Motivation

Finding motivation to ride is not hard to find around here. With trails dispersed evrywhere, and great roads to ride on, I am finding it hard to limit my riding. It doesn't hurt that the weather is sunny everyday and the high temperatures are 85 everyday. With a long season still ahead of me, I am keeping the hours down, but upping the intensity, so I can stay fresh for upcoming races.

I decided to stay in the valley this weekend and get in a good block of riding instead of going to Boulder to race. Pictures do the justice...







Staying here was probably a good idea considering my travels coming up in the next 5 weeks. Two cyclocross races in Frisco this weekend should be a blast. Next weekend I get to stay here again as we host the collegiate races. After that is some more CX ragin' in Longmont and Fort Collins to keep the legs going for MTB Nationals. Off to North Carolina for some east coast action. I am bringing mudders in case of water. Back on Monday night, and off to Boulder the next weekend. Boulder Cup races should be crazy. Will that Lance guy show? Rumor has it he will, and all of the rumors as of late have been true. I think it is cool he is trying new events which should bring more people in the sport, but the media is crazy. Everything I read now is about Lance. Look at Cross Vegas. Trebon and TJ race for first, and all the media swarms Lance after he finished 20+ places back. How about some big press for the winners?

This is going to go FAST.

Wyoming

Its the UP for CO. People are just like Yoopers too.

Okay, here it is

2nd overall Short Track

11th overall XC




Short track was Saturday and was cool course. It was like Michigan riding, short punchy climbs, flat section with fats corners, then some downhill. I started 2nd from last as the guy ahead of me would not file in. Sat in on lap 1, then passed like 10 people on lap 2. Everyone goes balls-out on the start, and I can't. My legs opened up, and soon I saw the lead group which was Fort Lewis guys, and 2 CSU guys. Then I crashed on a flat 2-track crossing over. I was laughing at myself for that. I kept chasing as people were popping. It came down to 3 of us. I was sitting 3rd coming near the finish as the 2nd guy crashed while standing up. I brakes and got around him. No way I was going to beat 1st as he was 2nd at track nationals last week.

XC-sat in the car until 20 minutes before the start as it was pouring. Fixed some bike stuff, road up the dirt road maybe a minute, then lined up. I rode lap 1 near the back just having fun. I went a little harder on lap 2 and 3, but I never killed it. Just wanted to stay on 2 wheels and enjoy the trails.

Then it was off to Boulder to pick up some CX bike components so I could build up some bikes. Sweet bikes.

Might stay here this weekend and get some riding in, or head down to the Republic for some CX and STXC. We'll see.

Another Adventure

Sol Vista was on tap for Friday. Located right next to Winter Park, we arrived to a nice rain and cold temps. A nice dinner and warm lodge was the name of the game for the night. Woke up in the morning to a frozen tent and waterbottle.

Noon was race time. A long climb to the top, some sweepy downhill followed by fireroad and 1-track. Then shoot down the mountain. 3-9mile laps was called. I felt decent, but seemed like I could not go downhill fast at all. It wasn't techy, just lots of turns. Finished up 15th overall, so not a bad result considering the people in the top 10.

Another night in a cold tent, then off to Breckenridge for some pain and suffering at 10,000ft. We arrivd to mid-50's and bright blue skies. A great day for cross. I lined up with a group around 40 in the 3 race. Had a decent start, but about 15-20 people ahead of me and a lot of 1-track. All dirt and some paved road climbs was the course. Bridged up to chase group 1 on lap 2. I was told a guy was off the front, but I decided to chill on the back of the group. Pace wasn't that fast, and another guy bridged up. We picked the pace up a bit, and on the next lap attacked on a road climb. I stuck to his wheel as the others dropped. Once we hit the woods and a little rise, I countered his move and had a large gap immediately. Another 1.5 laps and I rolled in 2nd with a minute gap over 3rd. Sure was a fun time.

Watched Conor and Kevin race the Open race at 3:10. Small field, but some fast guys. They held up well dispite spending some time with the ground. T. Brown rolled in 2nd place on his SS 69'er.

