Checking In

It has been way too long since my last post but that is how it goes in the off-season.  You loose track of your regular cycling routine and that is a good thing.  Since the last time I checked in I have had some good time off the bike, relaxed nights, completed house chores that get neglected in the summer, doing a strength training program, and planning for 2012.

I am now back on the bike in what I like to call a maintenance period.  This is where I ride the snow bike for fun to get back in the saddle and bring back the feeling of the endless crouch.  Also referred to as TITS (time in the saddle), as my good friend Chris P. likes to refer to it as.  All this is done on the new Surly Moonlander.  During my off time I have continued a rigorous strength training schedule.  Although being off the bike for 6 weeks my cross training tends to carry over some fitness to the bike so that the maintenance period is not so rough.  As I have in the past, I am posting a video to show you a bit of how I strength train in the off season.  This style of exercise correlates with the bike a lot.  It does not have a direct connection to cycling fitness but it brings up the general fitness, strength, and mental capacity that is all used while racing your bike.  Enjoy!

Next week I am going to head down to Madison and visit my friend (brother from another mother) Nathan G. for CX Nationals.  I'm excited to meet his and Lindsay s new addition to the family, Micah.  I'm also excited to watch my cycling peers suffer the pain of the bike in January.  (Good luck to Tyler J. going for the bars and stripes) Through the month of January I will slowly increase my maintenance time and decrease my cross training until I have made the full transfer back to the bike.  Hopefully the favorable winter conditions continue until my training camp in AZ in March.  I can not believe its getting to be that time again.        

In the Media - Mining Journal Article

Here is an article from the Mining Journal a couple weeks ago.  They contacted me earlier this summer when Danny Hill was doing the Great Divide.  They had asked to follow up on me when my Professional license was final.  I am grateful for the local support and coverage.  

Ishpeming’s Tyler Gauthier balancing two jobs as executive, professional cyclist

December 5, 2011

By AMANDA MONTHEI - Journal Sports Writer (sports@miningjournal.net) , The Mining Journal

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ISHPEMING - Ishpeming resident Tyler Gauthier would like to think he has only one job.

Yet, since becoming a professional mountain biker in September, his Account Executive job in Ishpeming has been accompanied by "job" number two.

"To be a professional, there is a time commitment," Gauthier said. "It's a whole other step. You're dealing with people that do this for a living. You're dealing with people who have been doing it for 10 or 15 years.

"It's not just a casual ride anymore, there's got to be a purpose."

In that way, Gauthier's mountain biking career has changed since when he began in 2005. Two years after starting, he was competing on the weekends. Now he is one of only four professional mountain bikers in the state of Michigan, not to mention the lone one in the Upper Peninsula.

"I mean I don't want to say that I do this just because it's a job," he said. "I enjoy it, I still have a passion for it and there is a reason I do it.

"You don't put this much time into a second job if you don't have that passion and if you don't enjoy it."

For Guathier, a mountain-biking time commitment can mean anything from off-season training, getting out on the trails, or traveling for races.

"Everything in our life and everything around us is really adapted to biking," he said. "You have to approach it with professionalism, you have to approach it as a job."

For Gauthier, reaching the next level in mountain biking means an advantage in races, the opportunity to race with similarly talented athletes and simply knowing that he is competing to his best ability.

"I guess that when you're a professional, a lot of people categorize that as your being paid to do something, that that's what you do," he said.

"Being a professional in this manner is just doing it at the highest level, not necessarily what you're getting paid."

Fortunately, Gauthier's primary job as an Account Executive at St. Onge Insurance in Ishpeming is really the key to success in his biking career, he said.

"It's a family-owned business and my very first priority is giving them everything I have," he said about St. Onge Insurance. "But at the same time, I wouldn't be able to (be a professional biker) if my job didn't allow me to put as much effort and time into my cycling as this one does."

Since reaching the professional level in September - a process that required getting a specific amount of accumulated points by competing in races, getting licensed through the United States Cycling Association and finally being approved and verified - Guathier has finished up the fall season and is now working on training for his first full year as a pro.

"Off-season training just started this month," he said. "My intention is to be back on the bike by mid January. This is a 10-month sport so there is not much time in the off season."

Gauthier plans on traveling all over the country in the coming months to compete in races, including a stop in Arizona, but his eventual goal is still to win a race in his home county.

"Being that it's (Culver's Racing, Gauthiers race team's) hometown race, the Ore To Shore is by far my number one goal as a pro cyclist," he said of the race, which takes place in August and has never had a winner from the Upper Peninsula. "It's the local race, but it's becoming one of the most competitive races in the country."

Winter biking 101

I am writing this article on the recent increase in the sales of "Fat bikes", ie: Pugsleys, 907's, and Fatbacks. I don't proclaim to be an expert on the use of snow bikes but I would like to share some of my experiences. Snow biking is very similar to mountain biking in many aspects but it does have its inherent dangers!

The biggest obstacle to overcome is winter temperatures. Its very hard to dress properly to be comfortable yet not over heat due to the increased resistance of pedaling in the snow. Its very seldom that you will get out of the granny gear on the trail. Sweat is the bane of snow biking! Proper layering is of the utmost importance when heading out in the snow. If you do not hit the trail feeling a bit chilly, you are starting out way overdressed! Practise on short trips to see what works for you. If you do not remember anything else from what I have written, PLEASE PACK A DOWN JACKET AND DRY LONG SLEEVE UNDERSHIRT in a backpack or frame pack for unexpected breakdowns. Hypothermia can set in in a matter of minutes in sub-freezing temperatures!

Footwear is another consideration fatbikers must deal with. Flat pedals offer cyclists an array of possibilities for footwear. Companies such as Keen, Columbia, Garmont and many others offer insulated boots that are light weight and warm. If you are like me and do not want to give up your clipless pedals, the options of winter cycling shoes are quite limited. Louis Garneau 0 degree Ergos and Lake MX-302 are the only two boots I would recommend for our U.P. winter temps. Buy the winter cycling shoes 2-3 sizes larger than your regular mtb shoes so you have room to layer socks. My recommendation is a tall liner sock followed by a heavy merino wool sock from a company like Smartwool, Darn Tough or Terramar, absolutely NO COTTON! One trick for people with sweaty feet, apply a liberal amount of anti-perspirant to feet before putting on your liner socks. For added warmth to your winter clipless boots add a pair of neoprene shoe covers, my favorites are Performance brand. One fault of clipless pedals in the snow is the cleats have a tendency to pack with snow and it becomes hard to clip in, a small amount of silicone or cooking spray can help with this.

There are many options to keeping your hands warm but my personal favorite is Pogies. The simple definition of a pogie is a large "chopper like" mitten that attaches to your handlebars that you slide your hand into. They are the warmest by far and allow you to wear a very light glove inside for better control and also a place to store your nutritional needs to keep from freezing. Down Wind sports is selling pogies made by local mtber Chris Holm and a portion of the proceeds are going to the NTN and Range MTB Club for trail building and improvements.

Other things to consider:

Helmet and Balaclava ( I do ride without a helmet when temps. drop below 0 for warmer headgear)

Goggles (great for snowy and extreme cold days)

Thermos brand water bottles (the only bottles I have found that don't freeze!)

Headlight and taillight(a must, you need to be seen on the snowmobile trails)

Spare tube (patches don't work well in the cold, please practise changing a tire on your fatbike in the comfort of your home before venturing on the trail!)

Mini-pump (a must, tire pressure changes are needed regularly due changing snow conditions)

Chemical handwarmers (in case of emergencies or mechanical breakdowns)

Frame bag or large Camel back(storage of extra clothing, DOWN JACKET AND SHIRT, remember?)

