Racing at Cross Nationals

I wasn't going to race at Cross Natz in Bend, OR. However, the Clydesdale Championship of the Universe sounds too FUN to pass up. I'm in baby! Just gotta find a bike to borrow out there.

Peanut Butter Mud

Kristin Wentworth captured this photo of my bike post race Saturday at Jingle Cross. Peanut butter mud (combined with long grass) is the kind that sticks to your bike, and keeps building until the bike stops working. Mine held up for the entire race, others didn't.

For Sale - 2008 Electra Townie 3i Pink Pearl - $300

Selling my daughter's Pink Pearl Electra Townie for $300. Perfect, like new condition. Ridden a handful of times. Includes a white front handlebar basket.

From Electra's Website:

• Offering stability, laid-back style and a convenient step-through design, the Electra Townie 3i Pink Pearl is great for women looking for a fun, functional cruiser bike.
• Geometry places rider upright for comfortable, heads-up positioning; aft positioning allows a rider to place both feet on the ground at a stop
• Lightweight aluminum frame provides vertical stiffness for prompt acceleration and uphill power; it's also easily lifted for storage and transport
• Step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting the saddle quick and easy
• Shimano Nexus internal rear hub provides 3 smooth-shifting speeds and is remarkably maintenance free compared to conventional cassette systems
• Shimano Revo twist-shifters are intuitively easy to use
• Hand-operated linear-pull brake controls front wheel while rear coaster brake offers intuitive deceleration with simple backpedaling
• Townie saddle features shock-absorbing elastomers for all-day riding comfort
• Convenient platform pedals accept most casual shoes while the full-length chainguard keeps dirt and oil off your legs
• Semi-slick 26x2.0 tires provide a smooth and stable ride over a variety of riding surfaces
• Fitting an Electra bike is easy. Start by setting the saddle to its lowest position and then stand over it with both feet flat on the ground. Next, simply raise the saddle until it rests in the crotch. Tighten it in place, and that's it— you're done!

Cross fer Tots - Spread the Word

Deets from Hollywood Henderson:
Cross fer Tots yep.

Cyclosscross style event!

Saturday December 5th,
11 am first event 11:45 second event.
10 Bucks or an unwrapped toy.

2 events,
30 min and a 60 min event.

Permitted park, Vanderbee in Blommington.
Ride yer bike, or park at H-WooD Cycles.
Any ? call H-WooD at the shop 952.881.4707

All about a good time, and its fer the Tots.

ya want ta keep cross'n during cross season well here it is.

Jingle Cross Rock 2009

Our 3rd pilgrimage to Iowa City over Thanksgiving weekend for UCI Jingle Cross was a successful one. Jordan finished on the podium in all 3 of his races, 2 1st places, and a 3rd.

They added Friday night racing this year, under the lights. Jordan raced Cat 2/3, starting in the back row behind over 60 racers. It was an absolute mudfest, with many riders having to abandon due to broken bikes. Jordan worked his way through the field, changing bikes at 3 different times. At one point, he was in 2nd place, eventually finishing 3rd.

Jordan raced the Junior category Saturday and Sunday, winning both days. His white skinsuits were muddy brown at the end of each race. Jordan took the opportunity Sunday to practice bike changes every half lap. It is a critical skill to master in inclement conditions, where bikes fail if you don't switch often to have them cleaned.

Defying the Muddy Conditions in White

Saturday Juniors Podium (L-R, Lionel Rocheleau - 2nd, Jordan Cullen - 1st, Vance Fletcher - 3rd)

Sunday Juniors Podium - (L-R, Tyler Rushing - 3rd, Jordan Cullen - 1st, Nils Boberg - 2nd)

My Beauty

My daughter, Maren, acted and sang in the Hudson High School Play "Beauty and the Beast" the past 2 weekends. This was no run of the mill production. Very professional. The kids did an amazing job, and were all very sad after the last performance. You've got great talent Maren. Keep up the great work!

The Enchantress

Tea Cup

Townsperson

Amazing costumes

The entire cast

WI State CX Championships

Photo by djohnnymac

Quick report from the WI State CX Champs held this past Sunday near Milwaukee, WI. Jordan won the Jr 15-18, 8th in the Cat 1/2's. I was 17th in M40+. Great to see some familiar faces, as well as meet some new people.

Ridley Dean TT Bike

Flash back to the end of July, 2009. Jordan is warming up to the Time-trial at US Junior Nationals and I make a deal with him. If he wins the Time-trial, I'll buy him a new TT bike. As most know, he came within 9 seconds winning, and finished 2nd. I couldn't tell if he was more upset about getting beat, or missing out on getting a new TT bike. As a consolation, I said he was close enough.

Back to the present. So many options. Specialized, Scott, Cervelo, Trek, to name a few. All very expensive too. High end TT frame/fork modules go for north of $3500.00 (yes, that's just for the frame and fork)! If I'm going to drop that kind of coin, I want the best.

The Ridley Dean was at the top of our list, but we were committed to purchasing from Flanders Bros. Bike Shop. As luck would have it, Flanders recently started carrying Ridley, and Jordan's dream came true.

Is he spoiled? Damn right, he's spoiled. Does he appreciate what he has? Absolutely, and he knows he has to train hard (and smart) to keep it.