Week in the life of a Lifer

Below is a just a basic weekly routine of a anon scners schedule,

Monday: get up, eat, feed cat go to work. easy ride or easy aerobic with group of friends.

Tuesday: get up eat, feed/brush cat, go to work, left work early to meet a out of town old friend for 2hr hard mtb ride .

Wednesday: get up, eat ,feed cat , leave stop and get car washed and Jiffy wash, go to work, leave, meet friends 1:5 hrs road ride, came home early had to watch some type of sporting event. let cat out and got up at 1:30 to let cat in.

Thursday: get up, feed cat, eat go to work ,ride to BI weekly Drama class of….pain….and disappointment of waterfordhills took notes...
It seemed that due to the lack of races this weekend, a majority of local well known’s decided to stretch their legs for 2+ hours at Waterford Hills. From the gun Wolverines made their presence felt in every move, as they had in attendance ever club, team and local wantabee member that could turn a crank. Recent on-form and last race winner Don Cameron was marked from the start and left to ride with the chasers as a break of 8 got away in the first half of the race. It would be NO cash this week for DC, and just friendly words of encouragement from local boy YOUNG LUKE– I always have something nice to say - Cavender”. Mr KONA – Brent S decided to demonstrate his mountai n bike handling skills and proper head down sprinting technique by riding through the lap clip board / video camera tripod, OOHHH rendering the race cameraless (at least it wasn’t a tree). At the end, the MIGHTY (in numbers) WOLVERINES took the top spot, with DannyK showing you can have form all spring, followed by James Bruce and TMS favorite Tim Saari. came home late 10:30 let cat out.

Friday: got up soar, ate , looked for cat didnt come home last night? went to work, felt like shit. came home ate watch the tube went to bed,.

Saturday: slept in, got up changed the litter box. went and rode for 3 hrs with some friends around local metro park loop. came home ate, went out for moisty's brew.

Sunday: got up late ate, petted cat, met friends for a epic MTB ridefelt like shit. flatted twice. and called it a day, came home drank four Bells and ate.

Catchin up with Jay

most in the know, know Jay Moncel michigans Trek rep took a new position higher up in the Trek world, Most would say he hasnt changed a bitin lifestyle or looks.

left before

right after.

what do you think?

Airstryke called in over michiganscene territory. Body count not aval at present time

KACHUG KACHUG KACHUG.....KACHUG KACHUG KACHUG.....KACHUG KACHUG KACHUG
Thats the sound if there was a sound to this weekends racing across the SCENE. someone called in a seroius airstryke on the scene after it was said and done, ...smoldering debris. 3 GREAT races in 3 days.Seems like artillery from out of state was called in in some of the fields as they were creamed by NON sceneres. Someone's gonna have to remind that bloke the michigan racing scene is dead history.

Frankmuth.

EARLY start times were on the menu again whew! these are tough. standouts of the a.m were. JIMMY MINNIEMIA winning the 3's race beating out improving brother Wayne Tompkins, And a outta towner from FLA. Alan Antosick was 10th ridding, Bryon SUCKMY WHEEL Boyer was in there into scoring 16th. FRCC cross lord in the makin Matt Ashley used FRNKENM, for some early season training. cross guys watch out cuz he's lookin for your spot!

4's dale carley got his 1st win of the season beating a FULL field. FRCC 's Toni PONTONY was lookin good.

Masters 35+ was alittle thin, but that didnt Stop Don DC CAMERON from makin the other masters look at the back of his Scary Specialized kit for the second time in 48 hrs he won thursday at waterford....(dont know who came up with this kit but OOOH). the field had to sprint it out after DC rode away. (sharp eyes would of spotted michigan State Cross champion in the filed getting his groove on.)

CAT1/2 was display of what to expect in the comin days as a large contingent of outta staters put it down. and took the top 5 spots a small break formed with DANNYK and some others, eventually Matthew Busche from NOVA got the win over a tough field. he was just warmin up for TDL the next day...ESSEX Brass upstart Brendan Benson lead the charge of LOCAL talent. good to see JAKETHESNAKE back home. wonder what the pony's doin?

TDL

Could it get any tougher in MI? probably but not this weekend 130+ starters and very few made the cut. The field report goes as followed, Nice 65+ degrees and 10mph wind. safe start unlike last year. The pros made sure the ams didnt get in the the way as they drove it from the 6 mile mark weedin out the weak and breakin the stronger. rain set in at 35 miles and that was all she wrote as a valant group got OFF. MAN it was good to hear Brent BOOKWALTER riding strong. MISCNE is proud to claim as our son stories are circulating that a few made the move guys like the BLACK ACE Jon Card and one Howard bros as well as few others. The report also said the BMC and Bissel pros's werent takin any prisoners and cut the rest down. in the end it was another epic day in the north. Congrats should go out to some SCENERS. DOYLE, Jared Gilyard, Derek Grahm and TMS favorite OLD SCHOOL local legend TINKER PRECHTL for makin the time cut only 48 got that right claim.

GASLIGHT crit,

what can you say great venue, awesome weather and great run event This one is set up so guys and take full advantage of doubling and even tripling the classes. ..

Masters Had Mark Olsen of Bissel fame take the win over the RICCOISER and DOCSAVAGE, THE WHITE LIGHTNING grabbed 8th.

45+ Had Paul eddleston on front at the line THE RICCOISER again scored another 2nd and treated John rigdon to dinner at Olgas kitchen, wonder if they had quessadilla's??

how about it?

Cat3 was huge field 70+ ...as the opened it to 4s as well, Shane Hebb from the south beach FLA took it over a strong group heavy comp, Lawerence Warbasse missed 2nd 45+? Paul Eddelston old enough to be some these guys dad...took some $ for the drive back home got 3rd,

Women? Michigan GODESS mackenzie woodring won it for her home state crowd. good to see her on her home turf scince she went big.

CAT 1/2....STACKED field KILLER KARL now a scener Menzie's was the wheel to watch, as well as Saturdays winner Mathew Busch, it seemed like everyone in the roadscene was at Gaslight , good to see that. Matt from NOVO continued where he left off winning the 1/2 race over the eldest Howard Bros. DWITTE and Bruce 455 Riveria were 5th and 6th respectively.

Every year it gets tougher to score MIscene points and this weekend was no excpetion. only thing left is to find some moisty's

wonder what the pony's doin?

TMS WEEKEND OF BRUTALITY

Thats what were lookin at

A WEEKEND of BRUTALITY,

TDL, FRANKENMUTH, GASLIGHT..

the big question is who's goin where? will turnouts suffer due to the gas prices and HIGH cost of everything everywhere?do you think your gonna see any IRON MEN/RICH MEN doin all of em?

