The Altona Bicycle Enthusiast Society

ThNR Report

2012-02-17T12:21:00.001-06:00

Another ideal evening for our ThNR saw Steve, James, Pole Vaulter, Shaun, Tom, Dan and myself out for some fun and games. We started with some knockdowns at the Ash park where Pastor jerkface “lost his balance” on me, we went on a village visit and then found our way to the nature pond where the ice was extra slippery (thank you helmet) and the snowboard jump was too tempting from some to resist. Steve had the jump dialed in and was in good form. James was feeling brave and built up his confindence enough that he wanted to get some air too. The end result saw him fly over his handlebars in spectacular fashion, breaking his glasses and derailleur in the process. James and Sandra have now both recently broken their glasses at the pond in bike related accidents and are both currently nursing their aches from crashes (car and now bike). At least they’re still grinning and wiggling their fingers and toes. In need of some anesthetic, we headed to the clubhouse where we were joined by David, Albert and Paul B. Minutes inluded: the satalite police are calling, first coyote kill = hat, Road Trip 2012 is gaining interest, Valentines day pathetic gifts (helium balloons?), Shaun tried to explain super novas, Mrs. Wheeler fell, this just in…Wheels from Degrassi died 5 years ago, the Weezer cruise ship, explosion at Line 6 = rings of integrity?, Kettle Valley trail, Safety First switchblades, Nazis From Space, Peru’s Lake Kakapoopoo, using your calculator to text (5318008), underbaked conversational biscuits and the Jets win. Good times. JS

Steve and Dan strategizing at 1 km/h

James doing it right

James doing it wrong

Looking for the lens

Looking for the derailleur

There was talk of a Monday ride. I'm out. Plans changed. Enjoy the long weekend!

Thursday Night Ride

2012-02-15T19:23:00.001-06:00

Weeeeee!

See you at 9

2012 Road Trip

2012-02-14T11:43:00.001-06:00

Ben Klassen is spearheading a bucket-list-worthy group ride for us this summer to one of the top rated cycling routes in the world. The ride will be 300 km’s of breathtaking mountains, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife between Banff and Jasper. Everyone is invited to come on the adventure; Ben, Bruce, Shaun, Jeff and I have already committed to the trip but the more the merrier. Details are slowly coming together but it looks something like this…one day to get there, three days of cycling from Banff to Jasper, two days of extra road riding (or mountain biking, white water rafting, hot springs – like I said, details are coming together), then one day to get back home. We will take turns riding a SAG vehicle to tote our supplies from campsite to campsite. We’ll leave July 3 or 4 and return July 10 or 11. How sweet is that!?! JS

ThNR Report

2012-02-10T12:16:00.002-06:00

James, Ike, David, Shaun, Curt, Mike, Duke, Charles and I were ready to ride but we also got a pleasant surprise. Curt and Mike had already driven to the snowmobilers warm-up shack near buffalo creek to start a fire and drop off refreshments so our route for the night was looking good. It was comforting to know a fire was awaiting us as the north wind was howling in our faces as we pedalled down the creek. Duke was riding his super-sweet new Jamis cross/touring bike from Back Alley Cycle that looks like it actually fits him. Charles had two headers navigating the creek shore, James had a nice, safe spill, Ike finally got his cross tires, the shack was a deluxe refuge and the wind pushed us back to our clubhouse. Minutes include: Shaun hurt his gooch, Mike studded the tires on his mini-bike to pull his kids on GT racers on the creek, The Beachcombers (using a canoe), another ABE is getting snipped, An Idiot Abroad, VPN’s, manscaping, UNC blows it against Duke, the Describe Channel, Mormons are so “in” right now, Sandra D crashed her car on the highway, Morris is a dirty town, the Altona Segway couple, and the Jets win in ridiculous fashion. A special ABES thank-you to Curt and Mike for prepping the shack and to BAC for providing refreshments. Good times.

Anybody interested in a Sunday morning ride? The weather is supposed to warm up and I have a route mapped out ~~East~~ West of Morden (we’ll drive there) that includes hills, cement, gravel and lunch. Phone or post a comment if you want to come. JS

ThNR

2012-02-08T20:23:00.001-06:00

Decisions, decisions…Buffalo creek north, town tour or Moto Park X for some big and little laps. We’ll decide in the kitchen at ABES headquarters. See you at 9.

Alter call - who’s going to be our next alleycat race coordinator? It's time. JS

Creek Pictures

2012-02-04T21:06:00.002-06:00

James joined Cheryl and I as we enjoyed a warm afternoon on the creek - ice conditions were good. The creek is a great place to be these days.

James about to get bucked over his bars

TJ hooker roll skills save the day

ThNR Report

2012-02-03T16:01:00.001-06:00

Charles, Bruce, Curt, Albert, Ike, James, Paul W, Shaun, Dan, Steve and I rode the creek starting at the NW corner of town and went south for several miles. The conditions on the ice were great and a bright moon with a full moon dog was a bonus. Riding the creek is a goood way to feel dissoriented, get a new perspective of the prairies, slog through drifts and reeds and have a F’n awesome time. We took the gravel roads back to the clubhouse where Bruce won the sprint with Charles taking the silver. Duke and David joined us for the meeting where minutes included: summer road ride-a-thon, ABES spring road/mountain camping weekend, my new rusty fork is perfect – my quick release is troublesome, throngs of Jets fans in Tampa Bay as the Jets win, Shaun has not smoked 2300+ cigarettes and continues to be ornery, Sam Gagner gets 4 goals, 4 assists in an 8-4 win - named 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd star of the game, new bikes a’comin: Bruce’s 52” wheel unicycle, Curt’s 48” wheel pennyfarthing, and Duke’s Jamis Aurora Elite, Barn Cross goodness included beer time bonuses, the whoops (oh shit oh shit oh shit), jumps, crashes and riding crops, “two-spirited” (not a religious thing), popcorn farts, San Jose is broke, Niakwa burgers (could be a religious thing), and Ike is still a trooper. Good times. JS

Sweet Cheryl Koop and I are going to try to cycle to Rosenfeld via the creek Saturday at 1pm. Feel free to join us. Post or call if you're coming.

Best winter ever. JS

ThNR

2012-02-01T21:22:00.000-06:00

It's Groundhog day this Thursday and that makes me think of Bill Murray which makes me happy. So WWBMD? I have no idea. I'd guess something funny. I suggest we do something memorable - a return trip to the creek, go south a couple of miles to Altbergthal, then over to the MotoX park for a big lap and a little lap. See you at 9.

Barn Cross Photo's

2012-01-29T21:19:00.000-06:00

Curt, Charles, Ben, Albert, Gavin, Cheryl, and I enjoyed ourselves riding bike in a barn. Thanks for the good times FGRR. You guys know how to do it right. JS

ThNR Report

2012-01-27T21:45:00.004-06:00

Gavin, Ike, Dan, James, David, Ben, Shaun, Myron, Curt, Steven and I gathered at HQ and decided to test our skills with a night ride on the creek. We made our way to Buffalo creek and rode north. The open ice was trecherous but the snow covered sections were fun and ridable. We cycled north until we ran out of snow to ride on, then hightailed it back to town on a gravel road. It was a fun and challenging ride – defenitley worth repeating. Ike wore warmer clothes this week but his slick road tires must have been a challenge on the creek. He’s a trooper. We gathered at the clubhouse where we were joined by Giles and Paul B. The minute taker was feeling lazy. We talked about many things. Often very funny things. You should have been there. Good times. JS

File photo of Giles at Steve's birthday party toast

I’m still in need of a bike rack for Barn Cross. Anyone?

