Double Hop Fotos

A New Seasson, A Year Older, A New Level

2011-05-30T11:54:00.005-04:00

My boy had an Awesome day of Racing. He is in a new Category, all the kids he is competing against have won some! The racing is Tight, they bump, they race... if one makes a little mistakes the others trounce on him!!! It is a whole new Level! at the end of the day, these 3 were in a 3-way tie, the winner was decided by the placing of the last race.

My Boy was happy with 2nd, but not satisfied, he has grown a year older too!

CLICK HERE for more images from the day

Blue Hills

2011-05-01T14:53:00.002-04:00

Cat4 and cat5 finishes
click here for more images

First BMX practice of the 2011

2011-04-22T00:25:00.002-04:00

It was a fantastic night in Billerica. The Track is in great shape!
it was so good to see all the familiar faces, it's gonna be a good year!

I had a few runs, my lungs are pissed at me. It was good to push hard.
but the highlight of my night was seeing my Girl give it a go!! even better: she LOVED it.
I didn't even ask her to go, she asked me herself. by the end of the night she was getting air on the first bump! she rode hard and had a smile at the end of each run.... I could go on and on... but this blog is about pictures!

click here to see more images from the practice

Legs!!

2011-04-18T12:30:00.002-04:00

Spent some time watching the Boston marathon this morning!
These ladies are incredibly fast, they were flying.

click here for a few more

More Ice Weasles Fun!

2010-12-14T20:46:00.002-05:00

Whether you raced or watched, Nothing topped The Weasel.

DahWeasels

2010-12-13T00:37:00.004-05:00

This is such a fantastic race, BenderBoy has done an amazing job creating an Event. This isn't just another race in the calendar, it has become an EVENT. I showed up in time to photograph the cat 4. I was racing the SS at noon. By 10am, the crowds were thick, the beer was flowing and the racing was awesome.

I snapped a few shots, (click here for Album) but just then, I started hanging out and only a few laps into the first race, the camera was put away for good. As much as I love photographing races, Often I miss out on the fun of the race because I am busy taking shots.

I spent the whole day at the Weasels, eating, drinking, chilling with NECX peeps, oh yeah and racing my bike too. I took a hand up or 2 in every lap of my race, except the first one, nobody gave me shit on that first lap! I had so much fun racing my bike I was a little sad when it ended, ONE TO GO, came to quickly for the first time ever.

there are so many stories out there, once again we will be talking about the Ice Weasels for a long time.

Here is a shot from guy that has to be the luckiest dude, he drives to races and hangs out with his Grandson. yes you read it right, his Grandson. if you see them at races stop by and say hi to them, they are the coolest people out there.

20 Pound Skull Reminiscing on HIS 2010 Cyclocross Season

2010-12-08T13:05:00.001-05:00

Cyclocross season is officially over for me. All the effort that goes into it and then it’s gone. I’m empty. I’ll miss it. I need to miss it. It’s hard calling it quits when there’s a couple more races. I was hoping to last through at least the Ice Weasels, and then the New England Cyclocross Championships, but it wasn’t meant to be.

BTW, if you’re around, you should definitely hit up the New England Cyclocross Championships, register here. I hear there’s going to be a flyover, and the chances of actually racing in real cyclocross weather are quite high.

Missing the Ice Weasels hurts a lot, too. It’s one giant celebration of the end of cyclocross season. And everyone who knows me, knows how I appreciate a party. Missing the season closer is a lot like I’m 8 years old, missing the pizza party at the end of soccer season. Bummer.

I mean, did you see the awesome beer that Steen has prepared? That is one tight label.

I usually post photos here, of you. But this post is going to be all about me of photos that YOU took. Let’s go down memory lane, as seen from my Facebook photo stream.

Here’s me and one of my nemesis PJ. He’s a tough wheel to follow as he likes to crash a lot in front of me before sprinting off to wait for me at the finish line. I look like I’ve seen better days, but who doesn’t after 40 minutes at LTHR+?Cycle-Smart Invitational 2010 Day 1, photo by Abel

For the first time ever, I was able to power through the sand at NOHO, thanks to Cort @ Cramer Performance. I also learned such nuanced workouts as: microburts, threshold ladders, cubed, running, and of course, active recovery. Also at NOHO, day #2, I lost 3/4 of my shorts. Photo courtesy of Elaine DeBitetto

At Canton, I doubled up for fitness just to torture myself. I took the beer feed from Ryan White – a shaken, foamy MGD in a can that tasted aweful and gave me a splitting headache by the time I reached the finish line. I’d probably do it a again.

We had a lot of MRC guys racing this year. And we had a lot of MRC guys getting faster and faster, pushing each other to get faster and faster. Faster. Photo courtesy of Rob.

My bike club MRC built the first flyover (that I know of) in New England cyclocross. I had a breakthrough race there finishing 15th. Remember what a beautiful New England fall day that was?

I spend a lot of time taking photos. Here I’m competing with Caroline Cardiasmenos for “The Shot”. Photo by Russ

Getting nipped at the line of Providence, Day #1, by John Plump a teammate who was really fast really sucked. Especially since he was about 50 meters behind me when we hit the pavement. I didn’t think anyone would bother trying to close that kind of gap. Lesson learned: The race isn’t over until you cross the finish line. Photo by Russ

Who can forget the Ice Weasel Cometh that took place at sundown. This was the only muddy race of the 2010 New England cyclocross season. We’ve gotten soft here by staying so dry. My bike loved never taking a bath, nor replacing cables. I crashed twice on the first lap and had a terrible finish. It took me only until November before this race dropped off my crossresults.com ranking. There were so many races.

The Grand Prix of Gloucester. Thanks Scott Sweeny for lending me wheels to race on for Day #2. I had two consecutive races of rolling tubulars. On day one, I had my best race happening when I rolled a tubbie right after the pits. Despite nursing my bike half a lap to the pits, I still managed to hang on to 28th. That’s Paul (another nemesis) fixing his dropped chain as I blow by him. Heh…heh…

Suckerbrook. More sand power. First rolled Tubular. And Rob beat me as I was running to the pit carrying my bike. Photo by Elaine DeBitetto

And these are just the memories I see when I look through the photos I was tagged in on Facebook. I could probably spend several more hours writing and reminiscing, but I do have to get back to work.

Here’s to 2011, which starts at Green Mountain Cyclocross on September 17th, 2011. See you in 283 days.

NBX RI - Verge Series Finale!!

2010-12-06T11:02:00.004-05:00

I had a day pass to stay at the race all day. So my plan was to race, chill out, watch some masters racing, then photograph the Elite races. I didn't want to shoot more Snapshots, I brought all my photo gear hoping to create some nice Images. I had decided that I would use Sir Drinkalot as my subject... but then I saw him and he tells me that he is not racing, I guess the benders have finally caught up to him.

Damn, on to plan B... err, I didn't have a plan B.
By the time the Cat 3 started I setup all my shit by the sand run-up... took lots of test shots, they were all CRAP! Women race started, took more shots.... More CRAP!

Cat 3 Men Gallery
Elite Women Gallery

By the time the Men Elite race started, I had packed up and called it a wasted day.

As I was walking to my car, i decided to pull the camera out and take some "snapshots" of the Elite Men. then the race got really exciting, then my flashes came out of my bag again. before I knew it, the race was over and I ended up with a few Images, Click here to see all of them

Here's on of my favorite moments of the race, Manny Goguen was trying to help his team mate. Manny was battling it out with Myerson, He was trying to get in front and slow it down so Lendine could get a gap! it was awesome racing! BTW I am a HUGE Manny Goguen FAN.

This next shot was taken with 2 to go, things were really heating up

This Shot was right before the finish, ALL out attacking!

Sterling Cyclocross - day two

2010-11-28T17:33:00.005-05:00

This guy rode over the barriers every lap, except for the first lap. he crashed while trying in traffic.
Fun to watch, but I have to admit. I was secretly hoping he crashed again so I could catch it on camera.
Dude, sorry about the bad thoughts, you rocked it!

