GC Connection

I'm Back

2011-07-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

I have never in my life had to quit a job, that is until Thursday. As you may have heard my school is closing this year, along with 6 other schools in the district. They asked me to help facilitate the moves this summer, which means move them. Right from the start though I was having some back issues. It was pretty painful and I would come home and lay down all evening. I quickly realized it was not worth it. I had three older ladies (and others) working with me that thought it was pretty funny that I had to quit and they didn't. I am trying to keep off it and heal it up before Saturday.

I am realizing very quickly that the Seattle to Portland is coming. Sutt and Doug will be here on Tuesday. Excited to see them, but hoping the back will hold. I have been toning down the riding due to the back and prep for the race. I would like to report that the DZ stache started late. I have had to meet with the superintendent of the school district and didn't want to show up with a nasty stache. But it is growing now. It has been growing for a couple of days and you should be able to actually see it by Saturday. It is pretty embarrassing that someone my age still can't grow facial hair. Thanks pop for the genes on that one! 6 days to go!

Hmmmmm

2011-06-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmm…..what to write about…..there is so much going on I have found that I have little time to write and process cycling. I am writing as I was for 15 minutes before our school band concert begins. What with work, interviews, four kids, and trying to plug in riding I am finding it hard to up update the blog.

Me. I have been riding. I am finding my training is not as intense as it has been in the past, but I am still riding and a little racing. I raced an uphill road race in Salem. I am finding the cat 3’s are very fast. There are a few young bucks looking to move up and really hammer the pace. All the guys in the group are just as good as you, and most are better. I went into the 55 miler with the goal of not getting dropped and get the best finish I could. I hung in there and felt alright. In the last 200 meters on the uphill finish both my legs cramped and I limped across the finish line for 27th out of 40. Not to impressive, but felt I did fine until the last few meters.

I am getting excited for the 200 miler – Seattle to Portland in July and am realizing it is coming quickly. One more month! I will keep pounding the pedals to get ready for it. Sutt and Doug better be ready to pull me along. I thinking I might have to grow out the DZ stache though.

Lance … I don’t think I will vent on this one just yet. I will save it for my next post (in a few weeks maybe).

New E-mail

2011-05-27T06:16:00.001-07:00

My new e-mail is asuttlemyre@wsd.net

I wish....

2011-05-23T21:29:00.001-07:00

I wish on my 61st birthday that I could run a marathon without even training! I couldn't even do that right now. Congrats pop! Happy birthday! What can I say - you are the man. You just keep getting better with age.

Memorial Day Ride?

2011-05-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

I want to do a GC Connection ride on Memorial Day. I would like it to either start/middle/finish at Gordon and Leah’s graves. Thinking of a couple of riding options for the various riding levels’ (any family member who want to join in for a few miles), but I need to know who’s in. Time, location, and distance need to be discussed.

White Rim Death Ride

2011-05-09T14:07:00.001-07:00

Adam and I got down to Moab earlier than Daren and Tanner so we went and rode Slip Rock. It was great and a lot of fun. It was 85 degrees and felt so good to be warm. We came down to ride the famous White Rim trail in Canyonlands. We were riding it was clockwise and unsupported, which means you have to take everything you might need because there is no other way out. This route is 103 miles long.We had just started our White Rim ride. It was 13 miles on the dirt rode to get to the paved rode to get to our drop in trail. We were waiting for some friends of Daren and Tanner. Everyone is happy and excited for the day.

I'm feeling great after 13miles and really excited. I thought I've done many 200 mile rides, how tough can a 100 miler be on a Mountain bike?

Daren at the top of Ledger switch back taking us into the pit of no return.

This is looking down our descent road. It was a ball going down. Some how we all knew we were going to have to climb out after 100 miles, but it didn't seem like a big deal at this stage.

The first thing we encountered when we got down on the plateau was that we had a very hard head wind, and it was HOT, not warm but 95 degree's with a 30 mile and hour head wind, and 75 miles to go. It just got harder and harder. We began to feel like we were in a blast furnace. We went in unsupported, so we had to watch our water intake and try to gage our usage. When we got to 50 miles we stopped and tried to eat but after 3:30 riding the desire for food was leaving. We had no place to go but keep moving forward. There were some really steep climbs that I could believe you could go up, but we did. We were going down one steep descent and Adam rolled a tire and lost his air, so he and I had to put a tube in the tubeless set we were all riding. Daren and Tanner were ahead and didn't see the flat so they were a mile ahead. They started to come back, but the climb to us was brutal so I waved them to stay down and we got it fixed with a tube fine, and away we went. This was our only bike mechanical breakdown, if only our 4 bodies had held up as well.

I tried to take some pictures, but the longer we went it just wasn't worth the effort.

About 80 miles in I got the squirts so bad every mile I'm having to stop and do some business. If I drank anything I immediately got the cramping and would have to go again. I just was so dehydrated I couldn't go on. Adam Tanner and Daren went ahead with the idea to drive down and get me. I layed in the dirt for 45 minutes and finally I was able to force one of Adams Cokes down and I started to ride again. I was thinking they were all doing great and would soon be back for me, but as I rode on I couldn't see how a vehicle could even get here. I kept on and start to feel some better and my computer was showing 99 miles, but it looked like there was no way out. I was alone and thinking did I make a wrong turn. Then I saw Adam up the road walking with his bike. I got up to him and I thought he was a dead man walking. They had all been having as bad a physical problems as me, and Adam had run out of water 10 miles ago and was heaving up often. Daren and Tanner had left Adam to continue but they were hurting as well. We continued up the road and could see a fork and then could see the switch backs out. This is Adam and I at the bottom thinking we are going to die, or wishing we could. I'm pooing and Adams throwing up, we were a great pair. There is no way we are getting up the switch backs, so we are just going to wait for Daren. Just then a vehicle comes up the fork heading up so I waved them down and they gave me a ride to the top. When I walked to our cars, Daren and Tanner were laying on the dirt like they had died. They had just gotten to the top and didn't know how they were going to be able to come get us. They had had a rough time as well stopping every mile or so and trying to recover enough to go on. The last few miles had soft sand that you just couldn't ride through. It was so hot and windy and hard to get through we all about gave up, but we had no options, so on we all went.

I drove down and picked up our bikes and Adam and drove out. I was feeling so bad I didn't know if I could drive up the switch backs, but we made it up. Daren was in his car with the body shakes going, I'm cramping, and Adam is throwing up. What started as a great day really was the toughest time I've had on a bike. 103 miles in just over 9 hours, what fun. We couldn't find a hotel in Moab so we drove to Green River and tried to recover. Adam threw up all night, I don't know what to do, so finally he and I decide to head for home. Adam was not in good shape but we headed out early. When we got home Mindy took Adam to the hospital and found him to be in renal failure. They started the IV's and did some other blood work. His lactic acid was still off the chart. They finally let him go home after he had stabilized some. Adam weighed himself when he got home from the hospital and he had lost 13 pounds. I lost 6, Daren lost 5 and I don't know about Tanner. Biggest loser we've got the place for you to go. Adam has gotten kidney function back today, so things are looking brighter. We all are pretty weak and the prospects are looking up, we were lucking as the end results could have been much worse. Never another 100 mile bike ride for me. Let's see we have six weeks til Seattle to Portland 200 miler, thank goodness its on a road bike. Ride safe.

Group ride

2011-04-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

I learned a few things Thursday night at the Simply Mac group ride.

First- When 4 or 5 guys from another bike shop show up to ride IT"S ON.
Second- One sandwich for Lunch is not enough 6 hours later.
Third- I can't ride at 35 mph
Fourth- I don't ride hard enough during the week to keep up when it's all out right from the start.
Fifth- Don't play flag football all day before doing the group ride.

However, the ride was still a good ride. After getting kick out the back four of us (Doug, myself and two other simple mac guys) took a shortcut and worked hard enough not to get caught. It was a good ride, but now I know that I'm not as young as I once was.

Get a Freakin' Life!

2011-04-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

I thought about titling this "The series of my content" or "Grow up!" but decided on "Get a freakin' life" - seriously. Last week I did my first race of the year with the cat 3's. First, I noticed there were quite a few young bucks there trying to move up in the standings and this was just another race for them to drive down from Portland to get an easy win. One kid went off the front two laps in! On a 40 lap race! And he held it. We were moving pretty darn fast, with a head wind, and in the pouring rain. I was content with my 7th place finish in the first chase group. I felt good enough.

I have not been up to my usual par for racing this year. With 4 kids and a new job (for this year) I saw my intensity and focus shift, as well as my time. I am still getting in my riding, but not as long or hard. So this week I decided to hit the long, hard, fast group ride. There were about 30 guys there, so I knew I was in trouble. About a third of the way in I turned off with a group of 10 to do a shorter (75 mile) ride. They group was doing a 100+ miler, which would have made for a 130 day for me. As stated above, no time for that long. I felt good throughout. I never was going to pull away from anyone, but took off second up the main climb.

What I realized about cyclists after talking to a few people were: 1. you are young and work in a bike shop and ride your bike. 2. you did #1 when you were young, now you have 1 (maybe 2) kids and still relive the glory days. 3. Actually, I was the only three - 4 kids a full time job and a church calling. When I rolled in many guys said, "How are you? Haven't seen you ride the group ride for a few months!" My reply - "4 kids!" Didn't have to say much more.

One guy (the one who killed me up the hill) works in a bike shop and took a month off to go train in Arizona. Sorry. Reality check! You are not going to be a pro - get a job! I walked (barely and very tired) away knowing - I will never race as a cat 1, but don't care. I have a family and a job. I am feeling very content with where I am at in my riding, even if I am not pulling away from the local hero.

But it doesn't get better than this!

Dream come true

2011-04-03T17:09:00.003-07:00

I have been wanting to ride from my house to the coast for a long time. The biggest trouble with the ride is how to get there. The main road, highway 126, has no shoulder and has a lot of traffic on it. I decided to take the longer route to avoid that road. I had never done the route before, so I was a little nervous being out in the middle of nowhere and being stuck or stranded. My friend was going to take some clothes for me in his car and I was meeting up with some guys in Florence for a "mancation" (guy vacation - quads on the dunes, Halo all night, and basketball - it was a lot of fun). I have to add they all thought I was crazy for attempting this.