FRANKMUTH weather looks to be alot better than last year, and the fields thicker as well. CAT 1/2 is gonna be a powerfest, this course has ZERO climbing and is gonna suit the RAW POWER types quite nicely indeed. watch for a breakaway early on in alotta fields.

TDL what can we say? got give the miscner teams credit for headin back to the north for a date with death, 100+ miles of real hard ass climbing...goodluck boys. make MI proud!

GASLIGHT crit dogs unite as this one is ONE OF, IF NOT THEEE BEST crit venues in MI. smooth fast and somehwat techincal.

to throw out predictions for this weekends events is to Lofty of a goal for us mere mortals, besides its time to go find some moisty's for the weekend.

uncharted territory

Thats were it sent many misceners on this past Saturday morning. The Michigan Scene in whole asked for a event equal or greater than last years and what they got was the work of 3 stages wrapped into 1. The day left many questioning there fitness or solidifying the work done all winter. the day went off without too much of a hicup, nothing new to TOKV cars, casual cyclist, smokers throwin frisbee golf, and Skulls. just another day in metro park for us sceners.

written by MCG and edited by TMS

The Pro 1/2 race was super EXCITING to watch. Even with 100 miles to race a solid break of 8 consisting of State champions and other misc HIGHLY talented sceners, Dan Klein-WSC (breakaway specialist!), Tom Kachelmeyer-Giant, quiet and FAST Greg Christian-Turn, Peter Schilling-Priority Health, college upstart John Zaccone-South Lyon, Kyle Lake-WMCR, Rob Foshag-Saturn of Toledo, and Bart Carlson-WMCR escaped on the VERY FIRST LAP and and quickly had 30+ seconds on the chasers in one lap. A chase group of Cone Azalia winner/2005 state road champion Jeff Koch-Bissell, 2007 state criterium champion Derek Graham-Bissell, and up and comer Brendan Benson-SC/Essex Brass formed and from that point the race quickly became a chess match on wheels.

At one point there were 6 very distinct groups chasing each other on the course, all working very well together. At about the 75th mile the race changed DRASTICALLY. Suddenly guys who were looking strong just 1-2 laps before were now found sitting at the side of the road. Those still riding had that blank stare of SEVERE BONK. You could almost see the lights going out as racer after racer packed it in. Only 38 of the sixty starts completed the full distance. At the head of the race the lead break disintegrated and the miles took their toll.

Suddenly 2007 State TIME TRIAL champion Greg Christian came roaring through the finish area solo. Everyone watching just shook their heads and thought "what the heck is he doing, DUH, (he is State TT champ folks!) he's still got FOUR laps to go!!! INSANE!!! Well, Greg must have known what he was doing. Behind the chasers started to explode. The only other rider remaining from the original break was Dan Klein. He was joined by Jeff Koch and Derek Graham, both of Bissell. The Bissell racers quickly put the squeeze on Dan and Jeff Koch was then off the front chasing Greg Christian. I was riding in the support vehicle making our way through the middle of the Pro1/2 pack when we passed Greg going the opposite way riding a flat. A quick turn-around and some serious RALLYE car driving by my nephew (in a mini-van no less!) to make our way through the rowing team traffic and we caught Greg at the top of "Snot" hill. He'd been riding a flat rear wheel for about 4 miles! In a chaotic wheel change the likes of which you'll NEVER see in the Tour de France (they make it look so easy on TV!) and Scott Gifford, my nephew Nick and myself got Greg back on the road.

At this point the only chaser in sight was Jeff Koch. Greg maintained his advantage over Jeff on the final lap to take a BRILLIANT win! Jeff Koch of Bissell took a well fought second and in an exciting two-up sprint Derek Graham nipped Dan Klein for 3rd! That was an exciting sprint. Derek lead it out, Dan pulled ahead with about 100 meter and Derek just notched it up (or Dan's leg gave out! ) and took the sprint!

In other fields, the action was not as exciting but stil worth a look!
masters 35+ had the lucas oil trio, David stone, Mark Swatrzdruber , Chris Moscara and Hagggerty's TINKER Prechtl droppin the hammer on MR paintrain DC Cameron who was sportin some very intresting Specialized togs.



masters 45+ haggerty's Dave Hofstra , got the win over david Linden of FRCC


Cat3 ers Wolverine Alan Smith won this one over west gangster lupe martinez of Leadout racing. Alan has been looking good all spring. all that training with the godfathers is payin off. Nice ride. PAKHU was 34th in well fought battle


Cat4 had Allin Antonuch from the edge of the trail cyclery won it over Willow TT winner JIMI THE KID Jimmmenia .
women 1/2/3 boastet one of the biggest field in kensington history, kristy keelly came out on top with a win for the PH CHIX, beating out some Bissel babes
CAT 5 was huge. wen U got a 37th place and Ted TOO TALL Welsh got 33rd

Notes from the valley of kensington

SIMONSTER ridin a 29er is that legal?
Thomas Kachkelmeyer ridin in the break and then getting in the top 10 for a Miscene best 1/2 finish
Haggerty boys postin alotta wins in the Masters groups.
DNFin for mixing fields? come on its TOKV
Greg Christian droppin the entire field en route to a solid win SCARY
Ben Renkema NOT top 10in
Wayne Tompkins droppin back to 3's for 08
Lathrup with fewer riders at the start than ever b4.
Miscene MTB standout Brent Stienberg bumpin up to 4's
Whitney Krohl the only girl in the 1/2/3 filed NOT sponsored by BISSEL, Haggerty, Giant MI, or PH weird???

tokv THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT TRUTH. check back

tokv

words of wisdom.

The sport is a form of entertainment and enjoyment.

