Tuesday, October 9, 2012

UTCX #2- Ft. Buenaventura Ogden

On my way to a mid pack finish in the Master A's.  Cross is a different beast.  Some day I will figure this thing out.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Monday, July 16, 2012

Crusher 2012

It was hard. The climbs are long and steep and the descent was just as hair raising as described (at least on a cx bike it was).  But probably the best supported race I've done.  The people of Beaver are Buena Gente and were so cool to come out and support the race. 

I like this sequence of shots because it shows me descending while my EFS gel is about to fall out of my jersey pocket.  Those washboard sections rattled it out.  I guess I should be happy I didn't lose a tooth.  I would need this EFS gel on the 2nd big nasty climb.  I would reach for it and discover it was gone.  With the next aid station over an hour away, I knew I was in trouble. 

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

1977

And this is how it all started......

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Draper ICUP 2012

I wasn't planning on racing the Draper ICUP on Monday when I saw the original course.  But when the IMBA folks stepped up and finished the last phase of the Rush trail and the course was changed to include Canyon Hollow/Rush, I perked up.  Now THAT was a course that sounded fun.

It's been a while since I had raced.  Almost 3 months.  I guess Strava has been satisfying my cravings.  I decided it was time to come out of hibernation and face my fears.  I left my SS at home and lined up with the Expert/40+ geared crew.  There are some salty old dogs in that group.

3 laps - 33 miles at race pace made me a bit nervous.  My longest ride so far this year is something like 38 miles and that was on my road bike. 

After a terrible start position (15 or so out of 20), I spent the first and second lap passing and playing catch up while trying to leave something in the tank for lap 3.  As I came through the start/finish area to start my 3rd lap, I heard my kids, wife, and Jay cheering.  That gave me a big boost (along with Bob S. heckling me.....All I remember is Bob pointing up the course and saying "hey Rick, the race is up there....").



I had some good legs on the final climb and made up a few more positions before the downhill.  I managed to stay on my bike and avoid any mechanicals and finish 3rd.

It felt good to stand on that box again.  But what's up the ghetto podium at the ICUP's?  I'd pay an extra $1 for Ed to get a real podium instead of the plywood boxes.  (but I do like the tweety chair).


Congrats to Corey L and D. Bagley for a 1, 2 finish in SS.  Rico with the Expert 35 win, Daren C with 2nd in the 50+, and Whitney taking the Expert Women win.  I have some very fast friends.  I'm so glad I don't race against them anymore.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Ponytails and Arm Warmers

My wife looks great all done up in a dress with heels but something about this look I really like.  A ponytail, sleeveless with arm warmers.