The minute I got out I knew it was going to be a long ride because the wind was blowing in my face and I was not changing direction until I got there. For about 60 mile I rode old logging roads out in the middle of a dense forest. The wind and rough road made it a long ride, but the scenery definitely made up for it. For the last twenty-five miles I had to ride the 126. It wasn't as bad as I thought because they had redone the road and made the shoulder bigger. The only problem was the pummeling wind. There is nothing like going as hard as you can to look and see the speedometer say 14 mph. But I crept into Florence for a great time. It was well worth the effort. I even rode quads out on the dunes for the rest of the day.

This is the photo at the finish from the mancave (rented house by the ocean).

These are more photos of Doug and I riding while he was here. Rob, my buddy, joined us one day for our ride too.

Holy crap is that the zebra?

2011-03-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

Doug has been doing a complete overhaul on the zebra. It has needed a little love. We took apart the bottom bracket, but had some difficulty getting it off. It was so rusted and dirty that a sledge mallet wouldn't even get it off. We had to cut it with a hacksaw, and that didn't work either. Finally I got my 18" pipe wrench and we torqued it off. The picture shows after we actually washed off most of the sludge on the bracket. Pretty nasty to realize how much gunk builds up by just commuting and riding in the rain.

We did get some good rides in so far. It is hard to explain how beautiful it is to ride out here. You are out in the middle of nowhere, no cars, and trees. This is Doug coming up an extremely steep hill. It is a brutal hill. He is looking pretty strong out there.

The garage looks like a Specialized bike storage.

Planning on doing Wolf Creek on Saturday. Will update some pictures later.

Ole Trek Paint Job

2011-03-11T08:41:00.001-08:00

I have always wanted to see if I could paint a frame. I had this older Trek that many of you have seen. It was one of the first bikes I bought. Many from our family have ridden it in our pass down system. It came back to my stable so I decided to see if I could paint it. I first had to take it totally apart and then the real fun began. Because it is a carbon fiber frame you can't sand blast it so its good ole hand sanding. You have to be real careful just to get the paint off without taking carbon off. This turned out to be the hardest part of whole deal. Flat surfaces weren't to bad, and this smile had left by the time I finished. The curved parts of the frame were just plain hard to do.

Once I got it all sanded then I masked all the openings and end pieces.

I made a paint space in my bike shop and it worked really well. I have just primed the frame and fork.

Then I started with the fork to practice. I got the paint from a custom auto body shop and some pointers as well. This is the masking and layering technique to get the design I wanted. I didn't want to just have one color, which would have been alot easier.

Each color has to be free hand masked, I found some flex masking tape that won't leak and really turns corner nicely.

This is the first layer of gloss black on the frame. It took a couple of coats and soft sand to get a good looking job.

Then the masking and layering of different colors.

The final look of the fork, with the bike put back together.

The finished product. I was pretty happy with the way it turned out. I learned alot and had alot of fun trying something new, (Thanks to retirement).

The weather is improving and warmer days are coming. Ride Safe.

Say it aint so!

2011-03-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

As I click on Velonews today, I am very disturbed to see Alberto Contador winning the stage at de Murcia. I am finding it hard to believe that the Spanish Cycling Federation would clear Contador of the doping charges. Actually, I am disgusted! I am wondering if they plotted to bring the beef in, knowing that they might get caught doping. The likely hood that it did happen from the meat seems so extreme. And what about the plastic traces? Did the Spanish federation, just forget about that? Anyway, after years of holding out with the belief that not all are using, I have finally come to the conclusion that all the top riders are using. I have read the complete Landis article. Do I complete trust Floyd, heck no! But I think there is truth behind some of the things he is saying.

So my question is - Is doping killing the sport? With all the athletes wanting to perform at a higher level, is it taking away from the sports fan base? For example, I feel Lance retired from professional cycling because of the ongoing investigation. The numbers for the Tour of California with Lance compared to without Lance are astounding. Does the normal fan even care that they are cheating? I don't think they care. I for one would like to see a clean sport. But with the drug companies one step ahead and the athletes willing to take the risk I don't know if they will completely get a handle on it. But it is still frustrating to see someone like Alberto ride off into the Spanish sunset with a get out of jail free pass.

Take your road bike off road

2011-02-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

Seattle to Portland

2011-02-11T10:08:00.001-08:00

I guess I was feeling a little left out after not being able to ride the Lotoja this year. But the DZ power stache is coming back! My friend got me started on the idea of riding the Seattle to Portland race with him this year. His parents live outside of Seattle, so I looked into it and thought why not. So I just signed up (along with Sutt, Mindy, and Doug - have to call the GC boys, and girl) to ride the Seattle to Portland 204 mile road race. It will be a lot different then Lotoja. The highest elevation is 465 ft above sea level. It appears that there is 3,000 feet of elevation gain, but nothing compared to past rides.

All I can say is bring back the DZ stache and watch out for the tandem bus coming through.

Organize!

2011-01-18T13:56:00.001-08:00

I decided it was time to get organized in my bike shop. I built this unit and it really has been nicer to work in. Rode outside today and it was nice. Winter is slowly moving on. Ride Safe.

33

2011-01-17T10:26:00.001-08:00

Happy birthday Brady! 33 years old, husband, father, educator, life's good. You make a father proud. Ride safe. Doug

Going to win the "Natty!"

2011-01-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

I am getting nervous/excited/anxious for the Ducks to bring down the almighty Auburn. I would have to say I am more excited for this game then I have ever been for any Super Bowl. It should be a good game. The Duck trend is picking up right now and people tomorrow will see how good they are. We will see if I will be able to sleep tonight...

GO DUCKS!

Where's my Ski?

2011-01-03T22:12:00.001-08:00

Daren lost a ski up here this morning and couldn't find it so he and I snowshoed up to try and find it. This is the shute we tried to go up and through. To icy, steep and dangerous. So we tried to go around to the right. But we couldn't get in to the basin and decided taking our next breath was more important than a ski. Daren's so good he only needs one anyway.

Happy hiker!

I'm GC dressed.

Looking across the valley at Snowbird.

Superior, what a view!

It was quite a work out with 3 hours of hiking, 2700 vertical, but sadly no ski.

Have a happy new year. Ride Safe Doug

Old School

2010-12-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

This is old school cyclocross. Pretty cool!

The good and the bad of 2010

2010-12-25T23:13:00.000-08:00

In the words of Charles Dickens 2010 “was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” As the end of the year approaches I have been reminiscing on this year in cycling, the good and the bad.

Good: I had a good year racing in the crits. I won three races and moved up to the A group (we will see how it goes next year in that group).

Bad: I wasn’t able to ride Lotoja! It was a sad realization that I would not be able to do it this year. There were a few reasons as to why not, but just wasn’t able to this year. The week leading up to the race I was a wreck. I was more nervous not riding, then riding. Glad it went well for everyone who finished this year.

Good: I was able to race a cyclocross race. I was battling for first when I went down.

Bad: I crashed and busted my rims and didn’t get to race again. After the crash and wait for the new rim I burned out. My desire to kill myself was lost.

Good: Been taking a break from training real hard.

Bad: My desire to start training again has not returned. Enjoying my leisurely pace.

Good: Got my first cell phone this year. Hard to believe, but yes I did.

Bad: Sent my first text message. Now they keep coming.

Good: Doug had a great season, winning the Utah Cyclocross championship for his age.

Bad: All his crashes! Heal up soon.

Good: Didn’t have to ride over 2 and a half hours all summer. I got to on a few occasions, but not very often. This helped my training for the crits.

Bad: Signing up to ride the Seattle to Portland 200 mile race. Need to get my distance legs back a little.

It has been a good year overall. Can't wait to see what next year brings. Life just seems to balance out - Yin and Yang.

Last crash of the year!

2010-12-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the last Cross race of the season, even though it should have been over at nationals. I really didn't want to race but I went anyway. When I raced this was all snow and slush. I was chasing back hard after I dropped my chain. I cooked this corner to fast and my front wheel slide out and a smashed my left shoulder into the ground. I thought I could continue but quickly realized that wasn't going to happen. I drove back to Ogden and went to the emergency room and had an x-ray done. I was diagnosed with a class 3 shoulder separation, and a crack in my hip from a previous weeks crash, thats why my hip hurt so much at Nationals and on the drive. Its time to put the cx bikes up and heal my old body.

Cx this year has been alot of fun and stress as well. There are so many factors that can effect your race, many out of your control. I'm looking forward to a break. We are going to start some winter rides in Jan. so get ready. Ride safe Doug

Seattle to Portland

2010-12-18T22:38:00.000-08:00

My friend is trying to get me to ride the Seattle to Portland bike race. It is 200 miles on July 9-10. You can race it in 1 day or 2. It sounds pretty fun. Here is the link:

http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/index.cfm

It looks fun!

2010 Nationals

2010-12-14T19:40:00.001-08:00

For some reason Blogger won't up load anymore pictures. I'll try with more after I post. This is what the course looked like at 8:30 in the morning. Icey, wet and muddy. This was ice I was on here and then you turn left on to a grass mud bog. It was very hard to ride fast. This is one of the steep run/ride ups. No one could ride it this part of the week but as the course changed most rode it in the elite race.

The lovely stair run up, 26 stairs 2 at a time makes for a tough climb after a few times up.

Here I am finishing in 8th. I rode as hard as I could and even though I was disappointed, I thought I was going to win, I did the best I could.

I prepared for a year and felt good about the effort. My bike was perfect, conditions were tough, but not unrideable. The thing about age group racing is that there is always younger guys coming up. I beat everyone that beat me last year, except the winner but there were new fast guys that turned 60. All in all it was a great experience. It is alot of work and getting everyones equipment there, finding housing, food, travel and the race. This was my shot as none of us are going to Madison Wis next year. Now I hope to have some fun on the bikes and enjoy some other physical challenges, (Ogden Marathon/Boston Marathon). Enjoyed hanging out with alot a great people and learned a ton. Hope to see you on the road. Ride safe. Doug

Finally Nationals are here!

2010-12-06T13:04:00.001-08:00

Daren, Mark and I are heading off to Bend tomorrow for Nationals. It should be exciting and hopefully we will all feel good about our efforts. It looks like it will be a muddy track so we will see how it rolls. Ride Safe Doug

Sat. school, yet again

2010-11-20T09:11:00.000-08:00

Sitting in another Sat. school, wishing I was out riding. To keep me entertained I found this video. This is a pretty cool.

State Championship 2010

2010-11-15T11:11:00.001-08:00

The State Cyclocross championships were held Sat at beautiful Mt. Ogden Golf Course. It was very scenic fun course to race on. This was the first time a cross race had been held at Mt Ogden Golf course in Ogden, but it was layed out well with minimum course damage, except for my body pot marks on number 7 where I crashed twice, slow learner.

