The 2008 USAC Bill Woodul Mechanics Clinic.

Cycling technology is in a state of constant change, striving to best what has come before. As with the athletic side of this machine/culture it is very competive, but there is also a great comradely amongst those who dream, design, fabricate, build, assemble, maintain, and love these machines. I was very fortunate to be one of the 55 mechanics who gathered to attend the 2008 USAC’s Bill Woodul Mechanics Clinic in Colorado Spring at the US Olympic Training Center the past 4 days. I’m only beginning to digest the full experience, so much was shared. Of course there was the class/clinic side of this gathering where we were schooled by the clinics 10 very experienced instructors, but also the coming together of like minded people with such great respect for not only the machine but each other.

The instructors did an incredible job of organizing a curriculum, test and time line to set a pace and stress level very similar to what, would be race mechanics would be facing at an event. The days were packed with clinics, all over the training center. Some were indoors in class room settings and others were out side “labs” to compare it to a college science class. The clinics ranged from the pure mechanical and functional, to the operational side of a race and of race team, to the wrights of passage of professionalism. All were steeped with the experience and personality of each presenting instructor.

Always looming in the back of the mechanics minds was “the test” a 100 question multiple choice, open book, test that encouraged debate late into the night. It was really awesome to see everyone huddling together, in discussion and debate. It did a wonderful job of creating a “one for all and all for one” team atmosphere, evident on the last day when all 55 mechanics received their license after passing the test.

We also had a great time, it took a short time to crack the ice but once everyone was comfortable with the setting, some really great personalities came out. As one instructor said a couple of times “there isn’t a ‘that guy’ in this group”. I made several new and grew other friendships. To sum it up on a blog is impossible. It was truly an experience I am proud to have been a part of. I’m really looking forward to see what the future will bring for everyone who attended, the sport and the machine.

More Power

Ahhh Yeah, I love new toys... er Tools...

The C3 19.2 volt Cordless Inflator

Mine showed up today and the battery is a charging.

Gotta give Tim B. the credit for turning me on to this baby. No more pumps at the races for this wrench, just 19.2 volts of pure hand held air pumping power. I can see that auto shut off air gage being very useful for 'Cross.

But it'll have to wait until the 20th to see any action. Wed I'm back on a Jet bound for Colorado Springs, the OTC and USAC's Mechanic’s Clinic until Sunday. As a Jr. I got to do a couple of training camps up there and they were a lot of fun, I hope the dorms are better then I remember and the food is every bit as good.

I'll take a camera and maybe the lap-top, although I doubt I have much time for Blogging until I get home.

Well time to start packing...

Back in the Saddle

A classic Single Speed ride in Santa Cruz today.

Lennie and I stopped by Paul and Holly's to drop off a few things and pilfer a parking spot. Then we headed out, down by the cliff's to Natural Bridges back over to Swift street and up to campus. Over to Wilder, down Zane Grey, then back to the cliff's to watch the last sunset of 2007



Back to Paul's to load up the gear and over to the Falafel House on Mission for a quick after ride snack.

I gotta say it was a good day.

New Year Resolutions

I took the day off from the races and put a little time in to my own rig.



I did a full overhaul, the fork, both hubs & the freehub body (Chris King), BB, Headset... and all the fine tuning... The Shop's almost dialed enought to take in a few customers.

Tomorrow, Lennie's Santa Cruz loop. 2:1 is going to hurt but that's what I need.

Lots-O one speeder riding planned for this year. Gotta get in shape.

Rob's Pics

I stole a few pics from Rob of the Natz...

Tim and I commuting to work


The Office


My "In Box"


One of my Clients


Time to clock out.