tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19248636397608108962024-02-06T23:54:21.619-06:00IowaGrizIowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-34178414845417573352013-07-31T22:21:00.001-05:002013-07-31T22:21:29.145-05:00Dakota 50 pre-ride notes (2013 course, reverse from normal)This post to help others that are riding in the 2013 edition of the Dakota Five-O. This years course will be run backwards from normal. I pre-rode the course after driving home from Montana at the end of July. These will be basic notes, ask me any questions here or on Facebook.<br />
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To preface this report, I had driven about 10 hours through Montana the day prior and another 3.5 hours the day of this ride. My nutrition seemed right, so that didn't seem to impact the ride. It was a little warmer than normal, since I had been in MT for the previous two weeks, the elevation was not likely a big impact. I was riding my Salsa El Mariachi Ti with a 34t front and 11-34 rear 9-speed cassette.<br />
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The short summary is that I was in 1st and 2nd gear for the majority of any uphill riding (maybe due to sitting in the truck for 13hrs). During the ride, I felt like I was at about 80% of race effort and was constantly thinking that I should gear down to a 32t for the race. However, after reviewing the Strava data, I was actually at a pretty low HR. I wouldn't hold too much weight to the comparative KOM ratings as not many people have ridden the course in this direction. I think that under race conditions that the 34T will be just fine. There are a few spots that the 32t might help relieve some pressure, but at an overall cost of speed. The 34t just forces me to race faster.<br />
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In summary, a full suspension might be nice as the course seemed rougher in this direction. I also noticed the rocky ridges more. For me a double of 32/36 with 11-34 on the rear would be perfect. But, I run a hardtail and 1x9 :) So...I'll likely stick with the 34t and hope that the race pace puts the gearing more into my comfort zone.<br />
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The Strava file: <a href="http://app.strava.com/activities/70826119">http://app.strava.com/activities/70826119</a><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Some detailed thoughts: (mileage and elevation are close approximations)</span><br />
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I started at the Tinton Trail singletrack trail head. So I had skipped riding the initial gravel climb<br />
(3.2 miles and approx 690 feet of climbing).<br />
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Climb #1 is up Tinton Trail, across the gravel road and up the double track. Nothing extraordinary about this section. But probably more climbing than expected. (5.2 miles, 1050 feet climbing for this section only)<br />
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The Bacon Station climb is as hard as expected. Initial singletrack is surprisingly rideable, but rocky sections make you dismount and walk several times. The climb actually goes past the bacon station a little ways. (2.3 miles, 850 climbing for this section only)<br />
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To me the key is to remember that at this point of the ride, you will be at approximately 13.2 miles and near 2600 feet of climbing (that includes the gravel road start stats).<br />
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The "unnamed road climb" in Strava is the fast double track downhill that is near mile 30 of the normal course. This was a little different than expected. Not as steep as I expected, but still hard due to trail conditions. For this section alone, you will climb 575 feet in 2 miles.<br />
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At the 16 mile point of my ride, the stats show a little over 3100 feet of climbing (make that 19.2 miles and close to 3800 feet of climbing from the start). That is a lot of the climbing for the 1st third of this race!<br />
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The next section to note is called "Cringle Connection" and "Taco Alley" under the normal course direction. This is the section of what I remember as cow trail through the scrub trees. Lots of big rocks that we ride over and down, now much flow in the normal direction. Again, many short walking sections in the reverse of the course. Lots of potential mud here if it rains as the cows really churned up this part of the trail. Lots of alternative paths to take as well. The main trail is pretty obvious, but the cows are making more and more options. Still some good climbing through here.<br />
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The climb from the above referenced section to the top (Old Baldy Trail head) is not as bad as you would think. On the normal race loop, this is the fun downhill after checkpoint 2. I would have thought this was steeper, but it went fairly quickly (despite me having to herd cows off the trail).<br />
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So now you are at the top of the course (normal checkpoint 2). Mileage should be near 25.5 and 4875 of climbing (including gravel road from the start). You would think that the majority of the rest of the course is downhill, right? Not so fast....<br />
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I was probably most surprised by the slow going on the second half of the course. The rock gardens and climbing sections keep the speed surprisingly slow. I was by myself, so I wasn't pushing any of my limits, but it didn't feel like there were too many sections to really push it on the upper sections. I had to bail out on my ride at the location of the normal first feed zone/checkpoint. From the top to this section it was 11.7 miles and still had 1250 feet of climbing. Some really fun sections and some spots that I wish that I had a full suspension bike.<br />
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Like I said, I had to bail on the funnest section of Tinton Trail downhill as it was getting dark. I remember that section having 2-3 more climbs as well, but nothing sustained.<br />
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<br />Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-15481562049447090802013-06-11T21:49:00.001-05:002013-06-11T21:52:47.293-05:00Getting revenge at Syllamo's RevengeThis season is not anything like last year. The weather has been harsher, my training has not been as dedicated, but my overall fitness and times seem to have been feeling better than 2012. Maybe I was more over trained last year, maybe I've carried more fitness into this year. Whatever it is, I'm starting to believe that I'm in better shape than years past and that is good.<br />
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Regardless, I still went into May 18th's Syllamo's Revenge 50 mile MTB race with a lotta doubt. Last year, this was a big goal race and I completely blew it. This year, I wanted to improve, but really didn't think that I could meet last years goal of 5hrs 15min. I went into this years race just wanting to do better, hoping for a 5:30 and wanting to have fun.<br />
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Jason Dal and I loaded up on Thursday afternoon and drove down to Mountain View, Arkansas. Home to the race. I made a navigational decision error and it took longer to drive down than it should have. We pulled into our cabin near 11pm and after unloading, decided to have a few beers to unwind. It was a long and winding road to get into town and after all, I was trying to have more "fun" this year.<br />
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Just after lights out, the skies opened up and it down poured. Really heavy rain for most of the night. I wouldn't think much of it until later the following day.<br />
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Friday morning, we walked across the courthouse square to find some breakfast. The small diner was full of locals and I'm sure we stuck out like sore thumbs. No matter, the food was good and we ate enough to be able to skip lunch and pre-ride the course at mid-day. This was when both Jason and I had our eyes opened to the slipperiness of the Ozarks stone. We had ridden the opening climb to the singletrack and on the shorter, power climbs over rock, you could not keep the rear wheel from spinning. There was even a short section of off camber rock that was hard to just walk across. It wasn't looking good for race day if the course stayed this wet. Jason was questioning if he should switch tires to a more aggressive knobby that he had brought along. But, I was stuck with what I had - Specialized Renegades. Semi-slick knobbies that were perfect for dry days, but seemed to be completely wrong for the slick rocks.<br />
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After the pre-ride at the start, we drove to the opposite side of the course to test the tires on more rocks. We dropped the air pressure and that seemed to help. This part of the course was also drier. I had no choice, so I thought positive thoughts and told myself that the rocks would be slick for everyone and that I could out ride the others though this stuff (positive reaffirmations, by Tom Anderson).<br />
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We were able to meet up with Jim and Sally Logan for a pre-race dinner and good company. I had another couple of beers that night, breaking my promise to abstain before the racing. A semi-early bedtime and we were up on Saturday for the race. Last year, we had stayed at a hotel and the poor breakfast choices where the beginning of my demise. This year, the cabin allowed us to make our own breakfast and I think it really made the difference. Eggo's are not likely the best choice, but it was easy carbs and calories for me to digest about 2hrs prior to the 7:30 start. Jason and I arrived at the start early and I took my time suiting up. I didn't want to spend too much time aimlessly riding around. I did get about 10min of warm-up in and figured that the approx 3/4 mile long opening climb would be my warm-up. It also fit into my plan of starting slow this year so I wouldn't blow up like last year. <br />
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<a href="http://commiebiker.smugmug.com/Mountain-Bike-Racing/Syllamos-Revenge-2013/29529130_npZhf9#!i=2524820238&k=v64LZC4&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://commiebiker.smugmug.com/Mountain-Bike-Racing/Syllamos-Revenge-2013/i-v64LZC4/0/M/Syllamo-979-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div>
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On the initial fireroad climb, 8-12% grade</div>
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Last year, I got a terrible position on the starting line. This year, I barged my way up to about the 3rd row on the outside. My goal was to go into the singletrack about 40 or 50th position out of the approximate 300 starters. The problem with this course is that after the opening climb, the course turns right and into single file singletrack. No real passing spots, unless someone makes a mistake. Last year, I pushed into the top 20 and paid for my efforts. This year, I was hoping to get some slower people in front of me so my efforts would be regulated by them. The race director blew his whistle and off we went. I went about 80% up the opening climb. Just at the top of zone 4, maybe zone 5. It was hard to let the front group go, but I was betting that half of them would blow up. A second group formed behind them, and then the group that I was leading. We were are the top in short order and we headed into the singletrack. I'd guess that I was in 50th to 60th at this point and pretty happy that I hadn't burned any matches yet. <br />