Thanks to our great supporting fans. Grand kids are good for something. Bonnie and Kim made the trip up to the race and it was great to have them there. Bonnie looks like she has seen the light, and Kim saying oh well. Kim's getting back in great shape and the Clydesdale division was calling his name.

Tanner races in the A division with all the big boys (actually they are all very small). This is the steep off camber section that I crashed on twice. Daren and Tanner both went down in warm-ups. It was wetter earlier and always an adventure for me.

These are the big boys, with Bart Gillespie leading the charge.

Tanner and Rico going up the climb again. It seemed very hard to me, but guys are flying up it.

Daren going over the barriers. He is very smooth and fast over any obsticale. I do like his bike! (it is my A bike as Daren was having some shifting issues with his at the start).

Daren on the podium in a super fast 45 plus group.

Out of order, but this is Daren's start. He got off great and put out a massive effort, some days it is just harder than others.

This is the start of my race. I wish I was as relaxed as we look.

I got off to a good start and Bob, Lou and I were off to the races. I was determined not to make any stupid mistakes, so I was leading in great shape and crashed on the down hill and had to chase back hard to get on. Next lap the same thing I go down again in the lead and watch them ride away. I drilled it back on and decided on the climb it was time to see if I could get a gap, I went as hard as I could a got a gap in time for the crash zone, but I didn't go down this time and just went as hard as I could. At the top of the climb the next lap as I looked back down I could see I had a pretty good lead. I was tempted to walk the barriers on the last lap, but was feeling great

The podium with Lou and Bob. I did get to raze my arms at the finish line but forgot to put the picture in.

My number one supporter. Thanks Betty. She puts up with this crazy passion we all have. Three weeks til nationals and then a break.

Ride Safe, Doug.

Crash

2010-11-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

I didn't race last week do to my numerous crashes and it was Russ b-day party. I didn't go to his party as Darth Maul (check Mindy's facebook page to see that costume), because he did. However, I did go work as the dark Jedi. I won the best costume prize and got a pumkine pie for my efforts.

I no longer call it cross, but go to the lead and crash season. Cross I mean crash has been fun, yet painful. After two races I have crashed 5 times. I have a messed up thumb, scrapes and scratches on both knees, hips, shoulders, back, and elbows. The only problem is I have to admit that the last 4 were high risk bunny-hops in an effort to get back to the lead after dropping my chain. I was going to post pics, but my mom didn't want me to (she had no desire to see my hip/ back side). Although, I have spent time on the ground this season I atleast finished a race. I finished with a flat front tire, but for me that is only normal. I'm planning to race on the 13th, but I have not be on a bike for a week so I'll make that call on the 11th around 9:30 pm.

#1

2010-11-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

I just have to boast! Ducks are number 1 in the BCS. Go Ducks.

We All Suck at Blogging!

2010-11-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

We have not been very good about updating the blog. We all need to get it in gear. Cyclocross season is half over and no posts. I then realized we didn't have one post on Lotoja, bad. So alittle update.

This weekend was halloween cross. Our friend Mark ready to rock and roll.
This was one of the most unique racers.

Daren has been tearing up the master's 45 this year. He flew through this difficult sand path. Notice you can't even see anyone chasing. He went on to another hard, but big victory. Sunday?

Daren is one of the best technical riders in any category. Last turn for Daren before the finish.

This is the start of my masters 55 race. My good buddy Bob Walker next to me, and the facial hair is not a costume.

This is me in chase mode.

Bob and I were flying and as we came out of the sand pit there is a steep hill to the bridge. I was so concentrated that I didn't shift down and as I tried to them power up the hill my chain broke! After a few attempts to put it back on, not noticing that it was broken I had to go to the pit and get my back up bike and start chasing. By this time about 6 guys had passed me.

I passed a few and got back to 4th on the day, my worst finish. I was a bit down after the race. This is what makes cyclocross so hard is feeling great and really going good then a mechanical this week gets me, crashes other weeks. It is a hard. Last year I didn't have as many issues so I hope it will make me stronger for Nationals.

Tanner I'm sorry I have no pictures this week as we had to get home before his race. He was going great but had a crash and bent his rear derailleur but finished strong.

This is really Lotoja 2010, we really did ride it. I think, it seems so long ago now.

Our ever faithful support crew. We even talked Bonnie into letting Kim ride the last 30 miles with us, it was great to have Kim back in the group.

It was one of the best rides we have had. Great weather, nice south wind and we had a great rotation going. We were always pulling a big group but as long as they didn't get in the way it was fine.

Post race in the weeds, easier than trying to get a shot with all the people.

Items of note: 1. Adam and Mindy won the fun ride tandem race.
2. Russ is writing a new training manual for lotoja, it will be very short though.
3. Kim riding the last section with us was a great lift and very special.
4. We picked up a great rider about half way through. Steve works with Kim

and Rick at Specialized. He really help us in the end.

Another one in the books, my 7th and Adam, Kim and Russ's 8th. It was strange not having Brady with us but times and life change. Thanks for all the help from our crews and families.

Ride Safe Doug

Sat. School

2010-10-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here in Saturday School, wishing I was at the cyclocross race! I guess that is what happens when you get to lay the hammer down on some kids. I had a funny conversation with some 6th grade girls yesterday while they were in the lunch line. Here is how it went:

Girl 1: You know what is gross Mr. Cottle?

Me: No, what?

Girl 1: When guys wear really short shorts!

Girl 2: It is disgusting! You know the ones that go up to here (puts her hand up to really high on her leg).

Me: That is pretty gross. Guys wearing skinny jeans looks pretty bad too.

Girl 1: I like it when they wear them.

Girl 2: You know what is even grosser?

Me: What?

Girl 2: Guys in spandex!

Girl 1: That is the worst. They are so tight and it shows stuff.

Me: That is gross. I can’t think of anything worse then to see a guy wearing spandex.

Girl 1: Guys that wear spandex are weird.

Me: I couldn’t agree more.

I think they saw me yesterday coming out of school to start my ride home on the bike? Oh well. And to think it use to be cool to wear them under your shorts. Here are some classic short/tight shorts for you to enjoy.

Tom Selleck is my absolute favorite though! Loved the Magnum look.

Agassi was classic for the spandex under the short - shorts

Good old John Mac!

cx 2

2010-10-11T15:14:00.001-07:00

We raced the second cx race sat in Ogden at the Weber county fair grounds. It's like a home court and we even got Adam to come out and race. Adam was sitting in and enjoying the ride. Little did he know he was passing the former US National champion in the 60 plus master, sweet Lou. This boy is much to happy, we need to turn the dial up! Little did we know that a good wash out was about to happen. See post below. Adam was ready to make his attack when he went down.

I went out hard this week from the beginning and got alittle gap and just tried to ride as hard as I could. Look close and you can see Daren in the background warming up.

Weber County is a great place for a Cross race and the triple log is one of the favorites.

The podium ceremony. My good friend Bob Walker (aka chopper) and I, had another day of trying to hurt each other. It's a great competition, we are in different age categories at nationals, I'm in the master 60 and Bob's in the master 55.

We had a great family race day. I was lucky enough to win, Daren killed the masters 45 group for the second Cottle victory. Daren's race is right after mine so the announcers are always mixing us up. It was cool to both win so close to home. We both wished our Dad could have been there to see it. Adam would have had the next family win if not for his crash. Tanner now felt no pressure as the announcers at the start of the race say "can Tanner make it three wins for the Cottle's today". T races in the A group, which is the best and fastest racers. Tanner had a great race and finished 10 in a loaded field of 30. It is so great to be hanging out with great family and friends. Ride safe. Doug

I am on YouTube!!!

2010-10-09T22:41:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to my crash....watch it in slow motion. Enjoy!!! (pause it when my face hits the ground)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Snj82TyVlo

What if......

2010-10-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

First Cross Race of the season and I knew that something wasn't right when on the second warm up lap I rolled my tire and had to borrow one of Tanners backups (thanks Tanner). First Lap I sat on the leaders of last week, but they were going to slow so I shot to the lead and made me a Dollar!! YEAH!!! The bad news is two laps later and still in the lead I reached out to grab another bill and it slipped through my hands....then the guy about 20 yards behind me yelled "I just got a $100 bill" (that was a $100 mistake). Oh but it gets Better!!!

Then with 3 laps to go and still leading the guy on the backstretch finally catches my wheel and tells me we have a huge lead and is willing to help work to the end. So I think what the heck I will sit on him for a while and attack on the last lap. My heartrate is still in the 120's and I was feeling great (easier than a Crit). Then with 2 laps to go I rolled Tanners Spare (sorry Tanner) and went down HARD. I was in no location to get help or a new rim. So I get up and walk it in to watch Doug win!! Nice Job Doug.

Then the carnage..........

The knee was minor......

but my thumb started to really throb while Daren was racing (nice win Daren), so I thought I better go and get it checked out......sorry I didn't stay to watch ya Tanner.

$35 dollars later and a few Xrays (I needed that $100) the Dr informed me that there maybe a bone chip but he couldn't find the fragment. Then he thought there might be a hairline, but it could have been an old injury. He wanted to cast it but I said NO!!! But all tendons/ligaments in the inner thumb are a little stretched out at the moment (you gotta love the pain). So I am in a brace for 6-8 weeks, BUT I AM STILL GOING TO RIDE TO WORK NEXT WEEK!!! And hopefully race in 2 more weeks. Doug rode Lotoja with a broken leg...I can ride Cross race with a swollen thumb.

On the Good Side the bike is OK and the guy in from of me had a helmet camera and said he would post my wreck sometime this weekend on YouTube. Can't wait to see it.

Go Ducks!

2010-10-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

Ducks are playing Stanford tomorrow! Should be a good game. Check out the new I Love My Ducks video.

Last few weeks

2010-09-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well, the last three weeks have been crazy. After winning the tandem fun ride division of Lotoja I took two weeks off the bike to veg and build a shed. Veg I did and I'm now up 8 lbs. I ate anything and everything I wanted and now it is time to slim down again. The shed on the other hand went up fast and looks great thanks to Doug, Russ, Mindy, and Duwaine for all their hard work.

On the coaching front the team is undefeated and playing well, and I must admit I'm having fun. Baseball it is not (some odd rules I'm still trying to adjust to and understand), but from a coaching aspect it is still a blast. It is also nice to be the assistant coach (I love not having to deal with the parents. I just get to coach). I'm still adjusting to coaching girls, but for the most part it going good. The team only has a few emotional breakdown during the week. I always want to yell, "there's no crying in baseball", but the head coach always reminds me baseball it is not.

