No, really...thank you.

How do you say thanks?  Do you say thank you enough?  Probably not.  None of us really do.

Growing up I used to find that when I did say thank you I said it out of upbringing, or taught behavior.  When I started getting to the age of 12-13 I started noticing that adults around me said, "thank you" at what I thought seemed to be random moments.  There was this disconnect.  Had they witnessed something that I didn't see?  Was the gesture that was given REALLY all that noteworthy?  Enough for a thank you?

It reeked of the same feeling that I got when riding at that age.  When others would say, "Good Morning!" instead of "On Your Left!" or even simply passing in silent dominance like a good roadie should, I would wonder why.  In fact I used to despise the behavior.  I was a weird kid, but I actually sort of saw it as a weakness.  Why did these adults care about these other random people?  What's more, why did they feel the need to be cordial to them?  Especially when they didn't do anything outright for them?

One day it just dawned on me.  Saying thank you, even for the smallest things, even for the things you didn't ask for to begin with....well....that was actually a sign of intelligence.  A sign of civility.  A sign of maturity.  It's that same feeling that kicks in when you eventually have a kid and you find yourself in the middle of public with said kid in the middle of a melt down.  That feeling that lets you look around at the other parents and share a moment...and then notice the 20-somethings with their noses up in disdain and laugh to yourself...."man...that used to be me.  What a sad existence."

Saying thank you is really such an easy thing to do.  It takes a couple of seconds.  Some of the smartest people I have ever watched in the corporate world would let "thank you" roll off their tongues without a second thought.  It would have to be the most frequent phrase they would utter.  Yet there are a lot of people that believe that there needs to be some sort of exchange in order for a thank you to be "deserved".  It's weird but understandable in a kid sort of way.

So, OK...I do a lot of things for people.  I used to be a very vain person.  I used to be very shallow.  I feel like I have some sort of need to make up for it now.  Call it Karma if you'd like.  Maybe it came about as a result of becoming a father.  Maybe it happened because I just felt like I had absorbed all of my cosmic allowance for selfishness.  I don't know why I do it but I do.  I do things for people.  I feel like if I can then I should.

Some people say thanks.  I don't really expect it every time.  I know how life gets and simply think - if the person thinks about it hard enough they'll probably go - "oh...hey, yeah...uh...thanks!" Some say thanks in different ways.  It's AWESOME!  I actually think that experiencing all of those thanks  in different ways makes everything worth it.

I have done shop work for people going back to the mid to late 80's.  I remember wrenching on Wes Summerville's 70's Peugeot with dried out and hard Brooks saddle.  For the last few years it seems like the tradition has been for people to bring in beer in exchange for work or service.  It's a way of saying thanks.  Last fall my fridge in my workshop died.  Beer didn't seem to make much sense then.  The baked goods started coming in.  An apple pie from Tamara. Cupcakes and then brownies from Kim.

Ryan showed up at my doorstep a week ago with a new fridge.  Literally.  For my workshop.  Ryan is one of the most decent human beings I have ever known, so I shouldn't have been surprised, but honestly I was floored.

You don't have to know me very well to understand that all I really need is to be "needed" - to be a part of something. The thank you seems to be enough.  At times it's even embarrassing to receive it. - that's all the more reason to unleash them.  How hard is it really?  To say thank you?  Maybe you should say it right now.  Maybe to the person right next to you.  Not for any real reason....not because they have done something that "deserves" it.  Seriously....just say thanks and see what happens...

Being inside more, and having less light during the day seems to bring out a bit of strange behavior among bike nerds and roadies.  Some switch to important things like their jobs and families.  Almost as though they are trying to apologize or make up for the long year of sacrifices made in the name of training and competition.  Some start debates on the internet.  Others indulge in the sweet guilty pleasure of designing and discussing plans for next season.

Personally I have always had a form of ADD.  Call it “multi-tasking” if you like, but in general I find I have to be working on a very large number of projects all at the same time and I find I have to switch streams constantly.  It makes for great conversations as many on my team can attest to.  Simply come on over and plop your butt into a seat across from my truing stands, start prepping some spokes and you’ll find that the longer you are there the more you’ll learn about my ideas or plans.  Sometimes it’s almost like I am brainstorming out loud….with an audience.  It is cathartic to have diarrhea of the mouth sometimes. What I truly love though is when I get the chance to make a great announcement about an idea or project I have been working on for a while.

