North Iowa Bicycle Underground

Still here?

2010-07-16T04:37:00Z

As the summer begins to wain into the coming later months. As mothers wonder where June and half of July went. I start to realize how difficult reporting on cycling events is - and would rather just get out an do the event. Here we are - almost a week past the NIBU Fair Polo game, and I have not had a chance to update you all on the goings on. I am so sorry.

My mind has been at work however. Working in the next event, working on the next sticker idea, working on the next posting here, working on the next shirt idea.

By the time evening rolls around - sitting at my computer to type this out gets a little lost in the shuffle of life.

The Fair Polo event and the NIBU Crit were a smash hit. To see participants of all ages and cycling backgrounds - is the reason we exist. I made my first appearance at a week night polo game (finally done with youth Softball and Tball). Adding the Monday night to the already well chalked up Sunday and Wednesday is amazing.

Polo three nights a week, and still having to have riders sit out due to the large number of cyclists wanting to take part is amazing.

Here are some images from the polo event at the fair.

The fans found their way to the back door of the Olson Building for something they had never seen before.

Brave men waiting to find their way to the fighting pit

Game on

Ever wonder what the hell Mikey C. was writing during all those games, sitting on top of that ladder. Well here you go. Notice the names of those who score, the time, the assist. This guy is the greatest friend the NIBU nation can have.

And the MVP award goes to... Chris. Beating Ruben by one goal (that one game where he scored 4 goals in like 5 min. didn't hurt the totals though).

As we move forward, we have come to the understanding that this stuff costs money (I knew that, but didn't expect this whole thing to take off like it has). We are resistant to creating "dues" or fees for participation. Our membership has come up with a great idea. A tip jar. A tip jar will be at all NIBU events. You come to an event, and have a couple bucks, or some change in your pocket - throw it in. You like what we are doing, and understand that the polo mallets, stickers, flyers, and spray paint cost someone some dollars - throw something in the tip. If you don't happen to have anything on you to pitch in - don't worry. No guilt. Try to kick some in the next time you come to join us.

I love the ease, and simplicity of our little group. Bring your friends, let them feel the warmth of the NIBU love blanket.

We are only getting started. Way more to come! See you Sunday at Polo. By the way. Be sure to check out the official NIBU Facebook page - search out Eric At NIBU. More info, and events are put up there more often.

Let's get visible

2010-06-16T02:28:00Z

Olivia Newton John said it best. I think it was in Xanadu - as she was skating around with James Bond.

The Underground is flourishing, our events are being scribed into the history books as lore - and things are only getting better. Tomorrow is another "Wednesday Night Polo Pick-up Game" (hockey rink, 6:00pm). And do we have some darn good times a comin'.

The Blues and BBQ weekend is fast approaching. It is an annual weekend in Clear Lake where bikes take over the scene (At least until another rolling party comes to town later in July). This years event, however, has just the finger licking good activities that should have the NIBU Nation licking their chops.

Seth and Russ. You're up first!

It all starts off with a steamy cow pie helping of polo during the North Iowa Fair. You heard it folks. The fine Yee Haw- Hee Haw event for our stupendous county has invited the NIBU to put on a polo tourney during the fair. Friday, July 9th, starting at 6:30pm. We take our show PRIME TIME (without the Sam Donaldson toupee of course). We will be setting up shop in the Olson building (just kiddy-corner from the All-Seasons building). Just think. Lighted, air-conditioned, and rain protected polo fun (and just next to the beer garden).

We are finalizing the details, so stay tuned. Mark your calendars, as this won't be one to miss. Our long term planning is to have a REAL LIFE - Polo Tourney Invite with set teams, and bring some of our polo brothers and sisters from some of the surrounding metro areas to let them know the NIBU can kick some big city ass.

Keep your whits about you, as the very next night, Saturday, July 10th - We take to the streets of Clear Lake to race our guts out - NIBU STYLE. The promoters of the BBQ Criterium have asked us to put on a street race after the Pro 1-2 race in downtown CL. Just before the Municipal Band ramps up their George Clinton-ish funky rendition of "Tiny Bubbles" - we will be bring out the fixies and oldies for a crit only the NIBU could pull off.

Again, details are being hammered out, so clear your Franklin, and be ready to leave some skin on the cement.

Now back to the "Let's get visible" portion of the post. We need to let everyone know that we are here, and we mean business. It's time to show off some NIBU pride.

I present to you. The first (of many) - NIBU "In your face" Tees.

This shirt will be done up just for you. Your size, and offered in light grey or white. Long or short sleeve. All you got to do is email me - eric@nibu.info with your color, size, and style.

Long Sleeve shirts - $13

Short Sleeve shirts - $10

And because we are the Underground… And we do what we please. The shield will adorn the front of the shirt, and for an extra $4 - I will print any darn thing you want on the back (just nothing you can get arrested for - or have my hard drive confiscated by the authorities). If you want to put a pic of your favorite fixie bike on the back - done. If you want to put a pic of your dog pooping in your neighbors yard - done. All you got to do is provide me with the image or text you want on the back.

Please note, you can just have the shirt without any customization on the back.

You pay when you pick it up. NOTICE - If you have me print up a shirt with a picture of you holding your 16th birthday cake, and stiff us for the shirt - we will make a dozen shirts with your name on the back and the words "Is a Shithead" along with 'em. Then give them away at the NI Fair Event. So be warned.

