Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas
Wishing everyone a little Christmas cheer this holiday season. Hopefully all your two wheeled dreams will come true!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
End of Year Party
Getting this one out a little late...
We had a great turnout for the end of the year gathering at Rowletts. We had a handful of new members as well - getting a chance to hang out while off the bikes. Plassman had put together a killer video from the year of riding and it was playing on a loop. Pretty cool for sure. This years party was a door prize bonanza with new members walking away with most of the loot. There were a couple of $50 gift cards compliments of Design Physics & Rowletts. Giant threw in a helmet & fruit 66 threw in a couple of cases of drinks. I think we also gave away a few stem caps. Comfort once again donated our food for the event - they have been a great sponsor. Thanks to everyone for coming out. Look for something in February to kick off 2012.
We had a great turnout for the end of the year gathering at Rowletts. We had a handful of new members as well - getting a chance to hang out while off the bikes. Plassman had put together a killer video from the year of riding and it was playing on a loop. Pretty cool for sure. This years party was a door prize bonanza with new members walking away with most of the loot. There were a couple of $50 gift cards compliments of Design Physics & Rowletts. Giant threw in a helmet & fruit 66 threw in a couple of cases of drinks. I think we also gave away a few stem caps. Comfort once again donated our food for the event - they have been a great sponsor. Thanks to everyone for coming out. Look for something in February to kick off 2012.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Cold Weather riding Tips
Clothing
- dress in layers that you can add and remove as needed
suggested layers & options
- base layer tech tee shirt & jersey
- shorts with enough frontal protection from the cold
- arm warmers, leg warmers
- head band, also bring skull cap that covers ears as option
- base layer thin socks, smart wool type outer socks
- winter cycling shoes, or neoprene outer shoe booties
- glove liners, spring gloves (thicker than summer, but not as thick as winter)
- bring winter gloves as option if below 35
- wind breaker jacket
- vest with vented back
- use clear lenses on your riding glasses, tinted lenses tend make the trail harder to see because everything is already leafy brown
1 pair toe warmers that don't require air to activate (toastie toes brand...)
- these can be a real ride saver, I place on top of toes over base sock and under thick sock
1 pair of hand warmers
- place these on top of hand over base layer glove liner and under gloves
CamelBack or equivalent
- great to stow the gear you are not wearing
- does not freeze as quickly as bottles, but you need to drink often to keep hose from freezing, if it does stick it under you jersy and it will thaw
Bike and Gear
- now more than ever, keep your bike in good working order
- cary at least 1 tube, tire lever, patch kit, and a pump
(recently in the mountains I double pinch flatted and had 1 extra tube and had to patch the other, otherwise it would have been a cold 3 mile hike out)
- chain tool and quick link
- multi tool
- bring your cell phone, but dont count on it in the mountains (tell someone the route you are riding and when you should return)
Tips
- make sure to keep your core and your knees warm
- heavy gloves will soak quickly with sweat unless its real cold (~below 35) , instead, layer glove liners and spring gloves instead
- get dressed in your bike clothes before you leave the house
- vest and arm warmers give you a lot more options than a winbreaker over just a jersey
- you should be a little chilly just standing around, if you are warm standing around you will likely overheat on the bike
- shoes should not constrict your feet, this limits blood flow and may reduce air trapped by socks decreasing insulation
- don't forget to hydrate, you can get fooled into not drinking enough because it's cold
- if you are stopping for any lenght of time, throw on your windbreaker
- cary a emergency foil blanket, espcially if in the mountains
- be carefull not to get caught out in the cold at night, especially in the mountains
- do not ride alone in the mountains in the winter, and don't ride when hunters are hunting (Walnut Creek and Douthat don't usually allow hunting)
- road riding is typically a lot colder than trail riding in the same temps
- pay special attention to have the right layer options when it's going to be less than 35
- dress in layers that you can add and remove as needed
suggested layers & options
- base layer tech tee shirt & jersey
- shorts with enough frontal protection from the cold
- arm warmers, leg warmers
- head band, also bring skull cap that covers ears as option
- base layer thin socks, smart wool type outer socks
- winter cycling shoes, or neoprene outer shoe booties
- glove liners, spring gloves (thicker than summer, but not as thick as winter)
- bring winter gloves as option if below 35
- wind breaker jacket
- vest with vented back
- use clear lenses on your riding glasses, tinted lenses tend make the trail harder to see because everything is already leafy brown
1 pair toe warmers that don't require air to activate (toastie toes brand...)
- these can be a real ride saver, I place on top of toes over base sock and under thick sock
1 pair of hand warmers
- place these on top of hand over base layer glove liner and under gloves
CamelBack or equivalent
- great to stow the gear you are not wearing
- does not freeze as quickly as bottles, but you need to drink often to keep hose from freezing, if it does stick it under you jersy and it will thaw
Bike and Gear
- now more than ever, keep your bike in good working order
- cary at least 1 tube, tire lever, patch kit, and a pump
(recently in the mountains I double pinch flatted and had 1 extra tube and had to patch the other, otherwise it would have been a cold 3 mile hike out)
- chain tool and quick link
- multi tool
- bring your cell phone, but dont count on it in the mountains (tell someone the route you are riding and when you should return)
Tips
- make sure to keep your core and your knees warm
- heavy gloves will soak quickly with sweat unless its real cold (~below 35) , instead, layer glove liners and spring gloves instead
- get dressed in your bike clothes before you leave the house
- vest and arm warmers give you a lot more options than a winbreaker over just a jersey
- you should be a little chilly just standing around, if you are warm standing around you will likely overheat on the bike
- shoes should not constrict your feet, this limits blood flow and may reduce air trapped by socks decreasing insulation
- don't forget to hydrate, you can get fooled into not drinking enough because it's cold
- if you are stopping for any lenght of time, throw on your windbreaker
- cary a emergency foil blanket, espcially if in the mountains
- be carefull not to get caught out in the cold at night, especially in the mountains
- do not ride alone in the mountains in the winter, and don't ride when hunters are hunting (Walnut Creek and Douthat don't usually allow hunting)
- road riding is typically a lot colder than trail riding in the same temps
- pay special attention to have the right layer options when it's going to be less than 35
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Virginia Cup Off Road Duathlon Recap
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Time for the start!!
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When I packed up for this race I brought everything but the kitchen sink. It has been pretty cool lately, so I figured today would be much of the same. Boy was I wrong!! The day turned out to be perfect for a duathlon. The problem with this sort of event in November is that you will overheat quickly in the clothing required to race your bike for an hour. Boy was I wrong on the weather; it turned out to be an awesome day! Almost as soon as I showed up, I started taking layers off trying to find the perfect combination.
