BUNKER HILL BIKES

Quiring Fat Ops Tank

2012-02-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

It is finished:

See you on the snowmobile trail!

-Chad

New Project!

2011-12-19T14:45:00.001-08:00

The best steel tubing:

A mess of tubing for a big frame:

A little design innovation for the frame:

That is all. More in a month!

-Chad

Summer Flies By!

2011-10-09T00:39:00.001-07:00

I no longer maintain this blog on a regular basis. Why you say? Three sons, sporting events, work, bike packing and a smoking hot wife keep me busy!

Here are some photos of the summer:

And I leave you with this. You know what I am talking about!

-Chad

Divide and Conquer!

2011-06-18T05:48:00.001-07:00

It is that time of year! The Tour Divide kicked off last Friday the 10th.

All you want to find out is here:

http://tourdivide.org/leaderboard

(Warning: you will become addicted!)

I am planning on being there in 2013.

For now, trips across the U.P. and Lower Michigan will be planned and excuted.

-Chad

Spring Dirt Road Riding!

2011-04-05T21:27:00.001-07:00

Northerners cannot ride in the woods because of the mass amounts of snow.

So, we ride the dirt roads to get base miles in.

How about a few photos from Monday's ride around the Williamsburg area:

The Quiring sporting the MTB look!

The Boardman River at Broomhead Road.

Think Spring!

-Chad

3 in 1

2011-03-22T21:21:00.001-07:00

The 3 in 1 bike:

Street fighter set-up

Mountain bike set-up

Bike packing set-up

See you somewhere on the trail this year!

-Chad

THINK SPRING!

2011-03-02T18:37:00.001-08:00

Muking It Up!

2011-02-19T00:09:00.000-08:00

Rider Down!

2011-02-01T05:21:00.000-08:00

It is not what you think!

Surgery has me off the bike for a week or so.

Stayed tuned for winter riding madness!

UP/625/June is the Super Yooper Tour at 625 miles in June. Copper Harbor, Michigan to Williamsburg! The ultimate bike packing trip!

Cheers and happy February!

-Chad

UP / 625 / June

2011-01-07T22:46:00.000-08:00

More to come!

Stay tuned for a huge announcement!

-Chad

A new twist on winter!

2010-12-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

I am changing up my winter routine.

Usually I ride through the winter on a cross bike or a pieced together winter bike.

Not this year! I will be riding inside this year! Yes, I will be. Since I only have one bike these days, the trainer will be home for the base miles and keeping the butt in leather shape.

What has not changed; weekly snowshoe romps and skate skiing adventures to break up the hours on the trainer.

It will be hard to ride inside, but it has to be done!

Winter is here, officially. Think the weekend blizzard is proof!

See you in the spring! Big rides in the spring and summer. Super Yooper at 620 miles!

-Chad

Unwind Time!

2010-12-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is over and bring on Christmas!

Thanksgiving brought out the little bro and I for our annual Thanksgiving day ride. Usually we hit the roads on the bikes, but it was drizzly and wet, so we braved the orange onslaught. We hit the Vasa Singletrack for some 29er fun in the dirt. We dressed in our brightest cycling wear. My brother looked like a giant fruit loop and I was traditional in orange with red vest. To stir up the woods, we used zip ties in the spokes. It worked because we could barely carry on a conversation over the spoke noise.

Then I ate a lot over the next two days. Too much, but it was good! My mother in law put together a nice meal on Thursday while my brother and his wife did a great job on the bird for Friday!

Monday I was back out on the trail for a quick spin around the Vasa 25K.

Now, we have snow! No more outside riding this year. I changed up my off season training. Usually I ride outside 3-4 times a week, but going to one bike has changed that. Long training sessions on the trainer is in store. The Quiring 29er will not be ridden outside in the snow and salt.

Plans for next year: More bike packing and a Super Yooper Tour. (Guess what it is)

See you in the spring!

-Chad

Iceman Sled!

2010-11-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Here it s. My Iceman sled for this year. It has shed the weight of packs and other camping gear!

Some requests have been made to reveal my spec list on the Quiring*.

So here it is:

*Size XXL steel Quiring 29er using a blend of Dedacciai and Columbus Nivacrom tubing.

1. Full Sram XX group with 42/28 chainrings combined with the 11-36 rear cassette.
2. Rock Shox Reba XX set at 100mm of travel (I am big guy at 6'5", 200 lbs)
3. Bontrager Race X Lite tubeless 29er wheels
4. Truvativ Team stem and Team carbon riser bar
5. Truvativ Stylo World Cup carbon seatpost
6. Selle Italia Flite saddle, we are talking old school.
7. Shimano XTR pedals (Yes Shimano, best pedal out there. Too many broken Crank Brothers)
8. Specialized S works carbon water bottle cages with aluminum water bottle bolts
9. Kenda Karma 1.9 tires, front and rear sealed up with Caffelatex sealant (The best sealant)
10. Salsa Lip Locker seatpost collar with ti bolt
11. ESI Chunky grips (The best grip out there)
12. Sram PC-1091R Directional Chain with KMC Missing Link
13. Sram Flak Jacket cable system (Do not need that fancy Nokon crap)
13. Garmin 305 GPS (Thanks, Mike N.)
14. Sram PowerLock link attached to cable housing for emergency use
15. Cane Creek S-8 sealed bearing headset
16. Specialized milled carbon headset spacers with special one of a kind GripShift stem cap

Weight is at 24.85 lbs according to the certified QA Lab scale at my employer.

See you at the Iceman!

-Chad

The air is crisp, that means..............

2010-10-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Yeah! The Iceman is less than a month away! Are you freakin' ready!

I have been doing my part in the north to train and become a fast racer boy for Iceman!

See you in November!

-Chad

Rider Down!

2010-08-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

Please take time to pray for Jason Lummis!

He was hit by a car and is in critical condition in UofM Hospital.

All the best goes out to his family!

I will not shave my beard until Jason gets back on his bike!

Be careful out there! It is a mean world!

-Chad

Tahquamenom Tour

2010-07-22T21:57:00.001-07:00

I took a bike packing spin on the dirt roads to Tahquamenom Falls area.

Just the facts:

Day 1: Williamsburg to Mackinaw City at 130 miles
Rode through night, 4pm to 2am
Stealth camp at a roadside park

Day 2: Mackinaw City to Paradise at 80 miles
Rode the orv trail then all the Forest Service dirt roads
Camped at the Rivermouth State Park

Day 3: Paradise to Williamsburg (Yes you read it correctly) at 200.5 miles
Rode all the way home on Day 3.
Battled some demons here and there. Subway is the fuel of choice!

Just some prep for the 2012 edition of the Tour Divide.

-Chad

Station Wagon!

2010-07-14T22:31:00.001-07:00

Here is my station wagon!

Epic Design Mountain Standard Seat Bag, Tangle Touring frame bag and Gas Tank for my snackies! Plus my Eureka Solitude tent with sleeping mat up front dangling off the bars.

Wilderness happenings soon!

-Chad

Thinking.......Pondering......Planning

2010-06-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

This bike packing race is on my mind:

http://tourdivide.org/

It has been a dream since 2004.

That dream is getting traction for 2012!

I leave you to ponder what I will be doing for the next 2 years!

-Chad

North Country Madness!

2010-04-26T06:15:00.001-07:00

-On the trail near Alba

112.6 miles logged in 11 hours, 53 minutes on the North Country Trail from Williamsburg to Petoskey!

More bike packing next month.

-Chad

Tools of the trade!

2010-04-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

I have left the blogosphere for a while.

I am going bike camping!

My tools:

Riding this-

Packing clothes in this-

Sleeping in this-

Packing the sleep system in this-

Eating this-

Gourmet cooking in this-

Gourmet cooking on this-

Cooking supplies, food and nutrition packed in this-

Packing it up and going out!

-Chad

Epic Notions

2010-03-31T14:04:00.000-07:00

Barry Roubaix-Done

Up next, some epic riding on my favorite trail, the North Country Trail!

Then, time for some Lumberjacking!

See you on the trails.

-Chad

This week in cycling!

2010-03-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Weeks of training will be tested on Saturday the 27th at the Barry Roubaix. 65 miles of dirt road suffering awaits! Then on to my sister in laws for more suffering!

With that, here is the Barry Roubaix Killer:

-Quiring steel 29er, size XXL

-Quiring rigid fork

-Kenda Kommando Cross tires

-Sram XX, yummy!

We did not get CHANGE, we got short-CHANGED!

Idiots!

See you at the races!

-Chad

Riding, Riding, Riding, Riding, Riding......

2010-03-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

That is right, I have not been blogging because I have been riding!

10 days of great riding in the last 12 days! Base miles with some intervals thrown for good measure.

