12 Hours of Temecula #3

The lowest number I have ever sported!

Goodness...where do I begin? I still am unsure on whether I want to regurgitate this memory at this point...but, what the heck!

So after a little after a little motivation from Brendan (Siren) and others, I decided to register in the Pro category. I really had no idea of who was showing up...and I was afraid that I might be out of my league. I finally said screw and thought I was going to have to step up sooner or later, "Go big or go home!" as James says.

I think there is something to stepping up the game. I remember back when I used to play golf quite often, the tougher the course and the better the competition...the better I played! Bottom line was I knew I could put down enough laps to put me in the mix...maybe this was the thing to give me the little kick in the @ss to get it done.


We arrived and set up. I began running into people like crazy and we decided to combine pits with James, Trevor, and Jenz...I was pitting with the Mann show. I think I did more conversing the preparing for the race in the morning...maybe I was in denial of what was about to happen. I skipped out on the pre-race briefing and sat alone in the pits to collect my thoughts. Before I knew it, the athletes were stirring again and I was suited and ready to go. I began to make my way over to the start line and ran into Todd, Brendan and Mary from the Siren crew (super cool bunch!). I was standing next to Todd and Allison on the start line as Todd was talking to some guy next to him...I remember hearing Todd say to the guy, "man...those solos are freakin' crazy!" in a serious tone...I had to chuckle!

Justin, James and Robert

The race started...and it was warm already! I knew it would heat up during the day and I hoped it wouldn't become a factor as it did in June. After the parade lap I remember starting to work my way into position. I thought to myself, "dude...you're racing pro, you gotta start your work now and you can't stop!" I wanted to work my way up into the "faster" guys so that I wouldn't get bogged down in the lap 1 descents. The lap went as expected and the course ran as it did the last 50 times I had been out. I came into the pits and surprised Justin with a 54 minute first lap. I got situated and got back to it. Lap 2 was wide open...nice! 53 minutes later I was back in. Laps 3 and 4 we started lapping some of the slower riders...I was working hard and was using my voice from far off to declare my presence. I couldn't believe how fast I was running the course and was making a bunch of passes.

Courtesy of Michael McClure(Shudder)

The descent behind the RC car track was getting bad!! It had turned into a 10 inch deep powder mess and once you commited to the drop you had to either clean it or bail! I came around in lap 5 and called out "rider!", somehow surfed my way through the carnage of downed riders and people standing off to the sides...I yelled out a victory war cry at the bottom and said to myself, "that's the last time I am riding that today"...thankfully Jason rerouted the course for the next lap.

During the race...doing lots of this out there!!

I had no idea what was going on with my competition...I didn't even know how many people I was up against. I did know that Ben Bostrom was there and was likely killin it...and I met Brian who had the series points lead in the Pro category before the race. I said screw it and just kept in my own!

I fought with hydration and nutrition all day! People were sitting on the sides of the course trashed from the heat! I was thinking how lucky I was to be able to keep turning the pedals over. I began to start feeling cramp twinges in my muscles heading into lap 8 and I started to get scared that my hard work could go out the window with one wrong move. I saw James (Cycopath) was sick on the side of trail as I headed out toward the dam climb. With that pass I made my way into 3rd place and the podium. I didn't know it at the time...I just kept my head down and kept charging. After I made the lap, I noticed he was able to bridge the gap back up to me and I tried to look fresh as I passed him on the way out of the pits. Robert rode up next to me on the road and told me he wasn't too far back.

As with several of the previous laps, I was amazed at how the energy kept coming up the dam climb! Lap after lap I was able to keep putting down solid power on the climb and was shocked (I had never attempted racing this long at this pace). Once I reached the connector to the top singletrack I noticed the blue Pivot jersey of Brian (pro series leader). I turned a big gear and made a confident pass before the descent. I immediately got stoked because I knew by passing him I would most certainly make the podium in my Pro debut. I got excited....and nearly crashed 2 or 3 times down the next singletrack sections and switchbacks. I told myself at the aid station to calm down...even if it meant Brian bridging the gap, a crash wan't worth it at this point.