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| Joe and Jim transitioning onto their bikes. |
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| Joe, killing it! |
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| Matt and Jeff opted for the more sane duo |
This was the first race ever on the mountain bike trails at Pocahontas State Park
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| Finishing up |
Once I arrived and started setting up my transition area, I started seeing other Design Physics racers. It was awesome to have such a nice turnout at this final event of the Virginia Off Road Series. In total, Design Physics had 9 racers and one spectator!! It was a pretty awesome feeling to have this much support at an event, especially a duathlon.
In short, the race went down like this, Joe Fish killed everyone!! I knew I would need to put some major time on Joe during the running sections as he would be faster then me on the bike. When Joe hung with me on the first run, I knew it was his race to win. The bike section was very fun with lots of leaves all over the trail. I passed the few guys that had beaten me on the first run within the first mile or so and settled into a rhythm that I was able to maintain over the course. I kept expecting my legs to recover from the run, but it never really happened so I couldn’t make up any time on Joe. I felt terrible by the time the second run was over and I was just happy to be finished. Not a great day for me, but a great day for Design Physics Racing. What an awesome way to finish off the season.
All in all, we filled many of the podiums:
Joe Fish- 1st solo men
David Reid- 2nd solo men
Kate Fisher- 3rd solo women
Team Juaneza and Plassman- 3rd duo men
Paul Leeger- 3rd 35-39 men
Jim Fisher- 1st 40-44 men
Lisa Stover- 1st 30-34 women
In addition John Leino competed on a team and Damon came out to show is support. Thanks guys!
Got to RunRideRace for complete results.
Monday, November 7, 2011
18 Hours Flashback
-24
It’s Saturday morning and I’m awake. The work week is over and I’ve left all my preparation for the race until the morning before. First, food. Oatmeal seems right. Then to preparation. Bike maintenance: Check. Gear: Check. Wait, do I have everything I need? Crap, I need all my camping gear. It’s been sitting in a corner of the basement for about a decade. Yep, there’s the tent and sleeping bag – hope all the tent poles are still in that bag. Fire: Check. Forecast calls for near freezing temperatures tonight and a fire is a must. Double Crap, my ‘Great Ball of Fire’ backyard fire pit will never fit into the Swede. That thing is 3’ in diameter. I’m calling Kylan, he’s got an Explorer and that will definitely hold this thing. Ring Ring – No answer. Eff. Got to have my fire. Maybe if I disassemble the fire pit it will fit. Yes, that worked. Whew, I just blew like 50 calories doing that – I should have done all this the week before, but there was no time…
-21
I’m in the car headed to the race. Man, I’m hungry – oatmeal didn’t cut it. Off to Palani Drive to get a breakfast burrito, the one with eggs, sausage, and potatoes. And a coffee. Driving down Patterson, I’m rocking out to the Zounds, my new favorite punk band. Life is good – I’m really looking forward to this now.
-20
Camp is set up. Jason is here with Mason and a proper awesome pop up tent. We’re set up on the hill overlooking the start line. It’s perfect. Jim Fisher has been here since last Tuesday pre-riding. Steve Tolley is set up, ready to ride this thing solo, and legend has it that Jennie Belt will show up to race solo women’s. I can’t even fathom such efforts. Paul and Kylan show up and we decide on the rotation. First Kylan, then me, then Paul, then Francine (I’ve begged to be able to do a daylight lap, and that will be my only chance.) Maybe we should each do two laps? Minimize the hot to cold shock of it all. The Director Sportif says no.
-19
Pre race meeting. Man, why do they keep mentioning this one sponsor who does IT stuff? We need to get back to the base camp and get ready! Did he just say the course is a slopfest?
-18
Start gate: Kylan is at the line; Jennie, Steve, Mason, and Jim are there too. Ed Jones rolls out the prologue and they’re off. Back to camp to get ready for my lap.
-17
Geared up and ready to go at the start line. Kylan rocked out an awesome first lap – easily among the first 10 or 15 to get across. No sign of our competition yet, so we’re already doing well. Kylan passes me the baton, and I struggle to get it into my jersey pocket. What is this crazy Velcro crap on this thing – I can’t get it off my glove. Am I crashing? Yep, right at the start line, I’ve crashed trying to put the baton into my jersey pocket. No one can claim I’m sandbagging in Beginner class this year now after seeing this pedestrian display of racing. I get up, brush it off and I’m on the course racing! Yes, the trails are wet to say the least. The mud has the consistency of tile mastic. I’m already using granny just to power through some of this terrain. Deeper into the course, the trail dries up, and I maintain some good speed. As always, the mile makers are hurling motivational phrases at me that I know I will want to rip down later in the race. I pass the camp, dive into the last bit of singletrack, and finish my lap. 51 minutes – not bad!
-16
I’m steaming. I get back to the camp to rest and prep before my next lap, and I’m so covered with sweat, that as I stand in front of the camp fire, the sweat steams off me and my kit. Paul’s out on course, and now I’m trying to figure out the best way to recover the 900 calories that my computer just told me I left lying on the trail.
-15
What up Matt Juaneza! Did you totally just show up and bring us pizza? You the man! Paul’s back from his first lap – lungs are killing him from a chest cold he’s been nursing all week hoping to recover from. He’s hurting. Francine is out on course – first all night lap.
-14
Standings update – somehow we’ve lost the lead. Chris McMillan has done two pretty fast laps and we’re behind by 10 or so minutes. They’re doing double laps and we start to question our tactics. Going into the race, we feared his team would give us a serious challenge as he’s paired up with Donna Miller and some ASR folks. Morale starts to decline. We’re running out of firewood and are wondering if we shouldn’t just do a few laps, hang by the fire for the rest of the night, and drink a few beers. Yes, that would be good… shouldn’t we do that? Francine is back – Kylan rolls out. Time for me to get ready, I guess.
-13
First night lap. Hey look at that, I took the baton and didn’t crash. Course is still wet, but now it’s dark and I haven’t ridden a night ride since sometime last spring. Just like that, the first root gets me and I feel that familiar shwooop of losing traction and losing balance as the back end of the bike goes all over the trail. I recover without falling, but realize that this is going to be hard. I’m now looking for every root, every line. Where can I keep speed? I try desperately to crank hard on the fire roads and flats that I know are safe, but some sections are relentlessly dangerous with the roots. I get back to the start line and I’ve made it, but this time it took me 60 minutes. Man, that won’t be good enough.
-12
What up Joe Fish! Did you totally just show up and bring us pizza? You the man! Am I hallucinating? Nope, that’s Joe. He’s saying something about the fact that HoneyPlassman is going to have to race expert next season and he’s going to have to kick his ass. HoneyPlassman don’t care I think to myself…
-11
Paul’s back – Francine is out. I’m eating. Someone I don’t know is here by my fire and I’m worried that I won’t be able to reap the full benefit of its radiant heat if I have to share it. It is so cold, I’m certain I’m not going to do any more laps. Hell no. What’s the point, the other team has us, and we might as well get warm in our tents. Who is this person stealing my heat? I suspect enemy team tactics and repeatedly give him the stink eye.
