Cuz She's a Balla'...

...I had to ride.



Yesterday's was the first workout in a LONG time that I have a file for!
Thanks to Hunter getting on my case and making me get my Power-Tap hub fixed, and thanks to Hector at Velo for doing the work!
Hector is hands down the best mechanic I know.
I didn't ride the day before because the air was so bad, after my jog/walk I was sick of breathing it... yesterday wasn't much better but I decided to brave it. Especially since I couldn't talk Brooke out of riding and I figured I'd look like a sissy bitch if she went and I didn't!
The workout didn't seem like much, but there are massive fires all over our area and if you stand in one spot for a few minutes you will get a light dusting of ash!
It wasn't worth driving because I would have to go several hours away befor the air would improve.
I decided to ride outdoors and play it by ear... my lungs felt okay, probably because I kept the intensity LOW and never had to take deep breaths. I definitely think that the ride did a lot more GOOD than harm.
It was less time and intensity than Hunter had planned, but I think it was about as good as could be expected.
They reported that the fires raised temperatures locally by 10 degrees... that seems like a lot but maybe not impossible.

Words to live by...

Here's a few quotes to get you pumped up and keep you motivated to train, race and win:

"Pain fades and chicks dig scars. But glory, glory lasts forever."

"Your best? Losers whine about doing their best, winners go home and f**k the prom queen"

"I'm the best there is, plain and simple. I mean, I wake up in the morning and I piss excellence. You know, nobody can hang with my stuff. I'm just a--just a big, hairy, American winning machine."



I don't personally care about the first two, but I strive to live by the 3rd.

The UCI license paid off: I won 80 bucks over the weekend racing 'cross, which is good 'cause I'm broke.

Funniest Ever??

I laughed out loud:



...then I went riding.

Got UCI license today so I can race Dam 'Cross. It's a gamble, but I'm hoping to win back the money it cost for the license (that expires at the end of the year) and come out ahead.

Podium Sweep, Fight for Kisses.

Chet this out:



At last weekends P.V. 'Cross race Fritz, Jason and I swept the podium for Team Bearclaw.
Jason hit the gas right of the line and pulled away from the whole group immediately. Fritz and I hung back for about two laps and then Fritz attacked and I stayed. After Fritz had gone clear I hung with the 3 other riders that had stayed together until I felt like I could break away and then attacked. Fritz had caught Jason and they were working together ahead of me. With about 5 or 6 laps to go I did my best to catch them, (they were safely clear and had sat up a bit) but couldn't get to them before the finish.
Thanks to J.L.'s cheering I was super pumped and I knew we could go 1,2,3 on the podium so I kicked out the jams to stay away from the hard chasing John Bailey.
Our 4th teammate John McKeen was steadily moving up from a tough start and after having a pedal/foot coordination issue (every 'crosser's been there) he was JUST edged out on the money spots.
The podium sweep was Mantastic and we all went out for a meal on Chet.
Until next weekend I'll be training harder than the baby in Fight for Kisses. Be inspired:

Nat Ross crucified...

...for the best moment of 'Cross Vegas:



This is my response regarding the promoters attacks on Nat for his "transgression":

Nat, you are my hero... I've never seen such a smooth beer feed in my life.
The organizers of that event need to recognize that the sheer PROness of that hand off eleveted their race to an HNL ('hole 'nutha level).
At the time of this writing, the race promoters who "scolded" you are dead to me.
There is a slim chance that I will acknowledge their existence in the future.
For instance, if they were to realize the error of their ways, and (after apologizing) create the "Nat Ross Award", given to the rider who creates the singularly "most PRO" moment in the race.
As you did.

-Lyle

Here are some links if you'd like to find out more:

mbword

How to Avoid the Bummer Life #1

How to Avoid the Bummer Life #2

It makes me so proud...

to be a cyclist. Hahahaha!

the PROest thing I've ever seen...

I honestly can't believe my eyes. I have new respect for Contador...
This is not a new video but I recently came across it on Youtube.
I think I first saw it on Belgiumkneewarmers (great site!) a while back.

Fritz on the box!

Team Bearclaw's Fritz B. placed 3rd in yesterday's so-cal cyclocross series Veteran's Park race.
We are all stunned, but proud of Fritz. Especially his mom.
There are rumors circulating that say Fritz was rewarded for his efforts with a high-five from Chet Bearclaw himself, and that hot babes everywhere are taking notice.



There are also rumors that his win was directly related to the awesome power of his "stunna'" shades.

Ah, to be young again...

And to be the National Individual Pursuit champion and junior World TT Champ.
At 17.

Visit Velonews.com for more.

Adam eats pizza, Decker bunny-hops.

The title of this post pretty much says it all. It's funny to see the leaders killing themselves, while the rest of the field drinks beer, grabs money and just generally fucks around!
Cody Peterson gets some good camera time too.



Tomorrow is 'cross again. Last week I won a few bucks. This week I've been sick but I'll try to win money again because, well... I need it.

A few great things about 'cross...

And about 'Cross Vegas.



The fans...



'Cross hooligans... none better.



Coverage! More media attention means more money. More money means more job opportunities. More job opportunities means... oh, you get the picture.

BIG BALLA' AWARD GOES TO...

It was a close race...
When you are rollin' on a Vanilla Cycles custom 'cross frame, in full skinsuit glory and you've got dollar bills tucked up in your helmet, you're pretty fuckin' tough to beat...



...Unfortunately...



...When you're the MTB National champion and you've got a small fortune spilling out of BOTH legs of your skinsuit you are pretty B.A.

Throw in a truly epic tan line and you are downright untouchable.

Definition of 'Cross:

"...you time trial until you feel really sick and hope the finish comes before you die." --Allen Lin



Jason at 'Cross Vegas feeling the full effect of the spongy grass!

gettin' paid

Decker.



Cody Peterson grabbing bills.



Adam Craig has so much cash in his pants he looks like a man-whore.



Fritz is rockin' it with the big boys. Note the impressive wad of cash already in the leg of his shorts.

My living room.

It's a lifestyle.



Note the TRP carbon canti's. The beer is on top of my "ti parts" horde.



You know you're jealous.

Doyle Diamond Sucks...

But thanks for supporting Team Bearclaw.



Visit his craphole of a blog by clicking HERE or on the link at the right of your page. It's the link that says "biggest craphole of a blog in history".