Laps 10 and 11....oooh baby! I don't remember too much of these laps except that I was railing it in the dark and was scared sh!tless as every set of lights made a pass. Thankfully I never saw any of my competitors again and crossed around 8:07 to bank 11 on the day. I didn't truly realize what I had done as I checked with the table to make sure they had me down for all of my hard work. It wasn't until 5 or 10 minutes later when someone told me that I had taken 2nd place...I was trashed!

I am not sure where that effort came from...maybe I was making a final stamp on the '08 season. This season was about learning and proving to myself I could go the distance. Coming into this race with a 24 under my belt...I knew the distance wouldn't be a factor...so I put it all on the line and laid it down out there! I am still stoked and shocked with the outcome!

2nd place and the retirement of an old worn out jersey...it was a good run!

Allison destroyed it as well taking 1st place female Pro with 10 laps. James and Trevor stepped up to bang out 12 laps as a duo...congrats and I hope to see you guys back out there!!

Thanks to everyone that rooted me on out there!! I seriously didn't know how so many people knew my name...but the encouragement never ceased...THANKS!! Thanks to Justin and my beautiful girlfriend for helping me pit...and for putting up with a frantic athlete once an hour. And thanks to Jason for putting on a killer event....great course!!

Good times...10 weeks till the next one...yikes!!

Quick Update

Well...it was a rough day...but the energy kept coming...somehow!

I managed to pull a 2nd place in the Pro category out of my @ss, roughly 9 minutes behind Ben Bostrom (8 hour Hurkey Fall winner). I passed Jason (Cycopath) and Brian (Pivot) in laps 9 and 10 respectively.

I completed 11 laps in 11:06...and my body is pretty trashed right now!

On another note, Allison took 1st in the Womens Pro category to make cap off the big hometown effort. Justin was working hard to keep us both in position.

Full report to come!

Pre-race Update

Tonight I went out for the final run of the course at Vail lake. I got there a little early and decided to take the easy route up ambulance to make a run at the single-track up top and down Marlin. I saw race director Jason on the first singletrack section putting in some last minute work. We chatted briefly about the race and I got a last minute update on the field. It appears that there will be quite a few people attending the race this weekend.

Jason mentioned names like Tinker, Wallenfells, Pua, and others may be in attendance. I believe 12 are registered in the Pro class and I am still undecided on which class I will represent for the weekend. On one hand, a miracle could happen and I could possibly podium in the pro class and take home a check. On the other hand, I could register Expert and have a pretty good shot at the podium. Most endurance races have a single "Mens Open" class where everyone, pro and all, race together. Decisions, decisions??

After running the descents I was stoked that my bike was back in top shape. In all honesty, my bike hasn't felt this good since the Spring of 2008. Finally forking over for all of the necessary items has given back that smooth bike feel where every ounce of energy results in forward motion and descending is cake...stoked!!

I strapped on the lights as Allison and Justin got ready, and as the sun began to set we cruised down to the race start. We decided to run a full lap of the course and the lights were on well before the start of the dam climb. Justin was on fire putting down a fast lap, as I decided to kick back and cruise to pace it as I would in the race. The night lap ran great and the bike continued to feel smooth. All of the descents where fast and flowy...I know every line by heart. I can't wait until raceday!!

This week has been all about recovery. I took all of the training indoors this week to ensure a consistent heart rate and intensity....today was the only break from that schedule. Tomorrow will be a 30 minute spin in the morning before setting up the pit area and attending Jason's trail building meeting tomorrow night. It is an interesting feeling coming into this event with a little beefier resume this time around. I know what to expect and plan on experimenting with a few things. All in all, everything is in place and I am ready to lay down a solid effort!