-10
Francine is back, Kylan is out. I’m next. No, it can’t be me next. I eat a banana and play some Angry Birds with Paul. Someone says the temperature is in the 20’s. Well, that means I should put on everything I own for the next lap.
-9
I’m on course with WAY TOO MUCH clothing. I stop to take a bunch of it off. Whew. Actually I’m feeling pretty good all of a sudden. Fear of roots has subsided; I’m in the zone zooming down the singletrack. I’ve passed several people even. I pass the camp and yell ‘Where’s Paul?’ He’s not expecting me this early – I’ve had a good lap! I’m inspired to go even faster for the last half mile. At the start line, Paul is there to congratulate me. ‘Nice lap man!’
-8
Mid race results are up on the board. We’re winning! By 30 minutes even. Holy crap, we could win this. The knowledge is not enough though. I’m back to the camp and really start to feel the fatigue. I tell Kylan I’m going to lay down in my tent for awhile, which I do.
-5
My phone rings. It’s Paul. Go away Paul, I’m sleeping – sort of. Ok, Ok, it’s my lap next, fine. How did you get my number anyway? I’m up, into the cold wet kit, and ready. I’m at the starting line waiting. And waiting. And waiting. Everyone is suffering now – Paul tells me he can’t do another lap. He just can’t breathe. Something about me doing a double lap he says to me – I assume he’s either gone insane or just trying to bump up my mental game. Kylan comes in covered in sweat, and I’m on the course now for lap 4. Wow, am I ever suffering. On a new section of trail, I notice some lively decorations and a circa 1977 tape player booming out the beach boys on repeat; however, the battery is wearing out, and it’s so out of tune that I suddenly realize I must be in a David Lynch movie. I pass our camp and ride in to see what the plan is before I finish my lap. Paul is out – plan is to chill a bit and figure it out. Not good. I finish off the lap and check the score. We’re ahead by a lap and a few minutes, so we’re doing well, but if we drop the ball, it will be our race to lose. I head back to the camp to say as much.
-4
Our plan – Francine will go out in a few minutes, much to her dismay. She has to work tomorrow… I mean today! We’re sitting by the fire and someone jokes that we should just hang for an hour and go swipe the baton for a free lap since I’ve brought it back with me to the camp. I immediately start singing ‘Free-laps, don’t do it, when you want to go to it’ to the tune of Relax by Duran Duran. Kylan actually thinks this is funny. Somehow, Francine finds the motivation to go out again and does another amazing lap. I sit by the fire with my head bobbing in and out of sleep and eat one of Paul’s spicy meatballs. Nope, shouldn’t have done that.
-3
Kylans’ last lap – 5 for him. Sun starts to come up. Jason, Mason, and Jim wake up and come join the campfire. ‘Did you melt your helmet dude?’ Yeah, I was trying to dry it off. Are we ahead? Do I have to do another lap?
-2
Waiting for Kylan at the start line, people all over the camp are just waking up. I’ve not slept and I look at them not understanding what I’m seeing. Is that some dude’s mom in her house coat? Kylan shows up and I go for lap number 5. I’ve got nothing left. I stop at one obstacle, get off my bike and take a drink of water. I’m walking up the steepest hills. I see no one on the course and I’m wondering if I’ll even finish the lap before the time expires. I’m riding by our camp and no one is there...
-1
… but then I’m at the start line and the whole team is there waiting for me! We’ve won! We’ve destroyed them in fact. 17 laps to 15. Jason wants me to do a wheelie (but given my earlier start line antics, I decline.) The waves of euphoria come over me as it sinks in and I see how happy everyone else is. We never gave up and we won.
-0
I really have very little recollection of anything past this point. We’re at the post race breakfast and awards ceremony and I see that Jennie’s won solo women. She’s presented with a non ironical, non novelty check for $500 and is made to wear some sort of Bass Pro Shop looking camo baseball cap. That is awesome. Tolley takes second in his division. Mason takes first in Juniors! We’re on the stage next, shaking hands and nodding heads. The group breaks and somehow I actually drive myself home. That should not be allowed. I’m at home and sleep for something around 15 hours, wake up, and go to work. Where did my weekend go?
It’s Saturday morning and I’m awake. The work week is over and I’ve left all my preparation for the race until the morning before. First, food. Oatmeal seems right. Then to preparation. Bike maintenance: Check. Gear: Check. Wait, do I have everything I need? Crap, I need all my camping gear. It’s been sitting in a corner of the basement for about a decade. Yep, there’s the tent and sleeping bag – hope all the tent poles are still in that bag. Fire: Check. Forecast calls for near freezing temperatures tonight and a fire is a must. Double Crap, my ‘Great Ball of Fire’ backyard fire pit will never fit into the Swede. That thing is 3’ in diameter. I’m calling Kylan, he’s got an Explorer and that will definitely hold this thing. Ring Ring – No answer. Eff. Got to have my fire. Maybe if I disassemble the fire pit it will fit. Yes, that worked. Whew, I just blew like 50 calories doing that – I should have done all this the week before, but there was no time…
-21
I’m in the car headed to the race. Man, I’m hungry – oatmeal didn’t cut it. Off to Palani Drive to get a breakfast burrito, the one with eggs, sausage, and potatoes. And a coffee. Driving down Patterson, I’m rocking out to the Zounds, my new favorite punk band. Life is good – I’m really looking forward to this now.
-20
Camp is set up. Jason is here with Mason and a proper awesome pop up tent. We’re set up on the hill overlooking the start line. It’s perfect. Jim Fisher has been here since last Tuesday pre-riding. Steve Tolley is set up, ready to ride this thing solo, and legend has it that Jennie Belt will show up to race solo women’s. I can’t even fathom such efforts. Paul and Kylan show up and we decide on the rotation. First Kylan, then me, then Paul, then Francine (I’ve begged to be able to do a daylight lap, and that will be my only chance.) Maybe we should each do two laps? Minimize the hot to cold shock of it all. The Director Sportif says no.
-19
Pre race meeting. Man, why do they keep mentioning this one sponsor who does IT stuff? We need to get back to the base camp and get ready! Did he just say the course is a slopfest?
-18Start gate: Kylan is at the line; Jennie, Steve, Mason, and Jim are there too. Ed Jones rolls out the prologue and they’re off. Back to camp to get ready for my lap.
-17
Geared up and ready to go at the start line. Kylan rocked out an awesome first lap – easily among the first 10 or 15 to get across. No sign of our competition yet, so we’re already doing well. Kylan passes me the baton, and I struggle to get it into my jersey pocket. What is this crazy Velcro crap on this thing – I can’t get it off my glove. Am I crashing? Yep, right at the start line, I’ve crashed trying to put the baton into my jersey pocket. No one can claim I’m sandbagging in Beginner class this year now after seeing this pedestrian display of racing. I get up, brush it off and I’m on the course racing! Yes, the trails are wet to say the least. The mud has the consistency of tile mastic. I’m already using granny just to power through some of this terrain. Deeper into the course, the trail dries up, and I maintain some good speed. As always, the mile makers are hurling motivational phrases at me that I know I will want to rip down later in the race. I pass the camp, dive into the last bit of singletrack, and finish my lap. 51 minutes – not bad!
