Monday, December 12, 2005
broken clavicle + plate w/6 screws + surgery = 2 months of boredom!
It's not going to be a long entry, because typing w/ my left hand is taking forever!
It's been 4 days since surgery and today was my post operation check-up so all I can think of is a special thanks list to everyone that helped me over the past week.
-Allison Dunlap thanks for hooking me up with Dr. Weinstein of Premier Orthopedics (719) 570-7272 he truly is the best shoulder Dr. EVER!
-Kelli Emmett and Koryn Stoner for checking up on me and taking really good care of an old guy.
-My roommate Dougie for surrendering his portion of our living room for my make-shift recovery room/bed room.
-Mom, Dad, and my Sister for calling everyday to make sure everything is ok, and even my dad who would have jumped on a jet to come help for a few days!
Click here: Allison's Shoulder Surgery
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
The Thanksgiving Day Ride...
It was a damn good time to do a townie ride with my friends and fellow cyclists, nothing like burning some calories before the "Turkey Day" FEAST! Yes I did 2+ hours in my "Engineering Over-Alls" and casual attire, that's the benefit of not training anymore, I'm a recreational rider and feel I should dress the part...
==================This is worth the read!!!==================
Anger Management:
When you occasionally have a really bad day, and you just need to take it out on someone, don't take it out on someone you know, take it out on someone you don't know.
I was sitting at my desk when I remembered a phone call I'd forgotten to make. I found the number and dialed it. A man answered, saying "Hello." I politely said, "This is Chris. Could I please speak with Robyn Carter?" Suddenly a manic voice yelled out in my ear "Get the right f**in number!" and the phone was slammed down on me. I couldn't believe that anyone could be so rude. When I tracked down Robyn's correct number to call her, I found that I had accidentally transposed the last two digits. After hanging up with her, I decided to call the 'wrong' number again. When the same guy answered the phone, I yelled "You're an asshole!" and hung up. I wrote his number down with the word 'asshole' next to it, and put it in my desk drawer. Every couple of weeks, when I was paying bills or had a really bad day, I'd call him up and yell, "You're an asshole!" It always cheered me up. When Caller ID was introduced, I thought my therapeutic "asshole calling" would have to stop. So, I called his number and said, "Hi, this is John Smith from the Verizon. I'm calling to see if you're familiar with our Caller ID Program?" He yelled "NO!" and slammed down the phone. I quickly called him back and said, "That's because you're an asshole!" One day I was at the store, getting ready to pull into a parking spot. Some guy in a black BMW cut me off and pulled into the spot I had patiently waited for. I hit the horn and yelled that I'd been waiting for that spot, but the idiot ignored me. I noticed a "For Sale" sign in his back window which included his phone number, so I wrote down the number. A couple of days later, right after calling the first asshole (I had his number on speed dial) I thought that I'd better call the BMW asshole, too. I said, "Is this the man with the black BMW for sale?"
"Yes, it is", he said.
"Can you tell me where I can see it?" I asked.
"Yes, I live at 34 Mowbray Blvd, in Vaucluse. It's a yellow house, and the car's parked right out in front."
"What's your name?" I asked.
"My name is Don Hansen," he said.
"When's a good time to catch you, Don?"
"I'm home every evening after five."
"Listen, Don, can I tell you something?"
"Yes?"
"Don, you're an asshole!" Then I hung up, and added his number to my speed dial, too.
Now, when I had a problem, I had two assholes to call. Then I came up with an idea. I called Asshole #1.
"Hello."
"You're an asshole!" (But I didn't hang up.)
"Are you still there?" he asked.
"Yeah," I said.
"Stop calling me," he screamed.
"Make me," I said.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"My name is Don Hansen."
"Yeah? Where do you live?"
"Asshole, I live at 34 Mowbray Blvd, Vaucluse, a yellow house, with my black Beamer parked in front."
He said, "I'm coming over right now, Don. And you had better start saying your prayers." I said, "Yeah, like I'm really scared, asshole," and hung up.
Then I called Asshole #2. "Hello?" he said.
"Hello, asshole," I said.
He yelled, "If I ever find out who you are..."
"You'll what?" I said.
"I'll kick your ass," he exclaimed.
I answered, "Well, asshole, here's your chance. I'm coming over right now." Then I hung up and immediately called the police, saying that I lived at 34 Mowbray Blvd, Vaucluse, and that I was on my way over there to kill my gay lover. Then I called Channel 9 News about the gang war going down in Mowbray Blvd, Vaucluse. I quickly got into my car and headed over to Mowbray. I got there just in time to watch two assholes beating the crap out of each other in front of six cop cars, an overhead police helicopter and a news crew. NOW I feel much better.
Anger management really works...
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Monday, November 21, 2005
Allison Dunlap's Retirement Party
Good Times, Good Times! Where my only thoughts when Allison gave he retirement speech, it was a choked up moment listening to all of her accomplishments during the past 18 years, not just as a cyclist, but in academia, as a loving wife, and how proud here father was of her life to this date.
Mountain Biking lost a FEIRCE competitor this year, a world champion, 14 time National Champion, and on hell of a nice person. I on the other hand have someone to bug during the day for fun casual rides that have no training specific requirements what so ever!
Best luck on your Coaching and Adventure camps Allison! And thanks again for dinner!
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Extra Time anyone?
Sunday, November 13, 2005
!?!?
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Cruiser/Townie Cannonball Run!!! across town...
(Who knows GOD might even show up?!?! Dont hold your breath...hehe)
Please pass this on to anyone that you think might be interested
This Saturday, Nov 12th at 3:00pm
The race will sport longer routes with more options = more tactics = more fun!
