Bike one moments after she was all done up and built. I cruised 'er around Elks and thus the lovely sweat stain smack dab in the middle of my chest. Sweet. Check out more bike p(o)rn videos on Boulder Cycle Sport's YouTube channel. 

As if the sexiness of the 2010 Ridley X-nights wasn't enough, with its red highlights subtly making the white frame look even faster. Here's a little something my main man Lance from TRP wanted to show the Boulder Cycle Sport Cross team that is a comin'. The 2010 Euro X Magnesium's....white, with Red anodized hardware. Ha! Perfect match!

The 2010 will be essentially the same as 2009's launch of it's maddeningly light, 103g brake set. The magnesium and ti hardware combination still ensures the crazy-light weight and it still features its simple-to-swap cartridge system for pads (I swap my carbon-specific pads to my aluminum-specific ones super easily for training multiple times per week). Lastly, the now well known 'first production implementation' of the tool-less barrel adjustment system for micro-adjusting pad reach between your rims as you swap wheels is all standard equipment for the Euro X Mags.

Lust them. I am.

OK, now: you tell me. What brakes shaved speed for MORE folks who made the podium this weekend in Hoogerheide? TRP. That's who. My main man Lance from TRP compiled their team riders who ended up on the podium at this weekend's WK's and it is impressive...

Elite Men

1. Niels Albert, Belgium, TRP Brakes (EuroX Magnesium)
2. Zdenek Stybar, Czech Republic
3. Sven Nys, Belgium, TRP Brakes (EuroX Carbon)
   

1. Marianne Vos, Holland, TRP Brakes (EuroX Carbon)
2. Hanka Kupfernagel, Germany, TRP Brakes (EuroX Magnesium)
3. Katie Compton, USA, TRP Brakes (EuroX Magnesium)
   

Under 23 Men

1. Philip Walsleben, Germany, TRP Brakes (EuroX Carbon)
2. Christph Pfingsten Germany, TRP Brakes (CR950)
3. Pawel Szczepaniak, Poland

1. Tijmen Eising, Holland, TRP Brakes (EuroX Alloy)
2. Corne Van Kessel, Holland, TRP Brakes (EuroX Alloy)
3. Alexandre Billion, France

At the expense of an ad: What's stopping YOU?? That is pretty incredible.

My main man Lance from TRP Brakes sent me the new upgrade kit which is coming to a bike shop near you very soon. I was able to converse with him this week all the way from Taiwan and he gave me an update on the upgrade kit...

There are actually two upgrade kits at the moment....the barrel adjustment kit and the brake pad kit. The brake pad kit currently retails for $79.99. We're examining the costs but these are particularly expensive to make due to the CNC machining of the post body. The barrel adjusters and straddle cables packed for one bike sell for $24.99. QBP has the pads in stock, so any shop has access to those. The barrel adjusters so far are only available at CyclocrossWorld.com, they are the only place that has both the pad kit and barral adjustment kit in stock.

I am working on getting the MSRP for the upgrade kit and ultimately all it includes. My box had a shed load of stuff (see below). The kit can be used on your TRP Euro X-style systems (magnesium, carbon or aluminum)...but truly the kit can be leveraged on similar designs to the Euro X such as Empella FrogLeggs or Spookys if you already own those systems and don't want to go PRO (like Sven) with the TRP's!

The goods....

The upgrade kit: 2 x Barrel adjusters/new cables/cable ends and a complete set of toe-in-able cartridges and aluminum rim compound pads. (Podium cap not included!)

If you haven't seen them up close, the TRP brake post system offering toe-in is absolutely awesome. No more bending brake pad posts for toe-in! If you look closely, you see that the end of the post has an allan key slot which when loosened, allows the cartridge to rock to your desired toe-in position. You then tighten 'er up and voila, toe in.
The barrel adjuster is trick. As you can see, it is designed to fit EuroX-style brake arms which leverage two arm plates that slide into each of the slots you see on the left and right sides.

You knew he'd come around, right? TRP EuroX Magnesiums...

Building. Rebuilding. Cold mornings. It's all coming into focus again....my mind feels the same way your eyes do when you come out of a movie theater in the mid afternoon on a sunny day. Part of me is thankful it's here....as it pulls me like an anchor each year to get me through. Then, before I know it...

...it's gone.

And then begin again.

I got out today to practice the skills I love to teach. Sloooooow technique. 1, 2, 3 dismount...1, 2, 3 mount. Repeat. hundres of times. Both sides. One hour. Active recovery.

My ribs still remind me. Am I dumb?

Bikes are coming into shape. Sold one set of Dura Ace and waiting for all the SRAM bits. But got the B bike dialed for now. Anyone locally interested in a set of Dura Ace cranks (175's), BB, 42t ring and dual Wetzikons? Email me if interested.

BCS's Jeremiah and his fandangled tubular stretcher.

B Bike. My training horse. I love it more than ever after my fit. Mmmm.

I dumped my 46c to c Ritchey bars for 44's. WAY better. Classic drop too. Yum.

The TRP EuroX Carbons are ripping. I took KP's advoice and treated the side of my Doogies too with aquaseal.

The A bike still has time. I still dunno when I am coming out to play yet....

Day 13...and the ribs are starting to feel a bit better, although I can feel the lowest one crunch around a bit. Yes, it is absolutely disturbing to feel that. 4-6 weeks says the doc. I did not ask for what that means so I may be seen doing the secret training...

