Beard Update:

Fell short 66 days...
Sometimes ideas are not the best when not clearly thought out...
Sometimes we just need a fresh start.

As Linus is to his blanket, so I have become to my new toy…

Every year I like to treat myself to a little present from me to me. After a year or so of lusting, wanting, yearning and wishing, I have finally bit the bullet and bought myself what seems to be the most intelligent instrument I have ever had my hands on, the illustrious icon of human revolution: the iPhone. In the 1950s, NASA started sending wavelengths to space in the hopes to communicate with intelligent extraterrestrial life; clearly the iPhone is the product of this allied attempt, as it seems to be some sort of advanced alien technology not derivative of human capability. I now walk around armed with more technology in my pocket than the astronauts equipped themselves with on their maiden voyage to the moon in 1969.



Yes folks it seems that I have fallen victim to the clever marketing tactics of the Apple Cooperation, as I am a Macbook user, own two iPods, and now the iPhone. What have I become, am I merely a lemming that has fallen in line with the masses? Perhaps…but I will tell you something, I have no words to describe how amazing this little device is. I have only owned it for about 72 hours and it has already changed my life in so many ways that I don’t know how I ever managed to function without it; it completes me. I will not ramble on about it’s virtual infinite possibilities and applications, but I will say this: if Steve Jobs offered me some tasty kool aid and asked me to lie down and take a nap, I may be so hypnotized by his ingenuity that I just may follow suit.

A Christmas Miracle: DVDs finally get Rad!

Looking for the perfect holiday gift this season for your velo-obsessed comrades? It is with great distinction and honor that I announce that recently, after what seemed like an eternity of waiting, the beloved BMX classic has finally hit the stores in DVD format! Yes folks we are talking about Hal Needham’s 1986 masterpiece, Rad. For the low price of $12.99 you could give the gift of cinematic excellence and unparalleled motivational inspiration during the off season. Want to kick off your racing season focused, ready to race, and with a radical soundtrack coursing through your head? Buy Rad, get Rad while on the trainer, and race Rad in 2009.

Wait…but that’s not all folks. What better to accompany your new Rad film than an official Rad Racing T-Shirt and other assorted merchandise? Get them while they last.


Have a Rad Christmas!

Can Timmy come out and play today?

The route was simple, dart out the back door, run through my neighbors backyard, squeeze through a set of pine trees trying not to get scraped, cruise along the west side of the house, and hop onto the porch from the side. As I would stand at my childhood best friend’s front door, heart rate elevated from the trip over and in elated anticipation to begin whatever adventure lay before us for that day, I would ring the door bell only to wait as his Yorkshire terrier yelped and piddled at the door while his mother answered the door, as I exclaimed, “Can Ryan come out and play”? This was an everyday ritual for me for a good ten years or so.

This past weekend I stopped by Alan Smith’s house while I was riding by and caught a glimpse of him in the window while he was riding the trainer. I stopped in to chat for awhile and catch up as he has been drowning in higher education responsibilities lately.

He shared with me about a recent project he did for school in which he promoted healthy active lifestyles to a 4th grade class in Flint. He posed the question to the class, “Do you regularly play outside?” to which the class answered “yes”. He went on to ask, “Do you plan on playing outside for the rest of your life”? The consensus response of the class was sadly that most of them will quit playing outside around the age of 17. To this Alan replied, “Really? I’m 33 years old and I still play outside everyday with all of my friends after school”.

The class was filled with undivided intrigue and with the help of two stationary trainers equipped with power output and some Gary Fisher Precaliber 24 inch mountain bikes donated by American Cycle and Fitness Alan hosted a trainer race for the rest of their time while pitching the idea of cycling for life.

A few days later, Alan received some thank you letters in the mail from the class.

“When I was riding that bike, I felt like I was making history”

“As I stepped off the bike, my legs felt like they weighed a million pounds”

After I left Alan’s house to ride into the cold night and meet up with the Hermit-man, Alan’s story resonated in my head and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

I’ve always loved the camaraderie training and racing has to offer but I guess I’ve never really broken it down into the simple and innocent idea of playing outside with my friends. I guess when I step back and look at my life, not much has changed from when I was ten years old to now. I still go to school for nine months out of the year, I still play outside with my friends everyday, and although the price tags have increased, I still play with toys.


