Stan Crane Memorial 2009

I spent a lot of time in the 2 weeks prior to the race riding the course, mostly to dial in the Ghost Falls DH. Also because the trails are so dang fun. I actually almost went 3 weeks off the road bike. Boffeli said something like, welcome to the right way.

So first I want to thank Ed, Sue all the volunteers for their long day of smiles and good attitude. Then I want to thank Ken Murdoch, he is one of the reasons the trail system in Draper is what it is and will be what it is for years to come, He was out there at 4am checking conditions and rallying his troops to remark and man the course when it needed to be changed to protect the trails.

So Lyna and I show up to the venue at 6:45, Keating tells us 1 hour delay, I'm like, well, ok, no problem, then I send out a team email and a txt message for as many as I could. Then the course changed once and then twice and I was glad, cause we gotta protect the trails. Then the new course was all sandy soil and would hold up even if it rained again. Ed also decided to do 2 waves, which was a great thing, but meant Experts and Pro's would not go off till after 1, 5 hours after the planned start. Of well Whitney Pogue made some awesome oatmeal rasberry snacks, which helped keep me Carbed up. I got in a 2nd warm up 2 hours after the first and we started a bit after 1. 3 seven mile laps were on tap.

Ribonucleic got the hole shot with me on his wheel under the tunnel, I then went the front and got passed by Chris B and BK on the first short double track. I got to the rolling single track and let up a bit to recover from the start effort and Sam got by me, the 1 mile double track down hill seemed to take and eternity, into a head wind, Tim W got by me here, the 1 mile double track climb with a tail wind was a god send, and my best race section all 3 laps. Ribonucleic was on my wheel a bit up the first time, but I kicked in a small attack and separated myself. Tim was still close ahead but we were already catching other categories, making it difficult to close the gap n singletrack.

On lap 2 up the double track climb I was right on Tim's wheel going into the singletrack and we got separated a bit here. Finally on lap 3, on the first doubletrack section, I was passing utmtb.com Mikey and he said Go Bob!! This foiled my evil, sit on Tim's wheel unannounced plan' and I had to attack, I put in a bout a 30 second big ring effort and passed as many other categories as I could, hoping to pull back the top 3, alas, I came in 4th. Good news was that I charged on the last lap, instead of fading.

The course was fun, although I want to race the planned course. The post race BBQ was good and fellowship as always was good.

Congrats to cavey on his second win.

Everytime I was climbing, I ws thinking of Stan. I wish the Pillings coulda been there, stupid immigration laws.

Hammerfest at the Holler

I love this race course, it is hard, real hard, dizzy hypoxia inducing hard.


Ooh, I am sure that everyone knows my race strategy now that they will all start beating me. (kidding)

We had about 15+ at the start, I went hard, uh, yeah, really, and went into the short singletrack first.

Chris B passed me and Jack D was on my wheel. We started opening up a gap on the group with Chris about 10 seconds up and Tim WHite about 10 secs behind Jack and I, Chris had a skipped gear and Jack and I went around him, soon after he caught us again. Jack and I dropped off the top together and I saw Tim W go down on a hi speed corner while he was trying to catch us, at the lap Chris was 20 seconds up and Jack was 5 or so up on me. We had a very large gap at this point on the group. Chris and Jack started extending their gap on me, so I settled in and hped for the best. I started passing lots of 19-29'ers and 30-39'ers and just kept chugging, the course makes it easy to see well behind you and I saw no one in my group coming. I held it together on the 3rd lap with very little let down compared to previous races, I was cathcing Ryan K from Kuhll and used that as a carrot, he was using it as a rabbit. A bit before the single track climb at the top a Kuhl rider on a single speed motored past me and I noticed his tag showed he was in my category, crazy, I could not hold his wheel and in the end I finished 4th, still happy, the corner has been turned as expected.

I hit the Draper course again today, met up with team Shannifer and Brian in the middle of their 5.5 hour ride to show them around, that course is a blast!

'Group RIde'

We handed out Team Revolution Peak Fastener Kits at the shop last night, plan was to then do a jaunt up to the Temple Quarry trail and back. Ty and Ryan were planning on riding corner canyon and no one besides BZ and I showed up to ride so BZ and I decide to go with the corner canyon option. Ryan was going to meet us at the EQ center at 7, Ty went home to get changed and get his Scalpel. He shows back up at the shop at 6:35. I estimated around 45 minutes easy pace to teh EQ, well Ty had other plans, it took us about 21 minutes to get to the eq. Ty led from the shop to 123000 south on 700 east, we averaged about 29mph in that stretch. Then we climbed clarks (heckled some teamates building the beginings of a new trail) Then climbed halfway up Jacobs ladder and descened that and ghost falls, checking out, but not riding the wall (part of the Icup course) We then made it back to the EQ and BZ< Ty and I had to ride back to the shop, BZ started the attacks on 1300 east, and Ty followed, I just tried to hang on, then I made an attack on Pioneer road and just prayed to get caught soon. Ty and BZ then just pulled my old ass in the rest of the way.

I was gonna hit the mid week race tonight, but not now, got a good enough workout in last night.

stealing from the rich

Sherwood Hills was on the old course, as the snow had melted away, good times.  I showed up at 9 am to support Revolutions lone beginner and to hang out with Ryan et al.

Ty, Kelly, Greg, Jeremy, Justin and I went out and did a lap of the course for a warmup. It was in good shape. And the weather was in the mid 50's to 60's perfect for racing.

I think there were around 12 or so expert 40+ at the start line, we hit the start loop at a good clip and I am on the front, Tim comes around me a bit later then halfway through the first lap BK is with us, we have a gap on the group, at least I think we did.  BK comes around me on the last short up before the single track DH, Tim comes around me on the dirt road dh and we put a gap on BK, he then just motors past us on the start of the climb, I try to keep Tim in site. On lap 2 I let off the gas a bit as I wanted to hold some reserves (ha) Tim was about 30-45 seconds ahead of me here. Halfway through lap 3 I see the under armor wearing guy, but I gap him in the single track, He motors past me on the climb to the lap spot, I am now in survival mode. Halfway through lap 4 DC catches and passes me pretty much exactly where he did last year, I am in the 22-32 and suffering.  Several of the 30-39 racers I passed passed me back like I was standing still.

Lap times (main lap not including start loop or finish twisties)

23

24:30

26

28+

The lap has no place to hide or recover. Around 500 feet of climbing in  less than 2 miles, then most of the descending is broken up between short hi speed double track and pedally twisty single track and the false flat down hill.  I was good until about 1:10 into the race, that is when my HR and speed took a dive and I was in survival mode.

Right on track.

BK is a mutant, I won't even mention what he ate not 45 minutes before our start.

