The (gravel) road goes on forever......

And the party never ends!

See you all in Iowa!

T minus ?

Well I am about to embark on another adventure in Iowa for a race of epic proportion, TransIowa. This race is approximately 324 miles on the gravel roads in Northeastern Iowa around the city of Decorah. We have only 34 hours to complete the race which starts at 4am Saturday, April 28th and the official end time is Sunday, April 29th at 2pm. The interesting aspect of this race is that we will not know the first half the route until Friday night with the second set of cues cards handed out at the mid-race check point at mile 127. The race will consist of about 100 riders from all over the US and even some from Canada, most of those will brave this event with the use of a derailluer while the select group of riders like myself will do it on singlespeed. I'll be running my Waltworks 29er with 38c cross tyres and pushing a 32x14 (~63 gear inches).
You may ask yourself why? My answer is that I am a freak that has been cycling/racing for a long time and now I need to push my body beyond pre-conceived limits. I have dug deep many times at the tail end of a 1hr crit or 4hr ride but I have never had to do it at 3am with more that 200 miles in my legs, it is time to make that happen. Mentally and physically I am prepared as most attempting this feat but what lies waiting around the next corner is the wildcard. The weather last year played havoc with the event as no one finished, I made it 63 miles and pulled the plug. The contingency for this year envolves bar hopping all the way back to Decorah ~ the plan does stand firm to finish.

The race director (GTed) will do his best to update the world on Ride424 with real time reports on the race.

Here is my post from last year:

Iowa and Bikes (reposted from April 2006)

When I first started riding a bike, I lived in the small suburb of Chicago called Carol Stream. We would ride from morning to night without worries of cars or anything else for that matter. This began my obsession with bikes. I would rebuild them, swap out parts, and even have derbies in the driveway. This little neighborhood had a street called Iowa Court which amazingly enough is where I lived. Through this period of my life I rode often with friends and more importantly with my father. Upon graduating from High School, I headed away from the influences of my friends to Iowa State University. My first roommate was from the town of Mallard, which is a TIv2 pass thru town, and spent many a weekend learning about rural farm life. Spending five years in Ames I frequented Michael’s Cyclery a bit. They built up a great set of wheels for my campus bike and gave me a glimpse into a cycling lifestyle. There was a guy called Scooter on my dorm floor who was a racer and I was always in awe at his dedication to the sport. He would be on the trainer as we headed out to the bars. I have become that dedicate person.From Ames I moved to Marshalltown, where my wonderful wife is from. She had done Ragbrai five times and I thought she was the coolest. I still do even though she is more of a marathoner now. I ventured back to Michael’s Cyclery to purchase my first bike, a touring Schwinn. From there I added another bike, this time more of a racing one with indexing downtube shifting. The touring bike turned into the around town bike and the other was one I headed out in the fields of Iowa. Having lived in Marshalltown for a year it was time to marry and move on.This brought us to the great State of Texas! Lived in Houston for awhile and held tight to the Iowa roots I had planted by becoming involved with the alumni association. Here my passion for bike could not be quelled by the looming chemical industry or the mass of cars. I hooked up with West End Cycles and started racing mountain bikes. We traveled all over the state to attend races, from Lajitas to Tyler. I was a great time to race as it was more about the hanging out drinking beer and riding than anything else. During this period we traveled to Austin a lot. One trip was to watch the Tour of Texas. A college roommate came down to watch his brother race in Zilker Park. Finally, we moved to Austin. I got a job with the electric utility and quickly got caught up in the road racing scene. One of the first rides I showed up on my Borthwick, which was handmade in Marshalltown, and many of the riders asked if I knew Porky. Porky was the son of the frame builder and the black sheep of the family. Some of these guys would head to Iowa for Ragbrai and then to Super Week. Also, I met a few Iowa transplants who came to Austin to race. After a great stint in what I consider my favorite city, it was time to move on.We ended up in the mountains of Colorado. Here life took a drastic change. No job other than keeping up with one child, who is an Austinite! We added another for good measure and to make sure I was getting enough on the bike strength work hauling them around. One of the new neighbors happens to have grown up in Mallard, Iowa and knows my first college roommate.

