Snow Ride

With all the snow that came down last week, I tried to get out for a snow ride. It didn't go too bad, but it was hard to keep traction going up. The next day you could not see any of my tracks and it was too deep to ride. After a few more days, I figured the snow settled down and would be better for a ride. I headed out to give it a try. I started out on the SS. I could go pretty good, but climbing was still not easy, but better than the other day.

After a few trips around, the trail kept getting better to ride. On one time around the fast section, I lost traction in the front end and slid out. When I got up, the front wheel was flat. I am not sure if I got a flat tire when I lost traction or if the flat tire caused the slide out. I knew the front tire was on the low side of pressure, but I figured it would be good for traction. I then had to push the bike back to the house and get the Niner.

This section started to experience some freeze/thaw and the top layer was getting slick. I limited my trips down the hill and kept from climbing. It was not that hard to limit my trips down since the effort it took to get to this point was adding up. The other sections were easier to roll and the snow still covered those sections better. This section has less tree coverage and is the first section that will get sun light, so it was not that shocking it was getting soft quick. I still made the most of it and got a good ride in. It was good to get a ride in while I could since it decided to rain the next day. All the trails are now bare and very soft.

On Sunday I took advantage of some free time and soft trails to do some trail work. I worked on a new section I have been doing some work on. I made some good headway, but it will need to dry out before I can give it a try. The second half of the new section is not quite ready, but it is closer than it was. I need to do some more bench cutting on one section before it will be ready to ride. I am really looking forward to getting this section open. It will be an easier section and should add some distance that does not have so much climbing. I still have several other lines pictured in my head that I hope to continue to put in.

The trail has been great to have and I hope to continue to get the benefits of having it around. The plan is to do a better job of staying in shape over the winter and even improving myself as much as I can. It would be good to start the year off ahead of where I was last year. One of the things that keeps me from riding in the winter other than not liking my rollers or trainer is being cold. Mainly my feet are the issue. I have always wanted some nice winter riding shoes, but just could not work them in. Well, I can no longer say that. I picked myself up a pair of Scott Heater shoes. I have not had the chance to try them out, but they feel like they will be much warmer than anything I have ever had before. I was hoping to get a pair of Lake MXZ boots or some 45North ones, but I think I will be happy with these. Not quite as heavy duty as those, but good enough for the riding I will do.

End of the season - The lost post

2013 Race season has come and gone. Last winter it seemed like it would never get here and now it seems like it went by too quick. I know there was a ton of time in the middle there, but it seems the busier you are, the faster time rolls on.

2013 Race Results

3/9 - Sub <9 - Death Marth - 45th

5/18 - Dino - Winona Lake - 23rd

5/26 - KPS - Ft. Duffield - 3rd SS

6/9 - KPS - White Lightning - 4th SS

6/15 - Dino - French Lick - 18th

6/23 - KPS - Cherokee Park - 6th SS

6/30 - Dino - Muscatatuck - 22nd

7/7 - Dino - BCSP - 24th

7/21 - Dino - Versailles - 21st

7/28 - KPS - Capital View - 5th SS

8/4 - KPS - Ben Hawes - 5th SS

8/11 - Dino - Logansport - 10th

8/18 - Burning Quad Crit - Cat 5 - 17th

8/18 - Burning Quad Crit - Cat 4/5 - 31st

8/25 - Dino - Southwestway - 13th

9/22 - 3 Peaks - Beech mtn, NC - 27th

11/30 - Sub <9 - Gravel Grovel - 85th

I thought this was posted a while back, but I guess it didn't get finished. I had some other garbage started, but it didn't make a lot of sense so I deleted it. I am not sure what to say about the season as a whole. There were some good times and bad times. I was not as fast as I would have liked, but I can only blame myself. I did have some moments of strong legs, but they didn't last very long. As my typical theme, life seems to get in the way of racing. I really don't mind life getting in the way when it comes to family, but I could do with out work being in that list. The only thing that I would prefer is to be able to keep up the legs better when I slack on the riding.

Now that it is the new year, I am already behind a lot of other racers out there. This is a time where I should be putting in some base miles or some weight workouts. I have yet to turn a pedal or do any lifting. What I have been doing is gaining weight. Not that unexpected, but not on the to do list. I just hope to get it under control before I gain too much. It gets harder and harder to loose weight as I get older. I know that carrying around all that extra weight does nothing but slow me down and make me feel worse. Hopefully I will figure out a plan that is easy to keep and works well. Maybe next year.

Gravel Grovel V5.0

This weekend was the fifth rendition of the Gravel Grovel. I have attended every race and don't plan on changing that anytime soon. Each year keeps on improving, but I didn't have an issue with it the first year even with any of the issues. The event keeps running smoother and smoother each time. Sub 9 has done a great job of growing this race, I just hope that they don't loose that grassroots feel. I know I always enjoy myself.

This year the weather was better than last year. I had big dreams as to getting close to the 5 hour mark. That is something I really should be able to attend or even better. I have been close before a couple years ago on my SS, so with some gears I should be able to get there. Last year I was slower than the previous year even with gears. I am not sure what my main problem was last year, but I am fairly sure that the lack of riding in the two months leading up to this race didn't help me this year. I put in as many rides in November as I did in August and September combined.

This year there was a group that was talking about going for the same goal that I was wanting to do. I was interested in trying to ride with them, but I really didn't think I could keep up. I was in the group at the start. The pack took off at a pretty good pace. I tried to keep up, but when they dropped me the second time, I figured I better just ride my pace. I know that when I start out too hard with out being fully warmed up, I end up hurting myself more than it is good. I am not sure if this was part of my problem or not, but I just didn't have the legs to climb at pace. I could climb the hills, just not as fast as I would like. Then when I would shift in to the granny I would be even slower.

I was happy to see one member of the group making an effort to wait on me. I am very thankful that Eric L. decided to stay with me. It sure made the day go a lot better. I seemed to ride pretty good for most of the route except for the climbs. I tried to let him know that he didn't have to wait on me. He was riding a lot stronger than I was. We made it to story earlier than normal, but that was because it was earlier in the race. When Charles saw me roll through the check point, he knew I would take a beer. I was the first rider to take one (no shocker there). I saw that two riders were still waiting on me, so I downed it as fast as I could and we were off again.

I am not sure when it ended up only being the two of us, but we were working well together. I had to sit on early, but later on in the ride, I felt like I had some legs to do some pulls too. By the end of the ride it seemed like I was returning the favor of waiting on him. I really don't know why I seem to do better at the end of the ride. Several people say that I ride stronger at the end of the ride than I do at the start. I am not sure if this is true or not, but it does seem like it. I think I just tend to ride the same pace for the whole ride and everyone else just slows down. I do know that as the pain settles in and the miles tick off, I get to the point that I am just ready to get back to the car. Maybe that pushes me to ride a little harder than I did when I started.

Well, we were not very close to the 5 hour mark. Actually we were almost an hour off of that. Part of me thinks that does not sound too bad and the other part of me thinks that is way slow. I really didn't think I could make the 5 hours this year and would have been happy with 5.5. So, to be only 25 min. off of a time that I would have been happy with does not sound bad. The other part of me sees some people that did make the 5 hour mark and less and think that I should be in that group. I am not sure I will ever get to the 3.5 hour mark that it takes to win, but I should be able to get less than the 5.

There is always next year. You know, the year I actually get in shape over the winter and come out swinging. I also won't drop off a few months in the middle. Yea, I am sure next year is the year. Right now I am not sure what next year will even be. The tentative race schedule looks like I will be doing a lot of driving if I am racing. It really sucks living in the southern part of the state where they don't want to have races because too many people won't drive that far. Guess what, we always have to drive that far. That was part of the reasons I quit racing so many years ago. I am looking forward to seeing the Kentucky point series. I had also thought about doing a few of the Ultracross races, but since I was almost last in the two I did this year, maybe I should wait until I can actually keep my goals threw the winter. No matter what ends up on the calendar, I am sure I will have a blast riding my bike.

