Super Rookie's World

The track was amazing tonight. The weather was fantastic and the concession stand was running at 80% capacity and the local pizzeria even showed up to serve some hot slices of pie. Word has it that the owner of the nearby Chili’s was in attendance and helped promote the “crowd pick’ems.” Even Bob got a break from being the announcer tonight and was able to watch the racing. My guess is that this was the first time in about 8 years that Bob was able to be a spectator.

All types of media were in the house tonight. MPR was doing an interview with Smithers about racing on the track. It seemed really interesting. I am sure there are some pictures floating around somewhere showing the Puma talking up his fancy bike.

A newspaper reporter was there interviewing Winger and The National Champ. That seemed kind of cool so make sure you watch out for that article.

I am sooooo stoked about the track right now. We are so lucky to have that facility in Blaine and judging by the size of the cat4 field the secret is slowly getting out to the racing public.

The TROY should be updated soon as well so you can keep track of all your favorite racers.

The Hincapie Sports TROY leaders jersey’s looked fantastic on Bing Crosby and Gilby Steel.

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The racing was awesome. The team did pretty well with Dan Wold and Fil doing fantastically well in the cat4 field tonight. I even did well in the 1/2 field taking 7th and 8th in the miss and out and points race respectively. I am especially excited about the later as I was able to stay in the main pack and score a few points. Little Guy did a sweet attack that set up my point sprint. Nice to have him around.

The highlight for me tonight was the introduction of a new racer, Lionell Space. He dresses in all black and has an all black bike. I am guessing that he is The Man In Black’s Uncle. Word has it that he is a masters national champion in the team pursuit. All I know is that he is going to be a formidable cat3. Speaking of cat3s the Director Sportiff showed up as did Todd Cravens. Nice to see them around.

What a night of racing!

Of course, you can’t mention a sweet night of racing at the track without thanking the officials and most of all ALL THE WAY RAY who competed in his first ever USCF Sanctioned event at the Black Dog TT on Wednesday evening. Best of all he rocked that race in a Twins jersey.
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For some messed up reason the State TT and State Crit are on the same weekend. Most people are expecting Doug Swanson to win both of them.

While this may be a smart choice I am having to go with Ian Stanford in the TT as he is the defending Champ and he is pretty damn fast. Plus he has commented on this blog before so he gets extra points. Do you hear that Doug? Your brother is ‘cool’ enough to comment. Why can’t you?

Hater.

-Because of that I am also picking another upset in the State Crit Championships. The State Crit is going to be won by Eric Marcotte. While Eric has never commented on my blog, nor has he probably read it I am just guessing that he will win because he is strong like that. Seriously, he makes Tainter look like a toothpick. I expect GP to flex the muscle it showed down in Iowa over the Memorial Day weekend.
***Those are the guarenteed Super-Rookie.com picks for the big weekend.***

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Seriously, who’s idea was it to do these two events on the same weekend? That is just fricken lame. My favorite part about the local racing scene is how in December the calendar is all full and than April rolls around and events get canceled like it is going out of style.

What events have been canceled/postponed on the MCF calendar for 2007?

1. Excelsior Crit
2. Tour of 10k
3. Hutchinson Crit
4. ?

A team of 8 people can put on a 3 day race in Duluth, but a team of 120+ can’t…(oh never mind. finish the sentence in the comment section).

The local National Champ walks into the Blaine Golden Arches (perhaps this is his secret) and orders up a #2 because he likes cheeseburgers. As he walks to the back of the restaurant he begins to notice a bunch of murals dedicated to the local sporting scene.

He then stumbles upon this one:

I am willing to be that the Man In Black is a little pissed off that he isn’t in his Black Skinsuit for this wonderful piece of art. All I know is that I hope it goes up for auction, because I would pay top dollar for it.

Check the flowing locks!

Uncanny.

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Anyone that has been to the track has had the pleasure of meeting Captain Midnight. He is one of my favorite people. My favorite part about him is that he wears a different helmet for when he is competing in the sprint/keirin at the track vs. the mass start events. Has anyone else noticed this?
How old do you think he is? Is he old enough to be your dad, or your brother?

I dig the hair. Do you?

Expect a big/huge bump in the power rankings because of this mural piece alone. No one else has a mural at McDonalds dedicated to them! Not even Timmer, or Dan Swanson. Oh, I just mentioned Dan Swanson’s name. Don’t know why I did that, but I am sure he is getting all fuzzy right about now.