Ok, you're probably wondering just how this is going to work right? Well here's the jist:
Race Rules:
*This is a two person team race, any age or gender mix is legit. Pick your partner ahead of time, if you don't have a partner, no worries, we'll figure something out. Teams must ride together at all times! Sure you can ride with other teams if you like, as long as your partner is there with you.
*Helmets are mandatory....any helmet.....aannnnyyyy helmet! Yes, that one's fine.
*There will be mandatory ATM stops along the routes, all team members must bring their ATM cards and provide check of balance(should be no fee associated)(don't worry I can probably beat anyone's low balance) receipts along with the course map at the finish line! If you don't wish to use the ATM then you should be prepared to prove that you were at all locations (store receipts, pictures of you at the location, etc, creativity allowed. Anything questionable will be judged by other racers/piers).
***Anyone wishing to participate will meet at the bridge crossing the creek next to Criterium Bike Shop at 3pm Saturday, Nov. 12th (This Saturday!!!) How you get there is up to you; ride, drive, hang glide(time bonus' if you actually hang glide)(seriously)(yes, if you hang glide you can have someone else bring your bike for you).
*There will be a racer meeting of sorts at 3pm
*The race will start promptly-ish at 3:15pm(what do you mean that's not a word?)
*The race will finish at Benny's bar/pub/watering hole...hey does anyone know what the actual establishment term is here? No time bonus' for that one. Benny's is located 517 W. Colorado Ave.
*Derbying will be allowed on part of the course, though not 'encouraged' of course.
*Course maps will be picked by the teams at or around the start of the race. (don't worry about what i mean by that)
*Awards will begin shortly after the last team arrives at the finish....especially if that's me.
Bike/ride Rules:
*Any Townie or Cruiser(beach) is allowed....however you will be limited to no more than 5 speed/5 gears. If you have more than 5 gears then you must gain the approval of the rest of the field and/ or we will limit the shiftability for you.(and restore it upon your finishing the race of course)
*This time and this time only, single speed mountain bikes will be allowed, but only if I know for a fact that you don't own a cruiser or townie. Also, at least one person on the team must be on a townie or cruiser. No one team can consist of all S.S. mountain bikes. Anyone using a single speed must be running knobbie tires, no slicks on single speeds.
*Please bring some sort of light system as it will most likely get dark during or shortly after the race.
*This is a race across town along multiple routes. This is a self supported race, which means that you are expected to have what you need with you to fix your bike in case of mechanical mishap...flat tires, skipped(derailed) chain, etc.
*** if you have ANY questions please e-mail me.
Fine Print:
This is a race at your own risk event! races are extremely dangerous!!!!!!!!! We don't encourage doing any of these races. If you aren't prepared to suffer the potential consequences then you shouldn't race, plain and simple. If racing please know and ride with in your personal limits. There will be pedestrians and traffic along the course, you will be expected to obey all traffic rules and give pedestrians the right of way. Please don't do anything that would give cyclists or cycling a bad name. Or a worse name in this particular town.
Friday, November 04, 2005
2006 NORBA/UCI
NMBS # 1 – May 5-7 - Los Angeles, CA
NMBS # 2 – June 9-11 – Sugar Mountain, NC
NMBS # 3 – June 16-18 – Mount Snow, VT
NMBS # 4 – July 7-9 – Deer Valley, UT
USAC MTB National Championship – July 20-23 –Mammoth Lakes, CA
NMBS # 5 – August 4-6 – Brian Head, UT
NMBS # 6 – August 11-13 – Snowmass, CO
2006 North American UCI Mountain Bike Calendar
Sea Otter Classic April 7-8 Monterey, CA
NMBS #1 May 5-7 Los Angeles, CA
Canada Cup June 3-4 Hardwood Hills, ON
NMBS # 2 June 9-11 Sugar Mountain, NC
Canada Cup June 10-11 Mont-Tremblant, QC
Canada Cup June 18 Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC
NMBS # 3 June 17-18 Mount Snow, VT
UCI World Cup June 24-25 Mont-Sainte-Anne, QC
Canada Cup July 8-9 Panorama, BC
NMBS # 4 July 7-10 Deer Valley, UT
Canada Cup July 29-30 Sun Peaks, BC
Canada Cup August 5-6 Whistler, BC
NMBS # 5 August 4-6 Brian Head, UT
NMBS # 6 August 11-13 Snowmass, CO
Monday, October 31, 2005
Friday, October 28, 2005
The Roommate.
My roommate got his Halloween costume dialed last night for todays "working mans Halloween". Somehow looking like a dirty fits him!?!? Na I think it's a hilarious replica of the 1970's Steve Prefontaine, nice work Dougie!
PS Love the "Stash" aka D.B.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Ahhhh Halloween!
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
at what point should we stop...
I cant imagine what people do w/o hobbies, dreams, desire to push themselves, or just a general passion. For instance my roommate told me yesterday that our TV was broken, I thought...I'll have an extra 1.5 hour w/o watching my one movie per week, instead of thinking we need to fix it ASAP.
I guess it was just a random thought when I opened my garage today to work on my MX bike, but it hit me that I'm really enjoying my time here and couldn't be anymore auspicious with my hobbies!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
2 weeks since my last update?!?!
Oh if anyone is reading this in the Colorado Springs area: this sat, 7:00pm @ Black Sheep. Lucero is playing! Yeah it's like my favorite band EVER! Check it out @ Lucero Music!
Take Care,
Billy
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
The Secret of Cycling Success!
We all know that there are lots of different pills available to the athelete with various "performance enhancers." Some of them work, but are illegal. Others are legal, but don't work very well.
