: March 2012

Friday, March 30, 2012

TGIF

Haters,thugs,pimps and playa's its go time to get yo spring-thing enjoy!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

DOPAGE

Watch more video of Barry Roubaix: The Killer Gravel Road Race on thom.cyclingdirt.org

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Good Gawd, fools, Haters, lovers, fakers takers, liars, and posers.I cant wait no longer..better late than never besides...aint nothing worthwhile and relevant going on here so grab your dirty jack rags and move your tired ol self off to another place....what did i just say?
To consume and digest takes blood...and just because there wasn't any gnarly crashes,or guys dying... at BRX doesn't mean it wasn't no blood bath suck'a taken punches to the gut and getting greased doesnt always leave a puddle..but any fool or hater made the trip will tell you that it wasn't no grade school carnival cake walk.
Somethings go without saying BRX has now become the UN-officail trial by fire opening to the Miscene season..I aint saying its all that and shit..but its like gettin into a cold pool without the pre-ice shower.
So many things so few who frequent here care..so I aint gonna bore you with my play by play..but i will say this that taker, took home a dam fat wad of cash for his day the park, more than i can say for those that took the grease job..no matter cuz come next year it will be as thick as most sceners diet of carbon fiber.
Take it away sceners...
Big time
Sticky sand
neon=ugly
Cross bike
High wattage

Swamp Parking

Smooth roads

Roadie Bullshit

Pack Attack

Stragglers Galore

Skinny tires
MIA-DK
Mud puddles
low wattage
Mountain bike
Founders ale
up chuckin
no wattage
Fat tires
Leg cramps
Hot chics
Fat bikes
wiz ss
wtf
Fast dirt
Flat tires
cross bastard
Run ups
da bunny
no money
Broken hopes
Early peaks
D C
Road bikes
Big hills
rudy p
Kuhn=late
Heart pounding
Base miles
Blown up

Same Finish

Mahter Chill'n

parkinglot warm ups

tail gaters

Manderson Kill'n

Cold Beer

Mmmm Lil'debie

Mmmm girlfriends

I'm training
last minute
DG
First ride
evil dude
SI- MONSTER
Tandem bikes
Ugly dudes
aint easy
wiz downplays
again wtf
2 wheels
Fat People

Fat Bikes

Fuck You

Ride Faster...........

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Stick around Haters maybe ill speak something relative, or maybe i wont.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Scene ♥ VIA Dirt.

Watch more video of Barry Roubaix: The Killer Gravel Road Race on thom.cyclingdirt.org

Sunday, March 25, 2012

BRX via cyclingdirt p1

Watch more video of Barry Roubaix: The Killer Gravel Road Race on thom.cyclingdirt.org

BRX, more carnage to come

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Friday, March 23, 2012

sleep talkin

Can we talk? i know its been a while, and i got to hand it to you Haters..you kept it at bay and im DAM proud of you all..DAM..theres another D word..Makes me think of the last time me and Mike communicated, and since were sitting on the edge of no turning back for 2012..its good time to talk D.
So what do we got going on in the up coming days? Well ...you got the west side Ever Hyped BRX, and the always serous east side pride Spring Flingin..You all would be lying to yourself and don't lie to me..if you didst take any one of those with a thick ounce of Desire...the deep inner being of why you do what you do..the one that drives you to...... Dedication..the one that pushes you out your crib day in day out 100 miles before work, chasing questionable, or sit-tin on and carrying on long convo's with the Kenmore.And trust me fools quiet rumors and secret banter has it nearly everyone has both of those bases covered so far this year....but with all this Desire, and Dedication...you got ask yourself do I have the Discipline to keep the Direction? AH that's the question that often and it will get lost in translation..like some bunny once said its "big balls time"..a time to showem what all that Desire and Dedication has done for you since you last said its time for a break..come out swinging like there is No tomorrow...think about it haters 4 simple words, they all mean something different to all of you..There powerful words like all are.. and if used properly they can mean the difference between success and a lighter shade of grey.
And so it goes
the numbers are gonna be pinned and man sizes are gonna be measured this weekend a virtual steamy orgy latic acid bath entry to an already what has been "the most silently hyped entry into a season in TMS history"

