Family Victory

It's been a while since the last win, however this one is even better because it's the result of a family effort.
Norma, koko and I headed up the hill on Friday to Flagstaff for the inagural Barn Burner.
The event consisted of 4 laps to a 26 mile course made up of 100% forest roads. The venue was set at a private ranch near Kendrick Mountain. Here is what the venue looked like minutes before the start. The start was LeMans style aka...running to your bike. We had rain shower for most of the morning and cool temperatures. I wasn't too excited about the conditions but slowly kitted up and put on a few layers. The run went well. I guess it helps to take Koko for short evening runs.

I was in the top 10 group on foot then jumped on the bike for a slippery ride out of the venue. The mud was sticky and soon the bike had gained several pounds.

I made my way to the front of the group on the greasy start and soon found myself on Kimo's wheel. Here we are going around Tom with Kendrick Mtn on the background.

I stayed on Kimo's wheel for the first couple of miles while two guys riding for Carmichael Systems joined our group. We each took turns at the front to keep the pace high. Soon we were all by ourselves. The forest roads got drier and faster, however there was one little low spot that was slippery. I was leading the pack through it when suddendly my rear wheel got on a groove and made me got sideways. The few seconds that it took me to right my bike was all those guys needed to gap me. From that point on I rode by myself. I would see them up front from time to time but no one behind me. Here I am rounding the last corner heading back to the barn to complete my laps in 4th overall. You can see how muddy my bike was. Front derraileour was out of order.

Norma did the second lap. By the time she went, the course had dried out pretty good. She had a good lap and said there was only one steep pitch that forced her off the bike. She finished her laps with a smile on her face. I took over from there and completed the next two laps. My legs felt pretty good after the break but at this point we were all about enjoying the ride. I kept the pace moderate on the flats and gradual climbs and just put myself into a little bit of pain on the climbs. On my last lap I grabbed a jacket just in case of rain, which I later had to remove as the sun finally came out. As I was removing the jacket a rider went by me. The first rider to pass me during the whole race, so I got on his wheel and he pulled me for the next several miles. As we approached the first climb he seemed to slow down, so I went around him. I saw him again a few seconds back after the downhill then I put some time on him on the final climb. I caught Tom's partner Kim at the bottom of that climb and unaware of it took over the lead of the coed duo race. We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon while Koko played with Diego, Max and Flor.

Our camera died shortly after I took this picture, so no podium pictures. Art and Wendy finished 5th after Wendy had some tire air pressure issues on the first lap. This was Art's last event before he goes Canadian style for a few days at the BC Bike Race.

As for me, MBAA is done. I got 5th in the series after a lackluster performance at the final a couple of weeks ago. I'll probably do a few more road races now that I got my upgrade to the 3s. I should have a fancy looking sticker with a number 3 in the mail soon, so I can place it on my racing license. AMC got cancelled so I'll have to change plans for August. I may end up heading up to Minnesota to spend time with the family, attend a friends wedding and do a couple of races.

We'll see how things pan out.

Until next time....

Sore Tom's Thumb

Who needs Alp D'Huez when you have Tom's Thumb trail? I just found this trail today while riding the awesome trails at the McDowell Mtn Preserve. I am not sure if they are the result of efforts by the City of Scottsdale, IMBA, volunteers or a combination of them, but a big Thank You to everyone that's put work onto those trails.

