Local Press!

InMaricopa, a local magazine did a brief write up on local athletes lately and I was lucky enough t be included!
Brad Wilhelm, 36
professiona l cyclist,
dog train er, tour guid e
Desert Ceda rs
What event are you training for? 12
hours of Papago, a mountain bike
race at Papago Mountain in Tempe.
Why this event? It is preparation for
the 2012 cross-country series.
How many similar events have you
competed in previously? About 100.
What does your training consist
of? Riding my road or mountain bike
six or seven days per week performing
specific workouts. Each workout targets a
specific skill necessary for successful race
performance.
Why fitness? As I aged I realized the
need for exercise. During my quest to gain
fitness I discovered cycling and fell in love.
How many hours per week do you
train? Ten to 20.
How do you fit training into your
schedule? I mold my life around my
training, this includes my “career.”
Do you have a special diet that is a
part of your training regimen? I just try
to eat healthy and eat the correct amounts.
What advice would you give to others
who are thinking about getting in shape
but haven’t taken the first step? Just start
doing anything; it does not matter what.
Make it a priority.
Stay informed
Follow us on
www.inmaricopa.com

BARN BURNER~!!!!!

Barn Burner was a blast! This was a relay race that took place near Flagstaff, above 7000 feet elevation, on a 20+ mile rough dirt road loop. It was the first race that I teamed up with my girl L.A. and what a team we turned out to be!

Leaving Phoenix in the early morning hours we left the summer heat behind and arrived at the venue just as the sun was coming up. Temps were much cooler up here in the mountains and pines near Flagstaff, and the terrain was red dirt and lava rock. We picked a parking place, registered, and I lined up for the LeMans style start.

The start was CROWDED! People were pushing and shoving as we were herded down a long corridor of race tape to where our bikes were parked. Hundreds of us were off and racing and it took several minutes to reach the dirt road where I could finally begin some passing. I teamed up with several other fast racers and we made time sharing the lead and our slipstreams. Coming into the barn where we had to dismount I found my teammate, Lee-Ann saddled up and ready for her hand off. I handed the baton and she was off! We were in great shape going into our second of 4 laps. I had come in among the top 10 on the first lap and LA had a killer lap time on the second.

Unfortunately I was caught hiding in the shade as she finished her lap, missed her coming through the barn, and she spent over 5 minutes searching for me for the hand off. This cost us second place and we slipped into 3rd or 4th.

Desperate to regain our podium spot we decided I would do the remaining two laps back to back...that was about 5o more miles on top of the 25 I had already done. Lap 3 went great but during lap 4 I hit the dreaded bonk zone.

To compound matters...the skies then opened up and began to pour. Temps dropped more than 20 degrees nearly instantly and the dirt road turned into a river in spots. I was freezing, bonking, losing my shit as I limped into the finish for the 3rd time to claim 4th place in the co ed duo.

Eventually I was able to get warm, then the sun showed itself just as our good friend Stephanie came in. LA and I enjoyed our free beer, the great company, and some time with our dogs in the mountains as we waited and waited for the awards.
Turns out we earned a couple of real cowboy belt buckles for finishing in under 9 hours. Great times were had as we mingled with the other racers of Arizona.

As always I have Trek bicycles, Bontrager parts, and Dales bikes to thank for my success. I also need to give a shout to HUB EVENT PRODUCTIONS and Mike Melley. Mike and Co. was a big help getting us to the event and with registration, would not have been here without them! Thanks, Mike!

This race officially ended my season. I have been doing some low key road racing for training, short track, and group rides in the Phoenix area.

My next planned event is actually another duo relay race with my most awesome girlfriend at the 12 hours of Papago in December. Should be a great time!

Vulture's Knob Double Down Enduro

Next on the list of Ohio races was Vulture's Knob Double Down Enduro. This was a double distance cross country race on a rather technical course. Vulture's Knob is the site of my very first mountain bike race, as well as Lee-Ann's first. Also one of our favorite courses. A technical mix of speed, climbing, and some crazy bridges...The Knob is forever evolving. It's truly an xc playground. I love V-Knob, I love long races, and I love the heat. This day I got to mix all three into a cocktail of fun and pain! Temps were again near 90 with high humidity. My girl LA was the only female brave enough to enter the expert class, everyone else sandbagged to avoid death by heat exhaustion. Lining up at the start I was excited to race my old rivals and my favorite racecourse of all time. Finally after some jibber jabbering by the race officials we were off and racing. I got a great start out front and promptly dropped my chain entangling it in the crankset. I dismounted and repaired, all the while being passed by wave after wave of slower racers. I lost valuable time as I waited to pass in the tight singletrack. Not panicking yet though, this was a double distance race and I had the better part of 3 hours to make up my time. Also coming off of the Arizona Mountain bike series I had plenty of fitness and heat tolerance to spare....so I bowed my head to the gods of speed and went to work. I was focused and riding well, however could not help but think of how a little preparation would have had me at the front of the pack already. Old lesson learned over again. About half-way into the race I started to get some time gaps yelled to me, I was in 2nd place only about 3 minutes behind 1st. "Wow" I thought, "a lot of racers must have dropped out" as I did'nt recall passing too many. Now was my chance, but the gap was growing and no matter what I tried I was unable to close in on first. I ended up finishing second just a few minutes out of first after nearly 50 miles of racing. The winner was not even able to make it to the podium as he was suffering from severe dehydration and /or heat exhaustion. Later looking at my lap times they were pretty equal to the winner with the exception of my mechanical lap. This could have been a really great competition! Oh well, I will fight another day. Lee-Ann showed off her solid base fitness by finishing strong in the heat. Taking her loyal dog, Pueblo along on her final 8 mile lap. After the race we got to hang out with some really great, long time friends, the dj began spinning some beats, the laser's blasted and the kegs flowed. I was reminded of all the reasons I grew to love racing bicycles. The friendship, nature, fresh air, endorphins....the list just goes on and on. Before we blew out of town I got schooled in the art of road crits, visited with the famdamily, went to Tennessee just to visit Burrito Meal, and had all different kinds of fun! Next up is Barn Burner....man I have some catching up to do!!!