Master 35+ images
Cat 3 images - lap one

Sterling Cyclocross - Day One

2010-11-27T20:04:00.003-05:00

Cat 3 images
Master 35+

and a trip back to Sterling 2008

2010 Shedd Park Cyclocross Photos

2010-11-24T09:04:00.001-05:00

I don’t know what favor the Master’s riders did for me, but I shot the hell out of them

Masters 35+

Masters 45+

Cat 3s

Here’s a few of the more worthy photos, or just the photos of friends that I like. And if you haven’t seen my article The Art of the Waffle Handup, I suggest starting there.

Kurt Schmid proving it’s not about the bike, by showing up and riding his 29r with 2.1 tires to a 12th place finish in the Master’s A race:

Fellow teammate Chris Pare rides the barriers:

There’s never enough cowbell:

The front of the Master’s 45+ race:

More 45+:

I don’t get many shots of Steen, master of the John Harvard’s beer supply. And a little Mark Bernard:

Hell, let’s show a lot of Mark Bernard in his Belgium blue:

LiveJournal Tags: necx,cx,cyclocross,shedd park,cycling

2010 Shedd Park Cyclocross Seat Cam

2010-11-23T12:28:00.001-05:00

The Cat 4 race at Shedd park. Most of the first lap and then various clips of importance rounding out the rest of the race.

~~I’m trying BlipSnips to enable the highlights for your viewing pleasure.~~ Nevermind, YouTube couldn’t handle my video upload, so I resorted back to Vimeo. Hey, I’m now a plus user, so supposedly I can upload higher-def videos.

My solid start. Finally a good clip in and go.
Riding on PJ’s wheel, he gets off his bike for the steep ride up, forcing me off as well @4:50ish
Passing one of my crossresults.com nemesis, Paul , in slow motion @13:56
Epic battle at the end of the race with Mark
Dragging Matt on track @7:50
Passing Rob’s son Bungie @12:06
Epic battle with Mark at the end @14:14 where he passed me.

Further more, I’m learning some editing tricks:

Like the sped up motion at: @5:40ish
And my busting that power move on my teammate, and nemesis Paul @13:56

The Art of the Waffle Handup

2010-11-22T18:13:00.001-05:00

We’ll let Chip Baker of Hearts demonstrate perfect technique on taking a waffle hand-up during the 2010 Shedd Park cyclocross race.

First, at the bottom of the climb you’ve gotta loosen the jaw for maximum flexibility for grabbing the waffle. A couple of deep breaths helps, along with shouting “on your left” as you pass a rider.

Just like proper cyclocross cornering technique, you’re looking ahead. Don’t look at the waffle. Notice how Chip’s eyes are focused on the rest of the climb. Trust the waffle-handler to gently place the waffle in your mouth like a Catholic priest with the Body of Christ.

It helps to receive the waffle if you stick out your tongue. The dried cotton-mouth from doing two prior laps at LTHR acts like velcro and increases your chances of the waffle staying to your mouth.

Once that waffle makes tongue contact, let your momentum deliver the waffle. The giver should never force the transfer, and the rider should never take the waffle out of the fingers that giveth.

Next, clamp down and briefly close your eyes, cherishing initial waffle contact like your fist kiss in junior high-school with that girl on the flag team while watching Pretty in Pink in your parents rec-room.

With waffle safely secured, power to the pedal. It helps to have a coach running along next to you acting as a spotter to confirm that the waffle has indeed landed successfully.

The proper waffle handup is a team effort. One rigid hand by the giver, or an overzealous receiver, and the waffle ends up in the dirt. Upon a successful hand-up, the giver shall celebrate, as it’s as much his success as the riders.

With waffle secure, ride away like Fido with that tennis ball he won’t return.

I’ve got nothing for this slide, maybe you the reader can fill in this step _________________.

Eat waffle slowly, careful not to choke on it.

Thank you, Chip, for perfect execution.

LiveJournal Tags: necx,shedd,cyclocross,waffles

The Joy Of Winning!

2010-11-21T12:41:00.003-05:00

Women cat4 and Women 35+
Cat 3 Men
Cub Juniors

Here is Joy showing the Joy of Winning! looks like a nice feeling!

Does Anyone remember when this kid was racing in the Cub Juniors? always a good kid, smiling and having fun riding his bike?
He is still a kid, but he is now a Super Fast. Still a good kid, smiling and having fun racing his bike.

2010 Northampton Cat 4 Seatcam

2010-11-10T06:22:00.001-05:00

After what was a pretty decent start, things fell apart for me. Starting with an inital tear of my shorts on a stake, followed by my torn shorts getting caught when dismounting for a runup causing further damage. At least I got good footage of half the racers.

Some highlights:

3:40ish a guy chasing me slaloms a tree, then eventually takes himself out by hitting my back wheel at 4:00.

At 10:00 I put some commentary with some highlights. Clean sand rides, etc…

Lots of battling with some Geekhouse guys as we swamped positions often.

LiveJournal Tags: seatcam,noho,csi,necx,cyclocross,cx

More North Hampton CX - Day 1

2010-11-09T14:24:00.006-05:00

Overall NoHo is one of the best races in the New England CX calendar.
here are few shots from day 1, check back later for links to our Face Book page.
I have images of the master races, the cat 3s and the Elite Women

Elite Women Gallery
Masters 45 and 55+ Gallery
Masters 35+ Gallery
Category 3 Gallery

2010 Northampton Cyclocross – Day 1

2010-11-08T07:49:00.001-05:00

Here’s my brief coverage of day 1.

Day 2 Women’s Cat 3/4 and Junior’s Race

Here’s some of my favorites. If you wanna make my favorites, it totally helps to hook me up with beer. Just saying.

Chip Baker of Hearts attacks the descent with Crazy Eyes. Go read his write up on the race.

Doug Kennedy had a breakthrough weekend getting his first Top 20 in the Master A race on Sunday. (Photo from him during Saturday’s race, though).

The run up during the first lap of the Master’s A race. It’s like the Roman Army running to battle.

The Beach

The front of the 3’s had it going on early

Chandler Delinks biggest contribution to CyclocrossWorld.Com’s results this season is the recruitment of Austin Pferd, who absolutely crushed the Cat 3 field on Sunday. (Sorry, Chandler.)

Ryan White had a great podium finish on Sunday.

Chandler Delinks puts his power to good use on the rideup on Day 1:

Jeffrey Bramhall works on his suntan

Scott Rosenthal itched his way into the top ten on Saturday, congrats

The women’s elite race at the S-Curves

Pedro’s team rider during the women’s elite race: I’ll have some video tomorrow.

LiveJournal Tags: necx,noho,cyclocross,racing

Express Yourself!!

2010-11-08T01:32:00.000-05:00

Today was the last race of the year at Billerica BMX!!
Here's a little action from Roger!

Roger Gould throwing a little style from Pain Face on Vimeo.

CycloSmart International Cyclo-Cross 2010 by Elaine J DeBitetto

2010-11-07T20:34:00.001-05:00

Day two of the Cyclosmart International Cyclo-cross race in North Hampton MA had plenty of action to capture. Bikes+Sand=......... well, you'll see!!!
Enjoy, Elaine

2010 MRC/Cyclocrossracing.com Cyclocross Race Seat Cam

2010-11-05T10:02:00.001-04:00

Well, this event happened back on October 17th, 2010, but I figure it’s better late than never. Ask me about my photos from NOHO last year sometime because I can’t find them here on Double Hop.

Anyway, this is the start of the Cat 4, 35+ race. The interesting stuff is watching me power away on the straights. Who would have thought I’d turn into a Cat 4 power rider? I always thought of myself as a more technical turner.

