the action.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzOjQoL8l7JY6PFcGLnopHWxga9ToskTbsPYoKWZSdHyBzQ7xx_gUQSepoG4w_iRoE9VucT0tX39lXdmY-trg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />I ended up finding a Punk and winning one stage so I did score some points which got me a nice jersey during the free reception. Good times. Looking forward to it next year.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-47552236394850085392011-12-02T17:39:00.007-06:002011-12-02T17:47:44.294-06:00New Pittsburgh bike lane<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnuFcDd9PKztD4Y-7D1CAkQO53ngDle4N_Mdy92xX7EWyNYelQwGLsBPHNxlwHWC9qNlga498cWxWLrzcdzxg_4eHXBUnPLzkc4DTkjc3WCX_4yAaATdYu1zJp77_B6KTLMzLw0LrWxA/s1600/photo-6.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxnuFcDd9PKztD4Y-7D1CAkQO53ngDle4N_Mdy92xX7EWyNYelQwGLsBPHNxlwHWC9qNlga498cWxWLrzcdzxg_4eHXBUnPLzkc4DTkjc3WCX_4yAaATdYu1zJp77_B6KTLMzLw0LrWxA/s200/photo-6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681681125783928962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYzunVZhOFTOyPQVUX81iWNEVALDhdpsMeGTRXJWqdnO8rvTtsh4PV2qcotiq1wUrwcS-re603_rzBZgzoOSTnt5xh6rOGHUWL4F5qZwG11Zsj9hLedkciTeN9RNfls_5ZXDcG9F4NV4/s1600/photo-7.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYzunVZhOFTOyPQVUX81iWNEVALDhdpsMeGTRXJWqdnO8rvTtsh4PV2qcotiq1wUrwcS-re603_rzBZgzoOSTnt5xh6rOGHUWL4F5qZwG11Zsj9hLedkciTeN9RNfls_5ZXDcG9F4NV4/s200/photo-7.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681681247865209010" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It's one of a kind here in Pittsburgh. The first partitioned on-street bike lane near Homestead and the Waterfront. The bike lane is separated from the street with white lines and pylons. These types of bike lanes are very common in Europe. It's good to see that they are making a presence in the US. The second picture is the bike sign and trail that is the GAP. Trail goes all the way to DC. Hopefully get to do that next summer.Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-41353130162142228922011-11-30T21:58:00.006-06:002011-11-30T22:04:54.991-06:00Pittsburgh's Dirty Dozen ride<a href="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32720991?autoplay=1<br />">http://player.vimeo.com/video/32720991?autoplay=1<br /></a>This video is from the Dirty Dozen's Canton Ave., hill #9 of 13 (baker's dozen). It's a 37% grade, evidently the steepest paved road in the world. This year, I could only make 4 of of the hills since I had to work. I did all 13 hills the previous year, and fortunately all on my first attempt. This year, 300+ riders came out for the event which was the biggest in the history of the ride. Good stuff!Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-45651465271618218092011-11-12T21:45:00.006-06:002011-11-12T21:53:02.522-06:00Cross season sadly coming to closeUnfortunately, cyclocross season is almost over. However, it's been a great season with ABRA racing making for some excellent courses this fall. Favorites were Amity and Bruceton Mills. Amity because of how technical the course was, and Bruceton Mills because of how well I did and the open sprint sections. Just a few more related pics for the blog.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IdeLb8MnON3BQDXmyMkD7N9d_nKV0r2VEip6DoS8uv-pe3AEsJsZ6WDWi3Ln7Vn51oMXFSxgUzhkw-AeHDj8CuNWp4VMSJghxUuEpXDDbRUjvW0r3M_qnRI23YEON7fR1x-irVdgfeI/s1600/Downhill+descent-Amity+cross.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IdeLb8MnON3BQDXmyMkD7N9d_nKV0r2VEip6DoS8uv-pe3AEsJsZ6WDWi3Ln7Vn51oMXFSxgUzhkw-AeHDj8CuNWp4VMSJghxUuEpXDDbRUjvW0r3M_qnRI23YEON7fR1x-irVdgfeI/s200/Downhill+descent-Amity+cross.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674322782387364514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBsKpV2LKXE2314chPqTGlY_DNFFf6Eh_exx4xfgIejAQS4nRHKcZLysFq-V3bC9uRyt3LOMiTTtlzj_2ArVGP0gcpK5SCyefsFEdJ3JzMnBpmYhSittMH58k5aKw00jr7kBhbt5ZGng/s1600/Barricade+jumping+at+Bruceton+Mills.