In an age when it almost appears as if kids don’t even get to choose what activities they’re into anymore, (i.e. Media saturated in Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Wii generated experiences, MySpace, Facebook, MTV, etc.) I think the simple idea of “playing outside” could be the best gift you can give a kid this holiday season. As the products we use in our everyday lives become more and more disposable, we should make sure our experiences do not as well.

When recently interviewing my nephew over Thanksgiving I asked him if he remembers what I bought him for his birthday this year to which he replied no. However, when asked, “do you remember when we went mountain biking together?” he replied, “How can I forget”.

Are you going to go outside and play today? You should…it’s fun!

Beard Update #1

Three more months to go and I can already barely stand it. How burly will it get? Stay tuned...

Light, Cheap, Strong…who says you only get to pick two?

If any of you have ever met Brent Delrosario you will know that he is best categorized as a mover and shaker. He is always conjuring up some new idea whether it is making fashionable handbags out of recycled bib numbers or pioneering, creating, and building his own cutting edge wheel company, Flit Wheels.

With the dawn of more readily available space age materials, racers are no longer just racing each other but rather in a race of innovation. For years, a good set of race wheels could set you back virtually the price of your complete bike or maybe even your first car.

Flit Wheels, created by our very own Michigander Brent and fellow WSC member, has proven to be a savior of sort to deliver the racing market from the banes of over-priced race wheels. Brent has clearly displayed that quality does not have to be sacrificed with reduced cost.

Recently, I had the privilege to sit down with Brent and ask him a few questions about the brains behind Flit Wheels.

First off, why Flit Wheels?
Honestly, I have no clue.

What inspired you to start your own wheel building company?
It’s a true fairytale. Last winter we were looking for some high end track racing wheels for Maia. Nothing could be found in our budget, so we sat around that night talking how they need to make high-end wheels for the budget racer. But they still gotta be Billy bad ass fast. Then we realized, "why not us?"

What do you hope to accomplish with Flit Wheels?
We starting this to get young racers a chance to compete with high-end equipment -without the high-end price tag

Is there any discipline you see Flit focusing on (mtb, road, track TT?)
Right now its road and track with some cx and TT flavor. But we don’t want to be tunnel visioned.

There are a lot of carbon MTB wheels hitting the market these days...any future plans to delve into this market?
We are actually looking into it. What we would like to do would is offer wheels for all mtb wheel sizes. Right now we are working on a crazy light (1050g/set) climbing tubular wheel set, and a deep carbon clincher wheel set. Our aluminum clinchers will be ready by x-mas. I think tubeless road wheels/tires are going to start growing. Corima just jumped on the band-wagon. We always got something cooking in the oven.


Is there any future sponsorship plans for any teams in the future?
Crossing fingers on working with the Wolverine Elite team. Negotiations are on the table as I type this. We have also been talking to some continental and USAC protour teams as well. Nothing is a sure go yet.

Are there any racers on your product currently?
Nothing structured. Luke got on the podium at elite nats on some Flit wheels. Cruise will be going to collegiate cx nats on FLIT Wheels. Been trying to get the world renowned Tim Finkel to ride them, but he wants a signed contract first.



If you could have any cyclist in the world ride and represent Flit, who would it be and why?
Many riders run thru my mind. lance, mario chippo, hoy, the cricket, jens v, local hero F. Andreau, renkema, luke, cruise, dybo, sammut, maia, bruce carlson, kroske, DZ, mcEwen, cody brown, boonen, elias, M.Ball, benson brothers, and nick c -id be honered if anyone on that list would rep Flit. (yes i know, i missed a ton of you guys-you know i would be honered if you rep'd Flit)

Your wheels seem to be reasonably inexpensive, good quality, and Light weight...Tom Ritchey used to say Light, Cheap, Strong: You only get to pick two. However, it seems that Flit has been able to accomplish all three...how have you managed to achieve this?
It’s hard to say. Right now we are not concerned about making money. The orginal model we made for flit started out as a project, not business. We are never going to be rich from this, so we don’t make that our goals. Oh, it helps to know some key manufacturers that the industry tries to hide. It’s true; we don't CNC hubs and lay carbon in my basement.