Now as my life ebbs and flows, I will go back to Iowa to finish up some business that looms. The initial plan was not to do TI again until the timing worked out better. I am missing my daughters 7th birthday and her first sleepover party (though 6 girls spending the night wasn't looking like much fun for me). I will be a time again to reacquaint with fellow riders and make new friendships.

No plans to post until next week, so please take some time to enjoy your days!

Days and Counting

The time seems to be flying by in the days approaching TI, I have my crap spread all over the house with lists of lists keeping me on task. The plan as it stands is to head from Denver early on Thursday morning, drive to Mtown for the night. Get some good sleep have a big farmers breakfast before heading to Decorah Friday. Then meet up with my brother and head for pizza at Mabe's prior to the TI meeting.

The head is spinning with details that keep me less than concern about the event it's self.

Sunday Ride

With some sore legs I headed out on the last big ride before TIv3. About halfway into the ride I started feeling good, then the winds kicked up.

Lookout Mountain Looms

Vernon Gravel

Blurrrry Gravel through the trees

The divide covered in snow

Climbing out of the valley

Boulder-Roubaix

Another great day for racing only to be squander with so-so legs in wrong place at the wrong time. The race start fast as a couple teams put the hammer down early, as DT would say "It's on like Donkey Kong!" I hung tight for a bit but being small in stature racing with giants I got shoved around more than usual, I tried to be assertive but end up on a bad line thru the gravel washboard. I drifted towards the back with hopes of making it up on the climbs, before I knew it the group was strung out for as far as I could see. Worked my way toward the front on the finishing straight climb only to get ridden off the back. Ended up in the second chase group working pretty well together trying like mad to get the group ahead. To no avail, ended up with a disappointing 31st. Did find out later that my saddle was 3 cm lower than normal, no wonder I couldn't generate any power and my legs were sore afterwards. Brian (teammate) and I rode up to Jamestown after the race then I headed home for a hike up Green Moutain.

Snow day

Looks like Denver is preparing to get hit with another round of bad weather. The weekend will be sandwiched in between two fronts. The plan is to race Boulder-Roubaix this Saturday with the new bar/stem combo on the DeRosa.

Final push

Need to maintain some momentum over the few weeks which will mean a continuous dose of saddle time. The WaltWorks is ready and will be running a 32x14 with some 35c Conti Speed King Cross (if they arrive in time).

TIv3 Information: There is a chance to pass through the Little Switzerland of Iowa on the way to an undisclosed check point. Will we head to the bohemian alps? Over towards M'town?

Quote

Found this in the local paper -
".., a lot of mountain bikers do use foul language on trails and drink a lot of beer."

I-cycles

Some images from my icy ride on Friday.

Spring Break over

I spent some great time with the kids last week, taking a nice tandem ride (~40miles without much complaining!), skiing, and hanging out. It was a great break for me to refresh and prepare for the end of April.

Cateye RR

Woke early this am and headed to the northern section of Boulder County to compete in the Cateye Road Race. It was good to have this on the schedule as I would have sat on the trainer instead of venturing forth into the rain/snow mix with 40 degree temps. The weather let up for the first two laps of the race then started to rain for the last two laps. There were two nice water logged gravel sections that really made you work to stay with the leaders. In the end, three off the front with Brian F (Dream Weaver) taking second. I finished in a heated pack sprint with Brian M. Props to Jamie (Furious George) for putting in some hard efforts to chase riders up the road. Needless to say I was wet, muddy, and cold after the finish.

The darkness fell, I lit it up.

A little ride last night to shake the mind free of riding with the fireball (K's nickname for el sol). I have been feeling a tad more surlier and grouchier than normal, must mean I am ready to throw down.

