I am so glad i focus on MTB Racing and CX

A few related items
Here about bitching and moaning
And Here about being a victim
And Warren I was gong to say that you are a nancy boy roadie, the others aren't, but then the whole East Canyon thing happened, so yeah you gots you some company.


















So, East Canyon race is this coming Saturday, I look forward to trying to race smart again.

There is limited parking at the venue and therefore an overall cap on riders has been set at 300, registration was set to close end of day yesterday, it closed a bit early, due to the 300 rider cap being met.

On with the breakout of wadded up panties, the UCA site and email list has been active with people pointing fingers, complaining and the like. Uh, yeah it was advertised that there was a limit. Uh, yeah this is not uncommon, uh, yeah, Boy oh boy this is some good times.

Luckily the UCA Board sent out a message of support for the race and the promoter, cause, these damn princesses are likely to demand themselves right out of a race and/or venue, Don't go peeing on someones front yard now.

And while I am at it, get rid of those damn climbs, and if it rains, I'm going home, what the race is over 25 miles, that's it, i quit.

And I predicted it...

So headed up to race masters at the Tax Day Circuit race saturday am. I left the house a 7:30, hoping to make it in time to do an hour warm up. Construction, plus gas stop got me there right before 10 am for an 11 am start. Getting registered, getting dressed and hanging out worrying about the impending rain left me with a spectacular 15 minute warm up.

There were around 17 masters 35+, Scott Allen told me they were all fast. I told him, great, it'll be a good workout. So we start and after the 1.5 mile neutral a few half hearted attacks go no where. A bit before the turn off to the circuit, I, like an inpatient mtb'er, go to the front, went to the left, no one comes around, went to the right, no one comes around. Finally, a bit into the circuit, everyone blows by me, there goes my race, I dangle 3 seconds off the back all the way up the climb and lose them a bit more on the descent and really lose them on the flats, was only 30 seconds behind for 2/3rds of the race, but on the last lap they ramped it up. I picked off 3 or 4 guys by the finish and ended up 11th. Scot won and told me there were 8 to 10 guys in the front group. I should stayed away from the front at the start and may had a bit higher finish.

It was a great work out none the less, Ty took 3rd in the 4's. Thin and Thinner were looking strong in the pack of 3's with one lone guy a minute up on them. I was sure the 6 in the break away would stay away, but alas, they did not.

Was going to hit the hot pots at Lava Hot Springs with Ty and Meg post race, but decided to drive home, wouldn't of made it home otherwise.

Lessons learned every 2 years when I do a road race, don't go to the front Bob, sit back and relax. Follow those you know are in for the win.

Rambling on

So, I could talk about violence and horror, but i won't, the world is sad enough, i want to make it happier. I could talk about being a victim, but i never have been or never will be anything other than a victim of MY OWN choices, so i won't.

I will talk about things like;

Holy Crap KS is blogging a lot.

75 degrees one day, snowing the next, yep change is good!

I am so going to get my ass handed to me Saturday at the Tax Day race, at least it has hills and a hill top finish, which may be my saving grace. It will be a great workout either way.

I am in love with doing interval workouts with a powertap hub, it give you so much analysis ability. Again, may not make me faster, but gives me DATA, glorious DATA.

I can't time trial into a head wind

I think Keating will have my wheels done this year.

I think it is funny that Indohran is now rocking a Hard Tail after giving me shit about it.

I think Aliz and pals have a screw loose for doing things like this, more than once.

I am longing for more XC race profiles like this.

I am super excited about CX this year, including a chance to go home and do this weekend. In which i will no doubt get my ass handed to me by the likes of John Gallagher, A-Train and others. Hell I got a whole MTB season to go through first.

Yep life sucks doesn't it, oh wait, no it doesn't. 18 years ago, I was lucky to be alive, had a few changes of clothes, a boom box and lots of deadly habits, so uh, yeah, life is good.

No one wants to challenge BEANO

So the happenings on the Shoreline were related to this and this.

So BEANO if you hit the Podium at Santa Ynez or Fontucky, you will get a prize upon your return to Utard.

And remember, when you feel the burn, when you feel the bonk, when some self important competitor decides to take you out, when paint ball pellets are hitting you in the booty, when the jackass orders merlot remember the immortal words of Brad Pilling

TRY HARDER!

You never know what you will see

There are 2 answers relevant, that need to be answered, heck get one right and I will be impressed.

And Beano quietly figures out #1, it was easy for her, cause at big bear I yelled that to her during her XC race.

HINT NUMBER 1: "I like mayonnaise"

HINT NUMBER 2: Related to a BC company





So Friday after work I went for a short ride up to the zoo and over on the shoreline trail. Coming across the trail above the U i run into something that I can not explain.