-16
I’m steaming. I get back to the camp to rest and prep before my next lap, and I’m so covered with sweat, that as I stand in front of the camp fire, the sweat steams off me and my kit. Paul’s out on course, and now I’m trying to figure out the best way to recover the 900 calories that my computer just told me I left lying on the trail.
-15
What up Matt Juaneza! Did you totally just show up and bring us pizza? You the man! Paul’s back from his first lap – lungs are killing him from a chest cold he’s been nursing all week hoping to recover from. He’s hurting. Francine is out on course – first all night lap.
-14
Standings update – somehow we’ve lost the lead. Chris McMillan has done two pretty fast laps and we’re behind by 10 or so minutes. They’re doing double laps and we start to question our tactics. Going into the race, we feared his team would give us a serious challenge as he’s paired up with Donna Miller and some ASR folks. Morale starts to decline. We’re running out of firewood and are wondering if we shouldn’t just do a few laps, hang by the fire for the rest of the night, and drink a few beers. Yes, that would be good… shouldn’t we do that? Francine is back – Kylan rolls out. Time for me to get ready, I guess.
-13
First night lap. Hey look at that, I took the baton and didn’t crash. Course is still wet, but now it’s dark and I haven’t ridden a night ride since sometime last spring. Just like that, the first root gets me and I feel that familiar shwooop of losing traction and losing balance as the back end of the bike goes all over the trail. I recover without falling, but realize that this is going to be hard. I’m now looking for every root, every line. Where can I keep speed? I try desperately to crank hard on the fire roads and flats that I know are safe, but some sections are relentlessly dangerous with the roots. I get back to the start line and I’ve made it, but this time it took me 60 minutes. Man, that won’t be good enough.
-12
What up Joe Fish! Did you totally just show up and bring us pizza? You the man! Am I hallucinating? Nope, that’s Joe. He’s saying something about the fact that HoneyPlassman is going to have to race expert next season and he’s going to have to kick his ass. HoneyPlassman don’t care I think to myself…
-11
Paul’s back – Francine is out. I’m eating. Someone I don’t know is here by my fire and I’m worried that I won’t be able to reap the full benefit of its radiant heat if I have to share it. It is so cold, I’m certain I’m not going to do any more laps. Hell no. What’s the point, the other team has us, and we might as well get warm in our tents. Who is this person stealing my heat? I suspect enemy team tactics and repeatedly give him the stink eye.
-10
Francine is back, Kylan is out. I’m next. No, it can’t be me next. I eat a banana and play some Angry Birds with Paul. Someone says the temperature is in the 20’s. Well, that means I should put on everything I own for the next lap.
-9
I’m on course with WAY TOO MUCH clothing. I stop to take a bunch of it off. Whew. Actually I’m feeling pretty good all of a sudden. Fear of roots has subsided; I’m in the zone zooming down the singletrack. I’ve passed several people even. I pass the camp and yell ‘Where’s Paul?’ He’s not expecting me this early – I’ve had a good lap! I’m inspired to go even faster for the last half mile. At the start line, Paul is there to congratulate me. ‘Nice lap man!’
-8
Mid race results are up on the board. We’re winning! By 30 minutes even. Holy crap, we could win this. The knowledge is not enough though. I’m back to the camp and really start to feel the fatigue. I tell Kylan I’m going to lay down in my tent for awhile, which I do.
-5
My phone rings. It’s Paul. Go away Paul, I’m sleeping – sort of. Ok, Ok, it’s my lap next, fine. How did you get my number anyway? I’m up, into the cold wet kit, and ready. I’m at the starting line waiting. And waiting. And waiting. Everyone is suffering now – Paul tells me he can’t do another lap. He just can’t breathe. Something about me doing a double lap he says to me – I assume he’s either gone insane or just trying to bump up my mental game. Kylan comes in covered in sweat, and I’m on the course now for lap 4. Wow, am I ever suffering. On a new section of trail, I notice some lively decorations and a circa 1977 tape player booming out the beach boys on repeat; however, the battery is wearing out, and it’s so out of tune that I suddenly realize I must be in a David Lynch movie. I pass our camp and ride in to see what the plan is before I finish my lap. Paul is out – plan is to chill a bit and figure it out. Not good. I finish off the lap and check the score. We’re ahead by a lap and a few minutes, so we’re doing well, but if we drop the ball, it will be our race to lose. I head back to the camp to say as much.
-4
Our plan – Francine will go out in a few minutes, much to her dismay. She has to work tomorrow… I mean today! We’re sitting by the fire and someone jokes that we should just hang for an hour and go swipe the baton for a free lap since I’ve brought it back with me to the camp. I immediately start singing ‘Free-laps, don’t do it, when you want to go to it’ to the tune of Relax by Duran Duran. Kylan actually thinks this is funny. Somehow, Francine finds the motivation to go out again and does another amazing lap. I sit by the fire with my head bobbing in and out of sleep and eat one of Paul’s spicy meatballs. Nope, shouldn’t have done that.
-3Kylans’ last lap – 5 for him. Sun starts to come up. Jason, Mason, and Jim wake up and come join the campfire. ‘Did you melt your helmet dude?’ Yeah, I was trying to dry it off. Are we ahead? Do I have to do another lap?
-2Waiting for Kylan at the start line, people all over the camp are just waking up. I’ve not slept and I look at them not understanding what I’m seeing. Is that some dude’s mom in her house coat? Kylan shows up and I go for lap number 5. I’ve got nothing left. I stop at one obstacle, get off my bike and take a drink of water. I’m walking up the steepest hills. I see no one on the course and I’m wondering if I’ll even finish the lap before the time expires. I’m riding by our camp and no one is there...
-1… but then I’m at the start line and the whole team is there waiting for me! We’ve won! We’ve destroyed them in fact. 17 laps to 15. Jason wants me to do a wheelie (but given my earlier start line antics, I decline.) The waves of euphoria come over me as it sinks in and I see how happy everyone else is. We never gave up and we won.
-0I really have very little recollection of anything past this point. We’re at the post race breakfast and awards ceremony and I see that Jennie’s won solo women. She’s presented with a non ironical, non novelty check for $500 and is made to wear some sort of Bass Pro Shop looking camo baseball cap. That is awesome. Tolley takes second in his division. Mason takes first in Juniors! We’re on the stage next, shaking hands and nodding heads. The group breaks and somehow I actually drive myself home. That should not be allowed. I’m at home and sleep for something around 15 hours, wake up, and go to work. Where did my weekend go?
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Trick or Treat
TREAT!
Just in time for the cooler weather - Jackets & Vests are in.
