'07 Scott

I need some help. This new mtn bike by Scott looks awesome. However, they say it weighs 1800 grams. Well I am a stupid American and don't know the metric system. About how many pounds is 1800 grams? My life would be lot easier if the REST of the world would quit using meters and grams. Oh wait a minute . . . does that confirm I am a Caseyite by wanting life easier?

Trick or Treat

Guess what I'm going to be for halloween?

I'm wasting my life away

It seems I can't open an issue of Bike Mag these days without seeing my name. Only this time I'm getting bad press. I just got called out by some guy named Mark Forster from Lincoln Nebraska....... A few moths ago I sat down and hammered out a pithy letter to Bike Mag thinking it would be cool to make it into their letters to the editor section. Here's a quick synopsis of my letter; Your magazine has filled my head with useless information because I lack the time and resources to own the most expensive bikes and travel to the most exotic locations, however I enjoy the escape it provides, keep up the good work. Much to my surprise, My letter was prominently displayed 2 months later as the letter of the month. On top of the warm fuzzies I received by just seeing my letter, Bike Mag also sent me some super cool Dakine bags (3 in all). Now Mark comes along and hates all over my parade. Apparently Mark's life is suitable for a biographical entry into Oprah's book club. Something about breaking his back, learning Tae Kwon Do and then building his first wheel from scratch, blah blah blah. I barely got through the whole letter because his life-story made me a bit weepy. The point of his letter wasn't just to tell us how great he was but actually to tell the world that I am "the least goal-oriented person he's ever heard of". According to Mark, it's more than just me with this problem. I actually have minions that follow in my unmotivated footsteps. He refers to us as "Caseyites".
Well Mark, your inspirational words have not been wasted on me and my followers. Your remarkable life has hit me like a cattle prod from heaven and I am now publicly calling on all of the "Caseyites" to join me in reclaiming our wasted lives. The time for action is now. Step one: inform your wife that this Friday will be the last day you collect a paycheck. Occasionally you might see a cash prize from a race, (unlikely though, seeing as you're an average rider at best) but other than that, money will soon become a little scarce. No worries though, because your parents are going to assume custody of your kids so that we can move into a commune with other bikers dedicated to the teachings of Mark. Together we can "start focusing on what we want and not what we don't have." (Mark 1:16) Amen! I'm sure that with this new outlook I will achieve many great things. None of which will have anything to do with being a good husband, good father or a dedicated employee. From here on out it's all about fulfilling my own selfish desires baby..........Does anyone know a good Tae Kwon Do instructor?
By the way, there is one thing that I know I will never want for because I already own it in abundance, Dakine back-packs. Hey Mark what'd you get for your letter?

Wooden bikes

Wooden Bikes.

Riding on borrowed time

So a few months ago I had a little mishap while my bike was on my bike rack. The aftermath was a bruised but not broken frame. Apparently the manufacturer doesn't recommend dropping your bike while going 65 on the interstate.



I've had a few people who get paid to know what they are talking about look at the dent. I've gotten a variety of responses, ranging from "oh geez! That’s not safe!" To "Oh I wouldn't worry about it, I rode on a bike with a crack in it for 5 years". The other day I stumbled upon this on the internet and had visions of a horrible crash.





All I can do now is make sure I always have a camera with me. That way I can capture all of the carnage.

Growing up

I replaced my saddle and adjusted my brakes today.

I'm a regular mechanic.

Pictures from Sunday at Manawa

I'm not sure who initiated this, but it sure was uncomfortable for the rest of us.


The Don trying his hand at drops.


The Professor prepares to explode into the air.


The Don manages to make it onto the log.


Lumpy's got tha skillz to pay tha billz.

Labor Day 50

Plans are underway to bike the Wabash Labor Day weekend. Whose in? The thought was, start before lunch and have our families meet us at the end for dinner. I am assuming the day (sat., sun., or mon.) that most people can go will be the day. According to Lumpy, if you are not out of town that weekend this event is not optional. By the way, there is about 9 miles of single track near the beginning.

90 to 10

Unless the Trek Store gets a new rear shock by Friday, I am probably not racing at Swanson this weekend. Now normally that would really bum me out. I often get upset when mechanical problems or inclument weather ruin a good ride. However, a recent picture reminded me what a real bike problem is.

Camping at 7 Oaks.

Goatheads, start looking at your calendars. We need to pick a date for camping and riding at Seven Oaks. I'll throw out two dates just to get the ball rolling; Sept. 9th or Oct. 7th.
Hopefully we can find a weekend that works for everybody. Show up Friday with an opinion.
If you've never been to Seven Oaks, you're missing out. Good spot for camping and 14 miles of pretty challenging single track. If I can find video or pictures from last year's trip, I'll post them just to wet your appetite. I know I have some video that J-Mac's wife would pay to keep off the internet.

"HUCKBUTT"

That's it! The official name of the next Goathead! Now, who will it be??? The Donald, perhaps?

My helmet Cam

A few months ago, I decided to turn my old helmet into a helmet-cam.



I'm pretty happy with the way it mounts on there, but I have had limited success capturing the kind of video I want. On Saturday, the Professor and I went to Platte. If it seems like the music is moving a lot faster than we are, it is. We were both taking it pretty easy because the heat was oppressive that day and because neither of us wants to be the first to wreck with the camera on. My wife still hates the idea of me strapping it to my head.



Anything posted to Google video comes back grainy and choppy, besides that, does anyone have any advice? I'm thinking about purchasing a wide angle lens for my camera. Maybe that will help.

Like Stainless Steel Candy

These arrived today..
 
Shoe shopping time! 

90%

I think there is a good chance I might do the next MTB race at Swanson. Anybody else up for it?