I’m fortunate enough to have trails pretty much at my door. In less than 1/2 mile from my house I can be on trails that will give me a 35-40 mile round trip mountain bike ride. Over the summer I brought my Epic Action Cam with me on a few rides, and here is a short sampling of my training rides.
Over the barriers, through the mud, to the podium we go. On a Supernova of course. The carbon fiber Team and Elite versions of this perennial CX winner are guaranteed to have you reigning in the wet and muddy stuff. Then there’s the aluminum Nova Pro, Race and Sport, possibly some of the most versatile bikes Jamis has ever built. They’re as ready for Monday morning’s asphalt commute as they were at the local gravel race last Saturday. And they’re just as ready to be loaded up with panniers for next month’s adventure tour.
Jamis Bikes have always been one of my favorite bike brands. Over the years I have had several different models. In fact I still have, and ride, my 2005 Jamis Ventura Elite road bike. I’ve never held on to a bike as long as I have held on to that bike. As the 2014 bikes start to show up on web sites, I have taken a look at the 2014 Jamis lineup, and as expected, they are awesome. I have always been a fan of the Jamis Nova line of cyclocross bikes. The Super Nova has sort of been a dream bike of mine. But in 2014, there is an exceptional value in their ‘cross line up…the Jamis Nova Sport. An entry level cyclocross bike that won’t break the bank. If you are looking for a “gravel road bike” or if you want to get your feet wet in cyclocross racing, this is a bike that you need to take a look at. With a retail price of only $825.00 (it’s not a typo), you really can’t go wrong with this bike.
Jamis Nova Sport Entry Level Cyclocross Bike
Specifications:
|
Frame |
6061 aluminum double-butted main frame, hydro-formed top tube for comfortable portage, 1 1/8-1.5″ tapered head tube, 34.9mm seat tube, disc brake mounts, replaceable derailleur hanger, single eyelet |
|
Fork |
Jamis Cross aluminum fork, tapered chromoly steerer, integrated cable cradles with post disc brake mounts and fender eyelets |
|
Headset |
FSA, integrated, 1 1/8-1 1/2″ |
|
Wheels |
Alex XC23 eyeleted disc specific rim, 32H, Formula alloy disc road hubs and 14g stainless steel spokes |
|
Tires |
Vittoria, Cross XN, 700 x 32c |
|
Derailleurs |
Shimano Claris RD-2400 rear and Claris FD-2400 front with 34.9mm alloy clamp |
|
Shiftlevers |
Shimano Claris ST-2400 Dual Control STI, 16-Speed |
|
Chain |
KMC Z7 |
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Cassette |
SRAM PG-830 8-Speed 11-30T |
|
Crankset |
FSA Tempo compact double, 50/34T, 170mm (48/51) 172.5mm (54/56) 175mm (58/61) |
|
BB Set |
FSA sealed cartridge, 68 x 110.5mm |
|
Pedals |
N/A |
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Brakeset |
Tektro Lyra mechanical cable actuated disc brake with 160mm wave rotors and Shimano ST-2300 STI brake levers |
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Handlebar |
Jamis Ergo, 6061 aluminum, 6061 aluminum, 31.8 x 380 (48) 400mm (51-54), 420mm (56/61). |
|
Stem |
Jamis Road, 3D forged 6061 alloy, 7° x 90mm (48/51), 100mm (54/56), 120mm (58/61) |
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Grips |
Jamis suede tape with Jamis logo and “J” end plug |
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Seat Post |
Jamis Road, micro-adjust, 31.6 x 300mm, alloy clamp with cromo seat pin |
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Saddle |
Jamis Road with SL top, front and rear bumpers and satin steel rails |
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Sizes |
48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61cm |
|
Color |
Charcoal |
|
Weight |
24.75 lbs |
Breakfast was two Krispy Kreme strawberry-filled doughnuts. I needed something quick, so I downed the pastries in my car on the way to work. Feeling full and high on sugar, I tackled my inbox with gusto. But by 10 a.m., my gut was grumbling again—and lunch was hours away. It was nothing like the previous morning, when I made an egg-and-Swiss sandwich on whole-wheat toast. Even though that had about 200 fewer calories than my Krispy Kreme binge, it kept me full till 1 p.m. Both breakfasts were satisfying—at the time. What was the difference?
