Tis the season for relief – World Bicycle Relief!

Yo Dirtbaggers!
You hear it from your local teams, your friends, and the visibility from our staunchest dirt riding brethren, Chris Strout, Brad Majors, and Dan Brennan to name a few. World Bicycle Relief is truly a ‘dirtbag’ oriented cause – why? Because the world is not all paved, and giving and maintaining bikes in dire regions in need of bicycles, takes a careful and generous plan to give a bicycle that will last its true purpose for people who depend on them. We ride the dirt for fun – and others have to ride on dirt for sheer necessity, for survival if you will. And we can all help.

Please think of donating a gift in kind to the cause that helps us dirtbags shine a little dirt off with pride. This campaign has double benefit, but only with your kind and generous donation – tis the season for relief indeed!

Help provide bicycles to Africa
As you’re gathering gifts for family and loved ones this year, please consider giving to the DOUBLEbikeMATCH campaign. An angel donor will double all funds that World Bicycle Relief can collected in 48 hours. They hope to raise capital for 100 bikes (200 with the match) – enough to help over 4,000 people. The campaign ends Friday at noon, so you may want to head there right now. The site asks for any amount, and no matter what you give it will be matched dollar-for-dollar!

1st Lap of Cat 3 – Montrose.

For your viewing pleasure – filmed, edited, and published by Luke Seeman. Who is the moron in the BMX helmet in front of him?

The Decemberists Party – 12.20.08 @ 8PM

Come one come all – its the Decemberists Party at the Chicago Ale House this Saturday, December 20th at 8:00PM. There are at least 5 birthdays being celebrated, so it should be festive. The venue is odd – but so are many of us in the dirtbag community, so it should fit well. We don’t regularly patronize this location, it has an air of ’something-is-up-around-here-and-we-can’t-put-our-finger-on-it’ vibe. It’s not ‘bad’ but it definitely is huge for the if in case y’all decide to come and celebrate with a bevvy of choice with us. Its the off-season and everything goes as far as we’re concerned.

There’s been plenty of great talk among dirtbags about race goals for next year and how awesome next year is going to be. Its clearly the end of the year fanaticism in all of us, eager to get the season through so that we can start with a new year with greater resolve than the last. So before that happens, come and corrupt yourself at least once more before the New Year.

The Bonebell welcomes all!
thebonebell-at-yahoo-dot-com

P.S. We are aware that ‘The Decemberists’ are also some neo-folk band with harmonica and accordion music – we are not celebrating that, though harmonica and accordian music does rock. It just doesn’t roll with us. Note To Self: Jukebox better have something crunchy.

Why we are little causes.

Govnah

We promise that political ramblings or opinions will not ever be the norm for The Bonebell. In this instance, however, I will be writing up some thoughts on this as there is an underlying impact to everyone who bikes in this grand city of ours. The amount of attention that Active Trans, C.A.M.B.r, I.M.B.A., and all other volunteer organizations geared to getting us the best of what we can get for our interests will always be severely limited by the people who are in control of the activity of these very same programs in our areas by way of funding and endorsements. We are a cynical bunch in Chicago being governed by the Daley regime. Some of us, as lifelong residents of this city, suspect that ‘the machine’ is an immovable force best dealt with a blunt instrument. Many organizations succumb to the city’s political scape by selling a piece of its integrity to get further ahead – and I am not insinuating absolute corruption – but money talks in all politics, and money in of itself is a corrupting factor. Its why I say – support your local business with your dollars. Support your local organizations that you ‘believe’ in without your dollar, through volunteerism.

Because…

If the allegations are true about our Guv’nah, then every little organization named above needs your help, input, and funds to continue to thrive against the machine that exists in Illinois. If your own State’s Governor is so consumed by a wrath of political misconduct – what can you expect the state to listen to your causes? Its a damn shame. Its embarassing. It is what it is – and The Bonebell doesn’t even come off the shelf on this one.

Thank you G-Rod for once again showing that the Illinois Office is truly lined with crooked ambition – you don’t represent us.

And on the topic of you Guv’na:
You 1st met me outside of Webster Place in the early ’90s and I was wearing my dad’s work shirt. You were campaigning and came towards me out of a crowd to appeal to my sense of Union Labor not knowing that I was not a Union laborer – you told me the work you did for Teamsters Local 705. I brought it up to the then Union captain (coincidentally my dad’s friend). He had nothing but disdain for you, I can see why.

