Middlefork of the OT; Wicked Pissa

Dave, Zach, Keeven, Christopher, Carl and I rode part of the middlefork yesterday. The weather was perfect, along with the trail conditions. I have ridden some of that trail before, but we went much further yesterday. The trail tread is mostly small rock, with some sustained sections of loose over hard. The terrain is rolling with a barrage of moderate, switchbacked climbs that go right into moderate flowing switchbacked downhills. For around here in the Midwest, this is where its at. The isolation makes it prett epic to ride this alone, but a trip to this area is well worth it. There were two downhill sections in particular that were memorable, truly sustained and fast! The climbing was long, but not anything to totally burn your legs off. We logged about 34 miles round trip, with our turn around placed at the top of a ridge on cr 3222? It looked like the was a ways to go to the terminus of the section. On CP's blog there is a map of a loop that will let one ride the entire trail, and return on mainly gravel roads. This seems like a good task to attack in the next few weeks. I will be making a bid for this loop soon enough. Probably will not change much about how I prepared. I have not gotten alot of long rides in my legs this year, so there was some pain toward the end of the ride yesterday. The last 5 miles were a crawl back up to the parking lot. I was somwhat fatigued, and felt the beginnings of some cramping. The double secret mix I prepared did the trick on the cramping, but the fatigue had set in pretty good. Keeven rode with me as I limped back the last section. A few more of these types of rides should put me in a good spot for the latter part of the seaoson. This was a great trip on some of the best single track I have ridden this year. We are truly lucky to have this network of trail in our yard.

Afterward, we stopped at El Tapatio, on the border of Park Hills and Deslodge. I got a burrito about the size of a piece of firewood. That thing lasted about 3 minuites infront of me before it was gone. We didnt think it was going to be possible to make it on account of the element. When Dave was dogging the honda in the parking lot, a piece of gravel got lodged inbetween the frame and the driveshaft. We knocked it loose, and continued on our way.
IT WAS A KICKASS WEEKEND.

Dirt Crit

I was on the fence about this until I read about the course for last night. NICE! I was familier with it, and knew that speed would be king. Now, what race should I do? Ill go with the big dogs. I lined up and hammered off of the line. Locked up the rear wheel in a ROK moment into the first turn. Almost laid the bike down at that point. I was 10th or 11th in the woods, and made some moves early. I spent most of the race alone, going anerobic, witht he pedal to the metal. With two laps ot go, I see Tom Albert getting close. I know he has the sand to bury me in a second. Once over the bridge, I lay it all down. For real, I gave it everything to stay infront of him, but came up short. I came across in 7th.

Last night was a great example of the growing MTB scene mere in STL. What a friggen blast it is to go out and hammer with friends, and then talk bikes, drink beer, and take in the good life. I dont know why, but last night seemed like a turning point for me, regarding cycling. Racing has changed me, for the better, and I am happy to have discovered it. I was talking to an old friend, Steven. We used to climb together, and work at the climbing gym together. He has gotten into racing receintly also. We were talking about how climbing has taken the back burner. More like been pushed to the back burner. I used to reject this, but I am not bothered by it much anymore. I still love climbing, and what it represents, but there are some huge differences. Bike racing is somthing that I am committing to, and holding my self accountable to on a daily basis. I desire to have somthing to be passionate about, to take my mind off of work at the end of the day. Life is good, Life is Great

Tuesday night I went out for the Crit. I drove down to the park because my legs were fired from the weekend and monday. The race was good. The WT team seemed to be sitting out, they looked a little banged up. We pushed the pace up after about 12 min, and kept it there. I felt really good with acceleration, but not really good about keeping it sustained. We had some good position into the last hill, but I am guilty of breaking too early with everyone else. I rouned the corner, and hit the gas in the drops. I saw one person coming around on the right, got out of the saddle, but the response was not enough. I think I picked up 3rd, not bad.

I was poking around and saw this new SS prototype from Ridley. There are only 2 right now. Man, these look slick.

