Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Compton battles to fifth at Cross Worlds; Trebon 18th - Two-time world championship medalist Katie Compton surged to... http://ow.ly/1h00Ru
Worlds Bike Profile: Junior Felix Drumm's Lightweight-Equipped Giant TCX Advanced Cyclocross Bike http://ow.ly/1gZJNn
Vos Unstoppable At Koksijde; Compton Rallies For Fourth - For the fourth consecutive year, Marriane Vos displayed he... http://ow.ly/1gZCxZ
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Tom Simpson’s Take on Worlds - by Tom Simpson First, you have to start off with the map otherwise you’d never ... http://ow.ly/1gZupY
Australian Racer Lewis Rattray Looks at Worlds - by Lewis Rattray After an extremely successful season of cyclocross... http://ow.ly/1gZqTY
Three American youngsters in top 20 at Cyclo-cross Worlds - Zach McDonald gave the U.S. its top finish with a 12th-p... http://ow.ly/1gZ3CT
National Champion Katie Compton Talks Worlds, Next Season - Katie Compton talks Nationals, Worlds, her season so far... http://ow.ly/1gYYtm
Lars van der Haar Continues His Reign; American Zach McDonald 12th in U23 Worlds http://ow.ly/1gYSmV
Mathieu Van Der Poel Wins First Race of the World Championship Weekend: Juniors Report and Results http://ow.ly/1gYJ4W
Friday, January 27, 2012
Jeremy Powers’ Koksijde Course Preview Video – 2012 Cyclocross World Championship http://ow.ly/1gYk3x
Koksijde: Reliving 42 Years of Cyclocross in the Sand Dunes - Koksijde, Belgium is about to set new records for a UC... http://ow.ly/1gYjBF
2012-2013 UCI Cyclocross Calendar Announced - The UCI just published their 2012-2013 UCI calendar, which lists the f... http://ow.ly/1gY8mM
Friday Preview of Worlds in Koksijde: Sand Determines All - by Christine Vardaros On a tricky sand-riddled course su... http://ow.ly/1gXUQm
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Cyclocross World Championships 2012 Preview: Elite Men - by Evan Schmitt @evanschmitt It has been five years since ... http://ow.ly/1gXeMc
Cyclocross World Championships 2012 Preview: Elite Women - by Evan Schmitt @evanschmitt The fastest female cyclocro... http://ow.ly/1gXeMg
@VillageCycle is having a contest to win a set of Flea USB lights and helmet mount! http://ow.ly/8HxYc
In the Saddle with Dylan McNicholas: Elite Racer, “Baby Master,” National Champion and Dad http://ow.ly/1gWqFH
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Cyclocross Worlds 2012 Preview: U23/Junior Men - by Evan Schmitt @evanschmitt The commentators for this weekend's W... http://ow.ly/1gVVNy
Video: Ben Berden's European Season Exploits - After a full season racing his Stoemper in the US, Ben Berden returns... http://ow.ly/1gVOLr
Lars van der Haar Video from Giant - The Rabobank-Giant rider won the Dutch, European and World Championship last ye... http://ow.ly/1gVvoF
2012 UCI Cyclocross World Championships from Koksijde Live Blogging Coverage of Elite Men, Women http://ow.ly/1gVikA
Women's Wednesdays: Czech Racer Katerina Nash - Czech racer Katerina Nash has had a busy season. She started with a ... http://ow.ly/1gVikE
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Cyclocrossworld Professional Glue Kit - Want to glue your tires the same way the pros at Cyclocrossworld do it? The ... http://ow.ly/1gUCK5
Vittoria Mastik One Tubular Glue Can - The Mastik One Tubular Glue is now available in a more economical can. 250 gr... http://ow.ly/1gUCJX
Ridley X-Ride Complete Bike - The 2011 X-Ride is built with Ridley's race winning geometry, triple butted 7000 serie... http://ow.ly/1gUCK1
SwissStop FlashPro Yellow King Brake Pads - Swisstop makes the best brake pad for Cross and now you can get the best... http://ow.ly/1gUCJT
Ridley X-Fire Shimano Ultegra Complete Bike - Ridley has forged a name for itself in the world of cyclocross winning... http://ow.ly/1gUCJP
Challenge Announces 2012 Road Grassroots Sponsorship - Are you a US-based Team interested in joining Challenge Tires... http://ow.ly/1gUlwQ
Gabby Day Withdraws from Cyclocross World Championships - BELGIUM – Gabby Day (Renner Custom – Raleigh), due to repr... http://ow.ly/1gU89f
Behind THE Barriers: Season 2, Episode 15 - The last race of the 2011 calendar year, and the first race of 2012 took... http://ow.ly/1gU7xT
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Cold & Wet Outside, Warm & Dry Inside.
Love me some Chicago weather. Mmhmm. 37 degrees and raining in January.
Most people don't like going outside in this stuff, much less ride their
bike in it. I used to be one of those folks. That was before I had the
right gear for the weather. I rode in cotton t-shirts and cheap "rain"
gear that really didn't keep the rain out. And the cheap gear that did,
was not breathable at all. I've used plastic garbage bags for rain kits.
Kinda like a sauna on wheels. Plastic bags on the feet. Done that too.
Yeah, it works better than nothing, but there is nothing that compares
to having the right gear. Once you have some truly solid rain and cold
weather apparel and outer wear, you will understand when you hear people
say....
"There is no bad weather, just bad gear."
In the time before good gear, I was using Performance this and Pearl Izumi that. Now I ride in Gore Bike Wear Gore-Tex & Windstopper on the cold/wet days, and life is grand. No, it is freaking sweet. Like smiling while you ride your bike on days you used to dread freaking sweet. Smiling because you realize just how much a difference the right jacket and pants make. Then a bigger smile when you think that the gear you are wearing cost more then the bike you are riding in the winter. I've been using the Fusion jacket and pant from Gore Bike Wear for 5 years now, and it keeps getting better each year. Not that you will need new jackets from Gore that soon, I just love me some technical stuff, and like to try everything I can get my hands on.