East Fork OMBC race

Ok so first off I have no photos from this race....so here are a few from a really fun group ride I did in Pittsburgh with some new and old friends...at least you have something to look at!



With the official end of the State Championship Series and the onset of triple digit heat, I decided it was a good time to focus more on other things like work and family. Boring I know but I have squeezed a few races worth talking about in during that time!


First....road trip! My Rockstar and I decided to drive "home" to the Ohio/Pennsylvania area to visit some friends and family...and do some racing!

First up was the Ohio State Championship Race at East Fork State Park. I really enjoy this course, probably the fastest in Ohio.

After driving for 3 days straight we pulled into the race venue. It was extremely humid and hot, the trails were slightly muddy with lots of clay, roots, and high speed turns. Very little climbing to speak of.

Off we went on my first East Coast race of the year. I stayed tucked into the pack on the road start and got into the singletrack in 3rd position. The trail was fast but slick. We were all trying to push the pace without balling it up. The top 3 of us quickly got a gap on the rest of the field and continued together through the first lap.

Going into lap 2 I was having a hard time holding onto first and second, and they slowly formed a gap. The gap grew throughout that lap and I knew I was likely not catching them at this point. The fast speeds allow for drafting so once a gap is opened between racers it is very difficult to close.

The third and final lap I decided to play it cool and save my energy just in case someone came up from the rear.

And someone did! A long time rival and very fast racer was slowly gaining on me. I kept hearing some bike noises but whenever I looked back I did not see him. Somehow he crept up on me and about 3 miles from the finish he was suddenly on my wheel! Panic Time!

Just as I looked behind me I went off trail striking a tree with my shoulder and this dude flew right around me.

Jumping back on the bike I attacked hard and caught up quite quickly, staying in his draft over the next few minutes of trail. He was racing all out trying to lose me...which was perfect for me, as he used up his precious and limited energy I was cruising behind in his slipstream, just waiting for him to croak.

And he did! Only a mile or so from the finish he lost his handling and crashed down over a drop off to the side of the trail and I had only to ride hard into the finish to clinch my podium spot!

LA also finished 3rd after destroying her rear wheel on the final lap and limping into the finish.
Luckily we had a spare wheel as the double distance race at Vulture's Knob was up next!

Bike Racing Is Expensive

I am constantly reminded of how expensive bike racing can be. As I install my 3rd drive train this season and second pair of shoes I am reminded of how important sponsorship is. Thanks to the good folks at Trek/Bontrager/Dales Bike Shop in Ohio and Bob Myers. I would be forced into a cheaper sport such as running without the backup my sponsors provide. I have also been doing just a bit of racing since our Arizona XC series ended in July. Updates on that coming soon. But for now it's out with the old and in with the new as I prepare for pre-season fun/training racesbeginning in about a month.

McWilliams Warp-Final MBAA Race and Series awards ceremony

McWillaiams Warp....MBAA final race of 2011 was scheduled to take place in Williams, AZ last weekend. Williams is situated around 7000ft elevation and so is generally much cooler than Phoenix. Unfortunately the Arizona wildfires closed all state forests just days before our race...officials were forced to find a new venue for our final race. Ironically they choose McDowell Mountain Park which was the location of our first race of the season as well!

With temps of around 110 predicted we were forced to start at sunrise around 530am. This ensure the survival of all.

I had been training hard for this race and was feeling good the morning of. I like this course and also enjoy racing in the heat so things were looking pretty good. I knew I just needed to finish in order to clinch the state championship but I really wanted a podium spot as well.

Wavering on my race strategy I decided last minute to just "go for it" and race as hard as possible.

There were some really fast guys on the line and once we were off and racing I found myself in second place of the 4 leaders.

Slowly but surely our pace increased and my handling started to get sloppy, I was going all out as we swapped positions over and over again the first lap.

We all slid out or slipped up on the fast, slick, sandy trails and made our own mistakes. Unfortunately mine was rather costly as I was forced to make a quick repair to the bike on trail near the end of lap 1. I lost contact with the other guys and continued to chase them for the rest of the day. Racing in the desert provided an opportunity to see the guys I was chasing even as they were nearly one minute ahead. This helped me to keep the pace high and push as hard as possible....hard enough to crash out a few more times and ruin my chances at a podium spot. I was reminded once again that sometimes you go faster by going a little slower and finally rolled in less than a minute from my podium spot in 4th place.





At some point I brushed an evil Cholla cactus and the spines went deep into my calf. It was extremely painful in a "charlie horse" kinda way whenever I would coast on the downhills but there was nothing that could be done without a pair of pliers. These are also known as "jumping cactus" as they seeming jump onto you as you pass by.