Stoker Time

Keagan has moved up from the trailer to a Stoker. In the course of one day, he went from quietly riding in the trailer around BCLP to throwing his leg over the tandem.

Keagan's morning view

Looking at the little man.

Getting use to the pedals.

Excited about moving up one seat.

Good times to be had.

I'm going to have to start looking for a triple now so I can take both kids at once. Next week the tandem will be getting much use as the kids are on break.

Team Antics

Another great day here on the Front Range, the team meet east of Denver out by the airport and rode out to Strasburg. It was a hammer fest out to the turn around point as we worked on pacelines - a bit of a change from spending hours pedaling around by myself. We pushed it coming back into a fierce headwind. Worked out to 55 miles with a 20.1 mph average.

Happy Saint Patricks Day!

Another great day to ride in Colorado!!!

A little Colorado gravel, mostly uphill.

Some switch backs

Looking down the valley

Heading up the road

Spinning out on the bike trail

Just a little ride around Denver that took me from Morrison to Idledale then up to Genesee into Golden with a fly by through Denver and back home to Lakewood.

Ready?

Things are starting to come together for TIv3. I got the WaltWorks setup for some long rides over differing terrain and will be dialing it in over the next few weeks. Now I need to work the logistics of getting to Iowa, looks like I may leave on Thursday morn and spend the night with the in-laws in Mtown Thurday night then head to Decorah on Friday morn.

Don't forget to be Nice to Nice by March 17th. And don't miss the soiree at Snooze on April 18th from 5:30 to 9:30 pm - meet at my house for the ride down.

Also, you can donate to help the fight against MS here. A good friend of mine is inflicted with the disease and my daughter's recent illness is eerily related to MS.

End in site

All the play will be coming to an end after tomorrows ride, Rene has got plans for me.
Wednesday (day5 - IRD) was a easy spin to work out the legs.
Thursday (day6 - deRosa) was a VO2 max session with Mr JDS himself.
Friday (day7 - couch) was for drinking beer!
Saturday (day8 -IRD) was a short ride with hard hills.
Sunday (day9 - IRD) was a great day for just being on the bike.

More of the same

Was able to get out for some serious pain today (day4) with a fellow teammate. We did two hard efforts up Lookout Mountian in addition to the partial I did waiting for the determined meet time. I think I could get use to this training everyday stuff, only two more years until the kiddos will be at school for a full day and by then I may even be able to race with the 45+ guys.

Good & Plenty

I have had the luxury of getting some time on the bike.
Three days so far with a full week planned.
Saturday (day 1 - IRD) was a nice spin with cooler temps and much snow/ice on the ground.
Sunday(day2 - deRosa) was the first geared ride in 3 months.
Monday(day3 -IRD) was TIv2 revisited . Rode with Mr. Nice (who posted some pics) down the Highline Canal.

Next couple of days will include some riding with new teammates and the weather is still looking good.

More Winter

More winter rolled into the front range just added that bit of aggrevation I don't want to deal with. Though I did get to fishtail in a school bus on Wednesday morn loaded with 1st graders, not my idea of a good time. Passed on my ride today due to really slick streets.

Today is Rene's last day of work! She is taking two weeks off to hang out with the kids and get some house projects done. That means I get next week to RIDE! 4 to 6 hours each day with great weather in the forecast and I am stoked.

Clear skies

Was able to weasel out a ride today as the weather was nice. Took the IRD out for an easy spin around BCLP.

Mt Carbon looking toward Denver

Master K's view

It was relatively nice yesterday so I load up the bike, trailer, and Keagan for a ride up the Cherry Creek bike trail.

The newly convest IRD to single speed. This is only phase one as I hope to get a set of Eno Hubs and Campy brake levers.

The view.

Flying the flag of the old team.

Even More MoM

Found this link from the weekend of racing in the desert:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/mtb.php?id=mtb/2007/feb07/masomenos
Check out the pictures of Mr Nice!

