HiDef Crosstraining

I finally upgraded the Man Cave to High Def. Replaced the 10 year old rear projection analog 50" square TV with a 55" 1080p widescreen LCD, along with HD DirectTV DVR, and Blu-Ray DVD Player. I'm in HiDef heaven now!

The old 50" rear projection TV moved up 2 floors to the loft (it was a bitch to get it up there too!). It is now the video game console with and Xbox, Xbox360, and Wii hooked up.

In the process, I said good bye to several pieces of old electronics: my high end cassette player, my old school DVD players, an old desktop computer, a 27" tube TV, and a bunch of cell phones. Oh yea, and a crap load of remote controls. Not sure why I have trouble letting go of old electronics, but needless to say, Carla is happy now.

Team Planet Bike

Back Row (L-R): James LaLonde, Chris Follmer, Gordy Paulson, Bob Downs, Jim Cullen, Jonathan Page, Jordan Cullen, Greg Pautsch, Ian Haupt, Mark LaLonde
Front Row (L-R): Toni Leal, Linda Sone, Katie Compton, Kaitie Antonneau, Sarah Huang, Kristin Wentworth, Diane Ostenso

KFC wins a record 6th straight US Cyclocross Title

Katie Compton is such a class act.

Cycling Videos on CyclingDirt

Crazy Icy @ CX Nationals - Jr Men 15-16

Jordan is in all white.

Cycling Videos on CyclingDirt

Cycling Videos on CyclingDirt

Cycling Videos on CyclingDirt

USA Cyclocross Nationals - A Lesson in Pain

Temps in the teens, icy conditions, and a tight, technical course made for some painful spills Friday morning at Cyclocross Nationals. Jordan had a 2nd row start in the Junior 15-16, a very strong, deep field. Conditions favored strong technical skills, along with a good helping of luck. The course was a maze of turns, with tons of off camber riding.

Jordan didn't have a good start, then a crash and dropped chain left him sitting back in 15th or so. Hey, that's cross. Anything can happen, and you just have to deal with it. The tight course made passing riders a challenge, and there were no sections to really open it up and try to make up ground. Jordan pushed hard as he could, but every time he seemed to be making progress, another crash. At one point, his bike even got tangled up in the tape.

With 1 lap to go, Jordan was sitting 11th, in striking distance of 3 riders. He dug deep, and was able to get by all 3, finishing a respectable 8th. This is significant because the top 8 riders get call-ups to the front line for next year's nationals. Way to stay tough Jordan, and salvage the race with a great finish.

The riders in front of Jordan are a who's who of USA Junior Cross Racing. Logan Owen came from behind late in the race to win his 5th consecutive National Championship. Team Clif Bar put 3 riders in the top 6 with Zane Godby (2nd), Curtis White (3rd), and Nate Morse (6th). Michael Dessau, the rider who beat Jordan in the 13-14 Jr Road Nationals this summer was 4th. Congrats to everyone on a great ride.

The Planet Bike Juniors team scored 2 National Championships with Ian Haupt (1st - Jr13-14), and Sarah Huang (1st - Jr 15-16). Kaitie Antonneau finished a strong 2nd in Jr 17-18. Well done!

Kaitie, Jordan, and Sarah warming up.

Jr Boys 15-16 Start

Microburst Intervals in a Snowstorm

Jordan's commitment and dedication astound me. I got home from work today, to find out he was outside in the snowstorm doing his final interval workout before we leave for Bend, OR tomorrow for Cross Nationals. Go get em Jordan!

Cross 4 Tots Recap

Hollywood and his crew put together a very nice informal race at Vanderbee Park in Bloomington today. 6-7 minute laps, in a smallish park, with almost the entire course staked and taped. There was a 30 minute race with about 10 racers, and a 60 minute race with about 20 racers.

The 30 minute race was a 2-up battle between Charlie Townsend and Nils Boberg. They stayed together most of the race, with Charlie opening a gap on the last lap. Nils dug deep, and closed the gap coming into the barriers just before the finish. It came down to a bike throw, with Charlie just holding Nils off for the win. Chris Alme finished 3rd, and Dan Strese 4th.

The hole shot in the 60 minute race was taken by Dave Meyer, who quickly established a healthy gap on the rest. After a lap or so, Jesse Rients bridged the gap with Jordan Cullen in tow. Dave slid out in a corner, just as Jesse and Jordan caught him. This gave them a gap over Dave, who would pull out of the race a couple laps later. The front 2 battled for half the race, until Jesse attacked Jordan, and forged ahead solo. Behind, was a 3 way battle for the final podium spot between John Thompson, Brian Koeneman, and Mark Mlinar. Jesse easily took the win, followed by Jordan, then Thompson, Koeneman, and Mlinar.

