Skyline Trail

Ogden valley from the base of BL peak

I don't think Daren or Glen could ride this!

First look at BL peak coming off the switch backs.

This is powder mountain road. It is 3000 vertical in 5 miles. Test yourselves on the 27 race.

The trail was still rough in some areas.

This is the trail looking back at Pineview.

This is the trail head starting up the switch backs.

Hello to all. My last post for the ladies was about the Little Red Riding Hood race in cache valley. I had alot better post written but it got deleted as I tried to remove a picture, and I couldn't face doing it all over again. I took some pictures of my adverture up the skyline trail from the divide up to the base of Ben Lomond peak. It is still pretty wet and patches of snow on top. It is a tough climb and challenging descent, but it was beautiful. I played in a golf tournament today, still a cat 1 golfer. I shot 71 and we didn't even get to wet. I was going to ride with Daren and T and Glen but they got serious wet and cold up Little Cottonwood, so today golf was the better choice. Happy father's day to all you Dad's tomorrow. Ride Safe.

Doug

The 100 milers

The 67 mile group

Congratulations to all the GC Connection ladies. You will have to get all the inside stories from them. Ride Safe Doug

Wet and wild

Kim and I ran into quite a micro burst at the end of the 100 miler Sat (us old ones have no sense). We had a great ride and everyone was so excited about the North Ogden Divide at mile 55. We all got up great, but that is a hard climb. Hopefully our next ride will not be quite so wet. Ride Safe
Doug

New member

The newest member of the GCConnection family.

Noah talked me into doing a tandem ride. We road ten miles and averaged just over 17 mph.

He had a blast and wants to ride everyday (watch out Mindy).The bum shot (Mindy and I laughed with his saggy bum)
Daren, I don't know how you ever put this skin suit on. it almost fits Noah and he's a size 8 year old)

Thanks to Russ for the new ride for Noah. He has been on it everyday.
We build a jump so he could catch some big air.
He rides over it great, but not much air yet.

Pre-air action shot.

boxed in

Did the Eugene crit again this week. This year has been tough. Each race has over 45 people and very fast. The average speed has been 26 mph for both races. That wouldn't be so bad, but there is a 20 mph headwind coming on the back stretch. My average heart race has been for both races 169. I am trying to kill myself with these things. This week we had some fast guys in the group, so I wanted to stay up in the front. I worked really hard to stay up there and brought back a few break aways. I was feeling really good. Going into the last corner I was around 7th and making my way up the outside. A guy pulled off the front and boxed me in. It was very frustrating because I knew I could move my way up to the front. Not only did he stop right in front of me, but he sat right up. I lost all my momentum and had nowhere to go. I was on the outside by the curb so I couldn't go around. It was frustrating, but the life of crit's. You never know what will happen!

More pics

I will start off by telling you that Bub's half naked photo's of his crash last year (and his desire for more pics) inspired me to post the pictures Mindy took after I got out of the painful shower last night.

First, my elbow (doesn't look to bad clean)

The finger

The finger braces to keep them from getting hit or bent

My hip/butt

My quad which I still can't figure out how it got hit.

My back and opposite shoulder (right side) which is weird because I landed on my left side.

I forgot to take a pic of my left

My uncut but Jammed and bruised finger

I went out for a light spin today and the bike felt good, but my finger hurts if I hit a bump and its a bit hard to shift/break. But the funny thing about today is my heel is killing me. I guess when I went down I stuck my foot out to catch myself (which I believe limited the damage to my body and bike), but gave me a nice heel bruise.