This was the first cross race of the season, and I was rolling a new tire setup. As tubies are expensive, I went another route. Ksyrium wheels with a Stan's NoTubes rimstrip. Some sealant in a Michelin Mud2 tire and I am set with a tubless setup. The course yesterday had a bit of rocks and roots, and flats were not uncommon. People were telling others to jack the pressure up. I rode about 40psi and had no problems. I felt the rim a few times, but I don't have a pinch flat problem with no tubes. Tires hooked up well and I never rolled a tire. I could definitely rail the corners faster than others, but that could have something to do with MTBing. So far with 1 race and a few nightly practice sessions, it works well.

Up next is some MTBing in Wyoming followed by some riding around here, then a few CX races in Frisco in 3 weeks. Can't wait for that. CX is so FUN! Oh yeah, I registered for Cross Nationals as well this morning. U23 and Collegiate. See you in December.

Bike Racing

Left Fun Junction on Friday to go shred some trails up in the boonies south of the Wyoming border. CSU MTB race weekend. Saturday was the short track where I was looking to limit my losses. Suprisingly, I ended up 7th overall as I did my normal skit and passed loads of people after starting near the back. Then I went to pre-ride the course, but I had no idea if I was on the right track. I was stopped and coughing my lungs up as a lady hiker came down. "Oh, it must be the elevation(in reference to me coughing). My cabin is right there, and it is 9400ft." Thats why I could taste my lungs the whole race. Tasty.

XC was Sunday morning. Luckily it wasn't 30F like the day before in the morning. First lap was good. Just a brutal climb to the top, a techy downhill, a deep creek crossing of freezing water, another climb, then a sweeeeeet rocky downhill to the bottom. I climbed to the top in a good position, then rode like a school-girl trying to descend the first downhill. Smacked my derailluer and bent the hanger so it would hit the spokes. I had to watch my shifting so I didn't go below my 3rd lowest cog. Lots of granny ringing was had after that. Just after lap 1, I feel my front tire all squirrelly. Hit it with CO2, but it only goes up to 20psi, and my Big Air was gone. Must of been a bad one. Stop a few times on the climb to try and get the gash in my tire to seal. After shredding the DH on lap 2, I felt my tire very low again after hearing multiple rocks smash my rim. Pump up the tire and head of for lap 3, which had us avoid the rocky downhill, and shorten the loop by taking a smooth fire-road back. Just as I hit the fire road and flew down at 30+mph, my tire goes flat and I try not to crash. Get off and run downhill and then a long flat section to the finish. Running 2 miles in crabon shoes worked, but is not the greatest thing. I guess it is good training for cross season.

So I ended up going from 5th overall to 9th in the XC as 4 guys passed me running. It was still fun, but it seemed like when I was racing, it was like another ride. I was never really pinned, and the HR was pretty low, but that could have been from the elevation and fatigue. Fun weekend though.

Next up, its off to Sol Vista for some XC action on Saturday. Then a few of us are of te Breckenridge for a CX race on Sunday. Should be another fun weekend.

Wet?

"It rarely rains here, and never this hard."

We turned back at the strike of lightning. Nothing like spinning the 53x12 over at 130rpm to get back.

'splorin

Google-Earthed some routes. Found dirt road that goes to the top of Grand Mesa. 4500ft->8500ft+. Took CX bike for adventure. 2 miles onto dirt road I hit a sign and gate. "Aghhh...but wait." Sign says raod only open to hikers, horses and bikes. Sweet. Go through opening and ride. Get rocky. Not too bad. Just a doubletrack type road all the way up. Cross a creek. Then really rocky. Hike-a-bie and decide to turn back. Looks like a sweet adventure for an epic ride someday. Road was more than I bargained for on a CX bike. MTB will be in store next time. Turned back and cruised around the vinyards and orchards in Palisade. Evening MTB ride was also in store.

Other Side of the World

Left MI Monday afternoon and arrived in Conifer, CO at 8am. Stayed at Kevin and Danielle's until Friday. Did some MTBing and road riding before packing up and heading west.


Drove over the passes Friday morning. It was raining in the Front Range, but nothing in the Mts. It snowed later in the day and over 10K was white over the weekend.

Cloudy until coming out of the Eisenhower Tunnel and it was all blue skies.



Rode up onto the mesa on Friday. MTB's Tabaguache trails on Sat morning, Road ride to Fruita and around in the afternoon. Up and into the Monument today and around north of the city. Monument has great views but the camera was forgotten. Another time.