If any of you are like me, you have at least once in your cycling career asked yourself, “Why am I doing this? What is the point behind all this training and racing”? Some of you have maybe even questioned yourself as to why you can’t just be normal and lay on the couch on Sunday afternoon with some tasty American light beer and a bag full of partially hydrogenated potato oils in the shape of comforting chip flakes, watching football and blindly soaking in the consumerism undertones. Why do we insist on driving to distant places with the hopes that we may do well in an event that will simply give us glory only within our small and insignificant subculture that 99% of all people are completely unaware of, or if aware of, make fun of and ridicule from the outside looking in. In a world of infinite possibilities, why do we insist on recreating the same realities day-to-day, week-to-week, season-to-season, and year-to-year?On my last road-trip training endeavor, I found myself spending the evening in Louisville with some of the Essex Brass boys who have been at this a little longer than I have. I shared a living room sleeping arrangement with the ever so flatulent David Mullens. Just before it was lights out to rest up for a following days worth of training, we had just concluded some early season race talk and speculation and David posed the question to me, “Why do we do this, why am I still racing after all these years”. I went to bed that night pondering the question deeply and found that it has taken me quite awhile since then to actually formulate an answer that makes sense to me. Furthermore, I have concluded that if I am going to spend all of this time, energy, and emotional investment in this sport, than I better have a damn good answer for myself as well as my friends, family members, and other loved ones.Everyone is drawn to the sport of bike racing for different reasons. However, I am hard-pressed to believe that there is not a common thread of thought process or reasoning that is taking place amongst us all. When it all boils down, there are undoubtedly easier paths that one could take to achieve happiness and instant gratification other than the grueling, arduous one leading to bike racing.During the tenure of my bike racing I have observed several different personality types and racing styles of people I have met and raced among. A variety of these styles have been successful in obtaining their desired results. Some people race fueled by anger and spite of their opponent, they want to completely annihilate their competition, make them suffer, and leave them in a pile of defeat while they throw their hands up at the line basking in the self-affirmation that they are the greatest. However, it seems these types of racers involvement in the sport can tend to be short-lived if they fail to recreate this reality at a high frequency every time they race. Another type of racer is the tactician. This is the well-calculated, intelligent racer who is drawn to the sport by out-witting his opponent and thus claiming himself more cunning and clever than him. These types seem to usually have great organizational skills and engineering minds. They also tend to stick around for years and years, honing their craft and most often experiencing consistent results.Some people are just simply drawn to the team aspect of the sport and the camaraderie it has to offer. This rider would rather go train with a partner or several partners rather than spend time in solitude training. They take pleasure that they are part of “a pack” and that they hold status and rank amongst the pack.The list of rider types goes on and on. I’m sure at times we find ourselves falling into many categories dependent on the conditions. Despite this diverse set of rider personalities, one common thread does seem to be evident. I have concluded that we all do this to simply to feed our egos. We are all severe ego-feeding addicts. We have all experienced some kind of success that gave the racing bug, that gave us the racing induced ego-feeding disease and we are now serious addicts. At first glance, this idea seems to be incredibly self-serving and self-absorbed. In a way, cycling is inherently a selfish sport. Wait a minute, I signed up for all of this to escape the ignorant masculine egocentrism other more typical sports appeared to offer.The idea of ego feeding does not necessarily need to have a negative connotation depending on how you approach it. We must ask ourselves, for what are we trying to feed our ego and why? Healthy competition is a good thing, but if it becomes so overbearing that enemies are created than this can be very destructive to our delicate sub-culture and the support we have to offer each other. Are we striving to produce desired results to prove something to everyone else thus making ourselves feel good, or are we going to go beyond this shallow method of feeding our egos? This evening, while I was riding the B-Ham Unofficial Tuesday Night Worlds, a verbal scuffle broke out between two riders that resulted in much unnecessary negative energy and closed the lines of effective communication between them. One rider was feeding his ego by using the method of belittling another rider…this was no good at all. On the other end of the spectrum is the more sophisticated idea of ego feeding through intricate, meditated, and conceived personal goal setting and achievement. For instance, in this type of racing you may view your opponents as a measure of yourself to them. Mutual respect is created and you are not simply trying to beat them out of spite but rather because you are aware of their skills and abilities and are using them to gauge your personal progress. This type of racer is the one who may be in a breakaway with an opposing rider, ultimately beat him, but than still commend him after the race was over and to acknowledge that their breakaway success was achieved only because of both parties working in synergy. Likewise, if that opponent beat you, you would congratulate them on their well-earned victory. This type of ego feeding takes pleasure in the internal personal achievements and is concerned less with the external spectacle of the whole competition.As a food analogy, ego feeding that is simply focused on beating your opponents down, racing on anger, and viewing them as enemies is like fast food. Fast food is incredibly delicious, cheap and fills you up right away but is in no way a healthy regular staple in your diet. However, ego feeding that is based on setting and achieving personal goals, and respecting your opponent because of your mutual love and dedication to the sport is like eating food rich in nutrients and antioxidants. This method will keep your competitive engine running long and healthy and will contribute to the sport in a supportive manner.If you take anything of significance away from this above rambling, it is to ask yourself the question, “How am I going to feed my ego?” Are you going to be the superficial guy who has a long list of people he has beaten and is broadcasting and boasting this to everyone, or are you going to be the racer who can claim that you have set personal goals and gained deep internal satisfaction from achieving those goals.As cyclist, we have enough obstacles to overcome (i.e. irate drivers, gawkers pointing at and ridiculing our colorful lycra, lack of respect from the overweight football fan in the cubicle next to us at work, etc.). Don’t devalue the sport by racing on negativity.
Posted by Timothy Finkelstein

this is why we like this guy so much, thanks tim for reinsurance

WHAMO strikes again

Early morning bloggin and ranting TMS STYLE

This is something thats been on TMS's mind for a long time, is it society, or just human nature to be insecure? Or does it come from the lack of something physical or materialistic, that makes some, heck if not most people insecure and hypocritical. We would have to say alittle of both. In 2 years that this has been up and runnin the influx of bad mouthin is surprising. OK we are at fault to some extent, by giving the anon posters a place thrive. and even some of our postings, but even without anon your still gonna get it, except they have to show there REAL name yea right. We love it Michigan has had some good races and race series, club involement not to mention group rides that challenge many lesser states races alone, and you always get people cutting it down in one way shape or form, lousy course, pro 1/2 dead, entry is too much, Negative racing, so and so didnt pull through, rank amatures etc.. I guess our big question, Who around here is pro material? you got a few but they dont do there thing here that often and when they do they act right. When it comes down to the bottom line, a upgrade, free team kit, carbon wheels, a sense of style and the poker face, and few measly results, all this while acting like a asshole in multiple ways doesn't make people respect you. This whole thing isnt a brotherly lovin, or you should be OK with whatever the outcome of the day is, emothions are normal but those that think there above the limit should think about themselves more in depth, (although we doubt there ego will let them) We'll bet there not collecting a check on sunday after they finish whatever the race/ride of the week. We pay for this shit, it takes time and commitment, yea we do it for fun or whatever our reasons for, but just because it doesnt fit in with your "reasons" dont muck it up, or cut it down for others, I think most sceners know (the intelligent ones at least) its not the world cup here, were not kidding ourselves, we dont think were IT, its our time to enjoy what we like best. those less fortunate should think about it next time you give the scowl of discontent. this is just TMS 2 cents

tms

MOB RULES tour rolls into Milan, other dates to be released.

If anyone was payin any attention to the cat1/2 field they would of noticed the sea of Bissell jerseys at the front of the line. after 3 hrs there wasn't much change. Looked like a pre concert psych up to whats coming in 08 around our scene. The setting perfect temps perfect, the course cone, the turnout EH? coulda been better, what kept em away this year? Gas prices? fatso's post on the MCG's board of horrible road conditions? thought of bad weather? FEAR of Bissell? who knows but it was a low show for most groups.