I am not saying to go out and put yourself in the poor house on gear. But, if you ride when the weather turns to pewp, you owe it to yourself to pick up some pieces as you can. Not the pieces of pewp of course, but rather the articles of superb winter excellence. Perhaps a set of Gore-Tex socks to start. Or some City Overshoes. Windstopper gloves make a tremendous difference. The most spendy items of a cyclist's winter arsenal tend to be the jacket and pant. If you get cheap on this, you will be disappointed with the results. One $200 Gore-Tex jacket will outlast three $80 rain jackets, and actually keep you dry. If you have not had a chance to see a demo of Gore-Tex or Windstopper material, stop by our store and demand to! You can also check out Gore-Tex here, or Windstopper here.
Don't forget your helmet! Also, I always have my RoadID on my wrist whilst cruising on my bike. And to make sure the stuff I carry stays dry, a waterproof Mission Workshop Vandal. The harness system on the backpack is amazing. Make sure to get the optional waist strap.
Some days are cold, and some days are wet. But I have yet to find a day that I didn't want to ride my bike.
"There is no bad weather, just bad gear."
In the time before good gear, I was using Performance this and Pearl Izumi that. Now I ride in Gore Bike Wear Gore-Tex & Windstopper on the cold/wet days, and life is grand. No, it is freaking sweet. Like smiling while you ride your bike on days you used to dread freaking sweet. Smiling because you realize just how much a difference the right jacket and pants make. Then a bigger smile when you think that the gear you are wearing cost more then the bike you are riding in the winter. I've been using the Fusion jacket and pant from Gore Bike Wear for 5 years now, and it keeps getting better each year. Not that you will need new jackets from Gore that soon, I just love me some technical stuff, and like to try everything I can get my hands on.
I am not saying to go out and put yourself in the poor house on gear. But, if you ride when the weather turns to pewp, you owe it to yourself to pick up some pieces as you can. Not the pieces of pewp of course, but rather the articles of superb winter excellence. Perhaps a set of Gore-Tex socks to start. Or some City Overshoes. Windstopper gloves make a tremendous difference. The most spendy items of a cyclist's winter arsenal tend to be the jacket and pant. If you get cheap on this, you will be disappointed with the results. One $200 Gore-Tex jacket will outlast three $80 rain jackets, and actually keep you dry. If you have not had a chance to see a demo of Gore-Tex or Windstopper material, stop by our store and demand to! You can also check out Gore-Tex here, or Windstopper here.
 |
| Gore Bike Wear Fusion jacket & pant, Tool jacket, Tool gloves, City Overshoes, Sidi Diablo GTX, Bell Volt, Mission Workshop Vandal. Not pictured, Gore Bike Wear Xenon Sonic bibs & Windstopper tights. |
Don't forget your helmet! Also, I always have my RoadID on my wrist whilst cruising on my bike. And to make sure the stuff I carry stays dry, a waterproof Mission Workshop Vandal. The harness system on the backpack is amazing. Make sure to get the optional waist strap.
Some days are cold, and some days are wet. But I have yet to find a day that I didn't want to ride my bike.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Blackburn Airstick Longnek Evo, Dispelling the Myth. A Review by Rus
Quiet your mind and imagine a land before time... Envision a herd of longnecks gracefully roaming an adolescent planet Earth, without fear they graze, sing songs, and raise their young uninterrupted for millenia.
Legend has it that on one fate filled day the very threads of this
peaceful existence were torn asunder. The great skies opened up, raining
fire on these Jurassic giants. From their ashes... the Blackburn Airstick Longneck Evo was birthed.
Evolved to be compact enough to stow neatly in one's repair satchel without sacrificing it's unprecedented utility. Using it's retractable omnivorous pump head, whose tongue has a taste for either presta or schraeder valve types, and it's collapsing handle, the Longneck
allows for greater leverage enhancing pumping ease. It also ensures
limited angular stress placed on the valve stem itself, inspiring relief
the rivals barely escaping death found in the bottomless bowels of a
tar pit.
Unlike it's prehistoric predecessors, if this pump should prematurely perish, Blackburn offers a lifetime warranty that will secure it's species survival throughout any cataclysm. In conclusion we can reflect on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Ian Malcolm, that even in chaos, "life finds a way".
 |
| Artists rendition of the Longneck Pumposaur herd. |
Unlike it's prehistoric predecessors, if this pump should prematurely perish, Blackburn offers a lifetime warranty that will secure it's species survival throughout any cataclysm. In conclusion we can reflect on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Ian Malcolm, that even in chaos, "life finds a way".
US cyclo-cross nationals: surprise January thaw creates muddy mess
US cyclo-cross nationals: surprise January thaw creates muddy mess: 
 |  |
Brian Nelson’s USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals Day Three Photo Gallery
Brian Nelson’s USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals Day Three Photo Gallery: Brian Nelson took some great shots of Day 1 of USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals, and shared a few of his favorites with us. The day saw the first full championship race schedule, with many of the master’s racers taking to the course. To check out the race results, and for full coverage,...
...view the full story & post your comments at our site: http://cxmagazine.com
...view the full story & post your comments at our site: http://cxmagazine.com
Emma white interview: 1st place junior women 15-16, 2012 usa national cyclocross championships
Emma white interview: 1st place junior women 15-16, 2012 usa national cyclocross championships:
| Emma White Interview: 1st place Junior Women 15-16, 2012 USA National Cyclocross Championships. Stay tuned to CXMAGAZINE.COM for regularly updated photos, reports and helmet cam footage of the course pre-race, and tons of content and coverage about the 2012 National Cyclocross Championship races all week long in Madison, Wisconsin…. |
Brian Nelson’s USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals Day Three Photo Gallery
Brian Nelson’s USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals Day Three Photo Gallery: Brian Nelson took some great shots of Day 1 of USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals, and shared a few of his favorites with us. The day saw the first full championship race schedule, with many of the master’s racers taking to the course. To check out the race results, and for full coverage, schedules and information [...]
Friday, January 6, 2012
Cyclingnews spoke with katerina nash at the 2011 sea otter classic about mountain biking and ‘cross
Cyclingnews spoke with katerina nash at the 2011 sea otter classic about mountain biking and ‘cross:
| Katerina Nash is the only original member of the Luna Women’s Pro Cycling team still racing. The elite Czech racer competes regularly in MTB races and cyclo-cross and is in her 10th year with the Luna squad in 2011. ?www.cyclingnews.com… |
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A Bike Review and a Sneak Peek: 2012 Ritte Steeplechase and Steeplechase Disc
A Bike Review and a Sneak Peek: 2012 Ritte Steeplechase and Steeplechase Disc: by Josh Liberles We first spied Ritte Van Vlaanderen’s new 2012 mixed-material Steeplechase model at Interbike this year, as the prototype was being prepped for Katheryn Curi Mattis’ CrossVegas race. Ritte’s all-stainless-steel model evolved this year into a striking blend of stainless steel and carbon, and the Steeplechase joins Ritte’s carbon Crossberg in the company’s [...]
