Sandbagging???

Tax Day has come and gone, and while many of my fellow Americans were busy crunching numbers and digging through W-2 forms I found myself in an elementary school parking lot surrounded by small cluster of men and women wearing tights. All of whom were eyeing the queasy looking sky and thinking the same thing. "What in this good green earth encouraged me to leave my warm saturday morning bed and come out here?"

The reason. Race Day! Hosted by ICE(Idaho Cycling Enthusiasts, but i think the pun was intended) the annual Tax Day race was only a few minutes from starting. I hadn't competed in a race in nearly 5 years, and judging by the mass of $2000 carbon fiber road bikes lining up next to me on the starting line I was starting to regret my decision to come, as all I had was my $300 steel single-speed. I figured if I finished I'd be happy.

Well the race started off, and I'm sorry I didn't have anyone to take any pictures, but one hour eleven minutes thirty-seven seconds and twenty miles later I rolled across the finish line a full twenty minutes ahead of second place.

Not bad I thought.

Considering I dropped the pack about a mile into the course and never saw another competing soul until the end, but what really gave me bragging rights was the laughable fact that some kid on a cheap piece of steel was able to finish strong let alone finish. Felt good.... maybe I'll have to go start wrestling Sitani, and Noah, and Jace so I can brag about beating little kids as well :P

It's finally finished

Ok... So I'm pretty sure that most of you have no idea what's finally been finished, and that it's a project that's been in progress since last summer. In short, the three room basement apartment that I rent with my roommate Myka was originally equipped with a bedroom for each of us and a shared living room. But as Both Myka and I eventually invested in our own personal flat screens the living room became a very lonely unused room. Then last August as Myka and I were preparing to start another riveting semester of "academic joys" we looked at our living room and saw the potential for a tidy little workshop.

First steps included removing all previous furnishing from the room.

Second, thanks to the pile of unused lumber and a couple extra large pieces of shop counter tops removed from the trash heap outside of Scotts Ski and Sports, a workbench was made.

Third, a used bike stand was located.

Fourth, tools were unpacked

Five, Shop apron was found.

And sixth, Miss Devinci has been given her own Spa Day :D

Plans for a Shock overhaul, new wheels, and regreasing of bearings are in order. Along with a deep cleansing scrub that bubbles down to the threads on the nuts :D I'm hoping to enter into the Utah Downhill circuit this year to see how I can do and so I'm very excited to now have a place to myself where I can tune my bike. :D

Now of course some things are going to have to be acquired over time. Tools like a truing stand, headset press, Bottom Bracket Removal Tool, and cable cutters are all on the mind, but first addition will probably be the all essential stool. I'm currently using this bad boy fashioned out of three 4x4's and a piece of particle board I had lying around. It's fastened together with furniture tacks and I've nailed a 2x4 underneath it to keep the thin 'seat' from bending when I sit down. I know many carpenters out there are groaning quite loudly at this abhoration of construction, but really it's quite sturdy, and effective, but I too cannot wait to find a padded cushion to sit on.

But all in all it's quite a pleasing site to see. The workbench really brings it all together, and needless to say I'm pretty stoked at the whole idea. I've been wanting to piece together my own home shop ever since I started working at Perfomance back in 2005. Crazy eh. Well I guess this will serve as my blog for the first half of the year. Over and out.

NEW BIKE DAY!!!

US MSRP: $1,500*

• 4130 double-butted cromoly frame with ISCG mounts and vertical drop outs
• Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 2 80mm travel fork with 20mm thru-axle
• BMX-style 4130 cromoly tubular cranks with Syncros chainguide
• SRAM X.9 8-speed rear derailleur; short cage
• Avid BBDB 5 mechanical disc brakes

