Friday, July 23, 2010

revisionist history

this truly must be the time after history. Sir Curveship is getting his local cycling news not from an unpopular local cycling blog, but from a popular local neighborhood blog. All of the group rides seem to be departing from the Mile High City, rather than the Bull City. And shortly after moving to the northeast, smAli forwards me this article:



The bank robber's height may lead some to believe that this felony was not committed by the blogger named Felonius, but I tend to think that he sent it along to brag about his exploits. Besides, in these tough economic times, who doesn't need a little extra cash for some new bike parts?

I was also intrigued by the fact that cycling videos (as well as barely-relavant music videos) have been replaced by beer videos. This is fine by me because it's too hot to even think about riding bicycles, so thinking about watching videos about beer is about my speed.

The British lads at Brew Dog have created a comically strong beer that is served in a stoat-coozie as a grand "fuck you" the the Germans. While many (okay, probably relatively few) watched this battle like a Cavendish/Greipel media duel, no one was paying attention to, say Chris Anker Sorenson while the crafty Dane escaped. Indeed, both the British and Germans have been scooped--in their attempt to serve beer in a small mammal, the Danes have actually produced a beer that has been processed by a small mammal:
I've actually tried Beer Geek Brunch-Weasel at FakeBeerFest a couple of years back and it's quite good. Combining coffee and beer is great, but using coffee beans that have been eaten and passed and collected (and presumably washed off) by civets is sheer brilliance.

But enough nonsense. A few of the BCCers are approaching their moment of truth at the Off Road Assault on Mt. Mitchell this weekend. Best of luck to our own ORAMMers and may you have the power of the mighty Air Jammer Road Rammer

Thursday, July 22, 2010

The End of History

I just saw the news on Bull City Rising that Bicycle Chain Durham is getting booted from its spot in order for Whole Foods to expand. Here's wishing they find a new location soon and that all goes well for both the shop and all the teammates working there.



Like all cyclists in Durham, I have a lot of memories from that location, mostly of the legendary Tuesday rides. Memories of squirrelly riders, strong riders, and a few very strong riders, like our own Professor. Let's hope all that history isn't coming to an end. And what better way to toast it than with a beer. A strong beer. A very very strong beer. Called "The End of History." Served in a squirrel. (What?)


The End of History from BrewDog on Vimeo.


(Just don't buy it from Whole Foods.)

Monday, July 19, 2010

video killed the blog star

I'm happy to see that Hollywood is (finally) living up to his name and is starring in films. He also appears to be tuned in to the fact that mountain bike related films are all the rage:




Somehow, seeing a car that resembles mine driving around in a hometown that used to be mine makes me pine for Douglas Fir trees.

I actually did go for a mountain bike ride the other day, like the first one I've done in at least a month. I planned on rolling out on my own, but ran into Calvin (the real one, not the cartoon one sometimes depicted peeing on things on people's car windows) over at Crabtree and joined him and a bunch of other folks for a really large ride. I think the ride was organized by the Misfits (the bike ones, not the band sometimes depicted with the skull logo on gutter punks' jean jackets or on youtube:


).

Anyway, it was fun to get back on the dirt and ride with some nice folks. Especially Calvin, who I hadn't seen in a great long while and who is rolling fast, as always. I felt bad because I had to bail out early because I was late for dinner and in danger of getting grounded and having all of my Misfits albums taken away.

Even Linus is getting back into the off-road game, with a fresh new 29er frame he managed to make look like a gutter punk's jean jacket before even riding it. If you like pre-distressed furniture or jeans that are already ripped around the edges, you'll love Linus' new bike. No, actually, you'll probably think it looks terrible. It does look terrible. But, therein lies its beauty. Hopefully he post pictures soon.

Also, there was road racing, but more on that later.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Hollywood Does Crested Butte

Doctor Park - Crested Butte, CO from Juicy Fruita on Vimeo.

Crested Butte the Movie Part 1 - Doctor Park

Doctor Park - Crested Butte, CO from Juicy Fruita on Vimeo.



I'm wearing the camera and Derrick is in front.

Thanks to Derrick at www.juicyfruita.com for posting the video.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Gonna miss ya Ali!





Adios to Ali

Greeting Blogosphere...

This week Durham is losing a truly wonderful member of the community to the Garden State. True, Ali has been given an opportunity to teach at one of the finest learning instutions in the nation, and he finally has a use for that 1978 T top Camero that he's been eyeing on Craigs list. But alas he is a charter member and founding father of Bull City Cycling and he will be missed greatly.

As the weekend rolled through at the seemingly normal frenetic pace, I had the opportunity to reflect on some of the "Ali" moments that have been burned into my memory. My first ride with him in which he quitely ripped my legs off at Beaverdam. The long road rides cascading through the neighboring counties of North Carolina. The horrific crash that ended up in an emergency room visit to Duke and most recently a weekend trip suffering on the mountain roads of NC. Through it all, the one constant has been a solid bike rider, good conversation and an easy going attitude.

I am conflicted as I am very happy for his success but selfishly want him to stay. Ali, I am sure that I speak for all that have spent time with you during your stay in Durham, Good Luck in all that you do, keep riding and stay in touch!

Adios my friend.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Baby Dave Sighting!


Pirate, Wicked Mike and I picked Baby Dave up yesterday just east of Gunnison in Sargents, CO. He is doing great and having a grand experience. We loaded him up in the truck and drove him to Crested Butte for the night. We met up with former Chapel Hillian Derrick Nehrenberg and family for dinner. Of course we filled him with food and cerveza. I dropped him off this morning back in Sargents and he is progressing along as you can see here.

800 mile or so to go. 1600+ in the bag.

Go Dave Go!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Baby Dave Ride the Divide Update

Just talked to Baby Dave. He is in Steamboat Springs. He is riding strong and says he is gonna crush everyone when he gets back to NC. He's rolling a fully loaded Surley Cross Check with 45c tires and Mary Bars. Fully loaded his bike is about 70+ pounds. He is basically at the half way point. Hopefully, Pirate, Wicked and myself will catch up with him Monday in Breckenridge or Friday in Salida. So far so good. His tent was attacked one night by two wild horses. Nothing bad...they were just poking at it with there noses. He claims to have photos.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Snoop sez

Ride the Divide Baby Dave!!!

Baby Dave crossed into Colorado today on the Divide Trail. He departed from Canada early in June and is on his way (Solo!!) to Mexico on the Continental Divide Trail. Hopefully we will cross paths in the next couple of weeks!

Check out his progress.