A beautiful Montessori school was built a few blocks away from my home. I was surprised to see how immediate it went up – then we find that your daughter goes there, and ’suspected’ misappropriation of funds or solicitation of favors was had to complete the build in the burgeoning neighborhood. You denied it all. Now there is an incredible and audacious display of donations to get kids to go to the same school. Way to knock the blue collar vibe out of the ‘hood that you allegedly were protecting in your original campaign for reform. Education shouldn’t cost families a bribe to gain entrance to a Montessori – I see why its the norm in Chicago now.

My dog usually doesn’t like guys – but I can see why she growls at you when you ran by in the park. She’s got good instincts.

I do applaud your security guards – they rode their bikes faithfully behind you protecting you as you jogged your way through our neighborhood, too bad as governor, you didn’t pay any mind in asking them to wear a helmet and not ride on the sidewalk, its so obvious you support safe cycling in Chicago.

I wish you luck Governor – you are seriously going to need it (and say hi to our friend ex-Gov Ryan!).

Montrose Illinois State Championship

Edited PG rated version.   Nevada Dave Norton checkin in here ya all!  Got there at 930 ish, and rode a lap in my civilian clothes.  Was sweating my butt off.  Mind you it was 15 degrees. Great course.  Brandin Leach (winner of the cat 4 A race,and Fellow Johnny sprockets teammate), Brittany (another killa teamate, 3rd place womens cat 4), and I rode ourselves into some pain at the race site on Wednesday night in the rain.  I happen to live a 6 minute bike ride from the race site.  We flew up the hill on Wednesday night, at about the same trajectory as on race day.  I knew that we made a nice little pain investment that night.  Three days out, I allowed myself to know that I was going to win.  I wasn’t really thinking win, I was more Knowing it.  Very calm and just knew.  I only had 2 other wins this whole season, and I “felt” exactly the same way for each of those.                                                                                                                                                                Prior to the race,  I  rode some of the sections twice, and the first two S sections 3 times, cuz I knew that would be crucial in the beginning. I have to give a big shout out to my teammates Phil and Brandin for fixing my bike while I was warming up on the trainer.  Phil kept shifting up and down up and down up and down up and down up and down (you get the picture), while I tried to get my heart rate up for the race.  This was minutes before the race. Finally, it was RIGHT!

 And it stayed right for the whole race. I was shifting and drifting big time the whole race.
3 laps in, I started allowing myself to KNOW that I was going to win this race. Nutritionally, I had an awesome 10 days. I was clean and lean and ready to lay it all out ! When they said go, I wasn’t paying attention, and lost 2 seconds. At the last second before the first s turn, I bursted and got into the top 5 on the 1st corner. GAME ON ! I quickly was in 3rd spot, and within the first or second lap,( not sure), I was in second behing Tim yuska.  As soon as I passed him, I felt that I owned the race. Short laps, major mountain bike course, many supporters out there armed with expensive cameras, and snare drums, I was able to rock out!  I got a gap, and decided to put the hammer down as if I had someone right on my butt. I attacked the hill every time, and kind of rested on the down hill.  I ended up with a very large gap, and loved it.  I wiped out on a corner, then ran into the bridge (they don’t budge), but kept on going.  I think I couldve ran into a semi truck on this day my friends. My switch was thrown, and they had to pull me off the course, cuz I wasnt sure if it was the lap bell or if I won.  I took off just to be sure. Doing 100 mile (at least) mountain bike races, I couldve gotten stronger and stronger as I went, but this was not the case, and I turned off, when friends told me to stop.  My brain was creating just too many good chemicals to get off the course so soon.  There’s so many awesome photos and VIDEO out there, Im really looking forward to sifting through it all, and posting it on the bonebell.    Great day, GREAT COURSE!!!!!!!!!!.   Thank you TURIN !

Limp Bonebell.

“The Bonebell needs Cialis!”
That was the quote from Stiggity after we rang The Bonebell for hours on end for everyone on the course. The string holding the ‘bone’ stretched out a bit – leaving it limp at the end of the day. I guess it worked hard for all of you crazy hooligans!

Wow – what a day for it to go limp, with the effort put forth by our mighty little crew. We couldn’t be any happier for ourselves after one incredible performance after another in the same race. Stiggity and Nevada Dave are completely different racers in every which way, one guy eats sticks and berries to acheive optimal performance, the other has a pint and a reuben to acheive his results. Either which way, they both had serious heart and dug deep to give the final best performance of the year and it showed as they rolled in a one two kapow punch to the Cat 3 field. Amazing!