"Product W" a highly effective performance enhancment pill that is completely legal! (At least for the moment...)
The primary active ingredient in Product W is the miracle drug
3,7-Dihydro-3,7-dimethyle-1H-prine-2,6-dione
More popularly known as: Theobromine
Theobromine is an all natural substance obtained at great expense from certain tropical plants.
Here's the dope on theobromine chemistry:
NAME : Theobromine
CHEMICAL NAME : 3,7-Dihydro-3,7-dimethyle-1H-prine-2,6-dione
ALTERNATE CHEMICAL NAMES : 3,7-dimethylxanthine
CHEMICAL FORMULA: C7H8N4O2
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 180.17
Product W contains a variety of chemicals, with the primary psychoactive components being theobromine (about 1% of total weight) and caffeine (<.1%). Other chemicals include serotonin, histamine, salsolinol, methyltetrahydroisoquinoline, phenethylamine, telemethylhistamine, spermidine, p-tyramine,3-methyloxytyramine, tryptamine, and spermine.
Now, unless you're a highly trained chemist, the above material may seem like meaningless gobbledygook. What, you ask are the practical effects of using Product W?
That's an easy question to ask, but not so easy to answer. Product W is primarily intended as a legal stimulant, providing the athlete with energy and promoting alertness.
Reports of Product W having beneficial effects on sexual responsiveness in both males and females are widespread, but must be considered anecdotal in the absence of a rigorous research study.
Dosage:
Due to the low melting point of the active ingredient, theobromine, we encase each dosage unit in a hard but thin candy-like shell. As a result, it won't melt in your hand.
While Product W may be swallowed as with other pills, many athletes prefer to chew the pills for more rapid theobromine release. Many people actually find the flavor quite pleasant.
Due to the low concentration of theobromine, usual dosage is anywhere from 10 to 30 Product W tablets at a time, repeated as desired.
Cautions:
Product W users should avoid operating heavy machinery while under its influence, but no problem with light machinery. In the case of bicycles, it is only recommended for use with bicycles weighing 22 pounds (10 kg) or less, for this reason.
Keep this product out of reach of children at all times.
***Product W is for human use only, and may be harmful to dogs.***
Possible Side Effects:
Excessive consumption of Product W may lead to weight gain, insomnia, skin eruptions or dental caries.
Format :
Product W tablets come in a variety of cheerful colors, each with a "W" stamped on it.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Movie Quotes
Derek Zoolander: Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good looking?
Starsky and Hutch:
David Starsky: I like your Lincoln.
Huggy Bear: It's a '76. Won't be out 'til next year. But I know some people that know some people that robbed some people.
Office Space:
Michael Bolton: If we get caught, we're not going to white-collar resort prison. No, no, no. We're going to federal POUND ME IN THE ASS prison.
Samir: I don't want to go to ANY prison!
Old School:
Frank: "Well, uh, I guess I... Deep down I'm feeling a little confused. I mean, suddenly you get married and you're supposed to be this entirely different guy. I don't... I don't feel different. I mean, take yesterday, for example. We were... We were out at the Olive Garden for dinner, which was lovely. And uh... I happened to look over during a certain part of the meal and see a waitress taking an order. And uh, and I found myself wondering what color her underpants might be. Her panties. Uh, odds are they're probably basic white, cotton underpants. But I started thinking 'Well, maybe they're s... maybe they're silk panties. Maybe, maybe, maybe it's a thong. Maybe it's uh something really cool that I don't know about.' You know? And I... I started feeling... What? What, I thought we were in the trust tree, in the nest. Are we not?"
Half-Baked:
Scientist (R.D. Reid): "I know this isn't your responsibility but, uh would you be a dear and run this down to the supply department for me? It's on the second floor."
Thurgood: "Just run this down?"
Scientist: "Uh yes, but make sure you bring the order right back to me. I need it A.S.A.P."
Thurgood: "Got ya. Hey, I know this isn't your responsibility but just mop the rest of this shit up, I'll be right back."
Thursday, September 22, 2005
One-Year Anniversary
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Haro Releases Pro Mountain Biker Chris Sheppard
With the recent allegations of testing positive for a banned performance enhancing drug, Haro Bikes has released Chris Sheppard from his professional racing contract. Sheppard tested positive for EPO in an out-of-competition urine test performed at his home in Kamloops, BC on May 29, 2005.
Sheppard, a Canadian native, has raced for Haro Bikes for a total of 7 years. During this time, he has proven to be a top contender at both NORBA and World Cup race events, most recently finishing 7th in Short Track and 8th in Cross Country overall NORBA series standings. Sheppard has also played an integral role in the research and development of Haro’s mountain bike line.
“We’re obviously disappointed with this news,” said Jim Ford, Haro’s President/CEO. “Chris has been a great ambassador for Haro and the sport of mountain biking for many years. Despite the serious nature of this situation, we still see view Chris as a good person who made a bad mistake.”
Keeping with Haro’s zero tolerance policy when it comes to its athlete’s use of banned performance enhancing drugs, Sheppard has been immediately released from his racing contract.
Haro is a recognized leader in providing innovative performance bikes, parts and accessories to the BMX, dirt, freestyle/street, and mountain bike markets. The company currently has over 1800 dealers throughout the United States and distributors in 48 countries worldwide. Bob Haro, who is known in the BMX industry as the “Father of Freestyle,” founded Haro Bikes in 1978.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Enough is enough!
