Menno Cross Report

The highlight of Menno Cross this year was the deluxe course and the shared experience of racing in mud and hurting.  The heavy rains earlier in the week made for a course that included sloppy, mushy, soul-sucking sections - perfect.  The warm weather, well organized race and big crowd  made for a great day.  And the faspa was delish.  Menno Cross tied the Southern Cross record of 132 registered riders - well done.  Time for us to step it up a notch.  Can we get 200? 

Team ABES consisted of Paul, Albert, Ben, Joelle, Seraya, Ariel, Charles, Austin, Me, Cheryl, Mia and Kate.  The kids did great and loved the mud - there was even a push-bike category.  There were 57 in the B race and ABES ruled the Citizen group.  Charles was slowly gaining on me in our race but ran out of time - lucky me.  Race results here.

Photos are currently in my camera in Winnipeg.  Check out other blog reports or maybe another ABE has some to share?  

Well done FGBC.  Great race.  JS.

Thursday Night Ride Report

Charles, Ben, Tom, Duke, Curt, Shaun and I rode for about an hour in a steady rain with strong winds – it was a good, soggy ride.  Paul and No-show met us at the clubhouse where a bar fight among local work crew members was brewing but never developed.  The Clubhouse Minutes include: Menno Cross attendance: Ben and kids, Chaz and son, Jeff and kids, Paul K, Albert, and my family (any others?) – go Team ABES!, the Bombers season pulling a Bowman, how to cook hashbrowns, Toms troubling lack of solicitors and his apple robbing confessors, neighbourly cinnimon buns, Jeff Healy – dead – “never saw it coming”, the slash-happy-canceller, poisonous birds, the secrets of The Elks, Leonard Skinnard tunes, floss-alarms, Lucky Larry, Duke loosing his two front teeth, peeing your pants/knee surgery, and Southern Cross race plates, volunteers, youth group invitations, and Shaun’s serving platter prizes - Sweet.  Good times.

Tom "safety first" Dueck

Post meeting fresh air break

View from the clubhouse

Thursday Night Ride

Thursday Night Ride is on.  
8:00.  


We’ll ride laps around town to gear up for Menno Cross this weekend where faspa and yarba will be the post race delights.  The ABES should take advantage of this opportunity to race and have a good time - I know Ben and his beard will.   JS

New Southern Cross Sponsor

Conquest Manufacturing has stepped up and agreed to supply 250 stakes for Southern Cross.  That is awesome.  Thanks Conquest - you made my day.  That and riding the course with Tom, and a couple of dudes who seemed to like bikes.

Eden Head for the Hills 2010

Eden Foundation "Head for the Hills" bike ride

Saturday's Head for the Hills ride was a great ride. The weather was perfect, the trails were good. Austin ended up being the youngest rider (9), and he rode his heart out on the trails. We managed to do the complete trail and Austin still had enough determination to speed up whenever one of the Tinker Creek boys passed us! The Bunge team all completed the ride, even though it was pretty tough for some of them. Great job guys! Harvey Wall even managed to win one of the bikes. What a sweet reward after a hard ride!
There were 97 riders in total, raising over $48,000. CK

Cross Lab

Cross Lab this Tuesday at 6:45.  

Open to anybody who wants to get ready for Southern Cross (or Menno Cross - this weekend).  We’ll ride the course and practice getting on and off our bikes without snapping posts or cracking nuts.  Can anybody get on their bike without the little hop?

See you on Tuesday.

 

A Head for the Hills report would be appreciated.  Anybody?   

Wildwood Cross Report

The first race of the year is in the books.  Ben and I raced, our kids raced, our wives cheered and it was a beautiful day.  Technical difficulties dogged the ABES crew - Ben needed to readjust his tire 4 times during the race and my seat post snapped off.  I walked it back to the finish line where Ian Hall lent me his bike (possibly the best bike i'll ever ride) for the final 2 laps - I couldn't clip in or figure out how to shift into a lower gear but I did appreciate being able to finish the race.  There was a big field of riders, lots of fans cheering/heckling, and a fast course to "enjoy".  Good times. 

Mia beating me up the hill

Vic daring me to pull his finger

Ben rocking the beard

seat post still in one piece  

I finally pass the dude in the wheelchair!

Next race on the docket - Menno Cross.  This race is open to the public and is a must for anybody who want to get a race under their belts without committing to an MCA license.  JS

Thursday Night Ride Report

A handful of ABES took it upon themselves to get a sneak peak at the Southern Cross course.  The sun had set but we followed our blinky lights through the tall prairie grass, over the hill and around the trees.  I love the layout of the course.  After one lap in the dark we went to kick Derrick off his couch and out to the clubhouse where we were also joined by no-show.  Clubhouse Minutes include: cross border shortcuts, the head for the hills ride, David's new e  ape, cfl bs, Jack Hammer beer, brain/a-hole perspectives, Forgetting Private Ryan, grade school teachers, God Save the Queen played on a recorder with the nose, Taints Pizza, Sweet Action, Vegas stories, poker on tv, Not Milk, and poutine and the porn star.  Good times.