If you can give any explanation of the pictures and video, I will give you a prize. I will have a full story about it after someone figures it out.

I bought a crit plate and did the Salt Air TT

Yep, 50 bucks, just so I can see my horrible time. I needed to do two 15 minute efforts last night, so figured i go out and race against the clock to do it.

I was surprised to see how many people had bikes that looked like this. I am quite sure my 6 year old franken-trek 5200 was all i needed to get my effort in. Not what is needed to go really fast. I think i was the only person out there of around 30 that did not have a TT bike or clip on aero bars. I ran into to Hardwood, he likely thought I was BP at first, he is all TT'd out, TT bike, disc wheel, tt helmet. Get a bit more of a warm up in and line up for my turn. Having only done one other road TT before, i was worried i was going to fall over when Bywater let go, but i didn't. The first half had a nice tail wind and I was flying, and accelerating, closer to the turnaround I slowed cause i thought i missed it, finally found it and then came the head wind, average speed went from 29mph to 18 mph, power output went up and the lack of aero became vivid. In the end i finished at like 18 minutes, got a good effort and cooled off and attempted another 15 minute effort back to the car at 7200 west exit.

This morning I had 2 messages from my mother, she was a bit worried. I don't get to talk to the parents much due to their early to bed in the eastern time zone. Seems she had a pretty vivid nightmare about me Wednesday night, included me dying, funeral preparations and then me returning to life. She said she ate steak that night. She was in Kroger's when i was talking to her and she shed a few tears, I have been thinking of mom and dad a lot recently, seeing them once or twice a year is not the greates way to stay in touch and remain close. 2,000 miles separating us kind of sucks.

I have a 5 hour road ride on tap for tomorrow followed by last minute tax preparation fun. I think my stans wheelset may be ready soon. Hopefully they will may me faster:)

pictures

But before that, Lisonbeayyttcchh, i didn't see you there? UT MNT Biker, last i checked,, you became a Nancy boy roadie.



Home Base for Revolution Peak Fasteners








Some one make them piss in a cup











"You know Greg, back when I raced, we had to go up hill the whole race, through boulders, ice and sand dunes, and we didn't complain about it a bit." While Jody smiles and thinks to her self "Ryan is full of shit"









Ok Jerry, when I catch up to you and say go faster, I mean it, go faster, other wise I'll have to pass you, drop you and then end up pulling your competition further away, see that is the way it is done.

Ouchy

Went down the Hurcan for the 2nd ICUP race. Pre rode on Friday, a bit over 12 miles, sandy, dry, pea gravel washes, ooh I was hoping for a change in lap counts. Got hints that it would happen, alas it didn't.

Kim and Danny were our hosts for the weekend in Washington, Friday night their neighbor was having a huge teenage party, with band, luckily they were quiet. So we got some good dinner and sleep.

Race day was in the upper 80's still and sunny. 3 laps were in store. I had a good start, then we started passing the 19-29 experts. At which point Reed said something like go Rainbow, i am not sure what the hell that means Could be related to my leftward leanings? After that I was in a nice paceline about 4 miles in, put a gap on them and settled in, Pulled some youngster for a while and dropped him, part way into lap 2 jeppson comes around me, i catch on to him a bit later and we came through the lap together with Sam M. At this point I realized my arms were hurting bad, my legs were good, but the arms had nothing, with a course that has 3 million 1 meter rollers on it, i was dreading lap 3. I ended up losing 4 or 5 places in this lap and my lap time was over 10 minutes longer than lap 2. Got 10th in the lon run, which is far better than last years DNF. Lyna got 5th and should be 2nd overall for sport women now.

Saturday evening was a party at Kim and Danny's, Lyna and I went to bed at like 10 while the party went to 1am, we were tired. Sunday we rode from Kim and Danny's to church rocks and back, nice easy ride.

I will uploaded a but load of photos tonight.

Here is my HR vs elevation chart for Cholla










Notice the slight HR drop at around mile 25, followed by a larger drop at 28-29. This is the 3rd lap. and soon after 2 hours clicked by. Now compare this to the HR on the Nova XC graph from a week before, where i had fuel left in the tank and ramped it up at the end.









Pacing, all about pacing. Cholla, i let it hang out, took some opportunities and suffered at the end. NOVA, I paced and had a lot left at the end, I need to err on the side of Nova, but make sure I get around people and keep pushing when i have something left. At nova i lost an XC placing and 1 or 2 spots in the overall as a result.

Cholla does not disapoint me, cause i was able to hang longer, this bodes well for my races, later in the year.