About today's ride...I started from the parking lot at Bell and Thompson Peak. Art had prescribed a 3 hour MTB ride, so I figured I could easily do that there. I went up Windgate Pass, which was nice and tacky due to yesterday's rain. It was a little humid too, but I wasn't complaining. From Windgate I descended towards Coachwhip, however on the way there I passed by an intersection to a freshly cut trail, which was the access to Tom's Thumb. The first part consisted of a gradual climb followed by a couple short rollers then I rounded a corner and saw the trail point upwards in the form of switchbacks. Switchback #1 was fine, 2-4 were tight and steep and my 22/34 were no match for them. 5,6 and 7 were hard but I made it up them. I walked up #9 then 10-12 were rideable, but at that point I was so tired I couldn't. The trails levels out after switch back #13 and becomes a gradual climb all the way up to #17, then when you think you are done, there is one last section that looks more like a continuos "S", steep, loose and tight which will give you that one last kick in the butt before you summit. Tom's Thum will be infront of you. The Thumb is big rock protuding above all others and looks like...you guessed, a thumb. After taking in the scenery I decided to reward myself with a long downhill, however there is one last little climb with a few more switchbacks to do before diving into a series of thight switchbacks which I didn't even bother to count, then the trails levels out and brings you back to the start of the Windgate climb.

I did Windgate one more time, over to Bell Pass and down. I still had 20 min to go, so I finished with a lap around the Gateway Saddle loop.

In other news...oh yeah, I raced last weekend up in Flagstaff. Race went OK. Finished 7th. Had a couple of holy cow moments and to this day, I don't know how I kept it up-right. Broke a Ti pedal in one of those, so it was pretty scary.

Norma did better. Got 3rd in her group even though she went the wrong way after a some individuals tried to derail the race by making course changes. Too bad we can't all coexist and be happy!

We also got our fence fixed. It only needs to be painted. We'll see how long it takes this guy to do that. Funny part about this is that the community newspaper lists the incident on their Sheriff Log and states that the driver left the scene. Huh, they must know something we don't!

I gotta start planning the second part of the season. I have a few races in mind, however right now I just know I am racing the State RR on the 6th and the MBAA finals on the 13th. Everything else is up in the air.

I told "Koko" I would take him to the dog park this afternoon, so I better get going. He's giving me this look of "are we leaving yet?"

Jeff

Where did last month go?

I knew I hadn't posted in a while, but didn't know it was already a month.

The lack of updates is not due to lack of events, in fact it's probably de opposite. I've been quite busy for the last few weeks in all different fronts especially the non-cycling ones.

Cycling has been on the down low mostly due to lack of planning but I was starting to feel burned out a little so I kinda needed a break, so it worked out somewhat OK.

The cycling recession started with the Whiskey Off-Road. My parents were in town and I had been preparing for this race for a long time. Art had created a training plan for me that had me peaking for this event. Things were going as planned for the first hour of racing and I was sitting comfortably in 4th place when it turned bad. First it was a front flat, followed by faulty CO2 trigger, followed by a locked front brake piston, then I got rolling for less than 10 min until I got a second flat. Rear tire this time. No tubes, no CO2, decided to ride as much as I could in hopes of making it to the aid station where Norma and my parents were waiting and they sure would have tubes and CO2. Endo'd at low speed. Landed hard and cut my shorts...time to call it a day.

Koko was a little annoyed that he didn't see me going by among the top 10 at the 25 mile aid station.

No bike the rest of the weekend, and very little to no riding that week. Spent a lot of time working on the yard at home with my dad and ate too many Costa Rican tamales made by my mom and Mexican tamales made by Norma.

Drove to Payson for the next MBAA race. Flat course didn't suit me but under the no-training plan no course would have suited me. Felt OK at the beginning, even drove the pace at the front a couple of times, then the lights went out and I literally had to crawl to the finish.

Ate more tamales and became a year older! Yeayy, viva Cinco de Mayo!!!

Received 13 tons of landscaping rock as birthday present from myself, then invited my house guests (dad and my friend Roberto from Minnesota) to join in the fun.

Got really bad sun burn on my back then took my parents to the airport.

Went to Flagstaff to pre-ride course then dropped my friend at the airport too.

Someone knocked on our door near midnight to inform us he had hit our house. Turns out one of our neighbors was driving too fast and overshot the corner in front of our house. He hit the curb on the other side, lost control of the car, floored the gas pedal, slammed into our wall leaving his car parked in the middle of our backyard. Cops came. No insurance. It's going to be ugly!