That is all for today and enjoy the power rankings when you read them tonight.

We are all hoping that there is going to be some racing tomorrow night. This picture of Skibby says it all.

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The Masters National Chump sent over this link the other day. It has to do with properly riding down the road and not getting killed by cars. When Sarah and I moved to Chicago we realized how lucky we have it in Minneapolis. How can this be? Well, people in Minneapolis, for the most part, seem to respect bicycles a heck of a lot more.

The state has even set up this website so people can learn more.

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I am starting to recieve a lot of questions about the future wedding. Here is what we know so far:

1) Spring of 2009
2) Thai Food
3) I am holding a reality television show to find out who my best Homey will be.

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Smithers had trouble on his Urthel ride yesterday. I almost shed a tear for him. This is because Smithers is my number one fan as seen here. As a responsible role model I don’t like to hear about my followers getting dropped on a ride that they helped create. That just seems rude and wrong to me.

I didn’t go on the ride because I rolled around the east side of the metro with Jens Voight in my xXx kit. This allowed me to run countless red lights and not do any damage to my sponsors and help keep the rebel image of xXx alive. I think it was a win-win situation.

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The riding here in Minneapolis/St. Paul is beuatiful. There are a ton of good climbs with in the metro area. Here is a little list of my favorite climbs:

1) The highway 13 climb out of Lillydale up towards Cherokee Park in ‘west’ St. Paul. This climb is just awesome, hell to get to it you have to go by a Western-style Strip Mall and a giant Lightning Bolt that was pointed out to me yesterday by Bobby Julich.

2) The Grand Avenue climb up from the base of Ramsey hill. It is a sweet climb to do at tempo with some others. My favorite of the 3 climbs that get you to the top of the bluff from downtown St. Paul.

3) The cobbled climb on Osceola. This feared beast was featured on the Grumpy’s-Roubaix ride and is a wonderful secret within the city.

4) Ohio St. the climb everyone knows and loves. I personally like to go straight all the way to the end rather than cut it short on Cherokee, but I am tough like that.

5) The switchbacks of Ramsey Hill. Straight out of Europe.

6) From the Farmer’s Market in downtown St. Paul all the way up to the top of Mounds Park Boulevard. This is arguably one of the best climbs in the area, but road construction has made it mostly useless this year. It will be back in action come July and I will be hitting it once a week.

That is the official list. You are not allowed to have your own opinions.

Discuss.

Today was the last day of the three day Memorial Day Weekend Cycling Classic presented by Tone, Mike and Big Blondie of the Lake Superior Cycling Team (although Tone now races for Silver Cycling…go figure). The crit today was in downtown Cloquet and it was fricken awesome. I can’t say enough about the organization, officials and volunteers for this weekends events.

Today also happened to be Sarah’s first ever criterium. I am super proud of her as she never gave up and she had nothing but complete determination for the two races (including Saturday’s time trial) that she entered and the terrible weather that greeted her both times. I am one lucky dude.

My race was once again fast and hard. I am proud of what the team was able to accomplish today. The Little Guy got a 6th place and Tufffy, The Proprietor and I were able to finish with the pack. I like to think that we did a fair amount of work for LG, but he is so damn good at fast cornering that he really did it all today. I am proud to call him a teammate.

This weekend was the first time all season that I felt like the team was running on all cylinders. We seemed cohesive and were able to locate one another in the pack well and the communication was better than average. As a first year team we have a long way to go, but I guarantee that by next season we will have a damn good team and we will be a force in the local pretend-bike race scene.

I do want to say a few things that come to mind.

1) Joe Hamlin is one of the nicest and cleanest bike racers out there. He is a beast and every time he races he has a smile on his face. I have never seen him angry or pull a cheap move. If you happen to be near him during a race he will tap you on your shoulder to invite you on the attack, or offer up his wheel for a sprint finish. There needs to be more people like him.

2) After the Women’s 4 race the Juniors lined up. In the first turn a junior crashed. There was some laughing from people watching the race. I was dumbfounded at first. I didn’t like hearing it from people I know and respect. When they informed me that it was the same junior that had crashed twice before at the Opus races this season I was taken a bit aback and I agreed with them that it might be a little funny. In retrospect it isn’t funny at all and I feel terrible for even considering it to be funny. I doubt he reads this drivel, but if he does I apologize for even considering it to be funny that he crashed. I wish that I only had half of the determination that he shows every race.