Nova XC

So, woke up early and hit the XC, 3 10 mile laps, power flats, a punchy climbs, no recovery. It was a good time, early season, no long climbs, took 7th. I closed a large gap on the guy in front of me on the last lap, really fast charge, about a mile or 2 out from the finish I caught him, I sat on his wheel thinking I would get him in the sprint, what am i thinking, i can't sprint, he beat me by .9 seconds.

I took 5th in the 'stage race' I should of tried harder in the super dumb, I mean stupid D, uh Super D.

Kathy got taken out by another pro on the first lap. Got a crooked handle bar and had to go to the tech area. She chased back, then on the last lap her rear brake went out. Still finished 17th after all that.

Fox took 3rd in the XC.

Good times.

The Night Time is the right time

So up early getting ready for the XC. Last night was a blast watching the STXC under the lights.

1st off, big ups to SlurrRibPrimeHusla for is off the gun attack, recover attack Semi Pro win.

And for the big news, Kathy got the right wheel at the start, let the Luna chain do some work a the right time and ripped it up for her first NMBS podium. It was exciting, I probably used up some much needed energy yelling at her and running around, but it was fun. Here I am with the Podium finishers sunglasses while she was warming up. More pictures when i get home tomorrow.

I likey the desert in March

It was only like 75 degrees, but it felt like 100. Arrived on Thursday, 1st bike box experience went well, BP and i pre rode the XC and TT course, I hit a tire burping, air escaping hole on a DH went over the bars and landed on my feet, good times.

Hung out with Fox and Kathy S on Thursday evening. Slept well and got ready for the TT this am.

Had a good time, got some pro podium pics, but my craptop won't upload them. Fox took 10th semi-pro, BP won expert 35-39 I took 7th, had fun, didn't crash and was happy with my time on a course that absolutely does not suite my skills, HR average was high.

So already twice this weekend I have had some pro chick come up to me a be all like, 'Hey, how's it going?' 1st, Mary M on Thursday and Georgia today right before the awards. Kathy, Fox and I assume it is because they think I am Pepe. Nope, I don't have a blowout valve.

Here is the elevation vs. heartrate prfile, mmmm good times

PLAYA

What will lefty do now?

Big Hours

Yep, great weather means big hours. First off big props to Sluribslyhusla for his win at the off the grid race with rules, he probably made it look easy.

Today was 5.5 for me down to draper, shred some trails with team revo eat some hotdogs and then ride back home. The elevation profile as about 2 miles of descending missing, forgot to turn the Garmin on. There were about 20 of us total, nice turnout.

Leaving for Phoenix on Thursday. Hope to have fun and do well, unfortunately Thumbs McGee hurt himself shredding the shoreline and will be a spectator.

Got over 13 hours in for the week, the powertap i installed on the road bike and now I have way more info than i will ever need at my disposal. It may not make me faster, but it will tell me lots of stuff.

Beware the Ides of March

BZ is supposed to meet me at 5:10, to ride the shoreline, I run into Sahwn and Blake lets us know he will be late, Shawn and I decide to head up City Creek, we had some full on Sluribhuslafox Kismit action. Blake lets us know he is out, then we run into Rich A. who was headed down City Creek on his post work shred, then at the top of city creek we run into Contender Reed and Jerry (formerly of St. George) B. We then go down and back up Dry creek, I turn around again at the top of Bob Sled, Almost get killed by some big guy on a Santa Cruz, then I see Krachty and gang at the top of dry creek, Santa Cruz guy comes huffing and puffing up to is at full speed. I head down and see Karen I. who tells me Santa Cruz guy almost killed her, but she held her ground and sent him into the creek bed, Et tu Brute?

So much for the emigration recovery ride. Another 2.75 on dirt, after work, in March, sweet.

Stop Yer Bitchin and Take action

So, Monday was supposed to be a 'day off' weather was way too good, so i went to ride emigration, nothing like the big ring up emigration for recovery. Must be feeling stronger. Afterwards I watched Emmanuel's Gift. What a story that is, give until it hurts and then give some more. This guy is an inspiration. You think you have something to complain about, to sit at home and whine and pine away that life is treating you poorly. Stop bitching, start moving in a positive direction. Life is what YOU make of it.

So, Tuesday was mad weight at the gym, while BZ was reuniting with Climbum. Slept really good that night, Wednesday night was close to 3 hours on the shoreline, with some efforts thrown in for fun. Tonight i will do the big ring emigration recovery ride.

2 weeks till NMBS #1 in Fountains Hills, I will be flying with bike for the first time, luckily it is a non stop, and I know mechanics that will be at the race, in case i foul things up on the rebuild.

