End of My Season

My season is over!  The forecast does not look very promising.  Here is the attendance as of last week.  Rob, Ian and Todd rode.  If you plan on continuing to ride and have "quorum", let me know and I'll update attendance.

Visibility Zero!

The weather started off nice, albeit a little cool to begin.  As soon as the sun went down, it seemed to cool significantly.  There was no chance tonight of Mr. Heat making an appearance.  Although Jeremy was anticipating Mr. Cold making an appearance.  The trails were finally dry.  Maybe that had something to do with the 5 layers of leaves covering the trails making it almost impossible to see the trail.  More than once we ended up on some non-trail in the woods.  If it wasn't for the human compass (Ali), we might not have made it out.  Speaking of Ali, he cooked up a great meal of chicken and rice for the guys tonight.  It

is a good thing Mark wasn't there or he would have realized that he is going to have to step up his efforts if he wants to keep up with Ali's spread (that just sounds wrong).  Thanks to Jim for bringing some tasty beer.  And he thought he was going to get off easy last week with his pitcher of beer.  Next up for beer is Ian.  Ian?  Ian?  Going once.... going twice....... ok if we don't hear from Ian it is Smitty's turn again.
As far as attendance goes, Rob caught Dave tonight and Russ caught..... oh wait, sorry, no one.

Pizza!!!!

Despite Ali's and Rob's wishes, we chose not to ride this week given the amount of rain the last 2 days.  Instead, the diehard riders (or drinkers) chose to meet at Caboto for some pizza and beer.  Although it was discussed about getting attendance points we decided that the cheap pizza and beer was enough of a reward.  Next up for beer is Jim.  See everyone out next week.

Record night?

Pre-ride

     After some false concern (Jeremy) about whether the trails would be dry enough to ride, CRC showed up with possibly the largest group of the season.  In the end, the trails were perfect (right Ali?).  I know I had a bunch of things to write about tonight but I am drawing a blank.  Couldn't have been that tonight was the most gaseous night of the year (Jay x 34, Mark x 10, Rob x diarrhea, Jim x fiber related issues, and a number of other unknown assassins).  Maybe it was the fact that half the riders were grossly overdressed.  Or was it the new blog group picture that we took?  Sorry Mike, new rule.  In order to be in the photo, you have to have at 40% attendance and chips every week don't count, although we do appreciate them.
     In terms of attendance, Dave is dropping faster than a hooker at a sailor convention.  Talk tonight
about doing a Caboto pizza night after the season and of the Christmas party.  We have narrowed down the dates to Dec 20 or 21st.  Just waiting on Jen to decide so I'll get back to you in a month or so :).    
      Thanks to Arthur who is finally buying his first case of beer.  Too bad he had to leave before he could enjoy any of it.  This season it really appears to pay off to have good attendance last year.  Thanks also to Jim for bringing beer.  Sorry about that mixup.  Don't worry Jim, it will stay good for a week.  Just don't leave it in the fridge for 34 years like Ali.
     Here is the link to my dress chart for cooler weather.  This is what I have noticed about riding in cooler weather over the years.  Take it or leave it.

New blog header????

Wednesday ride???

Is American beer premium????

   What a beautiful night for a ride!  Temps were perfect, Mr. Heat almost made an appearance.  However, according to one CRC rider (Jeremy), you would think it was end of November.  Jeremy was in full winter gear (Matt not far behind) in preparation for that "temperature drop once the sun goes down".  Apparently the temperature drops 15 degress Celcius after sunset.  Or, maybe Jeremy was dressing for the lukewarm, american, watered down beer with the ass-flavoured chips post ride??? (more on that later).  Needless to say,
weather was great and a big group showed up.  Even Ian made an appearance.  The only person not out tonight was.....Arthur (New York), Dave (labiaplasty), Russ (breast lift).  Hard to believe that Dave was actually leading the attendance at one point this year.  The fall seems to bring a lot of change to the attendance board.  Next up for beer is Arthur.
    Thanks to Ali for the beer tonight.  Not sure if American Coors Light from 1973 counts as premium though......This is his first time buying this season and it is Oct 1.  It pays to get to the top of the attendance standings.

