As you can tell with the subtle changes to the blog, Brooke has been out of town visiting family in Utah. Not much else to do when kids are in bed. I have been trying to spruce up the GC header, so that is why is it ever changing. Doug is here visiting and I am having him help me decide which header to use. Let me know what you think. Doug and I think that one will work for right now. While doing that I was the 1000th visitor - I think I should win a prize for that! Hope there will be plenty more visitors.
Daren, that sucked! Your day went from bad to worse. You are pretty lucky that someone ran into it. You might have been going back up in the spring to find that ski. Ryan and I kicked our ski off one time (I was maybe 10 and Ryan 14) while on the lift to try and ski down on one ski. We were close to the top and wouldn't have to ski very far. We slid and fell to where our ski's should have been, but they were gone. Someone said the ski patrol took them. It made for a long ski run. We had to talk to the ski patrol and apologize before we could get our ski back, it was pretty funny. Happy New Year!
ps - Where is the pic of the new cross bike Daren? That sounds pretty cool!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Some Days
I had planned on a snowshoe hike yesterday, but there was a little new snow on the ground at our house and Doug couldn't go, so I decided to go skiing with Tanner. Usually, a really good choice, but so much on this day. We get up to Alta and all is good. There's more new snow than I thought and we ski Wildcat the 1st time up to avoid the crowd. There's about a foot of new and Tanner takes me out of my comfort zone (a regular occurrence now) on some steep in the trees. Next time up, we hike a bit and end up at East Greenly. It's steep with good powder and we're giddy. On my 3rd turn, my right ski pops off in apex my my turn and I go down 30 feet below the ski. I grumble and hike back up to it. I can't see the ski but I can see my tracks and know right where it came off. I start to dig with no luck. After about 15 minutes of searching, still no ski. Tanner was at the bottom and I yell to him to go down and come back up to help look.
At this point, I'm getting ticked off. The snow is good, people are whooping as they go down around me. A couple about my age stop and begin looking with me. Tanner makes it back and we systematically dig for an hour. Still no ski. I send Tanner down to check if the ski patrol has a metal detector. The couple continue to dig with me even after I repeatedly tell them to go. Tanner makes it back and says the ski patrol doesn't have a metal detector, but they have a number of a guy who has one and will come hunt for your ski for a fee. Finally, after more than an hour an a half of searching in a snow storm, I'm sore, tired and completely frustrated. We decide that a mental detector is the only way we're going to find the ski.
I thank the couple and they head off. Now I'm faced with getting off the top of the mountain on one ski and deep snow. My quads still hurt today. I had to switch legs every so often and spent some of the time on my rear end just sliding. I thought it wouldn't be that hard. However, next time you go skiing. Try to ski on one leg for a while. Not much fun. We finally make it to the bottom and I'm completely frustrated and ready to hit something. I check in the lodge and they give me the card of "The Ski Hunter". Of course, I left my phone at home, so I called the number on Tanner's phone. All I get is a message that says, "This is Matt, leave a message." So I begin to leave a message. I'm about to leave Tanner's cell phone number and realize I don't know it because it's a speed dial on my phone. I quickly ask Tanner his cell phone number and he goes "I don't know. I never call myself". Therefore, I can't even leave a number for Matt the Ski Hunter to call. I disgustingly toss the phone at Tanner and charge out of the upper lodge at Alta to one-ski it down to the parking lot. I finally make it to the parking lot and wonder around for some time unable to find the Element. Now I'm really pissed and swear to myself I'll never go skiing again. I can't even find the car! After some time, I realize we came in the Jeep and I locate it 30 yards in front of me.
As Tanner and I quietly rode down the canyon. Tanner looks afraid to speak to me but wanting to at least say something to break the tension, he offers up "I guess we should have gone snowshoeing today". Needless to say, that didn't help much.
On the way down, I got the idea of renting a metal detector to look for the ski. I stopped at Diamond Rental by our house and sure enough $29.95 gets you the use of a metal detector for a day. The only problem was the metal detector didn't have batteries. The guy says "no problem, just by 4 AA batteries and we'll take the cost off the total when you return it". I asked two times, "AA batteries, right?" and the guy says yes. We head home, pick up my old skis and head off to the grocery store.
After a relatively quick search, we locate some batteries (of course, I couldn't ask were they were) and I buy the AA's. Back to the car to get test them in the medal detector. I insert the batteries only to discover they don't fit. There's no instructions, but on close examination, it looks like it takes 9 volt instead. Back to the store we go to get the 9 volt. They do actually fit and the detector fires up. Now, it's back up the mountain to search for the ski.
We get on the Collins lift about 2 pm with me carrying a metal detector in one hand and a ski pole in the other. As I get on the lift, of course I drop the ski pole and it falls to the ground as we start up. The lifty gets it and I can't tell if he's handed it to the next chair or not. At the top, I wait for the pole and nothing. I hike over to the lifty on top and he calls down to the bottom and after 5 minutes of who knows what, I learn my pole will stay at the bottom.