There you have it folks…for more information and to order a set of your very own Flit wheels check out: flitwheels.com

Why the beard?

What started out as conformity to an honored Iceman tradition seems to be transforming into a symbolic icon for monkhood. What is monkhood you may ask? Monkhood is the nirvana embodiment of the “Who Cares I’m Flying” mentality, or the highest level of W.C.I.F. status achievable.

Based on a snap decision judgment by Angela presented just two weeks prior to Iceman, I had decided to quit shaving with the intentions of cleaning myself up promptly post race. However, as my face grew more scraggily, itchy, and somewhat of an annoyance to people I found that it started to serve as a motivational reminder of what is to come next season, The World 24 hour Elite Solo Championships.

In Rocky II, Mickey states that it takes 45,000 minutes of devote training just for 45 minutes of fighting. This quote resonated in my mind after hearing it. As my facial fur grew and I looked in the mirror I started to recollect what is quite possibly the greatest training montages ever, Rocky in IV training deep in the snow-scaped mountains of Russia in preparation for his match with Ivan Drago. It quickly became apparent that Rocky was clearly exhibiting to me what it takes to go into complete and total monkhood in preparation for such a life-defining event.

As you watch this rich and compelling sequence, simply substitute Rocky for myself, Adriane for Angela, Pauli with Kroske, the black trainer with Big Dybo and Alan Smith, and Ivan Drago with the four Australians that sweeped 1st-4th in the 2007 World event.


So alas…this is why my face continues to grow on, even after Iceman. In recent discussion with family and friends, I decided that I am going to attempt to refrain from shaving/trimming (with the exception of the neck and moustache) until March 3rd of 2009; the day of commemoration of 30 years of the Finkelstein.

I realize that this most likely will lead to me looking like a scraggily wooly bushman mess, but who cares, I’ll be flying!

W.C.I.F. Award: Iceman Edition

Somehow amidst my rambling of the happenings of my own race I failed to acknowledge the W.C.I.F.A. justifications of the Wolverine racer whom we refer to as Flab. I’m talking about Scotty Fabijanski my friends. Don’t let his boyish appearance fool you, this guy was able to snag a well-deserved podium spot this past weekend claiming 3rd place in the Sport Men 40-44 category in the impressive sub 2 hour fashion of 1:54:11. So there you have it, Scotty Fab my friends…quite possibly my favorite WSC member to see having success in his craft.

So let’s all raise our mild-mannered, quiet/non-offensive demeanors, and downright genuine hearts to Scotty Fab…you are 2008’s Iceman W.C.I.F.A. recipient.

“I managed to get the hole shot, roll off the front, and get out of sight while 100 spirited sport racers gave chase. Once out of sight I put the Wolverine hammer down riding solo until mile 25 where I was caught by a couple of riders to finish 3rd. My Trek Fuel EX never let me down."

Iceman Cometh: Thoughts…deductions…future aspirations.

A few weeks back I told the Hermitman that I can’t wait until we can just roll around for an entire Saturday, in sub-freezing temps, making multiple coffee stops every 2-3 hours, and simply traveling at a modest 14mph social pace. Taking 45 minutes just to weather proof yourself before you can roll out the door to brave the elements, stocking up on chemical toe warmers, the hum of the studded tires on the pavement, building up a winter single speed beater from old parts, tasting salt for the tire spray off the rider in front of you, rolling home at 10:00pm on a work night with your toes and fingers so numb that they feel like their being squeezed in vice grips when they finally begin to thaw out, and rolling triple digit rides back to back each weekend…some may say this sounds miserable and dreadful…but for me, it is poetic.