Thursday Night RIde

2012-01-25T12:25:00.004-06:00

Thursday Night Ride – meet at my place at 9:00.

There has been talk of a creek ride.

Reminder – Barn Cross is on Sunday. This will be history in the making. If you like good times you should plan on being there.

Does anybody have a bike rack I could use on Sunday; either a hitch (1¼”) or a strap-on (giggle)?

Thursday Night Ride Report

2012-01-20T12:09:00.001-06:00

Albert, Curt, James, Shaun, Steven, Gavin, Duke, myself and ABES newbie Ike were out for a ride. With the cold weather, I was hopeful that we would go straight to the clubhouse and skip the ride portion but everybody seemed ready to ride so stupid/awesome peer pressure led me to my bike. Ike heeded my suggestion on the blog not to ride but the change of plans left him underdressed with sneakers and jeans for the coldest night of the year. He stuck it out for the ride and was using his recent Kijiji purchase - a Mykado road bike with slick tires - nice. Curt was also sporting a new bike last night – an Opus Phast carbon 29er – very nice. Clubhouse minutes include: Barn Cross – Manitoba Indoor Cyclocross Championship - this will be stupid fun good times and everybody is invited, ThNCreek ride, clydesdale physics v physeeks, CBC’s This Is That – stealing American wind, no nicotine = RAGE, Shaun has cut his smoking down from a pack+ a day to 6.5 cigarettes = trip to Thailand, Steve recommends Beerfest, Curt was taken down by a blown hose at a local fire, taking care of trim, Duke is making me a shirt, David visited Jim Morrisons grave in Paris, the Doug Wall post-pounding legacy = new helmet laws, stalking Shaun, the Toews men have superhuman strength, and the Jets win. Good times.

Anybody interested in a Sunday morning gravel road ride? JS

Get On Your Bikes And Ride!

2012-01-18T20:53:00.000-06:00

Every day this week has been the the coldest day of winter. Good thing there's cycling. And a warm clubhouse. See you Thursday at 9:00. JS

Weekend Reports

2012-01-15T22:41:00.000-06:00

It was a busy weekend of bikey goodness. On Saturday Dan, Charles and I tried to navigate the creek. The ice was stupid slippery, but we were stupider. We rode for 3.5 hours and rode as fast as we could - about 5 km/h. I stopped counting full-out spills at about a dozen, Dan had even more than I did and Charles was the steadiest on his fat tires and studs. There were ridable sections when enough snow drifted for traction, but there were rolling mounds of ice that were hard to see until you were sliding down on your ass. We came upon a private motocross track that had a sweet layout (future race), Charles brought everybody hot chocolate, exploring on bike is fun, and the burgers were burger flavored. Good times.

Charles submitted these photos...

Sunday was race day at the MotoX track. With 7 racers, everybody medalled in either the 4, 3, 2 or 1 lap race. The course was in good condition and it was fun to get back and ride out there again. Thanks for the race David.

Cheryl took these pictures...

Sunday race!

2012-01-13T18:05:00.000-06:00

Before reading this please check out the previous post. Sorry for over-posting JS.

So I checked out the Moto Park X this afternoon and have good news...its raceable! The track is fairly hard and not too rutty. A little bit of pebbly stuff here and there but all and all was able to ride it no problem.

The majority of the track looks like this

The worst of the snow - only a couple of inches

So here are the details. Meet at the Moto Park X at 1 Pm. We'll have a warm up lap (if needed) and then race. Choose your laps. 1 lap race and a 3 lapper? 1, 2 and 3? We'll decide then.

DS

Thursday Night Ride Report

2012-01-13T16:54:00.002-06:00

Ben, Chaz, James, Steven, Gavin, Shaun, Duke and I rode on the first really cold Thursday Night Ride of winter. It was one of the more playful rides that we’ve had in a long time. Riding over snow piles, cutting through drifts, swerving on off-camber slopes, and knockdowns that escalated to included hand play - it was good fun but we quit before it got ugly. It was a fun night of playing. Eventually we found our way to the clubhouse where we were joined by Tom, and Thomas. the minutes include: Tom’s commie playing cards with slogans like “Submit to rigorous military training!”, Sunday’s cross race venue ideas, a one lap cross race?!, getting the snip stories, punk bikers, Laz-e-boy on skiis, Manitoba paranoia with weather, Hilarious House of Frankenstein, Chad Vader, haircut names, Steven windsurfing across the fields on an ironing board from MCC, Thomas is not a hipster, Princess Margaret School (PMS mascots), converting/raping, locked up abroad V locked up a broad, Death Star cafeteria, Duke remenisced about his La Paz Bolivia prison tour - no mas pujol, Bruce is teaching the local Brigades how to unicycle, notable song from the jukebox: Run DMC – It’s like that. Steve stumbled in after the Jets game, and as most people were getting ready to leave, DSwank rolled in and enjoyed a few rounds with the remaining enthusiasts. Good times.

I think everybody fell at least once

I miss that wanker

Indeed

Gavin and Steve were the most daring

Next up: We’ll see how far south we can ride Buffalo creek - Saturday, 9:30 at my place. Confirm your attendance with a comment or phone call. Is anybody able to drive us home or away?

B-B-BRRR Winter Classic

2012-01-13T14:24:00.001-06:00

This looks like it could be (more than likely WILL be) a lot of fun. We visited the friendly folks over at Great Northern Bicycle Co. in Fargo last Spring Break and they run an awesome shop there. I can only imagine that they host an equally amazing bike race.

(Apologies to the MIT for stealing all the info off their blog!)

Make sure to check out the info (and pics from last year) at great Northern's blog...

http://www.fmsaddlesource.blogspot.com/

Thursday Night, Saturday Morning and Sunday Afternoon

2012-01-10T21:36:00.000-06:00

Thursday Night Ride - my place at 9.

To add to the local cycling options…I had intended on taking a leisurely and lengthy creek ride on Saturday morning. I can’t seem to get enough of the creek rides; the adventure and the new terrain are exciting (and slightly scary).

I suggest we start from Neuhorst and cycle our way north along the creek to highway 201 then go straight to Niakwa Pizza for the best burgers in town. Let me know if your interested. We’ll meet at my place at 9:30.

DSwat made the call for a cross race this Sunday. Sounds good. Very good in fact. More details are coming?

Go ABES!

A friendly race anyone?

2012-01-09T17:34:00.001-06:00

Remember how excited Ben was about racing? And winning five bucks?

I've been a bad ABE so far this year. Missing last weeks ThNR was a good choice, albeit a difficult one. For those of you who don't suffer from occasional insomnia it might be impossible to encourage missing such a beautiful night for riding. For those of you who do you're probably nodding your head in quiet agreement. And this week is no better...working Thursday night (please be at the bar past midnight so I can at least drink beer with you!)