I did a 3 hour ride from home to shoreline from zoo to city creek, up to the antennas and home, got a real good sunburn, worked in the yard and now I am blown, oh and 1-800flowers failed, my mom did not get her flowers, crap.

In other news the Solitude Mid week series will be back, Wednesdays this year, first 4 races at Round Valley area starting May 27th, last 6 at the 'Tude.  The website will be updated soon.

I still don't have any more news on the Labor Day weekend endurance race, as soon as I do, I'll let ya know.

Ouch

Intervals, the doctor says they are boring and dumb, he may be right, did two 10 minute pushes tonight and tasted blood, got dizzy and overheated, ran into Mikey as he was heading down from Big Mt.

Tailgated a group of Ski/Utah and Visit Salt Lake riders up most of EMi before I hit the first effort.

My power tap hub is loose, way to loose to be riding for 2+ hours.

All the while Lyna and Nathan were building a fence in my backyard, guess I should go make dinner.

And Go.........

Woke up this am, checked the doppler and saw the big green blob covering most of Utah. Told my self, it will be ok and laid down for another 30 minutes. @ 7:45 BZ calls and asks if i am still in, I say of course, he asks what I am doing, I say making waffles, he asks where, I say at home, he asks when I plan on leaving, I say oh @ 8:30. He says, um the race is at 10, I say I know..... oh shit. 50 minute drive and not quite ready, well Lyna helps me rally and I am out the door by 8:05.

It was raining, driving past Draper on I-15 was dry, Keating texts me to say Wet and Sloppy, heading west of Lehi it is dumping rain, like tropical island down pour, The car in front of me is close to hydroplaning, I see Ty headed the other direction, he calls and said they may delay, shorten or postpone till Sunday(unlikely). I keep going, about a mile from the venue the clouds are higher, and lighter, but still raining. About 9:30 word comes down that we will do one lap on a 5ish mile course starting at 11, then it stops raining, at 10:30 it changes to same lap counts as regular race but on the 4-5 mile course. I warm up a bit on the trainer and just chill a bit, cause who knows what will happen in these conditions.

We start ON time, heck half the expert 30-39 group misses their start. There are about 10 of us 40+ experts. I line up on the second row, to stay on a good line, off the start the guy in front can't get in his pedal and then spins out in mud, so i am in last, I find a line on the right side and motor to the front halfway up the first short climb. A bit later I understand Sam and Dr X are on my wheel and we have a large gap on the field. Sam gets past me around halfway through the first lap, I just keep going at my pace, The first 2/3rds of the course were fine, climb@ 300 feet in 1.5 miles then descend. Most of the descent was fast, flowy and tacky, but there were 2 sections at the end that were bad, a flat 1/8 mile bog down and a puddle ridden slick 1/4 mile. I cleaned all of it though. first lap 3.16 miles, @14 minutes. Rich C was about 20-30 seconds back from me, Sam was about 20-30 ahead. Halfway through lap 2 we are already catching beginners, sam is on the side of the trail with a flat. I have caught all but the top 3 30-39'rs. Second time through the bog was brutal, lappers walking in the middle, but I cleaned it again. Lap 3 may have been my fastest, i burned all my matches on the climb and cleaned the bog easily (it had firmed some) the puddly section was rough, Blaney was taking lappers out in front of me and I was laughing so hard I almost ate it.

Came through with my first 2009 win in about 45:30. I need more 45 minute races this time of year.

Lots of flat tires today, weird, then post race, the sun came out, and it warmed up, figures. Lots of regulars where scared away by the weather. Don't really blame em, except for all the CX'ers, chickens.

Pictures when I get em, they should be good.

What a difference a day makes

About 20 of us lined up for the XC race Sunday. As KC and Karl say, Ed spoils us with his organization, entry fees and customer service. From the start I had nothing to give, just stayed towards the back and hoped that I would surge towards the end if the race. Yeah, that did not happen. Rot gut and in turn rot legs made for a long day. I thought that I would just have fun, but that did not happen. I finished 19th, pretty sure that was dead last, packed up and headed home. I had to stop in Price and take a nap, then when I got home I went straight to bed and stayed there for about 16 hours. Not sure if it was something I ate or a touch of a flu.

Oh well, next time.

Wabbitt Vallweee Time Twial

18 minutes and some change of fun. Was trying to go sub 18 but too short of a warm-up, bad line on a ledge step up and, oh, yeah, my legs and lungs kept me from it. Good enough for 2nd. I am amazed at how hard it is for my mind to get itself wrapped around that short of a solo effort. Am I going too hard? too easy?? Crazy. We went off in 1 minute intervals and I caught my minute man about 1/3 of the way in, then no one, cause there were 3 ghosts between him and the next guy, who won. It should be said that all the ghosts were likely due to the fact that many front rangers got stuck on the wrong side of the I-70 closure. Fun 4.11 miles.

Tomorrow is a one big loop 30 mile XC race, I have ridden about 3 miles of it, so yeah, I'm ready.

This is what I know

1. Zoo to Red Butte was sweet this evening, damp and tacky and empty. I am sure it is the same all the way to Dry Creek.

2. There will be Pain in Fruita Saturday and Sunday, I will get to meet a few of my GT Dirt Coalition teammates there.

    I will be chasing wabbit's in the valley Saturday and sunday 

3. For all the endurance junkies, more info

    a. Race date is planned for September 5th.

   b. Point to Point race in Park City 

   c. 70-100 miles TBD

    d. All of this is 99% for sure, will be 100 in a week or so

JZ, that should work for ya.

5:30 ride was good

Had to get in a few hours pre storm, ended up going medium hard since it was 50 watt, Fred and I. Fred was bringing the heat. We rode to the top of Bobsled and reversed course back to the zoo, for about 15 miles of dirt. Lots of people out there, the ride had its share of carnage,  Iwas trying to grind up the mini spine above red butte and bounced out of my pedal or on a rock or something. at a dead stop my left leg collapsed under me and the bike with a 45%+ slope dropping 100 feet next in my day, luckily Fred helped me right my self before i did any damage. I did get some nice Crank Bro's scrapes on my calf, no worry.

Then on teh top of Bobsled some guy was running up the banned bikes trail, Fred asked him how it was, he said Bikes are banned, Fred said, ok, so did you come over from the other trail, he said yes, bikes are banned, Fred said, ok, so how is it? The guy goes into some tirade and runs off?????? So much for small talk.

We then decided maybe we should of called him an a-hole or something. Then we burned it back to the zoo. Good Times,

Monday Evening Dirt

5:30 at the Zoo trail head.

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Fitty Watt may grace us with his presence. GO as far as we can before hitting mud. Hopefully all the way to City Creek.