Dry Dirt Found

Rich, Brad and I had big plans to hit 5 mile for some good riding, the early morning rain I woke up had me believing I would be doing a road ride and hoping for motivation to go more than 2 hours, went to the shop to get some arm warmers, Brad was there and convinced me (easily) that there would be dry trails in corner canyon and on south mountain. We met at the rodeo grounds and headed up, we did an out and back on some singletrack, followed by an out and back on a double track climb, we pretty much repeated that 3 or 4 times, we lost count, we headed back down to my car at around 3 hours to get my camelback, i left it in the car, cause I never wear one. we then headed west on the south mountain trails. Very little mud, a bit of snow, my average HR was not a problem, although i did spend some time in zone 5. 4 hours of riding and some good times.

I took a few pictures, but the lense was fogged up from the climbing, no bueno on the pics.

My garmin took a nap for a few miles halfway through and claims i climbed 2700 feet instantaneously. I think that couldn't happen.

I'm blow and going to bed.

I really do not understand some things in life

Like how local race team politics can get out of hand so much. So an unnamed racer wants to ride for the best MTB team in the state, for the oh so few dirt races said racer will do. Great, the more the merrier, since this is a glorified hobby for most of us, even the fast locals pay to race, pay for bikes and if they are lucky get a jersey for free, I'm thinking, no problem.

Not so fast, seems like a ruckus has kicked up, different teams, different sponsors and a few people who want to take life and this glorified hobby, way too seriously.

As a leader on a large, successful team, if one of that team said, Bob, we don't have many road racers on our team, so I am going to ride for X on the road, I'd say great, just don't forget how much more fun and laid back MTB racing is. And oh yeah, don't forget to wear your mtb shoes and visor.

There are less than 5 riders in Utah who get paid to do this, the rest are quite deep into their own pockets to do it.

As Sargent Hulka Says,














Team Revolution-Peak Fasteners is not a Prison, it is a place for like minded people come together to go fast on the dirt. So if your team is bringing you down, maybe it is time for a change.

Wednesday sureality

Left the house, locked the door walked to the car and realized I did not have my keys, climbed up on the trash can, opened the Kitchen sink window, looked around, crawled in, bounced over the dying dishes and bumped into the pots on the pot rack hanging from the ceiling, some how made it through without getting my pressed shirt wrinkled or dirty. Or as my boss said, even though I put myself in the position to break any number of bones, get knocked out by falling pots and get arrested, I came through unscathed, oh yeah, I locked the window behind me.

Came home kitted up and went for a ride, surprised i didn't see utrider, cause i headed up emigration oaks for some efforts. Not only does Bart do that every day, he does it with a backpack.

After dinner, i went to Wild Oats for some expensive groceries and while there i saw they were selling my sister. I am not sure how she would like it if she knew that while she was sunning herself in Italy, she was being undersold in Utah.

First race weekend 2007

Lyna and I left Thursday after work for saint george. We got there around 10:30 unpacked and went to bed, woke up lat morning and prepped for a noon 30 pre ride.Lyna was riding her new bike on dirt for the first time, which meant it was going to be her first dirt ride.














I did 1 and a half laps and ran into some riff-raff while out there.

























That evening Swatch's boy made a bunch of us some homemade sketti sauce dinner, he said that since he wasn't racin he would be our cook, nice.

The race day came and i was not nervous at all, lined up with a rather large group, including pro women and we were off, last year i blew up like a mail order doll. This year i tried to stay smooth and not implode, ended up in 10th place and satisfied, Abbot and Pilling killed it. Lyna took 5th in Sport women, 25 minutes faster than she thought we would go.

That evening we went and hung out with the Sherwins, Fox, Sager, Swatch and Craig, we witnessed Fox's dare, here is a photo from the start line of the Mesa he road to and climbed up in 19 minutes for 160 bucks.














Afterwards was Dinner at Don Pedro's with 15 of us, followed by a Red Rock party at Danny's

Sunday we all hit Gould, Jem, Hurricane rim and had a good time before driving home.














Below are some more photos.

There were a lot of Kids Racing, awesome














Speaking of Kids, Keating's were restless















Keating tells 1/2 of thin and thinner how to rip the DH














I like to call this one- 'Flatulent Sherwin'














The gang watches Fox scale a Mesa



















Chris Sherwin looking for his innocence

Its warm, no its cold, its warm , no thbbbbtttt!

Yet I still rode outside, Saturday was a ride out to the international center, disappointment at the frontage road being torn up, ride around empty warehouses for a while, then head home. Good times

Sunday Lyna and I actually had the same day off work together, so we headed out for brunch at Oasis, then she disappeared into Golden Braid. Shannon B called me and said that he was going to ride with Ty. I found Lyna and we went home to go our separate work out ways. I met up with Jen, Shannon and Ty on my road bike, they were on their MTB's, I felt like the fat kid nobody wanted on their team, but we had a good ride anyway.