Ogden Crash Crit

It has been a while since I posted, I've had alot of things I thought about posting but some how they haven't made it on the blog. Since my last post we have been to Brady's and Alissa's in Oregon. Brady treated me to a fun little road race. If it just didn't have this steep little hill I would have been OK. We went to Jill's graduation from Law School in Laramie and then went back a week later to help them pack, clean and move back to Utah. The graduation was great and we were so glad we went. I hope I don't have to drive through lovely Wyoming for awhile. I did get to go over to Denver while in Laramie and pick up some buddies at the airport and go play golf and go to two Rockies vs Dodger games. We had a great time at the games but I felt guilty as Adam and Russ weren't there watching their home boys in blue. I hate them both, go Cubbies. Major league baseball in person is pretty dare cool. I have been sick with sinus infections for a month and thought I was better, but I raced the crit tonight and was hacking up crap all race and feel like I can't deep breath on hard exerition. There was a big C group with this being the first race. I looked around and was abit nervous as it was a new course with some funny turns and alot of weird riders. I went to the front right off to hopefully stay out of trouble. The pace was fast and there was a hard wind from the east that you had to ride into for half the lap. I was feeling good but about after 5 laps going around a corner I feel this thud on my rear wheel and realize I have been drifted into by a crazy lady. I thought I was going down for sure, but I didn't want my new bike to take a hit so some how I got my right foot upclipped and did the right leg slide dance at 25 miles and hour trying to keep it from going down. I slide it out but torqued my sliding leg pretty good. I checked and the bike was OK so I soft pedaled until the group caught me and jumped back on til the end. It was fast and scary and I'm not sure there are to many of these in my future. I was watching Adam's race and decided to jump in on his group and ride a few laps. I didn't know it was a pream lap and was killing myself to get on as I look up to the corner and see Adam on the ground with another guy. I was there 10 seconds after the wreck and checked on Adam, then the bike and the other guy. He was hurt pretty bad and not responding. I'm sure he has a broken collar bone as he had the bad angle and hang. We came back to my house and cleaned Adam up, but he is going to have a sore finger for some time.
At least you still have the finger. Bladed spokes can do bad things.

Nice finger!

This is Adams sliced off finger. This is the ring finger here, so don't be offended.

Well I hope Adam recovers quickly. I'm not to sure about these crazy crits, or should I say the people that ride in them. Good luck to the GC ladies in the Little Red on Sat. It will be a first in distance for many of them, so ride safely and enjoy. The additions to our team kit our complete in design and ready to order. I am sending in the order in the next few days for you need to get your desires in. Doug

Not down in Eugene

Sutt that is not good. I still have the scars from my fall last year. We had our first crit out here on Tuesday. With my knee slowly recovering I was wondering how I would fair. My training is not what it was compared to last year. I am a little behind after taking a lot of February off to try and recover from my tendinitis. But my knee is starting to feel better ... slowly. Not quite 100% yet, but it isn't getting worse.

I am pretty disappointed that they increased the price by 5 bucks and shortened the laps/time. I was hoping the prizes would be better, but they aren't. But I was happy to be riding in them again. I sat back at first to get a feel, and only closed the gap a few times. I felt pretty good. I knew one guy was pretty strong so I tried to stay close to him and match him. He likes to go out early and hold it. And he did just that. Unfortunately, I got stuck trying to follow him and had to go around. I came into the sprint and finished 5th. It felt fine. A solid 5th for my first race of the year.

Be safe in your rides! Sutt recover soon. And post some crash pic's.

Down and out

First crit, first crash and I almost cut my finger off (see Doug's post for pics). The new Ogden cash crit layout is a bit sketchy with the third turn at about 15 degrees past 90 (the corner I went down in), and they cut the lap distance down to .8 of a mile per lap.