cya soon.T

Thursday, March 22, 2012

VIA DIRT

Kimberly Thomas was just one spot shy of the win last year at Barry Roubaix. But word on the gravel roads is that she's been training her, uh — what's a less offensive word for ass? — off and defending champ Mackenzie Woodring isn't going to be showing up this year. (Rumors that Kim may have facilitated a roller-skates-related-accident involving Mackenzie are probably unfounded.) Chances are looking pretty good for Kim, we'll see how things turn out Saturday, March 24th, here on BigBikesMedia & Cyclingdirt.

11 Vaguely Barry Roubaix-Related Questions:

1. What do you know about this Barry Roubaix thing? What exactly are you doing up in balmy semi-northern Michigan on Saturday? Tell us about it.

Barry Roubaix is a fantastic race. Michigan and beyond has absolutely embraced it. It is a great course. Beautiful, challenging etc. with a great party afterwards. Stick around for beer and bon fire after the race. But my favorite thing has always been that it brings the road bike racers and the mountain bike racers together in one big race to shoot it out against each other and see where everyone stands early season. (Did I mention the great party.)

2. What kind of bike are you riding - cross, road, 29er...and why?

Cross bike (Felt). Because I love my cross bike and need more chances to ride it. I do believe a cross bike is generally best for the course, which is one of the things I love about Barry Roubaix. My friends out East want me to come do Battenkill. I prefer a course where I can be competitive on a cross bike rather than having to get beat up racing gravel on a road bike.

3. Are you gonna win? If not, why not? And who is?

The first thing I know is that we are all lucky that Mackenzie Woodring is just back on her bike after a broken leg this winter and will not be racing. Just for the record...any rumors that I pushed her down on roller skates to keep her off the Barry Roubaix podium are false! As for me, I'm going to give it my best shot. My fitness is still pretty early season after taking a break after trying to peak for Cyclocross Nationals and Masters Worlds in January. But I have a ton of endurance, so we'll see how it all pans out. My bets are on Sam Brode and Amy Stauffer (from Priority Health), but I don't know all of the riders this year. I am sure I am missing a great force out there. Kathy Everts (Real Women Tri) also is a good bet for the podium. But don't get me wrong. I'll be giving it my all to leave them in the dust.

4. Define Ultra CX. Is it just like regular cross, only with more lasers?

Beats me. We'll see I guess.

5. What is the appeal of gravel road or Ultra CX racing for you?

Gravel! But I love all things Cyclocross so that is a bonus.

6. How does your bike set up differ from the usual for a gravel road or Ultra CX race, if at all?

I have the same set up as last year. But I can't say I am basing that on much information. I haven't even pre-ridden the course this year.

7. What super-famous pro cyclist (besides yourself of course), from any discipline, would you like to see come do an Ultra CX race? (Even if it's only so you can see them suck big time.)

Easiest question yet. Adam Myerson! I am a huge Adam Myerson fan. In fact I might have a bit of a crush on him. If only he ate meat, was a fiscal conservative (with tattoos to match) and wasn't thinner than me, we might have a future together.

8. If Barry Roubaix were one, big UFC cage fight, who would win?

Malibu Barbie?

9. What is your plan of ATTACK?

This year I'm going to try not to lose control on that big right turn after Seager, endo and crash into a tree face first. I had a sore shoulder for 2 months last year from that crash. (Luckily for my off the bike life the marks on my face healed faster.) So my plan is to keep my hands on the handle bars when turning.

10. (No Googling on this one) Why is the race called Barry Roubaix? (Even if you know the answer, feel free to make something up involving Barry Manilow, Barry White, Barry Goldwater or all three.)