The masters 45+ the SALTY dog Krwyasnki and almost ageless FREDDY Anderson of WMCR went 1-2 this after FRCC 's Mark Woliec got sent back to last for some ODD reason. strangely enough this group had biggest % of dnf's. you would think the OLD guard of the field would no how to keep it together.

Masters 35+ Matt THE DIESEL Thourout of saturn of toledo rode around with some company before he decided he had been over the road too long and played like the Kris Kristopherson in Convoy and put the hammer down and rode in for ANOTHER cone victory saving face for the home team. PAPPAT O2 trained for 3 weeks and got the return of 2nd place for his 21 days in the saddle.

Cat 5 saw Mi elite MTb'er Brent Stienberg of KONA midwest riding a cross bike with knobbies sanbagg a win. wont be long before he has his 1/2 card .

Cat 4 Bem Penner from the wolverines beat Miscene favorite Alan Antoniocki, and the wrest as well with some good riding the wolverines look rejuvenated for 08 fer sure.

3's Christopher Bogedine and a Sunlyon rider Scott Gifford got away and went 1-2 in the Cat 3 race. with the rest of the filed rollin in behind. Fall Crosser Todd 40 something? Frierichs railed in for 4th

13 cat1/2 women went to the line. the race was marred by severe fall from a Saturn of Toledo rider heather Mitchell, on section 1 of gravel. as we go to press she is still hospitalized in saline. she is doing better but all of us should keep her in our thoughts. all of this said...Not taking anything away from The haggerty gal Erica Weitzman who won it over the PH tribe. Erica's husband also made a nice showin masters 35+ with a solid 3rd.

The main attraction cat 1/2 For the first time in as many years we didnt have past winner at the roll out. MIA's Were 2006 winner Jeff Crawford, last years Greg Christain. First edition winner Kirk Albers, Jake the Snake the entire Lathrup posse. and many others from WMCR, Saturn of Toledo Giant MI. 30 some riders went to the line, with Bissell carrying the brunt, then Wolverines, Essex had a full squad, some outta towners from Lake effect. As expected Bissell controlled and manipulated the field into paste after train interruption. a break containing all that counted got away with the MOBSQUAD dictating who stay and who will go. in the End 2005 state road champion from Elk rapids Jeff Koch got away for a solo win followed by the power full DWITTE, and springfling standout DANNYK he got in between Ben Whitehead to mess up a Bissell sweep. a nice showing by WMCR up and comers Bart Carlson and Kyle Lake as they got in the the top 10. tough day at the office for many as 5s and 3,s rolled in many many minutes later.
Not going fully into the issue of the downed rider, but from what we gather. those that took care of the issue did it without thought and with much compassion, that goes for the volunteers and riders that stopped, were not saying everyone should of halted and the race called, but when riders attack, or get hot headed because they have to slow or there in fear of being caught.. you basically suck. tms.

cone

To Survive

To live and die in the Killing Fields, looks like another day of survival at the office. TMS hates throwin out the predictions for this one scince its a crap shoot in away in whos gonna survive the trips through the mine fields, lap after after lap , riders falter. Crashes, punctures, broken bikes, The fastest and strongest doesnt always win. NOT saying the past winners werent the fastest. NO NO NO NO...dont get all all angst up on that one..Luck plays a BIG part. Lets face it to win this race ya still gotta be goin PDQ. We can recall one year when lap 1 put nearly the entire TEXAS ROADHOUSE crew out of commision.

TMS is gonna throw out some names but not in any order, with the pre reg list looking like Lindsey Lohan, just much like the party whore herself , it doesnt say much for what your gonna get once ya get her home Or in this case to the line. and just like OL lindsey, Without a doubt its gonna be stacked as it is every year. GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS.

CAT 1/2 Grahm, Albers, Koch, JAKETHESNAKE, Docsavage, Martin, Christain, GODFATHER, Witte, Riveria, Whitehead. Simonster??

CAT 3, SunLYON 3 of the top 5 , Mapleleaf, FRCC, Wolverine.

Masters 35+ the Diesel, THE Claws, DC, STARKY, Bailey, PAPPA T

Masters 45+ Woliec, Kangas Cahn.

Women 1/2 PH chix. unless bellrose shows

Cat 4 JBBABY, Alan Antonick, AAVC

Teenagers, AAVC

aks GERT.

TMS had a chance to catch up with a old friend some of you may remember him from his pro days, Gert Jan Theunisse, he hails from the Netherlands This ex pro's accomplisments include, Best all around climber and fourth place at the 1989 Tour de France. Gert-jan was banned for life from road racing because of banned substance use. but later aquited. He now coaches e njoys life away from the stress in rigors of the UCI scene, and he has taken a spot as guest columnist here at TMS, we caught up with Gert last week and ran simple one word questions by him.

1. Michigan - TALENT
2. crits - AGGRESSIVE
3. rr, rest in relaxation that is.. - CORE
4. 24 hr mtb races - POINTLESS
5. carbonfiber - SMOOTH
6. campagnolo - COIN
7. winter - INDULGE
8. summer - LEAN
9. group rides - PREDICTABLE
10. hair - UNKNOWN
11. sun - PLEASURE
12. Wayne Newton - OLD
13. favorite place - HOME
14. snakes – EVIL
15. christians – HYPOCRITES
16. zombies - WEIRD
17. vampires - SEXY
18. chocolate - RUSH
19. wind - SEPARATION
20. mud - SKILL

too close for comfort

Yea, another year, another willow, some things never change, like the amount of change people drop on TT rigs, dollar for dollar, the cost for use sceners spend on these bikes is probably more than any other ride in the barn, unless your TT specailist, its alotta show for little go. Hell a disc wheel and tri spoke, throw in some Zipp bars and chrono helmet.. its more than half the cars in the parking lot.. But heck it keeps the schmucks busy at Zipp in Business. One thing we never get used to is when you roll into a TT is how fast everyone looks. you can be postin the elderly could put up, but dam they look good.

Willow temps tolerable, and a wind that made some sckecthey, The fields were a tad thin, not the slimmest but thinner than a few years back when most were 35+.although the the 1/2 field was missing Last years winner and 2005 winner the cyborg, along with many other note a bales, it still was danerously close finish. A few sleepin giants arose from miscene lairs to come out stretch it out. , Tom Burke and The BLACK ACE were too close for comfort. TT specialist Sunlyon Gary Denaglis came in 3rd you may not see him all season but you can bet he comes out for the TT, ( i guess he falls into the dollar for return cat) and the rest of the field? was closley behind. strangley DANNYK was MIA although scene, Toe CUTTER was wrong on that one.