Bring on the Rain!

2010-09-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

It has been raining all week! Bring it on. Unfortunately my rain bike is missing its rear wheel. Due to the rain we have a small change in the blog background.

Crash, boom

2010-09-14T21:40:00.001-07:00

Went down in the first cyclocross race of the year. I was doing pretty well in the B group, battling for first with another guy. We had about a 20 yard lead with just over 2 laps to go. I went down when pretty hard, but got up quickly. The guy got a gap, but I couldn't catch him no matter how hard I tried. Slowly other people kept catching me. It was a nightmare. With one lap to go I finally looked down at my rim to see that it was wabbling about 3 inches and I was riding with the brake on.

I jumped the last barrier and went to get on my bike, but found out my rim would no longer turn. Sucked! The rim is done! Now I don't have a rim for my cross bike or my rain bike (I was using them for both). Some days you were not meant to do well.

Also, check out the picture on the fam blog for Ethan's stitches. That's my boy!

Lotoja 2010

2010-09-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

It's difficult to think about Bub and Kim not riding Lotoja tomorrow (I'll miss the great pulls, laughs, and conversation), but there are a few new things that might make this year great. To counter Bub 5 withdrawals, I'll add 6 things that might possibly help us without Bub and Kim-

1- The tandem will be 14 lbs lighter than the one we road last year. I hope that will translate into increased climbing ability.

2- I was able to put in over 2,000 + mile in the last 2 1/2 months.

3- The "Hammer" (Perpetuem and Montana Huckleberry gel) products which will for the most part will eliminate me eating food during the last 120 miles and possibly pucking my guts out at the end.

4-It can't be worse that than 2005

5- WE ARE NOT DRIVING HOME AFTER THE RIDE!!!!!!!! (maybe that should be #1)

6- Michelle yelling out the window like a crazy lady (It always makes me crackup)

Lotoja withdrawls

2010-09-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

So I am going through some Lotoja withdrawl! About this time for the past six years I would be sitting on a plane headed to Utah for the race. People at work were very surprised to hear I was going this year. There have been some good and bad to not riding it this year. My training for local races was a lot better. I wasn’t having to ride 100 milers all summer. I did a few 70 milers and that was about it. It was nice not to stress about all the miles. And I am not as stressed out about riding the race either. But there are many things that I am missing. I didn't get to do my list of things to prepare for so I am doing a top 5 list of things I will miss instead.

5. I am missing all the hype leading up to the ride this year. It is always fun to building up the race on the blog and with ya’ll.

4. Seeing everyone and getting one long ride in with everyone. Being away it is not always easy to get in on the family rides.

3. Bonnie leading the support crew! She gets more pumped up then anyone for this.

2. Making it up King of the Mtn. and knowing it is only down hill from there.

1. The DZ stache!

Good luck to everyone! Pull hard without me.

Death March 2010

2010-09-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

Less than 24 hours til the 2010 death march called Lotoja begins. How time flies. I played in a golf tournament yesterday with my partner Danny. We played in a two man best ball and shot 9 under par and won the whole deal. Funny part was I didn't hurt all day, and won $400. Why is it again we ride bikes? Wish us well for a day of fun and excitment and may we ride safe. Doug

Riding with the big boys

2010-09-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

I took 15 out of 30th with my first official race as a 3. The 1's and 2's are pretty darn fast! There was a pretty nasty headwind and we still averaged almost 27 mph. The whole race was non stop intense and fast. There was no relaxing in this one. I wish my HR monitor still worked so I could know my rate, but it broke. I felt good throughout race and was up in top 10 coming into the sprint. But then everyone turned it up a notch that I don't have. I was crazy how quick they blasted into the final stretch. It was pretty humbling to see. It will hopefully give me some motivation for training this winter.

Good luck in 7 days for the LOTOJA crew!

Last Ogden Crit of the year!

2010-08-26T20:26:00.001-07:00

Who is the grey haired old guy riding with the kids? Tonight was the last of the Ogden Crit Series. Adam was at school and unable to make it. I decided to give it as hard a effort as I could. It was the normal fast crazy ride. I think because it was the last, everyone was working hard the whole race. I was feeling surpisingly well and it helped that my daughter Alissa and granddaughter Emilie came to cheer me on. I could hear Emilie yelling, go grandpa every lap, pretty cool. My victory salute that I got around a four rider crash without going down. Crazy crits! Just about got a top 10 so I did improve over the season.

Cyclocross anyone? Ride safe. Doug

5 feet less!

2010-08-22T21:52:00.000-07:00

My adventure wasn't as long as the GC ride on Saturday, but I got in 70 miles. I rode about 20 miles of flat rode with a head wind. That makes for a long ride. It was fun on the way back though.

Got in another break away on the Tuesday crit. 4 of us got away from the group and really worked hard into the wind to hold our lead. We got about 2/3 of a lap on them by the end. By luck of the draw I ended up in the lead with less than 1/2 a lap to go. I did a stutter then tried to pull away from the group, but one guy held onto me. He hadn't been pulling his weight in the break away, so he was a little more fresh than the other two guys. I pulled into the worst head wind section and coming around into the final stretch I thought I had him. He started creeping up beside me and with 5 feet to go he barely passed me for the win. Was a little disappointed, but that is racing.

I am trying to decide if I should upgrade. I have enough points now, but don't know if I want to race against the 1 and 2's. Any ideas?

This is a photo of me with the cool, lighted glasses that Liam thinks I should ride with. They blink!

Ogden/ Tour of Utah

2010-08-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Some teams have quite the support system. I love the look of Bissell's Pinarello Dogma.I finally found Levi in the lead group off the Snow Basin descent. The attempted break on the Snow Basin Climb.

There were neutral til Pineview Dam and then the attacks started.

Burke Swindlehurst giving his team some local course advice.

Former winner and local star Jeff Louder.

One of the stars of the field, BIG George Hincapie.

Local racer Dave Harward.

The big star of the future Taylor Phinney. He is big, look out Tom Boonen, look out one day classics.

Defending champ Mancebo in a Canyon Kit, strange.

It was a blast looking at all the bikes up close and checking out the riders. It is hard to watch a road race but pretty impressive. I was by a highway patrol car waiting for the racers to KOM at Snow Basin and I heard someone say they had 1 K to go and they passed going 17 miles/hr. That is one steep section, these guys are good. Ride safe. Doug

I some how lost these pictures and obviously added them again. I don't know how to delete them so enjoy again.

GC Ultimate Challange

2010-08-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Last night we had the great idea to give Dave a call to see if he wanted to ride. So we headed down to Dave's house at about 7pm to ride his favorite loop sat morning. We got up early and climbed Suncrest, then up American Fork canyon, looped down into Provo, Orem, and finally back over Suncrest. Little did we know the Tour of Utah Ultimate Challenge was also going on but in the opposite direction. However, we caught the tail end of the group going back up Suncrest (the tandem was even passing people). It took us 5 hours and 30 min on the tandem (80 hard miles with around 6000 feet of climbing). Next week we start at our house and we'll ride for a couple of hours.

Pfeifferhorn

2010-08-08T15:02:00.001-07:00

This is the mighty "Horn" and boulder knife edge ridge that you have to work through. This is the view from the ridge looking down at Red Pine Lake, where we camped.

Daren, Tanner and some friends were also hiking the Horn the same time we did. We were going to hike up from the lake with them, but getting 18 people ready in the morning to go up with them just didn't work out. We were able to pass them coming down the assent as we went up. It is this steep!

This was our camp area at Red Pine Lake. It is quite a hike with full packs.

I took some young men up the Pfeifferhorn hike. We had 18 in our group and it was a great hike. It was a nice change from the bike and the workout was great. It was nice to be able to lead the young guys up the mountain. Betty and I are off to Oregon tues for Robbie's graduation and then help them move to our place til they can get setup in Albuquerque. See you all in a week. Ride Safe Doug

On the road again...

2010-08-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Liam had to go pretty bad.

Quick update on the crit racing. While Doug was here in Eugene we did a couple of crits. The legs were dead! Doug also crashed in one (see post below). The guy that crashed into him hit me first and about took me down. After the race I realized he knocked my rear tire out of alignment and I was riding the last 10 km with the brake on. This week I felt much better and actually finished 2nd in a field sprint. I think I could have caught the winner if I had a few more yards. He got a quick jump on me.

It was good to see everyone in Utah. I have a top five highlight list from my trip.

5. Utah is HOT! I forget how it is in a desert. I would be outside at 11:30 at night and it was 90 something degrees. Way hot!

4. Altitude. It is really a big factor when you don't train at altitude. My lungs were working hard to get air and my thighs were going to explode very quickly.

3. Your crits are full of kids, good racing, and well supported. There were tons of people out there racing with kids all over the place. My family of 4 is the weird exception in Eugene. The three groups was also nice as well. Everyone in the group was very competitive. I was suprised when someone got away they would hold up and wait for the group though. I kept thinking that they were going to pull away, but they would stop and wait after a couple of laps. I do have to say that the corners sucked. Not that they were too sharp (the last one is pretty sharp though) but that you don't have a lot of room to go out wide with those cones in the way. All and all the crits out there were a lot of fun. Glad to get out there. Just wish Sutt could have been behind me for the lead out.

2. The mountains. There is some great mtn biking out here, you just have to drive a long way to get there. This has put a stop to my mtn biking in Eugene. It was great fun going up with Daren and Doug to the top of Mt. Lewis. I had a blast. If you look at my knee you can see my results from my embarrassing crash (I coudln't get out of the peddle on a steep and difficult switch back). I could definitely get back into the mtn bike again.

1. Riding with family. It was good to see everyone and ride with the connection. Can't beat that!

Ogden Crit

2010-08-05T20:33:00.001-07:00

Tonight's crit was fun and a special thanks goes out to Simply Mac. Without them those of us who can't get to SLC can still ride crits. Although the season is short, the numbers and ability levels are improving (at least for the B flight). Tonight's B flight had some strong guys and the riding within the group was good. The cornering tonight within the group was a lot better than the last two weeks. It took the edge off to know the guy in font of you would hold his line.

Any way, the thing I learned tonight is the guy who doesn't fit in (old bike and a t-shirt) is now a marked man for the sprints. He took both prims and finished second. I guess it's not always about the bike, you need the engine go with it.