I freaked out a few days ago! No MORE junk food I’m not relaying on my body anymore after retiring from racing so why not run on the cheap food, right? Well let me tell you that stuff SUX! So I flipped and threw out all the junk food and got back on the XC diet, what a difference. It’s amazing how hard it is to get fit and how fast you can loose it, and Cheeseburgers don’t help!
Also I got a new pair of shoes yesterday, I had to attach a picture because they are quit possibly the most comfortable shoes, EVER. Thank you Andy!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Horgan-Kobelski, McConneloug Take Pro Cross Country Titles.
Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski (Boulder, Colo.) captured his fourth consecutive pro men's national cross country title and Mary McConneloug (Chilmark, Mass.) added a second stars and stripes jersey to her closet with a win in the pro women's race.
Matathon Winners:
Travis Brown (Boulder, Colo.) and Gretchen Reeves (Boulder, Colo.) each rode to national titles in the 66-mile marathon event.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
WARNING:
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the hell happened to your bra and panties.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering when you are not.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is a major factor in dancing like a retard.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to believe that ex-lovers are really dying for you to telephone them at four in the morning.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause pregnancy.
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may be a major factor in getting your ass kicked.
WARNING: the crumsumpten of alcahol may mack you tihnk you can tipe real gode tihnk you can tipe real gode
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Canadian mountain biker tests positive for EPO, banned for two years
Guys that he raced against have other opinions! See Nick Martins P.O.V!
Just in case you have no clue as to what I'm talking about:
The Canadian Press, September 14, 2005
By: NEIL DAVIDSON
In a Canadian first, a mountain biker has been suspended for two years after testing positive for EPO.
EPO is a banned substance that builds endurance by boosting the amount of oxygen-rich red blood cells. It is the same substance that American star Lance Armstrong has been accused of using at the 1999 Tour de France. Armstrong has denied the allegation.
Chris Sheppard, 32, showed traces of the drug at an out-of-competition urine test May 29 at his home in Kamloops, B.C., the Canadian Cycling Association said Tuesday.
Kris Westwood, the association's high performance director, said he went through several emotions when he heard the news.
"To a certain extent yes, shock. Disappointment. I would even say just weariness,'' he said from Ottawa. "We're all tired of hearing doping stories and we all kind of hoped that Canadians were exempt as it were, or we were above that sort of thing.
"I still firmly believe that we are one of the cleanest nations in sport in general. But obviously there's no generalization that you can make about anything.''
Sheppard has competed for Canada internationally and rides professionally for the Haro Bike team. He was eighth in the 2004 Canadian national 30-kilometre race in Quebec, when his ride was hampered by flat tires.
In June, he was 27th at a World Cup event in Quebec.
"I'd describe him as being an athlete in the later phases of a solid mountain biking career,'' said Westwood.
Presence of EPO was found in Sheppard's A-sample, then confirmed in Sheppard's B-sample on July 4, the association said.
EPO was banned in 1990 but the International Cycling Union did not begin a urine test for it until 2001. The first testing actually started in 2000 but it took some labs longer to get up to speed.
"This is certainly the first Canadian athlete, through our Canadian (anti-doping) program that has tested positive for EPO,'' said Paul Melia, president and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
A form of EPO does naturally occur in the human body _ in the form of a hormone produced by the kidney _ but the test differentiates between natural and other forms of the drug.
EPO is associated with endurance sports and the drug has been seen in cross-country skiing.
"It increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood so it's of tremendous assistance in endurance sports,'' Melia said.
It can be administered in a number of different ways, from injections to blood transfusions.
Westwood said Sheppard has not commented publicly on the positive test. Attempts to reach the rider by phone Tuesday were not immediately successful.
Sheppard is now permanently ineligible to receive financial support from the federal government, Westwood said.
An arbitrator's hearing on the doping test was heard last week. That decision triggered the suspension, although the reasons have yet to be released by the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada. Star Canadian mountain biker Roland Green tested positive for an asthma medication in 2004. He had permission to use it but he ended up serving a minimum six-month suspension because of paperwork problems.
Monday, September 12, 2005
This could get long…
All I have to say is stay up for two days straight and the stories seem to get longer…BIG TIME! I just finished what most mechanics would call an epic workday; the story goes a little something like this:
Nick Martin sportin some SPF 5000 sun screen!
Pumped to work with the Trek team and support a group of fun/fast racers consisting of NICK MARTIN, TRISTAN SCHOUTEN, ROSS SCHNELL, and BECCA "Holla" BLAY. Oh and how can I forget I had help from and Jessica a.k.a "Nick's Girlfriend". I begin to pack my car with all the necessary items to help a caliber team such as Trek. I get all the basics packed: coffee, yerba mate’ (Yerba Mate’ is a powerful rejuvenating energy beverage grown in its native rainforest environment), food, tools, sleeping bags, etc.,. Hope you get the idea by now. I woke up early to beat the morning traffic and have open mountain roads to rally my car (yes I like to drive fast) at REALLY Fast speeds..
So here is where my day goes upside down. I’m almost to Winter Park killing some pavement and really making good time, oh I also just learned to drift turns, so I’m hitting 20-30mph marked turns at 90-100mph, drifting them and exiting them at 65-75 mph, yes i really like driving fast. Well the “man” is waiting for me as I exit the turn’s apex and I get radar after hitting the brakes and BAM 72mph in a 55mph…bummer. After processing my traffic violation he asks my to get out of the car and cuffs me for an unpaid traffic ticket from a year and a half ago…BIG TIME BUMMER. The COP searches my car (more like throws everything around) and finds a big bag of yerba mate’ and assumes it’s weed, now I’m actually laughing at the whole situation at this point from the awe of what is happening, nonetheless he found out it wasn’t weed and proceeded to chuffer me to jail. Mark Matson Kona Super Wrench gets my S.O.S. distress call and bails me out in no time at all! Thanks Mark IOU!
