Monday, September 1, 2008
Ink and Paper
Friday, August 29, 2008
LOOKY LOOKY
All video below yanked from YourTube...thanks to all who shot it!
Passini Love...
These thongs are made for walking...
Going Down...
Courtesy of DirtRag...
Rachel's got pipes!
Bowlin'
Velodrome Action
BikeBox Cooler
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Word
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Flickr
Just in case you have been living under a rock. There is a great Photo sharing place called flickr
There are way to many pictures. Enjoy!
Last stuff to make it in
Posted by SSWC08 at 2:48 PM
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Inspiration
Monday, August 18, 2008
T.G.I.F.
Click on the above pic to see it BIGGER.
Oh yeah and here's a little tid-bit of info for all of yous planning on sporting the speedo and tri-suit for the day:
Sunday, August 17, 2008
there's not much left to do...
Posted by SSWC08 at 6:57 PM
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Breakfast of Champions?
If you're looking to make it through all 3 laps of the race, perhaps starting with a hearty breakfast at The Soscol Cafe might be a good idea. If you're just looking to make it through the weekend - perhaps breakfast here would also be a good idea.
Posted by SSWC08 at 11:14 PM
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Course Clues
So we've spent the past few weekends riding the course with other mortals. No one on our rides was a real contender, but we did have most skill levels, bike set ups and attitudes covered.
Gear ratios and the likeWe're not rocket scientists (well most of us). But we did grow up riding here and have spent a considerable amount of time out there, so we might know a little bit about what we speak. Let's see, we're pretty much mid-pack fodder and have been using the following with much higher success (read ease, fun, ability) at Skyline:
29'er---32x20
26"---34x19
Now you he-men can come and rock the 2:1 all day, we're just saying that there are STEEP climbs, sometimes short, sometimes not, technical sections and loose rock. There is NOT a lot of flat sections. Choose what you think you can rock for 3 laps with about 5000' of climbing give or take.
Still need more info, refer to Sheldon Brown , Surly Spew, or your beloved forums.
Tires
Bigger is better
Knobs are better (tires not people)
Semi slicks are not recommended as there are actually rocks and obstacles on this course.
Air Pressure
More is better, unless you really, really like fixing pinch flats. In the heat. Near or on poison oak. While you lose the race.
Rigid vs. Suspension
How do you feel about feeling like shit the next day? Like it? Go rigid.
80mm is nice. 100mm is better. At least that's what some of us think.
Running
Still think you're gonna win? When the chump in front of you stacks it on the single track, you might want to think twice about hopping off and running your ass through the beautiful field of red, green, yellow or stick poison oak. Helping others has a much higher karma value.
Listening Skills
Let's say you're riding near/behind/ or somehow alongside someone who says they have actually ridden Skyline. If they say it might be wise to :
A. Slow down
B. Watch out
C. Get off and walk
D. All of the above
You should listen to them.
You can always prove yourself on the next lap.
This course has been (rightfully) described as pretty technical. There is a great cross-section of Northern California terrain involved. Exposed rock sections, steep climbs, smooth, fast single-track, tree covered sections, fire-roads, loose, off-camber descents. A little bit of everything. All fun. If you have 10 thumbs, you can still finish this race, you just might have to walk a few more sections than Cameron.
By the way, there are sections you WILL have to walk up, so no tears if your über-cool, ultra-lightweight, carbon soled shoes get all scratched.
Poison Oak:
Staying on the trails is your best bet to not being afflicted with the itchy scratchys down there (and everywhere). Again, we've been out for the past month and (knock on wood) have not gotten any oak. But it IS out there. Everywhere. It can be red. Or green, or yellow, or sticks. Best piece of advice we can give you? DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING but your bike.
After the race, make like high school prom and take a cold shower.
- DO NOT TAKE A HOT SHOWER.
- DO NOT TOUCH YOUR JOHNSON.
- PUT YOUR CLOTHES IN A PLASTIC BAG AND WASH IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARD.
**We're not trying to freak you all out, just giving folks that have never seen this beautiful plant a reality check. With the proper care, it is totally possible to not get it.
Riding your bike in the United States
Welcome to the USA, now pay attention--bikes are second (third) class citizens. This isn't Sweden or Holland. That being said you need to do a few things:
1. Pay attention to traffic--you want to ride with it
2. While riding around Napa at night, use your lights (head and tail-lights)---no need to give Johnny Law a reason to pull you over---this means BRING LIGHTS, (you don't need super hi-dollar lights, but something shiny and blinky will help).
It will be wise (and fun) to ride to almost every location here in town. You really won't need a car or a cab to get around-everything is flat and within biking distance.
Posted by SSWC08 at 9:18 PM
SSWC goof off ride change
Wed 8/20 - Howarth Park Dirt Crit Santa Rosa, CA - This is a super fun, low key race. The course is about 1 mile long and you get to go around it a bunch of times....it hurts. Santa Rosa is about 45 minutes from Napa.
Thursday 8/21 - Meet at the Lawndale parking lot at Annadel in Santa Rosa for a 10am ride. These are by far our favorite trails to ride -Ride throught the park-Ride over to the Sycip shop for some food (Taco truck will be on hand) or head across the street to the English Pub. We should be at the Sycip shop by 1pm. When you get tired of hanging out, head back through the park to your car. Back to Napa.