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The first 15 miles to checkpoint #1 is very technical riding. The wet rocks made it even worse. I held back from those in front of me and let them make mistakes. This allowed me to see a potentially better line and to ride past them. I took my time and metered my efforts. I kept telling myself that it was a very long day and to relax. Some of the sections were too wet to ride and a short walk was in order, but I as able to ride the vast majority of this section (surprising, given my tire choice). Many times, others would gladly step out of the way just to see you attempt to ride a section. Congratulations were given when you made it, which gave me extra incentive to ride the sections clean. I pulled through the checkpoint in 1hr 43min, which was ahead of my goal time of 1:45. I was feeling good and happy that I wasn't worn out. I had the volunteers fill up a water bottle (I was using a camelback) and I was quickly off. I had passed a good 20 or more people to this point and figured I was in about 30th.<br />
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<a href="http://commiebiker.smugmug.com/Mountain-Bike-Racing/Syllamos-Revenge-2013/29529130_npZhf9#!i=2524926080&k=GzBrMgZ&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://commiebiker.smugmug.com/Mountain-Bike-Racing/Syllamos-Revenge-2013/i-GzBrMgZ/0/M/Syllamo-1190-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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The next section heads to a rocky overlook. Lots of slow, rock crawling type riding. The last half has several downhills and the rocks are not as bad. I had an aggressive time goal for this section, but last year I cooked myself trying to descend too quickly. I also remembered that the few climbs on this section are tougher than they should be. I kept telling myself to "be smooth" and to save energy for the climbs. More people were passed and I was actually enjoying myself. Last year, this was the section that I began to bonk. This year, I came through slightly faster, but in better shape. My goal was 1:15, I came through at 1:11. I was 6min ahead of my overall goal pace and started to think that my 5:30 goal was easily obtainable. I had the volunteers fill my camelback with water for me, while I gulped down 1/2 a bottle of Heed and filled it to the top for the rest of the trip. It was getting hotter and I didn't need to cramp on the upcoming climb.<br />
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<a href="http://commiebiker.smugmug.com/Mountain-Bike-Racing/Syllamos-Revenge-2013/29529130_npZhf9#!i=2525381468&k=wcDJrmr&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://commiebiker.smugmug.com/Mountain-Bike-Racing/Syllamos-Revenge-2013/i-wcDJrmr/0/M/Syllamo-1386-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Jason working his way along a side hill ridge</div>
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The long slog up to check point #3 was mostly a walk for me last year. This year, I couldn't believe how short the climb was. I think that I may have actually held back a little too much here. Still, I was surprised to pull into the check point in 1hr. A full 33min faster than last year! Walking vs. riding was the obvious difference, but also knowing the overall course and what to expect really helped. At this point, I was a good 15min ahead of my goal and excited to finish the race. The last section is fast and flowy if you are reasonably fresh. I still had no idea of where I was placed in the race, but was riding with some faster guys.<br />
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Sally through #1 of two creek crossings, they were refreshingly cold!</div>
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I grabbed some more water and took off fast for the last section. I was chasing a guy through here and every time I was getting closer, he would find another gear and pull away. I was mostly just trying to maintain a smooth pace and it was getting harder. I think that my efforts over the course of the day were about perfect. Near the end a guy came from behind and I was determined to not let him pass. We were racing at short course speed and passed a few guys. I kept thinking that the final climb and then downhill to the finish were near, but after a few sections, I let him pass. Resolving to myself that I was mistaken and that the downhill was still a few miles away. I settled back into my pace and 10min later the downhill arrived. There was no way that I could have kept that pace with him, but we had fun encouraging each other on while it lasted.<br />
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I finished in 5:17 and got a cheer from Ryan Feagan (who had finished 5th overall in 4:53). I think he was as surprised as I was with my finishing time. The funniest part was when he noticed my poor choice in tires and shouted out again that I was nuts for running them. Funny, after the initial hour, I don't think they made a difference, good or bad.<br />
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I cooled down some, showered and changed and grabbed a beer and a chair, settling in to wait for Jason and other friends to finish. It took longer for Jason and I ultimately found out that he had "burped" his tires 2x in the first 90min and finally had to put a tube in. Then his cleat moved on him and he had to walk over a mile. He was able to fix it and finished, but at least an hour past his goal (which was obtainable for him).<br />
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At this point, no results were posted yet. I wasn't worried, I had the race that I wanted and was happy. I figured top 8 in age group and top 25-30 overall (based on previous years times). It wasn't until Jason went to look for his result that he told me that I had finished 18th overall and 3rd in age group (40-49). Yahoo!!!! I had no idea that I was that far forward. Amazed and elated. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/9019414042/" title="Syllamos Revenge 2013 by iowagriz, on Flickr"><img alt="Syllamos Revenge 2013" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/9019414042_5882b0a991.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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I picked up a cash payout and this fine looking trophy, then Jason and I went back into town to celebrate. The celebration didn't last too long. The day caught up to both of us and after some BBQ and a few beers, were were in bed early. Waking up at 6am, we decided to get on the road ASAP and beat the impending thunderstorm home.<br />
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Thanks to my family who supports me in my racing and thanks to Jason for the road trip. Also a big thanks to Greg, Sterling and the gang at<a href="http://www.rasmussenbikeshop.com/" target="_blank"> Rasmussen's Bike Shop</a>. Always there for me with support, parts and good natured ribbing. It was a blast and I'm already looking to next year to see if I can improve on this results.<br />
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Thanks to "<a href="http://www.commiebike.com/" target="_blank">CommieBiker</a>" and <a href="http://www.arkansasoutside.com/" target="_blank">Arkansas Outside</a> for the photos. They are appreciated.<br />
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2013 stats:<br />
to chk1 157avg heart rate 1:42.45<br />
to chk2 150avg heart rate 1:11.33<br />
to chk3 153avg heart rate 1:00.33<br />
to finish 147avg heart rate 1:17.55<br />
total moving time 5:09.29; total time of 5:16.49<br />
total avg heart rate 152<br />
max heart rate 176<br />
z1 0:14.44<br />
z2 0:54.14<br />
z3 1:22.59<br />
z4 2:03.50<br />
5a 0:31.50<br />
5b 0:07.59<br />
5c 0:01.11Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-25199096983322466652013-05-14T20:45:00.002-05:002013-05-14T20:50:39.878-05:00Colorado Training CampI haven't been as diligent as I had hoped on keeping this blog semi current, but with the cold, rain and lack of racing, I haven't had much motivation for posts. Since my last race report, I had the option to race Sylvan Island, but the potentially poor weather and a last minute bartering with my family kept me away. Instead, I opted to join some friends for a week in Colorado at the end of April. The original plan was to drive to Denver on Monday, hop in an RV and head south to Pueblo for a few days and then inland to Salida for a day and then onto Buffalo Springs. Six guys in a rented RV, mostly camping in primitive spots. It would have been entertaining to say the least!<br />
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However, the fickle weather changed our plans. In fact, it was snowing in Denver the day we left and our local guy made the call to head to Fruita. Just in case the pass closed, he hightailed it out of town in front of us.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/8690365617/" title="Untitled by iowagriz, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/8690365617_955df3d54f.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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The final two hours were some shaky driving, but we made it outside of Eagle and camped for the night. We woke to blue skies and snow. The weather warrior seemed to be a good omen for the future.<br />
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We packed up and headed towards Fruita. Riding in Rabbit Valley the first afternoon:<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/8690408579/" title="P4230011 by iowagriz, on Flickr"><img alt="P4230011" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8394/8690408579_fd3e038a9b.jpg" width="500" /></a></u></span><br />
The 2nd day was at the famous Loma Exit trails (also called Kokopelli Trails):<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/8691520360/" title="P4240030 by iowagriz, on Flickr"><img alt="P4240030" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/8691520360_fe0a6330c9.jpg" width="500" /></a></u></span><br />
30min from this photo, Jason and I would be on the trails pictured below him (Steve's Loop, I think also called Handcuffs)<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/8691518590/" title="P4240034 by iowagriz, on Flickr"><img alt="P4240034" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8691518590_4f8a8252d1.jpg" width="500" /></a></u></span><br />
Post ride beverages with my college roommate, Mike.<br />
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Day 3 was at the Lunch Loops at Grand Junction: (group photo)<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/8691515078/" title="P4250042 by iowagriz, on Flickr"><img alt="P4250042" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/8691515078_8aa7144ef0.jpg" width="500" /></a></u></span><br />
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Then, what I thought was some of the best riding around. Buffalo Pass, just south of Evergreen, Colorado. Long sweeping trail lines, lots of pine forest and then through massive burn areas. Great trails, great views.<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/8690358051/" title="Untitled by iowagriz, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="175" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/8690358051_bf15466487.jpg" width="500" /></a></u></span><br />
Nice camping location, right off the trail:<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/8690376523/" title="P4270083 by iowagriz, on Flickr"><img alt="P4270083" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/8690376523_f524124395.jpg" width="500" /></a></u></span><br />
Cool hidden restaurant/bar:<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/8690380095/" title="P4260075 by iowagriz, on Flickr"><img alt="P4260075" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/8690380095_1ba6cf3e45.jpg" width="500" /></a></u></span><br />
Bonfires, camping, lots of beer and buddies. We rode somewhere near 120 miles, climbed over 13k feet and were out and on the bikes around 20hrs, all in 5 days. I still gained weight....<br />
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More pics here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/sets/72157633360043071/with/8690380095/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/sets/72157633360043071/with/8690380095/</a>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-52631395756418331402013-04-17T19:41:00.000-05:002013-04-17T19:41:43.661-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I meant to post this shortly after my last race. I've been trying to figure out why my training seems so sporadic this year and yet, my results and fitness seemed to be better. I'll have to chalk it up to having more miles and more experience in my legs. <br />