Hollywood had some prizes for the podium finishers, and some shwag for the crowd. In the end, they collected a giant box of toys, and over $160 for the tots. Well done Hwood and crew.

60 Minute Race Podium (L-R: Jordan Cullen-2nd; Jesse Rients-1st; John Thompson - 3rd)

Results by clipboard and cigarette

Start of the 30 minute race

Start of the 60 minute race

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 (SOLD!)

Selling my daughter's Pink Pearl Electra Townie for $300 UPDATE: SOLD!. 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.

Ciara

Got a call Sunday night that Planet Bike needed Jordan's 52cm Ridley X-night back for another rider. In exchange, Jordan got a brand new 54cm Ridley X-night.

Jordan and I broke down his old Ridley Sunday night, shipped it Monday, and received the new one Tuesday. With help from the friendly Flanders Bros. Bike Shop, "Ciara" is now built and ready to ride.

Playin' with the Big Boys

Photo by Frye

Jordan has his first experience with the top guns of MN Cyclocross this weekend at the Minnesota State CX Championships. He rode strong in both races, finishing 13th overall, 8th in the Cat 1/2's Saturday, and 11th overall, 8th in the Cat 1/2's on Sunday. Congratulations Jordan!

A hearty thank you to Race Promoter Smithers and his Crew (Super Rookie, Rivers, Ped, ScottyRob, among others), as well as the amazing sponsors, and efficient USAC officials, for putting on a stellar event. The perfect close to an incredible MN Cyclocross Season.

Time to upgrade you Sandbagger

Photo by Frye

Jordan capped off his Cat 3 cyclocross career this weekend with a pair of wins at Velo CX and Back to School CX. His prize for winning the Cat 3's was a 50lb bag of sand as incentive for an upgrade to Cat 2.

Jordan will be rolling with the Cat 1/2, Master 35+ at MN State CX Champs next weekend in Crystal. Oh crap, that means I've got to race him now! I'll be the one smiling as he laps me:)

Photo by Megan Lennon

Crossinacs Fridley Fall Back Article in Cyclocross Magazine

Photo by Steve Kotvis

A great article on www.cxmagazine.com about the Crossniacs Fridley Fall Back CX race.

Crossin' in Minnesota

Red Barn CX Photos courtesy of Linsey Hamilton

2 great races in Minnesota this weekend, Red Barn CX in Taylors Falls and Crossniacs Fridley Fall Back in Fridley. Jordan stormed to his 2nd Cat 3 CX win of the season at Red Barn, and then finished runner-up to Planet Bike teammate Linda Sone at Fridley Fall Back. I raced at Red Barn, and managed to NOT finish last.

Jordan's performance at Red Barn was fun to watch. He took the hole shot and never looked back. He steadily pulled away from the trio of Dave Oachs, Nils Boberg, and Dan Jacobson. Halfway in, Jordan was 30 secs up on Oachs and Boberg, with Jacobson dropping back a little. Jordan cruised in for the win, with Oachs gapping Boberg before the finish. Great job by all.

Fridley Fall Back was a bigger test for Jordan for several reasons. He had some gear problems, where he was unable to use his big ring, and he could not get into his upper cogs on his cassette. This kept him from being able to really open in up in the straights, and forced him to run-up a hill section, that others with smaller gears could ride. But that's cross racing. Bikes act up from time to time, and you have to deal with it. Jordan did admirably. On top of that, he struggled in the pinwheel portion of the course, mainly due to poor tire choice on my part.

Jordan was able to get away early in the race, then Planet Bike teammate Linda Sone and Nils Boberg bridged up to him. The three traded pulls, but Jordan struggled in the pinwheel. Late in the race, Linda and Jordan were able to distance themselves from Boberg and it looked like the 2 would finish together. However, Linda gapped Jordan in the pinwheel, and Boberg caught back up to Jordan. Linda won handily, with it coming down to a close sprint for second, with Jordan just beating Boberg. Great race to watch, and a good learning experience for Jordan.

It just goes to show you that different courses favor different riders. Sone was 10th in the Cat 3's at Red Barn, then wins the next day in Fridley. Well done.

USA Cyclocross Nationals Registration

Sports Base Online and USA Cycling were not prepared for the onslaught of riders trying to register as soon as USA Cross Nationals registration opened on 10/10/09 for masters, and 10/12/09 for all others.

Even though Jordan was 3rd last year, they only give automatic seeding to the National Champion if you are moving up to the next age class (Jordan is moving up from 13-14's to 15-16's this year). Only Zane Godby, Colin Krebsbach, Andrew Dillman, and Logan Owen earned those automatic spots. Everyone else is order of registration.

