Great Lakes - Woodstock Cyclocross Clinic (Psimet)

I attached the flyer to that thing i was talking about last night. Sounds interesting and as i understand it, its for a good cause.

Interested. MJH2...you in? I still have to clear it from the tower. Concerned it is only 1 hours, but I assume we will be allowed time afterwards to keep screwing around.

ooh, that looks interesting. i wonder if metra would let me take a dirty bike on the train...

ooh, that looks interesting. i wonder if metra would let me take a dirty bike on the train...

If you do come, i'll get your pretty face in the largest paper in woodstock (never mind that its the only paper in woodstock)

Interested. MJH2...you in? I still have to clear it from the tower. Concerned it is only 1 hours, but I assume we will be allowed time afterwards to keep screwing around.

I can't make it. I'll be gone from tomorrow until the Monday after this deal.

Too bad, though. I'm in Woodstock nearly every day, and lived there for 3 years.

It used to be riding in the mud with your friends on an old beater. Now it's popularity is really taking off and it's awesome!

Cyclocross *ROCKS* ! :thumb:

It used to be riding in the mud with your friends on an old beater. Now it's popularity is really taking off and it's awesome!

Cyclocross *ROCKS* ! :thumb:

I know that there's a lot of cross love going around right now, but I'm not sure I'm feeling it so much. Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited to have another competitive outlet for my little bicycle hobby. I'm not convinced it's going to be half as fun (although probably twice as painful) as a good crit. I mean, a good chunk of a cyclocross race can be spent off the bike!

*snip* ... I mean, a good chunk of a cyclocross race can be spent off the bike!

Do you mean like:

http://bp1.blogger.com/_fwvfqN_c1UU/R2wXoaWW6VI/AAAAAAAAAGc/DMGtc-C3b8E/s400/cyclocross_22.jpg

or like this?

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:6t5YdigJtAgvqM:http://www.ultrarob.com/blog

Ha Ha !!

I'm going to give it a shot. I know something is wrong because now that I have my cross bike stripped down (sans fenders and rack, cross top levers, etc...) it is looking really good. Like I want to go ride it every time I see it.

It's cool to be amped about riding at this point in the year. I usually lose my drive right after the Psimet Invitational.

I usually lose my drive right after..Labor Day for me. I did get in some long rides this year and rode less often. Last year I did a lot of hiking with the dog starting around this time and came into spring riding season in decent shape.

i might attend. i have a wors race sunday.
got to get ready for the 19th in carpentersville

i might attend. i have a wors race sunday.
got to get ready for the 19th in carpentersville

ARRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHH! Didn't know you were racing cross this year. Unfair advantage...you've been doing knobbie stuff all summer.

I'm still trying to get over the fact that my bike is going to get dirty....let alone my kit. :eek::twitchy::notamused:

Do you mean like:

http://bp1.blogger.com/_fwvfqN_c1UU/R2wXoaWW6VI/AAAAAAAAAGc/DMGtc-C3b8E/s400/cyclocross_22.jpg

or like this?

http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:6t5YdigJtAgvqM:http://www.ultrarob.com/blog

Ha Ha !!

Exactly! Look at that nonsense. They're not even on the bike. Somebody explain to me how running over that barrier (carrying the bike) is more fun than riding around it?

dont worry i will be riding a ss cross bike

Hmmm...kind of seems like a sales pitch now that I re-look at it. Anyone have the time to call and ask some probing questions about this?

Still planning on going...anyone else?

I was thinking about doing a decent ride after this. Can be anywhere or any type of ride. I just need some saddle time. Long week. BF cut from work again. New boss. I have clearance from the tower....even IF I still plan on racing on Sunday ...

....so who's in?

PSI- if you go there, ride the roadie up to (and possibly around) lake Geneva. I'm up in woodstock all the time, and there are some awesome routes in the area.

PSI- if you go there, ride the roadie up to (and possibly around) lake Geneva. I'm up in woodstock all the time, and there are some awesome routes in the area.

Yes, though riding to Lake Geneva is kind of a legitimate ride but i'd love to tag along to whatever you guys might do...I'm always up for a run through Bull Valley and around wonder Lake, i believe that route comes out to around 40 miles :)

Hmmm...kind of seems like a sales pitch now that I re-look at it. Anyone have the time to call and ask some probing questions about this?

Still planning on going...anyone else?

I was thinking about doing a decent ride after this. Can be anywhere or any type of ride. I just need some saddle time. Long week. BF cut from work again. New boss. I have clearance from the tower....even IF I still plan on racing on Sunday ...

....so who's in?

My understanding was that his is primarily a fund raiser...gimie a second to dig up some information.

In response to the fact that i passed this along to my editor:


Tim,

since all the proceeds from this event go to Leukemia and cancer research I want to thank you for your interest.

We are also conducting an event here in Woodstock on October 11 to teach people about cyclocross. I am attaching the flyer for that event also
Thanks again,
Jim

PSI, i'll PM you "Jim's" email address...

i will be there. then after that imheading up to sheybogen for the wors race on sunday

Off topic: I'll be shooting pix in Sheboygan Sunday. Should be a good time.