The race is in Barry County (isn't it?). We all know where Roubaix comes from. Incidentally, my pick to win this race in 7 years is my friend's (now) 11 year old daughter Emily Roubaix Seven.

11. If you had a gun, with two bullets, and you were in a room with Hitler, Bin Laden, and Garth Prosser, what would you do? (Hint: if you answered anything besides "Shoot Garth Prosser twice" you are WRONG.)

What would Adam Myerson say... Bikes not Guns... oh wait, that's themichiganscene.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

VIA DIRT

Derek Graham is a bad man. There have been three editions of Barry Roubaix and Derek has finished on the podium at all of them. In 2010 he stood on the top step of that podium. It would be safe to say that he is one of the favorites going into this year's race...which is this coming Saturday, March 24th. Watch for full coverage here on BigBikesMedia & Cyclingdirt.

11 Vaguely Barry Roubaix-Related Questions:

1. What do you know about this Barry Roubaix thing? What exactly are you doing up in balmy semi-northern Michigan on Saturday? Tell us about it.

Barry Roubaix is the "killer gravel road race." The open class is 62 miles with 4300 feet of climbing (that's a lot for Michigan) and it's mostly dirt road and two track. This will be the fourth year for the race and it has grown really fast and gotten better every year. There were 1500 spots available this year it sold out almost two months ago. For some reason people love to suffer in the cold on hilly dirt roads. Rick Plite always puts together great events with a fun atmosphere.

2. What kind of bike are you riding: cross, road, 29er...and why?

I'll be riding a 29er with a rigid fork, a road cassette and some light semi slick tires, maybe cyclocross tires. Why? Mostly because it's the only appropriate bike I have, but I also think the difference between a 'cross bike and a 29er in this race is negligible. The rider makes the difference.

3. Are you gonna win? If not, why not? And who is?

I'm not sure if I'll win, but I'm definitely going to try. I've been on the podium for every edition of this race so I would like to keep that streak going. I missed the team training camp this year and I've been training in solitude in Northern Michigan. Saturday will be my first chance to see how I compare with everyone else. We have some new young guys on the Bissell team that I think are really motivated this year. I would not be surprised if one of them comes out on top.

4. Define Ultra CX. Is it just like regular cross, only with more lasers?

Well, I just found out that Barry-Roubaix is part of the Ultra CX series so this will be my first one. I heard there is one section where you might have to get off the bike, so I guess that qualifies it as a cyclocross race. I hope there are lasers, too. The distance makes it "ultra" and ultra always means better, except when the subject is beer.

5. What is the appeal of gravel road or Ultra CX racing for you?

I like that it's a little bit of a cross between a mountain bike race and a road race. There are road racing tactics involved but, the terrain is more challenging. Plus, we have a lot dirt and seasonal roads in Michigan and that's where all the best hills are. I spend a lot of time training on them in the off-season and its fun to race on them for a change. The other cool thing about Barry-Roubaix, specifically, is you get a good cross section of the cycling community at the event. The field is a mix of mountain bikers and roadies who would otherwise not race against each other.

6. How does your bike set up differ from the usual for a gravel road or Ultra CX race, if at all?

Other gravel races I do are more like a typical road race with mostly paved roads and sections of dirt. For those I use a regular road bike with some tough, box section rim wheels and heavier tires. Barry-Roubaix is almost all dirt and includes a couple two-track seasonal roads, so it is a lot rougher. For that I get out the mountain bike and try to set it up as light as possible.

7. What super-famous pro cyclist (besides yourself of course), from any discipline, would you like to see come do an Ultra CX race? (Even if it's only so you can see them suck big time.)

I would love to see one of the top European classics riders in an Ultra CX race. Fabian Cancellara on his Paris-Roubaix bike. It would be cool to see how long I could keep up.

8. If Barry Roubaix were one, big UFC cage fight, who would win?

That would have to be a really big cage! I haven't read through the entire start list, but if Dan Korienek is going to be there, he would win. He has a mean looking goatee and sometimes a mohawk that makes him look like he should be in a UFC cage fight.

