We All Need Some Help Sometime

Many of your know that I am a faculty member at SUNY Cortland. I am also faculty advisor to the Education Club. The Education Club is currently taking donations of school supplies for the many schools that were affected by the flooding in the Binghamton area. Because the Education Club consists of students, I know that they don't have much, so I am asking my friends to help. You can spend as little as $5 and go to Staples, Target, or Office Max and get a bag full of supplies.

This weekend, I'll be taking donations while we are racing at Elison Park and the Swandrome. Any type of school supply that you could donate would be greatly appreciated -- pencils, reams of paper, folders, tape, scissors, notebooks, etc. The teachers and children lost so much. Feel free to throw it on our car if we're not around and leave your name, so I can give you proper recognition. Look for the car with the Crankskins.com stickers!

Remember -- what you want for your own children is what you should want for all children.

Thanks friends! Now, go ride!


Give something and watch it grow

Two Cross Races at Two Apple Farms

This past weekend brought us fabulous fall weather and two fabulous races at two different apple farms in central New York. At the risk of sounding repetitive (at least in the first sentence so far), we competed Saturday at the Critz Farms Kermis in Cazenovia, NY and on Sunday, at the Victor Apple Farm Cross Race in Victor, NY. On Friday, we were certain about our intentions of competing at the Critz Farms race, so I'll start with that.

An amazing fall weekend in central New York














The Critz Farms Kermis is a 'dirt race' that the Ommegang promoters describe as being ideal for either the mountain or the cross bike since the course transverses around and through apple tree fields. At times, the course is extremely bumpy and other times, it is smooth, gravel road. For me, there was no question on which bike I would ride as my cross bike was not put together yet. I was comfortable with that after competing on my mountain bike last weekend in a cross race. We like supporting local race promoters and more importantly, we like racing so close to our home.

The last time I competed on this course, Jeff was home sick and the race was still in its infancy; that is, it was the first year for the event. Now, two years later, the course was changed and the Ommegang team is well-versed in organizing races. As we pulled in, we were in awe of the apples hanging like ripe grapefruit from the trees. The farm itself is set up for family adventure complete with apple picking, tractor rides, and farm animals to entertain the children. All this was going on while we raced.

Jeff raced in the masters category and I did the open women's race. Our races were separated by a minute at the start, so all the racers were out on course at the same time. Jeff had a strong start and was riding with the lead group when half way through the race, he hit a fairly large rock and immediately flatted. He yelled, "See ya later guys...." Having no spare set of wheels, Jeff's race was done. (Often times we don't come prepared to races because we're too tired to do anything on Friday nights or Saturday mornings, so in the end, Jeff was unbothered by this.)

As for me, I had a strong start and held on to a set of skinny tires as long as I could, but eventually fell off the pace by the end of the first lap. I would stay in 3rd place and virtually ride the race alone 'til the end with the exception of catching a few stragglers from the masters race.

Afterwards, Jeff and I did a cool down ride and then, made our way over to the open field where the children were playing and the animals were roaming. This was my favorite part of the day. I love animals and I love children. I guess that's why teaching fits me so well.

With the llamas (llamas are my favorite animal!)















Driving home from the race, Jeff and I discussed the possibility of racing Sunday. We had three races to choose from: two mountain bike races and one cross race. In the end, we decided to go with the closest race to our home which would be the Victor Apple Farm Cross Race in Victor, NY. This was a new race at a new course put on the the Trailblazers Bike Shop. Unfortunately, this race had preregistration only, and as one might expect, the Jeffina reserves the right to always change his/her mind, so we rarely preregister for any race. After a few calls to EJ and to the race promoter, we were given special entry. During one of these phone calls, EJ motivated Jeff to put my new cross bike together. Jeff worked feverishly to finish the bike and by 9:30 pm, it was done. I would race this new bike on Sunday. No pre-ride, just jump on it and go. Based on the work Jeff has done on all my bikes, I trust him wholeheartedly. It's undoubtedly the lightest bike I have ever owned.

New cross bike with new Crankskins (Zoey made her way into every photo!)
