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| Halloween RED eyes - TRICK |
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| Toms' backside - TRICK or TREAT? |
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Diggin It
Weather is great, trails are in perfect condition, how better to spend your day then riding right? Well, Damon, my son and I decided to give a bit back this morning. We cross trained a bit by swinging Pulaski's and McLeod's around for a couple hours around Pocahontas State Park.
Yeah, maybe not the most glorious way to get a workout in, but it was a good time and I like the feel of accomplishment. Now is the time of year to get out to the trails and help maintain them. If you haven't made it out this year, try to find some way to give back. The DP Racing team has logged over 100 hours of trail work this season in and around Richmond. The VORS Paydirt program is really paying dividends for the trails around Virginia.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
2011 Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race
The dust has settled and I've finally had a chance to write about my 2011 Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race adveture. This post is long, but I think you will find it's worth the read. Enjoy!
The Journey Begins
Clearing skies provided for a stunning fall driving through the mountains of VA, TN, and NC. The Mazda 3 was packed to the gills with enough gear to survive 2 stage races and a nuclear winter. I spilled coffee in my lap and got mad for a bit and then smiled with the realization that this was going to be a great week.
As the evening arrived, Asheville came into view and I checked in to my room just in time to ramble downtown for some dinner and a coffee. I was pleased to find things were not crowded and got a table at the "Early Girl Eatery" and ordered a very tasty Shrimp and Grits and local IPA.
Afterwards, I meandered through town in search of hot java and found a cup black as night and strong as sin.
Walking around town at dusk provided some very nice views, and I headed back to my room for a solid slumber with memories of Pisgah past flowing through my mind. In 2009 I raced the inaugural Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race. That year the weather kept it interesting with 40deg temps, rain, and even snow. As I went to sleep I got cold and cramped just thinking about those truly difficult days in the saddle. Then the warmth of the great memories from that year’s race put me at ease.
Re-acquainting with Brevard and Pisgah
Monday morning greeted me pleasantly with serene views of the sleepy fog draped mountains surrounding Asheville. During the drive to Brevard the weather got a bit spotty as clouds and misty rain made it’s way eastbound and down. Familiar sights welcomed me to Brevard as I made my way past the entrance to the Pisgah Forest and stopped in at Sycamore Cycles and caught up with local speed merchant Wes Dickson.
Cruising around town to get the lay of the land was where I spotted a race banner downtown and scoped out several places to eat. After some pretty good pizza I header over to the Pisgah forest to pre-ride the Black Mountain descent we would end on each day.
Let’s get this started
The Brevard Music Center hosted the pre-race dinner/race briefing and packet pick up. We all enjoyed some really good local food, wine, and New Belgium beer on tap. Todd Branham, the race director, welcomed everyone and gave a great overview presentation of the next 5 days of racing. Anticipation started coursing through my veins and I awaited the incredible riding experience that awaited us all.
After dinner my house mates and I stopped at a grocery for essentials: coffee, beer, pasta, laundry detergent, pickles...We returned to the house we rented, Grandma’s House, and got acquainted as we prepared for the 1st stage. Somehow I got a massive headache (beer or low pressure weather system?) and I tried to go to sleep as it thundered and rained outside. Day 1 was going to be wet!
Stage 1 – White Squirrel Loop
Following a long restless night, I woke up at 6:45am and joined the rest of the crew for breakfast in Granny’s kitchen. After a double serving of oatmeal and a splash of coffee, I got my bottles and drop bags ready for the day. Rob, Montana, Brad and myself road a bicycle path to the Pisgah Forest for about 2 miles from Gammy's house and arrived at the race start/finish sufficiently warmed up. Garth and Claire rolled over in the V-Dub and shuttled our drop bags for us. Thanks Garth! A damp and chilly morning greeted us and the reasonably paced start on the pavement was welcome. At the top of the first climb the trail started with a fast and buff single track chute. This gave way to Squirrel Gap, a trail that is pretty technical with a narrow cut and often not much else. Lots of rock features and tons of roots were made more difficult by the fresh rain and very slippery mud. A good bit of gravel took us back to the ridgeline for Black Mountain and soon I was facing a seemingly unending set of rock stairs and switch backs that led to about 3 false summits. A very technical rocky and rutted descent finally leveled out and I was relived to see the next trail head for the final hike to the last descent of Black Mountain. This descent is a real hoot and I smiled all the way down to the finish.
We all soaked in the surprisingly cold stream across the street and then headed back to the house where the daily ritual of stage racing began: bike wash and service, cleaning ourselves up, refueling with food and IPA, and heading into town for the awards and happy hour.
Upon returning home, I prepared drops for the next day, processed some video, and updated my blog with the best ramblings I could manage.
Rock Star Status Confirmed
Following a hamburger and fries massacre, I roamed downtown Brevard with Rob, Montana, and Brad. We noticed signs in many store fronts welcoming race families into their shops. Just then a lovely young hostess at a restaurant came outside and greeted us and asked about the day’s stage in the race. She explained that she is on the mountain bike team at Brevard College and was eager to hear how we enjoyed riding Squirrel Gap. Down the road a bit, we wandered by a bakery and were bummed that it had just closed at 5:00pm hoping to score some coffee and snacks. As we longingly looked in the window another lovely young lady saw us and motioned for us to hold on for a moment. She burst out of the bakery and inquired if we were bike racers. Why yes we are. She cheerfully handed us a fresh loaf of bread! Awesome! A bit later, while fellow racers enjoyed the happy hour, I walked a few blocks to a café to get my fix. The barista was another very nice young lady who asked me all about the stage race and how I was doing while preparing a double espresso with cream. Surely these were an exceptional series of events and I was very flattered with all the attention. How awesome is it to be a mountain bike rock star for a day?
The town of Brevard really rallied together for this bike race and provided an exceptionally welcoming town to return to after every stage of the race. A mountain biker could get used to this.
Stage 2 – Land of Waterfalls Loop
Rousing myself from a unsteady slumber and shoveling oatmeal into my mouth was a wee bit harder the second day. Our gang of 4 pedaled along the bike path with lifting fog and a warm sun greeting us. When we arrived at the start area, our bikes were loaded onto a moving truck and racers climbed onto a pair of "trolley" buses for a tour through Brevard as well as transport to the start for stage 2.
The tour through Brevard gave a city spokesperson a chance to give us some history and to showcase the progress Brevard after losing a major industrial employer. The trolley ride was a bit awkward, but it was cool to get a local's perspective. At one point an angry wasp landed on a lady's back and Birdman nearly gave her a beating trying to kill the thing. Luckily someone in the back of the bus snatched it out of the air like a 4th degree black belt and ended the drama. When we got to the race start area, one of the trucks with bikes had gotten delayed. While waiting, I
had a chance to talk bikes with Adam Craig as he asked my about my Anthem 29er. Soon, the race would start in a field with a Lemans start and jumpy racers.