Another one down

Another week that is. After a good and hard final week, I am now on a little rest week. Should help bring the legs around. Tuesday ride at Pontiac was fun. Trail is getting a little gravley and loose, but my crow still hooked up.

Hit up the Poto on Saturday for a good time. That trail has seen the likes of mother nature lately. It sure was a good time though.

Took the cross bike out for a little excursion on Sunday. I think I hit every rock possible on the trail though.

T-1 week

STONY

Did the TT Sunday. Even though I had a bit of fatigue in the legs, I felt good. I was able to turn the cranks over well. It was fun to get back out there and have the adrenaline flowing. Took it a bit safe in spots, especially all 2-track corners. At this point, there is no need to hurt myself. Even though I finished 11th in a good field, I was happy about it. Only 1:24 down on Bill's winning time showed me that my form is coming back. I sure was happy about that.

Best thing about the races besides racing is the great atmosphere. The MTB scene is just so cool as everyone cheers eachother on and gets along. It's like a little family. Each year it seems to be everyone gets faster as we all push eachother to make ourselves better. Hanging out after the races sharing stories of this and that makes it even better. That's MI racing.

Just under 2 weeks and I'm outta here. 2-a-day Tuesdays have been in place for a few weeks. Today is no exception. Road this morning and Pontiac at 6. Haven't been there all year. Should be fun.

Keep on Pluggin'

I crashed on the MTB the other day. I was on the ground before I knew it. "Oh Shit," was the first thought. Sat there for a minute and did the checkover. I was good. Pelvic bone didn't hurt. Cool, must be healed. I had to get up and move quick before the mosquitoes sucked me dry. Those suckers are terrible this year.

Trying to work on the top end as it is lacking. Did intervals today then hit up the Specialized train. Felt good until Don drilled it. Dropped twice, but legs felt good. More hard rides like that should help bring me around.

I think Stony TT is this weekend. Not my course at all, but I want some MTB intensity and there are no other races in this State. If the weathers good, I might show up to fight out DFL.

Getting back into form

420 miles in the legs in 6 days is bringing back to the bike racer ways. I was planning on throwing down 3 centuries, but killed that dream with a case of the bonk. 1.5 powerbars aka 325 calories in 4.5hrs with 88F and humidity doesn't work. Stumbling home with shakey hands and legs with 87 miles was good enough. FOOD.

Friday I ate more food for my hundo and I felt great. Saturday I rolled out of Chelsea for the Helluva ride with some people. 100 miles later I was feeling good.

Then came the best part in weeks. I saddled up the fat tire bike and hit some gravel. A detour through a conector trail felt good. 1.5hrs of gravel roads and I headed over to some 1-track. 2 laps of the Milford loop and my pelvic region was still feeling great. More gravel over to Proud Lake for a couple loops. Headed back home 3.5hrs later feeling great. Riding the mountain bike and hitting trails for the first time in 5 weeks was a great feeling.

Ramp up the intensity this week and try to build the form.

Let's Try This Again

So 2 weeks off, 4 days on, and another week off. My fitness isn't too bad. My leg is feeling much better. I put in a short ride on Friday, another 1.5hr on Saturday, and a 2:15 ride today to see how everything is going. Not bad. Looking like I'll throw down some endurance rides this week to get the legs back into the riding thing. Keep to the road bike and hopefully the MTB will see some action soon.

Today was the first time I was able to put some power down. I wasn't trying to go hard, but I pedaled right up one of the hills in Kensington and was only 20W off my peak 1 min power. Some threshold work, extra miles and MTBing, and I should be back cruising again. Looking foreward to it.

Friday the parents and I rode out to the park for a fireworks show. Fun night even though the fireworks were weak.

Hit the Gas and Go

This week marked getting back into the riding scheme of things. With the leg being worked on last weekend, it was feeling much better and I got the okay to giv'r some love. A short jaunt on Saturday led to a dirt road rampage on the CX bike Sunday. A little commute to work to move the legs was in store Monday.

Tuesday was back to normal. I was handed this sticker on Monday, so I figured I would give it a go.


Rode with Alex down to Chelsea where we picked up Matt. Headed to Aberdeen to fill up water and talk to Lummis. Cruised on down to Dexter to the HRD. Hit up Barton Hills before heading back to Whitmore Lk. Into South Lyon and back home got 90 miles under my belt.

