Things I am Thankful For
Currently I am on vacation with my family in Bozeman, Montana (if you live around here let me know and we can get coffee.) The post are limited, and the thinking of bicycles is rare. I’m doing my best to spend time with my family, meet new family and freeze my rear off in the snow.
Christmas is a great time to look back and be thankful for what you have and what you were able to achieve in the past year. I’m not a very religious person but the Christmas holiday always leaves me feeling very humbled and thankful for my life and loved ones.
My List of Thanks for Cycling
EM:PWR Cycling - a great group of cyclist coming together to get more people one bikes
The Memory of Jeff Papenfus – Jeff was an amazing figure in cycling in the Southeast, he is missed.
A Patient Partner at 6 Hours of Warrior Creek - Thank you Melissa for not making me do another lap.
Airborne Flight Crew – A great opportunity to ride a good bike, a free trip to Sea Otter and meeting new people.
Motivational Monday – It inspires me weekly when strangers will answer my questions about their cycling lives.
My Support Team at 24 Hours of Burn – Patient, funny, great cooks, horrible mechanics and amazing people.
Full Review: 2012 Raleigh RX 1.0 Women’s Cyclocross Bike
For the past month I have been cruising around on the 2012 Raleigh RX 1.0 Women’s cyclocross bike. A good amount of people emailed and tweeted about the bike, so there must be an interest in women’s cyclocross! You can read the preview over yonder.
Spec’s of the Raleigh RX 1.0 You Should Know
Weight for the 56cm is 21.5 lbs
The drivetrain is mostly SRAM Apex, other than TRP brakes and FSA BB30 cranks
MSRP is $1,650
The colors are stunning and I really enjoyed the sea foam green
Overall Feelings
The bike for the price point is solid. I’m sure you’ll be able to find it a bit cheaper out there, as it is MSRP advertised and most shops run lower than MSRP in store. The setup is proven, the brakes stopped, the tires hooked up beautiful and are some of the best tires I’ve seen on a stock cross bike under $2k.
Recommendations
After my first real ride I swapped the seat. You should know my love of Fizik Vesta saddles and that is what was put on the seatpost. I didn’t change out anything else, not the handlebars, stem, seatpost or tires. This bike (other than saddle which is personal preference) is out of the box ready to race and be ridden hard. My only other recommendation is to take some very fine grit sand paper to the braking surface of the rims. Painted rims aren’t my favorite and after a couple tacky races the paint started wearing off the braking strip and the brakes worked much better.
If you are a first time cyclocross racer, or using this bike for commuting/general purpose riding, leave the sissy brakes on the handlebars. They come in handy and I really enjoyed them there even though I have made fun of them in the past.
Fit of a Women’s Cyclocross Bike
Raleigh women’s line fits me. It always has. Out of the box I can take their 56cm and set the seat height and be done. I don’t need to change the stem length or angle. With that, I am biased on the fit of this bike. Normally for a cyclocross bike to fit me I either have to ride a size bigger with a shorter stem in order to have the head tube height I need, or I run a size that “fits me” and end up with lower back pain on long rides.
Final Thoughts
This is a great option in the women’s cyclocross bike market. The colors are very neutral and appealing to many different types of women. I hope shops stock them and once cyclocross season is over they sell them with a commuter tire. With rack and fender eyelets this is a great year around bike. The spec of the bike is solid, the wheels are stout and it should take any road or cyclocross course you throw at it. At 21.5 lbs some women may complain they need a lighter bike, but this is a price point cyclocross bike. Either a great 2nd pit bike, or a 1st bike to try the sport, or to try commuting and general purpose riding.
Go check out Raleigh and all they are doing for cyclocross in the US.
Disclaimer: Raleigh USA provided this bike for review, I wasn’t paid or bribed.
Tech Tuesday: How to Adjust a Threadless Headset
Make sure to visit the sponsors of this posts.. Problem Solvers!
One concern that so many women (and guys) have with owning a bike is the basics of fixing it, or how to do basic road side repairs. I do recommend that as an avid cyclist even with some mechanical skills that you should become best buds with your local mechanic (beer or ice cream works well.) I also want women to feel empowered and to have a better idea of what they are talking about. Tech Tuesday is the remedy for common tech questions!