2012 Cyclocross Nationals: Thursday Preview
2012 Cyclocross Nationals: Thursday Preview: For full coverage, schedules and information on the 2012 Cyclocross National Championships at Badger Prairie County Park in Madison, Wisconsin, visit our 2012 Cyclocross National Championships homepage. By Ted Burns Cyclocross Nationals gets into full swing Thursday when the racing kicks off at 9:30 AM down at the muddy Badger Prairie park when the elder [...]
101 Winter Riding Tips
This is a list of winter riding tips and favorite products compiled by our staff here at Village Cycle Center.
Most of us ride everyday of the year, and the winter is no exception.
Each person donated some of their knowledge, experience, and in some
cases humor to help you through the cold days ahead. They are in no
specific order of importance. They are all just there for you to use as
you will. Or don't use. It is a free internets and you can do what you
like. You can tell your friends to use them. Or not. You could not use
them and tell your friends to use them. But that would be up to you.
What ever you do, just keep riding your bike.
1. Gore-Tex Socks. Waterproof and windproof happiness for your feet. For the years before I got winter specific footwear, Gore-Tex socks were an everyday item.
2. Keep a journal. Not sure what to wear with the ever changing weather? Keep track of what you wear each day, what the weather is like, and how you felt riding. Cold, warm, too hot, just right. Then when you can't figure out what to wear, look back to your own data based on how you like to ride.
3. Maintain your bike. The winter is extremely tough on your bike commuting in the city. Road grime, water, salt, and all sorts of nasty builds up on your bike quick. A daily wipe off of the frame and parts followed up with some lubrication will save you loads of money in prematurely worn and/or rusted out parts.
4. Give yourself extra time. Almost everywhere you go will take more time than usual. Giving yourself extra time will save you on stress and over heating working too hard getting somewhere.
5. Pay attention to the obstructions in your route before it snows. So when they are covered by a slush puddle, you know what is coming.
6. Grow a beard. Best balaclava ever. If you can't do this. Gore Bike Wear makes an excellent balaclava that doesn't fog up your glasses.
7. Goggles. Goggles rock when the snow is blowing and it's super cold. Racing cross has raised my level of suffer a bit. So my goggles only come out on the worst of days, but they are there, and I use them.
8. Bar Mitts. If your hands get cold easy, these bad dogs are the bomb! Made for flat or drop bars, you can use your spring gloves in these on the coldest of days. If you live where 0 is common, you may need some thicker gloves.
9. Eat more. You burn more calories in the winter. The same distance you rode in the summer will take more energy to cover when moving through snow.
10. Layers.
11. Lotion. It puts the lotion on its skin, or it gets all dry and crackly.
12. Studded tires.
They are not necessary, but they do work well. You will move slower and
work a bit harder, but you will not end up on your butt in a cold slush
puddle because you slipped on ice. They also build confidence when
riding on nasty days.
13. Fenders. Fenders not only help keep you dry, they help keep you and the bike clean.
14. Minotaur fur lined magic helmet. Keeps you magically warm.
15. Glare resistant eye wear. When there is snow on the ground and the sun is out. It can be blinding. Tinted glasses or Tifosi Fototec eye wear works well to adapt to changing light levels.
16. Gore Bike Wear Tool jacket for men
and Fusion jacket for women. Full Windstopper jacket with a soft and
luxurious inside lining. This is my daily jacket almost all winter. When
it gets really cold, you can add a Gore Tex Active Shell jacket over the top for an outer layer.
17. Lights. Lots of lights. Bright lights. Even during the day. The Blackburn Flea is a good light and is rechargeable so you are not constantly replacing batteries.
18. Watch out for manhole covers and drain grates. Very slippery when wet.
19. Train tracks are also slippery. Here is a little guide on dealing with them when wet.
20. It takes longer to get ready to go places. Plan for that. Do it.
21. Cotton is not your friend. It will make you sweat, and you will be cold.
22. Slow down while riding. Especially turning. Black ice will strike. Like a freaking ice ninja waiting for you.
23. Try a little lower tire pressure for better grip.
24. Watch out for alleyways. They have snow piles around them. And sometimes there is a car trying to come out it without getting stuck.
25. Be prepared for the post ride ice and slush melting off your bike when you come in. Towels, card board or boot mats works to catch the stuff.
26. Don't forget to grease your seat post. You should also have your bearing points like hubs and headsets checked and greased often and as needed. Once before and once after winter will work for most people.
27. Warming packs for hands and feet.
28. Wear a helmet.
29. If it is too cold to ride the whole way, you can take the train half way and bike the rest. It is still faster and you get to ride.
30. Plastic bags inside your shoes if you are on a thin budget. They work for blocking wind and water. But they also do not breathe, and your foot may sweat, a lot. Gore Tex socks if possible.
