Ever since the lost the "flats" at Poor Farm, the trail conditions have been on the decline. The trails future looked bleak to say the least. But last Sunday the hope returned in the form of the Stagg Creek Shakedown presented by Richmond Velo Sport. The turnout was good with at least a hundred riders ready to suffer in hot hot heat. Ed Jones a.k.a Cycles Ed, a long time figure in the Ashland cycling scene, created one tough course. It was satanic to say the least, we went up all the wrong hills. Easily the hardest cross country course in the central Virginia. This would be my first race of year that was shorter than 20 miles. I had no clue if my ability to sustain high intensity power was there. What a better way to find out than on my home course. At the starting line I knew right away who the competition would be. Ethan Lindbloom, a guy who has been really good at this for a long time and Kevin Horvath, who is always strong in the single speed class. Everyone else I didn't have a clue how strong they'd be. Right out of the gate Ethan took charge, leading into the singletrack, with Kevin, Sean Yeager and George Lowe with me right behind him. Before the first climb Ethan had already put 20 seconds into everyone. I got past George on a climb he got off and walked while I rode it. Then I ran past Kevin on the climb right after the 180 degree turn on gravel and powered past Sean on the last little gravel pitch of that climb. After passing those guys I couldn't see Ethan and figured he was long gone. Then on a technical climb right after this sketchy descent, I saw Ethan grinding up the climb. We did some yo-yoing for a while, I attacked on this doubletrack climb and got a gap. It was coming apparent that I was climbing much stronger than Ethan and he knew it. So he made up the gaps on the descents. Dude was tearing up the downhills no doubt. My strong efforts were to no avail. Then on this sketchy long pile I endoed and got my brake cables all tangled up. Ethan went by me while I fixed that and I never came close again. I then rode pretty conservative to make sure to seal second place. On the second lap I could see Kevin coming on strong in the flats but once the trails kicked up again he was gone. I came in 2nd at 1:33 less than a minute behind Ethan. Overall pretty happy with that result, finishing that close to a guy like Ethan gives me confidence that I can hang with some of the best around. You can always ask the what if question but does it really matter? No doubt in mind I had enough gas in the tank for one more strong attack but it didn't happen. I crashed like always, so it is what it is. Although the DP squad didn't have a good showing, we still put forth strong results. Byron won Beginner men and Matt sorta of got third place in Sport Men under 35 but after going off course I guess he was DQ'ed? Also Mason got second in Beginner Juniors. Next year the DP squad needs to be out in full force for this one. Results
Oh for all you gear ratio nerds I ran a 36x20, felt perfect.
Check out this video made by Dan Gibson of DBGProductions
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Ohio is Not Flat: The Wayne Ultra Report
The journey began Saturday after work with a 4 and half hour drive to Morgantown. I got lost only a couple times trying to find Logan's place. I sleep really bad/sweaty on his leather couch but it beat the hell out of sleeping on the ground in a tent. The ride Sunday from Morgantown to Marietta, OH was pretty scenic and I made good time, getting there an 1 hour and half early.
Rolling into the parking lot, right away is was apparent this was a perfect place for a race, big green hills, right on the beautiful Ohio River. Went through registration said hey to Andrew Forron from New River Bikes and Andy from Pro Bike Outfitters. While looking my bike over I noticed the bearings in bottom bracket were shot, resulting in lots of play in the crank. The pedals still moved and the wheel still rolled, so nothing too major. Finally got the bike right, loaded up the camelbak with nutrition, repair tools and I was ready to roll.
The race starts with a neutral roll out down towards the first climb of the race. The promoter honked his horn and off we went. The first climb starts out fairly gradual on asphalt. Then you take a tight right hand turn and it shoots straight up on to gravel. After 4 miles or so I finally made into the singletrack and heading into bonk land already. The first bit of singletrack was straight up and down with flat sections in between that were littered with rocks. At this point I had to just sit back and recover or I'd blow up. On this super sketchy downhill, I crashed sending my bike partially down a dropoff. Once I got my bike back onto the trail I noticed that the hydraulic lockout on my fork had broken off, so I was riding the last 25 miles with no squishy up front.
After the first bit of singletrack there is a short 2 mile road connector to first Aid Station, which allowed my geared comrades time to catch bike up to me. I rode the next 10 miles or so with Mandi Riddle (Joey's Bike Shop) and two other dudes. Eventually I passed Mandi and the two other dudes after the getting tired of their granny gear madness. At this point I'd say I was the seventh singlespeeder.
The second batch of singletrack then leads towards another section of pavement and gravel climbs, maybe 4 miles. The gravel climb in this section, sucked to the max. It was steep and the gravel was thick and loose. At the crest of this climb was the second aid station which unfortunately had no beer. The descent out of the aid station was straight and fast. Also there was some country looking fellas on the side of the trail hooting and hollering. My kind of guys, I bet they had all the beer. Then there was this rock garden, that I saw some dude eat poo poo on. I asked if he was alright but all he said in pain was "ahhhhh ahhhh yeah." I said "alrighty then" and keep moving. Then I caught my new West Virginia and singlespeed friend Andy who was cramping. On the climb up into the last aid station I passed two other singlespeeders. Putting me into fifth.
The last four miles, were a breeze with nothing but fast flowy singletrack, the perfect way to end a race. The course then passed through a tunnel, that was under the road we started on. Finally I was home free with a half mile of singletrack that was slightly downhill. At the very end I caught up to an Athens Bicycle rider who I out sprinted to finish.