This was my best race to date as I finished 15th/87. I’ll take that. A few more finishes like that, and I’ll go join the 3s in the middle of the pack. (Update, I did do the 3s at Canton.)

This was a classic New England fall day, and some good luck for MRC as we’ve had nothing but the worst of New England weather for out past two races (*cough, cough* Sterling Road Race and last year’s CX event).

If you just want to enjoy the Flyover, go to 7:15.

The music is by LCD Soundsystem, introduced to me by Chandler Delinks. Drunk Girls.

The seat cam will be rolling for NOHO, with a special guest rider. Stay tuned.

LiveJournal Tags: mrc,necx,cyclocross,racing,seatcam

2010 Canton Cup Elite Race

2010-11-03T08:34:00.001-04:00

I doubled up today and raced both the 4 and the 3/4 race. As such, I only had time to take photos of the Men’s Elite race. However, Rob, took a lot of nice photos. It was nice for me to be the target of a Double Hop lens for once (that’s me in the MRC kit hanging on for dear life in the cat 3 race).

The complete gallery is over on Facebook, tag your pals (and nemeses).

The run-up was no match for second place finisher Justin Lindine

The barriers were no trouble for Synjen Marrocco who cleared them cleanly

Colin R analyzes Synjen’s barrier technique and thinks about what could have been

Jonny Bold doubled up taking 3rd in the Elite and 2nd in the Master’s A races

Cort Cramer on the runup

LiveJournal Tags: cx,cyclocross,canton cup,canton,necx

Canton Cup

2010-11-02T10:45:00.004-04:00

One of the reasons I usually prefer to shoot the lower category riders, as opposed to the Elites, is the raw emotions.The Elites are mean efficient machines, they have even trained themselves to hide the pain. You could say, most of the time, they show great poker faces. I am sure the Elites go deep into the Pain Cave, but they hide it well! It is hard (not impossible) to capture an Elite in the house of Pain.

The lower category riders wear their emotions on their face from Lap One.
click on this FB gallery to view lap one of the cat3/4 race at Canton

and Click here for 100+ shots

Nobody Sits on the Sidelines

2010-11-01T16:11:00.004-04:00

BMX is a sport for all ages!!
Halloween BMX at Billerica was fantastic
CLICK HERE for more images

The Young and The old, we all get to race

Orchard Cross@Applecrest Farms Hampton Falls NH by Elaine DeBitetto

2010-10-31T20:25:00.000-04:00

Can you say FUN??? That was the definite theme today in Hampton Falls New Hampshire at the Applecrest Farm Orchard Cross race. Costumes optional! Enjoy Elaine

BMX Practice, Good to the last drop

2010-10-28T22:29:00.002-04:00

Only one more week left of BMX practice.
This Collage shows BadBrad, Barbarian and Bungy taking turns jumping the last double!

It was good to see the veteran (Barbarian) tutoring the Young (Bungy) and the new kid (Brad). Can't wait for the Halloween race!! Click on this facebook album to see the images!

Providence Cyclocross Festival - The Killer Bs

2010-10-13T10:19:00.001-04:00

Click here for more Images

Providence Cyclocross 2010, Day 1 – Seat Cam

2010-10-12T10:06:00.001-04:00

I finally got some decent footage out of my seat camera in the Men’s 35+, Cat 4 race in Providence, RI. I had huge plans for editing it. After realizing how long it takes to edit video, and my just learning to use Sony Vegas, I cut it short.

So not too much action other than typical first lap stuff. At about three minutes in, I cut to some of the finish stuff, like where John Plump, my teammate takes me on the line by inches.

At 3:12, you can watch John almost ride off the course

At 3:20, you can see how easily I’m closed on paved straights

At 3:27, you can see teammate John close me in the final sprint. Watch his 15 meter acceleration.

LiveJournal Tags: cyclocross,mrc,necx,pvd,cycling,racing

Columbus Day Weekend at Billerica - BMX

2010-10-11T18:55:00.002-04:00

Footage from Sunday and Monday's racing at the track!

It has been brought to my attention that the first Double is 31ft
the footnote on the video says 20ft, I was wrong! it is way bigger!

check out this video
It shows Roger hitting the 31ft double! and some other cool footage from today.

Columbus Day weekend at the BMX track from Pain Face on Vimeo.
Footage from Sunday and Monday's racing at the track!

Providence Cyclocross Festival - day 1

2010-10-09T17:57:00.006-04:00

I had a great race today, I cracked the top 50% in the Cat 4. This result might sound incredibly lame to some of you, but I need to keep things in perspective.
Below is an image of the U14 race, my boy is the little guy in the Minuteman kit.

He gets upset when he doesn't win, he hates to loose. Here is a picture as he crossed the finish line.

So at the end of his soccer games, bike races, baseball games, etc...
I need to calm him down and help him keep things in perspective.
These conversations we have, have also helped me keep my expectations
in check, and just enjoy the fact that I am out there racing a bike!!
So Hell Yeah! I CRACKED THE TOP 50% in a cat 4 race!!

Cub Juniors images
Cat 3/4 Women
Cat 3 Men

Night Weasels Cometh

2010-10-07T00:02:00.001-04:00

Incredible Event!
I didn't shoot many images, instead I simply enjoyed the show.
The racing was amazing, the scene can only be compared to Ice Weasels.
bottom line, They know how to put on a race.
click here to see a handful more

Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester 2010

2010-10-04T13:11:00.007-04:00

What an amazing weekend! Bungy raced the Cub Juniors, as soon as he crossed the finish line he says:

"Daddy, I got last, I'm no good"
"Buddy, those kids are twice your age, you did great, I am so proud of you"
he says: "Whatever Dad, I was last"
"ok, dude, don't worry about it tomorrow we go back to BMX, if this isn't fun, you don't have to do it"
He looked at me, didn't say a word...
I say: "Buddy, you worked hard out there, I'm still proud of you"
"Daddy, I still want to race... I can get better"
he continues "Please, I still want to race cyclocross"

he played soccer later that day, things went well. on sunday he raced BMX, he got first!
so 48 hours later, you sure you want to race Cyclocross?
"Yeah" he looked at me as if that was the dumbest question ever!
he is signed up Providence!!!

This was awesome, the Cat3/4 women field was huge, over 100 women!!

I played Crossresults and LadiesFirst photographer for most of the day.

On sunday, I went back to race... I had to jet home so we could race BMX.
I still had some time to take pictures of the cat4 35+ men.
the cat 4s are my favorite subjects, emotions are so raw and for the world to see!

Click the following links for more images
Cub Junior Race
Category 3 and 4 Women
Elite Men, Elite Women, and cat 3 Men
Cat 4 masters

Helmet Cam, Billerica BMX Track

2010-10-03T22:43:00.002-04:00

After racing the GPGloucester, I took my boy to the BMX track so he can do his racing!
I didn't race, instead I video some of the racing there, I hope you enjoy it!

BMX racing - Billerica Track - Oct 3, 2010 from Pain Face on Vimeo.

Sucker Brook Cross 2010

2010-09-26T23:58:00.008-04:00

"I will be racing 14 year olds?"
"yes, you will be racing 10 to 14 year olds"
"But, I am going to loose! why can't I race other 7 year olds"

"You can, but then you have to do the little kid race around the field"
He thought for a little while.... "No, I'll race the big kids, I want to ride the big boy loop"

He raced, he was hurting, but he had a blast!
"do you want to race next weekend, same deal?"
"YES!!!!"
he finished with a smile and a wheelie

Kids race images,
Category 4 Women
Cat 3 Men

we stuck around for a little while longer, long enough to snap the cat 3 racers

I shot some of the cat3/4 women too, as they were racing at the same time as the cub juniors!

Making the Video

2010-09-23T14:05:00.000-04:00

When we were shooting with the Helmet cam, I told the follow kid to stay as close as he could to Joni's back wheel, well he did!! on this shot as Joni was landing a 360 my camera man was about to land on his BACK! luckily this kids know how bail/fall.