Cat3 was swept by the Sunlyon crew of MORRISEY, Atken and the GIANTKILLER . OH and our favorite "skinhead" shook it up for 4th, good thing as he broke up the Orange suffocation of SL. sharp eyes would see past cat3 dominator jason Brake in action, good to see ya back buddy.

EYE of Gatto rode to a PR..in the 4s

masters 35+ was done in By Saturns TREX, Brian REX that is, he got the best of Michigan state road champ Jon Morgan. Paul riveria was sportin the sweet lookin NEW Essex kit a much inprovement INDEED!!

BIKEBOY would of Pr'd had he not left his golden slippers home, too bad, for youngin ..he's got mad bloggin skills.

womens 1/2 SLIm like the winner Saturns/shells heather mitchel took it over a couple PH chix.

enough is enough. the season looks to be rollin.

that leaves with now with the topic of who will roll to the line on sunday moring for what is expected to be another epic day on the rock strewn roads S/east michigan.

on a side note to that, everyone should keep there valubles in check "IE lost items" on the road, as last year saw numerous swag hounds runnin the cow paths until way late lookin for booty.

TMS

willow, report to follow.

I'm ticked because I forgot to put on booties, which would have gained me 20-ish seconds. I missed my goal-time by about 25 seconds

The Michiganscenes attitude

Jawin with the Toecutter..

For those that dont know, or missed his brief appearence back in December here on Tms the The Toecutter is best known as the the violent gang leader "Toecutter" in the apocalyptic science fiction film Mad Max. This Man has as many films to his credit as warrants for his arrest. Tms sat down with the Pyschotic one over a cup of Joe, and 16oz plastic tumbler of crushed ICE and Southern Comfort at a bar just outside of Jackson, to get his thoughts of the upcoming road season mainly willow and the next few races..

TMS, How have you been

TC. fine just fine. oh but i have this rash from some moisty we picked at the point, i..

TMS, lets get to the point any bets on Willow.

TC, well let me see. always have to put money on the guy they call the Cyborg, you know i used to ride with the a fellow whom happened to be a transvsetite that they called the cyborg. he could do this thing..TMS OKOK!

TMS. Cyborg for the 1/2, not sure if he's on the list yet?

Tc, than Ill go with a suprise. A ESSEX brass guy who can go fast in solo event.

TMS. Ken Vernier?

TC. YES i think?

TMS, How about Danny Klien or Ray Dybowski? they seem to have the steam behind them.

TC HMM maybe so, maybe so. Ray looks fabulous. danny is such intresting man. quiet and sneaky.

TMS how about cat3?

TC. skinhead from the detroit gang.

TMS scott kroske?

TC, dont know his name but love the dome. I have friend who runs a all inclusive club in the outback that has some womens that can...TMS NEXT question.

TMS, we hear the GIANT KILLER TONY W might be a favorite.

TC. (Im out of liquor)

TMS pours the 2nd tumber of Sc for TOECUTTER

TMS, GIANT KILLER heard of him ?

TC. (as he lights up a fag) HM the littlie child who rides well in horrible conditions. NO he wont win.

TMS OK!

TMS. the woman 1/2?

TC. the women? YES the hatchet wounds hhhmm how can we forget them, as they are not what they seem.

TMS OK, which one?

TC the shapley one of course.

TMS whos that?

TC. I dont know. but i really would love to see MS STEELE back on 2 wheels. i have visions of flyin through the out back with my boy johnny, and ms steele on the back of my BSA drinkin and shootin all the while being ..TMS ENOUGH.

TMS. were gonna thorugh some words out at you and you can answer the best you can. (toecutter is now stumbling over his words.)

TMS, cat 4/5

TC penal fodder

TMS masters 35

TC DIESEL. or Stonecold.

TMS. 45+

TC, dunno, oh wait some sod from south of the border.

TMS, movin on to Cone.

TC, like prison sex

TMS. youngins.

TC not hungry enough

TMS Tokv

Tc, first off let me address the comments made about thou having a hatchet wound. I would gladly

sit IN on that one, but my meth clouded mind doesnt allow me to compute the number of laps it

takes to finish. so ill stay home and take care of the anons moisty's. if you know what i mean you miserable fucks.

TMS TDL

TC, trial by fire we had this initation into the riders of night were a lad would be tied to the back of torino and made to walk with the speed increasing every mile or so until he was in a all out sprint. reminds me of tdl...

TMS Dave Mullins

TC like prison sex

TMS John Card

TC the Horror

TMS The Howard Bros

TC, id like some eggs some toast some..

at this point toe cutter is begining to fade on us. we'll leave you with this

you havent partied until you did it with TC.

Please note: thoughts and views of those interviewed are not directly views of TMS.

Special Guest

C Check back for a in depth interview with the Toe Cutter,

get his predictions and insights on the the kick off of the 2008 season

SPRUNGOUT

Thats it, its over baby, for some its the end and for others just the begining, If mother nature kissed us last week she bitch slapped us this week. Flingers got a taste of what the crossers got at the end of last season. FRCC saw nearly the same weather that ended it for the mudders in DEC, small turnout but the weather made up for the dismal field, No surprise BIGRAY and DK took it, THE GIANT KILLER put his cold weather toughness to good use, and rode well. The B race saw Alan (my name always gets spelled wrong) Antosikc, he got the best of his rivals, Hank hill was getting a taste of the cold weather he likes soo much as well.

In other parts of the area, Sunday saw the start of our OTHERSCENE the MTB'ers got it on as sunday kicked off with the Tailwinds TT at Pontiac Lake in conditions reminiscent of the last year’s end of season cross race….cold, wind, snow, rain and MUD! In excellent Michigan form, top (and not so top) MTB racers were greeted with leg burning, power sucking, slippery-slimy, muddy trails, which were evident in laps times 4-5 mins slower than past years (or the long cold winter has kept too many off their bike, TMS thinks the later…). For those who decided to brave the wrath of Michigan Spring racing, Joey B posted the best time in the Elites followed by the “CLIKEMAN” and rounding out the podium with Dylan L – Mr A-Bike! There is no telling what these results mean for season predictions, as the conditions frightened off many that we re a NO SHOW for their preregistration call up .along with several new faces electing to join the PAIN GANG, and less notables deciding the PAIN was toooo much last year and moved down to beat up on the Expert riders for some personal gratification .Maybe Bloomer will paint a better picture, but the game is wide open with powerhouse SIMONSON racing in the SHOW and local favorites keeping hibernated for more hospital conditions….
Back on the skinny..Over on the A2 side...AAVC conditions were just as lousy The A race had The usuals in the MIX ROCKSTAR, BIGR and Dk look to be ready lay waste of all that try to take what they think should be there as they took everything the comp threw at em! VERY NICE!!

