1989

Today i went to Solitude for the memorial service for Krash. I knew him through mutual friends and mostly saw him when I was on a bike or on a snowboard, I had dinner with him a few times and hung out a few more.

I was drawn to the service for some reason, I knew some friends were hurting and I knew I needed to see the love others had for some one who had suffered. The service was very nice, lots of laughter and tears, some nice memories brought out by family and friends. Krash touched an amazing amount of people. I was truly touched by the poem read by his brother which was written in the early 90's by a friend of Krash's about Krash. It was eerie, cause the poem described the disease.

Why do some make it, while others don't, why do some easily 'get' it, while others struggle through? It makes no sense at all, it just is.

Today I try to remember the way I lived and what could of been if I made a few different turns in my life. I am not talking about 'maybe my life could of been better' not by any means. I never thought I would see 30, let alone 40, Just the same, I would not change who I was or could of been, even if that were a choice. I am who I am today because of all the things I did and who I was yesterday. Looking back is sometimes painful, hurt people, lost friends, and disappointed family.

I have to pull myself out of that because doing that does not give enough attention to today and the family and friends I have now. The dearest thing in my life, Lyna, was on her way to San Diego while I was on the mountain today, yet she was there to.

18 years ago I was the farthest from healthy a person could be, my possessions consisted of a boom box and a change of clothes. Today, I am dangerously healthy and surrounded by life and joy. Today I try and do the right thing in every situation, do I succeed? Not always. Am I perfect? Far from it. Am I obsessive-compulsive? Yes, at times. Am I grateful for who I am, where I've been and what I have in my life? Without a doubt.

Today I play, today I enjoy life, today I push to see what heights I can reach, today I try to bring others into the joy I see, even if I can't explain why. I can't help myself. It is who I am. I am lucky, I am here, I am willing to try.

1989

Scalpel 2000 FOR SALE

First Chance for loyal Stupidbike readers, all 3 of you.

2005 Scalpel 2000

GREAT CONDITION, only a few cosmetic scratches, priced to sell, leave comment if interested.

More photos available

My License from USA Cycling????

So i could rant about not sending a full contingent to worlds, or the political nature of choosing who goes to worlds, or the conflict of interests involved at all levels of USA cycling or the lack of prize money, or the kowtowing to money and power or etc.... etc..... etc..... But i won't. (oh wait, i just did)

Lets focus on the confusing categorizations on my license.

I asked for a cat3 to cat2 cx upgrade in case i need it to do nationals and/or usgp races. I also at one point thought I might go do star crossed and didn't want to race in the masters 3/4. Really I did it so that I can assure I get a good asskicking when I race cross, cause why else would I do it? Thanks to my stellar, or not, UTCX results over the last 5 years, I got the upgrade.

So on the mountain-bike I am an Expert, Sport, Sport, Beginner.

On the road I am a 4, a 5 yet I can race with the Masters who are mostly 3's and 1/2's.

In Cyclocross I am a 2.

Mountain Racer
Categories
Endurance/XC Expert
Gravity/DH Sport
Mtn Cross/DS Sport
Observed Trials Beginner

Road Racer
Categories
Road Cat 4
Track Cat 5

USAC Racer
Categories
Cyclo-cross Cat 2

I hope their database doesn't go down.

CX Photos

Weeeeeeeeeee

Saturday was a very early start for the 2007 CX season, too early for me, coming off a few rest weeks and little to zero efforts, combined with stifling heat, led to a painful day. I was DFL in the 35+A group, with a few laps in the top 3 at the start, at least i was not over the edge in the beginning, about 25 minutes in my body started to get all tingly, backing off to avoid heat stroke seemed reasonable. My HR progressively went up, while my speed went the opposite direction, check it out.












Lyna had a tough race with the Mistress, she was able to pull away in the end for the W in women's A's.

The highlight of the day had to be Climb-Ums split open forehead in season 2 of the Skinny Cyclists play football misadventure.

Sunday was another 'Group' Ride in PC. Chad, Ron, Warren, Shannon, Drew and Jim were the males contingent. Lyna, TC and Jenny were the females, early on the ladies decided they had enough of us males. So Chad led us on another bushwhacking adventure. It has been awhile since I had to lie my belly on my saddle, while hoping my rear wheel doesn't do a 'Sherwin' on my ass. If you are one who has been complaining about the dumbing down of the Pipeline and Temple Quarry, head up to PC and hit some of the Spur trails off of the beaten paths to get your skill building on.