31. Make sure your base layer is tucked in. You lose quite a bit of heat through there.
32. A higher cadence will keep you warmer.
33. Wear more than one hat. Layers work on your head too.
34. Layer work for gloves too.
35. Riding in the drops (if applicable), reduces windchill.
36. Wrap-around glasses keep the wind out of your eyes better.
37. Run a lower gear ratio in the winter for better torque.
38. Reflective material & stickers.
39. Watch out for black ice at night.
40. Be ready for surprises.
41. Salmon brake pads. Not the fish, the color. The softer compound brakes better in colder weather.
42. Wider tires have more traction.
43. Sidi Diablo GTX. They have a Gore Tex sock built in with some nice insulation. Warm and dry feet.
44. A death grip on the handlebar is not necessary. Relax. A loose, yet secure grip, will result in a less arduous ride.
45. Don't Panic.
46. Feel good about yourself when you ride 5 miles when it is colder then 10 degrees.
47. Keep reminding yourself that "Man (or Woman!) Against Nature" is one of the classic conflicts.
48. Silk long underwear makes a good, inexpensive base layer. It breathes and the chicks dig it.
49. Army surplus stores are good for cool looking sturdy outer wear that's reasonably priced.
50. Something around your neck does an excellent job of sealing in heat. The Gore Bike Wear Power Beany is the bomb.
51. Get used to it: Good gear isn't cheap, and cheap gear isn't good.
52. Occasionally yell "Rabble Rabble Rabble" as you ride. It will make you feel better.
53. Take the "L" once in a while. It will remind you why you ride a bike in the winter.
54. Enjoy the looks you get from drivers and pedestrians.
55. Carry extra gloves of different weighs in your bag.
56. Learn to get your lights on and off you bike and lock it up without taking off your gloves.
57. Take an Emergen "C" every day.
58. L.L. Bean cold weather boots keep feet warm and dry.
59. Frame saver! Frame saver! Frame saver! (if you have a steel frame)
60.Think about the revolutionary war soldiers at Valley Forge leaving bloody footprints in the snow. It will make you feel better.
61. Keep reminding yourself that riding is fun!
62. Take your coffee or hot cocoa with you. The hot deliciousness will keep you warm while you ride. The Barista works well to hold your mug on your handlebar.
63. Use Sport Wash with your technical gear. You spent some good money on your apparel. Help it perform and last longer by using a wash that doesn't fill the fabrics with softeners or perfumes. If you don't have Sport Wash, use half the amount of detergent needed.
64. Apply a light coating of Tri-Flow on your frame and parts to prevent build up of salt & grime. Be careful not to get it on your brakes. And if you do, use Clean Streak to clean off the braking surfaces.
65. Invest in Gore Sealed Cable systems. Your cables are sealed away from the environment and work well all winter without much maintenance.
66. Stainless steel Whipperman chain prevents corrosion.
67. Carry a self sealing CO2 kit for quick flat fixes when it is cold and wet. Then change the flat when you are warm at home.
68. In a pinch you can use newspaper for an added layer inside your jacket.
69. When around tall buildings and ice is falling, don't look up. Unless you don't have a helmet on. Then you might as well see what is about to fall on your head.
70. Do not lick your bike frame when it is cold. Even if they triple dog dare you.
71. Topeak Modular Java Cage holds almost every type of mug.
72. Use the flashing mode on your lights. The batteries last longer and you are more noticeable.
73. Use the Brooks proofide on the top and bottom of your leather saddle to protect against salt and grime.
74. Always use a saddle protector. (Brooks saddles)
75. Wear thermal cycling tights or thick leggings over regular hosiery to stay warm while riding, then quickly remove to look nice when you reach your destination.
76. Layer a wool sweater under a waterproof shell for extra warmth on extra cold days that can still match your outfit underneath.
77. A nice wool scarf or pashmina works to cover your face and keep your neck warm when it's chilly, but not cold enough for a balaclava.
78. Carry a plastic bag in your purse or backpack to put dirty winter riding clothes in once you get to your destination.
79. Use your brakes evenly when slippery.
80. Be careful on bridges. Walk around them if you feel the urge. Falling on them is quite painful.
81. Brandy in your water bottle may seem like a good idea, but it's not.
82. Wiggle your toes by extending them up on the top of your pedal stroke, and curling them on the down stroke. If your toes start to become painfully cold, STOP! Jump around, dance, or do jumping jacks to get the blood flowing into your extremities.
83. To keep fingers warm, don't just bend them to wiggle. Spread your fingers out, jazz-hands style, to get more blood pumping through your fingers.
84. Take time to enjoy your surroundings. Riding a bike lets you see the city from a different point of view then most people. So when the snow is falling and the city is quiet, enjoy it!
85. Remember, just like the Honey Badger, people who ride all winter are bad ass.
86. Check air pressure in your tires often. Getting a flat from over or under inflation sucks. It's basically your own fault you are now freezing your hands fixing it.
87. Sometimes the hardest part is getting on the bike. You sit inside looking at the pile of gear you have to put on and how miserable it will be. But you cowboy up and start rolling, and realize it's not that bad. And being on the bus is far worse.
88. Sometimes it is miserable. Remember it is your choice. What ever your motivation. No one is making you do this.
89. Just because you are working harder than anyone else on the street, doesn't mean you can break more rules than anyone else.
90. If the hat keeps you from wearing your helmet. It is not a good hat.
91. It is all mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter.
92. Be prepared. Think about how long you will be riding and if it may get colder before you ride home. Bring an extra layer just in case.
93. Carry something for quick energy like a food or candy bar. Getting weak can come quick when burning loads of calories.
94. Keep and eternal spring in your heart.
95. Your bike should not live outside.
96. Good excuse for men to wear tights.
97. Embrocation! With glitter!
98. HTFU.
99. Remove Gore Balaclava before into bank.
100. Eat lots of clementines. Really handy for Vitamin C and making new friends.
101. Have a great water proof bag. Mission Workshop makes some of our favorites.
1. Gore-Tex Socks. Waterproof and windproof happiness for your feet. For the years before I got winter specific footwear, Gore-Tex socks were an everyday item.
2. Keep a journal. Not sure what to wear with the ever changing weather? Keep track of what you wear each day, what the weather is like, and how you felt riding. Cold, warm, too hot, just right. Then when you can't figure out what to wear, look back to your own data based on how you like to ride.
3. Maintain your bike. The winter is extremely tough on your bike commuting in the city. Road grime, water, salt, and all sorts of nasty builds up on your bike quick. A daily wipe off of the frame and parts followed up with some lubrication will save you loads of money in prematurely worn and/or rusted out parts.
4. Give yourself extra time. Almost everywhere you go will take more time than usual. Giving yourself extra time will save you on stress and over heating working too hard getting somewhere.
5. Pay attention to the obstructions in your route before it snows. So when they are covered by a slush puddle, you know what is coming.
6. Grow a beard. Best balaclava ever. If you can't do this. Gore Bike Wear makes an excellent balaclava that doesn't fog up your glasses.
7. Goggles. Goggles rock when the snow is blowing and it's super cold. Racing cross has raised my level of suffer a bit. So my goggles only come out on the worst of days, but they are there, and I use them.