Wednesday was a nice 50 miler at 7am. Getting in the ride before work was nice as the temps were comfortable. Still my legs are not ready until about 8am.

Yesterday was a commute followed by another ride in the rain. Not sure why, but it seems like I have been rained on a lot this year. Came back soaked and went out later with my dad for a nice 1.5hr cruise.

Got a call from the Dr. yesterday that I have a slight fracture in my pelvic bone. He said no MTBing, since there is impact. I'll keep to the vibration damping plastic bikes for a while.

Mid-Season Break

Winter seems to take forever with endless days of cold and clouds. Spring came late along with the temps. A dry and cool April and May lead into a crazy June. Rain almost every day with temps in the 90's with high humidity. Just like the race season, anticipation is there to line up with friends you have not seen over the course of the winter. Then 4 weeks of racing. Strangly enough, the schedules open back up for 4 weeks to allow time for long rides.

Brighton Stage Race was the first time back on the MTB scene since April's Bloomer XC. The week before was spent trying to acclimate to the heat and humidity and patching up some road rash. The TT came Saturday morning and I felt pretty good. My start sucked as normal, but I got back into a rhythm only to be disrupted 5 corners later as my skin wanted to touch the dirt. With overgrowth on the trail and going for a top time, it was easy to miss corners and run off into the trees and weeds. A few times of twisting wrong sent a pain through my hip and leg that was previously aggrivated. I finished it up in 5th place just 2.2 hundreths of a second behind Joe's new Quiring.

Short Track was later. My leg/hip was bothering me, but it seemed a little better that the TT. I lined up late, so I was in the back. The hip only had a little pain, but on the last lap, the muscle gave out a sharp pain and put me back. I rolled in for 11th, dropping a few spots. After the race, any sudden movement even as little as reaching for a glass hurt. I scratched the XC on Sunday for recovery. Usually it is hard to watch when you could race, but it was a total sufferfest. 90+F and humid as hell made for some not-so-fun conditions. Congrats to everyone who pushed through it. Oh, and the 3hrs for a XC. 40mi and that time is almost marathon distance.

So, I took last week off the bike and rested my leg. I am pretty sure it is muscle strain(after discussing with Dr. Internet Explorer). Ice, some stretching and rest was on tap. I rode my CX bike on Sunday, but it was a little sore as well. More time off. No need to rush it. My season goes until mid-December, so getting healed and resting up is key. I am scratching my east coast racing in July as I have no time to get back into shape. I might end up doing Boyne Marathon and then Malliot Juane road race if it happens. Anything else is up for grabs and based on my leg.

Maybe visual stimulation later, but my computer will not pick up the wireless anymore, so I'll have to transfer pics. Riding into work tomorrow, so we'll see how the leg feels.

ToKV

Disclaimer: No, I am not becoming a roadie. Just using it as training and trying to get my upgrade.

Kensington road race was Saturday. Weather was much better than expected. 7 laps and 59 miles with some decent hills sounded fun to me. And I got to play in the 4's this weekend!

Rode over to Kensington and registered Friday and rode a lap of the course. Rode over at 6:20am on Saturday for a 10mi warmup with Cruise. Race went off at 7:20, and I was at the back. Spent lap 1 trying to move up and not crash. That first lap was real sketchy with constant speed changes, and lots of braking. I am suprised there wasn't a pileup. 2 got away on lap 2, and a teammate of one was blocking. No one wanted to sit up front, so I did my normal thing and drilled the pace. Spent a half lap the the front, and pulled the break back. I have no patience for this crap. Funny thing was Cruise and I were talking about sitting in the first few laps to get a feel for it. Then we pass eachother on the straightaway. I'm pulling the 4's, he's off the front of the 3's. Guess we like to ride fast.

So I sat near the front and did a bit of work all race. Set tempo up some climbs and also tried some attacks. Problem was everyone kept chasing me. I am wearing a disguise next race. Alan from trails-edge attacked, and I started to chase, but I backed off when no one else worked and he was solo. WRONG. There was a break up the road I did not know about. With tons of groups mixed, people dropped, and others off the front of other groups, it was hard to keep track. A group of 4 ended up winning since there was no working at the front. I finished off with 3rd in the pack sprint I guess. The results had me 6th, but when I checked online later, I was 7th. Hmm, I guess that 15min protest rule doesn't work. But, I don't really care anyways. What's 6th or 7th, it's just training to me.