Tanner and I make our way over to the crash site without too much difficulty and the grand search begins. We find the spot of my crash easily because of all the dig marks left over from our prior efforts. I test the detector with one of my skis and figure out it will only detect a binding and you have to be within 12 inches. This is not good news and I start the search with the sinking feeling I'll never get close enough to find the ski. At this point of the day, it's snowing hard and there's no one on this part of the mountain. One skier comes by and goes directly below us. She stops at the bottom and yells something up to us. I can't hear but Tanner has a conversation with her. I hear him say, "Is it a K2 Outlaw?" and she yells "Yes". By some miracle, the only skier around hit my ski as she went down. Turns out the ski was 150 yards below where it came off. We would never have looked that far down, even with the metal detector. How it got that far down in that much powder is a mystery.
With great relief, I get to the ski and make it to the bottom of the mountain with everything and everyone in tack. I unload all the extra equipment, get my dropped pole and Tanner and I enjoy some good powder (although visibility was about 10 feet sometimes) for the next hour and a half. Just as I think the day is finally going well, we head back down the canyon. Too bad, everyone else at Alta and Snowbird left at the same time. It took over 30 minutes to get from Alta to Snowbird with many long stretches of no movement. I figured it was a fitting end to the day.
I'm not sure there is a moral to the story, but I'm grateful to have my ski back. I was not excited to ski again, but it has been snowing all day today, so I'm sure I'll be back on the slopes tomorrow.
DC
At this point, I'm getting ticked off. The snow is good, people are whooping as they go down around me. A couple about my age stop and begin looking with me. Tanner makes it back and we systematically dig for an hour. Still no ski. I send Tanner down to check if the ski patrol has a metal detector. The couple continue to dig with me even after I repeatedly tell them to go. Tanner makes it back and says the ski patrol doesn't have a metal detector, but they have a number of a guy who has one and will come hunt for your ski for a fee. Finally, after more than an hour an a half of searching in a snow storm, I'm sore, tired and completely frustrated. We decide that a mental detector is the only way we're going to find the ski.
I thank the couple and they head off. Now I'm faced with getting off the top of the mountain on one ski and deep snow. My quads still hurt today. I had to switch legs every so often and spent some of the time on my rear end just sliding. I thought it wouldn't be that hard. However, next time you go skiing. Try to ski on one leg for a while. Not much fun. We finally make it to the bottom and I'm completely frustrated and ready to hit something. I check in the lodge and they give me the card of "The Ski Hunter". Of course, I left my phone at home, so I called the number on Tanner's phone. All I get is a message that says, "This is Matt, leave a message." So I begin to leave a message. I'm about to leave Tanner's cell phone number and realize I don't know it because it's a speed dial on my phone. I quickly ask Tanner his cell phone number and he goes "I don't know. I never call myself". Therefore, I can't even leave a number for Matt the Ski Hunter to call. I disgustingly toss the phone at Tanner and charge out of the upper lodge at Alta to one-ski it down to the parking lot. I finally make it to the parking lot and wonder around for some time unable to find the Element. Now I'm really pissed and swear to myself I'll never go skiing again. I can't even find the car! After some time, I realize we came in the Jeep and I locate it 30 yards in front of me.
As Tanner and I quietly rode down the canyon. Tanner looks afraid to speak to me but wanting to at least say something to break the tension, he offers up "I guess we should have gone snowshoeing today". Needless to say, that didn't help much.
On the way down, I got the idea of renting a metal detector to look for the ski. I stopped at Diamond Rental by our house and sure enough $29.95 gets you the use of a metal detector for a day. The only problem was the metal detector didn't have batteries. The guy says "no problem, just by 4 AA batteries and we'll take the cost off the total when you return it". I asked two times, "AA batteries, right?" and the guy says yes. We head home, pick up my old skis and head off to the grocery store.
After a relatively quick search, we locate some batteries (of course, I couldn't ask were they were) and I buy the AA's. Back to the car to get test them in the medal detector. I insert the batteries only to discover they don't fit. There's no instructions, but on close examination, it looks like it takes 9 volt instead. Back to the store we go to get the 9 volt. They do actually fit and the detector fires up. Now, it's back up the mountain to search for the ski.
We get on the Collins lift about 2 pm with me carrying a metal detector in one hand and a ski pole in the other. As I get on the lift, of course I drop the ski pole and it falls to the ground as we start up. The lifty gets it and I can't tell if he's handed it to the next chair or not. At the top, I wait for the pole and nothing. I hike over to the lifty on top and he calls down to the bottom and after 5 minutes of who knows what, I learn my pole will stay at the bottom.
Tanner and I make our way over to the crash site without too much difficulty and the grand search begins. We find the spot of my crash easily because of all the dig marks left over from our prior efforts. I test the detector with one of my skis and figure out it will only detect a binding and you have to be within 12 inches. This is not good news and I start the search with the sinking feeling I'll never get close enough to find the ski. At this point of the day, it's snowing hard and there's no one on this part of the mountain. One skier comes by and goes directly below us. She stops at the bottom and yells something up to us. I can't hear but Tanner has a conversation with her. I hear him say, "Is it a K2 Outlaw?" and she yells "Yes". By some miracle, the only skier around hit my ski as she went down. Turns out the ski was 150 yards below where it came off. We would never have looked that far down, even with the metal detector. How it got that far down in that much powder is a mystery.
With great relief, I get to the ski and make it to the bottom of the mountain with everything and everyone in tack. I unload all the extra equipment, get my dropped pole and Tanner and I enjoy some good powder (although visibility was about 10 feet sometimes) for the next hour and a half. Just as I think the day is finally going well, we head back down the canyon. Too bad, everyone else at Alta and Snowbird left at the same time. It took over 30 minutes to get from Alta to Snowbird with many long stretches of no movement. I figured it was a fitting end to the day.