Learning to know exactly when to BAIL, kick the bike away, and fall gracefully is a most important skill in BMX

Click here for the rest of the images

Helmet Cam at the Jumps

2010-09-22T00:05:00.002-04:00

Headed over to the Natick Jumps to meet up with Joni. I brought my Camera and the helmet Cam.
I hadn't seen Joni all summer, the kid can still sky.
Racing BMX has improved Bungy's Jumping too.

I am not happy at all with the Helmet mount. I think I need to get a chest mount. the Helmet perspective doesn't show enough of the bike cockpit or the ground. it still feels a bit detached.

Next up, Chest Cam! in the mean time enjoy the show!!

Helmet Cam at the natick Jumps from Pain Face on Vimeo.

Verge #1: Green Mountain Cyclocross Weekend, Day 1

2010-09-20T08:23:00.001-04:00

Results were already posted before I arrived home from a beautiful weekend of racing. Perfect weather on Saturday. Am I the only one who got a New England sunburn in September? Sorry, no coverage of Day 2. I raced and then drove home.

Here the photos of: Juniors 10-14, Women 3/4, and Women 35+; Masters Men 35+; and The Juniors and Cat 3 Train.

Some of my favorites, follow…

A HUP rider racing in the cat 3’s rides amongst the beautiful backdrop:

Team Svelte Cycles, looking rather Svelte:

They are coming for you:

Gary David flies like Superman during the Masters 35+:

Two National Champs, Kevin Hines and Jonny Bold, fly the stars and stripes:

Ladies First Racing gets it done:

Bike prep for the Elite race:
Geek ~~Hut~~ House Team rider gets up the stairs during the cat 3 race:

LiveJournal Tags: cyclocross,green mountain,cycling,cx,necx,paincave

Panning shot

2010-09-19T15:05:00.003-04:00

We had an active weekend of Racing. We raced under the light down in Cape Cod.
and then we raced at Billerica on Sunday morning. After failing to make the Main event on Sunday, I pulled out the camera and decided to try and get a good panning shot! This image is one of many, many attempts.

For more shots, please click here, to our facebook page

The Un-Race Report of Quadcross 2010

2010-09-13T11:12:00.001-04:00

It’s September, kids are back in school, the shelves (and my refrigerator) are stocked with Octoberfest, and The Patriot’s played their season opener. But the biggest hint that fall has started is that we raced at Quadcross over over at Middlexex Community College. Though I did Palmer cross a couple weeks ago, Quad feels like the real season opener. It’s like returning to the first day of school after a long, very long, summer. And quickly, you discover who’s found their legs, and who’s lost theirs. Quickly, you’re reminded of the pain even though you’ve been doing microburts and running hills like a spandexed-lunatic at your local park.

Best heckle line I heard during the Cat 3 race: “Hey ______, you’re not getting a ride home unless you start moving up...” Something like that.

Anyway, here’s the links to some photos on Facebook. Let me know if you can’t TAG em.

The Cat 4 Photos on Facebook

The Master’s A Race Photos on Facebook

The Cat 3 Race Photos on Facebook

Here’s my favorites from the day:

Doug Kennedy, on his way to 2nd place in the Cat 3 race. Not many of these races left for him:

A HUP rider is deep into his happy place:

What a fine looking starting group for the Cat 3’s:

Chip works on his suntan while the beach during the Master’s A race:

Chandler Delinks is putting all those watts to good use sitting on Anthony Clark’s (eventual winner) wheel…before everything goes so wrong:

Jonny Bold, the eventual 2nd place finisher of the Master’s A race:

The Mad Alchemist himself, Pete Smith, riding in the Master’s A race:

LiveJournal Tags: necx,cyclocross,quadcross,quad,cycling,paincave

A New England Cyclocross Film From 2008

2010-09-09T10:47:00.003-04:00

Bad Brad's video is AWESOME

New England CycloCross 2008 from Pain Face on Vimeo.

Quad Cross 2008

2010-09-08T10:47:00.001-04:00

2 years ago, Quad cross was a mud fest....
Click here for a look at last years

I have uploaded a few more on our Facebook page

I still can't believe it, I got DQ'd.

2010-09-05T22:33:00.002-04:00

This is where I thought I was going to be racing, the Cruiser main Event!

But I got DQ for going off-course, it was the most exciting racing in my short BMX career.
The last chance to qualify, I needed to finish 4th or better, we only had 5 in the moto!
The heat started and all 4 guys easily got away from me. I kept digging deep, just in case there was a crash. As we were coming off of the last turn, there they were, 3 of them just cruising in. I dug supper deep caught them and pass them in the last 10 ft. It was awesome, I was in cloud 9.
After a bunch of high 5s, and some congratulations from the same guys I just passed, The officials informed me that I had been DQ'd for going off the course!!! it sucked... I got over it, I mean deep inside I knew I hadn't violated the spirit of the game, but I did brake a rule! oh well, I am trying to teach my boy fair play so I was ok with it. My boy on the other hand was very sad for me.

The funny thing is, I think I would do it all over again, it was so much fun and exciting.
Bungy went on to his main event, he got second, he tried hard but was beaten.
he too, got over it, eventually. A couple of hours later we were at a BBQ, he had forgotten all about it, playing and horsing around with other kids.
ME, on the other hand, I was still talking to anyone that would listen about my race and my DQ...
Click here for more images

My Nemesis

2010-09-02T22:18:00.000-04:00

Meet "The Barbarian", this kid is fast and has more BMX skill than I ever will. Every Thursday we race each other at practice, we always "handicap" our races to give me a chance... he still wins.
He is a good kid too, which makes it really hard to dislike him for my weekly beatings.
Click here to see a bunch of other Images from tonight's practice

Palmer Junglecross Cyclocross Race Report

2010-08-30T08:27:00.001-04:00

Racing cyclocross in August is sacrilegious. Especially because there was an alternative mountain bike race (EFTA #7 Treasure Valley) that I could have attended.

Here’s my list of things about cyclocross in August that shouldn’t be true:

1) Sunburn

2) Racing in short-sleeves

3) Beach day with family after morning race

4) The use of mosquito repellent instead of embro

5) Sam Adams Summer Ale

Anyway, why did I race? Easy, my ranking over at Crossresults blows. And in the past year, I’ve dropped another 10 pounds, and have gotten some expert guidance from Cramer Performance in how to not be at the back of the pack. If my road season is any indicator to how much I’ve improved, then Palmer is the perfect test, and might improve my ranking.

I lined up in the front row, thanks to teammate Chris making way for me. There were about 50 of us total…a nice showing considering I can’t be the only one thinking I should be at the beach. I had a clean start, clipped right in, and dropped into about 12th wheel. I was far enough back that I basically coasted the last half of the sprint and dropped into the woods where we rode double-wide on a root-veined path that had only one good line. I rode crappy lines, over roots I’d not normally want to face with my CX bike. But part of me thought I was on my 29r mountain bike, so I powered ahead.

The first lap sorted us out into our rank and order. There was a group of 4 or 5 gapped behind me. I learned quit quickly how positions can change when I dropped a chain during one of the run-ups during the third lap, and I didn’t realize it until I had mounted my bike and spun the cranks like Fred Flinstone. I clipped out, fixed the dropped chain and watched 5 guys blow by me. I couldn’t believe that they didn’t WAIT for me! Wow, it doesn’t take much to shift positions. It took an entire lap to just catch back one of them.

I’m learning that doing well at CX race is an accumulation of many small efforts. When you have that moment to pass, you’ve gotta take it. I used to think, “this riding is going a good pace, I’ll just ride their wheel”. Today, I went in with the attitude that I’m taking the pass, if they’re stronger, they won’t let me through, or they’ll pass me again. Because of this strategy, I didn’t do that continuous fading of the faster groups. I put efforts in on passing on the runups; I passed during the remounts.

