PRESS RELEASE 8/30/2010
The land of cherries became the land of podiums for one Culvers Racing member. Tyler Gauthier was on the start lists for both the Criterium and Road Race at the Cherry Roubaix this past weekend. The Friday Night Criterium was 30 minutes + 1 lap around the downtown streets of Traverse City. It was a flat course with several 90 degree turns that proved to be very fast. Tyler was able to join a 3 man break away with 4 laps remaining to start the weekend with a 2nd place.
Sunday's road race was at the site of the late 1980's State road racing championships. The route flows through the cherry fields of Leelanau Peninsula. A rolling course with a hill tip finish set up for 4 lap 52 mile race. After 2 laps Tyler established a 6 man breakaway until it was cut down to 4. On the last lap Tyler rode away from his competitors over the hills and stayed away for the victory. His 1st place on Sunday wrapped up a great weekend for Culvers Racing.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Chasing fast Deer and riding in the reFORESTation
The Great Deer Chase
Last week a few of us got together in Calumet to go deer hunting. To my surprise 58 people came out for the hunt including fellow teammates Tom Carpenter, Justin Weber, and a few Wisco guys, Aaron Swanson, Paul Belknap, and Matt Hudson. We all met down town and rolled our way into the woods. Right as we left town 4 of us spotted a deer trotting through the woods so we pursued. Myself, Tom, Paul, and Matt were up for the challenge and the chase was on. We chased this damn thing for over 20 miles together. He ran swiftly right down a groomed trail which was perfect for us being on mountain bikes. We kept him in sight the whole time but he made us work. He was a bit of a show off through as he cornered at top speeds and everyone of us crashed at some point trying to match the agility of this, thing, they call Bambi or is Bambo? 22 miles into the race I saw another deer bolt down the road and I chased diligently. This had to of been Bambo! The other guys must have decided to keep chasing bambi because before you know it it was just me chasing bambo. I never did catch that guy/deer but wouldn't you know it he lead me right to downtown Calumet to a bunch of cheering people and they said I was the 1st one back from the hunt. I guess they like the guy who comes back first. It was a great hunt and a blast of a time and next year maybe I can catch Bambo and be first back.
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| Courtesy of XMatic |
WORS Reforestation
After a day of hunting in Calumet I thought it would be nice to visit the forest for a leisure ride. I found out fast that I showed up to the wrong forest for a leisure ride. Standing at the trail head were guys like Schouten, Braun, Matter, Guerra, Anderson, and Peariso. Everyone was planning on doing 3 laps/36 miles. I said, "What the heck." and joined the party. The guys didn't want to wait to push the pace so right off the start line the pace was high for the 3 mile roll out. A long line of us entered the first single track until the elastic broke creating 2 groups. It was a lead group of 7 or so and a chase group of 5. The course wasn't terribly hilly but the single track was windy and punchy. The hills were quick but steep and it took a lot of power, right up my alley. The single track took every bit of my skill as I learned how to ride better single track following guys like Krayer and Koenig. Man can they rip! We went through the first lap with 5 or so and then Koenig started throwing attacks creating small splits. At one time it was Koenig and Krayer up the road and I had to make the decision to stay or bridge up. With a violent effort and 2 miles later I caught them and it was 3 of us. At the start of the 3rd lap we were joined by Seth Lenss and Chris Peariso. Koenig put in some more attacks and put the group down to 4 and that was followed by an attack by Peariso and he rode solo the rest of the way. The 3 of us remaining stayed tight and flew through the single track to the finishing stretch. Krayer attacked from 3rd position and I had nothing to follow. I rolled in 3rd of that sprint for a 9th overall.
It was a solid weekend of racing for me. My 1st Elite win of the year and my best finish at the Pro/Elite level for the WORS Series. It is an awesome way to finish up August and I'm looking forward to finishing out the season strong. A couple more MTB races and then the start of cross season all in prep for the big show, Iceman Cometh.
Monday, August 23, 2010
PRESS RELEASE - Deer Chase, WORS and MTU Rondevous
PRESS RELEASE - 8/23/10
Culvers Racing had a great weekend seeking out the podium. Saturday was the annual Deer Chase in Calumet a 27 mile race in the Swede Town Trails. The course was different this year with one 27 mile lap and a lot of new single track. Tyler and Tom rode with the front group until a break at 22 miles. Tyler rode away with the victory and Tom finished close behind to top off the podium with a 3rd. Justin Weber also attended finishing 48th.