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The graphs below are from <a href="http://www.trainingpeaks.com/">www.trainingpeaks.com</a>; which is the site that I used to plan and track my training. The first chart is my progress in 2012. You can see three distinct Base phases (where the yellow and pink lines are far apart). Those were the long rides that I did in January through early March. The fourth spread is the first Build phase. And the blue line is the gradual build in fitness. Now remember that the lines are all relative. I don't think you can say that a blue line of 70 in 2012 means that I was more fit when compared to my blue line of 50 in 2013. I don't know enough about that line or have enough years with this site to really determine if that is true. Also, all of the blue dots are rides. The higher the dot, the higher the intensity of the ride. 2012 was all according to plan.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLLetLbXDf_hIJvcj9DYlKGoVw5KW2rv3hyphenhyphenPSjxgvROTIzA1KqtijzpFoMd4ilBwGIk8YXRQqq1ejdFcQfrV45UChaBCcGJIfyqsSLvTziTJRz7aB0vksESlZpiT4YSwDGlVqvkNJ6p0a/s1600/2012graph.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLLetLbXDf_hIJvcj9DYlKGoVw5KW2rv3hyphenhyphenPSjxgvROTIzA1KqtijzpFoMd4ilBwGIk8YXRQqq1ejdFcQfrV45UChaBCcGJIfyqsSLvTziTJRz7aB0vksESlZpiT4YSwDGlVqvkNJ6p0a/s640/2012graph.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2012 Training Peaks Fitness chart (1/1/12 to 4/15/12)</td></tr>
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The next chart is for the same time period in 2013. You can see that I didn't get the same Base fitness rides in and that they were not for the same longer (two weeks) periods. However, (and it is hard to see on these pics) the blue dots are trending higher. In other words, the rides that I have done, have been more intense. So not the same amount of hours or miles, but slightly higher intensity. This makes sense from just comparing what I perceive last year was, compared to this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMV2GWIPnohCP10tRCQVnoPXtqYsui_6NbC0snlz7n7hPXsT_eqbSHYQiZKLi968GzW56lHIrBmMHCWsPHMuKXja4_Iw-Vao2PLJpBa8uzsRJ6Nz9qGUj7cE01rqPsF2jccuvPS8uXzlbV/s1600/2013graph.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMV2GWIPnohCP10tRCQVnoPXtqYsui_6NbC0snlz7n7hPXsT_eqbSHYQiZKLi968GzW56lHIrBmMHCWsPHMuKXja4_Iw-Vao2PLJpBa8uzsRJ6Nz9qGUj7cE01rqPsF2jccuvPS8uXzlbV/s640/2013graph.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So what does this all mean???? I'm not really sure. I do know that I felt better at Swanson at a higher heart rate and for a longer period of time. I also know that my performance fell off at the 3 hour mark (indicating lack of base). Either way, I need to work with what I have and move forward. Syllamo 50 is in a month and I have a few more weeks to add the the base while keeping some intensity rides up. I likely won't know how it all works out until about the 3 hour mark of Syllamo on May 18th.Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-50565586177666038222013-04-09T21:20:00.000-05:002013-04-09T21:20:58.103-05:00Psycowpath #1 - Swanson Marathon Race ReportWow! This one created so much confusion for me that I don't really know where to start. It might take a second post to sort out, but here goes:<br />
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The opening race of the mountain bike season was this past Sunday at the Swanson Shoot Out, race #1 of the <a href="http://www.psycowpath.com/">Psycowpath </a>series out of Omaha. As noted two posts back, I haven't had the same amount of training as last year. Of course, it has been a colder winter, so maybe everyone would be in the same boat. As I drove to the local Hy-Vee for a pre-race breakfast, I actually had thoughts on how bad this race would go and what I could do to salvage the rest of the season. Maybe all racers are full of self doubt, it seems like a common thread among other race reports. But I was just sure that with the lack of training and more specifically the lack of concentrated base training that I'd blow up early in this race.<br />
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Jason, Jeff and I carpooled together and arrived with plenty of time to get a good parking spot, take our time kitting up and placing our coolers in a prime spot for mid-race replenishment. We hopped on the bikes and pre-rode a portion of the course. Just last Thursday, I had installed new Specialized Renegade tires and moved my gearing back down to a 34T in the front (I run a 1x9 setup). I only had the chance to ride singletrack once prior to the race (Friday night), so I was happy to feel pretty good during the warm-up and course recon.<br />
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Ryan Feagan and Daryl gave the last minute instructions and we all lined up for the start. Now I should explain that I had peeked at the start list Saturday night. I saw 3 top Cat1 riders, and 2 other marathoners that had beaten me previously. I also figured that a few other fast people would show up for morning registration, so with my self doubt firmly embedded, I was thinking that a 10th place would be a decent start to the season.<br />
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I have no idea what changed my mind, but I decided "F-it" and took the front row with Kent McNeill, Cam Kirkpatrick and Kevin Limpach (the fast Cat1s). At the whistle we took off hard and Jim Winklepleck came streaking around us. I settled into 5th spot (behind the four mentioned) and off we went. I could hear others behind me, but I made the snap decision to stick to Cam's wheel as long as possible and hopefully build a lead on those behind me. Outta sight, outta mind...and hopefully recover enough to hold off a few of them by the end.<br />
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Lap 1 ends and I'm still there, lap 2 and Cam is slightly outta sight of me when he must have hit something. He is dusting himself off from what looked like a hard crash and gets back on after letting me by. Cool! I'm in fourth, but say it's just temporary until he comes back around me. I hold him off for lap 3 and on lap 4 we catch Kevin. He is obviously trying to stretch his back out. I begin to wonder if these guys have gone out too hard? Maybe they aren't invincible.<br />
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We finish lap 5 just after the Cat1s have started. I stop for water bottles and Cam goes by (I think it was lap 5). I hear the Cat2s start just behind me and I try to hold them off as long as possible. Eventually, the leaders catch me and I let them by, finally settling into a group more of my marathon speed. I figure that Cam wouldn't let that happen to him and will now be gone. I'm racing for fourth and keep looking over my shoulder.<br />
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Nothing spectacular really happens during the rest of the race. My laps were consistent until the last 3. Lap 9 finished at 3:50, so I knew that I had to go onto lap 10. Pride kept me pushing as hard as possible, I wanted to keep all 10 laps under 30 minutes and I didn't want to get lapped by the marathon leader. I finally finished the 10 laps in 4:15.47. Good for what I figured was 4th place out of 34. It wasn't until later that I learned that Cam also had to pull out early (also back problems?). I was handed a very unexpected 3rd place.<br />
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Sorry for the lack of pictures, I know these posts are boring with all words an no pictures. I'll work on that.<br />
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Next post will be on theories as why my body was actually ready for this effort (despite the best efforts of my mind).Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-81794362856569653902013-04-03T21:00:00.000-05:002013-04-03T21:00:13.826-05:00My first MTB race of the year is this weekend at the Nebraska <a href="http://www.psycowpath.com/">Psycowpath </a>series. They do a fantastic job with the organization and the courses. So they attract a pretty large crowd. They also have a "Marathon" class which is an additional format (on top of the normal XC races).<br />
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The marathon races last for 4 hours, but if you complete a lap prior to the 4 hour mark then you can go for another. Most laps/first racer wins. Thus it can become a race of attrition, pacing and strategy (so you don't have to go out for that extra lap after the 4 hour mark). I wasn't the fastest in this group last year, but I was the most consistent and won the series. I had 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 10th for my placings in the six races. I'm not feeling as strong as last year for this first race, I don't really know what to expect. I'm sure that the competitive juices will start flowing on the starting line, I just hope that I don't blow-up.<br />
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My bike is still in winter mode. In the next few days I need to put the suspension fork back on, switch out the front chain ring and chain. Replace some worn out bearings and check other vital parts. This is not something that you normally do just before a race. I hope that I can get it done on Thursday and then ride the bike Friday and Saturday to shake out any bugs.<br />
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Lastly, I was hoping to have my tires last the month of April before replacement. On tonight's ride I noticed what looked like something stuck to the tread. When I stopped, I found a bubble start to push-out from between the treads. Basically a start to what ended up happening to me two years ago in the picture below. I guess I need to replace those before this weekends race as well (at least I found it now).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/5999545451/" title="End of this tire by iowagriz, on Flickr"><img alt="End of this tire" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6123/5999545451_1e2b0d28b0.jpg" width="299" /></a>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-47778547113704216772013-04-01T20:00:00.003-05:002013-04-01T20:00:48.776-05:001st Quarter 2012 vs 2013Compared to last year, this year has been very odd for me and my training. Not necessarily due to the colder weather this year, but it seems due to motivation. As an example:<div>
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Total Hours Miles Strength (included in total hours)</div>
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2012 142:45 1349 25:45</div>
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2013 84:15 1028 3:15</div>
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The really odd part is that I seem to be carrying a lot of my fitness from last year. I know that I don't have the same strength or the same endurance base, but the longer rides do feel pretty good right now. Obviously, I haven't done the same hours, some due to skipping out on the P90X program that I did last year. I didn't realize until I pulled this data, how close I was on the miles.</div>
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Oddly, CIRREM (February, 2013) went fairly well. After a decently hard start for the first 20 minutes, Jason Dal and I settled into a medium pace. I stayed with Jason until about the 3/4 mark and then went hard for the last hour. Chasing down several rabbits and coming in at a decent time. Could I have went faster? Maybe....I probably could have been faster by another 10 minutes overall by being more consistent in pace. But maybe since I went easy in the middle, that certainly gave me more at the end.</div>
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Either way, I will be toeing the line this weekend for the opening Psycowpath Marathon race. I guess I'll find out how things really are after this race.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KrSOu9bSthiE9-w1060Qhen83cexjjZZJKHfORRuM9mFKamkAzC9HGOg78-btNAJ1-7ndB07kJRd52utYm8FgSHs5HtKiG8XdcPb8ndK5sYj6D4NDBInv99TiRWIG4J0N5aoZeJOSKPt/s1600/cirrem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KrSOu9bSthiE9-w1060Qhen83cexjjZZJKHfORRuM9mFKamkAzC9HGOg78-btNAJ1-7ndB07kJRd52utYm8FgSHs5HtKiG8XdcPb8ndK5sYj6D4NDBInv99TiRWIG4J0N5aoZeJOSKPt/s320/cirrem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Me at the end of the 2013 CIRREM, pushing it hard at the end.</div>
Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-56459877634971486482013-01-24T21:42:00.001-06:002013-01-24T21:42:18.384-06:00Testing, testingThinking about firing this up again. Lots of training thoughts and ideas in my head, but lack of time has kept me from posting here. First up is to create a better looking layout and some test posts.<br />
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Then maybe some 2012 recap before the first races of this year.Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-17396435062709757192011-08-19T08:38:00.003-05:002011-08-19T08:42:38.360-05:00First day of school - 8th grade<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U3c_qoTj5c9XPjqzYXezdYWS62HMqPf2BjeR6ch5GlVkpDJBYQlmgKMH-OroRyzidprub9MxvvC7e53rBDgF7rcE5187HptZueHnUHZlJx936HMcgSoxx7vp-InYvsv37GxNiGULZ-f7/s1600/IMAG0366.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642561913690366690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1U3c_qoTj5c9XPjqzYXezdYWS62HMqPf2BjeR6ch5GlVkpDJBYQlmgKMH-OroRyzidprub9MxvvC7e53rBDgF7rcE5187HptZueHnUHZlJx936HMcgSoxx7vp-InYvsv37GxNiGULZ-f7/s320/IMAG0366.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB0PDeg-XRe6e1XNqENqv_cxqBwtkqcyHsW-87zJ3zarRYRmj2edz-_KNFFN-iScEhgKyEY4y_pKr43qM183v89gQ4As2jobzt6ea7IYcRoW5yIeCoZPIXBvRR95m9YLDdXe4sww_v4J1/s1600/IMAG0368.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642561475019173170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaB0PDeg-XRe6e1XNqENqv_cxqBwtkqcyHsW-87zJ3zarRYRmj2edz-_KNFFN-iScEhgKyEY4y_pKr43qM183v89gQ4As2jobzt6ea7IYcRoW5yIeCoZPIXBvRR95m9YLDdXe4sww_v4J1/s320/IMAG0368.jpg" /></a> The girls started 8th grade this past Wednesday. Top of the middle school heap. </div>
<br />Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-34218439433043457962011-08-18T22:03:00.002-05:002011-08-19T08:21:33.220-05:00Iowa State Fair<div align="center">The girls on the Crazy Mouse rollercoaster<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRPNCY-6juGM6Tab1UdWh_oqufVkU8mizbSeykzSgPbxqIlXGSGknCCDRK2fP_foHuV6PgOkuNSaQbk6DlrHsiJ71FBDdsRZxaWqWFEIh1hv0JbegHx0tfLDGvJ6ncL48dAPGEj9hVcHM/s1600/IMAG0364.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642555792783225986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRPNCY-6juGM6Tab1UdWh_oqufVkU8mizbSeykzSgPbxqIlXGSGknCCDRK2fP_foHuV6PgOkuNSaQbk6DlrHsiJ71FBDdsRZxaWqWFEIh1hv0JbegHx0tfLDGvJ6ncL48dAPGEj9hVcHM/s320/IMAG0364.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixML1BFGK-h7uEATVLNkTEZRvotYGGWu-rfbK6bg4FXWqlvdewynFxes5nsXmrwjRdku5m4kmgylS1IUnMgpivRMHCs6Vfot2xOldAp8ZS99KsYcz5cskQ31Qiqks_PrdGqq1U4VCQTSBP/s1600/IMAG0363.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642555789023755938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixML1BFGK-h7uEATVLNkTEZRvotYGGWu-rfbK6bg4FXWqlvdewynFxes5nsXmrwjRdku5m4kmgylS1IUnMgpivRMHCs6Vfot2xOldAp8ZS99KsYcz5cskQ31Qiqks_PrdGqq1U4VCQTSBP/s320/IMAG0363.jpg" /></a>
<br />The Butter Cow
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPFmZZpjqvRpQEZd9FJ8DqPccPBoC9-uFbBwp6KDScQ0DSXuaeaJZJfD-wzp2yRSRpIGmRKnUGdRWQn809wtwbaqTrRlZ9HPPFZgiLx6KypfHJGkGVODcM4Lkd6gWt_AfEmfJSL4Vdanq/s1600/IMAG0362.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642555788209829170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPFmZZpjqvRpQEZd9FJ8DqPccPBoC9-uFbBwp6KDScQ0DSXuaeaJZJfD-wzp2yRSRpIGmRKnUGdRWQn809wtwbaqTrRlZ9HPPFZgiLx6KypfHJGkGVODcM4Lkd6gWt_AfEmfJSL4Vdanq/s320/IMAG0362.jpg" /></a>
<br />A mini butter cow
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAexm8HWNcuhGVJBYu6cR1hHOlQIIXNiFodGipG4pdgSJGoUxZV_Ks7DaCr_8zpLy8WmlE8XhSBGsCU81FeAM2bmBMgHviWwcly9SMJnIkiki-KRWE7mJjgUw7nqcjY8tlvuCqLCJlhy0/s1600/IMAG0360.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642555785348011026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAexm8HWNcuhGVJBYu6cR1hHOlQIIXNiFodGipG4pdgSJGoUxZV_Ks7DaCr_8zpLy8WmlE8XhSBGsCU81FeAM2bmBMgHviWwcly9SMJnIkiki-KRWE7mJjgUw7nqcjY8tlvuCqLCJlhy0/s320/IMAG0360.jpg" /></a>
<br />My ladies
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<br /><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEH7qHh_qC6dWD_Q_jU-NBvO6urgmVxSRCFo3RoedGRV6jIGM8lzKvWzTUpD0xBY7JdUP3oL_SUKK0UMuwxedBjASk7xxq5siV3Gm6AWv365UpaSYTpcmqKpcGVZYBRu_rOda5mUKH8U3/s1600/IMAG0358-748124.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642397538589898114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEH7qHh_qC6dWD_Q_jU-NBvO6urgmVxSRCFo3RoedGRV6jIGM8lzKvWzTUpD0xBY7JdUP3oL_SUKK0UMuwxedBjASk7xxq5siV3Gm6AWv365UpaSYTpcmqKpcGVZYBRu_rOda5mUKH8U3/s320/IMAG0358-748124.jpg" /></a></p>
<br />Holly and her mom
<br /><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47WFFlVdh9z7sFg_vbGXoma9laBYpLIzWOLiqTM5iTPzpVYneUEXegcFA6TWkC88ZSCiqof205zTwfe-ERXmGjle57i7Oyrsjx36BSOSRkY4qoImKua2rUdWx8QBcJUd0-zyPtwTQd67t/s1600/IMAG0359-751647.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642397552748305362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47WFFlVdh9z7sFg_vbGXoma9laBYpLIzWOLiqTM5iTPzpVYneUEXegcFA6TWkC88ZSCiqof205zTwfe-ERXmGjle57i7Oyrsjx36BSOSRkY4qoImKua2rUdWx8QBcJUd0-zyPtwTQd67t/s320/IMAG0359-751647.jpg" /></a></p></div>
<br /></div>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-9988292429733922122011-07-01T09:00:00.002-05:002011-07-01T09:05:54.629-05:00Moab/Fruita picsI finally got around to uploading the pics that Jacob took during the trip. Lots of good stuff. I've organized by day. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08">Click here</a><br /><br />Day one - just north of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Moab</span> at Baby Steps and Klondike<br />Day two - a new trail, Magnificent 7. Goes from Gemini Bridges area to Poison Spider<br />Day three - the Porcupine Rim downhill<br />Day four - Road 18 or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bookcliffs</span> just north of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fruita</span>, CO<br />Day five - (morning) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Loma</span> exit (Mary's Loop, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Horsetheif</span>, etc), west of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fruita</span><br />Day five - (afternoon) Ribbon and Lunch Loops near Grand Junction, CO<br />Day six - we hit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Centennial</span> Cone trail on Hwy 6, just west of Golden, COIowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-11382914334201270402011-03-23T18:46:00.002-05:002011-03-23T18:49:03.486-05:00Spring Break Photos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFVY1eZediaUM3zTEoMdYB0zCu6v_EGvDS0CvraDYJMXNtaxQCPVDU8GEUEhDalqzqQbDzWgiwbJytKuh5tNDhQtA16nCWcdYHvKYCCwOLP1dUc-sYQul8cDYyf_TVth7Nqj2n-74gIQ2/s1600/P3180289.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587426596314631058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFVY1eZediaUM3zTEoMdYB0zCu6v_EGvDS0CvraDYJMXNtaxQCPVDU8GEUEhDalqzqQbDzWgiwbJytKuh5tNDhQtA16nCWcdYHvKYCCwOLP1dUc-sYQul8cDYyf_TVth7Nqj2n-74gIQ2/s320/P3180289.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Lots of new photos on Flickr, click the link to the right.</div><br /><div></div>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-3800259788211326212011-03-16T20:17:00.001-05:002011-03-16T20:17:41.886-05:00Steamboat Spring Break<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCQHtm2FYpoizvGoECETXsE2GvYIIRj2E_4KaHtE6Xw6XELd5DUgeMwJM6_MAwww_7Q0Bd-0UehhzSgtN052A3F2U7akfps4E3o3tNuZUEWx9c1KxAkHsNK9UqP6sN8E2ittaMVzE8Kmy/s1600/IMAG0204-761887.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCQHtm2FYpoizvGoECETXsE2GvYIIRj2E_4KaHtE6Xw6XELd5DUgeMwJM6_MAwww_7Q0Bd-0UehhzSgtN052A3F2U7akfps4E3o3tNuZUEWx9c1KxAkHsNK9UqP6sN8E2ittaMVzE8Kmy/s320/IMAG0204-761887.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584851898572493762" /></a></p><p>A pic from day two of skiing with the family at Steamboat. Spring weather both days with slushy conditions each afternoon. Day off today, two more days of skiing left.</p> Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-75423188700877702772011-03-02T20:28:00.003-06:002011-03-02T20:59:30.584-06:00CIRREM Race/Training(?) reportThe third annual <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CIRREM</span> gravel race was this past weekend. I had handy excuses the first two years, but thought that as long as the roads weren't muddy, I'd use this years race as a good long training session.<br /><br />Kent and Jed put on a really good race and despite temps in the low teens a little over 100 people toed the line for 100k of gravelly goodness.<br /><br />I lined up with some of my <a href="http://www.rasmussenbikeshop.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rassy</span> </a>teammates and discussed riding together at a reasonable pace. However, once the group started I had this urge to push to the front. My hesitation in the first mile had me watching a lead group of over 30 pull away. I quickly thought of the benefits of drafting with a large group and put my head down hoping to catch them. However, after we made it to about mile 3 or 4, I realize it wasn't going to happen without blowing myself up.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitLnrhywEptxk15HApVusv9YIJkWl5uStc4WOIALNaxRo2fcovf0bj2S7wemYMk-OJqAM673W3YBdOlQ25dme8OWCVOXafWkY6z2zHEGHgNPdjL6cevXMJsLeUSpVHXStadenTUADwxt8/s1600/cirrem3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579675337150933826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitLnrhywEptxk15HApVusv9YIJkWl5uStc4WOIALNaxRo2fcovf0bj2S7wemYMk-OJqAM673W3YBdOlQ25dme8OWCVOXafWkY6z2zHEGHgNPdjL6cevXMJsLeUSpVHXStadenTUADwxt8/s320/cirrem3.jpg" /></a>I joined up with Jason <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alread</span> and Jacob <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Naumann</span> (<a href="http://www.rasmussenbikeshop.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rassy's</span> </a>riders) and we set a reasonable pace over the next 25miles of rolling hills. I could usually keep my heart rate at or below 140 and it was turning into a great early season training session.<br /><br />The only issues that I was having was with my glasses freezing over and with my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">camelback</span> freezing. I had the winter hydration tube, but after one drink it froze solid.<br /><br />We stayed together until the check point that was near mile 30. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3V9ac1MmOG8wek1H4Erd2Bf53pddYZMu5HkOZawQ5e1r9bUwSiNW1seT2ggt81i-yvmARoiea4pzU2-Aqa6ktjdi08MRjdgpYZyVjiS3eQRIknHDyHG7WMpNlEy7_qqIeiozSh_2Ir9H/s1600/cirrem1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579675337690197234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3V9ac1MmOG8wek1H4Erd2Bf53pddYZMu5HkOZawQ5e1r9bUwSiNW1seT2ggt81i-yvmARoiea4pzU2-Aqa6ktjdi08MRjdgpYZyVjiS3eQRIknHDyHG7WMpNlEy7_qqIeiozSh_2Ir9H/s320/cirrem1.jpg" /></a> At this point, my pack was carrying 3lbs of water that I couldn't use (unless I stopped and drank from the screw top). I drank a quick glass of water and had two fantastic tasting cookies at the checkpoint. Jacob and I jumped back on the bikes under 5 minutes later and hit the road with the assumption that Jason would catch back up.</div><div> </div><div>Jacob and I rode together for 20-30 minutes and were catching others often. Eventually, I found myself pulling away. I decided to put my head down and jump from rider to rider in front of me. I made a game of it and was enjoying it. A few of the hills were difficult, but mostly within a reasonably hard effort.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT7kLTOecSiFQwgErOuU_ZD8Plht-ULPQz5_6YSV1ZfUcYrSIDAG_JvuWIJQW95CvuzmyO5qP-eGW-t4OzMWdGIOW6D6q74aCTmMVeqsp8oRCq9_oSzMycBmUXiCc3Oa13Ln_CZydXkfk/s1600/cirrem2"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579675333009140098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT7kLTOecSiFQwgErOuU_ZD8Plht-ULPQz5_6YSV1ZfUcYrSIDAG_JvuWIJQW95CvuzmyO5qP-eGW-t4OzMWdGIOW6D6q74aCTmMVeqsp8oRCq9_oSzMycBmUXiCc3Oa13Ln_CZydXkfk/s320/cirrem2" /></a> According to the stats, I passed somewhere around 17 people in the last half of the race, but around mile 54 (of 64), I started losing energy (no water and no food since the checkpoint). I maintained my pace and pulled a few more racers in. The final hills were the hardest as my gearing was tall and you couldn't stand without spinning your rear tire on the snow.</div><div> </div><div>I ended up finishing right at 5hours which was right at my goal time. My average heart rate for the 5 hours was 142, so the first half was nice and low and the second half was a solid tempo pace.