Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Interesting Cross Training




Can any of you roller fools do this?? I road the UNI to the CITA meeting last night, and now my sack hurts. That sucks. Going out tonight if anyone wants to join in an Urban ride. It will be nice and easy I'm looking for an interesting route for an Alley Cat Race.

Peace
Squirrel

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Another new cyclist is a come'n





Teri is 9 weeks pregnant with a baby squirrel, how cool is that. I wonder what you feed it??

Peace
Squirrel

Sunday, January 22, 2006

A New Look

So... the people who visit our blog regularly are the first to see how our new shop website is working! (if this page looks the same as it always has your cookies might being doing something wacky... just hit the refresh button).

With help from Jeff Kerkove and the easy-to-use Blogger we've built a spiderweb of blogs that work like a website. This will allow us update, upkeep, and striaght up outplay. Take a look around, let us know what you think, just have her home by 11!

DQ

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Tattoo

This would be a nice piece for my left forearm:)








Peace
Squirrel

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Blow Out:)

Doing my squat workout yesterday at work and on my first rep. I blew the ass clean out of my pants:) Good thing I was wear'n me skivvies. Top seam to the back of my knee, all I could do was finish my sets and laugh. Enter Duck tape the fix all, taped em up and finished what was left of my half day. Then I went to the Center for a lap and half, just to beat me legs up a little bit more, I should have hit the climber for 30min. once I got home but didn't. Man I'm bored to death and wanting a new tattoo.


Peace
Squirrel

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

"FLOW" says it all

The Surly boy's know what its about, do you?


"You hear a lot about flow if you spend much time in the cycling world, particularly offroad cycling. Flow is about looking ahead, preparing for obstacles (physical or mental), using your momentum to best advantage (the more you brake the more effort you must spend getting up to speed again), staying calm and loose, and most of all learning how to ride better with less effort. Flow speaks to a higher awareness of your connection to the machine and the trail, and the more you know about flow, the better your riding will be, regardless of what or where you ride. Flow isn't about the frame or components. Flow is knowing how to read what the ground and your bike are writing. A person with good flow riding a crappy bike can generally kick the ass of a person on a techy new bike who has not yet unlocked the secrets of Flow. Flow makes one Li Mu Bai, master of the Wudan, where before they were Chuck Norris, Texas Ranger. Or maybe flow makes one Betty Crocker where before they were merely Lil Debbie.
I have a theory that all of life's answers can be found in rock lyrics, so I submit for your consideration this sage advice from 70s rock philosophers .38 Special:
Hold on loosely, but don't let go. If you cling too tightly you're gonna lose control.
Probably best if I leave it at that."


Peace
Squirrel

Yard Jump'n


From the top





Bottom of landing



I wonder if I could complete a back flip and stick the landing.?.??.... I bet Super Cam could:)





Peace
Squirrel

Monday, January 16, 2006

Cam Kirkpatrick Facts

Top Ten Cam Kirkpatrick Facts

1. Cam Kirkpatrick' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried. Ever.

2. Cam Kirkpatrick does not sleep. He waits.

3. Cam Kirkpatrick is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.

4. The chief export of Cam Kirkpatrick is pain.

5. If you can see Cam Kirkpatrick, he can see you. If you can't see Cam Kirkpatrick, you may be only seconds away from death.

6. Cam Kirkpatrick has counted to infinity. Twice.

7. Cam Kirkpatrick does not hunt because the word hunting implies the probability of failure. Cam Kirkpatrick goes killing.

8. Cam Kirkpatrick doesn’t wash his clothes, he disembowels them.

9. Cam Kirkpatrick is 1/8th Cherokee. This has nothing to do with ancestry, the man ate an Indian.

10. In fine print on the last page of the Guinness Book of World Records it notes that all world records are held by Cam Kirkpatrick, and those listed in the book are simply the closest anyone else has ever gotten.

Additional Cam Kirkpatrick Facts

• Crop circles are Cam Kirkpatrick' way of telling the world that sometimes corn needs to lie the f### down.

• Cam Kirkpatrick is ten feet tall, weighs two-tons, breathes fire, and could eat a hammer and take a shotgun blast standing.

• The Great Wall of China was originally created to keep Cam Kirkpatrick out. It failed miserably.

• Cam Kirkpatrick always knows the EXACT location of Carmen SanDiego.

• If you ask Cam Kirkpatrick what time it is, he always says, "Two seconds 'til." After you ask, "Two seconds 'til what?" he farts in your face.