This is one I am proud to announce.  There isn’t a long interesting background on this one.  There isn’t some long term plan for world domination either.  This was simply chance favoring the prepared mind.  The opportunities presented themselves and we ran with it.  The end result is nothing short of phenomenal.

I would like to announce the addition of the following racers to the PSIMET Racing family:

Jeannie Kuhajek

Leah Sanda

Katie Isermann

Kelli Richter

Kim Gialdini

Sue Semaszczuk

Combined - these racers produced 60 podium placings in the US alone during 2011.  Jeannie has also won a myriad of events in New Zealand where she spends most of the year.

I am excited to see what the 2012 racing season will have in store for us.

The Smott Family. His (much) better half.

One of the main members of the "Sausage Cross" family is Rich Smott.  Rich currently works, in part, for Pactimo and is racing for Alberto's.  Rich has been a part of the local scene for a Looooooooooooong time.

Q. Rich, let me start this off a little differently than other interviews do. This is more local community and industry related so I feel like I should touch base with everyone first and talk about my first recollections of meeting each other.

I believe we met during Campton Cross last year. You mentioned something about Tim Speciale winning a custom kit during the Golf Farm race. After that I think the next time we talked (in person) was at Glencoe this year when you were putting on my timing chip. You?

A. Indeed that was it. I spoke briefly to Tim after he won the Prime, but i needed to get a hold of him to get the art process started. It was nice to follow you online and of course to see you at Glencoe

Q. How many years have you been in the industry?

A. This one is tricky - as i wouldn't truly consider myself to be IN the INDUSTRY. I have raced for 25 years since i was 13 years old. I wrenched at the old Hillside Cyclery shop for several years as a kid, and learned a BUNCH about the ins and outs of a shop.

Clan of the pink skinsuit. Indian Lakes 2010. Who is that super cool guy in the brown parka and black hat?

Q. What companies have you worked for since coming over to the industry?

A. Just Pactimo. The fact of the matter is I rep for them as a part time gig. I met Karl Heidgen several years ago and have helped him out a few times on various projects. He would call me every 8 months or so and see if i was ready to jump on board, and when we had our third child my wife was only working part time, and i was riding almost 0. I thought it would be a good way to stay connected to cycling and be able to use the extensive network of people i have met over the years.

Q. What do you like most about working for a Company like Pactimo?

A. I think that everyone that is IN the industry, and even anyone that has ever sold anything, would agree that the company has to be behind the product it sells, or it doesnt matter if its the coolest gizmo around, no one will want it after they get bait and switched or when the actual delivery time runs double the quote. I like Pactimo because they put the customer first. They stand behind their products.

I have seen us write clothing credits for anything from logo's that were wrong (even if the team approved the art), to occasionally missing promise dates. We are serious about building long term RELATIONSHIPS, by making sure we always have happy customers. I also like that we have several things that changed the clothing game. We were the first company to do online ordering and team stores. We were the first company to direct ship to various team members as well.

There are a lot of people i meet that say ' I had some Pactimo gear about 4 years ago, it was ok"; and they were right, we are constantly learning, evolving, and improving. The gear we had 4 years ago was decent, but now we offer 3 different lines to accommodate a variety of needs.

Q. What's the least glamorous part of your job?

A. 2 parts - Sizing Discrepancies and quality issues - both give us a chance to show our focus on customer service. Like the rest of us, we are all human. We will take ownership of any quality issues. Again, i have seen free replacements, future credits, pretty much anything that the customer and i agree on.

They like it when we own mistakes if they happen. The other part is sizing. Our clothing fits a little different from other companies, and we encourage teams to take advantage of our free sizing kits and encourage try on days to make sure everyone has the best fit. I generally try to make it to those try on dates to be available to answer questions.

Q. What is, in your opinion, something that you don't think many riders understand or see about the working side of the cycling industry that they might be interested in knowing?

