The Jackrabbit Chronicles

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Serotta Factory Tour

Well, I finally made the big leap and decided it was time to get a new road bike, one that actually fits. Given that I'm old and not terribly flexible, my options for an off-the-rack bike were limited. So naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to go custom. I looked at Seven and Indy as I like my current bikes very much, but after reading more about Serotta and talking to several people who ride them, I decided to check them out.

Cora and I drove to the Serotta factory in Saratoga Springs. We took a very informative tour and spent some time talking with the workers and ogling the bikes. Serotta's technology is second to none and their attention to detail is incredible. As we learned, Serotta has committed to making their own parts, i.e. drop outs, bottom brackets, cable guides and seat collars just to name a few. They have recently opened a factory in California to make their own carbon tubing--all this is done to control quality--so they have "complete control" over the customization of each bike.

CNC machines were cutting drop-outs as we toured. They manufacture as many parts as they need to stay about a week ahead of their orders.

This is the inside of the CNC machine as the cutterhead whittles a $40 block of titanium into the designated piece--it doesn't take long to understand why these bikes are so expensive--as they say, you gots to pay for quality.

Here are some of the machined titanium parts.

The CNC machines also work on carbon, shaping the tube ends for an absolutely perfect fit, increasing the strength of the joint as they are bonded.

Carbon fork blanks.

This is a jig in a heating room holding an uber sweet Meivici as the joints are bonded.

Bikes awaiting paint.

This is the finishing room--after seeing so many cool paint jobs at the factory, I'm rethinking my need for a custom Jackrabbit paint job.

One of the large machining tools--I believe they said it was used in fabricating steel frames.

Frames awaiting repair. One of the huge benefits of getting a Serotta is the extraordinarily reasonable crash repair program.

The shipping department.

A vintage Serotta track bike.

Custom bike made for the Russian cycling team.

Another vintage racing frame. The 7-11 team frame was out in California for some show and tell.

The tour was super cool. After seeing the detail and precision that goes into every frame, I knew that I had to get a Serotta--the only question was which one. . .

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The First Day of First Grade and A New Bike

For a change, we were right on schedule to get the girls to school on time--until Max lost his helmet and we had to make alternative travel arrangements.

I rode with Bella, while Phoebe accompanied Cora and Max in the car. We made it just in time to avoid a "monkey pass."

After finally finding his helmet, Max was so psyched to take his new BIG bike out for a spin. The baby bull rode me off his wheel, just as he announced that he was "crazy fast!" He's doing great and already asking for a bigger bike with gears.

Dirty Sled

So it has been a while since my last post...the pbville debacle really sucked a lot of momentum out of the big guy. I am in a slump that needs to be recognized and admitted to. My training since returning to NE has included 3 laps around Tranquility with Quinn, a handful of spins on the trainer, and a few weight room sessions. I am totally not psyched about the bike lately. I haven't taken the mud or the race numbers off her yet. I guess it is a reminder that the race was so shitty. I know I could do better but wonder why I didn't just go faster.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Guest post by the Muffintop

Well, the boys haven't posted since the race, so I thought I'd step in for a bit. I'm sure they'll give their own thoughts on the race later, but here's my take. . .

Thank you.

Thank you, Big Dave for:

-taking up biking to take care of yourself. I know it's not easy to take that time and make the effort, but you're doing it. I'm glad you haven't made it to 200 yet, but you're doing awesome!

-spending more time with Matt. I'm glad he has you to talk bike with and to bike with--it takes some of the pressure off me. Now if only you could get a cat...

-trekking all over the country with Matt and dragging your family along. I love it when you bring Quinn and it was great spending time with Jessica in Colorado. Couples only trip next time--biking in Oregon? Someplace with a spa?

-being you. It was fun riding with you--minus the circle-back-arounds and disrespect of no-talking zones. Ha.

Thank you, Bandit for:

-taking up biking to take care of yourself. Okay, your avoidance of ice cream is slightly annoying and seriously cramps my style, but your body is kicking! It's somewhat motivating to shrink my muffintop, anyway.

-taking us all over the place on your biking adventures. Yes, it's often a pain, but overall, a great time. How else would we know what great places the Duck Hotels are? The kids will have great memories of canyonballs at Mount Snow, the beach at the Greenbrier, and trampolining in Colorado. And eventually I'll forget the packing and traveling nightmares. Eventually.

-being sweet and appreciative of what we give and sacrifice for biking. A few kind words go a long way.

-always being mindful of staying safe. Whether it's lightning, riding on busy roads or potential pulmonary edema, I'm glad you err on the side of caution. I really don't think your life insurance money will keep me in the lifestyle to which I am accustomed.

-being you. I adore you.