                       

The September Alley Cat will be on the 30th.

For those who want to get ready for Southern Cross, there will be Cross Lab every Tuesday at 6:45.

JS

Thursday Night Ride

• There was big talk about a road ride this Thursday but little consideration about darkness or prudence. I didn't realize how fast the sun sets these days.  The road ride option will wait for a weekend.  This week we'll check out the Southern Cross course.  I like it.  If you have a bike computer handy, bring it.  Show up at 8:00.

Shaun, Steve, Tom, Charles and I pushed pedals around the dirt track tonight.  The course was in good condition.  Take advantage of it while you can.  JS

Wednesday Night Ride

The Moto Cross 10 track will soon be cultivated for a race in early October.  
The time is right to ride the track and prepare for the upcoming awesomeness that is Southern Cross.  Meet at ABES headquarters on Wednesday and we'll leave at 7:00 - sharp'ish.  JS

Southern Cross Website

Below is the link to the Southern Cross Website.

SOUTHERN CROSS

There will be a permanent link on the left side of the ABES blog.

Thursday Night Ride Report

Larry finally brings his road bike to the THNR - note the classic foam grips

Pre-ride BS

My daughter Kate showing off her sweet ABES shirt

David, Myron, Larry, Chris, Curt, Jeff, Chaz, Paul, Shaun, Gavin, and I pushed the winds and sped around town.  The pace was furious and eventually there was a split between the fast group and the cool group - fortunately we all knew where the finish line was.  Steve joined us at the clubhouse where Minutes include: the upcoming cross season, Southern Cross, the Vegas highlights: cirque, Penn and Teller, and playing blackjack for 5 hours with Verne Troyer aka Mini-Me, a potential 2012 road trip to Oklahoma for the NCAA basketball tournament, Larry’s ebay road bike from China, school forms galore, the BS of open liquer laws, David won tickets to Arcade Fire and a new A.C unit on Hot 103, and Victory Family Church converted Schiesse…to NASCAR.  Good times.  

Future ABES delights – Chris was interested in biking to the MCC relief sale in Morris this Saturday – either an early or mid morning departure - post a comment if you're interested.  Next week Thursday, 6:00 pm road ride to Rosetown, and the following week might be the next Alleycat.  And speaking of good times, check out this link...http://altonaecho.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2740882 

JS

Thursday Night Ride

My bike time has been waaay down lately.  THNR is just what I need - aside from more cowbell.  Anybody up for 2-3 uber laps around town?  8:00.  JS

Thursday Night Ride Report

Present: TOM, Charles, Chris, Shaun, Larry, Steve, Trevor, Dwayne, Ben, Brian, Dan and Thomas (who did I miss this time?).  It was the introduction of Thomas to the ABES.  Giles headhunted Thomas and brought him into the MCI fold, and now into our fold.  I'm anticipating his salvation story to be featured in an upcoming clubhouse meeting.  Welcome Thomas.  Welcome back Larry and Dwayne as well.  Although Larry has mostly been known as no-show Barrio, he did win the race to the clubhouse - well done.  Tom led us out quickly and Giles was eager to jump to the gravel - it was good.  The short track course was in fine form and a future race should be considered.  DTwat and MyDyck joined us at the clubhouse with shirts lovingly folded and for sale.  The shirts were quickly snatched up and looked very fine on those lucky enough to buy one.  Clubhouse Minutes (at my half of the table): Team Bunge at the Head for the Hills fundraiser - 8 ABEs are riding too, Vegas plans/shows/bets/gun shop complimentary drinks,  Thomas was sporting his new cross bike - cousin Adam's ex - a beautiful Scattante, the awkward/ugly cyclist fight, Vince V Ed McMahon, Mrs. Roper V Mrs. Garret, riding the Daytona 500 track on a bus, Dating in the Dark V Chilean miners (sponsored by Oprah), tracker smurf V tickler smurf, the awesome/awkwardness of the pickle straw (patent pending), and how much Stinkler stinks like stupid stink.  Good times.  JS  

Thursday Night Ride

8:00 at ABES headquarters.  

With all of our recent races (track, alley cat, AD/DC, fun-raiser), it's been awhile since we had a simple ride around town.  A group ride will be a nice change of pace.  I hope the weather cooperates - if not, The ABES always find a way to make it work. 

 

If you want an ABES shirt, David will be selling them - bring 15 bucks and a beer for the pre-ride fashion show. Also, if you want Duke, Swatty or I to place a bet for you in Vegas - give us the cash and the bet details - we're heading to sin city on Friday. 

Grade '88 rules!  JS

The MS FUN-RAISING Experience Report

From the desk of Bruce...