And they’re off! Ascending the climb to Farlow gap is done via a long, very long, 9 miles of undulating fire road. At the top I put it in the big ring and started to work my way back through the field that bested me on the climb. Farlow Gap proved to be one of the most technical and treacherous descents I've done in a while. I managed to ride about 85% of it before common sense took over and I ran, hopped, and slid down a few section of super knarl. The remainder of the day was filled with fast, retired road-bed single track, river side trails, monster hike-a-bikes, and some demanding descents. I was really relieved to finish as my back was aching. It was not my best day for pedaling but I maintained my position just off the podium for Open Men (under 40) in 4th place.
That night I was happy to wash up in a real shower, cleaned my bike in a bit of a mental fog, and enjoyed the cooking of my
housemates. It was a tough day and we all were glad we had a "short" XC style stage the next day that started later in the morning.
Stage 3 - Carl Schenck Loop
Breakfast was pleasant this morning and we were not as rushed as the previous two days. I rolled with Garth and Claire in the V-Dub out to the start finish about 15 miles away in the forest. When we got there it was awesome to find Izzy's coffee shop truck with some java compliments of Izzy. I knew it would be good coffee when I noticed his sticker "Death before Decaf". It was indeed a great cup.
A fast fire-road climb started the day and I was with the lead group for most of the climb during some close quarters racing. I found myself sandwiched between Sam Koerber and other fast guys as we chased down Garth who had taken off after the lead out car like a greyhound. There was a noisy raucous from the pack as we passed by Garth who had flatted. That really sucked for his start.
Once it got steeper, I faded off the back for a bit, but then caught the back of the lead group on the first descent. It was full on Plassmania as I diced my way through some of the fast folks, even though I knew they would likely over take me on the next climb. However, riding with folks at this level, passing amongst racers is rarely and issue and every body knows how to trade paint with no drama. A great selection fast, flowing trails and one long brutal climb filled the rest of the day and I was smashed at the finish of this shorter, “easy” day. We rolled back to the crib, picked up some grub, and finished the day destroyed from 25 miles and 3200 ft of truly intense, technical, mountain XC racing.
Right Tool for the Job – Giant Anthem x29er
My race bike this year rocks! The Anthem x29er I got from Rowlett’s Bicycle at the beginning of the season has carried me to many an XC race podium and helped me knock an hour off of my 100miler times. I was pretty confident that it would be great in the Pisgah Stage Race. I was not disappointed. No matter how certain the terrain got, my Anthem let me bomb through it at warp speed with supreme confidence. On the road, in gravel sections, and through flowing single track my trusty Giant rolled along with supreme efficiency. It’s a great race bike that can step up when you have to send it.
Stage 4 – Promised Land Loop
Todd Branham explained that this was likely the hardest day of racing in the Pisgah Stage Race with 39 miles and 8,000ft of climbing. The day began by heading into the start/finish the opposite direction of most days with a climb up Black Mountain’s single track. On the top section of Black Mountain the rutted and drop filled downhill from day 2 challenged our ascent back up. Montana had had a flat and later came storming by me on his single speed, really impressive climbing power and skill. At the top we turned onto a ridge line descent that undulated up and down through a jungle of laurel and thorn bushes. The trail was getting reclaimed by this tangle and I had to make a leap of faith on my bombing run where I could barely see the trail for the jungle as I flew down blinded by adrenaline and enthusiasm.
After the thrilling first major descent, the day continued with some pleasant single track climbing and riverside trails. Another long granny gear climbed finally submitted to reveal a thrilling descent. At last, the last major climb of the day started at the horse stables and gave way to the familiar descent down Black Mountain to complete an incredible day of mountain cycling.
Stage 5 - Transylvania Loop
A cold morning greeted us with temps in the forties and clearing fog. The "man" was waiting at the start/finish to lead the racers out on a police escort down the highway towards the day’s first gravel offerings. I pushed to stay with the lead group as we climbed out of Brevard on the highway and enjoyed heading out surrounded by racers that had become familiar over the last four days. It was fun to chase Gerry Phlug down on a quick breakaway with Jeremiah Bishop. We turned left onto Turkey Pen road and eventually the 1st single track climb that was followed by a great descent, really fast, leafy, and lots of drops that ended with crossing a stream (small river) 7 times in 40ish temps. Then, the real work began with a long climb up the sides of Laurel Mountain to the top where the Pilot Rock descent started. After this nerve racking rocky descent, more fire road awaited and a steep single track climb gave way to the descent down Avery Creek that was off the chart. One more lengthy gravel climb and I was busy finishing the last run down Black Mountain with a huge grin as I continued bombing towards the finish.
Rolling across the finish on the last stage was sublime. 5 days of incredible riding completed the most seamless stage race yet for me. No flats or mechanicals, no crashes, and no real problems with cramping, bonking, fueling, or hydration. What a great week of racing! I finished 4th Open Men in the overall cumulative time.
“Grandmas Gang”
Last time I raced this event I camped by myself at the Davidson River Campground. It was cold, lonely, and added an extra degree of difficulty to the event. This year I stayed with an awesome group of racers in a house we rented near the race start, "Grandmas House". My 6 housemates included Garth Prosser, Claire Garcia-Webb, Rob Lochner, Montana Miller, Brad Schmalzer, and Thom Parsons. The experience of stage racing with a cool group of folks is a big part of why I like these events. Each one of us contributed to the richness of the weeks events with humor, camaraderie, and our own perspectives. Everyone shared in the common struggles and triumphs gained from each days challenge. All of us attacked, endured, suffered, and ultimately conquered the very demanding riding of Pisgah. The 6 racers in the house earned two 1st places, two 3rd places, and two 4th places. Not too shabby for the clan shacking up at Grammas.
Thom Parsons enhanced our racing experience with his perspective as a video journalist covering the event for www.cyclingdirt.org with in race footage and post race interviews. Every day he trekked into the field to gather footage and every night Tom worked long hours to edit and upload tons of great videos.
Closing Time
The awards dinner and party was money. Plenty of food, drink, entertainment and friends. I really enjoyed watching all my competitors take their rightful place on the podium, although my heart ached a bit knowing I was not too far off from 3rd place. There was plenty of entertainment for race families including: several kids races, a pie eating contest, and local vendors selling extra food for folks to devour. A local funk band, The Fishticks, rocked the house until we all shut the place down late into the night.
All good things must come to an end, and so it was on Sunday as I packed up my car and hung out with Garth at the bike shop while Claire boxed up her bike for shipment to MOAB. Garth and I went across the parking lot to check the local papers. The Transylvania Times had a cover shot and story about the race. I bought a paper and was surprised when I turned to the main story page to see a photo of myself looking back. We headed back to the house and cooked the remaining eggs and veggies into a final meal before going home.
