Things are Heating Up

Up here in the Pacific Northwest there is an infamous "trophy" that goes by the name of the Grail de la Grunge (or Grudge). There used to be alternating races in Portland and to determine the winner of the Grail. Now, it seems that the protocol for gaining ownership of the Grail is trickery, treachery and other underhanded dealings.

Seattle has the Grail right now. Portland pretends like they don't care. But we must stay vigilant. In fact, there was an attempt on the Grail just this past Sunday at our Series race at Ft. Steillacoom park. The Grail remains safely in the hands of the Seattle illuminati. Have no fear. There are many that stand guard. Some in plain view, others in the shadows. Interlopers, you have been warned...

The Unicorn Has Landed

The Seattle Cyclocross Series officially kicked off on Sunday September 28th. The first race was at Evergreen Highschool - one of the locations that typically has a kick ass layout. The course did not disappoint. Once again, it was a killer layout with plenty of technical and power sections. This course also includes either the second or third longest runup in the area. Number one is the Knapp time runup at Ft. Steilacoom.

This is also the course where the Speedvagen made its debut in 2007. So, naturally, this was a great course for the Speedvagen to make its way out of the stable and once again rain pain down upon us mere mortals. After six lung searing laps I did indeed feel as if I had been smited by the mighty Falcon despite the best efforts of me, the Unicorn and the Speedvagen. Final placement - 16th. No major crashes but one beautiful slow motion endo that resulted in me watching about 5 riders pass me and ride away...

USGP of Cyclocross in Portland

It was a bit muddy in Portland this weekend.

The Crank Bros USGP of Cyclocross wrapped up with the final two races being held in Portland over the weekend. The racing rocked and so did the weather. Snow on Saturday and big winds and rain on Sunday. The weather was definitely a factor. I had a good crash on Sunday where I ended up on the mud slip-n-slide for about 30 feet on the right side of my face followed by the rest of my body.

There really is nothing quite like a cross race in Portland. I love it!

WA State Cyclocross Championships

The power of the unicorn remains strong!

The State Cyclocross Championships happened here yesterday and I finished in a solid 4th place in the Single Speed Division. One spot off the podium. A minute and change off the podium that is. I'm getting stronger, but still have a ways to go before I am really riding strong enough to hang with the fast guys. Until then I will continue to chew the Unicorn Power gum and hope it goes undetected in the event that I get called out for an in season drug test...

Power of the Unicorn

Race report from The Day of the Speedvagen.

Sunday, November 11th was the official Day of the Speedvagen. The power of the Unicorn made sure that all stars, rainbows, honeysuckles and waterfalls were in alignment to bring the full force of the mystical power to my races. Yes, that is selfish to think it was all about me, but that's the way it is. Tell me more about how my other Speedvagen brethren fared on the glorious 11th day of the 11th month so we can all bask in the glory...

This was a double race weekend out at Fort Flagler on the Olympic Peninsula here in the upper left hand corner of the country. Saturday's race included a Belgian style sand pit. Plenty of carneage courtesy of those who chose to ride it. I rode the pit 4 out of 5 trips through even though my pre-race strategy was to run it... My finish in Saturday's race put me in 11th place for the Single Speed Division.

You know what that meant, right? I raced from 11th place on the 11th day of the 11th month. I was takin' it to 11 just about as much as any human possibly could without bursting under the mystical force of the Unicorn. Any doubters out there as to where I finished in today's race? That's right - 11th place!! That is it. I might as well just retire right now as there is no way I can possibly do that again. Or is there? Don't sell the Unicorn short - let's see what happens next year...

Day of the Speedvagen

It's coming. Can you feel it? Yes, that is the feeling of eleven. And if you think it is unusually strong this week, you are right. That is because 11/11 is fast approaching. Yes, November 11th is just around the bend...

Announcing The Day of the Speedvagen to be recognized on November 11th, 2007. This is the inaugural Day of the Speedvagen and you should anticipate that the date of 11/11 will be celebrated from this date forward honoring the spirit of taking it to eleven. Your "it" may be something else (and that is OK), but in the case of the Speedvagen "it" is all about Cyclocross racing and eleven means going to extremes. Especially extreme suffering...

This year Seattle's Day of the Speedvagen will be celebrated at Fort Flagler, Seattle Cyclocross Series race #7. It is unclear exactly what activities will take place during the celebration. All that can really be said at this time is that it will be Spectacular.

Brought to you by the Single Speed Champion of 13th place. Putting the Spectacle back in Spectacular. I will be bringing the power of 11 unicorns to smite all who attempt to dislodge me from my rightful (13th) place in the Seattle Cyclocross Single Speed category.

Adendum to the above. If a Cyclocross race does not occur on 11/11, then the Day of the Speedvagen shall be celebrated on the date of the Cross race occurring in closest proximity to the actual date of 11/11.

That is all.

Taking Style to Eleven?

Yo Suckas,

Taking my bling to 11 on the Ft. Steilacoom runup on Sunday.

Photo by Joe Martin

Check out all Joe's photos from Sunday's race.