The View From the Rail

Follow me...

2010-10-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

If you read this blog, I wanted to let you know that I'll be moving my posts over to hocroad.tumblr.com from now on. I like the layout better there, it's cleaner, and more of my friends are on it so we'll give it a try. Thanks for reading on here even though I was pretty bad at updating the past couple of months. I will try to be better on the new blog.

hocroad.tumblr.com

Tell your friends.

-Joe

Jack Bauer's Rig

2010-10-18T17:08:00.001-07:00

This makes me want to get a LOOK 595. This is Jack Bauer's bike. He races for Endura Racing in the UK. Oh yeah, the reviews and details of the frameset are pretty bad ass too! I won't be getting a new frameset for a while, but one can look right?!

www.enduraracing.com

www.cyclingnews.com

-Joe

HTC HIGHROAD S WORKS

2010-10-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Seen on the cyclingnews.com news feed. I'm not sure yet, but I think I liked their Scott's better....

-Joe

Bobcat Trail

2010-10-13T12:58:00.001-07:00

The days here in San Francisco have been amazing this week. This morning I rode up in the headlands again with Connor and he took me on the Bobcat Trail that led down to Tennessee Valley Rd. It was definitely fun, and I'm excited to do more exploring and find some new fire roads. Naveen's getting his crossbike soon so that should be fun times ahead!

-Joe

Slammed

2010-10-13T12:56:00.001-07:00

A shot from belgiumkneewarmers.com. They got tons of endless Pro Peloton photos on there and they're fun to look at. If you're on break from work, check them out!

-Joe

Cadel's Impec

2010-10-08T17:44:00.001-07:00

I'm assuming you guys caught the WC race yeah? Cadel rode pretty awesome during the race, defending his worlds title with class. Right about this time last year when he won it, I slowly became a fan of his while knowing that many people out there didn't really like his whiny attitude, and lackluster riding. It didn't bother me one bit and I still rooted for him as the underdog, and this past year he raced pretty awesome, wearing the rainbow jersey with pride and respect, while winning some great races - La Fleche Wallone and Stage 7 of the Giro!

Here's his custom IMPEC. I wonder how much the the IMPEC frameset will retail for? All handmade by machine. Not exactly ready for a new race bike just yet, but it is in the back of my mind in terms of what my options are! I will probably ride my GIANT for another season. I love that thing (Maybe I'll get a white one?)!

-Joe

The Headlands

2010-10-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

Before I left for NYC, I got a chance to go for an epic morning ride with Connor and Travis on the cross bikes. Super fun and mad tiring. I feel out of shape riding with those guys, but that's probably because I AM out of shape as I haven't really been riding since my trip to NYC and Europe. It does feel good to be off the bike though. Excited to start riding again though. During the ride there was lots of dirt, bushes, carrying the bikes while hiking up small mountains, and timeless views of the bay. Another awesome morning.

-Joe

NetApp

2010-09-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

The Team NetApp Focus Cayo bikes are fresh. I'm digging the blue color with that 3T fork. Nice.

www.teamnetapp.eu

-Joe

Argon 18

2010-09-23T22:44:00.001-07:00

New 2011 Gallium Pro is "mad nice son". I'd ride that shit. Check out that MASSIVE bottom bracket area as well as the beefcake chainstays.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/argon18bike/

-Joe

Worlds

2010-09-23T20:35:00.003-07:00

The UCI world championships are just around the corner and I'm pretty excited to see what unfolds. Rooting for these two.

Check out this new Ridley Helium Flanderien ed. with the limited SRAM red group from the TDF. Sick.

photos from pezcyclingnews.com

In other news, I think we might be moving this blog to a tumblr format soon. What do you think? It should be good!

-Joe

Tourists

2010-09-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

Chcuk, David, Nathan, and Kris made the long drive from Las Vegas. Long story short, we rode bikes, ate great food, rode some more, ate some more, raced the Giro, and they went back to vegas. I don't think these guys have ever ridden any terrain this damn beautiful that we have in the bay. Good times with the vegas contingent.

Full recap of their trip through David's words/photos at www.legitimusmaximus.tumblr.com

-Joe

Super Six

2010-09-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

Dom's new SuperSickx

Looks PRO Dom, good job on the build.

-Joe

Labor Day Racing

2010-09-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Our good friend David snapped some photos from the Giro di San Francisco this past labor day.... The weather was perfect, the racing was fast and intense, and the spectators were great. It was awesome to finally race with Chcuk and also ride around the bay with Nathan, David, and Kris! The day before the race I took the boys up to Mt. Tam and the views, as always, were nothing short of spectacular and they loved it. A short trip is in order to vegas to ride with those guys again. Valley of Fire/ Mt. Charleston? Lets do it. Check out David's blog at www.legitimusmaximus.tumblr.com for a nice recap of their whole weekend in San Francisco.

*More photos to come that Saskia took...