Winter biking is another avenue to explore the beautiful U.P., but please be careful out there. If you are on the State maintained snowmobile trails remember they pay to ride them and they are not accustomed to seeing bikes on their "highways". Personally, I try to avoid the major snowmobile thoroughfares on weekends because of the high traffic and high speeds. There is a big misconception that you can hear them coming and can get out of the way, but with snow on the trees to deaden the sound and the new 4-stroke motors they seem to appear out of nowhere! Also, please stay off the groomed ski trails unless snow-biking is allowed, we don't need to create a bad name for ourselves!
Wednesday night rides continue at 6p.m. throughout the winter alternating between Ishpeming (Jasper Ridge Brewery) and Marquette (Border Grill on Washington). After we get ample snow and trails established a schedule will be posted.

Future Posts

I've taken a bit of time away from the thoughts of cycling and team to give my mind a well needed rest after a long season.  It all started last January on the Pugsley and wrapped up in November on the Superfly.  My travels took me from California to Idaho and all around the Midwest.  The great thing is, my body feels great and ready to go but it's not all about the body.  The mind needs to be rested too.

I'm getting back into the swings of planning and I'll share a few things in the next couple weeks or so that is on my mind.  The team, off season training, planned races, thank you's, and a few other topics.  

Iceman

"If you need any more motivation then right now! Following the wheel of a Fluckiger brother, the 13th ranked rider in the world, you're in the wrong sport!"

Fluckiger, Shriver, me, and Guerra up Williamsburg Rd.

These are the words that littered my head as I suffered in the Iceman.  I used specific motivation to push myself beyond the limits.  Suffering equals reward and it turned my 11 Iceman experience into near perfection.

10 months ago I made my cycling goals for the 2011 season.  One of them, finish top 15 in the Iceman.  This goal was made way before I knew the field size and the field depth.  It's easy to say this in the now, but the 2011 field may be one of the deepest fields the race has ever seen.  10 different guys had a realistic chance at taking home the Ice.  Do the math, that leaves 5 spots out there for me to achieve my goal.  The weeks approaching I thought many times of changing my goal to a top 20 finish.  It didn't take long for me to smack myself out from cheating myself.  I knew I had the ability to finish where I wanted and so I stuck with it.

The Race
I got a good start position in the 2nd row right behind C. House and T. Schouten.  Two wheels I knew would be in the right position.  The field immediately swarmed and the chaos of the first mile of Iceman was full on.  I managed to stay fairly well positioned and jumped in about 10-15th in the first single track.  After that the front group was formed.  (2 min into the video you'll see the front group.  I'm tucked in decent position in the middle left.)  The battle for position was intense for the first 5k.  Everyone is vying for the top 10 spots and the sand throws you around making it more difficult.

The favorites were up front trying to split things early and it was making the back of the train all that more difficult.  About 30 minutes into the race an attack stuck and split us into 3 groups.  I was part of the 3rd group with C. House, N. Guerra, I. Neff, J. Wakeley, and C. Tanguy.  Neff and Tanguy did an awesome job of keeping the pace up and pulled us back to M. Shriver and M. Fluckiger.  We stayed a strong group of 8 for most of the race and somewhere along the way we picked up T. Wells.  We each took a turn up front pushing the pace.  Shriver, Fluckiger, and Wells did a lot of the pace making the next 20 or so K.  The pace never seemed to settle especially when Wells was on the front, he had the legs to be with the front group.  On the flats we were reaching pace line speeds of 25 mph and on the uphills we stood to keep the speeds high.  After "The Wall" N. Guerra put in a hard effort up the first of many steep climbs.  That split the group for a short time but within 3 minutes we were all back together again.  Approaching the last few K, Neff attacked and split the group and a few were able to keep going after he came off.  We were now spread out like a dropped bag of skittles.  At this point our speeds were so high for the last 20k the steep climbs were putting legs into an unrecoverable deficit.  The crazy thing about pain in the Iceman, you don't feel it when you have 3-4 people deep on the hills screaming for you to go faster.  To not disappoint somehow the body finds a way to pick it up.  This year they wound you through the venue with 1k to go and then brought you back out only to reenter for the finish.  The whole time you can hear the 1000's of crazies screaming.  That's enough motivation to push a tank across the finish line much less your bike. Entering the final few 100m I had J. Wakeley right in front of me but could not come around.  I came in 14th place.

I didn't know  when I crossed that I finished 14th so when my dad told me...... uncontrollable excitement.  To work so hard for so long to meet goals....its tough to match that feeling.  Come to find out our group finished 8-15th and were only 1:10 off the winners.  I heard the front group slowed a bit near the end but that really showed me that our group never let off and was able to make up some time staying steady.  Even though I hurt so much for the entirety of the race this ended being one of the funnest times I've had racing a bike.  I got mixed in with a great group of riders, the speeds were high, and the competition was fierce

For those of you who have never experienced Iceman...what are you waiting for?  This race is incredible.  The atmosphere is unmatched at any other event around the sport of MTB.  You can feel the culture instantly when arriving to TC.  Until next year....and I can't wait.

The "Big Picture"

It's hard to believe that the 2011 MTB season is coming to an end.  I'm down to the final week of my season but parts of it  feels like it started just last month.  I can remember the base miles and toeing the start line at Iola.  Now we are closer to start again than we are removed.  Physically I feel great and they fittest I've felt all year.  I feel like I could keep going but I will welcome the time off.  Before that though, I need to achieve my final goal of the season.

Three years ago I was introduced to the Iceman.  The first year not knowing the tradition, I didn't take it so serious and I embarrassed myself in the waved start of the expert class.  That is all it took for me to understand what this race was all about, 1 race.  Determined never to feel that way again the Iceman has become a regular target on my racing schedule.  Last year I raced in the Pro/Cat 1 field and felt the cycling crazies push me with their screams to go faster.  Another reason why I'm determined to make Iceman a regular target.  Then there was watching a local hero, Brian Matter, win his 3rd Iceman against arguably the toughest field to date.  And again, another reason I'm determined to make Iceman a regular target.  It has that feeling of Paris Roubaix, win it and you become an instant legend.

Courtesy of Bill Stahl

The final weeks preparation started at UPCross Choco X on Saturday.  The weekend before a big race is not the tell all but it is nice to feel the race legs build up to the target weekend.  It helps build confidence for the week.  Saturday was not about the race, it was about the body.  I was picturing a start line with no one else on it.  I needed to worry about my body and race the way I needed to to prepare for the "Big Picture."  I didn't want to get caught up in tactics so I was to always be the aggressor pushing my body to its limit.  From the gun I was gone and never looked back.  Each lap I gained more time on my chasers.  It became a challenge of how hard could I push and how even could I keep my lap times.  I didn't keep my lap times as even as I wanted but they were all within 10-20 seconds of each other and my fastest lap was my last.  It was a good day and I felt like I achieved what I set out to do.  Along with my personal goal I also earned my 4th UPCross win of the year.

We are now 5 1/2 days out from the Iceman.  Still with an important week of preparation ahead it safe to say the work has been done.  It is time to believe in the work that has been done and put it towards positive thinking.  If you want to be the best you need to train like the best and then go out and beat the best.  Their is no day like today.  What will we do with it?

              

State of Seclusion

One of my favorite weekends of the year was this past weekend, UPCross Keweenaw Cup in Copper Harbor.  There is something about it I enjoy, a lot.  Maybe it's the October seclusion in a town that's shut down for the year, or the expected traditional CX weather, or a late season weekend away, the sign to the end, awesome company, or maybe I like the pain of 2 days of racing.  Whatever it is, I like it and I can't wait until next year.

I was returning to Copper Harbor as the defending Keweenaw Cup champ.  The honors for this, I got to carry the UPCross barriers.  Not really the honors but I really did get to carry the barriers.  I got a phone call early Saturday morning from Jesse B to do so and it was a perfect set up as I had room in my truck.  Packed with luggage, bikes, barriers, and a dog I was ready.