Drop me an email, get creative, and Let's Get Visible.

A future post is stirring in me. Like a BM rolling around in my lower tract. I am about ready to push it out and challenge the NIBU nation to a quest. A quest of great importance to our fine city(ies), county(ies) and state. I need to fine tune my prose… But I can see it crowning in the next few days. The challenge awaits.

North Iowa Not-So Underground

2010-06-01T02:18:00Z

Made the Globe site - AGAIN! Waitin' to see if we make it out in print, and with a bit more of a write up. Check it out!

Memorable Day

2010-05-31T23:47:00Z

You know that 'ol joke: "What do you call 50 lawyers at the bottom of the sea? - A good start."… Well, what do you call 20 plus NIBU bikers playing six and a half hours of bike polo? - A hell of a good start!!!

Seth B. ready to unpack for a long day in the sun. Gotta love the Xtracycle!

The words I can think of to explain this amazing day are - Amazing, spectacular, memorable, the best, friendly, competitive, exciting, thrilling… I really don't want to pull our my thesaurus - but you get the point.

Game on!

The day started at 10 am, as the first few people set up the tents, tables, games for "Feats of Strength", the goals, the extra mallets, the grills, and got the place ready for battle.

By 11 am, everyone started to roll in. People of all shapes, sizes, biking backgrounds, bike builds, and ages. The games started out by creating four 5 person teams. Team 1 vs Team 2. Team 3 vs Team 4. The looser of 1 v 2, verses the looser of 3 v. 4. The winners verses the winner. My god what fun.

The cheerleaders yelling on their favs.

After the rounds of games, then on to the first feat of strength. Horse style barrel racing - on bikes - of course. then back to the games. More 6 on 6. Then off to the next feat of strength. Pennant racing, then Key Hole, then Poles.

The Bell and Weaver families were kind enough to bring their portable grills to fire up for all to share. Brats, Tofu Weinners, Pork, Adult and not Adult beverages. We just didn't want to stop. We even talked Councilman Max Weaver to try his hand at the pennant race ( you ride down to a 5 gal. bucket of sand that has a broom stick in it - grab the broom stick and ride back to another pail with another stick. Stick the first stick in the pail, grab the other, and ride down to stick it into the other pail, and race back to the start line for a speedy time). Max Sr. found a way to wipe out, spin the fort of his son's bike 180 degrees, so the handle bars were backwards. Continue on, only to wipe a bit more at the first pail, and spin the bars another 180 degrees to the front brake cable was twisted and causing the brake to activate. Classic!

Break out the Tofu! it's a vegan party now!!! Faux Dogs for everyone!

A photographer from the Globe stopped by for a few photos, and we got everyone on the rink at the same time. Two teams of 12 fighting it out for a two point game. Now that is congestion.

Mike C. served as our day long official. Keeping amazing scoring records. Who did it. What time in the game it was scored. What the score was, and calling any disputing goals. 'Cause that one team kept knocking over their net just as they were about to be scored upon!

Game after game. Hour after hour. Different teams. Different captains. No one wanted the day to end. Ever time we got to a point that people started to feel like, "ok, next goal wins, and then I'm going home". The next goal would come and go. A slight beverage break, and then back to the rink for another game. It kept going and going.

The final three left standing in the track stand comp. Nick Q. came away with the win (After falling short during the comp at Cranksgiving).

Soon it was 5:30pm, and we had to just call it for the day. Sadly. I have never spend so much time in one of our city parks, EVER. Never before had I had so much fun in a city park, EVER. Never before had I had so much fun on a bike, EVER. Never before had so many people of diverse backgrounds get together to enjoy one activity that really isn't physically draining, not really dangerous, full of hand-eye-mallet-front wheel coordination. It is one of the greatest marvels on two wheels.

One of the many feats of strength. Ride down 8 foot lengths of 2x6, 2x4, and 2x2. Ruben W., Seth B., and Max W. were the only three to pull it off

So, like I stated at the beginning of this entry. What do you call 20 plus riders hanging around in a city part for six and a half hours playing a simple little game on Memorial Day? A F*****G GREAT START! The NIBU is thumping; The NIBU is alive; and the NIBU is here.

Get your next idea for an activity together. Share it with us, and let's get it done. Your imagination is the only thing holding the next event back. You want it? YOU GOT IT!

Click on the photos tab above to see some shots of the Polo action.

NIBU BABY.

Bring the noise!

2010-05-30T15:11:00Z

We are coming up on 24 hours till Polopalooza. The weather looks great, times will be awesome.

This is going to be a family affair, so brings kids of all ages. We will have a kids polo game, as well as them joining in the skills competition. Pop up tents will be in place to shade the sun, a grill will be on location to grill some food. Bring your own food items, and beverages (even adult stye) that you may want to enjoy.

Bring your own bikes. Bring a mallet also, if you have one (we will have some extras to loan out). Personal protection gear would be important also. Helmets are a very good idea, gloves are a good idea also. Kneepads, shinguards, elbow pads, mouth guards, nut cups, shoulder pads - all not a bad idea to bring (remember, Max Jr. is out there roaming on the big wheel looking to bring someone down).