Pictures from KC

C-wood was fast last night. 4 laps on the rollercoaster, with the throttle wide open on the last 2. On the grotpeter trail, heading back to the ranger cut off, I saw a new fawn. This thing looked malnutritioned, and could not move. There were two other gents there who were asking for directions to the ranger station. I think they were going to give someone a heads up, and get the deer some help. I was unsure about how to handle it. I passed the little fella twice more on the trail. He was unable to move, and had flies all over him. It was a pretty sorry sight, but I did not want to alter natures course. I have a pretty stiff view on this, but that is not to say I am right in my thinking. I am all about second chances in life, but how does that relate to him? ...Its a tough world we live in...

Trumans Big Love: Ride it like you stole it, just dont roll it!

Left Sat night for KC with the Mesa Crew. Pizza and beer at Shakespears in COMO was the pre race carb load. We got a chance to sleep in, and dial the pre race ritual. Eating early, coffee, and a pre-ride of the course. The course had a flat grass start, that closed into a singletrack hole shot on a right facing switch back going up hill. This was a short moderate hill, nothing to bad. The hill dumped you into a wide open double track section, almost 1 mile long. This section was blazing fast. There was a technical hill that was loose at the bottom, and rocky at the top. The single track to follow was rocky, technical, and awesome overall. That dumped out into a field, and another rooty, twisty section. The second field was clutch, it allowed you to really flip the after burners on. The last section of single track was pure ecstasy. mostly down hill, with flowy corners and dips. Truly Nice.

We lined up at the line, my stomach was hurting pretty bad from the nerves. I honestly thought I was going to have to drop my bibs right there. That went away when the horn blew. Christopher and I had a second row start, but since I was crossed up from the get go, I move up quickly to the front 3. I was 3rd into the woods, and sitting pretty on the double track. We had already pulled away some, and at the hill, I ran around the 2 guys in front of me. They were super fast on the flat stuff, but not so much on the technical stuff. Christopher caught me going into the woods after the first field. We were riding strong, and I was settling in to a good rhythm, looking forward to riding with my team mate at the front of the pack, going for the overall. Soon after, I heard a loud, unmistakable sound of a tire burping, and it was over for Christopher. That sucks, he had barley gotten a chance to open up his new ride. I kept riding hard for the next lap. It was hot, and the sweat was flowing. The second lap I rode hard, pretty much at the limit physically and mentally. I backed off on the beginning of my third lap, and took a cheer pack. WOW, now I am cruising. I really turned up the heat on the flat stuff, and rode the single track hard, but dead focused on not making a mistake. All I could hear for a while was my heavy breathing, but soon that faded away also. It was quiet till I crossed the line, and was greeted by the Team Segaul crew. Nice work Guys!!
I won the age group, and got 3rd overall in sport. The rest of the crew did really well also. STL really came for blood on this race, but at the end of the day its all about having a good time. We did exactly that. Good friends and good beer.

The new bike work well. I think it is made for that type of riding. I was impressed with the highspeed handeling of this machine, but was most suprised with the way this thing climbs. Any input fromt he pedals sends this thing flying forward. This weekend was an absolute blast, I have alot to be thankfull for.
No Pics, I think a new camera is in store. I dont know though, I could use a new bike.

Crit

Felt really good last night as I rode down to the park for some crit racing. Not alot of action last night, no one wanted to work on the front. Once again Christopher and I owned the race, and the people that would not pull through pouched the first 3 spots. No big woop. I am not trying to sound like I am better than anyone else. I got what I went down there for, some miles and some fun. I had a couple of brew dogs with zach B. afterwards. We spoke about racing and riding. Good times. He told me about how great chubb trail is right now. I am definatly heading out there tomarrow. It should be a ripper from how he described it.