I hooked up with Sam from Keweenaw Adventure Company and rented out the bottom of his A frame.  It ended up being an awesome setup and made the weekend everything it was.  Thanks Sam.  This whole week I was look at purchasing Embro cream and was looking at Mad Alchamy.  By chance a rider had some so I decided to give it a try.  After the first initial burn it was good except for the overly tan look it gave my legs and turning all my white clothes orange but I did end up liking it.  After the application I rode the whole 20 yards form my apartment to the start for the 1st of 2 races, The Down Town Hoe Down.  The course was a bit tight all around but with a good mix of gravel, grass, and sand.  I didn't have much series points for a call up so I started second row and then missed a pedal which put me behind on a short roll out into a tight section.  Slowly moved up to 3rd wheel by the end of the lap and promptly attacked down the back stretch.  This gaped the front group of  Tyler J., Ryan T., and Colby L into small splits.  Coming around lap 2 Tyler rejoined with a gap to Ryan T.  Tyler J. led around the 2nd lap (With an apple stuck in his wheel.  It was the craziest thing I've seen.  Right there stuck in between 2 spokes.  It ended up coming out on it's own.) and we hit it hard making a 2 man split.  On the 3rd lap I noticed I had a bike length or two so I sprinted out of every corner and eventually created enough to be on my own.  The course wasn't really a rhythm course so being with someone didn't make much sense, I was OK being alone.  I kept the effort even and shot for even lap times.  It was enough to take the win by a comfortable gap.

I got a nice long cool down with Tervo and Jenema.  That was proceeded by a warm apartment, warm shower, and the most perfectly French pressed coffee I have had in awhile.  I think it's the scenario that does it.  The cold, a hard effort, the seclusion, the howling winds.  It made it perfect.  I relaxed on the couch as the Embro still warmed the legs and the coffee warmed the body.  

Day 2 was up at the Keweenaw Mt. Lodge for the Top of the World Smack down.  I made my warm-up the 15 min climb out of town.  The legs didn't feel as good as I wanted them to on day 2, which day 2 is typically good for me.  It could be I was spoiled in a perfect camp setting after a chef prepared breakfast and now I was in 50 mph winds, rain, and a mix of hail.  This course was a more open with quite a bit of pavement.  I planned for more tactics to come into play today but it didn't play out that way.  I didn't wait long to attack, within the first minute.  I pulled Tyler J. and Trevor Olson out of the group.  During the 1st and 2nd lap we all rode with small gaps to each other.  Once I figured it was not coming together I took a flyer and attempted to bare the wind and pavement on my own.  It slowly but surely worked and mid way through the race I had a good gap.  Trevor was keeping steady mid race so near the end I turned it up again to give myself more of a buffer.  My laps times may not have been as even this race but the beginning and ending efforts were good and I kept a good lead to the end.

The conclusion to a great weekend.  Back to back wins and another Keweenaw Cup (this time a plate) in the trophy case.  Everything was perfect about this weekend and I can't wait until next October, not in literal sense.    

             

UPCross #2 and WORS #12

This time of year you would think one should be slowing down.  Preparing for an off season of rest and planning.  But for me it's only getting faster and more hectic.  The months of September and October are filled with races with the UPCross series and the final races of WORS.  On top of all that its the time to look forward to 2012 and organize riders and sponsors.  So there is no slowing down here and hopefully that means on the bike too.

UPCross #2 - Ironcross
I missed the opening UPCross race because of a scheduling conflict with WORS #11 so UPCross #2 was my opener.  It was held in Old Town Negaunee right off the Heritage Trail running through the Ghost town that once was Negaunee.  Everything still has it's existence except for the structures that were.  It's an awesome place to be and a great venue for a CX race.  It's tough to set up a traditional CX course but that's what is so unique about it, it has it's own flavor.  Danny Hill did a great job this year making the course favorable to a CX bike while still keeping the unique features of a passed town.

Coming off a larger training week I wasn't sure what to expect from my body and approached the start with caution.  Then, within 20 seconds of the race I was committed and never looked back.  The first part of the race has a quick hole shot with a 10 step run up followed by a grinder.  At the top of the grinder I noticed a small gap on the field and committed myself to an all out effort for the rest of the day.  The course really favored being on your own so I went for it.  Tom (Carp) pushed me into full effort to keep the gap on the first lap as he floated at a close 5 or so seconds.  I hit the 2nd lap with the same effort as the 1st and expanded it slightly more.  The succeeding laps I noticed the same and I fed my inside monster by never letting up.  With every second I gained it fed the legs to push for another.  In the end my legs came around and felt pretty good.  I extended the gap over 2 minutes and earned my first UPCross win of the 11 season.  Next up on the UPCross season is the 2 day Keweenaw Cup.  I had a good success there last year so I'm looking forward to a good weekend.

WORS #12 - Wigwam
This race has an awesome atmosphere that draws excitement out of me a full week in advance.  I'm not sure if its city setting, awesome course, season finale, big crowds, or big payouts but I love everything about it.  I was coming off a good performance at the previous WORS and I wanted nothing less than a podium finish which also burned the excitement into me.  Not an easy task on a tough course and tough crowd but I was determined.

I wanted to be top 3 into the single track but I think everyone had those intentions and I edged in about 6th.  The rooty and swerving course tends to make splits fast and on a hard tail it can take it's toll.  I passed one rider to move up to 5th but at this point the front 3 were gone.  Shriver was in front of me and I knew he would pound the climbs hard so I worked to get his wheel but never attached.  At the end of lap 1 it was me and Eppen chasing Shriver and the front group.  Mid way through the 2nd lap I came around Eppen and was alone for the remaining 2nd lap and 3rd.  Up to this point I knew the guys up front were pounding at each other so I decided to do the same and never really came off the gas.  My efforts were intense but I still noticed 2 riders approaching.  It took a bit out of me knowing 2 were approaching and I was gunning at every opportunity.  Ending the 3rd lap I decided to sit up and wait and reanalyze the plan.  It was Eppen and McConnell.  McConnell did all the work up front and was riding an awesome pace through the unforgiving root fields as Eppen and I bounced uncontrollably on our hard tails.  The beginning efforts and endless bouncing were taking it's toll on me.  Eppen pulled out with a flat leaving McConnell and I.  I never did come around him and he got to ride his pace for the rest of the race.  It was made even more difficult with a lot of lapped riders on a tight course.  We came into the last field together and I made my move.  I edged him to the hill and we got to lapped riders which forced me to a bad line and a double leg cramp.  I recovered quickly and restarted the sprint but it wasn't enough as McConnell edged me by .1 seconds.  (Yes, that's a period in front of the one, .1 seconds.  Darn that's close.)  That was for the last podium spot so I was really disappointed in myself.  Disappointed, yes but I was OK with what happened.  Don't get me wrong, I was not OK losing.  I never am but when someone is better on that day and deserves it you give credit where credit is due.  McConnell controlled that last lap and he deserved that sprint.  I finished 6th.  

The WORS series comes to an end but that wrap up is for another post.  I have plenty of racing to come in October and early November so keep in touch.                     

A Real MTB Race - WORS #11 Bear Paw

I'm not sure why but when it rains and gets muddy people tend to call it a "Real MTB Race."  In my opinion anytime your on knobby tires hitting dirt, rocks, roots, and single track it's a "Real" MTB race rain or sun, but I do see their view of yesterdays race.  I left the UP in the morning deciding to skip the day's before pre-ride.  We left a sunny morning behind and as soon as we hit Wisco the rain started and never really stopped.  As I dressed it was a small drizzle but just before the start the rain increased and only got worse as the race went on.

