Mid-Week MTB Race #9

Midweek MTB Race Series – Race #9

Solitude Ski Resort (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

August 12, 2014

Steve Warner

We have had a very wet summer here in Utah, which resulted in the cancellation of the Midweek Races on July 29 and August 5. It’s not that bikers in Utah are wimps and can’t ride in the rain, but tires on a muddy trail are tough on the trail systems and the summer rainstorms are also commonly accompanied by lightning.

The forecast was showing rain again for the evening of Tuesday, August 12^th; however, the race organizers held off from calling the race. I headed up to Solitude Ski Resort and with clouds looming they decided to go forward with the race. The course consisted of 7.2 mile loop that started next to the lodge at the bottom of the resort and climbed 1400 feet to the top ski run. The climb was long and steep, but not nearly as bad as the one I did three weeks earlier at Deer Valley. We started at 8,000 feet and climbed to well over 9000 feet. I felt good on the climb and was able to find a group of riders to grind it out with. The ride down was an adrenaline-causing, hair-raising descent that made it all worth it. Toward the top of the climb the rain started, persisted on the descent, and then just down pored moments after putting my bike on the rack of my truck.

It was a great race. Two more races in the Midweek series, one at Snowbird and then back to Solitude. Special thanks to Serfas (tires, eyewear and shorts), GU (Roctane Gel and Drink), Stan’s (sealant), and ProGold (chain lube).

Midweek MTB Race Series - Race #8

Midweek MTB Race Series – Race #8

Deer Valley – Silver Lake Village (Park City, UT)

July 22, 2014

Steve Warner

Like most people, July has been a very busy month for me and not a lot of time spent on the bike. Between family vacations and travel for work, I had not ridden since my 105 miler on July 3^rd. However, I was finally able to participate in another Midweek race, although I was worried that my training and preparation was not up to par for this race. The race series in Utah generally start on lower elevation courses in the Spring and then move higher and higher in the mountains as the snow melts and Summer rolls on.

This race was at Deer Valley with a start at the Silver Lake Lodge, which is at an elevation of 8100 feet. I was racing the Sport category again and anticipating a 7-mile loop with about 1200 feet of elevation gain. The race started with the most grueling climb I have ever done. It was 1200 feet of climbing in 2 miles peaking at an elevation well over 9000 feet. I call these ski resort races in Utah “gut checks” because they absolutely test your fitness level and mental toughness. Well, in all honesty, I struggled with this climb more than I ever have and just could not keep enough oxygen in my body to keep me on the bike. I had to walk portions of it, but I persisted and conquered the climb, although unfortunately with most of the racing competition well out in front of me.

The highlight of the race for me was the most amazing view of the Wasatch Mountains at the top of the climb. I was above the tree line and could see for miles. The descent back down to Silver Lake Lodge was quite a ride too.

Overall, it was a great experience, although I would be happy to never have to do that climb again. Special thanks to Serfas (tires, eyewear and shorts), GU (Roctane Gel and Drink), Stan’s (sealant), and ProGold (chain lube).

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Race Report

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic Race

Durango, CO

May 24, 2014

Meagan Johnson

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic use to be rated a top 100 bicycle race in America and still may be ranked! It is a full weekend of races from road, mountain, crit, cruiser, and children's that fill Memorial Day weekend here in Durango, CO where i live!

 

I raced in the traditional Iron Horse Classic that races from Durango to Silverton, CO over Coal Bank Pass 10,640 ft and Molas Pass 10,899 and then down to Silverton in 50 miles  all while trying to beat our train!

 

On Friday evening due to snow and sleet on the passes they shortened the race to end at Purgatory Mountain at 25 miles.

 

It is an all uphill climb from town to Purgatory with a field of over 2500 riders.  Great atmosphere but a bit anti-climatic only going to the mountain and not the entire way. But there is not much you can do about weather!

 

Big thanks to sponsors Serfas, NoTubes, Poc, Crank Brothers, GU Energy, Yankz!, Geigerrig, Polar Bottle and Bruce ProGold Bikes.

Dawn to Dusk Race Report

Dawn to Dusk

Gallup-NM

May 17, 2014

Meagan Johnson

What an amazing weekend!!  I raced on a team of 4 women in teh 12 hours Dawn til Dusk mountain bike race in Gallup, NM on May 17th!  And we took home 1st place in the 4 person women's category with 9 laps!

 

If you haven't been there yet it should be a must on your race bucket list.  A very small and simple race, but on an amazing 13 mile loop course that has the technical aspect right out of the gates and the fast and flowy for about 11 miles of the course!

 

Our group of women were first from the get go and stayed that way throughout the entire race with a gap of only 10 seconds at one point to a lead of 20 minutes with the second place team. 

 

On my second lap I took a huge fall over the handlebars on to my shoulder and head with a mile to go.  I was able to get up and recover enough to make it to the finish line still in first place.  Still taking it pretty easy up until this point so far!

 

Congrats to my ladies who made up the team and took 1st place!

 

Big thanks to sponsors Serfas, NoTubes, Poc, Crank Brothers, GU Energy, Yankz!, Geigerrig, Polar Bottle and Bruce ProGold Bikes.