Trail Maintenance, Part 2

Arthur doing his part

Apparently someone last week did not like our new trail, so we really cleaned it up and made it very obvious.  It looks good (Jay) and rides well.  Mark and Ali also cleaned up all the grass so we could get through without a million grass cuts.  We rode almost entirely in the dark last night due to our trail cleanup.  There is a lot of land left back in there, I say we continue to add some singletrack in there at some point.
     A lot of movement on the overall attendance last night.  I caught up to Dave (and will soon pass him), while Jay is only a half point behind.  Arthur caught Rob and passed Jeremy.  Mike and Jim caught and passed Ian.  Of course, everybody is ahead of Russ.
     Thanks to Mark for cutting his ride short last night and going back early to get the BBQ going for some great sausages and chips.  Weather was absolutely perfect last night and trails were in best condition all year.  Next up for beer is Arthur but he is in New York.  That brings us to the very bottom of the list, Ali.  After Ali, it is Russ and Dave (I am guessing they are done for the season).  We should have a rule that even if you quit the season you are still on the list and responsible to bring beer for your week.  Let's bring it up next meeting.  That brings us to Jim next.  Since Jim doesn't read the blog or emails, he probably won't be aware his turn is coming.  I'll let you guys sort it all out.

CRC in action

Trail Maintenance

 

       Finally CRC got around to some trail maintenance.  Mind you it was only a couple of concerned, die-hard, dedicated CRC members that gave up 10 minutes of their ride to take care of a section of trail that has been a nuisance for a while now.  After passing under the fence leaving Ojibway, we made a sweet trail around the downed tree.  Please use and as you ride it, think about the dedication of your fellow members.  It was also mentioned that Davey Half-Snips was not needed for any cutting back branches tonight.  Anyways, it did break up the ride.  All ended up doing just Black Oaks tonight.   Partly in the dark.
     Since many of us coming from the east side are really struggling to get there for 6, we have decided to push back our start time to 6:30 again and bring lights.  Also discussed tonight were possible dates for the Christmas Party and the poor season we have had.  By comparison, our most rides in a season was in 2010 (31).  So far this year we are at 13 and will be lucky to hit 20.
Not sure who brought beer tonight, whether it was Mark or Ali leftovers.  If it was Mark then Arthur is up next.  If not, Mark is up next.  Sorry about the lack of pictures tonight.  According to Jeremy, I was really slacking in my duties.  Didn't realize that he didn't have his phone on him......

late picture entry from Arthur.  At least he reads the blog

Is it Over???

Back to the Grind

      Only two days back at work and already some of CRC's most respected members (teachers, excluding Mike), are back on the job.  Granted we dished out a lot of teasing in the summer but tonight was the night that it was paid back.  Apparently no one has any sympathy for us.  As for the ride, so much for a 6:00 start, traffic and miscommunication delayed us a bit.  Despite the rain (again), trails were pretty good and the next few weeks they should get even better.  Another good turnout tonight and ride, 1:48.
     Ali wanted me to mention how great Jeremy's choice of chips were (personally, they sucked) and the fact that he brought three bags.  Yes the beer was good.  Jeremy mentioned that he was glad to rid his fridge of his lady's beers (thanks Arthur!).
     Seemed kind of lonely on the trails tonight without Derek's boombox.  The big discussion tonight was of the Michigan game on September 13th.   Meet at Ali's at 8:00.  Dave, meth-boy texted Jay and asked if you were coming this year.
     Unlike last week where I had a lot to talk about, this week you guys were boring, so here is a picture of a deer I saw tonight on the trail.  Next up for beer is Mark.

Where to Begin.....