I would like to thank Tania, Jonathan, Charles and the whole Sub-9 team that puts in a lot of hard work so I can have some "fun" riding/racing my bike. Thanks to the Midwest Trail rider and MTO outpost, they have one of the best start/finish areas that I have ever been to. If you have not taken advantage of the cabins, I highly recommend it as they are awesome to stay in. Thanks to all the other sponsors for helping make this the one race of the year that I just can't miss! See you for V6.0.

What day is it?

Well TV would have you now thinking about a camel, but as far as this blog goes, it is a little more literal. I am not sure what day it is or where the time has gone since the last post. The only thing I know for sure is that the time was not spent riding my bike. I was very sad to see the total miles for the month of October only adding up to 7. Yes, I said 7. No missing digits. That is a very sad total. I will say that I have not been completely worthless, but very few miles getting put in. I might have rode a couple more in the back yard, but those don't add up to much.

I have done a lot of yard work, trail work and my new cross training work out of riding the skate park. I had not been on a skateboard much in the last 20 years. It felt good to get back on it and it was one heck of a leg work out. I plan on doing that some more this winter as I can. I also plan on hitting the back yard as much as I can this winter. Either by adding some more trail sections or getting in some riding when I can.

This month I have already picked up the mileage, but probably not enough to make a real difference for my next and last race of the year. The Gravel Grovel is less than two weeks away. I am really looking forward to this event. It is such a great time even with it being a hard day on the bike. They are really making sure of that this year since they have mad some changes to the route that added even more climbs. It makes me a little happy that I decided a while back to change from the SS class to the Masters class. I still won't be able to be competitive, but at least I have a few more options to help keep the wheels rolling.

I can only hope to keep improving this winter and loosing some weight to get myself lined up for a better year than the previous ones. That may not be the case, but I hope to at least give myself a chance. It is not going to be easy, but I just hope to do at least a little better than I have in the past. I am setting myself up for some better options than before, but work and life can be very busy and can get in the way of everything.

Hope to see you at the Gravel Grovel. You can probably find me rolling with the <5 hour wolfpack group unless they drop me. I really doubt I will feel good enough to drop them. We will have to see how the day plays out.

Three Peaks

Last weekend I made the trip to Beech Mountain to try my luck at the next round of the UltraCross series. I am not sure exactly what made me to decide to sign up for this race, but for some reason I did. it was a long trip and the plan was to head down and get in a ride on Saturday. The rain had a different plan. We had nothing but rain the whole way there and most of the night. It was nice to relax and after not riding a bike for two weeks, I am not sure how much good a ride would have done me.

It was foggy and cold Sunday morning. I was not sure what to wear. I thought I had it figured out and changed my mind last minute before heading up the hill. Once we got up there I second guessed my choices since it was so cold. I put on a little more than I planned, but didn't go too far overboard. As the day went on, I was very glad I didn't put on any more than I did, because I was too warm for most of the ride. There were some cool section, but overall I was plenty warm.

What can I say about the race? Well, that is hard. Overall I would say it was exactly what I should have expected. I knew there would be a lot of climbing and I knew how some climbs are in some areas around there. It just didn't sink in until I was climbing up the first road climb. I was way in the back of the pack, but I was not in a position to try and move up the pack. I was more worried about finishing the day.

The legs didn't feel too bad when I finally made it to the top and started to head back down. I would make up time on the down hills and trail sections. I would loose some time on the climbs if the people on CX bikes were riding. Once they had to walk, I would hold my own or make up some time since I had a smaller gear to keep me rolling. The road down hill was a little scary. I went as fast as I felt I could slow down enough to make the switchback corners. Eventually we hit a flatter section of road and I found a fast woman to help pull me along. We joined up with another guy and the three of us worked together for a while. We broke up when we hit the creek crossing and trail section.

The trail was pretty muddy with all the rain the day before. The 42's were rolling pretty good and keeping enough traction. I didn't worry about my shoes getting wet on the creek crossing and it is a good thing too. A few of the mud puddles were deep enough that my shoes got wet anyway. Once I hit the road again, it was time to climb. The road climb was pretty steep and went on for a while. I figured for sure that was the second peak and that would only leave the final climb to the resort for the third peak. Not long after this climb, I rolled in to the second rest area.

The next section I could see the leaders rolling back to hit the rest area again. That meant they had 10 miles on me. Not what I really wanted to know, but it really didn't shock me. There were a few good hills in the next section. I figured there would be, but what I didn't figure on was the gravel road climb that just went on and on. I could not believe how much climbing I was doing on this gravel road. Then to top it off, I hit the top and there was a trail section that climbed even more and more and more. I guess this was actually the second peak, but it felt like the third peak in my book. This hill hurt and I started to feel the effort. I just kept moving and soon enough I was back at the rest stop. From here it was a good down hill and then a 10 mile climb that was going to net out about 2400 feet of elevation.

The first part was wearing me out, but I managed to keep moving. I was going pretty slow at this point for most sections, but I was really starting to feel the efforts from the day. I was at the rest stop in just over 4 hours. I was pretty happy with this and thought that I might be able to get close to a 5 hour time. Not too much farther up the hill I began to hope that I could finish in a 7 hour time with my current pace. I was fighting off some cramps, but not too bad. I was hurting really back and not feeling good. I had to walk a lot of tough sections from here on out. Just about everyone who I had passed all day came riding by again. They all said they were hurting, but it looked a little different to me as they pulled away.

I had to walk way too much in this section, but I finally saw the wind mills at the top of the hill and I knew the finish was just around the corner. I was completely spent and had nothing left. But, I am happy that I finished and didn't try to pull out. I admit that if someone would have offered to give me a ride, I would have gladly took them up on it. It is a good thing that no one asked. That third peak was miserable. I have no idea how I continued to keep moving. It took me 2 1/2 hours to ride the last 12 miles. That is just pathetic.

Will I go back next year or at some other time? Right now I just don't know. I am sure I could do a lot better if I had been still riding the last month and a half. I would not be fast enough to keep up with the leaders, but I am sure I could take a lot of time off. But it was not all a lost. I did learn something. If I am going to ride 55 miles and be on a bike for over 4 hours, I really need to eat more. For the 6.5 hours I only ate two packages of gummy chews, two gels and a bottle of G2. Yea, that was probably not enough. I just hope I can learn from that mistake and do a better job eating for the Gravel Grovel.

Waverly Park KPS

Sorry this is so late. I hope this end of the season wind down does not continue. For months that I should be getting some of the most miles of the year, I am hardly getting any at all. I hate to waste all the miles I put in, just to let them fade away before some of the hardest races I am going of the year.

Waverly was the last race in the Kentucky Point Series. Before we even went, I think I had third place locked up for the season. Pretty good, but not as impressive to myself as it might sound. I would have been more impressed with a lot of other things that could have happened this year. But, never the less, I am still glad I raced the series. There were lots of good times had and lots of good people to spend time with. Not much more you could ask for.

The SS was rolling better than it had been. There were several SS racers in the mix. I was hoping to ride well and see what I could do. I had not been riding as much the weeks leading up to this race, but still getting out a little. With the racers I saw there, I knew a top 3 would be a miracle, but I still wanted to ride hard. It was obvious right off the start that a good finish was not going to be in the books unless a few guys completely blew up. The pace that everyone went up the hill was crazy. I felt like I was riding better than I normally would and I felt like I was sitting still. This is not a good thing with how long the climb is. That just means I am way back off of the pace before we even hit the woods.

I felt like I rode well for the race. I passed several people and didn't seem to get passed by too many. I kept hoping to find another SS racer to try and pass, but it didn't happen. So, I just was in my own little world riding my bike as fast as I could, but once again not fast enough. I ended up crossing the line in 7th place. I guess not too bad, but nothing I can get too excited about.

