Chasing HardTail

From Alpinist, A Desert Life

2012-01-25T05:10:00.000-08:00

A Desert Life from Austin Siadak on Vimeo.

Another Blog

2011-11-09T15:27:00.001-08:00

http://southernalpineinstitute.blogspot.com/

24 Hours Georgia Race Report

2011-11-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

A Chain Buster and Dirty Spokes Production

The 24 hours of Georgia is a great event and a really good way to “Get into” 24 hour events or take the step from team to solo racing. If you have never ridden out at Conyers before you should. It is a very unique ride and home to the first ever Olympic Mountain Bike Race (ATL 96’).

My buddy Tim and I decided that it was time for us to make the move to duo racing in 24hr events. It also helped that during football season in the south it is nearly impossible to get anyone to give up a weekend of booze and football for 24 straight hours of fitness.

Tim had arrived slightly after noon on Friday and was able to get a spot on the course where we would be able to watch the riders finishing the final 200 yards of a lap. This was a great spot and there were many equally good spots available even on Saturday morning. Compared to other events (Burn 24) this event was spread out and wonderful for camping. Unlike the Burn they may have skimped a little on the Port-o-Potties and water. However later I did learn that an event sponsor was providing coolers full of their drinks.

The race began without a lemans start and had a 1ish mile parade lap to get things going. I road this section for my team, Chasing HardTail. It was more a dusty traffic jam than anything else, but I still prefer this to a lemans start. My first lap was great. Fueled by adrenaline and caught in tire to tire traffic I found myself pushing harder then I may have normally.

The race is broken down into two pretty distinct areas: the granite and the backside. The granite section of the course is pretty technical with two notably steep climbs that had most of the field jumping off of their bikes for a demoralizing upward push. This section was 4 miles long. The “backside” welcomed riders with a sign stating these were the beginner trails. This section was fast (all except for 2 hills) and long, 8 miles. Bringing the lap total to 12 miles.

The Granite. The first 4 miles was mostly granite. Think mountain biking over the top of Stone Mountain. If you fall it hurts. No matter what it is bouncy. And the moans and groans as people entered this part of the trail could be heard well into the night. The granite section lasted for maybe a mile or a mile in a half and was mostly flat chompy and slow. The apex was a super steep climb that transitioned into a white knuckle downhill to some very narrow single track.

Once on the single track the pace was fairly fast. The trail work that had been performed the week before left the soil very loose and dusty. There were a couple of narrow bridges that warranted slowing way down and paying attention. After the bridges everyone was treated to the toughest climb of the course “Olympic Hill”. Out of the 4 times I have been riding out at Conyers I have only seen one person climb this hill (Professor Bill, during the race).

After this steep climb it was a short single track section that spit you out back on the granite. A fast section that brought you back near some of your previous ride and finally to the transition area leading to the backside. This section of the course took me about 30-45 minutes.

The Backside. A slow grass pedal for several hundred feet takes the riders from the Granite side to the backside. Once you enter the woods you immediately feel great (after all you have only been riding for 4 miles at that point). The single track is fast and flows. The turns are wide and with the exception of 2 climbs the whole section is a breeze. I was able to average about 45-60 minutes on this section of the course.

I broke the Backside down in my head into 4 areas. First there was from the entrance till you cross the three creeks. This was the longest section but also the easiest. Secondly there was from the final creek to the wooded climb. This climb is notable as it is the longest steepest climb in the woods. Thirdly from Wooded climb to Heartbreak hill. Heartbreak hill was a power line that was very climbable (early in the day) and close to the finish yet continued to demoralize me as the day wore on. Finally from Heartbreak hill to the finish line. This last section was very similar to the first part of the course. From here you could begin to hear the crowds around the finish and with the exception of one washed out steep section the riding was elementary at best.

LowPoints By far the thing that stuck out to me the most (in a bad way) about this race was the amount of smoke in the air from all of the campfires. When we entered I thought it would be great to have fires. After 10 hours of breathing in smoke I had changed my mind.

Aide stations: There really weren’t any. Some LBS stepped up to offer neutral support but there was not a cup of water or a Gu to be found.

Mechanicals: Tim and I both had our share of issues but Tim took the cake with 1 or 2 broken chains and a flat tire. As for me I ran out of battery on my headlamp with about 3 miles to go on my second night lap.

HighPoints. Race director/MC. These guys really cared about the riders after about two laps it seemed they knew everyone’s name (we did not have individual timing chips, so they couldn’t simply read it off of the screen). The MC was even able to rock hard all night announcing riders, playing music, and just keeping a good vibe going.