The good news is that I finished in position to take the 2011 Pro Men Arizona State Championship Title! This was pretty exciting for me as it was my goal when I arrived here 6 months ago and only my second state championship title of my cycling career!





So as I was competing in my final Arizona Series XC race my rock star girlfriend L-A was competing in her first bike race in Arizona and of 2011. I was stoked to see her back in action and reunited with the podium again! She is quickly earning a reputation on and off the bike in the local cycling scene!









After the racing was over and my spines were removed by the medics I got to hang with all of our new cycling friends, old cycling friends, new/old cycling friends and my girlfriend. (she is such a bad ass)

Looking back on the season I was impressed by the number of talented cyclists of all skill levels who I see at races and out on the trails. Phoenix has a very large and varied cycling scene and it's been my dream for some time to live in a place like this! The turn outs for some of the races were surprisingly large and others surprisingly small. The race courses were varied and fun but lacked technical terrain for the most part. There is a very large group of junior racers which is promising. The race entry fees were among the highest I have seen anywhere and the cash paybacks were among the lowest. Switching to a hardtail mid-season was very difficult for me. Getting used to a new riding style, bike, pedaling cadence was like learning to ride again but kept things interesting in a way I had never considered. In the long run it was a great decision...not because I prefer a hardtail but because my bike and I needed something "fresh" in our relationship.

A big I O U goes out to Bob Myers and Trek Bicycle for keeping me on the best racing bikes and products available. I absolutely could not have done this without the help of Trek and my other sponsors: Dales Bike Shop in Oberlin Ohio and Bontrager clothing and components.

Next up I think I may show my face at an Ohio race or two and then venture into the world of ultra endurance mtb, and maybe some road or cyclocross races this fall.

Arizona State XC Series Race #7 "Flagstaff Frenzy"

The Trails in Flagstaff are some of the best anywhere, or so I had heard. Our second to last race in the series found me at the base of Mt. Humphrey, the highest peak in Arizona. Since this venue is so distant from my house I was unable to preride the course. This always makes for an exciting race but also puts me at a slight disadvantage.


Temps were in the 70s under sunny skies, the starting grid was stacked with some really fast guys. Among them was my nearest rival "Mimmo" along with the regulars and some new faces too. Mimmo and I were going into this race at 1st and 2nd respectively in points (me in the lead) and I suspect neither of us had done the math to know just how important this race was. It didn't matter, we both were going to race as hard as possible just like we always do. My point is we were both visibly focused on winning and there was a "seriousness" on the start line that was not present at previous races.


The start of the race was fast, I got a decent start and held the Italian's wheel as we snaked feverishly through the mostly flat, dry, and extremely fast singletrack. There was a group of about 4 of us that battled for the lead as we took turns almost crashing in the dusty turns. I tried to stay as close as possible to get in the draft and avoid the large amounts of dust coming up from our treads. We were going at a really hard pace for me, I was drooling already and I knew I would not be able to hold this effort for long, but my plan was to hold onto my rival at all costs so that's what I did.


He was riding very well this day and there was a few other really fast Pro's at this one too. Before long the sandy singletrack pointed upward and we began to climb up an ancient lava flow. This was essentially a very technical, long ascent up a boulder field. Having spent all my coins trying to stay with the leaders I simply did not have the effort or trail familiarity to ride smoothly in this section and I watched helplessly as I fell back several places towards the back of the pack. It seemed like this section went on forever before we finally were spit out onto a steep dirt road. Heading for the sky I concentrated on drinking, I was out in the full sun at altitude and I could "sense" the fluids rapidly leaving my body. The dirt road went on forever and it did not level out at all. We climbed nearly 30 minutes and I began to see some of my rivals again as we neared the top.


This brought back some hope of a decent finish and I began to think about a new race strategy. Just then, as I was "just riding along", I experienced a devastating mechanical failure. I will not bore you with the details but my day was over.


Knowing anything was possible I decided to finish the race as long as I was able to pedal my bike.....and I was able to pedal, slowly and occasionally between frequent repairs. I actually was surprised the bike held together enough to finish the race and I was not too far back from the leaders considering how much time I spent stopped on the side of the trail. Of course I had finished in last place but I had finished and this was to be my last opportunity to gain points on my rival.


It was too bad I had to have bad luck at this one as Flagstaff has some ripping trails with phenomenal views, thick ponderosa forests, (the largest in the world), and real dirt.


Luckily for me Mimmo, who had led much of the race, imploded at some point as well and finished just off of the podium, keeping my hopes of a state championship title alive.


I have just one more week to prepare for the final/mandatory championship race in Williams, AZ on June 25th! I am hoping to go out in a blaze of ....some sort!

And let's not forget the post race/end of season party!

Prescott Punisher Arizona State XC Race #6

Prescott was host to the MBAA race #6, dubbed "The Prescott Punisher". This area has some really great riding. Sandy singletrack through Pine Forests. Large granite boulders, tree roots, elevation, views....I could go on and on. My point is I was pumped to return to this terrain even though my last race here did not go so well. Prescott has a cool vibe and this really cool brewery that I seem to get sucked into over and over.

My girl L.A. and I arrived extra early in order to do some volunteer work before the race got started. The weather was perfect, 70s, calm, sunny, and some of the bluest skies I have ever witnessed.

The morning went by quickly and as usual start time arrived before I was really ready for it. I had been able to ride a few sections of the course and had a vague idea of what I was in for. We were to do 5 laps so I had some time to learn the terrain during the race.