Midweek Race Series #3 - Race Report

Midweek MTB Race Series – Race #3

Riverview Trail (Heber, UT)

May 20, 2014

Steve Warner

This race was in Heber, Utah what typically would be a 45 minute drive from my office. I left work at 5:00pm with the plan to arrive at the race at 5:45pm ready for the 6:30 start. I hit I-15 heading south through Utah County and planned to go up Provo Canyon to reach Heber. However, after a few miles on I-15, traffic completely stopped due to a freeway closure. I sat in traffic and inched forward for about 45 minutes, finally exiting the freeway and making my way up Provo Canyon. Traffic was moving now, but I had about 30 minutes to get to Heber. I pulled into the race parking lot at about 6:22, threw on my race plate, put on my shoes, grabbed a water bottle, and raced off to the starting line. I got there as they were starting the Pro Men just in time for my Sport 35+ Category to start a few minutes later.

I had not pre-ridden the course or knew much about this trail system, but I asked my friend Brian to describe the course, so I would know how to allocate my energy with respect to climbs. The race started with 800 feet of climbing over 2 miles. It was a little shock to the legs to start this way without warming up, but I got into a groove and was able to grind the climb out without much problem. The next 2 miles were a traverse across the side of the mountain followed by a 1 mile descent with 14 hairpin turns. The 8 mile course finished with a 2 mile section that was relatively flat followed by 1 mile descent to the finish line.

I placed 35^th out of 51 riders in the Sport 35+ category with a time of 49:09.

Special thanks to Serfas (tires and shorts), GU (Roctane Gel and Drink), Stan’s (sealant), and ProGold (chain lube).

Sedona MS Ride

Sedona MS Ride

Cottonwood, Cornville and Sedona, AZ

May 17 and 18^th

Sterling Margetts

This was my 6^th year riding the MS ride and third year at the Verde Valley location.  This year was a little different than previous years (rain, sleet, hail, and snow two years ago, and broken spoke and wind last year) with it being hot and the route being reversed. 

I woke up at 3:00am on Saturday May 17^th loaded up my truck and headed up to the Cottonwood Fair Grounds to meet up with Scott around 6am to get ready for the 7am start of the race. After some friendly greetings friends and other riders, we lined up at the start line to lead the group out on the ride with the Discount Tire team.  And so began our journey up State Route 89A from Cottonwood to Sedona.  Along the way we took several scenic detours through the Red Rock Valleys, including a section of dirt road that surprised me last year, but it was in better shape this year.  We traversed about part of Sedona before we headed back down toward Oak Creek Village and Cottonwood.  

On our way through the gusting wind and temperatures near 100 degrees back to Cottonwood we encountered a tragic accident of a vehicle/bicycle rider associated with the race.  The police was on the scene and several people were attending to the injured rider on the ground.  With things out of our control and being taken care of the by the authorities we hurried to the finish line appreciating the safety we were lucky to have and hoping the best for our fellow cyclist.  Although some parts of the ride may have seemed tough climbs with hot gusty winds it was noting in comparison to the challenges that those with MS face each day of their lives.

As we wrapped up the first day and went back to the hotel, my mind kept thinking about the injured rider and hoped that everything was okay.  It was not till the morning when we arrived back at the fair grounds that we were told that the rider did not survive the accident and that day 2 ride would be limited to the 30 mile loop out of respect for what had happened the previous day.  So with heavy hearts we had a moment of silence and then began our ride for those with MS and the cyclist who we had lost yesterday.  The Second day took us through Page Springs, which I image to be like riding through the French countryside with rivers and wineries lining the winding rolling road.  It’s a fantastic ride and helped raise up our spirits to remember the purpose of our ride to help others. We finished the 30 mile loop weaving through Cottonwood and Clarkdale.  I enjoy my time helping with this cause and wish the best for the family of those that were unfortunately impacted by the tragic event on Saturday.

Thank you to all the sponsors for helping me be a part of this great cause.

Sedona MS Ride
Conttonwood, Cornville & Sedona, AZ
May 17 & 18, 2014
Scott Thomas

  So this was my (Scott) first year riding this ride.  Late last year a close family member of mine was dianogesed with MS, so when Sterling asked me if I wanted to ride it with him and the Discount Tire team I jumped at it.  This would be my longest distance on a road bike.

  So pretty typical for an out-of-town race for me that I packed up and headed out on Friday.  Along the drive I had the typical me time to figure out a plan and just life in general.  I've live in AZ since 1998 and for the most part I always refer to Kentucky and Virginia as home for me.  As I pasted the Prescott exit on the way to Sedona I saw the horizon and something finally clicked with me and Arizona is where I can call home now.  I will always have ties to Kentucky and Virginia, but this is home.

                                     
  Well I made it to Sedona and got checked in and all set up in my hotel.  Laid out all the gear for Saturday morning.  My hotel was about a 30 minute drive from the start of the ride on Saturday morning, so I wanted to make sure I was ready.  Filled all my bottle and put them in the frig and headed to bed.

  Saturday morning comes, grab my stuff and head to Cottonwood.  Sterling had driven up that morning from Phoenix.  We got there in time for the Discount Tire team picture and then lined up for the start.  There were about 600+ riders at the start for Saturday's ride.  The options for the ride were 50 miles, 70 miles and the 90 miles.  Sterling and I were in for at least the 70, but the 90 option we would decide at that turn.

  The ride starts off in Cottonwood and a small loop thru town to immediately start heading out to Sedona.  By the time we hit mile 10 the pack had really spread out.  There's some climbing along the 89A into Sedona, but nothing to horrible to complain about.  As you hit the second aid station or mile 20-ish for the 70 & 90 mile courses you do a small loop that takes you down a 1 mile packed dirt road.  I was a little concerned being on my road bike, but the dirt actually wasn't bad and better than parts of the asphalt I had already seen.