My wife's grandmother died last Thursday. She was a sweet lady and a rare gem! She was a Hanna, one of the founding families of Traverse City. We had a great celebration of her life over the last couple of days! Thanks grandma for the memories!

Barry Roubaix is up next!

-Chad

Barry-Roubiax and Science!

2010-03-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

March Madness!

March 1st started with a little road ride up to Kewadin. I placed 40 miles in the bank for a down payment on the Barry-Roubaix!

The Quiring was decked out street-fighter style. Rigid fork, road tires and a full Sram XX group made for a great ride this morning. Partly cloudy and in the mid 30's made the tweaking of the Q easier. The Q is ready for the Barry-Roubaix. The legs will be ready in 3 weeks for a little gravel grinding!

My 10 year old son made a sweet battery tester for the science fair at school. A single AA battery wired to an on/off switch then wired to a 1.5volt motor. He is testing battery life between different brands of batteries.

This week up here in the north will have temps in the mid 30's and dry roads. Now that I am back to 2nd shift, riding everyday will be the norm. Of course I have to fit some honey-do tasks in.

-Chad

Weekend News Stories

2010-02-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

The weekend is here with lots of things to do.

1. Clean the shop and move in a new clothing/storage rack for all things cycling.

2. Hook up the family computer in the family room.

3. Snow shoe with the kids.

4. Prepare for a return to 2nd shift at work!

5. Prepare my training plan for the month of March. (Need the legs for Barry-Roubaix)

6. Rest and watch a few Netflix movies.

*One question: Where did the chicken come from in the movie, The Hangover?

7. Watch the live feed of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

*Update: Juan Antonio Flecha won! What an awesome, hard ass race!

*Warning, digression to follow:

I am not a road racer or rider, but I love the Classics! There is something about the racing that intrigues

me. The long distance, mud, rain, snow, cobbles, those races are hard, ass races. That is why I love to

train on a bike outdoors in the winter. I love it!

How about some photos from the last two weeks:

My contact at Sram sent me a nice Yuoong hat!

Valentines Day snowshoe scavanger hunt.

The family gathering for a quick tally of scavenged goods.

On the way home we spied an owl in the middle of TC!

-Chad

Weekend Romp!

2010-02-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, I did nothing but snowshoe in the woods.

Saturday was a 2 hour romp with my wife and boys at the State Hospital. My wife's aunt and uncle along with their kids joined us. I took them on my weekly two mile route.

Everyone survived, even my youngest son! No photos because I fogot the camera in the circus van.

Sunday I ventured out to Sand Lakes Quiet Area with my oldest son. We hiked 3 miles in and around the woods. We ventured out on the ice for some clear vision fun!

Monday saw me brave the 8 degree weather for a frigid commuter ride to work. It takes me longer to get dressed than it does to ride the 30 minutes to work! With Windstopper and heat packs, the ride was just fine. I did over heat, but I rather that than have black fingers!

I leave you with some photos of the weekend. No one reads, they just want photos:

Trailhead

Snowshoe singletrack

My favorite epic trail

Mappage

Snow vermon

Frozen lake part1

Frozen lake part2

Making tracks

Fresh powder

Oh, dear!

Highway

More of my favorite epic trail, see you in May!

The boy!

Spring Fever!

2010-02-03T14:45:00.001-08:00

A few things to post about:

1. I am registered for the Lumberjack 100. I swore off the 6th edition, but a new course design has me coming out to give it a go for the 6th straight year.

2. The Quiring has been decked out in Sram XX. Holy cow! Move over XTR, you are back burner crap. XX is the best! The Q is down to 23.75 pounds.

Photos:

Think Spring!

-Chad

Shenanigans!

2010-01-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

Friday kicked off the end of a busy week only to move into a busy weekend!

Kids' basketball game, room painting, meeting the brothers for lunch, room painting and a ride up to Elk Rapids.

Photo montage of the weekend in no particular order:

Blingy Stuff!

2010-01-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

I received an email from the Iceman (Steve) the other day stating I should stop by the house and pick up a little something. Of course I jumped at the opportunity.

A nice little something for my 20 years of Iceman! Only 6 have been made!

What a nice way to close out the year! I know, not as much bling as Chunky Dunker.

Also, some exciting changes instore for the 2010 version of the Iceman. You will have to find out later in the year. I have sworn not to give out the information.

Cheers,

Chad

Tis' the season!

2009-12-27T10:32:00.000-08:00

HOLI-DAZE!

The last 4 days I have done nothing but eat and sleep!

No riding or 'shoeing for me or the family.

My wife got a bike from Santa. A nice Specialized Globe Carmel. Of course it is flat black, no pink here!

I am putting together my 2010 ride plan. Some races have made it to the list: Lumberjack 100, Iceman Cometh with some maybes for Leadville and Crank the Shield! Of course the out of state races will happen if the economy improves and people start buying pies!

See you on the flip side! 2010.

-Chad

Bling! Bling!

2009-12-23T02:40:00.000-08:00

I want one of these!

-Chad

Leadville on the mind!

2009-12-22T15:06:00.000-08:00

There is some serious thought going on about Leadville Trail 100.

Since winter is here, I have time to research and convince my wife to take a family vacation to Colorado in August.

Here is the course profile:

Not for the faint of heart!

-Chad

Let it begin!

2009-12-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

I cranked out 25 snowy miles today on the singlespeed cross bike. Fenders, blinky light and studded tires are required for wintery rides in the North. I ride the rollers, more like the rolling hills! Rollers are not my cup of tea, as most know. I hate them! That is why I would rather ride the frozen dirt roads for training.

The foot is healed and ready for winter training. Todays ride was my Bunker-Broomhead route consisting mostly of dirt road. The typical dog sprints did not happen. I think they were tired of me. The conditions were 28 degrees, heavy snow and slow dirt roads. The roads were not plowed, so I had to push the pedals a bit harder to get through. I love riding outside. Total mileage was 25 miles at 1 hour 49 minutes. No heart rate monitor. I forgot to hook it up on the Singlecross. That will be tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be a little longer ride. Who knows were I will end up.

One thing I dislike about winter is the 30 minutes it takes to get ready for the ride!

Lumberjack 100 is 6 months away! I am starting now.

The Quiring is sitting in the stand waiting to be dressed with shiny bits.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I cannot wait for the new year!

-Chad

The Idiots of America!

2009-12-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

Here are my top three idiots of America:

61% of Americans agree!

-Chad

Look!

2009-12-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

Sram XX

2009-12-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

As requested, a shot of Sram XX to start the week!

-Chad

Yes!

2009-12-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

It is here!

-Chad

Winter is here!

2009-12-04T08:21:00.001-08:00

Here is a look out my back door Friday morning!

It is here which means getting out the winter riding crap!

How many more days until spring?

-Chad

Post-Thanksgiving!

2009-12-01T05:09:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving at the Bunker Hill Bikes consisted of two dinners! I love to eat, especially in the off season. Yes, off season! Since I was stupid and broke my foot, I am in the off season.

Thursday was a late turkey dinner at my in-law's house. On Friday we traveled across town to my brother's house for a mid afternoon turkey dinner with my side of the family. Good times had by all!

Once finished filling the gut, the Traveling Circus (Dan Frayer trademark) headed south to Grand Haven to visit my wife's sister and her tribe. 6 kids, hole digging, coal plant tour and some sound sleeping made for a great weekend!

For the rest of the month, training will vary because of a work schedule and healing of the big foot. That means more home improvement projects for my wife!

The Singlecross has undergone a transformation to a winter trainer/commuter bike. Fenders, reflective sidewall tires and blinky lights!

2010 support is in the works with Kenda, Sram and Ernesto Lube. Stay tuned for more info as we ride into 2010!

Here is the newest member of the family, as of August 2009. He is a ripper and right at home with the boys! We will call him Smokey!

Have a great Christmas season!

-Chad

Two Week In Review

2009-11-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a while since a I posted any information about Bunker Hill Bikes.

So here is a recap of the last two weeks:

1. My wife returned from Mississippi. She had a great trip visiting her sister at Keesler Air Force base.

2. The Iceman went well for me. I blew all the fuses for it!

3. The Bunker Hill Bikes gang went down to Stoney Creek Metro Park for the Tailwind cross race. I will be dabbling in the single speed realm.

4. I finished my wife's pantry.

5. Over the weekend I broke my foot. Make sure you turn the lights on before you walk down the stairway. I broke my foot in the same place as I did in July. Two stupid moves produces time off the bike!

So, my training has stalled for the Cyclocross State Championships at Springfield Oaks. Time will tell.

I added a bike to the stable. It is a Specialized Singlecross. Of course I added my special touch to it. Plus this will be my winter trainer/commuter. Remember, rollers are evil!

Until then, see you on the flip side. The flip side will have some new projects, so stay tuned.