The swag bags were pretty sweet. I give major cootos for the pint glass. If you were lucky enough to stand on the podium you really lucked out. This is where the sponsors really showed up. Maxxis tires, bike pumps, cyclocomputers, and more.

The People: Atlanta Bike Tech who was offering neutral support on the Granite side. Tim could not speak highly enough of the guy. He gave Tim the chain links that he needed and left his tools out for Tim to use (Bike tools ain’t cheap) even when he left to get some shut eye.

Nick of team, equipo de fuego infierno huracan. This kid was awesome. Nick and his dad were doing their first ever 24hour event and had decided to each take 6hour shifts. While I think their strategy could use a little twicking their attitude and sportsmanship was above reproach. I met Nick at the top of Heartbreak Hill and he noticed that I was “trying” to ride by moonlight. He offered to let me follow him for the next 3 miles. I accepted and he saved me some serious time. Thanks man!

Summary: This was a great event and I couldn’t have imagined racing it with anyone other than Tim. It is really cool to see how far we have come from our pathetic 5k races in Tuscaloosa to now. Thanks to our gals (Lindsey and Cat) for making an appearance to bring us hot food and pick up our spirits. I’m sure if we keep our training consistent, our 4^th place finish will easily translate into a top 3. Till then…there’s always next year.

Tim Wreck Report

2011-09-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

So about two weeks ago I dislocated/subluxed my right shoulder (pretty sure I sprained my AC joint too, but that wasn’t the official diagnosis) while riding the Flying Squirrel Trail at Chicopee Woods in Gainesville, GA. As soon as I got my awareness back after the crash, I knew I was hurt. I didn’t really know how bad until I tried to get back on the bike. I put weight on the shoulder when I grabbed the handlebars and thought I might eject that morning’s egg sandwich.

It felt like déjà vu. Last spring I tore the MCL in my left knee a few months before the Burn 24 while skiing off piste and living in Vermont. Now instead of a knee, it is a shoulder. Instead of the Burn 24, it is the 24 hrs. of Georgia. It seems like I am destined to be injured in some form right before any major mtb race I enter. While I think the shoulder actually hurts more – my med school girlfriend tells me that there are a lot of nerves in the shoulders – injuring a shoulder still allows me to train cardio, whereas my knee had to heal first. So what do I do? Well, the shoulder does not allow me control a bike yet, so I am running. I figure by running I can prepare my cardiovascular system for the race, but of course I will be missing time in the saddle. Perhaps my biggest worry is losing my nerve on downhill sections. After dozens of pretty good falls without any real injury, I guess this was bound to happen. I just wish it wouldn’t have happened 2 months before race day.

Burn 24 hour challenge Race Report

2011-06-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

Chasing HardTail

This years Burn 24 hour challenge was great. Again we arrived in the rain, setup the tents in the rain, and enjoyed muddy trails with super slippy roots. However this year we came prepared. I cannot express enough how important preperatoin is on 24 hour races. From food to fans, from wallets to wheels you have to prepare.

Zach's Uncle's killer Lightspeed with custom deer skull

Camp

Last year we only had one Easyup tent and no tables and no fans. This year we brought 4 easy ups, two fold out tables, six coolers, multiple camp chairs, and our secert weapon, General Robert E Breeze.

Tim awaits Zach's Tag with Bucky and the Hat

Riders

Zach the Macho Man Riggins started for us on the lamans sprint around the lake. He tagged up with Tim (who was happy to not have to ride an extra lap this year) and rocked it back to tag out with Bucky for the 1^st full timed lap. Bucky’s first lap was brutal. The noon day sun was beating us and Bucky got a little bulemick at the half way point (2x) and then 4x more times in the camp. Next I jumped on my trusted stead for a “feeler” lap (that is how I justify my speed) and then Zach rounded us out and putting us a solid 4 laps and 4 hours into the race.