Here are some teasers to give you an idea of the fun in store for you. 11:00am - hockey rink - Big Blue.

Memorial Day Polopalooza

2010-05-25T02:21:00Z

Get your family, and bring em on down for a day of bikes and contests of fun and skill. This is all ages, all skills, all fun.

Bring you bikes, a chair if you wish, and some food to enjoy. We will have a grill and some pop up tents for shade.

If you have a polo mallet, bring it with ya - but if not, we will have one for you to use. Any bike works. We would suggest that maybe you don't bring you best racing bike 'cuase accidents can happen. Bike polo is challenging due to ball handling. It ins't break neck speeds, so don't worry. A helmet is a good idea. Gloves are nice. Any other body armor is up to you. See you Monday!!!!

Not again.

2010-05-20T14:58:00Z

So Floyd Landis has done it again. Here we are, coming up on 4 years out of his "Yellow Jersey, lost the yellow, had a 'beer' and got the jersey back, wore it on the last day of the your, won it… Oh wait, blood values looking a bit suspect, go to court, hear about Greg Lemond's 'Chester the Molester uncle', drag Lance back into the deal"… You remember the stick right?

This little soap opera was very intriguing, and had the media's ear (and not even just the cycling media like the Valverde situation going on now). This was big news in the US, because it had Lance's name attached to it. The implications were huge. Greg spanking Lance verbally. Floyd protesting his innocence. By the time the court case was over, and Floyd lost his jersey. A new Tour de France Champion was named named (three months after the next TdF was over)- but alas, this champion really didn't get to enjoy the spoils of being the champion. Sponsorship deals that are usually reserved for the TdF champ were lost opportunities. Think of all the commercials that Lance made when he was winning. Think of all the posters and cereal boxes. This poor schmuck who came in second, that hardly anyone can remember, lost it all. Yeah, in the recordbook, it will still show his name as winning the Tour, but give me his name right now. If you can.

A lonely podium in Oct. 2007. (only 15 months late)

So, back to Floyd. He talks up his innocence. He tells everyone that the lab screwed him. The WADA screwed him, and he takes his voice to the court of public perception. He supposedly spends his life savings defending his name, and a fund is formed to get people to donate to protect his good name.

On April 30th, Floyd sends an email to USA Cycling and bears all. Tells all about his doping doping. Tells how long he doped for, and with what chemicals. Then for good measure, drops a few key names along with his "I found Jesus" admission. Levi, George, Lance and DZ-Nuts. What a fucker.

The honeymoon for me with Lance is waaaaaaay over. I appreciate what he did for the cycling community; the retail side and the awareness side. I appreciate what he is doing for cancer research, and I guess some guys appreciate what he did for the art of the "one night stand". But past that, he doesn't have the sterling silver shine that he did say 5 years ago.

As for Levi, George and Dave; three names that have never been put into the same sentence with doping - what a slap in the face. Three guys that I have always looked at with reverence in cycling as just being gol-darn good fellas. (Although I have to admit that Dave got a little under my nerves, due to his success on the OTHER fast wheels)

I actually started to think that Floyd was telling the truth 3 3/4 years ago when he said he didn't cheat after hearing what Tom Zirbel was going through. I felt sorry for Floyd. I thought that maybe the lab screwed him, or a supplement company spiked his GU.

Then bang. Reality punches me right in the nuts when I look at cyclingnews.com and even espn.com. Floyd tells all, and names names.

So why now? He claims that the statue of limitations is his reasoning for doing it now. Does he mean the for the other guys he is naming, or for himself? Is he trying to purge his sins, and wanting any achievements accomplished by him to be null and void? Or is he try to mess with others? Is he telling us "If I go down (too late) we're ALL going down".

With today's state of doping in cycling, the mere hint of doping could keep riders out of competition. The Valverde thing is an example of this. Italy wont allow him to race on their soil, because of reports he was in cahoots with the Puerto gig. It looks like the UCI may expand that, and give him a real suspension. Does that mean that they may do that to Big George and Levi? Does this mean that Garmin needs to suspend Dave? Remember that ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY they flaunt around (Tommy Z). Do they stick to their guns and pull Dave from the Tour of CA (IN THE LEADERS JERSEY)?

Thanks Floyd.

Are these other guys guilty or what? I don't know. I don't know what to think of the whole thing, other than it stinks like a rotten fish anus. The question will dog me all day "What is Floyd's angle?" What is to gain, other than to not be the only kid not allowed to go out for recess. But oh yeah. That jerk has already served his two years. He has a crappy contract, and is able to race. Those other guys he named - if found to be true - or at the very least to be suspected of doping, would have to serve some sort of punishment. And Floyd races on.

Thanks Floyd. I think we should get the phone number of Chester the Molester, and have him visit Floyd's house with a big tub of DZ-Nutz.

Mullet or Mallet?

2010-05-19T21:53:00Z

Bike polo has taken over North Iowa. This past Sunday, we met up at the hockey rink at Big Blue and crashed our way to two hours of blissful ball knocking. The star of the day… The MVP of Bike Polo Sunday was none other than Amy Bell. Man, that chick was EVERYWHERE!!! She had more goals than anyone else, and maybe had more goals than everyone added together. Like her husband always says, "She is Tenacious".