11a.m. arrived and we were off and racing! I grabbed a crappy start as we struggled through the gravely sand pit that was the start line. A quick parade lap around the start/finish zone and we were finally out into hardpack single track.

As the trail turned uphill I began to move forward and was shortly into 4th place or so as we climbed a moderate double track climb for the next several minutes.

We were going UP up UP and then it was finally time to start one of the many awesome downhills. The trail snaked quickly downward with huge bermed turns, some dips, and a super slickery gravel type consistency, very fast and very sketchy.












By the end of lap 1 I had moved into third and struggled to stay within reach of Mimmo and another rider.









The three of us rode within sight of each other for nearly an hour. All the while the gaps between us grew steadily. The course was very fast in most spots and pretty technical in others. Not like anything I had raced on yet. The first 10 minutes was really fast long ups and long downs, but the second half of the lap was very techy, tight, and twisty with shorter, power climbs. There were a couple big jumps on the downhills too so I was of course airing it out a couple times per lap :)


The BONTRAGER 29-2 tires have become my new "go to" tires for all conditions. They grip great on the loose stuff and still roll plenty fast on the hard stuff....I like em! Going to ride them every race for the rest of the season.

The TREK SUPERFLY was perfect for this course. 29 inch wheels gave me tons of grip on the loose surface and confidence on the downs. The superlight frame puts all my power into turning the wheels so I crest climbs faster and fresher.





Eventually by lap 5 I lost sight of everyone and rode in by myself. I had been pushing hard hoping to catch 2nd place somewhere but it just never happened.















Third place would have to do and I was not unhappy with that. I felt great, rode well, and for once would not have changed a thing about this race. It was a great day on the bike!

After the race we enjoyed the sunshine, people, and yes the brewery! Truly a day to remember.

Globe Grind

Last Saturday was Arizona's State Championship series number 5 of 8. The venue was located in Globe and I had no idea what kind of trails to expect.

After a scenic drive through some beautiful country we arrived at the venue. The turnout was pretty small,only 5 guys in my category. A short preride of the course was quickly abandoned as hilly dirt roads led to more hilly dirt roads. I finished my warm up on the pavement and lined up for the start.

Temps were in the low 90's and I was happy about this since every race so far this year has been rather cold for my taste. USA cycling dude sent us off and we immediately hit a series of steep dirt road climbs which split the pack up pretty well. The current state champ was off the front and I fell into second place as the Italian Mimmo Fuita was not far behind me. After the steep climbs the road leveled and for the next 15 minutes we struggled into the wind up a mild grade.

Not knowing the course I took a wrong turn at an intersection and fell into 3rd as we began a hilly and rocky 4 miles of atv trail. The hills were steep and loose, most of us were walking them and just for good measure there was nearly a mile of deep deep sand. Riding through the sand was miserable, It was indeed ridable at max effort but getting off and walking was nearly as fast. Considering we were racing I decided to ride it and save a couple seconds rather than walking to save energy.

The long downhill back to the start was a sweet way to end the loop and grab a fresh bottle of water. Speaking of water I should have had more. Going into lap 2 I finished that bottle right away but was able to move into 2nd place again and put some time on Mimmo. It was hot and the course seemed harder than the first lap. I was racing hard (of course) and going into my final lap I started to get concerned about my hydration. I was feeling very hot and the mouth was getting dry and those are both bad signs.

Racing in the desert heat and full sun dehydration can creep up very quickly. For the entire final lap I continued to ride slower and slower as I lost fluids. I was taking baby sips from my bottle in order to preserve it for as long as possible. What I really wanted was to chug it down and then have two more!

Luckily for me I did hold out until the end and crossed the line feeling like throwing up. I drank and drank for the rest of the day and most of the night and made a mental note : "bring more water than you need" for the next venue.

This was a big finish for me and a nice podium spot towards the state championship series. The final 3 races are all at altitude and I am a bit nervous about this. Currently I lead the series but not by much and there are a couple contenders who have me in their sights.

The next race is back in Prescott where I "shit the bed" at the Whiskey 50 a couple weeks ago. And then I hope to return to Ohio for the Mohican 100. Will I repeat the shitting in the bed or will the sheets remain clean?

The Wiskey 50

My long weekend in Prescott, Az began Friday morning at the "mandatory" pre-race meeting. Followed by the evening's "mandatory" Fat Tire Crit aka Road Race on Mountain Bikes. We were to do 30 minutes plus 3 laps on a very hilly road course. The video can explain it better than I can although its a bit difficult to see just how steep these roads were.

2011 Whiskey Off-Road Pro Men Fat tire Crit from Yuki Ikeda on Vimeo.

It was hard for sure but I was able to maintain a mid pack position until I was pulled near the end. A little more fun than the flat road crits I was used to and it made me consider road racing again after many years away.

I felt pretty good despite the 5500 ft elevation and was looking forward to the big event on Sunday.

Saturday was spent enjoying the town and the local trails, eating, resting, a hike with the dogs and someone special.

The trails at this altitude are more like what I grew up racing and riding on. Smooth dirt, trees, roots, logs, stream crossings...not the rocks and sand of Phoenix I have become accustomed to. The racecourse itself is impressive and can break a man in many ways. Altitude, Dangerous Descents, Unending climbs, it had all 3.

The morning of the race I was nervous, the starting grid was packed with dozens of the fast guys from all over, sunny skies and temps in the high 40s, there was a cowboy with a shotgun ready to send us off.