Mt Lewis/Arrow shooters

2010-08-05T07:30:00.001-07:00

I went up and watched world class archery at WSU. It was very impressive. My only problem was I couldn't see the arrows fly and the targets are so far away I couldn't see where they hit. I needed some magnification The whole world is here. This is a French shooter. What a back drop with big Ben Lomond in the back ground.

After a 3800 ft climb we are on the top of Mt. Lewis in Ogden. Good brother, son time.

It was great having Brady and his family here for a few days. We did get some good rides in.

The happy trio after our climb. The smiles are in anticipation of 3800 ft down.

This has been a very busy summer and time is flying by. Adam, Russ and I did a climbing 52 miler yesterday. It was a great morning. Russ came from working all night, I don't know how he does it. August 21 is our last lotoja trianing ride,(might be our first all together). We will be leaving early and going 100-120 miles. Good luck to the injured and recovering. Hopefully Bonnie will be up and riding soon. Ride Safe. Doug

Fast Circles/ Bedroom project

2010-07-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

Finished bedroom. Starting the bedroom edition.

Minus a pound of flesh.

Hello to all! After a month away from home, National Scout Camp Philmont, then straight to Oregan. Brady and I were able to complete the bedroom edition. The room turned out great. It was alot of work, with some stress in doing sheetrock tapping and spray tecturing. Link to Bubs family blog for some more pictures.

Brady and I rode the Eugene crit each week I was there. I got taken out by a crash right in front of me, with know place to go I went down hard and left some butt tissue in Eugene. Brady won the week before and was a marked man from then on. We were working so many hours that neither of us was at our strongest.

We were looking forward to riding the Ogden Crit with Sutt along, but due to alledged higher priorities the Sutt's are in Kate's country. Brady and I went down and rode in the Ogden Crit. The B race had alot of good riders and was up and down fast. The corners are really tight as they only have one lane coned off. In the last preem with a few laps to go, the person in front of me hit the last cone and it flipped into my front wheel and up in my face then down on my left pedal. I pretty much came to a stop so game over for me. Brady attacked with half a lap to go but probably went alittle early as some thunder thigh guys passed him in the end. Brady took 4 or 5th I couldn't tell for sure. It would have been a great lead out Sutt. Simply Mac really have upgraded the race, announcer, booths, and well organized, good job. Ride safe. Doug

Noah's b-day

2010-07-25T13:45:00.001-07:00

Pop taking a ride in the water behind the boat.

Mindy and the kids playing in the water

Noah up on the ski's

Got up early and road the tandem with Mindy and then off to Pineveiw. It was a funny fun day thanks to Big Larry getting in water.

Chain problems

2010-07-22T19:24:00.001-07:00

Well, about 30 min into the crit (the bell lap for the second prim) I jumped late and missed the simply mac lead out train, but as I did a hard down shift to pull them back I felt a funny pop/skip in my chain. Then the last 10 min of the crit my chain was jumping all over the place. Then in the final sprint I almost went down when my chain jumped gears on me. I didn't think much of it other than my rear derailleur is a bit off. So when I but the bike in the car I was a bit surprised to see my chain. I can't believe it didn't pop and that I didn't crash.

Crit review-

The first crit of the year and I need to do more intervals. The B group started with 16 and by the end of the first lap it was down to 12. By the end of the third lap it was down to 9 or so. Of those remaining 4 road for Simply Mac. So two would attack and the others would do there job. Then we would pull it back together for about two more laps and then nothing. We never put in a good counter attack, because nobody would would work together or attack the simply mac crew. So after we let them recover for a lap (because they set the pace) another two simply mac guys would attack and the game would go again. Then on the last prim three of the mac guys took off and I jump the wheel, but I was a little late and I knew I couldn't get the prim so a couple of us sat up before the line. Big mistake, the front two got a gap of about 30 yards and never looked back. Unfortunately the prim lap was also the three laps to go call. The rest of the group never worked together and we never caught them. They got us by a length. However, after seeing my chain I'm just glad I didn't wreck.

Odgen Crit

2010-07-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Today I was all excited about the first Ogden Crit. We planned the day around making it an event. I was leaning towards the all or nothing move by Bub today, but I really got the nothing. As I road down to the crit from my Mom's house I can't see any bikes anywhere. I ride the entire DDO and nothing. Then I panic and think it has been moved to another location, so I jump in the car and ride over to Bingham's. Come to find out the first crit starts next week on the 22nd. So I road home. It really was a nothing crit for me. I hope next week to be all in. Like Bub said, "all or nothing". I would like to add go early or go home!!!!

Zion

2010-07-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

Had a great 3 days down in the heat hiking at Zion's. I was able to hike Angles Landing and the Narrows. Tanner you are going to have fun doing the Narrows. Camp site 12 it the best site if your troop can get the permit. We camped in 7 which was also cool, but 12 is farther down on the first day, and has a lot of places to play around.

So I was able to ride almost 900 miles in June, but with camping and family activities I have only done about 140 in July. I need to get back on bike starting tomorrow. Nice job winning the crits Bub. I hope to get one this year. I'll post s few pics when they are e-mailed to me.

Solo

2010-07-08T22:14:00.001-07:00

Rode the crit again this week. Beautiful windy day in Eugene. Two laps into the crit a U of O guy took off with two other riders. They quickly got a big gap. I tried to get a group to chase them down, but no one wanted to pull into the wind and the leaders got farther and farther away.

I decided that I would have to do it myself, so I tried to solo the gap with 26 laps to go. The two guys trailing the U of O guy quickly got dropped. I realized that it was going to take a while to catch him. I put some good distance between me and the main field, but slowly started to work my way towards the guy in front of me. I ended up lapping the field and caught the U of O guy on the last lap. I caught him on the corner, then passed him with half a lap to go. I don't think he thought I had caught him and he didn't even chase as I sprinted away from him in the final sprint.

Actually, the guy running the event didn't believe that I had one. I actually had to explain and convince him that I really didn't get lapped and that I really did catch him. But he got it right and I got my second win of the season. I had to put a lot of energy into it and averaged 178 heart rate and 26 miles per hour. Very draining, but well worth the victory!

This is me and Ethan doing the "Ethan face!" after the crit.

All or Nothing

2010-06-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

You win some and you lose some in cycling. In the crit I tried to get a break away with 8 laps to go. I ended up working to hard and burned a lot of energy, only to be caught with 3 laps to go.

I tried to quickly recover while staying up in the front as close as possible. With one and a half laps to go my buddy went to try and give me a lead out. We got a small gap, but unfortunately it was a little early. At 3/4 of a lap I came around his wheel, but saw some people closing in. With the finish line in sight I got caught by 4 riders on the same team. They came around and I didn't have much left to compete with them. But that is the life of cycling!

This is me getting caught and passed right before the finish line.

GC plans for the 10th

2010-06-27T20:12:00.001-07:00

I talked to Dave up camping sat about riding down south (suncrest loop) on the 3rd, but I didn't know at that time that Mindy's family was coming up for a visit. So, I was thinking the 10th might be a better option. Daren and Tanner, what is your MTB schedule look like? Would the 10 work for you two? Dave hows the 10th look for you? If the 10th works let me know cause Doug will be up at Bub's by then. Which leads me back to the 3rd. I was hoping to get a GC ride in, but I'm not sure when, where, or what time will work for everyone on a holiday weekend. I would love to go early (6am), but I know that doesn't work for everybody else. I just know the day will be crazy with family plans so I was thinking the earlier the better.

So close

2010-06-20T18:56:00.001-07:00

I had a goal this past week of completing 300 miles, but I came up a few miles short (8). The hot head wind on sat killed my desire to go the distance, but I don't think I could have gone another 10 miles (tired legs) anyway. I'm amazed at how the top rides can ride so hard day after day. Well, after the ride we headed up to Pineview to soak the legs and have an early fathers days with my pops. The water felt great and all in all it was a great day.

Where is this Global Warming?

2010-06-17T16:12:00.001-07:00

Mindy, Adam and I went on an early morning ride today at 6 am. I was frozen in the first mile and am not sure I've been colder on a ride. When the sun came up as we rode north, the new snow from last night was pretty impressive--for November. It's the middle of June and we have had 15 out of 17 days this month with rain. Our foot hills look like Brady's in Oregan. Please I want some heat to complain about! Betty and I have been doing alittle hiking. This was up Indian Trail the other morning. Very beautiful and alot of fun.

I some how got an infected middle finger, probably smashed it on a bike. It was killing me for three days. The throbbing made it impossible to hold the handlebar in any position. I was going through Plain City a couple of days ago and rode through an intersection with a car waiting for me. All of a sudden the guy flips me off real irritated like and says same to you. I turned to go after him, then realize my only comfortable hand position may have been taken incorrectly.

I did poke around the nail and got a pint of puss out, and it is feeling much better. Ride Safe

Cold

2010-06-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

Is it not summer? June 17th (Ryan's 36th B-Day) and at 6 am it was 42 outside. I thought it would warm up, so I only had a jacket and summer gloves (mistake). Mindy and Doug had on a few more layer than me (legs), but we all turned into Otter-pops. You know it is cold when the cows still had frost on their backside. So after thirty miles it warmed up to a blistering 56, but by then I was so cold it didn't matter. Nothing better than riding when you can't feel your hands or feet. Oh wait, I love the cold pains that shoot up your arms and legs after each bump too. June riding weather in Utah-If you ride after 9 am this week you battle the 30+mph headwind, and if you ride early you freeze. I'm not sure which I'd rather ride in so I've been doing both (go 2-a-days). At least I get most of next week off to help at girls camp (Oh boy).

Oh Yeah!

2010-06-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

Ethan loves to take his tricycle to the crits and ride them up and down the sidewalk. He races in the kiddie kilo after my race.

Jeremy let me borrow his Carbones for the last two crits. I love the hum they make.

I have some big news - Utah and Colorado will be joining the Pac-10. OK, so it isn't Texax, but it will be nice to see Utah red once in a while. But some cycling big news is that I won my first Twilight Crit!

It wasn't as big of a group - maybe 35 this week. The race went out very fast. We dropped a lot of riders in the first 4 laps. I was working a lot off the front and felt pretty good. With 6 laps to go my friend, who was right in front of me, took off. I got on his wheel, along with another guy. The guy was from the biggest team in the field. Fortunately he wasn't their strongest rider. One other guy bridged the gap after one lap, so there were four of us. Having the one guy from Lifecycle in the group allowed us to get a substantial lead. His team wouldn't work with the main group, so we got about half a lap on the field. We were working pretty hard in the four man rotation. With 3/4 of a lap to go I broke off, knowing I couldn't out sprint two of the guys in a final sprint. The gamble paid off and I held them off for the win. I finished about 10-15 yards ahead of the next rider. I won a free pizza for my efforts! It was a good day at the races.