-Joe

Giro di San Francisco

2010-09-05T19:15:00.001-07:00

If you want to enjoy your Labor Day with some great local bike racing, come out to Levi Plaza tomorrow and watch the Giro di San Francisco! Chcuk and I race at 2pm.

metromintcycling.org

-Joe

Super Sprint

2010-09-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

Saskia participated in her first super sprint all women's triathalon and took 10th overall, placing 3rd in her age category of 20-29. She did a great job in each discipline for not being the most experienced swimmer and runner. Naturally, she made up lots of time on the bike leg of the race. I think I was cheering her on like a crazy mad man! Great job Sas ;)

-Joe

Pause

2010-08-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

I like this shot from Tom Robertson. Seen at tomrobertsonphoto.com via freemantransport.com. Check out his site for more nice photos.

-Joe

MTB

2010-08-25T19:43:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't mind either of these Indy Fab's right about now...

-Joe

TOU Stage 4

2010-08-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

Jeff Louder of BMC was one of my first favorite riders when I started following pro cycling last year(I know, nOOb). He won the tough looking stage 4 crit of this year's Tour of Utah. He attacked about halfway through the race on the 1 mile course that had a 12% kicker. Riders were getting dropped left and right, and also being lapped! Crazy... My friend Eric Lippincott was there actually handing out bottles? Eric if you happen to read this, hit me up!

(photo: velonews.com)

-Joe

KBS Orca

2010-08-24T21:31:00.001-07:00

Not usually a big fan of Orbea's, but this Kelly Benefits edition one is pretty nice.

-Joe

Posted

2010-08-24T21:29:00.002-07:00

Only because of those blue hoods. I like that blue... and maybe the wheels too...

-Joe

Donuts

2010-08-24T21:29:00.001-07:00

-Joe

EDGE

2010-08-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

I want some EDGE wheels... 1.68 or 45 clincher? Yeh, Yeh.

http://www.edgecomposites.com

-Joe

Looking Forward

2010-08-19T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know.... lack of updates.... although it's all good because I've been quite busy with the daily happenings in everyday life. Working, chilling, racing, riding, planning.... planning for what? HOC Cycling Team next season. Yup. We're going to do this! As of now, Jonathan is working on the kits once again, and they're looking FRESH. I'm so stoked on it for next season. Jersey, bib, vest, cap, and gloves. If you are reading this and would like to get an order in, shoot me an email at hocroad@gmail.com. I will shoot you over the mock up we have of the kit details once we get them, which should be very soon. We aren't producing a whole lot for the first time around, they're mostly going to be for the team, which is right now comprised of less than 5 people hahahah. But that's alright, we will build strong! On that note, a big shout out and congratulations is in order to Naveen for his win at Dunnigan Hills RR last weekend. So stoked for you man! And Kevin as well, putting in some nice solid efforts for Naveen.... looking good for next season boys!

Interested in riding for us? Send an email of interest to hocroad@gmail.com.

In other news, my left leg has been numb for the past couple of days. Doc says it could be a kinked/pinched nerve, and hopefully it will go away soon. Haven't felt any pain with it, just the fact that I can feel it is pretty annoying though. At least it doesn't hurt.... anyway, I still raced with it even though maybe I should have rested last Sunday. I won't do a race report this time around for the last two races, but I'll just post the photos from them. The way my schedule is looking like for the rest of the season, it looks like I might only be racing 2 or 3 more times... Excited to race with the vegas boys when they come through at the end of the month! I'll be going to Europe in the middle of September and then NYC for early October for a little R & R! Looking forward to it.... Oh yeah, I want a mountain and TT bike.... which comes first? I'm also waiting for Curtlo to get back to me on the decals so I can get the cross bike re-painted. Hurry up yo!

More soon and thanks for reading!

Timpani Crit

Suisun City Harbor Crit

Kevin at the front, pacing Naveen who is right behind him in the photo.

(Photos by Saskia and Hors Categorie Photography)

-Joe

Copper Town Circuit Race

2010-08-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I woke up at the crack of dawn to drive out to Copperopolis for this circuit race. Weather was great and definitely warm, and the course was really fun too. Closed road course with smooth pavement. The turnout in each field was pretty damn small actually, and it's a shame there wasn't more racers. Kevin raced in the 4's and did well I believe, and in the 3's, I took 9th and Rainier sprinted to 3rd. I believe that result for him was enough to upgrade to cat2!? Wow, congrats man. Although I'm not surprised, as Rainier was a beast before the start of this season haha... thanks for helping me stay motivated man.

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/swoo/sets/72157624500243381

-Joe

San Marcos Crit

2010-08-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

So a couple of weeks ago Saskia and myself drove down to LA to visit some friends and I also planned on racing down in northern San Diego with Chcuk and Ryan from Las Vegas. Long story short, it was my very first cat3 race and I was pretty excited for it, especially because I was going finally race with Chcuk! Anyway, about 10 minutes into the race my gears started to play tricks on me, skipping up and down, and then finally just not shifting... before I know it, I look up and the race is down the road. Bummer. I managed to finish the race however, with access to only a couple of working gears. I guess it's important to note that there was a short and punchy climb on the backside of the 1.7 mile course which presented a problem for me with my messed up drivetrain. When I got back home, I realized my rear derailleur cable was fraying all over the place inside the hood. Need to grease that more often, thanks to the tip of Travis from Freewheel. Good thing that cable didn't snap during the race! Nonetheless, we all had a good time racing and hanging out, even though it was just for the day. We'll all be racing together again in September here in the bay area, which should be lots of fun.

