Sunday, March 8, 2009
Horse Country Time Trial
A very strong and much larger field showed up for this event than in years past. From our community, we had David Pearson (CAT 4/5) Caryn Montague (Women's open) Mina Pizzini (women's open) and Nicky Boulle (CAT 4/5).
I will let David and Nicky describe their event, it was the women's event that has caused some controversy. Mina was riding in her Mellow Johnny kit and rode like Lance, catching the half dozen or so women in front of her, winning the event and easily showing her class.
I took digital pictures at the start and finish of Mina, David, Caryn and former MSU Mustang (Midwestern State) Jennifer Purcell. We used to ride with her before she went to MSU. When the results were posted on TXBRA, she was placed in 10th, which appeared to me to be an error. Caryn finished in 18th, but her time posted was at least 30 seconds more than her computer showed. Since the camera has a time stamp, we looked at the camera and determined that David's posted time was correct, but Jen and Caryn's were inaccurate. Jen's were so far off (4+ minutes) that we think she should move from 10th to 2nd. Caryn wasn't in the money, but she should move from 18th to 16th, but who knows how accurate the other competitor's times are.
I am not indicting the organisers of the event, but it shows how difficult the logistics are for these events and the technology that could solve these problems is expensive.
I will let David and Nicky describe their event, it was the women's event that has caused some controversy. Mina was riding in her Mellow Johnny kit and rode like Lance, catching the half dozen or so women in front of her, winning the event and easily showing her class.
I took digital pictures at the start and finish of Mina, David, Caryn and former MSU Mustang (Midwestern State) Jennifer Purcell. We used to ride with her before she went to MSU. When the results were posted on TXBRA, she was placed in 10th, which appeared to me to be an error. Caryn finished in 18th, but her time posted was at least 30 seconds more than her computer showed. Since the camera has a time stamp, we looked at the camera and determined that David's posted time was correct, but Jen and Caryn's were inaccurate. Jen's were so far off (4+ minutes) that we think she should move from 10th to 2nd. Caryn wasn't in the money, but she should move from 18th to 16th, but who knows how accurate the other competitor's times are.
I am not indicting the organisers of the event, but it shows how difficult the logistics are for these events and the technology that could solve these problems is expensive.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Cedar Hill with a White Rhino for good measure
Two of the last three weeks we have chosen to do hill work towards Cedar Hill. Michael, Caryn and myself made it out for a chilly tide two weeks ago, where Mr. Vangeli seemed to win all the city limit signs, joyfully pointing them out as we pass them. Caryn threw down the gauntlet at the hill that leads up to the Cedar Ridge Nature Center, and easily dropping us. After we did Summit Ln. (out little Flandrian climb of 18%) Caryn and Mike missed the turn into Cedar Hill's downtown (yes, it is that small) they went a bit further and discovered a coffee shop, The White Rhino. A perfect place to reconnect when we have larger group rides down south.
Saturday was on again for a hill ride to Cedar Hill, only this time it wasn't chilly, it was quite cold. Layered with thick jerseys, jackets, neck gaitors, gloved tights and knee warmers, we were joined by Tony Tillman this week. I heard a lot of complaining as to why we were still going to do the ride, since it was sunny, 34 degrees and a north wind that was a steady 25 mph. We met on an exposed parking lot(Gospel Lighthouse Church at Illinois and Walton Walker, Loop 12.) The wind was ferocious, but when we finally started, the wind was at our back.
Michael did all the pulling, while we let the wind drive us toward Cedar Hill. A couple of hills and my aching knee was still quiet, but after the previous week's torture (where I had to really suck it up on the last couple of hills, getting way dropped by Caryn and Mike) I decided to avoid the Robin Ln/Summit Mur de Grammont. Victory one week, DNS the next. Now if I had known that Michael brought his camera and was going to download to Facebook immediately, I might have reconsidered. We did have some local wildlife attack us. This little dog actually chewed on my bootie for a second!
Michael and I waited for what seemed like a long time for Caryn and Tony. Tony had never done this climb, and we were so focused on warning him about the climb, we forgot to tell him that the brief descent was frightening the first time down. Curvy, steep, off camber...you can get to 40mph in just seconds...with a stop sign at the bottom. After both climbed it, Caryn went back up to find Tony walking down (never having done any downhill skiing, he thought better of just going down the fall line) I forgot that the first time we did it, it was 15 seconds of terror.