I'd finished in 4:58 33rd out 72 overall and the fifth singlespeed. I can't say more about how awesome the course was. It had everything, fast and flowy singletrack, tough rock gardens, steep and gradual ups. Sketchy steep downs, and good gravel and paved connectors. River Valley Mountain Bike Association also did an awesome job of setting up the race. Well marked with stocked aid stations. They paid out well too. 1st-5th in Masters, Women and Singlespeed all got paid and 1st-15th in the Overall got paid. Seriously these trails are a hidden gem. Also I hear Mountwood (Parkersburg), North Bend (Harrisville) and Lake Hope (Athens) are also sweet trail systems with awesome races that are near by to the Wayne National Forest. Check out any these systems or races that's put on by RVMBA and WVMBA.
results
Rolling into the parking lot, right away is was apparent this was a perfect place for a race, big green hills, right on the beautiful Ohio River. Went through registration said hey to Andrew Forron from New River Bikes and Andy from Pro Bike Outfitters. While looking my bike over I noticed the bearings in bottom bracket were shot, resulting in lots of play in the crank. The pedals still moved and the wheel still rolled, so nothing too major. Finally got the bike right, loaded up the camelbak with nutrition, repair tools and I was ready to roll.
The race starts with a neutral roll out down towards the first climb of the race. The promoter honked his horn and off we went. The first climb starts out fairly gradual on asphalt. Then you take a tight right hand turn and it shoots straight up on to gravel. After 4 miles or so I finally made into the singletrack and heading into bonk land already. The first bit of singletrack was straight up and down with flat sections in between that were littered with rocks. At this point I had to just sit back and recover or I'd blow up. On this super sketchy downhill, I crashed sending my bike partially down a dropoff. Once I got my bike back onto the trail I noticed that the hydraulic lockout on my fork had broken off, so I was riding the last 25 miles with no squishy up front.
After the first bit of singletrack there is a short 2 mile road connector to first Aid Station, which allowed my geared comrades time to catch bike up to me. I rode the next 10 miles or so with Mandi Riddle (Joey's Bike Shop) and two other dudes. Eventually I passed Mandi and the two other dudes after the getting tired of their granny gear madness. At this point I'd say I was the seventh singlespeeder.
The second batch of singletrack then leads towards another section of pavement and gravel climbs, maybe 4 miles. The gravel climb in this section, sucked to the max. It was steep and the gravel was thick and loose. At the crest of this climb was the second aid station which unfortunately had no beer. The descent out of the aid station was straight and fast. Also there was some country looking fellas on the side of the trail hooting and hollering. My kind of guys, I bet they had all the beer. Then there was this rock garden, that I saw some dude eat poo poo on. I asked if he was alright but all he said in pain was "ahhhhh ahhhh yeah." I said "alrighty then" and keep moving. Then I caught my new West Virginia and singlespeed friend Andy who was cramping. On the climb up into the last aid station I passed two other singlespeeders. Putting me into fifth.
The last four miles, were a breeze with nothing but fast flowy singletrack, the perfect way to end a race. The course then passed through a tunnel, that was under the road we started on. Finally I was home free with a half mile of singletrack that was slightly downhill. At the very end I caught up to an Athens Bicycle rider who I out sprinted to finish.
I'd finished in 4:58 33rd out 72 overall and the fifth singlespeed. I can't say more about how awesome the course was. It had everything, fast and flowy singletrack, tough rock gardens, steep and gradual ups. Sketchy steep downs, and good gravel and paved connectors. River Valley Mountain Bike Association also did an awesome job of setting up the race. Well marked with stocked aid stations. They paid out well too. 1st-5th in Masters, Women and Singlespeed all got paid and 1st-15th in the Overall got paid. Seriously these trails are a hidden gem. Also I hear Mountwood (Parkersburg), North Bend (Harrisville) and Lake Hope (Athens) are also sweet trail systems with awesome races that are near by to the Wayne National Forest. Check out any these systems or races that's put on by RVMBA and WVMBA.
results
Singlespeed Podium
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
2012 Thule Urban Assault Race
Dang! After locking my door, I had just realized that the key I put in my seat bag was for my car... but that was a problem because I drove my truck and just locked the door! My helmet, shoes, and water bottles all sat inside the cab. For about 20 frenzied seconds I thought, how am I going to race...there is no time to ride home and get my spare key...dang it all. The dreaded Urban Assault curse strikes again!
Then I took a minute to think and devised a plan to break into my own truck. About 30 seconds later, I had managed to force entry into my truck, which was a bit disconcerting in itself. Luckily it was not a busy street and I had obviously just locked myself out. Crisis averted.
I rolled in from Oregon Hill, down the dirt access road, and past the race start/finish in the Belle Isle parking lot. Soon I was headed for the registration tent to pick up my race packet. There were many vendors and interesting display/demonstration tents set up, and at the time I wished I had a chance to check them out. Once at the registration tent I met up with Eric and we got our packets. Soon a familiar crew of Design Physics racers coalesced next to the Tredegar Ironworks visitor center. We all were getting ready and wondered why we were told to pin our numbers on the front of our Jerseys ? Plassman don't care, and on the back of the jersey it went.
Bright sun baked the Belle Isle lot and I was glad there was a huge water cooler set up. Racers started filtering in and I got a chance to catch up with the rest of the DPR gang. Our kits looked great and a strong contingent of our team got ready to race.
The expert field lined up and I took position next to Tom. The race announcer took note of all the local teams represented and also noted the local heroes and pro racers in the start chute. As the national anthem rung out, a train was passing by overhead. Then, Wayne Goodman gave the start command and we were off!
The race unfolded quickly with some furious trail riding on the North Bank. By the time I made my way across the Nickel Bridge
Several key areas on the trail had cheering spectators adding to the excitement. Several times I would hear familiar voices cheering me on, but I was so focused that I would not know exactly who they were. Only watching my GoPro video revealed all the folks who were just a blur, including whoever was dressed up as Mickey Mouse in a Hooters uniform...? I loved the energy those folks gave me as I rode through.
