M.F.G. #1 - Big Finn Hill

Sunday was the first opening round of the M.F.G. Series held at Big Finn Hill Park in Kirkland, Washington.
I didn't expect too much in a performance from myself, after climbing 220 floors the day before (Sept. 11) to remember and pay tribute to FDNY's fallen. My body was tired, and it didn't help that a drank my share of beer throughout the day at 2 other Fireman gatherings to remember the 343 and celebrate their lives.
I lined up on the back row, since I knew I wouldn't be in the front group today. The gun went off, and we were off. My legs never hurt per say, but at the same time, they just felt dead and could not produce any speed or power. With two laps to go, I was closely following Zak Daab of HUP United, when we entered a high speed grass hump to pavement transition section at approximately 25mph. Zac lost traction as he transitioned to the pavement portion and laid it down hard. I tried to make it around with no time to apply the brakes. His wheel flipped into the air and I hit it dead on, flipping me over the bars in suddenly I was airborn at 20+mph! I rolled several times as me and my bike plowed into a row of parked cars. I quickly got up and saw that my tire had rolled off of the rim. Zac was not so lucky and was injured and out of the race. I shouldered my bike and ran 200 meters to the pits and got a new bike from DP who was ready(Thank you DP), and remounted continuing on. I knew the day was going to be rough, but jeez!
As I continued through the course, I was handed off a beer when I rode through the beer garden. I drank it up, and rode the next muddy technical section with the cup in my mouth, since I had every intention on consuming my "gift". I cleared the section and finished the brew. I finished the race in 22nd Place. Not much of a result to say the least, but I knew it was worth the small sacrifice I paid the day before.
I'm about the head out for a training ride to get things back in gear, to prepare for the next race. All is well, and thanks for reading.

9/11 Memorial Stairclimb

September 11th is a day that no American should ever forget. It is also a special day for Fireman around the world, as it is the largest Line of Duty Death (LODD) single day in the history of the Fire Service. 343 of New York's Firemen lost their lives that day in an effort to rescue as many trapped occupants of the World Trade Center as they could. Let's not forget that members of the FDNY successfully rescued thousands of civilians from those buildings before they eventually collapsed.
Every year, Fireman from all over the Puget Sound gather to remember our fallen brothers by climbing 2 Union square (55 stories) twice, to ensure that every brother makes it(the equivelant of the Trade Towers)to the top and will not be forgotten. We carry a picture of our fallen to the top and do so with honors. I went up that climb "4" times on Saturday, 220 floors, to take 5 of my brothers to the top. I took the following names with me to the top.

Lt. Frank Callahan - Ladder co. 35
FF Chris Pickford - Engine co. 201
Lt. Micheal Healey - Squad co. 41
FF Chris Santora - Engine co. 54
Capt. Tim Stackpole - Division 11

After climbing 220 floors, I knew that this would not bode well for my cyclo-cross race well the following day, but I'm more than willing to sacrifice my personal goals to ensure the rememberance of our fallen. A small sacrifice to say the least. RFB-DTRT

New Specialized Crux bikes have arrived

Yeehaw! My new frames arrived. I got 2 Specialized Crux Aluminum framesets with Carbon forks. The bikes are gorgeous, and I spent all day Thursday building them up. After I built up the first one (both are nearly identical except one has carbon bars and the other aluminum) I took it out for a ride. Holy Cow! I forgot what a really tight, repsonsive bike really feels like. The Crux rides very comfortable, yet is very snappy when you step on it. It just responds quick.
I'm really looking forward to tearing things up on Sunday at MFG #1 at Big Finn Hill in Kirkland.
Thanks for reading

Labor Day Cyclo-Cross Classic

photo by Micah.


The season is officially underway, as yesterday was the "Labor Day Cyclo-Cross Classic" which took place at North Seatac Park which holds a ton of Northwest cycl-cross history.
The day was cool temps with breezy conditions but alas, no rain. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous before my start since I always started the early part of the season a bit slow and then working up into the front by October. My goal was top half, since I haven't raced any type of bike since last January. I lined up on the front row and upon the judge say "go", I was into my pedal and had two pedal strokes already in, when I heard the others just getting clipped in..."nice!" With the easy hole shot but being concerned to not go to early, I just got into a rythm as we rolled around the start/finish area of the venue and up the crazy steep/long runnup! After the runnup, we climbed up through some fairly technical single track and I was still in the lead. A little shocked to say the least. At the top, Tom Phillips came around and just walked away. In the next lap a few more came by that were now in this leading group of about 7. Nothing really exciting emmitted from my race but by the end, I was able to finish with a solid 5th Place. Considering that most of the top guys were on hand, I felt pretty good and was surprised on my fitness level so early in the season.
I have to add, that I chose a tire selection that I had yet to ever ride on. I rode the Challenge Grifo XS (semi slick/file tread) clinchers on dura ace wheels. I had about 40psi in the rear and 35psi in the front. I would have run them lower, but the pinch flat hazards at North Seatac are like nowhere else...brutal. The tires were crazy fast and still gave great traction in the dry to tacky conditions. I absolutely loved these treads.
Special thanks go out to DP, Micah, and Don for working the pits also, I love the ocnfidense that these guys give and the cheering they provide. Yeehaw, the season is underway, and I'm feeling good with the first one done. Gotta go....time to get out for another training ride.
Thanks for reading.