I consider myself a fairly prepared person.  I travel with extra gear and tools that a bike or rider may need during a weekend.  I always travel with 2-3 sets of tires and I was sure glad I traveled with my Mud tires yesterday.  An hour before the race as the rain increased I told my dad we need to change to a mud tire.  The sport and citizen riders were coming in caked in mud.  Not just a film but an inch think.  We mounted up a pair of Bontrager MudX and I was extremely happy how they mounted so easy.  This last hour choice was the difference in my race.

I mentioned I come pretty prepared but I did forget one thing yesterday and that was my supply of Power Shots and electrolytes.  Come to find out I wasn't the only one and Big D and Krayer form 212 did also so we went to the one guy that we knew could hook us up.  We hunted down Power Bars Nathan Guerra and we dug into his stash of Power Shots like kids on Halloween.  This would have been a site for Power Bar, a bunch of Elite riders hoarding their shots.  Thank you Nathan.

The start hits a corner right away and a deaf dog could of heard us coming around it as the breaks squealed from the rain that drenched our equipment.  To the 4 step climb Nathan, Cole, and Eppen got a small gap.  Big D and I were close behind.  Right before the first single track we almost connected but exiting they had lengthened their lead.  It was me and Darrin and I figured we could work to possibly bring them back especially in the conditions when a rider can go down at any time.  But their was no working together as the rider behind didn't dare draft because he would be sprayed with a never ending rooster tail of mud.  As we started more single track I was actually surprised at the speed we were able to go and I was happy with the pace Darrin was riding, he was moving well in the mud.  Then the hills started and his rear tire was sliding back and forth and this is when I noticed that the MudX had a huge advantage.  As he spun out I dug in.  At the top of the climb he dismounted and I continued to ride.  The more I cornered on the MudX's the more confidence I gained and before I knew it I was riding alone.  Nearing the end of the first lap I was gaining on a rider and to my surprise it was Nathan.  He was experiencing the same problems as the others and could not keep his tires stable.  I followed him and was amazed at his skill with no tread has he drifted the corners and managed to keep control and at the same time noticed as he drifted I dug in.  Starting the 2nd lap he made me work hard on the two track.  When his tread was clear he was riding strong and fast but it was a repeat of the 1st lap, we starting the climbs and I was able to dig in and got away during his dismount.  At the end of the 2nd lap I noticed Eppen and I now figured I could battle for 2nd.  I rode a really smooth and good 3rd lap but he point time on me. Nearing the end of the 3rd I thought I heard specators talking about laps.  Come to find out they were telling me it was the last lap.  At the lap intersections the officials pulled us off a lap early and I rolled in 3rd place.  I would have been alright doing another lap but I can see why they pulled us as the conditions were getting worse by the minute. 

My highest and strongest Elite WORS finish.  Ironically it came on a course that took some skill because of the mud and I'm not very skilled compared to the other top riders.  This was a very proud moment for me.  It was a season goal of mine to get on the top 5 steps of the podium this year.  It was all made better by the congratulations of the other riders especially the 212 guys.  They made me feel so good about it and I can't thank them enough for making it special for me.  It was also special to share it with my parents as they were 2 of the few fans that stood on the course the whole time as it down poured.

Here is the inteview after the race.  Claire gave me a warm rag to clean up with and you can see in the video I kept using it to keep from shivering.  Thank you Claire for the interview and especially the rag.

Cyclocross Opener - Shermancross

I built up my CX bike this past week which happened to be my first complete bike build.  With the help of Quick Stop Bike on a few things I did everything else including build a wheel.  A bike has a lot of moving parts and it's nice to know a bit about them since I ride them everyday.

My CX bike is a Felt F15X.  It is a aluminum frame with a carbon seat stay.  Here is what makes up my bike this year:

• Fork: Easton EC70X
• Wheel: Felt RXR2
• Tires: F: Maxxis Mud Wrastler R: Maxxis Raze
• Bars: Deda Newton
• Stem: Bontrager RXL
• Shifters/Levers: Shimano Dura Ace
• Crank: Sram Force
• Seat: Bontrager Evoke 3

The bike comes in at 18 lbs.  Not the lightest of CX bikes but I love the setup and feel.  

Since I built it up I figured I better race it.  I was excited for the start of the CX season and this year it was starting with a new race in Houghton called Shermancross.  It was under the lights and one of the best CX courses I have ever done.  It was set up as a traditional cross course with open sections all the time, grass, pavement, off camber, dirt, run ups, barriers, 180's, and required a full on pedaling all the time.  Better yet, under the lights of Sherman Field.  

This was a different year but same story.  What do I mean by that.  It was the Tyler two punch.  Last year Tyler Jenema (Mafia Racing) and I had some good battles up front in the UPCross series.  He's an awesome CX rider and has amazing barrier skill and has the ability to stay hard on the pedals all the time.  This ability makes for a hard cross race and I can always expect it to be a true race.  It's one thing I really enjoy about CX, the constant battle of competition.

Tyler J. got the hole shot and created a line instantly.  This was good enough to stretch 4 of us on on the first lap.  I noticed Tyler J. and I had a small gap up the back side so I added an attack to lengthen it.  This repeated for 3 laps.  Tyler J. would pull on the flats and I attacked the up hill.  3 laps in we had our break.  There on forward we shared the work and always kept the pressure on with exception to the pavement track section where we would recover a bit with a lead.  The course had a run up section and I noticed Tyler J. was riding it every time whereas I had run it and would create small gap afterwards.  He then created another small gap over the next barrier.  I took note of this and made sure I was positioned well in the last laps.  2 laps to go after the run up I was attempting to close and I washed out on rocks.  He noticed and took advantage.  I worked hard to bridge and finally closed it going up the back side.  I sat in on the track trying to recover for the last lap which I knew was going to turn into a sprint.  We slowed up on the last lap waiting for each other to make a move.  Just after the back side hill I attacked before a 180 and barrier.  This allowed me to come into the last 100m on front and I was able to hold him off with a sprint.  An perfect way to start out the season, a good battle and a win.  

This is a race that deserves big attendance.  I hope the word spreads for next year and this becomes a traditional start to the UP CX season.

The first CX race is always a shock to the body.  I took a rest week prior to the race and it felt good to open it up again except for these damn Hip Flexors that took a beating on he dismounts.  I feel rested and ready to finish out the season.                  

CX Season

With the near freezing temps this morning and the first CX race this weekend I feel its appropriate to post a picture of my almost finished cyclocross bike.  I am choosing to ride the Felt F15X.  My sponsor Quick Stop Bike will have the rest of the product today.  I'll have more detailed component listing when its finished.

Packer Game and WORS Treadfast

My weekend started early with a trip to the Packer game on Thursday afternoon.  A couple weeks ago my dad offered to take me and my brothers to the home opener.  I knew this was going to be an awesome game to go to but it turned out to the best atmosphere/football game I've ever been to.  The concert had shoulder to shoulder crowds in the parking lot to watch Maroon 5, Kid Rock, and Lady Antebelom.  The stadium had defining screams from ready for football fans.  And a last second win by the Packers and a banner unveiling to top off the experience.  It is hard to explain in words the excitement and atmosphere that was  in that stadium from start to finish.  It was electric.  Out of all my experiences the 4 jet fly over topped it all.  I happened to catch most of it on video, which does not do it justice, but I had to cut it off early because I couldn't help but take part in the craziness around me.  The jets rumbled the stadium and created a scream from the crowd no touchdown or play could ever duplicate.

This video is us impatiently waiting for the fly over.  Turn your volume up for the end of the video to hear the jets.

 

After the Packer game, instead of driving back up North 3 hours and then coming back down Saturday I decided to stay in GB and continue onto Lake Geneva early to save 6 hours of driving.

We arrived fairly early on Thursday and my parents and I discovered downtown Lake Geneva.  We had no idea such a beautiful place existed.  Last year I went to the resort, raced, and drove home.  I never got to experience all of Geneva.  This year we stayed right on the water and we loved every minute of it.