There you have it, with just one week left for spring supremacy, everyone is nice and warmed up.

If your not ready yet better sit back and get ready for the show.

Seperated at birth

Some images from the 2008 WRCS Awards Party!!!

tMs

we interupt this moment of tms to bring you this...

If Satan were a Douchebag, He'd be this guy.Thank you. That's the clever headlines you get when The DB1 is cracked up on Nyquil and Advil. In case that coffee wasn't workin' for ya on this day, I thought I'd fire up all our collective consciousness with a jolt of satanic Hard Rock Rehab ubersquatt. And tasty Spanish Cinnebons. Mmm... cinnebons.

FLINGIN AROUND with the BIG THREE

The Sleeping giant has come to wake, no... not any scener in particular, but the season that is Spring temps above 37 degrees, yes we were greeted with the sun and tolerable weather for a change on what most of us call our days off. DAM. whatttta nice weeekend.


As far as flingin goes not much changed this weekend or for the last 5 springs for that matter. Same old same old, some guys flyin like its mid july. Standouts on Miscene's radar were the following..Julie Bellrose, dang she's our new STEEL, we love her kit and her acsent.. she's was rollin well at runway, DANNYK what can ya say HOLD it D for awhile and make us proud. Tim ROCKSTAR Finkel was he flowin the carbones this weekend? it was odd to see sprint KING RENKEMA on a Cervelo. Former FLINGKING Blair Dudley was out of his winters slumber. lathrup had The Eagle, Nordell, and Former Jeep/eagle rider Jim Bruce ruffin em up.


the racing yea, AS far as the A's go FRCC's saw the field stay together for a change, many riders were were disillusioned as far as the fields avg speed goes, the EAGLE put it best..Silly rabbit. Be careful that you are comparing apples to apples. And as always, we welcome more "A" racers mixing it up all season long..the B race had the powerfull Alan Antosick shut down today by Ryan Decook..FRCC saw Dylan Lansperry taken it beating out some tough sprinters. Runway plaza results were in the most part confused or MIA at press time.

With one weekend left in the Miscene Spring classic books we can only wonder who will go into WILLOW with the unfair advantage? or who will wake in time for suffocation.

flingin

flingin circa 05

SPRING FLINGIN

circa 2007

on this day 1994

On this day in 1994 Kurt Cobain buys a Remington MII shotgun and a box of shells.

Sleeping Giants

Well it looks as though the SPRINGFLINGTHING got to it under "Normal" Michigan weather brisk and windy, the perfect setting for those that put the extra flesh into the spandex for the spring time....FRCC race was attended mainly by locals although it was missing some faces..and saw the norm as far as the A winner goes DANNYK went from the gun drug some other with him and popped a few on his way to a win. WHEW DANNY FLIES in the spring! its kinda like that robin headed back home to MI for summer. 24 th annual spring fling at Ann Arbor The Turnout at RUNWAY plaza was on the low side across the board, lotsa missing flingers.... Joe L looked good early on, the A race was chocked with the alotta of the same faces, Vince Roberge home for a few days, RGF's Mike Busa and Mike House were in there new kits, Wolverines were out in force, KROSKE, DYBO lookin like the big the engine he i(HORSEPOWER that is) Tim The ROCK STAR Finkel, ....man this guy has it all a quver full of HOT bikes a sweet looking girl, a killer job/lifestyle for a cyclist, a smile that wont stop, and probably medicine chest full of hair care products that would make anyone on the A list green with envy. IF HE AINT MOVIE Star quality We dont know who is... After a small break and Chaos of lapping the field... When it all was said and done Bart Carlson, yea never heard of him either! took the win. NICE..

.Rumor has it he was a CAT5 last spring, NO OFFENSE to Bart, lets hope we dont see what seen last season when riders were getting upgrades like free gel swag on a hot race weekend.

THE BIG QUESTION remains when will the sleeping GIANTS AWAKE, we all know who those guys are..

tMs on The Eve of a Fling

WATND

WHERE ARE THEY NOW DEPT.
where oh where have the lost Miscners gone,
some have been gone for long time do you think they will ever come home?
Craig Covert
Todd Hageman
Ronnie Sink
JP Boylan
Andy Zolotowski
Danny Gillespie
Micheal Ferguson
Jason Pink
Herb Miengast
klaus Miengast
Mike Gardulski
Paul Dunn
Billy Holmes
James Webster
Seth Klienglass
Bryan Chung
Charles Allaire
Charley Mcall
Nate Griffith
adam watts
Luke Landis
Tom Archer
Dale Kosik
Rick Noonan
Ryan Mathews
Wayne Cook
Jeff Ray
Jan Selow
Jason Doughtery
Tom broderick
Jody deller
cash munday
Scott Bower
randy brewer
Matt Ridley
curt johnson
matt jankowiak
Steve Woolridge
Marty Johnson
Euthie Stamos
Jeremy Woolock
Doug Thorley
mike aderhold
Brant Hendler
Jamson Hendler
Stan Andrie
Scott Edge
Gene Faes
jason oneal
darryl uhler
david boynton
Brian Eckert
sean sholtis
Jim Keeninhan
al mcwilliams
dan nagelkirk
Brad Hibner
mathew colligan
Matt McCracken
huff brothers
barry hayden
Brett Austin
Grant Kidd
Micheal Homan
Jason Hess
Travis Hunt
Gordon Good
Micheal Tramontini
Bob Pekrul
rob fairman
to be continued??

tMs

50yrs ago today

ON THIS DAY IN 1958

Link wray invents distortion, the brutal rumble introduces the world to a fuzztone sound.

The MichiganScene a season for the HEARTLESS BASTARDS

One question 15 answers.

TMS asked random Miscners which was there favorite race, in or outta state...
Brian THE EAGLE aka FLY Adams
The one race I ALWAYS looked forward to, and coincidently the first race I ever won as a Cat III: Italian fest in grand rapids. Home town, loved the venue and the food, festivities. Loved watching kirk obee get pushed around (when he was a junior) by tim swift, frankie et al. in the pro field. That's what crit racing was all about, fast, scary and hard, with tons of spectators on a hot summer day in a down-town. Much like the new Priority race (07), so well run and such a grueling course.

One year in the mid nineties they had to move the venue to (I believe) monroe street, up the newly cobbled "grade" of a climb...I raced for Alpine back then, and Jason Swiatlowski broke away and lapped the field solo, while Brett Robinson and I attacked and stayed away (2 of us), with Brett fighting a rear flat the last 10 laps or so. Went 1-2-3 on the day. Those are the races that fuel me through the boring winter on the rollers/trainer.