Let me now back track and start from the start.
For the first couple of laps I was just kick'n around the middle to back half of the pack (getting the legs warmed up), but this girl (who almost took Doug out in the C flight, See Dougs post for more detail) was all over and was causing gaps at every turn (she couldn't hang with the C group, what the ---- is she doing trying to ride with the B's). At this point I went closer to the front and hung out. At the first prim I didn't go for it (I always try for the second one) because I hadn't pulled and I thought it would be a bit crazy being the first one of the year.
After the prim sprint about ten of us kept the tempo going for a lap or so, but with no organization and nobody really wanting to pull into the wind we didn't stay away and that is when the problems came. The group would go from about 28 down to 22 and then back up. I didn't sprint once (went down going into the last corner before the second prim sprint) and my max speed was 31 and the group average (for the 22 min I stayed upright) was 24. A real yo-yo group and that wasn't even in the turns.
So going into the last turn I'm about 4th wheel right next to the guy who just missed out on the first prim when the winner of the first prim shoots up next to me from the sand bag in the back only to clip the guys wheel right in front of me (he had no angle and over shot the turn) as we exit the last turn. I start to see his front wheel wobble and at first I think he might ride out of it, but then slam he goes down right in front of me. I try to wheelie over the back end of his bike in an effort not to go down or endo, but something went wrong and I flew over the bike hit the ground on my left side. As I'm flying/slide across the ground I feel my left ring finger bend back and I thought it would break (funny what your body feels and is thinking of during a crash). Little did I realize until later that my finger somehow got jammed into my front wheel. I do know that it stopped my wheel from spinning because I felt it hit the fork like when a kid jams a stick in the spokes.
So most of my finger nail is cut off (see Doug's pics), most of the skin from the first knuckle down is also gone, a few cuts on my elbow, shoulder, quad, hip, bruised heal and I jammed my pinkie good. Luckily no broken bones and Doug was right there to make sure the BIKE WAS OKAY!! Which was good. (only came out with a flat front tire and a few small scratches.) As the night carries on my hip is stiffening up and my heal is making it hard to walk. Other than that things are great as long as I don't hit my finger (Mindys typing for me).
Back to the crash. After walking around in pain for a second my first thought was if the bike was okay. Once that was confirmed I thought about jumping back in the crit, but my finger was bleeding to bad and hurting. And then the adrenaline wore off and I knew I was done. I guess I'll find out how bad it really was after a nights sleep.

Danny MacAskill

This is a pretty cool video. Enjoy. Will post later.

Blog report

After talking to Doug on the weekend I have decided that I'm a weak blogger. So, I'm going to try to keep everybody updated on my riding adventures (I'm apologizing ahead of time).

The car has been parked for a full month now, and I now officially hate to ride in the rain. Bub I don't know how you ride in it all the time, I hate it. I would rather sit on the trainer than ride in the rain (I'm a fair weather rider and I'm proud of that).

Looking back at my weekly riding log-
I had a full week of riding last week, I rode to work everyday and even rode on Saturday (first time this year). That's sad I know, but I haven't ridden everyday in a week in about 3 years. I only put in 150 miles, but this week I'm already at 95 with three more days to ride (I should pace myself I know). This week could be my biggest week of the year (I'm planning to get about 180). After typing that I might take Friday off. I looked back at my riding log last year and discovered I never went over 200 miles in a week except the week of LotoJa, and I only did 240 that week. So I guess I've never been to big on training (Maybe if I did I could win a crit without everybody else crashing in the final turn).

My commuting adventures-
I an effort to win a crit this year I have been TT twice a week to work (Mon and Wed about 14 miles). The best effort I've put in was a 23 mph average. It about killed me and I averaged about 16 on the way home after a full day of flag football (which I went 6-0 I might add).
On my non TT days I try to time my ride to draft a school bus for the last mile and a half to my school. If I time it right I can jump on the bus as it makes its last turn and ride it all the way to the school (I just have to make sure I draft the Jr high bus as it is has a straight shot to the school with no stops). I timed it perfect twice last week and even cranked it up to 38 (had a nice tail wind) in an effort to pass the bus before the school zone, but the bus driver put the pedal down and I couldn't get past safely (Pre-marriage and kids I might have went for it). The students were going crazy shouting out the window (it was fun) and yelling at the bus driver to speed up.

Other than Saturday rides on the tandem and commuting to school I really don't have anything cool to blog about, but if you find that exciting then you'll love reading my weekly article (I hope to make it a weekly thing, but that might be more of a miracle than me riding everyday).