The morning started with a big surprise. Waiting for me at the rink was Jason D. from Cedar Rapids. He read the Facebook event notice, and worked until 3 in the morning creating "Eat Mallet" on his lathe (Actually we all called it Beer Keg). Leaving Cedar Rapids at 6:00am to party with us - now that's dedication.

Beer Keg

We started the day with 6 on 6, and found our grove. The game isn't really fast, but there are some breakaways that need speed. Bike handling is important, and your stick and ball handling is a must. keep your stick out of the spokes and steer straight.

A funny moment had to be Teve B., racing front wheel first into the boards. Word to the wise, old steel forks do bend. A little elbow grease, a bump into the boards with the bars backwards, and ZINGER. A fixed bike ready for more action.

Click here to view the Youtube video

Teve also made the highlights when he T-Boned Ruben's rear wheel, giving it a bit of taco shape. Seth came to the rescue AGAIN - with a little stomp to the rim, a couple twists with the wrench, an a mostly straight wheel ready to roll.

The parking lot (yard) for the afterparty

Ruben also had some ill luck when his baby brother Max fell into his front wheel, also giving it a bit of wobble. But hey, what doesn't kill you, makes you a better Polo player.

Milk and cookies

After the gaming, everyone rode of to Eric F's place for milk and cookies (actually more like brats and hotdogs - and vegan food for the herbivores).

Uhhhhh. How many guys have to be in a paddle boat before it's considered not platonic?

We are currently planning another game the weekend of Memorial Day. Maybe Sunday or Monday. Please stay tuned for the notice. We will plan on having a grill out after the game, during the game, before the game. Eat till you puke. We have some extra mallets for anyone who doesn't have one. Any bike will work, but I would suggest using a bike that you don't mind crashing on, or maybe having Max or Teve crashing/falling into your wheels.

Click on the photos tab to see photos from the game, after party, and the Bikes of Bike Polo (cyclingnews.com style).

Game On

2010-05-15T19:21:00Z

Bike Polo is on. We had our build last night at HEDville. 10 proud new parents of polo mallets left the shop with sparkling new shinny hammers of pain to lay down the smack on the the competitors. We then tested things out at the rink at Big Blue to find everything working very well.

NIBU faithful building up their custom axes.

If you have never been to the hockey rink at Big Blue, you don't know what you are missing. Other than some of the boards coming loose, the cement is amazingly smooth.

So... Game On. Tomorrow, Sunday Sunday Sunday. 10:00am. Polo match. I have 7 extra mallets I will bring to the match if you didn't get a chance to build one Friday night. Bring a bike of your choosing. Fixies work great. Anything work well. Bring any amount of protection you feel like wearing. Shin Guards, Knee, elbow, helmet. Gloves are a good idea. Just come.

Amazingly fun. Amazing challenging (just hitting the damn ball).

See you all Sunday AM!!!!

Big Blue Hockey Rink (just north of the skate park). 10:00am.

Build a Mallet

2010-05-13T03:00:00Z

It's time to round up your horse, get 'em primed for some good jockey fun. Bike Polo Season is here. The best thing about Bike Polo, other than becoming a good ball blocker with your stick, is you wont have to step any steaming divots (unless a player has a little case of the backdoor trots).

First things first, though. We need to build our sticks. Unless, of course you happen to have a bike polo mallet in your bedroom closet (sinner).

NIBU has put together a "Build A Mallet" party. We will meet at the National Build a Mallet HEDquarters on North Monroe Ave (The HED Cycling production facility also rents a space from B.A.M.). This Friday, at 7:00pm. NIBU will provide the equipment for the build. You will need to bring about $10 to cover the cost of the material. Bring any beverages you may want o consume during the build (just no hard liquor or drink boxes).

If we are quick enough with the build, and the sunlight is still present, a ride to the hockey rink at big blue and a test of the new equipment. We will be sure to keep it an early night so we can all make it to the benefit ride/breakfast on Saturday morning.

Drop a comment if you are able to make it so we can make sure we have enough stuff to build the sticks. See you Friday.

Cinco de Smasho

2010-05-07T02:57:00Z

Tis the season to celebrate an independence day. It's kind of like that silly retail day "Christmas in July", but this time it's "Independence day… In May".

With all the hubbub going on in Arizona - and the Gestopo style "Papers Please", lifestyle… It's just about time for all us northerners to get together for a drink, meal, and a good 'ol fashioned night gravel ride - to celebrate the coolest non-US holiday, next to Flag day in Canada.

With the wind that all North Iowans had to deal with during the day, I was worried how many tough studs would show up for a ride in the dark. But wouldn't you know it - we had a full house.

The gang's all here.

The table was packed, times were good, and by 9:00, we were ready to roll. 13 riders took to the road - blinky lights dancing all along the way. One very exciting thing for NIBU was all three bike shops were represented on the ride. It is great to get everyone together, and just enjoy the ride. Mountain bikes, hybrids, cross bikes - to have every style of bike and biker riding along is a great site.

Matt C. was running so late - from working on his hair - he forgot it was May 5th. Brrrrrrr. Clothing dude!