In Forest Hill Park
The second lap of the race was fast and really fun. For me, no major incidents took place and I really enjoyed crossing the finish where I talked with Tom about the race.
As all the riders filtered in I spoke with my team mates and gathered war stories of the day. Tom had suffered a crash and his bloodied fore arm bore the marks. Paul was in a daze and explained he had taken a tree on head first, yikes! Lots of other great race action was had by all the DPR racers.
We had some great results and represented our team and sponsors well.
Sonya 2nd Sprt
Lisa 5th Sprt
Byron 1st Beg 19-29
Craig 4th Beg 30-39
Matt 3rd Sprt 19-29
Erik 4th Sprt 30-39
Damon 11th Sprt 30-39
Jason 13th Sprt 30-39
Dave H.15th Sprt 30-39
Jim 3rd Sprt 40+
Joe 2nd Expr 19-29
Jeff 4th Expr 30-39
Tom R. 4th Expr 40+
Paul 9th SS
Full results: http://resultsarchive.active.com/pages/displayNonGru.jsp?rsID=128479
Sonya 2nd Sprt
Lisa 5th Sprt
Byron 1st Beg 19-29
Craig 4th Beg 30-39
Matt 3rd Sprt 19-29
Erik 4th Sprt 30-39
Damon 11th Sprt 30-39
Jason 13th Sprt 30-39
Dave H.15th Sprt 30-39
Jim 3rd Sprt 40+
Joe 2nd Expr 19-29
Jeff 4th Expr 30-39
Tom R. 4th Expr 40+
Paul 9th SS
Full results: http://resultsarchive.active.com/pages/displayNonGru.jsp?rsID=128479
Friday, May 18, 2012
2012 Cohutta 100 Pre-Ride
Take a look at the cool video Plassman posted on YouTube of the Thunder Rock Express downhill. This was part of our pre-ride.
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Tuesday, May 15, 2012
2012 Cap 2 Cap
We had another great team turnout for the Cap2Cap this year. Rocketts Landing was the host site once again and that meant the team showing up in force to support another one of our great sponsors. The Hopkins Loft was once again base camp for the team. Euro D was the first to show up and I was still making rice cakes, my bike was on the stand with no wheels and no chain! Everything came together, though. we took a few pictures before heading to the start line.
Beth asked us to head up the field, which was pretty cool. It was great to see the team lined up across the start line. Mason was right in there representing RCWR. She is definitely an honorary team member.
This would be the last time the team was all together for the day... The ride started something like this.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go
Everyone rolls out smoothly
Euro D comes up the left side
we go to make the left around the obelisk
Euro D goes straight
I almost crash into Euro D, yell to turn
Joe is bunny-hopping curbs
Mason turns behind me
Joe follows Euro D
Mason gets T-boned
Mason gets hit again
Mason goes down
I am in disbelief
Mason's front brake is sheared off
The field rides away
I survey the situation and tell the team to head out
Tom Haines stays behind and we put another brake on Mason's bike
We decide to ride the Half Century since 45 minutes have elapsed
2:38 minutes later my odometer reads just under 52 miles
The team came in later and put in a strong effort as well. They even waited for Damon to fix his flat tire - all the while his brand new Schwalbe Ultremo ZX tires were sitting in my living room... We all hung out for the rest of the day, enjoyed some food and relaxed. What started off as a negative for Mason turned into a really great training ride. I pulled the first 12 miles, Tom pulled the next 30 miles at least, and then I pulled us the rest of the way home. Mason took off as soon as we crossed Old Osborne on Orleans. She raced up through the start finish line ahead of everyone. Maybe she is learning some road tactics after all. Great day for sure.
 |
| The team starting to filter in with the rising sun. |
 |
| Getting ready to head out for the Century... |
 |
| I love being able to walk out my front door for this ride! |
 |
| 30 seconds to detonation |
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go
Everyone rolls out smoothly
Euro D comes up the left side
we go to make the left around the obelisk
Euro D goes straight
I almost crash into Euro D, yell to turn
Joe is bunny-hopping curbs
Mason turns behind me
Joe follows Euro D
Mason gets T-boned
Mason gets hit again
Mason goes down
I am in disbelief
Mason's front brake is sheared off
The field rides away
I survey the situation and tell the team to head out
Tom Haines stays behind and we put another brake on Mason's bike
We decide to ride the Half Century since 45 minutes have elapsed
2:38 minutes later my odometer reads just under 52 miles
The team came in later and put in a strong effort as well. They even waited for Damon to fix his flat tire - all the while his brand new Schwalbe Ultremo ZX tires were sitting in my living room... We all hung out for the rest of the day, enjoyed some food and relaxed. What started off as a negative for Mason turned into a really great training ride. I pulled the first 12 miles, Tom pulled the next 30 miles at least, and then I pulled us the rest of the way home. Mason took off as soon as we crossed Old Osborne on Orleans. She raced up through the start finish line ahead of everyone. Maybe she is learning some road tactics after all. Great day for sure.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Middle Mountain Momma
May 6th has longed been marked on my calendar. Why? Because Middle Mountain Momma was going down then, which happens to be one of the best races on the East coast. I rolled out of town with Metro (who is still in brace type thing after his crash) and Leeger. After a stop in C-Ville to pick out Denelle, were off for 40 miles of goodness in Douthat State Park and The George Washington National Forest. We got there earlier enough so Leeger and I could stash some bottles at two different points in the race.
