Loosenuts Kits!

Our race team (Sunshine / Loosenuts) kits have finally arrived, just in time for the second race of the season! Note the profusion of pink jackalopes.

My kingdom for this poster

This poster was made by Cinelli after Hampsten won the 1988 Giro di Italia. There’s a newer version, made by Hampsten Cycles, but it doesn’t include the cool elevation profile for Passo Gavia (the snow covered mountain pass he’s climbing in the picture). Where, oh where can I find one?

What will the course be like?

Apparently this is the cyclocross course at Dahlonega this weekend:

so stoked!

Cross! Race #1 “Macon Bacon” or “Macon Whoopie”?

I took 12th place out of a bit more than 50, not quite sure, but over 50. Photos and a post-race wrap-up to follow. For now, here’s a YouTube video of the start of my race. I go by, in a bright green jersey and red helmet on the far left, between seconds 0:04 and 0:07 (also briefly at second 0:22).

Cyclocross season begins!

I’m about to roll out to Macon, GA for the first race in the 2009 Georgia Cyclocross Series. Pictured is my new steed, the cross-ballerina. Wish us (Loosenuts) luck, more to follow when we get back.

GACX: Georgia Cyclocross Series 20009!

Georgia Cyclocross Race Schedule

10/4/2009 #1 Macon
10/18/2009 #2 Dahlonega
10/25/2009 #3 Augusta
11/1/2009 #4 Yargo
11/8/2009 #5 Savannah
11/15/2009 #6 Paulding
11/22/2009 #7 Barnsley Gardens
11/29/2009 #8 Conyers Elks Aidemore
12/6/2009 #9 Conyers GIHP

Now that my facebook is dead…

Now that my facebook is dead…

I am updating this blog, my blog, again. Posts to look forward to:

1. The academic job search (and how / why it sucks)
2. A fabulous “labor day” vacation in New Orleans
3. Faster Mustache 2009 (and how my team is going to win it) (incidentally, the last post on this blog was results from Faster Mustache 2008, the greatest urban bike relay in the world).
4. Georgia Cyclocross season 2009 (and how the Loosenuts race team is going to dominate it)
5. Go (and Go-Moku) and why I love it more than chess
6. An awesome poll (polls are a new feature on wordpress)

And since no one actually follows this blog, mostly it will be me talking to myself again, not a healthy thing.

Faster Mustache 2008

Our team (Twlight Cat Fight) came in 16 out of 54. There are lots of photos online from the race:

http://fastermustache.org/node/5709
http://www.tnvalleybikes.com/ViewPicture.aspx
http://picasaweb.google.com/krautstache/FM2408#
http://fastermustache.org/gallery/biking/fm24/2008/missions/
http://ckdake.com/gallery/2008/fm2408/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/twotone666/tags/fm2408/

and mine:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjaminfjones/sets/72157607197561502/

1967 Schwinn Delux Racer

Front, originally uploaded by brunoj.

I’ve posted about this bike before. I’ve just finished upgrading / restoring it and I just put a bunch of photos on flickr (check the notes for detailed information).

The major work was:

1. Cleaning, shining, rust removal and paint removal (especially on the crankset and chain ring).
2. New wheelset, parts bought from Harris Cyclery. The rims are both chromed steel ISO 590mm. The rear hub is a new Sturmey-Archer 3 speed (originally this bike was a three speed, but with an external cassette, then I converted it to a single speed, now its back to three speed, but with a slick internal gear hub).

3. Changed the saddle, now its an old Avocet touring saddle that’s in pretty good shape.
4. Re-cabled the replaced some worn parts (like the cable stop) in the front brake, also upgraded the pads to Kool-Stop “eagle 2″ brake pads which have really awesome stopping power even on an old single pivot caliper brake.
5. Re-packed the overhauled the bottom bracket and headset bearings.

There are still a few things on my todo list.

1. Cleanup and re-install the chromed fenders and the rack (or might replace the rack with something in better shape).
2. Figure out a better solution for the housing stop on the chain stay.
3. Re-mount the shifter below the saddle on the seat stay.
4. True both wheels a bit better. I’m not terribly good at this and I don’t have a proper trueing stand.
5. Replace the pedals (which are devilishly slippery and quite rusted).

But it rides pretty sweet right as is. Shifting is perfect, braking is good, and it only weighs in at 35 pounds!

6 Person Rail Bike

Barn, originally uploaded by J.Muir from Santa Cruz.

I came across this awesome vehicle while browsing flickr today. It reminds me of the conference bike, but this concept is much cooler. It’s like a conference bike for hobos.