Got back on the bike on Tuesday. Legs felt rusty and slow. By Wednesday I was starting to pedal full circles again and today I procrastinated getting on the bike all day. Now it's almost 10 PM...I don't think I'll ride today!

Soaking Wet Copper Valley

Just like the European Spring Classics on TV, this year's edition of the Copper Valley Road Race was wet and cold. Thankfully there were not cobbles on this one but the rain and 42 degrees made it for a tough day of the bike.

Had to get out of bed earlier than usual 3:40 AM, pick Kurt Smith on the way then swing by Art's house. The plan was to drive my car, but once we had the stuff for Kurt and I, there was little room for Art. Plan B was to move all the stuff onto Art's truck.

Made it to Globe by 6:20 AM and the temp was just above 40 degrees and cloudy.

Procon was the organizer so we were in charge of set up and registration. While waiting for tables, the clouds lifted up to reveal snow on the top of the hills nearby.

Worked the registration table then it was time to get ready.

I put on two base layers including one long sleeve, jersey, arm and knee warmer, shoe covers and beanie. Just riding down the the start line made me shiver then Mr. Zagg, one of our team mates who was driving a wheel truck saw me and gave me his jacket. Thanks Ueli! I couldn't have finished without that. It was a little big for me I didn't care. A little wind resistance was better than being soaking wet.

Up until that point it was just cloudy and cold. As soon as we clipped onto our pedals the sky broke loose and we had constant rain for the 3-hour round trip to Lake Roosevelt hence the importance of the jacket.

I spent a lot of time at the front staying out of trouble and avoiding bike spray however less than 10 minutes into the race I was wet and cold.

Our grop of around 30 guys split on the first climb. 15 or so of us went off the front and keep the pace moderate. The long donwhill made everyone shiver. At one point we were doing 46 MPH into the rain. There were a few attacks before the turn around point but we were able to control them. Bicycle Haus and Procon pretty much controlled 90% of the race with either Bryce, Judah, myself of the other BH rider leading the pack. We made it to the base of the long 6 mile climb with a group of about 20. I drove the pace for the first couple of miles then Bryce attacked. I chased him down and 7 other guys came with me. Unfortunately Judah didn't make this cut, so without teammates I decided to attack. I tried 3 or 4 tame attacks up the hill but my legs were too cold to accelarate quickly so I got caught everytime. The 9 of us made it to the top as a group and it seemed we were all settling for a sprint finish. Focus had to guys in the group so they tried to get away a couple of times without sucess. About a mile before the finish a cheap attacked went on while most of us were taking off our vests and jackets so our numbers could be recorded. We quickly caught up to the group before the sprint. I got on Daniel DeMos wheel on the left side. He launch his sprint then I came around him, a little too soon as I ended up spinning out of the gear and getting pipped to the line by Daniel, Bryce and one other rider for fourth. It didn't help that there was no marked finish line. The rain made it impossible for the tape to stick to the road, so we had to sprint for an imaginary line. In fact, even after crossing the line we were wondering it we had sprinted a the wrong location. A photo reviewed was required to convince me I had finished 4th, however it's hard to tell because you can't see my wheel only my body crossing the line. Unfortunately I was seated while the rest of the guys were off the saddle so my body is further back. Oh well, at that point I was glad to get out of those clothes and get into Art's warm truck. Here's what my hands looked like. By the end I could barely operate the brakes or shifters.

My feet were even colder. I couldn't feel anything except for my heels.
I won't be racing next weekend, however I am planning to be at the Nova race at McDowell to support and watch the younger riders have fun. Then it's up to Prescott on the 25th for the Whiskey Off-Road.

I hope I can get rid of this cold soon. Coughing, sneezing and aching body is not the way I want to start my prep for the Whiskey.