Broke Down Automobile

So on Sunday Erika, Ken, Billy, Ryan K, Doug, Erich and I met in Bloomington on the bottom of Bearclaw Poppy. We headed out to Stucki Springs, Doug spent the day on Bear Paw. At the Top of Stucki we turned Erich around to go find his dad. The rest of us made our way via double track over to Barrell Roll. We then turned around and made it back to the cars in 3 hours of good, fun riding. The Bottom of Beaclaw is choppy from impatient mud riders, a bit rough on the descent.

We headed to In & Out for Lunch and while leaving saw Mr. Hales going in who told us he rode Gooseberry and the road was dry. Oh well.

Somewhere around mile marker 35 heading up towards Cedar City the engine just gave out, came back, gave out, So Erika and I were burning up the breakdown lane at 45mph till the Ranch Exit and MM36.

I called Steve Hales to see if he could pick Erika up, he did. I then called Danny, good friend, rider, racer, and boarding house for pro's who also happens to be a mechanic. He told me to try and make it back to St G and otherwise he would come get me. I made it to right before the Leeds exit before it started acting up again, so I took the frontage road to Quail Creek and then Telegraph to Danny and Kim's house. We went for a drive to show Danny what was up and then rode our bikes to a neighbors house for dinner.

We woke up early on Monday and headed over to Danny's work and hooked the computer up to the car and figured out the problem. VTEC has a screen, that was clogged and when the cam was trying to switch, the oil pressure didn't change so the computer shut the engine down.
So he cleaned it out, changed the oil and put in a good oil filter and new air filter, we tested it all again and it was all good to go (Element and other VTEC engine owners, use good Oil Filters)

So I went to get some lunch and headed over to Prospector and Church Rocks for a bonus desert ride.

The Zaskar on Church Rocks

Bad self portrait

I then drove home, this view in Utah county about 45 miles from home always seems unreal to me.
So, really, the whole experience further illustrates what Bike racing REALLY means to me. Community. The Community that is there for each other, has fun and helps each other when needed. Yes, we all want to go faster and win, but the question I have for you is whether or not the community is more important?

Cholla Challenge

This years version of the Cholla Challenge was built to bit a bit shorter than years past. 7.1 mile laps instead of 11-12 mile laps. The promoter linked up familiar trails and double track to make a very fun course. I must say, I have never considered this race fun. Today I did. The all day rainstorm on Friday made the course firm and fast, all the sandy sections were rideable and not energy sucking. The course still required pedaling 95% of the time, very little recovery available

We had around 15 people in the Expert 40+ group and it was going to be fast. I took off in 3rd position and made it to the initial slick rock climb still in 3rd. BK got around me here and Tim and Karl were with me. Chris B got by me a bit later. I rode the rough baby head double track smooth and Was sure I flatted in the dip the claimed many a rider today. I caught a Red Rock rider soon and Tim, Karl and I rode to gether to the lap zone, I put in a little gap on them and Tim crawled his way back to me. Tim and I were never more than 30 feet apart, surging and slowing on different sections we where stronger on. I had a plan to hold him off in the end.

3rd lap started and I was still feeling good, Tolbert, racing 19-29 gave me a pull for a bit and Tim was still right there. About 2 iles left in the race I was feeling a bit worked, but still able to turn the pedals well. Tim joked about holding hands over the finish line. About a mile left in the race and my legs were done, immediatley Lynda came blowing by me, she was flying, as the race was about 8 hours shorter than she is used to. I tried to hold her wheel, couldn't. Another 40+ rider passed me and I ended up in 6th. Only about 5 minutes down on the winner though, better than the 10 minutes at the Rampage. The heart rate track dives in the last mile of the race, better than the last 5 miles though.

Still look to be on track for the season fitness wise, the course does not play to my strengths, with it's short climbs and no recovery. Very happy with the result regardless of the last mile melt down.

Congrats to BK for the win on his rigid single speed no less.

The Zaskar ran flawlessly, fast and zippy and the carbon smoothed out the rough stuff. Very please with the machine. Having run a full squishy for the last year I was worried about the affect in the rough stuff, barely noticeable really, and so responsive when accelerating.

(photos coming)

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Dis whether, she maka me no happie

Well at least it should be sunny and warm all weekend in hurricane for the race and ridin.

Did 3 minute intervals up emigration today, got a rear flat on the roadie after the first, made the final 2 lessons in low motivation, at least the first one was good,

I keep trying to do intervals up emi, I keep remembering why I don't after the first try, too many flat and downhills on the way up makes it hard to keep the power up. Mill Creek is next.

Dr. X and Cavey (holy crap he actually updated his site) are bailing on the MTB race so they can race in circles, at least it should be entertaining, cold and wet this year.

Daren  and Rico (cause he is afraid to get cold) are at least trying to make it to the MTB race.

Kathy had a good race at the Pro XCT opener. She will be drinking the blood of her rivals within a month, guaranteed, I'm calling a Sea Otter podium for sure.

Everyone, repeat after me

'CRITS ARE STUPID'

Thank You.

Zaskar in

I got the bike built up with some lighter-personal preference parts. Had a rear de issue yesterday, today got her out for the maiden voyage. 2+ hours on Pavement, The ride was good, the remote lockout for the fork is sweet, the frame is zippy out of the saddle. Me likey.

I did a 20 minute effort up millcreek and froze my behind off on the way down. Saw Samurai, Jz, Tayler, Dave and many others out there (apparantley I saw S-BO as well, he said so when he came by to borrow the official MTBRACENEWS camera for the Fontana Pro XCT). Also check out MTBRACENEWS brand new, sweet race calendar. If you don't see your race or series on there, contact shannon at shannon@mtbracenews.com

A week away is the next entry in the intermountaincup, the ever lovely Cholla Challenge, supposed to be a bit shorter thi year, so maybe I won't have to pee 5 miles from the finish like last year. I just want to laugh at Brad.

Come hang out with me at the Dirt Coalition Tent post race. Please, I need friends.   

(that's not me in the photo) 

I'm selling stuff

Go here to read up, more stuff may be added.

The page has an e-mail link if interested in anything.

New bike is built swapped out some stuff to make it lighter, have a saddle on the way and will swap stems once I get the fit right. Comes in about 21.5 with UST rear tire. That'sa nice.

Weekend of dry dirt and wind

I made it home from NYC a bit before midnight Thursday night, worked Friday and then got a nice 2 hour shoreline loop in. Legs felt fine and the cold was gone and the elevation change had no effect.

Friday night watched the series finale of BSG, good stuff.

Saturday met up with Shannon, Jen, E-Pow, Kathy and Brian for 3- 4 hours of dirt action. We all agreed we were going easy, yeah right.... We saw Train and Rachel above Research Park, Cavey above the U, ran into BZ on Big Bertha, he turned around and joined us . Saw Superfly and Rhonda above Bobsled. We climbed up above ensign peak then dropped down to Bountiful, realizing that we then had to climb back, into the head wind, BZ bailed and went home. The DH into City creek was a blast, I then bailed onto home for a nice even 3 hour ride, while the rest climbed back towards the zoo.