-Chad

Iceman Cometh and Goneth!

2009-11-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

Well, number 20 is in the books with out a lot of fan fair!

I arrived at the start much I like I did 20 years ago. My mother drove me out to the start this year. We played the "Race Tape" which is U2's Achtung Baby as we recalled the many years of Iceman shenanigans!

The temp was in the upper 40's at the 8am departure. I met my water bottle support at the Middle School and they were off to Broomhead Road. I warmed up and gave my good byes to my mother and told her I would see her in an hour at Williamsburg Road.

I was off to the start in downtown Kalkaska. On the way I knew I was over dressed with knee warmers, wool socks, long sleeved skin suit and thermal base layer. My hands were just right with Specialized Radiant gloves with inserts.

I lined up in the 2nd row and with a countdown, we were off. The start was not as fast as it should of been. It seemed the 5 dudes in front of me were unsure of the start. Since I have ridden the course 10 times prior, I shot to the front and led out the group to the first singletrack! I was pegged at 189 HR! A few guys got around me because I was feeling it. By the time we reached Williamsburg Road I was cooked because I put all the eggs in the basket. From Willie Road to home I was in survival mode.

All in all, I was happy with my 20th version of the race! I got to meet all of the TSB mates and discuss all things cross and mountain.

I only wished the Iceman himself recognized the 20 year Guys at the awards party! Maybe at number 40!

38 Chad Schut Williamsburg MI 1:58:42

38th out of 107 is not bad for a very competitive class!

Many props to the following:

1. John Osgood, 9th place Expert 30-34
2. Ryan Schut, my brother, for showing up and racing despite having no groceries in the basket!
3. Curt Potocki, finally putting the knee issue to bed!
4. Todd Powers, racing at the front for a bit gathering footage for the Masher's movie
5. Warm weather, I love to race when it is warm!
6. Steve Brown for putting on a good show between Kalkaska and Timber Ridge
7. Brian Matter for holding his own against JHK and Sammy!
8. TSB for taking a goofy, tall bike rider!

See you at the next race!

-Chad

It is time!

2009-11-01T19:14:00.001-08:00

It is time to enter the zone!

Bikes are ready.

Muscles are primed.

Mind is sharp.

No more posts until Monday the 8th, post Iceman.

Eat, think, sleep Iceman for the week!

-Chad

Foiled Plans!

2009-10-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

The best two days for training this fall are a bust!

No training because the boys are home from school because of the flu outbreak.

The problem is the academy has 98% attendance despite the flu in other school system. Why shut down? No one will ever know.

I guess is will be taper training with the boys. Riding with them is a lot of fun.

I leave you with a picture from my 2007 cyclocross season:

See you at the Iceman with a dash of Icecross.

-Chad

Are You Ready!

2009-10-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

It is around the corner. Are you ready?

I will be there!

On the horizon:

1. Iceman
2. Icecross
3. Kisscross Manhattan Park
4. Holland Municipal Stadium
5. Cyclocross State Finals

I have some room in my schedule to finish out the year with some cross racing. I will be chasing the elusive state championship jersey.

What class will I be racing? Come out to one of the cross races and find out.

What will the bike of choice be? Stay tuned.

-Chad "Iceman, times 20" Schut

Happenings!

2009-10-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

Another weekend has passed and much was accomplished.

The Traveling Circus made a stop by the Bunker Hill Bikes compound for a little Iceman course recon. Course recon was perfect! My wife dropped us off at the Walnut Street start in the heart of Kalkaska. We rolled out with me, DF, and DF's B.I.L (Brother in Law). Temps were in the mid 40's and the sun was out a bit. Course conditions were great with the recent rain. The sand was packed and smooth. (Did you here that downstaters?)

After wrapping up the ride, I made my goodbyes to the Traveling Circus and I was off to the house to shower and dress for a weekend of house, kid and animal sitting. Good friends of ours are in two different places; Southwest Airlines jet and Columbia (The country). The house was full of 6 kids, 1 bunny, 1 lizard, 2 dogs, 1 cat and a bunch of toys! BTW-one of the dogs hates me and avoids me everytime I am at the house. He stares at me with killer eyes! Kujo!

Sunday was a day of rest! Church with 6 kids and staying off my feet. No football because the Lions suck, NASCAR is so yesterday and Versus has bull riding!

Sunday we had snow showers for the day! Are you ready for a snowy Iceman?

In a month, the Iceman will be here! Are you ready? Bring your 29er because you are going to need it! Mike you can ride your Fuel.

I leave you with this:

-Chad

Busy Weekend!

2009-10-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

The weekend is over and it is time to for work!

The weekend looked like this for me:

1. Stack wood at a friends house, all day Saturday! (Feeling it now!)
2. Church on Sunday followed by an Open House at the Coast Guard Air Station.
3. Grocery shopping at Miejers. Doing hand to hand combat and body slamming with other shoppers to get the best deals!
4. Watched a movie called "Taken", Liam is one bad mo-fo in the movie!
5. Off to bed to nurse the soreness now taking over my body.

This week will be hard in the saddle to prepare for Iceman. Of course training will follow painting the kitchen, prepping one son's room for paint and other duties assigned to me by my wife.

Iceman news:

1. I have the secret plans to the Death Star, opps, wrong scenario! I have the secret plans to the finish venue for the Iceman at Timber Ridge. All I can say is, "Preride."
2. Todd Wells is coming to town for the Iceman!
3. The Traveling Circus is coming to town on Saturday for Iceman recon.
4. I have a section of the course, near Timber Ridge named after me, Chad's Chute. Kind of a play on the mispronounciation of my last name. Most probably seen it in the Glacier Gazette.

See you in a month!

-Chad

Weekend Shenanigans!

2009-09-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

What a weekend!

Saturday was spent at Shetlers Dairy Farm.

Hay rides, cows, pigs, milk and ice cream!

The boys loved it!

Sunday brought cool temps for the Leelanau Harvest Tour.

The plan of attack was to get up early and ride out to Glen Lake Schools to check in. Then it would be off on the 67 mile route.

I hooked up with Karly Boy and Vin-Dog for a fast loop around Leelanau County. We covered the 67 mile route at a 22 MPH average. I was wrecked as I came into the school for lunch.

During the ride we stopped at 4 aid stations to take in fresh, baked goods and drink.

I even rode with a group pace lining the course. Strength in numbers! Most were suprised at my road skills.

Stats for the day:

7 hours, 20 minutes in the saddle
151 avg. heart rate
189 max heart rate
126 miles
17.1 average speed
42.5 mph (Fastest speed for the day)

Remember, all the training is for the Iceman!

-Chad

NEVER FORGET!

2009-09-11T09:42:00.001-07:00

On this day, 9/11, please do not forget the 3000+ Americans who lost their lives to Islamic jihad!

Yes, Islamic jihad!

And the President decides to remember those who died at the hands of Islam by telling us to serve our community! What a joke! What a shame!

Please take the time to remember those who died, innocently, at the hands of terrorist!

Check out the weblink for a no, nonsense look at Islam and its rise in the United States:

http://www.insidetherevolution.org/

Now that I have stepped off my podium, a few things cycling:

-5 days of road training yielding 225 miles!
-No weekend riding, I will be a concert goer in Chicago!
-Leelanau Harvest Tour is next Sunday, big miles with El Jeffe.
-I might do a cyclocross race next Saturday if work does not get in the way.

Thanks for reading!

Never Forget!

-Chad

What is next?

2009-09-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

No Cherry-Roubaix road race on Sunday because of a cold and a long week of camping.

So, what is on tap?

How about a little round trip ride to Mackinaw City?

The Leelanau Harvest Tour is up next, too! 130 miles for the day. I do it the difficult way. Ride to check in, do the 67 mile route and ride home.

Peak to Peak mtb race will be in October to check the fitness before Iceman.

Iceman Cometh is the big one followed by a little cyclocross action at Timber Ridge.

Also, there are three cross races in the TC area including my organized race in October.

Check here:

http://tccyclocross.blogspot.com/

The brunt of my training will fall on the Roubaix. It is ready to go for some serious miles.

Watch out at Iceman!

-Chad

Road Racing!

2009-08-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

This is next:

http://www.cherry-roubaix.com/

Time for camping in the UP. See you next week!

-Chad

Rides to come!

2009-08-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Since school is starting up for the chitlins, that means I will have some time to ride in the afternoons. Call it my "Second Season."

Here are some rides and races on the list:

1. Leelanau Harvest Tour

2. 2nd edition of the Mackinaw Tour

3. Peak to Peak Mountain Bike Race

4. Iceman Cometh

The Leelanau Harvest Tour is a great ride through Leelanau County. Great aid stations and good time with my buddy El Jeffe. This is traditionally ridden on the street version of my Quiring 29er.