2-a-day Report

2010-06-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

Bub, the new tape is very white and very clean. And I must admit that I did at one time think of adding white tape to complete the white look on my bike. However, I couldn't do it because it doesn't stay white. So I went with black tape, but did you notice the new RED TIRES. They look fast!!!!

By the end of last week my legs were very tired. So when the weather was bad on Sat I took the day off and watched the world cup (US was lucky to tie). I only got 229 miles last week (short of my goal by 71), but I didn't ride on Sat and I didn't do a 2-a-day on Tues. New week and I think I can make it to 300 this week. I had two good rides today already and I'll see what the rest of the week brings.

Holding up the blog

2010-06-10T21:06:00.001-07:00

Sutt has definitely been holding up the blog. My blogging has been at a bare minimal. There is so much to talk about in the world of cycling: the Landis accussations, to Contador not riding well, and team Radio Shack. But I think I will stick to something I am more comfortable with - Me!

The new white wraps came out and the bike is ready to go. A few weeks ago I rode the Eugene Roubaix. It is a 55 mile course with a 2 mile section on a gravel road. I felt fine throughout the race. There were about 65 people in my category, making it a tight fit. I ended up a little behind going into the gravel, but made up some ground and finished 9th.

The crits started last week, but I got really sick and wasn't able to go. I felt a lot better this week and got out there to try. There were 53 people out for the local crit! Crazy! There was a good head wind on the back side and it was raining. Sounds like a great time, huh? It actually was pretty fun to be out and riding in a bike group. We averaged 26 miles per hour. I got in a bad spot in the final corner but passed a few people for a 5th place finish.

I just can't wait for the rain to stop. It has been a long rainy spring! Sutt and Doug, I am going to have to start pounding the pavement to catch up to your miles.

Two-a-days

2010-06-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

Remember those good old days of Football and struggling to finish two or three practices a days (I guess it made us better athletes). Well, I now have an old man bike riding version of two-a-days. It starts with a 30 mile ride on the Tandem with Mindy (before she heads to work) and then around noon another 30 with Russ (Doug joins in on which ever group ride he wants). My hope is this will get me back on track, because Doug was hurting me about a month ago. It was all I could do to stay on his wheel after about 15 miles, but with my new riding plan I hope to drop a few pounds and increase my power. I'll tell you what the tandem definitely gives my muscles a deeper workout. I guess we'll see how long I last on this crazy two-a-day riding plan.

Cold, but fun

2010-06-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

Can't breathThe water was glass

My finger tips and toes turned white.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to try out the new ski. The water was COLD, but I loved the new ski. It is very responsive and took me a few hard falls to get the hang of it, but then it was AWESOME. Daren, you can come ski on it anytime. We need to do a group ride and then take the boat out. Now, that would be a great day!!

Sat fun

2010-05-30T20:43:00.001-07:00

Noah in his new kit.Mindy loves the butt pic (he has long arms)

He is all smiles and all loves to talk all the time on the tandem

My new soon to be summer love

The new boots have a heel lockout (easy to get on and off)

The ski is a Conelly Concept (last years Demo ski, but it looks great and I hope to tell you how great it skies tomorrow) Thanks MOM and DAD!!!! (Graduation Present)

Yesterday I went for a ride with Noah into my parents. When we arrived my Dad asked him if he was tired. He said,"No I don't pedal". I on the other hand was a bit tired. A 17 mile ride that takes almost an hour feels like a hard 25 when the guy on back just goes for a ride, but I still love it. Now I just wish he would stop asking so many questions and pedal.

The myth, the man, the legend!

2010-05-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

I am dedicating my first blog in a while to the myth, the man, the legend – Doug Cottle. As the oldest living member of the GC Connection, and one of the strongest, we owe a lot to this founding member. None of us would be where we are today if it weren’t for Doug and his motivation and generosity. There are so many of us that he has reached and/or helped in some way or another. I don’t think I have met a more generous man!

Aside from his generosity he is the second most competitive person I know, second only the GC man himself, Gordon Cottle. At sixty years today there is not a person he cannot out ride on the GC Connection. He is so competitive that he will never turn away from a challenge, even if it means crashing on a difficult mountain bike descent, pushing himself up the steepest hill, or riding and finishing 6 Lotoja’s.

There are so many fond memories of Doug, but I wanted to share one with you. Before the 2006 Lotoja I was talking with Doug and he told me about an injury that he had on his leg. I don’t remember the details as to why or how it happened, but Doug had a broken leg! And he wanted to continue and ride the 206 mile Lotoja. I thought there was no way he could ride such a grueling race with a fracture on his bone. As I flew into town I became even more concerned as I saw Doug limp along and finally got to see the mound of swelling that was on his shin. I asked if he was up to the race and he said he was.

I didn’t sleep much before the race, still worried about the old man. But in the morning he was more determined than ever. My mom pulled me aside and said, “You better watch out for your dad! Make sure he comes back alright.” Throughout the long ride Doug never once said, “I don’t think I can do this!” He continued to push on with his face focusing on one pedal stroke at a time. Doug didn’t talk much through the race, probably because his jaw was locked shut with determination, but he made it! He has such determination!

Thanks Pop for all the memories! Happy 60th birthday! You keep us young by your determination and love of others. You are the heart and soul of the GC Connection. Miss you and wish I was there to celebrate. In your words…. Ride safe!

Cross is never over

2010-05-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Rocky Mountain CX Course. This is the 25 tree weave with 6 curbs to bunny hops. This is the side hill weave, that long grass makes this tough.

The old guy finishing the trees.

Adam on his new cx bike looking smooth.

Tight turn practice.

Adam over the barriers.

We even have a sand pit to mess you up.

Our course is 1.3 miles long and our fastest hot lap today was 5:24. It has been a blast. We have to watch for kids and school buses some, but not bad. It is really a tough lap with the long grass being a killer. We then do a technique lap and Adam and I have decided we can't remount without a hop, sorry Daren. The weather has really made it seem like cross season.

Hope you are are well and getting in some riding. I've tried the facebook thing and am not that sold. Hopefully we can make a few more regular posts.

Doug

Out of Shape

2010-05-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well, this winter I hit the weights hard and I achieved my goal of 235 (1RM) bench, 255 (1RM) decline, and Squat of 315. I put on 8lbs of muscle, but I also had to have minor surgery to repair an umbilical hernia last month. Not sure on which lift it occurred, but it put me out a few week. Now that I'm cleared again by the doctor I have decided to quit lifting upper body altogether. I still lift the legs (extensions, curls, push press), but I'm lifting low weight and med intensity with no squats. I thought lifting would help me in the crits and cross next year, but all it did was put me back a few months.

In cycling news I have a new love of commuting thanks to the cross bike. I ride the cross bike to work on Tue, Thur, and any bad weather days. Then during my prep I hit the field around the school for 40 min of fun. I go in and out of the trees, between gates, up and down the ten yard ditch, and just play around on my own cross trail. It has been a lot of fun playing around like a kid again on the bike. My hope now is to get ready for the Ogden crits that start next month in an effort to compete with Doug.

The Wall & Silver Falls

2010-04-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Long time, no post, so I am going to update on my not-so bike racing life. I guess the blog is a reflection of my competitive racing, which is non-exsistant at this time. This Saturday I had to put aside my bike, and a great hilly race in Corvallis, while Avery competed in the Oregon Battle of the Books competition. Her team made it to the top 8. After we went to hike the Silver Falls, which is about 20 minutes from Salem. I got to carry Ethan around in the backpack and Liam and Ethan both up the big hill. That was my nice Saturday ride.

Two weeks ago I got to ride with the Saturday group. We did a hard 70 miles. I was feeling really good, pulling in the front, climbing the hills well. But that all changed mile 60. As I was riding along I realized I was rocking out to Pink Floyd - The Wall and thought how ironic that song is right now, because I feel like I am running into a wall. Funny how those things happen. I had no energy and could barely pedal. Luckily, we were on our way home and most of the group turned one way and I was with two other guys for the last little bit. They quickly left me and I struggled home alone for the last 8 miles. It was sure nice to get out though. The rain has been bad this spring and I am excited for it to stop.

St. George FInally!

2010-03-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

Daren in our pre race ride. Notice the beautiful back drop. Daren raced great with a strong 5th place finish. All the skiing seemed to be good cross training. New kit looks good. Tanner I'm racing Pro now I don't need hands. T had a great start and was with Burke (the eventual winner) on the first raven climb. He had been sick all week and it caught up with him on the 4th lap with a bad case of the squirts, and dehydrationI got off fast and was first starting up the climb, but got worked as the better climbers came by. I was humbled and realized I have alot of work to do to race better.

I think the blogging nation has died. No one even comments. Is anyone out there. I don't want to enter the facebook game. We got the Sutt's tandem all done. There new one weighted out at 27.8 lbs. The old tandem was about 40 lbs. so the Sutt's should be a climbing machine. I'm trying to rebuild the old one for the farmer Peterson's. Ride Safe. Doug

Sutt's new rides

2010-03-05T06:18:00.000-08:00

Mindy and Adams new bonding machine. We were able to work a deal at Co-motion in Eugene and are in the process of building it up. Watch out for the Sutt's now as this is a light, sweet machine.

Adam's new solo ride. Watch out for the Sutt. Alot of bike shifting this off season. The Cottle trio are on our way to St. George this morning to test out our mountain bike skills. Hopefully it will be a good race tomorrow with some better weather. Race report to follow. Ride Safe.

Don't Call PETA

2010-03-02T17:28:00.000-08:00

I was in Oregon a few weeks ago visiting Brady, Brooke and their new baby. After riding with Brady to his school I was riding home along Eugene's beautiful river parkway when it happened. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a squirrel dart out and into my 404 Zipp. I thought I was going to go down, but he hit the hi profile rim and slide up into the spokes turning at 20 mpr, to be shot back the same way he entered. I was suprised that I felt so little. I stopped and looked back and mister squirrel was not in great shape. I went back to find his head in the wrong position, but still alive. I found a big stick and put it out of its bad way. I then found the reason for its irrational behavior.Ride safe and watch out for critters.
Doug

decapitated squirrels and new baby

2010-02-28T21:58:00.002-08:00

I could never imagine how tired I am from baby number four. It really isn't him that is wearing me out, even though getting up every two hours is a pain (especially for Brooke), it is the two year old. Ethan is not used to having another younger one around and very needy and clingy. But I am getting by with my riding. I hope someday to have legs like that picture!