So what do I propose? A race! Temperatures are dipping mid-week but the weekend forecast looks good. Sunday afternoon anyone? Maybe, 1:30ish? It was duly noted that this might interfere with the Athena Sunday ride. "NAY", I say! Interfere never, only supplement. The ladies can still go about their usual Sunday frivolity. We'll head off to the Park to try our hand at the Southern Cross course before it gets snowed under (if that ever happens) and afterwards the hardy ladies of Altona can cycle and hang at the publican to their hearts content.

So race? This Sunday? 1:30? Let me know what you think....

DS

Up A Creek Report

2012-01-07T16:47:00.001-06:00

I thought I'd be riding with Dan, Albert, Shaun and maybe Steven. Turns out that none of them were able to make it and it was Curt and I that were lucky enough to explore our way up the creek this morning. I wasn't sure it would be doable but Curt and I peddled and slipped (6 falls for Curt, 2 for me) our way to St. Poutine (possibly my favorite Saint). We were both psyched to be able to ride it. It was a great day with favorable weather and ice conditions. It took us 3 hours and 20 minutes at a VERY reasonable pace. Perennial good guy Jonny G came to drink a Caesar with us and drive us home. Thanks J Bro. Good times.

Hidden away on the creek

Culvert crossing with windmills in the distance

The payoff - poutine and Caesars with pickles - classy

Thursday Night Ride Report

2012-01-06T12:16:00.001-06:00

There was a large contingent of ABES on hand last night: Pole Vaulter, Duke, Douche Bag, James, Albert, Steve, Chaz, Dan, Steven, Tom and I enjoyed riding in spring like temperatures. At 9 pm it was an amazing + 6 degrees. It was still + 2 when I got home at 1 am. Weird. Our ride took us around the edges of town, we attempted to ride on the pond but were scared off by the slick, wet conditions, then we zipped through the SC course before retiring to the clubhouse. Minutes include: the Swedish chef wins gold – bork bork bork, cycling to the south pole, the Grand Prix results, cool ABES wives, Italian sounding bike names (Norcoli), Cooperall hockey long pants, Freddie Mercury sound/look-alike, holidays = more craps, Dukes sweet homemade shirt, Tom is getting drunk this summer, silkscreen options at Miller, wooden fenders, paying for beer is expensive (versus free), Dwad Suckockzky was absent and was mocked accordingly, glow bikes, A-HA (take on me), and Cerebral Paulsy. Good times. JS

Thursday Night Ride

2012-01-04T21:50:00.001-06:00

Let's ride bicycle - my place at 9.

That noise? It's opportunity a knockin. If you're up for some fun and adventure, join me for a weekend ride that will take us from Rocktona to St. Jean via Buffalo creek. We’ll squiggle our way down the creek then devour a plate of poutine and sip hot chocolate* at Bistro 758. We’ll leave this Saturday at 9:30. Let me know if you're interested (or willing to meet us). It should be a good time.

Wednesday Video

2012-01-04T12:17:00.001-06:00

I know it's not bike related but it is awesome related. If you like having your mind blown, check out skateboarder/super-freek, Rodney Mullen do his thang...

New Years Eve Ride Report

2012-01-01T15:00:00.000-06:00

Dan, Matt, Albert, Patrick, Jonny G and I met to ride the creek. We started at Altbergthal and rode North. The conditions were ideal and the ice was tacky from the freezing rain. We were joined shortly by a friendly dog who did a good job of holding his line and knowing when to go home. Super cool wife of the day goes to Sarah Falk who was called mid-ride to meet us for a beer drop-off. Thanks Sarah - you did the right thing. We also met Tom who was enjoying his studded tires on the crick. We rode north until Patrick tried to ride over a beaver damn and landed on his chin. Dam beavers indeed. Riding on the ice is both fun and slightly scary; new adventures are great but YOU go first. Good ride boys. JS

Thursday Night Ride Report

2011-12-30T12:43:00.000-06:00

The last Thursday Night Ride of 2011 saw James, Shaun, Steven, Gavin, Steve, Dan, Duke and I spin around town. Shaun revealed his new bike – a Surly cross-check with custom bar wraps made of materials that Shaun hand-made and wrapped himself; brain tanned deer hide (really) weaved with strips of leather jacket that belonged to his grandpa - brilliant! After we ooed and awed at his shiney new bike and ingenuity, we graciously agreeing to drink Dan’s last 8 FG Rouge (8 beers + 8 ABES = a Christmas miracle!), then around town and out to the Altona cemetary for some fun mini-track action. We rode to the top of the hill, confirmed that the ice on the pond was still slippery and retired at the clubhouse where we were joined by David who didn’t ride due to a tummy ache. Minutes include: gas powered blenders, Dancing Dave (Gabe’s protégé), drinkify, The Wolfsburg Grizzly Adams hockey team, new music sources, Wii games and AC/DC, a freak on the wall, bike pulls, Jets win in OT, triple-rider tall bike, new bike carriers (that don’t drop bikes), buying the wrong glasses, junkyard cross, and washing dishes V clubhouse meetings. Good times. JS

I think a New years eve ride would be a good idea. We should meet at my place at 1pm and see what gives. Options: Southern Cross revisited, Altona cemetary races, Altona Moto Cross 10, gravel road exploration, or a Buffalo creek ride. Post your preference or just show up and let peer pressure be your guide. This snow should make riding the creek more enjoyable so that’s my vote – I’d even try riding it all the way to St. Jean for poutine if we can arrange a ride home.

Thursday Night Ride

2011-12-29T17:32:00.002-06:00

Of course we're riding. Meet at my place at 9:00. JS

Merry Christmas to ME!

2011-12-26T22:13:00.000-06:00

Good news - my camera was found and returned. Barb Bergen found my camera, made some connections and called to tell me the good news. Small town goodness abides. Oh happy day. This means I can share some photos from Saturday's Buffalo creek ride. I also discovered my jackets pocket zipper is broken which explains the lost camera.

Barb cheers for small town kindness

This creek crossing included cement coffin lids - creepy.

Dan makes his way under the road

Finding snow was essential

Crack and hump on the ice (twss)

Finding our way back to the creek

Today I found a bit of free time to explore more creek passes. The warm weather made for less snow/traction, and more water on top of the ice. Falling would be a bad idea and I took it extra easy - I walked when it looked extra slick.

Buffalo creek at the 201

Altbergthal

Taking a horse for a walk. Yes you are.

I heard that Albert, Dan, Paul, Matt and Patrick did some sniffing on the creek today as well. This weather is nuts. Get out and explore ya'll. JS

Merry Christmas Fool!

2011-12-25T11:11:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas brothers and sisters and happy birthday Santa! I hope you all got some sweet cycling goodies and are enjoying time with loved ones.

