CXMAS Details aka The Jenk Cloud Has Lifted

After reconstructing Team Seagal HQ (fyi be very leary if Coach says he just wants to store a few jars at your place), the team was able to meet and we finally have ready the final details on CXMAS 2016 2017. Or at least the details we will tell you about here.

LOCATION:
Start/Finish is in Glencoe, MO near the Wabash Mini Railroad
-Park in any of the lots down there. If things get full we'd recommend following the bike path up 109 to LaSalle Springs Middle School and parking there
-We'll be checking people in (ie taking money for raffle tickets) at the last lot on the left. Hopefully at one of the picnic tables

DATE/TIME:
Sunday 1/1/17
-CXMAS rolls out around Noon
-We'll be set up ready to check people in around 11am
-We plan to stop checking people in at 11:45am, but we'll keep taking your money all day
-Mashor's Mile Crit starts about 2pm
-Plan to have drawing for prizes at 3:30 or so

EVENTS:
-yep that says eventS. plural

Traditional CXMAS Nonrace
-We will have a special start to this years CXMAS. We ask that all previous podium finishers (those with CXMAS hats or mugs) make themselves known for this one. No, we won't be making Devin or anyone else ride a Huffy this year, but we do have a special event for the start I think everyone will enjoy.
-The course will be about 20 miles, and will include gravel, dirt tracks, pavement, some sand, some fresh barely ridden "trail" and maybe some proper singletrack. We're still waiting on the weather forecast to decide exactly where we will go.

Mile of Pain jungle CX/Crit Nonrace (aka Mashor's Mile)
-Everyone will get to ride this CXMAS special course for 1 lap during the main ride, but only the best will enter this nonrace. The top 10% of men and women (max 8 per gender) will square off in this elimination event. The rest of us will get to watch, heckle, drink and otherwise be a real bunch of jerks while they compete in 4 or 5 laps of this course. It seems a fair punishment for taking the first nonrace so seriously.
-We will even have a feed zone. But in this zone competitors are required to "feed" or risk elimination. A great spot to be a spectator. Feel free to bring feed items for the competitors.
-Male and female winners of this nonrace will be king and queen of CXMAS. Everyone else... well you just suck, but we'll have beer for you. Probably.

BIKE CHOICE:
So this year might be the year that we could almost call it XCMAS instead of CXMAS.

On the main ride I really don't know which bike would be faster, Cyclocross or Mountain bike, but probably cx bike.

The crit nonrace could be different. A mountain bike will definitely have an edge in traction, stability, and control on the undulating and primitive course. A cyclocross bike will fit through the narrows and twisty turns better. It would also be easier to run with on some of the steep ups and when the person in front of you hops off. But the cross bike might be undertired in some of the bumpier sections and might fight for traction on the steeps. Sad to say, but if you singlespeed you will be running. A lot.

GIVE US MONEY!!!!
We'll give you cool shit (at least some of you):
First a reminder of who we're raising money for:
The Great Jerk, Dr Wesley McClaren

The suggested donation is $5 which will get you one entry in the raffle. For every $5 you give we'll give you another entry.

You can also win an extra entry. For the Mashor's Mile crit we will accept $5 donations with your guess as to who (man or woman) will win. Everyone that guesses correctly will get 2 raffle entries for that $5. The rest of you who guess wrong... well, thanks for donating. There is no limit on the number of guesses or riders you choose to back.

The Cool Shit:
-in case you missed it here are the things you could win (not counting a possibly hazy memory of riding around the Meramec floodplain with a bunch of other crazy jerks):

Kona Private Jake Frameset in your choice of size

1 of 3 $100 Gift Certificates to the Hub Bicycle Company

ENO Hammock kit, including 1 Double Nest Hammock, 1 Set of Atlas Straps, & 1 Set of Twilights

Limited Edition Made in the USA Woolrich/Dogfishhead Wool Blanket

1 of 2 Sets of 4 Woolrich/Dogfishhead Pint Glasses

1 of 2 Qikcovers

1 of 3 Entries to 2TG's Festivus CX Race

1 of 2 Entries to 2TG's Squealer or Pork Chop MTB race

Oskar Blues Prize Pack

THAT'S $1700 WORTH OF PRIZES! 