Report

The journey started innocently enough with three cyclists loading up in a VW van to head from Denver to the border region of Texas. The place we were headed was Terlingua, the land of three languages. Our mission was spelled out on the back of an old Taco Bell napkin, find the reason Lajitas has an international airport.

The first part of the mission was the most daunting, drive 14+ hours through the night as to arrive in the cover of darkness. With some unplanned delays from some unidentified individuals near Roswell we were able to slide into the CASI site unnoticed by most. We quickly set up camp in order to take our first observation of this international airport. One of the counter intelligence agents was on to us, he strolled into our site and was sizing up our abilities. Finally after shaking him with lies about whiskey, beer, and goats we headed out onto the dusty trail.

After initial observation and getting chased off by a trained pack of javelinas, we decided it would be worth a visit into town to get some more information. Our first visit was to none other that the mayor, Clay Henry. After some coaxing with a bottle of beer, he informed us that who we needed to speak with were the agents operating out of a restaurant in the ghost town. We cased the joint out waundering aimlessly through the adjacent store trying to ditch the officer that was following us. Then in haste we trucked off to a small mexican joint for some food. Upon re-entry to the CASI site we were met by a roving band of bandits handing out malted beverages. We of course took said beverages for further investigation.



After a resting sleep in gale force winds we awoke to a new day. In order to remain under cover we donned our racing attire and lined up for the start. Because as agents who are not failures we thought in necessary not to have derailuers. Two of us would only take one pass by the airport, while the other would get to view it twice.

All went well in the races with us all finishing and able to take up our investigation in earnest. Myself and Notorious started early into our collection of beer and trying desperatly to pump the locals for information. All while aka Cellarrat was getting a closer look at the airport, he brought with him a mix of raisins and whiskey to fend off the javelinas. After more milling around partaking in various beverages from the sponsors - Fattire and Titos, we were whisked away by the bandits to the top secret E complex. We were asked to bathe before given information, advice, and beer. We then proceeded with extreme caution to the Starlight with the help from the bandits. During the course of consuming food and agave substances we found out from the woman only known in the agency as Exactly, that we may be on something.

From the Starlight we, under the cover of darkness, headed back to the CASI site. A huge fire was erected where a band was wailing out tunes from the mother land, ja rastafari - let jah arise and let I and I. Exactly's bro was the mandolin player and the pieces were beginning to fall into place. At some point in time fire twirling airport employees were signaling in the great white craft. The great white craft came blazing out of the desert through the dance floor parting the revelers and then disappearing into the darkness. This was the final piece in the puzzle.

After a solid few hours of sleep, the van was loaded for the journey home. Once home we were de-briefed, de-dusted, and de-toxed for whatever the next mission might bring. Final report - the international airport is a front for a man who has too much money and small feet.

Out.

More or less for now....

Here is a brief photo replay of the weekend. Look for a complete race report later.

The orbs of Roswell

The fastfood alien craft that tried to suck us in.

Mr. Nice preparing for the course preride.

Mr. Nice after rocking the 100k event!!!!

A view of the CASI complex, I was out course marshalling for the Kids cup.

The view from the Ezell complex.

The gang at the Starlight with our new friend and owner, Summer.

Notorious showing the moves that landed him his wife.


?

It's back!

Like olde times

Spent the weekend getting the legs worked over skiing with my cousin and his wife. They are both exceptional skiers and had a blast skiing the top of the mountain off Peak 7 and 8. I grew up skiing with my cousins every weekend at a small resort in Michigan, now that we live in Colorado we have only skied a handful of times. Need to change that.

Recovered yesterday with a bad case of intestinal distress (getting it out of the way now).

Terlingua Information:
Weather Forecast:
Friday - High 62F, Low 34F
Saturday - High 67F, Low 39F
It looks like Notorious and I are racing the 50k singlespeed class whilst Cellarrat is tackling the 100k on his fixed gear.