The following day the team split up as Tom and Justin stayed in the Keweenaw for the inaugural MTU Rondevous and Tyler headed south to Green Bay for the WORS Reforestation. The Rondevous in new to the UP Calendar and offered rides a change to show off their single track skills on the technical but fun MTU Rec Trails. Tom established his dominance early riding away with Tyler Jenema. They shared the load until an unfortunate mechanical breakdown for Tyler Jenema and Tom kept the tempo high and flew to victory. Justin Weber was close behind with a 5th place.
Down in Green Bay WORS had on the schedule a 36 mile course with open fire roads and punch single track. The Pro/Elite field was stacked with the main hitters and the pace was high from the beginning. After the first single track groups were formed and the pace was high. The day went well for Tyler as he finished in the chase group for 9th overall.
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| Courtesy of Xmatic |
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| Courtesy of Xmatic |
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| Courtesy of Xmatic |
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ore to Shore - Tyler's Race Report
It's not the best single track (because there is none), it's not the easiest, it's not the best two track, it's not the most climbing, and it's not flat. For the most part there is nothing special about it but I LOVE THIS RACE! A big reason could be that its my home race but I think it's just because it's the O2S. It's 48 miles of epic, power, and gorilla riding.
I started doing this race 5 years ago and every year my goals get higher and the importance grows. After last years mishap this years race meant more than ever. It easily marked as the biggest race on my calendar. I was out for revenge on this course. I was out to prove to myself that I could finish top 20 and to the rest that a U.P. rider belongs at the top with the best.
A preview of the start list showed that this race was the most competitive of any year. Showing up to the start line only confirmed that assumption. The front line included over 5 professionals, 3 past winners, and several runner ups. Knowing the power that was starting I knew the start was going to be fast and competitive. My goal was to stay with the leaders for a predetermined amount of time and I achieved my goal. It set me up in good position going into the power line where the race usually splits and it did. A fairly large group game through Ishpeming and it didn't split until the sandy rail road grade. A small stumble by a rider sitting 10 or so let the leaders form a group, not to be seen again. Riders were quite sporadic through the power line until the swamp when a large group formed. After the swamp, this year was a 200-300 yard lake 6-12 inches deep which actually sucked the energy and was quite difficult. Not to mention we came out pretty damn wet. The race up to the rod and gun was pretty uneventful, just hard riding.
Coming onto North Camp Rd. myself and another rider established a small gap and we continued riding tempo in attempt to lengthen the gap. It didn't last that long as a group of 5 or so, including the Eppens, we were once again a group. This wasn't all so bad coming onto 510 road as our group worked well together and I believe lengthen the gap of all chasing riders. As I mentioned in the above, our group included the Eppens and when riding in a pace line the rider behind is suppose to rest but my gosh following a tandem with riders of their caliber is crazy hard but it kept the pace high. Approaching 510 hill I was feeling great and the steps didn't bother me at all. Entering the woods at the top of 510 we went in with 5 riders. We stayed together until a 9er crew rider made a move on 16K hill. I was feeling good and was ready for it and jumped the gap. We rode tempo and established a gap a gap that I actually thought was going to stick but coming out of Forestville the group was brought back together. This was a bit disappointing because I know I just spent a lot of energy riding tempo with the 9er rider. With that I was still feeling strong but the guys I was with were looking good. We all came into Gold Eagle Supply parking lot together and the front 2 riders were riding tempo with their heads down and flew past the next turn. I quickly yelled, "Right," to all other riders and 3 of us made the turn. I really think if I wouldn't of yelled I would have been the only one to make the turn wrapping up 15th place but I'm all for a fair game and yelled. My race etiquette will come back to help me some day.
Coming down the stretch the 2 riders I was with were looking fairly strong and I didn't want to chance a sprint with either of them. I tossed the dice and attacked at the apartments but it only lasted 20 or so seconds. My effort took a lot out of me and the 9er crew rider took advantage of my attack and countered. This split us into three down the finishing stretch and it stayed that way for 18th overall. I was so pleased with this and my goals were achieved. It was a great moment to share with my family and friends. I set a goal in the beginning of the year when achieved it's a great feeling.