Eff-ed

The Blue Ribbon trial at C-wood is dead. Totally ruined!! For the most part, the only thing to blame is the consistent rain. The water ruts that have formed are DEEP!! In some places they are close to 2ft deep. I was about 1/2 way around on a CW direction, when I came to the big dip that takes you through the low lying areas, and up to a large hill. I did not even drop in. I could hear people in the distance moaning about the mud, and I could see that it was a slop fest. I guess I just did not want to clean my bike one more time. I turned around, and went back the way I came. It was pretty much a waste of time going back there, and I probably would not recommend going back there for the rest of the summer, barring any substantial amount of trail work. There was evidence of horses back there, but as I mentioned the damage didn't seemed to be their fault. The roller coaster was in pristine condition. I was rolling on the ss with 32x20. I was able to clean every big hill in that thing, so I think I am ready to slap on the 18tooth. I am also ready for a stans conversion kit on the SS. I was playing around with dropping the pressure on the tires. Running high pressure is the way of the past.

Thursday night had me heading out to Matson Hill with my roomie. He had never been to Matson or Klondike, so I knew this would be a good time. All he had was the SS with a 20 tooth. We took off up the gravel hill, and started in on the singletrack. This was only the third time I have ridden there, but the first time it was fully dry. Very fast to say the least. When you dont have to worry about the front wheel washing out, that trail is awesome. The middle section is still very tough. Those short climbs really spike the HR, and put me in the pain box. We only did one lap at Matson. I thought I would be up fro more, but wasnt. We bombed the gravel down hill with the ass cheeks fully clinched. We set sail for Klondike, and gave those trails our best shot. We returned to the car with little daylight left.
The new bike really handled well, and I was excited to see how it does in the technical stuff. I was pretty impressed. The 29 makes you feel higher up, and a little more prone to tipping over in the low speed, extreamly technical stuff, but that is offset by the boost of confidence that you get in the highspeed flow sections. I have been asked about, or told that the back end of the of the dos niner is flexy. I cannot really pick this apart yet. I am still new to the tubless set up, so I dont know if the flat tire feeling is coming from that or the frame flex. once again this is mostly in the low speed areas, and when accelerating from a full stop. Overall, I am still in love with this bike, and am happy about the new addition.
After our session, we made a bee line to EL MAGU in the valley. We shut the place down after our 2 pitches of beer and burritos.

Saturday, I was in Bolivar, near springfield, and gunning for some singletrack at the Sac river trail. THis trail network is about 10 miles of rocky, tasty singletrack. The prospect of rain on Friday had me thinking twice about taking the new bike, so I loaded up the SS. I think it rained about 2 1/2 inches on the way down there, so that idea was done before it started. Instead, I opted for a 2 hr ride on the highline trail, a converted railroad bed. THis was an awesome ride, that had me going through some great country. The isolation was also nice. I only passed two other people. Here is the map.



I only had a 20 tooth on the bike, with a 32 up front, so the spinning was pretty furious. I went down the trail for an hour, and made it back in 55 flat. The rest of the day consisted of sitting in the pool and drinking keg beer. NICE!!

C-wood was ripping last night. Finally it feels like summer, hot weather and biking late. I took the 26in out to dust it off. Taking the new one out today.

Tonight is Klondike and Matson if anyone is down for the sickness. I havent ridden Klondike since Sep, I figure it is time to work on the Tech skills.

Crit+

Rode to the Crit last night from Kirkwood. I used the Grants trail to go south. This was a nice warm up. There was quite a crowed that hd gathered for the C race. Not sure how many. Christopher moved up fast, and I followed. It wasnt long (6min?) before we were off the front with the usual suspects from wild Trax and a solo rider. This group of 5 blasted the front off of the pack. No one bridged the gap that we formed. The pace was pretty fast, but I didnt get an AVG. I put some work in up front, alternating with Christopher, and the solo rider. The others put in enough to say they saw the front. Christopher must have pulled for the last 8 minuites leading up to the bell lap. Sick rip BRA!! WT riders were in front coming up the hill, with the solo rider coming up on the left. I tried to jump his wheel, but hesetated 1/2 second to long. I had half a wheel coming around the corner, but could barley match the acceleration. I finished 4th, about 2 lengths from the group. I downed some calories, and put the lights on for an easy spin home. 43 miles in all. Nice.