One scary moment was when we stopped by a crazy old man's farmhouse to say hi. A revolver was pulled, "get off my property" was yelled… And at least one shot was fired. Oh, one point to keep in mind… He wasn't that old. He wasn't very serious about getting off his property. His wife was waving to us from the upstairs window. The revolver had training blanks in it. He is a cyclist. And his last name is a day of the week. So yeah… Keep that in mind when feeling sorry for us.

The wind beat us up a little bit, but coming back into town on the NIACC trail was great for winding through the trees and staying out of the wind. A warmer, calmer night will have to be picked for our next ride. So stay tuned. It's coming (Dave N.).

The line up getting ready to hit the dirt.

Next up, we will be scheduling a bike polo mallet building workshop. The first games are coming up, so get you horse ready.

Thanks to Lorado's for hosting all us hooligan - again. Matt, Julie, and the gang are the best.

Hola, justo dos días hasta el paseo!

2010-05-04T02:35:00Z

Tres de Mayo. Two days before the big ride. Now, the point of the group night ride will be for conversation, fun, socializing, and enjoying the night. Now, some out there may feel a little uneasy with a night ride.

Don't worry... Fredrick wont be waiting for you on the gravels on Wednesday.

But I am here to tell you, it can be one of the greatest moments on a bike.

The deal is, we are going to meet up at Lorado's around 8:00pm (or go sooner if you want). Enjoy some of Lorado's grande tacos, at a Cinco special price of $4.00 - Corona Bottles for a Cinco special price of $2.50. Cinco special Margaritas… And for those looking for some other form of beverages; coffee, water, soda will be a plenty.

At 9:00pm we will venture out into the darkness to enjoy some of North Iowa's finest gravel thoroughfares. Of course, you will want to bring lights. By law, a headlight and taillight. Don't worry if you are worried that your lights wont be bright enough to light your way. Many who will participate will throw enough lumens to light up the new Yankees stadium.

We will ride for around an hour and a half. Maybe a little longer, maybe a little shorter. Nothing to demanding, and at a very social pace - enjoying the night air.

And by the looks of things, this may be your best riding weather of the work week.

On a side note… Once again the Underground has been called out - and has became not quite so underground. Please check out our latest press, written up by the bike friendly Dick Johnson.

Now, we have to call you out… What kind of event do you want to see happen with help from NIBU? Give it to us, and let's get it done!

ON A VERY SERIOUS NOTE. All cyclists are urged to take part in a benefit breakfast and bike ride for Judy Delperdang. Judy is currently being treated for liver cancer, and this is her third time having to battle cancer. Please come out and support Judy and her family David and Geoff. Next Saturday.

Ariba!!! Let's Ride!

2010-04-29T03:16:00Z

DAVE N. THIS ONES FOR YOU!

Clear your late night calendar for Cinco de Mayo (Wednesday, May 5th). We going to whoop it up, enjoy the night, and do it on bikes.

Meet at Lorado's on Wednesday night at 8:00pm, enjoy some of Lorado's fine beverages and tacos, and then hit the dirt roads at 9:00pm for about a hour and a half ride through some of North Iowa's best gravels. Bring your lights - front and tail - your pesos for a drink and taco - and all the fun lovin' friends you have.

Some may travel back to Lorado's after the ride for a cooling, post ride, Margarita.

As soon as we nail down some drink and food specials with Lorado's, we will let you know.

LAMBA, LAMBA, LAMBA... Can I help ya, help ya, help ya?

2010-04-20T03:07:00Z

When I returned from Rays Mountain Bike Park, I had a feeling that I had just returned from "Mecca". Mecca, in this case being used as such:

Mec•ca | 'meka |

[n.] (a Mecca) a place that draws cyclists who have a particular interest and refills the vessel with enthusiasm.

Now the problem with most "Meccas" - is they are in Mecca. A destination in Saudi Arabia, Cleveland, Whistler, or Oregon is great for the occasional trip, but cost and time involved usually limit those trips. So, the goal becomes to locate or create a slightly smaller version of that point of interest close to home. Just as local churches haven't been built as scale replicas of the Vatican, cyclists don't need to concern themselves with scale replicas. Great things can come in small packages - and could be hiding just under your nose.

This past weaken I traveled to Cedar Rapids to spend an evening with an old school North Iowa mountain biker (and one of the founders of NIMBA). Ken Barker, now living in Cedar Rapids, has helped create one of those smaller destinations - pretty much in his back yard. The Linn Area Mountain Bike Association has a beautiful little slice of heaven known as Beverly Park. My traveling partner, Russell R., has known Ken for years and set up the trip. It was a multi pronged reason for the trip for Russell. 1. To get back to CR to see Mr. Barker. 2. To congratulate Ken and his lovely new dirt jumping wife Michelle on their recent wedding (which Russ missed to come cheer on the racers at the NIBU Roller Derby Champion of the Universe Finals). 3. To introduce me to Ken, and put two advocates together and watch sparks fly.

I have to admit, that after spending an evening riding at Beverly, meeting some other members of LAMBA, enjoying some fine grilling, beer, and some night riding… Staying up late watching some homemade MTB videos… And getting up and driving south to spend a few hours at Sugar Bottom Sugar Bottom… I left Cedar Rapids on Sunday afternoon with some strange emotions. Anger. Jealousy. Excitement. Euphoria. Hunger.