9. What is your plan of ATTACK?

The Bissell/ABG/Nuvo team should have a strong squad for this race and we're going to tackle it like any other road race. All for one and one for all, attack and counter attack until we get a selection where we know we can win. The first couple years of this race it played out like a cross country race and it was every man for himself. When I won two years ago I was alone for the last 25 miles. Last year there was a stronger field and it was more like a regular road race, but no one in the lead group had any teammates. I think it will be similar this year and if we can get two or three Bissell riders in a small lead group we'll have a good chance at winning.

10. (No Googling on this one) Why is the race called Barry Roubaix? (Even if you know the answer, feel free to make something up involving Barry Manilow, Barry White, Barry Goldwater or all three.)

It gets the first part of its name from the fact that it is held in Barry County, which gets its name, not from Barry Manilow, but from William T. Barry. As I'm sure everyone already knows William T. Barry was Postmaster General in President Andrew Jackson's administration. The second part is a requirement that any race where even part of the course's surface is rough have "-Roubaix" tagged on to the name. Especially if that race is in the spring.

11. If you had a gun, with two bullets, and you were in a room with Hitler, Bin Laden, and Garth Prosser, what would you do? (Hint: if you answered anything besides: Shoot Garth Prosser twice, you are WRONG.)

I don't know this Garth guy very well, but he sounds terrible so I would shoot him twice. Plus, Hitler and Bin Laden

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

VIA DIRT

In anticipation of this weekend's Barry Roubaix Killer Gravel Road/Ultra CX Race, we sat down with Adam York. Adam finished fourth last year and he'll defninitely be one of the riders to watch this Saturday (March 24th).
11 Vaguely Barry Roubaix-Related Questions

1. What do you know about this Barry Roubaix thing? What exactly are you doing up in balmy semi-northern Michigan on Saturday? Tell us about it.

Barry Roubaix is the first 'who has the biggest balls' race of the year in the mitten. Used to be for the mountain bikers but now the roadies are on the spring classic fad band wagon. Without exception it keeps getting faster. Huge fields should make for huge crashes. Just ask Garth (and while you're at it...what's the deal with the doll on his seat post?)

2. What kind of bike are you riding — cross, road, 29er...and why?

Caanondale Caadx cross bike with heavy tires and tubes. Best bang for the wattage buck. Not sure the course would be road bike 'safe' for the cautious. I've got a team road bike but it's supposed to last me until September. Not sure they'd be so stoked about me asking for another one.

3. Are you gonna win? If not, why not? And who is?

If I didn't think I could win I wouldn't show up. Sadly last I checked we can't ALL win... and I think most of us believe we CAN win....so who will win? Who the hell knows.

4. Define Ultra CX. Is it just like regular cross, only with more lasers?

Battle dome after some bad mexican food. Ultra CX is just a European spring classic road race by another name. I'm pretty sure most eurolanders would laugh at our funny looking bikes and high volume tires.

5. What is the appeal of gravel road or Ultra CX racing for you?

Ultra CX races favor the 'strong man' aka the guy who spent the most time on his trainer. This was a warm year so I'm not sure how true that will hold this year. Also I suspect the roadie squads will play team tactics. So that might throw a wrench in the gears.

6. How does your bike set up differ from the usual for a gravel road or Ultra CX race, if at all?

CX bike + tubes + higher pressure. Nothing fancy.

7. What super-famous pro cyclist (besides yourself of course), from any discipline, would you like to see come do an Ultra CX race? (Even if it’s only so you can see them suck big time.)

Racing with Brian Matter is always a good time. Haven't paid much attention to the start lists this year but racing against that kind of caliber is always fun. I've seen the damage that level of rider can do to a group of pro mountain bikers (via video of course). So I've got a lot of respect for that kind of power. I'm sure a few dark horse roadies will show to add fuel to the fire. Also I never know who the hell the fast Canadians are... they just kind of disappear off the front.