I'm not sure there is a moral to the story, but I'm grateful to have my ski back. I was not excited to ski again, but it has been snowing all day today, so I'm sure I'll be back on the slopes tomorrow.
DC
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
2007 in review
So I came up with the a top 10 list to review 2007.10 - The goal for the number of hours it should take us to finish Lotoja next year.
9 - The number of road/cyclocross bikes I have had.
8 - The number of people in the GC Connection. I was thinking about it on a ride and realized Doug is 57 and Daren is 45 and I am 30 and Tanner is 15 and Ethan is 2 months. That is almost 15 years between each. It is an evolving connection. Daren used to beat up on me, Sutt, and Russ when we first started. Now we get to take it to Tanner. Someday Tanner will get to take it to our kids.
7 - The number of times I took second in a race this year!
6 - (and a half) The number of years I have lived in Eugene.
5 - The number of crashes I have had while commuting to work (Not all this year - 3 this year). You have to watch out for those darn branches in the road, they get caught in your fenders.
4 - The number of times I have completed Lotoja.
3 - The number of kids I now have.
1 & 2 - I finally got my first win racing 
cyclocross. Shortly after I got my second win of the year.
cyclocross. Shortly after I got my second win of the year.Thursday, December 20, 2007
Confirmed
For my 45th birthday this week, I did a VO2max and Lactic Threshold test at TOSH with Dr. Max Testa. It was a really interesting experience and TOSH is great. Max is a world class cycling coach who has worked with top pros for 20+ years yet he treats cat 3 old guys like a pro. He spent a good 30 to 45 minutes with me after the test explaining the results and giving me training suggestions. Well worth the expense and it was a very good hour and 20 minute workout.
The testing confirmed I should be a competitive masters MTB and Cross racer on the local level but I won't be a National Champion until I'm the only one racing in my age group. My only hope is that I out live Tilford because he'll race and train full time until he dies. It also confirmed that I'm best suited for cross, flat TT's and MTB racing without really long climbs. My focus on these events and not road racing has been a good choice.
If you have considered VO2max or LT testing, give TOSH a try. You'll be pleased with the experience.
The testing confirmed I should be a competitive masters MTB and Cross racer on the local level but I won't be a National Champion until I'm the only one racing in my age group. My only hope is that I out live Tilford because he'll race and train full time until he dies. It also confirmed that I'm best suited for cross, flat TT's and MTB racing without really long climbs. My focus on these events and not road racing has been a good choice.
If you have considered VO2max or LT testing, give TOSH a try. You'll be pleased with the experience.
Hooked up to the VO2max machine for some fun.
Upgraded
Sounds like the trip to KC was fun. The best part would be to watch the big boys race. There is a cool link to watch Trebon crash.
http://www.jasonsager.com/blog/
That had to hurt. I decided to self upgrade to race with the B group. The course was long, flat (but rough), and muddy. It was dry all week, but the night before it rained pretty hard, making great conditions for cross, right? One guy took off from the start, and I didn't even see him after that. I was battling for second/third with another guy. There was also a single speed rider mixing it up with us. The single speeder slipped on a small hill in front of me and the guy in front got a gap. I spent the rest of the time trying to catch him, but fell short by about 5 yards, so I finished 3rd. I was pretty happy with the results. I beat many cat 2 and 3 road riders, so that made my day. Brooke came to be supportive, but it was to cold to get the kids out, so no pic's. Have a great holiday and merry Christmas!
http://www.jasonsager.com/blog/
That had to hurt. I decided to self upgrade to race with the B group. The course was long, flat (but rough), and muddy. It was dry all week, but the night before it rained pretty hard, making great conditions for cross, right? One guy took off from the start, and I didn't even see him after that. I was battling for second/third with another guy. There was also a single speed rider mixing it up with us. The single speeder slipped on a small hill in front of me and the guy in front got a gap. I spent the rest of the time trying to catch him, but fell short by about 5 yards, so I finished 3rd. I was pretty happy with the results. I beat many cat 2 and 3 road riders, so that made my day. Brooke came to be supportive, but it was to cold to get the kids out, so no pic's. Have a great holiday and merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
KC race report
Nice track, only to freeze the next day.
Stairs any one?
Stairs any one?
Nothing but joy on that face!
Daren enjoying a soupy mess
Bart finishing, 7th he did us all proud
Ali was most impressive, 86 start to 14 finish!
Bart had moved up from 36 to 9 1st lap amazing
I was freezing!