A. It's not a lot of glamor and freebies. I think the riders get more free stuff than the reps do. Its a lot of work, a touch of fun, but at the end of the day, its nice to hang out with people that have the same passion I do (Rob: "Amen").

Q. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the industry right now? What would you like to see changed in order to help the industry grow?

A. Thats a great question. I can honestly say that i dont feel that I am enough of an Industry guy to give a valid answer. I think that some of the women's specific programs and junior programs need to be supported, as thats whats going to keep the industry moving forward.

Q. Time to work - what do you want everyone to know about Pactimo and/or their offerings right now?

A. We are serious about relationships. We have an ordering process that has revolutionized the clothing process. We have options for every kind of club or team out there, and with 5 piece minimums across the board, we can serve groups from 2 to 200.

Q. What do you think the future holds for Pactimo and customers of Pactimo?

A. continued partnerships that lead to continued product development and bringing the very best in garments to the hands of the end user !

Q. Sometimes racers like us can be a lot like baseball fans in that we always feel like saying, "there's always next season." - What keeps you wanting to race week in and week out?

A. I WISH i could race week in and week out, but baby number 4 has slowed me down.. ok has brought me to a standstill! when i was racing full calenders, it was the people and friendships that were the biggest pull to do a 75-85 race calendar. I have been in the 'there is always next season' mode for several years now, but it seems like i have never missed a beat when i do pin on a number and see my old and new friends out there on the courses.

Q. Why cyclocross? What do you think makes cyclocross so popular right now?

A. Without a doubt - the fan frenzy! its the ultimate in family / friends / and spectator participation. Its all in good fun. Warming up for crits - there is always the ONE guy or girl that gives you the stink eye.. at the cross races - its serious on the course, but even when im getting lapped the fast guys are cheering me on.

Q. Favorite beverage?

A. pepsi - its a huge vice, and i need to cut down the sugar!

Q. Favorite hand-up? (To give or receive)

A. Cold hard cash baby!!!

Q. If you were to be made into a part on a bike - which would it be and why?

A. Tough one.. id say the 11 tooth cog, because this one.... goes to 11! I used to be a decent sprinter, and nothing feels better than unleashing the 11 in a field sprint.

Q. What's your goal for Sausage Cross?

A. I wish it could be to be a good competitor, but ive only made 3 races. i WILL say, the prize is looking GOOD! thanx Rob for the chance to share my views and for the idea behind Sausage Cross

So stop by and see Rich at the next race you can. Offer him a Pepsi and a dollar bill and see what he'd be willing to do for it!

Early on it was apparent that this race would not be in the Chicago Cross Cup series.  The series was as big as it was going to get, and even with Northbrook in the “maybe” column once again it was pretty apparent that the idea of PSIMET having 2 races in a successful series wasn’t going to sit well with a lot of others.

We briefly flirted with trying to hand the venue to the Northbrook crew, but upon talking with the Norge organizations it became apparent that they eventually would like to take over control of the race completely.  “Show us how to do it,” was the central message during our meetings.

Right off the bat I took Wayne Simon out there and we invited Rich Delgado out as well.  We scoured the property to find how we thought we could put together something that might work.  Amazing, what happens when you put a bunch of Cross “Nerds” together to talk about a course.  We did a lot of half sentences, invented new words, and a lot of pointing and sound effects.  Nothing written down but we all understood.

The result is a course that is challenging.  We had a layout in mind, but I just got back from Louisville – USGP this last weekend…so I had to make some changes.  I went out there Monday night in the complete dark with a bike light and re-mapped 60-70% of the course.  Everything looks different in the dark.

We now have a course that can be described as follows:

Map

Staging starts in the parking lot in the NorthEast corner of the property.  The start will be EXTREMELY fast as we start on a mix of pavement and it’s downhill.  The starting straight runs the entire length of the field and is fast.  We’re looking to rent a roller to smooth it out as well on Friday.  This dumps into a wide sweeping corner at the end of the field.  At this point just about every field will be strung out and “selected”.  A tighter 180 to double back on itself and we begin the main field section.  This is all flat to slightly up-hill the whole way.  Lots of slower turning as you “spell out” PSIMET in the field.