8. Bar Mitts. If your hands get cold easy, these bad dogs are the bomb! Made for flat or drop bars, you can use your spring gloves in these on the coldest of days. If you live where 0 is common, you may need some thicker gloves.
9. Eat more. You burn more calories in the winter. The same distance you rode in the summer will take more energy to cover when moving through snow.
10. Layers.
11. Lotion. It puts the lotion on its skin, or it gets all dry and crackly.
 |
| Studded tires add some traction. |
13. Fenders. Fenders not only help keep you dry, they help keep you and the bike clean.
14. Minotaur fur lined magic helmet. Keeps you magically warm.
15. Glare resistant eye wear. When there is snow on the ground and the sun is out. It can be blinding. Tinted glasses or Tifosi Fototec eye wear works well to adapt to changing light levels.
 |
| Gore Bike Wear Active Shell |
17. Lights. Lots of lights. Bright lights. Even during the day. The Blackburn Flea is a good light and is rechargeable so you are not constantly replacing batteries.
18. Watch out for manhole covers and drain grates. Very slippery when wet.
19. Train tracks are also slippery. Here is a little guide on dealing with them when wet.
20. It takes longer to get ready to go places. Plan for that. Do it.
21. Cotton is not your friend. It will make you sweat, and you will be cold.
22. Slow down while riding. Especially turning. Black ice will strike. Like a freaking ice ninja waiting for you.
23. Try a little lower tire pressure for better grip.
24. Watch out for alleyways. They have snow piles around them. And sometimes there is a car trying to come out it without getting stuck.
25. Be prepared for the post ride ice and slush melting off your bike when you come in. Towels, card board or boot mats works to catch the stuff.
26. Don't forget to grease your seat post. You should also have your bearing points like hubs and headsets checked and greased often and as needed. Once before and once after winter will work for most people.
27. Warming packs for hands and feet.
28. Wear a helmet.
29. If it is too cold to ride the whole way, you can take the train half way and bike the rest. It is still faster and you get to ride.
30. Plastic bags inside your shoes if you are on a thin budget. They work for blocking wind and water. But they also do not breathe, and your foot may sweat, a lot. Gore Tex socks if possible.
31. Make sure your base layer is tucked in. You lose quite a bit of heat through there.
32. A higher cadence will keep you warmer.
33. Wear more than one hat. Layers work on your head too.
34. Layer work for gloves too.
35. Riding in the drops (if applicable), reduces windchill.
36. Wrap-around glasses keep the wind out of your eyes better.
37. Run a lower gear ratio in the winter for better torque.
38. Reflective material & stickers.
39. Watch out for black ice at night.
40. Be ready for surprises.
 |
| Sidi Diablo GTX |
42. Wider tires have more traction.
43. Sidi Diablo GTX. They have a Gore Tex sock built in with some nice insulation. Warm and dry feet.
44. A death grip on the handlebar is not necessary. Relax. A loose, yet secure grip, will result in a less arduous ride.
45. Don't Panic.
46. Feel good about yourself when you ride 5 miles when it is colder then 10 degrees.
47. Keep reminding yourself that "Man (or Woman!) Against Nature" is one of the classic conflicts.
48. Silk long underwear makes a good, inexpensive base layer. It breathes and the chicks dig it.
49. Army surplus stores are good for cool looking sturdy outer wear that's reasonably priced.
50. Something around your neck does an excellent job of sealing in heat. The Gore Bike Wear Power Beany is the bomb.
51. Get used to it: Good gear isn't cheap, and cheap gear isn't good.
52. Occasionally yell "Rabble Rabble Rabble" as you ride. It will make you feel better.
53. Take the "L" once in a while. It will remind you why you ride a bike in the winter.
54. Enjoy the looks you get from drivers and pedestrians.
55. Carry extra gloves of different weighs in your bag.
56. Learn to get your lights on and off you bike and lock it up without taking off your gloves.
57. Take an Emergen "C" every day.
58. L.L. Bean cold weather boots keep feet warm and dry.
59. Frame saver! Frame saver! Frame saver! (if you have a steel frame)
60.Think about the revolutionary war soldiers at Valley Forge leaving bloody footprints in the snow. It will make you feel better.
61. Keep reminding yourself that riding is fun!
62. Take your coffee or hot cocoa with you. The hot deliciousness will keep you warm while you ride. The Barista works well to hold your mug on your handlebar.
63. Use Sport Wash with your technical gear. You spent some good money on your apparel. Help it perform and last longer by using a wash that doesn't fill the fabrics with softeners or perfumes. If you don't have Sport Wash, use half the amount of detergent needed.
64. Apply a light coating of Tri-Flow on your frame and parts to prevent build up of salt & grime. Be careful not to get it on your brakes. And if you do, use Clean Streak to clean off the braking surfaces.
65. Invest in Gore Sealed Cable systems. Your cables are sealed away from the environment and work well all winter without much maintenance.
66. Stainless steel Whipperman chain prevents corrosion.
67. Carry a self sealing CO2 kit for quick flat fixes when it is cold and wet. Then change the flat when you are warm at home.
68. In a pinch you can use newspaper for an added layer inside your jacket.
69. When around tall buildings and ice is falling, don't look up. Unless you don't have a helmet on. Then you might as well see what is about to fall on your head.
70. Do not lick your bike frame when it is cold. Even if they triple dog dare you.
71. Topeak Modular Java Cage holds almost every type of mug.
72. Use the flashing mode on your lights. The batteries last longer and you are more noticeable.
73. Use the Brooks proofide on the top and bottom of your leather saddle to protect against salt and grime.
74. Always use a saddle protector. (Brooks saddles)
75. Wear thermal cycling tights or thick leggings over regular hosiery to stay warm while riding, then quickly remove to look nice when you reach your destination.
76. Layer a wool sweater under a waterproof shell for extra warmth on extra cold days that can still match your outfit underneath.
77. A nice wool scarf or pashmina works to cover your face and keep your neck warm when it's chilly, but not cold enough for a balaclava.
78. Carry a plastic bag in your purse or backpack to put dirty winter riding clothes in once you get to your destination.
79. Use your brakes evenly when slippery.
80. Be careful on bridges. Walk around them if you feel the urge. Falling on them is quite painful.
81. Brandy in your water bottle may seem like a good idea, but it's not.
82. Wiggle your toes by extending them up on the top of your pedal stroke, and curling them on the down stroke. If your toes start to become painfully cold, STOP! Jump around, dance, or do jumping jacks to get the blood flowing into your extremities.