Revenge

I have one thing on my mind, and that is the next race at Landal in two weeks. Between now and then, I will be the proud new owner of this CO2 TECH. Take no prisioners.

Rookie Bi-och

Raced at Landalh in KC this weekend. The weather is beginning to warm up, and that summer MTB feeling is in full force. The nice, humid Missouri air kept the trails moist for traction, a few wet corners, and the rocks snotty. The course was tight and twisty. A very fast rolling trail, with corners that you can carve at speed. The technical sections consisted of rocks, roots, and some slick mud. These were minimal. A preride of the course really helped dial the layout, and the sections to keep an eye on. Zach and I got two laps in on the race course, chatted with some locals, and drank some brew dogs. The first two rides on the new bike were SWEET!!! This thing is Fast, fast, fast. That is what kept going through my head as I raced on Sunday. I began my race as usual, big ringing, and going hard. I got out in front and pushed it super hard. I rode half a lap with Tom Albert, before he rolled away. Laps one and two went really well. The heart rate was above 90% max, around 94% at times. I was aware of this, but not letting it affect my judgment. I was finding some nice recovery in the 88% max range. As far as pushing your self right to the edge, this felt good. On the third lap, I was drinking, when a "head up my ass" moment had me tweek my front tire as I avoided a tree. I pulled the bead off of the rim, and lost about half the air in the tire. I figured I could roll, and I did for about 10 min. This was slow, the steering was sloppy, and my mind was scattered. I had no CO2, because I am a rok, so I had to borrow air and a head. Also since I am a ROK, and my HR was rocketing, I wasted 10 min fumbling with trying to air up my tire. I had to borrow 4 cartridges before I got it to work. I owe my finish to the good will of other on the trail. During this time I saw Big ring zach brace roll by in a fist fight with someone, right on his wheel. He went on the clinch the sport race, age group and overall!! Nice work BRA!! I also had time to watch everyone in my age group roll by. SHIT!! That's right, it was me yelling that in the woods if you were wondering. I aired up and began pedaling, pissed at myself for not being prepared. I calmed down when I caught up to a fella from Omaha in the sport race. He was out there just having a blast, and it really made me re-evaluate my attitude. OK, Head out of my ass, and having fun again. I crossed the field, and into the last half of the course. This was the goods. Long sweeping corners, short dips, and speed all around. I crossed the line, happy to not be walking my bike. The beer was flowing like wine at the finish, but I had food on my mind. Some one mentioned BBQ, and it was on. Zach and I loaded up the truck, with a quick lesson on proper rigging TECH, and followed Tom, Wes, and Dave to Biffels. 1/2 pound of pork on a bun, some dark lager, crispy legs, and some steller single track my friend. Life just don't get much better.

I took yesterday off, and rode low intensinty this morning. The legs have felt tired for the last two mornings. They responded well during the ride today. I have struggled with the consistancy and nutrution this week. I am super stoked to get through the day and pick up the new beuty at the shop. Tomarrow will be the madin voyage at landal.

Dos Niner

Things have been going really well at work, and getting a new bike has been a short term goal of mine. I have had the stumpjumer since May 2006. I have made some upgrades and changes to the bike. But, I think it is about time for an addition to the stable. I like how the hardtail feels, it has done me well. I have little perspective to compare to. Every MTB I have ever owned has been a HT. This season in particular has been rough on the lower back. That coupled with the longing to do some long rides on the OT make me feel like I need something with a suspension. I am a pretty simple guy when it comes to bikes. That is why the Dos appeals to me. I considered a few other options, but this bike just looks rad. I am going to add the Mavic wheelset, so I can go tubeless. That should be a good ride. My 29er experience is limited to my redline SS. That thing is heavy, and feels sluggish in the turns, but it really gets the job done. I can rip some trails faster on that than the stumpie. I am super excited to put this thing through its paces. The first ride will be a pre-ride of Landal, followed by an XC race there on Sunday.