The anger and jealousy came from the fact that Ken and his merry little pack of trail builders pulled off an amazing feat. Once I heard the size of the park, the grants that had been gifted to the LAMBA group, and the organizational backbone created made me think of home. It made me think of "why not us". Why doesn't Mason City have this? My blood was pumping, my mind was racing, and I wanted to get my rake and get to work.

The excitement, euphoria and hunger that has been created could be my undoing, or the beginnings of something great. As my wife Amy would happily point out to anyone, when I get something in my head, I act. I act NOW. For better or worse. I have been on the horn working on some dealings that have been dogging my brain for the past few years. I want to put some plans to action. Just as Cranksgiving came about by a dream - Roller Derby came about by a wish - Bike Polo will come about by the longing for fun - and our coming (yet unannounced) group gravel night ride will come about by a request from a long time NI running legend in the isles of Hy-Vee. Give me an idea, and I will do everything in my power to get it done, and get others involved to help in the process.

I now look at Beverly Park as the germination point of the future of dirt riding in Mason City. Even more than Sugar Bottom, Lebonon Hills, or Murphy Hanrehan. Those areas seem so big, and so established that it is hard to comprehend how much work and time have been put into creating those areas. Beverly Park is still growing, still maturing. Granted, there has been countless hours spent to get to this point by the board of LAMBA… I can see the beginning - and where we in North Iowa can start putting together something of that nature. But as my therapist, Dr. Leo Marvin has said, i need to look at things in "Baby Steps".

Please understand that I do not consider myself the savior or messiah of cycling in North Iowa. I don't feel that me, myself and I hold the keys, or enthusiasm to get this all done alone. I consider this blog, this organization, this mind set as the fuel. We all have this power. We all are going to get this done together. My stance since day one was to create an organization where everyone has a voice to get the activities, advocacy, and events we all want put on. Jon and Ken want bike polo, we'll get polo. Dave wants a group gravel ride, we'll get a ride. Some of us want a single track park, we'll get a single track park - eventually.

The park is going to take some time. It is going to take some work. The gravel ride, the bike polo will be easy - and we will just do it. Just as Kenny and the LAMBA hooligans worked their ass off to have a place of their own, the NIBU will work our asses off to get ourselves a little slice of heaven - and without pissing off the county conservation board with illegal trails.

The call will come for all of you, dear readers, to come voice your support. This is going to be a group effort, but by getting it done with a group, it will be stronger than anything North Iowa has ever seen.

Thanks Ken Barker.

Family Guy is the new Simpson's

2010-04-09T04:02:00Z

One difficult thing when writing blog entries - and I would think for any form of blog, would be not coming across to negative or synical. As I type the different entries into this fine site of Pros - I do find myself feeling a little syndical, and I feel that it is the nature of the beast. Would you really want to read the mushy feel good stories, or the turn by turn single track recap when I am riding with buddies (Helmet cam style)? I didn't think so. Go find a smoochy little yoga blog if that's what you're lookin' for.

What has my dander up a bit this week - is the over use of the phrase: "______ is the new______".

40 is the new 30. Orange is the new black. The iPad is the new iPod. NIBU is the new NIMBA (not to be mistaken for NAMBLA).

By now, readers of the blog should understand that I am a huge fan of cycling. Pretty much all cycling. Not to good at the BMX or Dirt Jumper aspects of cycling, but I am trying. The guys at work try to keep me up to date on that stuff. Fan means following the racing, following tech news, following product news, just trying to soak up all the info I can get my hands on. Now in my endeavor to fill my brain will all things bike. I have put together a list of all the new ideas and products that are supposed to change the world I follow so closely.

Take for example. Remember when Mountain Bikes were coming on the scene? The mountain bike was the new BMX. Now the 29er is the new mountain bike, and the dirt jumper is the new BMX. Well actually, the 26" cruiser is the new BMX also. Uhhhg. The 1.9" was the new 1.5", the 2.1" was the new 1.9… And now all the bigger stuff is the new whatever. Don't even start talking about the crazy huge Endomorph stuff out there.

STI was the new friction, and now Di2 is the new STI. 700c was the new 27", then 650c became a HUGE takeover of the 700c (you know - less rotating mass crap), and now the 700c is back to being the new 27"/650c. Oh yeah, I forgot, when talking about the mountain bikes: the 69er (or 96er depending on how you look at it (29" in the front 26" in the rear)) is the new 29er.

Now thanks to HED Cycling for creating the 23mm tire well, becoming the new 21mm, which was the new 19mm. Clinchers were to be the new tubulars, but the ride quality just wasn't there. HED comes along, and now the 23mm clincher is the new tubular. 90psi is the new 120psi. And tubeless is the new clincher for roadies and MTB riders.

Tri was supposed to be the new Road, than a strange thing happened. Lance became the new Greg, and road bikes boomed. But before that, Greg was supposed to be the new Miguel. He actually looked more like the new Andy instead. And in the past few years, thanks to his trial appearances for items that really had nothing to do with him (other than getting his name back on the minds of cycling fans), Greg looked more like the new Menedez (without having to kill his papa.) Maybe he should have killed his uncle.

Alloy was to be the new steel. Carbon is the new alloy. Titanium is the new alloy also, and steel has hung around and really didn't need to be replaced in the first part - unless you are racing up the Alps or have the sweat glands like Brundlefly's digestive system.