      Funny how some nights there is nothing to talk about and other nights I have more than enough to talk about.  Where to begin tonight????  Let's start with all the new riders that came out.  Todd Graham finally joined us after 4 years of emailing back and forth.  No babysitting needed on the trails.  Hopefully you guys didn't scare him off from coming back.
    Another first timer was Derek Roth.  Another surprise.  Derek rode well, although I couldn't figure why he was carrying such a big backpack on the ride.  I found out later when I rode behind him.  Apparently Derek cannot be separated from his tunes.  That was a first, hearing music blasting out as we rode along the trail.  Now that I think about, has anyone mentioned to Derek that you don't need to carry around boomboxes anymore????
     And a third first timer was out tonight.  Russ Hodgson.  Some of you may remember Russ from a few years ago (1999ish).  Apparently Russ was able to free his schedule to join us tonight.  Now, not to look down at free beer but...... we did put a "premium" clause in the constitution for a reason.  And I thought Ali was the only one who bought ass-flavoured chips..... apparently not!  Thanks for the beer Russ.  On a side note, I did hear Russ comment about soccer being done and his Wednesday nights were now open....
     Tonight was also the best attendance of the season.  However, yesterday's weather did split the group into road rides and mountain bike rides.  Those that were afraid of the mud chose the road.  And we don't want to hear about your 32.5 or 32.6 km/hr average.  The real riders (minus Dave, Russ and Derek) headed out on to the mountain bike trails.  Trails were in fabulous shape and all signs of downed trees have disappeared.  Hopefully concerns of wet trails are finally behind us.
    Smitty seems to be on record pace for not riding and showing up for beers.  That is going to cost him next season.
    Michigan game is set.  Saturday, September 13.  Mark your calendars it is a go.
    Congratulations to Mark for winning the 55+ Ontario Games in Road Cycling!!!  Ali said he would have won it if he was old enough.  Also, Mike is competing in the Provincial Championships this Saturday at Ciociaro at 1:00.  Also don't forget Erie street race this weekend.
     On a sadder note, this is the last night that we will be able to push the limits of Ali's curfew (which no one really follows anyways) as many of the CRC riders have to return to work after 2 months off.  I know next week we will hear many complaints of nap schedules displaced, reworking  bowel movement times and the difficulty of working an 8-10 hour days.  I hope all non-teachers can go easy on us next week.
    As per CRC constitution, we are moving the ride start time back to 6:00!!!!  Rides leave sharply at this time (Jim, Russ, Ali).  In October we will move back to 6:30 and go lights.  Jeremy, you are up for beers next week.
   

Cool Video

Do you remember "Road Bike Party" where the guy rode the road bike all around and did all those crazy stunts???  Here is the behind the scenes documentary.  Not what you think.  By the way, any videos posted on the blog cannot be viewed in the email, you have to go to the blog to see it.

Circa 1994

   

     Tonight was a very interesting ride.  The only three that showed up to ride were Ali, Dave and Craig.  Hence, circa 1994 when the bike group got started and Dave and I (and Mike) would ride over to Ali's house and pick him up.  It was even complete with an Ali wipeout (circa 1994, 95, 96(x2), 97, 98(x3), 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14).  Needless to say it was a good ride (1:50) and the last bit in the dark.
     On a more serious note, the storm that blew through South Windsor last night really did a number on the trails.  There are at least 6 large trees down, making the trails impassable.  Also, it was like an oil slick out there.  Hard to believe that we are talking in the end of August about wet trail conditions.  Hopefully now that summer is almost (I said almost) over, more of CRC will be out to ride.....

     Congratulation to Mark, who won the first stage of the Ontario Games 55+ Competition in road cycling.  He average 38 km/hr over a 10 km route.  Hopefully he can repeat that performance tomorrow to take the title.  Ali was disappointed he couldn't compete because he didn't meet the age requirement.
     As for beer, I brought a case but Ali's fridge was already well stocked.  We are good for next week but Jeremy, you are up next.

Sweet & Fun Road Ride - True Warriors!