After registration, everyone lined up in the field and listened to Kyle, the promoter, talk about the course for a bit. Then he said "Go" and the sound of 70 cleats clipping in marked the start of the race. The very start was a little crazy with the trails being muddy and lots of people were dabbing. After maybe a quarter mile things thinned out and I began to settle in to my pace. The start of course begins with a 1800ft climb up to the top of the mountain known as Middle Mountain. I started to grind my way past numerous other riders some geared and some single. Once the switchbacks began, I got settled in behind Peter Kotes and we made good time up the climb. Peter dropped his chain and I went around. After maybe 5 minutes he caught back up to me on section I got off and walked. I finally made it to the top of ridge and began the sweet, sweet downhill towards Smith Creek Road. Right before you finish the downhill on Middle Mountain you have 6 or 7 tight switchbacks, that seem impossible to ride. I got around 3 but couldn't ride the one Metro was standing on taking pictures of people riding by. Fail!
The lasso loop portion of the race, was very muddy due to the fire that swept through there, that created a lot of dust. The hill up to the fireroad climb after the deep creek crossing was virtually unrideable on the single. On the fireroad climb I road with a dude from the WV Nightclub, who was having a bad day, considering he finished fourth last year on a single. I got away from him on the fireroad climb and the hike-a-bike up to start on the downhill. Eventually he passed on the downhill on this stoopid tight and steep switch back, that I walked. That dude can ride a downhill like its nobodies business. After this dry rocky section, the downhill turns into less singletrack and more of a grassy fireroad, that's super fun and fast. At the bottom of the downhill, I waited up and rode with a dude on a 1x9 Karate Monkey who I think was named Jon. We paced each other on the climb back up the bottom half the first fireroad climb. At the very top I caught the Night Club dude again, who again passed me on the downhill. At the first aid station Metro told me I was rolling along good, was in the top 20 overall.
I drank one of the PBR's Metro stashed for me, and rolled Smith Creek Road with Allen of Blackwater Bikes for a bit. Then I dropped him once the climb start to increase and caught back up to Jon. I talked with Jon about different races and what not during the hellish hike a bike up the backside of Middle Mountain. Once on top we rejoined the regular xc course and start the fun downhill back towards the main park. Jon flatted halfway down Salt Stump, I slowed down to ask him if we was good, he said "yeah" and off I went. Finally made it to Ross Camp, which is the last major climb of the day. I picked up my stashed bottles and began the assault.
Allen caught back up to me again but it wasn't for long. I was feeling good and was riding more of Ross Camp and Mountain top then ever before. I got caught by three geared riders on a section they could granny gear up but I eventually caught all three on the downhill off mountain top. Half through the descent I was caught by the Pro men leaders. Bishop came whizzing by on the downhill like a Cruise missile, chasing hard. I rode all of the last climb up to brushy hollow. I've never had a no dab ride on that climb. I was only three miles or so away from the finish. Around the first switchback on the descent I heard the dreaded pish pish pish from my rear tire. I flatted. Damnit, "alright just stay calm and fix this thing". It only took me maybe three minutes or so to get tube in and boot the tire. Then not even 1 minute later, I f!@#ing flatted again, g@# damnit. Then I broke the presta valve off the tube, this sucks, I was riding so good. Out of tubes, I rode half of the downhill and the last climb on a flat. Riding the descent on the flat was some of the most fun I had all day though. Whatever, should have begged or carried three tubes. Leeger passed me right at the end just to add insult to injury. Son of a bitch! I rolled into the finish, drinking my second PBR, pissed and realizing I had a patch kit in my back pocket. Doh! I finished in 5:17 and 39th overall in XXC. Although I probably lost 30 minutes due to those flats. I did have a great time though and lessons were learned. Maybe I can have a clean race this year and be happy with my end result for once.
Leeger came in at 5:10 for 35th overall in XXC. Jim Fisher won sport men XC 35+ in 2:32, nice work my man. Damon got 7th in Sport 35+ and also suffered from a flat and Jeff Farmer finished 9th in Sport 35+. Kylan rode well and got 4th in Sport men and Byron got 4th in Beginner. Not a bad showing for the DP squad.
After registration, everyone lined up in the field and listened to Kyle, the promoter, talk about the course for a bit. Then he said "Go" and the sound of 70 cleats clipping in marked the start of the race. The very start was a little crazy with the trails being muddy and lots of people were dabbing. After maybe a quarter mile things thinned out and I began to settle in to my pace. The start of course begins with a 1800ft climb up to the top of the mountain known as Middle Mountain. I started to grind my way past numerous other riders some geared and some single. Once the switchbacks began, I got settled in behind Peter Kotes and we made good time up the climb. Peter dropped his chain and I went around. After maybe 5 minutes he caught back up to me on section I got off and walked. I finally made it to the top of ridge and began the sweet, sweet downhill towards Smith Creek Road. Right before you finish the downhill on Middle Mountain you have 6 or 7 tight switchbacks, that seem impossible to ride. I got around 3 but couldn't ride the one Metro was standing on taking pictures of people riding by. Fail!
The lasso loop portion of the race, was very muddy due to the fire that swept through there, that created a lot of dust. The hill up to the fireroad climb after the deep creek crossing was virtually unrideable on the single. On the fireroad climb I road with a dude from the WV Nightclub, who was having a bad day, considering he finished fourth last year on a single. I got away from him on the fireroad climb and the hike-a-bike up to start on the downhill. Eventually he passed on the downhill on this stoopid tight and steep switch back, that I walked. That dude can ride a downhill like its nobodies business. After this dry rocky section, the downhill turns into less singletrack and more of a grassy fireroad, that's super fun and fast. At the bottom of the downhill, I waited up and rode with a dude on a 1x9 Karate Monkey who I think was named Jon. We paced each other on the climb back up the bottom half the first fireroad climb. At the very top I caught the Night Club dude again, who again passed me on the downhill. At the first aid station Metro told me I was rolling along good, was in the top 20 overall.
