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Showing posts from 2010
1.Start a Bucket list I just finished an item from my bucket list. 1.Start a Bucket list 2. Complete a ride across America The inspiration is below.  I don't have to do the race to check off the item.
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1985 60cm Serotta Nova Special frame and fork This is a classic American built ride from the origins of Ben Serotta's NY workshop. 60cm c-c, seen in 1986 catalogs. Columbus SLX and SPX tubing. Brand new silver powder coat for frame and fork    •Cinelli - Made in Italy, cast BB shell    •Campagnolo dropouts and fork ends, 126mm rear spacing    •Sloping crown fork, numbers matching    •Cable routing is on top of the BB shell Serial number 51001. 5-1985, 10-October, 001- first bike produced. I also have an assortment of components to build the bike that are available separately, so contact me if you are interested. Pics and way to many details available at http://brazencycleworks.blogspot.com/search?q=serotta Head Tube angle 73.5 Seat Tube angle 73 Top Tube 580mm Chain Stay 420mm Fork Rake 45mm Bottom Bracket Drop 70mm
Cycling Memories I have been a lot of places on bicycles and wanted to make a point of recording some of the memorable rides I have taken. In 2002 I took a 1 day tour, 80k from Empalme to Quepos. It was largely what we would call fire roads, but I got to see half of the country as we finished on the Pacific. It was about $40 for the organized bus that picked us up at 5am and got us back home around 2am. I don't know the local organizer as this was in 2002. Costa Rica has some stunning forests and vistas, and I have never experienced large rain drops than the ones there.   I rode a borrowed early rigid Specialized Stumpjumper that was one size too small.  I even borrowed shorts and used flat pedals and running shoes.  The equipment didn't matter, as it was a once in lifetime chance to ride with locals, ticos, and see the real 'Costa Rica'.   I headed to work at 6am the next day after 2 hours of rest with the biggest smile on my face and satisfaction in my heart.
El Tour de Tucson history for me and brother The results from are available from 1997.  I have no idea how to find early 90s finishes. 1997 111 mile route with 156 riders finishing under 5 hours 1998 111 mile route with 151   riders finishing under 5 hours 1999 111 mile route with 204 riders finishing under 5 hours 2000 111 mile route with 127 riders finishing under 5 hours PLACE  NAME SEX AGE TIME MPH  CITY, ST 178  ERIC BRANDT M 30 5:12:37 21.3 GILBERT, AZ 488  MARTIN BRANDT M 26 6:01:37 18.4 TUCSON, AZ   2001 113 mile route with 208 riders finishing under 5 hours 249  ERIC XX BRANDT M 31 5:05:08 21.8 GILBERT, AZ 2002 109 mile route with 332 riders finishing under 5 hours 362  MARTIN BRANDT M 28 5:06:43 TUCSON, AZ 728  ERIC BRAZEN BRANDT M 32 5:38:34 GILBERT, AZ 2003 109 mile route with 281 riders finishing under 5 hours 742  MARTIN BRANDT M 28 5:42:09 19.1 TUCSON, AZ 2004 111 mile route with 359 riders finishing under 5 hours 922  MARTIN BRANDT  M 30 05:
I am 40.  I am dealing with it.  I raced a triathlon in October and got 4th in my Age Group.  Honestly, I wanted to race and finish in the top ten overall, I finished 21st.  My time was 1:11 and my goal was 1:09.  I realize I have some work to do to hold the aging at bay. When training for the 2006 Arizona Ironman , I was focused, driven and very happy.  My body weight was in 180s not the current 200s. I am registered to run the 20+ Ragnar Relay in 2011, but that is it. Not anymore.   I am dedicating my self to super fitness in 2011.  An that means chasing a goal I have had for over 18 years.  The Tour de Tucson is one of the country's largest century rides and I intend to capture their highest award, the Platnium award. I first did this ride in 1989.   It was on a mountain bike with a group of guys from the Cochise dorm. We were self supported, and riding together took 9:45.  The following year I used a road bike and fell in love with the event and road racing.  I have fin
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Open Letter to all my supporters, I thank you for your generous contributions this year. It has been about 10 years since I first rode the charity ride, Fat Tire Ride, from Flagstaff to Grand Canyon, and every time is a special time for me. ‘Special’ in that the ride itself was started by accident by friends inviting friends riding and donating extra proceeds from ride to local charity. Then the ride was built into a partnership with local Marines. Over the years the event grew with volunteers gathering, riders fundraising, and organizers creating a one-of-kind event. I have so many positive memories from participating in this event. Memories like collecting donations for all the worthy causes, riding to complete fatigue, and the anticipation of riding with friends again the next year. This year was no different, and the challenges were large and persistent. We started early, under overcast skies and heavy anticipation of eventual rain. It wasn’t more than 20 minutes into the ri
Travesity sur la porte de Balès SRAM now dictating use of SRAM Red's Special Edition Yellow components at TdF.  After tiring of Andy Schleck's parade in the yellow jersey, SRAM installed a triple front derailleur on Andy's bike without the requisite triple crank.  Andy was unaware of the change on Stage 15 , until 2km to go on the critical summit of Porte de Balès.  Andy drops his chain due to component mis-match and Alberto, who had been seemingly tipped off by the SRAM goon squad, attacked to distance himself from Andy.  The effect was Alberto gained back enough time to go ahead of Andy on General Classification and will start stage 16 with SRAM Red's Special Edition Yellow components.