The last couple laps were uneventful. I kept a little battle with a Cycle Barn rider and we were basically in no-man’s land with no contenders behind us, and no one worth catching. During the last lap, however, my calf started cramping – probably from the long-ass runup. At least I thought it was a cramp, I battled through because the race was almost done. Today, however, I’m suspicious something else is going on as I’ve never had a cramp with a sore muscle 24 hour later.

So, how did I do? I finished 14th, which is my best result to date for a CX race. It’s taken two years and 30 pounds to go from getting lapped at my first race at Quad Cross in 2008, to being able to battle in the front third. Let’s hope this result foretells more good stuff for this CX season.

LiveJournal Tags: cyclocross,junglecross,cx,necx

Palmer Jungle Cross

2010-08-29T16:11:00.002-04:00

The Run-up will suck your soul, then spit it out!
Great day of racing cross, My boy had another great outing out there, he won the <12 race.
he had to work hard for it! real hard!
Click here to go to our FB page and see a lot more images

NH State Quals @ the NorthEast cycling Center (velodrome)

2010-08-28T15:50:00.001-04:00

Great day of qualifiers, great racing!
check out our facebook page for more images

Blunt Park 2010

2010-08-23T11:29:00.005-04:00

I had no idea it was going to rain all day, I never checked the weather report.
I signed up my boy and I for Blunt park, and drove over.

It was a great day for cross, it turned out to be my best day of cross EVAH.
I had entered Raffaele (a.k.a. Bungy) to race the 12 and under race. He was excited to race. He woke up at 5am and slept with his race clothes on, but he was bummed that he would race against older kids (he turned 7 this past summer).

My race started at 9am, he was so pumped for me, he was everywhere. Every turn of the course he was there yelling "GO DADDY".

My race ended and we had a long wait for his race, we went to eat breakfast.
Once we came back to Blunt, he put on his race shoes and headed out to test the course. I think he rode the course over 5 times, he was so pumped up and happy. He loved the wooded trails.

At one point there was a rumor that the kids wouldn't ride the trails, he was so upset, that he wouldn't race his favorite section. No need to worry, Jeff was very flexible, the kids wanted to ride the woods and he listened. So the kids race was on, one full lap of the grown up course.

The race started and Bungy took the hole shot into the first u-turn, and very quickly he and two other boys separated themselves from the field. Their group of three headed into the woods with a good lead.

Myself and the other parents anxiously waited for them to come out of the woods...they did still riding together.

Bungy hit the first obstacle in 1st place, but he is too small and had a hard time lifting the bike over the railing, he struggled as the other 2 boys jumped over and rode away.

He got back on his bike and fought his way back. He took the lead again only to loose it at the next set of barriers.

After the last set of barriers he fought back again and was sitting in third place. Right before the paved road to the finish there was a mud bowl, then the 30 yard paved sprint.

He came in to the bowl in 3rd, dove left and sprinted out of the bowl in 1st place. He then busted ass to finish it off and seal his WIN!!

He was so happy, I was too, my heart was still pumping at 180bpm even 10 minutes after his race ended.

Oh yeah, there are a few other races there, click on our Facebook link for a full set of images, or click HERE to go directly to the album.

The 2010 D2R2 Randonnee Ride Report

2010-08-22T13:28:00.001-04:00

A.k.a. How to gain weight despite riding 65 miles and climbing 6200 feet over rough terrain

Another early morning sunrise as we meet at our spot for carpooling from the city. The great thing about epic 6 hour+ rides is that you can consume as much food, guilt free.

Upon arrival at Charles River canoe launch, already ingested: One vanilla-frosted donut.

Matthew drove us out to Deerfield, MA where we were greeted with perfect weather for a day on the bike. Consumed during car ride: One double-chocolate Dunkin’ Donuts donut.

We registered for the ride, and made our way to the pre-ride snack tent. Pre-ride snacks: half cup of coffee, 15 M & Ms, and a banana – trying to keep it healthy:

Seven of us from MRC were riding. El Presidente (Jorge) was there and so was Steen:

Carl was there with a smile in anticipation of the torture that awaited:

Gary was there beating everyone to the tops of the hills:

New comer MRC’r, Matthew was there all bandaged up, despite getting hit by a car last week:

And, of course, I was there (self portrait):

We rode out around 8:30 on the 100K ride.

After a few miles of pavement we hit some hills and the first, loose dirt. I didn’t have proper tires on my road bike, I was riding with Conti 4000s, 23c. I didn’t want to have a pinch flat party, so I pumped them up to 115 PSI. You wanna talk about a plush ride? Wow. I slipped up the first steep loose section, thinking to myself….today is going to suck. Luckily, the first section was the worst for the whole day and was the only section I had to walk for about 20 feet.

We rode through some amazing vistas and classic old farms, here’s Matthew, Jorge, and Gary enjoying the climb:

Water break at mile 12.9 after the first 2400 feet of climbing. Here’s the Zanconato guys with their beautiful bikes chatting it up:

We finally hit the Vermont border:

After a hairy descent where I felt every shoulder jarring rock, and 23.7 miles and another 2600 feet of climbing, we arrived at the at the Green River bridge for lunch:

Lunch Stop consumption: 2 Fig Newtons. 1 sandwich of peppers, mozzarella, some herbs. 1 bowl of pasta. 1 bag of Fritos (I needed the electrolites from the salt). About 10 Oreos. 1 bag of trail mix, minus the Cheerios.

After lunch we sped along the Green River for what must have been about 10 miles in a nice peleton at a good clip. Time was flying by, then we hit a switchback and started climbing. All that food in my stomach just powered me up the hill that kept on going and going.

After 15.5 miles, 1800 feet of climbing we arrived at Apex Orchards where we fed on peaches (queue up The Presidents of The United States’s song Peaches:

Snack Stop: 2 Peaches

Only 11.9 miles to go!

After another 1100 feet of climbing, we went past this cow:

And then, if there was any question to why I’d possibly get lost during a randonnee, it’s signs like this:

And then we were done.

Post ride recovery drink: One Coke.

Post-post ride recovery drink: One Berskshire Brewing Company beer:

Dinner: Some ribs, some chicken, some Mac & Cheese, a bunch of green beans, and a sample of blueberry crisp.

Dessert: A full-size portion of blueberry crisp with whipped cream.

Beverage for car ride home: A Coke.

Wow, I’m full and feeling bloated, and not entirely guiltless.

Great day on the bike through scenic western Mass and southern Vermont.

For a complete listing of the photos, visit the Facebook photo album.

LiveJournal Tags: d2r2,cycling,mrc

Cyclocross season Opener - Blunt Park

2010-08-20T13:06:00.001-04:00

here are a few images from last years Blunt Park cyclocross race!

click here a full look back at last years August races

We'll be there racing and snapping pictures

BMX practice!!

2010-08-19T22:41:00.001-04:00

I had a great night at the BMX track, I raced The Barbarian and Sally all night.
we had some handicap rules to give me a chance to win, most of the time they still beat me.

Here is the Barbarian goofing around as the night was coming to an end!

After battling all night with those Sally and the Barbarian, I pulled out the camera.
unfortunately I didn't have my A game while snapping the kids. most of the kids where skying over the first double, but I didn't get a good shot all night.

this kid was flying over the double, this image doesn't do it justice, but is the best I got... I'll do better next time...

24 Hours Of Great Glenn

2010-08-16T11:52:00.000-04:00

Spent the weekend up in NH racing our Mountain Bikes.
I raced in a 4 man team, i expected to have more time to snap shots!
but between racing, eating, resting, prepping for my next lap... there was no time for pictures.

I snapped a few images of the first lap. as usual click on the facebook link to see more images!