I drank one of the PBR's Metro stashed for me, and rolled Smith Creek Road with Allen of Blackwater Bikes for a bit. Then I dropped him once the climb start to increase and caught back up to Jon. I talked with Jon about different races and what not during the hellish hike a bike up the backside of Middle Mountain. Once on top we rejoined the regular xc course and start the fun downhill back towards the main park. Jon flatted halfway down Salt Stump, I slowed down to ask him if we was good, he said "yeah" and off I went. Finally made it to Ross Camp, which is the last major climb of the day. I picked up my stashed bottles and began the assault.
Allen caught back up to me again but it wasn't for long. I was feeling good and was riding more of Ross Camp and Mountain top then ever before. I got caught by three geared riders on a section they could granny gear up but I eventually caught all three on the downhill off mountain top. Half through the descent I was caught by the Pro men leaders. Bishop came whizzing by on the downhill like a Cruise missile, chasing hard. I rode all of the last climb up to brushy hollow. I've never had a no dab ride on that climb. I was only three miles or so away from the finish. Around the first switchback on the descent I heard the dreaded pish pish pish from my rear tire. I flatted. Damnit, "alright just stay calm and fix this thing". It only took me maybe three minutes or so to get tube in and boot the tire. Then not even 1 minute later, I f!@#ing flatted again, g@# damnit. Then I broke the presta valve off the tube, this sucks, I was riding so good. Out of tubes, I rode half of the downhill and the last climb on a flat. Riding the descent on the flat was some of the most fun I had all day though. Whatever, should have begged or carried three tubes. Leeger passed me right at the end just to add insult to injury. Son of a bitch! I rolled into the finish, drinking my second PBR, pissed and realizing I had a patch kit in my back pocket. Doh! I finished in 5:17 and 39th overall in XXC. Although I probably lost 30 minutes due to those flats. I did have a great time though and lessons were learned. Maybe I can have a clean race this year and be happy with my end result for once.
Leeger came in at 5:10 for 35th overall in XXC. Jim Fisher won sport men XC 35+ in 2:32, nice work my man. Damon got 7th in Sport 35+ and also suffered from a flat and Jeff Farmer finished 9th in Sport 35+. Kylan rode well and got 4th in Sport men and Byron got 4th in Beginner. Not a bad showing for the DP squad.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Industry Nine Visit
As soon as Jeff told me we were spending the night in Ashville on the way to Cohutta, I knew we had to work out a trip to Industry Nine. We were pushed for time as we wanted to pre-ride the course a bit later in the day, but the stop was well worth it. I expected to see a bunch of bling wheels all over the place (and was not disappointed), but I didn't expect to see the machine shop that makes these hubs possible. Also, the positive vibe that only comes from a group of cyclist was evident. There is no doubt that all of the employees of I9 are hard core cyclist from the minute you enter the parking lot.
David was kind enough to show us around the facility. The anodizing process is pretty cool to see, very complex in ways that you wouldn't even think about. It is done in house as consinstancy is tough to achieve with anodizing. All the components of a single wheel build are all anodized at the same time due to these inconsistancies.
Each little box along the wall represents another customers wheel build.
Our gracious host David was kind enough to re-tention Joe's wheel before our tour of the facility.
The machine shop was very busy on the day of our visit, so no pics from that. Huge thanks to I9 for inviting us into their shop for the morning and for sponsoring our team this season. I also want to thank David for showing us around and recommending that killer place for breakfast!!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
2012 Cohutta 100
Joe, David, and Plassmido headed to the southeast tip of Tennessee for the NUE series opener. This would prove to be a very tough introduction for this year’s NUE series.
Night Before
Around midnight I carefully slipped out of a middle bunk in a cabin full of 16+ racers trying not to disturb anyone. It's been hard to sleep even though I'm exhausted by the drive down from Richmond and the poor sleep from the night before in Asheville. Constant noises have kept me up a bit as well even though I had my ear buds in and the I-pod on low volume. There are at least two folks in the cabin snoring very loudly and the jackasses from Long Island outside are still making a lot of noise. Don’t they know we are all getting up at 4:45am and riding 100 miles starting at 7:00? As I head to the bathhouse for the last time this night, I cast the obnoxious people a searing dirty gaze. I think they finally get the hint and retire as well after turning off their radio, it’s about midnight. Sometime around 1:00am the severe headache I have had relents and I gain a few hours of precious sleep. 4:45am arrives well before the sun and rooster.
Race Day
Soon the Jet Boil is rumbling on the picnic table and oatmeal stands by for a scalding bath. I brew some coffee and David, Joe, and myself each have a cup to get things going. Rolling out of the camp and onto the highway is a bit dodgy because of a thick fog that shrouds the entire area. We arrive at the Whitewater Center where the race starts and I am surprised by just how many people are in the parking lot already.
Prepping for the race start is always a bit chaotic and this morning is no exception for me: Sunscreen, Chamois cream, DP Kit, Shoes, Head Band, Prep all my Bottles... where did I put those gels... dang, not enough mix for the pre-start bottle... pre open the cliff bar... bring 2 or 3 bottles?... Mix up bottles for start... double check the bike... tire pressure... Oh yeah, almost forgot the extra tube... what else am I forgetting?!
OK, car is locked up and we are all ready to go. Riding around, I cross paths with a lot cool folks I've met from all over the place during the previous 3 years of hundred milers and stage racing. Team DP rolls up to where the start line usually is and soon it's obvious that the start has moved. Tooling around the parking lot just before a race is always a bit sketchy and we witness a couple of riders crash into each other and end up as a pretzel on the pavement. Ahead, a huge Kenda banner marks the start line, and soon 3 Design Physics racers roll through and take position.