Not a bad race for having weak legs. Putting in back to back 350 miles weeks with almost no recovery and sitting up front for most of Thursday race had my legs a bit fatigued. Not bad though, I ended up with 95 miles on the day with a 2.5hr race in there. Then I threw in a 4hr MTB ride on the SS yesterday. Yup, I still like to MTB.

Up on the docket is a trip for the weekend. Heading up north for some riding to finish off a hard block. Looks like loops of Hanson Hills on Friday with a road ride back to Gaylord. Nice long ride in Leelanau on Saturday, then churning up some laps at Boyne Mt on Sunday. Looks to be a fun weekend. After that I shall be seen at Waterford the following Thursday trying to not make dumb mistakes again, and the the Brighton Rec stage race the week after that.

I like to ride my bike!

How to Lose a Bike Race

Yup, another Waterford Hills race in the books. Weather was okay, a bit chilly, but wind was not bad. The race started off with Don drilling it from the start and myself follwing in hopes to bring in some strong guys for a break. No dice, they all followed. A break got away early on and we knew it could stick. With people like Tim, Scott, Luke, and another rider, it was up to someone to try and bring it back. With 2 Wolverines in the break that was out of the question. So after the gap got big, Don and I did some rolling pulls. He'd pull, then me, and we'd tuck in behind eachother. After a while, we brought them back. Some more attacks went and both of us always seemed to be upfront working. Ah, it's all for training anyways.

By the end of the race, it gets a bit annoying and tiring with slow and fast. I took a flyer near the end to bridge up to Luke, but he was done and the pack was coming. With 2 to go, Alan Smith attacked and Don followed. I jumped off the front and tried to bridge. As I caught them, I looked back and saw the gap. Looked over at Don and we went. I pulled from there and it hurt. Came to the start/finish with 1 to go and I saw the pack not too far behind. I was at the back of the pack trying to regain some power, but didn't want to blow-up before the finish. So I sat-up and went back to the pack. Ya, that's where the problem was. When I got to the pack, it was all Wolverines sitting up, to let Alan go for the W. Damn. Looking back, it kills me that I let up. Lessons learned. If there would not have been a Wolverine, things would have been different. All I know is I could have been in the money. Argh.

Well, thats racing, and learning. Only my 6th road race, so you learn things all the time. Most of it is the team tactics and strategy. Still learning all of that. But, I got in some great training and experience. Remember, the front is where the training is done.

And...the strongest man won tonight. It's not often that it happens, but props to Don. He can lay it down for real. And he's got some $ to get that 'stang home.

BLIP 100

Pics courtesy of Hermitman
We changed the name to sound better. Brighton, Lakelands, Island Lake, and Poto.

Fun ride. Weather was gorgeous. No clouds and high 60's made for a nice day in the saddle. Started at home with Cruise, rolled through ILRA and picked up Robert, Bill, Alex and Jim. Checked out the Demo Day for a few minutes then rolled down to Poto via Lakelands trail. Poto was sweet. Headed back and did all loops at Brighton before shooting back over to ILRA. Great day. ended up with 104.2 mountain bike miles. Not bad. Thanks for the good company.

Highlights of the day

-104.2 miles! Somewhere around 7hrs of ride time.

-Riding with a good group of guys

-The squirrel!!! Good times.

-Shredding the Poto

-Cruise repeating "I hate this trail" on the Lost Loop at Brighton. FYI he was riding a new bike with a 29er wheel and big sweeper bars on a tight. twisty trail.

-Catching myself in a rut, letting Clikeman and Robert go by, then a couple minutes later we come around a corner to find Bill lying in the weeds.

-Finishing

-Cruise eating his first peanut butter and nutella sandwich.

-Mucho food.

Change of Plans

Ride is now Saturday. Weather looks much better then. Starting from my house and rolling through Island lake trailhead about 9:45ish.