As for the 24 hour race I got all the bikes out with out any mechanicals…yes my fingers where crossed more then once, nothing like working on bikes that you’ve never touched before, not to mention right after your first prison experience. 24 hour races are so damn much fun, people are in good sprits, funny outfits are almost required, almost everyone is sleep deprived and having a blast doing what they love. Good times!
Ross Schnell and Jessica having a good time at 3:00am
For the race details, well I leave that to the racers like Nick Martin and Becca Blay to give the racers details and for me I’ll just continue to rant about all the funny stuff that I missed while racing professionally for 5 years.
Fred Dreier of VeloNews and editor of Fred’s eye view shows up to race solo!
Monday, September 05, 2005
Wander on...
Ahhhh its over! The NORBA series has come to a wonderful rest and seeing that I have Canadian athletes, well, I don’t have to attend National Championships! So my season is almost over?!?! What to do with every waking hour free to myself? Oh I can find something.
Humm here’s a recap to my season:
Number of Miles driven to date: 24,785
Number of Beds I’ve slept in: 41
Number of 12 packs of fresca bought to date: 22
Number of Red Bull lights consumed to “NOT FALL ASLEEP Driving": 43
Number of nights spent in the hospital: 1
Number of days I hated my job: NONE
I truly hope to do it again next year! Now I’m going to take some time to myself and compile some more useless ramble for this site, so please stay tuned it’s only getting better! Now I’m off to bag another 14er, Viva La OFF SEASON!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
New Link added...
Hope all is well, one more week of work for me and 3 moths of play, damn, my life is hard!
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Friday, August 12, 2005
The only thing Wal-Mart is good for!
A few weeks back Mike BLACKmore a.k.a. Blackie (as pictured) and I went Dickies work short shopping. Just an FYI Wal-Mart has the cheapest Dickies work shorts, $15.92 plus TAX buys you any color, any size! Oh back to the story; so we hit the mall with a few useless expenditures (i.e. my new Puma Driving Shoes) and several panic attacks later we end up here…yes, Wal-Mart and one of your best bro's has a silly ass grin buying his first pair of work shorts at the cheapest price possible! As for you fellow travelers if your going to Australia buy as many as you can! Sell them to skate shops, auzzies will pay $100.00AUS for USA designer Dickies work shorts… you do the math, take 15 pairs over with you, sell them to a skate shop for $60.00AUS and clear about 35-40 US, that will pay for ½ your airfare!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Kickin some 14er ASS!
Time away from work can only mean one thing, play time! Yesterday at 4:30am I found myself in a barrowed 4x4 (thanks Blackie) on the way to pick up Kelli E to hopefully bag lots of 14er’s...by arriving at Kite Lake (12,000’) @ 6:00am along with the mind set of “peak baging” Mt. Democrat, Mt. Cameron, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Bross. Yes, it sounds like a lot of hiking but why not, right?
The day was awesome! Early morning hiking (early morning, shoot crack of dawn is more like it), good company, laughing at each other about tripping over rocks while suffering from hypoxia, and doing once again what most people in other states cant! Did I mention how much I love Colorado?
I could never comprehend how cool it was to look down on all the valleys and see eye-to-eye with the other 14er’s in the area, until standing on one of those monster. It was a moment every outdoor loving person with applicable fitness should at least enjoy once in there lifetime. Well for me, I’m hooked! After yesterday I graduated into double digits of 14er’s hiked, yes that now 10 bagged with 43 more to go in Colorado alone.
Kelli "Big E" Emmett atop Mt. Bross
Monday, August 08, 2005
Semi-Retired
Men
1 Mike West (USA) Maverick
2 Amon Pease (USA) Intense
3 Chris Eatough (USA) Trek/Vw
4 Bryan Fawley (USA) Wheelsinmotion/Kenda
5 Michael Valach (USA)
6 Tom Wehe (USA) Kenda/Norco
7 Ariel Lindsley (USA) Maverick
8 Jiro Nakamura (Jpn) Wtb
9 Troy Heflin (USA) Recycle/Marzocch
10 Billy Holmes (USA) Ford/Specialized
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Now I’m off for yet another 5 weeks of travel, wrenching, and even some ride/racing!
Question:
Is pimping easy?
Answer: Yes!
Surprisingly enough that is correct.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Pro Bono Mechanic Work?
Monday, July 25, 2005
“It’s been a while since my last update”???
I love this picture! We had to stop at White Castle (WC) while in the Mid-West on the last stretch of our journey. So naturally I had to document the “late night” WC adventure. Now I’m not saying that the marketing marvels at WC had the demographics planned when making location choices but the 2 that we visited where located in what I like to call the CRACK district of town. I guess that’s how you can market ¼ of a hamburger for 50 cent, but if think about value…well that’s 2.00 for a whole hamburger and then all off a sudden they are way over priced for the other fast food chains. But apparently if your “cracked’ out at 2:00am (or in our case blitzed on red bull driving 40 hours straight) you’ll fall for the marketing ploy and all of a sudden your saying “got damn this is the best mini-burger I’ve ever tasted”!
With less than a month to go, the SSWC is well on its way!
Nothing new really to announce, just some details to clarify. So far the schedule looks like this:
Saturday
- Registration @ shop 10-5pm
- Late Registration @ Big Easy 5:30 -10pm
Sunday
- Rider‚s meeting @ 10am Tussey Ski area Parking lot
- Rolling start @ 10:30am
- First finishers @ 1pm
- Go-Cart qualifying @3pm
- Go-Cart finals @ 4pm
- Post Race Gathering @ Big Easy 7pm
- Awards @ Big Easy 8:30pm
Ok a sudden motivation to go running has come over my body…time to got torture myself. Take Care!