But enough of that. I've been through annoying injuries before and I'll bounce back. But I am bummed as I've been champing at the bit to talk about this coming cross season and all the exciting stuff that is taking shape. It's been a glimmer of fun for me to distract my mind with in a summer of absolute heartfelt agony.

So, without further adieu, what *is* going on this season? I guess it is all rooted in Belgium where Brandon and I talked deeply about the BCS CX team...and creating a 'cross-specific team in general....and what could be done with it. Mainly it centered around pure passion for the sport and how we love it deeply...and how folks really seem to be falling in love like we have been. But, the interesting thing is, with all these people...and MANY first time adults....pouring into the sport, how are they learning what to do? Are they enjoying themselves? Who is 'coaching' them...when we all know SO many adults are too shy or 'don't have the time' to get taught. Who is teaching the the basics? The history? The technology?

By ALL definitions, people need BIKE PRACTICE <--and yes I'm quoting Tim.

Literally, the fundamentals need to be taught to those flooding into the sport. There is no difference between the type of repetitive motions a baseball player needs to go through to perfect, say, bunting, than that of a 'crosser's needs...say, porting or re-mounting. Over and over and over and over again the motion of properly sliding back on the bike (note I did not say JUMP back on the bike) need to be taught in fine detail. So, the lessons, skills, techniques, etc will be taught to them to help ensure their entire experience with the sport is super fun and allow them a path to continually see improvement. Joe Ball taught me...and you all have a story of a guy or gal who taught you. It's those experiences that seal the contagious spirit and make lifer's out of the newbies.

So with these thoughts in mind, and finally coming out of "the summer I want to forget", I'm proud to say that made the leap to hook up with Dubba for this coming season as BCS team rider and cross 'evangelist'. My family of compadres at Rockymounts are all in support of the concept and the move and the need for me to focus my time on this, which is so close to my heart.

So, what is at the core of all this? I can net it out this way:

• The BCS Cross Team is all cross...all the time.
  
• The team's focus is pure evangelism for the sport we love and passing that spirit on to folks of all abilities and all ages.
• Education will be my primary focus this season. Teaching and involving myself in clinics....and with individuals...as much as possible, wherever and whenever possible.

So with this move to BCS and teaming up with Dubba, there'll be new colors and new equipment to rely on....and as many of you know, I am pretty obsessive about my bikes and a Class A snob for knowing what I like...and what I don't like. So, I wanted to send a shout out to those who believe in this old crippled guy (who cries like a baby....).

Boulder Cycle Sport: Brandon and most importantly the boys at the shop....Dwayne, Mike, Coleman, Evan and Jeremiah have been there for me non stop no matter what uniform I wear for years. With my crazy schedule, these guys dial in my bikes and genuinely care about the quality of my ride, and for that I am grateful. It has made all the difference these years.

TRP Brakes: I have gone on and on and on and on and on about these unbelievable pieces of cyclocross art. All my bikes will be equipped with TRP stoppers...the EuroX Carbon and EuroX Magnesiums. This is a company that HAS LISTENED to 'crossers and delivered on all the little nuances such as toe-in, micro adjustments pad width, pad changes...you name it. They did NOT just replicate an ancient version of old mountain bike or touring cantilever design. Perfection. Especially for stopping a carcass like mine.
The very fine folks at SRAM have enabled me to ride INCREDIBLE product: Their Red and Force groups. When I saw Brandon installing these at the beginning of last season. I got all wobbly knee'd. I lusted the lever design and knew it would be a PERFECT application for 'cross. No cables to get in the way when porting (the way I do), simplicity and tightness in shifting....it all made sense. Funny that Tim Johnson won the Nationals with his Red group....and Brandon the Master National stars and bars with his Force group. I am stoked to have made the leap!

There are so many other folks making huge commitments to this team...and the sport in general....that I will take more time in future posts to highlight them as well. The folks above have truly shown faith in me and I am eternally grateful. I'm going to work my butt of and play catch up and do the best I can this season, but ultimately.....

...bring you a message of salvation! I'll be an evangelizin' fool

'Cross on, crossers.

The movie was a success last night. Pretty darn good little flick! Hearing Henk Vogels talk too was great. The man has some stories about Roubaix. Love that guy.

What also was cool was setting up a table for the Valmont Bike Park and inviting the hoards of movie goers to come in close and hear about the good stuff they are about to have at their disposal for off road riding...all for FREE. We had quite a few folks Buy Bricks as well right there on the spot...which was SUPER cool. Bliss had his laptop and aircard set up and we literally took orders! SO COOL. The community was pumped to hear about it.

Moving on, the wrist is healing but the ribs are giving me a horrible time. Ironically, I can ride OK without taking in huge breaths but sitting and sleeping are still tough. But alas, like a sick child home from school who's mom brings him a toy, so the White Sex have arriveth. Lance and the TRP gang provided me with this most unbelievable set of TRP EuroX Magnesium cross brakes. I have lusted these for some time....since I hear that they had taken all this consumer feedback and implemented SO MANY features to really move the ball forward. SICK! First, the weight is surreal. One would expect carbon to be this light. These, yes, are lighter. The adjustments are many. Barrell adjuster for micro adjustments to the straddle cable when you change wheels to accomodate for rim thicknesses as well as TOE IN! All the little things...

These babies will be going on my black Rock Lobster and I'll be moving the EuroX Carbons to my white one.

More stuff to do to get ready for cross in terms of body and bike. First, get healthy.

...but in the KP's house. You bastage, KP. Did you trade one of your newborn twins for these??

Kurt is now in possession of The TRP EuroX Magnesiums. Yum.

These will be run on my rig come hell or high water too.

Juicy.