Go Levi, I'm loving channel 5.2 not the best commentators, but it's better than nothing(no cable or dish in this house)

Is Lance Good for the Sport?

Is Lance good for the sport of cycling? Heck yes! Lance is in a win - win situation here. Lance has brought cycling back from the dead. Last year all people cared about was who was doping and who was under investigation of doping. We all know they do, but atleast it is not on the main front. Now it is about which race Lance is riding in, then whomever else is riding with him. Even if Lance doesn't win he will just claim he is here to give support to his teammates, which just gives him more publicity and allows him to reach is own agendas - promote his companies and get his name out there for all to see. The thing is - people want that person to love and cheer on. Even if he doesn't win. All in all it is good to see cycling in the news for a good thing again. Win - win for Lance.

Personal note. Not much riding this weekend. Had class all weekend. I have one more weekend of class, a few projects, a big test, finish my portfolio, and I am done with the admin program! Almost there... Maybe I will get some better training in then.

Cowboy up

I took Russ over his snowboard on Saturday and as I walked in the barn I hear this odd noise. It didn't sound like a horse, chicken, dog or cat. SO, I looked in the stall to see a calf. Russ got a cow (now he truly is a cowboy). So I called him up and he said he could get me one as well. So I talked to Mindy and we are now the proud owners of the white calf. He's name is steaks and Russ's calf is named Dinner (nice names Press). Some times you just have to COWBOY up in life and get a cow.

Russ the cowboy in his true element

This is our first pet and we hope to eat it (do we have issues or what).

As far as riding goes, I'm happy any time I can get a few miles in. The only problem is Russ keeps distracting me away from riding with Cowboy stuff. Watch out I might start wearing wranglers.

Bub or Doug, are we going to order more GC Connection gear?

How soon do we need to order it to get it before Lotoja?

Can only you two order it or can any of us do it?

I wish!

I asked Liam, "What does dad do for work?"

"You ride your bike!"

Don't I wish!

First Race

Doug and Betty came up to vist Lis and her soon to be baby. They made a pit stop here in Eugene before heading up to Portland. But we were able to have Betty here for her birthday and Doug here for the Eugene Roubaix. It is a 14 mile loop, and our group did 3 laps. It was nice to be out for my first road race of the year. It was Doug's first road race (I will let him write about his perspective later - look for the Cottle stomach/curse coming into play). He road in my group the cat 4/5. My knee is feeling a lot better, but I haven't been riding as intense or with a group. I started a great diet a few days ago as well. It is the get a stomach bug diet. I lost 10 pounds in 4 days and was a little weak, but was suprised at how good it felt riding hard after that.

I was at the front the whole race and felt pretty good. My gears were having a hard time shifting in two spots so I had to ride all the hills in a higher gear, but it wasn't to bad. The last mile of the course is a dirt/gravel road. It is pretty scary hitting the dirt section at 27 miles per hour.

Coming into the final dirt section I was in the top 10. A guy in front of me got a flat, so I decided to take a chance and create a break and hold. Well my body couldn't keep up with my great idea. I went a little to early and died with 400 m to go. I got passed by a lot of rides and sat up to ride in. I was blown! I have to work on the stamina thing.

A few more pics

I had to ride solo this last week and missed my conversation partner. On the tandem I always have someone to talk with, which makes the not so great miles go by faster. Plus, it makes me faster for the crits (I hope). Doug taking pics of the team.

Crazy Russ with no gloves, arms, or legs. I don't know how he did it, because I was cold until about mile 70 (Even in St George).


Nothing like starting the ride with a flat!

The way to HAPPY GC Connection Ladies.

Even Happier at the end of a great day for Bonnie. We need to get Russ riding hard so Chelle can ride Lotoja with Russ on the other Tandem. She is strong enough, but is Russ (yea, I'm calling you out)

More smiles (If you can't tell Mindy had the camera)

Bonnie and her Helmet Hair. Know I know why Russ is so Photogenic.