• Cam Kirkpatrick drives an ice cream truck covered in human skulls.

• When Cam Kirkpatrick sends in his taxes, he sends blank forms and includes only a picture of himself, crouched and ready to attack. Cam Kirkpatrick has not had to pay taxes, ever.

• Who let the dogs out? Cam Kirkpatrick let the dogs out... and then farted on them.

• Cam Kirkpatrick invented Kentucky Fried Chicken's famous secret recipe, with eleven herbs and spices. But nobody ever mentions the twelfth ingredient: Fear.

• Cam Kirkpatrick can win a game of Connect Four in only three moves.

• There is no theory of evolution, just a list of creatures Cam Kirkpatrick allows to live.

• Cam Kirkpatrick once ate three 72 oz. steaks in one hour. He spent the first 45 minutes having sex with his waitress.

• In a fight between Batman and Darth Vader, the winner would be Cam Kirkpatrick.

• Cam Kirkpatrick is the only man to ever defeat a brick wall in a game of tennis.

• Police label anyone smelling Cam Kirkpatrick’s farts as a Code 45-11.... a suicide.

• Cam Kirkpatrick doesn't churn butter. He roundhouse farts near the cows and the butter comes straight out.

• The quickest way to a man's heart is with Cam Kirkpatrick' fist.

• A Handicapped parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to Cam Kirkpatrick and that you will be handicapped if you park there.

• Cam Kirkpatrick will attain statehood in 2009. His state flower will be the Magnolia.

• Nagasaki never had a bomb dropped on it. Cam Kirkpatrick jumped out of a plane and punched the ground.

• Fool me once, shame on you. Fool Cam Kirkpatrick once and he will mess you up.

• The opening scene of the movie "Saving Private Ryan" is loosely based on games of dodgeball Cam Kirkpatrick played in second grade.

• Cam Kirkpatrick once shot down a German fighter plane with his finger, by yelling, "Bang!"

• Cam Kirkpatrick once bet NASA he could survive re-entry without a spacesuit. On July 19th, 1999, a naked Cam Kirkpatrick re-entered the earth's atmosphere, streaking over 14 states and reaching a temperature of 3000 degrees. An embarrassed NASA publicly claimed it was a meteor, and still owes him a beer.

• Cam Kirkpatrick has two speeds: Walk and Kill.

• Contrary to popular belief, America is not a democracy, it is a Camtatorship.

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is based on a true story: Cam Kirkpatrick once swallowed a turtle whole, and when he crapped it out, the turtle was six feet tall and had learned karate.

• Simply by pulling on both ends, Cam Kirkpatrick can stretch diamonds back into coal.

• Cam Kirkpatrick is not hung like a horse... horses are hung like Cam Kirkpatrick.

• Faster than a speeding bullet ... more powerful than a locomotive ... able to leap tall buildings in a single bound... yes, these are some of Cam Kirkpatrick's warm-up exercises.

• Cam Kirkpatrick is the only human being to display the Heisenberg uncertainty principle -- you can never know both exactly where and how quickly he will roundhouse-kick you in the face.

• Cam Kirkpatrick can drink an entire gallon of milk in forty-seven seconds.

• In the Bible, Jesus turned water into wine. But then Cam Kirkpatrick turned that wine into beer.

• Time waits for no man. Unless that man is Cam Kirkpatrick.

• Cam Kirkpatrick discovered a new theory of relativity involving multiple universes in which Cam Kirkpatrick is even more badass than in this one. When it was discovered by Albert Einstein and made public, Cam Kirkpatrick farted in Einstein's face. We know Albert Einstein today as Stephen Hawking.

• In an average living room there are 1,242 objects Cam Kirkpatrick could use to kill you, including the room itself.

• Cam Kirkpatrick does not teabag the ladies. He potato sacks them.

Weekend Fun

What a weekend 50's both days, perfect for riding your ass off. Friday afternoon I spent cutting wood for the Mayhem ride/feed on Sat. After loading the wood onto the trailer I fired up the ol' antique snapper to pull it up into the backyard. Once up there I started to think man that would make and excellent jump, so I grabbed the planks and built a 5ft. jump with an almost perfect roller landing. The jump was fun although I couldn't get anyone else to hit it.

Riding to the Vaud. on Sat. was Teri,Sammy and I pretty non eventfull just a slow putt-putt. I'd say around 30 patrons where in attendece. The first short film "One Got Fat" was totally hilarious, but could possibly scare a youngster from riding his/her bike. I missed the title of the 2nd short film but it too was funny and had everyone in the room laughing. Teri and I have seen the Triplets, so we only stayed until a little after 3pm so we could enjoy the rest of the warm afternoon before the Mayhem ride.