	Pea Soup

*Actual retail price may vary based on any added dealer freight, tax, and assembly fees. Frame 4130 Double Butted Cromo W/ ISCG integrated mount and vertical drop outs Sizes 13” Short , 13” Long Frame Shock N/A Fork Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 2; 20mm Thru Axle 80mm Travel Headset Ritchey Drop In Internal Crank Set 4130 Tubular Cromo 10 spline interface W/ e.thirteen 32t crownwheel Bottom Bracket Euro Sealed Derailleur Front Syncros Chainguide Derailleur Rear SRAM X.9 Composite Short Cage Freewheel SRAM PG850 8-Speed 11-28 Chain Shimano HG40 Pedals Pivit Featherlite w/ Replaceable Pins Handlebar Syncros FR riser bar; 40mm rise 710mm width; 31.8 clamp Stem Syncros FR; 50mm extension; 31.8 clamp Grips SDG Lock On Derailleur Shifter SRAM X5 Trigger Shifter; 8 Speed Right Side Only Saddle SDG Skylite I-Beam Seat Post SDG I Beam Alloy Mirco Adjust 25.4 Seat Post Clamp Pivit alloy bolt on Hubset Pivit Sealed 120t driver disc Alloy 8/9 Speed Cassette; Pivit 20mm Sealed Rim SUN S.O.S 32h Spokes Stainless Steel 14g Tires Kenda Small Block 8 2.35F / Kiniption 2.3R Brakes Avid BBDB 5 Mechanical Disc w/ 6” Rotor Brake Lever Avid FR5

So.. you survived the data sheet :D Did you understand any of it? I can upload the geometry schematics too if you wish. But if you haven't already heard or figured it out by now I have a newly added mistress to my harem of bicycles. I'd like you all to meet my new DJ (dirt jump) bike. Made from chromolly steel for a very smooth ride this baby is a mix between a BMX bike and a hardtail mountain bike. It's main riding design if you haven't guessed is for lofting yourself off of large kickers and manicured jumps, but it's also burly enough to be ridden down some pretty good trails. Ever since I spent my first winter on Elizabeths tiny little red bike I've been craving a good light bike that could be ridden in the town, and at the local dirt jumps. The streets here in Pocatello don't stay covered in snow, and so I'm hoping that as the mountains begin to be closed to biking that I'll be able to keep honing some of my new found "skills" by riding this sweet baby! Stairs, Walls, Dirt Jumps, and Retaining Walls beware this is going to be fun :D

If you're still reading I guess you're probably interested in knowing the story of how I got this little gal. Well I first wanted to get her when Scott's (bike shop I wrench at) picked up Haro Bikes this year, but sadly even with Employee Purchase this beauty was out of my price range for most of the summer. She retails for about $1500, and the shop gets them for about $850, and with the 20% of wholesale that comes to roughly $650-$700 for Employee Purchase. I still wanted it though and as mom has often told me (generally in reference to getting my room clean) that whenever I wanted something I somehow tend to find a way to get it (she would then punctuate the point that I should want to clean my room and then I'd find a way to get it done). So I've been putting little bits of money aside all summer hoping to maybe have enough by seasons end, but when I totaled the books I only had enough for the bike that's a few tiers down from this guy :(.


It's not a bad little bike, but it's kinda like buying a Kia Sephia when what you really want is a Nissan Xterra. It does the job... but.. well you all know. But being the budget friendly guy I am I decided to go and order what I could afford, but to my great pleasure I found that the Haro Steel Reserve 8 was on clearance for only a few bucks more than the 1.2 :D

And well.. the rest is kinda history, and since I'm scheduled to go riding here in like 10 min I better wrap this up and get to the trail. When I get pictures I'll post them, but until then just admit to yourself that you're a tiiinny bit jealous ;)

Down Time

Ok... so those of you who I've promised to blog

about my Labor Day trip to Colorado, my apologies. This is not it. I'm still waiting for same footage from my friend Ty(designated camera man). Due to this lack of footage, an immense amount of homework, and the fact that my poor mistress had her deraileur tore off, there has been a stupid amount of cycling down time. Parts should be coming soon, but until then I've settled into my bed, and have collected a wonderful selection of short cycling shots that I think are the bomb. Enjoy :D

Letter to my future Wife

Inspired by limegreenmoviegirl.blogspot.com


Dear Wife, Wifey, Buttercup, or Buttmunch. Whatever it is I end up calling you when you finally get around to showing up. I just wanted to let you know that I'm a superhero. Yes I know that my scraggly arms and tiny calves aren't exactly grade A Superman, and the fact that you can play my ribcage like an xylophone isn't exactly your typical trademarks of the man who will constantly be saving you from my maniacal nemesis Dr. Octotoes, but believe me I will save you. And even if you don't believe me and feel inclined to scoff at me when I'm flexing in the bathroom mirror please take note of my amazing Superpowers.

