2013 Race Season to get under way!

My 1st true blog update today...and it is now PUBLIC!

This weekend starts my 2013 race season which will be race #1 of the Maxxis Southern Classics Series (Southeast Regional Championships), which I am currently the Single Speed Champion 2yrs running for the series as well as NC, SC, and VA. (insert "No Pressure" LOL)

This season brings yet another change in support. We have continued with my great relationship with Rudy Project USA (www.e-rudy.com) and a new relationship with Spooky Bicycles with a team name of "The HomeTeam". The team's objective is to provide support and leadership to U-23 racers of our team across the nation. This was the vision/mission of Mickey Denencourt, owner of Spooky Bicycles. Myself and my team mates from 2012, Tommy Rodgers, Brent Lester, and Tyler Graf, have chosen to join Mickey's mission for 2013 and beyond.

Anyhow, this weekend takes us to Sumter, SC for the Killer3. The course has been drastically changed since last year so it will once again require an early arrival to set-up our campsite to get in a pre-ride of the new course. Our departure will need to follow the completion of Thane's (8yo son) 1st soccer game Saturday morning.

I'm kinda nervous about the season start, as I'm still waiting for my new race bike. So currently I'm using my geared training bike from 2012 (name of mentioned CRAP bike mfg'er not to be mentioned, and it is covered on the bike with Spooky decals - LOL) converted to a SS using an old XTR rear derailleur  Last Sunday did not help my confidence, as during a local winter short-track race I dropped the chain 3x's in a rough section of trail. I also found the gear, which was the only gear I was able to get to work, to require a little more effort/torque/power than I'd like to have. However, it is a good gear for this 1st course and I'll just need to "power" through it! ;) Last year I finished 2nd after numerous mechanicals due to the frame geometry using a very poor sliding drop-out design, which reared it's ugly head throughout my season! I somehow finished the race after 4 chain drops and a front flat. On top of that, I discovered after the race that I had broken-off 4 teeth of the 17 tooth cog I was running in the back!!

Last night I got in another ride on a pretty rooty/ruff trail after taking out an additional link from the chain and placing the front derailleur back on the bike as a "chain guide". It seemed to work as I had no chain drops! As long as they don't find any rough rooty/rocky sections for the new course to traverse I should be good to go, as last year's course was pretty tame from what I can remember.

I wish I had more ride/training time in at this point of the season, as I've spent ~70hrs building a new mountain bike trail for the Town of Oak Ridge, NC in the town park! However, I am feelin' somewhat prepared as 2 weeks ago Tyler and I, and our good friend Matt Jones, traveled down to the 6/12hrs of Santos near Gainsville, FL. I had a tire issue after just 1-1/2 laps causing me to have to stop and use CO2 to add air to get back to our pit area and make a change, ultimately I had to put in a tube. Even with this I was still able to get a respectable 7th place finish in the Elite-Male 6hr category. The ride was by far the longest this year as my average distance has been ~10miles/ride! LOL

So, I'm hoping to provide another good result following Sunday's race. Especially as this is also race#1 of 3 for defending my SC single speed title. -----Stay tuned! Thanks for following!

2013 Beginnings....

WOW, figured I'd revive my Blog for 2013 instead of posting to Facebook. I'll give it a try, and I'd like to ask for your feedback as to which you prefer!? THANKS!

So, it appears I haven't posted here since well before Nic was born, going back to Dec 2008!!! A lot has changed, and yes, I was drug in to Facebook with the rest of the world's fools! LOL My hope is to bring a better atmosphere to following my mountain bike adventures, while also being able to promote my sponsors, as well as share a little of my family life.

My 1st post will be coming soon as I will be travelling with a couple friends to the annual race in FL promoted by a great group known as Gone Riding (Dave and Terry)! I've always looked forward to their 6/12hr event to help build my training for the start of the season. Now more than ever, as in the past it was to get outside for some dirt riding instead to the usual snow back in MI. I usually had a couple of additional months following to continue my training, but now being in NC the season starts just 2wks later!!