</div><div> </div><div>The finish party at the Cumming Tap was a blast. Lots of good company with the riders and everyone else that came out to join in the fun. Thanks to Bob for hosting us out there.</div></div>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-75027483929595513812011-02-20T16:18:00.003-06:002011-02-20T16:27:06.096-06:00New bike to start the seasonI guess it's time to start blogging again. I'll start off with my purchase for the 2011 race season. Thanks to <a href="http://www.rasmussenbikehome.blogspot.com/">Rassy's </a>for the sponsorship. They really get behind the sport.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIsOFeOgD6fkSJ6og7nhFTxHoMZu9NkYmi9y5ez9k47AajcRB8vPoK0ekjFE8D7fNqyXQsdbpb3uffudF1yCdBA9nZrh_Njkqm5de7AnlFqEftd5Cb4yiulKTGGD_ROoMVaIRQ8CIyb9C/s1600/P2200276.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575900508953394978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIsOFeOgD6fkSJ6og7nhFTxHoMZu9NkYmi9y5ez9k47AajcRB8vPoK0ekjFE8D7fNqyXQsdbpb3uffudF1yCdBA9nZrh_Njkqm5de7AnlFqEftd5Cb4yiulKTGGD_ROoMVaIRQ8CIyb9C/s320/P2200276.JPG" /></a>2011 Salsa El Mariachi Ti<br />Reba fork with remote lockout<br />Salsa carbon bar<br />Salsa stem<br />Roval wheels<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO3NlfmDLdBwv9Wyt0w7RnHvqzGlH7R4DHmwr2t3618EGpxUBMNBEKMLzGYvoW3jYaB30MWrgz2_IL-JkF9MAM2Wx1PGrOu2rM2Cq1Tx0F-uF6oaRKTSuEGZVqRMICddycmuMcGzjAmkW/s1600/P2200277.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575900459322988146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO3NlfmDLdBwv9Wyt0w7RnHvqzGlH7R4DHmwr2t3618EGpxUBMNBEKMLzGYvoW3jYaB30MWrgz2_IL-JkF9MAM2Wx1PGrOu2rM2Cq1Tx0F-uF6oaRKTSuEGZVqRMICddycmuMcGzjAmkW/s320/P2200277.JPG" /></a> Fifteen G 34t crankset<br />Sram 990 11-34t cassette<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDmYReOwOAusO6nQ0_XnCy-cUuFU_SXR5ixSh88GR8uccralEPKh-Q8WnhPNjvvAFvl0IYfCydH0AaBD4eL94gUKx_nRJSH8OuZLVUs8Dnvp40SDZR8D63zhggWws6sof2jiaBK4JdBFA/s1600/P2200278.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575900455187058482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDmYReOwOAusO6nQ0_XnCy-cUuFU_SXR5ixSh88GR8uccralEPKh-Q8WnhPNjvvAFvl0IYfCydH0AaBD4eL94gUKx_nRJSH8OuZLVUs8Dnvp40SDZR8D63zhggWws6sof2jiaBK4JdBFA/s320/P2200278.JPG" /></a> Elixir brakes with carbon levers<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T3-2wzsGbyFzqxp2WQd1lbdbkUviQtzRbHQ-jsaASpBilWwlQVqmUA8MBfaeqHP1dvQnxikOcedB6P205zwogzIL79HgGFozhksIWQpd6O-81WqVJ6dyC4OARGKWIUBSMDakzPImloZu/s1600/P2200279.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575900388833856706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T3-2wzsGbyFzqxp2WQd1lbdbkUviQtzRbHQ-jsaASpBilWwlQVqmUA8MBfaeqHP1dvQnxikOcedB6P205zwogzIL79HgGFozhksIWQpd6O-81WqVJ6dyC4OARGKWIUBSMDakzPImloZu/s320/P2200279.JPG" /></a> I need to get it on a scale, but it appears to be near 22.5lbs with pedals. I'm looking at upgrading the seat and post and maybe lighter pedals.</div></div>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-33810230271442495212010-11-28T15:47:00.001-06:002010-11-28T15:48:44.459-06:0020-30 new Flickr photosOrlando Vacation, Oakley night cap cyclocross race, girls concert and my Movember stashe.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/">here</a>.Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-45552084497951100932010-10-17T20:52:00.005-05:002010-11-21T10:33:23.415-06:00Mullet Classic (Ahquabi) Race ReportThe final race of the IORCA mountain bike series was held at Lake Ahquabi near Indianola. We were treated to a beautiful fall day and the bikers came out in force. 155 riders showed up for the race and I have to think that this is a record turnout for an IORCA race. To top it off, we were going to have a mass start and run all categories together.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Ahquabi is a fast course and <a href="http://bbbiking.blogspot.com/">Bruce B.</a> worked his butt off to add a mile or two of singletrack to get it up closer to a 8 mile course.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.rasmussenbikehome.blogspot.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529198759111061330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuSc6FMwbCpp_7FCBKhDoGcYzO4IFrUU79Tl0vB8VnzW-wSysLreW9fIAuSXEAc8IcyNIyfwCEw8m9eb2MB_o_PBDgNnaj7rSK9ERxYEUlI91yTN5RirHRh_MO6nTuOUbbFmm_VkuLpAL/s320/ahq+team.jpg" />Rasmussen </a>Team BS'ing before the start. </div><br /><br /><br />After the initial instructions, the entire group moved down the road for the start. I don't usually line up on the front row and didn't plan on it today, but I found myself between Cam and Tony with Jed next to Cam. To top it off, Jay Chesterman from Omaha, Basso, Vandelune, Alread and Blackford where on the second row. I briefly thought about swapping places with someone, but then thought "screw it". I figured that I'd go as hard as possible and ride a good line. In most of my races, I seem to start near 10th and then pick a few off at the end of the race. I wanted to see if I could hold the harder pace as long as possible. It was a 40 mile race, but even if I won my class, I couldn't win the overall series. I might as well try.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianTyh16f5n1mno2WRn7_ofczqOXkZIsm2hdH5YJjcq3uQhO3P-MK032tpjYeSGdCnJByNaNyRlMeEfgAJNG8GWvSyMFwH4ex-EBdRJh9HFfYXTb3Tk7HJLWx0D7yBcvn37plyv-IZqd4k/s1600/start.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529198751113544690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianTyh16f5n1mno2WRn7_ofczqOXkZIsm2hdH5YJjcq3uQhO3P-MK032tpjYeSGdCnJByNaNyRlMeEfgAJNG8GWvSyMFwH4ex-EBdRJh9HFfYXTb3Tk7HJLWx0D7yBcvn37plyv-IZqd4k/s320/start.jpg" /></a>Cam leads the group over the slight bump to start the first lap. Tony is behind him and Jed is hidden behind Tony and to my left.<br /></div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHK4bsQCVarR_fKPiSAyusZNJTXBHMpB3XwnW0rTQg2C6Gl2BnnEdSoFAXH_YiraU4wg6W6Kx6_qPvr_tpeh2_d_mFKRUyeyQosM8GzFdTeiVyEB1qSUKmkFCu6jkVhgXAKXH67Lezt3P/s1600/jumping+jed.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529198746019961298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHK4bsQCVarR_fKPiSAyusZNJTXBHMpB3XwnW0rTQg2C6Gl2BnnEdSoFAXH_YiraU4wg6W6Kx6_qPvr_tpeh2_d_mFKRUyeyQosM8GzFdTeiVyEB1qSUKmkFCu6jkVhgXAKXH67Lezt3P/s320/jumping+jed.jpg" /></a> Jed goes rabbit on me over the hump. </div><div align="left"><br />After we started, I sprinted as hard as possible to the entrance of the narrow double track. I was fourth wheel going into it behind Cam, Jed and Tony. They were pushing hard, but I was holding on. We hit the first steep hill, which is maybe 200 feet and possibly 10% grade. I stood and pushed a higher gear and although I didn't get passed, I did lose some ground to the first three. On the fast section after the descent, Chesterman came around me. I kept him in sight for a bit and stayed 5th wheel up the second tricky and steep climb. At this point, Basso was screaming at me to keep it up. We were pushing hard and I think breaking away from those behind us. However, Pete destroyed the sidewall of his wheel and all I heard was the sound of a deflating tire and the end of his race.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Not too long after that I was caught by several and decided to hold a medium pace so I could recover a little. I certainly felt like I went out too hard and that I had paid the price. I think that I came through the start finish in 13th place or so. I had to remind myself that many of those that passed me were the faster sport class racers and were racing fewer laps.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Lap 2 was more recovery and somewhere in here, Squirrel passed me. He left me with encouraging words and reminded me that it was a long race and that everyone was hurting. I took that to heart and waited until lap 3 to push hard again.<br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-4U5pCEVIEPK4fHcLjxqchUovO11EeUd6imyBRXefpOyywWwP8F7tDu6JuSx8SRg_c9HBEXcvUffqBIynM6ZjCeXs8Ym93hGmM2LkR3VhWpTeHxUMWpvnRwIMGJ70z2Crw0rIJN46AfG/s1600/tom1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529198740611245218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-4U5pCEVIEPK4fHcLjxqchUovO11EeUd6imyBRXefpOyywWwP8F7tDu6JuSx8SRg_c9HBEXcvUffqBIynM6ZjCeXs8Ym93hGmM2LkR3VhWpTeHxUMWpvnRwIMGJ70z2Crw0rIJN46AfG/s320/tom1.jpg" /></a> At the start of lap 3, I was down in 17th place and could see about 8 riders in front of me. I began to pick them off one at a time and midway through lap 4 could finally see Jason Alread and another rider on the backside of the course. I pulled onto their wheel and recovered for awhile. It was Jason pulling the 2nd riders along and #2 looked at me and asked if I wanted by. I loudly announced my presence to get into Jason's head and told them I was happy sucking their wheels (probably 18mph through this section). I even gave Jason a hard time about his being too small to create a large enough draft for us. It was all in good fun.<br /><br />It was all that I could do in not passing, but I wanted to be smart and save it for a pass that would stick. I waited until after the levy and north end bridge and jumped on the short hill afterwards. They couldn't respond and I was now in 8th or 9th place. That had to be one of the best moments of my racing season as I rarely have the opportunity to make a tactical decision and then to have it work. <br /><br /><div>I might have caught one or two others, but don't remember. I ended up 8th overall and 1st in the 35+ category. I was happy with the race and the overall season, but in the end Jason had a better season and pulled out the overall series win in 35+. Glad that it was a teammate and he's a good guy on top of that. I will be gunning for the title next year.</div><br /></div>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-67790656070914873242010-10-17T19:26:00.004-05:002010-10-17T20:08:11.441-05:00Take a Kid MTBing - V4After two years of poor weather (V2 and V3) Take a Kid <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">MTBing</span> was finally given a perfect fall day. Central Iowa Trails Association (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><a href="http://www.centraliowatrails.org/blog/">CITA</a></span>) got the word out and the kids and parents showed up in force. This was, by far, our best turnout yet. We had 38 kids and 25 adults show up at Greenwood Park.<br /><br />While <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sign up</span> continued, the kids took to the mini-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">obstacle</span> course like ducks to water. We didn't get the time to explain what they were working on, but it didn't matter, they had a blast on the "<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zenbiking/5065683873/in/set-72157625129159658/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">miniature</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">skinnies</span></a>".<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhXivJYReANtASfv-cbSIhE5JVk0nbTII5mr2KI9YZbwfe37KKtweckiJw9HYln9gdGmUmFzSIE4pxIif8GzhKbjlwPesJ-Isuy_9LTtEciXTrHBa4wiI5KTx71NvpCvEV_F1sLavHSNm/s1600/group.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529176544200488050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhXivJYReANtASfv-cbSIhE5JVk0nbTII5mr2KI9YZbwfe37KKtweckiJw9HYln9gdGmUmFzSIE4pxIif8GzhKbjlwPesJ-Isuy_9LTtEciXTrHBa4wiI5KTx71NvpCvEV_F1sLavHSNm/s320/group.jpg" /></a>We had a brief meeting and the group of older kids took off to J11 and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Denmans</span>. It is a short ride on the paved trail and then the dirt gets progressively harder. It is probably the best trail around to allow the kids to work on growing their skills.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyHNzS-EDpAd3pSAPtR2FKFfp2bmNSifo234qQdA3kERL5mZtxMYgJ58PBwCcZ0iSh7xTd_t-PYNR2I0fljYSvx4TmkTuGI1ulEcfd4cXk1CTK6M6SWtXKDJtOP6fPPzwL1sbGt_pGreZ/s1600/two+kids.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529176538717921682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyHNzS-EDpAd3pSAPtR2FKFfp2bmNSifo234qQdA3kERL5mZtxMYgJ58PBwCcZ0iSh7xTd_t-PYNR2I0fljYSvx4TmkTuGI1ulEcfd4cXk1CTK6M6SWtXKDJtOP6fPPzwL1sbGt_pGreZ/s320/two+kids.jpg" /></a> While the bigger kids were out, the littler kids took their <a href="http://www.stridersports.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Striders</span> </a>out on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">roller coaster</span> (yikes!). Don't worry, their dads were with them.