We then reverse back to use some of the off-camber at the edge of the field before crossing into the Ski-jump proper.  We start this side of the course with a rude introduction to the side of the hill that the ski jump is built on.  A short cut downhill into a reverse back uphill into a barrier and run-up.  All on a steeply pitched surface.  This is followed by a brief reprieve as you test your handling and braking on a sweeping downhill into some wicked off-camber slaloming (Think Northbrook on the ski-hill or even Campton behind the ball field) – tape repairs will be happening here throughout the day.

Upon exit a wide-sweeping run around the pit before the gravel road climb into the some of the local Norge Village.  It’s here, on top of the ridge, where we “drop into” cutting across the face of the jump bowl.  This is where the expression “don’t look down” was most likely coined.  If you keep focused you will find a sweet and fast line across the face.  If you lose concentration, look down, or don’t trust your gluing job…well….let’s just not think about that.

This exits out onto the hard-packed/gravel entry road into the bowl.  Now it’s time to fly into the landing.  From here we send you on some gymnastics in the landing bowl.  Some off-camber ledge crossing, a quick banked turn (think Carpentersville), a run up with 2 barriers, and what can only be described as a “Toilet Bowl” circle of death ridden on terrain similar to the side of a large mixing bowl.  Good luck.

From here there’s a drainer of a short climb out of the bowl.  Across the parking lots (pavement/hard-pack) you drop into a wicked fast and flowing trail around the buildings on the property.  This dumps you out into a quick short grade back up to road level.  Most will let their speed carry – others will be hoofing it.  Back on to the fast pavement, across the road and huge sweeper back into the downhill start/finish.

Parking is in the Norge fields.  Check the map for parking.  For those that are familiar with the Fox River Grove Crit – you simply turn in where the reg and grandstands were for the crit and follow the dirt road up to the fields where we will park.  There will be 2 porta-potties in the parking lot and then 2-3 in the bowl next to the beer tent.

You MUST wear your helmet when riding from the parking lot to the race course!  You MUST OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS ON THE ROAD INTO THE COURSE.  Roads are NOT closed so please pay attention to the traffic and listen to the course marshals.  PLEASE OBEY THE COURSE MARSHALS!

Yes there is a beer tent.  Beer license.  Concessions.  Loud PA, and one of the country’s only real ski jumps.  The sound permit is still being amended.  That should tell you something.

Big payouts, small entry.  Start fast, Finish fast.

Pre-Reg ends tonight.  REGISTER NOW!  Register Here

Also it's a chance to get to know the people to heckle...

First up on the list is Scott Van Maldegiam.  Scott is our local Giant rep and a fixture in Sausage cross for sure.

Scott Van Maldegiam - Giant Bicycles

Q: Scott, let me start this off a little differently than other interviews do. This is more local community and industry related so I feel like I should touch base with everyone first and talk about my first recollections of meeting each other.
Personally I distinctly remember meeting you while I was racing for Bicycle Heaven and I stopped by to ride on the Spin Doctors ride. I was riding my 2005 Giant TCR C2 and you immediately asked me what I thought and whether or not I liked it. I told you it was the best bike I had ever ridden. Later someone told me you were the rep for Giant.

Later in that ride I remember your bottle cage coming loose and telling you about it. I remember strange things. How about you? What are some of your first memories regarding meeting each other?

A: Your memory is better than mine. I don't remember that encounter, but it sounds like what I would say. I remember when you formed the Psimet team and you were trying to poach all the Spin Dr. racers . Well, I will leave it at that considering the first rider you got to come over (double  ). I am cracking up writing this. I remember our many conversations about the industry, your goals, etc. Sorry, nothing exciting here.

Q: How many years have you been in the industry? What companies have you worked for since coming over to the industry?

A: That depends how you define "the industry". I was a cycling coach after racing for a few years. I learned more of what NOT to do in setting up a coaching business. For anyone reading, don't charge too little because the client doesn't have enough skin in the game and won't do the workouts, and if it demotivates you to have clients that won't do the workouts, fire your client.

I have been working for Giant for over 3 years now. This is the first company I worked for that I would call "the industry."

Q: What do you like most about working for a large bicycle OEM like Giant?