Once again I'll be racing Single Speed in 2013. I will be expanding my exposure beyond the Southern Classics Series to the South Eastern Regional Championships. I figured I needed to increase the competition after taking the SS class by storm upon returning to racing following a 4yr hiatus in 2010. The SCS included NC, SC, and VA, for which I won the SS title for all 3 states and the series both years. This year the SERC series will add TN, GA, AL, and FL to the mix!!! Should be a fun time!!!

I will also be racing with my team mates from last year on a new team, The Hometeam presented by Spooky Bicycles! Our team's focus is to support the U-23 racers on the team which is a national team. We will be riding custom bikes. My bike will be built as an AL 29er frame with an eccentric bottom bracket and fitted with the latest and greatest Cannondale Lefty. Tires will be provided by Geax, shoes will come from Mavic, lids/eyes from Rudy Project USA, energy from GU, and others to be named soon!!

Please follow along and enjoy my ramblings. Let me know your thoughts and if you can come out to join in the fun, riding or supporting!!!

Thanks!
Bart

Holidays are here!

We hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday season with your families and friends! Haven't posted in a while as we've been pretty busy. Currently we're preparing for the holidays and trying to choose a name for our coming baby boy! Yup, #2 is due March 3, 2009! We have it narrowed down to 4 choices. We're both excited, and so is Thane. Julie finally got over the sickness a couple weeks ago and is hoping it doesn't return. Work is still going good. Still no permanent schedule, but I'm currently on days 0700hrs - 1900hrs.

It's going to be...

A BOY! Yup, we just had our ultrasound appointment and it will be a boy. Now we need to find a name....... For the record, Julie was happier than me on this one! :p haha

Further news reports...

FLINT JOURNAL

Click the above link for the editorial in the Flint Journal 9-15-08

Two More Counterterror SEALs Die in Afghanistan September 14, 2008 Two more Navy SEALs from an extraordinarily elite and supersecret counterterrorism unit have been killed in Afghanistan, following the death two weeks ago of a SEAL from the same clandestine unit. Details were - not surprisingly - vague. There is no direct evidence they died fighting in the new CIA-led offensive against Al Qaeda and the Taliban along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. But their loss in Afghanistan is certainly significant and a real blow to their fellow operators in the Joint Special Operations Command, which includes the Army’s Delta Force. The two SEALs were killed September 11 somewhere “in Afghanistan,” according to military press releases, and were part of the shadowy Naval Special Warfare Development Group, the elite counterterrorism force once known as SEAL Team 6. Typically, the military identifies which Afghan town, district, city or province where American troops perish. But for the third time since August 30, when Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Thomas Harris, a Bronze Star recipient, was reported killed after being swept away during a combat river crossing, the precise location of the latest “DEVGRU” combat casualties is unknown.. Killed last week were Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum, 34, and Chief (select) Special Warfare Operator Jason Richard Freiwald, 30, the Navy said. Each man had served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was a highly decorated SEAL. Before Harris, no DEVGRU SEAL had fallen in Afghanistan since March 2002, according to a review of Operation Enduring Freedom deaths at iCasualties.org. Marcum earned four Bronze Star medals with the combat “V” distinguishing device, as well as the Joint Service Commendation medal, four Combat Action ribbons and a chestful of other decorations in his career. The younger Freiwald had also earned a Bronze Star and Combat Action ribbon, the Navy said. Sadly, both SEALs leave behind a wife and daughter. The Naval Special Warfare Foundation, which accepts donations, will likely provide support for each family. - James Gordon Meek

Loss of a good family friend...and a Nation's HERO

Two Dam Neck based SEALs killed in combat Posted: Sep 13, 2008 09:18 PM EDT

Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Marcum

Updated: Sep 13, 2008 10:15 PM EDT
Special Warfare Operator Jason Freiwald
Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Marcum
CORONADO, Calif. - Two U.S. Navy SEALs died in Afghanistan Thursday night from injuries they suffered on September 11 during combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator John Wayne Marcum, 34, and Chief (select) Special Warfare Operator Jason Richard Friewald, 30, both distinguished and highly decorated combat veterans, were fatally shot in Afghanistan during a battle with heavily armed militants.