</div><div></div><div>After an hour of riding the trails, we gathered back at the pond for the raffles. We first drew for the Schwinn <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">MTB</span> given to <a href="http://www.centraliowatrails.org/blog/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">CITA</span> </a>by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><a href="http://www.imba.com/">IMBA</a></span>. Ingrid <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Collet</span> was the lucky winner.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBmfCgDBF7UBjHCXI-dRXU3A_1fp_9ZWf7gw_yEATMSg2aQ-2sLRnksZfpsyRUZi2EqgW-tvf0CRNT50kpe7Hus8IeD_kqI0P7n3IYkvFznGo8AD7UijzMeZAXstBH4mbohVsM3IPPpvi/s1600/collet.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529176523941605122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBmfCgDBF7UBjHCXI-dRXU3A_1fp_9ZWf7gw_yEATMSg2aQ-2sLRnksZfpsyRUZi2EqgW-tvf0CRNT50kpe7Hus8IeD_kqI0P7n3IYkvFznGo8AD7UijzMeZAXstBH4mbohVsM3IPPpvi/s320/collet.jpg" /></a> Little Callie Gibson had been trying out the demo <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stider</span> (donated by <a href="http://www.stridersports.com/">Strider</a>) earlier in the day. The look on her face when she understood that she won, was priceless.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRpu3KDZNPwD7XQA940zH1CJPK6alTOK11a5rwcSY7xwA0Cdn5ljM0zfYp8LdwmO2sOnv_oZiaQY2YV1pFHVUDuBhYpNbEECVv2RtskPA_q0tOajIF22KauQ2o0LjeitEBEh_3ixrxPFV/s1600/corley.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529176512151983554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRpu3KDZNPwD7XQA940zH1CJPK6alTOK11a5rwcSY7xwA0Cdn5ljM0zfYp8LdwmO2sOnv_oZiaQY2YV1pFHVUDuBhYpNbEECVv2RtskPA_q0tOajIF22KauQ2o0LjeitEBEh_3ixrxPFV/s320/corley.jpg" /></a> The day went by rather quick, but it was very <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">satisfying</span> for all involved. </div><div></div><div>Each of the kids went home with a water bottle from one of our sponsoring bike shops. Thanks again to:</div><div><a href="http://www.barrbike.com/">Barr Bike and Fitness</a></div><div><a href="http://www.bikecountry.com/">Bike Country</a></div><div><a href="http://bikeworldiowa.com/">Bike World</a></div><div><a href="http://blvdbikes.com/default.aspx">Boulevard Sports</a></div><div><a href="http://www.irwinsbikes.com/">Irwin's Bike and Sports</a></div><div><a href="http://www.kylesbikes.com/Kyles_Bikes/Kyles_Bikes.html">Kyle's Bikes</a></div><div><a href="http://www.rasmussenbikehome.blogspot.com/">Rasmussen Bike Shop</a></div><div> </div><div>Also thanks to Steve Fuller for his <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zenbiking/sets/72157625129159658/">great photos </a>of the event.</div></div></div>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-53574836889961221632010-10-11T21:24:00.005-05:002010-10-11T22:09:39.170-05:00Chequamegon Fat Tire 40 - race reportLong overdue for this race report, but the memories still linger. I can't believe that when I lived in MN (94-98) that I never did this race (although we discussed it). Also can't believe that I've lived in Iowa for seven years and only been up there twice. That will be corrected from here on. The race, the weekend and the company all made it a memorable experience.<br /><br />Jed G. and I left town on Thursday for the uneventful 7hr drive up north. I had secured a place to stay with a group of <a href="http://www.rasmussenbikehome.blogspot.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rassy's</span> </a>guys and gals that have done this event for 10 years or more. They have a house that they rent in the start town of Hayward. It is a great location, on a lake and near a good restaurant. The start is less than a mile away as well.<br /><br />We did a short <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-ride on Friday morning and the gang took me under their collective wings to show me the course and to point out the various items to watch out for in the first 5 miles. Our alarms were set for 4:30am in order to secure a good place on the start line. The majority of us did not have "preferred starts", so John N. made sure that we all got our bikes down to the line. Front row for John and I!<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNH2gY2S5ErNVCuYVhM5sWjZOaJ3KzIJS8YmMPF754_dxsiA2z9JdWQgp6whREASaW-pzh5j9TSkK5xA7JCLj92VLWvkKFSZmnhgpk0CZkgasiO969f7Lj4GZVZoRrc2fQgMys4iWQkRZk/s1600/sunset.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526980691899784306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNH2gY2S5ErNVCuYVhM5sWjZOaJ3KzIJS8YmMPF754_dxsiA2z9JdWQgp6whREASaW-pzh5j9TSkK5xA7JCLj92VLWvkKFSZmnhgpk0CZkgasiO969f7Lj4GZVZoRrc2fQgMys4iWQkRZk/s320/sunset.jpg" /></a> The sunrise over the lake on race morning.</div><br />After eating some breakfast and then lounging around, we finally kitted up and walked to the start line. When we had placed our bikes upside down on the start line we were the first row of maybe 200 bikes. However, this race had over 1800 starters and now the majority were lined up behind us.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPvXHNZ3SKi0tfrfcBAJNy-7XwKXURPo9A58UUVtniQNS63pq3wIRwxEu8TB_Pabhgia-7JIp9R94MoAycNkepcjNEWazsIKU9R1PvFt73YXDVBDMjuH2AaaMGXYZW81kwMGEZqZM0dyj/s1600/tires.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526980284815954018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPvXHNZ3SKi0tfrfcBAJNy-7XwKXURPo9A58UUVtniQNS63pq3wIRwxEu8TB_Pabhgia-7JIp9R94MoAycNkepcjNEWazsIKU9R1PvFt73YXDVBDMjuH2AaaMGXYZW81kwMGEZqZM0dyj/s320/tires.jpg" /></a> The view of the bikes from the front row.</div><div></div><div></div><div>Shortly after 10am, we slowly rode away. The start line was a narrow two-lane street, but within one block we were on main street and it was four-lanes wide. John pushed forward, but I quickly got swallowed from the sides. Lesson learned for next year. </div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The main street <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">roll out</span> is controlled by two four wheelers. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mayhem</span> wasn't as bad as I expected, but you had to keep your eyes and ears open to your surroundings.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QZ52i3YtDyWlVjnywyqpCmeTX8qbXMjyuAHh2jSM0xcQkFjjqeUK3Dx4RRX3o6IpBc3Dk2xDwpSwOJUEf5UFmVWwoTMDvRczi-mkEQMiDJaUJve42Ji9fthl2Ngp-HTPCKHcTk7i2KUJ/s1600/start.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526980276003894338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QZ52i3YtDyWlVjnywyqpCmeTX8qbXMjyuAHh2jSM0xcQkFjjqeUK3Dx4RRX3o6IpBc3Dk2xDwpSwOJUEf5UFmVWwoTMDvRczi-mkEQMiDJaUJve42Ji9fthl2Ngp-HTPCKHcTk7i2KUJ/s320/start.jpg" /></a> 1800 strong rolling down main street (parade speed).</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The first three miles are on pavement and the speed ramps up quickly after the first mile or so. With my high gear of 34x11, I quickly ran out of gears to keep up. I would jump on a wheel and then slowly lose them, look for another group and jump on their wheel. At the time I wasn't happy about the perception of losing ground, but in hindsight, it was probably for the best that I wasn't able to go 110% yet.</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>At three miles, we turn into <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rosies</span> field and the rest of the race is on dirt. The pics from Skinny Ski and others don't do it justice. I know that I was near the front of the field, but it sure didn't look like it at the time. If you look closely in the pic below, I'm on the right side and just in front of the guys painted like Kiss.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68rFgeva2SUVTScDg5zbDW6Y6ZKYfygeDDxif2Qm2DQwpaXmgazi_Myg1_gYfXSU1L0u2aVUq68M083YJR5yhMP9XLx7xxDuKs89Eqq_nUXSAnu0IuvvWKYPAf5vun9EAv5NSzSehE3Ci/s1600/Rosie's+field"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526980272949064914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68rFgeva2SUVTScDg5zbDW6Y6ZKYfygeDDxif2Qm2DQwpaXmgazi_Myg1_gYfXSU1L0u2aVUq68M083YJR5yhMP9XLx7xxDuKs89Eqq_nUXSAnu0IuvvWKYPAf5vun9EAv5NSzSehE3Ci/s320/Rosie's+field" /></a> I started to pick groups of people off and tried to use my head on when to draft. We would have a good pack of guys together for 2-3 minutes and then a few of us would jump ahead to the next group. It went like this for the first 8-10 miles. Somewhere in there, we hit a gravel road and it felt like I went backwards. Several people would pass me and I just couldn't hold their wheel.<br /></div><div>I tried to recover for a 10 minutes and figured that my race would come around to me later.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgggG047gXlp8TYNX0M7eePHby49RDksx0r9ZbfWo9OSkOlPUjTRkMxAyRpWz0MmyhMQfQGNgYGjLt-0vnjns3JmM_tljsQQWMyUeGzAR_jSBl2GCUQ_bkkcFvCFpPg5fA4hfXHwNsIr7/s1600/oo1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526980268250972210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgggG047gXlp8TYNX0M7eePHby49RDksx0r9ZbfWo9OSkOlPUjTRkMxAyRpWz0MmyhMQfQGNgYGjLt-0vnjns3JmM_tljsQQWMyUeGzAR_jSBl2GCUQ_bkkcFvCFpPg5fA4hfXHwNsIr7/s320/oo1" /></a> At the mid-race checkpoint (actually 16miles), I was already 5minutes behind my goal pace. I knew that due to the wet course that the pace would be slower, but I was already disappointed. I figured that I'd have to have a strong second half to salvage a good result.</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The middle of the race is fuzzy, but I found 2-3 guys that all held the same pace and we worked well together. We kept the pace high and kept on reeling in others. By the time that I hit the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Seeley</span> Fire Tower climb, I was feeling much better. The guy in front of me firmly, but politely told the walkers to get out of our way. Surprisingly, they parted and frequently <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">apologized</span> for being in our way (love that about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">MTB</span> racing), the two of us rode all three sections to the top and got a good applause for our efforts.</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The rest of the way to the finish was an all out effort that never seemed to end. I did hate the last three or four climbs in the last mile, but now I know what to expect. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTbTnqF_6MkrsANJCw3Oonuicr03gM6e_7rsJ9L_8h2FpBulZHD9Th-wB1EK2MhVnk6jv38mzlWNDMu7UneX_C9_ow5JtgvJfIEk_DUjxEVDwPlhTk21mqYYW7gJsplKcJx9petnOfqDW/s1600/finish1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526980268034157074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTbTnqF_6MkrsANJCw3Oonuicr03gM6e_7rsJ9L_8h2FpBulZHD9Th-wB1EK2MhVnk6jv38mzlWNDMu7UneX_C9_ow5JtgvJfIEk_DUjxEVDwPlhTk21mqYYW7gJsplKcJx9petnOfqDW/s320/finish1" /></a> I ended up finishing at 2:43.39, which was off my goal of 2:30. I suppose that part of that is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">because</span> of the wetness of the course, but my time was still too slow. I believe that course knowledge would cut almost 5min of that result, the rest will come from better and more specific training.</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>My goal time was based on last year and I was shooting for top 200 men. I ended up 221st in men and 248<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> overall (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">singlespeed</span>, tandem and women make up the difference). If I shave that 5min off, then I would have been in the 170s overall and 150s in men. That's my goal for next year.</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Funny stats: plate number 248, finished 248<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> overall.......I was 224<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> fastest in the first split and 224<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> fastest in the last split.</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I can't wait until next year and am already thinking of ways to get faster for this type of racing.