It was a hair-pulling experience to try and get Jordan registered that night while I was in Colorado Springs, CO. Jim Flanders can attest. It took me over an hour to get logged into sportsbaseonline and get registered. In the end, Jordan will be #11 in the start grid or 2nd row. Other strong juniors in the field are starting even farther back: John Francisco #19, Curtis White #21, Dean Haas #23, Austin Clevenger #32.

Based on the info at USA Cycling, here is what I have for a Jr Men 15-16 start order for the first couple rows:

1. Zane Godby (5th Jr15-16 Natz 2008)
2. Colin Krebsbach (6th Jr15-16 Natz 2008)
3. Andrew Dillman (7th Jr15-16 Natz 2008)
4. Logan Owen (1st Jr13-14 Natz 2008)
5. Travis Monroe (15th Jr15-16 Natz 2008)
6. Isaiah Rapko
7. Nate Morse (2nd Jr13-14 Natz 2008)
8. Sam O'Keefe (11th Jr15-16 Natz 2008)
9. Spence Peterson
10. Michael Dessau (5th Jr13-14 Natz 2008)
11. Jordan Cullen (3rd Jr13-14 Natz 2008)
12. David Kirske Jr. (10th Jr13-14 Natz 2008)
13. Andy Su
14. Zach Gould (11th Jr13-14 Natz 2008)
15. Alex Howard
16. Drew Bercaw

Louisville USGP Derby City Cup Cyclocross Race

Jordan and I joined the Planet Bike Team in Louisville, KY for the 2nd weekend of USGP Cyclocross Events called the Derby City Cup. What a great venue and well run event. Not quite as big as the Planet Bike Cup, but still impressive.

Jordan won the Junior Men 15-16 convincingly both days. Both days were muddy, with Saturday being the worst. Jordan was able to finish both races without switching bikes. His margin of victory on Saturday was around 2.5 minutes. The course on Sunday was a little firmer and faster, with another fast junior joining the race, cutting his winning margin down to around 1.5 minutes. Congrats Jordan!

That makes it 4 for 4 at USGP events so far for Jordan. Too bad he can't make New Jersey and Portland, where many of the best juniors in the nation will be racing. We're a little traveled out at this point, and are racing local until Jingle Cross.

Saturday Podium - Drew Bercaw (3rd), Jordan (1st), French Kid (2nd)

Sunday Podium - Drew Bercaw (3rd), Jordan (1st), John Francisco (2nd)

Cool Flyover

Muddy Day 1

Sporting the White Skinsuit Over the Barriers Sunday

Garden of the Gods - Balancing Rock

Got a bit nippy coming thru the pass...

The weather did not cooperate for our Colorado Springs Trip. Jordan only rode 3 of the 5 days, and most of the kids at camp got sick, including Jordan. Our first day here (Friday) turned out to be the best, climaxing with a climb up Cheyenne Canyon. Temps never got above freezing on Sunday, but it didn't stop Jim Flanders and I from getting in a 2 hour ride, including riding up Gold Camp Road, and shooting the amazing photo above with his phone.

Jordan's First Cat 3 Cyclocross Win

Jordan's First Victory Salute EVER! 1st - Planet Bike Orono CX

Jordan had two excellent performances this weekend. Saturday was the Hudson Riverfront Cyclocross Race. Jordan led part of the race, eventually finishing 3rd overall, 2nd Cat 3. He was leading the Cat 3's, but got caught on the last lap by a hard charging Dave Oachs. He went for broke on Sunday at the Planet Bike Orono Cyclocross Race. He rode away from the front runners early and the race, and continued to open the gap all the way to the finish. Congratulations Jordan.

17lbs of Carbon Cyclocross Belgian Bliss

Jordan's new A Bike. The Wilier has been demoted to pit bike.

Back in the Racing Saddle

Jordan notched his first 2 victories of the cross season at the USGP Planet Bike Cup in Madison, WI. He showed good form, winning the Juniors 10-16 both Saturday and Sunday. Congrats Jordan.

The elite race was a who's who of American CX racing. Amazing how fast those guys are. Jordan and I even got to work the pits for Planet Bike during the elite race.

I raced the UCI Master 35+ Cat 1/2/3 races both days. I was way outclassed, as many of these guys are former and current national champions. I finished 41st of about 50 both days.

Linda Sone, Jonathan Page, Dan Cleary, and Jordan

Saturday Juniors Start

Jordan through the finish line

Saturday Juniors Podium

Saturday Elite Start

Sunday Juniors Start

Jordan at the Barriers

Sunday Juniors Podium