A Legend Of New England Cycling

2010-08-07T14:55:00.000-04:00

My boy and I went up to race our BMX bikes to the Northeast Velodrome/BMX track.
My Boy had a great day winning his Races, I got spanked (surprised).
As we were hanging out at the BMX track, I notice that Mr Ring was doing hot laps on the Velodrome!
I went over to say Hello, and as you might expect, he was super friendly and ready to hand out super helpful advice. He was there Helping out/coaching a master rider. it was nice to hear the voice of New England cycling. Click here for more Images

Billerica BMX State Qualifiers 2010

2010-08-01T19:39:00.000-04:00

Amazing day of racing!
BMX kids are some of the toughest around, go hard, crash, getup, no crying, keep on racing!

for more images see our facebook link on the side!

Race For Life at the Billerica BMX track

2010-07-25T23:41:00.001-04:00

Racing continued at the Billerica track.
For more images check out facebook link!

natick July 19

2010-07-19T21:21:00.000-04:00

Woodland BMX - RI

2010-07-17T18:27:00.000-04:00

Another great day of racing, went down to RI. everyone had a blast.
for more images check our facebook link

BMX training session

2010-07-15T22:55:00.000-04:00

Had another great training session at the Billerica BMX track. There was a bunch of father/son sets of riders.
I had a blast racing my boy, for more images follow our facebook link on the right!

Attelboro Crit, Saturday July 10th, 2010

2010-07-12T09:07:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, went down to Attelboro to race in the crit. Short fast and upright, so all was good. After my race (I finished 14th, and met my obligations as a cat 5), I short the Pro/1/2 race since my friend Kurt Schmid was in it.

Here’s some of the shots. Click here to see more in the gallery up on PIcasa (I posted about 44 of 250 photos that I took).

Kurt Schmid in the Salem kit on the wheel of unknown Embro rider

Manny Goguen takes his turn at the front

My favorite shot of the day, a breakaway establishes

The peleton streched thin

Chandler Delinks looking for a shave

LiveJournal Tags: cycling,attelboro,crit,racing

Nemesis

2010-07-09T00:24:00.000-04:00

Took my boy to the BMX track tonight, they have practices on thursday nights till sundown.
there was no racing tonight, just practice races.

These 2 kids ended up racing each other all night long. it was a great battle, they traded blows, cut each other off, chopped each other...and at the end of each race laughed it off. His dad and I were happy to see them compete with each other. they can only make each other better!

check our Facebook page for more images

And on the 20th Try, we got take off!!!

2010-07-05T21:05:00.003-04:00

I met a team mate and his 3 boys at the Jumps today. He and the boys have seen this blog, they boys have been asking to ride the JUMPs. When we first arrived, the jumps were a little overwhelming.
The cool thing, the boys were not intimidated at all. while they couldn't quite ride the jumps (never mind hitting them) they kept trying.... many, many fail attempts later. the oldest finally asked.
How do you do this?

so we started with a little tip here, and a tip there. "Dude some time it takes 100 tries to get your first air!"
he kept trying, and learning quickly. "put your pedals at 3 and 9 o'clock." "stand up centered over the bike", etc... etc...

I didn't count but I think he finally felt air on his 20th try... it was sweet. you could hear it in his voice: pure JOY! I pulled out the camera. and told him do it again! i told him I wasn't ready to take the shot ( I was ready, but didn't want to put pressure on him) he did it again. The shot below! (Dad is standing in the background)
then I said "alright kid, I want big air! push on the bars, show me what you got!"

TP came in so hot and ready he got air alright, unfortunately he wasn't prepare for the landing!
he went home a little scratched up... but HE GOT AIR, and he KNOWS IT!

BMX racing - Billerica track

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

Went over to the BMX track in Billerica for the first time with my boy.
the racing was spectacular, the atmosphere was incredible! this kids are tough as nails

the 4-6 year old main event had a pile that took out every kid, every kid got up, got back on their bikes and kept on racing, NO WHINNING.... most awesome!

follow the facebook link to see over 100 images. here are some of the ones I liked

The Ripper Jr

2010-06-28T20:48:00.002-04:00

My boy's birthday is coming up, so we went over to see Brian at JRA cycles in Medford.
Brian's shop has a huge selection of BMX style bikes in stock. he has a ton of knowledge, he and his wife race BMX, and to top it all of, he is a good guy that races cross in the fall.

He hooked us up with a sweet ride, so the first thing we did was go to the jumps and Hit it!!!
Click here for the rest of the images

Rear Curtain

2010-06-24T21:38:00.000-04:00

My boy and I hit the jumps tonight. I was experimenting with some Rear Curtain flashing.
I was trying to give the image a sense on movement and direction. I still need some work on this, but the image below is displayed as camera saw it no photoshop. Click here for the rest of the images

Meet Chris

2010-06-04T20:53:00.000-04:00

headed over to the jumps, this is Chris, he is a street rider who just discovered the dirt!
he thought it was amazing! I have to agree. more images on our facebook page!

The Double

2010-05-31T17:48:00.000-04:00

So far he's only being hitting Spines, he wants to start hitting doubles.
The Doubles at the Natick Dirt Jumps are a little big (me thinks).

so I built him a mini double in the backyard, I'll slowly make it bigger and bigger
click here for a few more shots

Natick at Night

2010-05-25T22:01:00.001-04:00

We ended up at the Jumps after T-Ball
click here for all the shots

Weeping Willow

2010-05-23T16:26:00.002-04:00

50 more images in our Facebook Page!

Gloucester Grind-My-Self-Esteem-Into-the-Ground Race Report

2010-05-17T08:02:00.001-04:00

I’ve had the Gloucester Grind on my schedule for about a month. But at the last minute Doug called and suggested doing the Mystic Velo Crit at 8 am first, to work on meeting out upgrade requirements for road, then we’ll drive up and do Da Grind at 11. Afterall, it’s only a 15 mile crit, it can’t hurt that much and we’ll just treat it as the warmup for the mountain bike race. People double up on cyclocross races, so why not a grit and a mountain bike race?

Taking my new Yeti and road bike down to Rhode Island for a day of racing.

I’m learning that I’m a sucker for stupid ideas. Just ask Bauer, a.k.a Pain Face on this blog, who convinced me to double-up on cyclocross races last year at Palmer (after I finished the first race at max output), where for my second race I promptly got lapped about two laps in some fast 35+ master’s dudes. Or, even better, ask my Marblehead buddy Kurt, who had me sign up for the Battenkil in 2009 without me ever having done a road race. Then there was last year’s Vermont 50, etc. The list is long because, Yes, my name is Todd and I’ve liked dumb ideas for as long as I remember. (Which probably as a child is why I was always the guinea pig for testing the jumps my friends would build.)

I arrived at the Grind and got out of the car. My legs immediately let me know I did more work than I should have at the crit. Oh, oh. I grabbed my newly acquired Yeti and pre-rode the first half of the loop. The terrain was challenging, twisty, rocky, and fun, fun, fun. Definitely the most technical mountain bike course I’ve been on.

Flashback: I should have been racing with my sleek North Waves, but they’ve were sent back for warranty replacement, and instead was racing in my 1992 Nike laceups. So old, that I had a hipster inquire about them:

Anyway, race time. We had three guys from MRC line up in the Sport Veteren 2 class, which is the most MRCers I’ve ever seen at a race (that wasn’t a 24 Hour team event). Plus, Doug when lined up ahead of us in the Singlespeed division, and we had some one in the Novices. So maybe mountain biking is growing again?

We staged and then started the race. I immediately remembered how road racing isn’t anything like mountain bike racing. My heart rate shot up, and my upper body was getting pummeled. I’ll fess up that I haven’t been on the mountain bike nearly enough and have turned into a bit of a roadie this year. I though for sure all my road fitness would translate into mountain bike fitness the moment I mounted the Yeti. It did not. This I was know figuring out as I powered through swampy mud, and worked my bike over boulder rock gardens, and accelerated up spiky root-ridden humps. This was hurting a lot more than I was expecting.

