Product reviews

I've been wanting to post about this now for several weeks, so I am finally getting around to doing so.  I have a couple pieces of equipment that I would like to share some of my thoughts and experiences with in case you may be in the market for any of these.

The products I am going to give brief reviews on are the following:
Laser helmet
Oakley glasses
Revelate Designs handlebar bag
Enve 29er clincher wheels
Garmin Edge 500
ATB chain lube

Laser Genesis Helmet
This is the first season that I am riding with a Laser helmet.  I can't believe I waited so long to make the switch. The Genesis model is one of the best helmets I have ever used.  The sleek design offers 18 ventilation holes for good breathability and a snug fit.  The tensioning turn-knob on the top of the helmet is very easy to adjust while riding, and gives plenty of adjustability.  The helmet comes with extra padding (as do other manufacturers).  the price point is very impressive at $175.  It's big brother (Helium) is a bit more expensive at $230.
The only negative thing I can say is that the vents are a little narrow and make it a bit difficult to get fingers in the holes to scratch your head, or remove bugs from.

Oakley Glasses
Split jacket
Not only are these glasses appealing to look at, they are also very comfortable to wear.  A few years ago in the Pro tour peloton just about every rider was wearing these glasses making them become very popular with us mear mortals.  If nothing else, you have to look good riding your bike, right?
The lenses seem extremely clear and UV protectant, I have been wearing them for 4 months now and do NOT have any scratches on the lenses.  The frame seem very durable, and the carrying case they come in is bombproof (I highly recommend keeping your glasses in the case when not being worn.  They also come with extra lenses (clear), an extra set of nose pads, and a lens cleaner.  The lenses have small little holes on top and bottom of each lens that help minimize/eliminate any fogging.  I haven't had an issue with that yet.
Radar
I opted for these glasses to to use mainly while road bike riding, and the occasional casual wearing.  These frames seem a bit more sturdy than the Split Jackets and offer an even more snug feeling; especially around the eyes.  The lenses are extremely clear and have not yet scratched.
They too come with a nice sturdy carrying case and extra nose pads and a lens cleaner.

Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag
I opted to buy these bags (got 2) to use while doing long training rides; especially in the cold weather.  I do not like to stuff my jersey pockets with a bunch of crap, and when it's cold it's a pain in the ass to try and get food or anything else out of your pockets.  I also had in mind to use these while competing in backcountry races where being self-sufficient was a necessity.
the bags are large enough to store a tube, mini-pump, CO2 cartridge, a Park multi-tool, and 3 energy bars.  That is a lot of things in a tiny bag that is easy to access.  The internal compartment is waterproof and the out materials are water-resistant.  They have a draw string so you can keep everything secure and enclosed in case it is raining.  They bare easy to attach to your handlebar...a strap that goes around the handlebar, a strap that goes around the stem, and a clip that you can wrap around the head tube.  Trust me, the bag will NOT move at all, I have put these to the test and have ridden some super technical/bumpy trails and they have stayed perfectly still and nothing fell out.
Then only drawback to loading everything up on your handlebar in these bags is that it will make the front end of your bike much heavier, so clearing objects and climbing steep technical sections becomes that much harder.

Enve 29er Clincher MTB Wheels
What can I say about these wheels other than they are extremely light, fast, and stiff.  Then perfect combination for XC racing.  At 1430g (with DT 240 hubs) these are extremely light for even a 26" wheel, yet alone a 29er.  I am using these wheels on my Kona hardtail and make for a super quick accelerating bike.  I've logged about 350 miles on them so far and they are still perfectly true.
The rims are tubeless compatible; I had a little trouble getting the tires to seal the first time installing them, but after adding more Stan's they were very easy to inflate and seal.
I've ridden on various terrain (smooth, rocky, rooty) and have not had any issues with durability, they seem to be very durable.

Garmin Edge 500
I have the HR option along with the normal cyclometer functions.  The Edge 500 does not have maps features, so if you prefer to have that you will need to upgrade to the 800 model.  The Edge 500 comes in 3 different colors and each are pretty cool looking.  It's designed to fit on the stem and the mounting system they have is great.  Easy to install, and putting on and taking off are very easy.  You just have to rotate the Edge 90 degree to do wither and it comes right off.  It secures solid and haven;t have any trouble with it moving during riding.  The numbers are all very easy to read, even while riding, you can adjust the setting so that you display whatever you choose to.
The only negative comment would be that the buttons are a little stiff and make it hard to change from one screen to the next when riding.  I haven't had to do that yet, but ion case you are one that likes to do that while riding you may have some difficulty.  Plenty of data storage and memory.  You can also use this model with any ANT+ device, which I have the Joule so I use the HR Strap and can utilize HR and calories burned.  The nice thing is that unlike other Garmin products, the Edge is small in size (much like a normal cyclometer).