GO
After a few minutes and more than words, the crack of a start gun rings out! The pack accelerates with no drama, but at an alarmingly fast pace. A few small speed bumps are the catalyst for the day’s first bunny hops. The police escort leads us out onto the main highway climbing to Boyd Gap overlook. I'm hanging with the lead group for about a third of the pavement and then end up with the second group that splits off from the first. Cresting Boyd Gap lessens the demand on the legs and lungs slightly. I shift up to the big ring and accelerate towards the turn off into single track.
Single Track Attack
The group I settle in with is going at a decent pace, not too slow, but I would like to go a little faster. I know from experience that I can save the effort for the single track climb after the riverside trails. Fog hangs eerily along the river as we wind our way down and up the serpentine trails and I notice that the new course has cut out a good bit of the trails that were normally in this section. Eventually the trail skirts the river through a wide, root infested, gravel path, I gain some positions here by charging over the rough lines. After the stream crossing the trail takes a bridge over the river at the whitewater center, and then a left put us on a good single track climb. I trade some paint on the climb and then drop into the next single track section. The riders I am rolling with are a good match and there is not much need for me to pass anyone. Everyone is moving at a good consistent pace and demonstrate good riding skill. All too soon the sweet trails give way to the rolling fire roads heading into Georgia.
Gravel Grind Up
Miles of rolling gravel awaited us as we exited the trail system. A few sections of road had been recently graded and were frustratingly rough. After an extensive series of rolling grades, the 1st major climb started. I was a bit frustrated as my leg power seemed to be lacking a bit and I realized I need to focus more on my morning fueling routine. I was frustrated by the steady stream of riders who were passing me on the climb. Now and then a familiar voice would talk to me as friends from races past shared the climb with me before moving on.
Eventually, I arrived at aid 3/6 where volunteers did an excellent job of helping me with my drop, filling my bottle, and asking me if they could re-fill he bottles I was swapping out so I could grab then when I came back by at mile 70 something… The gravel grind continued and leveled a bit into a long rolling section with some great views of the north Georgia mountains. I just reminded myself to push hard till the lollipop waypoint at mile 60ish.
Here come the Pros
As I neared the end of the major gravel climbing, I heard a shouting voice heralding the presence of the leader of the race. There would be some two way traffic on the course and I soon found out that Jeremiah Bishop was in the lead and calling out when he was entering a blind corner. He absolutely ripped around a corner on the tight inside line as he descended on the opposite side of the hairpin corner I was climbing. Very impressive! A good while later Christian Tanguy came by followed shortly by the dark horse, Kevin Carter. I still had a bit of climbing before beginning the descent into hell.
It’s a Long Way Down to come Back Up
Had Isaac Newton been a 100 mile mountain bike racer, he surely would have stated a law of physics as “what goes down must come up”. Plunging down the fire road descent into hell, I realized how steep the descent was and how rapidly I was consuming it. This could only mean one thing since this was part of the lollipop, hellacious climbing to claw my way back out. While railing down, it was nice to hear Garth give a shout out while we passed head on. The pain I saw on the faces of the rest of the really fast guys coming out of the lollipop was a foreshadowing of my own grimaces to come.
The Ecstasy and the Agony
An unusual reversal of fortune awaited in the lollipop. A major fire road descent had led to aid 4/5. After the rest stop, a bit more downish gravel led to a moderate single track climb where a very cool trail awaited. The single track was tough to motor at first, but a chance to actually carve renewed my spirit substantially. Soon I was racing again and not just finishing. I passed some folks in the single track and finally felt fast again. The end of the reprieve came too soon as the dirt ribbon expunged me onto a grave road. Now began a moderate and unwelcome gravel climb back to aid 4/5. Again the volunteers were extraordinarily help full and had already refilled my water bottles for the upward spiral from the mountain abyss. The climb I later dubbed Mother F... awaited and I settled in for the long haul out.
I was surprised to feel invigorated from the single track snack and refueling at aid 4/5. However, there was no mistaking the effort needed to return to the top. While grinding my way out I am sure some of the racers just beginning their descent into hell were taking stock of the exhausted and agonizing expressions rendered by my taste of the lollipop.
The long road back
With the lollipop out of the way, the return trip awaited. Numerous rolling gravel roads were ridden in reverse and I soon would learn what was in store on the left off the fire road I had see earlier, going the opposite way. It turned out to be a blast. A cool fast grassy double track that funneled to a very fun section of single track was the surprise. Again the trails really lifted my spirit. I just wondered if the climb out would charge the same price as was just paid for the lollipop. There was a stream crossing at the bottom that doused my feet with a welcome cooling slash.
Soon I was pleased to find myself back at aid 3/6 after a fairly short gravel climb. After a quick exchange, I got back on and started dispatching the bobbing fire-road, that seemed to head down more than up in this direction. Eventually this would begin a nice series of gravel down hills, the same ones that seemed so energy sapping on the way up. Eventually, I got back to the freshly graded section and luckily there were some more worn in lines compared with earlier. Motoring along the creek / river was made less pleasant by and an obnoxious head wind. Aid station 2/6 was the next waypoint reached and I scored some coke that was warm (hot almost). The volunteers filled my bottles and sent me out for the 13 more miles to go. Yikes! I thought it would be more like 8… Now a seemingly unending series of gravel rolling gravel roads finally led to a right turn back onto single track.
