Brian Hopkins and Steve Brewer dusted off their Mtn Bikes for last Saturday's Yellow Creek Park MTB Race.
In recent times, racing head to head for these two has turned into a bit of a rivalry. Both wish, however, that the rivalry was one of fitness and skill... instead of one of attrition!
On THIS day, Steve came out on top ...while Brian will be searching for a new Rabbit's Foot.
Steve finished in 11th Place
Brian finished in 14th Place
Check their Blogs in case they write something more!
20100330
20100326
Helmet Head
Dave Shaffer did some Spring training along the water's edge recently...but NOT the kind of water found in one of Pittsburgh's 3 Rivers!
PS - Nice Helmet Hair Dave!
PSS - Dave would like me to tell you that they were NOT holding hands when this image was captured!
PS - Nice Helmet Hair Dave!
PSS - Dave would like me to tell you that they were NOT holding hands when this image was captured!
20100324
Switch Hitters
Our regular group (Sam Morrison, Kirk Morrison, Rich Allen, Randy McCracken, Doug Frost & I) went for a regular spin, on some regular roads, on what seemed to be just a regular day!
However, upon closer inspection, a few things were actually quite OUT-of-Regular...(?)
1st: Randy showed up...looking healthy & fit after being mostly off the scene in 2009.
2nd: Sam showed up for a road ride on a 26" wheeled mtn bike, with smooth roadie tires on ...showing off new wheelie skills he learned in college!
and 3rd: Sam and Richy apparently switched Teams...
...to ProBikes, of course(!)
Guess things weren't quite as "regular" as I first thought...(?)!!!
Good thing I am...........................regular, that is : )
However, upon closer inspection, a few things were actually quite OUT-of-Regular...(?)
1st: Randy showed up...looking healthy & fit after being mostly off the scene in 2009.
and 3rd: Sam and Richy apparently switched Teams...
...to ProBikes, of course(!)
Guess things weren't quite as "regular" as I first thought...(?)!!!
Good thing I am...........................regular, that is : )
20100322
Undaunted by warnings....
AG3R (Indiana Group) and IUP Cycling logged 100 miles this past Saturday. A good time and wading were enjoyed by all.
Foiled, at Speed
Western Pa. riders have good interval strength. They climb steep but relatively short hills, that crest into short & steep descents on the opposite side ...only to do it all over again.
Shampoo. Rinse. Repeat.
On the other hand, Jeff Bell, riding just outside SanFransisco, has learned that while climbing there is a lot different...
...descending is a skill that will seperate you from the pack..........especially if you enter a turn a bit too hot, and launch your Y-Foil off the edge into a tree!!!
...must have been the Mustard Gas...(?)!!!
20100318
St. Patty's "Day"?
Kirk Morrison launched a last minute idea, and 4 sheep in wolves clothing flocked behind him!
Along the way, we ended up adopting a new friend. Joining in on his first Bar Hopping Bike Ride was a guy named Owen, riding a beautiful full nude-carbon Planet X Road Bike with full Campy Carbon 10, shod with Carbon Eastons & Tubulars! Not quite the Leprechan we expeced to find scurrying through St. Patty's Night alleyways, but he would have to do!
In the end, despite Guinness having all the daily nutrition a man could need, Kirk & Roger still rode to Eat'n'Park for a night cap!
We can ALWAYS find a good excuse to get in a ride...
...especially one THIS short : )
Kirk, Roger Lutz, Ray Sielski, an unnamed Poser and I, met for a Green Beer bar hopping night ride!
While Green Beer was not as easy to find as we would have thought, there was plenty of Guinness at all 3 bars we went to : )
Along the way, we ended up adopting a new friend. Joining in on his first Bar Hopping Bike Ride was a guy named Owen, riding a beautiful full nude-carbon Planet X Road Bike with full Campy Carbon 10, shod with Carbon Eastons & Tubulars! Not quite the Leprechan we expeced to find scurrying through St. Patty's Night alleyways, but he would have to do!
In the end, despite Guinness having all the daily nutrition a man could need, Kirk & Roger still rode to Eat'n'Park for a night cap!
We can ALWAYS find a good excuse to get in a ride...
...especially one THIS short : )
20100315
Dismal Dash 40k TT
Brian Hopkins and Steve Brewer traveled into Virginia for a early season Individual Time Trial.
Brian finished 5th in Cat 1/2/3.
Steve finished 9th in Cat 4.
Watch their Blogs to read more about it!
Brian finished 5th in Cat 1/2/3.
Steve finished 9th in Cat 4.
Watch their Blogs to read more about it!
20100307
Pittsburg East weekend Ride Report
I spent a few hours on teh road with Steve and Hanna this weekend. Steve, Sean and I did the Eastern Shore loop (40mi) on Saturday. Then Steve Hanna and I did the Marion Center loop (40mi) Sunday.
Lots of fun and a little suffering were enjoyed by all.
More photos an complete ride report @ afib-rider.blogspot.com
Lots of fun and a little suffering were enjoyed by all.