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Sunday woke up and decided to hit the shoreline again before the storm, I almost got blown over several times in the cross wind, but made it home after 2 hours in one piece.

A few days of moisture and the trail will be ready come Saturday to put the Zaskar on dirt.

Not so much...

Training this week, got a lot of walking and 30 minutes on a hotel stationary bike, not so bad coming off a cold though, should make up for it the next 3 days.

All my GT stuff is showing up, the canopy showed up earlier this week, my team kit and swag shows up today and the bike is on its way too.

I will likely have a bunch of bike parts and a Scalpel up for sale soon. I am going to start a For Sale blog.

Below is the view of the Empire state building from my hotel room. Crappy camera phone.

Cross training in Manhattan....

I'm serious, it is possible and effective and the recovery food is excellent.

GT Dirt Coalition

2009 looks to be a good year, I will be riding a premier carbon hardtail, one that Alison Dunlap rode it's ancestor to the 2001 World Championship.

Look for the Pop up tent at the Cholla Challenge, come say hello and get some info on GT.

clicky photo for quick news release.

Real Rampage

So, great weekend for riding, racing and relaxing. Ty and I headed down Friday morning, beat all the bad weather, checked in the COndo and then went out for a Pre-Ride. We had a huge group, we waited a few times. On the bottom of the first DH Ty and I decided to go too fast, right before the las descent into the wash climb I sliced my rear tire. Thinking that the course was not the best choice for my first attempt at running non tubeless, tubeless. Got a tube in and finished up the lap. GL and I called Keating to bring me a UST down. The front tire was sweet, Continental Protection Series Speed King. I need the rear to be UST though.

Race day, had waffles, but not with chocolate milk, big mistake.

My race started well, a lot less dicey than 2008. I settled into the top 10. Above the first wash, BK mashed on by me. Soon after so did Karl. The throttle, Tim W. and Dave (Red Rock owner) and I battled it out in close proximity for the rest of the first 2 laps. A little bit into lap 3, I heard my legs say NO MORE TODAY. So I just kept pushing, barely. Dr. X, Sam, Rich and a few others blew by me, as did several of the 30-39 riders I had passed in lap 2. I'm just glad I held Fitty Watt off.

I limped in for 12th. I did not hydrate enough, but really, the result and 3rd lap blow up are right where I need to be.

Fred and Karl were looking to have spectacular results before mechanicals took them out of contention.

Sunday we had a mass of Revolution riders and Kuhl riders on the Goulds/Jem/Hurricane rim loop. I rocked the long sleeve Masher Thermal Jersey, to pay Homage to BK's 1st place Utah Rider in expert 40+. Dave Cole and Matt Bradley even joined us. It was an awesome ride. Wedge and I then traveled back to SL County to prepare for work and snow, booooo.

So official announcements are expected this week, but a bit of a teaser preview for Bobby Fresh's big news for 2009.

Most of ya knew it already though.

Rampageee

Went from battling for 6th to 12th place on the last lap, right on target.

Lap times

30:30

31:45

37:00

Really, I felt worse than 37 on the last lap, more info to come, sleepy time.

Seriously? Your kidding me

Took off work and headed home to get some dirt in. I rode up to the zoo and then across the trail, which btw, is almost completely dry all the way to dry creek. Ran into AG at Red Butte, heading the opposite way. Turned around at dry creek and headed back the way I came, when just above the U Hospital.....

Yep, that is a dog bite. on my calf, if you clicky, it gets real biggy. Stupid owner, actually said, about his off leash dog "I thought He had gotten over that' Poor dog, stupid owner. I was pissed, asked if I needed a shot, the guy said the dog was all caught up, I rode home and cleaned it up. Stupid owner.

Tuesday Lunch Ride

Dirt, Dry, meet at the Zoo trail head, out to the base of dry creek and back. Good times, supposed to be 62, ride it before the snow flies again.

Out.

(The train rolls at noon, so don't expect the group will wait, someone has to work)

1st Shoreline Shred of 2009

Met Ty, Billy, Shannon and Brian a BluePlate. Shannon and Jen had hiked the zoo to dry creek on SAturday and found it dry, so with that Beta, we ripped it up as an out and back. Only a few damp spots and the new switchback descending to red butte and museum construction was the worst spot.Damp and or mud spots listed here.

Excited to get on the dirt, looks like I'll be hittin that up this week again, until the rain comes.

Word on the street is that there will likely be a new endurance race in Utah in the late August, early September time frame, likely run on some classic singletrack. I am still investigating and hope to see more info in the next couple of weeks, keep your calendars open.

Also, big news for Bobby-Fresh, should be announced by Thursday or Friday.

Less than a week to the Rampage. Suffer time

A nice day on the bikey

While the good doctor was making fun of me I was getting a good few hours in on the road. I headed up the back way to Mill Creek canyon, via poop (tanner) park. I did a few small intervals. I love doing intervals on 27th south, starting just east of 20th east. The speed bumps slow down the cars and I tend to freak them out. 

Headed up Mill Creek, made it to just past the inn, before my limited attire and wet roads had me turn around. 

As I was coming up on Wasatch I saw a few Revolution-Peak Fastener riders, then Thinner attacking them. Turns out he was putting the hurt on his dad and Dana Harrison and a few others, I rode with them over to the U and up into the avenues, where we ran into AG in his new colors.

We headed towards sugarhood, since he lives about 2 locks from me.

Good sunny ride. No photos, except of my new secret weapon soda.

Thums Up Taste the Thunder!!!!!

Leadville consequences

If you were planning on entering the Laramie Enduro and have not already registered, well, it is too late, there is a wait list though.

I may not be doing it, since it is the same day as the Icup finals, but i registered just in case.

Southern Ut Trip 3, Day 2

Ken, the Sherwin's and I met DJ and Quentin for dinner Saturday night, always good to see them. Bryce was supposed to have a party, but Cimaron was sickly, so dinner instead. We made plans to meet at Quentin and DJ's shop around 11:30 Sunday to head up to the Goulds, Jem, Hurricane rim area for 3 hours of fun.

We headed up to Goulds from the antenna lot, had to cut of the section from the corralls to 59, due to mud, headed down the dirt road, turned right up Jem and rode to the base of the drop off into the canyon on the upper part, turned around and bombed down Jem, a fw miles before the Hurricane rim turn pff, Quentin directed us to a stealth trail, that took us directly to Chinatown was, where hurricane rim crosses. We went on Hurrincane rim back towards the Jem and then rosad the Jem to the northern most end, turnd around and road back to the dirt road crossin, crossed 59 and then did Goulds in reverse. Instead of bombing down the Dirt road back to the cars, Quentin led us down a cow path, we got fresh tracks on a soon to be nice trail.

