If you are not familiar with cyclocross check out this great article which was in the Chicago Tribune 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/events/chi-0924-cyclocrosssep24,0,2801142.story

The weather was perfect for a race. We were all racing in Cat 4. Owen, in his first ’cross race, won the Cat 4s! Jay was in his first bicycle race of any kind, Anthony rode a strong race on his Indy Fab Planet Cross and catered the event for us with meats and cheese and Phil, the home-brew master, brought his own Belgian style beer.  I finished the race feeling good about my handling skills and condition (which always has room for improvement) and, after the urge to puke passed, wanted to race more but the Cat 3/4 has started. Next race is this weekend  http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=7679

Bicycling Magazine’s Fit Chick, Selene Yeager, was also racing sporting a great pair of knee high socks. A few photos…

Brewery Ommegang

Anthony's Indy Fab Planet Cross

Phil and Owen

Sid's Bikes' team Cannondale 9 Ball rides

Feed Zone

The Beer Tent

Owen lending Jay a hand to display his finishing position. Owen needs only one finger!

Nice socks Selene

Ommegang provided the recovery drinks

Enjoying ther other races

Wednesday afternoon Chris Carmichael visited Sid’s Bikes NYC in Chelsea and rode with about 15 of us for a few laps around Central Park. It was a “casual” ride that definitely heated up a little after the first lap. Skip the full CTS kit Chris was wearing and try to take your eyes off the stunning, perfectly fit, custom Serotta and focus on his pedal stroke…smooth, endless circles. This is what separates the weekend warriors from the real cyclists. It’s the many hours of training and dedication that make the difficult look perfect and effortless.

Carmichael has been Lance Armstrong’s coach for many years and has been credited with planning training programs for both comebacks but Chris at this point is a businessman. He founded and runs Carmichael Training Systems an international coaching business that provides training and nutritional programs. CTS runs training centers, offers training camps and internet coaching.  

Chris Carmichael was in NYC to promote his new book The Time-Crunched Cyclist.  The book is directed at the cycling enthusiast with limited time but can commit six hours a week to bike training. Chris himself became a time-crunched cyclist with a family and a business to run. The essence is a high-intensity. low-volume program that can fit into any busy lifestyle.

The book discusses current views on endurance training, the science behind his new program, nutrition and training programs.  The writing is very straight forward and the graphs and illustrations are helpful.

Many in attendance had already finished the book so the questions asked were specific and interesting.

You can get more information at www.trainright.com

You can follow Chris on Twitter @trainright 

Nice Kit

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, Saturday,  September 12th,  about 120 cyclists participated in the City To The Sand bicycle ride.  The 100 mile route took us from Manhattan to East Quoque.  There are numerous Century rides in the NYC area and many of them support worthy charities. Yesterday was very different on many levels.

City To The Sand was organized by The 100 Mile Man Foundation to support The Fund for Public Schools. It all started with Jesse Itzler’s goal to fund 100 scholarships for 100 students. Once Jesse started the ball rolling his friends told theirs friends and the result was almost $1 million raised.

I have been involved with many charity cycling events over the past few years but The Hundred Mile Man stands out as something special. A small percentage of the riders were active cyclists. Many bought new bikes for the event having not been on one for years. I know, I fit them for the bikes and heard their stories. The riders came from all over the country, different age groups and backrounds.Some were in good shape others just had great spirit. Coach Ron Tessler led a group of the NYC area riders on Sunday training rides but many just showed up at the starting line with the right attitude.

Compared with other charity rides, the City to the Sand had a small number of participants but a tremendous amount of funds were raised. A huge percentage of the participants finished the 100 miles.  Considering the small number of active cyclists this was another outstanding result. With high rider / revenue and riders / finishers there’s clearly a pattern. This was a group of very motivated goal oriented individuals.

The riders were also a pleasure to ride with! On these rides flat tires are usual. The organizers provided SAG vehicles and mechanics but for every puncture a few riders would stop a offer to help. At the front of the group a few of the more experienced riders and marshals organized pace lines and helped the riders experience riding in a peloton. Towards the back of the group, marshals and other riders  kept the slower riders motivated through to the finish line.

Ron and John at Conrad's

The Start

 The starting line was at Conrad’s Bikes in Tudor City. This is a very residential area that is normally as quiet as a suburb at 6:00AM on a Saturday but when we arrived it looked like a big Hollywood production was being filmed. A guy in full Scottish kilt was playing the bagpipes.  Trucks were lined up with support, bathrooms and camera crews. A few were shooting video others film. Numerous bikes were being fitted with handle bar mounted cameras. While my photos might be some of the first to circulate I look forward to the release of the “real stuff”…City to the Sand – The Movie. 

