So a super fast racer rides a rig like the new Trek 69er.  26" rear and 29" front.  I have not researched the logic behind this setup but in the trailer park I come from, the hot rod always had the big wheels on the back....along with the engine in the tree.

Let us link:

trek
mtbr
29"

This is what I could do with the time I have. The camera was mounted to the head tube of my Fisher Paragon. A great spot that kept it out of the way yet allowed easy access for turning on and off. Given the equipment I had to work with at the campsite, I could not ward off all the vibration issues experienced during the ride. As you can see, the uphills are slower and better to watch as the downhills are pretty upsetting to the stomach. Non the less, several participants have requested copies of the raw footage. Perhaps they will add their creative genius to the mix as well as pics and vids. The ride was great. I look forward to successive years of riding this trail.

go-hifi.com

Fisher's new G2 technology sounds interesting.  Follow the site link and learn something I bet you did not know before.  Well, at least I can say that.  It is a very informative look at the idea behind the new geometry changes as well as the new fork developed between Fisher and Bontrager specifically for the HiFi. 
At the very least, you get a visual understanding of track and how it relates to fork offset and hand position. 

Like I said, really interesting stuff.  Or perhaps I am easily amused.  You decide.

For those of you awaiting the most exciting, breathtaking, tear-jerking, hanky filling video of the year then....

you came to the wrong site.

This is the poor boys version.

OC07 coming soon!

This time next week I will be singing the praises of the OC and re-living the days events.  The trip to this historic forest shall commence  on Friday around noon with the Element packed full of gear for a comfortable weekend at the Ouachita River Haven Resort.  Camp on the river for only $5.50 per night.  What a deal!!!

Commemorating this historic cycling event (in my opinion), I feel a duty to learn about the history of the Ouachitas and any stories surrounding the trails I will be spending most of the day on.  To start, a quick google of Ouachita National Forest leads me to the Wiki article.  Right away, I learn that the Ouachita forest is the oldest national forest in the southern US.  The Ouachita range runs east and west, not north and south like the more popularly known Appalachian and Rocky ranges.

Another interesting piece of info is that Ouachita is the French vernacular of Washita.  An indian word (not sure which tribe) meaning "good hunting ground".  I suppose this enforces the fact that we have to wear bright jersey's or hunting vests during the ride as required by the race organizers. 

The Ouachita trail is the most extensive network encompassing 223 miles.  2/3rd's of which are available to us MTB fiends.  The western most end of the trail finishes at Talimena state park and the eastern ending at Pinnacle Mountain State Park in central Arkansas.  Another interesting point in the Ouachita's is the Cassatot River.  Cassatot is an Indian word for "Skull Crusher" and is known to be the most difficult white water rafting stream between the Smokey and Rocky mountains.  This area is located in Howard county Arkansas and passes through the Ouachita forest. 

Early weather reports indicate we are in for a day of bliss.  Highs in the mid 70's with a 10% chance of rain.  As of now, the rain will come on Thursda and leave the weekend dry.
I will be doing some trail recording with the Oregon Scientific 2K camera so expect some great views and exciting singletrack action. 

What a great way to start off the season.

Okay, so I certainly have not been consistent in posting to this page but when I do, you can be sure that it will be filled with informative fun filled goop.  Goop is a word by the way.  A sticky wet viscous substance.

Anywho, took an early morning road ride today re-anointing myself with the dusty road bike.  Sitting on that thing, I quickly felt and heard the neglect I have put it through.  But, with no time to waste, I promptly juiced up the tires and hit the road. 
Street night riding conjures some freaky panic feelings in me.  I am always looking over my shoulder expecting to see two bright lights bearing down on my path.  I suppose I would not be so paranoid if I lit my back end up a little better.  Sure, I wear reflective gear and a little blinky light but I seriously need to invest in more if I plan on increasing the frequency of these rides.  That being said, here are a couple neat items I found that could alleviate my jittery disposition.

Reelight is offering a new setup to an old idea.  The inductive powering capabilities of the motion provided by the rider give this setup the power it needs.  No batteries or re-charging.  Just peddle and it blinks.  I have a flashlight that works in a similar fashion.  You shake the magnet through the coil of wire and poof, light!

Another cool item I ran across long ago is a jersey that has neon flashing lighting sewed into the material.  You insert a couple batteries and it provides a bright strobing beam that surrounds your body.  The only issue here is I cannot find the link for the site.  It has all the performance aspects you would expect from your cycling wear but adds the benefit of being seen when out before and after daylight hours. 
Someone point me in the right direction. 