Nice warm weather
Tree at the start, he got chopped later
Katie Compton the winner of women elite
LoToJa got added wrongly and I can't get off
This is my take on the Nationals. My butt is still sore from sitting in the car for so long. Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming are not the most viewer stimulating drives. The worst was in Nebraska, they have .2 mile markers. So it goes 404.2, 404, 403.8 etc. enough to drive one nuts! Thank goodness Daren was driving and I could close my eyes. We had a great trip though and I'm just grateful for my Brother and Tanner, never a personality issue, we just like to be together, thanks guys. I'm way ahead on the favorite uncle of Tanner, sorry to the rest of you. He can be bought by a pulled pork sandwich. We were so packed with gear it was quite a sight. Four bikes, 500 wheels(not really) and gear bags for gear. Tanner had a narrow hole to sit in for 30 hours. Thank goodness the Tahoe worked great and other than a closurer of 80 from Laramie to Chey, we went south to 70 and on across it, the travel went well. KC was cold and icey, windy, snowy and everything in between. All three of our races were in totally different conditions. Daren had the super muck, Tanner a mix of muck and icy, I had total frozen ruts and snow, not good for a broken rib and cracked wrist. We had a ball watching the races and participating in them. Enjoy the pictures and congrats to all the Utah CX'er we were will represented. We all need a day or two off, then lets do it again! Have a great Holiday Season and my you all get that SL2 you so desire. ride safe.
Doug
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
KC Wrap Up
Tanner coming up the hill
T getting ready to attack
Tanner in the frozen mud.
T Man at the finish.
Mike Kracht in the B 40+ race.
Doug starting in the frozen tundra.
Doug on the icy ruts.
AJ may never let me borrow his bike again after this.
Mitchell Peterson riding for the U in the collegiate race on ice and snow.
Compton riding to the Women's Elite win.
Page and Trebon on the 1st lap.
"Sock" Ali on his way to a strong 12th in the Elite race.
Bart rode very smooth to finsih the Elite race in 7th.
We made it back home safe and sound yesterday. It was a great trip and well worth the effort and time. Watching the Elite races was great. It is always fun to watch people who are some of the best in the world at what they do. Below are some picutures and video from the trip. I'm sure Doug will put some of his picutures up as well. Enjoy.
Page getting the hole-shot in the Men's Elite race.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
KC Day 3
I'm not sure which conditions were more difficult, today or yesterday. Yesterday the course was peanut butter mud and top speed was 10 mph. Today is was very cold, windy and blowing snow. The course today was one big frozen rut. It was fairly fast, but very tricky and tons of crashes.
Doug finally got to race but they started the 55 and 60+ groups a minute after the very fast 50 - 54 (think Ned Overand). They were pulling all riders that were in danger of getting lapped. Doug rode with a lot of caution to avoid further injuring his wrist so was in the back 1/3 of the group. Unfortunately, they pulled this group after one lap because Overand was getting close. Kind of stupid to put those groups together and pull riders when they know the fist group will likely lap all of the older riders. Doug knew he had to be very careful and couldn't take risks. Kind of a bummer, but what can you do.
We got the official results from my race. Too bad they messed it up. Due to the mud, it was difficult to read numbers and the officials had challenges. They listed me 1 lap down in 62nd. I definitely didn't get lapped and I knew the riders that finished just a head of me. So, I actually finished 29th, not 62nd. It's not that big of a deal, but I talked to an official today and she said they would check on it. Had I started with the right tires, a top 25 was probably in the cards.
The Utah guys had mixed results today. Mitchell Peterson was 25th in the U23 race. He was pretty disappointed, but the rough technical conditions didn't favor him. Ali had a very good race in the 30 - 34 to finish 8th. Art O'Conner was 8th or 9th in the 40 - 44 after a solid ride. Jon Gallager was in the top 10 and moving up when he rolled a tire just past the pit to end his day.
There was some great races today and it was fun to watch. Looking forward to the big boys tomorrow. If it stays frozen, Bart might have a chance. If it warms up and turns to a mud bog, he'll be in for a long day.
Doug finally got to race but they started the 55 and 60+ groups a minute after the very fast 50 - 54 (think Ned Overand). They were pulling all riders that were in danger of getting lapped. Doug rode with a lot of caution to avoid further injuring his wrist so was in the back 1/3 of the group. Unfortunately, they pulled this group after one lap because Overand was getting close. Kind of stupid to put those groups together and pull riders when they know the fist group will likely lap all of the older riders. Doug knew he had to be very careful and couldn't take risks. Kind of a bummer, but what can you do.
We got the official results from my race. Too bad they messed it up. Due to the mud, it was difficult to read numbers and the officials had challenges. They listed me 1 lap down in 62nd. I definitely didn't get lapped and I knew the riders that finished just a head of me. So, I actually finished 29th, not 62nd. It's not that big of a deal, but I talked to an official today and she said they would check on it. Had I started with the right tires, a top 25 was probably in the cards.
The Utah guys had mixed results today. Mitchell Peterson was 25th in the U23 race. He was pretty disappointed, but the rough technical conditions didn't favor him. Ali had a very good race in the 30 - 34 to finish 8th. Art O'Conner was 8th or 9th in the 40 - 44 after a solid ride. Jon Gallager was in the top 10 and moving up when he rolled a tire just past the pit to end his day.
There was some great races today and it was fun to watch. Looking forward to the big boys tomorrow. If it stays frozen, Bart might have a chance. If it warms up and turns to a mud bog, he'll be in for a long day.
Friday, December 14, 2007
KC Day 2 - D and T racing
Day 2 brought race day for me and Tanner. I'll give a quick report. We'll have pictures and video next week. The pictures will be better in conveying today's epic conditions.
Tanner had an outstanding race. He raced at 10am and the course was a mixture of frozen mud with ruts and some mud puddles. Tanner was on the front row for the start, but slipped a pedal and fell way back. His race was short ( just over 3o minutes) and he battled his way back to finish a strong 14th our of 31 starters. I was really impressed with his effort and how he battled. I was much more nervous than him. I about threw up waiting for the start. I ran about 2 miles around the course to see him. It was lots of fun and the conditions were very hard.