31 miles total, 3 hours, we were all pretty shot. My arms are ink from sunburn.

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South Utah trip 3, day 1

Ken and I took off outa SLC at 7:30 am and met up with the Sherwins around noonish and headed out for a ride.

We hit Race course, Zen and Bear Claw(Paw?) poppy down and back, good 2.5 hours of fun. I good fashion, in the last 10 mintes of the ride I smacked a rock real good and snake bit the front tire.

Suncrest in February

Ty, Ryan K., MK an I met at the shop this morning at 11 for a 2-3 hour ride. I was supposed to be doing 3x10 minute efforts, the first one was about 10 minutes in as we turned left off of 9th east in Sandyr and climbed our way up to Wasatch, in a very hard to follow way.

Ryan then dropped us all hard on the descent towards Draper on Wasatch, the headwind towards the EQ center was brutal. About halfway to the Chevron, MK bailed (something about a movie).

The head/Crosswind to the Chevron Left turn was nasty. The next 2 ten minute efforts came as part of the Suncrest Northside climb. The wind was bad, no compact crank and a 27 cassette was difficult to keep it moving forward. We lost RYan somewhere on the climb. Ty and I descended the south side, it was cold, turned around and did an easy paced climb back up.

It is good to climb, even though I thought at times I was going to have a heart attack an/or hyperventilate.

Time for a nap.

.... Meanwhile, the best quotes ever related to stolen Astana bikes

Team liaison Ben Coates of Trek said Armstrong’s bike “is the only one of its kind and can be easily spotted,” speckled as it is with the slobber of doe-eyed fanboys with man-crushes.

The others, belonging to Janez Brajkovic, Steve Morabito and Yaroslav Popovych, are indistinguishable from the jillions of other Madone 6.9 Pros ridden to mid-pack finishes in industrial-park crits worldwide by potbellied masters racers.

Pure Genius

This post puts into words things I have thought so many times, except, no mention of 29ers anywhere.

BRILLIANT

Day 3

Red Rock Cycles filled the need for a bike on Sunday. I am eternally grateful to Ryan and Doug and the rest. Kathy and I headed out to the Upper Graveyard Trail head for some exploring. We hit a lot of trails and Double track and still more trails and double track. Saw some sweet Petroglyphs. about 1,5 hours later we stopped at the car for refueling and deciding where to go. We took our time trying to find a dirt way over to the doubletrack leading to Barrel Roll, but we decided to take the road, about 15 -20 minutes later we were entering the trail.

View Larger Map

Something amazing happens on technical sections when you are a skinny XC race type and you are on a bike with trail bike like geometry, a bit more travel and 2.2 tires (and 203 rotors) WOW, I felt like a super hero, It was a blast, for the first time, I cleared everything thing on the trail without a single dab or hesitation, good times. I won't be getting rid of the Scalpel anytime soon though.

Have you ever seen a picture of yourself and thought, 'What the Hell is that?!?!?!?'

Really, what the hell?

Day 2

3 hours were on tap for today. Were to meet Newby at the race course, we get there he calls and says he did a Zen loop before meeting us but he blew up his rear derailleur and has to go to the shop to see what they can do, so Kathy and I head to Race course. Which btw, has BLM fences blocking off a few sections on the top of both road climbs, to keep ATV's out of the Stucki area, race course will have a few ne twists. We end up meeting up with Newby halfway through Zen, he was on his 29er single sppeed. Almost all the way off of Zen, he blows his rear tire, luckily a 26 inch tube works on a 29er cause he had no tube. That's 3 out of 4 rides on with a mechanical for him.

Kathy and I then went and did another race loop and went up the dirt road and dropped one of the 3 fingers of death, at the bottom of the finger, my fork was feeling odd, we rode the wash and stopped too turn around and my fork was feeling funnier. Ends up the needle bearings took a little trip out of their normal home.

Luckily Newby helped get me set up with a demo stumpjumper from Red Rock, whew.

2009 So. Ut Trip 2 Day 1

Easy one hour ride, Kathy claims I rode too hard for her recovery day, sure. Just an out and back on Prospector.

View Larger Map

Saint George Day 3 and random thoughts

1. Fitty Watt should be starting a blog pretty soon.
2. Technical tricks are easier the second time around, except some are harder because you are tired.
3. Rob was called a good boy by our server for finishing his plate at breakfast Sunday
4. Fitty Watt was cut off after 2 beers at the Olive Garden Sunday night (he did partake in some dales and chimay at the motel beforehand but really)
5. XC bikes and rims are not made for jumps on Zen trail.
6. Newby has a new baby.

Southern Ut in January

60 degrees, sunny, clear, calm. Ride.

Saturday was a large group of us, Jen, Shannon, Ty, Rob, Ken, Kelly, Mark, Alex, Greg, Jeremy and I. Race Course, Barrel Trail, Zen. good fun.

Today was a Tour of St G single track, mostly, Pioneer rim to Paradise Canyon trails to Barrel Roll. What a day, not many photos though.

Just in case you were wondering

Parley's Crossing is only about 60% ride-able and that is slow going, with mad balance skills.

Really

The last post makes sense to me, of course, I rarely get out of my head, either out of my mouth or via a keyboard, exactly what I mean, but, pffft such is life.

Contrary to anything you may believe the below post was not directed at any person, any situation, any series, any racer, any official, any promoter, any fan etc.... It was an observation and an opinion.

A good one, i might add.

A rant, of sorts

None of us have anything critical riding on racing our bikes, well, 99.9% of us don’t . The desire to win is not a critical need in our lifes (if it is for you, well then maybe you should check the counselors covered by your health insurance). Food, Shelter, Love, that is all critical.

We are all pretty passionate about our sport, yet sometimes this passion gets ugly. Elbows, Curses, Thrown bikes, Personal attacks, etc..

Another thing we seem to have a hard time with, collectively, is being excited for someone else’s success, especially if it messes with our desires for success.

Bike racing has category systems, which is a great thing, because it allows participation by large numbers of people in categories they can feel competitive in related to their DNA and ability to ride or train.

The risk in every race or series of races, regardless of whether or not there is a governing body, is that some people will not move up to the next category when it is appropriate that they do.

Some governing bodies have set forth ‘rules’ that direct people to move up based off of result and/or experience. Some series have one or 2 people who just tell racers when they nee to move up. Still other series don’t care.

As in any system it will only work if someone actually takes the time and energy to regulate it. Yep, that’s all we need is some forced upgrade committee, sitting around, deciding who goes and who stays, In reality it would end up as arbitrary as it currently is.