Mayhem ride went good with just Ryan, Sammy and I actually riding. Denmans was in good condition in the moonlight. None of us had lights and we didn't need them with the moon directly above the trail lighting our way. We came out of the woods with big smiles, like three little kids playing hide and seek around the neighborhood at night. Back at the house Teri had started to cut some of the ingredients for the Paella, and kept the fire roaring till us monkeys got back. Once back at the house a few dark beers where opened, then the Paella cooking started. Heather,Jamie, Chris, and Darcey showed up shortly after. Then Lou and Jan stopped by before going to dinner to say hello. We were up till after midnight planning our take over of the world.

Sunday morning (7am) I was meeting Pistol Pete and Lou at Starbucks for b-fast and coffee. After that we headed to Zanzibar to meet the rest of the group. After more coffee we decide that it was just the 4 of us Lou,Andy,Petey, and I. So we start to gather our stuff and in walks Hanser, booze dripping from his forehead as if he was out all night party'n. Now we're off, the day was going to be a gravel grinder but we opted for urban instead with our small group. We headed up Ingersol heading to the Center for some dirt, upon arriving we find that the trail is going to be a little muddy so we bail out at Valley dr. and take the Rabbit trail to Water Works. As we are heading toward downtown I say lets go and hit the wall ride by the little leage diamonds off of Bell ave.

The walls are around 4.5 feet tall a foot wide and 75 yrds. long. The first one has a sharp turn in it about 20feet short of the end. I think Petey and Andy made this one, with Lou and Ryan not attempting. Second wall is pretty much a straight shot, I wish I would have had the camera, cause when I finished I turned and the whole pack was on the wall, would have made a great shot. Petey and Andy cleaned it with Lou wheelie dropping off around the half way mark, so that leaves Ryan, he's past the half way point. At this time I wanted to say something but didn't thinking I would f___ him up, as soon as that thought went through my head Ryan's front tire falls off the wall with Ryan following. HUMAN YARD DART HAS LANDED:) Holy shit I thought he'd broken his collarbone, but he didn't all was good with little pain. After this we tooled around DT, over by Targhetto, the Beaverdale area then we broke for the day. All in all 30 miles of fun. Good Day:)


Peace
Squirrel

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Sat. ride/ Full Moon Mayhem (feed)


Sammy likes a little "Squirrel" with his Paella

Sammy's Paella open fire style:)





Yo mates here’s the smack down for this Sat.

Meet at Rassy's place around 1:15pm to head to the Vaudeville Mews for the movie “The Triplets of Belleville”. Hang out, down a few pints, roll out and tear it up in an Urban Assault on downtown for awhile. Then we’ll me at my place 1208 Walnut St.WDM (time to be determined at the Vaud) to head out for the Full Moon Mayhem ride thru Denmans(no lights if a clear night). Once this is under our belts we’ll shoot back the short distance (6min.) to my place for Sammy’s world renowned Paella meal cooked over an open fire in my backyard. Call (please) me or just show up (if your the procrastinating type)490-6239.

Today's cyclists don't know what tough is. :) Quoting

Read this and this. Now that is hardcore folks. May he rest in peace.

Peace
Squirrel

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

MTBR Passion post

I surf MTBR every morning like some folks pray every day. Read this
My favorite reply below, and if you hold a group ride don't leave anyone behind:)



Cyclists are the biggest sandbaggers and secret trainers around. They'll say anything to soften you up for the kill. Don't let this happen to you. Study this handy rider's phrasebook to find out what they really mean when they say:

"I'm out of shape."
Translation: I ride 400 miles a week and haven't missed a day since the Ford administration. I replace my 11-tooth cog more often than you wash your shorts. My body fat percentage is lower than your mortgage rate.

"I'm not into competition. I'm just riding to stay in shape."
Translation: I will attack until you collapse in the gutter, babbling and whimpering. I will win the sprint if I have to force you into a pine tree. I will crest this hill first if I have to grab your seat post, and spray energy drink in your eyes.

"I'm on my beater bike."
Translation: I had this baby custom-made in Tuscany using Titanium blessed by the Pope. I took it to a wind tunnel and it disappeared. It weighs less than a fart and costs more than a divorce.

