Cracked!

2008 Stumpjumper RIP!

So I think we have finally figured out the chain throwing problem. A nice inch long crack across the weld holding the chainstay to the seat tube. This little crack allowed the frame to flex, inturn allowing the chainline to slide out of whack just a tad bit at a time...eventually the it would throw the chain. I have been so frustrated witht his bike since I got it back in May, I almost gave up cycling. With just a tad bit of good fortune I may get a 2009 frame as a replacement.

The Specialized rep is headed by the shop Monday to confirm the dath of my frame, and order a new one. With any luck I will have it by Wednesday, giving me 1.5 days to get it dialed in for the Castlewood 8 Hour Adventure race Saturday morning at 6am.

To blow of some steam I managed a Saturday morning ride(Wendy's Rockhopper 29er SS) with the BRO-N-Law Jeff. We took the Bryan Road to Busch to Brommelsiek route I mapped last fall. Great Ride. 28 mile loop. I will work on getting a link up to the route.
PS...Wendy managed to inspect her bike within minutes of our return....and it was in perfect working order.

Tick Tock

Castlewood 8 Hour is almost here...

R U READY?

A New Dawn arises...

Berryman Trail August 23, 2008

Perfect weather - mid 60's to start Highs near the upper 80's.

Rain a couple days prior washed the trails clean...

Sydsmomma(Wendy) is set for the start of the 12 hour test of Endurance.

12 Miles Bike and 4.5 Running Time - 7AM-ish
New Ride - 2008 Rock Hopper 29er - SS 32x18 and 32x20.

Only minor preparations are needed when you follow a simple mantra:

"Superior Attitude, Superior State of Mind."

As her guiding forces have shown her..."It's a Mental Game"

I worked checkpoint Bravo on the Bike Section at the top of the climb from the artesian well. A great place to see the real pain set in...
As one rider responded when asked about trail conditions - "Perfect, Slippery roots ;), and a couple death holes on the backside..." I will guess the slippery roots had something to do with the death holes... ;)

Wendy crushed the first bike portion with the highly respectable push through her 32x18...not recommended for a newbie on the SS at Berryman. Effects of a tough climb with a steep gear:

She made a quick swap to my Stumpjumper @ 34x21 only to return it on the next lap with a flat rear...(Hutchinson Pythons...2nd flat in as many weeks since installation. Going back to the Specialized Fast Tracks. - Tire Sale Anyone)

During her 2nd lap the super pit crew of "Trail Monster and Me" swapped out the 18 for a 20... this kid can fix anything, just look at the determination! Cheap labor...all ya need is a box of Popsicles (Fruit Juice-not that sugary crap- her words not mine ;))

Heading out to finish up snappin the wrists.

Finish Line Push


Total Carnage Results?

You Bet! 1st Place Women Overall!!!

Takin home free a BonkHard race entry and a new pair of Salomon Trail Shoes! As you can see she is totally stoked for the new shoes!

3 Laps under 12 hours...totally snappin my wrists from the year before.

The post race moment of joy and honor as she names her trusty new steed: "She-Ra"

Of course none of this would be possible without the support from a few friends...(double click the pic and check out the seat tube and bars)


For the rest of you that dare challenge "She-Ra" and her Master...

The following shall be you're fate as it has those that have challenged before!!!

Shadow Puppet Wrist Snappin

Matson Hill Non-Race #4
Typical Team Trail Monster Carnage. I destroyed the left crank arm on the hill climb...go figure it was a typical race day for me....Break the Bike .... then nobody knows how fast you are....;) Sydsmomma Cranked out a lap of Matson on her old tank "
Big Bertha"..hopefully the last, as the new RockHopper 29er will be ready very soon.
Thanks Team Seagal for the Ice Cold PBR and all of the Swag!!!

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Get your own

Road Trip on down memory lane...or just the tail end of a great cruise...

Ever wondered what changes?

Nothing really...

maybe some paint but the bones are still solid....

Its still the jug.

Starks u-turn

The Y? Yup it is...

Do ya know this place?

Restin place?

Or this place?

OR Do you know this face?

New Single Track On the horizon....

This past weekend was my first opportunity to hike the new property at Matson Hill. Someday soon we will add an additional 5 miles or so to the exisiting 3 loop at Matson Hill. The new area is now in the hands of the St. Charles County Parks department.
STL Biking link to Matson Hill
The skinny on the new terrain....awesome...lots of rocks, and more rocks, some old road beds, and that customary Matson Hill....This new portion of the park could play home to a new piece of downhill action, and quiet possibly a sick piece of rock work. The entire hill side has a skirt of big rock...So we should be able to get in a nice piece of technical rock trail and at the same time make use of a nice easy flow area to offer multiple skill sets. We have a couple small run offs that have great solid rock/broken slabs for crossing and playing. a huge cedar grove and a hidden fire pit.... This new portion of the park also touches the D. Boone properties...so Historic value will keep our trail system out of site of the buildings and such. Stay tuned for more on this subject.

I have also completed my route design to Brommelsiek park. This route is through Busch Wildlife area north of the archery range and along the north side of lake 33. Starts at Winghaven Theater and flows over old roads and field edge double track all the way to Schwede road and Brommelsiek park. There is word that the Greenway commision wants part of this route to connect to Barat haven and route underneath the I/64(Hwy40/61) via the bridge over the Dardenne creek. This would be anice connector to the wildlife area and the 25 miles plus of gravel roads...(dusty)..however it also connects to the Hamburg and Katy Trail system...which connects to Lost Valley and Matson Hill, and Klondike and last but not least by any means....the August Brewery!!!! Next issue....Paniers that hold growlers...if your gonna ride to a brewery ...then ya gotta bring some home....