We were especially grateful to the race promoter, Dave Ferritt, for allowing us to race and when we pulled up at the Victor Apple Farm, we were once again greeted by large crowds of people, an on-site 'everything apple' store, and acres and acres of apples. The race was part of a larger festival that drew bands, vendors, and many other fall-related activities. For a first time event, we were impressed. Registration went smoothly, the course was well laid out and very spectator friendly, and parking was convenient. Like the Critz Farms Kermis, this course was also around the apple orchards and in addition, also included hiking trails. Jeff and I both agreed that this was by far the most fun cross course we ever rode. It had amazing flow, some ups and downs, plenty of turns, switch backs, and a few barriers. We loved this course.

Jeff competed in the masters 35+ race and the open division. The masters race took place first and Jeff lined up in the front row (as per the discretion of the race promoter) with a relatively large field of 45. My race was immediately lining up behind the guys, so I was able to watch his start. Jeff had a strong start and then, it was my turn. A lot of local Rochester gals showed up for this race and I was a bit nervous being on a new bike (with some new shifting features), but after racing for so many years, I just rode intuitively not thinking about anything else except for the race. I had a good start and would eventually be passed by one rider who would go on to win the women's event. I had a clean race and finished in 2nd. During my last lap, Jeff and the leader from his race, lapped me. Jeff was in 2nd at this time and would hold on to the place at the finish. He had an amazing race. Afterwards, he said that he and the leader rode the first 3 laps together and the guy eventually pulled away from him. Jeff was unable to respond and just worked to hold his place. Other local riders in the masters division included Bryan B., Aaron J., and Jason D.

The top 5 from the masters race















During Jeff's second race, I was able to walk around and take photos.

Trailblazers bike shop sponsored the event
















The men line up for the open race














Racers on course















Jeff rode the steepest climb that left many walking (like me!)














Jeff at finish of 2nd race














Race venue















There are local cross races every weekend in the upcoming months. For now, we are enjoying ourselves and the beautiful fall weather.

Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the miles, crankin' out the love for Crankskins.com.

New Crankskins Product for Cyclocross Frames

For all of our cyclocross friends, EJ of Crankskins.com has out a new product designed to specifically protect your cyclocross bike.

Check it out!

Now, go ride!

The Start of the Cross Season and the End of the Mountain Bike Season

When September rolls around, it is a month of transition for us. We are wrapping up with our mountain bike season and moving towards the shorter races of cyclocross. It is timely since that the days are growing shorter and the duration which we train is also decreased, but rather than heading out on long, endurance rides and working on handling skills, we work on power, intensity, and dismounts/remounts. It is also during this month, where I make the transition back into full-time teaching, so this change in training is somewhat ideal. We don't completely put away the mountain bikes as they are far too much fun and bring us so much enjoyment. But, sometimes I do think that our muscles are confused during this transitional time.

So, what have we been up to? It's been 3 weeks since our last race at the Single Track Stampede (STS) and I personally used this time to prepare for courses and wrap up with other household responsibilities before the school year began. Since I hit my low back into a tree at the STS race, this time also was used to heal. My range of motion was severely limited and the muscle pain was quite significant. Our bodies know how to heal and sometimes, we just need to give it plenty of time. I am fully recovered and feel well again.

For Jeff, his project during this time was stripping down his old SS frame ridding it completely of parts and paint. He painted the frame and ordered a new drive train. Many of you know that Jeff put away his days of racing his SS this year and switched to a geared bike, but he still wants to have options in his training. He used parts we had laying around in the basement and now has another rig he can enjoy year round.

Jeff painting his frame


















Bike is done!
















As the first cross race neared, Jeff got out his cross bike and laughed because it still had mud on it from the last cross race held last year around Thanksgiving. He worked diligently to prepare it and as for me, well, let's just say that I dropped the ball and didn't order my new groupo for my new cross frame until much too late. If I chose to race at Kirkland, then it would be on my mountain bike. To race or not to race? That was the question. So, I chose to race. Jeff prepared my bike with skinnier tires and our good friend, Fizz, loaned us a carbon fork to lighten up the rig and provide greater stability.

Mother nature was not kind to us in the weeks leading up to the Kirland cross race, the first race in the NYCross series. Our region suffered full on flooding leaving many friends stranded, schools closed, businesses destroyed, or homes with severe flood damage. Likewise, it also left the course heavily saturated. The first race of the season was nothing less than difficult due to the muddy conditions.

As we drove into the race venue, we were glad to see so many friends and to catch up with the details of the summer.