-As always, thanks a bunch to Saskia for driving and taking photos =)

Ryan in the 4's

Myself

Chcuk

-Joe

Sky

2010-08-02T18:13:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite race photos that I've seen in a while - this is during the UK championships that Gerraint Thomas won. These guys are DIGGING!

Seen at pezcyclingnews.com, photo by Ed Hood

-Joe

Updates...

2010-08-02T17:53:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts recently. The days have been pretty busy for me with work, riding, and racing. Although between my last post about the San Rafael crit and now, I have made the upgrade to cat3, so I'm pretty stoked on that. Obviously the racing is a bit more punchy and aggressive, so it makes for good racing, and ultimately it's going to make me a stronger and smarter rider (hopefully!) which was my original goal at the beginning of my first road racing season.... also, Rainier is about to make the leap to cat2 in his first full season... we both started as cat5's this year, and I'm pretty damn stoked for him. Good job man, maybe I'll see you there sometime in the next couple of years haha... Two days ago at the Copper Town circuit race I also met Fergus for the first time, and got to race with him and Rainier. Then yesterday we all raced the Timpani crit in Santa Clara and I saw first hand "how it's done" in my first cat3 crit race. With one to go Rainier blasted up to the front to lead out Fergus for the win and it was awesome. Rainier was so stoked for Fergus, that I got super juiced too! Stoked for both of them, and when results like that happen, it motivates me to get myself up there too. Pack finish for me, as I just had a lapse of concentration with 2 or 3 laps to go. Not really sure what happened, but before you know it, it's the last lap and I was too late trying to make my way up to the front. Quite disappointed with that, considering I feel pretty good about positioning myself for the end of the race, but what can you do. Oh well, no excuses, my legs were more or less toast at the end anyway. Time to get back on it!

I will post photos of the past couple of races in the next couple of days. Pretty excited for September as well, with some friends from Las Vegas planning to visit and race up here. It's all been our first year of road racing, and I met Ryan, Chcuk, and Nathan through HOC and riding track bikes. Good dudes, and I think they're all doing pretty well this year. Actually Chcuk is a cat3 also and has been racing for a couple of years. He's the strongest Filipino rider I know HA!

Oh yeah, new HOC kits are being worked on right now by Jonathan and myself, and they're going to be sick so stay tuned...

-Joe

San Rafael Twilight Criterium

2010-07-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

I wish we raced at twilight but of course they timed it so that the Pro 1/2's would race as the sun would set and it was pretty awesome. Ken Hanson of TT1 took it over Rasaan Bahati...

Beautiful day for bike racing that day in downtown San Rafael. For some reason by the look of the mapped out course online, I thought it was going to be a boring 4 corner crit. When we got there, I was stoked to see there was a small little uphill coming out of the first turn, then after the back stretch there was a small downhill part into the final corner which made for a fun and fast race. As with the beginning of any race, I looked around to see if there was anyone I had not raced with before, in addition to seeing the usual suspects of the cat 4 races. Good to see Joshua there from Mission Cycling, always a nice dude. The race itself went pretty smooth. Not too many attacks as they would always be brought back right after the uphill section. Going into it, I knew that I had to be in good position (meaning the first 3 or 4 guys) coming out of the last turn to have a chance at the sprint for the win. The whole race I pretty much sat and floated around 7th-8th position not having to expend too much energy. The last two laps picked up in pace and I managed to move myself close to the front of the race in 3rd position if I remember correctly, and that's how it ended up. I took 3rd in the sprint to the line and that was that. Legs felt good, and I'm wondering if I could have started the sprint a tiny bit earlier? I just felt like I could have sprinted a tiny bit longer... Maybe not. It's all a blur at the sprint anyway isn't it?! Nonetheless, I was stoked for my first podium placing. After coming so close the last couple of races, although not taking first, I'm satisfied with third for now. That finish got me my points I needed towards the upgrade to Cat3 so we'll see how it goes. On a side note, Rainier took 3rd in the Cat3 race as well, and went on to race the next day in Lodi and took 3rd Again! there after getting into a 5 man break the last 8 laps, staying clear of the field. Keep riding strong dude!

(Photo: picasaweb.google.com/erika.cunliffe)

(Photos: Saskia)

-Joe

Pave Stage

2010-07-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Pave stage was a fun one to watch yesterday.

http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/wwos-raw-cancellara-back-in-yellow-evans-third/xbzvwyd

-Joe

Scott F01 Aero Road Bike

2010-07-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

What do you think of HTC Columbia's new Scott F01 bikes they're riding at the Tour? Looking kinda snazzy...