About 20 minutes in, the sole of my shoe ripped out of my shoes. I tried riding for another couple minutes before realizing how dumb that was. And then the great epiphany hit me: “You don’t have to finish this race.” And I didn’t. Though, I was wondering if I’d even have finished without breaking my shoes? I walked back and grabbed my camera.

Unfortunately, I didn’t bring my real camera like I normally do because I didn’t think I’d be taking photos, but I pulled out my G9 and grabbed a few. BTW, I love that mountain bike races put the numbers on the handlebars, it makes it really easy give the photos proper captions Here they are, enjoy:

Here’s Kevin Hines lapping fellow MRC'r Chris Pare. Kevin went on to win the Elite race:

John Foley and teammate Timothy Daigneault battling it out. They finished 2nd and 3rd in the Elite race:

Here’s Colin (aka Resultsboy) Reuter showing maximum Pain Face™:

Fellow MRC’r Lowry racing his sweet belt-driven Spot:

Chris Pare finishing up:

I could have been content, sleeping in until 8 am, instead I woke at 4:30 am and drove through some Rhode Island’s finest towns to get to the Mystic Velo Crit, where at least on a good note, I raced smart with patience and finished 7th in the sprint.

EDIT: I forgot to explain why this is so humiliating: After only 20 minutes of racing I have sore forearms and back today. Time to start lifting more weights.

See you next week, after The Weeping Willow (which will be after Sunapee on Saturday).

LiveJournal Tags: efta,mountain,mtn,bike,racing,biking,pain

Bungy hitting the Jumps!

2010-05-14T20:32:00.000-04:00

here's all the shots

The 16th Annual Minuteman Road Club Sterling Road Race

2010-05-10T08:17:00.001-04:00

It was a perfectly miserable day for raining, but for those who braved the torrential rains and finished their races, it was….well ____________. If you care to read about the first upgrade points I’ve earned as a roadie, feel free to read my race report over on the MRC Forums (it’s not very exciting).

But you’re probably here to see some of the better photos I' captured during the Pro/1/2, the Cat 3, and women’s Pro 1/2 race. I’m only posting a few photos as I’m short on time to prepare all the images.

LiveJournal Tags: MRC,cycling,racing,road racing,sterling road race

Got To Keep Trying!!!

2010-05-10T01:12:00.002-04:00

Still trying to get a good shot.... we'll keep trying.
gotta get Joni a sponsor

Joni

2010-05-02T23:08:00.001-04:00

Met with joni at the jumps today!
The kid can Sky, Cool Cat all around.

Click Here for more images

2010 Turtle Pond Circuit Race Photos

2010-04-25T16:52:00.001-04:00

I raced in the Men’s 35+ Cat 5 race, so after I finished, I took some pictures of the Men’s Pro/1/2 Race, the Women’s Pro/1/2, Women’s 3/4, and Master’s 35+. It was a beautiful day for racing. Click here to view the plain photos, or watch the slideshow below.

LiveJournal Tags: cycling,racing,turtle pond,circuit race,bik

Another Evening at the Natick Jumps

2010-04-23T21:09:00.000-04:00

I'm always amazed, every time I go to the jumps there is always a bunch of kids doing amazing stuff. as it gets dark they don't want to stop, and go home.
it seems like there is no other place they rather be.

For all those people who think that kids just want to watch TV, surf the web and play video games.... you should let your kid out, then you'll never see him on the couch again!

Click here for the Images

Day 2 at the Dirt Jumps

2010-04-03T21:49:00.001-04:00

spent another evening watching kids getting Air time

Natick Jumps Spring 2010

2010-04-02T21:14:00.001-04:00

Headed over to the Natick Jumps today,
with all this rain, I didn't think the jumps would be good to hit, I was wrong!

the coolest part, there were a dozen kids hitting them.

CLICK HERE for the full Album

expect to see a lot of the Natick Jumps this spring and summer, my boy loves this place!

Killington Terrain Park Session

2010-03-21T09:28:00.001-04:00

You might be wondering what skiing photos have to do with cycling? Well, my target of photography today was my buddy Kurt Schmid, a Category 2 roadie, and probably the only Masters rider in the country who can throw down big heli-X’s in the terrain park on skis, getting even props from the 15 year olds who are wearing ski costumes they’ll never outgrow.

And Kurt had to hike the jump a few times (6) so that I could work on the angle, which was tough with all the background distractions:

And one final one with my wide angle, taken on the side of the jump:

Of course, there was one bad-ass youngen tossing back flips like granpa and his pancakes:

For a semi-complete photo session of images, check-out the full gallery over here.

LiveJournal Tags: skiing,terrain park,heli-x,killington,vermont,jumping

Single Speed Sunset

2010-03-19T21:16:00.001-04:00

One of the perks of night riding:
you get to enjoy a sunset at the start of the ride!

Wells Ave - March 2009

2010-03-18T12:33:00.002-04:00

here's a look back at images from 2009 Well's ave.

The Ice Weasels Cometh at White Barn Farm

2009-12-12T19:57:00.004-05:00

Today was the season finale, The Ice Weasels was the perfect ending to a great season.
for me, personally, it was my best race in years, the MTB was the right tool for the job.

After racing, drinking a little, and enjoying the party, I took out the Camera.
I have come to realize that drinking and shooting don't mix. out of 300+ images.
Most images were blurry, out of focus, poorly exposed... etc... sorry I was having too much fun, instead of paying attention to the camera.

here's a few that were half ok
I hope they do show the fun that was had by all!

SCORE!

NBX G.P. of Cyclocross Race, Day 2, December 6th, 2009

2009-12-08T08:23:00.002-05:00

Today I had the fortune on missing my start for the Cat 4 race. Instead of riding, I decided to photograph all my victims and nemeses (according to crossresults.com).
The complete Cat 4 Men’s gallery can be found over here.
The complete Women’s and Juniors (10-14) can be found over here.
The start of the Women’s race:

The start of the Junior’s 10-14 race:

The Junior Women:

LiveJournal Tags: cx,cyclocross,verge,necx,nbx,photos

NBX G.P. of Cyclocross Race, Day 1, December 5th, 2009

2009-12-06T19:08:00.002-05:00

Misc photos of the Verge New England Championship Master’s 45+, 55+, and the Master’s A races can be found over here.
It was a rainy, cold day and I didn’t feel like capturing photos, but I haven’t done it in awhile. I shot a bunch of photos before realizing my lens was on manual focus. I deleted most of them. I suck.
However, after realizing this mistake, I decided to plan ahead, put my A-Game on, and get in a good position for the start of the Master’s A race. I planted myself at the top of the first hill with flash in hand. The first lap of a race provides a lot of drama and excitement, and I really like how the following photos turned out. I hope you enjoy them, too.
P.S. don’t forget about Pain Face’s photos from the Elite Race.
(P.P.S. I just noticed these photos are cropped in the blog posting, click them to see them in their proper format.)
Here’s the hole shot, the race leaders powering up the first hill:

This chaos of the start reminds me of men charging in a Civil War battle:

Here’s Brian fro JRA Cycles powering it up from the beach:

LiveJournal Tags: cx,cyclocross,verge,necx,nbx,photos

NBX G.P. of Cross - Warwick RI

2009-12-05T20:44:00.003-05:00

A very cold, wet, dark and rainy day in RI.
I raced right before the elite Women, my intentions were to take pictures of the women's field.
This would be my last opportunity to capture the Minuteman Road Club Women team on the club's kits. As many of you know they are moving forward, they are all awesome and it has been great to see their amazing progression into the elite rankings.

well after my race ended I was cold, wet and miserable. I didn't get my gear and camera ready
until the Men Started. I missed the entire Women race, so here are the Pics from the Elite Men

here's the U23 Winner and series leader

Elite Men Winner and series leader

From the Archive: Sterling 2008

2009-11-27T12:28:00.001-05:00

Enjoy!