This weekend, I am going to Saint George to ride my bike, I think I am lining up for a race as well.

Looking forward to trails again.

It warmed up, I ditched work and went in search of dry dirt

Just needed to get out today, got 2 hours on the HT, it was awesome, I am lucky to be able to do that. Went and rode from the Zoo to Red Butte, up the dirt road and then diced around the trail above the U and Med Center., No mud on me or my bike, mostly dry trails, a few damp spots. That will only last a few more days till the next storm.

10 days to the desert rampage, yeah. Uh or Nah. I will be there, with number on bike racing my heart out, literally, well maybe my legs off.

First photo is above the zoo, second is seldom used single-track above the U

Warm February Herding Cattle

Went up to Bountiful to ride with BZ and Kathy. Took off from the Northern Elite Training Center and rode almost to the Antelope island causeway. 3.25 hours with some good steady riding, ending up with a 1500 foot climb in the last couple of miles. Almost 60 miles in total, Kathy was bundled up for a blizzard, 3 more hours tomorrow. On our return from the causeway, I took a nature break and when trying to catch up I got stuck with a huge herd of cattle in the road between me, Kathy and BZ. Luckily a truck was stuck as well and I hid behind it as the mass of beef came my way, kind of freaky, lots of cattle be herded straight towards my skinny ass on a bike.

Newby sent a few pictures from Old Pueblo


















2 weeks to suffrage.

Yeah, I went to southern Utah again, my back is sore

Friday morning packed up the Element, picked up Jerry and headed down to warmer digs. Friday consisted of a nice 2 hour ride up and back Stucki with Newby, while I was riding back up bear Claw Poppy, Fox and Sager came up on me, tried to follow them up and down the Barrel Trail to their condo. That hurt. Evening went to Bajio with Jerry, Swatch and Fox then hung out with Danny, Kim and kids.

Saturday was a Goulds, Jem, Hurricane rm ride, Fox, Swatch, Jerry, newby, BartmanG, Roge and Sager. I didn't bonk this time and we had some good blood and later stitches for Roge. Very nice ride, luckily the fasties waited for us several times. That evening I dined alone at the condo and watched UK almost come back to take Fla.

Sunday was a trailblazing ride from the race course to the Barrel Roll and back, lots of shotgun shells, redneck campfires and barely ridden washes. Ran into Sager and Fox again, shortly after they were in the line of fire.

Good long hours, having fun, the back is sore from all the rocky sections on Hurricane rim and Barrel Roll.

Maybe next year the Pilling's and Abbott's will take the Saffell's on there Phoenix training camp, I may be able to keep up.

Surreal World

Heading to St. George Friday AM, maybe hook up with Bart, Fox and who knows who else.

So life is full of wonders and oddities, I like it that way though. Fox is selling his life, in order to give part of it away, what if you just give away jerseys, shorts, drive trains and handlebars downtown, that would be interesting.

Groenendaal is getting lots of play for his salute to a teammate last week. I gotta tell you the World Cup Belgium Cross Scene is like some sort of Reality Show gone bad. Last night I watched to Mens World Champs race in its entirety here. Page was sooooo close to winning that thing, one bobble on a steep up and that was it, he had a 3 to 4 second gap on most of the last lap, crazy. Oh yeah, Bart Wellens is still a wuss.

Booked my travel for NMBS 1 in Phoenix, exercise the demons of the dislocated shoulder I will. I did not do the frozen hog, I was sawing logs at start time. I don't need any excuse to try too hard in February, plus I woulda had to race against Bart, Sager and Fox among others.

Looking into getting a set of these built up for the hardtail with Stans rims, should be sweet.

I have successfully lost my digital camera, so no pictures, but who wants to see pictures of me riding a trainer, I mean, if you are that interested, I'll give you my address and you can join me in the basement, however it has been warm enough in SLC to ride outside.

I have noticed a proliferation of Blogs discussing how cold it is, Not that I am an award winning scribe, but, um, yeah, it is winter, it gets cold sometimes.

3.5 weeks to the first race. There is a south wind, the smog has kind of lifted, but eff it, I'm heading south, cause, you know, it is cold out.

The Knapp got hitched

So,

Thursday was boys night out, Sushi followed by FastCart, tame bachelor party for sure. Friday, Nathan and Cami got hitched. Went to dinner with them afterwards, it was nice, I am so happy for them. Wonder when the first kid will arrive?

Lyna got the stomach flu, had a rough night, went to work then turned around and came home and slept all day.

I hit the gym and then went for a nice 1.5 hour ride, outside, it was over 40, nice.

John Page and his entourage certainly have some scuffles don't they? I think at either the Worlds or a world cup before that his wife was knocked in the head.