SEE YOU SUNDAY!

Bonus points if you can find a blog from the links on the right updated in the last year. Or even 2 years. 

CXMAS 2016... Make that '17

Yeah it really is happening! Or at least we've been going around digging up the bloated carcasses of Team Seagal trying to get this CXMAS thing rolling. Turns out when you maintain a high level of drinking but stop riding bikes things go down hill pretty fast. Especially when you stop putting on Non-races and fill that time with art installations of empty beer cans and bottles. Those bottles and cans just don't empty themselves.

As with all art, sometimes the artistic merit is up for debate...

So if you want to see what jerks we've raised from the dead* or maybe ride some bikes with a bunch of other people you actually like, here's what you need to know:

LOCATION
We're moving from one scenic river valley to another.
Hello Meramec River!

OK. Probably not that brotastic and definitely not that part of the Meramec.

As of right now we plan to start at or near Sherman Beach. Start location may change to somewhere else in the general area so check back on our facebook page or this highly esteemed blog.

The route will travel up and down the river valley. We will decide the final route based on weather and trail conditions leading up to CXMAS. We will likely visit Castlewood, the Al Foster, some roads like St Paul and Ridge, and maybe Bluff View. Weather permitting there will be sections of smoothish singletrack and definitely dirt river flats. I've ridden everything on 28mm road tires, but like the guy reclining on the raft in the picture above, we can't all be that cool and you will likely want some sort of tire with minimal knobs and a little more volume.

WHERE: Sherman Beach Parking Lot (probably)
WHEN: Sunday January 1, 2017, NOON start

WHAT

We will have the usual CXMAS things: eggnog, places to ride your bicycle, alcohol, and special prizes. But this year will be different in a couple of ways. We've raised money in the past for some great causes, but this year one of our own, a truly great jerk, needs our help.

The Doctor has a likely life long battle with seizures and the medical bills to prove it. Read the Doctors story here. Feel free to contribute right there if you'd like, but make sure to bring cash to CXMAS this year. For CXMAS 20167 CASH IS KING!
There will be a $5 required recommended donation. That donation will get you an entry in one of the prize drawings we will have. Bring more money though. We will have lots of other chances for you enter to win more chances and more drawings. Some prizes will be tied into other mini events within the larger CXMAS non race. BRING MORE MONEY! And don't expect us to have change. I recommend $5 bills, but if you're feeling baller we'll accept $20 bills. And if you just came back from an IL-side New Years, dollar bills will work. There is no way to win a prize without donating to a raffle.

So on 1/1/17, take some advil and come on out to Sherman Beach. We'll have the hair of the dog. And don't forgot to bring money. No matter what you donate it will still be the cheapest Doctor visit you've ever had.

Did I mention cash?


*And I'm sure you're excited to see your favorite jerks that you haven't seen in a long time, but these last few years haven't been kind to all of us...

Don't worry we actually all still look more or less lifelike with normal sized appendages.

Tap. Tap. This thing on??!?!?

Say what now???!!!!

1/1/17 NOON

CXMAS - The Hangover Edition

Stay tuned for more info on here or your favorite multi-hundred billion dollar social media platform*.

In the meantime start huffin and reminisce a little...

CXMAS 2013
CXMAS 2012
CXMAS 2011
CXMAS 2010
CXMAS 2009
CXMAS 2008







*that means you won't see a single tweet about this shit

Team Seagal Presents: The Pinner Classic Non-Race #1

May 22nd, 2016 marked a place in history for Team Seagal in the Northwest.  The Pinner Classic was set to go down on this day, and why yes, it did!! A few months in the making and yours truly, T Tox, set off on making this non-race packed full of sponsorship giveaways, all the Oskar Blues Pinner Throwback IPA you could drink, and tons of fun riding on some sweet Northwest single track.

A few months ago, a few Team Seagal riders and friends made a 3.5 mile loop over at the Stottlemeyer Trail system. This course was to be the route for The Pinner Classic. We decided that the 3.5 mile loop was to be ridden 3 times with 80% of that route being single track and only 20% of that course ridden on fire roads. We showed only the highest levels of Superior Attitude on that February day. As you can see in the photo below, February in Washington isn't so bad for riding...