8. If Barry Roubaix were one, big UFC cage fight, who would win?

I've seen cyclists fight. It'd be a boring draw with a lot of hugging. You'd want to dip their hands in glass. Like some bad Jean Claude Van Damme movie.

9. What is your plan of ATTACK?

Stay up front, stay cool. Original plan, right? With the kind of pack we'll see this year I suspect I won't have to make many moves. There will be a pretty major separation on the back side rollers and probably a few gnarly crashes I'd love to avoid. All I can say for certain is I'll scout the finish this year so I'm not crossing any drainage ditches. That was my biggest mistake in 2011.

10. (No Googling on this one) Why is the race called Barry Roubaix? (Even if you know the answer, feel free to make something up involving Barry Manilow, Barry White, Barry Goldwater or all three.)

I'll assume like every race it's named after the location. Though I REALLY think it's named after someone's cousin who would ride the back roads of western michigan speaking in nothing but tongues. Though they never found Barry's body. Strange.

11. If you had a gun, with two bullets, and you were in a room with Hitler, Bin Laden, and Garth Prosser, what would you do? (Hint: if you answered anything besides “Shoot Garth Prosser twice” you are WRONG.)

Since two of the three are dead and I've got a gun.... Wait, do I get a video camera too?

Friday, March 16, 2012

PRE-SEASON HYPE n DIRTY SHIT

Yo T. Hold up a min. You keep talkin up this roadie stuff all the time, but the dirt world gets metioned about as much as a ghetto kid tryin to fight his way for a livin. Com'on now, you know there is more to the Scene than this road thing. Its time to look at the other side of the Scene. the fellas and bellas on fat tires. and who and where will they be racin. Lets start with some match ups on where these burly folks might be throwing down.

XC Mountain Bike races. Lots to pick from, and the list gets bigger and bigger and more water downed every year. But who is going to come out on top? The tree hugging hippies in the CPS or old guard USAC Tailwind. CPS keeps trying to raise the bar by making the series new and exciting. But its not as competive, and they keep trying to make the series 100 races strong. On the other hand, tailwind has been racing the same loops every year that they are offering a blind folded class. But the die hards keep coming back, and make the competition level strong year after year. If the new owners can find the magic, and mix things up it could come from behind with a KO.

Long and strong! seems like everyone wants the distance, more for the money? You got the 100 milers and then the 12/24hrs? That kisscross dude cant do no wrong when he puts on a race, and the Lumber Jack 100 is the latest champ. But Fun Pro Mo has been at this game longer than Joe Breeze and Gary Fisher so dont count him out! The Scene is home to some of the best 12/24hr races in the country. But the attendance has stalled? But if your an endurance race junkie, you got to get those miles somewhere...

The KING? The iceman... Dont need an introduction when your the champ. But the camp sometimes cant see the small flaws in its armor leading to destruction. Will O2S rise and conquor? Will the little uprising called Peak to Peak be enough for the peoples to say fuck it???

Monday, March 12, 2012

PRE SEASON HYPE n SHIT P2

There's a sayin going around, i dont know where i scene it or heard..coulda been on the T shirt that lil shit Gary was wearing a few weeks back but that's another story..The saying? Don't Hate the Players, Hate the Game? I guess the way i see it to get proper motivation for what TMS is gonna be faced with in the weeks to come.. its befitting..Now i don't know em all and if i miss a few don't sweat it..cuz i got an old friend stopping by in a bit that's gonna drop his science on whats left, so far now its kinda like most sceners form...u got what you got..

the PLAYERS n shit

the WOLVERINES, u no the brotherhood, once refereed to as the RED ARMY your a wolverine always a wolverine..the numbers seem to enlarge and shrink from time to time.. but the core always seems solid..DYBO, TIMMY, The Future, Baby Huey, KROSKE, now Questionable, that LIL shit KACHELBERRY..BK, FB..add a few here and there and whole pile of up and coming... and its pretty solid..not the smartest group, but not dumbest..My Only gripe. dam big money...please for Christ sake stick with a uniform design for more than 2 season...