Two good pictures of Caryn and Tony climbing out of this crater, we then went to the White Rhino for coffee. Just like a day on the slopes, sometimes the most enjoyment is found at the lodge. We delaminated ourselves (peeled like onions...undressed) and had some really tasty coffee, courtesy of Tony. I took an out of focus picture with Mike's camera, which was on his Facebook before we finished coffee, thanks to his Blackberry.
We rode into the wind back, where Caryn heard Tony say "what are they doing?" and she said, 'City Limit signs" and he offered a parental like "Oh, right"
Saturday was on again for a hill ride to Cedar Hill, only this time it wasn't chilly, it was quite cold. Layered with thick jerseys, jackets, neck gaitors, gloved tights and knee warmers, we were joined by Tony Tillman this week. I heard a lot of complaining as to why we were still going to do the ride, since it was sunny, 34 degrees and a north wind that was a steady 25 mph. We met on an exposed parking lot(Gospel Lighthouse Church at Illinois and Walton Walker, Loop 12.) The wind was ferocious, but when we finally started, the wind was at our back.
Michael did all the pulling, while we let the wind drive us toward Cedar Hill. A couple of hills and my aching knee was still quiet, but after the previous week's torture (where I had to really suck it up on the last couple of hills, getting way dropped by Caryn and Mike) I decided to avoid the Robin Ln/Summit Mur de Grammont. Victory one week, DNS the next. Now if I had known that Michael brought his camera and was going to download to Facebook immediately, I might have reconsidered. We did have some local wildlife attack us. This little dog actually chewed on my bootie for a second!
Michael and I waited for what seemed like a long time for Caryn and Tony. Tony had never done this climb, and we were so focused on warning him about the climb, we forgot to tell him that the brief descent was frightening the first time down. Curvy, steep, off camber...you can get to 40mph in just seconds...with a stop sign at the bottom. After both climbed it, Caryn went back up to find Tony walking down (never having done any downhill skiing, he thought better of just going down the fall line) I forgot that the first time we did it, it was 15 seconds of terror.
Two good pictures of Caryn and Tony climbing out of this crater, we then went to the White Rhino for coffee. Just like a day on the slopes, sometimes the most enjoyment is found at the lodge. We delaminated ourselves (peeled like onions...undressed) and had some really tasty coffee, courtesy of Tony. I took an out of focus picture with Mike's camera, which was on his Facebook before we finished coffee, thanks to his Blackberry.
We rode into the wind back, where Caryn heard Tony say "what are they doing?" and she said, 'City Limit signs" and he offered a parental like "Oh, right"
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Clement Fox, a Mustang great in the cycling kit!
Clement Fox (TE on the great Pony Express Mustang teams) shown wearing the SMU Cycling club kit on a ride in Arkansas.
Clement threw one of the key blocks in Craig James 53 yard TD run that saw our Mustangs beat a highly ranked Texas Longhorns team. It is # 22 on SMU Football greatest moments!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Horse Country Time Trial Series
In case you're interested in doing some bike time trials this year, this series is a good one (details still pending)
3/7/09, 5/9/09, 7/18/09
Its 20K and hilly in Aubrey, TX. The road surface was repaved from chipseal to *smooth* asphalt last year...very nice.
It is a USCF event, so you'll need to either purchase a yearly or 1-day USCF racing license if you don't already have one (1-day is $10). Also, jerseys must have sleeves.
A 'no muss, no fuss' event, but the first one in March was pretty chilly and windy last year. I did two of the events in the series in 2008....recommended.
Last year they had both individual and team categories.
Last year they had both individual and team categories.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Stolen Bike @ SMU
I'm a bit late in posting this but if you know who's bike this is then contact the SMU Police 214-768-3333. It is a Husky Powercurve Softride. It should be unusual enough to stand out in a crowd.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Musings
This was sent to Mr. Vangeli from a friend of his:
Since it's not clear if or when there might be a meeting and if I would be able to make it at that time, I thought I would pass along some of the thoughts I have had over the last couple of years and how they relate to my experiences with collegiate cycling. Now, collegiate cycling is likely to have changed quite a lot since my days (I raced with John Stenner, if that name rings any bells, and was at CU even before Tyler Hamilton), but maybe it hasn't, so I thought I'd toss these out there.
What I remember from being on a collegiate cycling team is this: we were all in college and we were all bike racers. We had fun, we put on a race, we went to other races and we had meetings. It was a good time, but it never really seemed to be all that it could be. What I've realized of late is that we were missing an important piece of the pie: Non-cyclists. I mean, it is a cycling team so it makes sense that we were all cyclists. But when you look at a 'real' cycling team (e.g. a Pro Tour team) they have all sorts of other people: directors, finance people, logistics specialists, mechanics, etc. And what better place to get these folks involved in cycling than in a college atmosphere.