On to the race.  I was excited to race but I wasn't sure how it was going to go.  I think I was excited because the course is quite enjoyable but I was more so because I had planned rest week that started immediately after the race.  It has been quite awhile since I've taken an extended break and I was mentally ready but more physically overdue.  So that left me doubt in the legs but I was still excited.

At the top of the first climb.

The legs didn't feel all that bad up the first climb but they got to me a bit on the 2nd.  On the 3rd climb, which comes in the first 3 min of the race, I didn't quite have what it took to match the attacks of Guerra and House.  Knowing the difficulty of the day to come I quickly put it back to a pace I could handle which happened to be right behind big "D" in the 3rd group.  After time to settle I noticed that the legs were responding fairly well and better yet they were climbing with power.  The single track was a bit tough for me but I found myself bringing back any time on the climbs which this course offers it's fair share.  On the start of the 2nd lap I was alone with Shriver.  He was riding well and I stuck a wheel until he slowly pulled away and I decided to go back to my pace.  I kept a small 10-15 gap on Darrin and by the end of the 2nd lap he had pulled me in on the more technical of the single track.  This ended being the best thing that happened to me that day.  Up to that point I was on my own and struggling to stay calm in the single track which was costing me time.  He caught me and encouraged me to stay calm.  On the start of the 3rd lap I rode my pace up the 3 climbs but slowed at the top of the "Cap" as I knew his presence in the single track would only help me stay smooth.  I gave him the lead and he was my lead wheel for most of the 3rd lap.  He gaped me several times on the more technical stuff but I was always able to bring in back on the incline.  I owe him a huge thanks as he kept me smooth and calm through the 3rd lap allowing us to put a bit more time on the chasers.  Thanks big "D".  The final lap he gave me some confidence to keep climbing strong and I rode the last lap by myself.  Following his wheel the prior lap allowed me to use a lot of the same lines and stay calm.  I rode in solo for 8th place.

It's becoming a common theme to say this but again, the field was strong.  N. Guerra won by 3 minutes! over 2nd place which happened to be Cole House who won the race before.

Full Results

Copper Harbor

This is a race I have skipped over the past couple years.  I have used the long Labor Day weekend as a rest weekend to make a final run to the end of the season.  I had the same plan this year but Chris P. begged and pleaded that I go.  (Ok, he didn't beg he just asked (: )  So I gave in on Sunday morning and decided to make the drive up.  I really didn't feel like doing a training ride by myself and figured that the race would be a good way to get a training day in with a bunch of cool bikers ;)

My brother Zach was nice enough to make the trip up with me.  We got a late start and didn't show up until 1:05.  That is 5 minutes after registration had closed and 55 minutes before the race.  They let me register and by the time I got ready it left me enough time for a 8:30 min warm up in.  I wasn't too panicked about the short warm up as the Fat Tire is one of the few races with a roll out giving the legs at least a minute or two more.

The course was a bit different this year and started going up the pavement of Brockway Mtn.  A 2 mile climb with gradients up to 20%.  The reward was going downhill on the flow trail for over 10 minutes.  Ben K. wanted nothing to do with a tempo pace up the climb and he had a large gap at the top as us others paced ourselves up.  At the start of the next climb a course marshal had told us he had a 1 minute gap already.  Knowing it was over a 2 hour race no one in the group of Chris P., Brian M., Todd M. and myself felt like chasing quite yet.  Not too long after we passed Ben K. looking up from a ditch.  He had an unfortunate crash which knocked him out of the race.  It now stayed the 4 of us for awhile as we worked a good pace up hill and cruised the downhills.  It was common to hear a sarcastic voice, "That was no fun!" as we finished the downhills expressing how much fun we were having ripping downhill.  On the way back up to the Mtn. Lodge the 2nd time we had me, Brian, and Chris.  Starting downhill on the red trail to the finish we met a lot of lapped riders but we were still able to keep a decent clip.  On the last section of grassy downhill Chris P. opened it up and Brian followed.  On my hardtail I was reluctant to keep the same speed and figured I could catch them on the upcoming pavement.  When we reached the pavement they both had a 15 ft. or so gap.  Chris looked back and that was my "Oh Shit" moment.  I knew they were taking off.  They took off and I chased as hard as I could but they were sharing the load up front.  To my surprise the finish was just around the corner and I rolled in 9 seconds back for 3rd overall.

I was really happy I went and had a lot of fun on the trails.  Chris P. pulled off the win and he deserved it as he acted as our trail guide for a majority of the race.  Thanks Chris.      

Reforestation Ramble

The weekend started with the inaugural Mud Plunge in Ishpeming.  What an awesome event this was for our community. What was expected to bring in 250 or so racers ended up bringing in 700 racers and with spectators over 1000 people.  It was an awesome site to see so many people enjoying the outdoors, fitness, and Ishpeming.  I really enjoyed watching my wife, Amber, run with my Mom, my sister-in-law, and Barb D.  They competed in the all woman division and took 3rd place!  As much as I enjoy competing sometimes it is nice to watch others compete.  Especially in a fun event like the Mud Plunge.  The greatest moment, getting to watch my wife run the course and obstacles with ease.  She's in great shape and a great runner and I truly enjoy watching her compete.  Here is a video of her in the first water obstacle.  She's the 3rd one in the water.



Right after this event it was my turn to compete.  I took the short trip to Green Bay for WORS #9, Reforestation Ramble.  It is so nice to only have to drive 2 1/2 hours to race.

Before I mention my race report I have to mention how talented this WORS field is becoming.  The rising talent in this series is incredible and it's not slowing down.  This is beyond your best of the best in Guerra, Matter, Phillips, and Schouten.  Racing those guys every race is hard enough.  I'm referring to the guys that are trying to get to their level.  Typically you may see a a couple guys rising in the sport and making a run for the top but this year we have a handful.  Guys like McConnell, Stelljes, Hanes, Koenig, and Neff.  We are in the battle for the top 10 every race and occasionally one can and will take a podium spot from the bigger names.  With so much competition these races are getting faster just when you think they can't get any faster.  All this and I haven't even mentioned the names that are crazy fast and have been for years like Eppen, Peariso, Braun, Stawicki, and Krayer.  Man, the list just goes on and on.

The race had a long and fast lead out.  I stayed in the top 10 just wating for the legs to warm up.  Right before the single track and I made a jump and got in 7th position behind Matter.  He smoothly followed the wheels in front as the trail winds back and forth like a crawling snake.  Slowly but surely I lost the wheel and when we popped out the first single track the front 7 were gone.  A chase group was formed of about 10 guys. My legs starting coming to me and just in time for Shriver to attack the group.  We caught on and then I countered just trying to shrink the group.  I think  our attacks got a few off the back.  From there we pretty much created a group that stuck for the rest of the race.  About 1/2 way in we picked up Braun from the lead group and then about 3/4 the way in we picked up Eppen.  The pace must have been hot for those guys to come back.  With them we had a group of 9 or so.  Approaching the single track on the 2nd lap, to our surprise we picked up 2 more from the lead group, Guerra and Schouten.  This meant that Cole and Matter must have been blazing the trail.  We lost a couple but added 2 so we had a group of 9 again.  The tempo was high for a lot of the second lap as some tried to break the group in the single track but we were able to bridge with a big effort on the long 2 track. It stayed this way until at about mile 6 in the 3rd lap on the12 mile lap.  Hanes put tempo down and than Guerra continued it.  They created a small gap and Schouten bridged up leaving the rest of us out.  After that happened McConnell and Eppen kept up their hard pace and I was hurting but kept telling myself it's almost over.  Eppen put down a huge tempo to boost McConnell off the front and with it myself, Krayer, and Stelljes went with it.  We slowed it down for the last single track and coming down the final stretch Krayer jumped for the sprint but hit a spectator riding his bike on the trail.  Can't believe that??????  A spectator riding his bike on the trail??  I saw that happen and decided to make my move right after and got a small gap on the other 2 that I was able to keep to the finish.  After so many failures at sprints I finally pulled one off and finished 6th overall.  6th is tied for my best finish on the year.  I'm extremely pleased with my finish especially following my comments from above.  Time in the saddle was 2:18.  A longer race for a WORS event but I liked it especially coming off of O2S fitness.