80 racers had entered this event and without delay we were off and racing. The first 5 miles is road climbing and the pace was not too bad for most of it. As we approached the trailhead though the road steepened and the pack began to splinter. I counted about 40 guys ahead of me as we hit the singletrack and continued to climb up the mountain for another 5 miles. The trail was steepening and the dirt was loosening as we approached the top of the climb, guys were beginning to crack, pull out, walk. I was moving up and counted myself about in the mid 30s now after ascending non stop for 45 minutes. I was feeling fine about how the day was going but feeling the familiar pain that comes with this sort of fun.

Suddenly I began to struggle and before long I had some sort of bonk like I have never experienced in my life. Im still not sure what happened but I was happy to make it to the top of the mountain after nearly an hour.

Finally a downhill! This was a serious downhill too, nearly 9 miles with some really high speed loose sections, plenty of exposure, and really beautiful views...if only I had time to look. I passed a ton of people on this one and everything was good until the next climb. I began drinking and eating here, realizing I should have done that long ago and simply went backwards for the rest of the day as we aimed again for the sky. This 3 mile jeep road climb was STEEP and I was suffering quite badly. But after about 30 minutes of getting passed and gasping for breath I crested the top and began my descent 12 miles into Skull Valley. This was 12 miles of high speed fire road that just went on and on....and on. I was thankful to be pointed downhill but also knew that when I reached the bottom I had to turn around and climb back up. The road twisted and turned for miles without sight of a building or person, no racers in front or behind I was now just out there in the middle of nowhere racing my bike.

Near the bottom of the mountain I began to pass those ahead going back up and finally realized how far back I had fallen. into the mid 40s now and half the course to go. Including the 12 miles back up the fire road followed by the most awesome 8 miles of singletrack downhill back to town.

Climbing out of skull valley was pretty sad. I was hoping to have good legs after some food and drink and make up some time but I simply spun my way up in baby gears praying for the top while feeling bad. This went on for oh about an hour and it was misery. Near the top I knew it was mostly downhill so I gave it whatever was left and cruised into the finish in just under 4 hours for 46th place. The final singletrack downhill was especially sweet as we cruised through a burnt forest, down the mountain into several stream crossings, some rock gardens, and finally some road down to the finish.

It was a bad day on the bike but I was still happy to see the course, meet some new and old friends, and explore Prescott for the weekend.

This was also my first race on my new Superfly Hardtail. After 1o years racing full suspension I have decided it may be time for change. It's like learning how to ride again but this thing is light Show allat 20 lbs and feels fast on the climbs.

Fontana Triple Crown U S Cup 2011

Last weekend I traveled to Fontana, California to compete in the US CUP #2. This "Triple Crown Event" offered the xc and Super D on Saturday followed by Short Track Sunday afternoon. This was to be my first Big National Race as a Pro and I was hoping for a top 40 finish.

Saturday I arrived just in time to the overcast skies and cool temps. The venue was on a mountain right in the middle of suburbia. If you watch the videos you can see for yourself what I am talking about. After the old registration and warm up routine I lined up with about 100 of the fastest racers in the country. There were teams from several other countries as well. I actually got a call up although it was at about 60th position on the line so it was little help.

Before long we were off and racing! The start was a quick series of S turns that caused a huge "yo yo" effect in the pack. Back at mid pack where I was we came to a complete stop at the first few corners while the leaders sailed through and were gone.

The course was rocky and flat near the start but quickly led up to an extremely long and steep climb. It was sandy, rutted, relentless. We were all in our lowest gear grinding up at near max effort. Some of the guys ahead slipped mid way up and we were all forced to dismount and run the remainder. As if my legs did not hurt enough already! Within a few steps the burn was intense! More than the normal amount of pain for sure. I made a mental note to stay on the bike at all costs on this climb the remaining 4 laps.

Finally near the top of the mountain the climb leveled out and we were up to speed on some really sweet packed-sand singletrack. There were plenty of boulders here and there and the course followed the ridge of the mountain for a while before the downhill. What a downhill it was! High speed, swoopy, scenic, two wheeled fun! Then a little bit of road leading to the start finish where we would do it all again.

Our class was extremely spread out, there was little passing opportunities and I took the first two laps just sitting behind people much of the time. Lap 3 was better, I finally rode the whole giant climb now that the pack was thinning. I was feeling pretty good, the bike worked great. I ran the new bontrager 29-2 tires. While they are optimized for loose conditions they work well just about anywhere and were a huge help on that long sandy climb. One slip and a racer is off the bike and walking to the top!

Lap 4 was going good, I was getting optimistic as I saw the guys ahead of me starting to fade back. Although I was moving up it was not enough to keep me from getting lapped by the leader just before crossing the line for my final lap. I was forced to abandon and scored in my place at 66th out of around 100 guys. Not the finish I had hoped for but wow what a fun race and insane competition!

Later that day was the super D event. It was a downhill course with one small climb in the middle. We not only competed against the top xc guys but also the top downhill guys at the race. I dropped a chain and was forced to dismount to fix it during the race but still placed 29th which I was quite happy with. The course was really fun with some pretty scary drops near the bottom, I nearly lost it near the finish to the delight of a large crowd that had gathered there. It was cool to nearly crash then save my own ass to the cheers of so many spectators!