I have been approached by some heavy hitters to do a 2nd edition of my Mackinaw Tour. Remember the 260 mile round trip over a weekend. I am up for that!

Peak to Peak might make the calendar. I want to use this race a prep for the Iceman or to gauge my training. I have big plans for the 20th edition of the Iceman. Watch out!

Iceman. What is there to say! The sand race is 20 years old and I have done every one of them! I am shooting for a first place in my class. Let the training begin.

Some parting shots from the Mackinaw Tour:

Dog Days of Summer!

2009-08-13T09:31:00.001-07:00

It looks summer has finally arrived! Temps for the week will be in the upper 80's, which I love for bike riding.

The Ore to Shore has come and gone. This is my favorite race of the year. It offers a great mix of two track, orv trail, water crossings, pavement, and fast, rocky descents and some singletrack. This makes for a fast race! My congrats go out to my buddy Brian Matter for a smoking win!

My race went as expected. Going in I knew I would not be in top form due to the scooter accident from 5 weeks ago. No excuses, I went out as hard as I could holding my position in the top 100. Around mile 30, my legs were blown and I stopped to puke. My old addage has always been, "You know you are going hard enough if you puke in the mouth." I regrouped and went on an assault to the finish line.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturalsolitude/3801494363/in/set-72157621858393653/

My efforts netted me a 17th place out of 50 in my age group and 145th overall out of 443 riders. Not to bad for being off on training.

Things I learned:

1. Do not play around on kids toys
2. Do not forget your TSB jersey
2. Put some more road miles in for Ore to Shore
3. Take additional day off from work to relax in the UP.

So, I have put together a road training program for the next 2 months. The 20th edition of the Iceman Cometh will have me in prime shape. I am going for the win in my class.

Have a good summer!

-Chad

On Deck!

2009-07-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Since I have healed up from the scooter accident, it is time to clamp down for the Ore to Shore Hard Rock.

This is my favorite race of the year. My buddy, Marquette Cowboy, goes all out for us by cooking up slabs of lasagna, fresh salad, bread and blueberry cobbler!

Plus, sitting in the middle of the woods for 3 days is a nice break from the rat race.

Some things I am throwing around in regards to bike set up:

1. Rigid fork
2. 1X9 drivetrain: 38tooth up front, 11-32 cassette in the back

Stay tuned for big boy bike set-up updates!

Until then, enjoy the summer!

http://cu.miningjournal.net/pages/photo_page.php?mm=1938839&gallery=300101

-Chad

Street Fighter!

2009-07-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I participated in my favorite non-competition ride.

The RAT or Ride Around Torch. Typically, I ride up to Elk Rapids, sign up and take off on the 100 mile route. Then I eat at every food stop with conclusion in the park having lunch.

Things were different Sunday. I signed up for the 62 mile route with one of my buddies. It was very fun to ride with someone instead of going solo for 135 miles +!

I finished the day with 83 miles because I elected to get a ride home. I was hurting the entire way because of a driveway accident a week earlier. Darn kid's razor scooters!

I decked out the Quiring 29er street fighter style! Quiring fork and Kenda Kwick Roller tires! It was smooth and fast!

Next up, The Ore to Shore Hard Rock!

-Chad

It was stinky!

2009-07-11T14:38:00.001-07:00

Those were the words from Ignacio to the Sister when she asked where his robe was.

The movie: Nacho Libre!

My week consisted of working during the day because of the annual July shut down at the pie plant. So, I took advantage of it by commuting to work on my bike.

No issues other than getting sprayed by a skunk 1 mile into my ride on Friday morning! Luckily my shoes and fork were the only items affected.

The Sidi Dominators were treated to with some special pet deorderizer/shampoo to get rid of the skunky smell!

Next Sunday, The RAT!

Click here to see: http://www.cherrycapitalcyclingclub.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=87045&module_id=38607

-Chad

Slowing Down!

2009-07-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

Not much has transpired since the Lumberjack 100.

I have been eating ice cream bars and getting the ghetto pool ready for the hot summer.

I will kick in the miles to prepare for the my favorite race, Ore to Shore Hard Rock.

Couple of things on the mind:

1. School
2. Ride Around Torch
3. Ore to Shore
4. Home improvement

Draw your own conclusions!

Blogs are lame!

-Chad

Lumberjack 100!

2009-06-21T04:31:00.000-07:00

It is finished!

Here is a mini race report:

-55 out of 175 racers
-9:50:57

I went into this race well prepared. However, it seems I was totally thrashed by the second lap. After that it was survival mode! Many times the DNF demons were pressuring me to quite.

Not much else to say!

This was my last Lumberjack 100 race. I decided in January of 2009 not to do it again. 5 years is enough for me.

My TSB teammate Brad finished very well in the single speed class. Much respect goes out to him because he beat the Master and finished the race on a rigid 29er. He was smoking fast when he passed me. I worked with him for a while, but I could not hold his pace! Way to go, Brad! Sorry I could not hang out with you after because my family had plans that evening!

-12th place SS out of 47 riders
-9:01:06 finishing time

My son did an awesome job as support for the race. He had everything ready for Brad and I for each lap. Not bad for a 10 year old. I have trained my Patowan learner well!

Next race, Ore to Shore Hardrock!

-Chad

A Little of Everything!

2009-06-07T17:44:00.000-07:00

I am glad do close out the week. Many things happened this week that were emotionally and physically demanding.

I had some issues with my side of the family that drained me emotionally and physically. All is good now.

I did manage some riding this week. I set the Quiring 29er up for the Lumberjack 100 by dumping the 1x9 and going back to a 2x9 set-up. Novemeber of last year I had the Q hooked up with a 38 tooth ring in the front with a 11-32 cassette for the Iceman. I finally switched to a 42/32 ring set up with a 11-34 cassette. I need the lower gearing for Lumbersmack on June 20th.

I also sealed up my Kenda Karma's on the Mavic Crossmax wheels. The front took a while to seal up, but eventually everything was good. I love riding the MTB with a tubeless set-up. Nice and comfy at 28 psi!

Sunday I went for a long, hard road ride on the Roubaix. I pounded out 62 miles with a climb up Wayne Hill at the end of the ride. I was smoked by the time I got home. The hard rides will be reduced as I taper for Lumberjack.

All is looking good for Lumbersmack! Keep the fingers crossed for good weather!

Photos of the Lumberjack version of the Quiring later.

-Chad

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

I kicked off my Memorial Day Weekend early with a no show for work.

I had to take my middle brother to the doctor for some issues after being up for 26 hours with 2 hours of sleep!

Saturday my wife took a vacation day from the family, she needed it. She had her nails done, hairs cut, and did some garage sale shopping with my mom.

Sunday we went to church and had my mom over for grilled goodies. Earlier in the day I did some intervals on the road bike which had me almost puking. 2 1/2 hours of intervals in prep for Lumberjack. We took a trip out to Honor to the Cherry Bowl. The Cherry Bowl is an old school drive-inn. We watched Night at the Museum and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. We were home in bed Monday morning at 3am! Yikes!

Monday we hung out at my brother in laws beach haus on Deep Water Point. It was a relaxing time with my boys playing in the 48 degree water while we looked on. I even soaked my sore ankle in the water. Planting shrubs is a dangerous thing for cyclist! We grilled hot dogs!

Tuesday I had the day off because of the floater holiday for work. I spent the day painting the interior of the house because it was raining.

Now it is time to go back to work. Nothing to say about that.

No riding this week because of a sprained ankle.

-Chad

Mackinaw Tour Photo Dump and Part 2!

2009-05-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well, here is part two of my Mackinaw Tour accompanied by photos.

It was a sweet trip. I still grin when I think about it!

Day 2 was a low key affair. My goal for the day was to not stop until Gaylord. Gaylord would be my solid food stop or lunch as I call it. Hey, you can only drink so much Heed and Perpetuem on a long trip!

I made it to Gaylord without stopping. That meant doing everything on the bike in motion such as changing gloves, answering the phone, and digging for jerkey in the pack. I did it and eating lunch at Wendy's was my reward.

A bit of history involving Wendy's. Wendy's is the traditional post ride food stop when completing one day rides on the High Country Pathway! Many a triple combo were inhaled in those days!

After lunch, I shoved off for home. Again, my goal was not to stop until I hit the garage door at home. Coming across C-38 from Otsego to Mancelona was not fun. 20 mph winds out of the west meant for the hardest and longest stretch of my day. 22 miles at 11.2 mph average.

I did take a different route home from Mancelona. I took 571 south to Nash Road into Kalkaska. Then from there it was on the dirt roads of Island Lake and Sand Lake. I even rode part of the Iceman Cometh course from the dump point into Sand Lake to Broomhead, on a road bike!

I was glad to be home. After that I showered, dressed, got groceries and took the garbage to town.

Enjoy the photos!

