Friday, November 26, 2010

Out Of Office

I'm currently out of the office. Leave a message.
(photo credit- Grizzly Adam)

Friday, November 19, 2010

The Ritual

I was up late last night at a friends house mounting some new skis (well, new for me anyways). As we worked in the basement, I could hear the wind howling outside. I like that kind of wind. It means a storm is coming. It felt like working on skis late at night was a ritual to welcome in the storm. I had good dreams last night.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

The CX Remount

I'm getting more comfortable with the cyclocross remount but every time I do it, in the back of my mind, I hear a little voice that says "don't land on your nuts".


















View a larger pic here: This picture (ripped from Grizzly) sums it all up. If you're a guy and you are looking at this picture and you don't get a little uneasy, something is wrong with you. There is a lot that can go wrong here.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

UTCX State Championship Race

Saturday was the UTCX State Championship race. This was the first time I've seen them bring in a drumline and I really like it. All cx races should have a drumline going forward. (of course, by the time the SS and B's go, everyone is gone)


Racing on a golf course was one the highlights of the 2010 season for me. It was just fun. Roller coaster type course, almost all grass, a nasty climb, some off camber corners, and some barriers.

I've come to accept that I'm usually racing for scraps in the SS group. Podium finishes are pretty much out of reach. Coming in 4th or 5th is the goal.

I managed to squeak out a 6th place finish and was mildly happy with that.

I don't consider myself an experienced cross racer and I really haven't put in the right kind of training to be good at it. But I could see that changing next year. The addiction is getting worse and worse with each race.

The races are cheaper, more family friendly, shorter, and the bikes (at least mine) are much cheaper. What's not to like about that?

Friday, November 12, 2010

UT State Championship Course

Saturday is the Utah State Championship CX Race. I'm not going to miss the chance to legally ride on a golf course. That just sounds too fun to pass up.

The course looks great. Check it out here: (stolen from Church of the Big Ring)

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Lunch Ride Without The Ride

For several years now, the UC crew has been getting together for lunch rides during the work week. The rides usually turn into races and that's fine. It's good training. Painful but good for the body.

Today was the first time we got together for lunch. No ride. Just lunch.

Miles without a helmet just doesn't look right. Brandon wearing a shirt with a collar aint right either. And Rico's legs don't intimidate as much in jeans. It just didn't feel right. There was no trash talking. Nobody got dropped. Too much talking and not enough suffering.

And yes. I felt very ashamed for ordering chips and a soda with my meal while Miles and Brandon both went without chips and had water/juice to drink.

I can't wait to get back to normal and go ride during lunch.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

The Future

I have no idea if my son Seth (8) will take up cycling when he is older. He is eight and still rides a SS which is a good sign. But if he ever decides to race, I look forward to a switching roles and paying him back for all the support over the years.

Here he is giving me a handup during the UTCX race #7 on Saturday. And doing it like a pro.
































Friday, November 5, 2010

Cycling Merit Badge

Somewhere on that sash is my cycling merit badge.

Double Dip

















Lunch ride in the UC followed by a night ride with the Suncrest crew. Not the best way to taper for Saturday's cross race but the weather pattern next week is showing snow/rain. Our season could be coming to an end. I'm trying to squeeze in as much as possible.

I probably ate close to twenty moths on the night ride. Hopefully they are packed with protein the help with the recovery.