I raced at 3 after 5 groups had raced during the day. The temperature increased enough that the course was a complete mud bog from edge to edge, start to finish other than the one paved section. By the time I raced, it got colder and I was freezing warming up and waiting for the start. However, I was on the second row and got a great start, about 5th into the mud. Unfortunately, I made a bad tire choice and went backwards big time on the first muddy hill. I changed bikes when I got to the pit and the different tires worked much better. I battled the rest of the race in the 30's I think. Results haven't been posted yet, so I'm not sure my final result. I did meet my first goal and didn't get lapped by Tillford, the winner. I gave it my best effort and had a lot of fun. The muddy conditions made for lots of running. I don't think I've ever had a muddier bike and clothes. Good times.
A local guys update. Connor O'Leary finished 11th in the difficult 17 - 18 class after getting the last call up. He rode a strong race to work through the entire field. Lots of locals racing the next two days. Should be fun to watch.
The forecast is for snow tonight and in the morning so Doug's race at 3 tomorrow could get even more challenging. I'm not sure if he's excited or worried.
Tanner had an outstanding race. He raced at 10am and the course was a mixture of frozen mud with ruts and some mud puddles. Tanner was on the front row for the start, but slipped a pedal and fell way back. His race was short ( just over 3o minutes) and he battled his way back to finish a strong 14th our of 31 starters. I was really impressed with his effort and how he battled. I was much more nervous than him. I about threw up waiting for the start. I ran about 2 miles around the course to see him. It was lots of fun and the conditions were very hard.
I raced at 3 after 5 groups had raced during the day. The temperature increased enough that the course was a complete mud bog from edge to edge, start to finish other than the one paved section. By the time I raced, it got colder and I was freezing warming up and waiting for the start. However, I was on the second row and got a great start, about 5th into the mud. Unfortunately, I made a bad tire choice and went backwards big time on the first muddy hill. I changed bikes when I got to the pit and the different tires worked much better. I battled the rest of the race in the 30's I think. Results haven't been posted yet, so I'm not sure my final result. I did meet my first goal and didn't get lapped by Tillford, the winner. I gave it my best effort and had a lot of fun. The muddy conditions made for lots of running. I don't think I've ever had a muddier bike and clothes. Good times.
A local guys update. Connor O'Leary finished 11th in the difficult 17 - 18 class after getting the last call up. He rode a strong race to work through the entire field. Lots of locals racing the next two days. Should be fun to watch.
The forecast is for snow tonight and in the morning so Doug's race at 3 tomorrow could get even more challenging. I'm not sure if he's excited or worried.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
KC Day 1
A quick update from beautiful Kansas City. We made it here without trouble. We were a bit worried due to the huge ice storm that hit a couple of days ago. We're taking a bunch of pictures and will post some when we get back.
The scene was spectacular this morning with a couple of inches of ice on all the trees, power lines and everything else. The B races were today and we watched them all. The course went from icy for the first race to a mud bog for the last race. We didn't even ride the course when it was open because we weren't equipped to spend two hours cleaning up afterward. It will be very muddy tomorrow for me and Tanner. There's snow predicted Friday night and Saturday morning, so Doug could have even more fun.
Mike Kracht raced the 30 - 39 B race and had a good showing. He actually led part of the first lap and finished 26th. It was fun to watch him give a huge effort.
The course and our hotel is next to the Kansas Motor Speedway. We rode our bikes over to take a look by going around the closed gates. We were soon chased off by a fat guy in a security truck. I guess guys in Lycra are not welcome.
Daren
The scene was spectacular this morning with a couple of inches of ice on all the trees, power lines and everything else. The B races were today and we watched them all. The course went from icy for the first race to a mud bog for the last race. We didn't even ride the course when it was open because we weren't equipped to spend two hours cleaning up afterward. It will be very muddy tomorrow for me and Tanner. There's snow predicted Friday night and Saturday morning, so Doug could have even more fun.
Mike Kracht raced the 30 - 39 B race and had a good showing. He actually led part of the first lap and finished 26th. It was fun to watch him give a huge effort.
The course and our hotel is next to the Kansas Motor Speedway. We rode our bikes over to take a look by going around the closed gates. We were soon chased off by a fat guy in a security truck. I guess guys in Lycra are not welcome.
Daren
Sunday, December 09, 2007
BUNNY - LESS HOPPING
My Dura-Ace crank is not looking to good after.
A fun high speed corner.
A fun high speed corner.This is the race course, looks like fun!
The most amazing CX race I have seen. Bart and Ali mudding it. Bart came from 45 sec down with three laps to go to win.