Doug Looking really happy, and I'm really not bald. But is was a good day on the bike. Nice job Kim and Bonnie.

Mindy now knows how hard I work after she climbed hills on her own. I don't mind as long as she keeps telling me it's worth it for the crits. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I guess that's why Doug keeps getting on his non-road bikes.

Where are we riding on Saturday?

Back in the Saddle

Well it our first team ride of the year. We had six guys and three gals all ready to ride the Tour de St. George. The guys rode the 100 and the ladies rode the 70. There were alot of firsts this day, in distance and intensity. The ladies did great and really enjoyed the beautiful day. Bonnie did great in her longest race outing. The course was very hilly and not an easy ride. 6000 vertical feet of climbing. We had a couple new GC guys and Rick and Dave did great. It was just a very enjoyable ride and with all the climbing we got to see some of the beauty of the Dixie Red Hills.
In the hotel, Adam saying I don't want to get up.

Mindy, Michelle and Bonnie all excited. Russ in his happy pose.

Not good, a flat in the parking lot before we started.

Bonnie and Kim all smiles in joyous anticipation.

Nice hemotoma from last weeks crash. The broken rib wasn't feel all that great either.

Adam had to make a deposit at the bottom to get up this hill!

Some people will do anything for a break.

No intensity here!

We can make it, the GC train climbing out of St. George up Snow Canyon on the Marathon Course about mile 60.

Group hugs at the end of a great day! It was a great trip and no matter how we all felt, it was nice to ride together and in the warm(as the day went on). Looking forward to our next ride, try to keep those bike upright and be safe.

Doug

new computer

I have been very pleased with my P-Brain, but unfortunatley Specialized doesn't make it any more. Last week I found out that I couldn't read my computer. I thought it was the battery, so I changed it out. But that didn't work. Now I am stuck wondering what kind to get. Usually I look for one made by Specialized, but they don't make one that has a heart rate, which I have to have. Also, I want one that doesn't mount on the handle bars. I want it on the stem. Any suggestions??????????

In Oregon?

Oregon has a reputation for being ahead of the curve when it comes to being green. I think that got it backwards when it came to the new bike tax. According to the new bike tax that might get passed, cyclist will have to pay $54 to ride on highways. Confused? So was I. Why would you make someone pay to ride their bike. If anything you should be paying us $54 for getting our butts on the bike and doing something for our health and the environment. It is just like the government to look for any angle to get a buck. Way to discourage people to ride.

For the whole story: http://www.kval.com/news/40909997.html

or

By Adam Ghassemi KATU News and KATU.com Staff


PORTLAND, Ore. – A proposed bill would create a registration fee for cyclists who bike Oregon highways, a concept some embrace while others call it a slap in the face.

Under House Bill 3008, those 18 and older who ride on any highway in the state would have to pay $54 every two years to register their bike. They would have to attach a sticker to the frame of their bike. READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE BILL

That money would go toward a Bicycle Transportation Improvement Fund, which would pay for bikes lanes and paths as well as future projects.

Those who fail to register would face a $25 fine.

The bill, sponsored by three Republicans from southern Oregon and a Democrat from Happy Valley, has some cyclists upset.

“I'm already paying for the streets and that is sort of a double taxation on bicyclists,” said cyclist David Barts.

Cyclist Travis Blue said he believes the bill targets the wrong people.

“Well, we're not the ones taxing the environment and using up resources and taking up space and causing urban congestion so I think that it'd be a lot more fair to put that on to motorists,” he said.

David Guettler, the owner of River City Bicycles, said he didn’t think the bill was a bad idea.

"I don't know too many cyclists that would not sign up for $50 every two years to increase the level of safety,” he said.

But he’s worried some who rely solely on their bikes to get around might suffer.


Paul Burns of Salem said cyclists "do a lot of complaining about the condition of the streets and roads so why shouldn't they pay a share of improvements?"

He added that bike registration would help law enforcement return stolen bikes to their rightful owners.