Yesterday Dan and I sniffed out Buffalo creek and we were able to ride to the bridge near Rosenfeld. We skirted the edge of the creek to find some snow/traction. I fell down about 5 times and have sore legs today. I encourage you all to take advantage of this weather and sniff out any creek you can - it's beautiful and makes you feel like a bad-ass. I also lost my *bleep*ing camera somewhere between the 4H horse stables and Niakwa Pizza (best burgers in Altona). I'm hoping a good samaritan sees the cool pictures of pastor Dan riding on the creek and returns them in exchange for a clear conscience and some good karma. JS

ThNR Report

2011-12-23T21:31:00.003-06:00

Steven, James, W, DB, Tom, Dan, Bruce, and I went for a spin around town. We finally had a chance to use our knockdown skillz at the pond but it was more of a falldown – nobody could stay up on the freshly cleared ice with several riders hitting the ice hard. We had more fun on the part of the pond that still had snow. James was the champ as he b-slapped everybody, knocking people over like a bull (bully). My only hope was to blind people with my light, but it did little good. On our way back to the clubhouse we scouted out piles of snow to scramble over. Steven had a gracefull endo and Bruce easily raced over but flated in the process; good thing he owns a bike shop that was only three blocks away. We made our way to the clubhouse where we were joined by Duke, David and one time ABE of the year candidate Steve B – the prodigal ABE started the year so strong but has gone astray in November/December. We have hope that Bruiser will return to his former glory and find his way back to the fold. The clubhouse was not as packed as I feared but there were approximately 30 dudes milling about when we got there – unfortunatley for them there were no women to be seen. None. There was an actual ovation when the first woman finally joined the ranks of the rank. Minutes at the clubhouse are skimpy as I relied on my sketchy beer laden memory. Minutes I do “remember”: plaid bicycle clips, sound-surround and mob-flash, swallowing V spitting (wine), a taste of chili V Chile, reclaiming garbage summer project, Windygates Christmas break road ride (TBA), Myron was drinking free beer all night because he's a good guy - he also bought jerky and chips for the meeting because he's a good guy, best concert ever: Garth Brookes and Cher – believe it, talented hipsters, warm knees are happy knees, and shaving the stache off the ABES logo is long overdue.

There will be a Saturday morning Buffalo Creek ride. We'll scout out the creek and ride wherever we want. Meet at my place at 9:30 and we'll finish with a nice warm brunch.

Good times. JS

Thursday Night Ride

2011-12-20T12:03:00.000-06:00

Meet at my place at 9.

During the pre-Christmas week, the clubhouse is sure to be crowded, loud and full of horny university students home for free food and clean laundry. We’ll ride but we may need a warm garage, bike shop or barn to have our meeting. Any offers? JS

Gravel Report. Teemu is still awesome.

2011-12-19T23:08:00.001-06:00

Dan and I carved out a morning of bikes and brunch last Saturday. Compared to the previous gravel rides, this one was a dream. Crystal drove us to Stinkler and we cycled back. The wind pushed us from the WNW and the 150 (?) foot decent over 38 kms was not noticable - but didn’t hurt. Central Manitoba hills are very subtle. Wind aided and downhill is my new favorite way to ride bike. We rode a nice route along the crick. They may have been cheater miles but they were good times non the less.

No pictures to add to the report – happy birthday mom!

Speaking of good times - the Jets V Selanne game was not good – it was perfect. The Jets won, Temmu is still awesome and loved by anybody who knows anything about anything, post game beers and nachos were deluxe and David didn’t give my ticket away out of spite. It all worked out very nicely.

Duke took these pics...

ThNR Report

2011-12-16T18:46:00.002-06:00

It was a cold night but we had a good turnout for the ThNR - Tom, Pole Vaulter, Gavin, Duke, Chaz, Steve, Shaun, James, Curt, Dan and I were in attendance. Derrick sent his regrets. We rode about our fair hamlet like we do. David met us at the clubhouse where the minutes included: Paul's new Redline, Christmas concerts, Chaz visited Angry Catfish, Shaun's about to build up a Surly cross-check, the Abe Lincoln movies (Daniel Day Lewis and Vampire versions), the "Is Santa real?" discussion, MTS hatred, David's red Vette (chevette), Teemu V The Jets this Saturday!, Dyck-wrap, It's business time, the Schwinn fixie project, MEC ice bike race, ~~David wear panties?~~, and double sided urinal troughs. Good times. JS

Apparently my camera card was full so no pictures of the ThNR this week but here's the last picture I was able to take - Happy birthday mom!

Dan and I are riding tomorrow morning. There is room for two more dudes. Brunch will be served in Rocktona. Should be fun. JS

ThNR

2011-12-15T10:47:00.000-06:00

That's hilarious. Brown shoes with jeans! HAHAHA

We should meet at my place tonight at 9pm and ride our bikes around town. Maybe we could go somewhere for a drink after the ride. Sounds like fun. See you tonight. JS

Think about it...

2011-12-14T17:52:00.000-06:00

The weather continues to kick ass and we should too. Is anybody up for a SATURDAY morning gravel road ride? Meet at my place at 9:30 and we'll ride for 2 hours'ish on the best gravel and dirt roads we can find, then conclude with brunch. Let the warm food and hot coffee be your motivation and reward. Let me know if you plan to ride. JS

The Conversation

2011-12-13T21:24:00.001-06:00

Take this as you will but its as close a rendition (based on emails and general attitude) of Johnny's attitude towards the "St. Jean Incident"...

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/12814663/the-conversation

I also have one extra ticket for this Saturday's Jets game vs. Anaheim. It was Johnny's. Let me know who wants it.

Cycling Explained

2011-12-13T11:55:00.002-06:00

Via the interwebs...

I don't think we have any ABES thinner than a heroin addict on a crash diet do we? We're more of the clydesdales crowd. JS

Gravel and Eggs Report

2011-12-12T20:01:00.000-06:00

Steven, Paul and I met to cycle the back roads to Morris for brunch. The forecast indicated we were going to have a tailwind but mother-nature laughed at our plans and gave us a headwind instead. The mild weather made the gravel slightly tacky so it sprayed anybody trying to draft – it was both comical and annoying. As we approached highway 14, Steven’s derailleur hanger snapped off, jumped into his wheel and broke a spoke. I assume this was either the residual effects of last week’s ugly incident, or Steven has such wicked strong legs that he torqued the life out of his bike. In either case it sucked, (I’m still sorry), and he needed to be rescued by Sandra. We continued on with Paul leading the way like a stud - it’s like he rides gravel roads and windy conditions all the time or something. We made it to Morris for some weak coffee, medium steak and eggs and eventually, warm toes. Marguerite gave us an incident free ride home - which was nice. If my funky mojo hasn't scared anybody off we should do this again next week. JS

That's bad.

DB trying his darndest

Morris is in sight

MemoryCat report

2011-12-10T14:17:00.001-06:00

Thursday saw the ABES riders return to racing. It'd been awhile since we'd pitted ourselves against each other and the chilly temps and biting winds weren't enough to dissuade 8 brave souls. The bitter cold was a great inspiration for the MemoryCat. No pens, no lights, just a rider and his bike. And hopefully the brainpower to remember what they saw.

No more details about the actual race since I'll be re-running this baby on Sunday for the Athena ladies. So check back for Sandra's perspective (she's a better wordsmith than me anyways).