I WANT THIS NEW PRO BAR + STEM COMBO WHEN IT COMES OUT!!!

Photos courtesy of cyclingnews.com

-Joe

Green Lantern

2010-07-07T20:48:00.001-07:00

Thor's Green Jersey themed Cervelo S3

-Joe

Burlingame Criterium

2010-06-30T09:36:00.001-07:00

Downtown Burlingame was the stage for this fun, fast, and technical crit race. Saskia and I had never been to Burlingame so we were pleasantly surprised to arrive to a nice downtown neighborhood. After the race we walked around, stayed for a couple of the races, and enjoyed the day. The weather was great and everyone seemed to be in a good mood and ready to race. Early on, there were some nervous racers out there, as you could hear a bunch of people yelling "hold your line", "come on!!!", and "what the fuuuck?!?" Pretty common I would say. Then the race picked up a little bit after about 15 minutes or so (I don't really know when exactly, but that's what it felt like), and as we come through the sweeping back stretch to cross the start line, I drive it up the left side only to slow down a little bit due to the feeling of a crash occurring somewhere to my right. Before I know it, there are a slew of bikes and racers going down and all seem to be coming towards me. Luckily I was somewhat "alert" and paying attention, and thankfully busted the emergency stop and eventually got up onto the curb. Hoping the guys who crashed were okay, I start up again and begin the chase(?) I think I was a nOOb for not realizing they were going to neutralize the race after that crash, but oh well, I used up a bunch of energy because I still felt I had a chance to end up with a decent result. Anyway, they re-started the race after they took someone off in an ambulance (bummer), and decided on a neutral lap and then 4 laps to go. Looking back on it, it was actually nice to have a little breather after I gave some effort in trying to chase back on, and finally on the final lap I think I did an okay job of positioning myself for the sprint finish. 3 guys were faster than me in the end and I finished in 4th, thinking I finished 6th or 7th, so I was stoked when I found out I did better than I thought I did. I think maybe I could have started my sprint earlier to try and have a chance at top 3, but who knows.... I gave it my all and rode strong. At the 4th of July crit in Davis this weekend we will try once again.

photo: www.veronikalenzi.com

Blurrr

Sprinting for 4th (in the middle)

(found these photos by Erika Kali - http://picasaweb.google.com/erika.cunliffe/BurlingameCrit62710# - via SFFIXED)

-Joe

LOOK 695

2010-06-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

This is what Cofidis will ride at the Le Tour starting this weekend. LOOKin thick.

-Joe

This Guy....

2010-06-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

Stoked that you're killing it out there Rainier!

(photo: www.flickr.com/photos/jn56 - from the Nevada City Classic)

-Joe

Burke Swindlehurst of Team Give p/b Blackbottoms

2010-06-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

On EDGE and Delta 7. Bam!

(photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jn56/4726688810/in/set-72157624212752191/)
Sorry I forgot to give the link for photo credit! Woops! Yes, definitely an awesome picture but it's not mine Burke, hehe.

-Joe

2010-06-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

Local Hellyer racer turned Bissell professional takes a shortcut over a curb at the Air Force Classic!

Proto One

2010-06-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here are the first actual shots of our buddy Kris Miller's BLANK Proto One framesets.... look fresh? I think sooo. Custom colors available... would be nice as a team bike, no? Stoked for these Kris!

blankcarbon.com

-Joe

Memorial Day Crit

2010-06-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

Memorial day was pretty nice. Nice weather that is.... perfect for a race even as early as 7:40am, which was when my race started. Bigger field than what I was used to (72 racers) compared to before, but made sure to stay within the first 10-15 people or so, to avoid the messy-ness and figidy people in the back. Was also stoked that my parents made it out and it was the first time they saw me race which was cool. Finished in 6th which I was somewhat content with, earning some points towards the cat3 upgrade (which is my next goal). However, looking back and thinking about coming out of the final turn into the straight away for the sprint, I made the mistake of not having a wheel to follow. From what I remember we came out of the last turn and I think I came around someone right away, or I was alone for the sprint. What I should have done was set myself up a little better before that last turn and position myself so that I had a wheel to follow until 100m or so to go. Legs are feeling good. I'm having lots of fun racing and riding in general. Looking forward to summer rides!

photo: Davis

Can't wait for Chcuk to come up here to SF and show him some beautiful rides around the bay. Maybe we'll go to a race or two.... Might also head down to southern california to race with Ryan....we will see.

-Joe

hmmmmm......

2010-06-01T10:05:00.001-07:00

-Joe

Very nice

2010-05-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

Early start this morning turned out to be good timing. As we made our way back, tons of groups were making their way out to Fairfax as we were coming back in. Weather was beautiful and felt like summer time is just around the corner...

-Joe

descent.

2010-05-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's Tour of California stage 8.

I have no pics to share because we basically rode the whole time.
I found the descent they rode yesterday on Youtube. It probably doesn't look as scary, but holy god damn...that shit was unbelievably fast. There were times I thought I was going to skid and just eat shit, but I somehow still managed to ride through it. We rode this a couple times.