I bid my housemates goodbye and started on the road back to Richmond with bittersweet feelings. Leaving a stage race is one of the tough things you have to do. Returning to the every day after such a demanding and rewarding experience is never easy. I looked forward to telling my Design Physics race team friends all about my adventures. Knowing that I would not be living the stage race experience with my fellow racers and room mates any more made me wish there were 5 more days of mountain roads, Pisgah single track, and mountain biking with the best.
Cheers!
The Journey Begins
Clearing skies provided for a stunning fall driving through the mountains of VA, TN, and NC. The Mazda 3 was packed to the gills with enough gear to survive 2 stage races and a nuclear winter. I spilled coffee in my lap and got mad for a bit and then smiled with the realization that this was going to be a great week.
 |  |  |
As the evening arrived, Asheville came into view and I checked in to my room just in time to ramble downtown for some dinner and a coffee. I was pleased to find things were not crowded and got a table at the "Early Girl Eatery" and ordered a very tasty Shrimp and Grits and local IPA.
 |  |  |
Afterwards, I meandered through town in search of hot java and found a cup black as night and strong as sin.
 |  |  |
Walking around town at dusk provided some very nice views, and I headed back to my room for a solid slumber with memories of Pisgah past flowing through my mind. In 2009 I raced the inaugural Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race. That year the weather kept it interesting with 40deg temps, rain, and even snow. As I went to sleep I got cold and cramped just thinking about those truly difficult days in the saddle. Then the warmth of the great memories from that year’s race put me at ease.
Re-acquainting with Brevard and Pisgah
Monday morning greeted me pleasantly with serene views of the sleepy fog draped mountains surrounding Asheville. During the drive to Brevard the weather got a bit spotty as clouds and misty rain made it’s way eastbound and down. Familiar sights welcomed me to Brevard as I made my way past the entrance to the Pisgah Forest and stopped in at Sycamore Cycles and caught up with local speed merchant Wes Dickson.
 |  |  |
Cruising around town to get the lay of the land was where I spotted a race banner downtown and scoped out several places to eat. After some pretty good pizza I header over to the Pisgah forest to pre-ride the Black Mountain descent we would end on each day.
Let’s get this started
The Brevard Music Center hosted the pre-race dinner/race briefing and packet pick up. We all enjoyed some really good local food, wine, and New Belgium beer on tap. Todd Branham, the race director, welcomed everyone and gave a great overview presentation of the next 5 days of racing. Anticipation started coursing through my veins and I awaited the incredible riding experience that awaited us all.
 |  |  |
After dinner my house mates and I stopped at a grocery for essentials: coffee, beer, pasta, laundry detergent, pickles...We returned to the house we rented, Grandma’s House, and got acquainted as we prepared for the 1st stage. Somehow I got a massive headache (beer or low pressure weather system?) and I tried to go to sleep as it thundered and rained outside. Day 1 was going to be wet!
Stage 1 – White Squirrel Loop
Following a long restless night, I woke up at 6:45am and joined the rest of the crew for breakfast in Granny’s kitchen. After a double serving of oatmeal and a splash of coffee, I got my bottles and drop bags ready for the day. Rob, Montana, Brad and myself road a bicycle path to the Pisgah Forest for about 2 miles from Gammy's house and arrived at the race start/finish sufficiently warmed up. Garth and Claire rolled over in the V-Dub and shuttled our drop bags for us. Thanks Garth! A damp and chilly morning greeted us and the reasonably paced start on the pavement was welcome. At the top of the first climb the trail started with a fast and buff single track chute. This gave way to Squirrel Gap, a trail that is pretty technical with a narrow cut and often not much else. Lots of rock features and tons of roots were made more difficult by the fresh rain and very slippery mud. A good bit of gravel took us back to the ridgeline for Black Mountain and soon I was facing a seemingly unending set of rock stairs and switch backs that led to about 3 false summits. A very technical rocky and rutted descent finally leveled out and I was relived to see the next trail head for the final hike to the last descent of Black Mountain. This descent is a real hoot and I smiled all the way down to the finish.
 |  |  |
We all soaked in the surprisingly cold stream across the street and then headed back to the house where the daily ritual of stage racing began: bike wash and service, cleaning ourselves up, refueling with food and IPA, and heading into town for the awards and happy hour.
 |  |  |
Upon returning home, I prepared drops for the next day, processed some video, and updated my blog with the best ramblings I could manage.
Rock Star Status Confirmed
Following a hamburger and fries massacre, I roamed downtown Brevard with Rob, Montana, and Brad. We noticed signs in many store fronts welcoming race families into their shops. Just then a lovely young hostess at a restaurant came outside and greeted us and asked about the day’s stage in the race. She explained that she is on the mountain bike team at Brevard College and was eager to hear how we enjoyed riding Squirrel Gap. Down the road a bit, we wandered by a bakery and were bummed that it had just closed at 5:00pm hoping to score some coffee and snacks. As we longingly looked in the window another lovely young lady saw us and motioned for us to hold on for a moment. She burst out of the bakery and inquired if we were bike racers. Why yes we are. She cheerfully handed us a fresh loaf of bread! Awesome! A bit later, while fellow racers enjoyed the happy hour, I walked a few blocks to a café to get my fix. The barista was another very nice young lady who asked me all about the stage race and how I was doing while preparing a double espresso with cream. Surely these were an exceptional series of events and I was very flattered with all the attention. How awesome is it to be a mountain bike rock star for a day?
The town of Brevard really rallied together for this bike race and provided an exceptionally welcoming town to return to after every stage of the race. A mountain biker could get used to this.
Stage 2 – Land of Waterfalls Loop
Rousing myself from a unsteady slumber and shoveling oatmeal into my mouth was a wee bit harder the second day. Our gang of 4 pedaled along the bike path with lifting fog and a warm sun greeting us. When we arrived at the start area, our bikes were loaded onto a moving truck and racers climbed onto a pair of "trolley" buses for a tour through Brevard as well as transport to the start for stage 2.
 |  |  |
The tour through Brevard gave a city spokesperson a chance to give us some history and to showcase the progress Brevard after losing a major industrial employer. The trolley ride was a bit awkward, but it was cool to get a local's perspective. At one point an angry wasp landed on a lady's back and Birdman nearly gave her a beating trying to kill the thing. Luckily someone in the back of the bus snatched it out of the air like a 4th degree black belt and ended the drama. When we got to the race start area, one of the trucks with bikes had gotten delayed. While waiting, I
had a chance to talk bikes with Adam Craig as he asked my about my Anthem 29er. Soon, the race would start in a field with a Lemans start and jumpy racers.