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Traveling the USA…
How many truck stops have I been too in the past month? Hell, I can’t remember but this picture was by far the coolest one so far. Period. The stop hade everything Swords, Mini-bikes, mini-Choppers (as seen here) you name it they had it!
I’m now nestled in Sand Point, ID for another NORBA stop. Ahhh, a few days of rest, rides, and a little work. Wed night was off the chain, once again blessed with the presence of John Dawson, Damion Smith (Yeti Mechanic) and Paul Rowney it was sure to be a good night…details? Umm naaa, just a report of having a blast with the boys here in I-Da-Hoe.
I have a semi accurate total of miles to date: 18,478
Beds I’ve slept in: 34
Off to dinner that Chris Sheppard (Haro Team Manager/Fast as Hell Racer) is making for us. Take Care!
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
“now that’s anything”
I got to go home for 3 nights and brought a maniac along with me…life on the road is just too damn funny! I’ve been all over North America in the past two weeks, something like 100 hours of driving in 10 days! One thing that I’ve learned is Holiday Inn Express has free Wi-Fi and Cinnamon Rolls, how can one beat that? Plus all the rooms look the same so it’s like a bedroom you never left, “now that’s anything” (that was a Paul Rowney-ism)!
Oh here is a picture of one of my new passions “bush diving”, yes it’s dangerous, and has the potential to yield major dismemberment, well probably just an itchy rash or small abrasion but damn it I’m a risk taker at heart.
Thanks to all my friends that came out for my few nights in the COS! It’s good to have quality friends that you look forward to coming home to see; sure I’m chattering in code! Blah blah blah.
Things that I’ve seen in the past 2 weeks:
A random trucker chasing his “Big Rig” down the HWY. Note: always check the parking brake on the Haro rig so we don’t have to deal with that mess!
Rusty passing everyone in his go-kart backwards, yes, backwards. Well he did manage to spin out of control passing 3 of us on the outside of a 180 deg turn and stuffed the kart into a ditch!
A tank driving down the interstate w/a cannon attached to it?!?! Weird!
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Quebec City, Canada “A”?
I’ve been totally neglecting this site due to all the travel and shoty Internet connections, so I’m sorry and I’ll be slowly responding to my emails, please be patient.
On a recap in the past two weeks on the road, shoot I can even begin where to start! Silly parties, lots of work, epic bike rides, seeing all my friends from all over the world, Go-karts every night (fast here in Canada), chilling fishing with team Haro (Mick Hanna and co-worker Rusty), and squeezing in about 100 hours of driving has consumed the majority of my free time! I have some killer pictures so be patient once again and I’ll post them this weekend.
Also get ready for another pro rider interview… Kelli Emmett. That should be up by next week, along with miles traveled, and the “Foye Troute” beds I’ve slept in the year counter.
Friday, June 17, 2005
The world’s fastest update…
Today after a 15 hour work day the results where clear!
Cody 1st place Pro Slolom
Shamas 5th TT
Shep 8th TT
Yes I’ve got to go sleep, sleep, and well sleep for 6 hours. I can’t wait for the 50-hour drive to Mont-Saint-Anne Sunday night.
Oh also nice work to the 3-d boys 2 in the top 10 in the TT (nice work Cody Peaterson!!!).
Take Care
Billy
Sunday, June 12, 2005
What does one do with 3 months of his/her life?
Well I’m almost ready to leave town for the summer. I forgot how much of a pain in the ass traveling as a cyclist is, let alone a cyclist/mechanic. I’m bringing too much stuff but it’s all needed, I think, I mean for real; bikes, tools, work stand, clothing for riding and casual…damn this is turning into a lot of stuff! I’m off to SRAM in the morning to drop off a ton of crap to be transported to the race venue then flying out to Park City to get started working for Haro! Woo-hoo! Thanks John Dawson for hooking a brother up and taking all my stuff to the race, IOU big time!
Jason Sager thanks for keeping us updated with the D-Town gossip it’s now a daily favorite site to read, wonder how all this blog stuff is going to pan-out once the season really starts? I hope I can keep everyone informed of results and my good times while traveling the country? My fingers are crossed.
Check out this sick ass moto JUMP!!!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Humbled XC Convert!
Damn, that was a hard race! I made it, no broken bones, contusions, concussions, etc.,. Practice damn near killed me, my little ass forearms kept giving out from the death grip I was putting on that 40lb DH rig. I mean come on were hitting 45+mph on the straights and pinning it into the woods, holy poo-poo, it was fast! Thanks to my boy Blackie for getting me all hooked up with CSR (Colorado Springs Racing), yes, I’m hooked on the gravity racing!
My friend Josh Powers (another SKINNY little XC racer) is in town Chillin at my house for the week. Josh and I get like little kids when we see each other (well more so then normal), so last night we decide to light off fireworks in Downtown Colorado Springs! Bad Idea, Really BAD IDEA! We finished when we where chased by pissed off neighbors and then questioned by the local authorities. Fun? Sure it was Josh and I talked our way out of the confrontation with “the Man” claiming AZ and MI stupidity. Good Times!
We’ve also narrowed down the calculation for how wide an ass can be before it’s too large… The calculation is simple, take ones torso length (shoulders to mid back) and then measure the ass in question? Thus resulting if final measurement (ass width) is grater then ones torso measurement, well you gots one large ass!