I am surprised that Doug has not told his decapitated squirrel story yet. It is very entertaining and I don't want to steal his thunder. But I will entice you a little...It involves a pair of Zipp wheels and a squirrel darting across the bike path. You will have to wait for further details of the story.

2010-02-28T21:58:00.001-08:00

GC Connection Orders

2010-02-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in ordering GC Connection jerseys, vests, jackets, or shorts I'm now collecting orders and money. The team colors and look will stay the same (No changes). If you want to know the cost go to champ-sys.com and look at prices. I want to place the order by 13th of March (two weeks). Just remember that for special items we need to have 10 orders of that particular item. So, I think if your ordering jerseys, vest, jackets, or shorts will be your options (remember to check sizes and items). You can place your order with a reply to this blog or send it to asuttlemyre@weber.k12.ut.us. In years past we have gone with the $40 jersey and the $60 short. Both are great. I road Lotoja in the bibs and the only jersey's i use are the $40 GC Connection jerseys. I love my jacket and this year I'm hoping to get a vest ($42).

In other bike related news Doug is still killing it. Yesterday he road by my house to make sure I got out on the bike. A few minutes later I was dressed and ready to ride. Luckily for me I was fresh and he had already road 5o + solo miles. We road out to Willard Bay, up to Mountain Road, and back to Doug's. He finished with a strong 90+ miles and I got some time in the saddle. The new frame is great and I'm loving it. Thanks to all those who have helped make that graduation present happen. The other graduation/10 year anniversary present is coming along as well (New tandem). I will post pics of the new bike when it is all completed (or Doug can because it is at his bike shop). Until then ride hard and remember spring is coming.

Up Dates

2010-02-19T20:51:00.000-08:00

This is the National CX venue as it looks now some two months after Nationals. Not as scary!

The last day at Nationals. Quite a difference from today.

This is what this off camber rise looked it at Nationals.

This is what it looked like two months later. This little rise took out a ton of riders, not today.

This is the corner I crashed on in the last lap of Nationals. It doesn't seem quite so tough today.

I was doing some wave dodging. I love the ocean!

This is Alissa's and Robbie's temporary beach home. They have moved back to Hillsboro already.

The Pacific from Alissa's beach home.

The newest Cottle, Andrew. Being held by his loving brother, Ethan.

Brady really is a coach. His kids, as you can tell in this picture are intently listening. They lost in double overtime. Betty and I had a great couple of weeks in Oregon visiting our kids and grandkids. Our newest is going great. We were able to help Brooke and Brady, and it was great. Brady and I road everyday as he commutes some 15 miles one way to his school. I didn't enjoy the cold rainy day rides, but Bub just accepts that as normal. We stopped in Bend on our way home to let me bore Betty with the details of each corner. It was great to see and I got butterfly's just coming back. I can't wait til next year. Ride safe. Doug

Saturday Ride

2010-02-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

After riding with GC Connection of Saturday, I now know I need to put in some serious miles to hang with Doug. The man is still a monster after cross. He is still killing it. Great Job Doug!!!
So I'm officially back to commuting to work, running (30 mins a day), and lifting with my Conditioning class (squats, push press, leg extensions, and bench). Right now my riding plans are to build a good base again for the rest of Feb, and then start intervals in March and maybe then I'll be able to keep up with Doug.

Ride hard, ride safe, but make sure you ride

Andrew

2010-01-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

The newest GC rider - Andrew Brady Cottle. Born at 10:50 on Monday night. The little guy is great and doing well! Brooke had a little scare, but is doing better.

Newest GC rider

2010-01-26T09:49:00.001-08:00

I tried to push for the name Ryder or Lance but she isn't having it. No name yet.

8 lbs. 6 oz
19 in. long

Finding a tandem Frame

2010-01-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

For the last two months I have been researching tandem frames. I want one last up-grade that will last for years and years. I hope to create a tandem that will take no more up-grades for a long time (Calfee has a 25 year warranty and great reviews for the Tetra). I was also wondering if it is possible to put a compact on a tandem? I'm also looking for reviews on various drivetrains. FSA makes some cool stuff, but I have read a lot of mixed reviews. The main up-grades I'm looking for- new frame, drivetrain, and new derailleurs. Last year we upgraded to Rolf tandem wheels, Alfa Q tandem fork, new handle bars (Captain and stoker), Rear cassette, saddles, and 2 seat post. If you have any ideas or just wanting to help (Doug I need you) please let me know.

MS date

2010-01-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

I found the date for the MS ride in Logan.
June 26 , 2010
Cache Valley Fairgrounds, Logan
The link is located at
http://bikeutu.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_UTU_FAQ

Nice post Bub

Bike missing

2010-01-18T10:43:00.001-08:00

Pretty funny stuff. I wish I had been the one to find this, but alas it was sent to me by an email.

Winter Riding Gear!

2010-01-13T20:44:00.000-08:00

This will get you a few strange looks.

Utah inversion gear. I'm tired of all the whimpy excuses for not riding outside. Get your lard butt's on the bikes. Air is over rated. Oh by the way could someone call Betty and tell her I'm in the emergency room, something about needing a ventalator. Don't ride if you want to be safe. Doug

The good, the bad, and the funny ('09 recap)

2010-01-08T21:40:00.001-08:00

So 99.999% of the post I do are about racing and training, so I decided to write about the top five moments of '09 that are NON racing. I had a fun time racing, but found I am enjoying the go out and ride for myself and enjoy the solitude and beauty of a bike even more, so I am writing about those moments - the good, the bad, and the funny. I have to warn you some of these are a little morbid or gross, but extremely funny. Enjoy!

5. People always ask why I have so many bikes. I try to explain that each one serves a different purpose. In the winter it rains like you wouldn't believe, and my "rain bike" gets covered, I mean covered, with dirt and grit. Riding in the rain takes a lot of getting used too. One day on the way home from work it was really pouring down and cold. I am freezing and it is late. All I want to do is get home and out of my wet clothes. Well, that was delayed as I got stuck at a railroad crossing for 20 minutes. And to make it worse the train kept moving back and forth, completely going passed the crossing, but not quite far enough to open up the gates. Sucked!

4. The Bush death count banner is still updated weekly. I am sorry but I couldn't find the picture that I took of it. Every week these people put the latest death count of U.S. soldiers and Iraqi people and call it the "Bush Death Count." They loved Bush out here.

3. I am spoiled by how beautiful it is out here in Eugene. It truly has some of the best riding around. Anyone wanting to come get in some good rides should come out here. My favorite is Wolf Creek. It was highlighted this year in Bicycling magazine as one the best rides in Oregon. The blurry picture is one Doug took of me a last year right after I dropped my camera pulling it out of my pocket and broke it.

2. Now beware with this one. It is rated PG-13, so if you don't watch those movies, don't read this. I had class at the U of O one spring Saturday. The weatherman said it was supposed to be a nice day, so I decided to ride my bike there. After class it was a beautiful day. The sun was out and it was really warming up outside. I started on my way home and as I was coming down the road I look over and see these girls were laying out in the grass. I briefly glance over to see one of them lean up and I quickly notice she isn't wearing a top, but has tape x-ed over her girly private parts. I keep pedaling on passed them, but find the Lord really wanted to test me because I get a flat tire. I pull over and flip the bike over to fix the tire. But wait, the story gets better, which leads me to ...

1. As I am fixing my tire with my back to the ladies on the grass a couple of homeless guys are standing right next to me. One is pretty excited as he looks over and sees the females sunbathing. He begins to discuss this with his fellow homeless friend. I won't write what they say, but it was pretty entertaining. So the first fellow decides he wants to go over by them, but needs to use the bathroom first. The man meanders over to the house he is standing by, drops his pants (no shirt on), pulls out his newspaper, and craps into it. He then throws the used newspaper into the bushes of the house. He proceeds to do this a second time, pull up his pants, and head over to the ladies all as I am standing 10 feet from him. The greatest site of '09 by far. It is one of those experiences I will never forget. And to think I would have never seen it had I been driving my car. Gotta love the bike!

Justice is served

2010-01-05T18:47:00.001-08:00

After watching my Ducks struggle offensively in the Rose Bowl, I have had to find time to amuse myself in other ways. Here is a pretty funny clip. You wouldn't catch me throwing my bike at them.

I smell the roses!

2009-12-31T18:24:00.001-08:00

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Ducks!

Some National Pictures

2009-12-17T07:34:00.000-08:00

Our home away from home. It worked great! It just needed heat.

Tanner killing it. Little did he know that a crash had left his rear brake engaged.

Tanner trying to keep it upright on a tricky descent.

Stair climbing anyone?

Daren hopping a bunny, great skills!

Daren's in there at the mad house first turn, crazy!

I'm nervously awaiting the start.

Not my best start. I couldn't get clipped in and needed to be three bike lengths up.

This is what the course conditions were like.

The course was icy, snowy and challenging. You make a 180 at the bottom hoping to keep it upright.

The ledge ride up. The ledge was bigger to my left.

My 5th place podium award ceremony! I was pretty happy. We are all home now and unpacked. It was quite an adventure. I don't think I have been that nervous for along time. Not just for the race but packing the right gear, getting things packed, driving, weather, course conditions, not crashing, bike breakdowns, disappointments, freezing and also alot of fun and personal satification. It was great to be with my brother and nephew and Rico and Jana. We met many great people, and maybe we'll do it again? Ride safe. Doug

CX Nationals

2009-12-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update from nationals. Daren Tanner and I arrived yesterday, in Bend Ore, after a fun 10 hr drive. We left tue. afternoon and drove to Burns, Ore. It was -12 degrees when we got into town, and our motel was a dive. It was 46 degrees in our motel room when we first arrived. We got to Bend, thursday, in time to set up, and ride the course for about on hour. It was like no other course I have ridden. It is twisty and frozen with about 4-6 inches of snow. It has alot of run ups and crazy downs, with a big stairway climb. After my first lap and thought I can't ride this stuff, but as we road more laps I got more comfortable, but my expectations had gone way down.

Tanner raced first this morning in 4 degrees and frozen course. He was in the under 30 B race. He did great and kept working his way up and ended in 6th place. This was his warm up race for his age group race on Sat. He was strong today.