A quote was given to me by a very intelligent and thoughtful individual that fits into the stream of questioning I have rambled here:

"The significance of new, is that it is often insignificant, and we are blissfully ignorant of any distinction."

The constant chasing of technology and the "new" will forever keep our nation -and our world, for that matter - creating problems and solutions for ourselves. Coal mines needed to give us the products that create energy to weld our steel and Ti frames; coal burnt to cook down our carbon fibre to the purest form to achieve the added strength we need; and used to stoke the furnaces creating the super cool alloy mixture to make our $60 Walmart special mountain bike frames.

I imagine a dog chasing it's tail. Round and round. If if he actually catches it, he needs to keep turning just to keep hold of it - so the real question is. Why chase at all? The "New" consumes us. It has consumed me. It continues to consume me. I am not writing this because I have come up with the answers of societies ills. I write this because I have found the issue. I understand it. I am it. I, and more correctly - my wife, deal's with it on a daily basis (my ills). So I put to you. Isn't this what our economy needs. To perpetuate the constant "Orange is the new Black"? Moots is the new Surly (inside joke - and a very wide range of comparison).

I like to think of myself as clever for figuring it all out - when actually all I have done is just put the issue at hand, in writing, and asked you to ponder it with me. There isn't an answer to the debate of "700c is the new 27" - other than using the older saying, "If your not happy with what you have, you wont be happy with what you get". Or as my kids would say, "You get what you get, and don't throw a fit". Our economy needs people that thrive on the "Ti is the new Alloy". But I struggle with it. There has to be a simpler way of life. Like the vegan life - but still being able to eat a ribeye steak.

As George Carlin once said, "These are the kind of thoughts that kept me out of the really good schools".

Did you just say "Sliced Bread"?

2010-03-31T15:29:00Z

NIBU is always looking to scoop the Globe or KIMT for all things cycling. The editors are again patting themselves on the back for being able to share an ultra exclusive bit of news that effects all cyclists, ski/snow boarders, water sports enthusiasts, hikers, campers - and pretty much any other outside and indoor activity or training. Drum roll please....

NIBU pleased to announce that Robin from Bennett's, Matt from Wayne's, Steve and Russ from Lakeside, and Amy from Splash have agreed to partner on a joint venture to create North Iowa's first true sporting super store.

This is an initial artists proof. The final version will be posted on the upcoming new site www.allsport.com.

"This has been in the works for some time," Says Matt Curtis from Wayne's Ski and Cycle. "I had been talking to Robin and Russ about coming together to offer more to Mason City by way of greater selection."

According to Robin Bennett of Bennett's Bike and Fitness "We modeled our new store and business plan similarly to REI and Erik's out of the cities. We feel that North Iowa is ready for this evolution in outdoor activity retail."

Russ Rayburn pointed out the extensive dealings with the City of Mason City, the North Iowa Corridor Economic Corporation, and First Citizens National Bank.

"The city of Mason City has been great," adds Rayburn, "We had been looking for a location that was easy for people to get to, but keep in our space requirements. With the retail facility we designed by Bergland and Cram, we wanted a large open area, and one that could handle the expected parking. Our Clear Lake customers may feel a little slighted at first, but when they realize the benefit of all stores coming together, it will make sense for them."

Here is the architect's rendition of the new home of the Super Store.

The building offers 36,500 square feet or retail space, 7,500 square feet bike repair area with 7 dedicated work bays, and a 15,000 square foot indoor cycling and yoga area. Future plans include a 20 foot climbing wall, endless pool for swim technique work , and possibly additional space to the north of the parking (along the river) for a Steve Hed designed wind tunnel.

"We are currently working on a tunnel of our own in Shoreview [MN - home of HED Cycling]," States Hed. "We had looked at a rotating fan that operates horizontally and vertically in the Minnesota location for people to work on sky diving, but our budget doesn't allow for it at this time. We are hoping that the Mason City location will have the space for that option."

The new Mason City All Sport retail location will be at the corner of 5th SW and Federal Ave S (the old Mechanical Air location). The official ground breaking will take place on Band Festival Saturday, the last weekend in May, with Mayor Eric Bookmeyer digging the first hole with the ceremonial golden shovel. The ground braking is slated for 2:00pm.

To the cyclists reading this blog, the new All Sport building will put all our favorite frames all under one roof. Trek, Cervelo, Giant, Salsa, Surly, Cannondale, Seven, Gary Fisher, Specialized, Diamondback, Raleigh, Moots, Electra, IF, and many more. In addition to all the bike gear to accompany the frames, All Sport will house the best Kayaking, Canoeing, Camping and other outdoor products.

"Shutting down the other locations were required to pull this off," says Curtis. "To pool all our resources together for this new building, everyone figured it didn't make sense to keep our individual stores. I am sure there will be some growing pains, but with all the financials already worked out, the rest should be really easy."

All partners did mention that they planed on phasing out their current retail locations around Thanksgiving, as the new building will be ready for the holiday rush.

You can say you heard it here first. The most exciting thing to happen to outdoor activities in North Iowa since… Well. I can't think of anything close to this big. Look for the Globe Gazette article to be published on Friday or Saturday.

I can't wait!