A: It is great working for a big OEM because you always have something to sell to everyone. The nice thing about working for Giant specifically is that it feels like a small company. It is NOT the typical corporate world. There is no "that's not my job" type attitude. Everyone is willing to pitch in to solve problems. I Bleed BLUE (that's Giant Blue, not IBM).

Q: What's the least glamorous part of your job?

A: Doing warranties, but it is also one of the most important parts of my job.

Q: What is, in your opinion, something that you don't think many riders understand or see about the working side of the cycling industry that they might be interested in knowing?

A: Bike companies don't make a lot and thus the employees don't make a lot. I am not complaining as those of us in the industry didn't get in the industry to get rich. We did it because we love the industry and we love our jobs. Also, why are we in the Sausage Cross competition? Because our busiest time of year is when we want to be out riding. This job is much more than 40 hours a week and involves working many weekends.

With that said, I get to talk about the bike business all day! I get up everyday excited about what I do.

Q: What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the industry right now? What would you like to see changed in order to help the industry grow?

A: I have to pick just 1? If I have to pick just one, I would say cycling infrastructure and the government. It is always a struggle to fund bike lanes and paths. It is proven that when there are dedicated bike lanes and paths that bikes are used more as a form of transportation. This lessens the wear and tear on roads and our reliance on cars. The investment has paid off everywhere that has created the infrastructure.

Q: Time to work - what do you want everyone to know about Giant and/or their offerings right now?

A: Giant is the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world. Giant is the only manufacturer that controls the process from raw material to finished product. We buy raw carbon thread, mix our own resin and make our own Aluminum blend. This control allows Giant to engineer and manufacture the best bikes in the world. This is also why other bike companies rely on Giant to manufacture their bikes.

One of the main goals for Giant has always been VALUE. In most cases, Giant provides more at the same price or the same at a lower price than the competition.

Also, for 2012, every road bike was redesigned. The major changes were lighter weight, stiffer front ends and more compliant.
Q: What do you think the future holds for Giant and customers of Giant?

A: Giant is currently growing at twice the industry rate, so right now, the future looks great for Giant. But, we will never rest. We will continue to engineer and build better products for our customers. Also, we will continue to focus at providing the best support for our dealers.

Q: Sometimes racers like us can be a lot like baseball fans in that we always feel like saying, "there's always next season." - What keeps you wanting to race week in and week out?

A: This one is easy. This year, it is my daughter. She has made this year fun and new. I tell her finish and have fun; and she does. She is always excited to go to the races.

"Just go faster than me and I think you'll do just fine." - Fatherly Advice

Q: Why cyclocross? What do you think makes cyclocross so popular right now?

A: It's inclusive. There is more comaradarie than road racing and it pulls mountain bikers and roadies together. Whether you are the best or the worst, everybody cheers for everyone.

Q: There was a lot of explosive growth of mountain biking in the 90's that eventually led to a collapse. This seemed to foster the re-emergence of the road scene at the turn of this century - what lessons can racers and promoters learn from what happened to mountain biking?

A: I wasn't involved in cycling back then, but from what I heard, there were a lot of entities that tried to profit from the boom and lost focus on what made it great. So, as long as we don't take ourselves too seriously and keep an watch for those that have less than genuine interest in growing the sport, I think we will be fine and it will continue to grow.

Q: Favorite beverage?

A: Diet Pepsi... I know lame. Favorite beer? I am not that picky, but when given a choice, Fat Tire.

Q: Favorite hand-up? (To give or receive)

A: Dollar... who doesn't like money?

Q: If you were to be made into a part on a bike - which would it be and why?

A: Wheels. In my younger days, I was a fast runner so people always said I had fast wheels.

Q: What's your goal for Sausage Cross?

A: Goals for Sausage Cross? Meet new people and have fun with our own (sloth like) kind.

So there you have it.  While you are out there this week stop by and say "Hey" to Scott.  He'll be hanging out at the Spin Doctor's tent, giving his daughter some words of encouragement, or suffering around the course himself thinking only 1 thing, "I MUST BEAT ROB!"

I'll try to post up all of the reports and scoring that we have been collecting.  Sausage cross is alive and well....just REAL busy!