My thought is that by getting these non-racers involved two things could be accomplished: First, racers could focus on the task at hand: racing. The need to be their own driver, planner, mechanic, etc. could be reduced or eliminated allowing them the time to just train and race. Second, for the non-cycling folks there is an opportunity for some 'resume building'. If someone working on an Organizational Management degree could become involved to plan out transportation, lodging, meals, etc. for the team that could be a good feather in their cap when looking for a job in the 'real' world. If someone working on a marketing or advertising degree could put together a sponsorship proposal and present it to local businesses to drum up some support for the team they could put that on their resume. Someone working on an art or graphic design degree could work up some new team kits every so often (as well as work with the advertising/sponsorship folks) to get some resume fodder for themselves. Someone working in web design/computer science could put together a great web home for the team and get a very tangible item for their resume. All of these folks - and maybe some more - could work together to put together SMU's annual race, getting the permits and sponsorship and promoting the event to the public. There are probably a number of different areas at a school like SMU that could contribute something to the program, and yet have really nothing to do with actually getting on a bike.
To me, a setup like this would seem to be win-win, with everyone getting something out of the deal. It might take a while to build up to a system like this, but I think it could be done. Something like this has the addiitonal benefit of familiarizing an entirely new group of folks with the world of cycling. These people might well go on to then either stay in cycling or become patrons of cycling at whatever company they end up because they would recognize the potential benefit of exposure in the sport.
This all might be pie in the sky, but then again it may just work. As I mentioned, perhaps you and other clubs are already doing something along these lines. I just know we weren't anywhere close to thinking this way when I was doing the college cycling thing. Think about the football team and how successful they would be if it was only the players trying to do everything. By having coaches, trainers, medical, logistics, marketing, etc., etc, they players only have to concentrate on playing (although I suppose they should concentrate on their studies, too, right?) which then helps to make them better players. And I think that by pulling people into the program that could gain some resume material it would really provide a benefit to these folks as well as the team.
Well, that's the Reader's Digest version of what's going on in my head regarding collegiate cycling. If you've got any questions or comments about all of this gibberish I'd be happy to ponder some thoughts a bit more.
Take care and maybe we'll see you out on the road one of these days.
Jeff Bauer
Since it's not clear if or when there might be a meeting and if I would be able to make it at that time, I thought I would pass along some of the thoughts I have had over the last couple of years and how they relate to my experiences with collegiate cycling. Now, collegiate cycling is likely to have changed quite a lot since my days (I raced with John Stenner, if that name rings any bells, and was at CU even before Tyler Hamilton), but maybe it hasn't, so I thought I'd toss these out there.
What I remember from being on a collegiate cycling team is this: we were all in college and we were all bike racers. We had fun, we put on a race, we went to other races and we had meetings. It was a good time, but it never really seemed to be all that it could be. What I've realized of late is that we were missing an important piece of the pie: Non-cyclists. I mean, it is a cycling team so it makes sense that we were all cyclists. But when you look at a 'real' cycling team (e.g. a Pro Tour team) they have all sorts of other people: directors, finance people, logistics specialists, mechanics, etc. And what better place to get these folks involved in cycling than in a college atmosphere.
My thought is that by getting these non-racers involved two things could be accomplished: First, racers could focus on the task at hand: racing. The need to be their own driver, planner, mechanic, etc. could be reduced or eliminated allowing them the time to just train and race. Second, for the non-cycling folks there is an opportunity for some 'resume building'. If someone working on an Organizational Management degree could become involved to plan out transportation, lodging, meals, etc. for the team that could be a good feather in their cap when looking for a job in the 'real' world. If someone working on a marketing or advertising degree could put together a sponsorship proposal and present it to local businesses to drum up some support for the team they could put that on their resume. Someone working on an art or graphic design degree could work up some new team kits every so often (as well as work with the advertising/sponsorship folks) to get some resume fodder for themselves. Someone working in web design/computer science could put together a great web home for the team and get a very tangible item for their resume. All of these folks - and maybe some more - could work together to put together SMU's annual race, getting the permits and sponsorship and promoting the event to the public. There are probably a number of different areas at a school like SMU that could contribute something to the program, and yet have really nothing to do with actually getting on a bike.