There’s always next year…

This would become our new team moto as personal goals were abandoned and our team goal of 24 laps in 24 hours became more fantasy then reality. In our defense the field was stacked this year, “The 2011 B24 saw record lap times, both day and night! Julia Tellman peeled off the fastest laps among female competitors. Her fast day lap was timed at 41:15.547 followed by a lap in the dark at 44:44.543. Julia earned $150 from Boone Bike & Touring and a Seca 700 from Light & Motion . Not a bad haul for two fast laps! The dude’s competition was tight! Bradford Perley scored the fast day lap with a time of 33:16.121. Defending fast lap winner Tristian Cowie turned a 33:18.606 followed by Bradford’s teammate, Sott Fredrick at 33:25.120. Those cats were smokin’ it! Bradford scored $150 from Boone Bike & Touring for his effort. Alex Ryan turned an impressive lap under the cover of darkness that would typically rival any fast day lap. He was timed at 35:18.688 and took home a retina scorching Seca 700 from Light & Motion for BURNing up the night. It’s worth mentioning that Alex comes from the same team as Bradford and Scott Fredrick. These guys along with their Champion System/Cannondale teammates set a new record in the 3 – 5 man category turning 40 laps overall.”

View of the camp ground from atop the dam at B24

Results

Tim gets mad props for posting both the best day and night (true dark) laps for our team. I think we were all a little down that no one has broken a 50min lap in 2 years but …There’s always next year. Finally the most incredible thing ever happened. Bucky set a Burn 24 hour challenge. I am still awaiting an official email reply from the RD but I am tentatively claiming that Bucky finished the race closer to the final cutoff of the final lap then anyone else in history. To put this in perspective the race ends at 1:00 p.m. Sunday. Bucky finished at 12:59:41 p.m. giving him a nice 19 second cushion .

Bike Lanes are great!

2011-06-09T16:06:00.000-07:00

Burn 24 Race Photos

2011-06-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

Burn 24/7 race photos are finally posted at http://www.mabephoto.com/index2.php#/proofing/. The password is posted on the site to log in but just in case it is burn24

Note: all of these photos are from 2009 and may be seen at ryansigsbeyphotography.com

Burn 24/7 Race Results12:59:41.351

2011-06-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

LAP	Tim	Bucky	Brooks	Zach	Race Time
1	55:54.669				12:55:54
2		1:05:33			14:01:27
3			59:28.339		15:00:56
4				57:46.118	15:58:42
5	52:34.731				16:51:16
6		1:06:32			17:57:49
7			58:34.526		18:56:24
8				56:47.068	19:53:11
9	59:03.619				20:52:15
10				1:12:05	22:04:20
11			1:15:05		23:19:26
12		1:17:41			24:19:38
13	1:10:05				1:47:13
14			1:12:57		3:00:11
15	1:15:15				4:15:27
16				1:08:35	5:24:02
17		1:18:06			6:42:08
18			1:10:25		7:52:34
19				1:00:44	8:53:18
20	1:06:51				10:00:09
21			1:10:07		11:10:17
22		1:49:24			12:59:41

Maca Roubaix

2011-04-13T04:54:00.001-07:00

Ride Hardcore

2011-04-11T18:52:00.001-07:00

Lamour Supreme for Prolly is Not Probably: Biking Viking Teaser

Ever Wonder about the Custom Bike Process?

2011-03-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

So im not sure this is how all custom fab shops do it, but this has got to be one of the best videos on the web detailing the process. Check out their bikes and more here.

Geekhouse Movie from Geekhouse Bikes on Vimeo.

Great Interview

2011-03-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

StumpJump 50k: Josh Wheeler from Rock/Creek on Vimeo.

Rock/Creek Race Team member and Chattanooga native Josh Wheeler, currently a pre-med student at Appalachian State, talks about his experience as an ultrarunner. Wheeler won the 2009 Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k. He would come back to Chattanooga a couple months later and win the Lookout Mountain 50 miler as well.

Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k 2010 from Rock/Creek on Vimeo.

Come run the premier 50k trail race in the Southeast. Taking place on a beautiful dirt-packed trail with Tennessee mountain stone thrown in -- and with a 5000+ ft. elevation gain -- the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k benefits Wild Trails for trail access and maintenance efforts in the Chattanooga area. Looking for a shorter race on the same beautiful trail? You're in luck! There will be an 11-mile course offered as well.

Proceeds benefit Wild Trails, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the use, expansion and promotion of trails in greater Chattanooga.

50k Race Details >
11 Mile Race Details >

New Team Support Van!

2011-03-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

Pic from Sportsmobile Custom

You can buy one as well here.

We Also Like to Climb

2011-03-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

Rhapsody of Steele from Will Eccleston on Vimeo.

Heart of Stone - Standard Def from Andrew Kornylak on Vimeo.

Some cool movies to celebrate the completion of collecting $25,300 to purchase climbing "Deep Creek, TN" Did I mention it only took 6 WEEKS! If you want to help open up some climbing areas in the South East or save the ones you love check out the SEC here.