Today’s Tech Tuesday is based around adjusting your threadless headset. Threadless headsets are what 99% of new bikes come with these days, thanks to Cane Creek, and works with the bearings are pulled together by a nut placed inside of your fork steerer, then the stem is tightened down to hold everything in place.
Steps to Adjust your Threadless Headset
Step 1: Make sure that it is your headset that is loose. Often a loose headset is misdiagnosed by a loose quick release, brake caliper or front hub. We check the headset by grabbing the front brake only, rocking the bike front to back, if you feel movement you then turn the handlebars to the side and again rock the bike front to back.
Step 2: Once you are sure that it is your headset that is loose, or perhaps you have installed a new stem, loosen your stem steerer bolts so the stem can be moved side to side. You do not need to take the bolts out. Now tighten the top (stem) cap, you do not need to wrench down on it, but it should be snug. Rock the bike front to back to make sure the movement is gone.
Step 3: Tighten your stem down, making sure it is lined up with your wheel properly.
Step 4: Loosen the top cap a hair so not to cause the bearings to bind
Step 5: Move your handlebars side to side to make sure the headset is not too tight. If you feel binding repeat steps 2-4 but don’t tighten the top (stem) cap as much.
Step 6: Check over all the bolts and go enjoy and properly steering bike.
Motivational Monday with Wendy Davis
Motivational Monday, a Monday tradition at Bike Shop Girl, my goal to keep you motivated and to be striving on the bike even during a hard week or long hours at work. Are you a woman that bicycles? Fill out this easy form and be part of our motivational movement!
What’s your name and location?
Wendy Davis in great Missouri
What type of cycling do you enjoy?
mountain, single-speed, gravel, cross, road
What is your first cycling memory?
June 16 2007 was my first mountain bike ride as an adult. I pedaled 1.5 miles and launched myself over a cliff. A visit to the ER confirmed a broken elbow. In that short time I found my destiny. I fell in love with mountain biking that day.
Who inspires you to ride, and better yet WHY?
I ride to inspire others to ride. I want people to see that if I can do it, so can they. The bike has made me happier and healthier. I keep riding because it makes me a better human.
What has been your best moment on the bike so far this year?
Racing at Sea Otter courtesy of Airborne Bicycles and crushing gravel at the Dirty Kanza 200
Tell us all about your bikes
2009 Specialized hard-tail singlespeed
2011 Kona Jake the Snake
2011 Airborne Goblin
Read more about Wendy over at her blog!
Review: Raleigh Capri 4.0 Women’s Road Bike
I love steel bicycles, I know that isn’t a way you should start off a review of an aluminum bike but there is a reason…
Raleigh Capri 4.0 Spec from Raleigh USA
MSRP: $1,650
SIZES: 45cm XS, 49cm SM, 52cm SM/MD, 54cm MD/LG, 56cm LG
FRAME: Atomic 13 SL Hydroformed, Butted Tubing, Women’s RE2P Geometry
FORK: Custom Carbon Composite w/Alloy Steerer
SHIFTER, F. DERAIL, R.DERAIL, GEAR, CRANKS: Shimano Ultegra with 34/50t cranks and 11-28t cassette
BRAKES: Shimano 105
WHEELS: Weinmann TR18 and
TIRES: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700x23c
HANDLEBAR: Avenir 200 Series Road, 31.8 Women’s Short Drop
SEAT/STEM/HANDLEBAR: Avenir 200 Series & Women’s Road Seat
EXTRAS: Rack and Fender Mounts, Cateye Reflector Set, Clear Coat, Owner’s Manual
Initial Impression of the Capri 4.0
Back in June I took delivery of a box with a large Raleigh logo on the side. Inside was a Raleigh Capri 4.0 to build up and push through the p
aces. While I have ridden several Raleigh bicycles over the years but I have never tried out their women’s geometry. Let’s see if Raleigh knows their women shall we?
Step 1: Build Bike. Step 2: Fix the creaking in the front wheels. Step 3: Change out Avenir saddle. Step 4: Ride bike for 600 miles over 5 weeks.
Key Details of the Capri 4.0
At the $1500 to $2000 level for aluminum bikes the details are really what speak. No longer are you looking at a bike on a budget, or trying to find the best entry level bike for starting out. At the $1,500 range you start looking for a bike that will last you for a good while, see a ton of miles and have a great parts line up.