Race results are as follows...

1. Steven   25:27 - 25:00 (memory bonuses) = 00:27

2. James    31:34 - 25:00 = 6:34

3. Shaun    25:53 - 17:00 = 8:53

4. Johnny    24:25 - 13:00 = 11:25

5. Ben      29:46 - 17:00 = 12:46

6. Paul W.   31:39 - 17:00 = 14:39

7. Gavin    29:29 - 12:00 = 17:29

8. Albert   31:59 - 13:00 = 18:59

Steven took home $30 for the win and James $10 for the podium finish. Actually Steven took home nothing since he graciously bought a round with his winnings. Class act.

Lots of things were discussed that night (the race was short) but I lost my notes and can't remember. Post your comments/reminiscences below.

Gravel and Eggs

2011-12-09T22:03:00.001-06:00

A Sunday morning gravel road ride sounds like a good idea and the weather looks promising. I’m not promising the experience will be good but I need to get back on the horse. I’m hoping the horse doesn’t fall on top my friends horses and makes it home without a flat (you know what I mean). Poutine deux is a possibility or we could extend the trip slightly and have steak and eggs at Burke’s Dinner in Morris. Post your druthers brothers. JS

Thursday Night Alleycat!

2011-12-06T22:15:00.001-06:00

It's been awhile since we competed against each other. So Thursday we'll get back to our racing ways with an alleycat. The name of said alleycat? Can't tell you. All you need to know are the three things required for this race: you, your bike and five bucks. No pens, no chalkboards, no lights, no bustiers. Those three things. Although it will be kinda cool so warm clothing (and always a helmet!) are suggested.

9 PM at Johnny's, see you there!

TdStJB Report

2011-12-05T21:34:00.001-06:00

The Tour de St Jean Babtiste was a memorable one – for all the right and wrong reasons. David, Steven and I enjoyed our Sunday morning gravel and dirt ride. We were all warm enough, sometimes too warm although I did need to use some of Steven's hotpads for my feet. The roads were in good to excellent condition and we kept a sensible pace for a two hour pedal to the promised land of curds and gravy. The poutine was great - mine included sausage, fried onions and bacon. Bistro 758 was a pleasant surprise for all newcomers and worthy of a do-over. We could have biked home but our goal was to eat a plateful of comfy fries and not confict with the Athena SAR. We were met by our families (minus Carr et al – sorry) for lunch and to get a ride home.

Steven and my clan loaded up the bikes on my car and I decided to take the gravel roads home to retrace our steps and to look for better lanes for future rides. I should have skipped this idea and taken the highway home – I know this now but isnt there something about taking the roads less traveled and being open to adventure or something?! Anywho – on our way back there was a dip in the road that I slowed down for, but apparently not enough when you have a bike rack. Four of the six straps holding the rack on the car ripped and to my horror when I looked in the rearview mirror I saw three bikes falling to the dirt road behind me. OH SHIT. The bikes had some bent brake levers, scrapped paint, and a broken spoke or two but all in all we came out ok (future reports may prove otherwise). Steven and I untangled the heap of bikes, tied knots in all the straps, reloaded the bikes and continued home. A few minutes later the car was making funny noises that I first attributed to the dirt road but soon realized was a flat tire. Shitty. So we had to unload/load the bikes so we could change the tire and limp home – this time on the highway. Having Steven in the car with my family did add to the embarrassment level but he did help diffuse a tense situation and help me with the agonizing loading/salvaging/loading/unloading/changing a tire/loading duties. In summary: the ride was great, the food was great, I’m sorry about your bikes, and I need a bike hitch. Good times followed by less than good times. JS

Flat tire photo. No shots of the bikes carnage.
I wasn't in the mood for documentation.

Movember Finale / ThNR Report

2011-12-02T12:04:00.001-06:00

The lure of free sunflower seeds was too much for hairy, cycling mennonites to resist as it lured a healthy number of riders out for the Thursday night ride. DB, James, W, Tom, Duke, Gavin, Steven, Chaz, Curt, Steve, Albert and myself started our ride with an unsuccessful intervention at Schiesse’s place followed by a raft check and a spin to the usual corners. We retired to the clubhouse where we were joined by Paul B. Movember is done and our moustache contest was no contest at all – Steven Wiebe was the manliest of men and took the win, the honor of the Tom Selleck award with his enviable display of virility. Tom took the Dapper Dan award with his Gable’esque flair, and Gavin would have won the draw for the bag of seeds if he didn’t have to leave to take care of screaming children. David ended up winning the zote but pastor dipshit Dan couldn’t keep his gruppy paws off Dswats bag and blew his seeds all over the table (welcome back Dan). Other minutes included: flipping cars over is easy (physics n shit), the Hitler/Micheal Jordan stache, our server took a grenade to save the bar from an annoying intruder, youwannafuckarou?, stroking the stache, I F’n wiped out on my GD SOB MF bike again F (I’m still pissed – sorry JC), fashion V faciest statements, James welds new drops on his single speed (impressive), wildly V mildy innapropriate, practical jokes with dead squirrels gone wrong/horribly right, taking dictation, holocost rings, and possible developments in the ABES PR department. Good times. JS

Tour de St. Jean - Sunday

Is anybody interested in joining David and I for a gravel road ride to St. Jean? Bistro 758 serves the finest poutine in the province. Aside from the traditional ingredients, one may top their fare with almost anything available at the restaruant (pepperoni, bacon, ham, chicken fingers, fried onions, mushrooms, peppers, sausage, etc, etc, etc). And while we’re there we might explore the quad trails along the river. The full bellied return trip will be of the motorized variety so enjoy the ride and eat up! Arrangements need to be made so post a comment if you’d like to celebrate the daring and the decadence of life. We leave from ABES headquarters at 10:30. What say ye good fellows?

Thursday Night Ride

2011-11-30T16:36:00.001-06:00

Movember is drawing to a close. Our mustaches have been groomed and our wives have been patient. ABES have produced some striking staches, some that need more time to nurture into greatness and those that would only benefit from Ronco’s hair spray. I was getting used to seeing everybody stachified – it’s been fun. Please don’t shave until we can celebrate our mustachioed finale this Thursday night. All Movemberites in attendance will be entered to win the largest bag of zote available from our good friends at Ronnie’s Jumbo Seeds. JS

Smart trips video

2011-11-29T00:54:00.001-06:00

Here's a video about some Winnipeg groups doing their hippy best.

Smart Trips from Sustainable South Osborne on Vimeo.

Bottom line: ride your bike. It's all good.

Thursday Night Ride Report

2011-11-25T12:01:00.001-06:00

David, Curt, W, Albert, Gavin, Steven, James and I met up for a ride. The weather remained pleasant and the streets ice free – no riders fell this week and it was all good as we rode the perimeter a couple of times. We were met by Steve, Giles, Myron, and Paul B at the clubhouse where we were greeted by our new bike club sign hanging on the wall. It is beautiful. The minutes are skimpy this week because I was too busy grinning and staring at that marvelous sign of ours. The minutes I do have: hot pepperoni sausage party, W is getting a new Redline cross bike, Bombers rule, BC sucks, James flew to Mexico for a day, famous Flemings, the new $100 bill, Steve turned 28 – ate lasagna, Dan Merino wool, everybody loves (to hate) Nickelback, David is keen on glutton cross, Steven maintains the yellow jersey with his impressive stache, Life in Technicolour 2 video, Albert “the first one is free” Falk donated a pack of found cigarettes to the club, and did I mention our new sign at the clubhouse? It’s fantastic! Good times. JS

So lush

Waiting for something?