Jeff and Ad














Jeff and Paul














Michelle and John














Jeff warmed up and eventually made his way to the start of the master's race. All men aged 35+ lined up together and then would be scored separately within their respective age group -- there were approximately 45 starters in Jeff's race. As per the promoter, the riders lined up according to the registration order. Jeff did 'day of' registration and started nearly dead last. I would have found this start position to be a bit daunting, but it did not deter Jeff's efforts.














Jeff had a great race. He essentially went through the field despite the muddy conditions. As each lap passed, Jeff continued to reel in riders and move closer to the front riders. He would finish 5th overall and 2nd in his age group. It was an outstanding result for the first race of the season. Jeff was sandwiched between some of our local friends -- Tim, Phil, and Greg -- and all of them, should be congratulated for their efforts.

After the race with his mom














As for me, I prepared for my race and as expected, got quite a few questions about my choice of bike to ride for the race. I felt a bit repetitive as I tried to explain that I failed to order my cross groupo in time, but at least, I was ready for the muddy conditions. The women had a strong field with many of the local heavy hitters and like Jeff, I, too, lined up at the back of the field. The start was not extraordinarily fast, but as soon as we got into the soft grass and muddy areas, chaos broke out. A few people slid out, others mishandled turns and I steadily rode. My greatest challenges were the barriers and the billy goat trail run-up which gave me trouble due to the weight of the bike.

Start of women's race














At the barriers














At the run-up














At the end, I was completed satisfied with my race and with my efforts. My final placing of 6th was not ideal, but I was grateful to have the opportunity to race.

At the end of the race














My groupo arrived yesterday (thanks EJ!) along with some new winter jackets for us. Jeff plans to have the new bike ready for me to race this weekend and I hope to continue to improve my results.

The cross season is long in this part of the country. We will continue to do the cross races in the local area through December while mixing in the remaining mountain bike races. Our goal is to mentally and physically stay positive and to complete in the Master's Worlds race in Louisville, KY later in January. Many of you might laugh and wonder why we may choose to go to Louisville, but if the choice is to race or not race, what would you choose?

Together, we are Jeffina, crankin' out the miles, crankin' out the love for Crankskins.com

Healthy People

Jeff and I are honored to be profiled in "The Healthy People" portion of the Healthy Monday Campaign website out of the Learner Center for Health Promotion at Syracuse University.

I encourage readers to check out the website. A lot of great information and resources for healthy minded individuals.

Many thanks for Mrs. Skinny for this opportunity.

Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the love, crankin' out the miles for Crankskins.com.

Single Track Stampede (STS) Race Report or the Rootiest Race We've Ever Done

Last week's race report detailed the Bear Creek Challenge which is lovingly described as the "rockiest race we've ever done." This past weekend's race, the STS, is now in the books as the rootiest race we've ever done. While we had heard from others that this was a rooty course, we quickly found out that the roots were never-ending throughout this 7 mile loop. Luckily, it was a dry day and a dry course which made the entire course entirely ridable. There were few climbs to speak of and just wonderful flowing single track through a beautiful park complete with picnic sites, shelters, and free-growing wildflowers.

The STS took place at Sprague Brook Park which is located about 20 miles south of Buffalo right on the edge of the Allegheny Mountains. This was a new race and new venue for the Jeffina and we looked forward to racing with our teammates from this part of the state, as well as spending time with EJ. We drove to EJ's house on Friday evening and woke up early Saturday morning to head out to the race. EJ chose not to race since he was one of the sponsors and dedicated his time to promoting products. EJ's line of products now includes not only crank protection, but full bike protection for frame and forks, as well as a race promoter's package of bike numbers, banners, and soon-to-come course tape.

As we pulled up at the race venue, many other vendors were setting up. EJ and Jeff got the pop-up tent ready and I went to work preparing food and water bottles for our race. Jeff's new handy-dandy foldable, portable, mobile feed station (say that three times fast) has elevated Jeff's prototype feeder to new heights. All the water bottles are easily accessible and we can even throw in gel backs, if need be.


















As we warmed-up, Jeff and I rode the first part of the course and remarked that after riding so many different types of courses this year, each race presents us with a challenge. For instance, if you only ride courses that are rocky, you become a great handler in rocky courses; if you only ride double-track, you have great speed on double-track courses. So, when courses are drastically different from week-to-week, it forces you to consistently work on handling skills that you may not otherwise.