83. To keep fingers warm, don't just bend them to wiggle. Spread your fingers out, jazz-hands style, to get more blood pumping through your fingers.
84. Take time to enjoy your surroundings. Riding a bike lets you see the city from a different point of view then most people. So when the snow is falling and the city is quiet, enjoy it!
85. Remember, just like the Honey Badger, people who ride all winter are bad ass.
86. Check air pressure in your tires often. Getting a flat from over or under inflation sucks. It's basically your own fault you are now freezing your hands fixing it.
87. Sometimes the hardest part is getting on the bike. You sit inside looking at the pile of gear you have to put on and how miserable it will be. But you cowboy up and start rolling, and realize it's not that bad. And being on the bus is far worse.
88. Sometimes it is miserable. Remember it is your choice. What ever your motivation. No one is making you do this.
89. Just because you are working harder than anyone else on the street, doesn't mean you can break more rules than anyone else.
90. If the hat keeps you from wearing your helmet. It is not a good hat.
91. It is all mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter.
92. Be prepared. Think about how long you will be riding and if it may get colder before you ride home. Bring an extra layer just in case.
93. Carry something for quick energy like a food or candy bar. Getting weak can come quick when burning loads of calories.
94. Keep and eternal spring in your heart.
95. Your bike should not live outside.
96. Good excuse for men to wear tights.
97. Embrocation! With glitter!
98. HTFU.
99. Remove Gore Balaclava before into bank.
100. Eat lots of clementines. Really handy for Vitamin C and making new friends.
101. Have a great water proof bag. Mission Workshop makes some of our favorites.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
USA Cycling to provide live online video of elite 'cross championships
USA Cycling to provide live online video of elite 'cross championships: 
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Studley Dominates Women’s Singlespeed USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals 2012
Studley Dominates Women’s Singlespeed USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals 2012: For full coverage, schedules and information on the 2012 Cyclocross National Championships at Badger Prairie County Park in Madison, Wisconsin, visit our 2012 Cyclocross National Championships homepage. by Molly Hurford VERONA, WISCONSIN – To kick off the championship racing at Nationals, the 15-person deep women’s singlespeed field hit the chilly, cloudy course in Verona at [...]
Valverde: ‘I know I will win again … it’s a question of when’
Valverde: ‘I know I will win again … it’s a question of when’:
MADRID (VN) — Alejandro Valverde isn’t lacking self-confidence as he’s poised to return to racing later this month following his controversial two-year racing ban.
The Spanish star debuted his Movistar jersey in a press conference Wednesday and said that he’s sure he will be able to reach his former level that saw him win the Vuelta a España and Liege-Bastogne-Liege before his ban.
“I know I will win again, it’s a question of when,” he told VeloNews following a media presentation Wednesday at Madrid’s Telefonica headquarters. “I am not going to panic if a win doesn’t come in the first race or even the first few races, but I know I feel good and I am confident I will be able to perform at my old level.”
Valverde, now 32, looked trim and fit — he tips the scales at a lean 61kg — as he and defending Vuelta champion Juanjo Cobo met with three dozen members of the Spanish media along with Movistar manager Eusebio Unzué.
Valverde was caught up in a controversial ban after Italian officials matched blood samples taken during the 2009 Tour de France to blood bags held by Spanish officials dating back to the Operacion Puerto doping scandal of 2006.
Valverde has long insisted on his innocence but he refused to answer questions about the case when pressed by VeloNews.
“There’s nothing more to say about the case. Everyone knows what my opinion is and to keep talking about now won’t change anything,” he said. “It was hard at first, especially when I couldn’t race, but I’ve served my ban. Now I am only thinking about the future, with a lot of motivation to return to competition.”
His ban ended December 31 and he’s set to return to racing at the Tour Down Under, with a heavy schedule of racing that will also include the Mallorca Challenge, the Ruta del Sol, the Vuelta a Murcia, the Volta a Catalunya and the Vuelta al País Vasco before his first major goals of the Ardennes classics.
Valverde is brimming with so much confidence that he’s ready to take on Philippe Gilbert, the Belgian phenomenon who swept the Ardennes classics this year.
“Gilbert is so good he’s scary. Last year, when he attacked, it was ‘hasta luego’ and the next time you saw him was on the podium,” he said. “He will be hard to beat, especially if he’s at the same level as he was last year, but I am going to try. Those are my favorite races and they’re perfect for my characteristics.”
Following the classics, Valverde will take a break before racing the Dauphiné or the Tour de Suisse ahead of taking on the Tour. Once again, a confident Valverde isn’t holding back.
“I know that the Tour podium is within my reach, so why not even more?” he continued. “I know there are a lot of time trial kilometers in this Tour, but I spent a lot of time during my ban working on my time trialing. I have improved my position and my strength.”
After the Tour, Valverde will try to earn a spot on the Spanish Olympic team for London and then decide if he’ll race the Vuelta and/or the world championships in Valkenburg.
Valverde’s biggest worry seems to be the question on whether he have the depth not to go the distance, but have the kick at the end of long, grueling races of 240km and 265km.
“That’s the biggest doubt for me right, is whether I will miss that extra kick at the end of a long race,” he said. “I know I am strong right now and I am not in 100 percent form, so I am hoping that I will get that resistance in the opening races of the season to be in top shape for the season’s main goals.”
Team boss Unzué was effusive about Valverde’s return to the team. Valverde was racing with the team under the former name Illes Balears and the squad stayed in close contact with Valverde during his ban to assure his return to the fold.
“We built a solid foundation last year with the new sponsor, Movistar, but we lacked that leader that we needed to really get the big results,” Unzué said. “With Valverde and Cobo, we have two ‘cracks’ who will be able to deliver the wins that have escaped us and will put us back on the front line of the world’s best teams.”
That’s a lot of pressure on Valverde’s shoulders, but he seemed ready to take it all on and more.
“Having some time away from racing helped me realize how beautiful and grand cycling really is,” he said. “I am more motivated than ever to race again. I will be nervous when I am back at the start line, but you’re always nervous before a race. I won’t anxious at all about results; quite the opposite, I cannot wait.”
