Spam: The other white meat

I've been helping to organize the Onion River Racing Criterium which debuts in just over a week. We've got a great course, three categories, and a great location. Check out the announcement, and registered on Bike Reg.

SPONSORED BY 
NATIONAL LIFE GROUP,
 ONION RIVER SPORTS, AND THE MOUNTAIN SHOP
Sundays: April 12th through May 10th, 2009
Held under USA Cycling Permit (pending)
Location: National Life Group Headquarters, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT

Course: The 0.9-mile circuit around National Life Group’s headquarters consists of a 300 meter long downhill followed by a hard right hand corner, a winding 350 meter uphill section in two steps, and a flat section through the upper parking lot to the start/finish on a flat straightaway near the main entrance. There will be no neutral support – so bring your own spare wheels. Free Lap rule in effect. Course closed to traffic.

Up at 4:30.... bags are packed, bike has new tires on it, out the door by 5:30. By the time I get to Newport at 6:50am, the fire station thermometer reads 1°. I'm not sure if it's right, but it's certainly close. I'm not so much concerned about my own temperature for the cold but my suspension fork. The seals begin to leak air some where below 10° and then the fork just drops to its lowest position.

After having the Mojo in the shop for more than two months, finally the folks a Chelsea Bikes were able to finish up my disc mount break. After having ridden it for the last two years with a disc up front and v-breaks in the rear, I decided that I wanted the whole hog. A bit more weight, but for balance, it makes sense to have both breaks have the same feel.

I have to sell my Ibis. Gradschool and a fulltime job do not afford me the time (ahem) to be on this bike nearly as much as I'd like. Complete component listing follows....

Ibis Steel Mojo (large)
Manituo Skareb Elite 2003 fork (disk only)
Cannondale EX2 2x9 (44,29) crank
Shimano XT octalink BB
Shimano LX cassette
Shram pc 55 chain
Shimano XTR rear derailure
Shimano XT front dearilure
Shimano XT integrated shifter pods and levers
Avid Single Digit Ti rear break
Avid 7" 2004 Mechanical disc break (Front)
DT Onyx Hub with Mavic 717 disc rim (Front)