Thanks again to all those who joined us at the Penner Ranch.  The weather cooperated and so did the manure spreaders.  The food was plentiful and it was a real pleasure to see so many eager participants.  Of the 70 people that attended, we had 37 racers!! 

The race track wound around the 10 acre farm and the total distance of the track was about 1.3 kms.  

The golfing option allowed for racers to better their score by chipping a golf ball to a target to better their score.  For one racer, this proved devastating to his competitor! 

Here are the results.

Mens/Womens – 30 minutes, plus 1 lap.

Curt F 9 laps 35:24 Golf bonus 0

Johnny S 9 35:47 Golf bonus 0

Charles 9 35:55 Golf bonus 0

Gavin 9 37:04 (this included a 1 minute bonus with the golfing, getting within 20’ of the target)

Bruce 9 38:03 Golf bonus 0

Shaun 8 36:04 Golf bonus 0

Curt T 8 36:48 Golf bonus 0

Brent H 8 38:01 Golf bonus 1 minute

Jeff K 8 39:17 Golf bonus 0

Cheryl K 7 34:49 Golf bonus 0

Albert F 7 36:34 Golf bonus 0

Cindy H 6 36:32 Golf bonus 0

Phil D 6 37:03 Golf bonus 0

Rachel T 4 32:00 Golf bonus 0

Jason D 4 36:05 Golf bonus 0  

Strategy award goes to Jason D!  Conserving energy and timing is the key.


Kids 9-13, 2 Laps

Rory P 10.47 Golf bonus 0

Connor W 11:07 Golf bonus 0

Matt W 11:13 Golf bonus 0

Ariel K 11:12 (rec’d a 2 minute bonus on golf; within 10’ of target)

Josh D 11:35 Golf bonus 0

Evan K 12:26 Golf bonus 0

Luke D 12:44 Golf bonus 0

Austin K 13:45 Golf bonus 0

Bronson 14:04 Golf bonus 0

Jeremy D DQ (Sawwwry)

Brody T DQ (ditto)

8 and under, 2 laps (kids track)

Saraya K 2:33

Joelle K 2:34

Kemper H 2:41

Tray H 2:53

Mia S 3:22

Lacey T 3:38

Jacob S 3:50

Push Bikes (new category!!)

William S 3:07

Nelson F. 3:30

Kate S 3:55

So the golfing might need some tweaking for next time.  Maybe something that requires less accuracy like golf club throwing.

We raised just over $ 1000.00!

Later.  Bruce.

Moose Lake Report

From the desk of Shaun...

On August 14th ten guys; Bruce, Shaun, Paul K, Jeff, Ben Curt T, Mike, Charles, Walter and Albert (not shown) left Back Alley around 5:30 to ride our bikes to Moose Lake.  Even before we hit the 201, the group had split into two: the moderate and immoderate.

We all rode towards Moose Lake with a decent tail wind.  The immoderates Charles and Curt were held back a few times with Curt's blown tubes.  Luckily tubes and air were in ample supply.  The whole group met in Vita and had (more) breakfast - 70 km in.  It was at this time that Albert had to head back home to attend to some business.  I could see that ride back hurting a little as the already good tail winds picked up to somewhere in the 20s.

After much relatively effortless spinning, riding four abreast on what seemed for most of the time to be a deserted highway and many gootch/water/piss breaks, the moderates sat down again for some lunch and pie at South Junction - 140 km in.  We then continued on through the last stretch of the easterly 201 with the wind at our backs to then turn north on the 308.  Like clockwork the wind shifted from the SW to S to push us to our final destination.  Most of the riders had accumulated the extra 13 km needed to complete the double metric century sometime earlier in the day, so they arrived at Moose Lake, cracked a beer and put their feet up.  Mission accomplished!  Jeff, Ben and I hadn't, so we rode back 6 1/2 km and then joined the rest of the gang at the cabin.  When all was said and done, the moderates averaged around 29.7 km/hr for the first half and 27.5 km/hr for the second half.  In all, about 7ish hrs the saddle - very, very awesome hours.

After arriving, we cleaned up and cool down with a dip in the lake, rested our duffs and sat by the fire.  After cooling down, some had to be pried off their seat to take the group photo shown above.  We were treated to a supper of steak and potatoes.  And it was so good.  Thanks Bruce and Elexis!  Following that there were squares and some kind of lemony delight with lemon icing - yeah!

Many thanks to Bruce and Alexis and others I might not be aware of for arranging this, providing a destination/lodging, food and all the other details that might go unnoticed by those of us who just show up.  It was a great day.

(There were a few animals hurt in the making of this ride: A skunk was run over on the way home.  Luckily it didn't stink things up too bad. And a dog was hit by a car as it came out to chase Mike, Paul and Albert [and maybe others, but I was in the less immoderate group, so I wasn't there]).

Cars are coffins
Bikes are awesome

Shaun