One Of The Film Crew

Signing In

A Zico Coconut Water truck followed us through Manhattan and over the Queensborough Bridge blasting music over speaker mounted on the roof. I knew we were in for a different kind of ride.

Out of Manhattan, the ride headed through Greenpoint and Williamsburg then took a Southern route through Malverne, Bellmore, Bayshore and Shirley. Rest stops were placed a very comfortable 20 miles apart welcoming riders with food drink and the smiles and cheers from an army of enthusiastic volunteers.

Through West Hampton and over the bridge to Dune Road. The last 5 miles were along some of the nicest real estate on Long Island but with the end so close most riders just focused straight ahead. I recognized the look on their faces. With 95 miles in their legs nothing was going to stop them. They knew they would finish. The near smiles on their faces masked the pain in their legs, backs and arms. As the finish came into sight, I felt a chill when I saw the riders that had already finished gathered outside cheering as others crossed the line. The New York Jets cheerleaders were there putting on a show but the attention was on the finishers. Everyone that crossed the line wore a medal on a red ribbon. Many were crying tears of amazement. I know some signed up to be involved, raised money but only planned to ride the first 20 miles. Encouraged by the excitement and comradery these riders did the 100 miles! Hugs and kisses were everywhere as family and friends found the riders they supported. 

In the parking lot at Dockers, where the after ride party was held, a shower truck was lined up across from the massage tables that helped restore the riders.  Refressed and relaxing inside Dockers, Jesse and Ron made a few comments and recognized a few of the outstanding fundraisers and volunteers. A tough list to make since it means you are part of the layer on top of the cream of the crop…

Riders Getting Their Jerseys

The ride was great and the cause outstanding. Donations can still be made at www.the100mileman.com . Go to the Donations page then check out the Riders page…they were the heroes of the day.

The first thing I needed was a cross specific bike. I initially approached the prospect of another bike from a practical perspective. I started looking at entry level bikes to keep the costs down. The cross season is short with a few races in September, most in October and November then a few in December. You can justify the cost of a cross bike and also use it as a winter road bike.

I have accumulated a few stems, bars and odd components from various bikes over the past couple of years. I decided to buy a frameset and use these parts. Cannondale sponsors our team and I decided to keep it simple with their CX CAAD9 frameset. The Cannondale rep knows I like to “pimp my build” and he showed me the Tim Johnson replica version with the 9 Ball theme. It has a limited run but he got a hold of one for me…sweet. Although it didn’t cost any more there went the low key entry level idea. 

I also chose the Cannondale SL Hallogram crankset since the frame has a BB30 bottom bracket. It is the lightest and stiffest on the market and a perfect match with the BB30. The FSA carbon seat post, ITM bars and ControlTech stem came from my spare parts box. Avid Shorty brakes were cheap and reliable. Sram seems to be the component of choice for most new builds but I wanted to stay true and used Campy Record 10 speed shifters, front & rear derailleurs and cassette. I’ll be rollling on a set of Ksyrium ES wheels shod with Maxxis Raze tires.

Once the basic specs were established the fun really begins. Hudz does a yellow in their soft compound which is ideal for cross so off came the stock Campy hoods. Cyclocross magazine sponsors Tim Johnson so they sell a special order Fizik Aliante in matching yellow. White bar tape, while being very impractical for cross, really set it off…

The bike catches everyone’s eye and rides really well. She looks great now but soon will be covered in pounds of mud! First CX practice is Tuesday night…

I had the privilege of meeting Darryl McDaniels, DMC, while I was at Sid’s Bikes Chelsea shop. I helped him get some gear and fit him on his new Cannondale for the “City to the Sand” ride next month. “D” is more that a living music legend he’s a great guy. He signed autographs, posed for photos and chatted with the staff about music and life in general. He’s the real deal…and continues to impact music with a new generation of followers.

I look forward to riding with him and the other riders next month at the “City to the Sand” http://the100mileman.com/

For a quick flashback to what started it all and merged many music genre here it is … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmDzKR7Rfx8

DARRYL ‘DMC’ McDANIELS TO TRADE ‘MIC’ FOR A ‘BIKE’
AT ‘CITY TO THE SAND 100 MILE RIDE’ FOR CHARITY
 
Legendary Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Philanthropist Will Join One Hundred Cyclists
On September 12th, 2009 Peddling For Charity from NYC To The Hamptons
 
‘DMC’ Efforts Will Aid his own Felix Organization
Non Profit Foundation that helps send Foster Kids to Summer Camp!
 