Stachers for life

$100 beard remover

Happy birthday Steve

Derricks new ride.
It's only a good bike if you RIDE IT.

The waiting is the hardest part - Tom Petty

I’m looking forward to the Grey cup like I used to look forward to Christmas (which really meant presents). Sunday will be a nervous day. A noon kick-off would be perfect, but waiting until 5:30 will be torturous. I’m too impatient; I’ll need something to do to keep me preoccupied. Is anybody interested in a Sunday afternoon ride? Meet at my place at 1:00 – I need to be home by 3:00 so sweet Cheryl Koop can join the other local bike goddesses for their weekly jaunt.

GO BOMBERS!!

Thursday Night Ride

2011-11-23T18:45:00.001-06:00

I'm loving this weather. It should be a great night for a ride, the grand unveiling and pepperoni sticks. See you at my place at 9:00. JS

ABES Clubhouse News

2011-11-22T19:05:00.001-06:00

The Department of Clubhouse Beautification will present its latest and greatest (and yes, it's only) creation this Thursday. Get ready to ooh, aah and bask in ABES'ness while we enjoy complimentary pepperoni sticks!

Let's be careful out there

2011-11-21T11:43:00.001-06:00

There are a few fears I have when it comes to riding bike. These fears include getting my fingers mangled in the chain/cog of a fixed gear bike, nutting myself on the crossbar, and having my jersey split open by too much guttage. Another of my fears came to pass on Sunday. I was riding bike to Duke’s to watch the Bomber game when I popped up my front wheel to get over a curb. My front end nosedived and I crumpled in a heap on the cement as my front wheel rolled away for another 50 feet. It hurt - and just as worse, there were witnesses. My ribs took a punch from my handlebars but don’t really hurt as long as I don’t move or breath. They say you should always do a pre-ride bike check which I generally don’t do – I simply get on my bike and go. People say I should do a lot of things. I ignore most of their sage advice because I’m either stubborn, lazy or have a short attention span - I wish there were better options. I won’t bother giving you any advice. Do what you want. This tale can either be cautionary, amusing, neither or both. Watching the Bombers win was sweet, sweet medicine (did I see RRR’s Larry on TV wearing a sweet Matt Dunigan jersey?). I’ll probably check that my wheels are secure the next 10 times then forget about it the next 1000 times - did I mention short attention span? GO BOMBERS! JS

ThNR Report

2011-11-18T15:37:00.001-06:00

Curt, Dan, David, Duke, Tom, Albert, Steven and I enjoyed a snowy ride around town. I love making tracks in freshly fallen snow and quietly rolling along makes me happy. Riding in first snowfall with a group ride was great. The wind was blowing so we would occasionally chill half our face at a time, and the extra facial hair made for some lovely ice catchers. With the fresh snow and the fact that Curt and I were still riding slick tires, falling seemed inevitable and bets were taken as to how many times people were going to fall on the ride. Most of us had some sketchy moments, but it was Albert who was the first casualty when he endoed on the hill as were riding the southern cross course. Curt took second when he fell as he sped home to assist on an EMS call (ironic?). We eventually made our way to the clubhouse where we were joined by Steve. The staches are looking so good, which is to say so bad. Steven is wearing the yellow jersey thus far with Steve taking dfl this week (Paul B we need your chemo-stach back). Minutes included: ways to keep warm at a Bomber game – baked potatoes in the jacket (eat them at halftime) and Myron suggested Kommst borscht in a waterbottle, Steven will receive a new ABES jersey thanks to dumb-dumb Lorne, American Aleve is the best (especially the liquid shots taken with redbull), Ms. Gretzky is puurty, Schiesse is getting a new Opus Stern, new-bike theorists were speculating, magic marker eyebrows/Romulans, Altona Curling Club team of the week featured team Albert, ABES mission statement – in a latin/plautdietsch, Movie Haven presents ABES Rider of the Week – winner to receive a free three-day movie rental (Short Circuit 2 perhaps?), drotasel (aka wire donkey - aka bicycle - aka bike jackass), and an interesting story of Dorothy, Toto and the three wise men. Good times. JS

Thursday Night Ride

2011-11-15T21:59:00.001-06:00

We’ve just had the best summer conditions that I can remember. An early spring, minimal skeeters, dry, hot weather and perfect fall conditions. But to be fair my memory is porous and tends to bend the facts to protect my ego - but that’s how I sees it. Unfortunately this glorious weather is coming to an end. It’s not the freeze your teets off cold yet, but it’s cooled off. One of the most important aspects of cycling in cold weather is proper clothing. This usually means wearing waaay less than I think I’ll need as I stand in my toasty-warm house and lament the prospect of going out to the cold, dark, windy, and altogether depressing weather. I need to fight the urge to be warm right away (stupid brain). I need to remember I’m not going for a stroll or standing around – I’m vigorousy exercising. As I bike I’ll warm up significantly, so if I start riding and I’m immediately warm, I’ve overdressed and will be sweating in no time. That’s not good. I like to start out cool and give myself 5-10 minutes to warm-up. During the ride I may open my jacket vents to regulate my temperature (and If I’m too cold I just go home and put on more clothes - it’s not like we bike that far away from home anyway). Key words to remember regarding cold weather clothing: layering, wicking, wool, venting, windproofing, and facial hair (not for me, but for those that can). Biking in winter also makes you sound bad-ass.

See ya'll at 9 at the usual place, for the usual ride and the usual good times. JS

Farm Cross Report

2011-11-11T18:22:00.001-06:00

The first (of many?) Farm Cross was held on a beautiful day at the Wiebe farmyard. Steven and Gavin put together a great cyclocross race that included riding on trails in the woods, a tall grass maze, a pumpkin lined garden ride, hay bale barriers, riding through two buildings, an apple grove and bumpy trails galore - it all made for a fun course. At the end of the races we were treated to dogs, chips, cinnamon buns and chili cooked up in a cool looking wood-fire/boiler contraption. Thanks to the Wiebes who housed and fed us and to Steven and Gavin for organizing a great race.

RESULTS...