Valverde’s return should make for some interesting battles against Gilbert, especially if he’s as good as he was before his controversial exit from the sport.
Women of cyclocross
Cyclocross racers Meredith Miller, Nicole Duke and Kaitie Antonneau give their personal perspectives of what it takes to be among the best and what compels them to excel in the sport we love….
Glitter Legs! Now With More Sparkle!
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This New Year, I spent it racing. Racing cross at the Chicago Cross Cup's New Years Resolution. Man was it fun. Being a special New Year race, I decided to bust out the embro and fancy it up with glitter. This time I came prepared with all three levels of DZ Nuts InHeat
and dishsoap to wash the stuff off when I was done. Becky raced first,
and at the start of her race it was sunny and 47 degrees. So some medium temp InHeat it
was. With a boat load of glitter. Red and silver. Everything was going
fine until during the race before mine, the temp dropped 20 degrees and I
was now wishing for the high heat InHeat.
It seems there is a time and a place for the hot stuff, and it was now.
But too late for that. It is race time. We got staged by our
cyclocross.com points, which I have very little of, so I was in back. I
kinda like the back. I get to pass more people. Those folks in the front
usually are faster than me.30 seconds...
Go!
The start is down pavement (I like this about UCI races), around the cart path and onto the golf course. Yes, we are racing on a golf course. Fast, flat, and with all the rain and temperatures staying above freezing, very muddy. We tore the up this course really good like. Some huge mud pits formed around the bike pit and continued to grow as dirty bikes got power washed. Mud is fun. But as I learned a race ago, Red cassettes suck in the mud. And I forgot to swtich mine out. So by the second lap, I was down to two usable gears in the back. My granny gear, and 7. Other than that I could switch in front. For most of the course it was doable. But for the pavement it was time to stand and deliver the big ring and 7 to not get passed. This was becoming more and more easier for me, seeing as I quit smoking and could now actually breathe while I was racing. Hot damn! What a difference oxygen makes.
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| Get up, stand up. Stand up on your bike. |
And for the first time racing all season. I didn't get lapped by those fast dudes. My last race (Afterglow) Barry Wicks & Super Fast SRAM Guy got me right before the finish. I was a lap down, but it looked like I came in 3rd. I'll take that.
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| Bill Draper takes badass pictures. Check out his work. |
I love cross. Looking forward to next season already.
Party With Cyclocross Magazine Thursday Night in Madison
Party With Cyclocross Magazine Thursday Night in Madison: ATTENTION!: Due to the cancellation of the “Notnationals” races on Thursday January 5th due to sheets of ice covering their course (not unlike the real Badger Prairie National Championship course), Cyclocross Magazine and Norcalcyclingnews.com are changing the location of their happy hour from Smokey’s Club to the legendary and aptly-named Natt Spill, which is located in [...]
2012 Cyclocross Championships: Wednesday Singlespeed Preview
2012 Cyclocross Championships: Wednesday Singlespeed Preview: For full coverage, schedules and information on the 2012 Cyclocross National Championships at Badger Prairie County Park in Madison, Wisconsin, visit our 2012 Cyclocross National Championships homepage. Madison started to freeze as New Year’s activities came to a halt and the city started to head back to business. Down at the USAC Cyclocross Nationals venue, Badger [...]
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Super Sweet Slo-Mo New Year’s Resolution Video
Super Sweet Slo-Mo New Year’s Resolution Video: Kyle Bainter sent this little gem our way, and as he accurately described his video to us, “no story, no purpose, just beautiful slow motion cyclocross footage…” See the video below, and go back and read the race report and see the photos from Day 2 of the women’s and men’s races.
Todmorden Cross
Todmorden Cross: Some fixtures on the calendar just stand out. At National level, Bradford and Sutton Park stand head and shoulders above the rest for course quality, atmosphere and simply creating a buzz. A step down from that rarified level, and moving into local League territory, the Todmorden Cross has carved it's own legendary position. After just 3 years in the running.
That said, cross is not new to Todmorden's Centre Vale Park but it had long been absent on the cross calendar till mountainbiker and editor of Single Track magazine, Chipps Chippendale set about restoring that iconic cobbled climb to it's former legendary status as part of the tough Yorkshire Points League. Add in some vertiginous terrain, big knowledgeable holiday crowds and a dose of Belgian-cross fairy dust in the form of free Duvel beer for finishers and voila - there's Tod Cross in a nutshell.
Previous editions have been reasonably muddy, or iced solid depending on the winter, but torrential rain for days beforehand menat only one thing - a real mudder. A Planet X trio of last year's Vets winner Dan Cook, last year's 3rd place finisher Dave Haygarth and myself lined up for a (predictably) 120+ strong Vets field. Dan and Dave set about tearing off the line and getting themselves onto the podium again while I made a bit of a schoolboy error and picked the boggiest part of the starting line to make my spectacular starting effort, involving much wheelspinning and little forward momentum.
Luckily Tod is a course where you can recover from a bad start to a large degree, it consisting of a couple of huge efforts, including the infamous cobbled climb, and some wide tracks for overtaking and descending whilst you recover.
When the mud is as thick as it was, the racing becomes dominated by momentum - gliding from one bog to the next, and finding subtle lines of least resistance or the perfect place to run rather than ride. I positively enjoy the on-off nature of a real mudder and opted to run many short, and even longer sections where others struggled for grip and momentum. As a result, I moved up from somewhere in the 60s to 22nd by the finish, whilst Dave stormed through to 3rd again with Dan pushing hard behind for 5th.
And on a course that contains more vertical height gain per lap than some courses have per race, the disc advantage of the Dirty Discos was abundantly clear. Tod has some fast and swoopy descents and it gave me great satisfaction, and provided some amusement for me, to hear others braking long before I even considered reaching for the levers, diving through under braking to take another place. One fellow rider even shouted 'easy when you've got bloody discs' as I shot past him into a particularly slippy bend. The Discos didn't present a clogging issue at all either despite the thick mud - Dave riding his staring bike all race without changing, and me only changing once to keep my pit crew amused.....
The glow of the complimentary Duvel has long since faded, and my kit has just about come clean. But there's a little Tod Cross sized hole in my life now, waiting till Jan 2013 to be filled.