We lined up in our respective categories with the experts up front, separated by a small gap to the sports, and then beginners. Typically, the expert category takes off a few minutes in front of the other categories, but this was not the format for the STS and this will be my only criticism of the race. Even though the categories were separated by small gaps, we all took off at the same time. This meant that approximately 100 racers were on the course at the same time and all the categories would mix together. As you might imagine, this created some havoc on the first lap. Both Jeff and I would talk later about the amount of traffic on our first laps. It was nothing less than chaotic.

Jeff was in a "train" of guys on the first lap and would have few opportunities to pass. The majority of the course was singletrack which made passing difficult and it very quickly become obvious who knew the course well and who didn't. For the locals, Sprague Brook is a mainstay in their riding. Jeff really couldn't open up any speed until down towards the end of the first lap. At this point, his teammates and brothers, Ben B. and Jason B., were a few minutes a head, so Jeff just kept the pace high as he began learning the course. At the end of three laps, Jeff finished in 6th place overall and 1st in his age group. He has been feeling better as the summer moves towards the fall and hopes to keep his fitness for cross season.

In my race, similar to Jeff's, I was in a train of riders on the first lap and not knowing the course, felt very tentative. I had a strong start, but towards the end of the first lap, found myself passed by a local woman. I watched her lines and quickly realized that she knew this course well. I pushed myself to work back up to her and through the start/finish area (which held the only extended climb), continued to push hard. I would start to open up a small gap. On the second and third laps, I continued to learn the course and enjoy flowing singletrack since I was not being pushed by the sport riders. I would go on to take the win by 3 minutes, but that is not to say that my race was without hardship. As many of your know, I've been working through low back pain for the past 18 months and have been helped tremendously by a new chiropractor and Brent Moorehouse. Both have helped to restore my full range of motion and increase strength. On my 2nd of 3 laps, I slid out on a root, which is not a big deal since I pulled out a foot to catch myself, but when I did, my hip hit a tree -- it stopped me cold. I went on to finish the race, but immediately got ice on the area. It is now Monday morning and my low back is severe enough to keep me off the bike for a few more days. Luckily, I am well-versed in low back pain and know what to do: give the body time to heal. I am hoping to be back on the bike in a few days and ready to race on Sunday in the NYS series.

After the race, the Ellicotville Brewing Company provided racers with free beer (mountain bikers love beer!) and pizza, pasta, and salad was available. I took down a few ibuprofen (no beer for me) and enjoyed the rest of the day.















Team Crankskins had a fine showing. Jason B. won the overall; his brother, Ben, took the singlespeed division win; Jeff won the 40-49 category; and, I won the expert women's race. Equal pay out was given to the men's and women's racers. Equality is good!

Awards Ceremony








































We traveled home Saturday evening back to EJ's house, and found his wife and kiddos swimming in the pool. I was treated to a garden walk and learned from EJ's daughter about how to care for snails.

Jeff packed up the car and I gingerly got into the passenger's seat to head home. We would stop and get BIG burritos.

To view more images from the STS, click on the Flickr link at the top of the page.

Next up for us is the Bellearye, stop #4 in the NYS Mountain Bike Series.

Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the love, crankin' out the miles for Crankskins.com

US Cup Race Report: The Many Challenges of the Bear Creek Challenge

The Bear Creek Challenge is a US National Cup race, held at the Bear Creek Resort in Macungie, PA. This race has been on our radar since the early part of the summer. As a 2012 national qualifier, this race holds a high level of importance for us. While it is difficult to start planning so early for 2012, we like to have a couple of opportunities to qualify for nationals in case there are circumstances out of our control later in the year. Last year, we attended this race and I entitled our race report, "The Rockiest Race We've ever done," and true to these words, I am still in agreement with this title. As much as we love attending this event and enjoy the Pennsylvania country side, while at the same time participating in a race with a different set of competitors, this is the most challenging course on our calendar. There is nothing in our local area that compares to the terrain at Bear Creek; the rocks are never-ending. Last year, I went into this race feeling like I was on my game and left there feeling demoralized. This year was no different. Between the 2" of rain drenching the area and the rocks that scoured the course, this was a challenge of physical and emotional strength. Similar to last year, the cross-country course was about 7 miles in length and the climbing was minimal (that is, compared to Windham or Mt. Snow).