Not sure if I'll go up to Fat Tire yet.  First I have to help my dad remove the roof off his house.  Then if I have enough energy after that I'll take a trip up there as it sounds like a good bunch will show up.    

The Great Deer Chase

I haven't had to many posts with race pictures lately and this one will be no different.  My wife is my awesome photographer and she has been so busy with other photo projects we just haven't had the time to pick and choose the ones we want for the blog.  So in the mean time I hope you enjoy my amateur shots from the iPhone.

It's rare that I attend or travel to races alone.  Typically I'm with my wife or my family and they support me if every race need.  This weekend I was on my own but with a short trip to Calumet on tap it wasn't to be much of a problem considering the short drive and no bottle drops required on course.  My in-laws and Amber were gone to IA so I even had their house for the weekend.

I was on  my way back to Calumet to defend my win from last year.  This would be my first time ever wearing the #1 plate and I was excited about the pressure and pride it carried.  This meant a lot to me to show up and defend this title.  So much so I decided to skip the WORS race and take another hit in the overall standings..

The course was a bit different this year so I really didn't know what to expect.  The one thing I could expect is I was going to stick to my game plan.  Patience is a hard thing to learn but it can be valuable in many ways in MTB racing.  Used correctly it can produce many wins.  In order to learn patience you have to practice patience and that was my game plan.  It's quite typical of this race every year to roll out with quite a few guys but as you hit the single track it slims down.  This year was no different and entering the single track we had about 7-8 guys including Carp, Wakeley, and the eventual winner Tesch.  It was also nice to see some young talent in Karinen and local riders in Sarasin and Lash with us.  It wasn't long into the single track and the selection of 5 was made.  This is also typical of this race as there isn't really a lot of hard terrain to cut the group down.  There wasn't much going on during the race as I was content working on my game plan and the others with exception with Carp didn't have much interest in leading.  I would take a section and then Carp and it stayed this way until the last 2 miles.  I sat 5th one time in the group when I took a wrong turn and Carp had to yell for me to turn around.  (Thank you Carp. Much appreciated.)

Side story:  2 years ago in the Ore to Shore I was sitting 5th or so in a group coming down to the last 2 miles and the lead 2 guys took a wrong turn and I corrected them by yelling for them to turn around.  They ended up catching back on and both beating me that day.  At the end of the race I questioned myself to why I yelled for them to turn around when it was their mistake, it cost me 2 spots.  This weekend confirmed why I did that.  Because I would want someone to do it for me and Carp did.  The mountain bike community and racers are a special group and I have learned it's about the relationships we gain.  I will always offer a helping hand in a race if it is the right thing to do because I know my fellow competitors would do the same.

The end came fast in this race and before I knew it the 2 miles to go sign was posted.  Wakeley jumped immediately and I was quick to take his wheel and still wait for my turn.  Coming out of the last single track and with about 3/4 miles to go I made my move as I had practiced as much patience as one could in this race.  I put a small gap on the group and thought I could hold on to what I had gained.  It was a snowmobile trail followed by a 1K road to the finish.  Just before the road Tesch caught my wheel and did not move.  A lot went through my mind at this time on what to do but as I peaked back Wakeley was catching and I wanted nothing to do with 3 men at the finish so I kept the hammer down.  With 200M remaining Tesch came around and there was nothing I could do to get it back.  No repeat and 2nd overall.

I took a lot from this race and I'm positive that it will give me something to use in my future situations.  Patience could have worked here but like I said before you have to learn how to use it and I didn't use it right in the end.  Then again, that's racing and you can never predict how a race will play out.  It was a lot of fun though.

The next day I did an awesome 3 hours on the Tech trails and ended it with a 5th & Elm coffee break.  Back home to shower and pack up but just as I thought I was done Copper was telling me otherwise.  If a dog talk could talk, he would have been saying, "Please, please, please, pretty please, I'll never be bad again. Just take me on some single track, please!"

So back out we went for his turn.  Then on the way home we decided to end the trip with a spontaneous stop and River Falls.  And even though I reinjured my shoulder it was slightly worth it :)  What an awesome end to a great weekend.

Ore to Shore

Waking up on Saturday it was like my shoulder new it was game day and it had no business showing me pain.  I'm absolutely amazed at the recovery time of my shoulder.  With the amazing help of Dr. Tim Palomaki, in just 10 days my severely separated AC joint was feeling great.  With the shoulder off my mind I was prepped for a solid 2011 Ore to Shore.

Coming into this year my goal was a top 10 finish in the Ore to Shore.  I knew that would take a great race and hard work as the competition gets better and better at the Ore.  If anything though, I know this course as well as the trail designer himself so I was going to use that as an advantage to keep me up front.  Approaching Lucy Hill I was in good position as a couple guys pounded the hill with fury.  I matched the acceleration and over the top I went with a small group compared to other years.  As we rolled through Ishpeming I think everyone was surprised at the small group of only 20-30 guys.

Rolling through the power line the selection was growing even smaller.  I was disconnected briefly but caught back on entering the pond and Gold Mind area.  The efforts were sporadic through the next few miles up to Deer Lake swamp.  The selection of riders was now down to 13 riders.  I was feeling good and I knew if I had a good Misery Hill I could stay connected up to the Noque trail.  But Misery didn't go very well and I was disconnected.  I could see them and knew I had to put my head down and ride hard to catch because I couldn't risk not being with them on the road.  If I missed them on the road my day with the group was done.  Leaving the Misery section Braun, Anderson, and Simonson were close behind so I sat up and waited for them to catch.  Simonson rolled through like a freight train and I had to sprint to catch the caboose.  I wasn't sure if we could catch them but these guys were quite confident we would so I contributed to the chase.  Sure enough we pulled them in and we were back to being a group of 13 onto the steel bridge.  The steel bridge must have turned a switch on for the guys because the punches started flying just after.  I knew I had some big efforts left to continue on but I was ready because the legs were feeling good.

The first punch came from Steinberg, then Matter, then Tristan, then Simonson, and then seemed like it repeated itself.  The efforts were big but no real space was made as the group of 13 responded quickly to each one.  Approaching the dirt road Simonson went to the front and pushed a heavy pace.  Then as we entered the trail system Matter continued the pace pushing the speeds down hill.  Sitting near the back of a now 12 man group these speeds have a lot of yo-yo and it slowly took it's tole on me.  With 13 miles to go, right before the Noque trail, Phillips but down the race hammer.  I saw it coming and I saw it go down.  There was a fury of response from the field and the yo-yo popped me quickly.  The way that attack was going I knew my day with the front group was done.  Come to find out, Phillips attack was so brutal it was the move that split the race down to 5 which then went down to 4.  I was 1 mile away from seeing the "smack."  It was my goal to make it to the "smack down" and I was so close.  Now with no one in front of me and no one behind me I was in no man TT land.

It was time to deal with my demons, riding alone.  This year I have really challenged myself to ride my best pace possible when alone.  It's so easy to relax when your not being pushed by other riders.  I didn't know how close the chasers were but I knew if I could make it to mile 10 and then ride my best pace I could hold on.  I rode a great last 10 miles and rolled in solo, 11th place.  Just outside of my goal but considering the competition ahead of me I was and am very pleased.  It was actually quite an experience to ride down the finishing mile alone and have a chance to absorb the crowd and moment.