This brings up a thought that I continue to struggle with. Should I be racing in the SS class? I do love my SS and really want to participate to help keep the class alive. I know there are several other racers out there who could race in this class, but decide to not race at all. I just don't feel like I compete in this class for most of the races. There have been a couple races this year where I felt like there were other guys to actually race. Other than that, it is just full of guys that I don't have a chance to keep up with. Don't get me wrong. I am not looking for an easy win or anything. My problem is that I am currently a mid pack Cat 2 racer and most of the guys who race the SS class are Cat 1 racers or at the very least contenders for the win in Cat 2.

I have improved a lot this year and really hope I can step it up even more for next year. If I could get closer to the front of the Dino Cat 2 40-49 age group, I don't think I would have as much doubts about racing SS. Part of me thinks I should just race my SS in the Cat 2 class. The other part of me things if I am racing Cat 2 than I might as well race the bike that I can do the best on no matter if it is SS or geared. Most would tend to think I would be faster on the geared bike, but I have found out that I have done a lot better in some races on the SS than I did on the geared bike no matter how much faster I felt like I was going.

I guess this leaves me with a winter to get faster before I really have to decide what to do. It would be a lot easier if all you other SS'ers out there would just make the trip to the Kentucky races and help make the classes bigger. I just need to get in better shape and I will ride both bikes better than I did this year.

After the race was over and we moved on, Dean talked me in to doing something I have not done in a very long time. We made a trip to the Louisville Extreme Park. He even put a skateboard together for me to use. It really didn't take much are twisting to get me out there, but I was not sure what I was going to do. The more comfortable I got with the board, the more I did. I was rolling in on one of the bowls and trying to do some things on the coping. I eventually did a little and felt good about it, but shortly after that I didn't do as well and ended up falling to the bottom of the transition.  I did learn that concrete hurts like hell and I really should have put my pads on. I have too much to loose if I break something. The other bad thing that happened is that I am now completely ready to go back. It didn't take much to get that fire back in me. I just am not sure what I am willing to try. It had been at least 20 years since I had skated on a transition, but it sure was fun.

If anyone wants to give me the money to build a mini in my back yard, I would be all over it. I would not need anything huge. Just something to flow on and do a little grinding and stuff. Ahh.. the good old days. Once again I have to wonder why in the hell did I sell off all my old boards. I am sure I would have skated some more before now and I would not have been as rusty. If I could just go back in time.... I would still have my skateboards, freestyle bike, BMX bikes and drum set. Hard telling what I would be doing these days.

SWW Dino

Sunday was the season finale of the DINO series. The race was held at the Southwestway Park. This was my second trip there. There was some changes to the course so I was not sure how much of it would be the same. The map looked similar to what I have done before, but they said we were going down the hill we went up before. So, I knew some would be different. I didn't get there early enough to ride a full lap and had to go with what I saw and hoped the rest would work itself out. My plan was to try and stick toward the front at the start and see how long I could hold on.

I was a little worried about the long road start. I figured the pace would be quick and if I get the heart rate up too quick, I could be in for a long day. I was going hard, but still felt good. I made a few passes to try and move up even more before we hit the tight section. I felt like I was not too far from the front when we hit the singletrack, but not exactly sure how many were in front of me. I was holding the wheel in front of me pretty good and even put a little gap on the guy behind me. I worked my way around another rider or two and tried to not let too many catch me.

I could not hold off everyone, but I felt like I was doing a better job than what I have done in most of the other races. The long levee sections were nice and fast. I tried to hold the wheel in front of me as close as I could and get some drafting benefit. I was also turning pretty good with only a few close calls. The trail was hard and dusty. The corners were slick in spots. I felt like the back tire was way too low and figured I was going to end up with a flat several different times. I also did a couple front wheel slides, but managed to keep it upright. I was really happy with how I was managing my efforts and still not going slow. I could climb the big hill in a fairly large gear and was moving faster than the riders in front of me.

I held on to my pace pretty good for the first two laps. I passed a few and was passed by a few. I didn't feel like I dropped too far back in the field. In fact, I was pretty happy with a few of the racers that I did pass and figured I had to be up there a little bit. I was racing well and pushing the limits as hard as I could. I was worried the third lap would not be the same as the first two. I too a gel right before we hit the woods. I was breathing hard from making some moves on the open section. I also knew the trail was going to be tight real quick and didn't have a lot of time. I took as much of the packet I could and it just didn't hit me right. It stuck in my mouth and I was having trouble swallowing it. I was still breathing hard and I was in to the woods now and could not get a drink very easy. I had to slow way down so I could get a drink and try to wash it down.

It started to get better, but now I was not feeling as good as I was before. So, it seems that trying to keep myself from bonking actually played a part in me almost bonking. I got back up to speed as quickly as I could. I could hear someone behind me and at one time thought they were going to want to pass. I am not sure they were actually that close since a couple times I could turn around, there was no one there. I kept pushing it, but could tell I was going slower. I could not climb the hill in as big of gear that I did the previous laps, but it was not what I would call a small gear. I was passed by Jimmy Phipps and David Gardner. I was hurting, but when Jimmy hollered at me to "come on", I dug a little harder to try and hold their wheel. I was not right on them but close.

When we hit the field section, everyone put the hammer down. With them right there, I was doing what I could to try and catch back up. When I turned the last corner, I could see them up there, but it was a good amount away. The racer in my stood up and just mashed it with all I had left. I was gaining ground, but running out of room. David saw me coming up next to him and I think I shocked him. He pushed it harder, but I was able to snag it right at the line. I was completely wiped out, just like I should have been. I was feeling really good about my race and my effort. I was stoked to make the pass at the finish line, but a little later (probably after some oxygen got back in to my brain) I realized that I did all that work to make the pass and I still didn't beat him. He races in a different age group and was actually 2 minutes ahead of me. Bummer! Still felt good to make the effort.

I ended up 34th overall and 13th in age group. I am happy with that, but actually thought I might have been a little farther up than the 13th. It was hard to tell how many people were in front of the pact at the start. I never expected to race with the front guys, so I was paying more attention to the guys around me and trying to figure out if I needed to try and make a pass or hold where I was. You can always second guess yourself about a lot of different things in a race. But, doing things differently can make other things change that you do not want to happen. Going farther up front might have had be blowing up early and dropping way back. It is hard to tell and nothing I can do about it now. I just have to try and use my best judgement on what my body can do at that moment.

After all the points were entered, it worked out that I ended up the 2013 season in 13th place in age group. I am pretty happy with that. The 40-49 age group is one of the biggest groups and full of a lot of talent. I ended up in 30th place overall. I am even more happy about that finish. I improved a lot this season and ended up racing pretty good for the last two races. Of course I wish I could have finished closer to those places the rest of the season, but I can't complain about doing better as the year goes. Also, looking at the points, if I would have been able to make some trail work days in the spring, the possible 30 bonus points would have moved me up 6 places in the overall. It would have also moved me 4 places in age group. That would have made my placings even more to be happy with, but nothing I can do about that now. It is what it is. I can understand why the bonus points are there. I just need to do better about getting some work days in no matter when they are.

I would like to thank Team Adventure's for helping me put in a good season. I would like to thank all of the team sponsors for helping my bike run good and me look like I am faster than I really am. There were several things that really helped me improve this year. I just hope to continue to improve as I have some more races to do this year and hope to start off next season even better. My goal is to work my way up even farther in the standings. There are several fast guys making the jump to Cat 1, but there are also several fast Cat 3 guys that will be in the mix. Until then, I hope to see you on the trail or at another race soon. Thanks for taking the time to read about a mid pack Cat 2 racer.

