Welcome back! The spring bug has a way of creeping up on a boy. One minute hibernation, with an occasional cross country ski, and the next, road salted freckled faces and frozen toes. The spring traditions haven’t changed. Talk big before break and find some friends to suffer with. Most importantly, spring break lends itself to some resemblance of planning.
Here’s the “plan” so far:
Ride for On the Rivet “OTR”
Consult with Yoda Training Master
Pain Schedule…
Top Secret Training
Ragnarok 105 v.4
WORS/MNSCS mixer
Top Secret Training
Subaru Cup
Seeley Pre-Fat
O2S
Dakota 50
Fat Tire
Iceman
Respect!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Ice Box Newsline
“Epically chill,” were the words used by Matt Muraski to describe the Ice Box 240’s first annual mountain-bike relay.
A heightened sense of anticipation and unknowing filled the heavy air as riders arrived at the base of Mt. Whitetail. Race organizers later reported, “Gloom and doom weather forecasts spread paranoia into the hearts of the weak.” Total race census hit 36 chiseled legs, accounting for eighteen testosterone jacked riders.
Pre-race meeting was well organized as officials eloquently set strict expectations and highlighted trial conditions. Riders were treated to a wonderful rendition of our countries national anthem by local music phenom, Matthew Bach, on the alto recorder in key Bb.
Fast forward and enter chamois. An adrenaline pumping Le Mans start sent six brave souls into the dark and precarious forest of River Falls. The following teams entered three muddy rubbered warriors: Knight Riders, Thunder and Lightning, Midnight Thunder, The Pooppers, Toptube Steaks, and Pink Steel.
Mid-race terrors were brewing of a phantom menace roaming the woods of Mt. Whitetail. “These are but mere rumors,” said race director Ricky Bobby. “I know what I saw!” yelled one trembling man.
A scalp tingling pace kept teams neck and neck as the cold winds violently blew through the sounds of smack and House of Pain. Fortunately, the caveman, brought fire and fans to warm the spirits of racers hearts and thighs.
After three hours of racing, onlookers gasped as riders arrived within seconds of each other. One eyewitness exclaimed, “The guttural sounds of beaten warriors echoed through the fat tire playground!”
Respect.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Rewind...
the tape a couple weeks to mid September. Fat Tire 40 time. Anticipation high. Expectations high. Roll out on main street seemed calmer than normal. The unmistakable hum of the tires reminds you of years past. The acceleration on to Hwy 77 reminds you of the two hour hurt locker you've just been slammed into.
Lost postions on the road. Feeling a bit off, but holding the eye of the tiger. Boxed in! Hit Rosie's top 30, maybe. Knew I had to move up fast. Burned some matches leap frogging groups. 10 sec off pace. Drill it. 15 sec off pace. Top 15 and climbing. Leading a four man charge for several miles. On the rivet, 20 sec down. It is now or never, pin it and chance, or conserve and go home with regret. Pin it!
60 sec off the pace at OO. The Billy Mills tank was low. Unfortunately, I was defeated. I rode the remainder of the race well below red line, disheartened by my tactical mistakes. Being a teacher I understand the value of a good lesson, and I got mine.
Funny how the body tells you enough. I got home Sunday afternoon with a sore throat and head cold. I have been on the bike a couple times this week. I hope to ramp things back up for She-vegas WORS race.
Enjoy the fall rides, they are the best!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Dakota Five-0
Only a 3 second gap...
Pre-ride.
"Look Back!"
A bit scary for a midwest boy at 1200 feet.Sunday, September 12, 2010
Battle Royal
Epic. The only word I can use to describe the weekend. Dakota Five-o, a last minute addition to the race calendar, was like no other.
Our crew hit the road Friday after work for the ten plus hour haul to Spearfish, SD. Accommodations were fabulous in our down town tour guide's parent's pad. Thanks Johns! A special thanks to Mieke for the race support!
Fast forward one day, a good nights sleep, a long pre-ride, some good camaraderie and we were on the starting line Sunday morning.
Smokey the Bear dropped his hand for the parade lead out as we rolled on to, what was to be, the most challenging course of my cycling career. Fifty miles with over 6,700 feet of climbing. Not knowing the who's who of South Dakota's mountain bike racing made things a bit more tenuous as we hit the first climb out of town.
The pace was blistering. A thirty man lead group was instantly whittled down to seven as the lactic tub filled. At that moment I was wondering how a four hour ride could go on at this pace! Pop, Pop! We were down to five riders. It's certainly amazing how hard it is to close a five yard gap at red line on a 15% - 20% gradient.
Into the uphill single track, and off the pace by 5 seconds, I rallied to bridge. Former champs and Colorado natives weren't making it easy. I could see the lead group shatter as the race took shape and gaps formed. It would be an epic haul from here on out!
Climb, climb, and climb was the name of the game. By mid race the knife was dull. With my face on the stem I put the 26 tooth to use. A mental battle more than anything, the race was taking a toll.
Past the bacon station, and a short late race bonk, I found some power for the final climbs. Not knowing the situation ahead, or behind, I knew the final ten miles down to town would be crucial. I had no idea how crucial.
With four to go, a slip of focus, and an evil stump, sent me jetting into the woods. My initial reaction was disbelief followed by a "my collar bone is broken!" Fighting off panic, I caught my breath and remounted only to be caught by two riders. Not good.