3) Luke from Decisive Moments broke his collar bone at his favorite race, Snake Alley Criterium in Iowa this weekend. I think that sucks.

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On the drive back from Duluth we listened to a variety of the Memorial Day 500 Rock Song countdown that litters the airwaves. “Tom Sawyer” was #102. That is a crime. It easily should have been in the top 50. Bastards. Motorhead wasn’t even in the top 100 either. That is lame. People need to get wise.

…someone needs to buy me tickets to see these guys…on Sunday 9/9/07 at the Xcel Energy Center. I think that would be the perfect engagement gift…

Wow. Today was the most difficult road race I have done yet. I feel like a dumptruck dumped two tons of kittens on me.

I worked my ass off today. The team had a plan and we did it as well as we could. The plan was to help Tuffy finish high up and help in his quest to be a cat3.

My job was basically to bring back all the Dooshes that went off the front. It was super painful. At one point I was pulling with Aaron Carter (not of N’sync) to bring back a big attack from Bantle.

It sucked. Tuffy just said, “no one can talk shit about Super Rookie even if they want too.” Boo fricken hoo. We didn’t win but we tried.

Hotpinkevil did some live blogging from the side of the road, I suggest you check it out.

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Cloquet Crit tomorrow. It is going to be sweet. Tone has been working hard to put on a sweet event. Big props to him and his team for not dropping the ball like all of the other teams in the metro area.

I love Duhwoof.

Today was the first day of the Duluth Cycling Weekend. On tap for today was the Wrenshall TT. The course was mostly flat with some rollers thrown in over 16miles.
I came in with an 8th place finish in the 3s so I am now the designated team leader for all things ROY. Take that (dis).
Hotpinkevil did her very first TT today and I am very proud of her. No aero equipment and rainy windy conditions definetly didn’t make it enjoyable.

Road race tomorrow. Timmer is wussing out as is Smithers, Homme, (dis), Ped, Fil, half of the MCF.

Good turn out today. 70plus riders. Timmer lost to Casper or maybe Casper lost to Timmer. Jammer took home third.
We are passing the Richard Bong bridge aka The Dick Bong bridge…it is a little foggy today.

I was perusing the internet just prior to our departure to Duluth for the Memorial Day Weekend Cycling Classic and I saw this picture on the Star Tribune Blog “Buzz.MN”

Name the picture and where it is from…you will note that it is pro bike riders going over the Hennipen Ave. Bridge

Name the year…event…winner.

Peace.

I took today off 6months ago in order to properly prepare and promote the 1st stage of the Tour of 10,000 Lakes at the State Fairgrounds. My team was going to step up in order to make this race a reality. Do to logistical, rider apathy and team apathy the To10K is not happening this year.

Instead we are going up to Duluth for a little 3race weekend. I am pretty darn excited for it and I am also a bit relieved that we are not promoting a race today. I wish we had the stage race, but in the end it nice not having any responsibility and having to deal with riders bitching at every little thing.

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Everyone is having a press conference about their cycling past. Zabel and Aldag admit. Bjarne Riis admitted to doping during his ‘96 Tour win. The only rider that hasn’t had a press conference regarding their cycling past is myself. So, I would like to read a prepared statement that my attorneys and I feel would be appropriate on the matter.

“Hello and thanks for coming. I do ask that you allow me to read this statement in full before asking questions. In the past few days many professional cyclists have come clean regarding their past doping offenses. Since this is becoming the kitschy thing to do I have decided to create a press release so I can fit in with all of my cycling heroes.

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I commend all of them for their recent revelations. I am assured by Lance, Tyler and Floyd that no other Americans have ever participated in doping. I thought I would share my side of the story.

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When I first started as a racer it was very tough in the cat4/5 fields at Blaine and on the road. I was always looking for an edge. I must admit. I tried everything to become a faster rider. Tighter uniform, shaving legs, drinking coffee, snorting crack cocaine and most of all using a ridiculous amount of drugs.

The drugs are the reason for my past success. I have not reached the cat3 ranks of regional racing with out the help of; Heroin, Smack, Crack, Helium, Cobalt, ADFAD, Oxycontin, Face Wash and large amounts of Aspirin.