  As we headed into Sedona again there is a turn for the 70 & 90 mile courses that is about a 10 mile out and back (totaling 20 miles).  The heading out on this part seemed much further than the coming back in part.  As soon as we get back we weave thru Sedona and hit the aid station where they have lunch set up.  

  After a quick bite we head out to finish this.  At this point we are right about 50 miles.  I knew that we had about 3 more miles out of town and then about 6 miles till we hit the turn for the 90 mile course for turn and head back for the 70 mile course.  

  As we hit the road that would be the 6 miles it seemed like someone had turned on the wind.  Sterling mentioned after the fact that that section was suppose to be the fun part as there is a slight downhill to it.  It wasn't.  It was a pedal the entire 6 miles.  At the end of this section there was an aid station just before the turn to either the 70+ or the 90 mile course.  Sterling and I both filled our bottles and at this point decided that we would just head in for the 70 mile course.

  We made the turn, which was about 100 yards from the aid station and started to head to Cornville.  As soon as we made the turn I saw two sheriffs trucks stopped in the road and about 5-6 cars stopped behind them.  Thinking the worse as Sterling and I got closer, not sure if we would be able to get thru, saw a rider had been hit.  

  As we passed I turned and saw the rider that the sheriff was working on and I had a sick feeling over me.  Had we been 2 minutes faster that could have been Sterling or I or both.  The next 14 miles to the end of the ride would be the longest I've had in a while and the most somber ones for sure.  As we hit the last aid station the air-vac helicopter flew over.  

  Getting back to the start/finish area couldn't hit soon enough.  

  Sunday morning comes and I packed up my hotel room and grab everything and headed to Cottonwood for round two.  Getting to the start area I find out that the 50 mile option would not be offered due to the fact that the rider that got hit on Saturday didn't make it.  

  A brief statement was made by the local MS Chapter president regarding the accident and then we were off and running again.  Today's ride would be fun.  Again thru the town of Cottonwood and then out the 89A towards Sedona, but making a turn well before toward a community called Page Springs.

  Living in AZ for 18+ years I've never heard of Page Springs, but I will be going back.  We dropped down into this small community and there were 4-5 vineyards and wineries.  What a hidden little gem in the middle of no where it seemed.  It was very pretty and pleasant down there.  

  We headed out of there and a brief hit of Cornville before back into Cottonwood and out to a town called Clarkdale.  It was a nice steady climb up to Clarkdale, but the reward of the downhill coming back into Cottonwood was worth it.  

  All in all it was a nice weekend of riding.  I wish drivers had more respect for us cyclists and understood the laws.  Will I be back next year?  Hard to say yet, but what a great cause to ride for.

  Thanks GU Energy, Serfas, Poc, Crank Brothers, Polar Bottle, Yankz!, Geigerrig, NoTubes & ProGold.

  

Iron Will 50K - Race Report

Iron Will - “The Abram” 50k

Camp Williams (Riverton, UT)

May 17, 2014

Steve Warner

Camp Williams is a National Guard training site near Salt Lake City. For the first time, they opened the military base to the general public for a mountain bike race. It was actually part of their “Iron Will” event that included running and biking events. The mountain biking events consisted of “The Sherman”, a 25 km loop, or “The Abram”, a 50 km (32 miles) adventure that covered much of the Camp. I opted for the 50 km race for two reasons (1) I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to see the military base and (2) I wanted a longer, more physical challenge than the 10-15 mile races I typically do. Well, I got exactly what I asked for.

I'll start with the good first:

*·        The venue was great. The views and location were amazing. The weather was perfect too.

*·        The Utah National Guard did a fantastic job of organizing the event, setting up and staffing aid stations, and marking the course.

*·        Riding through training grounds on the base, including the Afghan Village, the Sniper Range, the POW site, the Machine Gun Range, etc.

*·        Dropping 2000 feet in the last 5-6 miles of the race.

*·        Apache helicopters buzzing the tower throughout the race.

*·        I finished and can feel good about accomplishing something hard.

*·        I crossed the 30,000 feet mark of climbing, meaning I have climbed the equivalent of Mt. Everest in the past two months.

The not so good, but also not terribly bad:

*·        Not being fully trained for a race of this distance (32.2 miles) and time (3 hr. 18 min.). I placed 101 out of a total of 162 riders or 40 out of 63 in my age group. There were more than a dozen riders that were out for more than 5 hours, so I guess I wasn’t the only one suffering.

*·        Over 4300 feet of vertical climbing—including two “hike-a-bike” sections that did everyone in.

*·        Had to bunny hop two snakes stretched out on the course.

*·        Battling headache, cramps, fatigue, and downright depletion during the last few climbs of the race.

*·        Rear shock lockout not working and having to deal with the bouncing of rhythmic pedaling on the climbs.

Overall, it was a great experience and an adventure that pushed me near my physical limit. Special thanks to Serfas (tires and shorts), GU (Roctane), Stan’s (sealant), and ProGold (chain lube).

Alien Run Mountain Bike Competition - Race Report

Alien Run Mountain Bike Competition

Aztec, NM

May 4, 2014

Meagan Johnson

  On May 4th I raced in my first mountain bike race of the season in Aztec, NM.  It was called the Alien Run Mountain Bike Competition!  I raced in the Sport Category that consisted of a 24 mile one lap loop through the deserts of New Mexico.  It was the first time that I had ever raced in this particular race and wasn't sure what to expect going into this race.  At the start I realized that most of the competitors were in the Pro and Expert Category with about 35 of us in the Sport Category.  