The Shimano Ultegra 6700 had me at hello, and the fact that Raleigh finally got the message to not short change you at the shifters or cranks is another great thing. Normally bike manufactures will cut cost by giving you a certain level of components but cut costs but only giving you a derailleur at that level with the other parts a level down.
Ultegra 6700 shifters, cranks, chain, cassette, derailleurs (front and back!) The only thing that isn’t Ultegra is the 105 brakes, still great and great step up from most no-name/Tektro that other bike makers slap on.
Avenir stem, handlebar and seatpost are solid. The handlebars are comfortable and the handlebar tape feels like cloth at first but stays comfortable with use.
Raleigh Capri Women’s Bike Fit
The Raleigh Capri is the first road bike (ever) I didn’t need to change out the stem and/or handlebar. I am a great example of a true women’s fit but very tall. 5’10 wit ha 33″ inseam.
The only thing I swapped was the saddle as I need a “cooter hole or channel” but the Avenir saddle, that looks much like a Fi’zi:k, is on a friends bike and she loves it. In my photos their is a Crank Brothers seatpost installed but this is due to recently putting it on for review, not because the Avenir seatpost did anything wrong.
Overall Feelings of the Capri
I have spent many, many, many hours on the Capri. This is a swing price point type of bike and I wanted to make sure women that read this bike get the feedback they need as it’s either their first bike or their upgrade bike. The bike is stellar. For $1,650 the bike rides wonderful, the shaped aluminum felt like a entry level carbon bike or a mid-level steel bike. Yes, I said steel bike. The Ultegra will last for dozens of thousands of miles.
The downfall of this bike are two. First, the weight of 22 lbs for a 56cm road bike. Second, the wheels. The wheels creaked, popped and are squirmy. I rode the bike with a pair of Mavic Ksyrium SL for a few days on a bike tour on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The bike became a dream and it also lost three pounds. $1000 pair of wheels can do that to a lot of bikes, and it seems to be a common trend for that mid level bike. New wheels and a completely new bike.
Raleigh dealers said they would warranty my wheels if they continued to creak and pop. I spun up the tension on the spokes and it seemed to fix the problem, but that shouldn’t be done by a standard consumer without wheel building experience. Leave any creaking and popping to your dealer, it will be covered by warranty if you happen to have this problem.
I would certainly suggest this bike to friends and customers, other then the wheels and weight this bike is a stellar for the price.
Raleigh Capri 4.0 Bikes in Photos
The 2012 Raleigh Capri line preview came out a few weeks ago. Check out the latest from Raleigh over here or visit Raleigh’s website, RaleighUSA.com
This product was given to me at no charge for reviewing. I was not paid or bribed to give this review and it will have my honest opinion or thoughts through out.
How To: Properly Setup and Adjusting Avid BB5 Brakes
One concern that so many women (and guys) have with owning a bike is the basics of fixing it, or how to do basic road side repairs. I do recommend that as an avid cyclist even with some mechanical skills that you should become best buds with your local mechanic (beer or ice cream works well.) I also want women to feel empowered and to have a better idea of what they are talking about. Tech Tuesday is the remedy for common tech questions!
As you know I have beenrocking the Airborne Delta CX bike for this summer going into cyclocross season. Originally I was struggling to adjust the Avid BB5 road calipers that come stock on the cyclocross bike. (Yes, it is a disc brake cyclocross bike.) After several tries at adjusting the brakes as Avid outlines on their website I finally started from scratch using good ole common sense! Once I sorted out my disc brake issues I was getting messaged and questioned about what I did to get them to stop well and not rub!
There are tons of great resources out there showing you the basic ways to adjust the brakes, but they left out key details. Let’s forget about those other instruction and start from the top.
Tools You’ll Need
Torx wrench, 5mm allen, business card and a computer to read this how to on.
Setup and Adjusting Avid BB5 MTB Brakes
Click to Enlarge
Check brake pads for wear. If your brakes are used at all there is a great chance the pads were worn incorrectly and will never align right. Remedy by sanding or replacing the pads, normally sanding with a fine grit will fix this problem.