Friday 8/22 - Meet at the Java Hut in Fairfax at 10am and enjoy the Pine Mountain loop. It's a great loop in Marin with plenty of options to get back to town. Fairfax is about 45 minutes from Napa. Then in the evening head to American Cyclery in San Francisco at 4pm for a ride through the city across the Golden Gate Bridge for a BBQ in the Marin Headlands. It's about an hour drive to San Francisco from Napa.
Saturday 8/23 - Registration at Skyline Park starting at 12-5pm. Party to follow somewhere in town TBD.
Sunday 8/24 - Race 10am at Skyline Park. Get there early cuz someone will have something to say beforehand. Registration will open at 8am for those that don't make it Saturday.
Posted by SSWC08 at 8:22 PM
Friday, August 8, 2008
Have you seen me?
We might not be the best parents but we'll never leave one of ours at the airport...
Now Swiftwick, get into your carseat and be good...
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wagon Queen Family Truckster
Welcome to the family...
Luce Goods
Clif Bar
Engin Cycles
Sheila Moon
...Now sit down and don't even make me pull this thing over and show you who's boss...
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
pre-ridin
Several of us went out last weekend and pre rode the course - and all that can be said is it's gonna be fun. You may not recognize our poster boy Chris in this photo cuz he's wearing a shirt, not drinking a beer and not ice fishing - but here he is enjoying some of what you'll be riding in several weeks time.
Posted by SSWC08 at 10:39 PM
American cyclery Party
Our friends at American want to invite you out for A little fun.
SINGLE SPEED WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008
PRE-EVENT RALLY Y FIESTA
FRIDAY AUG 22nd
SAN FRANCISCO
Come join us in the City on the Bay in anticipation of the Greatest Show on Earth, the SSWC! This unique opportunity allows you to mingle with the seedy underbelly of San Francisco's bicycling culture, and ride with them off road in the urban environ. This all starts at the legendary American Cyclery, SF's oldest bike shop and refuge to the cycling masses. We then ride mostly off road and across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headland for much social exuberance.
-Meet and greet old and new friends from afar!
-Size up the competition!
-Determine who's most likely to make a drunken ass of themselves!
-Demonstrate your intent to make a drunken ass of yourself!
-BBQ foodstuffs in true 49er style!
-Imbibe beverages of fortitude and refreshment!
-Show your mettle in various Feats of Strength!
-Win prizes of interest and useful nature!
Meet at American Cyclery (Frederick and Stanyan)
4p.m. Friday August 22nd
Ride at 5p.m. SHARP! Rain or shine!
Hosted by American Cyclery, the Soil Saloon,
and The Sons Of the One Speed Revolution
www.americancyclery.com, www.soilsaloon.com
Posted by SSWC08 at 10:32 AM
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
All in the family
American Cyclery
Igleheart Custom Frames
Princeton Tec
Fox Racing Shox
Cartlidge & Brown Winery
Welcome to the big kids table.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Videy Hoes
Like Paris and Pamela, we've gotten our hands on a video camera and several mounts so we're starting to post some test video from our first use of GoPro camera and different bikes.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Product is here!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
July Update
So here it is end of July. We spent some time on the beach, cold chillin, peepin' the scene, but now it's all business up front.
Things are moving really quickly.
What's been going on:
• Course scoped out, GPS'd--it is gonna be a tough mother. You rigid fork folks are in for some fun!
• Initial GoPro video's shot---soon to Youtube
• T-shirts ordered
• Other bits ordered
• Getting pre-rides before event outlined--there is going to be rides going off most of the week before and after, all over bay area-we'll keep you posted as soon as we know.
We're also really excited to announce the newest crew of folks to join our little parade...
Ibis
Thule
Independent Fabrications
Paul Components
GoPro Video Cameras
Chuey Brand Hats and Clothing
Rock Lobster Cycles
Spectrum Powder Coating
Santa Cruz Bikes
Pereira Cycles
DeSalvo Cycles
Dirt Rag
Stay tuned, a lot more to come.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Mt. Tam with Jacquie
Contact Jacquie directly for nifty PDF of Itinerary and to get on board now!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Red with Envy
A little course riding and scouting was in order last week. While we were out, we saw all of these beautiful red plants...
...when you're out there, they might be red. Or golden. Or green. Or sticks.
Posted by SSWC08 at 10:16 PM
Labels: poison oak, ride, SSWC08, trail
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Weave On
If you plan on even having a chance at the podium in August, peep this required training style:
Weaving.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Gettin' ready to pop
It's July and we're getting closer by the day to delivering a healthy race.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Golden Ticket Opportunity
Get this on your calendar now...
...here's your opportunity to preview parts of the SSWC08 course, sample the terrain and take part in a great local race—all at the same time!
Come race the Eagle Cycling Mtn Bike Race, at Skyline
Park in beee-u-teeful Napa Valley. Gears or SS are in this one, as
well as more categories than you can shake a stick at.
Not only a really fun, technical course, there's actually an opportunity make a little $$!
$300 Pro/Elite/Expert purse. Awarded by fastest times to the top five male and female finishers. Medals to third place in all classes.
Oh yeah and one more thing (or 6 more things)—
If you didn’t get into SSWC08, here’s your chance …
3 go to top finishers in SS category at Eagles Skyline Race
3 go to other SS'ers — randomly chosen by us at Eagles Skyline Race
We'll see you out there!
Posted by SSWC08 at 9:48 PM
Labels: Eagle Cycling, fun, mountain bike, Skyline Race, SSWC08