Is it hot or is it just me?

Boy, you would think with all this nice weather we've been having that I would have gotten outside for a few fresh air miles. Nope. Still in the basement riding when I get the chance. I am really hoping that once the family and I get back from Florida that I will be able to get some rhythm going. Really, I need it. Only have about a month and a half until the first 12 Hour race of the Endurance Series. Mike, my relay partner, will kick my but if I show up with square wheels.

Good news is that I have a bike together for the most part. I just have to order a new jump stop because my current one does not fit the seat tube of this frame. I don't have any picks yet but here's the specs:

Frame - 2008 Salsa Moto Rapido (full scandium and carbon mixed hardtail ((Thanks Brad!!!))
Fork - Fox F100 RLC (in black!)
Headset - Chris King
Stem - Ritchey WCS (stupid light)
Handlebar - Raceface Next Carbon flat (stupider light)
Brakes - Hayes 9 Carbon (might upgrade these tho)
Frt Derailuer - n/a (I run a 1x9)
Rr Derailuer - Shimano XTR M952 short cage
Shifter - Shimano XTR 970
Cranks - Truvativ Stylo 1.1 with a 36t Blackspire Pro
Cassette - Sram PG 990
Chain - Sram PC 991
Post - Truvativ Stylo w/ new Thompson like adjustment clamp
Saddle - WTB (this may change as well)
Wheelset - 2010 Stans Crest with 2010 ZTR hubs
Tires - Schwalbe Racing Ralphs (2.25 in frt, 2.1 in rear)
Grips - Oury
Pedals - Crankbrother Eggbeaters

Have not weighed it yet but it's possibly the lightest bike I have built yet for racing. Like I stated above the only thing I may change is upgrading the brakes. I just really like the lever shape of my Hayes 9 Carbons so I am having a hard time deciding. I plan to do the first race of the series with the Hayes 9 Carbons and WTB saddle and then decide to keep them or replace them.

So, it's almost time to get to the starting line. Actually there was a race this past weekend but it was more of a gravel/dirt road thing but many people do it to see how their winter training is going before the season really starts. It's a good race to se where you stand against your rivals.

Keep your chin up and your tires rolling . . . it's almost here!

Aryn

(Brad - thanks for the great deal on such a solid frame)

Rolling into the next decade

Gosh, not even sure if anyone even reads this anymore but me. Well this morning I actually completed my first 2 hour ride on the trainer since my last race back in August of 2009. My numbers weren't anything to brag about by at least I still had something in the legs to be able to go the distance.

This race season will be the most crazy one yet. For starters Jeff has discovered trail running and is doing a lot more of that than riding. He says he plans to only enter a couple 100 mile mtb races this year. XC racing is over for him. He's basically burnt out with it and beleive me I can relate.

I think Heather is planning to do more endurance racing as well and skip the XC stuff. I have said this same thing myself since the end of 2008. Always said that when I come back it'll be in the Endurance Series. I am sure Brian and Mike will follow suit. The Captain has also expressed intrest in relaying thru the endurance series so it looks like the team is heading in a new direction and looking to take on some new things. Also, I am sure once Dawn gets wind of this she'll want in on the chaos as well.

So here's to looking at 2010. There is training to be done and bikes that need to be built.

Onward.

Aryn