BALLS TO THE WALL FISHING

The only place to stay current on the latest manic ramblings from the Florida Panhandle.

CHEEKY FLY REELS, THE OFFICIAL REEL OF BALLS TO THE WALL FISHING

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

I DON'T CARE IF YOU WATCH THIS OR NOT....

IRON HORSE ROAD RACE WON BY SIX YEAR AARP MEMBER

Monday, May 30, 2011

MEMORIAL DAY 2011, NEW DIRT RULES IN NEDERLAND

Today was Memorial Day, and after an incredible weekend announcing the Superior Morgul Classic road race, it was time to hit the dirt with Jen. Now I might be shit out of luck trying to find new dirt to ride in these parts, but Jen is pretty connected, and with a couple of text messages we were hooked with a group ride just up the hill in Nederland. So we chucked the piles in the Subie and headed up to meet a new crew for me, and we rode new dirt, and it was killer fun, and some of these riders have mega talent, and ride crap and lines I don't even see, and I'm talking trials type shit included, on their freekin CX bikes, it's impressive. They also eat shit extremely hard when it does not work out, but bounce up quickly and keep ticking, like a gall dang Timex. They are younger, they can do this.

Below, break time.
Sweet Lodgepole Canyon

Then a quick meal in Nederland on the way home, and it's a great day, next time I'm finding the shit that takes you the 18 miles back down into Boulder...stay tuned.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

2011 MORGUL BISMARK ROAD RACE HIGHLIGHTED BY BREAK AWAYS AND VERY CLOSE FINISHES




 Ainsley in the house as well...

All below photos from Superior Morgul broadcast e-mail
Today was the day. Standing in the tower at the finish of the Morgul Bismark Road Race calling the action for so many great and valiant riders who signed up to crush or be crushed on one of the most famous circuits in USA Road Racing history, it was a realization of yet another dream. The likes of Bernard Hinault, Greg Lemond, Andy Hampsted, Davis Phinney, Alexi Grewal, Dale Stetina and Jeannie Longo have all competed on this exact stretch of asphalt on a course that has made and broken so many warriors. The people were there, and we all cheered, and screamed and showered applause on the combatants. It was simply amazing to be a part of. Both of the pro fields, men and women saw successful breakaways determine their champions. For nearly the entirety of the 80 miles in the Men's race, Nathan Wilson and Austin Allison were clear, until with just a couple of K left, Wilson attacked like Seal Team 6 on "the Hump" and got the gap needed to put a huge notch on his bed post.
In the women's race, the weekends most courageous rider in many of our minds, Catherine Johnson had to take body blows from two Primal/MapmyRide riders in the break, for the second day in a row, but still managed to take a very close second place on the day after a third place finish on day one. Kasey Clark took the victory with the decisive move coming on the fifth and final climb at "The Wall".
Many of today's races were decided right at the line at the top of "The Wall", with the 45+ field having the top three riders separated by two seconds, it was SICK.

Friday, May 27, 2011

EAGLE CLASSIC RENEWS HENRY-WELLS BATTLE....AND THE REST IS GOOD, REALLY GOOD.

The first installment of the Vail Rec District Mountain Bike series took place in Eagle, Colorado with the Eagle Classic, and things picked up right where they left off as Jay Henry and Jake Wells went bare fisted until the last lap when Jay pulled away for the win....

And then it was off to ride the old hood, and it was a powder day, and I'm pretty sure I got first tracks on Blue Grouse where I left a lot of sweat for a couple of seasons, and it was fun, and it was good to run into Ronan up there on day two and see him riding The World's Greatest with no helmet on, made me smile, you crazy bastard.


And these socks don't suck

SUPERIOR MORGUL CLASSIC ALL THIS WEEKEND...


This Saturday and Sunday is the return of the fabled Morgul Bismark under a new moniker of the Superior Morgul Classic. If you do not know the history, this race was part of the Red Zinger and Coors Classic all those years ago. Pre registration numbers are large, and it's gonna be grand. Criterium action Saturday, and the crushing road race is on Sunday. I'll see you all there.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

BAR-BARIANZ LED LIGHTS, TO COOL FOR PRE SCHOOL.....

 I gotta say, this is the freekin sweetest LED Handlebar light I've ever seen. 
Bar-Barianz
And there's EIGHT different characters. Cmon dawg, you know you want three of em at least.

Monday, May 23, 2011

THE COLE 29ER LITE SIMPLE CONVERSION TO A SIX BOLT DISC

The new Cole 29er Lite comes Shimano and Hayes disc brake ready out of the box. For those of you like myself who run Avid, here is the less than two minute installation of the adapter for your six bolt disc.
Start like this out of the box.

Pull your adapters out of the bag (there are two sizes, one front, one rear)
Slip the back side of the rotor adapter on first
Place the disc onto the adapter (print side out)
Place the tightening cap (it's threaded) over the outside of the rotor.
Use a crescent wrench and cassette puller to tighten the cap
You are done and ready to go RIP on your Cole 29er Lite MTB wheels, check out that sexy and bullet proof DSA hub and spoke system!
 Front Wheel will use the BBT-9 to install the rotor lock ring.