  The race consisted of mostly single track and gas line dirt roads with a lot of sand.  It was a balmy 77 degrees to start but then the clouds rolled over and made the next 20 miles the most pristine riding weather!!!  It was a tough race right out the start as the pace was set and the consistency kept throughout the race.

  For my first race of the season in this type of atmosphere I realized how fast and hard people go up here in the Four Corners Region! I finished the tough loop in 2 hours and 22 minutes and have to give lots of credit to all of the sponsors that helped me get through in STYLE!  Lots of thanks to Serfas, POC, Polar Bottle, Geigerrig, NoTubes, ProGold, Crank Brothers, GU Energy and Yankz!

Midweek MTB Race #2 Race Report

Midweek MTB Race Series – Race #2

Corner Canyon (Draper, UT)

May 6, 2014

Steve Warner

This was my first race of the season and was held at Corner Canyon in Draper, Utah. Corner Canyon is where I do 90% of my training, so this race was on my home turf. The weather forecast showed a 30-50% chance or rain from about 3:00pm on that afternoon, so I spent the lead up to the race following the weather and the Facebook/Twitter feed from Midweek MTB to make sure the race was happening.

I arrived at Corner Canyon a few minutes before 6:00pm. I checked in at registration and warmed up for a few minutes. The rain held off, so we lined up at 6:30 and they started the race by categories. Pro Men went first and so on. I race Sport Men 35+, which is by far the largest group (60 riders).

The start was fast as usual and I tried to slide quickly into a pace I new I could sustain. The first mile was on a dirt road allowing for the pack of riders to space out. There was a bottleneck when the course narrowed to single track, but it wasn’t too bad. Once on the single track it was about 5 straight miles of climbing up to the top of Corner Canyon. The course followed the standard approach up Corner Canyon until we reached the fire road. Things started to space out at this point and I was able to find a good position with 3 or 4 riders that seemed my equal. We rode together all the way up to the top of the Canyon via Canyon Hollow Connector, Potato Hill Trail, and Ann’s Trail, about a 1500 feet climb.

At the top, we immediately connected to Rush Trail, which is a downhill only trail specifically designed for DH enthusiasts loaded with jumps, berms, table tops, s-curves, etc. I was able to separate myself from the pack of riders I was with on the downhill sections. It was a fast decent with a few sketchy moments. The 10 mile course ended with the Creek View Trail and then a dash to the finish line. It was an incredibly fun course and event.

I ended up placing 44^th out of 60 riders in the Sport 35+ category. Overall, it is a good start to a new season with lots of racing still to come.

Special thanks to Serfas (tires and shorts), Stan’s(sealant), and ProGold (chain lube).

Whiskey Off-Road

Whiskey Off-Road
Prescott, AZ
April 25-26, 2014
Scott Thomas

  So Whiskey would be the first race for me since my worse finish ever at 24 Hours of Old Pueblo.  It wasn’t scheduled that way in January, but after 24HOP I needed some time.  Well that’s what I got was some time to do nothing.  Heading into the Whiskey 50 I was in the worse physical shape that I have ever been going into a race.  So the Monday before the race I opted to switch my registration to the Whiskey 25 (actually 28 miles) and as you will read further it was a good choice for me.

  Friday mid-morning I headed out of town and up to Prescott.  After battling a road closure and traffic delays for a small brush fire I made it up to Prescott about 2pm.  Was able to catch up with Ben from Serfas for a bit and even chatted with Mike Perry from AZ NICA.  Got checked in and all of the good stuff with that.  I had heard they were doing an amateur crit this year for the first time and made sure I was getting in on that.  Caught up with a few other friends and watched the start of the Whiskey 15 (actually 19 miles).  Then I headed to get changed knowing the crit started at 4:45pm.

  Got back to Whiskey Row and over by the crit area.  Rode the crit course real quick, just to make sure I knew it.  A couple of good quick climbs.  Lined up for the crit and listening to the rules….only to hear that it was a single lap crit.  Kind of felt cheated and wanted more.  None the less was dressed and ready, so did it.  Maybe 25-30 of us all in.  It was a fast course after the two climbs.  I think I came in 5^th out of the overall pack, but because it was more for fun there was no real tracking or prizes.  Oh well it was a good quick workout and I was able to get back over and watch a friend finish the Whiskey 15.

  On to Saturday.  Well when I left Phoenix on Friday it was 80-85 degrees.  Friday evening in Prescott was sunshine and about 60.  Perfect weather.  Well waking up Saturday morning to 38 degrees and raining was a change.  I had heard that weather might be changing to this, so I was packed accordingly.  Original plan was to leave my car at my friends house that I was staying with and ride down to the race and then back after the race.  Not any more.  I went ahead and got ready and left the house about 8:30am for the 9:30am start.  Just as I’m leaving the house the rain turns to snow and it’s heavy.  I’m sure there was ½” or more on my car just driving the 2 miles to the start line.

  I got down to Whiskey Row and Don and I got our bikes staged only to hear that they had pushed the start from 9:30am to 10am.  10am start gets pushed to 10:15am and everyone starts lining up with their bikes to go.  About 10:10am the announcement comes that they will be delaying the start to noon.  Time to go back to the house and warm up. 