Daren called in sick (smart call) so I went out to the Fort to pre-ride the course. It was a slippery icey snowy mess, so I decided of course to race. We lined up and I had decided to go out as hard as I could and then hang on. On the starting straight I got away good, even with some serious side slides on the ice. I was in sixth after the first lap and seemed to pick up on the straights and loose some on the mucky corners, my great bike handling skills. On the forth lap I was going down the back straight and you make a 180 degree turn and they had placed a log over the trail. We had all been dismounting and remounting. The guy right in front of me went way to the left where the log was the lowest and bunny hopped the log. I made a split second decision to do the same. I pulled the front wheel over very easily but some how forgot to lift the back wheel. Needless to say the bike stopped rather quickly and I became a flying projectile. When I got up I grabbed my bike and my chain was off and everything was covered in ice, mud and snow. I finally got it on and mounted disappointed that I had been passed by many. I about quit, but the Cottle in us, made me race on as hard as I could. I was able to pass a few in the remaining laps. I thought I must has taken near last, but ended in 13th out of 35 or so racers. I could of had my first top ten, but oh well. Today I feel like I got hit by a truck, but there is no sympathy around this house. I guess that is why I really enjoy CXing. In comparison to the real good racers I stink, but it is so fun to go out and push yourself and do something that is so hard, it is self fulfilling.
Daren's illness may affect our cx nationals trip, so we will have to see how he feels by tuesday. I hope you are all well and enjoying a great holiday season. Ride safe
Doug
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Trying to be Smart
Well, turns out I'm spending today on the couch rather than racing in the snow. I started to get a nice head cold Thursday and it is now full on. Therefore, no racing for me. While this is the smart thing to do, it still is very disappointing. I was looking forward to battling for a good finsih today and moving up in the final points standings. The conditions are epic again with 4 inches of new snow on the ground and more coming down as I write. My focus is now all about getting healthy for Nationals next Friday.
Doug's going to go check out the course and race if he thinks crashing is not likely. Otherwise, he's out as well. Crashing and hurting his wrist more this close to Nationals is not good either. Tanner really wanted to race today as well, but has opted to take one for the team and not make the old man drive him to Ogden and stand outside in the cold wet. Going to Alta with 3 feet of new powder instead of racing is a huge sacrifice on his part.
Doug's going to go check out the course and race if he thinks crashing is not likely. Otherwise, he's out as well. Crashing and hurting his wrist more this close to Nationals is not good either. Tanner really wanted to race today as well, but has opted to take one for the team and not make the old man drive him to Ogden and stand outside in the cold wet. Going to Alta with 3 feet of new powder instead of racing is a huge sacrifice on his part.
Friday, December 07, 2007
quick video
Daren (and others),
Thought you might enjoy this youtube clip that Tommy sent me. That's nuts! Good luck on your riding this week. Sutt are you racing? No races here until next week.
Bub
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuxnUZyzs30
Thought you might enjoy this youtube clip that Tommy sent me. That's nuts! Good luck on your riding this week. Sutt are you racing? No races here until next week.
Bub
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuxnUZyzs30
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Cross and more cross
Our lives are pretty much revolving around cross racing right now. We have the Utah finals at Fort B in Ogden Saturday then cross Nationals in Kansas City next week. Doug, Tanner and I will be doing doing both races and we're getting all geeked up. Saturday looks like it will be fun. Could be wet and snowy again. Doug rode out there today with no flats so looks like at least the goatheads might have been washed away.
I'm really excited about racing Nationals. It will be the first trip to a big race for all three of us. The only way we could make it work economically was to drive, so the three Cottle boys will be doing some serious bonding on a long road trip. When I try to explain to my non-cycling family, friends and co-workers the concept of driving 1,500 miles one way to race for 45 minutes, I'll I get is blank stares. Cross will do that to you.
I'm really excited about racing Nationals. It will be the first trip to a big race for all three of us. The only way we could make it work economically was to drive, so the three Cottle boys will be doing some serious bonding on a long road trip. When I try to explain to my non-cycling family, friends and co-workers the concept of driving 1,500 miles one way to race for 45 minutes, I'll I get is blank stares. Cross will do that to you.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Just Call Me Crash
Today's race was in epic conditions. It snowed all morning and through the last lap of my race. There was a good 6 to 9 inches of snow by the time we finished. The course was one long single track that was difficult to ride let alone race. It was a mine field of snow and ice ready to take you down at any time. Passing was an adventure and usually required the person begin passed to give way. All good cyclocross fun.
Tanner didn't have much competition in the juniors (only one other racer) but had a good time mixing it up with the Men B group. He worked his way through half the field midway through the race only to have a cleat on his shoe come lose. He had to ride the rest of the race without clipping in and lost a little ground. He slipped, slid and crashed like everyone else. He's racing really well and it's fun to watch him. He broke in his Christmas present (his own S-Works Tricross to match the Chrispy's he's been borrowing) in fine fashion.
I had a crash filled race. I hit the ground more today than in all my prior cross races combined. I felt like a spaz and had only one lap without going down. I used to think I was pretty good in bad conditions, but I guess not. I did everything from a simple slide-out to a full face plant in a snow bank. It was an impressive display of crashing. It could have been worse. I had several spectacular saves that should have been crashes. I ended up 4th after a good battle with Dave W and Gary F but had one lap with my two best crashes that took me out of the chase. I guess I'm destined to finish 4th at Wheeler this year.
Here's a bunch of pictures to help capture an epic day of racing. While my result was disappointing, I had a blast racing with my friends in crazy conditions. I suppose the snow will still be around for next week's race in Ogden. Should be a great finish to the Utah Cross season.
Looks like a fine day for cross.
Tanner with the men. Check out the guy going down in the background. I crashed just like that 3 times in that corner.
Tanner throwing down.
T coming up the hill to turn and go down the hill.