Need to feel warm and fuzzy? - lend me your ears (and eyes)

2010-03-31T13:03:00Z

We really like this video for putting into words and images what we wish more American bicycle owners felt like. Change your latitude, and start riding like an African.

Click here to watch the video

Now when speaking of Africa… Let's do it right. Doing RAGBRAI this summer? Try it across one of the harshest continents in the world. My favorite quote from this trailer: "I'm really gonna find out if I like cycling or not".

Click here to watch video

After watching the three two clips, if your like me, you are starting to wonder how you could get time off from work to do an "epic" overseas super ride. This third clip cements that feeling.

Click here to watch video

Now, why not do it at night. Please disregard the broadband commercial text towards the end of the video - and concentrate on the images of a free happy little bike enjoying the night. Give it a try. A night ride will take away all pains and worries of life. It is amazing what it feels like to ride down a gravel road, a blacktop, or a single track trail illuminated by moonlight to see the grays and blacks of the world - or illuminated by the single spot of your handlebar mounted flame thrower. GIve it a try.

Click here to watch video

And no video collage would be complete without a clip from the favorite band of every bike mechanic around the world.

Click here to watch video

A Cycling Snob Unmasked

2010-03-29T21:29:23Z

From The New York Times:

The Bike Snob, a satirical blogger who has skewered various aspects of
urban riding on his blog since 2007, plans to reveal himself in a
series of public appearances in May to be Eben Oliver Weiss,

http://s.nyt.com/u/Unz

Do you take it with milk and honey?

2010-03-29T16:08:00Z

Editors note: If you are not wise enough to understand this post is SATIRE, please skip it, and move back to Wasilla.

You know the old saying 'It's never too late to start'? Listening to current events on my favorite radio station at work, the meaning of that saying hit me like a brick. I have been sitting back, trying to think of the correct channels to follow, the different hoops to jump through, and the "Big Names" I had to hit up for help in getting some of our ideas put in action.

City government for bike lanes, county conservation boards for dedicated bike trails, parks and rec. departments for use of parks for events, and local establishments to join forces for support. I have just realized I have been it all wrong. My favorite little political "party" has taught me that I can just do it. I can just take what I want. Well actually, I should ask for help first, or ask for permission - and once turned down, then I can take matters into my own hands (or better yet, just assume that I will get a negative response and go it - go with my own ambitions).

I have tried to keep this blog "NON POLITICAL", and keep to things that better cycling in North Iowa. That is still my goal. It's just that I have learned a great tactic from a new political spin off. When you don't get what you want, or when someone does something you don't like. You put up a website and highlight those individuals with sniper crosshairs over their location on a map. Tell your members to RELOAD, and throw a brick through their window. Fire up your followers and tell them that it is their right - no - their duty to take back what is theirs.

Think "Cycling Vigilantism". I would love nothing more than to work with the county conservation board on taking the "black" trails in Lime Creek - make them IMBA safe, one way bike trails, and allow for some "approved" building of obstacles and technical sections. Monitor the trail conditions like our brothers and sisters to the north and south, and regulate when cyclists can use the trails - as not to ruin the trail quality. Put together organized trail cleanup and maintenance weekends through out the year - and turn Lime Creek (and Mason City) into a destination point for cyclists looking for new and exciting trail systems. Trust me, I do it. I travel 2 plus hours to find trails.

Now for my NEW way of operating. When the conservation board tell me "No" (and unfortunately everyone knows they will). We do it anyway. I post all the home addresses of the board members, I encourage our followers to start calling their home answering machines and leaving threatening voicemails. We start vandalizing buildings. We do it until they get the point and change their minds. Or we figure out a way to vote them out, or get the board to quit, and replace them with people that think like we do.

Think of all we could accomplish. Those people who hold seats of power would have to bend to our every demand. This blog will become our political rhetoric churn machine, and we will stir the pot - bringing the blood to a boil. East Park - OURS. Lime Creek - OURS. Abandoned cement plant areas - OURS. Obey our will or face the consequences.

And the best part. When our followers are out there, wreaking havoc throughout the land, yelling old 19th century hate titles like "Fascist, Socialist, and Nazi", we get to deny the whole thing. We really didn't mean for them to throw a brick through a window, not literally. We didn't mean for you to travel to someones home and picket outside it, not literally. We didn't mean for you to put fear into someones life by putting nasty hateful voicemails on their personal phone line, not literally. We just wanted to go for a bike ride - and these people are ruining America by not listening to us, and doing what we want.

As I waited for a certain little website to load, I was struck by this image in the background. This group is so smart. Lucky for me, it took my web browser a little time to load so I could study the image before me. It just proves that I need to even go into the subconscious of our readers. It isn't enough to just smack them in the face with words like "DEATH SQUAD", I need to sneak into their brains without them knowing.

So, until I figure out what multibillion dollar multinational super corporation will spearhead our PAC, we will still do things as usual. Put on events in a scale that is affordable and within our ability to promote. Talk to the groups that hold the keys to some of the enchanting land and trails we would like to improve. And we will be forced to follow the normal and just lines of communication with those groups, and find a democratic and legal way of possibly being able to use those areas for recreation and any future events.

But when that first check rolls in to film our awesome Super Bowl ad with Brad Pitt. Watch out. The NIBU will be walking around like Roger Clemens on a HGH high - with fast ball speed bricks at the ready.

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