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As has been widely reported , today before stage 5 Alberto Contador delivered Lance a watch as an appreciation gift for his 2009 Tour victory. This is an exclusive picture of the personal note and watch that was delivered. Alberto is a classy guy and learned much from the patron of the peleton. Lance, Thanks for your support in my 2009 TdF victory.  I got you a watch and have already set it to show your current gap to me.  All the Best.  Hasta!  Berto

5 days of bicycle commuting in a row

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Not bad at all with very little rain and covered indoor parking. I even had two people give me a genuine greeting. NICE!
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Testing Results are in ... The real world testing results for impact/side loads on carbon front wheels has completed. The conclusion is that Zipp's front wheel outerperforms HED in this specific analysis.
Share the Joy of Cycling! I would love to win a free bike and you can help me!  It is with gratitude I realize cycling has given back to me more than I have invested.  Cyclists benefit by getting healthier, finding friends and making memories.  My "Share the Joy of Cycling!" campaign is a fundraising effort to share this excitement and hope with as many kids as I can.  I want to take what you see in my 3 year old son and multiply it.  I can do it, through Toys for Tots and your support matters.  Lets make a difference, a positive spark that brings hope to kids that need it. 1 awesome road bike = ~100 kids bikes Watch the video and rate it so it gets noticed by the editors of Bicycling.
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Panasonic Sport- Mr. Sexy I haven't converted many bikes in 2009-2010 as they are available everywhere.  But I did like the look of this starry black paint on lugged beauty.  There is nothing faster than carbon fiber 3M wrap and some powdercoated bling cranks.  I sold most of what I had to customize fixed gears at the Tucson swap and eBay , the rest went on this bar hopping build.
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I love the Tucson Bike Swap. But I fear something is really wrong with my hands and arms. One of my fixed gear creations walked by but I didn't get a chance to chat with the guy.  It was good to see it again, but it was too clean, so I think it had not been ridden much or maybe it was well taken care of and babied.  Anyway it looked exactly the same.
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My Modern Road Ride for 2010 I have revealed my fixie , my vintage steel retro-mod, and the 2007 version of my MTB on this blog.  With this modern road ride added, this is my stable of four bikes.  Largely this is a post for myself.  I want to create a library of the bikes I ride and how they change over the years. My goal for this bike was to have a modern full carbon race bike, with the revised 2010 Shimano components and lots of carbon.  Here is the spec list: 2008 BH Connect 59cm used frame and fork 2010 Dura Ace 7900 crankset and BB 53-39 2010 Dura Ace 7900 chain 2010 Ultegra 6700 carbon lever STI 2010 Ultegra 6700 calipers to support the new cable pull of 6700 and 7900 levers 2010 Ultegra 6700 derailleurs 2010 Ultegra 6700 cassette 11-28 2010 105 5600 SPD-SL pedals in black 2008 FSA carbon integrated headset 2008 BH stock carbon seatpost 2009 FSA SL-K carbon monocoque compact bars 44cm Cervelo bar wrap in white Velocity Bottle Traps in grey Custom Wet White Po
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I got outed for a prank listing on Phx Craigslist when  BSNYC included my listing in a Friday Fun quiz. Here is my Fake POST I placed on Craigslist inspired by BSNYC on Wednesday. I got this bike shipped to me from my parents, little did they realize I had already bought a folding bike which is much easier to get up the stairs in my apartment. I assembled it and it is ready to ride fixed speed. Comes with freewheel, but you can install a track cog. Includes brakes, but I doubt you will need them if you have a track cog. Would look cool with Pink Oury grips. Willing to trade for Calculus or Physics texts that I need for next semester. Whatcha got? I am also a bit dismayed where fixed gears and ..., gulp, fixed gear culture have gone in the last two years. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the hell out of riding mine. I also enjoy the Craigslist-Bicycles culture and getting indignant and revealing responses from CL trollers. Enjoy the responses from my rece