3 hours ride time and 4.5 hours after leaving the car we returned, satisfied. SO much for an easy week.

mmmmmm carbon

Thanks Chris E! Now I am ready for CX!

Where did the week go

Saturday 8/11, PC 3 hour ride with Shannon B, Brian, Ty and Theresa.

Sunday 8/12, A whole lot of nothing, except brunch at eggs in the city, grocery, cooked dinner, packed.

Monday 8/13, flew to Boston.

Thursday 8/16 1:30 am MST, wake up to catch flight home to SLC. flight lands 10am, home and run some errands. OH YEAH 10 year anniversary, except Lyna has commitment from 7-8. She also found out she was a runner up in PUA's pit contest that day.

Friday 8/17, no workie, Lyna's name in lights I am quite sure i have never been in the MTB round up. Went and hung out at the shop and went and road a lap of the Stan Crane course in Draper. It was hot, dry, sandy and loose. That night off to Akasaka fro Sushi for Nathan's b-day, then to his and Cami's house for cake.

Saturday 8/18 supposed to do 2-3 hours up in PC, pouring rain on the mountain cam, change oo plans, 2 hours in Draper. We get to the parking lot and it is spitting on and off, every one shows up it rains harder and lets up, we take off, rain starts getting heavier, we get just a bit up clarks trail and determine, the mud was too bad, we turn around and head towards the golf course and the trails were awesome, the weather broke and the ride ended up super fun, we climbed up the new singletrack by the air park cut off till it ended, back down, out to the air park and then back down to the pool, down the finish of the XC course and back to the cars. It was Lyna's first mtb ride since the day after Evanston, Ty, Steve, Jim, Shannon, Drew and George where there as well.

tomorrow is 2-3 in PC on Buff trails, yeaaaaaahhhh

She almost won

Lyna entered Pua's pit contest a few weeks back, the winner was announced today, she did not win, but she did get mentioned as a runner up.

I went to Outdoor Retailer today, holy crap, that shit is not fun. I felt like i was in hell.

Because it is eating into their profits????

I don't even know what to say.

Idiotic Maybe

All Time Winnings

In the last week i have more than doubled my all time Bike Racing winnings. I feel like a real professional now.

Saturday I got 20 bucks for second place. Last night I got 150 for 3rd overall for the solitude series. That brings the all time winnings to 320 bucks, I should quit my job, buy a van and go pro, or not.

The Solitude series was awesome. The overall winner in expert took home 375 BUCKS, male and female.

I got a sweet pair of sandals a few other nice raffle prizes earlier in the year and Lyna won 100 bucks for third place overall sport (she only did 3 of the 6 races)

Next year they are looking to have more races, same deal, sponsor cash starts the pot, then it is 100% of entry fees into the pot for payout for expert and sport. Great raffle prizes and fun course.

Thanks Jay and Scott.

I wonder if the IRS knows about my winnings?

Wolverine Ridge

I really didn't want to name the post that, but what else would I. Seems i get a lot of hits for people searching Wolverin in Eastern Europe.

Whatever. I was looking forward to the race. The only problem is that it means the season, at least the icup season, is over. Well, it is just time to get ready for CX.

I was really looking for a win this year, having come so close several times, I was feeling fit and rested. We had a pretty good sized group at the start, more than 10. Paz was there. To hold onto the season championship I needed to stay within one finisher of him, so winning would do that, right?