Loosen the mounting bolts for the caliper, some bikes have the caliper mount directly to the fork, loosen those bolts. This will allow the caliper to move side to side. Check if your washers are worn or if you can see any grooves out of the normal. If you do, file/sand down or replace.
Loosen brake cable fixing bolt, this will allow the fixed pad to pull all the way out.
Turn the adjustable brake pad (red knob with Torx in middle) counter clockwise to turn out.
Place a business card between a the fixed pad and rotor. Fixed pad is on the outside (look at diagram above)
Turn the adjustable brade pad (red knob with Torx in middle) clockwise, use a Torx wrench if need be to tighten down as tight as you can with out breaking it!
Tighten the mounting bolts to the caliper.
Pull the brake cable tight to the fixing bolt, make sure the barrel adjuster on the caliper and the barrel on the brake lever both are turned in all the way, then backed out a full turn and a half. Tighten down the fixing bolt on the brake cable.
Back out the adjustable brake pad one or two turns, counter clockwise so it isn’t touching the rotor. On the back of the Delta I had to back out an extra 1/4 of a turn for out of the saddle movement of the rear end.
Pull out the business card.
Use the adjustable brake pad to change the feel of the brake lever, use the barrel adjusters to adjust cable tension as well.
Check over all bolts and proceed to ride beautiful riding Avid brakes.
North Carolina Womens Cyclocross Clinic
Bicycling skills clinics are an interesting thought. Adults, having skills clinics in the way you would for your favorite sport as a kid. For myself I need to become confident again going into barriers, and $40 for 6 hours of someones time is a great deal. Stackhouse is limiting the field for good instructor to class size so please sign up so I have friends at the event!
North Carolina Women’s Cyclocross Clinic in Boone
Sunday September 11, 10AM to 4PM
Boone Fairgrounds, 738 Roby Green Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Two clinics at one location: our second annual Women’s’ Only CX Clinic featuring National Champion Ashley James and MSG champ Kim Bishop, and a cyclocross skills clinic for the boys led by Jacob Florence.
The Boone Fairgrounds, home of the High Country Cyclocross Series, is a great venue with agood mix of easy and challenging terrain where you can hone your skills, covered pavilions for lunch and lecture sessions, as well as ample parking. Clinics will be held at separate parts of the Fairgrounds so each group can separately practice skills including starts, cornering, barriers, run ups, and more, as well as pointers on training, nutrition, bike setup, pre-race rituals and more from National Champion Ashley James and some of the best cyclocross racers in the Southeast
Early Bird Registration is only $40 until the end of August, Pre-Registration is $50 until September 10 at Noon. Day-of registration is $65. Lunch is included.
Online Registration now open – clinics are capped at 30 participants each
USAC license (Road or MTB) is required. One day license is $5.
For Directions Click Here
Register at BikeReg.com or email us to learn more
2012 Raleigh Bicycles Women’s 29er Mountain Bikes
This is part of a series of short posts releasing the new 2012 Raleigh Bicycles women’s line. Everything from 29er mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids, more carbon and women’s cyclocross bikes. I’ve got the scope, but we can thank Raleigh’s Sally on this one.
2012 Raleigh Eva 29er Women’s Mountain Bikes
You are hearing it here first, two models of 29ers for women from Raleigh for 2012. Yes, another large bike manufacturer seeing that women like 29ers too. Each model of the Raleigh Eva 29 will be available in three sizes, Sm, MD, LG, with women’s geometry (waiting for geometry chart.) Both bikes are mid to entry level but a great place to start for Raleigh. Once I see the geometry I’ll give more feedback! Raleigh did get the brake rotor size right. 180mm front rotors and 165mm rear rotors on both bikes.
2012 Raleigh Eva 29 Comp $1,050
SR Suntour 80mm fork with lockout. A mix of Shimano Deore and Alivio in 9-speed and Tektro Draco Hydralulic brakes.
2012 Raleigh Eva 29 Sport $770
Suntour XCR 80mm fork with lockout. Shimano Alivio 9-speed and Hayes Mechanical disc brakes.