Come One, Come All- PILB 100

So racing is out of the way for a while and the trails and weather are looking great. That means that it is time for some nice long days in the saddle hitting up some fine MTB trails. This isn't the HIP, or the BOOBS 100, but the PILB 100. Yeah, the name is kind of lame, maybe Alex could help me out!

What-PILB 100- Poto, Island Lake, Brighton Rec trails

When-This Sunday, May 11, 2008 9:00 am

Where-Start from Island Lake Trailhead-Ride to Poto, then back to Brighton.

Why: Because it is FUN!

If you want to make the ride, but can't Sunday, I am up for Saturday as well. We can stop at ILRA and check out the Demo Day as well. The start time and location can change as well if needed.

Bring water, food, and some cash if you need food/water at some stores we pass. Minimal paved road. Mostly trail, some dirt road, and Lakelands Trail. Post up if you want to do a nice long ride.

Fastest Lap of the Day

25:04:2-Brent Steinberg-CAT 5

Here are the results. CLICK. Check out the CAT 4 lap times. A big difference.

Za Cone Azalia

3 miles of dirt road, 7 miles of paved. The race page says it's the Paris Roubaix of the Midwest. They forgot to leave out the part that it is DEAD flat.

Oksy, so I decided to do the race earlier this week when I saw rain forcasted all week and into the weekend. The idea of camping at Fort Custer, racing in the rain, and driving the 2hrs both ways, ON TOP of $45 bucks to race, made the decision easier. And I am trying to do some road races and get my license upgraded from the 5's.

Decided to roll big. CX bike, 35c tires, 39x53 on the front and a PT out back. I didn't feel like flatting or shredding my tires. I figured I would be fine, the road would be a bit slower, but who cares, it's 5's, right?


Tested the setup to make sure it worked Saturday. Dirt roads, some pavement, and of course some 1-track. Ya never know when you have to go off-roading! Rig worked good and legs felt good.

Race day. 10am start. They also bumped our class down to 2 laps, oh boy, 20 miles. I did 1.5 laps of the course beforehand. Dirt roads were fine, just loose gravel on them and only one road had some potholes. 5's went off 2 minutes after the 4's. I lead on the dirt road from the start. A few people put in some 10 second pulls when I moved over, but not much help. Pack blew into shreds, and I looked back to see 2 dangling about 30 yards back. I was nearing on the 4's, but then a train came. Sat up, it was quick, and 4 of us went by the 4's. Then some 4's went by us and we were in the group. That's stupid. No need for mixing. So I rode next to the group and moved back up to the front as we came through lap #1.

With 4 5's in the group, I figured I would put the hurt on. I pulled 98% of the 2nd lap. That 2% was a 4 when I pulled off to see if anyone would work. I jumped back into the group, but the speed dropped, so back I went to the front. Yup, CX bike pulling everyone down the road. I shredded the group of 4's down to 9 people. One 5 was left, but he was sitting in (aka mixed in with 4's) the whole race. With 1/2 mile to go, I noticed he was on my wheel. I sat up and let him work. He tried to pull, but I could tell he was tired 15sec later when his pwoer died. I jumped and went for it. Ya, then the 4's jumped and tried to bring me back. Schweet. So I went again and sprinted into the win.

It was short, and not even tiring. The 4's lap times were 28:XX, then 25:05 when I lead the loop, then 27:XX. I did not see the 1/2 times, but I put in the fastest lap of the day. Yee-ha! The rest of the 5's finished a bit back, mostly scattered.

Went home, grabbed the MTB, and went out for a 2.5hr ride to Milford and Proud Lake. Made the sunny, nice day even better. I like riding bikes!


I wonder if they will upgrade me yet? I really don't think it's fair for me to race with the 5's. Next race is Kensington Rd race. I will likely do Waterford before that. Waterford rocks. Race whatever Cat you want and racing is hard and aggressive. Just try and stay on DC's wheel. Fun and pain.

Waterford Hills Thursday Races

Results May 1, 2008

A Race - 90 Minutes +2laps

32 Riders in the field

1. Terry Palmer - Essex Brass
2. Luke Calender - WSC
3. Cory Dubrish - WSC
4. Brent Steinburg - Kona
5. Anthony Bruley - O2/Cad
6. Ray Dybowski - WSC
7. Greg Kuhn - Team Fraser
8. Don Cameron - Specialized
9. Todd "Flying" Frerichs - FRCC
10. Bill Gilboe - Prestige Cycles
11. Dan Klein - WSC
12. Tim Saari - Essex Brass
13. Rich Russell - Essex Brass
14. Robert Herriman - WSC
15. Paul Eddleston

That was fun.