For bike racing to grow and sustain itself it needs to be inclusive and allow for the enjoyment of the masses. Some argue that forcing upgrades is one main way that this happens. I do not disagree that people upgrading when appropriate is critical to the sport. I do argue that the reverse is true as well. Forcing riders up, when done arbitrarily and without consistency risks losing that rider and others as well. Both sides need to be looked at before a decision is made.

We as riders should do our part.

1. Upgrade when appropriate.
2. Don’t jump to conclusions about your competition, do not assume you know how hard they are trying
3. Be nice to each other, celebrate each others successes.
4. Don’t bother the promoters with complaints; it puts them in an uncomfortable position that they have no way out that will have a positive outcome.

USA Cycling does not force upgrades either on the Mountain or on the MTB. Actually after the easy Beginner to Sport (now 3 to 2) mtb upgrade and the 5 to 4 road upgrade, all other upgrades have to be petitioned for.

We do not need more rules and regulations. We need to be adults and be happy for success of others.

Winning a race or 2 or 3 does not and should not require a rider to move up, If every rider who won more than one race would be forced up there would be few people racing. (Play the tape all the way through)

1 person wins each race, I personally have won 1 CX race in my life, a B race. This year I was close to last in every CX race, even though I was faster than the year before, with the mob forced upgrade philosophy, that should mean that I should be able to downgrade.

But, even if Ohran would let me, I won’t.

For the good Dr.

And so it begins

2009, 2.25 hours in the tank. 45 minutes at a time, lots of BG episodes to watch when the winter blows in.

Happy new year, Thursday should be a nice snowy hill climb and Saturday will be a muddy wet mess.

So I was at the Whole Foods

This evening, after dinner at Sampan with Lyna.

--side note-- Sampan used to be a regular for us, but it got old, took a few years off and have rediscovered their fresh spring rolls and hot&sour soup again, very nice.--close side note--

So, at Whole Foods, got a cart, put my 3 bags in it, pick up some pears, berries and stuff, head over to the meat counter to look around, trying to figure out something for an appetizer for Christmas Dinner Thursday. grab the cart and wander aimlessly for about 10 minutes, head back towards the meat counter, and in resignation that I was not going to figure anything out, hung my head and looked at the kiddy seat area, where I put my bags and noticed that these were in fact, not my bags, and there was some 5 pound wrapped hunk of some sort of meat in the cart and not my fruits. I looked left, then right and there was my cart, sitting all lonely. I switched carts and mumbled something to the guy behind the counter and went away from that area quickly, at least there wasn't a kid in the cart. With new found excitement, I came up with simple, yet effective appetizer ideas and finished my shopping.

With that in mind, how the hell can In N Out claim Our American Cheese is the Real Thing when American Cheese isn't even cheese?

The following is stolen from Wikipedia

American cheese is a common processed cheese. It is orange, yellow, or white in color and mild in flavor, with a medium-firm consistency, and melts easily. It has traditionally been made from a blend of cheeses, most often Colby and Cheddar. Today’s American cheese is generally no longer made from a blend of all-natural cheeses, but instead is a processed cheese (i.e., it is manufactured from a set of ingredients[1] such as milk, whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, salt) which meets the legal definition of cheese.
The common use of the marketing label “American Cheese” for “processed cheese” combined with the prevalence of processed cheese in the U.S. compared to the rest of the world has led to the term American cheese being used in the United States synonymously in place of processed cheese. Moreover, the term “American cheese” has a legal definition as a type of pasteurized process cheese under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. The legal definition is discussed in the article on processed cheese.

Speaking of Wikipedia have you seen this?

An appeal from Wikipedia founder, Jimmy Wales

Dude, really, are you inept, insane? incredibly altruistic? I like the idea, but if you hire me for 3% of your current operating budget, I can guarantee you a steady revenue stream that will keep the lights on and provide free info to all. And the IRS won't have a problem with it either, I swear.

A Brief Literature search

Brought upon by this assault on Grape Shasta.

The author discusses the fact that when they spill diet coke, it is not sticky. Well, I'll take sticky over poison any day.

Roberts HJ. Overlooked aspartame-induced hypertension.[comment]. [Comment. Letter] Southern Medical Journal. 101(9):969, 2008 Sep.

Jacob SE. Stechschulte S. Formaldehyde, aspartame, and migraines: a possible connection. [Case Reports. Journal Article] Dermatitis. 19(3):E10-1, 2008 May-Jun.

Mortelmans LJ. Van Loo M. De Cauwer HG. Merlevede K. Seizures and hyponatremia after excessive intake of diet coke. [Case Reports. Journal Article] European Journal of Emergency Medicine. 15(1):51, 2008 Feb.

Huff J. LaDou J. Aspartame bioassay findings portend human cancer hazards. [Editorial] International Journal of Occupational & Environmental Health. 13(4):446-8, 2007 Oct-Dec.

Lim U. Subar AF. Mouw T. Hartge P. Morton LM. Stolzenberg-Solomon R. Campbell D. Hollenbeck AR. Schatzkin A. Consumption of aspartame-containing beverages and incidence of hematopoietic and brain malignancies.[see comment]. [Journal Article. Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural] Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 15(9):1654-9, 2006 Sep.

It goes on, some say there is negligible effect others sy there is great risk and we all have poison in our life, but I quit drinking out of those old Nalgene bottles too. I never did buy stock in Sigg though. Plus Diet coke taste like crap. Mexi Coke is the answer. Leave the Shasta alone!!!

Last week at the Tuesday lunch ride lunch replacement Dug, Brad and I were discussing workplace issues. I mentioned our lack of HR, office management and reception. We all do a little bit of our own part, late last week the dishwasher was clean, the sink filling up and a few people were taking their donated dishes home in protest. I sent out a short email Friday am stating I had 5 bucks to whomever would unload the dishwasher and had independent verification. Presto, about 10 minutes later it was empty and no one ever claimed the 5 spot, maybe cause I took them all out to lunch for the holidays, wonder what I'll have to do next time.

My last couple of posts have been Fox-Like boring.

So, in an attempt to liven things up...

I have been dreaming of surfing lately. I am way addicted to Kauai, in particular the North Shore. Something about the place further relaxes and soothes me beyond belief. I am trying, unsuccessfully, to figure out how to spend a whole lot more time there, keep my job and continue to train for mtb racing. I think maybe a couple hundred grand will do it. hmm, how to get the cash??

Every year, around this time, after hundreds of hours sent on the bike, more hours planning and traveling. More hours directing a large team and oh yeah, life in general, I wonder what the hell I do all of this for? Will I continue? What would of happened if I would of started racing at 23 instead of 33? and on and on.