Review: Airborne Delta CX
I won’t lie, the Airborne Delta CX was the most exciting part of becoming a member of the Airborne Flight Crew this past spring. I was going to have the inside scoop, test ride and ride for a season a wonderful cyclocross bike that hopefully would crack open a huge “hidden nut” in the bicycle industry. A budget priced, disc brake, cyclocross bike. As a lover of cyclocross bikes for the utility and functionality, this bike fit right into my arsenal to refer friends and followers to.
Why a Cyclocross Bike?
Cyclocross bicycles to me don’t require you to race cyclocross, or even to know what cyclocross racing is. Instead, I’ve always looked at them as utility road bikes. You are able to run skinny tires (most cross rims can go down to 700×23) with more clearance for fenders, racks and all in a more upright position for commuting or those starting to ride on the road. These bikes are often equipped with more durable wheels, easier gearing and sometimes more durable frame/forks. The person buying one won’t have to worry about staying only on the pavement as ‘cross bikes handle gravel and light off road very well. Before the “comfort” fits that companies started coming out with 6-7 years ago I would put customers on ‘cross bikes for the more upright and comfortable fit.
Initial Thoughts of the Airborne Delta CX
The first time I rode the Delta CX was commuting from Monterrey California to the 2011 Sea Otter Classic. Straight up a huge hill, with the very aggressive tread cyclocross tires that come stock on the bike. I knew the bike wasn’t really setup for me, and all I had was 9 miles of trying it out but I really enjoyed the bike, especially the mountain bike cassette on the rear!
Fast forward a couple months, my second ride on the Delta CX was again a commute, 27 miles from my work in Charlotte North Carolina home to Mooresville North Carolina. Unfortunately it was a commute from hell. A flat in the middle of the worse part of town, a slipping seat post, and a creaking bottom bracket. All of these things are my own fault, a demo bike that was used in Sea Otter deserved a complete overhaul before a serious first ride. I didn’t give my little bike that luxury.
On my commute I did realize a few things on the bike quickly:
- I love disc brakes on cyclocross bikes
- The handlebars were super narrow
- Installing a standard rear rack on this bike would be difficult, time to look at disc brake specific rear racks.
Initial weight of my 55cm without pedals or bottle cages was 23.5 lbs
Critical Highlights Important to Me
In no specific order there is several things I feel folks should know about the bike when they are looking at it.
Obviously is the SRAM Apex drive train (minus cranks) which gives you 2×10 technology with gearing of 46/36 cranks and 11-32t cassette. Perfect for someone looking for a do all bike, and someone getting into cyclocross.
Next up is the disc brakes. This is something that is becoming a trend now that the UCI (main rule makers for pro cyclocross racers) have approved disc brakes starting this coming season. We will see in the next couple seasons a ton of manufactures expanding or switching their current cyclocross line up to disc brake equipped or at least disc brake ready frames and fork. You should know that the front disc is 160mm, standard disc brake sizing. The rear is a 140mm, which is perfectly fine for this usage but you normally only see this size on XC weight weenies.
Ability for fenders and a rear rack. The main guy behind product development, Jeremy Mudd, wanted this bike to be able to a little bit of everything. With rear rack mounts on the top of the seat stays and mounts for fenders at the bottom bracket chain stay bridge, and fork drop outs. You will need a disc brake rear rack, the guys at Airborne recommend the Blackburn EX-1 Disc that comes with a skewer to mount the bottom of the rack to.
Well equipped and well priced. Airborne Bicycles takes out the bicycle shop from the equation, saving the end user the extra margin that the bike shop would need. At an MSRP of $1,199 I can guarantee you won’t find a well equipped bike like this, with proper research and development behind it.
A warranty. Do I need to say more? How many “mail order” companies deliver a warranty with their bike, and a customer service line to call with any questions.
Swapping Parts on my Delta CX
Quickly I needed to change a few things out, saddle (immediately), handlebar, handlebar tape, tires, and seatpost.
Tires were swapped to my normal Kenda Small Block 8 that I live on other than muddy races. I’m able to pump up the tires to 80lbs and ride the bike on the road while still having the ability to hop off road when I need.
Handlebar was swapped mainly due to size. The 42cm FSA handlebar that comes stock on the bike measures 38cm center to center, causing shoulder pain and making the bike feel very twitchy.
When I swapped handlebars I installed Lizard Skin DSP 2.5 in Pink, but kept the stock stem.