  Here we are at noon lined up and ready to start.  Whiskey 50 riders are starting to come in and look like hell.  Can’t say enough about those riders that hung in there and finished the 50 miles in those conditions.  Noon start was pushed to 12:15pm and then the announcement comes that all 25 riders will be pushed to the 15 course.  At this point I’m just ready to ride something.

  Finally the race starts.  The pack is heavy and tight.  Due to the change in course it would be a steady 8-9 miles of climbing before any relief came.  The weather held out and we caught a little sun along the way and a pretty steady 5-10mph winds with 20-35mph gust.  Climbing is a strong point for me, so finding the right spot and just climbing away made it easy to block out the weather around me.  Because of the course change the majority of the first 8-9 miles of climbing was on roads or fire roads.  Once we hit the little bit of single track there was a short bottle neck of riders, but moved along pretty quickly. 

  Getting through the first climbing leads to some more climbing on the fire road and tying in with some of the 50 riders coming back up from Skull Valley and hitting some fast down-hill.  Well fast if you just let go of your brakes.  Very choppy and loose rocks, but fun.  I think I made up some more time there just before hitting the base of Cramphill.

  So Cramphill is exactly how I remembered it from last year.  I was much more spent by the time I got to it last year, but it’s really only a mile to a mile and a half of climbing and then it’s all fun quick single track to get back to the road.  Getting back to the road you know it’s all down hill and burning everything you have left to try and make up any time you can.  After turning off of Gurly one little climb of ¼ mile then it’s as fast as you can to the last ½ mile to the finish and I’m pretty sure I left it all out there on this section.

  Huge thanks to all of the volunteers, Epic Rides for another epic race and all the people of Prescott that come out and support and cheer us on.  Additional thanks to Serfas(saddle, grips, eyewear, bib, shoes. tires), Poc (helmet, gloves, gear bag), GUEnergy (chomps, Roctane GU, Roctane Brew), Crank Brothers (wheels, pedals), Stan’s NoTubes (sealant, wheels), Geigerrig (hydration packs), Polar Bottle(water bottles) and Progold (lube, and much needed bike cleaner).  Also all of the friends and family support.

24 Hours of Old Pueblo - Race Report

24 Hours of Old Pueblo (24HOP)
Oro Valley, AZ
February 15-16, 2014
Mike Bellows

24 Hours at the Old Pueblo – Race Report

This was the third year I’ve raced the Old Pueblo (and I use the term race liberally).  Rather than share a blow-by-blow of each lap, what is important can be summed up in a good course, good atmosphere, and good friends.  Notwithstanding the fact that I have been there – done that, this year I saw a number of “firsts, including:

§        *   Me really running during the Monte Carlo start (What was I thinking?)

§         *  Scott bonking on lap #3 (and napping the rest of the race)

§         *  Don breaking his wrist (and finishing the lap of course!)

§         *  Frank get 14 stitches from a wreck on the Bitches (7 top & 7 bottom)

§         *  Me setting a personal best (5 laps)

§         *  A legitimate camp site and a ton of decent food

A big shout out and thanks to the sponsors who provided gear which allowed the teams to compete in this year’s event:

§         *  Serfas for the saddles, bags, and lights

§         *  Stan’s for the sealant

§         *  GU for the race nutrition

§         *  Polar Bottle for the water bottles

Until next year… 

Mike

24 Hours of Old Pueblo (24HOP)
Oro Valley, AZ
February 15-16, 2014
Don Mellow

Started with an anticipated drive down, hoping to get in 5 laps, which is one more than last year.  Everything on the bike was dialed in, I had put some good training miles on in the previous months, and was looking forward to racing with some new comers to the race.  We got to camp and had a great spot…better than years past, and had plenty of room.  Big thanks to all those that went down early.  After getting set up, I had the chance to walk around with some of the new team members to show them around.  How the memories started to come back from last year.  I really dislike the staging tent, but love the finish line.  Such drastic emotions for both end of the tent. 

We got some food and checked out the drop…never done the drop, and did not do it this year.  I don’t need those rocks to go to the urgent care…keep reading.

Race day came, and I was definitely hydrated.  Got the last of the team early that morning and settled in to relax and get ready for the start.  Kept eating and drinking, and listening to past race stories and scaring the new guys with complaints of every aspect of the race. Boy, they really started giving some long lap times.  Guess they were trying to be conservative, but I knew they would race faster when the juices started flowing.

Noon came and the bikes were staged.  Everyone had a great start and off they went in the dust of the 24 hour….  My day lap came quick as everyone was crushing their conservative time.  Great job boys!  I started out about 5, and had a beautiful sunset to stare at, and was making good time for me.  Did the &$%(itches, and was just settling in to staying on the bike and pacing myself.  Again, I was prepared to do 5 laps.  Past a few, got passed…you know the drill.  Enjoyed climbing some of the hills that had given me trouble in the past and did really well.  I was looking forward to the last climb, as I knew the terrain, and was dreaming of the last downhill.  I wanted a 1:20 or less..  I came down the hill and was making pretty good time, but I did notice there was more exposed rocks on the trail than past years and was just trying to get to know the trail again.  Finish line….1:23.  I was happy with that as it was my fastest lap yet. 

