Christopher Bean Coffee

Translated to “flower garden”, Taman Dadar is an exceptional coffee grown organically by the small-time farmers in the volcanic soil and high altitudes of Ijen Plateau in Eastern Java. Apart from the organic farming techniques these farmers have mastered over the generations, they also employ a variety of practices that are typical in region such as inter-cropping, wet-hulling, the use of shade trees and natural fertilizers. Also, the farmers that grow the Taman Dadar are independent from the government thus oversee a small scale operation and are more concerned with quality than quantity. An impressive Java coffee packed with rich dark chocolate flavor and hints of herb and nutmeg that results to a steaming cup of syrupy, creamy, earthy goodness. 

Java Taman Dadar is just one of many roasts that Christopher Bean Coffee offers.

2016 marks my second year being sponsored by this artisan coffee roaster out of Florida.  CBC has been operating since 1996.  I love the fact that they roast to order so you know your coffee is fresh upon arrival and not been sitting on a store shelf for God knows how long.  I was hesitant, at first, to accept a sponsorship, as I had not tried their product.  I gave it a go, and was hooked instantly with the wonderful flavor, low acidity, and lack of bitterness ... even with their darkest roasts.

In addition to the variety of roasts, Christopher Bean Coffee also

1. is cost comparable to big name coffees, i.e., Starbuck's, Peet's,, Seattle's Best, Dunkin Doughnuts
2. autoship option (which comes with a 5% discount)
3. Bean Bucks program (every dollar spent = 1 point.  100 points = $5 off future purchases)
4. free shipping over $50
5. money back guarantee

CBC also has special sales periodically.  With hundreds of offerings, a taste to your liking is sure to be found.  I enjoy trying out the new arrivals and have yet to be disappointed. 

In additon to coffee, they also sell tea, mugs, coffee grinders and brewers, and trucker hats!

If your passion is cycling (or not), I encourage you to give CBC a try.  Why not support a company that supports us?  Use Team25 and receive 25% off your first order.

And So It Begins ...

With 2014 drawing to an end and Interbike happening this week, the 2015 sponsorship hunt begins.  I have been very fortunate to have some wonderful relationships with awesome people who make awesome product.  Some of my sponsors have been with me for years and some have jumped on board this year.  I have been humbled by their generosity.

Why, you ask, do I even bother?  After all, I am a veterinarian and isn't that profession rolling in the dough?  You would be surprised by how little a veterinarian makes compared to other medical professions.  And just how expensive bike racing is.  But I did not sign on because of the money; I did it because I love animals and wanted to be their voice.

And so each year since 2009, I have written proposals and submitted resumes.  If sponsors come on board, then I spend a considerable amount of time writing reviews, blogging, FB'ing, and basically talking to cyclists why I use my sponsor's products and why they should as well.   In doing so, I hope that I can give back to my sponsors.  (Prior to submitting any sponsorhip proposal, I have purchased and used their product, ensuring that it is something that will work for me.)

My sponsorship mostly comes in the form of free and reduced product pricing.  I don't make a living doing this; I just try to ease the financial burden a bit.  I hope that the cycling industry realizes that athletes like me have just as much influence on pushing cyclists toward their product as the professional paid athletes do.

I can name several racers who have influenced my decisions on product.  Rich got me hooked on the Awesome Strap from Backcountry Research.  Erica made my taste buds and engine happy, happy, happy with the Rx Bar.  Andrea led me to try GU Brew.  Sarah has helped my legs be cramp free with Elete add-in electrolytes.  And Danielle has made me CRAVE every new Twin 6 T that comes out.  Curses you, Danielle!

I hope that  have influenced some of you out there to try my sponsors' products.  It is hard to quantify how much payback my sponsors get from me.  If I have generated a "sale," next time just let them know.

Sponsor Highlight: Cane Creek

Whenever we get a new bike, it is always the wheels, suspension, cranks, brakes, etc. that gets talked about.  No one ever mentions the poor little headset.  This little beast of burden takes alot of torture:  it is in a direct line of fire from everything that gets thrown off the front wheel and are subject to regular jet wash abuse.

Cane Creek invented the threadless head set.

I have been a Cane Creek user since the beginning of my weekend warrior bike racing passion.  My shop told me Cane Creek is the best, this is what I need, and I said o.k.  As the years have gone by, I have seen it first hand:  I would buy a complete bike with a non Cane Creek headset, and within a few months, I would have to replace it ... with a Cane Creek.

The quality is immeasurable, the warranty is unbelievable, and the feel is buttery smooth.  Yep, the bearings do need replacement, but with much less frequency than the other brand I have used.  The company is located in Fletcher, NC

Proof I have them on my other bikes, too.

I am very thankful that Cane Creek is on board for all my head set needs in 2014.  I am using the 110 series in my Cysco single speed and "soon to be" CX gravel grinder.

Cane Creek's engineers were tasked with developing a no-compromise, best-in-class premium headset.  With the introduction of our 110-Series, they did just that — choosing optimal materials, engineering the most effective internals and designing the best aesthetics available in a headset.