I next raced my age group championship race. I was nervous and didn't know quite what to expect. I did know I needed to get a good start to have any chance. I was on the second row and didn't get away as well as I would have liked but was in the top 10. I thought we were ice skating for alot of the lap. It took me a couple of laps to feel better about things and start to work my way up. I went as hard as I could, but after awhile it is hard to tell where you stood. On the last lap I pushed hard and caught and after a hard fought section passed a guy. He wasn't to happy, but I was. I all most caught another guy as we finished, but I didn't know for what place. I thought 10th or so, but as I checked the results I finished 5th! My goal was to get on the podium, so I was very happy to make it. I was a very hard, nerve racking race.

Daren raced after my group and was in the 30 plus B group. It had 160 riders and Daren started about 40th. It was a mess! The start was crazy with everyone trying to get to the first corner. Daren got through OK but with so many riders it like just stopped as people tried to get around that corner. Things stretched out over time and the course was full. Daren rode a great race and battled hard for a 10th place finish, amazing.

I am done now and can relax, Daren and Tanner have their big races still ahead so I'll keep you update. Pictures will have to wait til we get back to down load. Check out Cyclingnews.com for results and pictures. It will give you a great idea what conditions were like. Ride safe. Doug

DZ in the house?

2009-12-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

As I was looking at the last post I came across the pictures and thought they looked great. Then I came to one of them and had to do a double take. For a second I thought that Daren had dirt on his face from a crash, but after zooming in the photo I saw that he has the DZ inspired stache growing. It must be that Sutt and I's talk about the stache power finally rubbed off on him. Hopefully Daren shaved the rest of the goatee off for the true power. Good luck all at nationals. I will see you up in Bend Friday night.

True Cyclocross!

2009-12-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

My number one fan, ringing the cowbell. Thanks Betty!

My grand kids were there to cheer for me. I think they found something more exciting.

The start of my race, pretty cyclocross weather.

I was racing hard to get back to the front after my broken derailleur.

I was passing on the crazy corner.

Eric and Tanner on the tough river bottom section.

After Tanner's break down Daren had caught son, who now had a front flat.

Daren and Dr Cx going over the barriers.

In about ten feet Daren goes down on this crazy corner.

Saturday was the first bad weather cx race of the year. It was freezing and snowy when my race started. I started well and after about a lap one other racer and I had gotten away from the group. I was really feeling good and was plotting my attack and when to go. After about three laps, on the back side of the course I attacked and got a gap and was flying into this left hand corner. I was down shifting front and back derailleur's and I hear the crack and my chain is off. I tried to spin it back on and it wouldn't stay, so I stopped and put it in, as I got passed and started again but off she came. I had to run to the pits and get my back up bike, and was passed by four guys by then. I went as hard as I could and after two laps got back to second. I didn't have time to make up any more ground and I was pretty discouraged with my finish. The crack I heard was a broken rear derailleur arm, and with nationals only a few day away it was a little pressure. After the race I took the derailleur off my tarmac and put it on the cx and then got it adjusted in time to be back to Tanner and Daren's race. By the time there race was on it was really snowy and slick. It wasn't a question of if you were going down it was how many times were you going down. T was coming around a corner and I saw him stop and then start running with his bike. He was along way from the pits so I went a got his back up and rode it over to him and he got going again. I looked down at his rear derailleur and it was broken and mangled. Not a good mechanical day for the fam. Daren had a great race and it was good to see him going well again. He had third, but went down on this tricky 180 turn, and got passed and gaps are hard to close down with so little time left in the race. Daren finished fourth and it was good to see him racing so strong. We are leaving today for nationals and it is a snowy mess, so hopefully we will get there in time to race. I feel like we are packing for a move to a new town, nine bikes and every peice of cold weather clothing I own. We'll keep you posted. Ride safe, and try to stay warm. Doug

I smell roses!

2009-12-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

I smell roses! Was that a great game or what? Sutt I am with you - No orange and black. The game was really intense and I didn't sit down the whole second half. Mesoli is the man! The only reason OSU kept themselves in the game was because UO had some turn overs in the first half. I was glad to see that Blount didn't punch anyone either this time after the game.

Bring on the Buckeyes!

I'm finished

2009-12-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

I now have my MEd degree (Go Wildcats) and I'm officially done with the higher educational system (although I don't walk/ graduate until the 11th). If you are wondering if I'll head back to get my Admin certification, the answer is NO (I'm done). If you are extremely bored you can read my Masters Project at http://blog.weber.k12.ut.us/asuttlemyre/.

I have no bike related news (haven't been on the bike much) to tell you about, but I hope to soon. Although basketball is now taking up a big chunk of my time now.

Bub, I too want the Ducks tonight. I'm not a real Duck's fan, I'm more of a anti-USC fan and I just can't cheer for any team that wears Black and Orange.

Good article

2009-12-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

This is a link for a good article about Goulet.

http://velonews.com/article/100214/from-snowboards-to--cross-bikes

Go Ducks tonight! It's the Civil War - bring on the Beavers.

New Moon

2009-11-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

Sorry Sutt, no man date this time. Brooke couldn't go to the premier with her friends, so she toted me along. Fellas I don't recommend you seeing it - pretty dramatic.

This is pretty funny though. We went early so that we could actually sit by each other in the movie theater. So we got to the mall and the line was already pretty long. Brooke decided she wanted to go look around for a little bit at some of the stores. That was fine with me because I had planned ahead and brought my book along. I pulled out my book and started reading away. I was reading one of the OBOB books that is required for our middle school competition. I didn't think much of it. After a few minutes of reading I look up and realize that I was a lone man standing in line to watch New Moon, surrounded by all these excited girl "tweeners", all while reading a book titled, Wild Girls!

Turkey ride?

2009-11-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

GC Connection, are we going to try and ride on Thursday? I was thinking around 10:30 or maybe we ride down to Peterson's after Turkey around 2:45. I'm in, but I'm only in if we take it easy (I'm out of shape and up a few pounds).

Out of shape justification- I'll be getting my masters on the 11 of December (Yea!!!!!! I'm almost done) and early morning basketball (starts at 6 am every morning). I hate to ride in below freezing conditions.

P.S. Bub, I was wondering if you went on another man date to NEW MOON? (I'm still laughing from your last man date).

Cottle Cross Weekend

2009-11-22T22:31:00.000-08:00

This is a couple of weeks ago at the Weber Fairgrounds race. I was going great until the last lap and I crashed into one of the log barriers. It wasn't very pretty but I finished OK.

Tanner was going to take some pictures of the State Championship races this week, but my camera had a dead battery. I took a few with Daren's camera so go to his link and you can see a few pictures. The State Championships were at the Heber Fairgrounds this year. It isn't my favorite course but it was set up very good and favors power over technical. I got a good start and three of us got away from the rest of the field. I knew the one would attack, and in the past I have been fearful of going with him, but this week when he attacked from behind me I went with him and we gapped our third. It was a fast course and I was hanging in ok and had decided to hang on til the last lap and then attack, but he had a mechinal and I just attacked as hard as I could. When I came to the finish line there were four laps left and I thought, can I do this. I just rode hard and tried not to make any stupid mistake. I was able to stay clear and really buried myself on the last lap, I didn't want to be caught. It was great to win and I was going to raise my arms, but I was afraid I would crash. After an on sight interview it was time to cheer for Daren, as a Cottle sweep of the first two races would be nice. Daren was off the front and raced hard. He slid out on one soft turn and got gapped. This CX racing is hard to close gaps as you are red lined most of the time. Daren thought he got back to the leader and so did I as I watched only to find out that the leaders brother who looks like him and rides the same bike as him was in a different catagory, was who he had caught and passed. Daren ended up second and rode a great race. The announcers got our names mixed up all day but it was cool. Tanner then rode in the very fast A group and took 12th. If he had raced his age group he would have won also. Later that night when I called Brady to tell him about the races he also won his first cross race of the year in Oregon (read below for details). It was a great weekend and the GC Connection did great. Two more races til nationals so the excitment and pressure are building. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and looking forward to being with many of you. Ride Safe. Doug

Finally

2009-11-22T21:26:00.000-08:00

I finally have something to write about other than my Duckies (even though the Oregon v. Arizona games was one of the best college games I have seen - go Ducks). I was able to take my cyclocross bike on its first ride of the season. I really didn't even ride it until the race. I had a worn out rear cassette that I had to swap out of my rain bike before the race.

Before I could leave for the race I had to finish some household duties so I could got the pass out the kitchen door. I pulled up to the race with only a few minutes to spare. I didn't even check my tire pressure or pump them up, I just went. With a this lack of time I didn't get to pre-ride the whole course. I did manage to get almost half a lap in though.

It had been raining all week, so the course was a mud whole - all the way through. I got a bad start, but quickly caught and passed the leaders. I was gaining a good lead when I hit a corner to quick and went down hard. I got up quick, jumped on my bike and noticed my chain was off. I got off again and put it back on while watching three guys pass me. I was able to pass the first two pretty easy. As I barely pass the leader I was climbing up a hill and my chain falls off again. I watch the one guy go passed me again. Darn luck I was having.

I caught the leader and passed him by the end of the second lap. I was getting a good gap on him again when he crashed and didn't finish the race. I ended staying on the bike without my chain coming off in the final lap to win the race. Good times.

I love my Ducks!

2009-11-19T22:45:00.001-08:00

Good laugh - great team! What a great sight to see the "O" in the background. Love those Ducks. I get to ride by it every day on my way to work. Go Ducks!

Seagull crap!

2009-11-08T12:01:00.001-08:00

Yes, I titled this seagull crap. Last week Liam and I were going to ride over to Autzen stadium, where the Ducks play, for ESPN's college game day. I was pulling him in the trailer while I was riding my old mountain bike. I haven't traded out the tires in a while, and infact the tire in the back is bald. It is done for. While I was riding I got a flat. I got off the bike, reached down to check the tire and put my hand on some seagull crap that got stuck to my tire. Nasty.

We had to bail on our strong desires to see Kirk Herbstreit in person and go home. I didn't have a spare tube or patch, so I knew we were in trouble. The tire was leaking out quickly. I felt like Lance riding the last 7 miles of the Leadville 100 on a flat tire. I was trying hard to pull a four year old on a flat tire. We almost made it home before we had to stop. Unlike Lance I don't have sponsors to get a new rim if I destroy mine, so I walked the rest of the way. I quickly got home and washed of the bird poop that was still stuck to my hand - priceless.