More photos an complete ride report @ afib-rider.blogspot.com
20100301
Weird
Today I (Sam Morrison) was riding (in Colorado), in 2008 Ag3r kit and this girl pulls up next to me (yes, she was passing me), and asked me if I had went to Butler.
Surprised, I said “Yes!”. Then, she goes, cool, I went to Purdue.
Now, truth be told, it took me a while to put it together, but when I did it was awesome! IndianaCycling, Purdue and Butler University are in Indiana! WEIRD.
Then I thought, why did she just randomly ask if I went to Butler? I double checked (!), I wasn’t wearing anything with Butler written on it. Weird.
Sam
Surprised, I said “Yes!”. Then, she goes, cool, I went to Purdue.
Now, truth be told, it took me a while to put it together, but when I did it was awesome! IndianaCycling, Purdue and Butler University are in Indiana! WEIRD.
Then I thought, why did she just randomly ask if I went to Butler? I double checked (!), I wasn’t wearing anything with Butler written on it. Weird.
Sam
20100228
Race to Anyplace?
I (Steve Marlette) participated in the Race to Anyplace at the US Steel Building today, which benefits the leukemia foundation. My groin hurts! …. Bad!
I joined a team from work to help fill in some spots. Our team participated on spin bikes with very little resistance. The race is based on miles, so the game is to spin as fast as you can for 15 minute intervals.
I ended up doing 4 intervals, three of them with only one rider in between! I now know how different spin bikes are from real bikes. It was still a fun event but it may be a few days until I can walk normally again. I also ran into a few familiar faces from Ag3r, ProBikes and UPMC teams.
Steve
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Yep - The Race to Anyplace was pretty crazy.
I (Mark Briercheck) went down to the event with some of the folks from my gym. Steve was stuck on a spinner and I was on a Schwinn Airdyne. I'm not sure who was luckier. The Pro Bikes boys were on an airdyne as well. I'm a little sore today but at least I can walk.
Overall it was a pretty fun event! Maybe again next year, although I think the debate would be whether or not to sign up for a spin bike or an airdyne. Judging by the pain Steve is in...maybe the Airdyne!
Briercheck
I joined a team from work to help fill in some spots. Our team participated on spin bikes with very little resistance. The race is based on miles, so the game is to spin as fast as you can for 15 minute intervals.
I ended up doing 4 intervals, three of them with only one rider in between! I now know how different spin bikes are from real bikes. It was still a fun event but it may be a few days until I can walk normally again. I also ran into a few familiar faces from Ag3r, ProBikes and UPMC teams.
Steve
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yep - The Race to Anyplace was pretty crazy.
I (Mark Briercheck) went down to the event with some of the folks from my gym. Steve was stuck on a spinner and I was on a Schwinn Airdyne. I'm not sure who was luckier. The Pro Bikes boys were on an airdyne as well. I'm a little sore today but at least I can walk.
Overall it was a pretty fun event! Maybe again next year, although I think the debate would be whether or not to sign up for a spin bike or an airdyne. Judging by the pain Steve is in...maybe the Airdyne!
Briercheck
20100223
Wild Ride
Saturday's sun prompted me...... Kirk Morrison, Rich Allen and Doug Frost to get out for a short ride...
...and a QUICK... 
...and WILD ride it turned out to be!!!
...and a QUICK... ...and WILD ride it turned out to be!!! 20100216
Race for Humanity
Brian Hopkins competed in the Race for Humanity Road Race while spending time with his family in Florida.
Read about his experience HERE
20100210
Riding the Deep Stuff
Went out again last night with Rich Allen and Doug Frost.
Bummer about it was, the snow did not come down as heavy as forecast. BUT...as it turns out, there was plenty enough snow already on the ground to slow us down!
Wonder if I can get clearance to ride again tonight(?)!!!
Bummer about it was, the snow did not come down as heavy as forecast. BUT...as it turns out, there was plenty enough snow already on the ground to slow us down!
Wonder if I can get clearance to ride again tonight(?)!!!
20100207
Big Snow Night Ride
20+ inches of snow fell from Friday Noon until Saturday Noon...
...and what better way to enjoy the storm than from the saddle ...at night!
By the time we got home it was after Midnight, with the snow so deep that even the smallest incline brought us to our knees ...'er, rather ...to our feet!!!
One advantage of the snow was that no kick stands were necessary to park our bikes!
The rest of the weekend was spent shoveling ...the driveway...the sidewalks ...the roof ...the deck ...and the little paths through the yard so the dogs to go "out" ...!!!
...and what better way to enjoy the storm than from the saddle ...at night!
Kirk Morrison, Rich Allen and myself headed out Friday Night around 9:00 pm ...and had the world pretty much to ourselves.
Everything is pretty when covered with fresh powder.
By the time we got home it was after Midnight, with the snow so deep that even the smallest incline brought us to our knees ...'er, rather ...to our feet!!!
One advantage of the snow was that no kick stands were necessary to park our bikes!
The rest of the weekend was spent shoveling ...the driveway...the sidewalks ...the roof ...the deck ...and the little paths through the yard so the dogs to go "out" ...!!!I am so sore I can hardly move : (
20100130
First Race of 2010
Steve Brewer traveled east to meet up with Brian Hopkins in Carlisle, Pa for the Team's first race of the season!