The Iceman Cometh marked the denouement of my season. It was my last effort for the year to try and put myself together and take a stab at a respectable time and finish. I felt particularly good going into the race this year. My top end speed, acceleration, and leg speed had all seem to come together in the week’s prior and I was feeling good and optimistic.

There have been several instances in my racing tenure in which I have put myself in situations and scenarios that are downright terrifying and from a general safety standpoint, quite high stakes. The hole shot at the Iceman proved to be one of these situations that had my anxiety running high and my mind racing with the dreaded thought of crashing and injuring myself. As a result, my positioning off the gun was about the least optimal as possible. I spent most of the race trying to “connect the dots” and pick up spots. Ultimately I ended up rolling a time of 1:36, which would of put me well into the top ten in previous years. However, due to what was quite possibly the fasted course the Iceman has ever saw, coupled with the deepest, most talented field this race has ever hosted, I was merely mid pack in the pro field. Overall, although I wish I could of made contact with a faster train early on and felt I was not quite on the rivets the entire race but rather in a comfort zone, I am happy with my performance and can truthfully proclaim that I had fun…after all that is what its all about, isn’t it?

Alas, this brings me to my annual self-assessment and gut check. What will be my goals for next year? What goals did I achieve this season? How can I achieve the goals that I did not achieve this season next season? What were my strengths and weaknesses this season? Usually, I spend the majority of December, January, and February formulating answers to these questions and use March to plot out my season. However, this year I already have a clear goal and burning passion for next season.

If I learned anything from this season that I hadn’t managed to in the past, it is that success in racing is product of mental stamina and confidence, unwavering dedication, and finally performance. If any of these variables are compromised than success is drastically reduced. This season I had a pipe dream that came true and it enabled me to take something more away from this sport than I ever had before. Although my goal for next year is lofty and some may perceive it as unattainable, it is the fuel to which I will elevate myself and persevere on.

From now until January 1st, while I will continue to ride avidly, I am going to focus on simply having fun on the bike, not worrying too much about extremely structured training, loosening up the diet a bit, staying away from the mentally tormenting bathroom scale, and recharging my battery. However, come January I plan to be committed to a level of Monkhood too which I have never been before.

Occupational Reinforcement

I like my job…I do. However, just like any job, you have your struggles, frustrations, and mental battles. Every so often I question, was teaching the best path for me? I’m a smart guy…should I of pursued another occupational avenue that perhaps was more financially rewarding? Does my occupation fully implement the best of my abilities? On occasion, although I never thought of this even being an option, I even entertain the notion of a career switch in my lifetime.

However, every so often something happens that makes me realize that teaching is quite possibly the best fit for me, the most rewarding on several levels, and without a doubt, a great career choice. This past Friday, presented one of these moments.

One of my homeroom students who is a participant in our Voc. Ed. Program surprised me with this semester project that he had been working on in the body shop of his jobsite.

I don’t have many words or thoughts to describe how this made me feel. I was beside myself.

I plan to hang this trophy in my classroom for a constant reinforcement reminder that although there are many lows in my line of work, the highs far out weigh them in the long run.

Storm Troopers, Spiderman, and Uncle Tim

What was my oldest nephew for Halloween this year?...That's right...Uncle Tim.

On par with a superhero!? I couldn't be more flattered.

Seperated at Birth: Cyclorcross Stud or Wolverine Legend?

Either Jeff has been racing a lot longer than we think or he is a direct descendant of Wolverine Legend, TJ Hill.

Dragon Gap "Fall Harvest" MTB XC Race Report

Although this race was low in attendance, it provided a great opportunity to get some intensity work in before the big show. After waking up indecisive whether or not to race I was happy with my choice as the downpour of hail started just after crossing the finish line. The course was interesting; a great mix of cyclocross style, double track Iceman prep, and a bit of single track. Joeberon set the pace high from the gun and we were off. After sitting on Joe’s wheel for the first lap we realized we had quickly left the field long behind. However, later in the race I faltered on a corner, came out of my pedal, and Joe was able to get away from me. I kept the gap to Joe fairly close for the rest of the race but was unable to catch him. I rolled in for 1st place in my age category and 2nd place overall. I was satisfied with my result, and glad I rode my Trek Top Fuel 9.9 as the course was fairly rough.