K pasa!

Woke this morning to a foggy sky and even foggier head. But like the motto goes "Onward thru the Fog"! I dug deep and spent some time on the trainer then headed over to GMRC for Indoor Cycling Class and weights - felt mucho better after that.

Getting psyched for the trip to Terlingua. It is going to be a long drive through UFO infested airspace but in my opinion completely worth the risk of abduction. Last time I made the trip was in 2003 when it was a stage race in Lajitas and the first race out there was in 1994. Only missed one year from 1994 to 2001 before moving to Colorado. Some years it was the only mtn bike race I did. Still working on what gear to run but may just be conservative and run a 32x18 on the 29er WaltWorks.

Terlingua Information:
Terlingua (Tur-ling-gwah) and nearby Study Butte (Stoodi Beaut) are located in South Brewster County, Texas, in the Heart of the Big Bend country. A one-of-a-kind community with loads of colorful history, ancient and current. Even the name, Terlingua, meaning Three languages (in one interpretation), lends itself to the multi-cultural nature of the area. At one time, the main players were Indians, Mexicans, and Anglos. (Tres Linguas). In the current history, even more cultures have found their way here. Becoming downright crowded with cultural aspects. In days of old, farming, ranching and hunting were the mainstays. Then came the miners and more civilization. Real schools, stores, roads, motor vehicles. Nowadays, the farms and ranches are mostly gone. The mines closed and sealed. Modern roads and byways, UPS, FedEx and other services have arrived. Most all modern conveniences are available. Motels, restaurants, RV parks, camping areas, vehicle repair facilities, and even fresh vegetables. It's not the middle of nowhere anymore, but there is still plenty of "wild country" left to explore and admire. Raft trips, Jeep tours, and horseback rides are available. Nature walks, birding expeditions, mountain climbing and the like can be arranged with little effort. And the scenery!! Sunrises and Sunsets unequaled literally take your breath away. Absolutely gorgeous!

Sunny outlook

Attended my first JDSFT team meeting at a hip bowlings alley on the 16th Mall in Denver, it was good to meet some of my fellow riders along with understand the what the team is all about. The biggest thing the team will be doing this year besides racing is supporting local MS Society and the Tyler Hamilton Foundation. Looks like I should start my fundraising efforts NOW!

The weather has taken a turn for the better and the roads are beginning to dry out but it will be weeks before the trials are going to be dry. Rene is spending one of her last trips in Coldgary this week (-12 C with light snow) and is missing out on this great weather. I did get out for a short ride this morining.

TIv3 update:
Waukon is a city located in Allamakee County, Iowa. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 4,131. It is the county seat of Allamakee County. Waukon and Decorah (17 miles to the west) were named for Chief Waukon Decorah, a Ho Chunk who cooperated with whites during the Black Hawk War and whose people were subsequently forced out of Wisconsin into Northeast Iowa. Waukon is located at 43°16'8" North, 91°28'45" West (43.268889, -91.479212). I plan on visiting the House of Clocks to calibrate my time piece when passing thru.

Staying low

The weather is turning for the better as the snow seems to be melting off the road. Maybe I'll drag myself out for a ride this week.

More or Less!?! - around the corner.

Off to the first mtg of the new team.

Skiing with Dad

Spent the weekend skiing with my Father, it was nice to ski high on the mountain to avoid the masses.

Looking toward the base.

Dad at the top of the t-bar

Sharing

It has been one of those weeks that seems to good to be true. My wife and I got to ski the all day Sunday together while the kids were off skiing with there respective classes. All four of us on the mountain at once - something to look forward to. Rene has been quasi-working from home which has given us sometime to workout together, today we ventured to the GMRC for a spin class then a quick weight session and even squeezed in a game of horse. Tomorrow we planned a 10 mile run but I may opt for a ride as the weather is going to be great. It is wonderful having her around this much and sharing the things that brought us together in the first place. Only a few weeks of this before she starts the new job - I am going to take advantage of it though.