The answer, fellow hungry men, lies in your brain’s dual perceptions of fullness. “Satiation” is the feeling of fullness at the end of a meal. “Satiety,” on the other hand, is a measure of how long it takes before you’re hungry again. Of course, food companies don’t want you to stay satisfied. Fifteen years ago, Susanna Holt, Ph.D., an Australian researcher who ranked foods according to their satiety power, approached a number of food companies for funding to continue her work. She’s still waiting: The companies were motivated to decrease the satiety of their foods—so people would buy more. Take control.
Read the full article here–>> 7 Ways to Trick Yourself Full
Still healing from a ruptured tendon
As I have previously posted, I wasn’t really sure if cyclocross racing was going to part of my fall cycling. While my finger is healing from a ruptured tendon (mallet finger), I decided to go against doctor’s orders and race anyway. I raced, I had fun and I struggled…but had a lot of fun doing it. My finger is really working against me on the cyclocross bike. I’ve been having a very difficult time braking with my left hand, so at times, I’m not in full control of the bike. I haven’t had any crashes as a result of this, but I have had several close calls. So, the bad news is that my cyclocross season is more than likely over for 2013. I may try to race the Bethlehem Cup in November, but that will depend on the status of healing. But the good news is that my finger doesn’t really effect my mountain biking. I can easily and efficiently brake with my left hand. This will allow me to have more open weekend dates for one or two more mountain bike races. There are a couple of night time mountain bike races coming up along the the annual HRRT Giving Thanks MTB Race on Thanksgiving morning. I’m sure I can get a couple of those races in.
While it’s still early in the 2013/14 cyclocross season, I have already started to look ahead and start planning my 2014 mountain bike schedule. After just making a list of races that I would like to do, it’s clear that my interests lean towards ultra-endurance mountain biking. With an early season 100K on the horizon, I will have my work cut out for me through the winter. Last year, my time for the Wildcat 100K was 8:05:04.44, and I hope to improve on that. I am planning on returning to the Black Fly Challenge too. The Black Fly is a 40 mile Point to Point mountain bike race through the Moose River Plains of the Adirondacks. I race the Back Fly only one other time, but I thoroughly enjoyed the race. As long as the date doesn’t conflict with the Wilmington-Whiteface Leadville Qualifier, I will plan on racing the Black Fly. Last yeas was my second time racing the Wilmington-Whiteface, and it was the first time a 50K option was added. As soon as I saw that, I was in. Sure I’m racing much longer races, but 50K is a good distance for me. In 2013 I missed a podium spot by less than 1.5 seconds. This year, when I go back to Lake Placid, my goal is the podium in the 50K race. Mixed in with these races will be some shorter cross country races that I will be competing in, primarily for fitness. I don’t intend to race the full New York State Mountain Bike Series this year, just a few select races…but you never know.
This schedule is pretty aggressive for me. And all this is probably for the months of April, May and June. I’m planning like this to prepare for another race…the Fire Road Cedar City MTB Race in Cedar City, UT during July 4 weekend. This is another Leadville Qualifier. I’m not attempting to qualify for Leadville, so the 60K option is right up my ally. Cedar City will probably be the most challenging event that I have ever done…4895 feet of climbing, but with a max elevation of 9541 feet. I have never raced at elevation before, and where I am, I can’t train for it either. So it will be a challenge for me. Hotel reservations are already made, so I’m all in.
Here is my Tentative 2014 Montain Bike Schedule:
Here is a tool that I found and is absolutely invaluable. The Super B 2 in 1 Master Link Pliers. Using a connector link or Missing Link on your chain is great for taking the off and on the bike. But it can get a little difficult trying to use needle nose pliers or your fingers or two different connector link tools. The Super B 2 in 1 Master Link Pliers makes it simple. One tool to open/remove the connector link and to re-install/snap together the connector link.
Super B’s geniuses patent and award-winning 2 in 1 Master Link Pliers that allows the master link to be installed and removed by hand.
Bold and simple is their philosophy. No complicated structure, a unique design and specially sized jaws to make removal and connection of master links quick and easy. The pliers are made from precision, high-grade steel and featuring cushion grips for comfort.
It’s easy to use and built to last for professional daily use and the home mechanic alike.