2^nd round.  The guys killed it again.  Staying very consistent on the 1^st night lap.  I was thinking I would do the same and was anticipating the chance to earn my keep.  Changed at the tent and there I went.  I was feeling really good.  No cramps from the day heat lap, and enjoyed the night time riding, as that is when I do most of training.  Got to the (&((*%%itches….1, 2, 3, and then #4. I was cruising down #4, looking at the red blinking light at the bottom (I knew it was the hazard-duh).  I was reading the road and picking my line to stay in control and do well.  Well…when I got closer to the bottom and my lights focused on the not so downhill angle, it was then that I realized that my line was off.  The trail was actually 3 feet to the left of the blinking hazard light and caution tape.  My brain calculated the risk to jump over, then said NOPE, then I hit the brakes.  It took just a few seconds, and there I was bearing down on a 14” high vertical curb of dirt at the bottom of #4, and BAAM.   I remember being in the air…my bike lights behind me (never a good thing) and then I remember trying to get up and seeing all the dirt on my pretty new K-Blue racing jersey.  I looked at all the body parts to assess the damage.  Yep, the knee was bleeding, the other knee was swollen up immediately, and my elbow hurt.  Yes, there was blood bleeding thru my new K-Blue racing arm thingees.

I went to my bike and expected a taco or something.  It was still round, and the fork was good.  The chain had whipped around itself a few times, but got it free.  Then I asked, “where the heck is my water bottle?”  I found it 30-40’ from the crash site.  Only physics majors would be able to calculate the force it took to launch that baby!  Oh, and I remember when I got up, I said, “You(^^&$^itch!!”  Anyways, got back on and headed up the hill to the vulture type medic station.  They asked the obvious question that one would ask when they see lights go round and round in the dark.  I wish I had their “Sign”.  They checked me out as I started complaining as to why they did not mark the hazard better!!! I hit a dirt curb!  They replied with O, yea, we just hauled 7 guys off about 45 minutes ago.  Not to happy, but still thanked them for volunteering.   After they asked me how things felt, I told them my wrist was a little tingly and they asked if I was going to continue or should they call the ambulance.  I paused, extremely pissed, and said, “you know what…it’s the 24 hour race, I’m going.” 

I got back on the trail and was still assessing the various burning and aching parts of my body and watching how the bike was handing.  Bike was good, adrenaline was still flowing and down the hill I went.  It wasn’t until a few miles down the trail when I had to down shift, that I started to realize that the thumb couldn’t push the shifter well.  Holy crap, it hurt!  Kept going though and was testing my abilities.   I started to have strength issues with my left wrist, and it wasn’t long before my refill of prescriptive adrenaline started to run low.  I was on the back side of the lap, and it become every so difficult to stand up, hold on, or even shift.  I just wanted to finish the lap so we could stay on track with our laps.  I think the pain made me forget about the pedaling and pain.  I just kept on going.

So I finally made it to the last downhill….I really don’t remember even getting there, but I was there.  Hauling butt, dodging rocks, just praying that I could keep a good grip until the bottom.  This was going to be one heck of story.  I got to the finish line, and expected to turn a slow lap, and my other team member was probably asleep waiting for me.  Got in at 1:40, and was very happy with that time considering the paragraphs above.  I told him I thought I broke my wrist.  He was worried, but as a true racing warrior, he looked me off and ran out of the tent.  I didn’t take it personalJ  Then I was greeted by some of the race wives, all worried and such.  They took my bike and I went with another team member to the medic tent.  So not where I wanted to be.  I did the whole medic tent thing…lots of questions, got a riding cast because I thought I could keep going and left.  I got back to the camp, and was sharing my story, but really feeling the pain.  There was definitely something wong!  I rested for a few hours and got up to see how I was doing, but the swelling in the wrist was pretty bad, and the guys in camp were telling me I had probably broke some bones…

Sure enough, got back to town and went to the urgent care.  Broken Scoifold bone or something. Got a splint case and went to the hand doc a few days later.  Yep, it’s broke, and also a fracture in the right elbow.  Now I am the proud owner of a black forearm cast for 6 weeks and many scabs from the bloody spots.  I had just survived a 20 MPH impact on (&(*%*itch #4, and lived tell about it.  I want to mention the rest of the team rode hard and did an awesome job to get in 13 laps between the last two remaining riders.  Now I only have the dreams of finishing lap #5.  Keeps me going though…Maybe next year.

Don


24 Hours of Old Pueblo (24HOP)
Oro Valley, AZ
February 15-16, 2014
Scott Thomas

  Old Pueblo.... Well this is maybe my favorite race course.  Maybe this is because over the last 3 years (including this year) I have logged in more than 300 miles on it.

  A little back ground behind my love hate relationship with Old Pueblo.  In September of 2011 I was working in Utah and I got this weird idea that I was going to go after 24HOP solo.  Doing a little research I found out that registration opened on Oct 1st and that the male solo category would sell out in less than 24 hours.  At this point I was the only K-Blue racer that would be doing this race as a solo or with a team.  I finished 6 laps (97.2 miles) in 2012.  I returned again as a solo in 2013 this time I had another 4-person male K-Blue team there for some support and completed 9 laps (145.8 miles).

  2014 seemed very different to me.  3 other K-Blue racers had each put together their own 4-person K-Blue race teams for 24HOP this year(their race reports to follow).  This put a campsite of 13 plus.  The support at the site was great.  All the gear possibly needed was there.

  So Friday afternoon Mike and I headed down to 24HOP.  Sterling and Don where already there with some members of their teams and a couple of Mike's guys were already there as well.  I was nice to get there on Friday afternoon and not feel stressed to get everything set up as years past when I would arrive on Saturday mornings.