 




WIPPERMAN CHAINS, OVER 100 YEARS OF PRODUCING BICYCLE CHAINS

A bicycle is only as good as its chain: it is the indispensable link between human power and the bicycle.
With Connex bicycle chains the shifting procedure becomes precise, quick and safe. Be it mountain bike riding over rough terrain, leading the peloton on a racing bike, or en route with a trekking bike – with a Connex bicycle chain, gear changing will always be effortless, quick, and completed with the utmost precision. 

Connex 10 speed shifts like butter

 And the 9 speed Gold edition has found a home on my Felt MTB.

Connex chains offer selected high-quality materials in combination with a clever and unique connector. Our products are compatible with the corresponding drive systems from Shimano, Sram, and Campagnolo. The connex link is sooo simple and easy to use, install a new chain in two minute.

Wipperman has been tested and stretches less than the competition over time, and wears less as well. This chain along with ChainL lube is the perfect combination.
 

Sunday, May 22, 2011

ESTES PARK FROM HOOD....

Just 30 miles from the new hood lies Estes Park, and the ride through Lyons and up Hwy 36 is a keeper, especially on a sweet day. While the mountains continue to suffer through a miserably long winter, it's game on in the land of tourism and
Elk on golf courses....just get the bulls eye of your back for the trip and you will be golden, and enjoy the SUV parade of ragers. Rage on!




Thursday, May 19, 2011

IT RAINED TODAY, A LOT, SO I WENT GOLFING.

This shit was fun, we kind of froze our rogger doggers off, but it was golf at it's finest...foooooore!






Bobby Diesel and myself had been threatening a golf game recently, and with the temp hovering around 45 degrees all day, with rain, and harder rain, we tee'd it up at Haystacker....the only thing missing was the Green Jacket at the finishing hole..

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

THE WORLD ENDS THIS SATURDAY, MAY 21ST, 2011

And I'm making sure I'm riding the Cole C38 Wheels when the shit hits the fan.
You should as well. If you happen to be a virgin, beware, you may end up playing pitcher/catcher with Osama Bin Waden, 72 times.
 Cole Wheels is a Colorado Company, buy and ride Colorado product until the world ends Saturday.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

STEVE SMITH, SILVER AT WORLDS ON COLE WHEELS, AND THE "FROM THE INSIDE OUT" TRAILER

Cole Wheels rider Steve Smith, who took a silver at World's this past year, is featured in a new film, 'From the inside out". You may want to check out the action, it's grand. Below is the trailer, enjoy.

AWSTRUCK WITH PLENTY TO LEARN....INTERVIEWING GARY FISHER.

 Saturday eve was one of the biggest if not THE highlight of my brief announcing/mc career, and I'd like to share part of my experience here on A2B. I was asked many months ago, by Kate Rau, the director of the Colorado High School Cycling League, to host a fundraiser for this organization which was held at the Denver Museum of Art. The evening included raffle, silent auction, a live auction which I promoted during the evening, this was followed by a live interview with Gary Fisher, the evening's special guest, as part of the evenings schedule. I was very prepared once the evening began, and I had even e-mailed copies of the questions I would ask Gary Fisher to Gary Fisher himself so there would be no surprises. Gary is a huge advocate of NICA, and spoke in support of the High School leagues in great detail and with passion. The questions were directed in a manner that would allow Gary to speak about the influences cycling had in his youth, during his high school years, as well as how it helped mold him and his sphere into adults. Gary spoke emotionally of his youth and how the bike got him through so much of it. It was mesmerizing. Only one problem, I got so caught up and involved in listening to Gary I was completely lost when he finished answering one of my questions and realized it was my turn to speak. I was able to find my way out of the bind by awkwardly moving to another question after feeling like a dear in the headlights for about five seconds... , but I was captivated by what he had to say, to the point I thought I was in the audience and not the interviewer. This session was followed up by a question and answer session from the audience and some great questions were asked and answered. YOU could have asked Gary Fisher ANY question you wanted had you been there.

The following morning Gary hosted a road ride for the "A" group of riders in windy, rainy and cold conditions on the front range, there was also a "B" group which Jennifer and myself joined having been just a few minutes behind the "A" group start. We needed the extra minutes to put our WINTER riding gear on...the ride was followed by lunch at Bacaro on Pearl Street, hosted by NICA and Gary himself, pictured below. It was a great weekend. Not soon to be forgotten....The NICA staff and supporters are a bunch of great folks, please support them and the cause, it's a great one. Student athletes Joe Christiansen and Lindsay Dye spoke on behalf of the students and had some wonderful experiences to share with the crowd explaining what the league had done for them and there friends alike.
 I love old hotels, and the Boulderado did not disappoint....