A comment posted to MoCycling requested I put forth more effort on getting a podcast setup with Jan Kopka and Peter Basinger.  I agree.  I am pressed for time but write my commitment here to getting some talk time nailed down with these guys. 

I think I am going to get one of these.




The Ouachita Challenge is quickly approaching and I can see the unique features of the Oregon Scientific ATC2K working well for this amazing trail.  Running on a couple AA batteries and on board memory capable of  expanding to 2GB in capacity, the 640 X 480 resolution is just what you need to capture the thrills of any ride. 

It comes with everything you need to mount to your handlebars or helmet.  Hell, you could easily carry a couple of these for a front and rear view of the action.  You can pickup the camera and 2 GB card for $200!  This is a hell of a bargain for a weather proof camera with this level of mobility and functionality. 

A cool way to put the ATC2K to use would be by using WikiMapia.  If you have not been to the site yet, you will find that it is a mashup of Google maps.  In short, it allows you to mark any place in the world with pictures, opinions, experiences and more. 
Here is some goofing I did at Busiek.  Couple Wikimapia with the ATC2K and you could share a ride on any trail with the map and actual video of the experience. 

If I can muster up the cash, I will be purchasing one of the ATC2K's and giving it a whirl in my back yard as well as the Ouachita's.  With Oregon Scientific on backorder for the ATC's, I may not be the only one sporting the toy on race day. 

Say Cheese!

So, I would like MoCycling to be a podcast covering all the major news in Missouri and beyond but I am still working on acquiring some good sources.  In the meantime, I wonder if I can get a Skype call setup with the new course record holder of the Iditarod Invitational Peter Basinger?

I am curious to know his thoughts on the experience.  I am sure many others would like to know what someone goes through in those conditions.  The preparation, the gear and the emotions.

I have yet to setup remote interviews through programs like Skype but am researching it right now.  If I can get it to work well, then I anticipate making some calls and tracking down Peter for a conversation. 

Congrats to Peter, Carl Hutchings, Jim Jager and Jacques Boutet for completing the 350 mile journey. 
As of this writing, Joseph Dundee is the first to pass through McGrath for the 1100 mile trek to Nome.

Conditions have worsened since last report.  Winds are howling and about 8 racers are hold up at Puntilla.  Hopefully the weather will change by tomorrow and they can get back to the trail. 
Steve Reifenstuhl has made it to CP 6 and is planning on leaving soon for McGrath.  According to his brother Ricky, it will take Steve up to 16 hours to finish the last 50 miles in these conditions. 

I am not sure how to react to that. 

I am Googling all the gear available for -72 conditions and for some reason cannot find a good combination for such elements. 
Perhaps it is because NOTHING EXISTS!

As a result, several participants in the Iditarod Invitational have scratched.  You simply cannot risk your life for the glory.
Aaron and his partner Jon Orban have called it a day.  Rightfully so, given their professional lives and responsibilities.  To take to the trail or wait out the storm would prove detrimental both personally and professionally. 

The effects of even the slightest exposure to the temperatures being seen right now are scary.  From almost instant frostbite to permanent lung conditions and ultimately death.  Humans are just not made for that kind of fun...well, except the last few that are out there right now. 
As of this writing, 3 more have left for the final trek to McGrath and in between page refreshes, one other has arrived at CP 6.  If I am making sense of the checkout times there are still about 13 people on the trail.  I believe there are a few that have turned back according to the updates.  In any event, the good weather is gone for now and the real face of the Iditarod Invitational is showing its face.

In the meantime, I will watch as the race continues and look forward to Aaron's informative phone call.

If you get to a computer Aaron, lets go to Busiek this weekend!

Keeping track of all this has been a blast!
Although I am not there, I want to be.  It is like the urge you get when you receive the latest bike magazine in the mail.  You just want to be a part of it and ride. 
Alas, I am pounding at the keys on the Mac and gazing out the window.  No matter though! 
My time will come.  Until then, lets see where things stand in the Iditarod.

Mr. Basinger left the final checkpoint shortly before 2pm (all times Alaskan).  With only 50 miles remaining, I believe it is safe to say that the number one position will be claimed this evening. 