Both of you, I am very proud of you. You are both great role models for our kids (at least in terms of the biking)--the dedication you show, the efforts that you make and the manner in which you have handled disappointment. It's so good for them to see you not exhibit poor sportsmanship, blaming, excusing, etc. I know that you will both get back to training and will learn from any mistakes. That's such a great lesson for the kids to see your example.

I know you're disappointed, frustrated and probably angry. I, for one, had a great time at the race with Jessica and we have further refined our crewing strategies. So if the lottery gods are kind, we'll be there with our cowbells a-ringing next year. Go Jackrabbit Racing!!! Let's kick ass at the VT50!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Leadville Results

Check here.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Check out this interview with Dave Wiens

Look at the second video on this page--pretty cool interview--also, check out the interview with Lance next to it. Up late, waiting for Big Dave to get here. Nothing like looking at bike porn late night.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Leadkids--Course Recon

We headed over to Leadville to ride the "flat" section of the course, from the first aid station to the new singletrack section, affectionately called "the goat trail." I was still feeling pretty beat up from yesterday's effort--my legs were a little sore, so my plan was to do 2 hours of Z1. Cora and the kids came along, and I was amazed how much of the course they rode--the kids rode about 5 miles and Cora probably put in closer to 20. Some pictures to tell the story...

Although it was surely far beyond a Z1 effort, I couldn't help myself, as the whole family was watching. This is the mini-hill that we had trouble driving the car up last week. It takes 53 seconds to ride and 1:19 to walk. We'll see what the race brings...

I could have sworn this guy usually has horns, wears a red suit, and carries a pitchfork. "Allez, Daddy, allez!"

My little Leadlady smoking down the hill.

Baby Moose is hot on T-Lynn's wheel--concentrating on his line and wishing for disc brakes.

The whole crew coming into the first aid station--I wonder which one will ride this race for real.

"The best day yet"

We headed over to Leadville early--I needed to do 2 1/2 hours just below race pace. I decided to start at 6th and Harrison and ride to the first aid station. During last year's race, I rode this section in 2:25--my goal was to better that. My crew brought their bikes and met me at the top of Carter Summit.

"Hey, Daddy-wait up!" Pretty cool to see them there-I didn't expect to see them until the end of my ride. Cora said they were riding up and down the course, having a blast.

As you can see, I looked like shit, and I certainly felt like shit when I finished. I went 2:19 and felt awful the whole damn way. The heat, hiking the day before, poor nutrition--who knows? Let's hope that things go better on race day. I just keep telling myself that it's all a part of the taper.

After we finished up riding, we headed over to Winter Park, which I was told by the kids that it isn't really a park, but it was still the best day of the trip so far. Why, you ask? The gorgeous scenery going over Berthoud Pass? The absolutely perfect weather? Quality family time in the car? Nope--in a word--TRAMPOLINE--and as a distant second, the climbing wall.

Phoebe's favorite part was repelling down.

Cora couldn't resist and joined Phoebe on the climbing wall.

Bella is a certified trampoline junkie.

Baby Moose pulled off the only back flip of the day in the Jones family.

It wasn't pretty, but he made it. The kid is absolutely crazy. Even though I rode like shit, shuttling my little adrenaline addicts around saved the day for sure, and they even topped it off by demanding sushi for dinner. Gotta love them!

Jess gets some ink

My boss is almost famous:
Jess in Today's Omaha Woman

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Q-man picking up a 12 out of 17...no age groups...he was one of the youngest.

Chilling with the new Huffy.

Rolling out.

Coming through the finish/lap area. I could only deal with 3 laps today. The heat and my wierd taper legs made me really slow and sluggish. I took 2 hours and 5 minutes to finish what I have routinely done on this course in 1:45-1:50. It was wierd to go so slow on my favorite course and a serious bummer.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Blast the Mass

We went to Snowmass for the Blast the Mass Mountain Bike Race. As they say, pictures are worth a thousand words, so I won't say much (for me, anyway).

Lance took the lead on the opening climb and never gave it up.

By the end of the first lap, Lance was even beating the motorcycles.

True to Lance's style, he worked hard right to the finish, even though he had about a three minute lead.

Max and Cora meet Max and Anna, while Linda looks on.

The boys from Moots come to check out the competition for the Shimano Kids Series--they heard that little Jackrabbit can go fast.

Boo and Mook in the fourth turn.

The crowd went wild.

Team Jackrabbit hoofed it out with smiles up the climb.

Go, Mookie, go!

Boo Miles with a strong finish--first in the five-year-old girl category (in our interpretation).

Boo congratulates Max, the winner in the three-year old boy category (yes, yes, in our interpretation).

After the race, we drove through Aspen and up and over Independence Pass. We stopped to admire the scenery. Phoebe: "Max, do you think we should climb up there?" Max: "Up there? Me no think so--my legs are wasted after that race."