Hillbilly Bike Bash

Leather Number Plate and 2nd Place Award

To wrap up my crash cycle heading into the 12 hours of Temecula next weekend, I decided to go see what the Hillbilly Bike Bash was all about and wrap it up with an XC race. I couldn't miss this big of an event in my own backyard...and after some scheduling issues I decided to cruise out and test the XC legs. I was a little curious how my body was going to respond with the lack of speedwork over the last several months, but I knew it would be fun and I went into it thinking just that.

I cruised out to the event to find a bustling campground and parking lot. The vendor trucks were all set up and bikes were whizzing by everywhere. A total transformation from what I usually experience out there...when it is just usually me and a couple of other lonely cars in the parking lot. I saw Steph and Nancy cruising down the road on the way back to the parking lot and ran into James and Trevor on their way out to cruise a lap.

I quickly gave the boys some course instructions and got my butt down to registration. Roberts Mom was working the table in full Hillbilly get-up acting the part (she was working hard!). After a few laughs and running into several more friends I cruised back to suit up and start my pre-race routine. I cruised a little bit of the course and noticed immediately that my drivetrain was acting up again..DOH! I messed with it here and there and decided that there was no way that I would figure it out before the race. Low and behold it was a worn middle chain ring that was causing the problem, but I didn't figure that out until later in the afternoon.

After my warm-up of high intensity efforts, I got the lactic acid flowing and found the boys at the start line. Robert was yelling out course instructions as I pondered my drivetrain issues one last time. It was quite a large field at the start line and it would be a mass start. I found a spot on the start line right to get a nice hole shot heading into the first part of the course.

At the start of the race we all piled forth and I found myself in about 6th position heading into the first singletrack. My legs felt good and I was surprised at how many people held back on the start line. One thing that I have learned while racing XC, is that the start is crucial for positioning and going into the first few climbs and descents...even if it means going too hard!! Down the first descent I found myself behind a young guy that was probably in my class. I mashed the descent and didn't touch the brakes. He was on a hard tail but I was unable to get a pass...I did, however, find myself with a missing front spoke. I contemplated the twinging sound with every wheel rotation and continued to baby a stubborn drivetrain. I held my position and settled in to the top 10.

The descents were on the money! I was railing everything...this is my backyard! After the first lap I found myself in the same position as I was in the first quarter mile...then Trevor made his pass. I knew Trevor and James where behind me somewhere and figured it would only be a matter of time (these guys train hard for this distance). As my body began to force me back into my tempo pace and heart rate I began to look around to play the strategy, looking for guys in my class etc. I managed to hang with the younger guy through the second lap and found myself next to him on a bit of fireroad. I thought I would break up the mood with a little conversation and found out he was racing the pro class...whew! I let him fade away and I could only see two guys behind me.

The third lap, my pace began to slow. The field was stretched and I knew I wasn't going to catch anyone in front of me. I noticed the two guys behind me were racing in much older classes and I decided to kick it down a gear and save it for next weekend. They both made their passes and I held it to finish 2nd behind Trevor (I will take that any day!).

James had a bad start and found himself behind some rookies...he still pulled out and AG victory. Chris (dude from last weekend) pulled out 3rd in the pro class..fast!!

All in all I surprised myself with the outcome of the race. I didn't expect my body to respond that well and I am right where I need to be heading into the 12 hour race. I am hoping for a solid race next weekend and everything seems to be falling into place. I have the bike dialed in 100% now (finally) and my body will be recovering from the crash cycle this week. Hopefully, I will redeem my mid summer meltdown from the #2 race...should be fun!!

Pluggin' along

The off-season has been interesting so far...kind of no-mans land. Some financial stress has gotten to me here and there over the last several weeks, and all of necessary bike repairs aren't helping the situation.

A full season of endurance oriented mountain bike training and racing takes its toll. At the cost of mind, body, and money...the stress loads of training and racing begin to rack up over the year. I am not sure what kind of mileage and elevation I threw at my Kona this season...but if I kept track I am sure I would be impressed that the bike still had round wheels and was in one piece. I have been amazed at how this bike has held together...needing only the basic oil change and tune-up here and there.