Marcum and Friewald were forward deployed to Afghanistan from the Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck in Virginia Beach.

"The deaths of SOCS Marcum and SOC Friewald are tremendous losses for Naval Special Warfare and the United States, " said Capt. Scott Moore, Commanding Officer of NSWDG. "These men were true warriors, dedicated to their country, their fellow SEALs, and the cause for which they were fighting. They died while taking the fight to the enemy, going in harm's way with the selflessness that resonated in their character and made them giants among men.

SOCS Marcum and SOC Friewald were American heroes who put their lives on the line, completing multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. They served with honor and distinction. The thoughts and prayers of the Naval Special Warfare community are with their families."

Marcum, a native of Flushing, Mich., was a graduate of Flushing Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy on August 5, 1991 and reported to Recruit Training Command in Orlando, Fla., on the same day.

After completing basic training he attended the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center, Dam Neck, Va., before reporting to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, Calif. BUD/S is the first step to becoming a Navy SEAL and is six months of the most demanding training in the military. Upon graduation from BUD/S, Marcum attended Basic Airborne School in Ft. Benning, Ga. He then reported to his first permanent duty station at SEAL Team 2 at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Va.

Marcum completed many rigorous qualifications at SEAL Team 2 to prepare him for combat, including sniper training, DoD Hostage Survival School, and SEAL diving supervisor. Marcum distinguished himself during multiple combat deployments in support of Joint Army and NATO operations. In March 2000 Marcum transferred from SEAL Team 2 and began the demanding selection and training program at NSWDG. His training included military free-fall parachuting; emergency medical response, Survival, Escape, Resistance and Evasion courses; advanced pistol and rifle; and several other courses. Marcum completed the arduous training and received orders to Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron 2.

Marcum is a highly-decorated combat veteran and received numerous awards, including four Bronze Star medals with combat "V" distinguishing device; Joint Service Commendation medal; two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medals; Army Commendation medal; Joint Service Achievement medal; two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, four Combat Action ribbons, and a multitude of personal, unit and campaign decorations.

Marcum is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; his daughter, Madison; and his sister, mother and father.

Friewald was born Dec. 20, 1977 in Utica, Michigan where he later graduated from Armada Senior High School. He enlisted in the Navy on April 25, 1996 and reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., on November 5, 1996. After completing basic training he graduated from the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center, Dam Neck, Va., before reporting to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, Calif. Upon graduating from BUD/S, Friewald completed Basic Airborne School in Ft. Benning, Georgia.

He then reported to his first permanent duty station at SEAL Team 5 at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, Calif. He served at SEAL Team 5 for two years before transferring to SEAL Team 3 in Coronado. While at SEAL Teams 5 and 3 he completed numerous qualifications to prepare him for combat, including sniper training, Arabic, and tactical rock climbing, to name only a few.

Friewald also distinguished himself during multiple combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In March 2005, Freiwald transferred from SEAL Team 3 and began the demanding selection and training program at NSWDG. Friewald completed the arduous training and received orders to Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron 2.

Friewald is a highly-decorated SEAL combat veteran including the Bronze Star medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; Joint Service Commendation Medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal with combat "V" distinguishing device; the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal; Combat Action ribbon, and numerous personal, unit and campaign medals.

Friewald is survived by his loving wife, Stacey; his daughter, Jasmine; and his mother and father, Terri and Richard Friewald.

"Seven years ago this week, terrorists attacked our nation. SOCS Marcum and SOC Freiwald willing placed themselves in harms way to prosecute our enemies to the farthest corners of the earth," said Rear Admiral Ed Winters, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. "We owe them and their families an eternal debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they have made. Their unwavering courage and commitment to protecting our nation will never be forgotten."

Another Navy SEAL assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Damn Neck was killed in Afghanstan on August 30. Special Warfare Operator First Class (SEAL) Joshua Thomas Harris, 36, a highly decorated combat veteran, drowned after being swept away by turbulent waters while conducting a river crossing during combat operations.