The Burning Quad

Yes, I actually did something I said I would never do on a road bike. I raced a crit race. I have always pictured them with me ending up covered in road rash. I am glad to say that my worries did not happen at this race. Not everyone can say the same, but I am very happy that it was not me. But, not to say that it will never happen if I would decide to do it again some day. I did have some fun and learned some that would help me if I would decide to toe the line again. Even though I didn't know what I was doing, I was part of a great team that sure looked like we did. Well, some of us knew more than others, but it was still good to ride with several teammates. It sure made the day a little less stressful.

The plan was to enter the Cat 5 race and see how it went. What happened was that I was talked in to also entering the Cat 4/5 race. It was not that much more money and I figured what the heck. it would make the amount per race and I figured more riding would be better. I had just hoped that I didn't hit the deck in the first race and waste the money for the second. It turns out that it was not exactly wasting money on both races, but I didn't as much out of my dollars.

I was a little nervous as I was getting my stuff ready. I had to figure out where all the stickers were to be placed and how to mount up the number plate to my jersey. Actually I kind of knew how it went more than a few others since I have done a road race before. After my stuff was ready, I headed out to check out the course. After a few laps, I was feeling pretty good about being able to handle the corners and all of the road sections. I thought I knew where the bad sections were and what to avoid. I later found out it really didn't matter if I knew where they were if I was going to hit them anyway. I hit some pot holes and dips that I thought was going to put me down a few times, but some how held on.

I lined up near the back, but knew that was not where I really wanted to be. I have heard about the accordion effect and can completely understand how that will play out. As much as I wanted to stay back there, when an opening was there, I took the opportunity to move up a little. As the start went, I got on quicker as the guys in front of me, so I had to try and not hit anyone. I moved up in the pack as I could with out trying too hard. The hill was not as much of a problem as it seemed to be for the other guys. I was also surprised at how slow everyone went around some of the corners. This made it easy for me to continue to move up in the pack. I was feeling good and ended up not too far off the front. I was cornering with ease and the effort to climb the hill was not what I had expected. I tried to hold my own and just be happy with where I was. Up ahead Joseph was in the front and sat up and motioned us to move forward and help him. I was feeling good, so I thought what the hell. This was the first bad choice I made for the day. I felt good up there and pulled for a little over a lap.

The next thing I knew, I was starting to feel the effort of being up there and was looking to move back. Just as I knew I needed to move back, they announced it was a preem lap. So, I figured I would pull him a little longer and drop back. Well, I didn't have to worry about dropping back. As we flew down to the river side I tried to take it easy since I knew I was going to move back. Then we hit the climb up the boat ramp. Out of no where my heart rate was way elevated and my legs just didn't have it. I kept slowing down on the climb and as we crested the hill, everyone just pulled away. My race was over.

Well, my race should have been over. I kept pushing the pedals as I could thinking I could catch someone. Eventually I did catch a few guys, but it took a lot of effort to do so. Near the end of the race I started to think that I should not use that much energy and save some for the 4/5 race. I did slow down some, but my computer still had me averaging 21 mph. Slowing down got me to be lapped by the pack on the last lap. I really hoped to stay out, but it didn't work out.

Not to name names (the same person who talked me into going to the front), but someone talked me in to joining for a warm up ride. It sounded like a good idea and I probably needed too. I didn't realize just how far we were going or how hard we were going to go. Normally the effort would not have been that bad, but after what I did for the Cat 5 race, I really didn't need to ride at 24-26 mph for as long as we did. To compound the problem, as I rolled back to the team tent, I saw a group of guys lining up at the start. They looked like the group I was supposed to be in. Yep, that is us. Dammit! I thought I would have a minute to gather my thoughts before the start and make sure I was ready. I was wanting to suck down another gel or two.

I made my way over to the start and tried to be as ready as I could. Soon enough we were on our way. Trying to use what I learned the first race, I was just going to get in the pack and try to conserve as much energy as I could. Some of the pace was a little faster then the Cat 5 race, but at the same time it seemed like we were slowing down a lot more for some corners. I actually felt like the group was more sketchy than the Cat 5 race. I just about rear ended a few guys because of how quickly the were braking. I tried to find a good place in the group to hang out. I thought I was doing a good job, but the rubber band was getting stretched out a lot on some sections and before I knew it, I saw the band break and the pack rolled away. My legs were toast. I was happy that I held on to the pack for 20 min., but figure if I did a few things different in the morning I could have gone longer.

I am not sure if I could have held on for the full race, but I am sure it would have been close. I just didn't have it in the legs to match the accelerations out of the corners after we slowed down that much. I was surprised at how some people could not corner any better than they did. I have heard that most crits are not that tight and don't have the hill. I really liked the course so maybe I won't like a different one if I would give it another try. I did do one thing that I really wish I didn't do. After I was lapped in the 4/5 race right at the end, I rode a little longer and then dropped out. I was hurting and it was easy to convince myself that is what everyone does. I saw a few other guys who dropped out and just thought that is what you do. I know at several other races you actually get pulled off the course when you get dropped. Maybe it is not really that big of a deal. Not sure if it made a difference in getting a finish place or a dnf, but where I was it really didn't matter. It is not like I am going to series points or anything.

Overall it was a great experience that I will probably do again. It all depends on scheduling. It was a great day hanging out with everyone and crit racing is a great spectator sport. You get so see the racers going by all the time. It is not like some other races were you don't see anyone for thirty minutes or more. I will have to keep an open mind about crit racing and make sure to put the races on the calendar next year so I can keep tabs. This weekend is the final Dino race at Southwestway. It is hard to believe we are hear already. I didn't do as well for the season as I wanted to, but I did better than last year and can continue to improve. See you on the bike somewhere.

France Park DINO

No more room

I made the trip back to Logansport to race at France Park after a long time off. It was probably 1997 the last time I raced up there. I had thought about it a few times since, but it didn't work out. Back then I really didn't like racing there. It was too flat and wide. I can't say that it has changed that much, but there were a few more sections that I actually did like this time and I was stronger on the flat open stuff than before. If it were not for the camping the night before, I am not sure if I would think the trip was a good choice or not.

chilling by the fire

It is a pretty long drive for a trail that does not leave just loving it. There were some really cool sections, but not enough for me to just go there to ride unless it was located 3 hours closer. The fact that I have started road riding on an actual road bike since 1997, it made me a lot stronger on the flat open sections. But, all that aside, I think the camping out the night before would have been worth the trip in itself. So it was a great weekend! It would have only been better if I had went up Friday and watched the XTERRA (camped another night).

late night fun

As far as the racing goes, I could be really happy or over think things and only be content with the race. If I go with the first, I am very happy to have had my best finish of the DINO series season in the very competitive 40-49 age group. I guess either way I think, I am pretty happy with that accomplishment. I ended up 10th in age group and beat my last top finish by 8 places. The negative side of my brain has me thinking that I am still 10 min. behind the leaders and I only finished that high because some of the top finishers have changed classes or did not show up. But, I don't think me thinking that way is completely accurate, but it is the way my brain thinks.

Williamlsnyder.com

I started closer to the front than normal, but still not at the front. I tried to control my effort at the start with out getting dropped. I think I did a fairly good job of that, but wished I was farther up. I probably held on to a wheel longer than I should have, but I know the legs get a dead spot a little after the start and I was trying to control myself. I didn't let too many go by and felt like I was rolling pretty well. There was a section of trail that I knew I should have taken the left side, but I ended up following the guy in front of me and took the right. He slipped up on a tough section and I just about ran in to him. I had to stop in a bad place and slipped trying to get going again. Putting in an effort like that with some panicking going on is not good for the heart rate or the legs. I got going fairly quick, but the legs were feeling it.

I tried to ride my own pace and get back in to a groove. I was a little sketchy on the fast sections, but managed to not wreck. Eventually the bike control came back and I was going a lot better. There were a few sections that I was not happy with my legs. I figured they would be stronger than they were. The section that I was really shocked by was the long flat sections. I knew my legs would like that section, but I didn't think I was going that fast on them and I reeled in several racers in that section and still made my legs feel better. I guess that road riding is paying off for something.