The support this year was amazing.  The spectators go crazy for the front group as we roll through each viewing area.  Add a local boy to the front and the love gets even stronger.  Every viewing area and aid station I had people pick me out and yell my name.  Add that to my extremely supportive family and I felt like the race course was lined with only my fans.  It's hard to tell people how much support means while suffering on a bike.  Hearing a clap, a cheer, and your name allows us to find energy you didn't think you have.  When I was done I felt the love from everyone and I'm so appreciative of that.  It makes me want to win this someday just for you guys.

Thank you to everyone that took the time to cheer, say hello, and talk to me before and after the race.  I enjoy seeing and speaking with everyone of you.  Thank you to my family for extracting every ounce of energy I have through your cheers.  My wife, my parents, my brothers, my sister in laws, my nephews, my niece, my Grandma Barb, my Aunt and Uncles (Bernie, Lowell, Sherri, Rich), my cousins (Tammy, Tina, Aaron, Marissa, Vanessa) and their kids - THANK YOU!

Support: Jared Koski - bottle drops, Tim Palomaki - bottle drops, Quick Stop Bike - bike support, Fuel The Burn - coaching

Sponsors - Culvers, Meyer Family Vision, St. Onge Insurance, I-Build Construction, Palomaki Family Chiropractic, Quick Stop Bike, and A. Lindberg & Sons,

            

Creeping Closer

The Ore 2 Shore is creeping close and the countdown to blast off is quickly approaching.  I ran across a article about the Ore to Shore and found a mention of my name.  A huge thank you to mtbracenews.com for the recognition.  Now all I have to do is back their words up!  3 days.

On a side note Nathan G. is joining me and my family today.  He will be staying with my parents prior to the Ore 2 Shore and through the weekend.  We will be doing some recon the rest of the week and I'm looking to forward to riding with a friend and awesome competitor.  Also hoping to catch up with the Adventure 212 crew as they start to roll in.  

Injury Report

This is definitely a first.  The first time I have had to write two injury reports in 1 year.  I think I have said this in my past injury report but I have been very fortunate as an athlete not to sustain major injury.  In the 3 years of being a competitive mountain biker this is the first year I have had to deal with injury.  In that perspective I'm pretty fortunate.

Now for the unfortunate, I have dislocated my right shoulder.  More unfortunate, it comes 10 days before my biggest race of the year.  This past Tuesday I was doing some of my last intense intervals for my Ore 2 Shore preparation.  I had recruited Jared Koski to drive my scooter for a moto-pace session.  I got my warm up in and then completed my first 30 min interval.  All was going very well and by the end of the first interval we had developed a rhythm to where I was catching the draft perfectly and still keeping a safe distance from the bike.  He had also successfully routed me around and warned me of any hazards on the road.  The start of the 2nd interval had started as perfect as the 1st had finished until..........bam.......pop!  I was on the ground faster than I could even comprehend what was going on.  I laid on the shoulder of US 41 stunned but not terribly out of it.  My first reaction was to look for my bike which was laying in the middle of the highway.  I stood up, looked for cars, and removed it from the road.  After that everything started to hit me.  The realization I was just in a huge crash, my front wheel was destroyed, and my shoulder was in a lot of pain  Jared came to a fast stop and was at my side immediately.  I saw the panic in his face as if he thought it was his fault, but it had nothing to do with the driver.  I gathered myself and started to analyze the crash scene.  The culprit, a small egg sized river rock that my front wheel to hop over it proceeded by folding it in 1/4.  The bent wheel sent me straight to the ground on my right shoulder scraping my head along the way.  My bike was then catapulted into the air landing in the highway.  My computer shows us going 27.7 mph hour at the time of the crash.

About 5 minutes went by and Jared and I started to make phone calls.  That is when my sponsor and friend Ron Meyer pulled a u-turn and was quick to my rescue.  Into the truck and on the way to Dr. Palomaki's office.  It was crazy to think of the timing of Ron coming by.  It was near perfect and saved me a lot of time waiting for Amber to come who was on her way but 30 minutes out.  The faster I could get my shoulder back in the better and that saved me a lot of time.  To get me there we had made a sling out of my spare tube.  During the drive home I had noticed that my helmet shell was cracked all the way through.  Wow, if that is not a testimony to wear your helmet.  I remember hitting my head on the pavement but I didn't feel it was that bad.  Well, it was bad enough to crack my helmet in 2.  WEAR YOUR HELMETS!

The damage to my shoulder is pretty bad compared to my last dislocation 8 weeks or so ago.  I have a lot more muscle and tendon pain this time around.  My movement is very small and pain is more regular.  The positive thing is it has been 36 hours and I already feel small progress.  Dr. Palomaki from Palomaki Family Chiropractic has me on a very intensive repair plan and I'm optimistic that with his treatments I'll recover faster than normal.  As for being ready for my most important race of the year? Well, I'll do my best and you can guarantee I will be riding in it.  I know I will not be 100% but only time will tell how well my shoulder can handle 48 miles mountain biking.  If the race this weekend I would not be riding as I have no control over my front deltoid.  Sadly, this is why I'm choosing to skip WORS #7 this weekend.

Wish me a speedy recovery.                     

WORS #6 Alterra Classic

I didn't have plans on attending the Alterra Classic.  I got home from a long week at Nationals the Monday before, I had a rest week planned, and it's a fairly long drive.  In the last minutes of Thursday Amber and I decided to pack the car and leave after work on Friday.  We both wanted to get away and for some reason we enjoy the city of Milwaukee.

As mentioned I had a rest week, which was perfectly planned and needed.  With every day off the bike I could feel my body getting strength and energy back.  I felt like the last months of workouts was all catching up and I was giving them a chance to work.  Usually I'm a bit slow off a rest week but during the warm up on Friday, besides a small bit of laziness, the legs felt like they had been priming the whole week.  

The race started up a hill and I missed a pedal which put me mid pack fast.  By the time we crested the top the lead out had begun and I was not in a preferable position sitting about 15th.  I moved up a few spots to about 10th and had to settle for it because Alterra likes to squeeze you into single track and not let you out for long stretches of time.  About 10-15 min nto the race there was still quite a long line of riders together as we curved in and out of this terribly twisting single track.  Over a wet spot where they placed some flat rocks my bike started bouncing a bit too much and as I started to pedal again I realized that my chain was sucked up behind the little ring.  I tried to pedal it out but it only made it worse.  I got off my bike pulled it out and placed it back on.  15 or so seconds had passed by but now I had to wait for a long line of guys to pass until I found a gap to jump back in.  No less that 15 guys went by.  I knew my chances of catching the group I was with was small.  You can't do much chasing in a group on this course.  The single track whines too much and you are in it too long to make moves.  By the end of the first lap I was by myself working my way up to the next group.  I noticed the a group ahead any 1/2 way through the 2nd lap I had attached.  I stayed with the group until the finishing climb.  I was starting to feel really good so I made a small move up the hill and noticed I had a slight gap.  I figured because the legs were good I would try to bridge to the next group.  Before I knew it I had quite the gap on the group I just left.  It was all well until a bumpy open field dropped my chain again sucking it up in the same spot as before.  Panicked, I jumped off my bike got it back on.  Back on my bike and no less than 2 pedal strokes and off again.  By this time I had played with the chain for a good 20-30 seconds and the group still had not reached me.  Just as I remounted the 2nd time I noticed them about 5 seconds back.  I really didn't want to be caught so I went hard again.  Starting the last lap I had a slight gap but they were able to real me in.  I then sat on the front during the single track to recover a bit.  About 10 min left in the race Justin P. jumped up front and we approached the finishing climb together.  He had a bit more at the end and got me up the climb.  I finished 13th.  Keeping the chain problems in prospective, a good result.