Finally Sunday night closed with the short track. Race. A twenty minute race around a short loop. The course was very roadie friendly and I knew I would be in trouble when I got another way back call up. I was starting near the rear and a crash at the start brought my group to a screeching halt in the first corner. By the time we got moving the leaders were way gone and the panic ensued. Our group stretched out to a single file line as we all sprinted hard trying to catch up. I was redlined beyond the redline, I blew and struggled alone a couple of laps before latching onto a rider and getting some air back into the lungs. I hung on for a couple laps, made a move to pass, and just as I was getting tired again we got pulled as the leaders approached from behind. I was not sure what to expect but I made it 16 minutes before getting pulled which I was not totally disappointed about. Overall for the weekend's Triple Crown I managed a 45th place which I suppose would be categorized as an honest ass kicking. What a humbling experience to line up next to legends and really see where I stand.

Next up is the Whisky 50 where I will again be battling with the big guns in the Arizona high country. I suspect it's going to be Epic!

Check out the two videos below, they give a glimpse of the giant climb and the awesome trail conditions, as well as the insane speeds we travel at on our bicycles.

Watch more video of US CUP PRO TRIPLE CROWN #2 FONTANA on cyclingdirt.org

Watch more video of US CUP PRO TRIPLE CROWN #2 FONTANA on cyclingdirt.org

MBAA Race #4 Foray at the Fort

Foray at the Fort, MBAA race #4 was probably the most important race of the Arizona series for me. This race was worth "points and a half" so it was a good opportunity to get a good finish and some much needed points toward the state championship.

I had trained well, stayed healthy, prepared my bike, arrived on time, all of the requred stuff to have a good finish. Located just a few miles from Mexico on a military base this course was just too far for me to make the drive down for a preride. Luckily I arrived early enough to scope out the first 2 miles of the 6 mile loop. It was all uphill, starting with a false flat and slowly working up to a loose, techy climb near the top.

I finished my warmup and devised a psuedo race plan. Then, just as I was approaching the line and making final adjustments to my gear I broke the zipper on my jersey. Crap on a stick! The temps were cool and the course was fast so I really did not want to compete with my jersey open and flapping in the wind. Near the starting line I struggled for several minutes to repair it. I could hear the announcer over the loud speaker "pro's you have 2 minutes til start" I though for sure I could zoom over with 20 seconds til start and still make it.

Well, apparently they did not use the loud speaker to send off the first wave of racers because when I finally gave up on the zipper and lined up there were no pro's on the line.

"where is the pro class?" I asked the racer next to me. "They left already!" he replied. I cursed and jumped off the line, heading up the road and into a headwind all alone. So much for my race plan!

For the first several minutes I was all alone, could not see anyone. Then I caught the first guy in my class struggling up the steepest part of the first climb. I passed him and moved on into the singletrack that I had not ridden yet. It was very loose and rough, I had thoughts of my bike breaking from the beating it was taking.

The rest of the lap was more of the same, tough, lung burning climbs at altitude followed by steep, loose, rough downhills and finally to the only short road section through the start finish. 1 lap down, 4 to go!

Lap 2 was more of the same, I was moving up and gaining time on second place slowly but surely. He did not see me creeping up behind him and I was just about to make contact, pushing myself hard, riding on the edge, when I lost it in one of the many loose corners and went down hard!


The crash tore a hole in my shorts, bloodied my hip, elbow, shin, and tore my rear shifter housing which eliminated half of my gears. I had no idea I was bleeding and had torn shorts. Too much concentration was needed to keep my chain on a usable cog. I had to hold my shifter between gears on some of the climbs and I dropped my chain several times the 3rd lap, having to stop, dismount, and reinstall it.

Now my hopes of 2nd place were pretty much gone and I just tried to keep my bike together and not crash for the second hour of the race. It was a disappointing feeling to be racing at less than my maximum speed but I managed to keep it upright while navigating through the lapped racers.

"The Fort" was easily the most difficult course I have raced this year, mainly because of the altitude, difficult climbs, and teeth rattling downhills.

I finished 3rd and that was good enough for a podium spot and some valuable points in the series. Currently I am leading the points race but that could easily change considering we are only halfway into the series. We now have a 5 week break in the AZ series. This weekend I intend to travel to Fontana to compete in the US Cup Triple Crown. I will be lining up against the fastest racers in the world in the xc, super D, and short track events! Should make for some good stories at least!

thanks to Barry Hart Photography for the awesome photos!

Double Blog Throwdown! White Tanks vs Sage Brush

White Tank Mountain Competitive Course was the venue for the 3rd issue of the Arizona State Championship Series. This 7 mile loop was mostly fast, rocky doubletrack although there was about one mile of rather technical trail sprinkled throughout.

Temps were on the chilly side again, about 60 at start time. There were quite a few racers on the line this time and I had only raced against about half of them. The rest were guys I have never seen or heard of so I had no idea what to expect. Coming off a killer cold for the past two weeks I was feeling weak on race day. Had I not pre-registered I would have skipped this one all together.

After a half arsed warm up the gun was fired and we were off and racing. The first mile was slightly uphill leading to the "tech section". The guys at the front were extremely fast and I lost contact falling back to the group of locals I know from the previous races. Speeds were high enough that I was able to draft and work with some of the other guys on the first lap. I turned an extremely fast first lap compared to my practice times and was suddenly feeling optimistic.

Well into lap 2 of 4 I was feeling ok and probably somewhere near the top 5 when I hit the bedrock on a fast G-out and heard the too familiar hiss of air from my rear tire. I rolled on but all the air emptied and I was forced to put a tube in























The rest of the race was spent playing catch up and battling lapped traffic on the course. On my final lap I began to feel the fatigue from the previous laps but still managed a top 10 finish...barely.

