Bend, Oregon

I was pretty excited to see that the cyclocross nationals will be coming to Bend, OR this year. I was extremely disappointed that I was unable to race any cyclocross races this year, due to tendinitis in my knee. I thought I had a pretty good start last year in racing and was looking forward to moving up in the categories in the 'cross field. I don't think I am as diehard as Daren, but I enjoyed it non-the-less. I am very excited to hear that nationals will take place in Bend. Bend is beautiful and will be a great location for the race. The best part is that it is 2 and a half hours away. Pretty cool!

NEW TEAM SPONSOR

Betty and I attending the Twilight movie. I wasn't man enough to show face.

Here's what retired grandpa get to do!!

This is the new folage in Oregon, quite the tree.

Utah a little excited with the BYU victory. Three seconds still on the clock.

A Specialized, Utah fan.

This is the new team bike, tough times out there. 28 inch wheels should be a sweet ride.

I did the jersy check today and found out the following. They have three degrees of jackets, cool, cold, and very cold. The cost is 70, 80, or 90. They would make them with the same design just long sleeves. We would need a 10 order min. to get the price, but they don't all have to be jackets, we could get a jerseys, jacket combo. We could also get bike hats-$8, or bibs-$60. We could go all out and get, bibs, jackets, jerseys and hats or any combo we want. So all you true GC Connectors let me know what you would be interested in and we will decide what to order from that. Looking forward to our family party on the 27th and hope you all have a great Holiday season. I dumped my CX back today going out to the road for a ride, so I parked it, another spin day. Stay warm and wish you could ride safe.

Prophetic Words

While reading the lesson for elders quorum (lesson 23) the prophet Joseph Smith was quoted as saying,"A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together." I never knew he was a bike rider. I was also wondering if GC Connnection was working on team jackets or windbreakers for next year? If so, I think that saying might be cool on one of the arms. Just an idea, because I feel that quote is so us.

To pump or not to pump - that is the question?

If I were the Style Guy from Bicycling magazine I would consider it a major faux pas, but I am happy to admit I ride with a hand pump on my bike. I am not saying co2 is the devil, but I am saying I like my good old dependable hand pump. Let me explain. I am a commuter, therefore, I ride to and from work in all conditions. What makes it worse is the fact that it is Oregon, lots and lots of rain. I read an article once about a scientific study that proved you get more flats while riding in wet conditions. It has something to do with the surface tension and materials sticking more to your tires. I know for a fact that it is true. I rarely have a flat in the summer, but have atleast one a week in the rain. In the last two weeks I have had 4 flats and two new tires. I need something dependable to fix these flats, which happen quite frequently. I used to carry co2, but found them unreliable. When it gets cold they blow, or if I didn't get it full enough I road on a partially flat tire. I have opted for the uncool hand pump. It especially looks bad having my hand pump across my curved top tube of my Specialized Tarmac. But I guess I go with being practical over looking cool.