Flying Solo

Stop number 5 in the MBAA series was this weekend up in Prescott. Temperatures were a little chillier than expected. Some overnight campers were caught off guard by snow the night before the race.

I drove to the race by myself, which was a first for a MTB race and it helped me realize how much Norma helps me, especially on race day.

I made it to the Alto Pit at around 9:30 AM and it was 42 degrees. I put all the layers I had on and went to check-in. Our friends James and Katia were taking care of hungry riders and families by bringing Pony Espresso to the venue. Great wraps and even better coffee. Thank you guys for coming over. I am sure I wasn't the only satisfied customer.

After a little chat with just about everyone, I figured it was time to jump on the trainer. Unfortunately, that's when I realized I hadn't prepared my bottles. Getting bottles ready took a while and then I had to label them so someone could hand them off to me. That someone had to be determined too.

I made to the start line after cutting the warm-up a little short. I had the cooler with me and the first person I saw was James. I knew he was busy with the Pony Espresso, but I asked him to find someone to feed me then grabbed a bottle. As it turns out I grabbed the bottle with Coca-Cola that I usually take on the last lap. 60 seconds to start and I can't find my cooler so I am about to start a race with a bottle of diluted Coke. 15 seconds to go and James walks by. I grabbed a new bottle just on time for gooooo!. I was in my small ring, so I punished my drive gear to move to the front. I made it into the bottle neck in 3rd wheel behind Tim Allen and Scott Keller. Keller got around Tim and so did I. We stayed like that for a few minutes then I attacked before the steepest section of the climb. I managed to move to the front and led the race for good 'ol 30 seconds before Keller and Tim went around me. We cruised on the downhill and Eric Salstrand went around me. I am feeling tired and spent and we are not even half way into first lap. I backed off a little then Lance and Tim Bolton go by. I finished the first lap in 6th. On the next climb Kam Reedy comes by too and not to long after Jason Sager passed my too. I am getting concerned then my legs finally start to cooperate and I stay with Kam and we pass Sager.

We get to the bottom of the hill and pass Salstrand on the side fixing a flat. Bummer!

Now I am back on 6th then my handlebars come loose again. I rode the rest of the lap like that but I am loosing ground on Kam on the downhills. We head into the 3rd lap together but he gaps me on the downhill. There is no other option. I stopped, got my tools out and retighten the bars. Sager goes by. 60 to 90 seconds -that felt like 10 min- go by and I am back in business. I passed Sager but Kam is nowhere near. I rode the whole 4th lap by myself and I am starting to feel a lot better, however I am ready to settle for 6th. I head out for my 5th lap and Darrin tells me someone is not too far. I get some motivation and make it to the top but can't see anyone. Near the last long climb of the lap I get a glimpse of a rider. Is Tim Bolton and he seems to be hurting. I get on his wheel on the steep climb then pass him at the top. To avoid giving him a free ride I push the pace even though I am at the limit. I looked back and he's no longer there then I look up ahead to find Tim Allen struggling. I snuck up to him by no using my rear break (as it makes noise) and we both hit the last short steep climb to the finish. He goes left I went right and I moved into 4th. There is no response from Tim but he comes in on 5th to round up the podium.

The real story is that he was sick as a dog and his body shut down on the last lap. Hope he gets better soon. Keller held on for the win from Lance while Kam came in a few seconds later.

Here is a podium picture, sans Tim Allen who wasn't feeling good and left early.

Now it comes a little break from the fat tires to give time for some skinny tire action this weekend at the Copper Valley Road Race that Procon is promoting. I'll be volunteering first then jumping on the bike to do some work for the team. I re-taped my handlebars on Sunday because my palms were really hurting after long road rides. I got double tape on the most used areas and went for a ride. It feels soooo much better.
Until next time....