TIv3 Information:
Decorah is a city located in Winneshiek County, Iowa. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 8,172. It is the county seat of Winneshiek County. Decorah is located at 43°18'06"N, 91°47'25"W (43.301795, -91.790218). Check out the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.

Pic from morning ride

This is how I spent the morning as the kids attended school.

Southward bound

The Mas-o-Menos planning session at the Irish Rover went well, after a few pints of Guinness the critical decisions were made and we left to the Pogues ringing in our ears. There is a vacancy if you are brave enough to make the trip.

I was able to venture out to tackle the roads for short ride this morning. Some ice and a bit of snow but for the most part clear roads.

Mayor!

Clay Henry

New Team for 2007

I am racing for JDS Sportcoaching Factory Team for the upcoming season. The focus of the team will be in the 35+ races (open and 4s) and in raising money for the MS Society.

Got out for a short ride today with some warmer weather and dry roads.

Warmth Cometh

Bookended the weekend with two nice long runs, felt good to get out this morning with the brisk air clearing the mind. The cold air has headed off to Texas, it is going to be in the 30s in Houston (Rene's trip for the week) while both Denver and Calgary will be about the same.

I've been sizing up my winter bike project - converting the IRD to a singlespeed. Should be a cool project and may even have it ready of TIv3. Maybe an Eno hub laced with Velocity deepdish rims.

The folks at TwinSix are teaming up with Waltworks to put out some shirts and 29er frames.

Frigid Frontrange Weekend

Spent most of the weekend indoors.

Went over to the GMRC to do back to back indoor cycling classes. Absolutely kicked my butt!

Sunday was off - watched Da Bears!!!!!

A warming trend for the week and more riding outside.

Mas-0-Menos approaching.

Moving Forward

The plan as it stands now is to remain firmly planted in the urban sprawl that is Denver.

It is good to have that behind us - 2006 was one of highs and lows but we made it and are much stronger for it!

More snow/cold tomorrow and an odd weekend home during ski season, so the weekend might include a couple long runs.

Wickedly Windy

A weekend of winter sports. I skiied with Fallon on Saturday morning on the old alpine fixed heel setup, then snowshoed with the family in the afternoon when the wind started whipping. Sunday was Fallon's first day of Bombers, so that means I have the whole day to ski by myself. The wind was brutal, two instructors told me that the wind chill at the top of the Colorado chair was -54 degrees! If you could stay warm on the chair up some of the slopes you had all to yourself (or at least you couldn't see anybody else). I should have gone XC skiing with Rene and Keagan, but I thought if my daughter was out skiing in the cold so should I.

The kids are headed back to school this week which means I can get some miles in before the next blizzard. Decisions been made but not finalized. My ACA appication is ready to be sent in, I better start training.

More Snow

More snow today, roughly 8+ inches at the house. I got my upper body workout today shoveling snow twice - once this morning and then again this afternoon. The mountains are getting some good snow so the weekend of skiing should be good. Might even take the snow shoes out, we'll see.

Brave enough?

Here are the primitive facilities from a fine eating establishment in the Big Bend region, are you in? Mas-o-Menos on Februry 16th.

Valley of the Sun

We made it back from our visit to the retirement mecca of the southwest, Mesa. The trip home made the whole trip worth it - one night on the rim of the Grand Canyon (supporting nationalize capitalism), drove by the Black Mesa and the Peabody coal mine (I thought some monkeys blew it up), spent the night in Moab (sans bike), drove Arches National park (those paved roads are sure nice), and followed the Colorado River into the heart of the Rockies. Missed all the snow in northern NM and someone even cleaned out our drive so I didn't have to shovel more snow.