Jay Petervary was there, he won the GDR earlier this year, so he would either be going fasst with fitness or not. Jay took off from the start, this is how he won Deer Valley in 2006 and done well in other Icup races, I got on his wheel, he hesitated where the course split for the finish singletrack, so i got around him. I got to drop to the bridge in 1st, wich was nice, cause i was worried about what the rain had done to it. Jay got around me right before the lap area, but I stayed on his wheel. About 10 minutes in Paz was with us, him and Jay went through the techy rough sections faster, but i caught on them on the wide open section before the Service road climb, We were pretty close on the service road, Jay then Paz then me, Jay had to dismount a few times on the steep singletrack, i got around him towards the top, Paz was outa there. Jay caught back on me descending the road towards Deadmans. Paz was still off the front. Chad W.(pro) caught back up to me and we worked together to push through the lap area, as a result I got around Jay right at the neutral feed area, I rode with Brock Cannon(ex19-29) for a while and got into the steep singletrack before him, he seemed to want to power up it, as apposed to me wanting to spin so he went on. I was pushing it on the DH, cause i did not want anyone to catch me, Rob W (40+) caught on me and we stayed together up and over deadmans and on towards the lap area, he dropped me a bit, but then i almost went OTB at 25mph and an adrenaline rush got me back on him, then I saw Newby coming and pushed it quite a bit in heading up to the return route. Rob W got around me when I took a corner too wide, but I ended up holding onto second in the race.

Lyna had an awesome race for second, she had tire issues pre-race that kept her worried the whole time.

I ended up with the series championship, nice since is my last time in 30-39, 40+ here I come, let Rob W start whoopin my ass.

Lyna ended up with the sport women season championship, she feels bad, Jenelle had it sealed, but was sick for the final weekend.

Team Revolution got the Series Championship trophy back, which is awesome.

Great year for everyone on the team and another great ICUP season. Ed is a master at his craft, keeping it fair, fun and well organized. I don't know why I would ever choose another race or series over this one, great competition, great courses and great leadership. Good course markings, timely, correct results and consistent prizes. If you do not live in Utah, you need to come try these on for size. Oh yeah, at least for now, you don't need a Norba license to race either.






Lyna and Ryan (standing in for Jenelle)














Me, Paz and Ryan

PC Perfect 10 Photos

PC Perfect 10

I was support again. The course was fun, for a lap or 2, but 800+ feet of climbing per 4.25 mile lap adds up over time. Lyna did awesome, she was hanging with the Xfusion/Kenda pro rider for 5 or 6 laps, not even knowing that was the winning spot, she faded a bit, but ended up in second, her and Drew'Diesel' rode together for most of the race, encouraging each other through the rough spots. Drew took 4th in solo men, Jerry took 3rd.

I will have some photos up tonight.

Friday i went to do my 10 minute effort, did it up Big Cottonwood, was 8 minutes in on the storm mountain steep section and felt like i was having a heart attack, finished it up and took me 20 minutes to feel normal, the rest of the ride was un-eventful.

Thursday on the Shoreline

Slightly cooler temps got me to go ride my shoreline loopy last night. The trail was in good shape, I saw maybe 8 other riders out htere, including Dr X. Had a nice chat with him.

Work craziness is about to be complete. Thank goodness, this weekend we do the complete Data Center Cutover to Texas. The preparation has been maddening, the clean up next week willbe rough, but the meat is done.

No races this week for me, kind of odd. Lyna is doing the 10 hour thing Saturday. Looks like I will be able to support her and others, I also need to get 3 hours of bike time in.

Nice Camera Phone photo from last night

We look so attractive when we are at the limit....

I'm going to Jackson, I'm gonna mess around.

We got married in a fever....

4 days in Jackson, Teton village area, good times. Ty, Erika, Chad, Ron, Kary and Ramsey. Friday was a pre-ride of the Taming the Tetons course, Saturday A.M. was the race. My first lap and even the second, I felt sluggish, no desire to push, then I finally woke up, pushed it and caught up to Paz, he still beat me though, some Colorado hairy legged altitude freak won. Lyna rode a super strong race after a not so good pre ride, she lost contact with 3rd place while letting pro's around her (she is learning, don't get off your bike) Almost beat 3rd at the lne though in a sprint, maybe 20 more feet she would of been able to do it.

Saturday night we all went to the Mangy moose to see some rockabilly band, was pretty fun, the Bull Elk met some girl from California.

Sunday, Ramsey and Kary guided us in their 30 year old raft down the Snake River, The lone casualty was my Peak Fasteners hat. Charlie (the girl Chad met the night before) went with us and pretty much spent the rest of the weekend with us. After rafting we went to have burgers and then just chilled at the condo.

Monday, Lyna and I drove around Teton National Park a bit, took some photos and ccame home.

Photos will be added later.

Great trip.