Whomever goes....bring a road bike with you. TQ - could you work up a route/map in the area on mapmyride. I can download into my Garmin and we could hit the road after the clinic.

Bull Valley would rock. Anything around any of the lakes up that way would rock as well. TQ - you're a "local" so I leave it up to you....

I sent an e-mail to the address TQ provided and asked the following:
1. Where exactly is it being held?
2. Who is the intended audience?
3. What kind of techniques will be covered?
4. Is there a fee? If so how much is it?
5. Will we be able to use the area before and/or after the clinic itself to continue practice?
6. Is there limited room, or need to make a “reservation” or do a pre-registration.

Whomever goes....bring a road bike with you. TQ - could you work up a route/map in the area on mapmyride. I can download into my Garmin and we could hit the road after the clinic.

Bull Valley would rock. Anything around any of the lakes up that way would rock as well. TQ - you're a "local" so I leave it up to you....

As of today, no derailleur hanger. Leme put together a route i was thinking though...assuming that the event is being held at the city park (i guess i don't actually know...some photojournalist i am)

I usually do something like this
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/il/woodstock/487028530985

At mile 14 you have the option of taking either some busy roads away from the lake, or you can go back through the neighborhood along the lake. Slower here, the roads are pretty bad, but it's different.

The loop through bull valley isn't needed but it covers some of the harder hills. Since i live in Wonder Lake now i don't usually ride this route much. However, we could do a variation of the short 20 miler route that i frequently ride when i'm short on time..
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/il/mchenry/298692586213

It may look something like this:
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/il/woodstock/429225575866
or
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/il/woodstock/289644718531

I dunno, it sucks because there are some busy roads to cross but i'm sure everyone is use to that, bull valley is a real treat though if you like some very steep relatively short hills. It depends on how long you guys wanted to ride. I also frequently go up to the Wisconsin boarder through Hebron, you could easily do that, work some Bull Valley in there and get some real miles done at the same time.

Something like this:
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/il/woodstock/346167529092

If all else fails i can try and pound the bent hammer flat again and work with it for a day, at least if i break down out here i'm not far from home.

post a pic of your hanger. I have a few in the basement. Also....definitely try to bend yours back for a temp fix. find a flat surface and pound on it. It wasn't too bent to begin with....

Who else is coming to this?

post a pic of your hanger. I have a few in the basement. Also....definitely try to bend yours back for a temp fix. find a flat surface and pound on it. It wasn't too bent to begin with....

Who else is coming to this?

I'll screw with it after the football game i gotta shoot tonight. We've got a torch so if i cant flatten it cold the heat will help...


http://pedalforce.com/online/product_thumb.php?img=images/RS2%20HANGER%202.jpg&w=300&h=290

Just got off the phone with the organizer. Sounds like a great guy. Sounds like it will be a nice clinic. I would strongly encourage anyone even remotely interested in cyclocross to go.

There is no fee. You do not have to register, although it would be nice to call the number on the flyer and tell them you will be coming. We meet at their clinic's parking lot and will proceed over ot the park after we cover some basics.

It sounds like fun and I am now excited. :thumb:

TQ - I will check my hangers. Off the top of my head this doesn't look familiar.

I like these three. The only problem with the one up through Hebron is the route back....total duration....I am OK with some miles, but I will need to be prepared.


http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/il/woodstock/487028530985

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/il/woodstock/289644718531

Something like this:
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/il/woodstock/346167529092


BTW - the clinic is out of his office and the park right across the street...
Raintree Park...

Map Link to clinic... (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=800+E+South+St,+Woodstock,+IL+60098&sll=42.307848,-88.431444&sspn=0.075409,0.181274&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=16&iwloc=addr)

TQ - throw a final version together. It might just be me and you. I will download it into my Garmin.

I will be there!

I will be there!

Going for a ride afterwards?

Going for a ride afterwards?

Gotta get back home. Busy day ahead.....I'd love to otherwise. I'm heading over to Palos to ride on Sunday but I know you're racing. If you have any interest in riding trails out there with me at any time, let me know. It's not real technical stuff at all, but great scenery especially this time of year. I see people riding cross bikes there. I'd like to get over there during the week some afternoon.

We'll chat tomorrow.

PSI how far you wana ride? I know the area like the back of my hand so i can't really get lost if you change your mind mid-ride. I've gotta edit some photo's but i'll put something together before i go to bed and post it for you in the AM.

Sounds good. I was thinking anywhere from 35-60 miles...in that range....whatever you are in the mood for. Kind of easy-going.

Sounds good. I was thinking anywhere from 35-60 miles...in that range....whatever you are in the mood for. Kind of easy-going.

That's what i was thinking too...when i ride by myself which is more often than not i usually ride shorter harder rides

I think something like this would be fun
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/il/woodstock/946691954468

You can add a couple more miles if you wanted by just going a little more north down Queen Ann after you cross 120.

As i said before, some of these roads are busy and crappy.