After creating the course, and working with our local sponsors for help, we set the date for The Pinner Classic.

Friday before the non-race, myself and our fire fighting Mr. Badass, Geoff (still waiting on a proper Seagal name) took the 9am ferry from Edmonds to Kingston for a day of hiking and clearing the course. We received only the best treatment of sunny weather, a six pack of NW tasty beer, and the best BLTs you can get from a gas station in WA.

To our delight, the course needed zero clearing and was ready to snap wrists for race day!

Now onto the non-race. We woke at 5am in preparations on making the 7:10 ferry. Instagram Zack, our Oskar Blues rep Erik, and myself got to the ferry in time and enjoyed baby sized Chorizo Egg burritos from our favorite 24hr Mexican spot, Memos! The skies showed an overcast day with little chances of rain. We had everything we needed on transporting the beer to the start location of the ride.

Imagine hauling 50lbs of beer and ice 1.5 miles on fire roads with one "barely" equipped BOB trailer. (Ask Instagram Zack about using a BOB trailer, he may forget to tell you about the locking pins on the bottom of the bolt on mounts.) That was fun having the trailer pop off twice on the ride up to the start location...

Thanks to Jason at Swift Industries for teaching us the ways of proper BOB trailer usage. Don't forget the locking pins...

Once the group of riders made their way to the start, we did exactly what jerks would do: prolong the race because we were busy drinking beers and enjoying the finest legal chinese herbs in the land.

Non Race begins. 12 riders set out for the title of The Pinner Classic Champion!

Lap one showed Andrew "Powerman 5000" in the lead, straight crushing souls and snapping wrists. Powerman would have the lead for the remainder of the race!

In 2nd place, fast on Powerman's tail was Mr. Swift Industries, Jason. Without knowing until the after party, Jason was our only single speed participant, and for that, he received the award for being Mr. Single Speed! And maybe the award for best way to eat a pickle then chug an Oskar Blues Pinner IPA! Strong work.

3rd and 4th place gave us Matt Servia and Fancy Fred fighting for podium placement. Servia would lead 3rd place for all 3 laps. Fancy was hot on his wheels though. Final lap gave us some exciting finishes. Servia comes sprinting to the finish line with Fancy right behind him! I never would have thought we would see a sprint finish in our first Northwest Non-Race...

The Pinner Classic Top 4:

Andrew "Powerman 5000" (1 hour 3 minutes)
Mr. Swift Industries (1 hour 11 minutes)
Matt "I don't do social media" Servia (1 hour 24 minutes)
Fancy Fred (1 hour 24ish minutes)

If you're wondering what happened to our other 8 racers, well, the night before the Non-Race, at the nearby campground, we found that a young man was having his bachelor party. Alex Royale and his buddies had all the whiskey their weak stomachs could take, and experienced a very challenging morning of bike riding. They did not complete the 3 laps.

Now, something to mention. Matt Servia was present for this bachelor party, and did he complain? No. He sucked it up, drank an Oskar Blues Pinner IPA, and read to the chinese gods for power and stability during his first Non-Race. He came out with true Seagal superior attitude and superior state of mind. Way to go, Jerk!

After the ride we did exactly what all Jerks do: drank all the beers, enjoyed fantastic sandwiches and pickles from our sponsor Kiss Cafe, and reminisced about the days festivities!

Zack showing us how to chase fireball with a little drop of pickle.

I have to mention somethings before I unload some photos.

Erik at Oskar Blues,
You went above and beyond for your efforts in making this race a reality. You brought 8 cases of beer, all the ice, hats, t-shirts, and pinners. And not to mention,  you hiked the 1.5 miles to the start with your heavy backpack full of more beer and the OB signature flag! Thank you.

Brenda at Kiss Cafe,
You showed your support in more ways than just gorilla sized fresh sandwiches. You came out and surprised us on your bike and did a hot lap just to get some riding in. You fucking rock and your cafe's pickles did not disappoint! Thank you.