The next morning was the first Kenda Cup West Race near San Diego. As I drove into the mountains just outside of the venue I was shocked to see snow everywhere, icy roads, freezing temps, yikes! Arriving at the venue was more of the same, snow and mud and a bunch of mountain bikers.

The xc course was covered in 6 + inches of snow and the organizers decided to close the course, and instead have an abbreviated course around the parking lot. The course layout was lame, but I think the organizers did what they could considering the conditions.

Arriving on the start line late I was again offered a prime starting position right up front and happily inserted myself there.
















Bang we were off and racing! I actually led the pack down the first quarter mile of road before they swallowed me up so that was completely unexpected and kinda cool...until we hit the water crossing. As the officials re routed the course all the snow up in the mountains was quickly melting and flooding the stream we would cross five times during the race. This was possibly the deepest water crossing I have ever experienced in an xc race. Completely rideable but freezing cold and extremely deep.

















By the second lap every wave of racer had been sent out onto our short track cyclocross mud fest! So besides the river and giant mud bogs I was now battling 400 racers all on a single 5 mile loop. In all my years racing I have never done anything like this in my life.




















I think the pics from this race tell the real story. Basically my bike stayed together, my body failed, and I finished near the rear. Not my best results but a very fun weekend of racing anywho and a truly crazy race experience.

Next weekend's race in near Tucson on a military base, rumor is it's the funnest course on the circuit!

MBAA race #2 "The Hedgehog Hustle"

The Arizona State Championship Series Race #2 is in the books!

I had heard bad things about this course. The competitive track at Estrella Mountain, rumored to be the most technical course on the circuit, had everyone in a huff. "its too hard" "its too dangerous" were just a couple of the excuses I heard from folks who swore they would never race there. So of course I had to get out there and see what the fuss was about.

The race course is pretty straightforward...it's hard. Big boulders, rocky climbs and descents, sandy sections, loose corners, cactus hanging over the trail, sharp edged boulders....wow this was going to be interesting. Logic told me I would need to finish the race to place well. In order to finish the race I would need to prepare....as preparedness is my racing theme for 2011.

I fished my fattest racing tires from my tire box...Bontrager 29-3 in a 2.25 width inflated to only 15 lbs of psi. I reasoned these tires would keep me from flatting while absorbing the great amounts of shock from all the boulders. Also the low pressure and liberal knobs would provide exceptional traction and flotation on the sandy and gravely corners. The extra weight and rolling resistance was sure to penalize me on the few smooth climbs and on acceleration from corners but finishing the race trumps speed every time!

Race day was on Saturday and I was shocked to see how few of the Pro's showed up for this race. There was only a handful of us but I was happy to see my new rival "Titus Man" on the line. This Ohio native beat me by seconds at the previous race (and least technical course on the circuit) so I was looking forward to competing with him on more technical terrain. Everyone on the line was on a full suspension bike.



We agreed on a "gentleman's start" where we would all work ourselves up to speed slowly. (much less painful) But when the Euro fellow from USA cycling sent us off it quickly turned into another sprint immediately into the first climb of the race.

I settled into second place and remained there for the entire race but Titus man was hot on my heals! For over two hours I concentrated on riding on the edge of control and killing every inch of the racecourse .... only to realize I could not gain any time on this guy...he was constantly yo-yo ing between 10 and 50 seconds to my rear. As we entered the last 10 miles of the trail the terrain became very very technical. See the pics above? Those are average conditions for the technical loop....this went on for 10 solid miles! The whole time I was thinking no way is this guy going to catch me in this terrain but he actually gained time on me! Nearing the last 5 miles I was giving up every molecule of glucose I could muster and started losing control of my bike. Brushing some kind of cactus along the trail my forearm was impaled by dozens of needles. Immediately I experience a painful forearm "pump" that has yet to go away. It was a distraction I did not need as I could see Titus creeping up my rear.

With a little luck I was able to hold him off by only seconds and finish the race in 2nd place which is my best Pro XC finish to date!

I think my tires made all the difference and it was a nice way to be reminded that proper preparation can make a big difference. When I got home I ordered a pair of new Bontrager 29-2 tires made for loose conditions.The hardpack specific tires I was accustomed to in Ohio are less than ideal in these new racing conditions. Every course I have raced on so far has been a totally new experience and I feel like I need to adapt my riding style and product preferences to stay at the top of my game.
I think my next race is at White Tanks...another competition trail in the Phoenix area. I have yet to check it out.
action photos by Barry Hart Photography

McDowell Senoran Challenge

The McDowell Senoran Challenge was an event, an event like no other event I have done. It was advertised as a 20 mile "challenge". Not a race, not a time trial...ok? So preriding the course the day before revealed this challenge was not on traditional mountain bike trails or even road but on motocross trails.

Motocross trails translates into; Whoop followed by whoops followed by whoops, berm, sand pit, whoops whoops whoops, doubles you could triple if your were traveling more than 7 miles per hour...whoop, berm, rock, whoop sand....you get the point.

There were no climbs really except one short steep one up and impossible grade of slickrock which was cool. The endless traction and low gearing made it feel like I was defying physics as I rode up it.

Arriving at the "challenge" the disorganization was evident. this was a charity "challenge" by the way and organized by volunteers who obviously did not have experience organizing events. This was just to aid a good cause while competing for fun.