A.T.B Chain Lube
ATB - Absolutely The Best uses a special blended petroleum compound along with a premium grade oil help to keep chains lasting longer, and have less noise while riding.  I usually lube my chain after each ride and let the lubricant soak in overnight.  I've used the lube in dry and wet conditions and it seems to be just as effective in both conditions.  It also acts as a chain cleaner too.  Don't remember how much I paid, but wasn't any more than your regular lube brands (Tri Flow, etc).

Something new

There has been many of these popping up around the US, and are already VERY popular in Europe.  I am referring to Gran Fondo's.  On June 3rd I am going to partake in the Oregon Gran Fondo.  The route, which begins and ends in Cottage Grove, OR, looks to be quite scenic and remote.  There are several route options depending on how many miles you want to ride  (117, 71, and 31.2 miles).

Gran Fondo is Italian for "big ride", and refers to the public being invited to ride a stage from one of the major Grand Tours in Italy (Giro d' Italia) and France (Tour de France).  Chris Horner and Lei Leipheimer are a few American Pro Tour cyclists who organize their own Gran Fondo's.  Horners happens to be in Oregon and Leipheimer's is in California.

I will be using the full Gran Fondo route of 117 miles for training in preparation for some upcoming longer distance events. The event uses timing chips, and there are two categories (competitive and non-competitive).  I am planning to ride at a solid pace and not just an easy day in the saddle.  So if you are reading this and are also doing the Gran route, I hope to see you out there.  Let's hope that the weather cooperates, anything is possible over on the west side of the mountains.

Sisters Stampede

A last minute change in my training plan had me heading over to Sisters, OR (25 min from Bend) to compete in the Sisters Stampede XC race.  The event was established 3 years ago in 2010 and has become one of the most popular (in  number of competitors) XC race in Oregon.  It draws riders from Portland, Grants Pass, Hood River, Bend, and some from out of state.

Decker leading a group of 7 of us

The course follows the popular Petersen Ridge Trail; which is a combination of singletrack, fireroads, some rock gardens, and constant turns.  With the recent rain, the trails were in perfect condition and made for very fast times.  We covered the 26 mile course in 1:30.  Without many long climbs (or many at all for that matter), and  constant rolling terrain it was a course to put it in the big ring and keep it there.  This also didn't allow for much recovery or time to coast, just constant pedaling the whole time.

With the usual leadout from a cowboy on a horse we were off to a fun day of racing.  A group of 7 of us were immediately separated from the rest of the field, and it would stay this way for about 30 min.  Thompson did the pacing on the first fireroad and upper singletrck section. Then once we hit the only significant climb on the
course, Sheppard made his signature move and attacked...nobody could follow.  The climb separated the group, with Sheppard off solo, Decker myself and Wodtli, then Thompson and Brandt.  The 3 of us exchanged pulls on the longest fireroad section of the course, and after about 20 min Decker and Wodtli began to open a gap on me.  I stayed within sight for most of the remainder of the race.  On the final two miles to the finish I was closing the gap a little on Wodtli but ran out of time to catch him.

Results:  PRO MEN

1.  Chris Sheppard                    1:26:43
2.  Carl Decker                         1:29:29
3.  Brennan Wodtli                    1:30:23
4.  Sloane Anderson                 1:30:42
5.  Ben Thompson                    1:31:39
6.  Brig Brandt                          1:32:52
7.  William Sullivan                    1:32:54
8.  Ross Brody                         1:32:55
9.  Matt Russell                        1:33:58
10.  James Williams                 1:34:06
11.  Cody Peterson                  1:34:11
12.  Marcus Benton                 1:34:18
13.  Nelson Snyder                  1:34:33
14.  Cary Miller                        1:36:43
15.  Bear Perrin                       1:38:31
16.  Timmy Evans                    1:38:40

ChainBreaker...Race Report

I think I should start personally calling this race the LegBreaker.  This is always one of my hardest races on my schedule each year.  This year I had a pretty hard week of training leading up the the event, so at the ,midway point of the race my legs just about fell off.   The constant undulating and rough terrain got the best of my legs, and along with the accumulation of training it just wasn't my day.  Plus, I ran waaaay to much tire pressure than I should have.  Going with the hardtail Kona, I ran 35psi titre pressure and should have stuck with around 28psi instead.   I was getting bucked around too much on the saddle and it seemed to also zap a little energy from my legs,.