Robert Curtis (PSIMET - Me): Heckled but had poor heckling form.  Got my tent set up at the flyover and I think I had the closest tent to the flyover.  Fired up a new skinsuit.  Holy crap that's not fun.  Started around 20th and finished again 80th.  Just sickening.  Was beat by a teammate who was racing his first cross race of the season...with sneakers and flat pedals.  My Quarq didn't even hear him coming.

Scott Van Maldegium (Giant Rep) I saw him a lot before the race and after the race.  Lined up next to him in staging.  I heard he raced but he never passed me, was at the tent when I was done, and didn't beat me.  I think he's discovered a new worm hole and made quantum physics his gimp.   He was there before me and left around the same time I believe.  He didn't even punch Jared Craft when Jared started talking smack about a particular brand of bike.  I won't disclose the brand but let's just say the company is very "big".  He's a better man than I.

Rich Smott (Pactimo Rep) Last heard screaming for help under a pile of children and diapers.  No number for Rich...

Mia Moore (West Town Bikes) I was able to witness Mia place 4th in the W1/2/3 race.  Being a loving robot, she helped set up the course, reg, misc, etc. as well as decimating fellow racers.  The only possible drawback for Mia's bid for the series might be the fact that she doesn't exactly look like an overstuffed sausage in a skinsuit.  That's OK, I have enough for everyone.

Delfino Para (Higher Gear)"Delfino!......DellllllllFfiiiiiiiiiiiiNNNNnnoooo?!  Where are you Delfino?" <- Delfino didn't race.  We assume he was having a blast sometwhere else and enjoying the weather with cool people he likes to call "family".

I was totally hoping to grab the sausage........handup that Andrew Zens brought out for us.  I had already figured out how I was going to stuff the sausage (yes, I just typed that) into my skinsuit (yes it gets better).  Alas I never saw it while racing.  I blame the extreme oxygen deficit and the overwhelming urge to grab those Twizzlers that the kids were handing up.

I want Twizzlers! Dangit!

I once again left with more wheels than I brought - disturbing trend - tubular flats.  Let's just start racing in water and sand only.  That way we "shouldn't" get anymore flats.

Without any direct reports from the other participants yet I would like to turn it over to the judges for their scoring.  Here's mud in your eye!

The plump and turtle like sausage casing hits the deck at Jackson Park. Photo: Bill Draper

Leading up to this race I started having some conversations with a few others who share my plight.  One of the things that makes Cross so great is that everyone can race for something.  Whether it's 1st, 20th, or better yet - racing for that great handup.

Personally I race for world peace, but you know how my racing goes.  Alas it appears we'll have wars for at least the next few months, but enough of the political posts...

During my discussions with 2 key individuals a new idea was born.  We decided to start the first ever "Sausage-Cross".  This will be a race within the race so to speak.  The idea was to put a lot of industry people who never get a chance to train or even ride between races and give them something to gun for.

The winner, and here's where it gets fun, would be dubbed the "Sausage King of Chicago".  After some quick deals it looks like Pactimo is going to step in with a great custom skinsuit for the winner - made up to look like Ferris Beuller.  No shiz.

Ferris Beuller: Abe Frohman, Sausage King of Chicago Wannabe and custom skinsuit inspiration

Catch:  We don't all race the same category.  We also aren't all men....or fat....

Solution: Panel.  Judging on categories.  Judging at the whim of brutal "friends".

So the participant list as of now - will be added to as we go:

Robert Curtis (PSIMET - Me)

Scott Van Maldegium (Giant Rep) <-- My nemisis

Rich Smott (Pactimo Rep) <-- Once again Rich has welcomed a new baby into his family.  He's about as rested and ready as someone who has never raced before....

Mia Moore (West Town Bikes) <-- doesn't fit the mold.  That's why we like her.

Delfino Para (Higher Gear) <-- call him what you want but he'll still beat you on the course.

Judges:

Andrew Zens <-- because he hates me so good

Gina Kenny

Vanessa Buccella

Tamara Fraser

Every Monday I will list the performances of the participants.  I will then post anything they want to add in their defense.  The judges will give out "points" based on each participants achievements in the following areas:

Results - Raw performance.  Judges will give points based on how well they think each participant raced.  It's up to them whether they think good racing should be rewarded or punished.