"It's not that hilly."
Translation: This climb lasts longer than a presidential campaign. Be careful on the steep sections or you'll fall over -- backward. You have a 39x23 low gear? Here's the name of my knee surgeon.

"This is a no-drop ride."
Translation: I'll need an article of your clothing for the search-and-rescue dogs.

"It's not that far."
Translation: Bring your passport.


Peace
Squirrel

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Testing a new light

This year I finally decided to retire my old Marwi Night Pro Expert (9yrs old)to a back-up light. The new rig I'm testing is a Cygolite. I've had this light for around 2 weeks, been out with it 3 times on one charge with a total burn time of just under 5hrs. so far. Not bad eghy:)


Features:

*Hi-Output Solid State emitter
*Equivalent to 10 watt halogen
*Rechargeable NiMH water bottle battery
*Hi / Low light output settings
*SSR optics (Solid State reflection) for maximum brightness
*Super long runtimes of 6 hours and up
*Detachable Wideview lens
*Remote thumbswitch
*Headlight swivel for better road coverage


I still haven't had this thing long enough for an honest opinion/review, but as of right now it's kick'n ass or I mean kick'n darkness. I really like the bright white light it puts off compared to the blue or yellow of other lights I have. I've yet to detach the wideview lens, weight it, or make sure it goes past the 6hr. mark in a full ride. Although I'm sure it will. The low beam is just that... very low, just enough that a car or person could see you. Thats all for now, I think I'll go and ride my Uni around the shop for awhile.


Today's workout:
lift legs.
ride home from work around 28 to 30 miles depending on route.
go home and wait for tomorrows pain:)

Peace
Squirrel

Sunday, January 08, 2006

Urbana goodness

Hanser working on his skillz.
6 of us (Sammy, Ryan, Bake, Jeff, Jacob and myself) showed up at Rassy's for a very warm ride Sat. afternoon. Woodland Cemetary was the first stop, Hanser has this great idea of a "Fat
Tire Crit" though it. Short, twisty, brick climbs with some fun and fast downhill twisty decents. It does sound fun. From here we ventured into the Sherman Hill area for some climbing, up then down, up then down. What fun:) Then we found a perfect skinny for the novice riders to get on and ride. Its a full block long, 10inches off the ground and around a foot wide. PERFECT. We preceeded to jump off, ride down, or on everything we wanted too. Ended up on 4th street at the Royal Mile for a couple after ride pints, too talk about how we're taking over Iowa with TTF's (technical trial features) and Single track. Upon leaving the Mile, Sammy and Hanser ended up in a pile right infront of everybody on 4th and Court. Totaly helarious. You have to watch out for Sammy after he's had a couple I guess. What a perfect day.

Peace
Squirrel

Friday, January 06, 2006

Training Log

This year I plan on using a training log on a daily basis, something I haven't tried before. I wanted something that I could use on the computer, was pretty detailed, could graph, and was relitively cheap. After searching a few different sites here is what I found and will be using this year http://www.racingbuddy.com/ . This is much better than trying to read my chicken scratches in a notebook:)

Peace
Squirrel

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Urban ride/ Ouachita Challenge

Last night Jacob Naumann and I hit up the urban inner city paved system for some light miles. The night was perfect as the temp was a sweet 37 degrees on our departure. I just couldn't believe it was just us two, although alot of our riding mates are on/in different phases of their training so I'm sure most were on the DEVIL OF THE INDOORS. We saw a few peeps other than that the city was ours. 1.5 hrs of light spinning + good temps= 2lbs off my ass. I've dropped 7lbs since the 1st and have 8 or 9 to go to get back to race weight for the Ouachita. Ride On!

Speaking of the Ouachita Challenge there were 64 spots left in the race as of yesterday and today it's full........ of Iowans:) Thats right 12 of us ( Brian Abbott, Pete Basso , Lance Chase, Dennis Grelk, Jeff Kerkove, Sammy Lopez, Andy Lueck, Matt McCutchen, Jacob Naumann, Todd Cully, Matt Yerke, Brian Pottorff) corn fed cycling freaks are heading to Arkansas:) SWEET:) Someone is looking to score $5oo paper backs for breaking the course record of 4:39:00. Good Luck.

Peace
Squirrel

Sunday, January 01, 2006

FAT CHAMP!! Happy New Year


After 3 months off the bike I've managed to grab the "Fat Champ" title. Thank you, thank you. Now 15 lbs heavier I suspose I should get off my ass and do something about it. I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe eve of getting wasted for the last time in 2005. Time to go log some miles:)

Peace
Squirrel