It's always frustrating to not be your best at a local event, but I just have to keep focused on the bigger picture with more priority races later in the season.  Barry Wicks won the event, and I would have to say this is the best form I have seen from him in recent years.   He has already racked up some impressive results this season.

The temps were pretty warm on race day, and the dust (oh yeah the dust) was brutal as always.  By the end of the "starter" loop, my throat was coated with dust.  By the end of lap 1 I think I had enough dust on my face to act as 75 proof sunblock.

'Til next season, the Chainbreaker wins again.

Up next on the radar

One of my favorite local races, the Cascade Chainbreaker, is next on tap this weekend.  This race is put on by WebCyclery and is one of the best events in town.  There is usually a great turnout of competitors, it's always held on Mother's Day, and for most part, the weather is always ideal for racing.

Although this race is one of my favorites, it always seems to be one of my hardest races.  The race takes around 3-3.5 hrs (38 miles).  Its mostly a rolling course with only 1 very short steep climb, but the majority of the course is on gradual undulating terrain.  there is never a time to relax, it's almost full-on the entire time.

Should be perfect weather come Sunday, so another great day to race my bike and compete against friends.

Report and (hopefully) photos to follow.

Whiskey Off-Road 50 XC

Sunday's 50 mile race was the official start to my season.  With a start list that looked very reminiscent of Sea Otter, it was surely going to be anything but a "fun" race.   Don't get me wrong, I am always racing my bike to have fun, this IS why I continue to compete, all I am saying is that there was definitely some suffering involved.

The race begins with a "neutral" rollout on pavement, mostly uphill for 4 miles.  The road gets quite steep towards the top and gets close to 20% at one point.  While riding in the middle of the pack, I rubbed handlebars with another rider and wouldn't you know it we both hit the deck and crashed.  Not even 2 miles into the race and I am on the ground.  After a few quick words exchanged we were back on our bikes chasing to catch back onto the pack.  After increasing my HR up to near max, I was back on and able to settle in just long enough before everyone began to jockey for position as we entered the beginning of the singletrack section.

photo by Zazoosh.com

This is where the "fun"  began as the course it pretty sweet...lots of rocks, tight switchbacks, and fast rolling terrain.  There was much more climbing than I recall the last time I did this race.  The first 12 miles seemed to be nothing but climbing.  Once we did begin to descend, it was well worth the effort that I had just put in.  The singletrack descent was lots of banked corners and many water-bar drop offs (some close to 2 feet).  This lasted a few miles before reaching the fireroad that lead down to Skull Valley.  We descended down to Skull Valley just to turn around and begin a 16 mile climb to the top of the road.  I was hoping to have power in my legs on this climb than I did.  The majority of the climbing was on an 8% grade, and I had hoped to make up some time on other riders here. Unfortunately, I only had 1 speed in my legs and wasn't able to make up much time.  No one passed me and I only passed 2 riders the whole climb.  The climb was exposed to the sun the entire time, and I don;t remember the altitude we reached but it was relatively high (although not by Colorado standards, and there were many CO riders competing).  I would say that I suffered on this climb more than I thought I would.

photo by Zazoosh.com

Once I reached the summit and entered the last section of singletrack, I was reminded just how "fun" this race was.  This section of singletrack  (roughly 9 miles) was probably the most enjoyable.  However, along this section I must have nicked my tire on a rock because I could hear some Stan's oozing out.  I kept on riding hoping that the sealant would seal the tire, however, it got too low so I stopped to change the flat, a few riders had passed by.  There were spectators watching the race at various points along this section of the course.  It was nice to hear the cheers to provide that extra bit of encouragement and help block out the pain.  There was one creek crossing that was somewhat challenging with lots of rocks, and there were lots of people there cheering.  From there the trail meandered along a river (dried up mostly) before popping back out onto pavement for the final 4 miles to the finish.   It's mostly downhill but it certainly wasn't easy.
Making the final turn to the finish, many kids were reaching out to get a high-five.  Giving a few high fives was a great way to end 3 hours and 20 min. in the saddle.

Click HERE for cyclingnews.com's full report

Whiskey Off-Road Crit...over before I knew it

The Pro Crit was held on Friday night as sort of a spectator highlight and to kick off the weekend of racing...and drinking.  Yes, lots of drinking going on this weekend.  Of course lots of electrolyte drinking on my behalf and lots of whiskey drinking along "Whiskey Row" downtown Prescott.  There was even a Watering Hole Challenge held last night.