-Chad

Day 1-Somewhere north of Vanderbilt.

Day 1-Stretch of trail between Cheboygan and Mackinaw City.

Day 1-Lake Huron, getting close.

My favorite transit line to Mackinaw Island!

Day 2-Lunch stop in Gaylord. It tasted awesome!

Day 1-Lunch stop in Gaylord. Double meat footlong!

Day 1-Dixie Saloon in Mackinaw City. Fueling up with whitefish dip/chips and Cowboy burger!

Night stay! Two beds: one for me, one for my gear!

The best sight in the world after a long day in the saddle! Hot tub and a bed!

Did I mention bikes stay for free!

Day 1-Turkey vultures hoping I would drop dead! Dream on freakin' ugly birds!

Day 1-One of two tunnels on the trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City.

Day 1-This pissed me off! This trail marker brought back memories of a failed attempt on the Mid to Mac.

Day 1-Topinabee Hardware. Looking for carbon grease to keep my seatpost from slipping.

They had sandpaper instead! It worked.

Day 1-Two miles from Cheboygan I find this little guy on the trail. I thought he was dead.

Little did I know he was catching some warm rays. Went back to remove what I thought was

a dead snake carcass, only to have him jet away off the trail!

Day 1-Between Wolverine and Indian River. One of two passes under I-75.

Day 1-In Cheboygan the trail was fresh and fast!

You see a lot of these along the trail since it doubles as a snowmobile trail in the winter.

Day 2-Goofing off! Passing the time by taking some action shots. Do not try this at home!

The rider thinks he is a professional!

The route on Saturday morning to Mackinaw City:

The End, well until next year!

Mackinaw Tour Report

2009-05-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

I had a terrible night of sleep going into Saturday morning.

Thursday of the week I sliced my thumb and index finger on the potato slicer which required a trip to Urgent Care to stop the bleeding. While there I had a Tetnus shot. Who can remember when the last one was!

Speed up to Friday night, the eve of the Mackinaw Tour. While at work I started to feel like I had the flu! Fever, aches, headache, and upset stomach! Great I am getting sick. It is either sickness or weather that dooms a big ride around here.

Well, my symptoms were from the Tetnus shot according to the nurse at Urgent Care. I went home to get sleep. My sleep was interupted by soaking sweat and chills. By 5 am I was alright and slept for an hour before getting up at 6:15am for my 7am departure for Mackinaw City.

Saturday morning greeted me with partly cloudy skies with a morning temp of 41 degrees. That meant I had to buttom up with arm and knee warmers with shoe covers.

The trip up was non-eventful. I rode up to Gaylord on the back roads of Northern Michigan. Once to Gaylord, it was time for some crushed limestone rousing!

The North Central Trail is a great piece of trail. Well maintained and groomed. The Roubaix was born to ride this terrian. The Kenda Kwick Roller 28's rolled smooth without any flats or other issues.

I made it to Mackinaw City and it was a welcomed site. I stayed at the Hamilton Inn Select. Pretty posh place to stay and it was only $49 for the night!

Once in Mack City, I had dinner at the Dixie Saloon. Actually it was the only place open for the season. Once the food was consumed I headed back to the hotel for some hot tubbing. The hot tub was a great thing. It helped me recover for Sunday's jaunt home. I sat in the hot water for 45 minutes soaking it up. I was in bed at 10 and up at 6:30am for the return trip to Williamsburg.

Day one stats:

Ride time: 8:16:29

High HR: 175

Low HR: 152

Avg. HR: 156

129.1 miles

15.7 avg. mph

Up at 6:30am, breakfast at 7am, and on the bike at 7:45am. I told myself I would not stop until Gaylord for the day. So off I went on the trail and put Mack City behind me. I did have some difficulty getting the body going for the first 5 miles. Nothing wanted to work and then my six Ibuprofin kicked in and all was well.

I made it to Gaylord around 1pm. I did manage to talk to my wife on speaker while riding somewhere around Indian Lake. That was nice for passing the time.

Once in Gaylord, I made a food stop at Wendys! Wendys is the traditional food stop after riding the High Country Pathway. I downed my Frosy, burger, fries, and cherry Coke and off to the my final destination.

There is a lack of events or details in the report because it was a good ride. No issues or bad experiences. So I apologize for a lack of substance in the report. You have to ride it to understand how fun it was.

I made it home at 5:45pm. I did take a different route from Mancelona to home. I took the dirt roads consisting of Island Lake road, Sand Lake road to Bunker Hill road.

Day two stats:

Ride time: 9:36:17

High HR: 157

Low HR: 133

Avg. HR 143

132.3 miles

13.7 avg. mph

The Specialized Roubaix Pro worked awesome. It is a endurance road bike with enough comfort to make it fun.

All in all, I would do it again.

On with the photos:

The start on Saturday. That jersey is HOT!

The end! Halfway through the ride!

I wonder if I could get a backwoods massage? I needed one!

Are we there yet! My butt is killing me!

Sunday finish! Can I take a nap now?

Look for more photos from the middle of the ride in part two of the Mackinaw Tour.

-Chad

May 1st, Eve of the Big Ride!

2009-05-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it to May 1st! Maybe we will start getting temps in the 70's and 80's!

It is the eve of the big ride, Mackinaw Tour! I renamed it to give it the Spring Classics ring!

The bike is set for the 250 mile round trip. Edit: The ride will be 250 miles not 300 miles as previously stated.

A few changes to the Roubaix:

-Mavic Askium wheels for less flex and better durability.

-Kenda Kwick Rollers for comfort. 700C x 28. Plus they have the IronCloak to prevent flats.

-Little red blinky light for the early morning departures.

-Kenda and Sram decals for marketing.

All the gear is ready to go. Here is the list for a bare essential ride:

Multitool
Tire lever
Tubes-5

Pump
Speed patches
Side wall patches
Compass

Jerkey
Perpetuem/Heed-Two bottles worth
Gel
Clif Blocks

Deoderant/Shampoo/Toothbrush/Toothpaste-Travel size

Chamois butter
Chap stick
Hand sanitizer

Windpants
T-Shirt
Crocs
Hat

Cap
Socks
Jersey
Shorts
Camelbak
Bladder
Gloves
Inserts
Shoe covers
Arm warmers
Knee warmers
Sun glasses
3 water bottles
Rain jacket
Pull over
Hand warmers
Helmet
Rear light
Helmet light

Glasses
Camera
Wallet
Cash
Reservation
Map

It seems like a lot, but all the items are small and fit into my Camelbak Ventoux easily. The pack is not heavy at all. And most of the items will be worn!

I specialize in the bare essential, self supported epic rides!

I will have a full write up Monday afternoon with visual stimulation, IE photos!

Until then, keep the dirty side down!

-Chad

A New Toy!

2009-04-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

Whoa, a new toy!

That was the line in the movie Robocop when Clarence Boddicker brings this super gun to the city street where his minions were waiting. Clarence then blows up Joe's 6000 SUX.

Then Emil grabs the super gun and blows up something and says, "I LIKE IT!"

I have a new toy and I like it!

I put together a 2009 Specialized Roubaix Pro frame.

It is dressed with Sram Red shifters, brakes, crank, cassette and chain. The derailleurs are Sram Force. Sram supercork tape. Other goodies on the bike include 3T bar, Truvativ Team stem, HED wheelset, Kenda Kaliente tires, Specialized Toupe saddle, Specialized carbon post and Specialized Rib cages.

In race form the bike weighs 15.80 pounds for a huge 61cm frame!

I took it for a 40 mile shake down ride to get final adjustments. This bike is super comfy.

I did manage to get a rear flat with the super racing tires. I sometimes forget that road tires are not as durable as mtb tires.

It will be put to the test on my Mackinaw Tour ride this weekend. The bike will be dressed a little differently. I will be using my Mavic Askium wheels with Kenda Roller 28mm tires. A little comfort and flat protection on the crappy northern Michigan roads.

Look for a ride report Monday on the bike and trip.

-Chad

Big Ride!

2009-04-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

The Tour of Mackinaw!

May 2nd and 3rd.

A 300 mile round trip from Williamsburg to Mackinaw City.

Great prep for the Lumberjack 100.

2008 North Country Trail Ride from Conway to Mackinaw City

-Chad

Assorted Ramblings!

2009-04-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

I am back on the bike after a lengthy illness. The flu has moved out of my household for good.

Temps this week are going to be in the 60's! It is about time!

Thursday I will be taking out the Quiring 29er for some offroading in the woods. There is a bit of snow deep in the woods.

Ramblings:

1. Doing a backroad ride from Williamsburg to Mackinaw City. Staying the night and coming back the next day. I would do it on the cross bike. The month of May would be the shove off!