A crew of 8 including Aaron (in tow :) took off from Finger Lake this morning.  Leader board indicates they took off shortly after 1am.  A change from the previously planned day riding idea.  None the less, Aaron made it to Puntilla at 10:38am and is currently hanging there.  It is a 45 mile trip from Puntilla to Rohn where I suspect him and Jon Orban will conquer in the wee hours.  IF, that is, the trail crew is able to clear out some foliage allowing the 30+ miles detour to be avoided.  As of this writing, their 45 mile trip is going to be closer to 80. 
I anticipate that some serious gear checking is going on. 

Beyond that, Rohn to Nikolai is an additional 80 mile journey.  For anyone completing this for the first time, the additional mileage is a major milestone.  Kathi indicated that Aaron and Jon were pretty bummed about the detour.  It is certainly not something you want to take lightly.  The temperatures are hitting -20's and -30's consistently.  You either have it together or you scratch. 

Aaron somehow got his numb hands on a computer today to email and chastise me for writing about the adventure. 
In an effort to maintain a professional and polished web presence, I will not repeat the official MoCycling response to Aaron's accosting remarks.
I will only say keep up the peddling Aaron! 

I am watching you!

Love, Matt

---

Check point 2 is at the 90 mile marker.  Mr. Benetti has officially made if further than the previous 2 attempts.
Checking in at 11:43am, Aaron has been at it for close to 22 hours with an average speed of 4.15 mph.  This effort puts him in 13th place and on track to finish in about 63 hours, give a few for rest and reload. 

Several pictures can be found HERE for your enjoyment!

It is difficult to imagine riding in such extremes.  The cold, skin numbing wind and barren night landscape have to play tricks on your head.  The tunneled focus of light emanating from your headlamp leave little for a rider to play with in terms of seeking unique and awe inspiring landscapes. 
Get bored looking straight ahead?  Well, there is the same thing to the left and right.  Snow Snow Snow! 

Looks like the weather tonight will mirror last nights.  Slightly warmer at -5 to -15 below and slight winds.  No new snow to trudge through making the 4 mph average attainable again.

Exciting Stuff Folks!!!!

Some details from the invitational.

14 have made it to Luce's with 11 back on the trail (according to update as of about 9 pm Alaskan time).
They are really expecting some fast times with the trail conditions and that is already being seen by these results.

Send a message to the racers at kathih@alaskaultrasport.com

View the latest news and pics HERE

According to Mrs. Merchant, " The race startet at Knik Lake today at 2 PM. 31 racers left the starting line biking (19), skiing (1)and walking (11) into the cold breezy air. This year the temparature at the start was at a sunny 10 F degrees with temperatures expected to drop down to -30 F during the first night. The trail conditions look very good and fast for the bikers. The 80 mile section from Rohn to Nikolai has very little snow and the rivers are hardpacked."

---

Stand by for more throughout the day!

And they're off!

As of 5pm central time the competitors of the Iditarod Trail Invitational are trudging through the northern tundra in an attempt to traverse the Alaskan countryside.

A fellow riding buddy, Aaron Benetti, has been on the bike for close to 7 hours now (as of this writing) and is anticipating a fast coarse with some record times for this years event.  In an email he sent yesterday, Aaron indicated at "The trail looks to be fast this year due to subzero temps and little snow fall."  In addition to many gear changes and teaming up with a fellow rider for some much needed company, Aaron's expectations of not only finishing but doing so quickly (about 5 days) may be experienced. 

For those of you interested in following the race and keeping up with all the contenders and their positions checkpoint by checkpoint, go to the standings page.

According to the National Weather Service, the current temperature is -24 and should reach a max during the day of -4 to 0 (F).  The night is clear with little wind and minor threat of precipitation.  Overall, the average rate of speed between 5 and 7 miles per hour should be obtained.

Stay tuned for more updates as the race progresses.

Man I am so busy
Sure, you do not have any idea who I am because I have not touched this tiny space of the web-O-sphere but believe you me, I am getting there.  There being here.  Doing stuff like this.  Typing...and such.

Anyway, to start I would like to turn you on to the latest fashion trend for hard core off road MTB.  Woody's Custom Fenders!

This is some sexy wood! (Can I say that?)

I would seriously try a pair of these on my 29er for a muddy ride while wearing my Sunday best. 

I know everyone is so anxious for some MoCycling podcasting so, please hang in their.
Some topics to look forward to are:

Only in the Ozarks-Rides you will only find in these parts.
Local Yocal-What is going on in this back yard.
National Nooze-Duh.
Where the dirt road begins-All MTB Baby!
Serenity Now!-Caution!  Side effects of hard core two wheeling.

More topics to come...as I think them up.