Crazy euro's

Southern Utah, Again

Headed down to Dixie early Friday, Chris and Kathy, Ty and Meg. We made it down in time for a oce 2 hour out and back on Stucki, Saturday we slept in, and Chris, Kathy and I met up with Fox and Sarah for a Goulds, Jem Hurricane rim loop. I hit the wall around 2:15 in so the last 45 minutes was a bit slow. Otherwise it was a great ride and as Fox says, I was ripping the DH. Well most of it.

Sunday we all went out and hit Gooseberry, a nice 2 hour joyride. So close to 7 hours in 3 days, sun, warmth and good friends, although those Sherwins need some Beano.

Awesome USA results at CX worlds. Wellens is a puss though. First he says

"The jersey went to the wrong person, he shouldn't have won it even though he's a teammate. He deserves to be on the podium but the other guys don't," Wellens said.

Now he is suing the organizers of the race and his team is lodging a complaint with the UCI.

Yep, I'm going to sue Ohran, cause the mud at UTCX #2 in Ogden kept me from winning, yep those guys in front of me didn't deserve to win, yep thats it. Victory by litigation, what a puss.

Guilt Sets in

Sunday night made it to PC for X-Dance's screening of Klunkerz. Met up with the Sherwin's, The Chad and his coworker. Took extra long to get to PC as there was a NASTY wreck on I-80. The documentary was pretty cool, lots of herbage smoked in those days, some local DH'ers I know would be psyched. In the small world of the WWW somehow Charlie Kelly found my blog and posted a comment, one of the originals, Marin County Repack'ers, pretty interesting. He 'promoted' the races, put up prozes (smokables) and helped create MTB racing as we know it, Charlie, it could use some help today, there are promoters out there ruining it, while there are promoters out there pushing it forward. USA Cycling has given too much power to a select group of promoters, whio in turn have too much influence on the sport. But I digress. Gary Fisher was at the show, full on Leather suit, ooh, that's gross. I mean, Leather? Come on. I think the rest of the guys, Breeze, Cunningham, Ritchey, etc.. would be wearing jeans and flannel, more my speed, Leather suit, nasty.

So onto the guilt. Monday night i hit the rainer for like an hour, easy spin, trying to get my legs unsore. Afterwards I watch absolutely the worst movie ever on pay per view and binge on Hot tamales, I have been so good about my Hot Tamale problem, I just had a moment of weekness. Then last night after Lyna and I beat ourselves into oblivion at the gym, I came home after a Noodles and Co. dinner and binged on a whole box of Fiddle Faddle.

Well maybe, just maybe my body is lacking in preservatives and sugar, so I have been binging on what I need, yeah, thats it.

Off the St. G this weekend for some ridin with Ty, Meg, Kathy and maybe Chris. Good times.

Should I get a computrainer??

So, this weekend was kind of interesting. First, I felt human again and was able to hit the gym, boy am I sore, also I hit the trainer for some good hours.

Friday night I went to the Revolution/Wasatch Running Tri team fit event. BP, Toni, Kim and eventually Rich were there. I don't run, don't swim, but I was recruiting MTB'ers, not much luck, but Swatch is in. So Dave H was there, had a good time talking to him about racing, results and training. I have some interest in Training with Power, using power zones as apposed to HR zones. I have been reading this book and it has much power focus. Now the cost of this thing is kind of scary. The least amount of cash you can lay down for a useful power tool is around 1500. The Computrainer is a great tool, gives you lots of options and entertainment on a screen for you winter basement blues, but then when it gets warm out, you will want something for the training bike as well, that means another 1000 for a powertap hub. Getting expensive now. You could just get the power tap on the trainer but then you don't get the entertainment and such. Or maybe I should just stick with HR. Ah toys, they are fun.

Saturday night I went to the RMCC team meeting. They are being sponsored by Revolution this year, so I thought I would go make some connections, we are working out a swap of riders who crossover from road to mtb or mtb to road. should be good.

Probably heading to PC tonight for a screening of Klunkerz tonight. Maybe I will heckle GF.

Coming out of the fog

First, thanks to Reed, I got a better format for the blog, K-Day, I will work with you for something more complex soon. Fox, i stole the pic from you, i tried using Bart's template for mine, and maybe it was cause i was sick, but man i fouled it up good.

I have been sicker than I can ever remember. Went to the Doc on Friday and found out it is Bronchitis, got a script, but she said not to fill it unless i did not feel progressively better over the weekend, which I have, still got a wicked cough though, absolutely no training going on during this time. Lots of TV, Mucinex, water and soup. Food has been a chore, I think I have by default hit some sort of Soup, juice fast, like all the other freaky cyclist diets people are trying out there. I may have stones, tapeworm, or a mile of crap built up in my system, but I gotta tell ya, food is good, cyclist need energy, if it works for you, great, I am not gonna even step into that world.