Thanks to Lake Orion High School for organizing a late season race!

Nick Names: An Age Old Practice

As many of you may know, I place high value in community. I’m a kind of guy who wants to go where everybody knows my name and they’re always glad I came.

Last night, the Hermit-man and I were rolling around the streets of RO and got into a discussion about all of the nicknames that embody the Michigan cycling community. It’s a bit absurd if you really stop and think about the wealth of cleverly-nominated associations out there.

Why do we do this?

I’ve narrowed it down to two reasons:
1. Term of endearment, symbolizing acceptance
2. Term of ridicule

My short-lived first roommate I had in college, with whom I went in blind, was one of those social outcast akward types that anyone who took one look at would immediately file him into some kind of “that guy” category. He had so few of friends that he took it upon himself to nominate his own nickname which was never adopted by a soul despite his dedication and persistence of referring to himself with this self-proclaimed nickname. I only lasted two weeks with this fellow before I went nuts and had a little talk with my RA to move me to another room. The straw that broke my back was coming home to 8 cans of polished off tuna fish adorned on the floor with a side of whitie tighties casually laying around fully equipped with skid marks so defined an accident reconstructionist could of determined exactly what was served up in the cafeteria the night before…but this is a different story. Nonetheless, back to my point; Rule #1 when it comes to nicknames-it has to be bestowed upon you from your social group…without exception, no self-nominations!

So, after brainstorming for a few minutes, I came up with this list. Feel free to add to it or share a story of how your nickname may have come about.

Also, there is something special at stake for any person who can correctly identify every name with the proper person.

-Rockstar- -Hermit-Man- -Pain Guy- -Simonster- -Peanut Butter- -Beer Champ- Lil’Pony- -The Donut- -Stewey- -Hedge Hog- -White Bread- -Unguided Missile- -Porn Stash- -Hot Rod- -Monster Cell Phone- -Flab- -Papa T- -Black Ace- The Eagle- -The Godfather- -The Jew- -Frodo Baggins- -Girl of Steel- Domo arigato- -the Legend- -Hammer Man- -Hairy Man- -G-Man- -Frenchy- Cruz Missile- -SippinWhiskey- -Kuhncapie chappie- -Soupy- -Twinkle Toes- Finkelstein- -Dolpinator- -The German- -Click Man- -K-Man-

I owe Hal Needham a big Thank You!

“What’s new lately”, asked my mom late Sunday night as I am driving and conversing with her on my cell phone. “You haven’t been updating your blog, is everything OK? Isn’t anything interesting happening”. Truth is, this time of year I seem to always slip into my mundane state of mind. Although I entertained the notion of racing every weekend in October, it seems the call of fun base miles rolling out from my front door and post-ride beers seemed overridingly more fun. I was supposed to race Peak to Peak this weekend and even thought about doubling up and suffering some cross the next day but after my teammates were on the fence about making the northern excursion, I found it easy to throw in the towel. So the weekend was spent rolling over leafs on my squishy fat tire bike, getting in the ever-so-important therapeutic miles, and engaging in general TCOBing (taken care of business).


On Saturday, Adam York rode with us and I discovered that he was unaware of the greatest movie ever made. Recently, John Coyle posted a “If it weren’t for Claire Young” story which got me thinking. In a nut shell, his story expressed that he was unsure of where he would be today had Claire not looked at him when he was 8 years old and commented, “You look pretty good on a bike, you should race”.

It made me realize that one movie taught me virtually everything there is to know about life. Folks, I’m talking about Rad, the greatest story ever told…it’s a fact. The movie instilled my passion for bikes, taught me about relationships, love, struggle, money, greed, honor, and the fruits of hard work and dedication. It was 1986 and I think I was playing outside at the time. My eldest brother’s future wives’ brother brought over two movies he had just rented and asked if I wanted to watch them. One was Iron Eagle (another great flick, but that’s another story), the other was Rad. How was I to know my life would change from that day on? I can still remember my first viewing, the tricks amazed me, the soundtrack got my adrenaline pumping, and the plot sucked me in like a dyson. My mom quickly had to enforce the rule that I was to have a 1 hour waiting period, or cool down session if you will, post-viewing before I could ride my bike for fear my elevated state would cause me to surely attempt some kind of stunt that would wind me up in the ER.