Due to assumed poor trail conditions - as unilaterally called by our own CRC Weather Man "Jacques" -  it was decided to do a road ride so that the "Mud Wimps"  would not get their white embroidered bike nickers all muddy!!
Well only 3 riders showed up  -& off we went! The ride was a standard ride as road rides are till Jacques & Arthur see this hot chick - one of Matt's "bike girlfriend" as we find out later- on a bike & invite her to ride with us! Well - she looked pretty fit & only wanted do interval training & could spank all of us  including Jacques & Smitty -& probably training to spank Matt too. She rode with us for a while - chatting mainly with Jacques - & took off without giving her number to any of us! Matt probably has it!
It was decided to do the Amherstburg route -& this is where we got"seduced" by Arthur to stop for ice cream! Apparently this was the only reason he came out for a ride as he is not allowed ice cream at home since he has put on a few pounds due an ankle injury - most likely fake - & has been useless on all matters "domestic" based on his sad face & complaining!
Needles to say we had to ride back in the dark with Arthur in the middle as Jacques had a small head light & i had the rear light - & Arthur - guess what - had no lights! - & he had to rush home as soon as we got back! - assume he only gets half a point! - well, he gets another half a point for buying the ice cream!

All in all - it was a good night - even without all the "wimps" that did not show up!

cheers!

Can't Leave it up to Anyone

I go away for a couple of days and do you think anyone can write the blog?  Here is the pic, I'll leave the details to your imagination.

Tough Night for Hadjissariss

Some of you may have heard about Jim's crash in a race at Ciociaro last Thursday.  Fortunately for us, it was captured by a perfectly positioned GoPro.

Finally Good Weather

Well it sure took a while but we finally got a good night of weather and a record number of guys out riding tonight.  Even Matt and Arthur joined us.  We rode the course for the Ontario Summer Games and it was a good course.  It made use of most of the trails that we ride every week however it was nice to follow an organized route.  While it did not use the 3-tier climb or any of the climbs on the west side of the park, it seemed like you were constantly going up or down.
     Thanks to Mark for hosting us while Ali is off picking up women.  And Dave wanted me to make mention of the fact that he is top stop on attendance.  Of course, that will only last one week.

Are We Now a Drinking Group???

staying out of the rain

In a weird twist of CRC riding, we almost had as many non-riders show up tonight as we had riders.   Some of the smarter CRC riders saw the forecast and opted not to get soaking wet, instead chose to wait at Ali's for the rest of the crew.  Nice to see some first time riders out this year.  Jeremy..... oops Jer just showed up with this chips.  Ian and Jim finally made an appearance.  Although based on their summer schedules, that may be the last we see of them for a while.  There was discussion tonight of the Michigan game.... so stay tuned.  Definitely a September game.  I think we are good for beer for the next couple of weeks as both Jim and Ian brought beer this week.

Amazing Video

Check out this video of a guy with a GoPro on that gets hit by a car.  He lands on his feet.   Now, if only Ali could do this....

CRC in the News

Congratulations to Mark for getting his pretty face in the news helping out at the Kids of Steel camp.  Too bad he wasn't wearing his CRC jersey.  Also, kind of looks like he is pointing Ali in the correct direction.....

Dave leading the overall standings... what the?

     It was easily the best ride of the summer to date.  Mark, Ali, Roberto, Dave and Jay enjoyed the pristine trail conditions, the crisp breeze of the summer evening and a new section of trail. The biking Gods looked down on us and smiled for a change.
Nice of Craig to show up after with one bag of chips to gain his half point and provide some witty banter, well not much but some. The real question begs to be asked.... where are the rest of CRC???
     Rumour has it Ian is lost somewhere between Pontiac and Pinkney, Jer is getting a tryout with the Toledo Mudhens, Smitty riding trail in Boyne ( more likely enjoying the water park), Scott preparing the cottage for our arrival, Liam working too hard, Rusty out with a bad back or likely strained labia, Arthur nursing some weak injury (good one), which leaves Jim and Moose battling it out on Thursdays.

     Thanks again to Ali for hosting, Rob for the beer and chips and the cool summer night.  Let's think about a summer evening night ride, or a trip to Island Lake to look for Ian soon.

Take care gents and keep your wheels on the trail.  Next up for beer is Ian and/or Jim H.

Mr. Heat.

Hail to the Kings

After some weak picture sent by Craig, we were hardly inspired to ride.  However, well done to Smitty and Marky Mark for road riding and keeping the ride streak alive. As for the rest of us... well next week it is. Good job to Dave, Jay and Ali for getting half points and drinking the ROCK!

Look at the beer list and think about that State side ride to look for Ian.