Adrenaline closed the gap and I had to quickly make a plan. We hit the final gravel road as a trio. One rider on a single speed and the other milking a 15 psi front tire. I knew I had the single speed in the sprint and railing the final corner would give me the gap over the other. Success.
I rolled over the line in just under four hours of the most painful racing I have ever experienced. I will be doing it again!
See you at the Fat!
Our crew hit the road Friday after work for the ten plus hour haul to Spearfish, SD. Accommodations were fabulous in our down town tour guide's parent's pad. Thanks Johns! A special thanks to Mieke for the race support!
Fast forward one day, a good nights sleep, a long pre-ride, some good camaraderie and we were on the starting line Sunday morning.
Smokey the Bear dropped his hand for the parade lead out as we rolled on to, what was to be, the most challenging course of my cycling career. Fifty miles with over 6,700 feet of climbing. Not knowing the who's who of South Dakota's mountain bike racing made things a bit more tenuous as we hit the first climb out of town.
The pace was blistering. A thirty man lead group was instantly whittled down to seven as the lactic tub filled. At that moment I was wondering how a four hour ride could go on at this pace! Pop, Pop! We were down to five riders. It's certainly amazing how hard it is to close a five yard gap at red line on a 15% - 20% gradient.
Into the uphill single track, and off the pace by 5 seconds, I rallied to bridge. Former champs and Colorado natives weren't making it easy. I could see the lead group shatter as the race took shape and gaps formed. It would be an epic haul from here on out!
Climb, climb, and climb was the name of the game. By mid race the knife was dull. With my face on the stem I put the 26 tooth to use. A mental battle more than anything, the race was taking a toll.
Past the bacon station, and a short late race bonk, I found some power for the final climbs. Not knowing the situation ahead, or behind, I knew the final ten miles down to town would be crucial. I had no idea how crucial.
With four to go, a slip of focus, and an evil stump, sent me jetting into the woods. My initial reaction was disbelief followed by a "my collar bone is broken!" Fighting off panic, I caught my breath and remounted only to be caught by two riders. Not good.
Adrenaline closed the gap and I had to quickly make a plan. We hit the final gravel road as a trio. One rider on a single speed and the other milking a 15 psi front tire. I knew I had the single speed in the sprint and railing the final corner would give me the gap over the other. Success.
I rolled over the line in just under four hours of the most painful racing I have ever experienced. I will be doing it again!
See you at the Fat!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
I saw a bear. What a scare! Friday afternoon Linds and I made the haul up to Seeley to pre-ride the Pre-Fat. As we rolled past the dump gate I jokingly told her to watch out for bears. Little did I know, I would be the bear greeter. The Seeley area has many great rides. There is a variety of double and single track sections along with some undulating elevation. Carving a steep rocking downhill I scanned ahead to see a black bear standing in the middle of the trail. I hit the binders with 20 yards to spare. Surprisingly, the bear did not move! After some yelling and flailing my fuzzy friend busted off into the woods. Maximum heart rate accomplished.
The atmosphere and nostalgia of an up north race is something I truly enjoy. It is always great to see the enthused faces that inspired me nearly a decade ago. After Tom explained signs and course we were rolling up OO.
As in past years, the road pace was moderate. I stayed near the front to avoid any silliness. Over the first climb I tucked into second wheel as we entered the woods. Aaron was pushing hard and a three man group was established before we crossed for the big climb. Cooperating, we set a hard tempo over the ski trail and the gap continued to grow. At the end of the first major single track section I was 10 sec off the pace as Scott rallied the trail. After hard chasing, I was able to reconnect with 10 miles to go.
Seven to go, with a three minute gap, we kept a mild pace heading into the final single track loop. Once again, Scott had 10-15 sec at the end of the single track sections. Many things were running through my mind. I knew at red line it would be close, but not that close.
100 yards to go, with the finish banner in sight, I pinned it. The gap was small and my legs felt strong. Inspired I surged one last time to cross for the W.
A big thanks to On The Rivet, Momentum Endurance, Lindsey, and the fam for all their support!
Dakota Five-O here we come!
The atmosphere and nostalgia of an up north race is something I truly enjoy. It is always great to see the enthused faces that inspired me nearly a decade ago. After Tom explained signs and course we were rolling up OO.As in past years, the road pace was moderate. I stayed near the front to avoid any silliness. Over the first climb I tucked into second wheel as we entered the woods. Aaron was pushing hard and a three man group was established before we crossed for the big climb. Cooperating, we set a hard tempo over the ski trail and the gap continued to grow. At the end of the first major single track section I was 10 sec off the pace as Scott rallied the trail. After hard chasing, I was able to reconnect with 10 miles to go.
Seven to go, with a three minute gap, we kept a mild pace heading into the final single track loop. Once again, Scott had 10-15 sec at the end of the single track sections. Many things were running through my mind. I knew at red line it would be close, but not that close.
100 yards to go, with the finish banner in sight, I pinned it. The gap was small and my legs felt strong. Inspired I surged one last time to cross for the W.
A big thanks to On The Rivet, Momentum Endurance, Lindsey, and the fam for all their support!
Dakota Five-O here we come!
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