As the plan currently stands, I will be purchasing a new coat from the fine folks at Melanzana so I don't make it on his list of gapers for wearing my father's 70s vintage ski parka while skiing at Breck. My wife did get asked if she wanted to move to Atlanta and Anchorage, passed on both. With all the snow on the ground and the lack of being able to get outside to ride, a warmer climate does seem appealing.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL

All is well in Denver, we dug out and the plan for the future is being set in motion.

2007 is going to be a great year.

Peace to all!

Snow Day

Schools cancelled and lots of snow means no riding outside today.

Leg Burn

Riding the Poma lift - Fallon solo/Me with Keagan

Riding with Keagan

Spent some time skiing with the kids early at the base of Peak 9 - utter craziness! After a few runs of snow plowing with Keagan my legs were like noodles. Fallon got her ski legs back and is ready for a season of showing up dad. Skied with my Dad after sending the kids back to hot tub. We did some laps at Peak 10, my dad was timing us - 12 mins per lap. Then worked our way back over to Peak 8, skiing the trees/bumps off the 6 chair. Good way to make the legs burn as my dad is a non-stopper and we are skiing hard from top to bottom. This year I plan on working on my Tele technique and ski some harder stuff.

I was informed that we will be skiing through the end of March this year, so I have been planning my long runs/rides for up in summit county. Then again we have to wait and see if a move is in the future. I think our preference is to stay in Denver, but already two offers from Austin. We'll see what the week brings.

IN

Looks like I'm in for another long ride in Iowa!

Spent the day working on my Tele turns with Fallon after spending a night of barstool time at a new place in Breck called the Mother Lode. We figured out our life after a few too many pints.

Time to get training.

Switching Sports

Sunset on the Ten Mile Range

Heading to Breck to end a nice week of transition with a weekend of knee dropping fun - plus a few pints with the wife to discuss our future. Hopefully we can have a plan by sometime next week.

TIv3 lottery results will be up sometime tomorrow. Hope my bro and I both get in.

Transition Time

After finishing up with the season, it is time for me to relax and prepare for the start of my program in January. I plan only a few low intensity rides and quick weightlifting sessions to get me ready to hit it hard. I have found that as I get older (over 40) that I can't afford to take much time off, therefore I keep at it year round. I try and stay fresh by taking some mini-breaks throughout the year and setting my goals for spring and fall giving me the summer to enjoy cycling.

No news on if where I will be racing next year, but not heading up to Calgary. Narrowing it down between here and Austin.

Seasons Over!

I finished up the year of racing with the State Cyclocross Championships up near Longmont at the Xilinx facility. I raced decently and finished mid-pack, kind of how the rest of the season went. I wasn't in the top ten in the Boulder Series so no call ups for me, a nice third row start position. Had a good start to the bottle neck of slippery mud and ice, then just settled in and rode as hard as I could passing a few riders.

My father and his wife brought the kids up to watch the race. It was nice for him to see what cyclocross is all about. I opted to pass on the Singlespeed race in favor of lunch in Boulder with the family. I think is was a good choice, only one bike to clean.














Thoughts on the CX season:
-I didn't get points the I wanted to get an automatic upgrade to Cat3 in CX.
-Riding a rigid 29er as my mtn bike of choice improved my handling skills.
-My starts were better than last year.
-The courses are getting better and harder every year.
-Raced 19 CX races including skipping two weekends (Gunni & USGP)

All in all a great time and can't wait to start racing again.

What a back drop!

After a crazy week, full of highs and lows, I raced down in Morrison. It was chilly and the course was snow covered with a few patches of ice. I was not really motivated to race but I knew I needed to get out and shake off the weeks events. I got a third row position, which then I went easy for the first lap just trying not to get tangled up with others. Turned up the heat a bit and ended up with 19th in the Cat4 race. Not to bad for really not trying and just having some fun. The course was awesome with only a small section of mud and one stretch of ice (which caused me to get an upclose visual inspection of the tire treads of my competitors).

With backdrops like this for races, it makes it hard to imagine moving.