Conceptualizing Theories in Motion

I was able to kick the sinus funk last week and actually got some rides in before lining up with a number attached to my bars on Sunday. As race reports go it's not exactly amazing or spectacular. With that in mind it was a success in my book. I wasn't smashing course records or putting screws to the almost 40 class. However, I was able to stick to the larger plan of ridding 'my race' and trying not to get caught up in going to deep into the red. It may bruise the ego a bit to go out a little slower and settle in to a rhythm. It actually seemed to put me into my natural spot in the pecking order so I didn't have to worry about ridding the rivet as much. I also seem to be dialing my nutrition and hydration after a ton of research. My vicious cramps of years past seem to be finally put at bay. Finishing a race and having to pee is also a nice surprise when the temperature is in the nineties and nasty humid. Ahh Summer is coming to St. Louis

k.rider

I also have to keep in mind I've done about five races in the last six years. Sometimes it is hard to forget about my long absence from the scene. As they say life sometimes gets in the way.  In my time away I chased a childhood dream to the city of angels and later made the drive of shame back across the country. Coming back home to a job working forty plus hours a week including overnights and weekends sort of killed my cycling life. I was granted early parole almost two years ago and was able to regain sleeping at night and hours of day light to ride. While it still may not be perfect, I will take working the hours I have now over ever going back to an overnight schedule.

j.rider

Every now and again j.rider and I discuss whether or not most folks understand the 'Death Riders' We get our fair share of odd looks and second takes at races or out on the trail or road. Sunday was one of those odd days when someone steps up to ask about the 'team' Which is sort of funny considering another team in town has  been created around Steven Segal. Either way it's always sort of a fun conversation, some folks seem interested in joining if you can believe that. While others seem confused when they ask who sponsors us or who the team is and we answer.
The three of US
When we tell them it's just some old punk rock/metal head guys who happen to ride bikes and complain the always seem to smile, even if it's awkwardly. The fact we have borrowed logos and art work from one of our favorite record labels is our way of giving a nod to that side of us. I always wait for the day someone asks if we are into Hardcore. So far we are striking out on that query. So to the guy who came by to ask about the Deathwish Racing, thanks for saying hi and asking who and what we are.

GRADE 

was one of those bands that just kind of came out of nowhere but was a game changer

Please Please Please

I really hate to be a downer here... But can we get some springtime weather soon? 

I've had about all I can stand of grey days and northern winds. It seems we have been stuck in a pattern of getting hit by the edge of wither storms for the last month or so. The first mountain bike race of the season is supposed to go down on Sunday. With a forecast of rain and snow on Saturday and more on Sunday, We will see what happens. I'm in no shape to be racing either, my head just isn't into it quite yet. Ridding inside I can't gauge my fitness or stamina. It's just depressing... Or maybe I'm depressing?

Well maybe a little retail therapy would fix what ales you? 

It's worth a shot! I have always been somewhat of a collector, band T-Shirts, records, zines'.

You get the idea, well I also have a soft spot for tools. I have a pretty healthy collection of general purpose hand tools and quite the array of bike specific ones too. 

So as of late I have been pretty enamored by this small companies products
ABBEY BIKE WORKS.

Lovingly crafted works of art made of Stainless Steel

Do I need any of the fine products the offer, not in the least. I have two or three chain whips and freewheel tools. Does it stop me from trying to justify ordering them, not in the least. It's on the bucket list for sure, oh and did i mention you can have them custom etched? You know 'Deathwrench Service' would look pretty sweet on the side! I do have to admit the fact you can slip the freewheel tool over the quick release nut makes it pretty awesome. Not only that but the Crombie fits inside of the chainwhip. Awesome!

please let me get what i want...

Whats that you say, The Smiths are not Hardcore?

Who are you kidding, I don't think I know a person in the Hardcore scene that doesn't own a Smiths album.

I have been a Morrissey fan since the mid 80's, if that makes me lame. So be it.

The Icemen Cometh...

Living in the midwest has it's share of challenges, the least of which is our manic weather. This winter hasn't really been too bad on the temperature scale, it's the constant stream of precipitation that has been our undoing. I have been trying to make the best of it either riding inside or putting miles in on the road. However with the first race four weeks from now I hardly feel ready. Much like last year it will be a game time decision for this Deathrider.

 

In true mass media weather panic fashion. The local outlets are hyping up a winter storm coming our way in the next twenty four hours. Predicting up to three inches of ice and freezing rain or snow. It's a virtual smorgasbord of suck, headed our way. Further killing any thoughts of the twisty single track I'm craving. Hopefully, the weather folk will get it wrong and things will just be a little damp. The thought of a slop fest trail workday on Saturday is none to appealing. Nor are another weekends of rides done in front of the T.V. ridding virtual races with the DVD player.

Don't get me wrong I'm not a winter hater I just like it on my terms. I enjoy snowboarding, this is true. However, I'd rather have to seek the snow out by going west and not have it at my door step.  Winter also reminds me of what I used to call 'Hardcore' Season. Something about brisk air, long sleeve shirts, and boots seem to go together. So what better band brings on the winter feel than a band who uses Hockey as a main theme. One of the original bad boys of Boston Choke and Slapshot. I have really been craving good old tyme hardcore the last few months. I have revisited bands of my youth and newer ones that carry on the same tradition. Hardcore found me when I really need something and I'm happy to still believe in the music and the message. 

I didn't choose Hardcore, it chose me.