I don't think I'm a good descender, but here are a few things I've learned(for those who can't or don't know how at all). Some of this stuff is just common sense, but I think there are people out there that have no idea how to ride fast down a hill..

1.) just like mtn biking...i guess you lean as far back as you can because when you brake, it pushes you forward. don't stand up. it's the worse thing you can do when braking... You want more weight on your rear wheel of course(so it doesn't skid) and not your front. because duhhh, if you put weight on your front wheel and you brake, you're pretty much screwed and you'll probably hate your life.

2.) you brake before you turn. i've seen many people brake while turning. i'm pretty sure this is the worse thing you can do. this goes to whatever corners you take. it doesn't even have to be a downhill.

3.) look where you're turning and not in front of you(ie: look to your right if you're turning right. look ahead, not your front wheel?). for some reason, this works really good and you can descend fast as fuck just by doing this. it's like your body follows where your head turns so wherever you turn, turn your head that way and your body/bike will go the same way. not to mention, it'll go smooth as fuck. TRACK RACERS. YOU KNOW THIS ALREADY!

4.) IF you do end up braking while turning (because you decided to go fast through a turn and then immediately became a pussy) you'll probably go straight rather than going with the turn. so you're probably going to end up dying falling off a cliff or just getting hurt real bad. either way, if that happens...let go of the brake and you'll see that you can actually correct this and go through it without any problems. it's basically like you saying "fuck it" and just kinda do it without hesitating cus you're fucked either way. (@Joe "f.i.d."?)

5.) if you're gonna turn left, please don't leave your left foot down. instead, put your left foot up and leave the right foot down and push down on the pedal like you're pushing your bike to the ground. you'll get more grip or something. same with your hand pushing on the handlebars.

again, sorry if this is dumb, but i still see a ton of people doing these things.
be safe and have fun!

here's that video i found. this isn't even the craziest part of that descent.

-chcuk.

Boonen and Hincapie Sacramento crash

2010-05-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Tour of California 2010, Stage One, Sacramento crash w/ George Hincapie, Tom Boonen plus others from nckmllr on Vimeo.

This Morning...

2010-05-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

I met up Jonathan and Gabe real quick and checked out the start of stage 3 of the Tour of California. Pretty cool to see all the happenings going down at my local beach! Nothing super exciting really, but I guess it was cool to see some of the PRO's in person. Didn't take too many snaps but I'll share the photos I took. If you were watching the last two hours of the race on Versus, you saw that Radioshack's tempo up Bonny Doon blasted the peloton apart! Didn't expect Schleck to get dropped so hard like that. Oh yeah, Versus - you fuckin' suck for cutting off the exciting end of the race to show the pre-game of the Flyers/Canadiens game (and I'm a big fan of hockey too!). How you gonna do that to your viewers?!

-Joe

Can Andy Schleck win the tour?

2010-05-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Let's ask Jens. (@ :22 sec) Too funny...

-Joe

Modesto Crit

2010-05-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend we ventured out to downtown Modesto for a crit race. Nice and hot out there and it was great to race without wearing arm/knee warmers no question. Good amount of people came out, and thanks to that tent that had complimentary drinks and snacks for the racers, that was awesome! Thankfully Kevin and I were not apart of the two nasty crashes, and I hope everyone is okay. Ended up finishing 9th and Kevin came in 26th. Keep it up sunny weather!

Next up is Panoche Valley Road Race.... Touch Money, you coming out for that?!

Photos: Saskia

-Joe

TTT Training

2010-05-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

Cool video from Michael Barry's blog (awesome writing and pictures from a PRO). Make sure you check it out if you want to read some good content and see some photos from a classy professional cyclist (domestique extraordinaire). The video is taken from a mounted camera on the hood of their follow car, as well as Michael's Flip camera thats mounted to his handlebars. Note what happens around 3:20" - Wiggo goes wild haha.

www.michaelbarry.ca

-Joe

Beyond the Peloton

2010-05-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

2010 Paris Roubaix

-Joe

New Jams

2010-05-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't cop these (yet), but I am definitely looking into it for the near future....

Le Metier by Michael Barry

The white or blue Bonts would be fresh...

As would either the "neutral" or argyle Edge 500...

-Joe

Domination

2010-05-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

Although he made one of my favorite races quite boring attacking from 50KM to go during Roubaix, it was awesome to watch Cancellara dominate during these Spring Classics (first time I've ever really sat down and paid attention to them). It was simply no competition for him... wonder how he will do the rest of this season?

-Joe

Even THEY walk up hills sometimes....

2010-05-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

(Photo: Bettini)

Current

2010-05-05T22:11:00.000-07:00

San Marco regal saddle has been chillen in my room for a minute so I thought I'd put it on the Giant and see how it rides. So far so good!