Williamlsnyder.com

I will say the the new section of trail was fun. I am sure there were several people that had some trouble with the log and/or the rock section after that. I think it was a good addition to try and offset all the wider sections. I also think the ATV race did tear up some sections, but I could tell that there was a lot of work put in trying to get it back in good shape. Probably not what you would want to happen to the trail, but I can understand why it was done and will not judge them for it.

Overall I was glad I made the trip. I had a good time, a good finish and still put in another race for the series. It is hard to believe that the last race of the series is just around the corner. It seems like we should be just starting summer, not school. I guess I am happy that I am finally starting to ride a little better I just wish it happened earlier in the year. I still have several events on my calendar and they run me well in to the fall/winter and start next year off. I need to find some more motivation to improve over the winter and start next year off at least where I am now or in even better shape. I would really like to be running more like top 10 overall next season. I think the body can do it, I am just not sure I want to sacrifice enough time to actually get there. This year is going by quick enough.

Ben Hawes Pump Track race - KPS

Thanks to Tiffany Hutchens for the image

Sunday was the latest race in the Kentucky Point Series. It was held at the Rudy Mine trails near Ben Hawes State park. I am ashamed to say that I have never been there. It is not that far away and what a fun trail system. I have always heard how fast and easy it is, so it didn't make the top of my list to make an effort to go ride. That and all the stories about head on collisions that I didn't need to be any part of. I did plan on making a trip down there sometime last week, but it just didn't happen. Maybe a good thing, maybe not.

Thanks to Tiffany Hutchens for the image

With all the talk about how fast the trail is and how little climbing there was, I figured I better gear up some or I would be spinning out all the time. Normally I have been running a 34x20 most places and fairly content with that. I did have a couple of places last weekend at Capitol View where I was spinning out, but normally I don't complain. Looking at the cogs and chain rings I had available, for some reason I decided to put on the 34x18. It sounded like a good idea until I asked Todd Nix what he ran there and it was the same gear. Humm, maybe I don't want to run that big of gear. I know I don't have the same legs that he does, but by this time it was too late and never had the time to swap it to something else.

Saturday was a long day out of town and I didn't get home til real late. I then packed up my gear and tried to get some sleep. I was very wore out Sunday morning and then had to do some wheel repair on Dean's bike before we could leave town. I was fairly sure that I would not race very well at all. I was just glad that we didn't have to drive very far to get to the race. If it would have been a few hours, I would have probably rolled back over and went to sleep.

Thanks to Tiffany Hutchens for the image

I was happy to see all of the SS bikes in the parking lot. It was good to have a few people out there racing. There was a couple of other guys that ended up racing Cat 3 or it would have been even bigger. Cat 2 and SS all lined up together. It was a big pack and I didn't want to be too far ahead. It seemed that several SS'rs were hanging back to let the geared guys go. I was ok with that, but after we hit the single track, I am not sure that was the best idea, but it is hard to tell how everything would have played out if I started farther up.

Before we hit the single track, I jumped on Biven's back wheel. I knew I didn't need to be in front of him, but figured his back wheel was not a bad place to be. I stayed there for most of the first lap. I was pretty happy with this even if the reason was the 5 guys in front of him holding up the train. There were sections I could have gone faster and other sections that were just about right. There was a section where he went around. It took me a minute longer to do the same and as I got by I could see him speeding away on the open trail. The pass I made hurt some and I knew if I tried to put out the same kind of effort as he did, I would be cooked. I just tried to hold my own speed and keep moving at a good pace.

I could feel that the gearing choice was a little steep for my legs in some places. I was hoping they could last for the second lap with out blowing up. The fast sections helped, but it is still tiring going fast and pumping all the rollers. The gearing was great for some sections because when I got in to the zone, I was moving pretty good. So it is hard telling if an easier gear would have been better or worse. I am sure the climbs would have been better, but my overall pace would probably been slower. The rigid fork has been working pretty good for me so far. It has let me corner really well in some races that had a lot of cornering. There was only one rock section I wished I had a shock, but it didn't last very long at all. I just grabbed on and closed my eyes.

I was feeling good about how well I rode and even better about it for being as tired as I was. I did pretty good about pushing my pace as hard as my legs would let me. I still need to improve a lot. I was not exactly sure where I was in the pack, but I knew no other SS passed me and early in the race someone said there were a few behind me, so I felt optimistic. Unfortunately my placing was not as high as I would have wished. I ended up in 5th, but I was happy to see that I was only 6 min. from the top 3 guys and not too far behind 4th place. Maybe the training and loosing some weight is starting to pay off. I guess I need to quit complaining and just do more about it. The season is ending, so why not start to get faster. LOL

This weekend is the Dino race at Logansport. In the past I have always dreaded this race since it was so flat and too much like road riding and several hours from home. Maybe with all the road riding I have done the last couple of years, I might do a little better up there then I did in the 90's. I know the trail has changed a lot and after the ATV race they had there recently, I am sure the trail is even more different than before. Hopefully the weather cooperates and my legs find some time to actually show up for a race.

The bad asses - SS podium

Capitol View - Blue Grass State Games

Sunday was the Blue grass state game at Capitol View State Park. I have never been to Capitol View and figured it would be worth checking out. I thought about doing the night race at Southwestway on Saturday night, but when I read the laps were only 3 miles and the race was going to be short, I figured it was not really worth the drive. If it was closer, I would have done it.

The race on Sunday had later start times then what I am used to, so I could sleep in a little bit before we had to hit the road and still got there in plenty of time. I am not sure if I was speeding that much or the traffic was that good, but we made some good time getting there and it let us take our time getting ready. I signed up and started to get ready. I then changed my back tire since I didn't take the time to do it on Saturday. I have not been on the SS since the Cherokee race where I messed up the back wheel and since I stole the fork off of it for the Niner.

I tried to true the wheel with very little luck. It still might true out, but my stand does not work real well with a 29" wheel and a fat tire. Now that the tire is off of the wheel, it actually will fit in the stand and I will try to true it again. At first I didn't want to take off the other tire since it was set up tubeless and I am out of Slime. I put another tire on the wheel set that used to be on the Misfit and made sure it was rolling. I took several laps in the back yard to see how it was rolling and put it up. It still had mud on it from the Cherokee race, but it was going to have to work.

When I heard the 6 hour race was postponed, I began to wonder how muddy the trail would be. I also wondered just how well the new back tire I had on there would work. I normally had run it for really try trails or gravel stuff. I should have swapped it out on Saturday, but the night got late quicker than I wanted. I did take the Maxxis Ikon off of the bad wheel and cleaned it up. I figured if I had time before the race, I would change it. I did just that, but after riding a warm up lap I don't think I needed to change it. Oh well, it is good to have a Maxxis on there anyway.

The trail was not too tough and after letting a little air out of the front tire, the rigid fork was not too bad either. The pre-ride was a great idea. I would have not done as well as I did without knowing a little more as to what was coming up. I am sure the locals had a big advantage since some corners were really tight and if you didn't know, you just didn't know.

We sat around waiting for it to get to race time. When the start finally happened, it was down a long grass section before dropping in to the woods. I am not one that does real well on a fast start or one that spins out well. Some how I found myself going in to the woods in second or third. I tried to hold my pace with out blowing up. I think there was a little bottle neck behind me, so I could put a little gap of a few guys. I did get passed by a couple of racers. I think the one had a bigger gear that me, so it helped him go faster in some places that I just could not.

I just hammered on the pedals as much as I could. I figured out that the most taxing section was just after the start and the back half was more flowy and I could recover more and still keep the speed up. It also helped when I had another rider somewhere behind me telling me to hammer down. So I did. It was a section that I would not have gone as hard not knowing what was around the next corner, but since he said that, I hammered down not wanting to hold anyone up. I did get passed by some of the Cat 2 guys, but I was happy with how long it took some of them to catch and pass me. We didn't start that much in front of them.