To me, a setup like this would seem to be win-win, with everyone getting something out of the deal. It might take a while to build up to a system like this, but I think it could be done. Something like this has the addiitonal benefit of familiarizing an entirely new group of folks with the world of cycling. These people might well go on to then either stay in cycling or become patrons of cycling at whatever company they end up because they would recognize the potential benefit of exposure in the sport.
This all might be pie in the sky, but then again it may just work. As I mentioned, perhaps you and other clubs are already doing something along these lines. I just know we weren't anywhere close to thinking this way when I was doing the college cycling thing. Think about the football team and how successful they would be if it was only the players trying to do everything. By having coaches, trainers, medical, logistics, marketing, etc., etc, they players only have to concentrate on playing (although I suppose they should concentrate on their studies, too, right?) which then helps to make them better players. And I think that by pulling people into the program that could gain some resume material it would really provide a benefit to these folks as well as the team.
Well, that's the Reader's Digest version of what's going on in my head regarding collegiate cycling. If you've got any questions or comments about all of this gibberish I'd be happy to ponder some thoughts a bit more.
Take care and maybe we'll see you out on the road one of these days.
Jeff Bauer
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Sponsorship, bike racks etc
We haven't been idle these last couple of weeks. There are a couple of campus issues that we are investigating that are peripheral to the cycling club but are still important. The proliferation of bikes on campus has created over crowded bike racks where cyclists have started to spread to hand rails (which we must frown upon.)
Mike Paul at CPPO has been working with us to get more racks, as well as the bike lockers that the serious riders want. We need to evaluate placement and style of rack, so if anyone has input, let us know.
I communicated with the president of Baylor's cycling club this week to get some insight on sponsorship. For some of the really ambitious items (like team bikes) we need to grow our numbers of those that will compete and go to races. Brandon Thomas, the BU prez, said that the experience of traveling to races with teamates was a rich and rewarding ecperience. He also seems to have a shared vision of growing collegiate cycling. It seems that TCU and UNT might reappear this next year, which would be great news. I have thought about helping UTD get going (at least in guidance, I'm leary of green and orange!)
Jeff, Sam and Rob are going to visit these two potential sponsors and see what mutually benefits us, so hopefully we will have news on that front soon.
Mike Paul at CPPO has been working with us to get more racks, as well as the bike lockers that the serious riders want. We need to evaluate placement and style of rack, so if anyone has input, let us know.
I communicated with the president of Baylor's cycling club this week to get some insight on sponsorship. For some of the really ambitious items (like team bikes) we need to grow our numbers of those that will compete and go to races. Brandon Thomas, the BU prez, said that the experience of traveling to races with teamates was a rich and rewarding ecperience. He also seems to have a shared vision of growing collegiate cycling. It seems that TCU and UNT might reappear this next year, which would be great news. I have thought about helping UTD get going (at least in guidance, I'm leary of green and orange!)
Jeff, Sam and Rob are going to visit these two potential sponsors and see what mutually benefits us, so hopefully we will have news on that front soon.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
SMU dad Tim Barrios w/ friend Tim
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A shout out to Tim Barrios (Danielle's Dad,) resident of Scotsdale Az and accomplished cyclist. He is on the Trek.
Cities in turmoil
The artist who did this is a former, albeit brief, Dallas resident. Due to the cycling club's ongoing dialogue regarding bicycle commuting, I thought I would put out an Utopian vision of the future for us to discuss. Just like Dallas, which has grandiose plans of the future, Adelaide's future exists in committee and shelved urban planning. Developers have built large mixed use spaces that sit poorly placed in the fabric of the city. These projects sit near the city center like the proverbial white elephant. (See possible Dallas Convention Center Hotel)
For insight into another city's infrastructure difficulties, read
http://www.adelaidereview.com.au/features.php?subaction=showfull&id=1225685574&archive=&start_from=&ucat=16&
also visit www.thornetony.blogspot.com for more intriguing artwork
Tony helped me get an A in my Prof Van Kemper class "Anthropology of Tourism" by giving the class an evocative lecture on Tasmania! Forever in debt.
For insight into another city's infrastructure difficulties, read
http://www.adelaidereview.com.au/features.php?subaction=showfull&id=1225685574&archive=&start_from=&ucat=16&
also visit www.thornetony.blogspot.com for more intriguing artwork
Tony helped me get an A in my Prof Van Kemper class "Anthropology of Tourism" by giving the class an evocative lecture on Tasmania! Forever in debt.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
... is this thing on?! ...