-Joe

Kevin and Naveen

2010-05-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

Good ride with these two nice guys last weekend. It was eerily quiet in Sausalito on a beautiful Sunday morning around 8am. On our way back in that's when everyone was out and about it seemed... Saw Rainier and Garrett out too!

-Joe

Holler

2010-05-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

What does your morning look like?

2010-04-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

Rode with Gabe and Jonathan this morning. It's getting warmer and warmer, earlier and earlier in the morning these days and it's awesome to be up riding when it's crisp. Looking forward to getting out more with these guys.

La Fléche Wallonne 2010

2010-04-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it this morning (and can't wait for Versus to air it on Sunday), here's the final Km's of the Fleche. Pretty exciting finish up the Mur de Huy with Evans and Contador... L-B-L should be good this weekend too!

-Joe

Copperopolis 2010

2010-04-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Had fun out there racing with Naveen and Kevin (I would have mentioned Rainier as well but he's busy in the 3's now!). I was fortunate enough not to have a mechanical or flat and ended up finishing 26th. Lots of fun out there amongst the treacherous roads of Milton, CA. Thanks Saskia for working the feed zone!

-Joe

"Love #3"

2010-04-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

-Joe

KOBH 60.1

2010-04-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

From Velonews:

"Pinarello says the KOBH 60.1 was developed in conjunction with Team Sky, as a result of the team’s request for a bike made for the rigors of the spring classics. With a potential winner in Juan Antonio Flecha and an outside podium contender in Matthew Hayman, it’s no surprise that this new powerhouse team demanded bike frames to match its ambitions.

A bike to blast the Pave
“The chainstays and seatstays are different, to absorb the shock of the cobbles a little bit better, and the angles are a little more relaxed,” said Barry, describing the frame. He added, “Tire clearance is a little better, and overall it absorbs vibrations better and is less stiff than the Dogma.”

The KOBH 60.1 is at the same level in the Pinarello line to the Dogma 60.1, which is the bike Team Sky began the season with, and Dogma 60.1 road racing bikes are still the mainstay of the program. But in the same way Liquigas riders can use either Cannondale’s race-oriented SuperSix HiMod bikes or more relaxed and absorbent Synapses, and Specialized-sponsored teams have a choice between Tarmac SL3s and Roubaix SL2, Team Sky athletes now have an option for rough roads..."

Baller

-Joe

Alternative Perspective

2010-04-13T08:44:00.001-07:00

Pretty rad looking. Always interesting to see another perspective of any event, nonetheless Roubaix. It's nuts how fast they ride on the pave. Maybe someday a group of us can make an epic trip out of it and see it live. Seen on the Rapha blog...

In other news, I've been really busy with moving to a new spot in the city so I've been without the internet longer than I had anticipated but now we're back online! More updates to come. Where's everyone at?! Chuck, are you back from the Philippines? Holler.

-Joe

Tomorrow

2010-04-03T20:30:00.001-07:00

De Ronde

All video feeds, updates, and pictures at steephill.tv

-Joe

Ward's Ferry

2010-03-30T22:39:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I rode the Ward's Ferry Road Race this past weekend and it was pretty fun. Although I dropped off the pace after the 2nd lap (out of 4 laps), Kevin kept on strong and managed a 4th place while I finished in 17th. Legs felt good but just not strong enough for all the climbing... not yet at least. Some are just climbers, and I'm not sure if I'm one of them. Looking fresh in the kit Kevin! Copperopolis this weekend...fun.

(Photos and the super awesome help: Saskia)

Cancellara Looking Strong

2010-03-28T18:00:00.001-07:00

E3-Prijs Harelbeke 2010

2010-03-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

+2 in the pursuit for Phinney

+3 in the pursuit for Hammer

-Rainier

He's definitely still got it

2010-03-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

To re-iterate Rainier's post, Jens definitely still got it. He won stage 4 of the 2010 Volta a Catalunya.

Full story of his stage win at http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/03/news/voigt-wins-catalonia-stage-in-breakaway_109247

2010-03-23T23:24:00.001-07:00

insane crash sequence that a couple friends were involved in:
HERE
hope everyone is okay.
-Rainier

Nice

2010-03-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Just came back from a refreshing roadtrip, touching base with friends and family in LA, Las Vegas, and Arizona. Got some good riding in as well. I'll be posting some updates this week hopefully!

Sas took this picture during our "Montepaschi Strade Bianche" exploration onto a dirt road path in SOHI, south of the vegas strip - has some of the best roads for riding in Las vegas, and this dirt road was a fun, new find!

-Joe

Nice

2010-03-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

jens still got it

Beast Mode

2010-03-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

Oldie

2010-03-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hincapie's Giant for Paris Roubaix a couple years back...

Gitane

2010-03-01T18:29:00.000-08:00

(Photo: I forget which site I saw this off. velonews.com maybe?)

Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2010

2010-02-27T11:11:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Juan Antonio Flecha for the win. It was a long time coming, after watching all those videos of him coming in 2nd or 3rd, or 4th, etc...