Bloomer Video

This is the teaser video from Bloomer that will be part of the USAC Series DVD. Video is done by Mike at Masher's Media. Check them out at Mashersmedia.com, or go to the link on the right.

I got some nice switchback coverage in the first minute.

Bloomer XC

Weather turned out to be nice, and the course was fun. I had a great time tooling around the course five times. Twisty, with lots of cool switchbacks, a lot of accelerations, some hills, and some long flat 2-track.

Race started off in a non-typical fashion for me. I *actually* had a good start. The goal was to go fast and try to get in the lead group. Yeah, it worked. Kuhncappi took off like crazy and left me going 2nd into the woods. Good thing I did a lap before the race. I let Niel by, and we were off. It was Dylan and I until the Flyin' Frenchman bridged and Lummis caught up. Dylan drilled it on the 2-track then Lummis added some more pain on the gravely climb. We caught Kuhncappi, and Christian decided he wanted to race. Dylan went with him and left three of us chasing. Lap 2 was hard. Sitting 3rd in tight 1-track left me closing gaps after every corner. It hurt. I fell off coming into the finish of lap 2. Tried to keep riding hard and not fall into cruise control doing and JRA. Clikeman caught me on mid-lap 4, but I didn't have the gas to keep with him. Lap 5 came and went as I rolled over the line 7th. Not bad. A different type of race for me. Usually I am slow to start and have consistant lap times. This was fast in the begining and slower lap times later on. Lap 2, I was worked over and took a bit out of me.

Fun race. I really enjoyed the course. Next up on the docket is Waterford Hills Thursday night and Fort Custer on Sunday. Let's see if I can get a good start again. Hopefully we get another good strong turnout like Bloomer.

More picture here. Thanks to my uncle, Glen Moore

Yankee Springs TT

Good Weather. 70's, a few drops of rain about dinner time on Saturday, but mostly sunshine. Course was in reverse. Sweet. People complained, c'mon, how often can we ride a trail backwards? Niel still won, and he should be the one most upset since it was his home course. So that point is now null. Course flowed well and was fast. Went off 9th, passed 5 people on course and ended up 3rd overall. Times were similar to years past, and I cut a minute off last year. Improvements.

Built up the SS on Friday night. Chain kept skipping on the rear cog. So I ended up with the only option that would work: 44x18. I thought it would hurt, but I should have gone with a 16T on the rear. It was fast. Felt easy. 4.5min slower, but lots of passig of sport men. Didn't even try the steep, loose part on the middle climb. Accelerated, cyclocross dismount and ran by some granny-ringers before remounting. Then caught people on the 1-track ridge with no passing. It was still fun. The bike worked and I was happy. Ended up 4th.

Bloomer this weekend? Maybe. 10 day forcast shows a bit of rain. If it's muddy, I'll stay home, but if it's dry, I'll go race for 2nd. That guy who double-flatted and beat Eatough last weekend can cruise around by himself on his home course off the front. Maybe he should race the Tour, I hear the French really need someone to finally win their own race!

Coming up...Bloomer, planned on Cone Azalia, but it's still a myth that it might be cancelled. No entry form out yet. I want to race some paved and dirt road on the skinny tires. Cat 5, baby! If its a scratch, maybe Fort Custer. Once my Thursday classes are done, Waterford Thursday nights I come. $10 crit, schweet.

Back From the Dead

Okay, I am alive. Quick note here and a full report later. Did a Mountain States Cup race outside of Fruita last weekend and got 3rd. Raced Yankee today and got 3rd again. Niel Scharphorn threw down for the win and Bill Clikeman nabbed his 2nd, 2nd place in 2 weeks. Wow, thats a lot of 2's. Raced SS after and got 4th. It felt easy with a 44x18. Maybe since it was 4.5 min slower and lots or sport racers to pass. I feel left out. I think 3 of us had 26 inch bikes out of like 20 in Elite. But Bill and I got 2 and 3 on 26ers. Yeah!

Fat Tire Time