J at Project 529,
Your busy schedule shows you really care about the community of Mountain Biking and the risk of bike theft. Your support goes a long way. Project 529 is a digital registration and recovery service for stolen bikes in your area. Thanks for the prizes and the appearance you made at the race! BIKE THIEVES SUCK.

Karin at Hunni Co.,
The case of locally made electrolyte water went to good hands. After a "few" beers and a big day of riding, your support kept us hydrated and our bodies happy. Thank you.

Brenda of Kiss Cafe and J with Project 529

2 gallons of sliced pickles! #allthepickles 

Fred, the fanciest of non-racers

Picker A.K.A. Samuel Axel, dressed as an Oskar Blues male model. Rarely seen drinking a beer or wearing beer gear.

Powerman 5000 just snapped every wrist that entered The Pinner Classic. He holds the title going into 2017.

Next Team Seagal NW event is The Vampire 100 on July 24th starting at 12am.

GTF'd!!!!!!!!!!!

T Tox, over and out!

New and Improved Death By Hills Garmin Link

After doing some Double Secret Recon this past weekend, I thought it best to post up a Garmin Link that was updated by someone with superior attitude.


https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12047913

Your boi Peat and I may have achieved centuriousity, fueled in part by a proper send-off:

On the way to visiting the STLCC Monument on Old Manchester, we successfully summitted the slopes of Melrose Road, in hopes of scoping out the condition of the sinkhole. I'm happy to report that it looks to be almost completely repaired. There were still dudes working on it, but in two weeks, I'd be surprised if it is still closed. SHIIIID.

Balls,
CFR

8th Annual Death By Hills - 2016

Yep, it's that time of year again - to show up to a really hard ride and impress everyone when you're crushing out a couple of climbs, only to unceremoniously break off early and head home without anyone noticing! It's a new February tradition. This year will be no different - for Death By Hills is upon us, and your quads need to wake up from their long winter's nap. And, Energor willing, we'll be able to hold this ride on the initial scheduled date - and not push it back continuously.  


When: Sunday, March 6th, 9AM - READ: CLICKING IN AT 9AM (or for those of you drinking the Rivendell Kool-Aid, read "Putting your tennis shoes on your traditional MKS flat pedals at 9AM")

Where: In the big parking lot across from "The Wolf"  at the intersection of Kehr's Mill Road and Clayton Road.

WTF is this shit: This route will be around 90 miles if you do the entire thing, and will be extremely difficult. It is all very good pavement, so depending on what your definition of "skinny tires" is, go ahead and slap them on your bike. 23c tires will be just fine. Scroll down for the route. Some will go fast, some will go slow. Find your pace, because it will all break up by the end of the day.



ATTENTION!!! PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING!! 

-This is an UNMARKED route. Bring a cue sheet (see below) or download the Garmin route! Or just ride with a friend who knows where he or she is going, and isn't so annoyed by your incessant chit-chat that they ride away from you!

-This is an UNSUPPORTED RIDE!!! No one is watching after you! So make like a kindergartner and get on the buddy system if your worried about the unforeseeable. If you engage in some major dumbassery and eat shit, I'll tell you right now that if you try to sue Team Seagal, please understand that there is no money to be had there. It would be like squeezing juice from a turnip... or like some hot chick trying to squeeze spooge from Criss Angel - it just ain't gonna work.

-There are only TWO PLACES FOR WATER AND FUEL! One is at about mile 30 (the gas station at Allenton Road and Hwy 44) the other isn't until mile 80 (the gas station at Wild Horse Creek Road and Eatherton.) - This means there will be a *50* mile stretch of no good places to get water or food - so plan your food and water consumption accordingly! (third bottle, camelback, etc...)

-Make sure your bike in decent working order PRIOR to the ride, that way you don't ruin your day AND someone else's by feeling guilty to have to stop and help your crippled ass. Support your local bike shop and have them check your bike over - I swear to Energor, they want your business right meow.

-PLEASE BE BE COURTEOUS TO DRIVERS! Remember, while West County/Wildwood DOES see a lot of bicycle traffic, it isn't often that there is a massive fucking group like this - so the less we piss them off, the greater chance we have of not getting ran over further down the line.