Who you I be today if it weren't for Rad?



If anyone has been deprived of this movie and would like to reserve a VIP screening in the Stein Theatre, feel free to contact me anytime and I will personally facilitate your very own evening of life-changing cinematic excellence.

Mom, I hope this provides you with fodder to make it through your week.

Just in time for the Holidays!!!

For all your holiday shopping needs, velo desires, and all impulsive purchases.

Check this out.

The Dybo Memiors: Goals

It seems the blog thing has become a bit burdensome amidst a delicate juggling of attending weddings, baptisms, retirement parties, work conferences, working overtime with our after school program, and still squeezing in time to ride at a frequency that maintains my sanity. I sincerely apologize to all those who frequent this blog addictively while at work in a similar fashion to escaping to the bathroom stall for about 20 minutes in the name of work avoidance.
Alas, there is not much of significant interest to report about or write lately for the Finkelstein. I still haven’t managed to drag myself to a cross race, but I do look forward to racing the Peak to Peak race at Crystal Mountain this weekend.

Enough of my own blabbery…as a testament to my commitment to enhancing your work day by providing distractive material, I have decided to regurgitate another rousing page in The Dybo memoirs.


Did I ever tell you about the day Lauren was born? She was born on New Year’s Day you know. I can remember it vividly. I was a bit on edge because there were some risks associated with the pregnancy. As a side note, I had made a commitment to myself this year to ride EVERYDAY.

At 4:30 in the morning I am awoken to Mallissa freaking poking me in the side yelling at me to get up because her water just broke. What was the first thought on my mind? Sh*t…I am NOT going to get to ride today, it’s New Years Day and I am already going to fail at my goal. So we all got up and we’re shuffling to get our things ready for the hospital and Mallissa calls her friend who had also gone to all the pregnancy classes with us and had agreed to help us through the process come the big day. Well, no longer than 15 minutes after we got up, Mallissa started to realize I was gone and was asking herself where the hell I was.

My goal was to ride EVERYDAY that year. I tell you what, I am a man who likes to freaking stick to his goals. Where was I? Where do you think the Godfather of Michigan Cycling was, I had snuck out the door and was on my freaking bike.

Ok, ok…don’t get all up in arms, I made it back in time to witness the miracle of the birth of my first child, and it was amazing and almost as good as my ride!

You are all cordially invited.

Catch the Wind.

W.C.I.F. Kacey Manderfield Dominates Elite Track Nationals!

Another National Title! Seriously, this girl has more stars and stripes than the Obama and McCain campaign combined!

Read more here.

Thanks Kacey...way to keep making the WSC proud.

Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus

Inspired by suffering
She may not be the prettiest
Or the lightest weight
Or the most technologically advanced
Or even all that fast for that matter.
But then again, neither am I.

Keep your eyes out for this new old stock build coming to a cross event near you.

Caption Contest: Guess Who?

Who Cares? They’re Flying!!!

This past Sunday I had the privilege of watching the second day of Michigan’s only UCI Pro Cyclocross Race. I must admit, I was a bit taken back by the panache and finesse that is Jonathan Page. I regard local favorites such as Weinert, Card, Saari, Wissink, etc. as cyclocross gods. However, it is amazing to watch the level at which a world-class athlete such as Page is really at; you come realize how good, good really is. After witnessing first hand at close range the pain faces and suffering these riders subject themselves to, I couldn’t believe my price of admission was free as it was priceless in my eyes.

The race has inspired me to piece together my dilapidated rig that I call a cross bike and perhaps subject myself to some concentrated late season suffering.

Here are some of the highlights I put together…enjoy.