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Inspired by change…
I’m getting everything ready for a mini road trip down to Angle Fire, NM. I’ve converted from a Pro XC racer to DH/mechanic and have managed to bust 2 ribs and tear some stuff in my shoulder (yes that’s the technical jargon for: fucking myself up!) in a short period of time, but the packing for DH is so different compared to XC! When I was doing the XC gig I would train and managed time to pack, now dirt jumping and silly little intervals take up much less time, I have an abundance of free time to ponder…Hummm, maybe I could do an XC ride then hit dirt jumps and still make it downtown to meet up with friends for a burrito? Easy street right? Almost!
Please keep in mind that over the years of XC racing I’ve managed one useless trade that only XC racers can manage to pull off! It’s TIME MISMANAGEMENT. So I’ve got a list of stuff that needs to be done before I embark on one of my first DH race endeavors (I hope I get everthing done):
Pick up Keg of cheap beer
Build up new 4X bike
Pack all riding gear (I assume I need to pack more then just SPANDEX, right?)
Pack Tools and Stand
Pick up spare parts (that’s right I have 2 days of practice to destroy parts and hurt myself before race day)
Buy a serious first aid kit w/suture kit (plus lots of ADVIL)
Bring 40lb DH Bike and 30lb 4X Bile
No wonder all the DHer’s have big Pick Up Trucks…damn that’s a lot of Shit to carry around!
P.S. If my employers at Haro are reading this I promise to be CAREFULL, yes it’s a long season and you don’t need a mechanic in a body cast :-)
Thank you to my Billy Holmes Fan Club local Colorado Springs 80907 for the picture! That was a fun night! Maybe one more fun filled night before I leave for the summer?
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
A first ever Wandering Wrench interview with my roommate and Pro XC Racer Doug Ryden!
Wandering Wrench: Which athlete do you most admire, respect?
Doug: Probably The Champ, big Al Dunlap. She’s just a badass, even if she is a girl.
WW: What’s it like being Teammates with Kathy Legg (I mean Katey Compton)?
DCR: That girl has more talent than a football player has ego. SHE A BAD FUTHERMUCKER. The only drawback is feeling like you’re descending really well, looking back and seeing a girl about to crawl up your asshole on her bike.
WW: Favorite Porn Site, Pictures or Videos?
Dougie: http://www.labatidora.net/ photos. Havent found one for video; havent really looked.
WW: What makes you angry or frustrated?
Def Con: Contradiction.
Wrench: Do you live at home? Or on your own?
Guy that I’m interviewing: I live at home, but not with my parents, nor alone. My roomate is some dick ex-racer with a goddamn blog.
Dick w/a BLOG: Have you ever shagged a MTB chick?
My Gay Roommate: You mean from the team, or a girl that rides mtn bikes? Yes for the mtbiker, no for the team.
WW: Are there any guys you race against that you wouldn't mind punching in the face-or do you just like everyone?
That guy again: Bitch slap, yes. Outright punch, no.
WW: Has there ever been a defining moment where you said to yourself "Man, I am a fast mutha focker!"?
4:20 said: Usually around 4:25 I seem to think that.
Wandering: When was your first MTB race, where, what did you ride, class, result, the feeling driving home?
Stony Bologna: Bananna belt loop, Salida CO. 1991. 2nd pl under 18 category (before they seperated juniors into categories) I was 15. Rolled in a SWEET mesh jersey, hardshell bell helmet, hiking boots, khaki hiking shorts, toe clips, canti’s, moto levers, fully rigid steel, baby. On the way home I was jealous that I couldn’t have any beer like all the other racers, but I gave mine to my dad, who drove me to the race.
Interviewer: What kind of car do you drive?
Intervieweeee: Bobby D. aka. ’98 Plymouth Neon.
WW: Favorite place to hangout (besides home)?
Bla bla bla: Single track.
Wrench: Have you ever passed out from being drunk?
Doug: Not this week, and not while riding, but I wont say about last week or the week before that, and I seem to be able to dismount while still concious.
Rebuttal: LIAR!
WW: Who would win in a real fight between Danny Pate and Todd Wells? Why? Speculation: The Pate. I don’t know t.w. real well, but I could just see d.p. goin’ ape shit. Plus he’s got all those jelly bellies. Those things are like crack.
WW: If you saw George W Bush in the woods while on a MTB ride, what would you do?
PC Guy: I reserve the right to not answer this as there is still a law on the books where any citizen can go to jail for even Speaking about harming the president.
Wandering Wrench: Who is Greg Frozley? And why is he so mysterious?
Dougie: You mean MISTER Alison Dunlap?!!!? He’s kinda like Ned Overend, Craig Kelly, and some really famous Norwegian who is a super good telemarker and skate skiier, all wraped up in one fabulous husband of a world champ and probable father of said world champ’s children. As for the mystery, it can be simply explained in the attached photo (beardedfrozley_fun)
BeardedFrol_fun.jpg
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Monday, May 23, 2005
How can I even begin to describe my last few weeks until I leave for the summer to work with Haro?
Friday starts out on a WARM Colorado day at a local Pizza joint for lunch, Chillin, watching all the ladies in summer clothing and just enjoying the day with Blackie. When out of nowhere the voice of reason is heard! “Lets go golfing”. I think for like 2 seconds, and reply “goLfin”? He knows I’m down with a reply like that and before I know it “it’s on” we’re renting a golf cart, clubs, buying golf balls, and ready! MORE GOLF PICTURES HERE
I have tons more, but I need to ship out all the ebay stuff from last week! STAY TUNED!!!
Saturday, May 21, 2005
What can I say...
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Will cycling ever incorporate the GOOD GAME attitude?