I hurt for this bike

2011-03-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

My next BAMBOO Bike

2011-03-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

Boo & Panda Bamboo Bike

This bike is absolutely amazing! Check out more Boo & Panda bikes at BikeRumor.

Very Cool Project

2011-03-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Geography of Youth from Restless Collective on Vimeo.

Keirin, Where Football Meets Cycling

2011-03-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

29er Vs. 26er

2011-03-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

29 inch mountain bikes are not going to revolutionize mountain biking the way suspension forks did, however they do have their advantages and some people will swear by them.

When it comes to choosing the right size mountain bike forget about the size of the frame or the length your crank length and saddle height. The first thing you need to decide is: are you a 26er or a 29er?
I am of course referring to the size of the wheels on your bike. Check out the picture below for a look at their difference…

The 29 inch mountain bike ride is different to a 26 incher and it’s good!
Riding with bigger wheels at lower pressures the wheels absorb small bumps and holes in the trail and stick to it like a fly on maple syrup. The downside? Weight! You will never be able to build wheels on 29er mountain bikes as light as 26 inch wheels. And that extra weight is rotating mass so it counts double.
A 29 inch mountain bike is actually very similar to long travel dual suspension trail bikes. Both have extra weight and slow steering and are designed for similar situations. So which is best? Read on to find out…
…both types of bikes are actually very good at trail riding. A long travel dual suspension 26” bike will take the 29er on rougher descents and descents with tight turns but you will find a 29er to be more stable and confident in technical situations. This is due to its rigid frame, wheels that easily roll over small obstacles and a lower centre of gravity. A dually on the other hand will hang-up on rocks, its suspension will absorb valuable momentum and it will generally lurch around.
So does the 29er win the contest because it can match the performance of a more expensive and advanced dually, or does tuneable suspension make the 26er more versatile and the winner? Only you can answer that.

WHY 29er???

One thing I can tell you is that big wheels found on 29 inch mountain bikes can be run at lower pressures and allow a bigger contact area with the ground. This gives much more grip. The extra weight and momentum they carry at speed will allow you to ride a straighter, more confident line.
They are however more suited to taller riders who find themselves getting bigger frame bikes.
If you are not the tall then it comes down to how you ride. But if you can’t afford a quality dual suspension trail bike I would seriously consider the smoother ride you can get from cheaper 29er mountain bikes.
Of course you can always go for the much more expensive and much heavier dual suspension 29 inch mountain bikes, but that’s another can of worms.

Who Doesn't like 69

A combination between a 26er and a 29er, a 69er has a 29” wheel up front and a 26” wheel down the back. A small amount of weight is saved and they accelerate a bit faster than full 29 inch mountain bikes but the big difference is with the chainstay.
A shorter chainstay brings the rear wheel in close to the bottom bracket. This helps climbing and shortens the overall wheel base. It also helps to get the front wheel up in times of need (over a log or just chucking a wheelie). Maintenance and spares for 2 different wheel sizes can make things a bit difficult though. - Mountainbikeworld.com

No Time to Train

2011-03-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Brooks' Google Maps ride home


Brooks' Map My Run, Jog Home If you find your self with no time to work an hour or so of running into your day, just work your workout into your commute. Example in Atlanta the average person spends 2hrs a day in traffic. I can run from my office in Buckhead to my house in Dunwoody in just over an hour. This allows me to listen to books on tapes, take in scenery that I would have never noticed and arrive home felling great about myself and ready to spend sometime with the wife and dogs. There are tons of programs out there that allow you to track your miles, elevation, and time on these commutes. So as gas hits $4.00 a gallon make the folks in the Prius feel bad when you blast past them in the big gear.

Patagonia Does it Again!

2011-03-07T05:43:00.000-08:00

Patagonia Inc., the environmentally minded apparel company, has teamed with some of today’s top artists, representing a range of genres, to form the Patagonia Music Collective. The Patagonia Music Collective was launched in the United States on March 1 at www.patagonia.com/music.

Exclusive tracks will be sold at $.99 each, with net proceeds going directly to the environmental organizations of the artists’ preference. Musicians on board thus far includeMaroon 5, Philip Glass, Mason Jennings, John Scofield, Umphrey’s McGee, Ben Solee, Drive By Truckers, Bobby Long, String Cheese Incident, Ziggy Marley, Los Lobos, Big Head Todd & the Monsters and many more.

“Musicians have been interested in partnering with Patagonia on our environmental work for years, but we didn’t have the right platform to work together effectively,” notes Rob BonDurant, Patagonia’s vice president of marketing, “The Music Collective provides us with a way to partner directly with enviro-minded artists and to engage their fans in environmental efforts. It’s truly a new model for green giving.”