Kids
1 lappers:
Marcus
Nelson
Kate

2 lappers:
Jonah
Mia
Thomas
Lacey
William
Jacob

Adults
3 laps - dudes:
Steve - 21:20
James - 23:06
Curt - 23:42

3 laps - dudettes:
Sandra - 21:22
Cindy - 24:32
Joanne - 24:43
Julia - 27:14
Taylor - 27:21
Sandra - 27:30 2 laps plus 1 rest lap

6 laps - dudes:
Chris - 32:51
Johnny - 34:56
Charles - 36:18
Gavin - 36:18
Albert - 39:24
Steven - 40:02

6 laps - dudettes:
Cheryl - 40:39

Quote of the day: Your pain isn't special - Sandra Doell. Good times. JS

Thursday Night Ride Report

2011-11-11T09:47:00.001-06:00

Steven, Giles, Duke, Albert, Shaun, James, Gavin, Mike and I went for a spin around town. Steven and Gavin must be gearing up for Farmcross because they set a zippy pace - pushing into the wind and cruising nicely with the wind at our backs. We returned to the clubhouse where minutes included: Giles celebrated his 33rd birthday - the good news is he always has a day off after his birthday - the bad news is that he was robbed at university, Steven also celebrated his birthday - with Elliot Brood and an incredible, big, drunk, hairy energizer bunny who rocked his bass drum onstage to the delight of the crowd and band, David "baby-bunter, ball-biter" Sawatzky, Chip and Pepper wet wear, Giles tended bar like a rock star, my daughter Kate (3.5 yrs) is riding bike, FGBC urinal pucks?, the clubhouse beautification project (stay tuned!), the age of renting VCR's, "David turtled - Steven won", rememories, "may cause anal leakage", pedophile moustache, saving people v killing people, the mood at the clubhouse turned from Thursday night casual to Friday night party and there was suddenly one too many Steve's at the table and the evening shut down. Paul B showed up as we were leaving so he and Giles joined me at ABES headquarters for a final beer and some additional late night BS. Good times.

Fort Garry Boo brew (or is it B.O. beer)

The robber was in the next bathroom stall?

day 19 of 10

depressing

thanks Paul - I feel better now

Farmcross is this afternoon. Race coordinators said the course would include building ride throughs, a garden, a maze with 6' tall grass, twisty tree sections, hay and fence hurdles, and general good fun with family and friends. I'm pumped. Curt might bring BAC's rollers - I assume hilarity will ensue. See you at the Wiebe farm. JS

Kate was beaming on her first bike ride this week (so was I)

Thursday Night Ride

2011-11-09T19:23:00.001-06:00

It might be getting cold out there but our upper lips will be toasty warm. See you at my place at 9.

Reminder - don't forget about Farmcross this Friday afternoon. Gavin and Steven have lined up some country goodness for anybody that likes good times. JS

You deserve a break!

2011-11-08T11:03:00.000-06:00

So sit back and relax, escape life for about 6ish minutes or so. Everything is better when its not happening to you! (lots of bike mishaps so I deemed it appropriate)

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/dc6d7c3bcc/best-fails-of-2009

MB X Report

2011-11-06T23:18:00.002-06:00

For the second straight year, the ABES racing team has claimed a provincial cyclocross title. In "fact", there were three winner: Cheryl was the fastest female citizen in Manitoba, Mia was the fastest Under 9 female, and Kate is the provincial pushbike champion! Well done family. Mia also had a good time ringing the school bell for the bell lap. I sat this race out with a sore knee (boo-urns) and focussed on yelling at people for fun. I did - and it was fun. Albert finished strong but had a wipe out - it was after the race, he was riding .01 km/h and he couldn't unclip - classic. Paul could have won a medal but there were a bunch of people faster than him, so...maybe next year. It all finished off with a nice community supper in St. Malo and the first bits of snow fell for the ride home. This has been an exceptional year for cross. Here are some pics of the latest good times...

FARMCROSS - Nov. 11, 2011 - 1 pm

2011-11-05T22:44:00.001-05:00

Come out to FARMCROSS on Friday Nov 11.

We set out a course today and have recruited Reeve Don Wiebe to make chilli in the big outdoor pot. We will be providing chilli and hotdogs for kids and soft drinks. BYOB. It could be a cold day but there is plenty of room in the barn to warm up by the fire.

ThNR Report

2011-11-04T12:33:00.000-05:00

Steven, Shaun, Pole Vaulter, Gavin, James, Curt, Steve and I arrived for our weekly ride. Gavin shaved for the first time in 8 years, Shaun was 12 days into a 3 day contest – rules are hard, and most of us had a dusting of hair. Reminder: no beards – moustaches only. We cycled to the usual haunts, Curt had a flat tire at the furthest point away from his house but close enough to James’s house to attempt some repairs. Running a bike shop does not necessarily mean you can fix flat tires – it means you hire people to fix flat tires. We also saw James’s ingenuity, creativity and cheap nature with his Cheerios box bike fender-extender and DIY truck cab pulley system. And speaking of cheap – we saw that that David sold James a bike with a BAC tester saddle – classy move. We eventually made it to the clubhouse where we were joined by David, Thomas, and Chaz. Minutes included: shooting rifles with grandpa on a riding mower, homemade wine and corkage fees at McDonalds?, BYOB at bars?, Pitcher and Lyle hurdelling the X mega-log, In Deanna Jones, the piano-guitar, pacifists hate the Jets logo, ‘Mo Myron shaved (but not his face), the sweet new FGBC wool jersey, why girls have trouble getting it up (front tires), “I’m alive – I guess”, Blondie’s 9 lb. burger, Phineas and Ferb, race at the Wiebe barn(?), David dropped the ball on the Grand Prix vs I need a better attitude, and the Movember cycling kit. Good times. JS

Welcome to ABES

Day 12 of 4?

My stache (and mullet) is coming along nicely.

Thursday Night Ride

2011-11-03T00:16:00.001-05:00

Stand back everybody, I'm growing a moustache! See you at 9:00.

Happy Movember!

2011-11-01T14:31:00.003-05:00

It's finally here! The hotly anticipated month where upper lips are freed from the oppression of shaving! And we here at ABES HQ are gearing up for a spectacular month of fun. How will it be MORE spectacular than other months you ask? Well, we'll be growing 'staches, that's how!

So to kick off Movember I'd like to introduce you to the unofficial ABES spokesperson...Moe Mantha.

Ex-Jet with an awesome 'stache and his name is Moe. How much better can it get! And if we had an ABE who could lead us through this month? I nominate Myron "MO" Dyck. That's right, Maurice. Shortened to Mo for the month of course. Let's see if he manages to 'stache it up.

So bring out your furry faces for a ride Thursday night!

Don't Miss Out

2011-10-31T17:03:00.001-05:00

All lip hair must be shaved clean today. All lip hair must be shaved clean TODAY. TODAY. JS

Halloween Cross Report

2011-10-30T22:24:00.000-05:00

Finding a new space for Halloween cross was a real treat (see what I did there). Camp Assiniboia was a venue that had a lot of nice features and the RRR entourage found some nice/fun/hard/ridiculous lines, stairs, a log barrier on steroids, and brought some whoops (?) for good measure. There were a lot of people dressed in costumes, good times had encouraging (yelling) at people and memorable moments such as Graham passing Chris twice to the delight of the crowd but Chris had the last laugh even after riding into the stakes/tape, KK gave the people what they wanted - a spectacular zombie crash, I heard Brad tried to tackle Pitcher with little effect, a couple of awesome boys raced on a tandem bike as "the happy couple" and smashing pumpkins. The ABES race team did our thing and had a good time doing it. Videos and pictures are sure to float around the usual sites. Here are some of our pics, including a few from Albert...

