MS 150 charity ride

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!

9000 miles now on the Surly

My 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.

The 2013 cycling race season begins

In 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!

Laying down fresh tracks

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.

Whoa, that was fast!

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!

Cross 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.

Soma Double Cross ready for cyclocross season

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.