David and Brian – you are my heroes! Photo Cred – Amy Dykema

Mid Pack Consistency = Nice Looking Results
I held my dominating clinch on the mid-pack!! I’m proud of it considering that last year, I came in near last of the field at the 4 races I did in the 4s. I’ve lost 10 lbs. since last year, shaped up a bit on a very incredible training routine that I will divulge to everyone giving away the secret to my awesome powers!!!

I rode my bike a lot this year.

You heard it here superfans – that was my super awesome training secret. I rode pretty much about 90% of the entire year for the 1st time in a long time – and boy does it feel good to survive these weekend efforts of psycho cross. So in retrospective recap, I outdid myself in having a great year of having fun and prepping for the next year of what will be even more awesome racing!!

Speaking of Awesome…
So we all blabbed happily about how awesome the big white bus is from the Cuttin Crew. Well, every season continually improves in the City of Chicago thanks to dedicated hooligans and racers alike who make the revolution of a pedal worth it. Half Acre Cycling presented the Illinois State Cyclocross Awesomeness Award to the Chicago Cuttin Crew. No one could have enjoyed the season as much without the presence of this very dedicated team – dedicated to what? To you, you schmo! If you didn’t get it – then you didn’t need it. We three at the Bonebell sincerely loved the bus and its riders this season. Now we have to suggest a paint spraying day graffitti style to stylize that bus up for next season – vatos loco 4ever right?!

Who are you people?
It was like a legion of black and white kits in the 4As and 4Bs – holy crapola! And who the hell is Verdigris? I got asked that question at least 10 times yesterday – some dude with an official looking tablet ran my way and said, Hey Paolo – who is Verdigris? How the heck do I know – I just know that they laid down the smackdown at every chance they got. What I do know is that they represented with over 12 other unique and large squads from all over Chicago-land. Do you remember when it was like 3 teams and the 1/2/3 races was like watching 3 gerbils chase each other until a final sprint out at the cheese dangling at the finish line only to win a butt slap and a pair of socks?

Kudos to Johnny Sprockets for having Nevada Dave on their team for one but for having Brandon Leach pull his best impression of Nevada Dave by winning the 4s in the same style – we knew you could do it! Brandon, word of advice, buy your annual license now that you’re a racer.

Killjoy Kevin – wow – you are a man that digs deep, very very deep. The difference between pushing and pulling on the pedals was evident to everyone, you clearly had the strength to kill the field and you bridged a heinous gap when you needed it most. Go Killjoy!

Devon Haskill – holy crapola – raise the bar on racing for gals everywhere – way to hang in there and mash it up with the fellas, some of us fear you!

Half Acre – good lord, you guys multiply like rabbits like the Pony Shop, only brighter blue and with beer handups!! Danka Schon!

Flatlandia – geesh – please change the uniform so I can tell if my ass is being handed to me by you or Alberto’s. Either way, I love you.

Who is Verdigris?

Trek Volkswagen – I mean Trek Vitamin Water – I mean bad asses who burn my legs just watching you peel away, far away from me. Jason your crash hurt me too – just watching in horror as it happened in front of me. But you were still standing afterwards, testament to bad ass and his compadres.

Turin – you put on a great course, seriously, it rocked almost harder than me learning how to ride my bike passing that hill when I was a wee tot. Thank You.

All of you that I can’t put a name on – gracias mis amigos, porque si son.

You people made this event bad ass -and it will get better (especially after everyone takes my suggestion to spray paint that white bus!) – it can only get better because all of you are showing you want it. How bad do you want it? I hope as bad as this bad ass graffiti yo.

The BoneBell 1,2

Race Day December, 7 2008 Illinois State Championship Cyclocross Race, Montrose Harbor…

Derka Van packed and rolling to Walgreen’s for some last minute embrocation. Parking lot sun is shining registration has us starting to feel the cold, I picked up my ankle chip and quietly put it in my pocket. Back in the van and I got all the gear set, two bikes and wheels to the pits. The deliberating back and forth on what to wear was just silly…Back and forth what to do. A decision was finally made and I set out to warm up. Immediately I found the course to my liking. great corners all over the place to test the technical skills and other great features like the sand dune launch pad into sand box corner, and a step-up, offcamber, corkscrew, downhill corner. BRAPP BRAPPP.