Tanner making a pass on the run up.
Scott Allen manged to break this frame in half somehow. It's now a hood ornament on Pratt's Hummer.
I managed a pretty good start. We had about 20 feet before it went to single track.
The barriers at the bottom of the run up.
Ready to turn or crash, I'm not sure which.
I was just hoping I wouldn't crash into the building at this point.
Tanner didn't have much competition in the juniors (only one other racer) but had a good time mixing it up with the Men B group. He worked his way through half the field midway through the race only to have a cleat on his shoe come lose. He had to ride the rest of the race without clipping in and lost a little ground. He slipped, slid and crashed like everyone else. He's racing really well and it's fun to watch him. He broke in his Christmas present (his own S-Works Tricross to match the Chrispy's he's been borrowing) in fine fashion.
I had a crash filled race. I hit the ground more today than in all my prior cross races combined. I felt like a spaz and had only one lap without going down. I used to think I was pretty good in bad conditions, but I guess not. I did everything from a simple slide-out to a full face plant in a snow bank. It was an impressive display of crashing. It could have been worse. I had several spectacular saves that should have been crashes. I ended up 4th after a good battle with Dave W and Gary F but had one lap with my two best crashes that took me out of the chase. I guess I'm destined to finish 4th at Wheeler this year.
Here's a bunch of pictures to help capture an epic day of racing. While my result was disappointing, I had a blast racing with my friends in crazy conditions. I suppose the snow will still be around for next week's race in Ogden. Should be a great finish to the Utah Cross season.
Looks like a fine day for cross.
Tanner with the men. Check out the guy going down in the background. I crashed just like that 3 times in that corner.
Tanner throwing down.
T coming up the hill to turn and go down the hill.
Tanner making a pass on the run up.
Scott Allen manged to break this frame in half somehow. It's now a hood ornament on Pratt's Hummer.
I managed a pretty good start. We had about 20 feet before it went to single track.
The barriers at the bottom of the run up.
Ready to turn or crash, I'm not sure which.
I was just hoping I wouldn't crash into the building at this point.
Let it Snow
I'm glad to see Robbie and Russ are now official bloggers. It is clear that Rob has embraced the long academic tradition of carefully choosing words to construct sentences that convey a general idea to all but that require additional work to big out the true meaning. After a couple of readings, I think I figured it out. Russ on the other hand is employed in a profession that allows him to carry a big stick to convey his ideas.
My work is got nearly as exciting. I merely use analytical analysis to report on and help improve the performance of our business. However, there are a few Easton bats lying around the office that I've been tempted to take to my computer when a spreadsheet just isn't quite working out. I also get to shoot at things with a bow. Thankfully, nothing I shoot at can shoot back.
It finally snowed enough for Alta to open yesterday. Tanner met a new friend in Seminary that is a good skier and has a car. This is a great turn of events for a 15 year old. Since Seminary was the last period of the day yesterday, of course they cut the class to get in a few hours of skiing. It's amazing what you can get away with when you work hard in school and get great grades.
It snowed a couple of inches in the valley over night and is still snowing as I write. The cross race today should be cold, wet and fun. Doug went South to play in a golf tournament. Let's see, his wrist won't let him swing a club, it rained all day in St. George yesterday and today's forecast is for more rain and 40 degree temperatures. I wonder how that trip is going.
My work is got nearly as exciting. I merely use analytical analysis to report on and help improve the performance of our business. However, there are a few Easton bats lying around the office that I've been tempted to take to my computer when a spreadsheet just isn't quite working out. I also get to shoot at things with a bow. Thankfully, nothing I shoot at can shoot back.
It finally snowed enough for Alta to open yesterday. Tanner met a new friend in Seminary that is a good skier and has a car. This is a great turn of events for a 15 year old. Since Seminary was the last period of the day yesterday, of course they cut the class to get in a few hours of skiing. It's amazing what you can get away with when you work hard in school and get great grades.
It snowed a couple of inches in the valley over night and is still snowing as I write. The cross race today should be cold, wet and fun. Doug went South to play in a golf tournament. Let's see, his wrist won't let him swing a club, it rained all day in St. George yesterday and today's forecast is for more rain and 40 degree temperatures. I wonder how that trip is going.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Well I finally made it, after alot of training and hard work, I made it to contributor status. I know all of yours lives have been on hold waiting for me to put a blog in, wait no more. If anyone can translate what Robby said in his last blog I would appreciate it. I am still looking up words out of the dictionary.
Well I thought you might like to hear about another day in the life of a SWAT officer. We had been asked to assist another agency with a drug buy rip( this is when an undercover officer "UC" buy drugs from a dealer, and after the transaction we arrest the dealer.) So the deal is going to be 10 oz. of meth for $11,000. The deal is supposed to go down around 2:00 pm in the Kmart parking lot. You can already see the potential for disaster, busy parking lot, middle of the day, not good.
So I am assigned to the team that will be arresting the main dealer. I in a van with 6 operators and we are waiting in the Kmart parking lot. I was assigned to carry the all powerful, 28' wood Louisville slugger. My job is to break out the drivers side window if his not complying with our commands or going for a gun.
So after waiting for a couple of hours the deal finally goes down. The dealer is not in his vehicle, he is actually standing outside of the UC vehicle talking with them. We slowly roll up to him and he doesn't even notice the van. I am the second guy to exit the van as it comes to a stop. The dealer has his left shoulder facing us as we exit. I start yelling at him in Spanish to put his hands on his head.