2. Mclain Cycle is having a VIP/Open house for the new Specialized Concept store at the end of the month.

3. We added a new team car to the bunch. I bought my wife a Ford Freestyle! Leather with all the goodies! Of course it is used, who can afford new right now?

Time to go!

-Chad

Sick Weekend!

2009-04-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

I am on the couch, down for the count with the flu! I thought I was getting better, but what was I thinking?

My wife and boys are off to the Great Wolf Lodge for some waterpark fun with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins!

Bike riding? What is that? I hope to get on the bike Tuesday and Thursday. The weather is supposed to be crapy. We are talking lower 30's with snow! When will the madness stop!

Time for movies!

I think I am getting bed sores with all the laying around I am doing!

-Chad

Non-Bike Related Items

2009-03-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

Now that I have simmered down from my ruined race day at the hands of my van, I will take some time to report on the non-bike related items from the weekend.

1. I have the flu!

2. To add insult to injury, it snowed 6 inches on Sunday!

3. My house can be called "Wild Kingdom" of Williamsburg.

No riding this week because of the flu and the boys being on Spring Break.

-Chad

Non-Race Report!

2009-03-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Friday night started well for me. I left work with a van full of pies for the Barry-Roubiax and high hopes of a good race on Saturday!

I loaded the van with 5 bikes, gear, water, and wheels and headed to bed at 12am! Not too bad considering I am usually up to 3 am because of my current work schedule.

Up at 5am off to Elk Rapids to pick of Scott and Jeff and we are off!

While motoring down Fife Lake road, my engine temp light comes on the temp read out reached max hot temp! This is bull-honky!

We limp it along to the former BP station and take a look. No coolant in the radiator or resevior! Jeff is a pro for the Bissell road team and a knowledgeable mechanic. Heck, I did not know he owned a garage in TC! I bought two jugs of coolant from the cheery ladies at the station. We filled up the radiator and started up. The $25 of coolant spilled out the water pump onto the gorund! How about that, a dead water pump! I was pissed! Here I am with to top level riders and two bikes belonging to the Mclain team and I am stuck in Fife Lake!

We drove home and called it a day.

No race! I am pissed! Does anyone want free cases of pie? Good thing winter is coming back this weekend, cold temps and snow will keep the cases on ice! Yes, winter is back. 3-6 inches of snow tonight, make 10 inches because the dingle-berry weather guys are never right!

Time to regroup for the next race! I am not sure which one, but it has to be a prep race for Lumberjack!

Cheers!

-Chad

Getting Close!

2009-03-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I woke up to temps in the upper 30's! I thought about making it a tech day. Tech day is not riding, but working on bikes and gear. I decided I will do tech day on Thursday night and Friday morning.

I picked up the term "Tech Day" from my days riding for Parkpre Factory Racing. We would spend the day with the team mechanic working on the team bikes and gear. Sometimes the Oakley and Sram reps would show up and give us new gear! One tech day I scored a pair of Oakley M-Frames from the rep to wear at the NORBA Finals in Big Bear California! It was sweet!

Anyway, on to the ride from Tuesday. My middle son had a school event Tuesday, so I was strapped to time. I did a 2 hour ride over the hills near Spider and Aurbutus Lakes.

Here are the stats:

-2 hour ride time

-26 miles covered

-Average heart rate: 156

-Max heart rate: 181

Thursday ride will be an 80 mile endeavor. I normally taper to a race, but spring races I like to train through the race.

-Chad

Seperated at birth?

More ridin'!

2009-03-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

The orginal plan was to ride on Saturday with my brother, however, snow played a factor in not going!

Saturday morning we were greated with 2 inches of the crappy white stuff. Ride cancelled.

Sunday my wife gave me the thumbs up for riding with my brother. I left the house and rode out to Gray Road to meet him. We rode out to Cedar and back hitting some nice hills. This was Ryan's first big ride of the year. He ended up doing 30 miles with me. I pulled him home after his legs gave out.

Ride stats for today:

-4 hours, 3 minutes
-62.5 miles
-Average heart rate: 147
-Max heart rate: 178
-42 degrees

Monday will be a day off. Tuesday through Friday will be zone 3 rides covering 3 hours of ride time. Then Barry-Roubaix on Saturday!

-Chad

Winter is back!

2009-03-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

My plan today was to roll out of bed and hit the road for some base miles. I looked outside and saw the return of winter. No snow on the ground, but flurries in the air! Man! Either be spring or winter!

I was not going to let some snow slow me down. I suited up with three layers, hot packs in the gloves and shoes, booties, tights, and skull cap! Man, it takes 15 minutes to get dressed. It was 23 degrees with a windchill that made the air feel like 9 degrees! The good ole' North!

I did my tour of the peninsula route. I went up the west side since the wind was out of the northwest, that was a bear! On the return, I took the east side back with the wind at my back!

The stats:

-3 hours, 15 minutes
-54 miles
-149 average heart rate
-Zone 3
-Peak heart rate:167
-One Clif bar consumed
-One bottle of Heed mixed with Perpetuem
-Called Lance-One time!
-Cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday will be rest day.

Saturday I will have some early morning fun with my little brother. We are riding from his house on the west side of Traverse City to Lake Leelanua! It should be interesting because he has not miles in his legs, but he is a natural athlete.

No more here!

-Chad

Big Ride!

2009-03-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

I headed out today to do at least 50 miles or 4 hours of base training.

I left my house and rode to the end of Old Mission Peninsula.

There were issues:

-Snow still covered most of the city Tart Trail.
-My bypass had my heart rate pinned at 197 going up 5 mile hill!
-TJ's derailleur hanger fell apart .75 miles into the ride.
-Water everywhere!

The good:
-4 hours, 17 minutes in the saddle.
-3 hours, 38 minutes were spent in zone 3, my goal for today.
-TJ met up later with Tim and I on his new Modone! I love carbon!
-Barry-Roubaix dirt road training with Tim on the way out to the lighthouse.
-Tim's Ibis Frakenbike! Sweet!
-The Ridley is tuned to my jungle bunny body!

Next week will be a hard week! I am going to mix up the base training with some low key intervals to blow out the cob webs!

Time to go!

-Chad

The Dark Side!

2009-03-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

Since my son was home again, I had no other choice than to join the Dark Side!

The Dark Side to me is riding the rollers indoors!

I sat on the bike for 2 hours doing a few intervals to test the winter legs out. Not too bad. I hit an average of 168 with the ticker. My high was 196! It was a spirited ride trying to enjoy the confines of my basement.

Barry Roubaix is 3 weeks away, I hope to have a good race!

-Darth Chad

No Riding!

2009-03-04T08:34:00.001-08:00

I had to scrap the maiden voyage of the Ridley due to sickness going around the house. My youngest is ill with the flu, so no riding Tuesday or Wednesday!

I am not sure if Thursday will have me out on the road!

3 1/2 weeks to Barry-Roubaix! I need some decent block training!

Stay healthy!

-Chad

Weekend Update

2009-02-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

Not much happening up here in the Northland other than more fresh snow!

How about 1 foot to add to the abundance we have.

I think riding in the woods will happen around, um, July!

The Quiring Steel 29er is getting some facelifts in the area of components. New Sram cassettes and chains for the beast and a special Truvativ crank in 180mm arm length. I dumped the riser bars for this year in favor of a Truvativ Noir World Cup carbon bars with a slight rise. They are sweet. I will be campaigning on a 1x9 drivetrain this year. How about a 38 tooth chainring up front with an 11-34 cassette in the back!

Peace out!

-Chad

The No-Pros Bike

2009-02-16T05:12:00.000-08:00

This is a new segment for my blog.

The No-Pros Bike is a feature that will highlight bikes that the weekend warrior races in cyclocross, mountain biking, and road events.

The idea came from my early years in mountain biking. I used to rush to the book store to pick up a copy of Mountain Bike Action and leaf to The Pros Bike section. I would look over the pro's bike and think it would be cool to have this or that on my bike.

So, I pay homage to the weekend warrior!

This month I am featuring John's (aka Chunky Dunker) cyclocross bike. His Redline Team is the main race bike for the Tailwind series and some out of state cross races. John races for the powerful Team Sandbag out of Marysville, Michigan.

John says the following about his Redline, "I love this bike! It is like a Ferrari for the mud. I have spent a lot of time getting the build just the way I want, and the result is a very fast, stiff, responsive and light CX racer!"

John uses some of the industry's best parts on his cross machine. Shimano Dura Ace shifters/brake levers and derailleurs to Ritchey stem, bars, and carbon fork. This is a very solid build.

Here are the details of a the build:

07' Redline Conquest Team (56cm)
Ksyrium SL clincher wheels

Challenge Grifo tires

FSA SLK-Light Crank Set (46/36)

IRD 12/28 10 spd Cassette

Dura Ace Shifter/brake levers

Dura Ace Rear Der.