  Pre-race meeting and then same old same old stuff.  Then comes the walk to the start line.  The butterflies set in as I wait for the start.  Oh yeah and the weather was great if you were sitting around watching the race.  Sunny and 85 during the day and a full moon and 55 at night.  Perfect weather.

  Race starts and it seemed a bit dustier this year than the last couple of years.  Started out really good and the my pace seemed good.  Not to fast as I knew I had a long day ahead of me.  Burnt thru the first lap and felt great.  Stopped and grabbed a banana and switched water bottles and out again.  1:24 on the first lap.

  Second lap not much different from the first.  It was really spreading out, so makes it a little nicer on the single track stuff.  I could start to feel the heat on me.  It was hitting 2:30-3pm and it seemed to be warming up.  Wrapped up that lap and came in to switch water bottles again.  This time when getting off my bike I felt a small cramp in my leg.  This isn't common for me.  I don't cramp.  Ever.  None the less drank some water and switch and head out.  1:40 on that lap.

  Third lap.  I was drinking water and GU Roctane.  I could really feel the sun just soaking into my skin.  I really didn't start to get to bad on this lap till about mile 12 as I started to climb up to the powerline.  This area has always been my not so favorite part of the course.  I powered through the powerline section really starting to cramp.

  Got back to the camp and it seemed like within 15 minutes or so of being there the legs were so cramped I couldn't move.  The next 2-3 hours seemed to be consistent cramping in my legs.  I'm not sure I have ever had pain that bad in my legs.  So for the next 10 hours or so I recovered.  Or so I thought.

  Morning came and I decided that I was good to go out for a lap or two.  Well I was wrong.  This was the longest lap I have ever done there at 24HOP.  I finished the lap and the race.  My worse solo finish ever at 24HOP.

  So a little of what I didn't mention at the beginning.  2 days prior to 24HOP I was stretching my legs out on a 30 mile road ride and told myself then that 2014 would be my last year at 24HOP as a solo for a while if I ever came back to do it as a solo.  Then the dehydration and the poor finish was the icing on the cake.  Old Pueblo and I really do have a love hate relationship.  Here we are 2 solid months after 24HOP and I am on the fence of going back to try and pull together the best finish I can.  Guess we will see how I feel come October.

  Big thanks to Serfas (saddles, tires, shoes, eyewear, shorts, gloves, CO2, mini tools, grips and more), Stan's NotTubes (sealant), Crank Brothers (pedals and wheels), Geigerrig (hydration packs), GU Energy (Roctane Brew, GU, Roctane GU, Chomps), Polar Bottle (water bottles) and POC (helmets and gloves).

Scott

MBAA - White Tank Whirlwind - Race Report

MBAA White Tank Whirlwind

February 8, 2014

Scott Thomas

  White Tanks.  Well for those in AZ this is in the far west part of the Phoenix metro valley and to be completely honest after racing it I won’t be making the drive over there for just a Saturday ride.  It’s about a hour and 15 minute drive from my house. 

  So showing up there Saturday morning once again I’m shocked by the amount of people that MBAA is getting to come out to these short sprint style races, but I like it.  So the same old same old.  Check in.  Get my gear ready.  Relax a little.  Chat with some other friends racing.

  As a little preface to this course.  I’ve never ridden it before.  Not 100% uncommon for me and I spoke to several friends who either pre-rode the course or rode it for fun.  Not sure why the hell you would do that though.

  10:32am the race starts.  Always a scramble trying to get good placement, but this course was nice as the first mile or so was nice double-track.  A little rocky, but not to bad that you couldn’t pass.

  Then we make a left turn up to the technical section of the course.  The first lap (of two) this didn’t seem so bad.  Really boulder rocky with a few drops.  The first lap was extremely crowded.

  Once out of that mile and a half section we dump back onto some rollers before hitting the switchback climb.  The climb wasn’t bad.  I heard they did some trail work the week before and smoothed out part of it.  It was a nice climb with no real technical side to it and then we dropped into about a half mile section of some good twists and drops.

  Wrapping up that little downhill we are back on some single track just before the remaining 2 miles or so of double track that just rolls.  This area is good to make up ground if your able too.  Wrapping up my second lap about a mile and a half from the finish pro-rider Chloe Woodruff passed me.  I somehow found some energy to try and keep up with her.  I didn’t do to bad and kept her within about 100 yards or so.

  So the one word description of the race for me would be uneasy.  Not sure, but the technical sections put me on the edge.  I still finished in the top 15, so not complaining to much, but I have had much better.  Old Pueblo is next.

  Big thanks to:  Poc (helmet, gloves), Crank Brothers (pedals, wheels), GU Energy (Roctane brew, Roctane GU, Chomps), Serfas (Shoes, eyewear, shorts, saddle, saddle bag, mini tool), Stan's NoTubes (sealant), Polar Bottle (water bottles), Geigerrig (hydration pack).

MBAA McDowell Meltdown - Race Report

MBAA McDowell Meltdown
January 18, 2014
Scott Thomas

  Unlike last week this race was very simple and not a lot of prep work to load gear and planning for fueling.  Got up Saturday morning unlike last week kind of slept in till about 7am then grabbed my bike and headed to Fountain Hills, AZ, which is where McDowell Mtn Park is.  I was surprised by the amount of people there with campers.  This was a short sprint race.