You most people at this point, upon seeing SWAT guys jumping out of a van, give the deer in the headlights, oh sh*&! look. But not this guy, he gives the "let's get it on," look. So instead of complying he turns his back to us and both of his hands go to the front of belt. So now I am just waiting for bullets from my buddies to come wizzing by. As I continue toward him, no shots are being fired, so I start to cock my bat back. I am ready to swing for the fences. Just as I am starting to swing to snap his leg in half. Someone hits him with an elbow from behind. I drop my bat and continue my momentum toward to assist in the tackle. As he is falling I hear something go sliding across the asphalt. As I land on top of him I am sure I am going to see a gun laying out in front of us. But no, homeboy was just about riddled with bullets over a cell phone.
Needless to say, bad guys in jail, drugs our off the street, and I was so close to giving him a Louisville tattoo.
Well I can't wait till we ride again.
Well I thought you might like to hear about another day in the life of a SWAT officer. We had been asked to assist another agency with a drug buy rip( this is when an undercover officer "UC" buy drugs from a dealer, and after the transaction we arrest the dealer.) So the deal is going to be 10 oz. of meth for $11,000. The deal is supposed to go down around 2:00 pm in the Kmart parking lot. You can already see the potential for disaster, busy parking lot, middle of the day, not good.
So I am assigned to the team that will be arresting the main dealer. I in a van with 6 operators and we are waiting in the Kmart parking lot. I was assigned to carry the all powerful, 28' wood Louisville slugger. My job is to break out the drivers side window if his not complying with our commands or going for a gun.
So after waiting for a couple of hours the deal finally goes down. The dealer is not in his vehicle, he is actually standing outside of the UC vehicle talking with them. We slowly roll up to him and he doesn't even notice the van. I am the second guy to exit the van as it comes to a stop. The dealer has his left shoulder facing us as we exit. I start yelling at him in Spanish to put his hands on his head.
You most people at this point, upon seeing SWAT guys jumping out of a van, give the deer in the headlights, oh sh*&! look. But not this guy, he gives the "let's get it on," look. So instead of complying he turns his back to us and both of his hands go to the front of belt. So now I am just waiting for bullets from my buddies to come wizzing by. As I continue toward him, no shots are being fired, so I start to cock my bat back. I am ready to swing for the fences. Just as I am starting to swing to snap his leg in half. Someone hits him with an elbow from behind. I drop my bat and continue my momentum toward to assist in the tackle. As he is falling I hear something go sliding across the asphalt. As I land on top of him I am sure I am going to see a gun laying out in front of us. But no, homeboy was just about riddled with bullets over a cell phone.
Needless to say, bad guys in jail, drugs our off the street, and I was so close to giving him a Louisville tattoo.
Well I can't wait till we ride again.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Firsts
Well, due to the tremendous pressure exerted upon me through the prodding of those-that-shall-not-be-named, I share in the joy of writing this inaugural post. You see this is new for me, since I have never posted on a blog, not even the one Jill created for our family. For what reason might I have forfeited my blogging virginity at this moment; could it be because I have some delicious gossip, or have ridden a fantastic road race, or wrecked splendidly. . . no, nothing like that would detract me from usurping my typing energies from my students and dissertation writing. Rather, I seem to have fostered some idea in the head(s) of some number I know not, for reasons perplexing even to the most adept phychologist, that I have ended my riding career! I challenge anyone (except Brady) to a race up Snowy Range Pass (here in Laramie), or even a quick sprint up N.Ogden Divide just to prove that I am quite ready to dispel that rumor.
After several harried days perplexed at the origin of this rumor, I have decided i may have been due to my inattentiveness and absence in participating on this blog. Hence, this post provides a second point of proof that I have not sold my bike on ebay.
Lastly, I am signed up to ride my first road race next year in Laramie. After watching last year I decided it was time to enter a race to race (b/c we've never raced Lotoja) solely on the bike (I would likely have ridden it this year, but I had just run a marathon the week before, and wasn't properly trained). So all I need to do now is find a criterium to ride in so the race won't be my first time participating in one.
In all I hope my post finds you all well, that I've clarified my position on the "team", and look forward to a visit with Doug, Darren, and Tanner in a couple of weeks.
Cheers!
Rob
After several harried days perplexed at the origin of this rumor, I have decided i may have been due to my inattentiveness and absence in participating on this blog. Hence, this post provides a second point of proof that I have not sold my bike on ebay.
Lastly, I am signed up to ride my first road race next year in Laramie. After watching last year I decided it was time to enter a race to race (b/c we've never raced Lotoja) solely on the bike (I would likely have ridden it this year, but I had just run a marathon the week before, and wasn't properly trained). So all I need to do now is find a criterium to ride in so the race won't be my first time participating in one.
In all I hope my post finds you all well, that I've clarified my position on the "team", and look forward to a visit with Doug, Darren, and Tanner in a couple of weeks.
Cheers!
Rob
Monday, November 26, 2007
11/24 Pics
JoAnn got some good pictures of Saturday's race.
Dave lending me a helping hand.
DC chasing DH
K Wilde the Caveman.
Dave lending me a helping hand.
DC chasing DH
K Wilde the Caveman.
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