Dura Ace Front Der.

Ritchey Bio Max Handle bars

Thomson Elite Seat Post

Sella Italia SLR Gel Flow Saddle

TRP Carbon 950 Canti Brakes

Tekro Cross levers

Time ATAC XS Pedals

Ritchey WCS Carbon CX Fork

Ritchey WCS Stem

SRAM PC 1090 10 spd Chain

Stay tuned for another No-Pros bike feature.

-Chad

Perfect Weather!

2009-02-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

Tuesday high temperature in Traverse City was 58 degrees.

What do you do when the winter temp hits 58 degrees? You ride!

I did my classic Old Mission Peninsula ride. This a 55 mile loop from my house out to the Lighthouse and back. Some of the TART Trail was covered with snow, but that did not stop me. It was rather wet in some areas of the ride, but I did not care, it was 58 degrees!

The only problem encountered was the 30 to 40 mph winds from the south. Of course the return ride was headed in the wind! I was cooked when I turned into my driveway!

Thursday winter is back, but it will be more base mile acquisition. This time I will head up to Elk Rapids!

Come on snow, go away!

-Chad

Idiots!

2009-02-02T05:24:00.000-08:00

What the heck is going on? Pro athletes using recreational drugs and blood doping! It must be they do not get much of a natural high in their many victories!

Tom "Blow" Boonen, the coke-head!

Michael Phelps the pot-head!

Hines Ward, not a junkie, but maybe a blood doper?

He had platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injected into his bum-knee before the Sleeperbowl! Eye-brow raising. Can I do that before a race with my hands to ease the pain of arthritus?

Just some humor to start the week!

-Chad

The Brian Matter Interview!

2009-01-30T08:06:00.001-08:00

Brian and me, after he won the 2007 edition of the Iceman Cometh.

In a world exclusive, I had the opportunity to interview Brian Matter of Gear Grinder. Brian as most know is participating in the Cyclocross World Championships in Hoogerheide, The Netherlands for the United States. Just to let everyone know, the Schut family immigrated from Groningen, The Netherlands in 1906.

Some background: Brian and I go back to the early 1990's. We were skinny kids trying to make on the Michigan Mountain Bike scene as elite riders. Every weekend we would line up with the guys like Scott Quiring, John Myers, Lewis Tripp, and Don Camp. Classic races like Pando, Retro Ranch, and Garland Hammer would bring us out along with Brian's dad with the video camera. It was a cool scene!

On with the interview. Brian took time out of his busy training and prep for Worlds to answer a few questions from his secret bunker deep in Hoogerheide :

1. Since I am Dutch, what is the best thing about the Dutch?

Brian: They are pumped about cyclocross!

2. You have had some practice on the course, what are your thoughts about the Worlds course?

Brian: Wide open and fast, bumpy grass, and similar to WCA!

3. My Sons want to know, do you puke when you get nervous before a race?

Brian: No puking for me!

4. Since you are in the land of the Dutch, did you find some wooden shoes?

Brian: There are plenty of wooden shoes to be found. Do you want a pair?

Edit: I did request some size 14+ wooden shoes.

5. What is better; cross racing in Wisconsin or cross racing in Belgium?

Brian: Belgium!

6. When signing autographs, do you think the people know who you are? I see a lot of people clammoring for your autograph!

Brian: I'm a big deal over here???

7. USA Cycling skinsuit or Gear Grinder skinsuit?

Brian: Team USA for Worlds.

8. Sram or Shimano?

Brian: Dura Ace.

Edit: I think he would be faster on Sram Red!

9. What is the deal with the helmet visor, those are so 1990's?

Brian: I'm an old school mtber.

10. Your favorite Triple Crown race?

Brian: Iceman!

Bonus question: Boom or Nys?

Brian: Boom Boom

Edit: The Dutch rock!

We at Bunker Hill Bikes wish Brian the best at Worlds! Tear them up, HUP!

-Chad

Weekend mind-Workout

2009-01-24T13:51:00.000-08:00

No physical workouts this weekend!

It seems that I have to write a few papers for school.

Dang, I thought I was done!

Just mind-workouts.

See you on the flip side.

-Chad

Recap of the week!

2009-01-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

I had a decent block of training this week.

Here is the breakdown, kind of like the pros posting their dope test results!

Monday-2 hour ride covering 18 miles. Average heart rate was 126 with a max at 171. 11 degrees with a windchill of -1.

Tuesday-2 hour ride covering 15 miles. Average heart rate was 134 with two max efforts at 181 and 179. The reason for the spike in max heart rates: Dog sprints! I was chased two different times by dogs. 26 degrees with a windchill of 13.

Wednesday-2 1/2 hour ride covering 23 miles. Average heart rate 113. Slow and easy to build my base miles.

Thursday-2 1/2 hour ride covering 20 miles. Average heart rate 119. Slow and easy. I wanted to have a 3 hour ride, but I got bored riding the frozen dirt roads.

Friday-Day of rest!

For the weekend there will not be any training. I have 6 papers to write for school. 6 papers equal 12 credits!

As the weeks go by, the hours spent of the bike will increase! Base is the key!

Stay tuned for the first installment of the no-Pros Bikes. This feature will highlight the bikes of the weekend warriors. The first featured rider will be Chunky Dunker of Team Sandbag!

Have a great weekend!

-Chad

Winter Training

2009-01-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

I could not take it anymore. After working late, I rolled out of bed to a sunny sky and a temp of 11 degress with windchill of -1.

I wanted to ride, so I piled on every piece of winter clothing I could find. After 25 minutes of layering I was ready to tackle the ride.

The Quiring was outfitted with some studded tires and we were off. This was my first time on the bike since Iceman! As you know my heart blew some orings during the Iceman, so I took an easy out of the snowpack roads of Williamsburg. It was a nice ride after the shock of the windchill wore off. I covered 18 miles for 2 hours of ride time. I love being on the bike.

I could tell my snowshoeing is paying off because even after a long time off the bike, I had plenty of power and stamina. It looks like I will be able to ride Thursday because of a big warm up!

I forgot to mention before my ride I watched the lord Barack ascend to the throne. What was interesting is some of his speech sounded like a campaign, some like liberal hogwash, and the other like a conservative. Of course the drones in attendance cheered for the hope and change but did not really cheer for our continued focus on threats to our nation, they were confused!

Wait, what happened? I thought there was going to be immediate change! I want my money back.

I had to get that out.

-Chad

Snowshoe Shenanigans!

2009-01-11T17:39:00.002-08:00

Today the whole family went snowshoeing!

It was my youngest son's birthday party so we took advantage of my Aunt's 10 acres of wooded
property to lay some trail!

Here is a pictorial of the event:

Old School vs. New School

The Convoy!

The Professional Snowshoer!

The Wifey!

The Family!

The Inlaws!

Snowshoeing is a great activity. I have not touched the skate skis yet this winter!

It is hard for me to motivate for skate skiing. I have been doing it since I was 14 years old!

I like the pain I get from 4 hour showshoe romps!

-Chad

Williamsburg Supercross

2009-01-05T18:53:00.000-08:00

Some of you are actually reading my blog. That means I have 4 loyal readers!

Here are some details on the new cyclocross race I am organizing for October of this year:

1. One lap (Distance TBD)
2. Natural obstacles
3. Cool medals
4. Gentleman's agreement race format
5. Pie prizes

I will post more on my alter ego blog site, clicky linky:

http://northernmichigancyclocross.blogspot.com/

I will have more info on the race and my thoughts on cyclocross, current news, bikes of no-pros, and general cross jibrish.

I am really excited about this year!

-Chad

A New Year!

2009-01-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

The blog site is under some construction, but that is not enough to keep from posting the latest from Bunker Hill Bikes.

Here it is:

1. Bunker Hill Bikes has joined Team Sandbag! These guys know how to go to a race. I noticed them throughout 2008 having a great time. So, I wanted to be a part of a great team. Bunker Hill Bikes is still around, but more of a localized effort.

2. I have kept my supporters from last year. Kenda, Sram, and Ernesto Lube have signed on to the travelling circus (Dan Frayer trademark infringement) for 2009. As always, they are great industry supporters and this junkie loves the pure product.

3. I will be racing in a majority of cross races for 2009. That includes the ever famous Kisscross series and a few selected Tailwind races.

4. I started a cross project only to dump that one and start another cross project. More on that as the month developes.

5. Speaking of cross, I will be putting on Williamsburg's first ever cross race. This will not be your typical cross race. This will be a combonation of Iceman Cometh meets the Iron Cross. I am floating around a few names such Williamsburg Supercross or Cyclopuke. Look for this monster in October of 2009. More later.

