Oscar Night!

Ride it Ian.  Congratulations.

SochiCross and Bear Sharks

A few weeks ago, we had a strategery session, working on our All-City CX world domination plan for 2014.  

Pyrotechnics were at the top of the list.

Our conversation turns to marketing and one of our esteemed colleagues didn't quite dig the Ride The Sharknado vibe.  No problemo - not a big deal.  I don't mind other's input and suggestions, even when they're wrong.

So this week, we're over in Sochi getting our Pussy Riot on, building bridges, and working on cyclocross being included in the 2018 Olympics in Boise.

I ask the bartender if he's heard of a Moscow Mule (oh, ha ha ha) and drop a few bad American catch phrases - i.e., "I know right?"  Making friends.  I rip the ol' shirt off, trying to fit in, an I turn around, face to face with: Big Bad Vlad, Vlad the Impaler (in a totally hetero way), Rootin' Tootin' Putin.

We start pounding back the distilled potato spirits, mano y mano, and really hit it off.  He asks me how I'm enjoying the games, and I told him one thing is missing - cyclocross.

"What is this?", he asks.  I get his minister of interwebs over to our table, and have him fire up Ride the Sharknado, said current blog.  Checks it out, peristroika, das vidanya.  Another fan.

Next day in the Russian paper?  Vlady-D RIDING A BEAR SHARK.  Think a Sharknado is bad - try a BEAR SHARK.

So, suck it JR!  Apology accepted, you're welcome.

It is foretold: Frozen sharks invade waterways

After seeing what happened in Atlanta with the frozen zombie water falling from the heavens, we were already in a DEFCON 4 panic when it started snowing here in Colorado - now this:  FROZEN SHARKS!!!

Please avoid local reservoirs and creeks.  

If you survive the snow, and somehow make it home, we would be sad should you be devoured by a shark.  

Keep at least 3 days worth of food, a bucket for a potty, and a speargun in your car until March 1.

The Deep Freeze

December 7 & 8, 2013

Winter and true cyclocross weather finally hit Colorado this week.  Temps hovered around single digits all week, frozen tundra, Arctic-type stuff. 

This weekend, I felt blessed/fortunate/lucky to be riding a bike in the cold on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and the death of Nelson Mandela.  Put everything into perspective - which is that cross is not that important - and there are people in this world making real sacrifices, that put our little sport into the proper category - entertainment and diversion.

So, that said, on with the BS.  

You were warned about the Shark Avalanche, weeks ago, and it hit HARD this weekend.

  

Off to the Boulder reservoir on Saturday - nothing like snow and the freezer to make the course fast and fun.  Team Matt set up a manSauna in the F150 prior to the start of the singlespeed.

Here's a shot of Nic Handy on the first lap:

GoPro footage from corner 1:

So dang cold!  Warmers, booties, layer layer layer - and even goggles were not unusual.

Post by Alpha Bicycle Company-All City CX Team.

All-City went a man down after this race - Matt A. went down, and slid UPHILL on the ice rounding the corner, and broke his paw - maybe out for states.

Grumpy old men and falling penguins did not deter Mr. Nic Handy from his top podium spot at the Super Duper 9x points Gilded Cup race. 

Sunday, Routine Leg Works hosted CX for Cancer at the Bear Creek reservoir.  A bit of fresh pow-pow made for super tacky conditions, but also hid the rocks on the descent #1 - felt like a rodeo.

We have more GoPro footage:

According to unconfirmed (aka DRUNKEN) race reports, Matt S. was the only singlespeeder to ride the entire sand volleyball pit.  Golf clap.  

On the final lap, we had a spirited, yet genteel exchange.  Goes a little somethin like this:

Elder Rider: "Prithee, fellow racers and monogeared velocipeder.  I doth most politely inquireth if'n I may pass thee?

Us: "Certainly, gentle squire.  Doth thou wisheth to pass on the port or starboard direction?"

Elder Rider: "Tis a most polite and generous offer, but I certainly would prefereth should thou vacate the choice line, and pulleth over, to allow me to proceed unimpeded, peasant.  For I somehow cannot cranketh fast enough to pass."