  I knew my start time was 10:32am, so getting there at 8:30ish gave me lots of time.  I checked in and grabbed my bib.  Ran into a few guys I knew that came down from Prescott to race.  Then made it back to the car (1/2 mile away) to slowly start getting ready.  Time slowly pasted and finally I just got bored and headed over to the start line.

  10:32am (well 10:25am) racers started staging in our age categories and getting ready.  Whistle blows and we are off.  I am extremely familiar with this course as it is the course for the 24 Hours of Fury that I have done a few times.  Things were tight heading out and everyone finding their position.

  I felt really good and thought I could make up some ground on people as the course went on.  There is a part of this course I hate and I think I hate it more now that I don't have a full suspension, but the South Ridge is a nasty rocky area.  Well I lost even more ground on that stretch.

  Finishing my big loop I pushed on and a little faster and harder into the last 3 miles.  The last bit was the fun part of the course.  Some short rollers with a little switch backs.  Finished and really didn't see my time.  I was a bit discouraged.  I felt the first half of the race to wasn't pushing hard enough to get good positioning and knew I had people pass me.

  Hung out for a bit at the race and watch a friend's daughter finish her first mountain bike race.  Then packed up and heading in.  Stopped in Fountain Hills for some food to refuel a little and thought I would just check and see how bad I really did do.

  15th.  Wow.  I figured I would be a lot further down in the pack than that.  I looked at my lap splits and saw that my first big loop was around 52-53 minutes.  That's faster than I have ever done it before.  Went and looked at the times a little more yesterday (Sunday) and the times and rankings updated and I took 14th.

  Big thanks to:  Poc (helmet, gloves), Crank Brothers (pedals, wheels), GU Energy (Roctane brew, Roctane GU, Chomps), Serfas (Shoes, eyewear, shorts, saddle, saddle bag, mini tool), Stan's NoTubes (sealant), Polar Bottle (water bottles), Geigerrig (hydration pack).

12 Hours at Papago - Race Report

12 Hours at Papago
January 11, 2014
Scott Thomas

  So a typical solo race for me.  Pack up all my gear on Friday.  Saturday morning 5am hits and my alarm goes off.  Couldn’t have been soon enough.  I was up several time throughout the night, so I think I had a little bit of race butterflies, which is usual for me, but oh well.  Go up and got semi ready, loaded my bike and packed up my last few water bottles.  Head down to Tempe from far east Mesa (15-20 minute drive).  Remembered I needed to stop and get bananas on the way, so a quick detour for that and then on to the race.

  I was a bit surprised when I showed up at 5:45am as to how many people there were there and already set up.  Luckily they have an area set up for us solo racers to set up.  I quickly unloaded my gear out of my car and then went to find a parking spot.  Got all of my gear arranged and ready for the day.

  6:50am hits and it’s time to head for the start line.  A few additional quick comments from the race director and then the Nation Anthem.  It’s a LeMan’s start, so nothing like 200 runners in bike shoes for 100 yards on asphalt.  At the start it was still dark, so we started with lights.

  Having never ridden this course before I tried to watch the riders in front of me as much as possible.  So the goods and the bads for not pre-riding a course before the race.  Goods you keep your eyes open and go as fast as you can and hope for the best.  Bads you don’t know all the drops and spots you should gear down before you hit them.  A few drops and one or two spots I wish I had geared down better.

  This course is 7.2 miles roughly.  The first 1-3/4 or so is the more rocky rollers with some drops and a few climbs.  Then you hit the recovery part of the course that is flat canals for about 3 miles before dropping back into the rollers to the finish.

  So my first lap went well, but when I came thru I didn’t see the time clock to see what my time was.  I figured that I needed to average 51 minutes a lap to make my 14 lap goal.  At the end of my second lap I saw the clock and I was at 1:25.  So I kept pushing.  I felt good.  I had 4 laps done in the first 3 hours.  At this pace I figured I would have 18 laps or so.

  Well for all the endurance racers out there not all of us keep that starting pace.  I finished my 7th lap right at the 5 hour mark.  This was half way and I was an hour ahead of scheduled pace.  So I stopped for about 10-15 minutes to fuel and really take a break.  Headed back out for 8.

  When I came in from 8 I looked at my splits on Chronotrack and noticed that it was only showing me having 7 laps.  So upon finishing 9 I stopped and they had it correct on-site, but wrong on-line.  I briefly stopped after 9 and then hit 10 and 11.  During my 11th lap I had a few gear shifting issues.  The course seemed dusty with more of a light fine dust.  I had already lubed my chain a few times throughout the day with ProGold.

  Coming in from 11th lap I stopped and cleaned my chain a little and lubed it again.  Resting just a few before heading out for 12.  While out on 12 I ended up dropping my chain twice.  Between the wear of the 80+ miles at this point and the frustration of the mechanical issues I was done.  I finished 12 and came in and stopped.

  At the end I finished 12 laps (86.4 miles) and 24th out of 76 in my category.  Naturally I beat myself up the yesterday the day after the race for not making a quick fix and going out for lap 13 & 14.  First race of the year not to bad.  Next one will be better.

  Thanks to Serfas (shoes, eyewear, saddle, lights, saddle bag, tires, shorts), POC Sports (gloves & helmet), GU (Roctane brew, Roctane GU, Chomps), ProGold (Lube), Geigerrig (Hydration pack), Polar Bottle (water bottles), Stan’s Notubes (Stan’s Sealant), Crank Brothers (wheels & pedals).

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