Favorite race outside of michigan, but in the US? Snake Alley, baby!

Favorite International race? Oudenarde Kermesse: Always did the best there, loved the course and the atmosphere. Still think about that race when I am suffering in breaks back here in Michigan.

BA
Ron stack, Cycle and fitness head Honch The 2008 NIGHT cyclocross race at Vets Park Ann Arbor. That’s gonna be my pick.

I liked Leelanau, even though we didn’t have a snowballs chance in Hell of doing anything there except hanging on.
rS
Ben Renkema miscene version of the Greatest American Hero Downers grove Cedar Creek road race
Robert Herriman big mile guy think I'll go with the Lumberjack 100...
Steve Balogh, all around swell guy I'd have to say Lake Orion High School/Bald Mountain two weeks ago. Deep snow for a winter MTB race, beautiful day, great course.
Jason lummis bells beer buddy Chequamegon fat tire..... pure race talent and all around fun Lumberjack 100 for a MI race.... 100 miles on a MTB in the woods 7+hrs in the saddle FING awsome
Mike SIMONSTER In Michigan??? I know it's kind of cliche' and all, but I'm going with the Iceman. Ripping thru those snow mobile trails at warp speed, and stringing it out at 20-25 mph. Rooster tails of sand in the face, and not knowing if you're going eat dirt into the next sand trap... there's nothing like it. Outside of Michigan, I'd have to say Shenandoah100. You could truly have a war of the worlds in cycling on that course. It has it all. Everything from HORS catagory road climbs to technical high speed downhills.
Tim Finkel Miscenes favorite son Being the Michigan Scene, I'm going to have to stick local on this one. I have done the Tour De Leelenau all three years so far and it has always been a fond race of mine. Our sponsor Suburban home always puts us up in a condo in Glen Arbor on lake Michigan. The vibe in the air is always great because it marks my last road race of the year...the evening after we always have a party on the beach and engage in ceremonial beer consumption. The next day is usually spent rolling around on the harvest ride checking out the sites we failed to see the day before because of our race focus and talking about everyones perspectives of the race. Its a beautiful time of year and a beautiful place to race. The towns people are always so supportive and welcome the racers like we are superstars. It always reminds me that Michigan has more to offer than just dodging cars of people on cell phones in Hummers stuffed to the brim with their shopping bags from Somerset and balancing their triple mocha no whip chocolatte frapachino. Two years ago Tony Bruley and Adam Maclounie passed out on the coach of our condo with both hands on the same beer...it was quite a site. Personally, the race lacked the luster it did in the past since it went to a UCI Pro event. The field was smaller and much more divided by ability level. I am kind of bummed the race is in May this year.
Jay Moncel TREKIE downers ave superweek 2007. (not to be confused with downers groove)
Doug Gatto, the EYE BEHIND THE LENSE I would have to say two come to mind, the 2007 Gaslight crit, very nicecourse, took a 1.5 to 2 lap solo flyer about 1/2 into the race; gotcaught but I remember seeing 201 on my HRM. But was still able to finish. And one of the AA training races, it was when I was still doing the Crace, it would have been 2004 or maybe 2005 (I think it was 2004 [I cancheck by blog to know for sure]), but this C race was a real knees andelbows race (in the Cs of all places), I was bumped and knocked aroundlike crazy in this race (mid pack finish I think).
Tim SAAri no longer the underdog. maillot jaune/fenton
Josh Tarrant springflingstandout Superior Fest
Andy Wier TEAM KMFDM Paris to Ancaster. Well...that is three words, but I think it will work.
JOE LEKovich Miscenes Rose City Crit (aka Jackson Crit) That race was a true criterium. It took legs, but also a lot of bike handling skill to race that one. I loved the feeling of going through those left-right-left corners at top speed, elbow to elbow with other racers. It gave me the feeling of a roller coaster in a way. From a spectator perspective it was great too in the way it was an abbreiviated figure 8.
Rob Foshag Not the one. outside Mi Highland rim classic in TN, in MI the old Kalamzoo state road race, not the safest but a cool course.
Intresting.

Catchin up with Ben Renkema

Ben Renkema, is the next scener steppin out, and rightfully so, as he has proven for the most part he was the WHEEL when it came to Mi field sprints, heres a look at whats goin on, in the the life...of Ben
For 2008 I am racing with the turin U-25 pro development team. The team is new for 2008 with 6 racers from the midwest including Greg Christian. We have a ton of support for the season and have a ton of big races planned with victories in mind.

The main focus will be on doing NRC races and bigger races around the country so I can make it to the next step. I am from michigan and I will definitely find time to do some Michigan races. I will do Kensington between Joe Martin and Leelanau. Rockford and a few others will also be on the schedule. I am also really looking forward to the Grand rapids Crit in September.

The winter training is going better than years past. I am a lot stronger this winter. I hit the weights hard and the trainer hard and the motivation is through the roof! I have been down south a few times this winter to train and am currently in the north GA mountains training.

Right now I am racing full time, I stoped school last semester to focus just on racing. I am working a little to make money for the summer but other than that it's all training right now. I did not quit school I am just pursuing diffrent things right now. I don't love school and I love racing so I am trying to get payed for what I love to do.

Haha, yes that was a bad showing but I had fun! I crashed bad the week before at Leelanau and wanted some revenge so I borrowed a bike from the specialized rep (Bill Shoeman) and did the race. My right hand was pretty cut up and my whole right side was raw so it was very hard! I love cross; I raced a ton when I was younger, but it's hard to do a full season of road and cross. Every year I decide to hit the cross scene hard core but at the end of the road season I'm ready to start lifting weights. I am sure I will be seen here and there at a cross race having fun.

Thanks for the interview guys see you soon!

2008 Michiganscene pre season pysch up P1

with STS's just around the corner, its time TMS starts to get the engine running on some
preseason thoughts.

Have no fear.

Tim Saari (with 2 A's!!!) Tim is one of the few guys that pull double duty all season. road and cross, no problem If you have never met Tim, he may seem like just another quiet racer, NO flash, or crazy style here, just a tough sportsman. with a tad more fine tuning, There people pegging him on taking a Elite cross win/ and or the overall in the near future. We wouldnt argue that, one bit! Read on and find out what makes Tim, Tim.

1.What nationality is Sari

?Saari (two A's!) is Finnish. I actually found a Finnish National Champion Jersey a few years back and break it out on occasion to break up the monotony of wearing the same kit every day.

2. Married? Kids

I've been married for almost 8 years to my high school sweetheart Christina. We've got one little girl named Kate and she's just over one year now. She running a little on the small side so far, and has a great set of lungs which she uses daily to let me know that I'm not Mommy. So I'm thinking pure climber.