Happy Trails to You
The single track was climbing more than I cared for at this point, but soon I realized I was on the connector trail. That meant that the annoying single track lollipop from the previous course had been omitted. Now all I had left was a series of connector trails leading to TRE trail. Soon, I came upon some riders that I overtook way to fast and realized they were some of the 65 mile racers trickling in and I was glad I would not have to fight them for position...
Then I saw the tape in the clearing that would guide me into the last bit of trail, Thunder Rock Express. That name had new meaning after riding 97 miles to get here. It was very nice not to have to pedal too hard to flow down at a good clip. I rode within in my reserves, not wanting to have a silly crash this late in the game. Soon I got to the bottom of TRE and it was all gravy rolling the last paved mile I crossed the finish and thought it said 11 something, I was devastated, I felt that the course may have been an hour longer, but surely not 2... I talked with James Burris and dropped my bike, collected my cup... and got ready to soak in the stream. I looked like a freshly born fawn trying to maintain balance as my exhausted legs quivered on the wet mossy rocks. While easing into the water on all fours, I almost floated away at the slightest hint of current in the water. Later I found out my time was 10:11 and that made me feel a bit better.
Joe and David killed it and placed very well.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/national-ultra-endurance-nue-series-cohutta-100-2012/results
That was one tough Mother!
http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249277-Cohutta-100-Kenda-NUE-1/video/632030-Jeff-Plastic-Man-It-was-a-real-mother
Thom Parsons posted an awesome highlights video on cyclingdirt:
http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249277-Cohutta-100-Kenda-NUE-1/video/632208-Cohutta-100-2012-Race-Highlights-Kenda-NUE-Series-1
Thoughts on the new Cohutta 100 course
The old course was more or less a sweetheart, but the new course, with the added lollipop from hell at mile 60, is a raging bitch. Added single track sections break up the monotony of the old courses’ 65 miles of gravel in the middle. However, the extended climbing proved devastating, both physically and mentally. On final analysis, I prefer the new course, but maybe not as the series opener. I’ll be looking forward to another beat down next year.
Night Before
Around midnight I carefully slipped out of a middle bunk in a cabin full of 16+ racers trying not to disturb anyone. It's been hard to sleep even though I'm exhausted by the drive down from Richmond and the poor sleep from the night before in Asheville. Constant noises have kept me up a bit as well even though I had my ear buds in and the I-pod on low volume. There are at least two folks in the cabin snoring very loudly and the jackasses from Long Island outside are still making a lot of noise. Don’t they know we are all getting up at 4:45am and riding 100 miles starting at 7:00? As I head to the bathhouse for the last time this night, I cast the obnoxious people a searing dirty gaze. I think they finally get the hint and retire as well after turning off their radio, it’s about midnight. Sometime around 1:00am the severe headache I have had relents and I gain a few hours of precious sleep. 4:45am arrives well before the sun and rooster.
Race Day
Soon the Jet Boil is rumbling on the picnic table and oatmeal stands by for a scalding bath. I brew some coffee and David, Joe, and myself each have a cup to get things going. Rolling out of the camp and onto the highway is a bit dodgy because of a thick fog that shrouds the entire area. We arrive at the Whitewater Center where the race starts and I am surprised by just how many people are in the parking lot already.
Prepping for the race start is always a bit chaotic and this morning is no exception for me: Sunscreen, Chamois cream, DP Kit, Shoes, Head Band, Prep all my Bottles... where did I put those gels... dang, not enough mix for the pre-start bottle... pre open the cliff bar... bring 2 or 3 bottles?... Mix up bottles for start... double check the bike... tire pressure... Oh yeah, almost forgot the extra tube... what else am I forgetting?!
OK, car is locked up and we are all ready to go. Riding around, I cross paths with a lot cool folks I've met from all over the place during the previous 3 years of hundred milers and stage racing. Team DP rolls up to where the start line usually is and soon it's obvious that the start has moved. Tooling around the parking lot just before a race is always a bit sketchy and we witness a couple of riders crash into each other and end up as a pretzel on the pavement. Ahead, a huge Kenda banner marks the start line, and soon 3 Design Physics racers roll through and take position.
GO
After a few minutes and more than words, the crack of a start gun rings out! The pack accelerates with no drama, but at an alarmingly fast pace. A few small speed bumps are the catalyst for the day’s first bunny hops. The police escort leads us out onto the main highway climbing to Boyd Gap overlook. I'm hanging with the lead group for about a third of the pavement and then end up with the second group that splits off from the first. Cresting Boyd Gap lessens the demand on the legs and lungs slightly. I shift up to the big ring and accelerate towards the turn off into single track.
Single Track Attack
The group I settle in with is going at a decent pace, not too slow, but I would like to go a little faster. I know from experience that I can save the effort for the single track climb after the riverside trails. Fog hangs eerily along the river as we wind our way down and up the serpentine trails and I notice that the new course has cut out a good bit of the trails that were normally in this section. Eventually the trail skirts the river through a wide, root infested, gravel path, I gain some positions here by charging over the rough lines. After the stream crossing the trail takes a bridge over the river at the whitewater center, and then a left put us on a good single track climb. I trade some paint on the climb and then drop into the next single track section. The riders I am rolling with are a good match and there is not much need for me to pass anyone. Everyone is moving at a good consistent pace and demonstrate good riding skill. All too soon the sweet trails give way to the rolling fire roads heading into Georgia.
Miles of rolling gravel awaited us as we exited the trail system. A few sections of road had been recently graded and were frustratingly rough. After an extensive series of rolling grades, the 1st major climb started. I was a bit frustrated as my leg power seemed to be lacking a bit and I realized I need to focus more on my morning fueling routine. I was frustrated by the steady stream of riders who were passing me on the climb. Now and then a familiar voice would talk to me as friends from races past shared the climb with me before moving on.