Team Revolution sponsors have all lined up for 2007, looks to be another break out year. The Elite team will contain some of the State and Countries fastest pro's, 3 pro men, 2 pro women, 1 semi pro and 4 of us 'Master' racers.

Hope everyone avoids the gack i got.

I have so fouled up my blog

So anyone who cares to help a brother out with this, I swear I got something in it for you.

Old revolution jerseys, used icup t-shirts/socks

I want the blog to be in team revolution colors. Light blue dark blue and orange.

I would like this photo as my header. can some one help a brother out?????

I never get sick...

Fateful words, uttered by moi last Thursday at a work lunch. I really rarely, if ever get sick, but Friday i started feeling a bit crappy and by Sunday I was full on hammered by something. Finally made it to work today but still in some sort of haze, It has been over 4 years since I have been hit this hard, sucks. No training happening while the body repairs itself. The fever broke, twice, yesterday. Luckily St. George is cold this weekend, so a training trip will be postponed till the next weekend.

4 days of doing nothing but watch tv and attempt to tell myself that i was healthy, drove me insane.

I was unable to eat well the whole time, mostly because i had no energy or wherewithal to make anything.

I am ready to get on with it though. Big hours coming up, i might even use that Solitude pass this weekend.

Fluids, lots and lots of fluids.

This morning i heard an awesome story on NPR, about Birmingham-Southern College. That is a sign that some people still believe in doing the right thing. They saved money, they had higher enrollment, they have more diversity and they have more sports, by saying no to the downward spiral that is D1 sports in modern America.

It is scary that cycling is put forth as a den of dopers when D! sports in America is full of thieves and liars. The same holds true with Pro sports in America. The dollar corrupts, those of us who participate as a passion for little or know monetary benefit are the last hope for the sporting life.

We have to start taking it back.

Southern Utah Whirlwind

Headed to Saint George Thursday after work with BZ and Swatch. The drive down was uneventful until abotu 50 miles north of Beaver, it took us over an hour to get that far. Finally made it to Saint George and the sweet condo Swatch set up for us.

Friday was a ride from the condo, to the race course, down the barrel trail, down the Bear Claw Poppy trail (with 20mph tailwinds) then back to the condo . Fox came with us and got some photos.









Swatch some how got 3 guys to go see a chick flick, on the premise it was a comedy. Oh dear lord is all I can say.

Saturday the plan was to do Goulds/Jem/Hurricane rim, We were to meet Newby, Larson and sons, BZ and Fox were going to ride out, we got bout an hour delay on the start and when Swatch and I made it to the trailhead there were 50mph winds, the Larson's had already gone, we went and picked BZ and Fox up, met up with Bucky and headed out to Little Creek, wel we got close to little creek and it was way too cold, so we drove back to Santa Clara, met up with Danny and did the Barrel Roll Trail. It was a blast, reminded me of cottonwood in Vegas, desert singletrack with a few techy areas, 1.5 hours later and everyone but me and Danny went for the Stucki connect. I went back to the Condo for relaxation and more importantly, Food.









Sunday we woke up kind of early, cleaned up the condo, and headed out to Gooseberry, met up with Doug Rock, Vegas Brad, Morgan Harris and a crap load of Loganites. Rolled around and played for a few hours, riding the Hard Tail on Gooseberry works a body good. I do love that place for sure. We ate some sandwiches and drove back to SLC for New Years eve. It was a great time.










Here is a video short of Fox's Golf ball score taken during an Evening With the Godfather interview

End of year

I am a sheep I will follow, well maybe I am more like cattle. I am keeping it bike related though. my life is surrounded by bikes and bike people. It helps keep me sane after crappy days/weeks at work. It keeps me healthy and fit, it keeps me smiling, and crap, somehow I have gotten kind of good at it. Before the best of, I want to thank some people.

Lyna- She has put up with me and my 'hobby' for years, she has embraced it, only to have school remove it from her, without her I could not do it., thank goodness school is over and she can ride/race again.

Brad P and Rich A. - Teammates and competitors, we end up pushing each other to our limits race in and race out, only making us faster, Here is to many more years of it (except in 2008 ill be jumping to 40+, hurry up)

Happe - For giving the team what it needed to grow

Pilling and Larson - For continuing that.

Keating, Twitchie, and the rest of the shop - For keeping the bikes running, the dirty jokes flowing and the joy that this lifestyle is alive.

Ty - You bastard, I blame this obsession on you. Like 4 years ago you said, Bob, you should get a coach. Well I paid you back with a job in hell.