I feel good about this weekend. Racing has gotten kind of addicting for me. The first five minuites of a race leave me jacked up on addrinaline. I dont know if others feel the same, but I can just feel that energy. When you hear the word go, and everyone is close together, jockying for position. It is a raw, intense experience. The legs are tired from Tues still. I have heard nothing but good things about Landal. Its should be a great race. I am ready to Represent Mesa on the west side of the state.

Winner, winner, Chicken Dinner

Tues night Crit was great last night. Christopher and I made a point to jam out in the back of the pack. It took some disapline, but we stayed back for about 10 min. Thats about half of the race for the C's. Wild Trax has a huge showing last night. There were about 6 or 7 guys, all at the front for most of the race. There were a few breaks early in the ride, none stuck, and no one chased. Eventually 4 WT guys jumped and it was on. I saw Christopher make a move on the hill, so I responded. We made it up to the break group, and sat in. I pulled for a few minuites, and so did some others. It was hard to get people to pull through. Christopher got hung out to dry on the front, he must have pulled for 3 or 4 laps before I moved from the back of the line to the front to give him a break. He pulled some more, but got no help. When the WT riders pulled through, the put a pretty good acceleration on, and really gave me a run for my $$. That was with three to go coming up the hill. On the last lap, I was 3rd, behind 2 WT riders, I was able to split them up, by moving into 2nd position. I latched onto a wheel up the hill, and he hit the gas into the finish. Rolling to the line, I clicked down 2 gears, and got out of the saddle. I went a little wide on the finish, but what ever.

Matson Hill Race

Sunday was great weather, but the trails were a slop fest. Matson Hill is a great trail, but it is a trail that I am unfamiler with. I have only ridden it one other time before the race, and the conditions were similar. I took the QBP rep out ther the day ofter the 2007 Greensfelder race to show him some easter Mo. riding at Matson and klondike.

Zach B. and I pre rode the gravel hill and the first section of singletrack, about .75 miles in from the trailhead. We had a pretty good idea of what lay ahead. THats fine I thought. I knew that warm up was crutial, and we timed it perfictly. We got back to the car in time for a gel and some water, then boom. I got out in front on the gravel, and started climbing. Zac H. got aroung me about 3/4 of the way up and motored on. I grabbed his wheel briefly, but popped off quickly. I worked to reel him in, but stayed seated. This was very ineffective, and he was out of sight when I hit the road. I wound up the spin on the pavement, Scott P. was behind me, with the pack further back. We dropped in the singletrack, and surfed down the hill. I caught up to Zac a the bottom, just in time for a wipeout. Scott got around me, and powered up to Zac. He was putting some good pressure on him, and I was all over the place trying to keep up with the both of them. The bottom part of the trail was crap. Wet roots and rocks galor. The short up hill section out of the bottoms was spin city. Truly draining the energy. In the middle of the course, the steep stuff comes in. What a kick in the sac that is. I was so red lined from that on each lap, I could barly decend the section that followed. There were two sections like this, steep, wet, and nearly impossible not to spin your tire. The most effective tech seems to be find the gear you want to climb in, and go a click down from that. it requires alot more power, but you dont run the risk of spinning out. These sections had me despretly seeking my climbing ring up front. Crazy I know, but I was locked in the pain box. I passed Scott on the final climb finishing the 1st lap. He rode a centruy the day before, and it was showing. Normally he has me running scared, or chasing madly. My second lap had me about 1 min back from the lead in 2nd position. Toward the middle of the third lap, Zach B. came up behind me. I was bitching pretty bad at that point, but he kept on encouraging me to move on. He passed me on the steep stuff, and cleaned that section to boot. Looking good Bro. All I could do at that point was look forward to that final climb and the last switch back. Zach was gone, and I was blown. Done deal. I picked up 3rd for my effort.

This was a truly brutal race. I think this trail has some awsome potential. I bet it rips pretty damn hard with it is dry. The amount of climbing makes for a difficult race, but overall I think it is a great race course.