Participation - This will be a rating of how much the participant contributed to the racing community or race scene that particular week.  Brought a tent to share?  Great.  Fixed someone's bike right before their race?  Awesome.  Stayed all day and cheered/heckled?  Better.  Help tear down and pack up the course....now you're getting it.

Flair - Abe Frohman wasn't a punk, but he wanted to be.  This will be a rating on how much the participant "brought" that week.  Unique handup?  Supreme heckling?  Outrageous kit/costume?  This is a direct measure of how much the participant has added to what make cross in general and Chicago cross specifically the great scene that it is.

In true "whose line is it anyway" style the points will then be added up and the Sausage King (Queen) of Chicago will be announced.

See you Sunday.  In my skinsuit again.  I hope it rains.

Cookie Cross

Well - I have decided that the wheels sales won't slow down and the time demands will never decrease.  I will need some motivation to race harder and to get in "form", or at least a not DFL racing form.  It was just before grabbing the cookie on Sunday that it dawned on me...

I LOVE skinsuits.  I love wearing them and the way they feel, but let's state the obvious here - a pudgy guy in a skinsuit is a pretty disgusting sight.  I should know - I've tried them on.  The fabulous red of the PSIMET kit stretches beyond pink into a slightly off-white color almost as though it was in fact a white kit that was accidentally washed with some red panties.

"Fat guy in a little coat......Fat guy in a little coat..."

It's disgusting, embarrassing, and I hate myself when wearing one.  Yet....It could help me turn my pedals in anger or try just that much harder.  So - I decided while taking the Jello-shot handup on Sunday that I would pose a poll to the Chicago Cross Community - Would you like the chance to heckle me in a skinsuit this season or would you prefer I suffer my fatness under regular jersey and bibs.

You decide.  Poll will be ongoing.  I will wait and see what happens, and I will respect the outcome of the poll - regardless. *sigh* - can't believe I am doing this....

I'd like to say, "I don't know what it is or why this happens" but I always do. It's that strange time of the year for a professional cat 4. All your hopes and dreams and goals that you labored over during the winter have either been achieved or are an almost laughable memory.

This combined with the high heat, incessant schedule, the burnout of the family and the demands of wheel building, etc all add up to me skipping rides, eating more and staying indoors. Net result: Fat Rob, Slow Rob, Non-training Rob. In the case of Evanston I was basically a Rob that was going to probably be more comfortable stopping to eat at the BK near the stacker instead of actually "riding" though the stacker.

MMMMmmmmm...failure......

In retrospect I find it sad that I was not able to go through the drive-thru while racing.

In short - Evanston was a bust. I expected it to be honestly. I love the course though. Sure it has some hairy areas and sure some people seem to always poop the bed when they get on his course, but I just love it. To me it's is a shining example of what I have come to love about crit racing in the Midwest - Chicago specifically.

One thing that I have found that I DON'T love about crit racing in the Midwest right now is the low turnout. I can't even begin to describe the endless hours of armchair quarterbacking that has spewed from the pie holes of the masses that I have had to endure. To me this often seems similar to having a discussion like the following:

Them: Hey have you noticed that a lot of people are wearing red shirts right now?

Me: Yeah. What…you don't like red shirts?

Them: Well I don't think red shirts are bad it's just that I sure wish we had more blue shirts out there.

Me: You're wearing a red shirt right now. Just thought I would point that out.

Them: Well sure, but that's because my blue shirt is dirty and I don't have the money for the Laundromat. Maybe that's it. Maybe everyone isn't wearing blue shirts because all of theirs are dirty and they don’t have the money to wash them.

Me: Oh for f's sake! Maybe it's because they are allergic to the material that blue shirts are made from. Maybe they had a bad experience in childhood that made them afraid of blue. Maybe they don't even know that blue shirts exist! I could play this game all day!

Bottom line- people are wearing red shirts. If you want to see blue shirts out there then put one on yourself. If you want to see more people wear them then walk up to someone, take them by the hand, ask them if they will wear a blue shirt, then hand them one. Until then STFU!