1)I can fly(It requires my bicycle, but no one gave Batman any crap for using a gliding cape)

2)I can lift 4 gallons of milk with one hand. It'd be five but the thumb doesn't bend that way.

3)I have femmie sense. They're not nearly as honed as Spiderman's Spider senses, but I can sense the proper moment to ooh and aah, and when to restock on the household chocolate supply.

4)I change diapers.

5)I change blowouts.

6)I remember to take out the trash.

7)Jedi mind tricks are nothing compared my monkey toes that can retrieve a remote from over 6 feet away without moving.

8)I can change a flat.

9)I can empty an entire refridgerator in under 3 hours.

10)Those spandex tights in the closet... ya those are mine... what do you think they're for?


If you still scoff at my Heroisms... well just ask the children ;) They know that I'm a Superhero.

Who ever said nothing in life was free... Was Wrong

Ok... so I must've helped some old lady cross the street in the Premortal life because I certainly don't think that I deserve any of what I'm about to show you, but somehow or another I've been exceptionally blessed with some goods, that while temporal, are very much appreciated.

The story runs as follows...

In the space of Thursday morning to Saturday evening I have somehow managed to have item after item given to me from friends, coworkers, and some guy who was helping me move stuff.

1. Snowshoes... Retail Value $50-$100 Donated by: Scott's Ski and Sports

2. 661 Carbon Full Face Helmet. Retail Value $100-$150 Donated by: Fellow Mechanic Alan Worley

Rossignol Pro1 Race Boot Retail Value $700 Donated by: Scott's Ski and Sports

And last but certainly not least: MY NEW 42" Plasma Flatscreen... Donated by: Some guy named Kenny.

Ok... so the TV isn't really mine... yet... The way that worked out is on Thursday I was helping a friend of mine move out of her apartment. Whilst standing in the midst of mobile chaos in walks a guy to help another one of the girls living in the apartment. We get to talking and turns out he has so many Flatscreen TV's (some people are just cursed) that he really doesn't want to pack them all up. We get to talking.. I (being male) mention how I wished I had one.. and he.. being kind (or stupid) says that I can take it for the summer and if by summers end I want to keep it he'll sell it for $350... Still debating on the purchasing thing... but I must say that it's very tempting.

Anyway... I know it's no where near as cool as your children, but hey.. they're like babies to me so read it and wheep... Gotta love being in the right place at the right time.

Once a Nerd always a Nerd

I'm not too sure how many of you remember the "laboratory" that I constructed in the basement of the Chiloquin house. I didn't look like much. Kinda was just a collection of cut up soda bottles to the untrained eye, but you didn't know I was building my own airtanks :P....

I digress, but the reason I bring it up now is that I have realized that you can take the boy out of the Lab, but you can't take the lab out of the boy. And thanks to a Mother who can dream with her children, I have finally finished building the COOLEST THING since Dexter's Laboratory. Behold... My 8'x3' White Board.

I know the photos aren't the best... Reflective surfaces in a dimly lit room aren't the best, but as you can somewhat see... with a few upholstery tacks and twenty dollars I was able to acquire and hang two 4'x3' sheets of whiteboard acquired from Lowes for only 9.69 a piece. The idea was so ingenious even my engineer minded roommate Myka got in on the action. With his own giant white-board. Now he's got a place to sketch out the designs for his motorcycle. :D









Why all this work do you ask? Well... It came as a desire to write out my thoughts for an extensive study I'm currently doing on the Allegory of the Olive Tree. I've also discovered that I am what's known as a "Structuralist" amongst literary scholars. In short whenever I read something I construct patterns, boxes, and categories into my mind. This board is going to be my best friend in Scripture Study, English Class, and for whenever I want to outline my thoughts concerning any literature I get my pudgy little paws on. :D Maybe I sound nuts.. Maybe I am.. who knows, but in the end I know that you're all jealous of my SUPER SWEET WHITE-BOARD.