Overall I am happy with how well I rode. After all of my whining last week, I actually rode better. I did feel like I should have been able to go even faster, but no need to complain. There were a couple of sections that I was geared out on the SS that I would have been able to shift up a few gears. I just tried to keep my speed up on those sections with out spinning my brains out.

I ended up in 5th place for SS and had two guys right in front of me at the line. I was really pushing it the last half of the last lap trying to catch them. I did catch them, but ran out of time to try and make a pass. So, I really can't complain about that at all. Also, if I look at the results, it looks like I would have placed in 4th for 40-49 Cat 2. I am really happy with that. I just need to keep riding as much as I can and maybe I can find my self closer to the top 10 in age group for a DINO race. I know everyone wants to win, but I would be very happy getting in the top 15 overall and top 10 for age group. I think it is very possible, but I have to put a little more effort in than I have.

I want to congratulate Dean for winning the 40-49 Cat 2 race even after getting off course because of some tape that was missing. He was way up there on the first lap and should have dominated all of Cat 2. Way to fight back and still find the top of the podium, well so to speak since the races don't actually have podiums most of the time.

Hope to do as well at Ben Hawes next weekend. For as fast as it sounds like the trail is, I really should try to make a trip down there this week. I might even want to gear up some. See you there!

Versailles DINO

Sorry for the lack of updates. I have had a few rides that I really wanted to write about, but just never found the time. I have been pretty busy with things and riding as much as I can. But, it seems that it can never be enough. I have attended the night ride a few times over the last couple of weeks and it is a blast and a great workout. I need to continue riding these as often as I can if I am not getting out doing something else. It is later in the evening, so it is after most things, but being late also means it is later when I can settle down and get to bed. This does not help with my sleeping, but it is sure good for the legs.

Sunday was the DINO race at Versailles. I have had two weeks off since the BCSP race and put in a lot of effort to ride as much as I could. I am getting tired of being so damn slow. I have put in way more effort this year than the last few years and I think I can tell a difference in my riding, but my racing is just now showing the same result.

We had planned on heading up Saturday to camp and maybe get a pre-ride in, but I was volunteered to help out with a bicycle safety thing for the scouts. I thought the even was earlier in the day than it was, but was still planning on heading over that night. The evening temps have not cooled down very much, so it was decided to just head over in the morning if we were going to get there too late to ride. I figured I would sleep better in my own bed than in a hot tent.

It turns out that a storm rolled through during the scout function and then everyone seemed to have too much fun playing dodge ball that the bike safety thing never happened. I guess I could have left earlier. To make matters even worse, the group that I was looking forward to camping with had decided earlier in the week to get a hotel. If I would have known either of those things, my plans might have been a little different.

I finished packing and headed to bed fairly early to get a good nights sleep. I had to get up early for the drive over. I got up easy enough and we were soon on the road. But, there was a ton of fog that kept us from making good time. It would clear up and then next thing you know we were back in it. It was really hard to see, but I was managing. Soon enough we were there and it was time to get ready.

I got signed in and headed out for a little warm up ride. The start was a little different this year, so we headed down the trail with Joseph and Dean to check it out. Not sure how far we rode, but after a while I was worried we were going to do a complete lap. I was not sure where a short cut was or a section to get out of the woods, so I turned around and headed back. I was not feeling fairly warmed up and it was time to get to the starting line.
My plan was to not over cook myself on the open field and blow up on the trail. I did that, but also went in to the trail a lot farther back than I had hoped.

I was feeling fine and holding the wheel in front of me. After the first climb I noticed that the guys behind me were gone. I thought I was still moving along good, but I was passed a little later by a little group of guys. One was a guy that I have had some good races with, so I was already torn. I felt like I was riding strong, but still watched him ride away. The rest of the race was fairly uneventful. I passed some people and got passed by a few more.

I felt like I was riding as strong as I have all year and really pushed it on some climbs. I was very happy with how well I was riding. Turns out that I actually finished 5 min. closer to the winner than I have for the last several races. Taking 5 min. off of a race time sounds great.......well it does sound great. So, then why am I not happy with that? Well, that would be because I still finished in about the same place I have all year. Farther back than I did at the same race last year and even slower than the race from last year. I don't know how I can feel like I ride that good and end up being slower than I was before. If I remember correctly, I even rode the SS last year and had a wobbly wheel for the whole race.

It is very discouraging to train well for two weeks and feel good to only go slower. I am not sure what I can do to go faster. I know a few things, but I don't think any of them will help me out for this year. I can only hope they can help out for next year otherwise I am a lost hope and will just be slow for ever. At least I can wheelie.

I have to say that this race was the worse attitude of the other riders that I have had all year. I am normally a person that is very easy to pass. I figure if you are that much faster than me, why hold you up. The leaders of the 50+ group was the rudest I have ever seen. The front few normally catch and pass me, but they were very impatient for this race. I don't mind getting out of your way, but this is a race and I should not have to pull over and stop, just so you can pass. If you are that damn good, then get your ass in open were you won't have anyone in your way. I even had a wreck getting out of someones way. I do my best to get out of the way as quickly and safely as possible. Don't freak out if that takes more than a second or two, otherwise I will change my ways and not get out of your way.

There was another section where there was a ride down on the trail near the river section. He way lying in the middle of the trail. There was a couple of people that stopped to help. I didn't plan on stopping since there was help, but the guy behind me was running in to my back wheel trying to get by. Show the guy some respect and pass with a little more care. As soon as I got by the downed rider, I pulled over and let me go since he was in such a hurry. I just hope that some day when you are laying on the trail that the other racers don't treat you with the same attitude.

This weekend is the next Kentucky race at Capitol View. I have never been there, so it should be interesting. It will be even more interesting since I have stolen the front fork off of the SS and put it on the Niner. It has since been replaced with a rigid fork. It has been a good year since I have rode a rigid fork, so I am sure this will hurt. Well, that is if I can make the wobbly wheel from the last race roll a little more true. If not, maybe I will just skip the SS class this weekend and race Cat 2. I think there are enough races that I can get full points in both classes. Not sure how that would work. Either way it does not really matter. I am too damn slow to worry about overall placings. Yea I know, I am currently in first for the SS class, but that is only because there has been enough different riders at the different races and they don't have the 4 races in yet. It would not take much to dethrone me. Only one podium out of the series so far. Maybe I need to look at this road racing thing. I seem to be able to ride a road bike fairly well.

Night moves

After my performance on Sunday at BCSP, I came home and then cleaned the bike and mowed the yard. The mowing was not too bad with the rider, but it decided to break half way through. It broke good enough that I am not sure I can fix it or want to pay to have it fixed. So, I had to finish with the push mower. I might be using that the rest of the year. That is a good thing and a bad thing.

Tuesday I decided to join the night ride to get some miles in. I was busy and could not make the Basket Case ride on Monday to help loosen my legs, so they were still hurting when we went out. It was a great group with 10 riders showing up. It started out fairly friendly and all was well. That was until part of the way threw the loop it seemed to start to accelerate. It continued to do this until we were running over 26 mph for a long stretch of road.

That ride was a blast, but hurt too. I really like joining group rides like this since there was several riders. It just makes it more fun. My fun started to end as I headed home. My light was not working all night. Last week it was not charged and didn't last long. I had plugged it in to charge it over the weekend, but didn't test it before I left. When I finally went to turn it on, there was nothing there. I was not sure what was wrong with it, but I was ok not having a light. That was until the group split up and everyone was heading home. The highway toward my house sucks bad enough in the day time, but at night it is even worse. Then when I don't have a head light on, it makes it down right scary. I did have a tail light blinking, but at that time of the night, you never know if you are going to be seen or not.