I quickly learned this was a time trial format and there would also be runners and hikers on the trail.

We were off and after passing a handful of guys I was all alone for the remainder of the event. The course was unlike anything I have ever competed on in my life but fun for sure. Not often I get to use my pump track and berm skills during a race...er challenge!

About halfway through I made a wrong turn at a 5 way intersection and lost several minutes while I backtracked back to the trail.

Sprinting down the dirt road to the finish I was weaving in and out of runners and trying to warn them as much as possible that I was coming fast, it was a mess.

Luckily there were no collisions and I finished in second place overall so it was a good day indeed. I received a cool trophy made of a rock and some permanent marker writing and drawing on it, simple but cool and again...unusual.

What a weird weekend.

Arizona Race #1

The first race of the year is finally out of the way!

Last weekend was MBAA Race #1 McDowell Meltdown .
The morning of the xc race I was feeling rather stimulated. After a loooong break from racing I was excited to get back to what I love best...RACING MOUNTAIN BIKES! Yee Haw! During the hour long drive to the venue my adrenaline level continued to rise to an intoxicating level.

What is desert racing like? How fast would the local Pro class be? Was I going to do something stupid again?

I was about to find out.

Lining up for the start was...interesting. Most times everyone fights for a top spot on the starting line. This time however, even though I showed up somewhat late, the best spot on the line was left wide open. Of course I slipped right in : ) I was feeling confident and rested and was aware of my autopilot kicking in. After so many races the starts just become automatic.

Then the countdown...5...4....3...2...Go! We were off and racing and I was instantly glad the waiting was over. I grabbed a great start leading off the line and for the next 250 meters or so.

Approaching the singletrack I was ovetaken by two other races and glad to let them ahead of me. The next mile was an easy but steady uphill into the wind and I was happy to be in their draft but still near the front....so far so good. The pace was hard but not too hard was we climbed and climbed. Finally as the grade leveled of the pace increased dramatically and I was in a full panic trying to keep up.

These guys were FAST! Extremely skilled riders as well and I was having difficulty staying in contact. Riders behind me were trying to pass and intimidate me into moving over but I stoked the fire enough to catch back up and maintain 3rd for the next 10 minutes.

I was redlined, maxed out, drooling, panting, sweating and then we hit the next big climb and the pack splintered. I fell back to mid pack along with two other guys and the leaders started to gain distance. I had blown up and was forced to slow up and recover. It took nearly the rest of the lap before I felt myself again and was able to put the power to the dirt.

I traded places with a few guys and chased and was chased. My focus was on and the only thing on my mind was the job at hand. It felt really good to be back racing again.

Finally I crossed the line in 6th place only seconds off of the podium. This is the result I expected so I was not disappointed considering my limited training up to this point.

I headed home to rest up for the next days short track and super D races.

The morning of the short track was very windy. The course was a 1 mile loop with dirt road, and a short steep singletrack climb and double track downhill. The race was 20 minutes plus one lap, and there were only about 9 guys there.

Immediately our group of 3 was off to a good lead and we traded the lead for the next few laps.

Coming around for the 3rd to last lap I was leading and moved over to let the next guy take over...but noone did, there was an argument about who's turn it was and then for some reason I decided to take over again....big mistake

Now two laps to go I move over once again, tired from pulling two laps, and the bastards attacked....I should have know.

I chased hard now putting in full effort for 3 full laps and just as I predicted they attacked again just as I caught up and we began the last lap. I chased again except this time nothing happened, my legs did not respond and I watched helplessly as another rider passed and I got 4th to 3 teenagers....sheeeit....big disappointment. Off the podium again by one place.

Immediately after the race was the super D which consisted of two 5 minute time trials and one 2 minute time trial all going downhill.

The course was so fun and included the best downhills from the xc race the day before. I just had fun with it and did my best without crashing and finally scored a 3rd place and got on the podium. Not a bad first weekend of racing.

Tomorrow morning I am racing at the McDowell Senoran Challenge which is essentially just an annual charity event for fun and training. I rode the course today and was dismayed to discover it is a 20 mile loop on a motocross trail. 20 hellish miles of sandy whoops...this is gonna hurt.

Arizona

The new year has brought with it some major changes. Gary Fisher has been absorbed by Trek essentially making Trek bikes the undisputed leaders in technology, performance, value and variety of choice under one brand.
My new home town is Maricopa, Arizona which is like being on another planet coming from Ohio. The riding is so much different here, I am not sure what to expect come race day.

After many years of racing occasionally some lessons need to be relearned. A very hectic 2010 reminded me just how important preparedness is. I was unable to finish so many races because of preventable mistakes. Eventually my lack of preparation caused me a bad crash and some broken bones. Another lesson is that occasionally life has to take precedence over racing. Sometimes there just is not enough time to fulfill my obligations AND train while maintaining my carbon superbike.

In 2011 I vow to be prepared, to finish every race, to carry at least one tube and a mini tool at every event. I vow to clean my bike and keep my tires freshly slimed.

There...it's in writing now.

My first race of the year is in one week. Also my first race in the desert! MBAA Race#1
McDowell Meltdown~! I will be competing in the 28 mile xc race as well as short track and super D events.

Today I tuned up the bike with a fork rebuild, headset bearings, new shock, grips, cables and housing, chain, cassette, crankset and bottombracket, new pedals and cleats, two new tires and new brake pads. That is prepared in my book!