I truly believe I have the best support crew in the business. I water hand offs were awesome, the cheering was loud, and energy from family was felt. I can always count on my family and crew to support me and I can't thank all of you enough.
I started doing this race 5 years ago and every year my goals get higher and the importance grows. After last years mishap this years race meant more than ever. It easily marked as the biggest race on my calendar. I was out for revenge on this course. I was out to prove to myself that I could finish top 20 and to the rest that a U.P. rider belongs at the top with the best.
A preview of the start list showed that this race was the most competitive of any year. Showing up to the start line only confirmed that assumption. The front line included over 5 professionals, 3 past winners, and several runner ups. Knowing the power that was starting I knew the start was going to be fast and competitive. My goal was to stay with the leaders for a predetermined amount of time and I achieved my goal. It set me up in good position going into the power line where the race usually splits and it did. A fairly large group game through Ishpeming and it didn't split until the sandy rail road grade. A small stumble by a rider sitting 10 or so let the leaders form a group, not to be seen again. Riders were quite sporadic through the power line until the swamp when a large group formed. After the swamp, this year was a 200-300 yard lake 6-12 inches deep which actually sucked the energy and was quite difficult. Not to mention we came out pretty damn wet. The race up to the rod and gun was pretty uneventful, just hard riding.
Coming onto North Camp Rd. myself and another rider established a small gap and we continued riding tempo in attempt to lengthen the gap. It didn't last that long as a group of 5 or so, including the Eppens, we were once again a group. This wasn't all so bad coming onto 510 road as our group worked well together and I believe lengthen the gap of all chasing riders. As I mentioned in the above, our group included the Eppens and when riding in a pace line the rider behind is suppose to rest but my gosh following a tandem with riders of their caliber is crazy hard but it kept the pace high. Approaching 510 hill I was feeling great and the steps didn't bother me at all. Entering the woods at the top of 510 we went in with 5 riders. We stayed together until a 9er crew rider made a move on 16K hill. I was feeling good and was ready for it and jumped the gap. We rode tempo and established a gap a gap that I actually thought was going to stick but coming out of Forestville the group was brought back together. This was a bit disappointing because I know I just spent a lot of energy riding tempo with the 9er rider. With that I was still feeling strong but the guys I was with were looking good. We all came into Gold Eagle Supply parking lot together and the front 2 riders were riding tempo with their heads down and flew past the next turn. I quickly yelled, "Right," to all other riders and 3 of us made the turn. I really think if I wouldn't of yelled I would have been the only one to make the turn wrapping up 15th place but I'm all for a fair game and yelled. My race etiquette will come back to help me some day.
Coming down the stretch the 2 riders I was with were looking fairly strong and I didn't want to chance a sprint with either of them. I tossed the dice and attacked at the apartments but it only lasted 20 or so seconds. My effort took a lot out of me and the 9er crew rider took advantage of my attack and countered. This split us into three down the finishing stretch and it stayed that way for 18th overall. I was so pleased with this and my goals were achieved. It was a great moment to share with my family and friends. I set a goal in the beginning of the year when achieved it's a great feeling.
I truly believe I have the best support crew in the business. I water hand offs were awesome, the cheering was loud, and energy from family was felt. I can always count on my family and crew to support me and I can't thank all of you enough.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Danny Hill rides to podium at Wausau24
This past weekend marked a new era for the 24 hour of 9 mile. With the old promoters out and a new group in Wausau24 was created. Even though it was a new event Danny Hill wasted no time on marking his name on the familiar stomping ground. 9 mile forest is not new to Danny, he has been participating for years doing everything from geared, single speed, 24 hour solo, 12 hour solo, and 24 hour team.
This year he took on the challenge of the 12 hour solo single speed. With a different course on tap than in prior years it presented much more of a technical challenge. This was right up his alley, "Very tough course but fun!" said Danny. It must have been fun because Danny completed 11 laps in 13 hours. He finished with the same number laps as the winner but trailed by an hour in time. He managed to squeak in a crucial 11th lap 18 minutes before the deadline to pull out a 2nd place overall 4 minutes ahead of 3rd.
Congratulations to Danny Hill on his 2nd overall at the 2010 Wausau24.