So, except for being directionally deficient – hence, why today at the lake for our celebration ride, I “casually” did another lap thinking everyone was in front of me – I am also technologically deficient. I have a hard time setting my TiVo, I can’t work my wireless card in my laptop, & don’t even get me started on cell phones that have features other than flip ‘n’ dial. J But, since procrastinating on this 15 page paper due tomorrow seems much better than actually writing it, I’ve decided to enter the world of blogging. Soooo, here goes nothing.
Walker… I Mean, Weasel?... has told you about LiveStrong so now it’s my turn. First, let’s say it was a big deal I even found my way to pick up my packet on Friday afternoon at the Austin Convention center. No, I understand that Austin is a straight shot down I-35 but really, google maps suck & made me exit in North Austin so I got a nice scenic tour of Austin. Packet pick-up accomplished, I found my cousin Heather (shout out!) & headed to the casa. She was nice enough to let me bring my bike inside so I didn’t lose any sleep thinking my bike was growing legs & walking away (like it so nicely did out of my office). Saturday AM came way too early as we packed up & headed to the Capitol to start the 5K. Overall, I had a good run but Sunday made me think I will probably not do the run again. Saturday afternoon I didn’t do anything until we met up with the group at Roaring Fork (thanks again, Marci!). After filling my belly with lots of food, including a volcano brownie of sorts – maybe that’s what did me in? – back to bed. Bright & early, I only got a teeny bit lost trying to find the Omni, met up with everyone, & off we went. Once the guy parked my car in a spot I was sure it was going to sink in (note: Dodge Stratus = not off-road vehicle), I slipped on my Pony sleeves & went off to find the start. Gung ho & rearing to do 90, Jeff, Matt & myself had a pretty good start. Then came the hills. Albeit, rollers – I wasn’t the most enthused about them. However, I mustered up some energy – aka found a group to pull me back to Jeff & Matt … & off we went. When the rest stop came for the 90/65 split, I waived a fond adieu to Jeff & Matt deciding I would be better off at 65. Vlad found us & Jeremiah came rolling in a few seconds later. A new group formed & more hills we climbed. (**insert Julie Andrews singing the signature “Climb Every Mountain” from The Sound of Music -- -like I said, couldn’t insert the music here if I tried!) Towards the end, we found the rest of the 65ers, took advantage of the Powerstops & rolled into the finish.
With a cold beer in hand, I had to admit it was a great riding day. I’m already geared up for next year … and hey, I even did an extra lap to prove it!!
Pedal on and Pony up!
Walker… I Mean, Weasel?... has told you about LiveStrong so now it’s my turn. First, let’s say it was a big deal I even found my way to pick up my packet on Friday afternoon at the Austin Convention center. No, I understand that Austin is a straight shot down I-35 but really, google maps suck & made me exit in North Austin so I got a nice scenic tour of Austin. Packet pick-up accomplished, I found my cousin Heather (shout out!) & headed to the casa. She was nice enough to let me bring my bike inside so I didn’t lose any sleep thinking my bike was growing legs & walking away (like it so nicely did out of my office). Saturday AM came way too early as we packed up & headed to the Capitol to start the 5K. Overall, I had a good run but Sunday made me think I will probably not do the run again. Saturday afternoon I didn’t do anything until we met up with the group at Roaring Fork (thanks again, Marci!). After filling my belly with lots of food, including a volcano brownie of sorts – maybe that’s what did me in? – back to bed. Bright & early, I only got a teeny bit lost trying to find the Omni, met up with everyone, & off we went. Once the guy parked my car in a spot I was sure it was going to sink in (note: Dodge Stratus = not off-road vehicle), I slipped on my Pony sleeves & went off to find the start. Gung ho & rearing to do 90, Jeff, Matt & myself had a pretty good start. Then came the hills. Albeit, rollers – I wasn’t the most enthused about them. However, I mustered up some energy – aka found a group to pull me back to Jeff & Matt … & off we went. When the rest stop came for the 90/65 split, I waived a fond adieu to Jeff & Matt deciding I would be better off at 65. Vlad found us & Jeremiah came rolling in a few seconds later. A new group formed & more hills we climbed. (**insert Julie Andrews singing the signature “Climb Every Mountain” from The Sound of Music -- -like I said, couldn’t insert the music here if I tried!) Towards the end, we found the rest of the 65ers, took advantage of the Powerstops & rolled into the finish.
With a cold beer in hand, I had to admit it was a great riding day. I’m already geared up for next year … and hey, I even did an extra lap to prove it!!
Pedal on and Pony up!
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