This cross season has set the bar pretty high. I think I said that last year. Good times. JS

ThNR Report

2011-10-28T12:07:00.000-05:00

Dan, Tom, Steve, David, Myron, Steven, Giles, James, Derrick, Mike, Gavin, Tony (welcome Tony) and I headed out for a soggy spin. The rain must hate ABES because it started and stopped the same time our ride did. The rain can be a stupid jerk sometimes. Accident prone Giles was given’r along a boulevard when he was raked by a branch just below his eye – it was not good but could have been worse, Dan made his long overdue return to Thursdays and Tony worked harder than anybody keeping up with the skinny tire crowd on his mountain bike. We eventually decided to head for solace at the clubhouse where we were joined by D’Shaun. Minutes included: the Movember challenge should be ugly/awesome “let peer pressure be your guide”, Dan gets a new wheel thanks to his son riding into a parked car, Camp Assinaboia Cross race this weekend, wallet varieties (from minimalist to Castnaza), having a bike crush, dapper Dan the preacher man sermonized his fixie philosophy, Jets coach Claude Noel looks like any Sutter – grumpy, Shaun has saved $200 in 40 days thanks to smoking less but now has bouts of insanity, Cross racing and MCA license options, Mike kicked himself for not racing at Southern Cross - took the SC pact, Jets win 9 – 8!, Tom the Jerky King provided sweet, meaty treats for everybody (thanks Tommy), Giles’s kids like his cheese too much to share with ABES (aged, stinky cheese was promised for future consumption), smuggling your wife into Canada, Steve B was whipped home early again, ABES hazing, Remembrance day bike race with a post race wrestling - DSwat Vs. SWiebo battling it out in a long overdue grudge match. Good times. JS

Thursday Night ride

2011-10-26T12:48:00.003-05:00

Same time, same place and yes, we'll ride around. At least for a little while. And then retreat to warm both our bodies and our souls. Join us.

One topic of discussion will be Movember. Time to amp things up a bit this year. Stay tuned.

We can all aspire to greatness like former Jet Paul MacLean. Awesome 'stache. Only problem is that this isn't him. Its Larry Hopkins. Oops. I have this card. Banking on it for my retirement.

I fell on my bum

2011-10-24T12:38:00.000-05:00

Karlee Gendron recorded a couple laps of Crosstastic. Pitcher almost crushes Oliver into dust at 1:52 and I get to take a rest at 7:10. Thanks for the heads-up on the video Mark.

Crosstastic Report

2011-10-23T23:36:00.001-05:00

Crosstastic was pretty sweet. There was a mud/clay/swamp section that got everybody crossed-up in all the right ways. It was so bad it was great. There was also Gary's uphill barriers, downhill run, uphill barriers section. It was so bad it was aweful. My 90 year old knees hate running, let alone running up and down hills toting a bike - that's why I bike!?! I loved the swooping hilly grass sections - very fun. My most/least memorable moment was being taken out by Luc "wild thing" Antaya on the first lap. A breathalyzer test might be in order. I heard (hope) there might be video. The crash set me back and thoughts of not being able to finish my first lap at this race (again) occurred to me - but since me and my bike (and Luc) were ok, we continued. I managed to track down enough riders to finish top 10 (ok, 10th). I was pleased. Luc finished ahead of me. I was not pleased. Cheryl was 3rd but lost a spot when she was overtaken on the final straightaway by Kim in C. Albert kicked A and continues to impress me and Paul K was cheered on by his family and continues to be exactly who he is. Thanks Gary, fun race - I can't wait for the results (or will I).

Cheryl took some pictures. I didn't realize we had our camera so they're mostly of me (sorry) and one of the ladies from the colony at the clubhouse (have you EVER seen that?). I'm looking forward to seeing some pictures from the mud pit. Good times. JS

ThNR Report

2011-10-21T12:21:00.000-05:00

Tom, Gavin, Steven, Giles, Chaz, Curt, Albert, James, Steve, Mike and I rode a healthy pace around town. It was good. Myron met us at the bar where Minutes included: Southern Cross... Tom winning the coveted Pioneer Meat jacket, Fat Craig impressing and shaming, ¾ Pact approved, the incredible pictures (esp ostrich cross) and video, races within the race, front page coverage in The Echo, and good times in general. We also discussed an ABES spring retreat, creepy single-guy christmas card pictures, the little chihuahua campground, a Remembrance Day race at the Wiebe barn, Movember is ON, Fatbike Cross, Duke was looking at a “Largo” (italian for slow) bike, two colony cuties stunned us, local cop pepper sprayed a rubber rat, burning the grass on the hill on earth day, strong coffee v weak people, young or old – if you wear a diaper you can say whatever you like, working O.T. for J.C., ABES to sponsor Jeff Stoughton, killing cats, and the Southern Cross spanking machine. Good times.

Next week: Homemade jerky and homemade cheese! So nice.

Chaz took some pictures at Southern Cross too. Here is one of my favorites.

3/4 of the cross pact - a "sore back" kept the Duker from living the dream

The rest can be seen here.

Thursday Night Ride

2011-10-19T23:24:00.000-05:00

Let's ride our bike around town like a bunch of dudes. See you at 9.

The Hipster knows how to take pretty pictures. Check out his report here.

Southern Cross Goodness Continued

2011-10-18T12:06:00.002-05:00

More Southern Cross pictures are popping up. The following "ostrich cross" picture and more from Sierra Blake can be found here.

Nice picture Sierra!

Woodcock Cycles pictures and a video to boot!

Not too many items in the Lost and Found bin this year.

LOL

Do any of these items look familiar? Let us know, or pick them up in 2 weeks at the local MCC thrift store. JS

Southern Cross Memories

2011-10-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all that helped make Southern Cross 2011 one of the finest races we've ever put on. A great community effort!

Memorable moments from Southern Cross 2011:
- the whirl aka spiral of death
- the wind (boo) and the sun (yaa)
- smiling faces crossing the finish line
- the narrow A race finish
- the Athena goddesses
- spectacular crossings and spills in the sandpit
- the sea of ABES at the start of the Open race
- the support from the Town dudes (permission, Steven, David, Mayor McSausage burger, Gator, stakes, pylons, barriers, etc)
- reusable, plastic stakes - thank you and more please
- people helping take down the course (some without being asked)
- Sandra Carr looked great in her first race
- throwing up before the race
- Dwight throwing up during the race
- Colin Antaya being funny, generous and surly as usual
- registration is stupid, volunteers are awesome
- Brad being extra happy and talkative
- Luc rolling down the hill
- Clydesdale wins
- beer, chips and chocolate milk
- Unger won my Brooks saddle (like a jerk)
- race results posted in 4 hours - nicely done Gavin
- ~~157~~ 158 registered riders - really! Not the biggest of the year but the biggest for Rocktona

Here is my photo collection of the day...

More photos available on the previous post and if you look for them around the interwebs.

Good times. JS

Clydesdale Shaun Dyck submitted this report for validity...

Evidence of my fatness should be attached.
Of course it was another fucking awesome Cross race.
From a fat man who is less fat and smoking less because of ABES (but drinking more beer)
Many Thanks.
Shaun