I can't really answer all of the questions, but I do know a few things. I will continue to race. The years of training and racing I do have under my belt have proven to make me smarter, smarter training, smarter resting, smarter racing, smarter eating, smarter fun having. It all matters, mostly the fun.

Sunday I went up to the 'tude to ride the board. I rode the ski bus, which is always interesting. There was a guy on the bus, with new ski boots on, with the price tag and other tags still attached. He was telling a couple all about Utah skiing and his daughter kept asking him, have you skied there?, He said no to every ski resort. He then was telling the bis driver that he needed to be dropped off at the first Solitude entrance, and thought it might be helpful to give the driver directions.  I'm not judging, it was just entertaining.

Solitudes snow cover is very thin, I still found some non icy area and so soft snow off the sides, I tried out the new Apex and Moonbeam lifts, which are both bearable now in time and comfort. Still 2 new moonbeams in like 3 years, someone made a big mistake.  I like being on the mountain, I like riding in powder, but really, I just don't so much like snowboarding otherwise. I know the answer is likely to get a split board and do some self propulsion up some safer peaks, but 500-1000 bucks for a board, 300 bucks for a Pieps and them some, really cuts into my 2nd home in Hanalei fund. Then come January, I will be heading to St G or Vegasss for 3 day weekends of dirt and it won't matter again.

Good job to everyone at nationals. Ali, I know you were gracious in recounting your race to your son, but, I think it is a travesty that AJM races masters. The rules need to change, at least the same rules as Masters worlds (For short, no racey if you are in the top 200 in UCI points), It is just wrong. Same goes for the women. Ridiculous. That and I like how Tilford's category races on Friday so he can recover for Sunday. Pork Barrel promoting.

There is a real risk of cx peaking out, promoters and governing bodies need to tread lightly, move people up when it is right, keep it fun and don't let people take advantage of each other.

I bet those who race mostly on the road will not be as worried about this as those who race mostly on the MTB, because, masters MTB nationals is age categorized, but, you have to be and expert (now cat 1) If you have a pro license, sorry, you race pro. Field sizes will continue to go down at CX nationals unless this changes, just watch.  

They should also think about having ELite and Amateurs at different locations/times, so that the women and older men do not have to be all mixed together. Will it happen, well, again, if it does not, field sizes will shrink.

I'll be emailing USA cycling about this, but, they won't listen.

Wow

I use and approve of these messages.

CX Nationals Day 2

Tanner Cottle takes 18th in a stacked Junior race.

Kris Walker WINS the 45-49 Woman's Championship

Time for my Annual year in Review

Related to the Biking and all that, hopefully I won't repeat myself. 2008 was a good year for me on the bike, decent off the bike in some areas, horrible off the bike in others.

First Some stats

About 402 hours on Bike, who knows the miles, it is all about hours, quality hours.

Trainer - 23 rides for 21.5 hours, less than 1 hour average per ride, longest ride 2 hours, Nice.

Road - 78 rides for 123 hours, just over 1.5 hours per ride, longest ride 3.5 hours

MTB - 109 rides for 215 hours, Just under 2 hour average, longest ride 5.5 hours, 13 rides over 3 hours

Cyclocross-22 rides for 33 hours, 1.5 hour average, longest ride, 2 hours, pretty much every race day warm up, race, cool down. 

That adds up to 232 days on the bike, so far in 2008 and about 1.75 hours per ride. Thats how its done.

Well on to less numeric things.

1. Best Training Ride of the year. Even though it included lots of double track, 30 mph headwinds on the downhill, scary High Tension power lines and a bit of mud on Stuckey, Day 2 of Camp Lynda was awesome. Great company, good bike time and I got to know the new Scalpel very well that day. I also learned that riding without my Ergon grips was  a bad idea. a close second is the Crest-PC ride with Ty, Shannon, Jen and Carl.

2. The 2008 Paz Ortiz Nemesis of the year Award goes to Chris Bingham. With the exception of Draper(more to come) every race post my first 08 win at Soldier Hollow that both Chris and I raced in I got 2nd to his win, if he didn't show up, I won. That is good fun right there.

3. Most satisfying 2nd place of the year.  Stan Crane Memorial. While I wanted to win for Stan, BK's message was more timely, well at least the 'Win Susan' half. It was also fun to see him so psyched on his home trail. I hope to have my revenge in 09.

4. I had 2 'Perfect' races in 2008. Soldier Hollow, I went to the front early and held on to the end even though I had Jack breathing down my neck for most of the race, i kept calm and rode my race. It was nice as it came after a string of last lap blow ups. The 2nd one was the Deer Valley national. Carl V and Sam M were the only locals in my category, so the rest were unknown, I rode conservative up little stick, which is way out of character for me, passed Tim Butler on the first part of the village climb and got around another rider at the first part of the snow top descent. I rode a good second lap and caught up with Carson C from Mad Dog (in another category), and we worked together on lap 3, I gapped him on the snow top descent and went in for a victor by almost 2 minutes.

5. Least perfect and Ironic race of the year would be the Brian Head National. I love that course, one big lap, lots of elevation and fun technical downhills. Before we all headed up from Parowan for the race, Alex G was putting stans in his tires, I gave him shit for doing it so close to race time. Fore Shadowing.  Racer and I were pulling the front group back about 2/3rds or more into the race,  We start going down Dark Hollow and I rip a hole in my tire, a small, sealable hole, except there was NO STANS in my tire. A few hours later after teammate Monique gave me a tube and air I limped into the finish. Dumbass.

6. Best Race trip of the year. This is a hard one, Jackson was great, but the Gooseberry ride the day after Cholla was better.

7. CX season, wow that was hard, 2007 I could ride at the front of most of the CX races. 2008 got a lot faster. I held on as best as I could, had fun and will be back for more in 2009.

2008 could be considered my best season on the bike, multiple wins, in a hard fought competitive category. But in the end it is about having fun and meeting people. I met a lot of new people this year, made more friendships and enjoyed the community again. The trails in Draper have been a big positive change, although I live in Sugarhood, those trails are a blast and the break from shoreline north. I didn't make it up to PC as much as the past due to these trails, well that and the gas prices.

2009 training begins in a few weeks, already got several St G training trips in the works, good times.

CX Nationals

In the U29 B Men group, Tanner took 13th and Caveman took 21st, looks like the young Cottle will be racing with he A's in 2009.

Daren Cottle takes 9th in the B Men's 40+

I didn't Come in last

But, I was the last guy who didn't race twice or have a mechanical.  The course was fun. The Hill was painful. It was way too warm fro December. Dr. Cross made me cry at the end of the race, even though he had 2 bike changes and had a team mate crash in front of him.

My HR was good during the race, just had no power. My mind was still at the beach. 

Lyna and Anna came down to watch.

Good to see all types off people out there trying it out. Kris,  Carl and others. Once again, the ghetto tubeless served me well.  Lots of flats today.  The Cannondale Quiver has been good to me this year.