3. Favorite riding buddy?

I've got two favorite riding buddies actually. Tony Ponton and Todd Frerichs. Both of them are willing to ride pretty much anywhere, anytime, in any weather. Which is great for me because with the arrival of Kate, I like to get it done early and I'm not afraid of the cold. Apparently they're not either or they wouldn't get out of bed at 5AM on a Sunday morning to ride their bikes in January.

4. Strengths?

Unfortunately I'd have to say climbing. Too bad there's nothing around here that qualifies as a climb. Since the terrain around here doesn't suit my natural abilities, I'd say I'm more of an all-around rider. (read: pretty average at everything else)

5.what are some of your secret cravings?

There's no secret to what my cravings are. I'd eat ice-cream 7 days a week if I could. Anything with chocolate in it really. I've got a serious problem when it comes to junk food.

6. what are your weakness, cycling specific?

Can't sprint.

7. how many bikes do you own?

At the moment, I've got 7: 1992 Specialized RB; 1998 Fisher Aquila MtB that I've turned into a ghetto single speed; 2002 Litespeed Pisgah MtB; 2001 Klein Quantum Pro RB that I'm going to use as a TT machine; 2005 Salsa Las Cruces CX Bike; 2007 Scott CR1 Limited Edition (any buyers out there??); and finally my 2008 Scott Addict for this coming season. I like to think of bikes like dogs. You don't just get rid of your old hound just because you've got a new puppy do you?

8.What are some of the funniest cycling moments you have had?

I think the hardest I've ever laughed was when I was out for a ride with one of my "favorite riding buddies" at Bloomer Park when we first started riding. We had just bought MtB's and we were going to ride them through everything and anything. We'd find every filthy mud puddle we could, and ride right through the longest section of it. It was mid-march and we were riding along one of the banks of the river where the trail was on the absolute edge of the river, and it was a pretty steep maybe 8 foot drop to the river. I was leading with my buddy close behind me. I heard a splash, looked back and saw the bike upside down on the bank, and Tony was gone. Completely submerged! He came jolting out of the water like a Friday The 13th movie! I guess he slipped or something because he went right back under the water before he came blasting out again, and finally scrambled up the bank. After I realized he wasn't hurt, I laughed nonstop for 20 minutes while he stood there in the sun trying to warm up, with his clothes hanging all over the trees around us. Hah! It still cracks me up!

9. what races do look forward too?

I look forward to all of the cross races, but especially the ones I can ride to like Bloomer and Stony. On the road side, my absolute favorite local race is Maillot Jaune in Fenton. It's a great loop and I love heading over to the French Laundry for breakfast afterwards. If we could just shorten the opening ceremony a bit, it would be perfect! I also always look forward to Cone-Azalia, and I really liked the new Frankenmuth race last year too.

10.big goals this season?

To help Essex Brass score some wins. We've got some real horses and some new blood so there's no reason we shouldn't do well this year. Michigan is a sprinters paradise and we've got a couple of the best in Bruce Rivera and Terry Palmer. Also, I'd like nothing more than to win an Elite Cross race or two as well. We've got so many great quality crossers here, it's a huge task. I think it hit me what a strong field we've got when both Wiz and Pony won national level races last fall; and Card has shown he can beat them both on any given Sunday as well. Throw Foshag, Simonson, and your occasional dark horse mountain biker into the mix, and we're looking at a pretty deep field! Wish me luck. Ill need it!

11.Have you have been injured? I broke my leg at my first race as a Cat. 2 at Cone-Azalia in 2006. All I wanted to do was finish the race with the main field. About 20 of us made the final right hand turn onto the finishing stretch, and I started to get a smile on my face because I thought I made it. Then all hell broke loose. The group was weaving all over the place and started riding in the gutter on the wrong side of the road, someone up front got off into the gravel shoulder and took a bunch of us down. Not a pleasant drive home.

12. Are you coached or self coached?Self coached.

I use Joe Friel's book as a guide.

13. Big hour training week?

12 - 13 hours.

14. what other interest do you have or hobbies?

Where do I start? This cycling thing has really stifled all of my other interests. I'm pretty much a complete sports fan and I love anything that has to do with the outdoors: hiking, skiing, golf, adventure racing, etc. I'm always down for a good vacation, and I'm always looking for a great new restaurant to try out.

15. favorite place to ride?

In Michigan, I'd have to say that the area around Harbor Springs is pretty fantastic. No traffic, nice climbs, good roads. I guess they used to race up there but that was before my time. I'd definitely make room on my schedule for a state champion ship road race there. I've ridden a little bit in California, Arizona, and Georgia as well and they are all fantastic places to bring your bike. Notice that all of those places have mountains.

16. Friday night, in a NON race time of year? what happens in the Sari house.

Friday night is Pastie night during the off-season. Finnish soul food baby! I'm only 50% Fin, but we need to pay a little homage to our roots every now and again. Alternatively, we might find ourselves in downtown Rochester for dinner at Sumo Sushi or one of the other great places down there.

17. Last C.D. you bought?

Glen Phillips - Unlucky 7. (former Toad the Wet Sprocket lead) 18. good book or Ipod?A good book. I tend to like nonfiction best, but I'm good with an occasional novel as well. IPods are for solo training rides and college students pretending to study.

19. what does ben do on friday night?

You'd have to ask Ben. (editors note, Ben was unable to comment on this at the time)

20. Favorite day of week ?

No doubt Saturday. An early bike ride, big breakfast, some housework, some hammock time in the summer, and family/friends in the evening.

21. occupation ?

I work in the Market Research Dept. at Henkel Corp. doing mostly competitive intelligence. We make Loctite, and chemicals that make paint stick to metal among other things.

22. do you follow a strict diet?

No. Anything in moderation is my motto.

23. would you still ride if you didn't race?

Absolutely. Racing is fantastic, but really it's just the cherry on top. All of the hours spent adventuring around here and there, chatting with friends is what makes riding the bike what it is.

24. CROSS or Road if you had to choose?

Cross!! Knobby tires, drop handlebars, light bikes, carbon fiber all over, dirt, pavement, hills, sand, strength, speed, tactics!!! A little bit of everything cycling has to offer. Nowhere to hide.

25 THANKS your one of the best!! and thank those that keep you rollin!!! Just wanted to say thanks to my wife who puts up with my need to get outside and compete. I know she'd rather have me home more. Thanks to my training partners, especially Todd and Tony, who are so flexible and keep me motivated all year long. Thanks to Jeff Noftz at Kinetic Systems for the occasional attaboy while I was with the Rhino's and for introducing me to cross. Of course thanks to Essex Brass and all our sponsors for having me on the team. And finally, thanks to TMS for the cool blog. Bring back some cross coverage for 2008