Seat was immediate to a WTB Diva demo saddle, and the seatpost is a Ritchey WCS aluminum.
After swapping out these parts and installing Crank Brothers Candy SL (in pink) the bike currently sits at 22.1 lbs
Long Term Feelings of the Delta CX
Overall I am really enjoying the Delta. The disc brakes are encouraging when I hit some single track on the bike, and the mountain bike sized rear cassette has bailed me out on some steep mountain bike climbs. Now that I’ve swapped out all of the “touch points” I can say that the bike is handling and riding as I want. The last large upgrade will be the wheels, in hopes to bring the bike under the 20 lb mark for hauling over barriers this fall and winter during cyclocross races!
The Avid BB5 disc brakes do take some time to setup and be proper. Part of that is the long throw road calipers and disc brakes, part of that is the close tolerances I like to run on my disc brakes.
If you are in the market take the time and go check out the Airborne Delta CX before they sell out for cyclocross season. The bike might not fit your needs, but it will crack open that nut of the cyclocross market like no other mass producer will have the ability to do so.
Visit Airborne Bicycles, tell them I sent you.
FTC Disclaimer : I was not paid or bribed for this review. The Airborne Delta CX was loaned to me, Arleigh Jenkins, for free for the 2011 entire season. I was flown to Sea Otter for an all expense paid trip with Airborne Bicycles but hopefully you know from reading my reviews that the trip, nor the bike would change how I feel about the bike.
Exclusive Preview: Road Holland The Aalsmeer Jersey
A sneak peak exclusive for Bike Shop Girl from our friends at Road Holland. The folks at Road Holland are pulling their subtle styles and beautiful reasoning into a lighter weight merino wool (and polyester) full zip jersey, The Aalsmeer. It helps the jersey comes in two of my favorite colors, light blue and ORANGE! Did I mention they are being made in Miami?? Most of the photos displayed are the women’s jerseys but we are sneaking in a few of the guys for all you male lurkers out there! 
Welcome The Aalsmeer Jersey from Road Holland
When we launched Road Holland, we were flooded with emails from women who applauded our no girly-girl flower print design aesthetic. However, we underestimated a couple of things. One – that women like full zip jerseys just as much as men (even moreso if they wear bibs and we’ll leave it at that…). And two – that they really like Royal Orange.We listened and The Aalsmeer, our newest poly-blend merino wool cycling jersey, is our response.Cut from a lighter than air fabric, The Aalmsmeer is the perfect combination of sophisticated styling and serious performance. We’ve included a subtle Road Holland crown embroidery on the collar which is then lined with a smart tulip print (the only flowers you’ll see on our jerseys!).On the back, there are 3 ample cargo pockets and an exterior stash pocket that is perfect for holding credit cards and cash – things you don’t want flying out when you reach for that energy bar.The Aalsmeer is available in Royal Orange (Go Cavs!), Carolina Blue (Go Heels!), and Milky White.KEY FEATURES79% Polyester / 21% Merino WoolRoad Holland embroidered accentsStriped print inside the collarThree rear cargo pocketsAngled exterior stash pocketWaist gripperEarbud/headphone cord pass-through in middle pocket MSRP of $120
With an MSRP of $120 it makes these jerseys very competitive, as long as the fit goes along with all the wonderful things I have heard about Road Holland I’m sure these will be a knock out of the park.
What is the word Aalsmeer mean?
First, Road Holland names all their jerseys after a town in Holland (get it, Road Holland?) and Aalsmeer is where 90% of the world’s flowers pass through…. goes with our saying “women want real flowers, not flower prints on their Jerseys”
About Road Holland
We make serious and stylish cycling wear. Serious because cycling demands clothes that fit well, perform well, and last. Stylish because we believe riders shouldn’t look like ad-emblazoned corporate team clowns just because they are on two wheels. Do you wear a full Redskins kit for that casual weekend match of flag football? What about an authentic Yankees uniform for the afterwork softballl game? We didn’t think so. So if you’re looking for skin-tight, dye-sublimated cheap polyester with lightning bolts, cereal box characters, and team sponsor logos, you won’t find them here. You also won’t find any pretentious attitude here about what and who constitutes cycling. What you will find are friendly down-to-earth people with a love for top-notch materials, always in style designs with fun accents, and flattering cuts that make you look good on and off the bike, whether you are a male, a female, a whip thin racer, or a Clydesdale.