6. School is done. I can fully concentrate on family and throw in some cycling.

7. The season kicks off with the Barry-Roubaix. I will be upping the ante for this year and racing elite in the races, again. Now that school is done, I can pour it on. Reports have Simonster doing the Barry-Roubaix in March. Ouch!

That is it, see you on the trail or dirt road.

-Chad

Revamp!

2008-12-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

I am still here.

New stuff for 2009!

Stay tuned for more.

-Chad

Brief Report................

2008-12-10T08:03:00.001-08:00

The last of two weeks in the life of Chad:

Travel to St. Louis for training
Come home
Get the flu
Get a nasty cold
No riding
Last few weeks of school
New project taking shape

Later,

-Chad

Here is to heart health!

2008-11-20T16:00:00.001-08:00

Today I had these procedures done:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echocardiography

2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardioversion

I am feeing loads better!

Next step is for the doctor to take me off from the beta blockers and coumadin.

Sponsorship news:

Kenda has committed to the Bunker Hill Bikes gang for 2009! Thanks Jim for your support!

Time to get back on the bike!

-Chad

Looking out my backdoor!

2008-11-18T06:15:00.000-08:00

Winter has officially arrived in Northern Michigan!

The snow shoes, check!

The studded tires have been mounted, check!

The XC skate skis are waxed, check!

The heart needs a boost, well, Thursday that will be checked!

See you on the flip side!

-Chad

Iceman, #19!

2008-11-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

So I came out of hiding to do the 19th Annual Iceman Cometh. Ya, I know the dirt road race!

You see, I cannot pass up this race because I have competed in every one. I was 15 years old when I did the first one in 1990.

Things that have almost prevented me from making it 19 in a row:

1. 1994 I had the flu. I stopped at Williamsburg Road and puked, but pride got the best of me and my grandfather threatening to beat me made me push on.

2. 1999 I broke all the toes on my right foot a 2 weeks before the race. Talk about a limp! Can you say Kunta Kinta? I broke all my toes at the base. I still did the race, but it was not fun! I used a whole role of athletic tape on my foot.

3. 2003 Major snow storm that created an accident on M-72 near Rapid City road. It did not help that my brother's friend's Subaru had bald tires. We were late only to find out Steve had delayed the start by an hour. It was still butt-crazy cold!

4. 2008 I started the race with some heart issues, only I did not know it. I still managed a 1:52:something and a trip to the ER the following Monday with Atrial Fib. My friend is back!

Photo courtesy of Dan "Spank my butt!" Frayer-AutismSpeaks.org

I had a great race until the Three Sisters (Before Williamsburg Road). That was when I was shafted from the main pack with heart issues. The Quiring rode awesome not missing a beat. Set-up rigid with a 1x9 drivetrain, 38 tooth up front with an 11-32 in the back. Pics of the beast later.

Next year I will mark the 20th edition with a tandem suprise. More details over the long winter!

Thanks to all my sponsors for a rippin' year: Kenda Tires and Tubes, Ernesto Lube, Sram, and Quiring Cycles!

-Chad

PS-No more political commentary. I will tell you in 4 years, "I told you so."

Happenings!

2008-10-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Iceman is around the corner. The weather is doing its part to bring a fast course.

Rain and cold temps will keep the course fast and fun!

The Bunker Hill Bikes Quiring 29er is being equipped with some special hardware to speed along the flats. I am going for the win in my age group. You will have to figure out what class and age group I am in.

Cyclocross shenanigans are in the works for next year.

My office is finished. Now my wife and I have a place to do bills and study for school.

See you at the Iceman! Look for the big, black Quiring at the expo in Scott's expo space.

-Chad

It is that time of year!

2008-10-11T17:32:00.001-07:00

Not the election!

The race!

Do I need to say more?

I had to take a break from the Presidential Campaign.

-Chad

Second Half of the Season Photo Dump.

2008-09-26T11:05:00.001-07:00

Second Half of the Season Photo Dump

2008-09-26T10:59:00.001-07:00

No words, just photos!

BIG MAC!

2008-08-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

The traveling circus (Payment on the Dan) made its way to Conway on Sunday.

The goal was to ride the North Country Trail from the Conway trailhead to Mackinaw City. 52 miles of prestine singletrack were waiting for JR and I.

The Quiring was rolling with tubeless Mavic Crossmax wheels, tubeless Kenda Karmas, and riser bars to battle the roots and rocks the north would throw at me.

The section of trail we rode varied in terrian from rooted singletrack, rollers that keep you on the pedals, scrub, and wet trails.

The day started off temps in the 50's with sun everywhere. The day heated up to 68 degrees which made for easy singletrack shenanigans.

No major problems except for a case of but munch because of the rooted trail in the beginning. I love the Q hardtail, but there was some longing for cush in the tush. Maybe a softail Scott?

After arriving to Mackinaw City, we grabbed some food from the lunch buffet at B.C. Pizza. It was the best, but I could not find any Chinese dives to eat at.

Once the belly's were full, it was time for the trip back. We rode the Mackinaw City to Allanson Trail back to Conway. I will never again ride a snowmobile trail again. There was crushed stone, weeds, grass, and front yards that made the trail. No sand which was good. Straight arrow trail with nothing to do but ride.

We made it back to the van. 84 miles. 7 hours, 52 minutes. 10.6 miles per hour average.

It was a good day!

Photos once JR sends them to me.

-Chad

Ore to Shore Race Report!

2008-08-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

Short version since I am not a blogger:

Overall finish: 74 out of 438 riders

Age group finish: 3 out of 34

Time finish: 3:01:51

I knocked off 17 minutes this year compared to last year. Can you say prefferd start, baby!

The conditions were epic: Mud, speed, sand, rain, and crazy fast downhills!

The Quiring steel rode awesome! No complaints! Thank you Scott for a great product!

Photo credit: Bell's Beer

Some more pictures from last weekend soon!

-Chad

Let it roll, U.P. style, eh?

2008-08-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

The traveling circus is heading up to Marquette for the Ore to Shore!

The annual trip cannot be missed. Joining me on the 4 hour trip and weekend will be Brett the Scholar and Noah the Engineer! My buddies bailed on me for good reasons which opens the door for a family affair. Brett, my middle brother needs to get out of the house and Noah my oldest son needs to get a race in on his new 26er mountain bike.

The van has been washed, cleaned, and packed! We are staying with the Marquette Cowboy for the 8th or 9th time! I cannot remember anymore.

Marquette Cowboy

Race on Saturday!

See you later, eh!

-Chad

Weekend Happenings!

2008-07-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

Not much to report.

I finished painting my sons new room. He moves into the room today. My wife will be happy.

I rode in my second Ride Around Torch on Sunday. It was a long haul of a day. I started at 6:15am and rode up to Elk Rapids to meet El Jeffe. We rode together to the 100/62 mile split. He went the 62 mile route I went the 100 mile route.

I ran into some of the Hagerty Boys at the Elsworth food stop. I was going to ride with them, but the pace was going to be around 25 mph an hour. That was not my idea of a fun ride.

I developed some soreness in my right knee around mile 60, it would not go away. It is better this Monday morning.

Total mileage for the day was 133.59 miles! Great Ore to Shore prep.

See you at the races!

-Chad

Updates and Road Carnage!

2008-07-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

Not much happening at Bunker Hill Bikes. Just training and working!

So much training that I am down to a trim 180 pounds! Ore to Shore is on the mind and I want to do better than 81st overall!

The family is recovering well from the loss of my Grandmother.

My brother on the other hand thought he would add some excitement to our lives by impressing us with his amazing stunt driving south of Big Rapids! He fell asleep at the wheel and rolled his Ford Focus station wagon three times at 67 MPH! He is lucky to be alive according to Trooper Norton. He did sustain a badly mutilated left arm. It was the arm resting out the window. He has several pins, plates, and bolts in his arm. He has more titanium on him than my bike!

I am flying the Black and Silver BHB colors along now. Motoman has left the team this year. I do not know what he is doing, but I have all his stuff for sale.

Click here: http://classifieds.mtbr.com/showproduct.php?product=22133

And click here: http://www.mmba.org/viewtopic.php?p=495138#495138

See ya at Ore to Shore!

-Chad

Grandparents!

2008-06-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

A bit of sad news has hit the Bunker Hill Bike Gang.

My 81 year old grandmother passed away Thursday night. It was a shock to everyone!

The story begins 4 years ago on June 8th. My grandfather lost hn is battle with cancer and passed on. After that my grandmother was not the same. My grandpartents shared 59 1/2 years together.

My brothers and I were spoiled because we did not have to share our grandparents with other grandchildren because my mother was an only child. It was a sweet set up, kind of like a Sram XO drivetrain!

The Schut family had many memories that included camping trips all over the U.P., mountain bike races, and construction projects around the Fielstra homestead.

My grandmother can now join my grandfather in heaven!

Ride on, Grandma, ride on!

-Chad