</div></div>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-77255092294036154322010-09-12T21:19:00.004-05:002010-09-12T21:40:42.336-05:0024 Hours of Seven Oaks - Race ReportI don't get to go into a race as one of the favorites very often (not in the past 15 yrs), so it's a fun challenge to see if you can hold up to the expectations. Last year, I was part of the 4-man winning team from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><a href="http://www.rasmussenbikehome.blogspot.com/">Rassy's</a></span>. This year, we hoped to hold onto the title. The team that took second last year was back (<a href="http://www.pambamtb.org/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">PAMBA</span> </a>team, from Peoria) and we found out, loaded for bear.<br /><br />Rick did an excellent job in setting up our site for the weekend and we started at noon. After one round of 4 laps, we were neck and neck. After the second round of laps, they were up by a maybe five minutes (6 hours of racing). We weren't panicking as we had a few small <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">mechanicals</span> and they hadn't. Certainly, they would have problems in the coming 18 hours.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YClXSq4mYrF5Hd8BX7nPHpdaJ_0A5PRzR4eisPsSl_E-vfpfM66qiNznDMM492CFt96wrAXIFbI_iMNv6-n3WxWDcsadkgFR5Fm2nM4onXU33D_KDswW4M9U_BroWRsAQItW_mBkkkuI/s1600/farm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516217550478099794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YClXSq4mYrF5Hd8BX7nPHpdaJ_0A5PRzR4eisPsSl_E-vfpfM66qiNznDMM492CFt96wrAXIFbI_iMNv6-n3WxWDcsadkgFR5Fm2nM4onXU33D_KDswW4M9U_BroWRsAQItW_mBkkkuI/s320/farm.jpg" /></a> Ryan <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">VanH's</span> version of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Farmville</span> (beer hand-ups from the barn).</div><br />As we went into the night laps, we seemed to be running very smooth. Still running quick laps, but they were slightly quicker. I did my last single lap at midnight and settled into the car for 2-3 hours of sleep.<br /><br />I woke up at 3am and got ready for my 4am laps. Overnight, we run two laps each in order to get some rest. Bill handed off to me and it appeared that we were now about 30min down (45 min laps on average). I decided to go as hard as possible for these night laps and see what I could get back. Although the mind was willing, the body was not able. I pulled a 55min and 59min night lap. I just could not get my heart rate up. By the time that I handed off to Rick, they were close to lapping us.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACwoKXT_pxDQH78crO2CC8V3URo9xYN85y8qEJbYl6vVt9rh9YKP3LDIvv8r5mf8T-8nH-GKEm038V69JaSkaekECjQ_VMBLzx0AanvniphOW2xcK7rl9cq84R6iBMLlrCKd2zsFwTjbW/s1600/handoff.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516217516482531442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACwoKXT_pxDQH78crO2CC8V3URo9xYN85y8qEJbYl6vVt9rh9YKP3LDIvv8r5mf8T-8nH-GKEm038V69JaSkaekECjQ_VMBLzx0AanvniphOW2xcK7rl9cq84R6iBMLlrCKd2zsFwTjbW/s320/handoff.jpg" /></a> Entering the dismount area at the scorers table.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">PAMBA</span> lapped us around 6am and we put it into cruise control to ensure that third place couldn't make up time. In a way, it made the laps more enjoyable, but it wasn't fun coming in second place. Congats to the guys from Peoria, they pushed it hard for 24hrs and didn't let up. Stronger team this year and gives us something to push for in 2012.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvy-_ip71DSQdRKSHpjDVYR-64LqU971yABOwfYPKe9ynb7plWfhLMXJF1cWSMT1qvYAz1C_amQmuPP0qjMxCi-HzHt0iAuG0K8w5Fmn4HBZuJXdq7Vmno40K7vYVroDInSTLGjwuFFA_/s1600/shop.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516217499781176482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvy-_ip71DSQdRKSHpjDVYR-64LqU971yABOwfYPKe9ynb7plWfhLMXJF1cWSMT1qvYAz1C_amQmuPP0qjMxCi-HzHt0iAuG0K8w5Fmn4HBZuJXdq7Vmno40K7vYVroDInSTLGjwuFFA_/s320/shop.bmp" /></a>Our setup for the weekend.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wkQHaXdDe2puQmFIrbl97IO8Yp-QwZ-8w7M4wPNc2B4qToJ20-gAxFHhtvItmuPjyUDP7gAaIppMhatBNY1Je7wVzhPBk9f2LFy6B4k5oVsmGbtwCeB-BGyDdMQEqnt46W9xACGZYqyU/s1600/oakstrail.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516217497176702834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wkQHaXdDe2puQmFIrbl97IO8Yp-QwZ-8w7M4wPNc2B4qToJ20-gAxFHhtvItmuPjyUDP7gAaIppMhatBNY1Je7wVzhPBk9f2LFy6B4k5oVsmGbtwCeB-BGyDdMQEqnt46W9xACGZYqyU/s320/oakstrail.bmp" /></a>A taste of the trails (from a late fall pic). Not easy riding for 8miles.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvDN06-fA7gSFEKrLdwkXYIf_GIzXShJhXaULRhOT8nfkATX2fFC0za1C5efz6rgbJFzStlx3ajgAbMIQnFejydUdPi78qEbGDgrAYKRqp_e0mbGomoxb09cN3ieVyoX9UJAeJrSYcf9A/s1600/results.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516217488206034322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvDN06-fA7gSFEKrLdwkXYIf_GIzXShJhXaULRhOT8nfkATX2fFC0za1C5efz6rgbJFzStlx3ajgAbMIQnFejydUdPi78qEbGDgrAYKRqp_e0mbGomoxb09cN3ieVyoX9UJAeJrSYcf9A/s320/results.jpg" /></a>The final result. Three 4-man teams at the bottom, Three 3-man teams above us. I think we finished with 28 laps. 7 laps each, around 8 miles and 800 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">vert</span> a lap.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Also: Congrats to Jason Dal for winning the 12 hour solo. Great effort and something he was gunning for all summer.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Thanks for the pics <a href="http://cycling-obsession.blogspot.com/">Courtney</a>.</div></div>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-6295924479916465542010-09-02T21:03:00.002-05:002010-09-02T21:10:45.993-05:00Sugar Bottom Scramble Race ReportTrying to get all of my thoughts together for a full post, but am having difficulty with time and thoughts.<br /><br />Short story is that I thought I could get to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">singletrack</span> in 6<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> or 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> place. Pack of 17 took off and I found myself in 17<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> place. I guess "plan B" was in order....<br /><br />I scrambled into 16<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> before the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">singletrack</span> and then caught the pack with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inevitable</span> crash that slowed places 10+. I passed a few and worked my way into 10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> or so by the end of lap 1.<br /><br />I passed a few more and a few others must have dropped. I had hoped to catch up to Jason <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alread</span> that I could see about a minute ahead of me. Alas, he was too fast and we finished in the same order. I ended up in 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> out of 17 and in 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> out of the 35+ (to Jason).<br /><br />Looking at a pic of the starting line, it all makes sense now. I see a team Radio Shack rider, last years 1 and 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> place series riders, the top 35+ rider from NE, a top regional roadie and a genetic freak (in a good way) that crushes all in any riding or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">xc</span> skiing contest. No wonder that they took off at a speedy pace. The fact that I'm a slow starter probably saved me and allowed me to pic off others and finish.<br /><br />I'd like to say this was "plan C" and I executed it well, but I think it somehow just happened.<br /><br />24hours of Seven Oaks coming up this weekend. I hope that the trails are dry.Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-63871544430138335772010-08-03T19:21:00.004-05:002010-08-03T19:48:55.878-05:00Seven Oaks Race ReportThe Seven Oaks race course is one of the hardest of the Iowa MTB race series. 7-8 mile loop with 800 feet (I think) of climbing a lap. With the rainy summer we have been experiencing, I was doubtful on if the race could be run. However, the organizers did a fantastic job of getting a shortened course ready for us to race.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501349574469846178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOUiwnOa6HTjGRnDv2Qy9dyUEFFGzd7yLzLcXlxJ33pvvO0q-nix7XCYG5bcuejeftppVReH_NgHOcORvSgrJjMYP42DyxOe6GKzEsOFMXeT0IGUOzFnw9olnqOChUc4E9QockIrbrqkC/s320/boone4.jpg" />We were going to use the Cat3/Beginners loop, which has you climb the front side of the ski slope and then along the back side ridge and back to the bottom. Since the lap was only 3miles long, the Cat1/Expert group would be doing 6 laps. I heard estimates of 300 feet of climbing a lap. I did a quick recon lap before the race and knew it would be a fast race. Add that there were no slow people on the starting line, I knew we would have quick laps.<br /><br />Thirteen of us started and quickly rode towards the opening climb. I took my place near midpack and thought that I would see what happened. Nate Cline had a frustrating start and I got past him at the top of the climb, so I was in 7th. With the knowledge that I am not even in the same riding zip code as Cam, Kevin, Michael, Jay and Kent, I was happy with my start. Ryan Feagan had been training hard for several longer races, so he was the unknown in front of me.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bL-CioL-IaFuYdJstd4KqQro1wkBfwcXy-JT2g31WOds9g4U_EGwP2YKGNOScu2hSf5c9xojDBeF8KiWy9rRVwTkMjjEvNQdZ8XIiHv6WtRQcrl4jAsxU-YIRGO095vyB_OlDxgxgCYs/s1600/boone2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501343962269452850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bL-CioL-IaFuYdJstd4KqQro1wkBfwcXy-JT2g31WOds9g4U_EGwP2YKGNOScu2hSf5c9xojDBeF8KiWy9rRVwTkMjjEvNQdZ8XIiHv6WtRQcrl4jAsxU-YIRGO095vyB_OlDxgxgCYs/s320/boone2.jpg" /></a> The first lap went by in a quick 15:30 and I had to back off for lap 2. Somewhere in there, Nate C got by and Josh Stamper (Omaha?) went around as well. I tried to recover with two 16:30 laps before getting the times back down closer to 16min. I thought that I was reeling Josh in, but ended up losing my chain on the last lap. The 10 second repair and remount was all that I needed to lose sight of him. I back it off for the last lap and rode home in 9th place overall, 1min behind Josh and 3min behind Nate.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW39y2uw1IuSiJbmLRUgNVD_TR4e4wSe21dQwg7CcdDEBKV0hDgLE3-TBfcyJJz3ekGsgaTwjCaynByUe-q4xQHe4vm8B8mnNmzGwJ33cpi7Q6zC2BIR_Yva97wpIqVqL6pY1XICEpK8H/s1600/boone3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501343951861204130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW39y2uw1IuSiJbmLRUgNVD_TR4e4wSe21dQwg7CcdDEBKV0hDgLE3-TBfcyJJz3ekGsgaTwjCaynByUe-q4xQHe4vm8B8mnNmzGwJ33cpi7Q6zC2BIR_Yva97wpIqVqL6pY1XICEpK8H/s320/boone3.jpg" /></a> I ended up 2nd in the 35+ category and was very happy with that. Jay Chesterman is definitely faster and I have a lot of work to catch him. My goal was to beat Jason Alread (my teammate) in order to make up some points on him in the series. I didn't get a chance to talk to Jason to see how his race went, but on the drive home I saw him and Jim Logan (?) riding their bikes home. They probably rode out to the race, races, then home as training for Leadville. If that's the case, then it's a hollow victory.</div><div> </div><div></div><div> </div><div>Heart rate was slightly better for this race. I was much more consistent with avg heart rates within 2 beat per lap. Max was 179, I think averages were in the 167 range.<br /></div><div>Pics from Angy Snoop. Thanks!</div></div></div>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-62006115682166590062010-07-31T13:31:00.004-05:002010-07-31T14:15:45.512-05:00RAGBRAI 2010This past week was my (to be) annual trip with the girls on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">RAGBRAI</span>. Last year, they each did one day. This year, they graduated to two days each. Since I raced on Sunday, we missed the first day and instead had Holly drive us to the start of day 2. Hannah and I woke up to a beautiful day in Storm Lake. We were on the tandem and rolled out of town to our first town and a breakfast stop. The pic below is of Hannah enjoying her "breakfast on a bun". Funny how she probably wouldn't eat this at home, but cheesy eggs and ham on a bun was just "delicious" on this morning. I guess riding 16 miles to breakfast on only a donut will do that.