 Garmin link to ROUTE

PRINT ROUTE: 


-Start at Lone Wolf Coffee
-Head west on Clayton,
-Left on Thunderhead Canyon Dr.
-Left on Westglen Farms Dr.
-Right on "Village Plaza View Dr," toward the stripmall
-enter bike path opposite the parking lot
-left across black pedestrian bridge, crossing Hwy 100
-left after bridge
-hard right off of curb onto Old Manchester (across from the Jack in the Box)
-left onto Woods Rd. Descend and turn left up Bartizan, come back down, and continue down Woods.
-left onto bike path and ride south along Hwy 109.
-left up Old State for about .1 mile
-left onto Redtail Hawk Dr
-Then turn/veer left onto Johns Cabin Rd, which is a clockwise loop (Mitch's secret training loop) and will bring you back to Old State. (BUT not before making a quick left up and back down Starwood Rd!)
-Cross 109 at Old State, turn right up Alt Rd.
-Left on Forby.
-Right on N. Central Ave
-Cross over Hwy 44, turn right onto West Main St (in between train tracks.)
-left onto Wengler and start Allenton Loop, going CCW.
-Exit Allenton Loop to the left, go underneath Hwy 44, and climb Allenton Rd. *GAS STATION*
- right onto Scenic Loop Rd, going the RIGHT way. Let's avoid confusion, and park rangers. This is different than what the Garmin link shows.
-right back onto Allenton Rd.
-left onto Melrose
-right onto Hwy 100
-right onto Woodland Meadows Dr.
-right onto Old Manchester
-right onto Glencoe (through Rockwoods.)
-Go straight up Melrose
-Turn right (again) onto Hwy 100, cross over and turn left and continue on Melrose all the way until it descends to Hwy T.
-Left on T
-Left on Bassett
-Left onto Cremin's Green, out-and-back. Continue up Bassett.
-Left onto Old Manchester
-left onto Bouquet.
-Left onto Ossenfort (at the big white farm house)
-Cross T, and continue on Ossenfort.
-Continue straight onto Wild Horse Creek
-turn left up Babler Forest as an out-and-back.
-Come back down, and turn right onto Wild Horse Creek, climbing to Rieger.
-Turn left onto Rieger
-Right on Pond.
-left on Smith School Rd.
-Left on BA.
-left into Babler State Park. Once in Babler, turn right onto John Cochran Dr (CCW loop), turn right up Theodore Wirth Drive, and left down Guy Park Dr (past the pool). Turn right back up John Cochran Dr, climb up the first hill, and turn left at the bottom of the other side (also John Cochran Dr (be careful on the gravel!) and duck under gate to exit Babler State Park.
-Immediately turn right up Wild Horse Creek Drive (Doberman.) *GAS STATION*
-Turn right onto Old Eatherton.
-Left onto Orville.
-Right up Shephard.
-Left onto bike path alongisde 109
-Left onto Clayton
-Left on Strecker
-Right on Kehr's Mill
-Left on Saddle Creek Road (immediately after the creek)
-Right on Horseshoe Ridge Road
-Left on Kehr's Mill Road straight back to The Wolf Public House.

*Please take note of where to exit Babler State Park - it is not well marked, and easy to miss. It is at the bottom of the second climb, when you will pass by it at first, and then loop back around to it. It is not very well paved, and you will have to go underneath a metal gate.




 

Kona Presents the Inaugural Process Challenge - WARNING!!! This video is very steez heavy

Greetings Team Seagal loyalists. While we mill around Team Seagal HQ waiting for the most amzOrs of news pertaining to a new beer sponsOr, what better way to pass the time than watch awesome new videos by KONA. Where better to watch than the summit of Mount Kohler....

 In this video, three of the biggest badasses to enter the world of bicycle racing, battle their way through one of the largest backcountry mountain biking tenures in the world. Their weapon of choice, one of the most comprehensive and superiOrly designed series of mountain bikes ever made: The Kona Process.

Enjoy the long, sweet ride!




This is your Titty, signing off. GTF!