And they’re off! Ascending the climb to Farlow gap is done via a long, very long, 9 miles of undulating fire road. At the top I put it in the big ring and started to work my way back through the field that bested me on the climb. Farlow Gap proved to be one of the most technical and treacherous descents I've done in a while. I managed to ride about 85% of it before common sense took over and I ran, hopped, and slid down a few section of super knarl. The remainder of the day was filled with fast, retired road-bed single track, river side trails, monster hike-a-bikes, and some demanding descents. I was really relieved to finish as my back was aching. It was not my best day for pedaling but I maintained my position just off the podium for Open Men (under 40) in 4th place.
 |  |  |
That night I was happy to wash up in a real shower, cleaned my bike in a bit of a mental fog, and enjoyed the cooking of my
housemates. It was a tough day and we all were glad we had a "short" XC style stage the next day that started later in the morning.
Stage 3 - Carl Schenck Loop
Breakfast was pleasant this morning and we were not as rushed as the previous two days. I rolled with Garth and Claire in the V-Dub out to the start finish about 15 miles away in the forest. When we got there it was awesome to find Izzy's coffee shop truck with some java compliments of Izzy. I knew it would be good coffee when I noticed his sticker "Death before Decaf". It was indeed a great cup.
 |  |  |
A fast fire-road climb started the day and I was with the lead group for most of the climb during some close quarters racing. I found myself sandwiched between Sam Koerber and other fast guys as we chased down Garth who had taken off after the lead out car like a greyhound. There was a noisy raucous from the pack as we passed by Garth who had flatted. That really sucked for his start.
Once it got steeper, I faded off the back for a bit, but then caught the back of the lead group on the first descent. It was full on Plassmania as I diced my way through some of the fast folks, even though I knew they would likely over take me on the next climb. However, riding with folks at this level, passing amongst racers is rarely and issue and every body knows how to trade paint with no drama. A great selection fast, flowing trails and one long brutal climb filled the rest of the day and I was smashed at the finish of this shorter, “easy” day. We rolled back to the crib, picked up some grub, and finished the day destroyed from 25 miles and 3200 ft of truly intense, technical, mountain XC racing.
Right Tool for the Job – Giant Anthem x29er
My race bike this year rocks! The Anthem x29er I got from Rowlett’s Bicycle at the beginning of the season has carried me to many an XC race podium and helped me knock an hour off of my 100miler times. I was pretty confident that it would be great in the Pisgah Stage Race. I was not disappointed. No matter how certain the terrain got, my Anthem let me bomb through it at warp speed with supreme confidence. On the road, in gravel sections, and through flowing single track my trusty Giant rolled along with supreme efficiency. It’s a great race bike that can step up when you have to send it.
Stage 4 – Promised Land Loop
Todd Branham explained that this was likely the hardest day of racing in the Pisgah Stage Race with 39 miles and 8,000ft of climbing. The day began by heading into the start/finish the opposite direction of most days with a climb up Black Mountain’s single track. On the top section of Black Mountain the rutted and drop filled downhill from day 2 challenged our ascent back up. Montana had had a flat and later came storming by me on his single speed, really impressive climbing power and skill. At the top we turned onto a ridge line descent that undulated up and down through a jungle of laurel and thorn bushes. The trail was getting reclaimed by this tangle and I had to make a leap of faith on my bombing run where I could barely see the trail for the jungle as I flew down blinded by adrenaline and enthusiasm.
 |  |  |
After the thrilling first major descent, the day continued with some pleasant single track climbing and riverside trails. Another long granny gear climbed finally submitted to reveal a thrilling descent. At last, the last major climb of the day started at the horse stables and gave way to the familiar descent down Black Mountain to complete an incredible day of mountain cycling.
Stage 5 - Transylvania Loop
A cold morning greeted us with temps in the forties and clearing fog. The "man" was waiting at the start/finish to lead the racers out on a police escort down the highway towards the day’s first gravel offerings. I pushed to stay with the lead group as we climbed out of Brevard on the highway and enjoyed heading out surrounded by racers that had become familiar over the last four days. It was fun to chase Gerry Phlug down on a quick breakaway with Jeremiah Bishop. We turned left onto Turkey Pen road and eventually the 1st single track climb that was followed by a great descent, really fast, leafy, and lots of drops that ended with crossing a stream (small river) 7 times in 40ish temps. Then, the real work began with a long climb up the sides of Laurel Mountain to the top where the Pilot Rock descent started. After this nerve racking rocky descent, more fire road awaited and a steep single track climb gave way to the descent down Avery Creek that was off the chart. One more lengthy gravel climb and I was busy finishing the last run down Black Mountain with a huge grin as I continued bombing towards the finish.
 |  |  |
Rolling across the finish on the last stage was sublime. 5 days of incredible riding completed the most seamless stage race yet for me. No flats or mechanicals, no crashes, and no real problems with cramping, bonking, fueling, or hydration. What a great week of racing! I finished 4th Open Men in the overall cumulative time.
“Grandmas Gang”
Last time I raced this event I camped by myself at the Davidson River Campground. It was cold, lonely, and added an extra degree of difficulty to the event. This year I stayed with an awesome group of racers in a house we rented near the race start, "Grandmas House". My 6 housemates included Garth Prosser, Claire Garcia-Webb, Rob Lochner, Montana Miller, Brad Schmalzer, and Thom Parsons. The experience of stage racing with a cool group of folks is a big part of why I like these events. Each one of us contributed to the richness of the weeks events with humor, camaraderie, and our own perspectives. Everyone shared in the common struggles and triumphs gained from each days challenge. All of us attacked, endured, suffered, and ultimately conquered the very demanding riding of Pisgah. The 6 racers in the house earned two 1st places, two 3rd places, and two 4th places. Not too shabby for the clan shacking up at Grammas.
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Thom Parsons enhanced our racing experience with his perspective as a video journalist covering the event for www.cyclingdirt.org with in race footage and post race interviews. Every day he trekked into the field to gather footage and every night Tom worked long hours to edit and upload tons of great videos.
Closing Time
The awards dinner and party was money. Plenty of food, drink, entertainment and friends. I really enjoyed watching all my competitors take their rightful place on the podium, although my heart ached a bit knowing I was not too far off from 3rd place. There was plenty of entertainment for race families including: several kids races, a pie eating contest, and local vendors selling extra food for folks to devour. A local funk band, The Fishticks, rocked the house until we all shut the place down late into the night.
All good things must come to an end, and so it was on Sunday as I packed up my car and hung out with Garth at the bike shop while Claire boxed up her bike for shipment to MOAB. Garth and I went across the parking lot to check the local papers. The Transylvania Times had a cover shot and story about the race. I bought a paper and was surprised when I turned to the main story page to see a photo of myself looking back. We headed back to the house and cooked the remaining eggs and veggies into a final meal before going home.
 |  |  |
I bid my housemates goodbye and started on the road back to Richmond with bittersweet feelings. Leaving a stage race is one of the tough things you have to do. Returning to the every day after such a demanding and rewarding experience is never easy. I looked forward to telling my Design Physics race team friends all about my adventures. Knowing that I would not be living the stage race experience with my fellow racers and room mates any more made me wish there were 5 more days of mountain roads, Pisgah single track, and mountain biking with the best.
Cheers!
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