Until next week, keep on keeping on.

Mr. Heat.

And then there were Four....

   
Finally we were able to get out on the trails tonight.  Despite the fact that a couple of riders showed up ready to ride the road, we convinced them to try the trails.  We kept to the North side of the tracks and it was ok.  We didn't even venture to the other side.  From there we hit Malden which was in ok shape also.  We did get in a two hour ride and 30 km.
    However, not to say the ride wasn't without a few issues.  First issue..... Ali's ass.  See previous post.  Ok, we can cut him some slack, but did we really have to hear about the sores on his ass from the weekend.??? Anyways, apparently his ass wasn't healed yet and with no one offering to put the chamois butter on for him, it was an early exit for Ali.
   Second casualty was Dave.  Apparently his tune up did not include checking the gears because every time we hit a hill, Dave's gears would skip.  After awhile we got to learn the precise moment when Dave's chest would hit the handlebars and his knee the frame.  After a couple of hills and many swear words later, Dave was done for the night.
    Beer order is a little off due to lack of riding and such.  Here is the beer order thus far.  While I believe there should be enough beer (Ali?) for another week, next up would be Jim H.  If Jim is not riding, then it would be Ian.  Since both have been AWOL this year, not sure.   Rob and I are away next week and out for beer.  You guys can coordinate it.  Also, I have removed some people from the beer list since it doesn't look like they are riding this year.
    There was talk of a Michigan ride next week.  Stay tuned to emails.

Congratulations Ali!!!

Just in case you haven't heard, Ali completed an amazing feat this past weekend.  He rode 615 km in two days in the Bruce region.  This was part of the Randonneurs in Huron County.  Here is a brief description of what Randonneur cycling is all about.

"Randonneur cycling", sometimes called marathon cycling, can mean something a little different to every rider. For some it is like long distance touring at a moderate pace while enjoying scenic roadways. For others the sport offers a challenge to pursue faster times and greater distances. The rides are non-competitive in nature often characterized by cooperation and camaraderie between riders.  Randonnée, a French word for ramble or tour, describes a long-distance cycling event where the participants follow a prescribed route within certain time limits as checked at control points along the way. Riders, called randonneurs, cannot receive support, except at the designated control points, so each rider must be prepared for mechanical mishaps, changes in weather, and so on.

Here is an excerpt of one rider's description of her day in the saddle....

Saturday morning, 5:00 AM, ten cyclists headed out to take on this 600 kilometer brevet.  For six of the ten, it was their first 600 kilometer brevet ever!  Not all ten would make it.  There is 3,900 meters of climbing on this ride - almost 13,000 feet.  Most of the climbing is done in the first 300 kilometers.  It would appear that everyone made it through that.  The last 100 kms going west to the overnight control in Wiarton, was a battle with the wind as well as the hills.  The five cyclists from Windsor stayed at a different motel and the two groups did not connect again.  John Maccio, Stan Shurlayov, Carey Chappelle with Rookie Chris Cossonnet and myself, headed out from Wiarton at 4:00 am.  A beautiful morning and no more hills to climb, we headed 40 kms northwest to Lion's Head.  And then.....we went south, sometimes southeast, sometimes southwest, but always south.  Into the wind.  All day.  With building heat and humidity.  All day long.  No point talking because you couldn't hear each other because of the screaming wind in your ears.  All the livelong day!  Endless headwind.  Just making it to the controls with little time to spare.  Looking down at my cycle computer, I began to make calculations on what I would need to maintain if I were to finish in time.  With 100 kms to go, I realized I would not make it.  Very disappointing.  Carey was ahead of me, and I hoped he would make it.  Both my knees were aching and I could barely stand up on my pedals to go up the slightest hill.  John Maccio and Rookie Chris caught up to me as I was walking up a hill while eating my last wrap with Nutella and cheese.  I told them that I did not think that mathematically we could make it in time.  John totally disagreed with me - just maintain 15 km/hr he said, and we can make it.  This gave me hope and I eased my painful arse back into the saddle, clipped my shoes back into the pedals, ignored my throbbing knees, put my head down and carried on.  In Lucknow, 35 kms from the end, Stan and I met up and we carried on together.  With almost 3 hours of time left, we felt hopeful we might finish in time.  We did.  Total of 39 hours and 18 minutes.  John Maccio said that except for PBP 2007, this was the hardest ride he had ever done.  Asking Stan what he thought of the ride, all he could do was nod his head and say "Yes"   It was a loaded "yes", full of wisdom and experience - if you know Stan, you can hear him say it, with his smile and the pain in his eyes.  Chris, the Rookie, completing his Series, he was just glad he made it.  Carey had already checked in and left.  As for the 5 cyclists from Windsor.....we are still waiting to hear their story.  I'm sure it's a good one!  Brouse's Beach Browser - the hills are one thing, but I always knew that if there was a South wind on the 2nd day, that would be the ultimate challenge.