The Dybo Memiors: “The best 50 cents I ever spent”

I tell you what…it was about 10-15 years ago. I had headed out on an easy-paced mountain bike stroll and decided to roll by the Waterford Hills BMX track and attempt a few laps myself. While I was pumping through the burms, a couple of young kids rolled up on their neighborhood cruisers. I instantly saw this as a great opportunity to foster some young racers and promote the sport of racing bikes. So I sidled over to the kids and proposed, “I will give a quarter to the first one of you across the finish line after one lap out here”. The thought of the prestige and cash on the line made the kids eyes light up like saucers and they eagerly agreed and lined up with ferocity in their eyes like seasoned racers on a world cup course. “On your mark, get set…GOOOOOO” I screamed as I watched these kids stomp on the pedals and turn themselves inside out like their lives depended on the outcome of this non-official exhibition. Rounding the last corner, I watched one young man extend his lead to an insurmountable gap as he looked back gloating at his friends and celebrating before he even got to the line.

Breathing heavily but filled with the elation of his first race and win, I rolled up to the young champ and made yet another proposition, “I tell you what, lets go double or nothing, I will give 50 cents to the first kid across the line after two laps”. Without words, the kids instinctively lined back up with the hopes of another shot at winning.

“On your mark, get set….GOOOOOOO….GOOOOOOO…GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”, this time the kids went at it even harder than they did last time, mentally neglecting that they had to ride an extra lap than previous and simply focused on besting each other. Again, the same young man as the last race boasted strength and stamina above the rest, and established a healthy lead already into the first lap. As the young riders came through the start/finish line and embarked on their final lap I could see the intensity in their eyes; it is the kind of intensity you only get to witness on young racers who have not yet figured the game out…it was the intensity of unguided missiles!


Rounding the last corner, the relentless speed of the previous champ came stomping at the finish line. His chest was heaving and his heart was about to pound out of his chest. As he crossed the line he pumped his fist in the air and executed a celebratory skid that would raise the brow of Smokey and the Bandit. He picked up his bike above his head and let out shouts of glory. (*Side Note: By the time Dybo gets to this part of the story, he is usually laughing so hard he can barely get the final words out) Then, within an instant, his complexion quickly turned green, he doubled over, started heaving, puked his lunch up and fell to the ground. Man, I tell you what…that was the best freaking 50 cents I ever spent in my life!

For your cinematic enjoyment.

After weeks of frustration trying to find a way to get this movie to upload, I have finally done it...I hope you enjoy. I apologize for the significant reduction in quality from the HD version...it's the only way I could get it to upload.

The Denouement: The End of the Beginning…

I’m finding that when you set a monumental goal and achieve it, it is a bit tough to move on from that point. If you don’t achieve the goal at least you can ask yourself what you can do to change the outcome in the future and then begin working on those preparations immediately. Essentially, your failure can serve as a catalyst for future efforts. However, when you achieve what you presumed as unachievable and the elation fades with time, you are left asking, “what’s next”?

I had conceded weeks back that after the 24hr race I most likely would not be able to race many road races for the rest of the year. That was a sacrifice I was willing to make in order to attempt this feat. However, although I am definitely not firing on all cylinders yet, I have been recovering faster than I planned.

As a result, I decided to make this past week the denouement or conclusion if you will for my season. Sure there will be a few races from here on out (perhaps dust of the cyclocross legs, and Iceman) but these events are more notoriously noted for their propensity for over consumption of cider, little donuts, and of course…the almighty, all healing, always fun and tasty loud mouth oat soda cowboy elixir.

Frankly since I’ve gone back to work I have been a bit tired and lackadaisical, so allow me to entertain you with the cliff notes version of last week; free from rich and expressive literary ramblings.

Finkelstein wins the Nation’s Longest Stage Race:

Yes, it’s true folks…after a hard fought battle beginning in January I have toppled my competition and deservingly won the first ever annual 10,000 mile challenge. It was Wednesday at 7:38 when I rolled my ten thousandth mile of the year in the pouring rain and thus receiving my crown and this prestigious award.