Naval Special Warfare Command is the Navy component of United States Special Operations Command and the special operations component of the United States Navy. The command supports, trains, equips and deploys maritime special operations forces to meet the operational requirements of combatant commanders. These special operations forces include more than 8,400 active-duty and reserve SEALs (Sea-Air-Land) and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) operators and support personnel based primarily in San Diego, Calif., Norfolk, Va., and deployed all over the world.

Expecting!

Maybe you guessed it...? Yes, Julie is expecting again! She had the joy of morning sickness again, all day every day, just like as with Nathaniel. She is having her 1st check-up next week. She is about 14wks now!
The vette is once again rolling as I took it off the jacks for the 1st time since X-mas. The suspension has been replaced, new tires mounted and it has been re-aligned. There are a few small parts needed for finish-up, the fan shroud needs installed, and it needs to be driven a bit without the sway bars to allow the new suspension components to settle in to allow the ride height to set in.
I am now in the 2nd phase of field training which is just 4wks, and followed by the final 3rd phase of 2wks. I will be going to 3rd phase this coming Wed and will be on evening shift 2PM-2AM.

One less drunk.

One less drunk on the road earlier this morning. Just before 1AM this morning I saw 4 vehicles leaving a parking lot near headquarters driving erratically. I immediately pulled off the road into a service station parking lot and blacked-out to wait and see their direction of travel. They proceeded past me heading east on Rt.7/E. Market St. past my location. As they passed I observed each of the vehicles. The first vehicle that caught my attention was the 4th which was rapidly speeding up and slowing down behind the other 3. I pulled out behind them and followed them to observe their driving behaviors. Then my attention was drawn to the 2nd vehicle which was within 1 car length of the 1st requiring it to repeatedly hits its brakes to keep from hitting the 1st. Vehicles 2, 3, and 4 were following 1 as they mimicked its lane changes and speed. As we approached the town limits I made my decision to initiate a traffic stop on the 2nd vehicle. As I pulled-in behind it they all moved into the center turn lane to head north of Rivercreek Pkwy. Due to construction I informed dispatch of the traffic stop and vehicle identity prior to lighting it up. Once we began to exit construction I lit up the lights and pulled him over. Upon interviewing the driver and getting his OL I ran his information through dispatch and wrote a warning for his driving behavior to document the reasonable suspicion for making the traffic stop. I then had him step out of the vehicle to perform SFST's due to having bloodshot eyes and having the smell of an alcoholic beverage on his breath and person. He failed 4 of the 5 tests given, and I was estimating his BAC to be 0.10 where the legal limit is 0.08. He then refused the PBT but agreed to take the Intoxilizer5000 at headquarters. As I took him out of the vehicle at headquarters I saw a clear Ziploc bag fall from behind him and heard him say, "Oh, shit! Fuck!" I had missed a bag of marijuana that he had shoved down the rear of his pants. Lucky for him he took it out as if it would have been found at the ADC when committed he would've been charged with a felony rather than a misdemeanor possession. He was then found to have a residual BAC level of 0.08 using the Intoxilizer 5000 by a certified officer. It's funny how they all say that they only had 2 or 3 beers over 4 hours prior to being stopped! Upon weighing the bag it was 13g (1/2oz) which is enough to charge PWID (possession with intent to deliver). However, we did not find other baggies or devices consistant with PWID so I charged simple possession. I then took him to the ADC to see the magistrate and be committed until he was sober for release. He also was served with a 7-day administrative license suspension with a court date in late August.

New world-class cyclist in training!!!

Nathaniel told me to take off his training wheels today. All I had to do is hold his bike so he could get on and take off! He even rode around the neighborhood and climbed all the hills, and they are BIG! He's not even 4 years old!!!
1st time without training wheels!
Mommy helping out.

Do you smell something funny?

Saturday and Sunday were days for the wacky-tabacky.
I assisted in CASE - Possession of Marijuana- Officer’s M, S, and Wellisley responded to The Hampton Inn in regards to a loud noise complaint. Upon further investigation Officer M. seized 20 grams of marijuana and released Mr. S. on a summons charging possession of marijuana.