The state of New York has undertaken a review of its management plan for the 119-mile Remsen-Lake Placid travel corridor to determine the best use for this underutilized rail line through the Adirondack Park. The state departments of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Conservation (DEC) are now seeking public input on which to base their decision.
This month of September is the time for bikers, runners, walkers, nature lovers to make your voices heard- the chance we’ve been waiting for to create one of the nation’s premier recreation trails running 90 miles through the heart of the Adirondacks.
We need your input now to ensure that the state will make the right decision on the future use of the corridor.
Please express your support for a 90-mile recreational trail through the heart of the Adirondacks by emailing NYSTravelCorridor@dot.ny.gov
Written comments must be submitted by Sept. 25.
Adirondack Recreational Trail Advocates (ARTA), a nonprofit organization formed two years ago, has gained widespread support from local governments, businesses, newspaper editorials and the general public for creating a multi-use trail connecting Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Tupper Lake, Piercefield, Beaver River, Big Moose and Old Forge.
Peanut Butter Hammer Gel
Hammer Nutrition introduced a new Hammer Gel flavor at Interbike…Peanut Butter. As I am someone who likes everything peanut butter, I’m looking forward to trying it. Hammer Gel offers rock-solid energy, is made with wholesome ingredients, is economical and is gluten free and vegan friendly.
Hammer Gel is available in the following delicious flavors: Apple-Cinnamon, Banana, Chocolate, Espresso, Montana Huckleberry, Orange, Peanut Butter, Unflavored, Raspberry, Tropical, and Vanilla.
Since 1995, Hammer Gel has been the benchmark of concentrated carbohydrate energy, primarily because of what it doesn’t contain—Hammer Gel has no added refined, simple sugars, and no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.
Choose either single-serving pouches or cost-effective 26-serving jugs for even, reliable energy, not the “flash and crash” of sugar-loaded products. You get only what’s good for you: complex carbohydrates, natural ingredients, and real fruit. The result is a great-tasting concentrated fuel source that goes down and digests easier than other energy gels.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Breckenridge, CO – September 9, 2013 – Organizers of the Breck Epic MTB Stage Race (Powered by SRAM) are pleased to announce 2014 dates for the popular 6-day mountain bike stage race. Slated for August 10-15, the event will once again (with tongue firmly in cheek) serve as MTB Stage Race World Championships for all categories. The Enduro categories successfully integrated in 2013 will return in slightly different formats, each incorporating vital rider feedback from their inaugural year. Additionally, in response to disparities in field sizes, 2014 categories have evolved to better reflect participation numbers…
Full Press Release–>> The Breck Epic MTB Stage Race : Breck Epic Announces 2014 Dates.
Spa:CX run-up
After a solid mountain bike season that finished with a very strong win in the NYS MTB Series Finale, it is now time to switch gears to cyclocross season. Or is it? Back in July, I incurred an injury to the middle finger on my left hand. I went to my doctor, I got x-rays and no broken bones or dislocations. But clearly there was a problem. I couldn’t straighten it at the first joint. I knew there was a tear, but I didn’t really have pain or discomfort. I could use it…mostly. So I continued to ride and race. Well, after a while the finger started to look a bit more deformed. The healthy tendon was pulling back on the finger while the torn tendon was doing nothing but being torn.
So I finally made an appointment to see and orthopedic surgeon, a hand specialist. One look is all it took. No tests, no MRI, just a quick look to tell be that I have a ruptured tendon and a condition called “mallet finger”. At this point, because I waited, there is no surgery for it. Treatment and repair involves keeping the joint 100% immobile in a splint for at least 6 weeks. And the good news is that I can do anything that I want to do as long as I keep the splint on and the finger does not bend at the first joint. That is anything except racing. The Doc says I can ride as much as I want to, but I can’t race.
Of course I have been on all my bikes to test out the shifting and braking with my left hand. Sure I can do it, and sure it feels awkward, but I can do it. But, can I do it safely at race pace? That is what I have to find out. The last NYCROSS Thursday Night Lights race will be the test. There is a lot of braking on that course, and if I can handle that, I think I can handle a full course cyclocross race. So, cyclocross season starts this weekend, and hopefully I will be there at Kirkland Cyclocross for the start of the NYCROSS.com Cyclocross Series. And don’t tell my doctor. 🙂
armandarekian.com 