So as the sponsorship applications simmer at the respective companies and shops...and through several conversations I will likely find myself on another bike next year...at least another frame. Companies and shops want you to ride there brand obviously, or at least something that they sell...makes sense I guess. It's kind of a bummer that there isn't a local Kona dealer...but who knows, maybe I need to branch out anyway.

Regardless...the bike needs fixen, so this week I decided the fork issues weren't the bushings after all and simply replaced the dust-wipers (so far so good). I also changed out the rear cassette and chain to compliment the needs of the drivetrain and I have a couple of rotors that are somewhere between here and Taiwan, thanks to a misleading Ebay-er. Lastly, I have to fork over for a rear tire and new skewers today which when totaled up means $$$...someday I will be rich and have a different bike for every day of the week (jealous)!

So as the fitness fades away into the casual prep miles...the racing still continues. I am looking forward to getting my @ss kicked at this weekend Hillbilly Bike Bash XC race. I haven't done much speed work (well none) in several months coming off the last peak into the off-season, so tomorrow will likely be punishing. The workout (race) will serve its purpose however, leading up to the big goal and final 12 hours of Temecula coming up in 8 days. I am in full swing of another crash cycle leading up the big race. I really like using these cycles for higher priority races in the off-season and during base periods. Although they can be risky, while flirting with overtraining, crash cycles can offer quick benefits without say...a full build cycle.

All in all, I know this time of year serves its purpose...but I can't wait to get back into full swing. If I get lucky and get accepted for the blogger's grant for the Breck Epic (fingers crossed), my training for next season will be greatly modified due to the differing goals. Either way, I am excited to try some new training methods and I am looking forward to another great season of achieving goals and truly settling into endurance mountain bike field.

12 hours of Temecula Recon

I am not sure if this really counts as recon...this is the home course, I run this track every stinkin' week! Still...fun every time!

After the domino flake event I was doubtful that anyone would show up to the ride on Saturday. Initially Eric had said he wasn't going to make it...but after a little guilt trip he somehow summoned up a semi-pro transplant from AZ to carpool him up to Vail.

We started the ride around 8am and showed up to a full set of cars in the campground. I've been amazed at how popular this venue has become over the last two and a half years that I have lived here. I remember when you were lucky to see another rider on the track any day of the week. Now...you see trail maintenance, DH practice runs, XC, and rec riders all in one day. I managed to sneak in before the security was out posting the $5 bond...Eric and Chris, 15 minutes behind...not so lucky.

We started out with a genuine lap of the course. Chris has stated that he was planning on attending the race so I figured I would show him the track and then add in all of the fun stuff later. We conquered the climb and singletrack up top....the switchbacks seem to get looser and nastier every week, but Chris was tight on my wheel fighting through the 6" of powder on the way down. Marlin was awesome as usual and I began to notice the home field advantage as Chris and Eric began to fade away as I knew all of the lines and washouts of the course.

Chris was a super cool dude and popped right into the pace. Eric (self acclaimed fat and lazy) was always soon to regroup...the offseason can do weird things to us athletes. The second lap we added in all of the fun offshoots and descended the ridgeline...fast and fun. It was starting to get super hot on the course and Chris and I chatted about the strange weather, comparing AZ to CA.


After a couple of hot laps in the sun I decided to give Chris the comprehensive review of the Vail lake trails. He said that he might race the XC in next weekends HillBilly Bike Bash so I showed him what I knew of the course. We ascended bridges and Chris found his first taste of fresh wind after I fudged the first switchback. We descended the brand new singletrack connector into Tunnel which was pretty new and loose. There was one cool rock section option that I looked at and decided to save for another day for the sake of healthy collar bone.

All in all, we covered dang near every trail Vail had to offer...and after noticing a broken (missing) spoke I decided to pull the plug after about 4 and half hours. Chris was super cool to ride with...similar pacing all day...up and down, a first.