The 110-Series offers the widest array of configurations available in a premium headset. With the flexibility to purchase complete assemblies or separate Tops and Bottoms, the 110-Series offers a premium solution for nearly all straight and tapered configurations on the market today. From Integrated (IS) Tops to External Cup (EC) Conversion Bottoms and everything in between, you can mix and match your headset purchase to best meet your needs.

Cane Creek ensures that whatever your headset requirement, we have a premium solution for you, backed by our 110-year warranty. 

Nevermind the 110 year warranty,  you can get them in super cool colors:  blue, red, silver, and black.

I chose silver.

Eurostyle Embrocation Review

From the makers of Chamois Butt'r

I had the pleasure of using this for the first time this winter and early spring.  This product comes in two levels of heating:  warm (suggested for 70 degrees and below) and hot (suggested for 50 degrees and below).  It comes in an 8 ounce tub and has a creamy, non-greasy formula.  I chose the HOT as my legs/knees can handle temperatures above 50 degrees in their naked form.  And I hate to wear anything more than just shorts when on the road bike.  Tights and leg warmers are like "straight jackets" for my lower extremities.  I feel all bound up and cannot move freely nor generate the power comfortably.

As these embrocations are in tubs similar to Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle, measures have been taken to ensure that one does not get these products mixed up ... which could be painfully disastrous!  The labels and lids are red, and the embrocation itself is orange in color.

Makes legs happy!

Makes tush happy!

I recommend applying it at least 30 minutes before you are ready to ride.  You don't need much; a two-finger dollop will do.  One tub lasted me almost two months.

Warm legs and knees makes it so much easier to get into the groove with my training.  By the time I headed out the door, I was feeling a tingly warmness.  This "barrier" made the temps feel at least 20 degrees warmer.    And to me, that can be the difference between a "dead leg" session and a "sparkly leg" ride.

Immediately upon finishing a ride, I take diligence in removing the embrocation.  There is nothing like stepping back inside a warm house and having your legs "on fire" to get you moving to a source of soap and cool water.  Warning:  don't step into a hot shower without removal first!  

If you don't have soap and water readily available, I recommend this.

16 ounces of bliss ... well, at least until a  real shower if found.

This is great for removing the embrocation as well as just cleaning the dirt, sweat, and grime off you.  All of these products are Made in the USA, too!  You can find out more info at Paceline Products.

As much as I hate the cold and wet of winter, I can take some comfort in knowing that this embrocation will make it a little more bearable.  Can't say that I am looking forward anytime soon to using this product again.  I am kind of enjoying the jersey and shorts weather and not having to think about what to wear.

Patiently waiting for next winter.

Invitation Accepted

At last year's Chainbuster finale, James Stankowitz asked me to be on his SuperSport race team for 2013.  I had reservations, as I did not want to part ways with The Outdoor Store.  No worries there, as Bruce was o.k. with it and James said he would put the TOS logo on the team's cycling kits.  I was also concerned if my "tush" would accept a new pair of cycling shorts.  No worries there as well, as James handed me several pairs to try out with the idea that I would determine what worked best and he would custom build a pair of shorts around my "tush."

If you are not familiar with James, he was instrumental in the development of North West Georgia SORBA, the Snake Creek TT series, and has devoted countless hours to the care and maintainence of the Pinhoti trail system.  He is a super likable gentleman and has a heart of gold.  He is the owner of SuperSport, a new custom cycling clothing company.

The jersey James is wearing is by SuperSport

This past weekend the team met in the North Georgia mountains for a mini camp.  We ate, rode trails, and ate some more.  In between eating and riding, I got to learn more about my new team mates.

Jeff Clayton

Jeff is a retired Air Force F-16 pilot ... who still loves to to FAST!  And he excels in all distances.  He, along with Tyler, drug my single speed butt around the Ocoee Whitewater Center for 4 hours on Saturday.  A humble but fierce competitor.  And he can do some damage to a buffet!

Tyler Murch

Tyler is a mechanical engineering student who has no fear and loves adventure.  With a little fine tuning he will be one to watch out for.  He is an excellent colorer, staying in between the lines with ease.  He weakness is a hot fudge brownie with ice cream.  I will be teaming up with him on a Coed team for the Chainbuster series.

Ricky, Mike, and Tyler

Ricky is a NWGA SORBA member who has only been mountain biking for two years.  He has a great sense of humor and is a gentleman.  He is ruled by his little 4 pound chihuahua, Brownie.  Mike, also a NWGA SORBA member,  has been riding since 2000.  He is very quiet but you can tell he will dig deep for his team mates.

I am excited to be racing for a team.  I have lots to offer the team on nutrition and training.  And I hope to learn from my team mates as well.  Racing on a team will also offer that extra motivation that sometimes I need during my times of weakness, i.e. cold, dreary training rides, less than ideal racing conditions, and periods of self-doubt.

I am also excited to be instrumental in the development of a women's cycling short.  Too often I have tried on various brands that just did not fit.  My biggest complaint has always been chamois shape, thickness, and placement within the short.  Now my fanny is going to have input into chamois development and placement.  Now maybe I can design one that will not feel like a diaper.  It will cover what it needs to cover ... and no more.