Pro XC Tour Kick Off

We are finally home after a busy weekend of driving and racing. We were planning to leave early on Saturday, however Koko broke a canine tooth Friday night when he got snagged on the seam of my cargo shorts. We had to wait until the vet's office opened to call. Vet told us we should bring him in soon but not necessarily that day, so we continued with the plan. Made it to Fontana just before 4 PM after having the worst dining experience at a Mexican restaurant outside of Indio.

After taking care of registration I went to pre-ride the course. I knew the course was different but I was really surprised with how steep and difficult the initial climb was. I loved it, because I knew I could do better than many people on that section. The technical descend was also fun. After two laps we went back to the hotel and got changed, met Norma's cousing Eddy and his wife for dinner then it was time to bed.

With a 2:15 PM start I had plenty of time for breakfast. Denny's was just around the corner, so we had some "serious" meal and went back to the hotel to chill.

We made it to the venue around 12:30 so I could start my warm-up. The vibe in the venue was really cool. Scott Tedro and everyone else helping to put this series together have done a great job. The stunt motorcycle show was going in while I was sitting on the trainer which made it difficult to ignore but at the same time it got my mind away from the race ahead.

Not sure what my call-up would be I headed to the staging area as soon as they called up the first rider. Quickly the starting line got fuller and fuller with riders lined up 9-wide.

Still waiting to be called up

Ten full rows had been filled and my name hadn't been called, eventually there was a little over a handful of us left in the staging area when I heard my name. I only had to move forward a few yard to take my spot, then the annuncer says there was 1-minute to the start. I looked back and there was only one row of guys behind me and about 11 in front.

I got a little nervous thinking about the upcoming chaos of funneling 114 riders into the course while navigating around three tight turns.

Then at 2:15 PM, off we went. How was the start? This video should give you a good idea. Watch for my red and black Adrenaline jersey going by on the inside about 9 seconds into it.

I made it through the first two turns without a hitch and moved a few spots then I got boxed in on the third one and had to get off my bike just to keep moving forward. I quickly remounted and moved up a few more spots before having to dismount again on the first short, steep, loose climb. Passed a few more people while running and remounted. I settled behind the next group of guys in hopes of recovering before the really steep climb then 6 guys went by us. I then realized how hard you have to race at this level.

The rest of the first lap continued like that. I rode as hard as I could, yet anytime I let off the gas, even for just a moment, one or two riders went by. I went down twice on this lap trying not to run over other guys that had crashed in front of me. Lap two went about the same, however riders were spread out a little more and I kept moving forward. Todd Wells passed me after his mechanical. We both were running with our bikes at the top of the climb. I tried staying with him but lost him on the downhill.

Marty was out on the course as usual, providing some needed encouragement.

I started to enjoy the race on lap three and felt a lot stronger. I also got more comfortable on the descends. As I started my 4th lap I must have crossed into what I called the "mediocrety threshold." All the big names were ahead yet I couldn't see anyone behind me. On this lap I only passed three guys. On the last lap, I was just focusing on keeping a steady pace and make it to the finish without any incidents. I managed to pass one other rider, but aside from him I rode mostly by myself the whole lap, which I thought was unusual. For a second I thought I was the last rider not getting pulled, but a few seconds after crossing the line I saw a few more riders come in.

After a quick spin to cool off, I went back to the car to change and pack. On the way out we discovered the car had a flat tire. Thankfully there was an Auto Zone across the street. We bought a can of Fix-a-Flat and a Large Pizza at the restaurant next door and went back to the hotel.
We drove back to Phoenix on Monday. Except for some strong winds, the drive was uneventfull. Then in the afternoon I took Koko to the vet. I looks like he'll need to have the rest of the broken tooth removed as well as two others. Who would have thought! What's next...braces!!!

We may also do put him through "another" procedure at the same time but don't tell him. I don't think he'll like the idea.

Thanks to all for your e-mails and text messages. It was nice to know that I had people rooting for me.

Jeff

Quick update. Finished 43rd. Not bad considering my 10th to last call up to the start line out of 120+