BZ - for letting us witness the Courtship of the Ford Cycling Team (at least a small part of it), for riding, rapping, texting, bbqing, etc...

Chad W.- For letting me pass you, occasionally.

Jen and Shannon - for waving every day as I rode past on 17th east and the bloodied knee warmer.

Warren - for assuring that the rest of us would never have a mechanical in 2006

Chad H. - for some awesome close battles in a few races. I especially like the uphill, switchback endo at Solitude.

Ed C. - Awesome MTB race series

Matt O - Awesome CX race series

Mark/Kip et al - Awesome weekday series

Team Revolution - another year of greatness

The Sherwin's - For taking me to the ER, for making me laugh, for giving us the inside view of a top pro and her bitch.

Too many others to mention, i could go on and on, but on the the best of 2006,

Best MTB Race of 2006:
Have to go with Solitude, I took third behind Zenger and Fox. I love that course.

Best CX Race of the year:
UtahCX race #2 Ogden, the first race was a climbers course, so my result there was good, but 3rd on a flat course was awesome.

Best Race I Didn't race in:
Utah CX #8, Watching Lyna take 2nd and Kracht take 3rd was a blast.

Best Race Road trip:
Jackson Hole, without a doubt, BZ, Jones, Sue, Chad, Warren, nice condo, 2 days, 3 races, Wind cave hike, all around good times (except for Sue's collarbone)

Best non-race, non-bike trip:
Toss up between dad's 70th B-day ad Todd's wedding in Gig Harbor, Wa.

Best Overall moment with Lyna:
Toss up between her finish at thee100 50 miler/ Her finish at the Deer Valley Marathon or her face when she saw her Xmas present.
How awesome is it that she is as painfully obsessed with the same 'hobby' that I am?

Saddest moment:
When BP called and let me know about Stan's passing, so young, so full of life. It is with me almost every day.

Best Race Venue:
I'm going to have to say that Brian Head is my favorite, at this point 2007 looks to be a void in the Brian Head fun I have had for the last 6 years, a shame, i love that place.

Worst Race Venue:
I have to admit that the Thanksgiving Point Race course was evil, flat, horribly flat, windy, dusty, ouch. Thank goodness the 2007 Stan Crane Memorial race is in corner Canyon.

Heading to Saint George this weekend to ride dirt and stay dry, have a Gluckliche Neue Jahr.

He is Back

How lovely

Merry New Year

Yet, if i google my name

Books on hydroponics

FAA reports

Dog show results (ok thats my mom and dad, and yes, even though they say it doesn't the movie hits the nail on the head, i am sure there are far more freaks in cycling though)

Ooh, previous life news story,
scroll down to Libraries available to staff in a snap' oh my life was easy then.

So Cycling, Dogs, Hydroponics, Aviation and Library stuff, that is the bulk of my returns in Google.

OK winter sucks, maybe i should go get a split board and hit the back country with Rich.

I think i may buy it just for shits and giggles

This is pure Sly Fox'ish . I mean it has to be worth at least twice as much as my signature.

Sister makes it big

But really how many people in the world can type their name in ebay and get hits? I can't, oh let me see, nope nothing.

I should go hoome now. Some one has to work though, Rich???

Final CX race

Utah CX series ended yesterday in Ogden. I was a spectator again. Lyna had a good race going in a group of 4 women a few seconds behind the leader, she was looking strong and then halfway through the race she had a little tree introduction, took her awhile to get back in the party, but she ended up 5th in the race and 3rd overall in the series. Team Revolution took the team championship for the 2nd year.

Spent the rest of the evening playing monopoly. I think we all cheated when we were younger, as we played for 3 hours, some had lots of properties, some had less, in the end it was only clear that Knapp had more money. I think we could of played for 12 hours and got nowhere. Muc better than video games.

Today went out for a nice 20 mile ride before the rain came. I have determined it is better to be a bit too warm on these easy rides than it is to be too cold.

Photo stolen from Wasmund













There was some shootin goin on at the venue (stolen from Wasmund)













Team Revolution took the team trophy for the second year straight. (stolen from Wasmund)












Team revolution gathered quite a large amount of hardware at the awards.

Training, finally

Training starts this week, i was about to grow roots into the couch, plus the boredom lack of exercise brings is deadly.

Saturdays UtahCX #8 was a good time, didn't race, but cheered on every race and helped set up a little bit.

This is an awesome picture (stolen from Steve Wasmund)














Lyna ripped it up for 2nd place, the first lap traffic jam at the run up let the winner get away.

Team Revolution is killing the team points, several people close to the top in their categories as well. 1 CX race to go.

This picture (Again stolen from Wasmund) is pretty sweet. (not to mention the symbolic nature of the whole thing)