DMC is asking fans to support his ride and donate to Felix Organization!!!
 
(New York, NY, August 14, 2009)  Motivator, Innovator, Philanthropist and 2009 Hall Of Fame icon
Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels will be trading his ‘mic’ for a bike on Saturday, September 12th, riding alongside a host of other inspired cyclists, riding from New York City to the Hamptons in a charitable drive aimed at helping a cause close to his heart – his own Felix Organization.   Darryl will be peddling 100 miles in the City to the Sand 100 Mile Ride on behalf of his own non-profit foundation and the leadership role it plays in helping foster children and adoptees to become better prepared in the race of their life! DMC is asking for fans to support his efforts by making a donation to the Felix Organization. A tax deductible contribution made out to the Felix Organization can be made via check or money order and sent to 100mileman/DMC, 230 Park Avenue, NYC, NY 10169  or can be made with your credit card online at http://www.active.com/donate/the100mileman(just make sure to put in the comments that you are supporting DMC)
 
The legendary hip hop pioneer will join a hundred other bicycle, philanthropic, and endurance enthusiasts in the joint-charitable drive – the City to The Sand 100 Mile Ride – founded by entrepreneur/100 Mile Man founder, Jesse Itzler.  Itzler founded the 100 Mile Man Foundation in 2006 – issuing his own bold challenge to friends and admirers to raise the bar of their own creative philanthropy by supporting Itzler’s initial 100 mile (non-stop) run, and making it annual event where participants can support their own charities. 
 
In less than three years the foundation has raised millions of dollars, and continues its exemplary efforts to aid a number of charitable endeavors by raising awareness through unorthodox endurance events.  Says Itzler: “We’ve all been inspired by Darryl’s great charitable and humanitarian efforts through the years, and I am extremely grateful to him for stepping up like this and coming aboard the 100 Mile ride!  The 2009 event will be the biggest and best yet.  We’re going to peddle from the gritty streets of NYC to the white sands of South Hampton Long Island, with all participants laughing, talking, rallying, sweating and celebrating for the cause of their choosing along the way.” 
 
Enlisting a diverse array of noted participants this year, including McDaniels, Maverick Carter (CEO of LRMR), Bruce Richards (President of Marathon Asset Management) among others, Itzler has made it a priority for philanthropists joining the 100 Mile team to designate a charity of their own choosing. For this year’s event, Itzler has dedicated a portion of the 100 Miles Foundation’s contributions to be distributed to the Fund for Public Schools, in an effort to provide scholarships to qualified inner-city students from the New York area.  For Darryl McDaniels, all contributions and pledges committed to the tireless motivator will support the organization he co-founded with Hollywood casting director Sheila Jaffe (Entourage, The Sopranos), the Felix Organization/Adoptees For Children, dedicated to providing enriching opportunities and experiences to children growing up without parents. One of the main goals of the organization has been to send disenfranchised children to summer camp.  Both adoptees themselves, Darryl and Sheila’s advocacy is a direct result of the nurturing they received by being ‘taken home,’ as young people, understanding first-hand the importance of others providing a supportive environment for those children who have yet to be placed in a loving home.  Since its inception in 2006, the Felix Organization has sent more than 300 children to Camp Felix, a summer camp in Putnam Valley, New York, dedicated to providing children in foster care with the infrastructure and activities of a real summer camp experience.
 
 
“I’m honored to be participating in the 100 Mile City to the Sand bike ride,” says Darryl.  “To be able to ride with Jesse and his team and all the other participants and aid the Felix Organization in the process – is a real thrill.  It’s the kind of personal, community-based connectivity I’ve spent the past few years of my life trying to enlarge out there. It’s going to be a blast!”  
 