Road Holland is essentially two guys, the founder is Jonathan Schneider the designer and guy behind all the designs and reasoning. Richard Grossman seems to be the man keeping all the wheels turning in the background! Both having essential jobs to making Road Holland a quick success over their first year. 
A Somber Motivational Monday: Jeff Papenfus
A day late, but I hope my readers can recognize why and this Motivational Monday (on Tuesday) reaches folks where it matters. The setup will be a bit different, as this is a story from my fingers on someone that has motivated me consistently over the past 10 months.
There are people that you meet in life that hold your thoughts, and make you strive to be a better person or citizen. An example is every time I meet a proud Marine it makes my heart skip a beat, knowing what is behind the Insignia of the Marine Corps. Coaches that make you be a better athlete, bosses that make you smarter employees and parents that create amazing human beings.
Jeff Papenfus was and will always be remembered as an amazing human being. Always there to coach, cheer and motivate. After my accident last year Jeff was one of the main online contributors that got me back on the bike. He has always been at the end of an email string when I’ve had small questions about adventure racing, bike teams, life and even computer technology.
This past spring when I started the talk of EM:PWR cycling, he was one of the first people stepping up with words of wisdom and throwing his own money into the pot for a team jersey. The jersey still sits in my desk drawer, waiting for the lunch he has promised me for the past 6 weeks.
This past weekend Jeff was finishing up a mountain bike ride, the exact cause of why he crashed is unknown but he crashed. Sliding down off the road and into a yellow jacket hive. A friend was trailing behind him and when she pulled up she tried to give CPR while dialing 911 and being stung by over 100 yellow jackets. Jeff was pronounced dead at the scene with a neck injury, my hopes are that it was quick and easy for his passing.
Jeff’s accident and passing has changed feelings in my head and soul more than I thought. A guy that touched so many people, and is still touching my thoughts after his passing. To dedicate my cyclocross season and bike rides do not seem to give it justice. To push myself that extra 50% every time I put out the effort in life, that doesn’t seem to give it justice either.
I employ all of you to go for a ride for Jeff this week. Take in the sights, feel the breeze, look at the leaves and enjoy yourself for a moment. We never know how many tomorrow’s are left.
All the lonely people cryin’
It could change if we just get started
Lift the darkness, light a fire
For the silent and the broken heartedWon’t you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won’t you stand up you girls and boys?Won’t you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won’t you stand up and use your voice?There’s a comfort
There’s healing
High above the pain and sorrow
Change is coming
Can you feel it?
Calling us in to a new tomorrowWon’t you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won’t you stand up you girls and boys?Won’t you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won’t you stand up and use your voice?When the walls fall all around you
When your hope has turned to dust
Let the sound of love surround you
Beat like a heart in each of usWon’t you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won’t you stand up you girls and boys?Won’t you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won’t you stand up and use your voice?Won’t you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won’t you stand up you girls and boys?Won’t you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won’t you stand upWon’t you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won’t you stand up and use your voice? – Sugarland
Follow Friday Links: Training for Cyclocross
I’m officially getting pumped for the upcoming cyclocross season. Maybe it is delirium over the heat lately, or maybe the simple feeling of setting a goal for myself and really wanting to meet it?
Over the years I have compiled a great list of resources for inspiration, information, tips and basic outlines of creating a training plan for the season. By no means am I recommended that any of these are replacing a dedicated coach, but it will give you some structure and inspiration! Next week I’ll work on the ‘cross blogs worth your following!
Training Peaks – Tons of training plans, great coaches, and their personal workout/food/training online system is killer. With a free option, or for a small fee a year they will track all your workouts, weight, nutrition and goals with ease! (I personally use this system, and have used it for the past 4 years.)
Cycle Smart - You can’t be in the cyclocross industry without hearing Adam’s name, or see the Cycle Smart kits. Adam has been an online friend of mine for years and always an inspiration come June/July through the winter.
CX Magazine – Daily news, tips and resources for the cyclocross racer.
Bike Radar - How to fit cyclocross training into a full time job
NC Cyclocross – My local series, come play with me!