Well done Ali!!!

Finally..... Kind Of

Trail conditions tonight

    Finally the semi-dedicated members of CRC were able to get out on a Wednesday that wasn't pouring rain or freezing cold.  This is by far the latest we have ever started a season.  Last year, our first ride was May 1st.  It didn't look good early but we made it out.  Unfortunately, trail conditions are not so good and doesn't look like they will be ready anytime soon.  It was a bog.
     Rob (road ride), Arthur (didn't want to get his bike dirty), and Mike (Roxanne didn't make his post-ride pita) all made the wise move of staying off the trails.
    Good to see that some things never change.  Yes, Ali was late.  Of course it wasn't his fault :).

   Super big thanks to Dave, Jay and Mark who stepped up in a time of criss.  Yes, that is right.... NO BEER!  Liam shall be subjected to 10 spankings from Ali.  So Jay has done his first beer turn.  Next up is Liam.... again.
    Tonights riders were Rob, Jay, Dave, Mark, Ali, Jeremy, and Craig.

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Road Rider???

Beer Order 2014

Ok, here is the beer order for this season.  I have left the newcomers off of the list (for now).  Some of you never got back to me about riding this year so I have included you in the list anyways.  If you want off it, email me ASAP.  If you can't bring beer on your night please switch with someone around your week.  Also, don't forget if it is your night for beer, you also need to bring 2 bags of "non-ass flavoured chips"(Ali circa summer of 2012).  Most importantly!!!! If it is your night for beer, under no circumstances do you forget!  For review purposes, I have copied Article VI from the Constitution:

ARTICLE VI – BEER ORDER

6.1 beer order is determined at the beginning of the season, based on last years attendance

6.2 the list will be sent out via email on a regular basis

6.3 the beer has to be of premium quality and cheap or on sale beer does not count. You will be required to bring again the following week.

6.4 if you forget your beer turn, you are required to bring beer for two (2) weeks in a row

6.5 trading weeks with another rider is acceptable

6.6 the person whose beer night it is gets the parking spot in Ali's driveway.

6.7 if it is your beer night, you are also required to bring two large bags of chips

2014 Order

Liam
Dave
Russ
Jim H
Ian
Mike
Jay 
Craig
Rob 
Jeremy
Mark
Arthur
Ali

Start of a New Season

Well, after a LONG, COLD winter the 2014 Chain Reaction season is about to begin.  While the trails may be too wet to ride still, it is time to start thinking about getting on the bike.  I know Mike.... you have been riding all year in preparation of your trip to Spain.  But not all of us have that dedication (stupidity) or luxury.   Some of you I have seen regularly, thanks to Mark's spin classes and some not at all.  I only see Scotty when his kid is in trouble.  I need to know who is in for riding this year so I can put together the all-important beer order.  Some of you may need to re-apply for your Chain Reaction Cycling membership due to inactivity (Russ, Liam).  Also, we have two new members (they have already been committee-approved).  An email has been sent out to everyone with what I believe is the updated and correct mail list.  I will leave it up to the South Windsor guys (Mark) to let us know when the trails are ready for riding.  I personally cannot start this week but Mark would like to start on the road this week.  Anyone with a road bike and desire can meet at Ali's at 6:00.  However, in fairness to everyone, these rides will not count for attendance.