3 weeks in a row

Always a bridesmaid...

I really had a great race, my time was over 6 minutes faster than last year, lap times were 22,23,24,24, 4th lap was actually 17 seconds faster than 3rd, even with lots of lapped traffic to get around. I fed well, paced well and went down the evil moon dust DH well, Paz charged hard at the end and got by me with less than 5 minutes left in the race, he got me by 16 seconds. SO I lead for much longer and made very few mistakes. that course is brutal, yet I like it.

Fox brought the Techno beats, some good cheering and laughs. Lyna had a good race, taking 15 minutes off of last year, even though she spent hours on our roof the past week in 100+ degree temps.

Went to Porc Grille with BZ, Elena, Beano, Pepe' afterwards, mmmm good sandwich.

9 minute warm up, 15 minute effort

Yeah, usually, that does not work so well. Thursday night I went up to PC, or DV to be exact, to put my 50 dollar crit plate to its second use. Although I left the plate at home, I got there, warmed up for under 15 minutes, signed up, went off at 6:09, 15:19 later i thought i was gong to die, but i got a good work out in, afterwards, Rob S, Heather H and I did some exploring, ended up on some bumpy, rocky, rutted road that spit us out on the road to Kamas. Nice cool down. 3rd place in the B's, not so bad for no warm up and only knowing 1/2 the route. Plus Franken-Trek probably weighs 20 pounds. Wattage was good to.

I liked the hill climb, nice grades, can keep it in the big ring for a lot of it, low key, Gallagher mentioned getting the OK for a Heber Fair Grounds CX race/ clam bake early cx season, Nice.

Snowbird fun tomorrow, they may have got some rain up there to put the dust down, I doubt it though.

second

2 weeks in a row of leading most of the race, this week i led for over 75% of it, my lap times were consistent, i fed and drank ok, but probably not enough. Tim had a stellar ride charging hard at the end. It was dry and dusty and oh, yeah, HOT. 1:30 race time is no good, Kathy you are nuts to like it. Lyna got her first top 3 in sport and missed the ceremony. She was feeding me at the time. The grille was not grilling when the Pro/Experts got done, so i waited till SLC to eat.

I am amazed my lap times were so consistent, cause those last 2 laps I felt completely blown. My HR was through the roof, heat and lack of recovery DH will make that happen.

Warren, I gave you the double bird.

Got up early this am to do the crest with the Redrock gang, they shuttled and rode to a friends house in Sugarhouse, I turned around part way down Big Water when I ran into Lyna, she turned around at the spine and we met up at REI later. Nice and cool up there, but it was a zoo of people, funny thing was after the spine on my way back to Guardsmans, I only ran into like 4 people, weird.

Solitude Report

Well, I was hoping for a State Championship, but a few things and 1 person got in the way of that this weekend.

The start was relatively soft, no one went too hard, except for the SLC-Samurai I just settled into a pace for th long, steep in sections climb. I got around the Samurai right before the single track at the top of the climb. Tim got around him somewhere on the descent and we were running 1-2 at this point, I was feeling good and proceeded to Flail around out of control in an energy wasting manner for the rest of the race. I was all over the place on the Serenity Climb on lap 2 and 3, I had to dismount at least 4 times on climbs cause I was a fool, Paz, the eventual winner caught me on the 2nd lap descent, came around me, and put gap on me. I caught on to him at the round house on lap 3, and here is mistake number 367. I let him pull me to the last steep section, I should of tried and drop him, Mistake number 368 was when he asked about 200 feet vertical from the top how many were in front of us, and I told him the truth, stupid. Mistake number 369 was the bobble on the steep loose stuff t the top, he got around me and my wussy DH'ing together with his crazed DH'ing pretty much lot the race for me. SO on the last 1/2 lap I rode serenity smooth and cleared everything, too little, too late. I still DH'd like a wuss and had to take a few risks to hold of big travel Ohran by 7 seconds for 2nd.

It was a good race though, big mistakes, a few tactical and more technical, still took second.

Lyna raced well and cut off 5 minute from 2006 time, this is with her still being fatigued from the 12 hour race.

We are getting anew roof, last week was the tear off and the dust we breathed all week likely prepared us for the dry dusty trails, yeah thats it.