Team MWC, FTJ, NGT

examples of hugeness

2009-01-06T02:05:00Z

took apart my WTB Laser Disc lite hub today. I try to grease the pawls up with very lightweight grease every 6months or after some serious wet riding. Using regular grease isn't a good idea because the thick grease makes the pawls sticky. I have some left over Manitou M Prep that is great for this. It just doesn't last long because it is so thin. But this time I noticed that a tooth on the carrier was busted out. I haven't really noticed it though. These hubs never had the quickest engagement...(read more)

break it down

2009-01-05T21:10:00Z

a little bike maintenance has become a complete overhaul. Worth doing once every few years. I ordered a bearing replacment kit from Enduro Fork seals but honestly only know how to get in/out one set of the bearings....(read more)

updating trails at Hungry Mother

2009-01-04T03:01:00Z

My wife rode at Hungry Mother today and saw a bunch of bobcat tractors and trail workers adding some new miles. I guess they are extending the CCC trail and the Molly's knob trail so they are longer and are not as steep. The goal is to make it more accessible to a larger complement of riders. There's some fun riding there. Some great introductory trails that won't rattle the teeth out of or require donation of a lung for new riders, yet still create some challenges for experienced riders...(read more)

This skills DVD looks interesting

2009-01-03T00:01:00Z

I've always loved the skills aspect of mountain biking and enjoy any book or movie on the subject. Favorites have included Mastering Mountain Bike skills Ned Overend's book One of my favorites, the out of print Single Track Mind . I was so bummed when I lost this book. Can't remember if I lent it to someone or just misplaced it, but I'd had it at my office and moved offices and then couldn't find it. I just saw this DVD in Bike. Fluidride:like a pro It looks really interesting...(read more)

Foot problem identified

2008-12-25T14:21:00Z

The internet is just amazing. Its ability to help you find random information is just sweet. Even though it is like white gas to fire for hypocondriacs and shopaholics, it's still worth it. Check this out. Chiliblains (Perniosis) This is exctly what has been happening to me. I haven't read it all yet to see if there are any treatments, I was just stoked to see something written specifically about it....(read more)

Ritchey Crank Recall

2008-12-19T16:35:00Z

There is a recall on some Ritchey WCS and PRO cranks. I've got one of the Pro compact cranks....(read more)

even a little ride is a good ride

2008-12-05T13:38:00Z

Hola all. (Hola because we got back from a vacation of lifetime to Puerto Rico. Fun place. Saw lots of roadies there. Nice to also see that the bike shop elitism crosses territorial boundaries. I went into a shop in San Juan and none of the employees even make eye contact.) Still busy as crap. But did ride my bike to class yesterday. It felt so good to just be on a bike and feel the pedals turning. There is something about the integral balance between the body and the bike that I love. Did a couple...(read more)

Cold induced uticaria

2008-11-21T01:52:00Z

I saw this news story on CNN about a woman who gets hives in the cold. When her skin is exposed to cold air she breaks out in hives. I've been having this thing where my toes and hands get hives in the cold weather. One cold weather ride usually triggers the hives and they stay off/on through the winter. It was interesting to see the story. They are trying a new treatment based on an asthma. When mine gets bad I use Benedryl....(read more)

still here lurking

2008-11-05T13:03:00Z

From a cycling/blogging point of view I've pretty much fallen off the face of the earth. Things are hectic with going to school part time, working full time, change at work and of course family. Not to mention the other various sundries of time suckers as well. The focused thoughts on cycling, training, and gear have been pushed to the side for the time being. I miss it. Miss the hours of googling and thought process focused on some miniscule cycling issue. But for now it's relegated to some...(read more)

Maybe a trainer ride this morning

2008-10-17T10:08:00Z

With sleep aid medication, like Ambien, it's quite often that I wake up early. If I try to go back to sleep more often than not the remaining sleep is fitful. This half sleep leads to a groggy feeling so it's better to just get up. Today I get up and say, 'you know,self, I need a ride bad. The stresses of the times are putting me on the edge' Gotta fuel up right to ride so start hitting some carbs. It's still pitch dark outside and didn't check the weather but assumed it would...(read more)

Thank you to the mountain

2008-10-05T13:31:00Z

Thank you to whoever invented cycling and the mountain bike. Thank you to the mountain for letting us play on you. Thank you for a way to leave behind worries and burdens for a few moments. And if I don't well then I'll be on the ground cause you can't corner and downhill unless you're focused on the moment....(read more)

Neat training article

2008-09-23T19:15:00Z

http://www.biketechreview.com/performance/stripped_down.htm...(read more)

Time for some maintenance

2008-09-11T12:23:00Z

My rear brake pad. Still worked pretty well. I replaced it though before I kill the rotor...(read more)

nectar of the gods

2008-09-11T12:22:00Z

Orange powdered Gatorade. Not found locally anymore. Thank god for the internet...(read more)

First new bike I've wanted in a while

2008-09-09T10:15:00Z

I've been very very happy with my Iron Horse Azure . Two keys to making it work properly that I've discovered are 1) light wheels 2) middle ring My climbing has improved dramatically ever since I made a conscious decision to stay in the middle ring as long as possible. The rear just hooks up and stays solid. My pedaling style has changed a lot during climbing steeper grades but it all seems to work well together and I've clearing things and climbing pitches that I haven't in a long...(read more)