This year he took on the challenge of the 12 hour solo single speed. With a different course on tap than in prior years it presented much more of a technical challenge. This was right up his alley, "Very tough course but fun!" said Danny. It must have been fun because Danny completed 11 laps in 13 hours. He finished with the same number laps as the winner but trailed by an hour in time. He managed to squeak in a crucial 11th lap 18 minutes before the deadline to pull out a 2nd place overall 4 minutes ahead of 3rd.
Congratulations to Danny Hill on his 2nd overall at the 2010 Wausau24.
12 Hour Salsa Solo Single Speed | |||||||||||||||
Place | Total Laps | Team # | Team Name | Lap 1 | Lap 2 | Lap 3 | Lap 4 | Lap 5 | Lap 6 | Lap 7 | Lap 8 | Lap 9 | Lap 10 | Lap 11 | Elapsed Time |
1 | 11 | 86 | 0:52 | 0:53 | 0:56 | 0:58 | 1:00 | 1:01 | 1:05 | 1:05 | 1:06 | 1:30 | 1:30 | 12:00:24 | |
2 | 11 | 82 | 1:04 | 1:00 | 1:04 | 1:05 | 1:06 | 1:08 | 1:18 | 1:15 | 1:13 | 1:23 | 1:18 | 13:00:13 | |
3 | 11 | 87 | 1:01 | 1:02 | 1:07 | 1:09 | 1:14 | 1:10 | 1:21 | 1:21 | 1:08 | 1:13 | 1:15 | 13:04:05 | |
4 | 9 | 96 | 1:20 | 1:16 | 1:11 | 1:13 | 1:18 | 1:14 | 1:37 | 1:13 | 1:38 | 12:05:38 | |||
5 | 8 | 83 | 0:58 | 0:55 | 0:56 | 1:00 | 1:02 | 1:09 | 4:21 | 1:34 | 12:00:14 | ||||
6 | 8 | 106 | 1:10 | 1:05 | 1:10 | 1:20 | 1:19 | 1:37 | 1:36 | 2:39 | 12:00:17 | ||||
7 | 8 | 88 | 1:18 | 1:24 | 1:19 | 1:40 | 1:40 | 1:36 | 1:30 | 1:39 | 12:09:32 | ||||
DNF | 7 | 101 | 0:54 | 0:54 | 0:55 | 1:02 | 0:59 | 1:09 | 2:20 | 08:17:38 | |||||
DNF | 5 | 89 | 1:12 | 1:08 | 1:52 | 2:28 | 1:22 | 08:05:09 | |||||||
DNF | 5 | 84 | 1:12 | 1:09 | 1:19 | 1:16 | 2:14 | 07:12:36 | |||||||
DNF | 4 | 85 | 1:11 | 1:09 | 1:20 | 3:07 | 06:49:02 | ||||||||
Monday, August 2, 2010
Training for......Training?
One race in 6 weeks. With exception to a race on July 11th I have been race free for most of July. The lack of racing has molded the month of July for me. It has been pure concentration on training and working on my weak areas. I wouldn't necessarily say I have enjoyed not racing but it has offered me some relief. Planning training around races and traveling 4-6 hours every other weekend becomes stressful. So this actually comes with open arms because the months of August and September heat up with a race just about every weekend.
Concentration hasn't been a factor without racing. I have set my focus for one date, August 14th. For most, you know it's the date of the Ore to Shore, our home town race. Everything about this race is close to me. This was my first competitive MTB race, it's an epic 48 miles, misery hill, and home town crowd to name a few. My biggest motivation, finishing business from last year. I had an unfortunate crash with about 5 miles to go last year placing me with a DNF. I was holding top 20 at the time and it has eaten at me since that day last year. No worries though because this past 6 weeks have prepared me to the best of my ability and the race will bring what it will.
I'm looking forward to the months ahead and will keep you all posted. Cheers for now.
Concentration hasn't been a factor without racing. I have set my focus for one date, August 14th. For most, you know it's the date of the Ore to Shore, our home town race. Everything about this race is close to me. This was my first competitive MTB race, it's an epic 48 miles, misery hill, and home town crowd to name a few. My biggest motivation, finishing business from last year. I had an unfortunate crash with about 5 miles to go last year placing me with a DNF. I was holding top 20 at the time and it has eaten at me since that day last year. No worries though because this past 6 weeks have prepared me to the best of my ability and the race will bring what it will.
I'm looking forward to the months ahead and will keep you all posted. Cheers for now.
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