I was having trouble seeing the road and just trying to keep myself upright and safe. After turning off in to the neighborhood I felt a lot better. That was until I heard something. I could not really see, but all of a sudden I could see a deer running full speed across the road right in front of me. I hit the brakes and he made it past, but not with out freaking me out some.

My big disappointment for the ride was when I got close to home and realized that the Garmin was not recording. I didn't notice this since I was just looking at the speed, but I didn't get any of the loop. I was looking forward to seeing how we went compared to other nights I have been out. It seemed faster, but I am not sure.

Tuesday night was so much fun, I decided to join the ride again on Wednesday night. I headed out a little early and tried to loosen the legs up from the previous ride. They were hurting and not very strong. I just hoped that I could keep up. Turns out that the group was very small. There was 2 of us that showed up. We did have a third rider join us for part of the ride, but not for that long. I was told the other riders legs hurt and we were going to put in an easy ride. That sounded great to me with how my legs felt.

But, not too far in to the ride I began to wonder just how fast would we be going if his legs didn't hurt. We were not really going much slower than normal and we were actually moving pretty good for awhile. I looked down and we were rolling over 22 mph. Not what I would normally call an easy ride. I was hanging on, but it was not easy. I was ok with him motor pacing me around the loop. It was good for the legs. I think I need to make all of those rides every week if I am not riding on those days. It would be nothing but good for me. Almost down to one more week before Versailles. I hope to show up better than I have the last couple of races, but we will see.

BCSP Dino

This weekend was the was the rain out date for the Brown County race. After the trail conditions last weekend at North Vernon and the weather forecast for the week, it did not look like a great weekend. I had the bike rolling good again after the mud, but was not looking forward to another race like that. Not sure why since I can actually ride fairly well in mud, but it just leaves everything in a mess.

Thankfully the weather did not meet up to expectations and seemed to miss the area. It sounded like it could still be pretty wet, but it was not getting cancelled. So, I made sure to getting stuff ready and headed to bed early. Morning rolled around early as normal and I almost didn't wake up. I got ready and loaded up as quickly as I could and headed down the road. It was going to be a long drive all by myself. I went from a car full to no one in a matter of two days. I had all of the tents, so getting there early to snag a spot and get everything set up would be a good thing.

Thanks to Wes Kemp for the picture

It was an uneventful trip and I was there soon enough. I set up shop with a little help from a friend since I didn't see any other teammates around at that time. the race turn out was way down from the last few years, but probably still well attended for the series. As the parking lot was filling up and time was running out, I got my stuff ready. I headed out to get a warm up in, but I think I went out too early or stopped too soon. I think I took too long before it was time to start and I cooled down some.

My plan was to stay smooth on the climb and just see what happened from there. Apparently my legs didn't get the memo. They decided to check out half way up the hill. I really don't know what happened to them. All of a sudden they were just completely exhausted. I limped along the rest of the way up the hill and in to the woods. I was just about the last of the group in to the woods. I did what I could and tried to recover as I could. I didn't ride bad on the flowy stuff, but anytime it went up more than a few feet, the legs didn't have anything.

I am very disappointed in my legs. I know they are not where they need to be, but this was way worse than it has been. I will say I am happy with what I did for the rest of the race after hitting the trail. I think I went as fast as I could have with the way my legs were. I was really pushing them to go as fast as I could make them go. So, all was not a total loss, but it was nothing near what I would want. I would really like to know how I could have done in some of the other races if I could have pushed as hard as I did the rest of the race. I did have one small issue and went over the bars on one section near the end. I jumped up and got on the bike as quickly as possible. I had just passed a rider not long ago and didn't want him to catch and pass me. The next little bit I was riding a little shaky and not up to speed. I was almost caught, but the trail finally went down again and I could put some space between us.

I now have two weeks to get my legs in some kind of shape and see what I can do yet. The season is running by quickly and I still have a long way to go. I have some big ideas for the fall and really hope to get somewhere by then. I will be passing on the 6 hour race this weekend. I just can't see driving that far to race when I am not in any better shape that I am. I need to see if I can just get some better training rides in.

Mudsatatuck

July usually means a nice break in life with a relaxing visit with family and hanging out at the lake. This year that did not happen. So, for the second time I was able to make the trip over to North Vernon to enjoy their trails for the Dino race. This year it did not look good for being dry and it was far from dry. I expected it to be a mud fest and in some places, it did not disappoint. But, there were sections that it was not too bad and actually fun.

For only being there one time before, I actually remembered some of the trail sections. But, not like it really helped me any. I figured I could ride pretty good in mud, so I tried to get in to the woods mid-pack or a little farther forward. I seemed to hang with the group pretty good for awhile. That was up until a couple of steep, slick sections that made people get off with the traffic jams. I tried to hurry while I was pushing, but tried not to go too hard as running/pushing in a hurry is not something I am very strong at and figured it would hurt more than it would help. Maybe it did hurt a little too much as I got passed by a few guys after those sections. I guess I slowed down too much, but I didn't think I did. I know I backed off a little to catch my breath, but maybe it was more than I thought.

I went as hard as I could for the whole race. Some sections were a lot faster than others, but overall I felt like I was riding pretty good for me. I did slide out in one corner on the first last and get a little muddy, but nothing hurt or broken. I did have a little trouble with some corners and also the new section of trail where it was a lot softer than some sections. I climbed some hills pretty well too.

If I would have finished riding and just loaded up and went home, I would have felt pretty good about my effort for the day. But, I did not do that. I actually went and looked at the results and saw that I was just as slow as the last Dino race. I finished in just about the exact same place as French Lick. I am sure I will crunch a lot of numbers when the results are posted. I knew I was not at the front, but I felt like I was actually riding stronger than the last few races and expected to be a little closer to the top than I have been. My legs sure feel like I did better.

I am not sure what to do, but I really need to improve a lot and quickly. I thought I was riding a lot stronger this year than I have in the past few years, but really I don't think I am doing any better. I might have been ahead of the schedule at the beginning of the year, but all those weeks of being too busy didn't let me continue to improve as I was and actually end up somewhere other then here. But, here I am again. Fat and way too slow. I have to use one of my typical lines and say "I better start running, because it is much to late to jog". I just hope to find the motivation to move forward and not let the depression hold me back. It will not be easy.

This weekend is the Brown County reschedule date. I hope it will be a little drier and hope the legs show up. I have a lot of cleaning to do on the bike to make sure it still works. It is cleaned off, but now I need to tear in to everything to make sure it works. All of that and find time to get some riding in and figure out how to go 20 min. faster in a week. Yea, like that will happen. Anyone know how to brew some EPO beer?

Basket Case ride

I was planning on hitting the Basket Case ride on Monday since baseball and stuff were over, but as the work day drug on, I didn't think I would make it. Then a last minute text from Nick asking if I was going and said I still had 40 min., I finished up what I was doing and headed home. I quickly grabbed some gear and made sure the boys had something they could make for supper. I noticed on the way that I was pushing it for getting there for the start time. I sent Nick a text saying I was on the way. I am sure I looked a little strange texting on a bike rolling along at 25 mph. I did use the talk to text option so I was not trying to type everything.

I was thinking I was smoking my legs too much trying to get there especially after racing on Sunday in that heat. I assured myself that it would be ok since the pace is normally not bad and usually a shorter ride. I was pleasantly surprised when I got there and saw a big group of riders. They were waiting on me, but I really only got there a couple of minutes late. Then I heard what the route was going to entail and I wished I didn't send the text. We went right back up the road that I just came down and headed back toward my house. Dammit!

The route choice had a few more hills than I expected, but I was fine with that. Well, that was right up till we hit the first climb of the ride. It seemed that some wanted to get a better work out and next thing I know I am pushing it hard up the climb. As soon as I got to the top, I was thinking that was not the best idea. I am going to really tear my legs up when I am supposed to be doing a recovery ride. I did back off the next climb, but soon enough I was hammering up another one.