Promoted by Fast Forward Racing, "Why Not Cross" went off with 17 degF temperatures and sunshine!
In the Open Men's Division, Brian finished in 6th Place and Steve in 7th Place.
Watch "Blog-ettes" for possible posts from each of them.
20100128
Northern Group Satellite
Mark Briercheck organized a ride out of Zelienople on Saturday, with Mark Hess, Dan Chew, Dave Stewart from Nevada, Jonathan Pratt, Joe Ross, Dan Schar, and Rob Gaus in attendance.
The climb out of McConnells mills was total snow and ice. Oh Yes! It was a single track climb to get out.
Gaus and I set down a fun quick tempo on the march into the Sheetz off of 328 (this is a guess that we were on 328...as usual I have no idea where we actually were). As for this matter I won't even describe our loop because I don't remember any of the roads anyway. I know we did climb up breakneck?
Notable Notes - Rob forgot his food so Renee' delivered it to Rob like a team car.Team Gaus to the rescue.
Mary Hess had muffins waiting for the returning riders!
thanks for the great ride,
briercheck
A warm January day. I left my house 8 am and rode north to Zelie for the 9:30am Hess ride.
After a 14 year absence from the group Dave Stewart returned to the Northern Group.
Morning started in the low 30's and mid-day almost touched 50 degrees. Joe Ross (riding a big soft and cushy single speed with Monster tires) flatted after the off road down hill into McConnels mills. The guy with the biggest tires had the only flat. That's luck i suppose.
The climb out of McConnells mills was total snow and ice. Oh Yes! It was a single track climb to get out.
Gaus and I set down a fun quick tempo on the march into the Sheetz off of 328 (this is a guess that we were on 328...as usual I have no idea where we actually were). As for this matter I won't even describe our loop because I don't remember any of the roads anyway. I know we did climb up breakneck?
Notable Notes - Rob forgot his food so Renee' delivered it to Rob like a team car.Team Gaus to the rescue.
Mary Hess had muffins waiting for the returning riders!
thanks for the great ride,
briercheck Ride Oddities
Rich Allen, Doug Frost and I went out for a spin this past Saturday... and when riding at slow Winter Riding speeds, we were able to see a few curiosities along the way!
A 20 Foot Tall Lamp Post... (or maybe an ICBM silo?!)...
Historical Landmarks...
Old Fashioned Barn Advertising... covering front yard Water Meters...
A Man-Made Climb ...not yet open to the Public...
...and a Flat Tire that mysteriously happened while we were IN the Coffee Shop :)
Historical Landmarks...
Old Fashioned Barn Advertising... covering front yard Water Meters...
A Man-Made Climb ...not yet open to the Public...
...and a Flat Tire that mysteriously happened while we were IN the Coffee Shop :)
20100116
Coasting Races
If an Indian Summer is a warm day after the first freeze, what is a warm day in the middle of winter called?
Rich Allen and I were lucky enough to be around for an impromptu ride with Doug Frost, because the temperature was warm enough for him to come out and play!
No one paid much attention to the climbing we did today, because we were more interested in Coasting Races, where we all match speed at the top of a descent, then see who can keep rolling the longest/farthest without pedaling :)
Today's Pillsbury Dough Boy was Frosty the Coaster Man!
Check out the pic below ...right as Frosty is in his final inches of coasting, starting to saw his front wheel (actually breaking a spoke doing it!), his phone falls out of his pocket.
No one paid much attention to the climbing we did today, because we were more interested in Coasting Races, where we all match speed at the top of a descent, then see who can keep rolling the longest/farthest without pedaling :)
Today's Pillsbury Dough Boy was Frosty the Coaster Man!
Check out the pic below ...right as Frosty is in his final inches of coasting, starting to saw his front wheel (actually breaking a spoke doing it!), his phone falls out of his pocket.
Notice that the shadow of the phone is "not connected" to the phone itself, because the phone has not actually hit the ground yet!
20100110
Old Stone House
We started our ride later than normal today...waiting for it to warm up a bit...
...with my arm, Rich Allen and Brian Parker foolish enough to brave the elements!
After meeting at the Old Stone House...
....we rode off into the countryside.
With the roads reasonably clear, the sun popping in-and-out of the clouds, and the wind behaving itself MOST of the time, we were happy to be outside.
No matter HOW you look at it, a ride always brightens up our day : )
...with my arm, Rich Allen and Brian Parker foolish enough to brave the elements!
After meeting at the Old Stone House.......we rode off into the countryside.
With the roads reasonably clear, the sun popping in-and-out of the clouds, and the wind behaving itself MOST of the time, we were happy to be outside.
No matter HOW you look at it, a ride always brightens up our day : )
...THEN... Brian went out for 18 more miles solo after he got home! It would appear his elbow is feeling "good-as-new"!
20100106
SS Snow Rides (3SR)
Me and Sam... sorry Mom, Sam & I...(!!!)... riding on Sunday night and Wednesday morning!!!
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