The Clydesdale Cyclocross Champion of the Universe Race

Just saw this and was humored:

The Clydesdale Cyclocross Champion of the Universe Race, 12/12/09 Bend, Oregon

After seeing photos of the guys competing, they certainly don’t *look* like the kind of folks I was *thinking* I might be competing against in the Clydesdale cyclocross class… assuming I ever get around to competing.  We’ll see.

At this point — 2009 cyclocross season almost over — I highly doubt I’ll attempt my first.  That said, if the stars line up, and the weather’s good, and I’m feeling extra… uh… CRAZY this weekend, I *might* consider doing the beginner and/or clydesdale class at Kruger’s Crossing.  *Might* is the key word in that sentence.

The weather’s not lookin’ good, however, so that’s probably not going to happen.

 

 

dusting off the cobwebs

FINALLY pulled my ‘cross bike off the hooks on the garage wall yesterday morning to go for an hour long (cold!) bike ride yesterday morning.  I noticed cobwebs on the spokes when I was pumping up the tires.  Realized my bike isn’t so new anymore, and my big plans to spend lots of time on it this past summer… didn’t really pan out.

That said, it was great to be in the saddle again, especially since I’ve lost close to 30 (!) pounds since I bought the bike — thanks in large part to the LoseIt! iPhone app and a heavy almost-daily regimen of cario exercise at the gym.  I found the daunting hill-climb part of my favorite ride wasn’t as bad as I’d remembered it to be, and continued the hill-climb further on a new route that I’ve avoided due to the hills… so, it was quite fun.  Sad in hindsight that I didn’t also take advantage of Saturday’s nice weather, as I find myself jonesin’ for another bike ride.  Perhaps this weekend?

Sad that my weekend was too busy to make it to the annual Oregon Manifest hand-crafted bike show over the weekend — made it a couple of years ago, which helped stimulate my renewed interest in bikes and biking.  Now the big question: Am I ready to give the bike-to-work idea another shot… now that the days are short and the weather cold-and-crappy?  Hmmm… getting there.  I’ll have to keep an eye on the forecast and my schedule (work and family) and see if I can squeeze in one day this week or next.

After taking in the first Cross Crusade race of the season a few weeks ago, I was pretty sure I WOULDN’T be attempting my first cross race this year.  Now that I’ve been out on my bike… I might have to rally to see if I can do the beginner class out at Portland Int’l Raceway this Sunday. That sounds a little aggressive… but might have to give it a try.  More on that later.

Hello. Here we go. On the road… almost.

So, I’ve been a big guy all of my life.  I have been a bike-lover since my oldest brother let go of my training-wheel-free banana-seat bike when I was about 6 years old.

I have owned only a few well-used bikes in my life:  Two-or-three hand-me-down or garage-sale single-speed-with-coaster-brakes until age 13.  A brand new Blue Schwinn Varsity. A brand new Bianchi mountain bike that I saved long and hard for at age 17.  A borrowed (and returned) Schwinn Typhoon during college years.

Then… career… house… kids… found that my bike stayed in the basement or shed or garage for months at a time — pulled out for family vacations or occasional weekend rides.

I bought a new cheap schwinn cruiser on a whim a few years ago when my kids were learning how to ride their first bikes.  That combination brought the love of biking back.

Now:  Lack of exercise and poor eating habits and a sedentary job — I’ve become a really big guy.  I need to exercise more.

I just ordered a new bike online (BEFORE reading mixed reviews about the online bike store).  It arrives in a couple of days.  I will begin a commuting adventure.  Goal is to get more exercise, get more enjoyment, and get started getting fit for… Cyclocross!

I have never been in an official bike race.   This fall I will.  I think.  Cyclocross.  Beginner class?  Clydesdale class? Master class?

This is my story starting June 1, 2009.  My new bike should arrive June 3.  Assuming I can put the parts together… my commute starts… June 4?  Stay tuned.