Us: "Perhaps thee should close thy pie-hole."

A knife fight broke out between Nic Handy and Will Iaia going mano y mano for the entire race.  Will using his jiu-jitsu, and Nic battling back with Shao-lin kung-fu made for some damn fine racing - with Nic ending up top step again.  Congrats to to Aaron Zoerner for winning again!

Post by Alpha Bicycle Company-All City CX Team.

Egg nog, Apple pie 'shine, and PBR handups.  The holidays are upon us.

A special thanks this week to Casey, Tim, Aaron, Adam, Steve(2), Erika, Kyle & Melinda for making a cold weekend in the snow fun beyond belief.

Next weekend, the state championships, Saturday and Sunday - come out and join us in the mayhem!!! 

Thank you again to our sponsors: Alpha Bicycle Company, All-City, White Industries, Velocity, Kali, fi'zi:k, The Warmfront.  The fun had this weekend was priceless - we sincerely appreciate it.

Bringing the Cyclocross Avalanche! Of Sharks!!

All-City Alpha Bikes is currently in a mano-y-mano de muerte (trans: hands of death) battle in the cyclocross standings for 2nd place in the team competition.  

Look how serious we are.

If you thought riding a Sharknado was intense, we are stepping our game up - and looking at you Will.

BE PREPARED - FOR AN AVALANCHE - OF SHARKS.

Zombies and Marketing Cyclocross

Instead of the standard race recap, I thought I'd start in a different direction.

What is cyclocross?  (This is already sounding like a 7th grade book report.)

I invite friends who ride road and mountain bikes - or don't ride at all - to come out to a race.  The natural question, is "what is cyclocross?"

When I've explained the logistics of a race, or the difference in a cross bike from a road bike, or just shouted, "IT'S AWESOME!", the typical response ranges from "Oh, that's nice", to casual but polite indifference. After Zombie Cross, I realized my marketing of cyclocross to those not in the sport should be different.

When I invite friends, I'm not going to call it a race.  

Here's my new recipe:

• Take 3 parts Tour De Fat
• Add 1 cup Mardi Gras
• 6 pints Great American Beer Fest
• 1/2 cup NASCAR
• 1/2 cup backyard BBQ
• A dash of the Red Bull FlugTag
• Add Friar's Club Roast to taste, for the heckling

Zombie Cross, the race, is a small part of what actually makes this sport/event/carnival so spectacular - and special.

The social component of cross is why IT'S AWESOME.  In my sporting life, I've played ice hockey, rec league basketball/softball/raquetball, and while the physical challenges may compare, I've never more fun than at a race. 

The teams and clubs are packed with simply great people, and some spectacular riders. Most of us suck, but true camaraderie comes from shared suffering and intense experiences.   

This season, your assignment is to invite 2 spectators to attend our carnival, and share the fun.  It's too great not to share.

Now, on to the race report.

A gorgeous fall day set the stage for Zombie Cross at Salisbury Aquarium Park in Parker Colorado.  

Our singlespeed assault consisted of Nic Handy, dressed as Prince(ess) Leia,

Matt Adamiak rocking the turkey helmet cover, Robert Thomas as our Boulder hipster, and Matt Sodnicar in full Disco / gilded thongness and sequined bowtie.  Chris Martel saved his talents to hammer on the open race with Nic in the afternoon.

All you really need to know about the race was the runup, and the "bad touch".

Post by Alpha Bicycle Company-All City CX Team.

Nic and Will were battling the entire race, and had to go through a practice sprint as our announcer (El Gee) needed help from this guy.  Brought to you by the Number 2, and the Letter M.

The guys sorted it out, and ended up on the podium, Nic racking up a 3rd place.

Zombie Cross also marked the debut of the hot dog roller / whiskey dispensary.    

Many thanks to our sponsors, All-City Cycles, Alpha Bicycle Co., White Industries, Kali, Ryders, Al Dente Cooking, The Warmfront, Omega Fitness.

And bring a friend next time!