There was 11 riders in the group. We stayed together fairly well with only one falling back a little on and off. Who wanted to push it, hit it hard on the climbs and then eased up for everyone to regroup. This continued for the rest of the ride. After a little bit, the legs were not feeling too bad, so the climbs were a little more fun. The turning point for the ride was at one intersection it was asked what way we were going and I could not believe it when I heard the answer that several suggested. We turned left and headed farther out instead of straight and back toward home.

Not only were we heading farther out, but we were heading in a direction that had a few more decent hills. The Duff road has always been my go to road when I want some more miles, but still get some good climbing in. As I get stronger it does not seem as bad as it once was, but there are still a few good climbs. Everyone seemed to be riding well and having a good time.

When we got to the end of the Duff road and regrouped, it seems that a few were ready to head back toward the house and went their own way. When everyone was there, it was decided to go on toward Ireland and get even more miles. This part of the ride was at a little easier pace. I think there were a few that were really feeling the ride. Some have not gone that far yet this year. That is great!! It is awesome to see people push their limits and comfort levels.

Toward the end of the ride a few wanted to head back home a little quicker than we were going, so they pushed the pace up and off they went. I could have joined them, but I figured I would hang with the back of the pack and make sure everyone made it. Good thing I did as one of the riders who took off had a chain issue and the chain was stuck behind the cassette. He tried to get it out, but it just would not budge. Walking he went on. We headed back and someone went to pick him up. I headed home to get my tools so I could fix his bike when he got back.

It was a great ride and by far the hardest Basket Case ride I have been on. Since I rode from home and back, I ended up with 40 mile. The average speed was down some, but part of that was the slower pace we took at the end and I forgot to stop the timer at the end of the Duff road. I have the auto stop turned off for MTB riding since the signal can get dropped some in the woods. It was way more than I wanted to do to my legs, but it just might have been what I needed. Some good climbing and still some spinning. I am not sure how much I will be able to get out before Sunday's race, so it is good to get what you can while it is there. I hope to continue to join this ride and see how everyone progresses and see how the group ends up.

Cherokee Park KPS Race

This weekend was the next round of the Kentucky Point Series at Cherokee Park. It was also the first race of the 6hr series. I had really wanted to do this race ever since it was put on the schedule, but some things happened and the calendar was filled with some other obligations, so I did not make the trip to Versailles to ride my SS for as close to 6 hours as I could have. But, I do hope to make it to another one.

With Saturday's schedule filled I was left with the only option of racing the Cherokee park race. I have never been there and was not sure what to expect. The trail had a shorter loop, so I did not have a lot of high hopes as to what was actually there. So, as the evening was running late on Saturday night, I was not too worried about it. A storm was blowing in and raining hard, so I was not sure what the conditions of the trail would be in. The wife was having a good time at the wedding, so I was not pushing her to go home early. The week leading up to this was filled with a lot of late nights and not near enough sleep, so what can one more night hurt.

I woke up very tired and if I did not have a passenger, I might not have gotten out of bed to go race. The drive was not that far, but I still didn't want to drive it. I loaded up anyway, got everything else ready and off I was. Soon enough we were heading down the interstate to the land of unknown trails. The park was super easy to find and plenty busy. I was shocked to see how many people were using this park to ride, run, walk dogs or all kinds of other things. It is great to see that many people keeping active.
Reluctantly I signed up and then got ready. I knew there would be a few fast guys there and in my current state, I didn't have high hopes. The Breck's duo that usually kicks my arse decided to enter their SS's in the Cat 1 class. That did not hurt my feelings at all, but they are great guys and don't mind at all getting beat by them. I kind of had some small hope that I could at least keep up with them for a longer amount of the race since they both entered the 6 hour race the day before. I still didn't expect to beat them only to hang on longer.

Photo credit: Sherri Thompson

I did get a little spin in and see a small section of the trail. There were some great sections with berms and rollers. I could get used to that! I made my way to the start feeling better than I thought I would. I finally remembered to turn on the Garmin since it takes a little bit to start. I was not too far in the front of the pack because they have been starting the group in different waves. Then I realized that all of Cat 2 and SS were starting at the same time. I guess I should have noticed that when I looked at the flier. I watched Cat 1 start and go around the field. As we moved toward the line I had an oh shit moment as I realized my gloves were still in my jersey pocket. Dammit!! I quickly grabbed them and started to put them on, but to no avail the whistle blew and the race was off, with me trying to put my gloves on while riding.

I finished the grass section way in the back of the pack. I did pass a couple of people on the road section but there was quite a bottle neck going in to the woods. I just tried to stay calm and ride with the guy right in front of me. One guy wrecked and we got around but still back farther than I hoped. I just rode what I could and passed riders as it seemed needed. I know I passed at least one ss rider, but other than that I am not sure. I did see one in front of me on the switch back section and thought I would be able to catch him, but that never happened.

On the second lap I found myself stalled out on a hill when I hit a root and fell to the right. It was a good drop off on the ride what was bad enough, but the bigger problem was that my back wheel was half way past a tree. So, with all of my weight and the bike falling to the right, the back wheel did it's best to try and hold me up, but I was just too much for it. When I got back up to the trail and on my bike, I noticed the back wheel had one heck of a wobble. The tire was rubbing on the frame pretty bad. I rode it for a little bit trying to figure out what to do or see if it got any better. It did not. I could have just finished the race with the wheel the way it was, but I didn't want to damage the tire or the frame in the process. I hopped off and leaned the bike over a little and stood on the skewer to try and bend the wheel back in to shape some.


I got back on the bike, but it was still rubbing on the frame. I only went a little farther down the trail before I figured I needed to try again since I was not packing a spoke wrench (well, maybe I actually did have one and didn't know it). This time I stood on it a little harder than the last time. I saw the wheel fold in half and figured I just really screwed it up. I immediately let up on the pressure expecting to see spokes fly or at the very least a flat tire, but I saw nothing. Humm.... did that actually work? I spun the wheel and it was no longer rubbing on the frame. Sweet!! Not sure how that worked out for the best, but I will take it. I jumped back on and could go a lot harder. It was time to see if I could catch any riders.

I didn't ride bad the last lap. I could tell I was more tired and worn out, but I did catch a few riders and passed them. Too bad none of them were on a SS. I ended up 6th in class. There was a good turnout of SS'ers at this race especially since two of the regulars raced the Cat 1. I am very happy with how well I rode considering how tired I was, but I can't help wondering where I could have finished if I had started a little closer to the front. I know there was a lot of ground lost on the first lap. My main goal is to ride as strong as I can and keep getting better. Some day I would love to have to line up with the Cat 1 guys again, but not sure I can get that fast again. It had been probably 20 years (and 30+ lbs) since I have had a Cat 1 license and at that time it was called the Expert class. One just never knows how it will work out. I keep getting faster every year, maybe I will make a big leap in performance at some point. If I could just climb at the speed I think I should be able to climb, I would be a lot faster than I am now.


I would like to recommend anyone that has a chance to ride the Cherokee Park trails, make sure and take the opportunity. The trail was full of good things. Rocks, roots, jumps, berms, creek crossings and anything else you could want in the mtb trail. It may not be the longest trail out there, but I sure wish it was in my town. I would also like to thank the Bicycle Sport/Rooibee Red Tea Off Road racing team for putting on such a great race that ran very smooth!!



Hopefully I can get a ride in or two this week. Next weekend is the DINO race at North Vernon. Maybe I will be able to put a little better effort in there on the Niner. She will have disc brakes by then. Even with some concerns about the brakes on the Misfit, overall they did a great job at the race and only squealed a few times.The brakes on the Niner should be even better, so I sure hope to see an improvement in my riding. Hope to see you there.