The call ups were called up, and I had a flash realization…I had no chip on my ankle. AHHHH!!! I ran to the van spewing a rather unflattering string of explitives. Sorry for the cuss, and for holding up the race. I thought the official was going to disqualify me for going into the start chute backwards. An awful start to the most important race of the year made worse by the ensuing awful start. It gave me a real appreciation for what the call ups mean to a cross start. I bumped my way into the the top 15 or so. Then came sounds I thought I only heard on a crit course. A small crack in the earth opened up on the lakeshore and swallowed more than a handful of riders. Breaking frames and ending races early, not pretty. The corner that immediately followed , held the race to a standstill. While I stood still, Norton got away. By the time I was moving again the leaders had a measurable amount of time on me and I started to get anxious the first time up the hill. As I was moving up I had a few bobbles and a crash or two, all pushing me farther behind Nevada Dave as I started to see him gaining more time and leaving the rest of the field behind him. As my eyes rolled into the back of my head I was able to see that I might have made it into the top 5. As the race was drawing to a close so was my ability to physically hold onto the handlebars. I had moved into 3rd place and watched 2nd go by as we approached the finish line. I was sure that I would be able to catch him on the some of the harder sections of the course. The lap went on and he stayed just out of reach. As we approached the sand pit launch pad I noticed that I was gaining on him. I went through the dirt pit clean and began to reel him in. A difficult stepup,offcamber,corkscrew,downhill corner was my target. The moment came and as I surged to pull up even, that gave me the the edge going into the corner. With about a hundred yards to go I drew the two of us into a sprint finish, a quick half pedal stroke rest and a look over my left shoulder told me it was time to go…Now. And it was time for my Dodge Challenger SRT8 impression…I smoked the tires and let the gears run through. The line could not come any sooner, my skull was leaping out of my face and my kool aid pump was screaming “OH YEAH”. When I crossed the line I could hardly move my fingers, they were so cramped, I had to let the bike coast to a stop. The last race of the year and the biggest result yet. An excellent job done by Chris and his gang at Turin for putting on another great race at Montrose Harbor in seemingly typical difficult December conditions.

 And a Five Derka Bonebell Tolling for Nevada Dave, the 2008 Illinois State Cat3 Cyclocross Champion. What a way to end a great season. With the ol’ BoneBell 1,2. Nevada’s right cross, and Stiggity’s left hook we put that course on lockdown.

Montrose in 3…2…1

3: Friday was running in blue jeans and a button up shirt, with a hoody with a broken zipper in 15 degree almost minus wind chills. The UPS man made a comment to me later “out for an afternoon jog, eh?”

“oh yeah, I gotta stay sharp for the State Championship bike race Sunday.”

He hoped it was indoors, I told him I hoped it would snow. He thinks I’m weird.
2: The snow has and continues to fall. Todays task is to not hurt myself sledding with the Little H Ball. Then, to put the bike together for the race, clean and lubed up, full knobs ready to rock. Where are my moon boots? To the garage, vaminos…

1:Race day, gear in the Derka Derka van. Warm up and do my best Dodge Challenger impersonation at the start, followed by best Bart Wellens impersonation. Which could mean that the snow ballers on Cricket Hill get a boot to the nuts as I go by, or just a super hard effort in some awful conditions, time will tell. Then we cheer on the rest of the crazies as we ourselves dodge the kicks aimed at nether regions. HUP…HUP…HUP…Derka Derka Derka. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

The Decemberists.

2/3rds of The Bonebell have birthdays this month. In some strange cosmic connection – so do 1/2 the employees from Johnny Sprockets. So that makes 5 Decemberists in need of a little celebration after a long season of dirt shenanigans.

Details to come – but if you’re around – and you read this site – you are welcome to come and join a toast.

The Decemberists will be giving their all in what will be one very cold and fitting end to the cyclocross season in Chicago. Montrose Harbor – Sunday, December 7th at 11AM will be the beginning and end of a CX season for The Bonebell, though, maybe, just maybe, it may not really end until after 1PM if a 2nd race is attempted – but at 25 degree weather and little chance for warm recovery, we’re gonna give it our all for one solid race. But who knows, motivation lurks everywhere with us….

This is the time of the year where everyone starts making their little wishlists of things to do better for next year, gameplans, race plans, bike plans, team plans – holy canoli – everyone is chatting up how to improve the new year. The Bonebell is not to be left out of these here conversations – things are a ‘brewing’ mightily with The Bonebell three. Oh yeah, e-mails, conversations, phone calls, secret meetings, etc. It all boils up to something about something.

We eagerly await the end of the year and get underway with 2009. Much much to celebrate and move forward with. Get out to Montrose and ride hard – kick ol’ man winter in the teeth cuz its the Illinois State Championships!!!!</strong>

Montrose in 4

Highs of 28. A temperature that will not melt ice, but will turn some dirt to mud…sticky mud…that Montrose get your mind all in a funk mud. The snow will stick around a little bit, just enough to make it interesting. It’s the State Championships, the Chicago Cross Cup finale, and it’s on like Donkey Kong.