D2R2 picture dump

Since I've been too lazy to write a proper recap of the event, I'll let my photos tell the story.

Practice Makes Perfect

The troops woke up extra early this morning for an inaugural cross practice at a new location. I've thought about this location a lot and going back to last summer in the 95 degree heat with PVB, I've taken a few occassions to scout some possible course layouts. I've lacked the motivation until now to actually lay one down proper. After attending the featureless practice loop in Alston last fall I decided I needed something that would actually mimic a real cross course. With excitement brewing among the Boston HUP squad, I rallied enough help and motivation to put together our new training course.

Supplies were picked up by Chip and his personal support crew.
The course has some sweet bowl style turns as well as plenty of steep hills to pedal and run

It also has a long set of stairs to keep the runners happy

Lastly, practicing some turns on the ball field before hitting the off camber areas


Photos are crappy because it was early morning and it was my phone, not a real camera. But with sunrise/sunset views of the city from the hill top, I'll be sure to bring the real camera next time.

Bikes of D2R2 - Part 3

This was probably the most unique bike that I saw at D2R2. Not sure if it will ever have a place beyond "gimmicky" but it was a novel idea. The lugs are stainless steel, apparently welded by NFG, the guy behind most of Spooky's in-house welding. The wood is laminated I believe. You'll have to forgive my lack of knowledge and memory on this one. I finally stopped to inspect it at dinner, some 14 hours after my day had started.

The Bikes of D2R2 - part 2

There are a lot of companies in the cycling industry that slap some world champion stickers on their product to honor a world champion that rode their equipment to victory. Some riders request these world champion bands (or wc bands as they are more fashionably referred to) on their custom frames so the rest of us will know this same brand of frame was piloted to a world championship title.

Well, in the case of this custom frame, the owner himself is a former world champ! Humble as can be, Peter Bradshaw (aka Mustachio) won the messenger world championships (not necessarily UCI sanctioned but still more impressive than anything else the rest of you have ever won).

At the D2R2, Pete showed up on his work machine and was all business. He tried to be friendly and rode with us mortals until our first flat around the 3rd mile. From then on he was off aiming for a sub 8 hr time. Although he didn't break the 8 hr mark, I have no doubt he could/will now that he knows what to expect next season.

Check out this utilitarian pump location. These Topeak Morph series pumps are far and away the best option for easy, high pressure pumps. The only downside is that they don't come with a convenient water bottle mount. Very creative Bradshaw.

When you are as strong as Peter Bradshaw you don't need no stinkin' compact. Apparently you don't need anything bigger than a 25 in back either. Geez!

The Bikes of D2R2 - part 1

This bike is now in the hands of its third and (very likely) final owner. Mr. Jeffrey Bramhall is a well recognized and very well respected member of the Boston cycling scene. He is also the pilot of this classic Moser.

I had the pleasure of riding with Jeff for most of the 170k and I ran out of fingers quite early on trying to keep track of how many times he said this is the perfect bike. It's a classic for sure. A classic and simple steel tubeset paired with a steel fork, Campy 10 speed components and a sensible Specialized saddle. The classic frame had room for some extra comfy 25mm tires though he did pull off an awesome double flat just 5 miles from the finish.

Jeff made the 14,000ft of climbing with sections as steep as 27% look easy despite the lowest gear being a 39-27.

He and Stephen Jablonski (his bike will be chronicled later) also had really handy cue sheet holders that they fabricated especially for the event. This was a real blessing since the Garmin track I had received was only accurate for the first 100k.

Congratulations Jeff on a fantastically functional ride that brings you so much satisfaction.

Wet railroad tracks are slippery ATMO

I took a tumble on some wet train tracks Thursday morning. Besides the bruises and some bike scuffs I've got a sore neck. Watch out for those wet tracks, ok?







* I just wanted use ATMO to piss off the 5 people that might read this post, sorry.