TCU: The Crunkest-Uppest

Just a quick 'n dirty cyclocrunk #2 rehash.

Only shot I could find of me from this time, although Cort has a video up on fixmemphis that I'm in for like five seconds.

I definitely pushed myself a bit harder this time, but I think the thing that did the most for me was a better start. Don't get me wrong, I was still moo-ing through the first coupla laps, passing bunches of people, and at one point I actually just walked over a barrier that was so choked with people. But at least I did pass 'em, instead of getting stuck in a long line and playing it safe like last time. Next week, I'm toying with the idea of a semi-aggressive start. I didn't catch up to Cort until the fifth or sixth lap, and I feel like we're on a more or less equal footing. If I start a bit closer to 'im, maybe I can use all that wasted time behind people and close the gap.

The sand pit was absolutely KILLER this time. They lengthened it a bit, and I was definitely feeling it. The entire last lap I was a misstep away from a full-on calf cramp. Aside from the start, I feel like that's the only thing I can really improve on: race preparation - hydrating, maybe a banana right before the race, pre-riding a bit to warm up. And just working on nerves. It's weird how I have no intention of winning, and yet still get all shaky and bugged-out right before the race. Probably some of that has to do with just feeling a little bit outta place. It's not like I'm against being aerodynamic and bootylicious, it's just a little unsettling to be so seemingly outnumbered. I know they're just dudes, but they're UNIFORMED dudes! Like nimble stormtroopers!

Aaaaaaanyways, cyclocross is fun. Thinking about doing spookycross, but for that one you have to have a license and all that shit. Not that I couldn't get a one-day, but talk about intimidating. Welcome to the big leagues, junior.

And on a quick sidenote, according to my friend Andy, the bike lane on Southern has begun! I'm not sure how far it currently stretches, but Anthony went out to take pictures of it, so depending on when you're reading this, you can probably head over to his blog, Pedal Power and find out.

Mostly Comedy

Haha so this is a page outta the random-as-hell book, chapter outta-nowhere. I recently appeared (if that's the appropriate verb) on 2009 Funniest Person In Memphis Andy Fleming's podcast, Mostly Comedy: the only podcast where comics can get together and get real gay about comedy.



I helped compose and record the theme so he brought me back to help co-host his musical episode which, inexplicably, turned out pretty well in spite of my neither being a comic nor a musician. You can check it out at his website, mostlycomedy.com, on itunes, or you can simply download it here.

In which I get crunk

Yeah, that's right. I bartered away a pizza for a coupla cyclocross tires, slapped a brake on, and I got crunk.

Maybe too crunk:



While I definitely finished in the solid middle of the pack, I had a ton of fun in my first cyclocross race and I'm definitely in for the next two. I might even check out Spookycross, although that one seems a bit less for fun and more for the pure, jock-tastic voyage.

The race itself was a bit of a clusterfuck, with just over 75 people all starting together on a relatively narrow course. I mean, I always meant to just race for fun, but if you don't get out in front of the pack at the very beginning, you're pretty much screwed.

Of course, even with a good start I probably woulda been dropped relatively quick. While the dismount came pretty easy - I can come in pretty hot and still get off with just the two-step before the jump - I can't remount for shit. Somehow the vaulting directly into the saddle just freaks me out. I know I could do it, but my brain is just like, uh, no.

I also took a dive pretty early on, near the end of the second lap, skewing my handlebars about 30 degrees to the left for the remainder of the race. Ah well, I'm better prepared for the next one. The question is, do I wanna take this seriously enough to try and come out of the gate in a good position?

Anyways, cyclocrunk has two more dates, October 19th and 26th. Check it out! You don't need a fancy setup to race, just do it for fun - I could use the camaraderie. For some more pictures, check out the cyclocrunk flickr.

Sunny Damn D!

Hey, I shot and edited my first video!

Memphis Edit - Cara Notestine from Brett Edmonds on Vimeo.

The song is from the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World soundtrack and was composed by Beck. I'm pretty proud of it, if I do say so myself!

Vollintine Evergreen Greenline...of DEEEEEEATH

Riding my biiiiiike, la dee da.

Oh look, what's that little plant?



Looks harmless enough. But wait, what're these little brown things on my tire?



IT'S THE LOVELY GOATHEAD THOOOOOOORN. And it's punctured your tire in 12 different places. Have a good night, bitches!

There's a reason this little bastard is also known as demonhead and the devil's popcorn. Maybe it's the season, 'cus I haven't had any trouble before the past week, but they've ended the lives of five of our tubes. Beware the V&E, folks, unless you're running tubeless or just incredibly lucky.