The "Climb"

The crit was 20 min + 3 laps.  I lasted about 12 min. before getting pulled.  The course consisted of a steep 20% climb of about 3/4 mile followed by a descent back to the start/finish.  It was definitely much harder than I anticipated it being and certainly didn't expect to get pulled.  Having fast-twitch muscle fibers would have helped during this event.  It was all out anaerobic up the hill followed by a short recover down.

Photo: © Dave McElwaine/ www.trailwatch.net

By lap 3 it was clear I didn't have the power to stay with the lead group.  I slowly began to slide back along with many other riders who had gotten pulled as well.  The lead group of riders, including Sheppard, Decker, Kabush, JHK, and Cares drove the pace insanely fast as the pack separated.  Kabush eventually had the strongest legs of the night holding on for the victory.

Kona boys leading up the climb

Here are the Top 5 results from the Crit.

We have a day off on Saturday before the 50 mile XC race on Sunday.  This region of Arizona received lots of rain over the last few days, so the trails are in perfect condition and should make for some fast racing times.  Weather is expected to be in the mid-70's (phew).  Race begins at 8:30am. 

Time for some Whiskey

Yeah you know it. Whiskey always sounds good, right?  However, this time I am talking about the Whiskey Off-Road 50 race down in Prescott, AZ.  This race has been in existence for 8 years and has become (most recently) one of the most attractive races in the country.

The efforts of Todd Sadow (Epic Rides race promoter) has reached new heights as he has transformed this "local" AZ race into one of the most lucrative Pro mtb races in the USA.  By stepping up the prize winnings ($30,000 total - $15,000 for men and $15,000 for woman) he has lured in the best of the best in mountain bike racing.  Just look at the list of registered riders and you will see that it is just as impressive as the Sea Otter Classic (still the biggest event in the USA).  this year even 4-time XTERRA World Champion Conrad Stoltz will be participating.

This season will mark the 2nd time I am competing in this event, the last being in 2010.  I had a descent race then (10th) but am hoping to improve upon that result.  No doubt it will be very difficult to do with the added competition.  Chris Sheppard, local Bend resident, took home top honors (and a $5,000 check)  last season with the victory.

Not only does the city of Prescott embrace this event, but even the city police provide an escort.  Local and headline band perform throughout the weekend as well on the main stage that is right in the middle of downtown.  This years' headline band is once again "Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers".

In addition to the 50 mile race held on Sunday, there is now an added "Fat-Tire Crit" on Friday evening.  Crits are always a fan favorite because the race is held on downtown streets (making for easy visibility), and the speeds are high and action-packed.  Unlike most crits, this one requires racers to use their mountain bikes (knobby tires).  Speeds won't exceed that of a road crit, but there certainly won't be any shortage of excitement.  The race will be 20 minutes plus 3 additional laps; pure anaerobic bliss!!!

Looking forward to some hard racing, good entertainment, sunny skies and warm temps, and of course some whiskey!

Something to get the adrenaline flowing

Anhill Films Demo Reel

What's on your playlist?

We've all got our favorite music that we like to play while riding the trainer, riding the spin bike at a Club, or while riding outdoors.  For me, I like to play certain music based on the type of ride that I will do for that particular workout, for instance intervals or high cadence drills. I'm not a huge fan of listening to music while riding (especially outdoors on the road, or on crowded trails), but when appropriate I think it can certainly help add some motivation.

I've seen many Bloggers post their favorite I-Pod playlist, so without further ado, here is mine.

Artist                                                          Song


DJ Tiesto                                                     Traffic
DJ Tiesto                                                     Adagio for Strings
DJ Tiesto and Diplo                                     C'mon
Lake & Lys                                                  Sloane (seriously... this IS the name of the song)
Swedish House Mafia                                  One
Green Day                                                   Welcome to Paradise
Metallica                                                      Holier Than Thou
Anthrax                                                        Bring The Noise
Iron Maiden                                                  Run to the Hills
Pennywise                                                    Bro Hymm
The Offspring                                               Gotta Get Away
Deadmau5                                                   Ghosts N Stuff

So there you have it.  This is what helps me get through a tough 1.5 hr workout whether indoors or outdoors.  Feel free to share your list of songs in the Comments section below.  I'm always open to some good music to help keep things fun and increase the HR.