Bon Voyage Waterford:
Thursday marked the final Waterford training series race. In true DK form he snagged the final win at Waterford earning him the title of the most Winn ingest and celebrated Jew on two wheels at Waterford for the 2008 season…hat’s off Daniel!!! I myself took 5th after being chased down by a fellow WSC team mate, who will remain nameless, on the second from last lap.




Priority Health Cycling Classic:
This cobble stoned, rattle your brains course served as an excellent venue for none other than the WSC’s finest and loyal member John Coyle to snag his first ever “Who Cares? I’m Flying Award”. Sure the guy has a silver Olympic medal stashed away somewhere in his abode but everyone knows you haven’t hit the big time until you are honored with the W.C.I.F. award. John sat in the Cat. 2/3 race hidden like a stealth ninja ready to attack his adversaries and at the most optimal moment unleashed the fury snagging the field sprint and a well-played victory. In a virtual repeat performance, John hoped right into the Master’s race immediately following the 2/3 and grabbed up another podium spot at 2nd. Let’s all raise our camera equipped helmets to John; he is this week’s recipient of the prestigious W.C.I.F. award.

*It is also worth noting that Mr. Coyle forgot about the time change for the Windy City to Grand Rapids and was literally being pinned on the line after mad scramble to get ready in time.

“I really can only go fast on my bike for about 5-6 seconds…so I have to be very calculated as to when I choose to do that”
-John Coyle

The highlight of my day: Having John Coyle, a man who achieved what I regard as being unfathomable (winning an Olympic medal) ask me about my 24hr race in astonishment and comment, “I can barely finish a 2hr race…I could NEVER fathom doing what you did”.



A return to the careless wonderment of college keggers:
Angela and I headed out early Saturday evening to stay with some friends in Ann Arbor and prepare for the Ann Arbor Priority Health Cycling Classic the following day. I remember sushi…a martini…shots of sake…a walk across U of M’s campus to observe young adolescents having the time of their life, and finally landing at Angela’s cousin Bobby’s house for a raging keg party that offered much diversity!

The next morning I awoke to rain and was excuse fishing to not buck up and throw my leg over my skinny tired bike for one last race. We headed out to Angelo’s restaurant for a gorging and I conceded to simply watch the race for the day after coming to the realization that my lolly gagging had caused me to arrive at the race too late anyway. However, after being informed that the race was running behind 15 minutes, I suited up and rolled to the line with absolutely no awareness of the course and approximately 0.3 miles of warm up. The impulsiveness was actually a bit refreshing I must admit. After hanging in for a half an hour and praising God that my obnoxiously large breakfast remained in my stomach, a cash prime was called of which I snagged. From there on out, my seat post slipped down about three inches and I sat up calling it a day and a season.


So is the end of the beginning? What's next?

The dream can't last forever...

No one can live the dream forever. Getting to wake up every morning and literally have no other responsibility than to ride your bike is a bit like eating ice cream for every meal. It is delicious and tastes amazing but is in no way nutritionally sound. I had an amazing summer and got to go and do a lot of great things. However, as of 7:00am this morning the "eager to learn" young minds came instinctively flocking back to school like the the salmon of Capastrauno. To be honest with you, I am eager to get back to routine and rejoin "the real world". The dream is over...only 184 more work days to go until next summer!

Weekend Celebration Bash

This past Friday we held the WSC/Albion Hills post-race celebration bash at my house...here are a few scenes from it.

Angela's parents had this custom bottle of wine made for me. However, it's too awesome to ever crack it open.



Plenty of beer, food and socializing.



Plenty of hot chicks!



Great friends...



After the selfless effort that my support crew bestowed last weekend I was at a loss to find a way to properly thank them. So I had the idea to make them a clock out of recycled bike parts which I presented to them at the party. The 24hr movement represented the race and the cog at the bottom was engraved "In Union There Was Strength 2008 Albion Hills" to always remind them that without their presence this couldn't of been possible and that while it was an individual win it was a team victory.



Also, I edited the race footage into a 20min. movie which I debuted on the 16 foot Outdoor Stein Theatre screen but am having problems getting it to upload on the blog...look for that coming soon.