I'm sure he knows what's wrong with our sport, but something tells me he rides a recumbent.

In other words it's nice that people are concerned. It's nice that people want to discuss the issue and try to find a solution. What is endlessly frustrating is that it seems as though too many people have forgotten how to get things done. Long gone, it seems, are the days where you used to ride up to someone and say, "hey, I noticed you're new here. You're riding pretty well. Ever thought about trying to race?"

We all seem to be so wrapped up in the community we have created for ourselves that we almost feel as though all we have to do is tweak the dials on the machine and the process will flow again. Detached from being the direct influence ourselves.

"Maybe it's the music? Let's try changing the music!"

Sure the weather is stiflingly hot, the tour is on, mental burnout is full on for many Roadies. Superweek(s) is barnstorming and hopefully not burning bridges. Cyclocross is already on the front burner equipment wise. At this point we seem to go into races with our finger crossed hoping that somehow some brave individuals have decided that this week will be the week they give it a go.

….Instead why don't you ask someone to go with you? Remember - racing is like a drug. Be the pusher. Give someone else a taste. Get them hooked.

Don't be a Dope

A couple of hours later Ryan rolled out with everything fixed and/or replaced.  For wheels I threw on my set of carbon clinchers with a powertap in them so he could still have some power numbers while we wait to get his hub back.  I told him it would be like riding a new bike.  I am not sure he believed me.

So Saturday rolls around and I end up seeing him at Tour de Villas (Project 5 - hella good job as always!).  He indeed confirms it's like a whole new bike.  He then proceeds to ride off the front of the 1/2/3 race a few laps in and with Tomlinson the two of them spent the whole race OTF.  I started yelling splits and having a grand old time with it.  By the end they came within sight of lapping the field.  Ryan put an exclamation point on it by taking the win as well.  Combined with Bob Karlow's (Enzo's-PSIMET) performances (win in 30+ and 2nd in the 40+), Jason Senffner 3rd in the Cat 3 (pulled out of the 1/2/3 results), Scott Knoepke getting paid, Jesse young getting a podium in 5th in the 4's race, Joe Berenyi 5th in the 3's, etc...PSIMET wheels were all over the podiums.  Not to mention tons of results from the next day including Tim Special winning the Cat 3 crit championships ABR.

But - believe it or not this blog isn't really supposed to be focused on the team much anymore.  It should be more associated with the tools.  With that in mind I thought I would share a little something.  A trick I came up with or heard somewhere that many of you might find beneficial.

Almost everyone who has turned any kind of wrench on a bicycle is familiar with big blue - Park Tools.  Hands down they make some great tools.  Many would consider them the best with no competitor even close to providing what they can.  After watching them for years I am simply happy to see the catalog actually expanding on a regular basis now.  OK - so they are the best in many areas - I would agree.  One thing though that has always torqued me off about their stuff is that they have been stamping markings into their tools and then blue anodizing them.  This is great but makes reading the markings a task better left to albino cave lizards or bats with sonar.  Sure, just because I race masters races many might accuse me of having a problem with my eyes, but to them I say "nay, nay!"  I just find their scale readability annoying at best.  so...here's how you fix it:

A Park Scale - "Before"

Above you see pictured a Park spoke ruler.  I tend to have a few of these floating around...why?  Guess.  Although this is a crappy cell phone picture it gives you an appreciation for what it is that I have to deal with on a regular basis.  *ARGH!*  Solution?  Simple:

Park Scale - "After"

I take a white crayon.  Rub it over the scale - hard.  I wipe the excess away with rubbing alcohol.  Violas and tulips - readable scale.

White works great on the blue Park tools

Rub the crayon all over the scale's face. It's been a very bad scale.

Wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove the excess and bring the numbers up

Bingo.  You have a readable scale.  I'm lucky - with a 5 yr old around the house there is an abundance of materials I can use to achieve this.  If you use Park tools you will undoubtedly thank me (if you were unaware of this before).  The next big thing is talking about their truing stands - Oy!  Those of you working in shops who think it's the best thing since sliced bread...please put down the spoke wrench and step away from the wheel....