If you want to check out some video clips of the race, copy and paste:
http://www.sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/100226_Omloop_verslag#

(Photo: cyclingnews.com)

-Joe

Tour du Haut Vaur 2010

2010-02-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

This clip is from the final kilometers of the second and final stage of the recent Tour du Haut Vaur. I wonder how Chistophe Le Mevel's legs and vision were feeling with the chasers so close to him coming to the line!

Killin' it!

2010-02-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

(photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/murray74/sets/72157623483445616/)

Great job Rainier!

-Joe

Project California Version 1

2010-02-20T14:03:00.000-08:00

Project California Version 1

To Danville.... I mean Mt. Diablo

2010-02-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

Didn't expect to slide on the ground on my whole left side, embarking on this ride.... I'm actually writing this post because I'm home and not racing or riding. Also didn't expect to ride with Mr. Fast Freddy Rodriguez of Rock Racing haha. I got a lot more jacked than I thought, but still had fun nonetheless. I won't regurgitate the details, but the short version is that four of us went down on some slippery muddy surface around this left hand turn and it sucked. Bunch of road rash, "hippers", and I think a popped out shoulder (Blake is savage for continuing to ride with a messed up shoulder)? A road rashed/bruised/swollen hip is very uncomfortable to have when you're trying to sleep or even get out and about. Let's get better and ready for Merced next weekend!

-Joe

Catching up...

2010-02-20T11:21:00.001-08:00

Late on the race report from last weekend but long story short, Rainier and I got up super early again (as with all races), drove a couple hours to Coalinga, and raced in the Cantua Creek RR. It was a 13 mile out and back course with some rollers and an uphill finish that seemed kind of long at some parts. The wind was a slight factor mostly during the flat sections, and I can only imagine what it felt to go on a solo break. Rainier raced in the 4's and got 8th, while I raced in the 5's and ended up 4th. Felt pretty good with my effort during the last uphill stretch and I was actually surprised that many of the strong looking guys blew up near the finish. I rode the wheel of the kid who ended up getting second, up until the last couple of meters and we all gave it a good effort so I'm content. Things will get a little faster and tougher now, as I upgraded to a 4. We'll see how it goes!

-Joe

Grasshopper

2010-02-15T23:50:00.000-08:00

A photoset from a 55 mile offroad and onroad cross race in Sonoma County. Look for Walton and Chas, from Mash and TCB courier, crossing this crazy creek.

-Rainier

Cancellara's Milan-San Remo

2010-02-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

Not sure why, but I've been watching this last 10K of the 2008 Milan-San Remo every night for the past couple of nights. Just fun to watch I guess, and Cancellara just seems to time the attack at that perfect moment. We all dream of going on a solo breakaway...

Found the clip on steephill.tv - if you haven't been on that site before, you better check it out now. Some of the best coverage with live updates, photos, video, analysis, etc from various sources overseas and local, depending on the race. They do a great job of making the material we all want to see, available! Not only does it post one or two videos, but sometimes 3 or more, from different sources! I also like the "Big Photos" link they usually have with each race coverage. Big photos are always fun to look at if you want to see how your favorite rider's bike is set up, or even just to see what kind of shoes they're rockin' haha.

It's around the 12:00 minute mark that Cancellara attacks to solo to victory. As Chcuk and I talked about earlier, we both wish we had "more matches to burn" to attack, stay away, and possibly solo out! There were one or two attacks this weekend at the Cantua Creek RR in the 5's that I raced in, and it was cool to see it try and form and stay away, and one of them did work for a while but got caught on the last lap.

Anyway, enjoy the video!

Milano - San Remo 2008
by burnie87

Some 2010 team bikes...

2010-02-15T22:12:00.000-08:00

Vacansoleil - Batavus (ALUMINUM son! - it's a 105 yr old Dutch bicycle brand) - for some reason, one of my favorites...it's nothing crazy but it's clean and looks good IMO. I'm partial to Dutch things probably because of Sas haha.

Astana - Specialized S works

Rabobank - Giant TCR Advanced

Katusha - Ridley

Francaise des Jeux - Lapierre

(photos: roadbikeaction.com, velonews.com)

-Joe

Who's excited!?!?!

2010-02-15T22:10:00.000-08:00

April 11, 2010

Snaked!

2010-02-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

Check out the replay at 8:50... he's at the bottom of the screen. Chicci then makes his way through up the left side and comes out of nowhere to take the sprint! A fun one to watch unfold. At about 8:58 you see him start to come up that left side and then he just punches it!

EMX-5

2010-02-11T20:36:00.001-08:00

Saw this on Velonews. Tom Boonen's Eddy Merckx EMX-5 that he's riding at the Tour of Qatar. We don't see too many of these in the US if at all. Sick.

Working

2010-02-10T22:58:00.000-08:00

(Photo: grahamwatson.com)

-Joe

DEEP

2010-02-10T22:55:00.000-08:00

Jonathan just posted this on the Mash Arkitip blog as I was about too! Prototype Mavic front wheel.