Post Road Ride: This usually happens at the coffee shop or local downtown (high exposure) location, roll up to your spandex clad riding partner, holla “good game” improvise on the rest, starbucks is my favorite place to give a good game!
Post Sweet DH single track: Probably the most “risky” of GOOD GAMES, especially in fall (i.e. Huntin season), most of our DH runs end in multi use public parking sections, a wonderful gathering spot for local hunters. Roll up to your bro in front of a 280lb deer hunter w/small varmint killin hand cannon, and slap a GOOD GAME on your riding partner…hella weird looks!
Skate/BMX Park: I need someone to report this action its uncharted territory as of now...
***Please note: If you or your "GOOD GAME" friend(s) are homophobic this type of shenanigans may be unacceptable, so please consult the other party to prepare for any unforeseen incidents.
Jason Sager thanks for linking my site to yours, also I’ll try and work on my spelling and grammar…
Friday, May 13, 2005
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
This weekend was totally chill, thanks to Mike Blackmore for loaning me the sweetest bike ever for the weekend, I mean people couldn’t believe how dope (yes the word dope was just used) this ride was, carbon this, 2006 pre-production that, and a white frame, he’s so cocky with his bikes! Thanks Blackie!!!
I got some new MUSIC this week from AzureRay, Title: Hold on Love, it’s damn good for unwinding after a hard day of play, check out some free downloads at Saddle Creek Records or go to Azure Ray.
Danny Pate dropped off some SOUR Jelly Belly’s this weekend something about getting 30lbs of Jelly Beans from the team per month??? Damn they are tasty, but I’m not sure 30lbs are a feasible amount. Thanks Danny!
Looks like my Screw Driver and Duct Tape days are no longer in existence. I just bought a new Pedros Tool kit, Ultimate Stand, and went all out at Sears snatching up all sorts of Craftsman products, only 4 more weeks until I hit the open road with Rusty (the other team Mechanic) and a 31” trailer in search of NORBA National races! Should be a blast… Thanks to Reese at Pro Cycling in Colorado Springs for letting me wholesale the parts, I owe you big time, thanks again.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
HARO’S HANNAH TAKES SECOND IN REDBULL LISBON DOWNTOWN
Team Haro rider, Mick Hannah, has again taken second at the Lisbon Downtown event in Portugal, the world’s only international Urban Downhill invitational event.
After his introduction to the event last year, Hannah was keen to again test out the tight, twisting streets of Lisbon.
"It is just such a blast," said Hannah, "The crowd is right in your face and it is so fast in some of the sections. I love coming here and can't wait to bring Tracey (Hannah) over next year"
Hannah had to settle for the same result as last year, with second place to four-time winner Steve Peat.
"I only brought over the .357 Magnum 9" bike to Europe as I had to trim down the amount I took over, so it was perhaps a little overkill for this course (Hannah rode his Werx-7 last year), but I just love the bike so much that it wasn't a problem."
Final Results were:
1 Steve Peat 1.31.994
2 Mick Hannah 1.33.819
3 Greg Minaar 1.33.922
Hannah will now head to Australia for a week before making his way back to the US to complete the international season.
Mick Hannah and the entire Haro Team are generously supported by Manitou, Shimano, Thor, Sun-Ringle, Bell Helmets, Selle Italia, and Easton.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Friday, May 06, 2005
Post Cinco De Mayo spins? Seis De Mayo SUX!
On time at Palmer Park I started picking up people to ride with during the ride. Jason Weber the best frame painter a Spectrum , Shari, Steph “PR Chick” form MTBchick.com , some dude named Doug, and JJ Simon doing shuttle runs on his DH bike, damn he’s fast! How could the day get better after 2.5 hours of playing on MTB’s? Wait I still had to hook up with Blackie and that fool had text me twice while out riding. The first was “cuz it’s on” followed by “Ur gonna need a lampshade” WTF? That Caucasian doesn’t play around! We hit a local hang out “V Bar” in downtown COS with Drew, Phil, Blackie, Doug, Steph, and Kelly (the new girl in town) After a $300.00 bar tab, it was on, and over, now I’m in the pain cave awaiting my ride to the Moto track, Fridays at the track are so damn good! Maybe I’ll get to chill with Scuba the coolest dog in the springs?
Take Care,B Ho
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Dirt Jumps and Skate Park!
Back to my roots! I spent the majority of yesterday at the Goose Gossage Skateboard Park and Dirt Jumps, memories of my roots. I started racing BMX at the young age of 4, my dad would hold my rear wheel between his legs at the gate to prevent a little guy from falling over, that’s where this two-wheeled passion all started and never ended! Jeremiah Bishop once told me when you get burned out take some time and go for a long MTB ride on your favorite trail to get back to your roots, well Jeremiah it works if you play on a little 20” BMX bike also (at least for me). So now I’ve got some more dirt jumping to do and maybe a BMX race on Sat at the local track and another long MTB ride to get totally back to my roots!
Tonight is the Colorado Springs Pub Crawl presented by Jon Hurley, something about wearing “red” as a theme (we have a theme on the first Thur of EVERY month), I’m pretty innovative so I’ll just dress up in my red hoodie and call it a night, that is until blackie gets off of work then “it’s on”.
This weekend is the Fruita fat Tire Festival and Nathrop MX Race and Local BMX race… I think I can do everything, drive 5 hours to Fruita, ride, drive 5 hours back to Colorado Springs, rest (sleep), race BMX on Sat, then drive on Sunday to Nathrop for the MX race? Maybe I should trim the schedule a bit?
Foye thanks for the "drunkie" BBQ call. I miss you brother!