My natural hemocrit is 13. Not the 61% that I have a TEU release form for. My parents in fact are normal humans not the superheroes I have told you about. I am not a direct descendant from The Flash and Wonderwoman.

I hope this clears the air over my boundless success on the road and on the track in the Upper Midwest Region of Cycling.

Without my fans and fiancee standing by me this would not have been possible. I hope to return to racing tomorrow and not face any bans. I can live with myself now.

Thank you for your time and concern.”

From an earlier conversation with the founder of NickelNuts.com

‘Hey Homme(pronounced like Homey The Clown), who is going to win the Giro?’

‘The Great Serpintino.’

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HPE took me to the 22nd Ave. Station last night with Jim R. and two other who may want to remain anonymous. It was a hoot…but I have washed my hands every half hour since the experience.

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I can’t get the linky thing to work from my mobile or I would show you a sweet guest post of mine over on Nickelnuts.com. It has to do with the Zabel confession.

My favorite rapper used to have a line, “it’s going to be a revolution so fuck ‘em all cause it’s all about Starcraft, palm pilots and doing what you don’t say.”

Exciting racing at Hello Velo this past Saturday made for a few big shake ups in this weeks PR.

So many big moves, and a few key no-shows made deciding the PR a difficult task…

So, after several long, late night meetings, more than a few boxes of Krispy Cremes, and countless cups of coffee and packs of smokes later, this is the result.

Enjoy the Week Two NSC Track Power Rankings
…Men…

1. James Tainter  Hollywood -Rode Hello Velo in the US National Champions Jersey. Like a champ, he was only one who tried to chase Hanna’s move in the Keirin.

2. Luke Winger  Lees-Mcrae -Still on fire, like his juggling pins.

3. Brian Crosby U of M -Fancy wheels. Fancy attitude.

4. Doug Regester Tonka -Has the Wiley Cyote been hit by the proverbial anvil?

5. Chris Smith Urthel Team 35+ -The Puma is stealthly climbing the rankings like a… er, puma.

6. Chris Ferris Sub 12 -It’s gotta be the small wheels…

7. Joe Hamlin Hollywood -Probably still pulling out the splinters from Hello Velo.

8. Tyler Denniston Cat Sex -A Hello Velo no-show dropped him in the PR. (The field at OPUS dropped him too).

9. Kevin Schaefer Loon State -Skibby sez, “Power Rank This Too.”

10. Andy Kruse Hollywood -Sickboy up a few more spots… is he on the hunt for the TROY jersey??

11. Rob Danneker Grumpy’s/LGR -Even though Kruse is the stoker, Tuffy is just behind in the Power Rankings.

12. Pete Hanna Grand Performance -Huge win at Hello Velo put Hanna on the map, but now he won’t show up again for a month…

13. Tim Mulroony Hollywood -Got an upgrade to the Cat 3’s, probably deserves another one too.

14. Ben Dubay LSC -Was seen riding.

15. Fred Stephens unknown -Who?

Others to watch in the Men fields:
Ben Richter (UA): We still expect big things from big ben.
Ted Schmid (LSC): Bigger than the Donimater?
Taylor Olsen (LSC): Bigger than Schmid!
Matt Allen (LGR): If he’d shave his legs he’d pick up at least 2 mph… I’m just sayin’…
Tim Hayes (LGR): blah, blah, blah, super rookie!

…Women…

1. Gwen Steel  Grumpy’s/LGR -Holds the #1 in the PR and wears the TROY leaders jersey! Holy Crap!

2. Amber Koehler Alan Factory -Steady and strong competition, but she’ll really have to bring it to bump Gwen from #1.

3. Sarah Browkaw Gopherwheelmen -News Flash: Super strong showing at Hello Velo, but will she show on a thursday night??

4. Steph Thompson U of M -Losing ground, but she can make it back quickly if she ditches the zero.

5. Steph Sibet u/a -The newbie is proving to be a force to be reckoned with.

Others to watch in the Womens field:

Barb Harrick (Velo Bella): She didn’t win anything, but went home with $40 in primes on Saturday. Pure genius.
Sarah Stratton (LGR): Obviously taught Pete Hanna everything he knows about track racing.
Elena Dorr (U of M): Hello? Are you out there? Hello?
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Come on people please bitch about these amazing rankings! We all know that they are 100% perfect and we really don’t care if you agree with them or not. Hell, I don’t agree with all of them, but compromise is key when fighting for the last Krispy Kreme.