MCG/Trails Edge: with the heavy loss of the bunny, its gonna be the Vince and Colin show that is unless they got dirty lawyers hidn in there pockets and all the 3s got the Homie hook-uo....my only gripe..BIG MONEY!!..GET THAT STORE OPEN DONT TAKE NO 3 MONTHS TO MOVE THAT JUNK. GITR DONE

Essex Brass: the ever shrinking...455, the Micro machine, GrayZone Han Solo..Martin REV, Will Muulins..want some advice get out of there way there going fast cuz its the only way they know..and keep your hands and feet away from there mouths EEEEKS..my only gripe..spend less time and money with those silly photo shoots, and Dam change that kit fools it s U-G--L-Y..

Lathrup/Giant: heavy on the experience, light on commitment....the Eagle, DOCSAVAGE, ROADKING, the EvilDude, BRUUUCE, and possible additions? Once the Metro powerhouse, but most recently a aged club team.the ROADKING jusy cant stop, and ED is ED..maybe this year will be different.My only gripe the dudes are fighting father time... and he is tough SOB..

Ventus. no comment.

Priority Health.: regrouped its plan and added a whole slew of cute pre-pubescent teenagers, old pros, cutters, wild eyes, and age battling AARP farts..names like.. Gotwild, Fisher, Yankus Alan Atonick, no-longer lost cross, Young (sit down fool!!) KARWANTSOME, Damyankme..Oh my suckas.OH MY... money must b good...My only gripe..lest see u get the plan together.

Panther. U-dont wanna know

Bissell/Nuvo..etc..Westside pride, the scrouge of the west bank the HATED...u name it.. at its best..I dunno what to say...so many watts but so little personality..but WTF Haters, take a look at your vacuum.kinda like dog owners they begin the resmble each other in both looks and actions. enuff said.

Hagerty, like fine wine...just bcarefull when doin the group ride..my only grip..take some of that thick ass rip and pony up for some up dated threads..

Team Card: the one man wreck in crew will we see more of the infamous BLACK ACE in 2012..my only gripe.. all super heroes have a cape ..

LeadmeOut : crazy bunch of fools from over there...they aint too many things that put a chill into T's bone but i gotta say..that the Krone-aken suck'a and the HULK scares the B-jesus outta me..I mean i aint runnin but dam fools that dude is grizzle add in some new legs and learners .My only gripe..lotsa bark...lil bite..

EAst Hills: Velo: two words...WHITE-LIGHTNING..nuff said

I know i missed a few along with the also rans..but if u didn't make this list.... re-read Saturdays post and insert yo John Hancock in there..because like Creed said...THERE IS NO TOMORROW..THERE IS NO TOMORROW..THERE IS NO TOMORROW..THERE IS NO TOMORROW..THERE IS NO TOMORROW..

later hater

Friday, March 09, 2012

My name is( insert name here) Last week I turned ?. I wasn't ready for it. I haven't done anything yet. So I made this deal with myself. This is the year I make my mark.

March 9th 2012, 3:20 a.m

Mike: Lawerence its me.. Mike... are you awake? Lawrence..Lawrence...

Mr T: zzzz zzzz

Mike: Lawrence..I will not disturb you,but i was just passing through and I thought id stop by, but i see you are resting. good... as the body gets older... the battery's need to be recharged more often, missing too many recharges is hard on the machine.

Mike: Lawrence..ill leave you with this for now...the four D's..Desire, Dedication, Discipline, and Direction. with out any of these precocious time is a waste. Ill stop back by when your awake to speak more of each .

good bye Lawrence.

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

TAO of Bruce

I'm not in this world to live up to your expectations and you're not in this world to live up to mine.