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8nVvnavx8DAW1oFkKQhq0cWrdUqrOO-Xyd_L1IVSsYIVqk4dzP_R0RN_fVgTbFBqG2hIHtGn-0A2Zh5GcGdTV59inVoJNUD0n3rlyry_k7Ae3g32pql9kY3XN5ynaTxgV_BEj6-iXef_/s1600/hannah+bfast.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500143337766762898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8nVvnavx8DAW1oFkKQhq0cWrdUqrOO-Xyd_L1IVSsYIVqk4dzP_R0RN_fVgTbFBqG2hIHtGn-0A2Zh5GcGdTV59inVoJNUD0n3rlyry_k7Ae3g32pql9kY3XN5ynaTxgV_BEj6-iXef_/s320/hannah+bfast.jpg" /></a> This day had the option for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Karas</span> Loop century. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">RAGBRAI</span> loops you around a short section of the course to add enough miles to equal a 100. This is a pretty big deal for cyclists and I asked Hannah if she wanted to attempt it. I didn't push it, so I was surprised when she said we should do it. The loop was about 50 miles into the route, so we had already been pushing a decent pace. She was a trooper and probably had less whining than me, but we completed the loop and moved on. We completed a little over 100 miles on this day.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HH4yNWSEyhTKbtMTgdy0CksFWS3WksXj2nxwwCur_1SDaL_HHJHtYL9yqRtbpmwjhYnurC-zpgfg0wh8Tah-jXoZ5d2V0wcBq8kklv0xWDpng1MzhgFA9aLpLERdr5syUe50BpOgmZYg/s1600/hannah+grotto.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500143328712809506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HH4yNWSEyhTKbtMTgdy0CksFWS3WksXj2nxwwCur_1SDaL_HHJHtYL9yqRtbpmwjhYnurC-zpgfg0wh8Tah-jXoZ5d2V0wcBq8kklv0xWDpng1MzhgFA9aLpLERdr5syUe50BpOgmZYg/s320/hannah+grotto.jpg" /></a> Above photo is of Hannah at the Grotto of the Redemption(?), I think in West Bend on day 1.</div><div></div><div>Day two for Hannah was from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Algona</span> to Clear Lake, the maps had it as a flat 60 miles. For some reason I had it as 50 (in my head). However, the maps mileage was off and we ended up with close to 66 miles on a very, very hot day (heat index over 100). We didn't eat or drink enough on this day and by the time Holly met us in Clear Lake, we were hot, hungry and thirsty.</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Holly drove up to transfer/swap the girls for the next two days. She went to a laundromat to wash shorts for us while I setup the tent. Hannah apparently ate a Subway sandwich during this time and then slept from Clear Lake to home (two hour drive). </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Maddie and I suffered in the tent that night as the heat index kept it nearly unbearable in the tent. We finally fell asleep near 1am and were woken up by campground noise at 5:30. Maddie is below with our tent (small quarters, but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> until they get bigger).</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJ29XaXqFSL5F2ZpQCTBSLCb9EFXJipFWvDA6WBlyqPDnId4BqQ3OeSniNtkyT8R3VSesU_Q-H1OhcFjXD200EvMiUP45y6WheyuMl7ck0sdwul9Wm1qgizC04wJ_SZ6dfedJrONbMqD7/s1600/maddie+tent.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500143324081874434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJ29XaXqFSL5F2ZpQCTBSLCb9EFXJipFWvDA6WBlyqPDnId4BqQ3OeSniNtkyT8R3VSesU_Q-H1OhcFjXD200EvMiUP45y6WheyuMl7ck0sdwul9Wm1qgizC04wJ_SZ6dfedJrONbMqD7/s320/maddie+tent.jpg" /></a> Maddie and I had an uneventful 55 mile ride to Charles City on this day. Only four pass through towns, so we didn't spend too much time off the bike. We did have a blast at Charles City. A great small town with cool old buildings. We went to the water park and lounged around, getting to bed and asleep by 10pm.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI9LoVKP6HXwxL4jE5pzA7psWA36xogk1VOlIesl-njMWZy4ONs7PMUpKn3T_1J6YfY11SSRW0d7XD5gS19u1s6BQs1HfV7d_4JA2CcQvB9VENLESCa9Vu7yFB89fOTXBHQ9JoloSTJED/s1600/maddie+parkersburg.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500143316598677426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI9LoVKP6HXwxL4jE5pzA7psWA36xogk1VOlIesl-njMWZy4ONs7PMUpKn3T_1J6YfY11SSRW0d7XD5gS19u1s6BQs1HfV7d_4JA2CcQvB9VENLESCa9Vu7yFB89fOTXBHQ9JoloSTJED/s320/maddie+parkersburg.jpg" /></a> Maddie's second day was to Waterloo. We ended up with 87.6 miles (should have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ridden</span> a few more for her century, but Holly was waiting). This was a fun day with some great pass through towns. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Parkersburg</span> had a neat sculpture (pic above) of a bike tornado. This is the town that was nearly wiped off the map in 2008 and then had their iconic football coach shot last year (lots of ESPN coverage).</div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Overall, it was another great ride and time spent with the girls. They seem to really enjoy the 1 on 1 time with me and I enjoy the time and riding with them. We totalled 309 miles in the four days, about 22.5 hours of riding time and around 6000 feet of climbing (very flat route this year). Next year, Maddie gets to ride the century loop to earn her patch. Outside chance that they could do 3 days each, but that might be too much for dad.</div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>More pics on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166623@N08/">Flickr</a>.<br /><br />BTW - Special thanks to <a href="http://www.rasmussenbikehome.blogspot.com/">Rasmussen Bike Shop</a> for the support during the week. Greg and the gang took us in as family and the girls enjoyed the special treatment. Thanks Greg!</div></div>Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-4044832486658837382010-07-23T21:19:00.001-05:002010-07-23T21:19:56.236-05:00Class is in session<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3l4vnJAELtVyryhh6wanGEDXxCnX33ZC-bgKJo4zSYmnDVNaBd08iFFz58j7v8M56xiCbayU2TIQrkWq79Xlf-GRdGzP5oJNhpOR9QAr4x9cuVjOqN-WfXmMfZUWz4azm19HCly5tLDJ-/s1600/IMAG0066-796237.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3l4vnJAELtVyryhh6wanGEDXxCnX33ZC-bgKJo4zSYmnDVNaBd08iFFz58j7v8M56xiCbayU2TIQrkWq79Xlf-GRdGzP5oJNhpOR9QAr4x9cuVjOqN-WfXmMfZUWz4azm19HCly5tLDJ-/s320/IMAG0066-796237.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497291834685688418" /></a></p><p>We raided the leftover's pile at a nearby construction site and created some skinnies for the girls to play on. They are all excited to add more and more of them.</p> Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1924863639760810896.post-54642822866251615782010-07-22T20:27:00.002-05:002010-07-22T20:30:36.733-05:00ScoCoPa Race Report<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02pBuKvlHIi4_Zfm5lvqW70v5rXloASv0PGVFlFlkopqlT1S9gAxkWyaab3CRSqovO51BkhCXEWTFQxmRc4B-7OsfvCWdsE5qMv7Z9Q84GCPiTDYrDuiEtTdMan3w2zuOsSA2oOQTF4Tu/s1600/scocopa-764242.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496907299647782034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02pBuKvlHIi4_Zfm5lvqW70v5rXloASv0PGVFlFlkopqlT1S9gAxkWyaab3CRSqovO51BkhCXEWTFQxmRc4B-7OsfvCWdsE5qMv7Z9Q84GCPiTDYrDuiEtTdMan3w2zuOsSA2oOQTF4Tu/s320/scocopa-764242.jpg" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">(typical view on the race course - stolen from Brad Keyes)</p>This past Saturday, Nate C. and I drove over to Scott County Park, just north of Davenport for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ScoCoPa</span> Chase. As we drove over we talked about how hot the race conditions would be (mid 90s plus humidity) and how to race smart. I usually embrace the tough conditions because I know that others hate them. I figure that a positive attitude will help and we are all in the same boat, so any advantage (mental or otherwise) will help.<br /><br />We arrived a good 90 minutes prior to the start and I only did a short 10 minute warm-up prior to lining up at the start. We were expecting a large field (being so close to Iowa City), but only had 18 or so at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">the</span> start. Nate pointed out a few people to watch for and I initially lined up in the second row. But, then I had second thoughts on my fitness and the competition and moved back to make room for others. When no one stepped up, I figured what the hell and moved back into the second row. I was more concerned on if my training over the past month, and more importantly my week of rest, had been properly completed. I was hoping for a good race, but trying to be realistic in that my fitness may not be there yet.<br /><br />When the whistle blew, I took it easy for the first 10 seconds. I was probably in 12<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> spot, but felt stronger and no one was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">coming</span> around. A quick glance to the the others and they seemed to be working pretty hard (and I wasn't). Knowing that the course was full of tight sidetrack and passing would be hard, I decided to punch it on the last bit of the opening climb and hit the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">singletrack</span> in about 10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> position. It was hot and dusty, but the front group was moving well. The front runners were pulling a way when the guy if front of me washed out his front wheel and fell. I almost ran him over, but a quick <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">trackstand</span> gave him time to get out of the way. I was able to get close to the front group as the tougher section of the course came at us.<br /><br />I caught up to a Bikes to You rider and he seemed to ride an OK pace, but after 5min I thought that I could go faster. However, was determined to keep me behind him. Since I didn't know the trail, he had the advantage from the front. When I tried to pass him, he would get a jump on the sprint and close down the passing lane. After a few minutes of this, Ryan <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Neipart</span> had joined us. I let him buy hoping he could get around. At the time I didn't know who it was, but when the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">FORC</span> jersey passed, I knew he would know the trails and be a good wheel to follow. Ryan tried hard, but couldn't get around either. However, the pace was taking it's toll on the leader of us three and he pulled to the side of the trail and stopped just after the start/finish. I hate to say it, but it was a boost of confidence to push someone to crack.<br /><br />Ryan kept ahead of me by 100+ feet and I slowly reeled him in over the course of lap two. We also passed two other riders and I reeled Ryan in towards the end of lap 2. At this point, Nate and I had stashed a cooler in the woods. I grabbed my second bottle and used a tip from Nate and stuffed a handful of ice cubes in my jersey pocket. The race was using timing chips and as you crossed the start/finish line, the system beeped loudly. I heard his beep and started counting. Ryan had 15 seconds on me.<br /><br />I decided to give it all on lap 3 and knew that I had to catch him in the first 1/3 of the course as that is where the most passing opportunities would be. I did catch him in the right spot and he let me by without any issues. I asked if he had seen anyone in front of him and the answer was no. I still pushed as hard as possible in hopes of seeing someone. Towards the end, I could hear someone, but couldn't find them. I did push it too hard around a corner and took a short side trip into the woods and over three smaller trees. As I stepped down, my calf cramped. It hurt, but it also told me that I was pushing my body in a good way.<br /><br />In the end, I crossed the line in 2:07.48. Nate C. had finished just in front of me with a 2:07.10. I had finished 6<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> overall and 1st in the 40+ (2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> in 35+). I was really, really pumped at the end of this race. My heart rate average was 168 for the 2 hours and held consistent on each lap. It should be closer to 174, so I know that I have more in me. This was probably my best race ever at the cat 1 level, I raced smart, had to use strategy and rode hard. As a result I was actually racing and passing with others and not riding by myself. I will find out if this was a fluke on my next race this coming weekend.Iowagrizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06801399715901347033noreply@blogger.com2