If you are interested in a team or individual cycling kit made with excellent materials, no minimums, and 6 week turnaround times, please talk to James Stankowitz (is on FaceBook) or me.  He will bend over backwards to make sure you get what you want.

Not CYOA but Chamois Butter CMA

CMA = "Covered My Arse"

After 5000 miles and 550 hours in the saddle this season is finally finished.  Mountain bike racing rates right up there with NASCAR as far as the length of the season.  It all began with the January Snake Creek Gap TT and ended with the Chainbuster Finale at Oak Mountain last weekend.

Through it all, Chamois Butt'r has had my back, err ... butt.  Only 1 saddle sore and 1 case of chamois chafe. The saddle sore was during the Pisgah 111, an 8 hour race  and the chafing was at the Chainbuster Jack Rabbit, a 6 hour race.  I am not sure why the saddle sore, but the reason for the "chamois brand" was my fault.  I failed to apply and reapply adequately. My shorts had gotten muddy during the first 2 hours of the race.  When the course finally dried out, so did the mud in my shorts.  As a result, it was like wearing sand paper.

Although I have used both types of Butt'r, I prefer the Eurostyle over the regular.  It contains menthol and witch hazel.  The menthol has anti bacterial properties as well as a cooling effect I like.  The witch hazel is an astringent and contains antioxidants.  I believe these added ingredients are what is important in warding off saddle sores.

It is non greasy and easily washes out of my shorts.  As a result, my shorts last several seasons.  One added benefit I did not realize initially is that it keeps my white saddles shiny clean!

Chamois Butt'r is made in the USA.

Over the course of the year I went through 12 tubs of Butt'r.  The tubs are now being used to house medicinal wipes and bike parts.

Most of all, a huge shout out to Steve Matthews, owner of Paceline Products.  He always had the time to talk to me.  Talk about looking out for the little gal!

I still have individual packets available.  If you see me out on the trail, just ask and I will be happy to share!

Shanna Powell, Sponsor Spotlight

I met Shanna Powell of Endless Bike Company at the 2009 ORAMM.  What I remember the most about that race was that a single speeder placed 4th!  That crazy one-geared lady with the phenomenal smile was none other than Shanna.  At this point in my life, I was still skeptical about single speeds, but beginning to open up to the idea that it just might make me a stronger rider.

2009 ORAMM 

Shanna briefly talked to me about her single speed cogs.  I filed it under "Miscellaneous" in my brain, alongside antibiotic therapy for hedgehogs and left it at that.  Fast forward to December 2009.  Under advisement by Coach as a training tool and Zeke as a way to have a different kind of fun, I ordered my first single speed frame and began to have it built up.  My wheelset came with an 18T "heavy-ass" cog.  If I was going to ride a bike with one gear, then I wanted it to be as light as economically possible.

Remembering my conversation with Shanna, I got in touch and soon received a small collection of sweet, light weight kick-ass cogs!  The cogs are made from 7075-T6 alloy and are 1/4" wide.  Talk about "riding without a chain."  Run her cogs and it will feel like you are.  Oh, and they are made in  North Carolina.

2012 Snake Creek Gap TT

With that order came my first unsolicited sponsorship!  Nice!  I have been using her cogs now for 2 1/2 years and absolutely love them.  They are very light (20T = 35 grams) and durable.  I know, I know, it is not a fork or a wheel or a crank, but having one less component to worry about failing or wearing out makes life that much simpler.  And let me tell you, I need simple!

2009 6 Hours of Warrior Creek

What I love about Shanna is her simple beauty.  With her never ending smile (check out all the photos) she radiates happiness.  She is infectious ... in a good way.  Even with her recent run of bad luck, i.e. ACL injury/surgery, she has an upbeat attitude.  Every lap of Warrior Creek, she yelled, "Go, Carey!"  That was a great motivator for me.  Afterwards, when she congratulated me on my win, I told her, "It was the cog!"

What more can I say?  We all need to smile more ... like Shanna!

Now, if I could just get my hands on some of her coffee!

ProGold Product Review

A few months back, Bruce Dickman sent me a box of goodies.  I feel that I am at a point where I can honestly assess them.

Otherwise known as their Xtreme Lube.

Fortunately for me, this year has been a dry one.  I have had very little mud on my bikes.  Where this has excelled has been on long, dry and dusty fire road training sessions.  My chain has been noise free in these conditions.  Last month I spent 3 days in Pisgah.  Although it did not rain, there were multitudes of creek crossings.  The only chain maintenance I did was to wipe the chain each night.  I did not have to apply any more lube.

This product makes bike washing fun.

It is insane how well it cleans and shines your bike.  I am uber picky about how my bikes look.  Any amount of dust, dirt, or mud causes a facial twitch that will not go away until my steeds are sparkly clean.  This product definitely decreases my work load.  My Avalanche is jealous!

NOT FOR HIRE.

The shop towels clean well, yet are non irritating to sensitive hands.  Ladies especially, if the only thing keeping you from being a grease monkey is, well, the grease, fear no more.  Purchase a tub of these and you can wrench on your bike in the morning and then enjoy an evening out on the town.

Pro Gold rocks!