Photo of Resort














Different from last year was the triple crown format. Racers could compete in one, two, or three races: short track, super-D, and cross-country. For those completing all three, they earned special recognition at the end of the weekend. I chose to compete in the short track and cross-country races. Jeff decided to compete only in the cross-country race. Ever since we came home from our Wisconsin trip, I've had the desire to compete in another short track race. I like the high intensity of the event that's mixed with the ruggedness of the trails and am also thinking ahead to our cyclocross season.

Having a bit more experience, I knew what to expect at the start. I lined up with 5 other gals. There was one pro rider and the rest of us were either cat. 1 or 2 riders. At the start, I got mixed up with some slower riders and as the course opened up, I too opened up. I was unable to stay with the pro rider, but I did go on to lap every one else in the field. I really enjoyed this race and it was a beautiful morning for the event. The course was less than a mile in length and incorporated a little bit of single track, double-track, uphills, and downhills. Jeff rode around the course cheering for me and captured some photos and video. I would go on to win the short track race and it was a great way to start the weekend.

Short video clip




Towards the end of this 30 minute race, I was able to back it off a bit with hopes of reserving something for Sunday.














We rarely have the opportunity to compete in short track races, but I hope to compete in this event next year at Nationals.

After the short track race, we went out and pre-rode the cross-country course. The course was in good shape and we did our best to go over places in the course that were problematic. Jeff's technical skills are far better than mine and he was able to navigate through most of the terrain with little difficulty. I struggled in quite a few areas, but Jeff told me to approach the race with the mindset that "It is a challenge...use it for your technical skills....do your best."

We went back to the hotel Saturday afternoon and it was then that the rain set in for the remainder of the weekend. Anyone living in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states know how much rain we received over the weekend. Parts of Long Island received over 5", the Philadelphia area got about the same, and Macungine received between 1-3". Even as I write this blog post, it is Tuesday morning and the rain has only begun to lift from the weekend.

As the rain continued to come down Sunday morning, we received a call from our friend, Paul. He wanted a weather report and would use this information to decide whether he should make the drive down to Macungie. I told him, "If we weren't already here, we wouldn't do the race..." Yes, folks, that's how bad it was.

We drove over to the race venue and just sat in the car looking at the rain. We could see the cat. 2 and 3 riders out on course passing through the start/finish area.














We questioned our decision to race. Truthfully, Jeff and I are not foul-weather riders. During the cyclocross season, we don't mind a little mud and rain because the races are short. For a cross-country race that demands riders to be out on course for 2-3 hours, it's a different story. The conditions tear up equipment and are hard on our bodies. I'm not trying to come across as whining, but just stating that we have a preference to race in drier conditions. Here's how it looked about an hour before the race.



With about 30 minutes before the race, the rain let up some and we were able to set up Jeff's new portable, foldable, mobile feed station (photos to come!!). We did a short warm up. Jeff lined up with about 8 other guys in the 45-49 age group. He knew a few of the guys, such as Estaban, from the H2H series. I was the only woman in my 40+ age group (which was a relief in and of itself) and would start with the other younger cat. 1 female age groups. The race director cut the laps in all the races from 3 to 2 and also indicated that the race would end on the current lap if there was thunder and lightening.

Jeff had a superb race. He would end up 2nd on the day to Estaban, but noted that as the race progressed, he was making time on Estaban. He had a slow start, but was making up ground as the race progressed. Afterwards, I heard Estaban tell Jeff that he could see him coming and was just trying to keep the power on. Listening to the two guys talk, they each had minor bobbles and spills, and just tried to make forward progress.

As for me, it was a tough day at the office, but I did the job and finished the race. That's all I had to do. I was careful through the rocks and rode my own race -- it was me against the course.

Both of us met our goal and will qualify for the 2012 nationals.














Podium Photos



























I'd like to also recognize the rest of Team Crankskins for their efforts at the Suicide 6 race held at the Harriet Hollister Park, south of Rochester. Ben and Jason went on to take the overall win from Tommy and Casey. EJ and Jimmy got 3rd in their age group. They, too, survived the same rainy conditions as we did, but did it over a 6-hour period.

Next up for the Jeffina (and most of Team Crankskins) is the Singletrack Stampede. This is a new race for us and we look forward to spending time with our teammates.

Together, we are Jeffina. Crankin' out the love, crankin' out the miles for Crankskins.com.