The City To the Sand 100 Mile Ride kicks off at 7:30 AM EST, rain or shine, north at 1st Avenue up to 59th street, over the bridge through Long Island City and beyond.  Riders may be able to compete in select distances – 50 or 100 mile increments, with rest stops provided every 20 miles; Food, drinks, bathroom facilities, medical aid and mechanical assistance will be provided along the way.  For more information about the event log on to www.me-dmc.com. You can also contact DMC at www.twitter.com/Thekingdmc 
 
For more information about Darryl DMC McDaniels or supporting the Felix Organization please contact: Tracey Miller & Association, Inc. 609-383-2323 or tracey@tmapublicity.com
 
     
About Darryl DMC McDaniels:
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels changed music and20made history when he broke down cultural barriers 25 years ago with his legendary band Run-DMC. It would be hard to overstate his influence on popular culture. From the first rap group to grace the cover of Rolling Stone to the first to appear on MTV, to the first to go gold and platinum, Run-DMC impacted the world. 30 million record sales later, and seven years after the untimely death of his bandmate and dear friend Jam Master Jay, DMC still continues to create, inspire and motivate.
His critically acclaimed single “Just like Me” featuring Sarah McLaughlin spoke to his new revelation of discovering he was adopted and began his journey down another life path, in search of his birth mother. His struggle was captured in the 2007 Emmy Winning VH1 documentary DMC: My Adoption Journey, giving him tremendous insight and purpose and prompting him to become an advocate for adoption and children in foster care. In between his work as a musician, published author and speaker, DMC co-founded with Sheila Jaffee, the Felix Organization- a nonprofit that works with adoptees and foster children. He’s received numerous awards for his many philanthropic endeavors and his many advocacies for th e Arts and Education, including the Hard Rock’s 2007 Love All Serve All Award. In April 2009 DMC, as a member of Run-DMC, was inducted into the 2009 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. In June 2009 he was one of twenty men invited by President Obama to the White House to address a gathering of youth groups on the merits of responsibility and accountability. www.me-dmc.com
About the 100 Mile Man Foundation:
Founded by entrepreneur Jesse Itzler, the 100 Mile Man Foundation was launched in November, 2006 when Jesse Itzler ran 100 miles (non-stop) in less than 24 hours for various charitable causes.  Today, the foundation continues its ‘creative philanthropy,’ raising money for numerous charitable endeavors through a variety of endurance events.

What to buy is another topic that depends on your usage and budget. As long as the bike is properly fit for you there are many choices that can work very well. It doesn’t matter if you are riding a Trek Madone Lance Armstrong limited edition or a basic hybrid…please make sure you are measured by a trained fitter. 

Where to buy is an issue that can affect your cycling experience. Buy the wrong gear and you will be unhappy. Pay the wrong price and you will hate looking at it. If it doesn’t fit right you will be uncomfortable and even risk injury.

Craigslist – A great source for what is available locally. This is truly a “buyer beware” market. You really need to know your products well to sift through the scams, stolen merchandise and overpriced items. Very tough to find real value here.

Ebay – An auction with a wide following should determine the “fair” price. The issue here is whether the description accurately matches the condition of the item. The sellers reputation should be checked by reading feedback. Shipping can be expensive. Unless you find a must have item that can’t be found elsewhere you are probably better off looking at a retail shop. I have bought and sold bicycle gear on Ebay with some good results and have also had some close calls. It is tough to buy a bike on Ebay because fit is so important. Just because you are riding a 54cm doesn’t mean you will be a 54 in every bike. Same goes for clothing where a good fit is so important.

Internet Retailers – The reputable internet shops offer convenience and often good value.  Often their websites can showcase products that you might not be able to find in your area. The bigger ones can have inventories larger than the manufacturers. The big issue again is fit…how do you buy a pair of shorts without feeling the fabric and trying them on? 

Your Local Bike Shop (LBS) – These are the local guys where your neighbors kid worked as a mechanic. Most are or were cyclists on some level. They have had their margins eaten away by the internet boom and as a result many have chosen to compete by offering a high level of service. They are the place to take your problems. The light you bought for $4.00 less you bring here to install.  You get what you pay for…

These are a few reasons to patronize your LBS.

1. It supports your local economy

2. Personalized service

3. Your bike will be properly assembled

4. They will help you get a bike that fits your needs

5. If your bike has a problem you know where to turn for help

6. You can find people to ride with at the shop

7. Shop employees will know where the good rides/trails are

8. Shop employees will know about the bike clubs in the area

9. Many local shops will let you try out a bike before you buy one

10. The wrenches at the local shop will install your accessories for you

11. You can become a regular or “shop rat” then you can get the inside track on all sorts of stuff

12. Bike shops are often a center or micro hub of bike culture in a community

13. You can meet people and actually get to know them

14. They can show you how to properly maintain your bike (lube chain, repair a flat, adjust the brakes, etc.)