I am looking forward to this race. As with always I am constantly learning from those that I ride with...even though it is the offseason I plan for a good race. Chris said once during the ride, "in the off-season, train for freshness. in-season, train for fitness", makes sense to me. Thanks goes to Eric for draggin his arse out to a hot network of trails on an early Saturday morning!

Noble

First off...go James!! I am sitting here watching the live feed of the Xterra World Championships in Maui in hopes that James will have as good a race as he did last year. Funny thing...at the start of this year, I was registered for this race!

Yesterday, the usual suspects and myself headed out to ride Noble Canyon and all of its accompanying trails. We arrived at the trailhead around 8:30...the weather was crisp and cold, but the sun was looming, reminding me of my last Noble experience.

A year ago August was the last time I was out to test my technical bike skills at Noble. I remember trying to get an early start time to beat the heat. After getting some trail directions I took off up the pavement to the Indian Creek climb. By the time I hit the climb, temps were hitting 100 degrees. I absolutely cooked myself out there only to hang on for dear life on the tricky descent. I was bummed that my energy was sapped so much that I couldn't enjoy the descent. This time would be different.

Photos from Geoladders.com

The weather gave an expectation of a high of 72 degrees....perfect! We took off up the Noble extra credit option straight out of the parking lot. My body was shocked into high effort technical rock step ups and gardens. My motivation hadn't had a chance to settle in and I found myself dabbing and walking several sections. Once we hit the descent I was out in front, pegging it, getting into the mood. We started up the brutal pavement climb up to the Indian Creek trail. One thing Brian said last week while climbing up to the Southridge descent, "you know it's steep when you are in the full granny on pavement." Justin had a little break away and I didn't pursue...just tried to settle in for a long day.

We hit Indian Creek trail and Justin's mechanicals started...he would end up being plagued all day. Partial way up the loose rocky climb we stopped for him to repair his crank arms. After the 20 minute break my energy level peaked and I reeled in everyone that passed us. I was able to maintain a high cadence and powered over all of the rock ledges and loose trail and reached the summit stoked! After the regroup there were about 8 people at the summit from various groups riding the trail. Justin offered a full suspension to lead out the descent so I jumped first in line expecting one of the long travel bikes to track me down. I absolutley powered the descent, no brakes over the babies heads, pushing through every turn. I got to the bottom and no one was in sight...wha?! I continued on with the climb out of the valley and furthered my gap on the group.

We continued on with our Tour-de-Noble and conquered the casual Big Laguna for some extra mileage. I was waiting, trying to conserve energy....in full anticipation of the super techy descent. We finally made our way back to the descent and I held the lead position up to the start. Once we started down the descent it was like someone letting the leash off of a wild dog. I started passing people and cleaning section after section....in the zone! I only walked the stair-step section over the first half of the descent and thought a number of times that I should stop and let the group catch up...but I was having too much fun!

After the second creek crossing I stopped and waited...finally pulling back on the reigns. Justin had flatted on the descent so after a concerned 15 minutes the group made there way through. I continued the descent, pushing hard to get some breathing room from the group. The second half of the trail is a huge test...definitely living up to the name of being one of the most technical trails in SoCal. I walked only a few sections and forced myself back to conquer several unsuccessful attempts. The last rock section had a nice line but I just couldn't keep the speed up to maintain momentum. I crashed a couple of times going back and trying to clip in and decided to pull the plug. Justin came firing through on his hardtail and made it look easy...animal! He said, "sometimes when a section starts beating you like that, it's just better to give up."

I was a little bummed that I didn't conquer the final rock section...I felt with a big bike and the proper gear, the added confidence would have allowed me to breeze through it...next time!

We finished out the day shortly afterwards due to Justin's broken seatpost, bent deraileur hanger, effed crank arms, and multiple flats....just wasn't his day! Other then that my day was great...my poor bike stayed in one piece yet again and my body held strong. Two weekeend epics in a row...this is what it is all about.