Check out this great little video from Benji Haworth too. Lovely
That said, cross is not new to Todmorden's Centre Vale Park but it had long been absent on the cross calendar till mountainbiker and editor of Single Track magazine, Chipps Chippendale set about restoring that iconic cobbled climb to it's former legendary status as part of the tough Yorkshire Points League. Add in some vertiginous terrain, big knowledgeable holiday crowds and a dose of Belgian-cross fairy dust in the form of free Duvel beer for finishers and voila - there's Tod Cross in a nutshell.
Dave cleaned the cobbled climb each lap. Strong. Pic: Christine Balshaw?
Previous editions have been reasonably muddy, or iced solid depending on the winter, but torrential rain for days beforehand menat only one thing - a real mudder. A Planet X trio of last year's Vets winner Dan Cook, last year's 3rd place finisher Dave Haygarth and myself lined up for a (predictably) 120+ strong Vets field. Dan and Dave set about tearing off the line and getting themselves onto the podium again while I made a bit of a schoolboy error and picked the boggiest part of the starting line to make my spectacular starting effort, involving much wheelspinning and little forward momentum.
Dan grits his teeth on the big climb. Pic: Chistine Balshaw
Luckily Tod is a course where you can recover from a bad start to a large degree, it consisting of a couple of huge efforts, including the infamous cobbled climb, and some wide tracks for overtaking and descending whilst you recover.
When the mud is as thick as it was, the racing becomes dominated by momentum - gliding from one bog to the next, and finding subtle lines of least resistance or the perfect place to run rather than ride. I positively enjoy the on-off nature of a real mudder and opted to run many short, and even longer sections where others struggled for grip and momentum. As a result, I moved up from somewhere in the 60s to 22nd by the finish, whilst Dave stormed through to 3rd again with Dan pushing hard behind for 5th.
Probably best to keep your mouth shut when the mud is flying.... Pic: Christine Balshaw
And on a course that contains more vertical height gain per lap than some courses have per race, the disc advantage of the Dirty Discos was abundantly clear. Tod has some fast and swoopy descents and it gave me great satisfaction, and provided some amusement for me, to hear others braking long before I even considered reaching for the levers, diving through under braking to take another place. One fellow rider even shouted 'easy when you've got bloody discs' as I shot past him into a particularly slippy bend. The Discos didn't present a clogging issue at all either despite the thick mud - Dave riding his staring bike all race without changing, and me only changing once to keep my pit crew amused.....
The glow of the complimentary Duvel has long since faded, and my kit has just about come clean. But there's a little Tod Cross sized hole in my life now, waiting till Jan 2013 to be filled.
Check out this great little video from Benji Haworth too. Lovely
Todcross from Benjamin Haworth on Vimeo.
Cyclocross Gift Ideas and Reviews: Get a (Better) Grip with New Brake Pads and Bar Tape
Cyclocross Gift Ideas and Reviews: Get a (Better) Grip with New Brake Pads and Bar Tape: The holidays are a perfect time to celebrate the gift of cyclocross, and what better way to whoop it up than to share some last-minute ’cross love with others? Give a teammate a must-have tool (that you can borrow), introduce a loved one to the sport, drop a hint by leaving this list out for [...]
Video: Women at Zolder World Cup, via Petitesreines
Video: Women at Zolder World Cup, via Petitesreines: Laurent Charras of Petitesreines is back and has once again been focusing on the top women cyclocrossers. And this year, he’s even secured himself a profile on our Cowbell Forums to spread his videos around. Last year, he focused in on the ladies of cyclocross all season long in the World Cups,...
...view the full story & post your comments at our site: http://cxmagazine.com
...view the full story & post your comments at our site: http://cxmagazine.com
Nys Wins “His” Race, Van den Brand Takes Women’s Title at G.P. Sven Nys – UPDATED Full Results, Gallery
Nys Wins “His” Race, Van den Brand Takes Women’s Title at G.P. Sven Nys – UPDATED Full Results, Gallery: BAAL, BELGIUM – Sven Nys (Landbouwkrediet) won the race named after him, in his hometown of Baal this morning. Kevin Pauwels (Sunweb-Revor) took second, but at 46 seconds behind Nys, had no chance of catching the seasoned pro. Finishing third was Bart Wellens (Telenet-Fidea), followed by Zdenek Stybar (Quickstep Cycling Team) and Wellens’ teammate, Rob [...]
Butler Battles Snow, Wind for Chicago Day 2 Win – UPDATED Full Results
Butler Battles Snow, Wind for Chicago Day 2 Win – UPDATED Full Results: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – The rain went away, but snow and wind showed up in its place Sunday for the second day of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup New Year’s Resolution races at Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomington. Sue Butler (River City Bicycles-Ridley) seized the lead on the last lap of the Elite women’s race from Saturday’s [...]
Chicago Cross Cup New Years Resolution: Photo Galleries
Chicago Cross Cup New Years Resolution: Photo Galleries: We had so many great images from Chicago we had to give them their own post to showcase them. Missed our coverage? Annis Wins Muddy New Years Resolution Race In Chicago Trebon Storms Back to Win New Year’s Resolution Race Butler Battles Snow, Wind for Chicago Day 2 Win Trebon Claims Second-Straight Win in Chicago [...]
Behind THE Barriers: Season 2 Episode 12, Easton & Giro Headquarters
Behind THE Barriers: Season 2 Episode 12, Easton & Giro Headquarters: After two wins at the USGP Derby City Cup, Behind THE Barriers needed to hit the road quickly. Their destination: the headquarters of Easton and Giro, two of the great sponsors of both Behind THE Barriers and Jeremy’s Rapha-Focus professional cyclocross team. Episode 12 takes a break from the racing action and catches up with [...]
Finale cyclocross sks-deutschland-cup 2011, elite männer
Finale cyclocross sks-deutschland-cup 2011, elite männer:
| Finale des Cyclocross SKS-Deutschland-Cup 2011 in Herford am Elisabethsee Rennen der Elite Männer… |
Super Sweet Slo-Mo New Year’s Resolution Video
Super Sweet Slo-Mo New Year’s Resolution Video: Kyle Bainter sent this little gem our way, and as he accurately described his video to us, “no story, no purpose, just beautiful slow motion cyclocross footage…” See the video below, and go back and read the race report and see the photos from Day 2 of the women’s and men’s races.
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