My CASE - BURGLARY / POSSESSION- Officer Wellisley, Sgt H and Ofc S responded for a complaint of burglary which occurred earlier in the day. On scene we met with the homeowner who was identified as Ms R, and her daughter, Ms AR. Ms AR advised that she was out of the residence from 1000 hours until 1900 hours, on today’s date. Ms R advised that she left early in the morning and returned around 2130 hours. Ms R stated that after she returned home her daughter advised her that her television from the master bedroom was missing. Ms R stated, that upon further investigation she discovered that a 30gig IPOD, 36” Visio flat screen TV, and a white Macbook laptop computer had been taken from her residence. Ms R also stated that containers in the master bathroom holding her jewelry had been gone through; however nothing was missing. Niether could not verify if the home was locked. It was stated that their two dogs were in the back yard. Digital cameras, a second larger flat screen TV, and a second laptop being located in the same locations as the missing items, in plain view, were not taken. I then advised Ms R that I would like to search the house to ensure it was clear and safe. Ms AR then stated that she already went through the entire house while carrying a b-b gun and did not find anyone inside.
Upon entering the home it was checked to ensure that it was clear. It was pointed out by the Ms R that the Macbook was sitting on the floor in the living room plugged into the wall next to the couch, the Visio flat screen TV was on a cabinet in the master bedroom, and the IPOD was in a docking station in the master bedroom on the top of another cabinet. When attempting to open a locked room in the basement Ms AR came running down the stairs from the living room and stated “I’ve already checked that room. Nobody is in there.” However, the room was locked from the inside. Once inside the room drug paraphernalia and a floor container being used for growing marijuana was found in plain view. An exterior door to the room was found to be open allowing access to the back yard of the home. There was also a secondary entrance to the locked room through an unfinished area of the basement that contained the furnace and a storage area full of boxes and containers. In the basement bathroom wood, plastic, and metal smoking devices were found in plain view on the sink, in the vanity, and on the tub.
In speaking with Ms AR, she named three suspects/friends that are frequently in the house. Mr K, Mr S, and Mr J. Upon running checks on the suspects their information was found.
Consent to search the home was then obtained from Ms R. A thorough search was then conducted in Ms AR's bedroom and the basement of the home. In the basement empty bags of garden soil were found next to a wooden structure on the floor filled approximately half way with the soil. Aluminum foil was found on a desk, a single pill in a bottle, that Ms AR noted as her prescribed Adoral, two digging hammers, numerous items used as smoking devices, and artwork on the wall of representing smoking marijuana and a written note stating "Bombing for piece is like fucking for virginity". A wooden smoking device and a metal smoking device, that was made into a necklace, were collected as evidence along with two clear plastic Ziploc bags containing green plant-like remnants which tested positive for marijuana using a field test kit, 908 Duquenoislevine Reagent – Marihuana-Hashish-THC. The metal smoking device on the necklace was handed over by Ms AR as it was on her person.
Prior to searching Ms AR’s room upstairs, she was asked if any contraband was present. Ms AR stated that the only thing in her room was a bag of gummy bears soaked in alcohol. Upon searching Ms AR’s room a bowl was found in a desk at the foot of her bed containing gummy bears soaking in a clear liquid which emitted an odor of an alcoholic beverage. A follow-up was performed with Mr K and his mother. Mr K stated that he had not seen Ms.AR for about one month. At that time Ms AR discussed with him her intentions to grow her own marijuana plants; she just needed to get seeds. Mr K stated that he told her he did not know anything about how to grow them. Ms AR told him that her mothers previous boyfriend, who is in Minnesota, told her how to grow marijuana. Mr K stated that he has since made efforts to be clean of any wrong doing and that he is in no way in volved anymore. Upon requesting permission to search for the stolen items from Ms Rs’ residence in Mr K’s room mother agreed and signed a “permission for search” card. Upon searching Ms AR’s room nothing was found.
A follow-up canvas of the neighborhood will be performed on Wednesday July 9, 2008 in reference to any suspicious vehicles or suspects entering or leaving the home.
All items that were seized from Ms R’s residence have been entered into evidence. I will be dropping off copies of my reports to Juvenile Intake on Wednesday July 9, 2008 to obtain petitions.
Case pending petitions.
TOT CIS.