Lowell - Shedd Park Cyclocross race 2009

2009-11-21T15:48:00.002-05:00

After Coaching my sons last soccer game of the fall season, I made it just in time to race.
Boston Road Club Cyclocross Race at Shedd Park - Lowell. They put on a great race.
After my race I had a little time before I had to rush home for some family commitments. but I had a chance to snap some shots of the Women's Elite race and the junior race. they both had the same time slot. I think this season, I have been able to photograph every category at one race or another.

click here for slide show

Backyard Jumps

2009-11-19T18:05:00.000-05:00

I've been building dirt jumps in my backyard for my boy, a couple of the neighborhood kids came over
to huck some air. I broke out the camera, I swear the kids get twice the air when the camera makes an appearance.

click here to see a slideshow

From the Archive: Plymouth South 2008

2009-11-12T09:51:00.002-05:00

NoHo 2009 - day 2

2009-11-09T00:51:00.006-05:00

I got there early, I wanted to shoot the early races for a change.

Category 4 - there are close to 200 images, I hope you can find yourself.

Cat4 Women's / Juniors 10-14

Master 45+/55+

and a few elite images

Here are some of my favorites:

From the Archive: Northampton Cyclocross 2008

2009-11-05T09:00:00.004-05:00

Here are some shots from last year's NoHo cyclocross race:

Kids at the Dirt Jumps

2009-11-04T14:00:00.003-05:00

it's so cool watching the kids totally up their game when the Camera comes out!
one of this kids was getting absolutely no air, he kept trying and asking:
"Did I get any air? can I see the pic?" every time "sorry buddy, no air, you need more speed"

then BAM, he got it!

click here for more jumps

NoHo cyclesmart cross - 2005

2009-11-04T07:49:00.000-05:00

just in case you need to get pumped for this weekend!

NoHo cyclesmart 2005 cyclocross from Pain Face on Vimeo.

Canton Cup 2009

2009-11-03T07:28:00.002-05:00

Pain Face posted his Canton Cup photos earlier in the week. Now that it’s Tuesday, and I’ve had my morning coffee, here’s the second coming.

It’s mostly the The Men’s 3/4. The sun started coming out for that race and the lighting was great. I also shot a few during the earlier races, like the Elite Men 35+, 45+ 3/4, and Some Juniors, but the light was flat and I was as sucking with the camera as I was on my bike that day.

LiveJournal Tags: canton,cx,necx,cyclocross,cycling,photos

Canton cup cyclocross 35+ and kids race

2009-11-01T11:26:00.000-05:00

here are a handful of images from the masters 35 race and the kids race.
Cat 3 race images coming later....

click here for the kids race

click here for 35+ slideshow

The Joy of Winning

Canton 2006 or 5... not sure

2009-10-29T09:49:00.004-04:00

here's a video I found in my old desktop,
you'll see a very young Manny Goguen leading the cat 4 race at canton.

this is footage from the beginner race, men, women

I think it was on halloween that year too, it should explain the chosen audio

More Bacon’s Wicked Ride of the East Ride Report

2009-10-25T22:33:00.001-04:00

While sipping the last of my Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Tawny Porto at 1:30 am last night and listening to the rain slap the side of my building silly, I had every intention of emailing Flying Donut to let him know that my bike is still suffering mechanical issues and I won’t be able to attend the ride in the wet morning.

However, I was internally conflicted. The guru at Big Bikes highly recommended the Wicked Ride of the East, and I was interested in discovering new terrain, especially when it’s only 35 minutes from my front door.

When I awoke Sunday morning to the glorious sunshine, perfect Norman Rockwellian New England fall day, I figured “hell, I can just walk around the mud puddles and still enjoy the ride, keeping my bike safe as I’m not racing anyone….” This is the kind of self-talk that gets me out of bed in the mornings.

I’ve been starting to burn out a bit on the bike racing (I’m still writing my race report for the 2009 Battenkill from last April), and haven’t been on my cushy mountain bike since the Vermont 50 as some of you might have read about here. Last night, I took my beautiful BMC (read my VT 50 report on all the abuse it too) over to El Presidente’s house for a little lesson in proper bike care. We replaced the derailleur cables, brake cables, lubed it, replaced four brake pads, but left the derailleur in a state of not spinning well, and called it a night. I was at least rolling.

We were limited on the camera we brought today, as we were more interested in riding. However, we tried catching a couple shots of the great terrain.

Here’s some kick-ass photographic timing and sharp focus. I understand the photographer had difficulty because I was going so damn fast:

Here’s Flying Donut on one of the many built-up bridges. Lost of fun and great trails:

Another of me on the same fun bridge – yes, we rode this backwards because the sun was in our faces – in case you’re keeping track:

Finally, one last one of Flying Donut:

Actually, all the photos just semi-suck because we’re not used to using point-and-shoot technology that can be stuffed in a Camel Back.

The Pros about riding at Harold Parker:

No hills, just pimply undulations. Perfect single speeding spot for mortals.
Good mix of flowy dirt and technical rocks and roots
Minimal time spent on pavement
Beautiful scenery, especially enhanced by fall colors, sunshine, and lots of pond overlooks.
Location, location, location…close to town.

Flying Donut and myself joined NEMBA, so you might see us around more at some of these organized fun rides.

And to further boot, Fling Donut got a sweet new single speed Spot Longboard with a belt drive.

We learned a lesson riding this new terrain (for us): we need to venture out from the same two or three trails we ride for training rides. There’s so much great riding within an hour of Boston and Harold Parker didn’t disappoint. Great event put on my Nemba, and I’m definitely going to try and do some more of their organized rides next year.

I’m sad the days left on the mountain bike are so few this year. Better get the backcountry ski gear warmed up.

Technorati Tags: mountain biking,new england,harold parker state park,wicked ride of the east,nemba,mtb

Afternoon at the Jumps

2009-10-22T14:36:00.000-04:00

1/2 day od school today, headed over to the jumps
it was great to see a bunch of 10 year olds working on the jumps

click here for a slide show of images

here's my boy, clearing his first gap, and doing his now trade mark KICK!

Wrentham MRC cross race

2009-10-19T05:00:00.003-04:00

it was a great day for a bike race, horrible day to take pictures.
my trigger finger was frozen, camera equipment was getting all wet.
after a taken a handfull of images from junior/55+ race, I punted on taken pictures
and enjoyed the race!

thankfully, the weather didn't stop FlyingDonut from taken some great shots.

Click here for my pics

I leave you with an image of a biking Ninja!

Minuteman Cyclocross

2009-10-18T18:00:00.002-04:00

Pics from the MRC cross race today. Wet, muddy and cold. Watch out for the crazy dog lady!

Providence Cyclocross Festival 2009, Day 2

2009-10-17T17:20:00.001-04:00

Picasa Content

I posted the photos from the Elite race earlier in the week. Here’s the rest that I’ve culled from the Master Elite’s, 45+, Juniors, and Cat 3s.

Enjoy all 32 photos here

Technorati Tags: necx,cx,cyclocross,cycling,providence,photos

The 2009 Providence Cyclocross Men’s Elite Race

2009-10-12T21:22:00.001-04:00

I took photos of many of the other races during the day, but I’m posting up only the Men’s elite race first. The other races, I’ll post as I cull them during the remainder of the week. It was a picture perfect afternoon for drinking UFO Hefeweissen, taking photos, and recovering from my morning race.

Enjoy all 25 photos here.

Adam Myerson:

Manny Goguen:

On the Hunt Team BikeReg.com-Joe’sGarage-Independent Fabrication:

Tim Johnson, while he still had people on his wheel (or maybe lapping someone):

Technorati Tags: cx,necx,cyclocross,providence,cycling,elite

Providence Cylcocross Festival - Day 2

2009-10-12T12:45:00.001-04:00

click here for slide show
beautiful day + Great Racing + hanging at beer tent = awesome day

but it also means, not so great images...

so I got mostly blurs...
fun shots, but horrible execution.