Eventually, I arrived at aid 3/6 where volunteers did an excellent job of helping me with my drop, filling my bottle, and asking me if they could re-fill he bottles I was swapping out so I could grab then when I came back by at mile 70 something… The gravel grind continued and leveled a bit into a long rolling section with some great views of the north Georgia mountains. I just reminded myself to push hard till the lollipop waypoint at mile 60ish.
Here come the Pros
As I neared the end of the major gravel climbing, I heard a shouting voice heralding the presence of the leader of the race. There would be some two way traffic on the course and I soon found out that Jeremiah Bishop was in the lead and calling out when he was entering a blind corner. He absolutely ripped around a corner on the tight inside line as he descended on the opposite side of the hairpin corner I was climbing. Very impressive! A good while later Christian Tanguy came by followed shortly by the dark horse, Kevin Carter. I still had a bit of climbing before beginning the descent into hell.
It’s a Long Way Down to come Back Up
Had Isaac Newton been a 100 mile mountain bike racer, he surely would have stated a law of physics as “what goes down must come up”. Plunging down the fire road descent into hell, I realized how steep the descent was and how rapidly I was consuming it. This could only mean one thing since this was part of the lollipop, hellacious climbing to claw my way back out. While railing down, it was nice to hear Garth give a shout out while we passed head on. The pain I saw on the faces of the rest of the really fast guys coming out of the lollipop was a foreshadowing of my own grimaces to come.
The Ecstasy and the Agony
An unusual reversal of fortune awaited in the lollipop. A major fire road descent had led to aid 4/5. After the rest stop, a bit more downish gravel led to a moderate single track climb where a very cool trail awaited. The single track was tough to motor at first, but a chance to actually carve renewed my spirit substantially. Soon I was racing again and not just finishing. I passed some folks in the single track and finally felt fast again. The end of the reprieve came too soon as the dirt ribbon expunged me onto a grave road. Now began a moderate and unwelcome gravel climb back to aid 4/5. Again the volunteers were extraordinarily help full and had already refilled my water bottles for the upward spiral from the mountain abyss. The climb I later dubbed Mother F... awaited and I settled in for the long haul out.
I was surprised to feel invigorated from the single track snack and refueling at aid 4/5. However, there was no mistaking the effort needed to return to the top. While grinding my way out I am sure some of the racers just beginning their descent into hell were taking stock of the exhausted and agonizing expressions rendered by my taste of the lollipop.
The long road back
With the lollipop out of the way, the return trip awaited. Numerous rolling gravel roads were ridden in reverse and I soon would learn what was in store on the left off the fire road I had see earlier, going the opposite way. It turned out to be a blast. A cool fast grassy double track that funneled to a very fun section of single track was the surprise. Again the trails really lifted my spirit. I just wondered if the climb out would charge the same price as was just paid for the lollipop. There was a stream crossing at the bottom that doused my feet with a welcome cooling slash.
Soon I was pleased to find myself back at aid 3/6 after a fairly short gravel climb. After a quick exchange, I got back on and started dispatching the bobbing fire-road, that seemed to head down more than up in this direction. Eventually this would begin a nice series of gravel down hills, the same ones that seemed so energy sapping on the way up. Eventually, I got back to the freshly graded section and luckily there were some more worn in lines compared with earlier. Motoring along the creek / river was made less pleasant by and an obnoxious head wind. Aid station 2/6 was the next waypoint reached and I scored some coke that was warm (hot almost). The volunteers filled my bottles and sent me out for the 13 more miles to go. Yikes! I thought it would be more like 8… Now a seemingly unending series of gravel rolling gravel roads finally led to a right turn back onto single track.
Happy Trails to You
The single track was climbing more than I cared for at this point, but soon I realized I was on the connector trail. That meant that the annoying single track lollipop from the previous course had been omitted. Now all I had left was a series of connector trails leading to TRE trail. Soon, I came upon some riders that I overtook way to fast and realized they were some of the 65 mile racers trickling in and I was glad I would not have to fight them for position...
Then I saw the tape in the clearing that would guide me into the last bit of trail, Thunder Rock Express. That name had new meaning after riding 97 miles to get here. It was very nice not to have to pedal too hard to flow down at a good clip. I rode within in my reserves, not wanting to have a silly crash this late in the game. Soon I got to the bottom of TRE and it was all gravy rolling the last paved mile I crossed the finish and thought it said 11 something, I was devastated, I felt that the course may have been an hour longer, but surely not 2... I talked with James Burris and dropped my bike, collected my cup... and got ready to soak in the stream. I looked like a freshly born fawn trying to maintain balance as my exhausted legs quivered on the wet mossy rocks. While easing into the water on all fours, I almost floated away at the slightest hint of current in the water. Later I found out my time was 10:11 and that made me feel a bit better.
Joe and David killed it and placed very well.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/national-ultra-endurance-nue-series-cohutta-100-2012/results
That was one tough Mother!
http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249277-Cohutta-100-Kenda-NUE-1/video/632030-Jeff-Plastic-Man-It-was-a-real-mother
Thom Parsons posted an awesome highlights video on cyclingdirt:
http://www.cyclingdirt.org/coverage/249277-Cohutta-100-Kenda-NUE-1/video/632208-Cohutta-100-2012-Race-Highlights-Kenda-NUE-Series-1
Thoughts on the new Cohutta 100 course
The old course was more or less a sweetheart, but the new course, with the added lollipop from hell at mile 60, is a raging bitch. Added single track sections break up the monotony of the old courses’ 65 miles of gravel in the middle. However, the extended climbing proved devastating, both physically and mentally. On final analysis, I prefer the new course, but maybe not as the series opener. I’ll be looking forward to another beat down next year.
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