Sunday looks to be some MTB time either on the Shoreline north or Draper. There is a shop road ride at 10am as well if you are interested.

Oh yeah, I made it through a full season of CX without getting lapped by the Caveman, small victories.

I wanna go back

Today we surfed

And boy howdy are we sore. I caught the first wave I tried, of course a soft top long board makes it easier. 2 hours of catching waves and laughing. We are going to take a few days to recover and do it again on Monday.

Photo below is Chad, Ty and I wading out on Anini beach this evening. (Lyna won't let us take many photos of her)

Inspire

We saw Bethany at the grocery store this afternoon, Ty wouldn't go talk to her.

Pasty White biker guys

1st, I think this one is Gollum

Weekend Update

Sly says Pro- Racers need to update their blogs, then he mentions me, I'm flattered, really, but SO NOT PRO.

Anyhow, last week was a lesson in focus, or should I say lack of focus. I had not set training plans, but to try and ride outside, as the weather was sweet (green haze not withstanding).

Tuesday I showed up to the SLC Bike for BK's lunch ride. Dug, UT, SkiBike, BK and I, I was the only one with gears, yet I felt strangely superior. We climbed Shitty Creek and then bombed the sled. Good times, tacky trail, I am amazed that trails I have ridden thousands of times are new to people, glad to get people out there though.

Wednesday Night Lyna and I went and Saw Quantum of Solace with the Knapps and Scott. Entertaining.

Thursday I took a afternoon break and headed for my short Home-Zoo-Red Butte- Dry Creek and reverse ride. More good times.

Friday, Lyna and I went and got her a new cell phone. If any one needs a product tester, Lyna would be perfect. She can prove whether or not something hoilds up to Use. She goes through cheap, pretty, shiny phones in less than 12 months. This time we got her a heavyduty, shock proof phone made to be used in construction sites and the like. We will let motorola know in a few weeks.

Saturday was the state champeenships up at the Weber Crit, I mean Fairgrounds. The weather was warm and sunny. I was feeling indifferent, yet excited to ride my bike. It was awesome to see Pasternak take the 35+B win in a battle with Dave Cole. DC got the win in the 45+ group, by a large gap. Tanner just missed the win, but took silver in a talented and upgrade ready B flight.

I got a front line call up and proceeded to make MK mad, by feigning blocking him in, I gave him space just the same. I was repeating th e 'Keep a Wheel' mantra in my mind, had a good start and made it to the gravel in the front. Once int he gravel all hell broke loose and i just tried to stay on a wheel, I kept getting gapped on the straights, as I did not want to pop on the first lap. On the side walk before the turn into the horse track, I almost threw in the towel, but I kept going. Eventually on Lap 2 Racer, Linde, Fred and I came together. Fred disappeared and Linde dropped off, Racer and I worked together the rest of the race, having fun and taking relatively equal pulls. We caught up with SHannon and he latched on, never taking a pull because, to paraphrase ' I didn't want to cheat, since I was racign in another group' JERK.

Racer and my lap times were pretty consistent, the first lap was slightly the fasatest and the last lap was the 2nd fastest. Racer was eating my lunch ont he logs, stupid long legs. He got a small gap on me on the last time through and took me at the line.

It was a blast to have someone to race with for a change. A wheel to hold etc....

Sunday Lyna and I headed up to the Shoreline and saw about 35 billion people. crazy.

No pictures, boring.

SNAP

There she goes, the rubber band, that is.

To be fair to myself,  have had Sinus migraines all week. But dang, that course was fun.

The whole front line was DQ'd for false starting and not re-setting, so I finished well. Maybe, not.

Wow

Good for her,

Looks like USA Cycling Licenses will be more expensive in 09

Stretched

The fitness rubber band, she is stretched quite thin. Saturday was a fun race, again, the mud run up ate my lunch. I had a good start (likely had more to do with position) and held on for a few laps, then faded and settled in to my spot. I had enough left for a last lap charge to keep Caveman from lapping me and helped me get around Kelly Glenn for an extra place.

Monday woke up a bit tired and went to work, bit of a sinus headache, took Tuesday off and slept way in. Feeling better now, still a headache but likely more caffeine withdrawal.

2 more races to go till Kauai then the post beach CX race on 12/6.

My Brain hurts

No vitriolism or solipistism about anything, although I do feel hungover from yesterday.

No, my head hurts because as after dropping off my CX bike for a tune up, along with both of Kathy's (cause I am her sherpa) I hung out at the shop for a while and noticed a bike they were working on.

The bike was a 26" wheeled Litespeed Niota Ti. They were installing Rotor Elliptical Q Rings. The bike also had 650B wheels.

Really, my brain hurts

Yesterday, she was not so warm

Chilly, Rainy, Muddy, nice long course, made longer due to mud. Low turnout, but it was fun.
I bobbled some corners horribly on the first lap, lost the good Dr. and another rider. Then a bit later I could not get into the big ring on the A bike and the little ring is like a 36, so needles to say I was spun out. I switched to the B bike and then had a good battle with Jay to the finish. Crazy course, there were lots of corners without good lines, at least that I could find. Bart came by me on mayeb the last lap, at the start line, I tried to follow him into the whole shot single track and he was going so dang fast into the muddy ruts that I barely stayed upright. The thing is, that he barely stayed upright to.

photo stolen from TC

Today, It was kinda warm

HR rose throughout, Best part of the course for me was the first gravel section, the mot-x section was hard, the paved headwind sections were hard. Lost a chain ring bolt, My rear hub is super rough and only about 8 rides old. Dang. Hit up Barbacoa with TY tonight, think we had a T-Bird sighting. Tips of the day: When in doubt on technical stuff, smooth it out, slow a bit before the turns.

Photos courtesy of Todd N.

Fort B. Boring Race Report

photo by Kim Abbott

We had a large group at the start. I got a good start went into the grass in the top ten, got on Rich's wheel and it was on. Rich and I worked with Jay and Denny  for a while, then Iltis made up to us, but he powered on through.  About 4 laps in, I went into the hard left into the infield barrier section a bit too hot, I locked up the rear brakes, power slid and popped the tire off the rim.  rode i to the barriers, ran to get the B bike and started chasing. MK got by me here. Racer and Jay (who also flatted) caught up to me a few laps later and we were pulling Rich, Denny and MK back, after a few laps, I hopped the log and proceeded to lose my chain, this ended up happening 4 or 5 more times, needless to say, I think I finished last. 

Happy with the ability to stay in the second group after a good start, on a dead flat, fast course. Nice to see DC at the front.

Cavey and I were joined by Rico on our post race date.

As  Rico' says, 'none of us are getting paid to do this.'   Be nice to each other.