The Patagonia Music Collective was launched with 22 tracks bundled into two volumes of 11 tracks each. It will continue as a long-term project, with one new benefit track and three emerging tracks to be released each subsequent week. Exclusive benefit compilation albums will be available at varying intervals at Patagonia stores worldwide.

The collective encompasses all genres of music from pop to roots, reggae to indie rock, jazz to alt-country, and supports a similarly diverse range of environmental action. By featuring previously unavailable material from both established and rising artists, the Patagonia Music Collective aims to engage a diversity of fans directly in environmental giving.

As the latest in an extensive series of initiatives Patagonia has lead to further environmental action and awareness, the Patagonia Music Collective builds upon the success of such programs as 1% for the Planet (a coalition of 1400+ companies that pledge to give 1% of their annual sales to enviro organizations) and the Conservation Alliance (a coalition of business that grants 100% of its member dues to grassroots environmental groups). The Patagonia Music Collective is not a record label, nor is it simply a downloads-for-charity campaign. It is a perpetually evolving program that allows musicians to direct money to specific environmental causes while giving listeners rare access to previously unavailable music.

The program will roll out internationally in Japan, the UK, Canada, and elsewhere this June. - PopSop

New Dirtbag Diary has Arrived!

2011-03-07T05:24:00.000-08:00

"Our sports transcend languages. Ever seen two climbers mime the sequence to a boulder problem? Smiles between skiers on a powder day? Our passions become a vehicle to explore a world outside of our own. Jacob Bain has traveled to SE Asia, Cuba, and Africa. And though he sometimes has climbing gear, he always has a guitar. Through music, Jacob has jammed with locals, incorporating the new sounds and experiences into his music. In the summer of 2010,Johnny Fernandes invited Jacob and his band Publish the Questto Cape Verde to partake in a musical experience as part of his goal to preserve the local music. Can a hook, a horn line and a new take on a traditional song overcome culture and language barriers?" - Fitz Cahall

South East MTB

2011-03-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

Red Bull Night Shift 2010- Clemson, SC from Josh Darling on Vimeo.

SORBA.org
Check out more at the SORBA website

Chasing HardTail Uniforms

2011-03-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Chasing HardTail Team Photo

Chasing HardTail Team Logo

From left to right, Zach Riggins, Brooks Harvard, Tim Davis, Bucky, Buchanan.

Transition Bike Co lightens Up

2011-03-04T05:24:00.000-08:00

Transition Bikes Bandit Introduction from Transition Bikes on Vimeo.

From Transition Bikes

The Bandit is a new ride from Washington based bike company Transition. They are known for making solid all mountain/freeride bikes that are bomb proof. This year they expanded their line with a bike that can take on the XC world (but won't crumble when you land hard on flat). Check the bike out in action here

The Bandit is a true to form lightweight trail bike designed to rip up and down the mountain. We pushed the envelope of tube design and machining of frame parts to create a bike that absolutely floats through singletrack. Careful attention to pivot placement and leverage curves make the Bandit feel like a long travel bike on the descents and a XC race bike going up. Our goal was to create a trail bike that combined the ultimate uphill pedaling feel along with a playful spirit on the downhill that is a treat to throw around corners, bunny hop and pull the front end up over obstacles. The Bandit gets you the best of both worlds without having to compromise

BikeRumor drops this additional info on us, " Transition bikes has released some information of their newest offering, the 130mm Bandit, designed to fill the gap in their line-up for a shorter travel trail bike. The 130mm rear end is combined with all the features demanded by today’s mountain bikers; tapered headtube, hydroformed tubing, 31.6mm seat tube, and a decent 68-degree head angle with a 140mm fork. Transition have designed the bike with a slightly regressive suspension rate which they claim makes the bike feel “ like a long travel bike on the descents and a XC race bike going up”.A regressive shock means that the shock gets easier to compress as it moves through it’s travel, meaning that the bike will feel firm during pedaling and smaller hits but once it gets into the mid-range of it’s stroke will become more compliant. The natural ramping up of air shocks should kick in towards the end of the stroke reducing the chances of bottoming out. Given Transition’s stated goal of creating a trail bike “that is a treat to throw around corners, bunny hop and pull the front end up over obstacles” this is a bike that is bound to be a lot of fun to ride. More pictures, full details and a video of Kyle Young ripping on his bike and talking us through the details after the break." - BikeRumor