The positive thing was I felt good and legs were firing very well off a rest week.  Although I never accept anything but my best this sport is teaching me to have patience.  You will have good days and bad days, whether that means fitness or mechanical.  Race your hardest and take things as they come.  I also got some mechanical tips from Matt G. and he suggested I contact Sram about my chain dropping.  So Phil at Quick Stop took care of me and sure enough Sram admitted to a chain slack problem with their rear derailleur causing chain drop.  I have a new one on the way.            

Nationals XC Start Sequence Shots

I was browsing pictures of the National Championships and ran across some sequence shots of the start of our XC race.  You can see from the first picture it's a wide start gate and everything looks calm.  Then all of sudden the guy on the right of the picture lost his wheel and fell into the rider next to him who eventually took out about 5 of us.  You can finally see me in the final picture on the right hitting the deck. Other riders were able to go around and continue on as the 5 of us untangled our bikes.  The guy that eventually won the race is the one out front in the 2nd picture gaining huge time over us on the floor.  2 of the top 4 riders, including myself, were caught up in this crash.

The whistle went off

First Contact

The Pile Up

All pictures are from www.teami4.com.  These are proofs only, all available for purchase on their site.

National Championships - Sun Valley, ID

My first attempt at the National Championships was in Sun Valley, ID.  Although it didn't matter where they were this year I was attending.  It just happend to be that it was in the middle of nowhere, Idaho and I found my new favorite little town in the process.  Sun Valley is a small mountain town of 6,000 people.  The town had everything you wanted for a small town and it is super clean and neat.  You could tell it was a place for the wealthy.  It was set in the valley of the mountains giving you an incredible back drop no matter where you looked.

I arrived in Boise, ID on Tuesday before the race.  I found a local bike shop that directed me to their only single track in the city.  It is always neat to ride new single track but this stuff is nothing to write home about.  It was set in the foot hills, in a massive open area and they were hard packed dirt trails that ran up and down through the hills.  The only good thing was once you made it to the top you could descend for up to 10 minutes.  During and after the ride I realized my legs were still out of commission from my blow up the weekend before, not how I want to feel the week before Nationals.  After a quick discussion with my brother he talked me into taking an ice bath.  He use to take them when he played football for Northern and said they helped him tremendously.  I took 2 ice baths and laid with my legs up for the rest of the night.

Thursday I was on my way over to Sun Valley.  A beautiful 2 1/2 drive up the hills into the mountains.  Upon arrival I had time for 1 pre-ride lap.  The legs were feeling much better and the course had me grinning.  Although a 25 minute climb is tough to grin about I was having fun.  The course started at the base of the mountain and it wrapped up the mountain in single track until the last 1/3 finished it off with two track. It was 25 minutes of constant climbing.  The reward, 18 minutes of single track down hill.  I did another lap of that night and was starting to feel comfortable on the course.  Friday was much of the same.  More ice baths, recovery, and pre-ride.

Category 1 25-29 Cross Country
Our start time was 7:30 am.  I had been keeping my body on EST the whole week so the early race wouldn't affect me to much.  Besides the 5:30 breakfast everything else was great about the early race.  Especially the cooler temps.

I got a front row call up because of my USA Cycling ranking.  I lined up in the middle because there was really no preferred line as 100 meters off the line you start a steep climb.  My mind and nerves were good and I was ready to go.  The whistle blew............bam!  On the ground in a pile up no more than 10 feet off the line.  I'm typically always the first out but because of the severity of this climb I figured I would ease into the start.  It most likely cost me my XC National Championship.  I went over the top of 2 riders that converged in front of me.  They were all tangled up and I calmly grabbed my bike and found my way around it.  It had costed me 30-45 seconds.  I approached the climb and the leaders were half way up the 90 second prologue climb.  I stayed incredibly calm for what my usual reaction would be.  I started to climb just picking one at a time.  We started the first down hill and in a single track down hill you have no choice but to follow whose in front.  I came out of the prologue lap sitting 20-25 according to my parents.

At the start of the big climb I settled into a groove and knew if I stayed calm in my tempo I would catch a group.  Sure enough I caught a group of 5 climbing.  Because of the technicality of the climb the first 1/3 had a lot of dismounts following 5 guys.  Because of this I was riding pretty comfortable.  About 1/2 way up I was able to take a couple spots and when we approached the 2 track climb I went into my race pace.  I was able to pick off quite a few more people before the 15 minute descent.  The descent is a blast but believe it or not it can get sickening going down hill for that long especially when the opportunity to pass is just about null 

The start of the second lap I had a clear shot at the climb and got into a tempo.  I could finally see another group of riders and worked my way up.  By the 2 track I had over taken that group.  Because USA Cycling doesn't use back numbers, I had no idea if I was racing these guys or not, which made it tough to judge the effort.  Approaching the top the 2 guys I passed took over and started the descent.  On the descent I dropped a chain and had to let the 2 guys go.  I didn't panic and knew I was probably around the top 5 so I figured just stay calm and finish the race safe.  Come to find out the 2 guys I let over take me on the top of the climb were 2nd and 3rd.  I rolled in solo for 4th place.  I was extremely happy with 4th place but now all I could think of was, "what if?"  I only finished 1:50 behind the winner and I lost all of :50 seconds between my pile up and my chain drop.  But racing is full of, "what if's" so I took my podium and let it go looking for revenge in the short track.

Category 1 19-29 Short Track Cross Country
I knew the legs were good and I was ready for an awesome STXC race.  They changed the course a bit which worked out into my favor because they added 2 sections that were power climbs.  This is exactly what I needed to make the race hard and ensure that I could stay up front and safe.

On the whistle I settled into 7th or so place.  Even though it was the first lap this isn't exactly where I wanted to be knowing their was a crash the day before.  I took an inside line for me to shoot to the front.  By the half way point I was in 3rd exactly where I wanted to be.  The race was 15 minutes plus 2 laps, so about a 20 min race.  I'm typically the aggressor and I wasn't changing it for the National Championships.  About 5-7 minutes into the race I was on the front and noticed I was pulling about 10 guys along.  This course favored drafting and I knew that if I kept this pace we would have way to many in contention.  At the 9 minute mark I picked my first attack point and made my move.  At first it took about 5 guys with me but the continued pressure eventually pulled me and another guy off the front.  For 3 laps this gap stuck.  I briefly told the guy, "We can keep this gap, lets work."  After the 3 laps he didn't come around and I noticed a group of 3 approaching.  With 3 laps to go another rider attached.  The guy I was with never came around and in the heat of competition I let him know my feelings.  With 2 to go the other rider fell off leaving it down to 2 of us again.  I gave him the lead for the final laps taking a small break and planning my move.  In the same spot as my first move I went for it and took over the front.  The course ends with 3 corners and whoever is in front in those 3 corners is going to win the race.  Coming down the last straight stretch I hammered it but was over taken on a nice inside move into a corner.  With only the 3 corners left I made one last attempt to come around but ran out of real estate.  On the last corner I sprinted off his wheel but ran out of room losing by a wheel.  2nd place.

I was so close I could feel the Starts and Stripe jersey on my back.  I wanted it so bad but got out done on the last 1/4 of the lap.  As a racer we train hours and hours on end.  Race so hard our bodies hate us.  We do this all for 1 moment, the win.  Coming so close to that one moment and not getting hurts more than the race effort itself.  Don't get me wrong, a 4th and 2nd place at the National Championships is wonderful but I trained for the win.  Coming so close to that win leaves a burning inside me to get faster so I can overcome that last 1/4 of a lap and feel that moment.            

Approaching Sun Valley

View from our descent

Climbed up the right.  Descended down the left.

This video is a view from half way down our descent.  It was one of the 17 switchbacks down the hill.