(Photo: Velonews.com)

-Joe

2010 Tour of Qatar Stage 3

2010-02-09T22:30:00.000-08:00

-Joe

2010!

2010-02-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a bit late. Been super busy lately, but somehow managed to squeeze in some blogging time today!

It's raining right now. The last few weeks, I had been training and it's been nothing but intensity. First race is coming up on Valentine's day at Brea. I'm going to get my butt kicked, but I think it's going to be okay.
2010 is going to be different, I think. I know I say this, but we have a ton of talents with roadbikes now.

WATCH OUT CALIFORNIA. Vegas is going to attack you from behind!

Training in the rain's no fun, but I find that plastic bags are very helpful. I covered up my shoes with regular grocery plastic bags and put my shoe covers on over it and it works real well! Shit also works in the snow, FYI.
Plastic bags are great...I really don't have anything to write about so I'm going to write about plastic bags. Whoever invented plastic bag's a genius! Who knew that plastic bags were not only good for carrying the foodz. It can also save your life, your feet, and your cycling shoes...

I'm pretty sure I have nothing else to say after that...soooo...goodbye for now.

-chcuk.

Never thought we would see the day...

2010-02-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

...that Bryan Novelo would get a road bike. Well, he picked up a clean looking Kestrel from Danny Kam and is planning to race this season. We took a pleasant ride the other day to break it in and he's getting to know his new bike.

-Joe

Cherry Pie Crit 2010

2010-02-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

Novelo and I rolled up to Napa bright and early for the race. He wasn't sure if he was going to race, and ended up not participating. Oh well, next time Novelo! The course was fun, and a nice change of pace from the Early Bird course in Fremont. With a uphill section leading to a U-Turn, it was interesting and I had fun racing. I felt like I could have moved up a little bit earlier than I did during the last lap, but ended up getting a little pinched at the S curve section before the final uphill to the finish. Still managed to come up through the pack and ended up 9th right behind Kevin. Lesson learned with moving up earlier during the finishing moments, and I can't wait to try a few things differently in some upcoming races. Rainier raced in the 4's and did well too, finishing 11th! Beautiful day in Napa...

Juniors start line

Mr. Focused

Strong finishers in Elite 4

-Joe

Caloi

2010-02-02T23:01:00.000-08:00

If you ever have a chance to stop by Mellow Johnny's in Austin, you can see many of Lance's bikes (whether you care or not!) that he rode during his Tours de France. This one below is his Worlds winning bike from 1993 - Team Motorola Caloi colorway.

-Joe

Done and done.

2010-02-02T22:49:00.000-08:00

Looking very terminator/T-1000 like. Good job Garrett.

-Joe

ADT

2010-02-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

ADT Velodrome will host Upgrade/Experience Builder Races this season for riders in Cat(-egory) 4/5. These races will fall on the last Saturday of every month. Nathan and I went out last Saturday to race. I took 3rd.

-Ryan

Last Early Bird Crit

2010-01-31T21:57:00.000-08:00

Even Apollo came out this morning to watch some racing.

Today turned out to be a great day, weather wise for the last early bird crit this morning. Definitely shorts weather around 10:30AM! Cat 5's were split into two groups again, and I heard that our first group was going a bit slower than the second group which was gaining on us apparently. Nonetheless, we picked it up with 3 to go, and before you know it, guess who's out front winning?! I think Rainier had time to look back too haha. He ended up winning and I got third. Thanks to all the mentors for teaching us something new and useful (most of the time anyway hehe) every Sunday morning in January. Time for some new terrain. Who's down for some Cherry Pie on Superbowl Sunday?

Rainier for the win. And my left arm in third.

Post race with the sun shining.

Photos: Saskia (who is awesome by the way, for driving us every Sunday morning to Fremont!)

-Joe

Garrett's S Works

2010-01-31T21:32:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to see it built up complete!

-Joe

Ritte

2010-01-28T21:59:00.000-08:00

By now you may have seen these two pics floating around various blogs. Pretty funny and clever if you ask me!

MASH's arkitip blog just posted this video too.

http://www.ritteracing.com

2010-01-27T22:14:00.000-08:00

Tell me about the mud--you just have to jump straight in the shower with your kit on when it's this bad:

more here

-Rainier

Daily

2010-01-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

Having to clean my bike on the daily with all this wet weather we've had lately.

Captain America

2010-01-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

Great pics of the BMC Racing Team training camp at podiuminsight.com with great photos by Lyne Lamoureux.

595

2010-01-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

You may or may not know Travis T from the Freewheel (pretty much the only bike shop I go to) on Hayes in San Francisco. Super cool dude who, along with Connor, helped me out with picking my Giant and is always down to talk about racing and everything it entails. This is his new Look 595. Ballin'.

Just cuz I got one

2010-01-23T20:28:00.000-08:00

Peep Kim Kirchen's Giant from the '08 Tour while he had the yellow jersey. Nothing crazy but still sick!

Rain or Shine

2010-01-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

It's fun to ride. Just have a cup of coffee and a nice easy meal and head out.