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBsKpV2LKXE2314chPqTGlY_DNFFf6Eh_exx4xfgIejAQS4nRHKcZLysFq-V3bC9uRyt3LOMiTTtlzj_2ArVGP0gcpK5SCyefsFEdJ3JzMnBpmYhSittMH58k5aKw00jr7kBhbt5ZGng/s200/Barricade+jumping+at+Bruceton+Mills.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674322653064997170" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0dcqKC9A_b4H_MH3GmYmGxxV-XxaqYeeY8obJa1iDR9OeOlIUN6NyHJ4dKqaie0FQJxT3UYe8Jd862vFJs_ZULsyKNBW3iiyCt2N9nz1wrilcDafa0WN6eVJjzKLTYEWCkX_0jb7DXU/s1600/Runnin%2527+the+stair+at+Bruceton+Mills.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0dcqKC9A_b4H_MH3GmYmGxxV-XxaqYeeY8obJa1iDR9OeOlIUN6NyHJ4dKqaie0FQJxT3UYe8Jd862vFJs_ZULsyKNBW3iiyCt2N9nz1wrilcDafa0WN6eVJjzKLTYEWCkX_0jb7DXU/s200/Runnin%2527+the+stair+at+Bruceton+Mills.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674323329188472194" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-61643809564829180802011-10-19T21:47:00.006-05:002011-10-19T21:51:31.421-05:00Cyclocross season in on!I've been racing a lot lately, both mountain bike and cyclocross. Cross races have been fun and exhausting. Typical cross races with muddy, wet conditions. Here are some recent pictures from the Monster Cross race in Morgantown.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF-_St_1vSckqf6_RU1xwgQmVZX2UySXjSxWT-78JnwRwQqifRkWxuvruSm7f4EHZEpahHRhrv3EqldO6B8QL3oobMsQHit3Nel-kjPm-qD_yzQGFOhaTzyx6bCsOLZrwcBdbT8fObNU/s1600/Monster+Cross.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF-_St_1vSckqf6_RU1xwgQmVZX2UySXjSxWT-78JnwRwQqifRkWxuvruSm7f4EHZEpahHRhrv3EqldO6B8QL3oobMsQHit3Nel-kjPm-qD_yzQGFOhaTzyx6bCsOLZrwcBdbT8fObNU/s200/Monster+Cross.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665401095362685410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrsT5bkF9ZcG9SUPCRnOVSGMeXDgzFSW8NCc0WzDf7us-cvZfvrx1KgMbP4MQlifAXZdyhzEDKDVh0sdvgFptgAQeuh6h88ZcY70rWjwkv-vCMoXfogwLYMmob0dcJGfxpR-zwTKNYPE/s1600/Jumping+barricade+at+Monster+Cross.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrsT5bkF9ZcG9SUPCRnOVSGMeXDgzFSW8NCc0WzDf7us-cvZfvrx1KgMbP4MQlifAXZdyhzEDKDVh0sdvgFptgAQeuh6h88ZcY70rWjwkv-vCMoXfogwLYMmob0dcJGfxpR-zwTKNYPE/s200/Jumping+barricade+at+Monster+Cross.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665400982322705490" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJCFDzllEHwG-LG_CVLScZL7-CUhnVA9qTMqwfGX0I80FH5Y6tO02wE2hptHGBziA_D8B0mBBWkmPmX0Dp3q4Z068u3gVugTkfxxu8Wf2iCv858IROqj1XTyYnKrpIri_i-pfX9dbS3Q/s1600/Smiling+through+the+mud+at+Monster+Cross.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJCFDzllEHwG-LG_CVLScZL7-CUhnVA9qTMqwfGX0I80FH5Y6tO02wE2hptHGBziA_D8B0mBBWkmPmX0Dp3q4Z068u3gVugTkfxxu8Wf2iCv858IROqj1XTyYnKrpIri_i-pfX9dbS3Q/s200/Smiling+through+the+mud+at+Monster+Cross.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665401184761428898" /></a>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8456605030286385726.post-51866266256863563822011-08-03T14:07:00.004-05:002011-08-03T14:18:33.392-05:00GAP trail ride 20115 Pittsburghers took part in the 2nd annual Great Allegheny Passage Trail ride. Sarah and I rode the 68 miles to Confluence; James accompanied us for 34 miles of it. We met up with friends, Scott and Jeff to camp in Confluence that night. The next day, we rode from Confluence to near the town of Meyersdale and back. It was a 60 mile day. All in all, it was a great trip. Highlights of the trip: peacocks and windmills.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzmsHrIE8t0ZVGjJnV4QtHOSJXohjvlRDPTryPomFKPrDOZKoyr_m3QrQzGkn0axnBuv4gXj8vSf82HX8ylBw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwEi1IFwvGo2BUTtErArMVx3pEze4IjuPYkCd-MduExNr9b3tOvlQ9Q8kLumD64B0btEtSUIUFJtz5INdJmmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00399792566306441266noreply@blogger.com1