I'll list 'em in order:


Getting onto country club road can be a PITA, i usually cut through the Jewel parking lot.
All of country club road is kinda busy. Cars are going about 45 and the road is kind of small, little to no shoulder.

Once you get onto Bull Valley road the traffic isn't as bad but the road needs some major repair. Not so many pot holes, but a ton of "filled in" pot holes.

Cold Springs is great, hardly any cars but because of the hilly--turny--and woody nature of the road you gotta be heads up

Thompson has a bit of traffic but there is plenty of room

Then you're really fine until you cross 120 going south again. This is heavily driven on, small shoulders and kinda bad road conditions but it doesn't last long...from there on you're pretty good until you come back.

And not to get too complicated but if you are into the bull valley riding, continuing south down Cherry Valley Road after Valley Hill has either another short steep hill (via Cherry Valley) or a very gradual and long hill via Oak Ridge Road (you would do them both, of course, its just a matter of which way you want to go up/down).

Like i said, i know the area well so changing on the fly wouldn't be an issue for me...


I'm gonna pass this on to the mailing group that i got the info from, maybe we can get a few more to ride with us

This blows ass...i don't think you're going to see this in time (considering you need to be in Woodstock in 15 mins)

Bent the hanger back as best as i could, wasn't perfect, but the Derailleur actually managed to twist the bottom cage it looks like because this is just not working.

I've been working on it for 90 mins now...kind of running out of time.

I hacked it on the photo's today but here are a few of some BF members trying to pretend they are cyclocross champs

http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v350/236/6/14827881/n14827881_40293296_4134.jpg

I think he's thinking "WHY THE **** AM I DOING THIS!!" (don't hate me PSI, just doing my job)
http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v350/236/6/14827881/n14827881_40293298_4733.jpg

I've got a few others, i'll post 'em later

Please do! It's going to seem really weird at the MTB races tomorrow with no boards.

'Cross RULES !

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v350/236/6/14827881/n14827881_40293298_4733.jpg

Psi, you are always busting out that "O" face when racing. :) later.

Funny...that's exactly what I was thinking. "Why the f am I doing this??!"

This shiz is hard. Harder than hard. Definitely harder than I expected.

Actually that was right in front of those hurdles after the downhill section so I was most likely thinking, "I am going to fall and this is going to hurt."

Funny...that's exactly what I was thinking. "Why the f am I doing this??!"

This shiz is hard. Harder than hard. Definitely harder than I expected.

Actually that was right in front of those hurdles after the downhill section so I was most likely thinking, "I am going to fall and this is going to hurt."

If any picture is posted of me, I will be laughing because I'm thinking, "I have done some crazy shiz in my life but this activity might possibly make the top 10...omg, did I just pull a hamstring?" :roflmao2:

Funny...that's exactly what I was thinking. "Why the f am I doing this??!"

This shiz is hard. Harder than hard. Definitely harder than I expected.

Actually that was right in front of those hurdles after the downhill section so I was most likely thinking, "I am going to fall and this is going to hurt."

Dude ... you gotta get a MTB. Just rolled in from watching the Wigwam WORS race in Sheboygan and I couldn't imagine riding 25 miles on that course that the Elite did. Sand, roots, logs, jumps, a water crossing, and one hill - The Eliminator - that I swear goes 25% at the top. :cry:

I definitely have a new found respect for those off road types. :)

I am so interested in this but don't think the knee is up to it. Looks like ... well ... not fun ... but something.

I am so interested in this but don't think the knee is up to it. Looks like ... well ... not fun ... but something.

More power to ya, i guess i've never really been interested. I'd much rather MTB i think, or maybe even the cyclocross minus jumping over all those boards. It is fun to photograph though based on the cyclocross photography that i have seen, and i will def. be there for the woodstock race.

tq thanks for posting this info. i was an eye opener. it made the wors race a little easier.

FYI - the older guy at the clinic on the mtb who worked at Main Street Bicycles....showed and raced the 4b race. I have a pic of him falling in the mud. He made me realize I should have just done it.

It was the fact that he had a smile plastered on his face the whole time like he was 6 and just put a baseball card in his spokes.

More power to ya, i guess i've never really been interested. I'd much rather MTB i think, or maybe even the cyclocross minus jumping over all those boards. It is fun to photograph though based on the cyclocross photography that i have seen, and i will def. be there for the woodstock race.


me too. i would rather run 26.2 miles dragging my dead left leg behind me then do this. thats just me though. later.

I dunno, after what I saw those MTBers ride over/through/under/around or simply just walk ... a couple boards across the trail is a holiday ! :roflmao2: (pix by morning)

i looks so graceful there.

I will NOT post a picture of my upper hip/thigh that has an enormous bruise just from PRACTICING cyclocross. :o I don't even know how I did it....must have been carrying my bike and it banged against my leg. This bruise gives me pause as to if I should pursue this madness. :lol:

Hey, I tripped over a rock exiting the bank a few years ago. Kissed the sidewalk GOOD and got the best shiner of my life. :innocent:

*Go for it!* :bike2: