Daily Spin

2011 Skyline Park Mountain Bike Race - The 2nd stop of the 2011 Sierra Cup MTB Series - Race Report

2011-06-23T10:46:00.001-07:00

Skyline is one of my favorite mountain bike races. Hard climbs, with technical sections that many racers walk. Steep rocky descents with tight switchbacks that draws spectators hungry for blood. Forced bunny hopping and hike-a-bike sections. What's not to like?

This is the kind of course that favors my riding style. I've done well at this race in the past when I raced Sport. I have not had such good luck as an Expert (Cat 1) racer. Last year was brutally hot and I DNF'd because I ran out of water and was getting severely dehydrated by the 3rd lap.

Three weeks ago I raced the Boggs Mountain Bash on my Giant XTC 29er hardtail with a 6 speed cassette. It was a great race, I went hard and was rewarded with 2nd place. I ended up racing the XTC because my Anthem X's rear brake needed to be replaced. The chain also had to be replaced after breaking it during the Shasta Lemurian race.

So after putting a chain and new caliper on the Anthem X I went out for my Tune Up ride, did the work out and the whole time wasn't feeling very comfortable on the bike. The rear brake didn't feel right and I have never felt very comfortable with the front end of this bike. I've fiddled many times with the Rock Shox Sid but it just never feels like a Fox Float does. It feels like the front end of this bike, though pretty far away, is always too low as if I am going to endo any moment. I've raced some fast and technical stuff on this bike and have never gone over the bars, but it just feels like i'm going to any moment. This could be a symptom of riding the 29'er a lot and then hopping on the 26" wheeled bike. Either way, I was not happy with how the bike felt. I was in good working order otherwise.

Up early and out the door. Bill and I arrived at Skyline Park around 8:45 am, enough time to register and warm up. Things were looking good.

The start at Skyline is always a cluster fuck and as expected a racer went down within the first 100 feet of starting and so the race was quickly strung out. Fortunately there is a lot of fire road climbing to sort things out and I was able to pick up a number of places. Going into the first steep section there were a handful of racers walking but I was able to pedal by them and keep my momentum. We got to the first singletrack and I got behind a slower descender, I took the time to relax a bit, get some water and look for a spot to pass.

The racer let me by on a downhill switchback and I passed and was shifting up to take a tight uphill right hand corner when my chain got mangled up and fell off the chainrings. I hopped off the bike, fixed it and and lost about 6 places. Back on and I was able to pass a few guys in the next wide rocky section. After a little hairy, fast and bumpy descending there was a short pitch up, I shifted to an easier gear, heard some crunching and lost ALL forward momentum. My chain broke. Ugh. About a third into my first lap and my chain breaks. This is not good.

I drag the bike off the trail and calmly pull out my chain tool and proceed to put the chain back together. Hadn't I just done this a month and a half ago? It is so incredibly painful having to be calm and focused fixing a broken chain and see person after person after person go by in your periphery vision.

After 3 to 4 minutes I was back on the trail walking behind another rider who was wasling. We get to where the trail flattens out and the rider gets back on his bike, weaving back and forth, having a hard time clipping in all the time. I keep walking behind him because I'm not walksing any slower that he is riding. I finally get on and realize he's still riding pretty slow.

I get past him and there is a very fast and fun smooth descent into a creek crossing. I pick a bad line through the creek crossing and have to hike up the other side. A young racer comes by me and I ask him if he's a Cat 2 (Sport) racer because I'm starting to get afraid it took me so long to fix my chain i'm stuck in the back with the Sport class. He confirms my suspicion and this is when I start to get nervous because there is nothing but tight, technical and steep singletrack between here and the start of the next lap.

I pass a couple guys on the hike-a-bike coming out of the lake and as we get started on the singletrack it sinks in how slow the group I am now with is riding. I used to race Sport and I used to ride at this pace, but that was years ago and the guys i'm racing, the Expert class, is going faster and pulling further and further away from me and as long as I'm with this group there is no chance that I am going to catch my group.

Ugh.

I back off a bit, try to relax and give these guys the space they need. I try to pass when it's safe and clear but i'm not able to pass many because there are just no places to pass. At one point I get past a small group and there is some space between them and the group in front of them. I open it up and tear off up the singletrack going fast and it feels good, it feels fast, it feels right and just then I catch the group that was in front of us.

Ugh.

So as much as I love this race, and this course I decided I was going to have a more fun, and a less frustrating day, if I just did two laps (instead of 3) and went back to the car and pulled my beers out of the cooler. So, that's what I did. I finished my 2nd lap, told the officials I was a DNF and drank beer in the hot sun. I talked to friends and made some new ones and enjoyed myself.

Bill drove back.

Photo stolen from Captivating Sports and Events photos

CX Sims #1

2010-10-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the first night of CX sims. Frickin' blast! We hightailed it down to the BLM land west of Grass Valley and put together a very challenging .6 mile course shown below (ignore section that connects in the center). We ran this clockwise. One run up section, one big puddle you had to run around, one big big dip that was a thrill on a cross bike, some muddy spots, berms, jumps, baby heads, you name it! The fellas that won tonight were on single speed mountain bikes. As I said, this was a very challenging course. We'll head there again next week.

Endurance Training - Super Punisher 2009

2009-06-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Up and down the Tahoe Rim Trail from Spooner Lake to Mr. Toads Wild Ride. Down Mr. Toads via some trails and neighborhoods to downtown South Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Rim Trail:
43.08 Miles
6976 Feet Climbing
7:15 Hours
4821 Calories
144 Average HR
181 Max HR

Bottom of Mr. Toads to South Lake Tahoe:
9.69 Miles
514 Feet Climbing
1:00 Hours
594 Calories
119 Average HR
152 Max HR

Total:
52.77 Miles
7490 Feet Climbing
8:15 Hours
5415 Calories

The players: vuduvgn (your host), The Believer, AARP (formerly known as Raphael), Mr. Positive (formerly known as Billiam) and Don Adams.

Low riding in luxury. The Lexus was not designed for this.

AARP & The Believer relax in the hotel the night before.

The Believer and Mr. Positive climbing up from Spooner Summit.

Mr. Positive, The Believer and Don Adams climbing on the Tahoe Rim Trail.

The Believer and Mr. Positive about a mile before arriving at 'The Bench'.

AARP pushing his bike.

AARP checking out the view of Lake Tahoe.

The Believer and Don Adams on the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Left to right: The Believer, Don Adams, AARP, Mr. Positive & vuduvgn; at 'The Bench'.

At the end of a really great section of technical singletrack. Waiting for AARP to arrive.

Pushing across a shortcut at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

It was rideable.

Don Adams on a nice example of Tahoe Rim Trail granite singletrack.

Mr. Positive's rear linkage tried to disassemble itself during the ride. We took it apart and put it back together on the trail. Better that than it coming apart on a fast section of rough singletrack.

Nice view of The Believer above Carson Valley.

Amazingly beautiful section of the Tahoe Rim Trail with the Carson Valley below and east of us. Big drop offs on the side of the trail.

Is that Jobs Sister in the background? We're headed just below that to Star Lake, then up to Freel Pass.

Walking across the stream coming out of Star Lake.

Fresh spring water. Word on the internets is that it takes 2 weeks for Guardia to hit, we should know by this Saturday's Downieville Classic Race...

Don Adams riding up to Freel Pass near a small snow drift.

AARP pushing up to Freel Pass. At this point the temperature was in the mid 80's and we were close to 9000 feet in elevation. My bike felt like it weighed about 50 pounds, not the true 28 pounds...

View of the lake from near Freel Pass.

Don Adams climbing over the snow field at Freel Pass.

AARP descending some really fun decomposing granite singletrack from Freel Pass.

AARP along the Rim Trail just down the hill from Freel Pass. Mr. Positive is behind me fixing a flat.

High point of the days was 9440+/- feet.

Decomosed granite trail. I think this is Armstrong Pass.

AARP, Don Adams, The Believer, & vuduvgn just above Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

Waiting for the shuttle vehicle after the ride. The swim felt great!

Another excellent Super Punisher in the books!

Basic V - 4 1/2 Hours - Exploring

2009-05-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

Up Boulder Street
Up Red Dog Road
Up Pasquale Road
Along ditch trail next to Pasquale Road
Up Cascade Loop
Up Spanish Lane
Along NID ditch
Up road Google doesn't know the name of
Up Chalk Bluff Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Hwy 20
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Willow Valley Road
37.91 Miles
3921 Feet Climbing
4:33 Hours
3251 Calories
127 Average HR
173 Max HR
65 Average Cadence

On the CX bike, accompanied by The Believer. Great exploration ride, have to go back to do some more exploring. Found an amazing waterfall in the middle of nowhere. Also saw two deer, a large turkey fly across the road and soar down into a canyon and a +/-250# black bear.

Basic V - 2 1/2 Hours - Scott's Drop

2009-04-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

Up Dieter's Trails
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Lone Grave
Down Scott's Drop
Along Scott's Flat Lake trail
Down to Lower Scotts Lake
Up Scott's Flat Dam Road
Up Scott's Flat Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
20.27 Miles
2566 Feet Climbing
2:36 Hours
2040 Calories
123 Average HR
173 Max HR

All of us were on singlespeeds. Tired from weekend of lots of riding and racing. Accompanied by The Believer, Raphael, Trucker and The Teacher.

Basic V - 7 Hours - Tandem Road Ride - Chico Wildflower

2009-04-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

Chico to Paradise via Honey Run Road
to Pentz via Pentz Road
to Cherokee via Cherokee Road
to Pentz via Pentz Road
to Durham via Pentz Durham Road
to Chico via Oroville Chico Highway

72.48 Miles
4377 Feet Climbing
7:07 Hours
4321 Calories
122 Average HR
164 Max HR

On the tandem with wifers. Accompanied by Don Adams, The Believer, Supergirl, Raphael and his wife.

2009 Shasta Lemurian

2009-04-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

2009 Shasta Lemurian - Long Course
24.26 Miles
4779 Feet Climbing
2:40 Hours
2458 Calories
169 Average Heart Rate
184 Max Heart Rate
72 Average Cadence
(GPS missed the first 1/2 mile or so of race - operator error)

Time: 2:40:22 - 18:41 off leader
7th Place of 26 Finishers

2009 Prairie City Race Series #4

2009-04-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

2009 Prairie City Race Series #2
Four laps at Hangtown Moto Trails at the Prairie City OHV Park.
12.97 Miles
1461 Feet Climbing
0:58 Hours
740 Calories
181 Average Heart Rate
191 Max Heart Rate
79 Average Cadence

Lap 1:
3.30 Miles
14:08 Minutes
177 Average Heart Rate
184 Max Heart Rate

Lap 2:
3.34 Miles
15:02 Minutes
180 Average Heart Rate
188 Max Heart Rate

Lap 3:
2.96 Miles
13:33 Minutes
183 Average Heart Rate
189 Max Heart Rate

Lap 4:
3.37 Miles
15:26 Hours
182 Average Heart Rate
191 Max Heart Rate

Breathing issues came back again, but was able to breathe through some of it. Very fun course on the ATV track, some big jumps back there. Almost had a high speed crash on the last lap coming down the big hill towards the pond. During the pre-ride and first lap the course was pretty slippery, but as riders came through it got cleaned up and much faster, more grippy. Bike performed flawlessly, it wants to go faster than I do...

13th of 20 racers in 35-49 Expert Men.

Basic V - 2 Hours - Pioneer Trail

2009-04-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

Up Pioneer Trail
Up Burlington Ridge Road
Along Hallelujah Connector Trail
Down and Up Hallelujah
Down Pioneer Trail
13.33 Miles
1584 Feet Climbing
2:06 Hours
1512 Calories
130 Average HR
189 Max HR
65 Average Cadence

On the Anthem X0. Accompanied by The Believer, Trucker, Raphael, The Allman Brother, Billiam, The Perpetually Injured One and The Puker. Interesting ride: 2 pretty serious crashes, 2 flat tires, 2 broken spokes and 1 rider lost for about 15 minutes. Trail in good shape, a little snow on lower Hallelujah, lots of debris on Pioneer and Hallelujah.

Hard MTB Intervals - 2 1/2 Hours

2009-04-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Up Sutton Way
Across Plaza Drive
Up Brunswick Road
Along trail next to Brunswick Road
Up Mike's Trail
To canal and up unknown trail
Down Madrone Forest Drive
Up Idaho Maryland Road
Up Banner Lava Cap Road
Up Banner Quaker Hill Road
Down Quaker Hill Cross Road looking for Chuckwalla Drive (doesn't exist)
Down Banner Quaker Hill Road
Down Pasquale Road
Down trail to Scotts Flat Lake
Down and up Dam Road
Down trail to Lower Scotts Flat Lake
Up Scott's Flat Dam Road
Up Scott's Flat Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
26.63 Miles
2989 Feet Climbing
2:30 Hours
2524 Calories
145 Average HR
184 Max HR

Interval 1:
171 Average HR
183 Max HR
73 Average Cadence

Interval 2:
174 Average HR
184 Max HR
82 Average Cadence

Interval 3:
171 Average HR
179 Max HR
87 Average Cadence

Interval 4:
167 Average HR
176 Max HR
87 Average Cadence

Interval 5:
170 Average HR
178 Max HR
88 Average Cadence

Interval 6:
168 Average HR
181 Max HR
86 Average Cadence

Interval 7:
168 Average HR
176 Max HR
78 Average Cadence

Interval 8:
171 Average HR
182 Max HR
81 Average Cadence

Interval 9:
166 Average HR
175 Max HR
70 Average Cadence

Interval 10:
165 Average HR
174 Max HR
79 Average Cadence

Ten sets of 3 minute intervals with a target range of 173 to 182 with a 6 minute recovery. On new Anthem X0 race bike. Had a hard time getting my HR up on the last few intervals. Breathing was fine, but tired. I think I still hadn't recovered from Saturday's big ride. Accompanied by Don Adams.

Basic V - 5 1/2 Hours - Pioneer Trail

2009-04-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Scott's Drop
Along Scott's Flat Lake trail
Across Scott's Flat Dam
Up Dam Road
Up Pasquale Road
Up Cascade Loop
Up Sadie Drive
Up Lake Lane
Up Cascade Canal Ditch Road
Down Blue Gravel Road
Up Blue Gravel Road
Up Burlington Ride Road
Up Unknown Trail
Down Hallelujah Trail
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Unknown Trail
Up Rock Creek Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Snow Mountain Ditch

Yellow Route in Map Above

12.79 Miles
1873 Feet Climbing
1:46 Hours
1762 Calories
142 Average HR
172 Max HR

Pink Route in Map Above

24.94 Miles
2894 Feet Climbing
3:24 Hours
2474 Calories
139 Average HR
178 Max HR

Entire Ride Totals:
37.73 Miles
4767 Feet Climbing
4:10 Hours
4236 Calories

This was an exploratory route. Google Earth finally worked on this one, however there was quite a bit of tresspassing done to make it happen. The nice fella that lives on Blue Gravel Road let us through his property and even gave us directions. I don't advise trying this route as it has many No Trespassing signs and gates. We were lucky this guy was home and his gate was open. All and all a good ride, but doubt I'd do it again. Accompanied by Trucker, Tin Foil Hat Man, Chuckwagon and Raphael.

The deer were out in force this day.

Climbing early in the morning up Dieter's Trail.

On the Snow Mountain Ditch very early in the day.

Trucker climbing up Willow Valley.

Raphael riding over a log on Scott's Drop.

Tin Foil Hat Man and Raphael on the NID road.

Trucker on the NID Road.

Chuckwagon riding across a pile of snow on the Hallelujah Trail.

Raphael on Miner's.

Chuckwagon on Miner's.

Basic V - 1 3/4 Hours - Pioneer Trail

2009-04-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Pioneer Trail
Down to the Rock Creek Nature Trail
Up Rock Creek Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Uren Street
12.95 Miles
1729 Feet Climbing
1:38 Hours
1212 Calories
132 Average HR
164 Max HR

On the singlespeed 29er accompanied by Trucker, The Believer, Billiam & Raphael.

Hard MTB Intervals - 1 3/4 Hours

2009-04-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

Through Manzanita Diggins
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Deiter's Trail
16.22 Miles
1838 Feet Climbing
1:46 Hours
1586 Calories
141 Average HR
177 Max HR

Interval 1:
165 Average HR
174 Max HR
61 Average Cadence

Interval 2:
167 Average HR
173 Max HR
73 Average Cadence

Interval 3:
167 Average HR
177 Max HR
80 Average Cadence

Interval 4:
165 Average HR
173 Max HR
76 Average Cadence

Interval 5:
162 Average HR
174 Max HR
83 Average Cadence

Interval 6:
160 Average HR
170 Max HR
79 Average Cadence

Six sets of 3 minute intervals with a target range of 173 to 182 with a 6 minute recovery. Had a hard time getting my HR where it needed to be...

Basic V - 4 Hours - Tandem Road Ride

2009-04-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

Up Zion Street
Up Nevada City Highway
Down East Main Street
Up and Down Sierra College Drive
Down Ridge Road
Down Rough & Ready Highway
Along Penn Valley Drive
Down Pleasant Valley Road to Bridgeport
Up Pleasant Valley Road
Up Bitney Springs Road
Up & Down Empress Road
Up Newtown Road
Along Highway 49
Down and Up Old Downieville Highway

Long road ride on the tandem with Wifers. Great ride, beautiful weather, perfect day. Though she did say I was stinky...

2009 Prairie City Race Series #2

2009-04-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

2009 Prairie City Race Series #2
Four laps at Hangtown Moto Trails at the Prairie City OHV Park.
13.51 Miles
1031 Feet Climbing
0:58 Hours
765 Calories
HR Monitor not working
No cadence sensor on singlespeed

Raced in the expert category on my singlespeed.

2009 Napa Valley Dirt Classic

2009-04-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

2009 Napa Valley Dirt Classic
One lap in Angwin, CA.
19.53 Miles
3361 Feet Climbing
1:51 Hours
1799 Calories
178 Average HR
190 Max HR
74 Average Cadence

29th of 41 racers in 35-44 Cat 1 Male.

Tune Up - 1 1/4 Hours

2009-04-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

Through Manzanita Diggins
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Deiter's Trail
8.87 Miles (this isn't right)
1309 Feet Climbing
1:13 Hours
617 Calories
139 Average HR
185 Max HR

Pre race Tune Up.

Basic IV - 6 Hours - Singlespeed

2009-03-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

Twyla pushing up a steep piece of singletrack on South Yuba.

Trucker pushing up the same section.

Lunch break on South Yuba. Amazing weather!

Twyla & Trucker riding up North Bloomfield Road.

Daffodil sculpture in what was the town of North Bloomfield.

Twyla & Trucker arriving at the Missouri Bar singletrack.

Twyla coming down the South Yuba trail.

A showy Mimulus on the South Yuba trail.

Basic IV - 2 1/2 Hours - Singlespeed

2009-03-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

Up Deiter's Trail
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Deiter's Trail
17.85 Miles
1954 Feet Climbing
2:22 Hours
1900 Calories
131 Average HR
174 Max HR

On the singlespeed 29er.

On Bike Strength - 2 1/2 Hours

2009-03-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Down Willow Valley Road
Up Scotts Valley Road
Up Scotts Flat Road
Up and down Pioneer Trial
Down powerline trail
Down Scotts Dam Road
Up trail to Scotts Flat Dam
Up Dam Road
Across Pasquale Road
Across ditch trails along Pasquale Road
Down Red Dog Road

19.53 Miles
2805 Feet Climbing
2:24 Hours
2522 Calories
133 Average HR
176 Max HR

Hard Hill Training - 1 3/4 Hours

2009-03-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

Up Willow Valley Road
Up Scotts Valley Road
Down Scotts Flat road
Up powerline trail
Up and down Scotts Flat Road
Down Willow Valley Road
15.44 Miles
1976 Feet Climbing
1:47 Hours
1434 Calories
129 Average HR
180 Max HR

Interval 1:
167 Average HR
178 Max HR
70 Average Cadence

Interval 2:
165 Average HR
173 Max HR
69 Average Cadence

Interval 3:
167 Average HR
180 Max HR
68 Average Cadence

Interval 4:
166 Average HR
176 Max HR
76 Average Cadence

Interval 5:
163 Average HR
173 Max HR
73 Average Cadence

Interval 6:
167 Average HR
175 Max HR
76 Average Cadence

Six sets of 3 minute intervals with a target range of 173 to 182 with a 6 minute recovery.

Hard HillTraining - 1 3/4 Hours

2009-03-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Up Sutton Way
Across Plaza Drive
Up Brunswick Road
Along trail next to Brunswick Road
Up Mike's Trail
To canal and up unknown trail
Up Idaho Maryland Road
Up Banner Lava Cap Road
Up Banner Quaker Hill Road
Down Pasquale Road
Down trail to Scotts Flat Lake
Up Scott's Flat Road
Down Scott's Valley Road
Down Willow Valley Road
Down Nevada Street
17.94 Miles
2216 Feet Climbing
1:47 Hours
1414 Calories
136 Average HR
183 Max HR

Interval 1:
173 Average HR
181 Max HR
78 Average Cadence

Interval 2:
169 Average HR
177 Max HR
77 Average Cadence

Interval 3:
172 Average HR
183 Max HR
70 Average Cadence

Interval 4:
171 Average HR
180 Max HR
70 Average Cadence

Interval 5:
163 Average HR
178 Max HR
77 Average Cadence

Interval 6:
170 Average HR
178 Max HR
68Average Cadence

Six sets of 3 minute intervals with a target range of 173 to 182 with a 6 minute recovery. On new Anthem X0 race bike.

Spin Basic IV - 1 3/4 Hour - Singlespeed

2009-03-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Uren Street

14.00 Miles
1461 Feet Climbing
1:50 Hours
1333 Calories
127 Average HR
169 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Ended up being a relatively short ride. Accompanied by Raphael, The Believer, Super Girl and we caught and rode with Trucker.

2009 Cool Mountain Bike Race

2009-03-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

2009 Cool Mountain Bike Race
Three laps on the Olmsted Loop in Cool, CA.

31.6 Miles
4770 Feet Climbing
2:48 Hours
2382 Calories
170 Average HR
188 Max HR
74 Average Cadence

Lap 1 time: :50:02
Lap 2 time: :53:52
Lap 3 time: 1:03:44

Rained on the last lap and the course became a muddy, peanut buttery mess. Still having breathing issues and therefore not performing at my maximum. Raced on the new Anthem X0. Killer bike, very fast and light, performed flawlessly.

Tune Up - 1 1/4 Hours

2009-03-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

Through Manzanita Diggins
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Deiter's Trail

10.56 Miles
1392 Feet Climbing
1:22 Hours
772 Calories
137 Average HR
180 Max HR

Pre race Tune Up.

Hard Flat Training - 1 1/2 Hours

2009-03-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

Up Nimrod Street
Up Gold Flat Road
Up Pittsburg Road
Intervals on D-S Canal
Down Banner Lava Cap
Down Nevada City Highway
Down Zion Street

1:28 Hours

Interval 1:
168 Average HR
179 Max HR
93 Average Cadence

Interval 2:
167 Average HR
174 Max HR
87 Average Cadence

Interval 3:
169 Average HR
176 Max HR
84 Average Cadence

Interval 4:
170 Average HR
177 Max HR
84 Average Cadence

Interval 5:
165 Average HR
178 Max HR
85 Average Cadence

Interval 6:
171 Average HR
182 Max HR
81 Average Cadence

Six sets of 3 minute intervals with a target range of 173 to 182 with a 6 minute recovery. On new Anthem X0 race bike.

Basic IV - 2 1/2 Hours - Singlespeed

2009-03-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Up Cement Hill
Across Wet Hill Ditch
Across Airport Ditch
Down Lake Vera Purdon Road
Up Round Mountain Flume Trail
All or upper Round Mountain Trails
Up Rector Road
Up Rock Creek Road
Up Atolia Road
Down Coyote Street
12.93 Miles
2106 Feet Climbing
2:27 Hours
1277 Calories
120 Average HR
210 Max HR (WRONG!)

On the Felt Nine Solo singlespeed. Accompanied by the Teacher & Raphael.

Hard HillTraining - 2 Hours

2009-03-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Intervals up and down Willow Valley Road
Down Snow Mountain Ditch
Down Uren Street
14.87 Miles
1831 Feet Climbing
1:53 Hours
2308 Calories
123 Average HR
176 Max HR

3 minute hilly intervals with 6 minute recovery on cx bike. Heart rate did not go as high as I wanted it to. Think my body is tired.

Push Basic IV - 3 Hours

2009-03-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

Three laps of Cool race course.

28.59 Miles
3813 Feet Climbing
2:59 Hours
1914 Calories
144 Average HR
181 Max HR

Three lap Cool race pre-ride. Accompanied by The Believer and Raphael. Still having breathing issues. Rode SS 29er.

Push Basic IV - 1 Hours

2009-03-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

Down Idaho-Maryland Road
Down West Main Street
Up Richardson Street
Up Alta Street
Down Ridge Road
Down Bitney Springs Road
Up Newtown Road
Up Champion Road
Up Old Downieville Highway

12.07 Miles
1220 Feet Climbing
0:57 Hours
910 Calories
128 Average HR
167 Max HR
68 Average Cadence

Training ride during commute home.

Push Basic IV - 1 1/2 Hours

2009-03-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

Down Old Downieville Highway
Down Champion Mine Road
Down Newtown Road
Exploring ditches and power line trails.
Up Discovery Way
Up Little Deer Creek Lane
Up Slate Creek Road
Up Ridge Road
Down Hughes Road
Down East Main Street
Up Idaho-Maryland Road
13.81 Miles
1451Feet Climbing
1:33 Hours
1220 Calories
137 Average HR
177 Max HR
62 Average Cadence

Training ride during commute to work. Did a little exploring and was stopped by one section of about 300 feet of canal that was fenced off. One property owner has closed off the ditch. What a dick!

Hard Flat Training - 1 1/2 Hours - Spinning

2009-03-03T19:50:00.000-08:00

1:28 Hours
1072 Calories
131 Average HR
182 Max HR
80 Average Cadence

On the spin bike. Goal is for a heart rate between 90 and 110. I usually average about 20 rpm below this therefore it's difficult to keep it that high. Watched the 2009 Tour of California on mute and listened to Rock and Roll.

Hard Hill Training - 1 1/2 Hours - Spinning

2009-03-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

1:28 Hours
1088 Calories
127 Average HR
180 Max HR
67 Average Cadence

On the spin bike. Takes some creativity to get the bike to provide enough resistance to get my heart rate this high. Felt good, but it's hard to get my heart rate to this intensity indoors. Watched the 2009 Tour of California on mute and listened to Rock and Roll.

Hilly Moderate Intervals - 2 1/4 Hours

2009-02-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

Down Old Downieville Highway
Up Old Downieville Highway
Up Willow Valley Road
Down Willow Valley Road
Up Willow Valley Road
Down Willow Valley Road
Up Willow Valley Road
Down Willow Valley Road
Down Snow Mountain Ditch
Down Highway 20
20.20 Miles
2484 Feet Climbing
2:11 Hours
2049 Calories
132 Average HR
173 Max HR
62 Cadence Average

3 - 17 minute intervals with 6 minute rest between. Accompanied by Raphael.

Push Basic IV - 1 1/2 Hours

2009-02-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

Up Sutton Way
Across Plaza Drive
Up Brunswick Road
Up Old Tunnel Road
Down Town Talk Road
Along trail next to Brunswick Road
Up Idaho Maryland Road
Up Banner Lava Cap Road
Down Red Dog Road
Down Old Downieville Highway
Up Old Downieville Highway
17.14 Miles
2017 Feet Climbing
1:32 Hours
1951 Calories
130 Average HR
164 Max HR

Training ride during commute home. Snow still up on Banner and very foggy in a low area towards the top of Banner.

Crosstraining: Snowshoeing at White Cloud

2009-02-24T21:10:00.000-08:00

Down to Deer Creek from White Cloud.

1:50 Hours
111 Average HR
151 Max HR

Not much snow at White Cloud. We ended up taking off the snowshoes. Accompanied by Laser Cats, The Terrible Twos and Flask Man.

Recovery - 1 Hour - Spinning

2009-02-23T19:05:00.000-08:00

1:00 Hour
937 Calories
115 Average HR
128 Max HR
74 Average Cadence

Post race recovery spin.

Race - TBF Mountain Bike Challenge #2

2009-02-22T19:34:00.000-08:00

25.48 Miles
2439 Feet Climbing
2:08 Hours
2884 Calories
178 Average HR
191 Max HR

I have raced at Folsom Lake four times now. Two times (including this one) I have had serious breathing issues. Some people, including my doctor, says it sounds like exercise induced asthma. I have only had this trouble at this location.
I had breathing issues and felt like I was going backwards on the climbs. I feel good about my descending during the race. First and fourth lap it rained. Overall it was a very muddy and fun race. Rode the Felt Nine Solo and it performed flawlessly, however I could have used a smaller gear. Ran 32/17 but due to the mud should have had a 32/18.

Expert Men - 4 Laps
8th Place of 8 Entries
19:08 behind race winner.

Flat Moderate Intervals - Spin - 1 3/4 Hours

2009-02-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

1:40 Hour
140 Average HR
165 Max HR
76 Average Cadence

On trainer at home. Goal was three Moderate Intervals with my Heart Rate around 160 and my cadence at 90 rpm with a 7 minute rest between. Watched Stage 3, 4, & 5 of the 2007 Tour of California while it rained and snowed outside.

Push Basic IV - Spin - 1 3/4 Hours

2009-02-15T19:15:00.000-08:00

1:45 Hour
138 Average HR
155 Max HR
67 Average Cadence

On trainer at home. Goal was to keep my Heart Rate around 145 and my cadence at 70 rpm. Watched Stage 1 & 2 of the 2007 Tour of California while it rained outside.

Spinning at Home - Flat Moderate Intervals

2009-02-13T08:46:00.000-08:00

1:11 Hour
138 Average HR
166 Max HR
78 Average Cadence

On trainer at home. Two 17 minute intervals with 7 minute recovery. Watched the Prologue of the 2007 Tour of California and watched it snow outside. Power went out half way through spin.

Spin Basic IV - 1 Hour - LA Urban Ride

2009-02-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

17.51 Miles
244 Feet Climbing
1:05 Hours
972 Calories
131 Average HR
180 Max HR

On the CX bike. Ride lead by Finx. Final ride before food poisoning.

Basic III - 3 Hours - Aliso & Woods Canyons

2009-01-31T20:57:00.000-08:00

From Aliso & Woods Canyons Wilderness Park
Up Rubber Ridge Trail
Up Vista Trail
Down Stair Steps Trail
Up Willow Canyon Road
Up Bommer Ridge Road
Down Pacific Ridge Trail
Up Deer Canyon Trail
Down Rattlesnake Trail
Down West Cut Across
Up I Think I Can
Up Moro Ridge
Down Bommer Ridge Road
Down Old Emerald Trail
Up Emerald Canyon Road
Down Bommer Ridge Road
Down Big Bend Trail
Along Stagecoach Springs South
Up Stair Steps Trial (!!!)
Down Rock-It Trail
Up Woods Canyon Trail

24.08 Miles
4416 Feet Climbing
2:52 Hours
2235 Calories
152 Average HR
191 Max HR

On the Felt Nine Solo singlespeed. Warm weather, green grass and lots of climbing. Great ride.

Basic I - 1 Hour - Aliso & Wood Canyons

2009-01-30T21:11:00.000-08:00

Down Aliso Canyon Creek
Up Wood Canyon Trail
Up Cholla Trail
Up West Ridge Trail
Down Rock-It Trail
Down Wood Canyon Trail
Up Aliso Canyon Creek
10.56 Miles
1079 Feet Climbing
1:01 Hours
681 Calories
141 Average HR
190 Max HR

On the Felt Nine Solo singlespeed. Broke one plate on my chain about half way in the ride. Had to cut the ride short to go buy a new chain.

Basic III - 2 1/4 Hours - UnNamed Trail

2009-01-27T22:06:00.000-08:00

Up Cement Hill
Across Wet Hill Ditch
Across Airport Ditch
Down Excelsior Ditch Camp Road
....

South Yuba

....

Down JB Trail
Up Jones Bar Road
Up New Town Road
Up Champion Road Ditch
Up Champion Road
Up Old Downieville Highway
Back to Nevada City
20.51 Miles
1924 Feet Climbing
2:17 Hours
1748 Calories
120 Average HR
159 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Underdressed and lost feeling in my fingertips. Was able to warm my fingers up by the time the ride ended. Accompanied by Raphael

Race - TBF Ice Breaker

2009-01-25T22:15:00.000-08:00

19.18 Miles
1771 Feet Climbing
1:31 Hours
1169 Calories
177 Average HR
191 Max HR

First race of 2009. Showed up just to have fun and to remember what it's like to race. It hurts. I raced Expert Class on my Singlespeed. Singlespeed only did two laps and I wanted to race longer. First really fast miles on the Felt Nine Solo singlespeed. It was great, held corners well, maintained speed well, climbed well and even took a 30" drop by accident well. Lost one place at the finish to a guy that had gears. Lost quite a few places at the start because of the long flat road start and a bottleneck turn. Even if I had gotten a good start position I would have lost it in the long flat road. Great race, had a blast.

Expert Men - 3 Laps
7th Place of 11 Entries
2:28 behind race leader. Pretty damn good for racing a singlespeed agains all geared racers.

Moderate Intervals - 1 3/4 Hours - Banner Mountain Area

2008-12-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

Up Willow Valley Road
Up Boulder Street
Up Red Dog Road
Down Rocker Road
Up Banner Mountain Trail
Up Bandolier Way
Out Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Red Dog Road
Down Banner Lava Cap Road
Down Idaho Maryland Road
Down Lee Lane
Down Blackberry Place
Down Loma Rica Drive
Along Ditch
Down East Bennett Road
Down Whispering Pines Lane
Down Idaho Maryland Road

17.33 Miles
1924 Feet Climbing
1:40 Hours
1413 Calories
124 Average HR
167 Max HR
63 Cadence Average

On the cyclocross bike. Did 2 sets of moderate 17 minute intervals. Found some jumps and a ladder bridge down by Willow Valley Road on Boulder Street.

Basic I - 6 hours - South Yuba

2008-12-06T16:12:00.000-08:00

Up Cement Hill
Across Wet Hill Ditch
Across Airport Ditch
Down Lake Vera Purdon Road
Up Round Mountain Flume Trail
Down Round Mountain Switchbacks
Up South Yuba Trail
Up North Bloomfield Road
Down North Bloomfield Graniteville Road
Up and down Rim Trail
Down the Vonnegut trail
Down Graniteville Road
Down Missouri Bar Trail
Down South Yuba Trail
Down North Bloomfield Road
Up North Bloomfield Road
40.99 Miles
6806 Feet Climbing
5:55 Hours
4606 Calories
141 Average HR
177 Max HR

On the Giant Trance X1. Long ride. Rode consistent, but not very hard. Was cool and dry, great weather on a clear fall day. Long solo ride. These Kenda tire sidewalls suck!

NID modified a section of the Across Wet Hill Ditch.

The Airport Ditch on a fall day.

A trail over in the Round Mountain area.

The South Yuba canyon with the Sutter Buttes in the background.

The South Yuba trail headed upstream from the Round Mountain Trail.

The bridge at Edwards Crossing with frost on it.

Taking a break and taking layers off for the climb up to Malakoff Diggins.

The top of the climb at Lake City with the Grouse Ridge area in the far distance.

The South Yuba Trail below the Missouri Bar Trail.

A mining claim on the South Yuba River.

The South Yuba Trail winds through a flood plain.

Look upstream on the South Yuba Trail.

A fun little section of the South Yuba Trail. The river is about 100 feet down on the left.

The South Yuba River.

These Kenda tires have the thinnest, weakest, most piece of crap sidewalls. A little scratch on the sidwall and I have a flat. Ghetto Tubeless setup shown. I don't like and it and won't be doing it again. These tires suck.

Basic I - 2 Hours - Bitney Springs Area

2008-12-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

Up East Main Street
Up Hughes Road
Down Ridge Road
Down Rough & Ready Highway
Down Bitney Springs Road
Up Bar Ranch Road
Up Bitney Springs Road
Down Rudd Road
Up Rudd Road
Up Bitney Springs Road
Up Rough & Ready Highway
Up Ridge Road
Up & Down Dorsey Drive
Down East Main Street
24.09 Miles
2515 Feet Climbing
2:06 Hours
1402 Calories
119 Average HR
154 Max HR

On the CX bike. Training ride down to two job sites. Found some nice trails alongside Ridge Road & Rough & Ready Highway.

Basic I - 2 1/4 Hours - Scott's Drop

2008-12-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Lone Grave
Down Scott's Drop
Along Scott's Flat Lake trail
Up Scotts Flat Road
Down Scotts Valley Road
Down Willow Valley Road

12.21 Miles
2409 Feet Climbing
2:08 Hours
1741 Calories

On the singlespeed. Didn't have HR monitor on. Supergirl's light died early so we came down the road instead of trail. Accompanied by Raphael & Supergirl.

Moderate Intervals - 2 1/4 Hours - Scott's Drop

2008-11-30T23:07:00.000-08:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Lone Grave
Down Scott's Drop
Along Scott's Flat Lake trail
Down to Lower Scotts Lake
Up Scott's Flat Dam Road
Up Scott's Flat Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down new trail next to Hwy 20
20.86 Miles
2460 Feet Climbing
2:19 Hours
1994 Calories
141 Average HR
180 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Did two 17 minute intervals, one going up Willow Valley, one going up Scotts Dam Road. We caught Paddy climbing up Willow Valley Road, he rode with us for the Scotts Flat Loop will we ran into Peeps. Accompanied by The Believer.

Moderate Interval - 2 1/2 Hours - Round Mountain

2008-11-29T23:06:00.000-08:00

Up Hwy 49
Up Cement Hill
Across Red Hill Ditch
Across Airport Ditch
Down Lake Vera Road
Up the Round Mountain Flume Trail
Down Trailhead Road
Down the Round Mountain Switchbacks
Down South Yuba Trail
Up Lake Vera Purdon Road
Up Rector Road
Up Rock Creek Road
Up Atolia Road
Down Coyote Street
Down Hwy 49
20.96 Miles
2621 Feet Climbing
2:34 Hours
1889 Calories
128 Average HR
177 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Took a while to get started, had some mechanicals, Raphael had to abandon ride due to broken rear qr skewer. Did one 17 minute interval coming up Purdon Road. My singlespeed chain was thrashed, one link was missing a side and three links had no rollers. Amazing that with the pressure I was putting on the drivetrain during my interval that the chain stayed in one piece. The South Yuba trail was covered in hikers. It's weird riding this trail during the day on the weekend, i'm used to not seeing anyone there. Accompanied by Supergirl.

Basic I - 2 1/4 Hours

2008-11-28T23:05:00.000-08:00

19.66 Miles
2:18 Hours
2026 Calories
137 Average HR
180 Max HR

Not sure what this ride was (posting almost a month after I did it). My Garmin does not have any GPS or heart rate graph data.

Basic I - 1 Hour - Pioneer Trail

2008-11-27T23:01:00.000-08:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Willow Valley Road
Up Willow Valley Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Uren Street

7.91 Miles
1226 Feet Climbing
45 Minutes
851 Calories
148 Average HR
180 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Quick ride before Thanksgiving. I ended up turning my GPS off for a few miles by accident.

Basic I - 2 1/4 Hours - Round Mountain

2008-11-25T22:54:00.000-08:00

Basic I - 2 1/4 Hours - Scott's Drop

2008-11-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Lone Grave
Down Scott's Drop
Along Scott's Flat Lake trail
Down to Lower Scotts Lake
Along Lower Scotts Trail
Hike-a-bike up to old ditch
Down Snow Mountain Ditch
Down Hwy 20
18.9 Miles
1832 Feet Climbing
2:12 Hours
2308 Calories
148 Average HR
179 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Feeling more comfortable with my requirement to clean obstacles once considered difficult. Rode out Snow Mountain Ditch from Lower Scotts Lake, the ENTIRE way. Someone has been clearing the trail and the hike-a-bike is flagged from the Lower Scotts Lake trail. Excellent Day!

Basic I - 2 3/4 Hours - Round Mountain

2008-11-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

From Work to Nevada City &
Up Coyote Street
Up North Bloomfield Road
Down Honeysuckle Way
Up and down and up Rock Creek Road
Along one section of the Round Mountain Trails
Up and Down the Up and Over Trail
Down the Round Mountain Switchbacks
Down the South Yuba Trail
Up Purdon Road
Up Rector Road
Up Rock Creek Road
Up Atolia Road
Down Coyote Street
23.10 Miles
3828 Feet Climbing
2:48 Hours
1934 Calories
141 Average HR
186 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Trails are in great shape. BIG group ride, accompanied Laser Cats, The FNG, Nanimal, Billiam, Jim Morrison, The Terrible Twos, The Maverick and Flask Man.

Moderate Intervals - 1 1/2 Hours - Banner & Cascade Canal

2008-11-19T15:42:00.000-08:00

Up Banner Lava Cap Road
Down Quaker Hill Cross
Down Red Dog Road
Across Cascade Canal
Down Banner Lava Cap Road
On the CX bike. Accompanied by Supergirl. Two sets of 17 minute moderate intervals with a target range of 151 to 170 with a 7 minute recovery. Second interval was difficult to keep the heart rate up riding across the Cascade Canal.

Basic I - 2 Hours - Hallelujah Trail

2008-11-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

From White Cloud
Up Pioneer Trail
Up Burlington Ridge Road
Up Canal Spur A Road
Down Secret Squirrel Trail
Down Burlington Ridge Road
Across new trail
Down Hallelujah Trail
Down Pioneer Trail
13.47 Miles
1592 Feet Climbing
2:05 Hours
1372 Calories
131 Average HR
173 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Accompanied by Trucker, Billiam and Fiatissimo. I had two flats, front tire both times... Billiam crashed twice, the second was pretty brutal. A stick wedged between his front wheel and fork and catapulted him directly into the ground. I crashed on the last switchback coming down Hallelujah. It was great!

Basic I - 2 Hours - Pioneer Trail

2008-11-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Miner's Trail
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Conservation Camp Road Trail
Around and upHorse Trails
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Snow Mountain Ditch
18.39 Miles
1928 Feet Climbing
1829 Calories
145 Average HR
183 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Warm, very nice day. Accompanied by Raphael & Ralph Hinkley.

Basic V - 3 hours - UnNamed trail

2008-11-13T21:46:00.000-08:00

From Grass Valley to Nevada City
Up Cement Hill
Across Wet Hill Ditch
Across Airport Ditch
Down Excelsior Ditch Camp Road
....

South Yuba

....

Down JB Trail
Up Jones Bar Road
Up New Town Road
Up Champion Road Ditch
Up Champion Road
Up Old Downieville Highway
Back to Nevada City
24.17 Miles
2849 Feet Climbing
3:04 Hours
1838 Calories
138 Average HR
183 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Was able to find the correct way down this time! Trucker took us on a VERY steep descending trail. It WAS awesome! Bill pushed a very hard pace coming up Jones Bar Road. Full moon. Rode up Jones Bar Road without lights, it was magical. Accompanied by Billiam and Trucker.

This is a comparison between this week's ride of the UnNamed Trail (in green) and last week's ride of the UnNamed trail (in orange). Route starts in top left hand corner and goes counter clockwise. You can see at about 8 o'clock on the route the diversion of routes. Orange was last week's mistake, green is this week's correct route. At about 5 o'clock you can see the diversion. This week's route is down the steep JB Trail and last week's route shows the flat trail. At 11 o'clock on the route shows that we took the Champion Road ditch back instead of Champion Road.

Basic V - 2 1/2 hours - Scotts Drop

2008-11-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Lone Grave
Down Scott's Drop
Along Scott's Flat Lake trail
Down to Lower Scotts Lake
Up Scott's Flat Dam Road
Up Scott's Flat Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down new trail next to Hwy 20
20.7 Miles
2443 Feet Climbing
2:27 Hours
2277 Calories
136 Average HR
182 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Trails are PERFECT after the rains. Accompanied by the Raphael. There has been some logging activity on the Lone Grave side of Hwy 20. Cleared small bridge over canal both ways and jumped root drop along lake trail.

Basic V - 2 1/2 hours - UnNamed trail

2008-11-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

Up Cement Hill
Across Wet Hill Ditch
Across Airport Ditch
Down Excelsior Ditch Camp Road
....

South Yuba

....

Up Jones Bar Road
Up New Town Road
Up Champion Road
Up Old Downieville Highway
Back to Nevada City22.52 Miles
2292 Feet Climbing
2:32 Hours
2175 Calories
137 Average HR
188 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Trail was a little slick from the rain and is a little overgrown and excellent. I got us a little lost heading down Excelsior Ditch Camp Road, took a wrong turn, but amazingly enough it worked out. Chased a 6 point buck down the road, got a little too close to him. Accompanied by Laser Cats, The Flask Man, The Captain, Jim Morrison, Gnat & The Terrible Twos.

Basic V - 6 hours - South Yuba

2008-10-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Up Cement Hill
Across Wet Hill Ditch
Across Airport Ditch
Down Lake Vera Purdon Road
Up Round Mountain Flume Trail
Down Round Mountain Switchbacks
Up South Yuba Trail
Up North Bloomfield Road
Down North Bloomfield Graniteville Road
Up and down Rim Trail
Down the Vonnegut trail
Down Graniteville Road
Down Missouri Bar Trail
Down South Yuba Trail
Down unknown trail
Down North Bloomfield Road
Up North Bloomfield Road
41.55 Miles
6769 Feet Climbing
5:50 Hours
4490 Calories
149 Average HR
182 Max HR

On the Giant Trance X1. Long ride. Approached it with the intensity of an endurance race. Was cool and dry, great weather on a clear fall day. Trail coming out of the South Yuba campground down to North Bloomfield road needs work. Trail needs benching near the road and the rocky section needs to be eliminated as it is totally unrideable and difficult to hike. Accompanied by Don Adams.

7:00 am start time on a Sunday. ugh.

Sierra Buttes from the Airport Ditch.

Don Adams on the Round Mountain Flume Trail.

Don on the RM Flume Trail again.

Vuduvgn (me) climing a section of the South Yuba Trail below Edwards Crossing.

Same section.

Don on the same section of South Yuba looking downstream, not the trail in the background.

Don making a particularly rocky section of South Yuba look much less scary than it is.

Don pushing up a very steep section of the Rim Trail.

Don on a particularly colorful section of South Yuba below Missouri Bar.

Climbing out of Edwards Crossing.

On Bike Strength - Grouse Ridge

2008-10-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

Up Round Lake Trail
Up Sand Ridge Trail
Down Glacier Lake Trail
Down Round Lake Trail
Down Crooked Lakes Trail
Down Lindsey Lakes Trail
Up Grouse Ridge Trail
Down Round Lake Trail

21.10 Miles
3806 Feet Climbing
2370 Calories
143 Average HR
191Max HR

On the Giant Trance X1. Incredible! Trail was in great shape, barely dusty and great traction. Fewer trees down on the Grouse Ridge Trail than I had heard. We ran into maybe a dozen of them and they were not too hard to navigate over or around. Cold and windy day. Accompanied by Billiam.

Billiam coming up the Round Lake Trail.

View of the Sierra Buttes from Sand Ridge.

Vudvgn (me) and Billiam on Sand Ridge.

Glacier Lake.

Billiam on the Grouse Ridge Trail.

Looking North with the sun falling.

Feeley Lake with the moon rising just before sunset.

Basic V - 2 3/4 hours - Pioneer Trail

2008-10-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Up Willow Valley Road
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Conservation Camp Road Trail
Down and back up unnamed road
Around Horse Trails
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Snow Mountain Ditch
25.32 Miles
3119 Feet Climbing
3167 Calories
139 Average HR
186 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Route includes my commute from work to Tour of Nevada City to meet the group. We had some fun exploring the horse trails at night! Accompanied by Laser Cats, The Flask Man, Metal Mike, The Captain, Gnat & The Terrible Twos.

Basic V - 1 1/2 hours - Hallelujah Trail

2008-10-07T21:33:00.000-07:00

(Thin pink line is from a previous ride, same route. GPS had trouble locking sattelite reception untill about 1/2 way into the ride.)
Up Pioneer Trail
Up Burlington Ridge Road
Up new unnamed trail
Down Hallelujah Trail
Down Pioneer Trail
12.71 Miles
1276 Feet Climbing
1:28 Hours
976 Calories
146 Average HR
182 Max HR

On the singlespeed. After drenching rains on Saturday the trail was in great shape, fast, tacky and smooth. Awesome condition! Accompanied by The Believer, Supergirl, Trucker, Billiam and Gator.

Basic V - 3 hours - South Yuba

2008-10-04T21:03:00.000-07:00

Up North Bloomfield Road
Up and down the Rim Trail
Down Unknown Trail
Up Relief Hill Road
Down Buck Road
Down Missouri Bar Trail
Down South Yuba Trail
17.71 Miles
2336 Feet Climbing
2:56 Hours
2336 Calories
141 Average HR
185 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Ripcat's birthday ride. Cool and wet, was rained on only during the last 1/4 mile, great timing! First time i've done this loop with a 2:1 gear ratio. It hurt, hurt like hell. Trail is in great shape, thanks Metal Mike for all the work you've done on the trail this year! Accompanied by The Believer, Ripcats, Jennyjo and GT4 Champ.

GT4 Champ & Ripcats.

Daffodil sculpture at Lake City.

The top of North Bloomfield Road at Lake City.

The Believer.

Daffodil sculpture.

Jennyjo.

The Believer.

Ripcats.

GT4 Champ.

View of the diggins from the Rim Trail.

Ripcats & Jennyjo.

GT4 Champ & The Believer walking up a steep climb on the Rim Trail.

Jennyjo on the same climb. Not bad for 5 months preggo!

Jennyjo again on the same climb.

The Believer fixing a flat on Missouri Bar. Ripcats supervising.

Ripcats, GT4 Champ & the Believer on the South Yuba Trail.

Ripcats, GT4 Champ, vuduvgn & the Believer on the South Yuba Trail. Notice it's getting dark.

Ripcats walking a very steep section of trail on the South Yuba Trail at Humbug Creek. Getting darker and darker. Not to worry, we finished in the daylight, but barely.

Basic V - 1 1/4 hours

2008-10-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

Up East Main Street
Up Nevada City Highway
Down Zion Street
Up Spring Street
Down Bridge Street
Down Factory Street
Down Old Downieville Highway
Down Champion Mine Road
Up and down Newtown Road
Down Discovery Way
Up Little Deer Creek Lane
Up Slate Creek Road
Up and down Ridge Road
Down Zion Street
14.94 Miles
1440 Feet Climbing
1:21 Hours
967 Calories (estimate)

On the xc bike. Accompanied by Raphael and Anna Seidman. Ended up riding because the CX clinic didn't happen. Didn't have heart rate monitor with me.

Basic V - 2 1/4 hours

2008-09-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Miner's Trail
Down Harmony Ridge Road
Down Harmony Ridge fire road
Up Cooper Road
Down unknown trail
Down Nubian Way
Down North Bloomfield Road
Up Nimbus Damn Road
Up and down unknown BLM fire road
Up Rock Creek Road
Down the Flume Trail
Down and up Rector Road
Up Rock Creek Road
Up Atolia Road
Down Coyote Street
16.90 Miles
2329 Feet Climbing
2:15 Hours
1632 Calories
141 Average HR
189 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Plagued with mechanicals; one flat tire, one broken pedal (which put Supergirl on the pavement), two dropped chains. Saw a very small bear cub and a fox. First time so far this year we've needed lights to ride. Was great! Accompanied by Don Adams, Raphael, The Believer, Supergirl and Gator. Trucker, Wayne-O and Fiatissimo were noticeabley missing.

Basic V - 3 hours - Pioneer Trail & More

2008-09-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

Up Nevada Street
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Scotts Valley Road
Down Scotts Flat Road
Up Casci Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Conservation Road Trails
Down Cooper Road
Down Larson Trail
Down Nubian Way
Up North Bloomfield Road
Exploring up Harmony Estates Road
Up North Bloomfield Road
By pond, ballfield and library
30.88 Miles
3731 Feet Climbing
3:03 Hours
3080 Calories
141 Average HR
183 Max HR

On the cx bike. Attempted to do race simulation but ran out of climbing to do it and I don't feel real comfortable descending trail or deeply rutted road fast on the cx bike. Need to adjust brakes and tension wheels.

Basic V - 1 1/2 hours - Pioneer Trail

2008-09-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Lone Grave
Down Lone Grave
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Uren Street

14.17 Miles
1478 Feet Climbing
1:35 Hours
1091 Calories
141 Average HR
187 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Ended up being a relatively short ride. Pushed some hard accelerations and sprints. Accompanied by Don Adams, Raphael, Trucker, Wayne-O, Billiam and La Conquistadora.

Sacramento Cyclocross Race #1

2008-09-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

8.14 Miles
129 Feet Climbing
31:56 Hour
406 Calories
187 Average HR
193 Max HR

First cyclocross race of the season. I'm going to start racing B's, because, though the race hurt, I didn't feel too bad afterwards, so I need to race for a longer period of time. My bike dismounts are good and my remounts are getting better. On the start of the third lap I was in second place with the leader about 40 seconds out. On the fourth and fifth laps I faded to 6th place. Racecourse was dead flat with barriers in two locations.

Men's C's - 1/2 Hour Race
6th Place of 33 Entries

Battling early in the race.

About half way through the race after pulling away from other racers in a fast flat section.

Finishing. Note the tired fallen shoulders...

On Bike Strength - Round Mountain

2008-09-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Up Hwy 49
Up Cement Hill
Across Red Hill Ditch
Across Airport Ditch
Down Lake Vera Road
Up the Round Mountain Flume Trail
Down Trailhead Road
Down the Round Mountain Switchbacks
Down South Yuba Trail
Up Lake Vera Purdon Road
Up Rector Road
Up Rock Creek Road
Up Atolia Road
Down Coyote Street
Down Hwy 49
15.68 Miles
2350 Feet Climbing
2:06 Hours
1399 Calories
140 Average HR
187 Max HR

On the singlespeed. The orange on the map is trail we rode but the GPS hadn't locked in yet, I traced a previous ride. Tonight was a very hard pace with intervals of sprints thrown in for fun. Five of us were on singlespeeds, two with gears. Accompanied Trucker, Billiam, La Conquistadora, Don Adams, The Believer and Raphael.

Basic V - 2 1/2 hours - Round Mountain

2008-09-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Up Cement Hill
Across Red Hill Ditch
Across Airport Ditch
Down Lake Vera Purdon
Up the South Yuba Trail
Up the Round Mountain Trail
Up Trailhead Road
Down Rock Creek Road
Across BLM Fire Road
Up North Bloomfield Road
Down trail behind the Library
20.41 Miles
2668 Feet Climbing
2:32 Hours
2015 Calories
138 Average HR
185 Max HR

On the cyclocross bike. Did a number of cyclocross drills to prep for the upcoming cx season. Rode the Round Mountain loop counter clockwise. Accompanied by The Believer, Don Adams and Raphael.

The sign has been replaced at the top of the Round Mountain Trail.

Raphael getting to the top of the Round Mountain Trail.

Raphael and The Believer rehydrating near the library.

Basic V - 2 hours - Round Mountain

2008-09-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

Up Coyote Street
Up North Bloomfield Road
Down Honeysuckle Way
Up and down and up Rock Creek Road
Along one section of the Round Mountain Trails
Up and Down the Up and Over Trail
Down the Round Mountain Switchbacks
Down the South Yuba Trail
Up Purdon Road
Up Rector Road
Up Rock Creek Road
Up Atolia Road
Down Coyote Street
17.14 Miles
2655 Feet Climbing
1:55 Hours
1589 Calories
141 Average HR
187 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Trails are a little dusty, the poison oak is almost all dead, South Yuba trail is a little overgrown. Heard two bears and saw one more. Accompanied Laser Cats and Flask Man.

Basic V - 2 hours - Round Mountain

2008-09-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

Up Hwy 49
Up Cement Hill
Across Red Hill Ditch
Across Airport Ditch
Up Lake Vera Road
Down and Up Rock Creek Road
Up Round Mountain Trails
Up Rector Road
Up Rock Creek Road
Up Atolia Road
Down North Bloomfield Road
Down unnamed trail behind Library
Down Hwy 49
16.94 Miles
1970 Feet Climbing
1:55 Hours
1353 Calories
129 Average HR
183 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Trails are a little bit dusty and the poison oak is almost all dead. Accompanied Trucker, Gator, Mogely and Future Man.

On Bike Strength - Skill Development - Loch Leven Trails

2008-09-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

Down Hampshire Rocks Road
Up old Wagon Road
Up some fire road past Huysink Lake
Up Salmon Lake Trail
Down and back on side trail to Salmon Lake
Down Loch Leven Trail
Up and back on side trail to High Loch Leven Lake
Down Cherry Point Trail
Up Big Granite Trail
Back down some fire road
Back up Salmon Lake Trail
Down Loch Leven Trail
14.14 Miles*
3286 Feet Climbing*
6:33 Hours*
1774 Calories*
135 Average HR*
176 Max HR*

*GPS took quite a while to lock on and therefore missed some of the first fire road climb. Also accidentally turned it off around the first arrival of Loch Leven Lake. The time that the GPS was not recording or off are shown as yellow on the map.

On the Trance X1. Accompanied by Trucker, Billiam and Don Adams. This trail is incredibly hard to ride, some of the most technical stuff i've ever ridden. I rode more of it than I ever have, but compared to the gents that came along, I wish I had tried to clean more. The trail was in good shape, but there were many trees down. 8 trees down in the 2 miles of the Salmon Lake Trail. 20 trees down in the few miles that are the Cherry Point Trail. 5 trees down on the short section of Big Granite we did. 4 trees down on the spur trail up to High Loch Leven trail.

Though Cherry Point and Big Granite barely get any use, the trail was still easy to follow. The fire road at the bottom of Cherry Point is effectively singletrack now, crowded in by White Thorn Ceanothus. Big Granite has been rerouted since the last time I was up there. I think this is the original route that was lost after the logging activity a few years back.

We went for a swim the second time we got to Loch Leven Lake. That was great! It was really nice to feel refreshed for the 2.7 mile descent back to the cars. Made fixing my two front flats more bearable.

Don Adams lubing his chain before the ride as Trucker looks on.

Crossing the rail road tracks on the fire road climb.

Don Adams climbing a steep section of singletrack on the Salmon Lake Trail.

A lake along the Salmon Lake Trail.

Billiam cleaning a very techy section along the Salmon Lake Trail.

Don riding down a step on the Salmon Lake Trail.

Billiam on the Salmon Lake Trail.

Billiam and Don Adams at Salmon Lake.

Billiam cleaning a steep granite slab on the Loch Leven Trail.

Trucker on the trail up to High Loch Leven Lake.

High Loch Leven Lake.

Billiam jumping over a big log on the Cherry Point Trail.

Fail.

Trucker pushing up the Big Granite Trail.

Don Adams climbing up the Big Granite Trail.

A bear was here. A very big bear.

Don Adams in front of a very large Cedar tree.

The top of the Big Granite trail. No motos, note the quad tracks we are riding in.

Trucker on our second trip up the Salmon Lake Trail.

Pushing up the Salmon Lake Trail.

A big granite section on the Salmon Lake Trail.

We went for a swim at Loch Leven lake and were visited by a family of ducks.

Bill cleaning a big drop on the Loch Leven Trail.

Beer and dinner at Rainbow Lodge.

Basic V - 1 3/4 hours - Pioneer Trail

2008-09-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

Down Pine Street
Up Coyote Street
Up North Bloomfield Road
Up Cooper Road
Up Conservation Road
Up Conservation Trail
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Snow Mountain Ditch
Down Uren Street
Up Pine Street

18.16 Miles
2036 Feet Climbing
1:51 Hours
1651 Calories
129 Average HR
179 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Trails are VERY dusty so we stuck mostly to paved and gravel roads. Accompanied Laser Cats and Flask Man.

Basic V - Lemond Loop

2008-09-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

Up East Main Street
Up Hughes Road
Down Ridge Road
Down Rough and Ready
Down Bitney Springs Road
Up Newtown Road
Up Champion Mine Road
15.25 Miles
1290 Feet Climbing
1:08 Hours
956 Calories
133 Average HR
178 Max HR
75 Average Cadence

On the road bike. Tried to keep my cadence at 100 rpm but failed miserably. I'm not much of a spinner, but i'll keep trying. Also had a hard time keeping motivated enough to keep my heart rate 160. Had more success the second half of the ride.

On Bike Strength - Scott's Drop

2008-09-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Scott's Drop
Along Scott's Flat Lake trail
Down to Lower Scotts Flat Lake Trail
Out and back on Lower Scotts Flat Lake Trail
Up Scott's Flat Dam Road
Up Scott's Flat Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Uren Street19.39 Miles
2057 Feet Climbing
2:15 Hours
1909 Calories
136 Average HR
184 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Trails are VERY dusty. The Believer set a really fast and hard pace. Why did he do this? Accompanied by the Believer, Don Adams, Raphael, SuperGirl, J, J, J, 4Adam30, and Mogely.

Recovery - 2 Hours - Hallelujah Trail

2008-08-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

Up Pioneer Trail from below White Cloud to Skillman Campground
Up Burlington Ridge Road
Up new unnamed trail
Down Hallelujah Trail
Up unnamed fire road
Down Pioneer trail

12.71 Miles
1276 Feet Climbing
2:05 Hours
1703 Calories
116 Average HR
184 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Accompanied by FinX. A nice spin up Pioneer Trail. Very dusty and loose.

Northstar Race #7

2008-08-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

11.06 Miles
1849 Feet Climbing
1:16 Hours
1127 Calories
175 Average HR
185 Max HR

This crushed me. I worked very hard to catch, pass, drop and stay in front of they guy I did end up beating. This was a three lap race, my average HR for the third lap was 5 beats higher than the first two and I reached my max HR in the last lap. It was a good way to finish the series.

Expert Men - 3 Laps
6th Place of 13 Entries

On Bike Strength - Scott's Drop

2008-08-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Scott's Drop
Along Scott's Flat Lake trail
Across Scott's Dam
Up very steep trail
Out Pasquale
Down Red Dog Road
Up Nevada Street
12.17 Miles*
1822 Feet Climbing*
1:24 Hours*
816 Calories*
118 Average HR*
164 Max HR*

*GPS didn't pick up any data till about 50 minutes into the ride. For some reason it couldn't lock into any sattelites. Data above is not complete. The blue on the maps I added after the fact. The pink is "real" data from the GPS.

On the singlespeed. Accompanied by Raphael and J, J, J. Very tired from SSWC08. Relaxed group ride, we didn't push too hard. I am getting comfortable descending faster and faster.

SSWC08

2008-08-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

SSWC08 Race Course at Skyline Park

24.13 Miles
4674 Feet Climbing
2:59 Hours
2197 Calories
175 Average HR
192 Max HR
No cadence sensor on singlespeed

I found out Saturday morning as I left home that I would be racing Sunday. I tried to get into this race on New Years Eve. I submitted my entry at Midnight and 05 seconds. I later found out that, somehow, I didn’t make the cut and have been bitter about it since. I was very please to find out I got in and I am in debt to a few people now (thank you Cruz brothers and Curtis!!!). Gladly so. Racing on Sunday changed my drinking plans for the weekend, which was kind of disappointing, but I was excited to race.

We arrived around 2:pm on Saturday and our friends had found a great campsite under some big oak trees about 100 feet from real bathrooms and showers. Socialized, drank beers and walked around for a few hours. Did a short pre-ride, but could only find the first small loops of the course. Got to see a Swedish fellow perform a spectacular crash in one of the switchback descents. Spectacular!

Right when we returned from the pre-ride we headed over to the bowling alley to watch the Decider. (btw, I thought G.W. was the decider... I guess this isn't a trademarked term...). Left towards the end of the first frame, headed back to camp to fire up the veggie bbq. Camp was quiet around 9:30 pm and started to get sleepy. Around 10 I decided to head to the tent. I then started to realize the partying was starting. Big bonfire around the corner, some yelling and boozing. People yelling at boozers that "there is a race tomorrow, i'm trying to get some sleep!" etc.

I was woken up at 3:00 am on the dot by some very violent vomiting a few tents over. This fella was having a rough time of it. It was loud and juicy! We didn't confirm, but I hope he survived.

Got up around 7:30, had some breakfast, made Mimosa's for my campmates and myself and sought out some coffee. Found the caffeine (thanks Pat!) and got ready for the race.

I had about 20 minutes to warm up before the race so I did some hill climbing and found my heart rate was very easily going high, a good sign.

Ding and I right before the race.

My camp mate (Ding) and I put our bikes down the hill in the field as instructed and walked back up for the start. Go! We ran around the horse corral and back to our bikes with everybody else. It took some work to navigate through the runners headed to their bikes and the riders headed to the course. Got on course and started my GPS. I was immediately passing riders on the flat gravel road. As the gravel pointed up I kept passing people, but not as quickly. Since I’ve raced at this location a few times I knew what to expect, so I was able to navigate some of the slightly technical sections of the climb better than others and was able to keep passing. The fire road got real steep and loose and everybody started walking. I figured that I might as well keep my heart rate pinned so I walked as hard as I could and kept passing people. Walk hard! My goal on the climb was to find as many shaved legs as I could and pass them. From my experience on this course, I descend the tricky sections better than most people so as to not lose time I have to beat the roadies to the top (same strategy as Downieville). We got to the top and the trail pointed down, steep down, real quick, with really tight switchbacks and rocks in the middle of them. I passed Tiffany (1x SSWC champ) in the first switchback and hit the gas. There were (of course) many riders in front of me and I couldn’t get around so I took it easy, relaxed and rested.

Next was the single track climb back to the top, I was able to ride with Tiffany during this section, we picked a few people off, some passed us. Made it to the bagpiper (I was very pleased to hear this guy and was surprise how much I liked the sound) and took a left. Fast, fast, fast into the corners, keep the momentum on the dips and don’t lose any ground. Felt good going into the lake section. On the backside of the lake on the hike-up-the-slickrock section I saw Linda (2x SSWC champ) a few switchbacks up. This would be the only time I would see her.

Climbing, sweating and grimacing.

Got bunched up behind some flailing rider on the next flowing, tight downhill section. The first guy pulled off when he realized he might die if he tried to go the speed we wanted to go. We then spread out and I had some space in front of me for the first technical drops / switchbacks. Rode them clean with some cheers from spectators.

This is when the memory starts getting a little blurry.

I made the next section of switchback / drops cleanly with encouragement from Shannon from PDX. Made the next switchback section clean and flew down the rocky fire road to the next section of…. Ok, I made all the technical descent and did them fast, enough, eh?

After a water feed, beginning of the second lap.

Back through the start, picked up my water (thanks a MILLION Max!) and headed out for my second lap. I ended up walking a bit more of the singletrack climb this time than on the first lap, but was feeling pretty good still. Before the lake I noticed a guy in front of me was riding a fixie! Idiot! Parents, give your kids the love they need or they’ll end up like this guy. I stopped at the water station near the lake and filled up my bottle with more water. It was really hot by now and I was covered in sweat and dirt.

Picked up my third bottle at the start of my third lap. I declined the Clif Blocks because I was felling pretty good. 300 yards further I started to feel the first sign of cramps. Doh! Shoulda grabbed the Clif Blocks!

About a mile further my right hamstring cramped. I got off the bike and started hitting it, drank a bunch of water, forced my leg straight and started pushing my bike. I had it worked out by the time the trail eased up enough to ride. Made it up to where the bag piper had been, but sadly he was gone. The course was getting pretty empty at this point. I was running into fewer racers and far fewer spectators.

I was starting to have some real trouble clipping into my pedals because the dust had scrubbed all the oil off my pedals and cleats.

I caught Nacho Libre from Texas and we chatted a bit heading into the water station by the lake. I filled up with more water here and asked the spectators if they had any chain lube. All I got in return was laughter and hazing. As I was leaving I heard a racer come in and say “there is some real seriousness out there.” Referring to the idea that people (who were clearly not going to win, myself included) were taking the race too seriously and maybe should have been focusing more on having fun.

Got to the creek crossing before the lake, saw a giant pink bunny holding a can of Tecate and asked him and his crew if they had any chain lube. I got the same laughter and hazing from this group.

I was starting to see a theme. There is very much a scene at this race, a scene I was hoping would not be here. A very ‘cool’ scene. I was clearly not very ‘cool’ because I was asking for chain lube.

We all need love. Especially the kids. Parents, love your kids. By the way, have I mentioned that I think that people who ride single speeds on a regular basis were not shown enough love by their mothers?

Where was I? Lap three.

Heading away from the lake on the hike-up-the-slickrock section I saw Tiffany one switchback below me. We tugged back and forth a bit and she got in front of me going down a technical section, then, then, then she was frickin’ gone! She completely dropped me. Well, I’ll be. Hammer time! I caught up with her at the dry creek crossing and passed her shortly thereafter. Flew down the fire road with water breaks and across the bridge. Coming up to the last climb a gentleman in a t-shirt that read “WHITE TRASH” encouraged me to dig deeper and informed me that there were only 500 meters to go. Meters? What kind of white trash American gives out information in metric units? The next guy up the hill informed me in a clear fashion that I had about ½ mile to go. Sweet, pass anybody in sight and don’t let anybody by.

I caught the fixed guy at the paved road crossing right as both of my calves started to cramp. He had his feet resting on his top tube. I spun as fast as I could and put my hand on his back helping him forward a bit. As the fire road turned up for the last little section before the finish I went as hard as I could go to the finish.

Some stranger put a bottle opener in my jersey pocket that said Finisher #94. According to my GPS I finished in 2 hours 59 minutes. I laid down my bike, chugged a Coke and searched for a beer and a shower.

This is me, cooked, at the end of the race.

Shiney New(ish) Garmin

2008-08-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

I received my refurbed Garmin Edge 305 in the mail yesterday. I am pleased. It's been a few weeks without, i've been lonely. Now I can get back to posting my routes and maps! I'll start with this weekend's SSWC08.

Race - Howell Mountain Challenge

2008-08-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

Downieville was my first long race in Expert. I've done some local series in Expert, but those were limited to about 1 1/2 hours at the most. I was really curious how this would shake out.

Got the bike ready the day before, got up at 4:45 am for the 3 hour drive from Nevada City to Angwin. Had plenty of time to warm up and drop off some bottles for the 2nd and 3rd laps. About half way into my warm up my rear shifting started acting up. I've been having problems with my rear shifting sticking very badly, I have new XTR rear der, put on new housing and the cable is relatively new. I've also had trouble with my SunRace rear cassette coming loose and the chain jumps around when this happens. My drivetrain is a mess!

Tightened the cassette and went to the start line.

Started at the very front of my group. When we hit the first bit of singletrack there were only two people behind me. I started flailing early on. I started passing people right after that and kept passing. First lap I kept slipping and sliding around the tight corners and kept my HR around 183 on the climbs. Traded pulls with a few people on the first lap but didn't catch anyone else.

Second lap I dropped dumped a water bottle and decided to race with just one bottle and rely on the water feeds for the rest of my hydration.

The second lap started out pretty good. I was feeling tired but pretty strong around the reservoir and hammered into the singletrack. I was having some serious shifting problems now and only had about four gears in the back, not always the same four, just a random four. I mostly relied on my front three.

After the first water zone a single speeder caught me and suggested we should catch the guy in front of us. So, I hammered down the fire road descent, the one with the water breaks and gaps. Fast, so fast. Didn't exactly realize I could descend that fast that comfortably. That was fun! Caught the guy we were trying to at the start of the last climb before the giant whoop-de-doos.

Third lap I dumped my empty water bottle and grabbed a new one. I was very tired now, my shifting was getting even worse (I was now having trouble with my front shifter now too, so much stiction my thumbs were hurting from shifting), my shock was getting a lot of stiction and my (five year old Crossmax) slick ceramic rims were locking up in an unpredictable manner. Awesome! So, I just trudged along, keeping my HR between 165 and 177. I downed Gu packets and keep my head together. I had some *almost* cramping in my legs. They would hesitate a bit when I pushed them but never actually went into cramping. A good thing.

After the second feed station I went as hard as I could and passed a few people on the last climb, the whoop-de-doos and the road leading to the finish.

According to the prelim results I got 4th, out of how many, I don't know. They only showed four deep. I was 3:08 off of third place. Not bad for my second real Expert race.

I am thrashed. I feel worse than I did after Downieville.

My time on my Polar HR was 2:46:16, average HR of 174, Max HR of 238 (the Polar has a tendency to get this REALLY wrong).

First Lap – 54:52, Av HR – 175, Max HR – 238 (wrong!)

Second Lap – 50:49 (no HR data???)

Third Lap – 1:00:33, Av HR 181, Max HR 220 (wrong!)

Basic V - 2 1/4 hours - Scott's Drop

2008-08-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Up Uren Street
Up Snow Mountain Ditch
Up Willow Valley Road
Up Pioneer Trail
Down Scott's Drop
Along Scott's Flat Lake trail
Down to Lower Scotts Flat Lake Trail
Out and back on Lower Scotts Flat Lake Trail
Up Scott's Flat Dam Road
Up Scott's Flat Road
Down Pioneer Trail
Down Miner's Trail
Down Uren Street

21.6 Miles
2340 Feet Climbing
2:21 Hours
3259 Calories
137 Average HR
182 Max HR
No cadence sensor on singlespeed

On the singlespeed. Things are getting dusty out there. Rode Lower Scott's which is a trail we rarely ride, but is really fun. Still working on making this trail connect to complete a loop. Accompanied by the Believer, Don Adams, Raphael, SuperGirl & Gator. Note: Someone has blocked the new upper section of Miners 2.0. Who has done this and why?

Endurance Training - Super Punisher

2008-08-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

Up and down the Tahoe Rim Trail from Spooner Lake to Mr. Toads Wild Ride. Down Mr. Toads to downtown South Lake Tahoe.

49.6 Miles
7415 Feet Climbing
6:52 Hours
4951 Calories
147 Average HR
181 Max HR

Billiam and Don Adams suit up. We leave the car at 11:39 am, about 40 minutes later than scheduled. Shouldn't be a problem, right?

Climbing up from Spooner Summit.

Our first lookout, about 3 1/2 miles from the start point, 12:09 pm.

From my rear view mirror.

View for Lake Tahoe from west of South Camp Peak.

Another view of the lake from where I fixed my second flat.

Billiam and Don Adams patiently waiting for me to fix my flat.

Don Adams almost cleaning a couple steps on the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Lunch Break in the suburbs of Heavenly.
Some lunch time Arrogant Bastard Ale!

Don Adams playing gangsta.

View to the East from our lunch stop.

Don Adams develops a hemorrhoid. Fixed it with a dollar.

We have HOW MUCH FARTHER TO GO? 18 miles to Mr. Toads, well, since it's 3:43 PM, we better get moving!

Leaving Heavenly Ski Resort.

Sweet singletrack climbing.

Singletrack and views. An amazing ride!

Yes, more climbing. This time on a sandy decomposing granite. Not too slippery, but descending it at speed took some finesse.

Food break above Star Lake. An aspirin would have been good about now. Note Billiam's not so happy face.

We are getting to be some tired puppies at 5:50 PM.

Star Lake.

Quite a few pushing sections on this part of the trail. Even if we weren't tired we couldn't have made this one.

Panorama looking where we had been. Between the big saddle, to the right of the center peak is where we had ridden from. Lake Tahoe is to the left.

We found some really nice Lupine and other flowers in this wet section of the trail. It was nice to descend back into the plant life from the treeless areas above 9700'.

More of the sandy decomposing granite.

Looking South as the sun gets very low at 7:38 pm.

At the top of Mr. Toads at 7:56 pm.

We got to the bottom of Toads about 8:43 pm and made it to dinner at Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine in South Lake Tahoe at 9:24 pm. We had dinner then I took a taxi back to the car at Spooner Lake. After picking up Billiam and Don Adams we drove home. I got home at 2:00 am. I had left the house at 9:00 am that morning. A very long and very fun day.

If I haven't said it yet, the Trance X1 is an awesome bike. Perfect for this kind of riding. Perfect!

On Bike Strength - Burlington and Hallelujah

2008-07-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Up Pioneer Trail
Down Burlington Ridge Road
Up some new trail
Down Burlington Ridge Road again
Up some other new trail
Down Canal Spur A Road
Down Towle Mill Loop
Up some unknown road
Down Burlington Ridge Road again
Down Hallelujah Trail
Down Pioneer Trail
18.37 Miles
2072 Feet Climbing
2:27 Hours
2538 Calories
140 Average HR
184 Max HR

On the singlespeed. Accompanied by Raphael, The Believer, Trucker, Billiam and J, J, J. Explored some new trails that haven't been mapped yet. Very dusty. Two flats and one small group of misplaced riders. I got stung by a damned bee.

On Bike Strength - Spaulding Lake Trail

2008-07-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Out and back on the Spaulding Lake Trail.
No data, the Garmin really screwed up the data on this ride.

The Believer coming down.

Superwoman in the woods.

Raphael's chain ring injury.

Raphael rolling into the turn around spot.

Some beautiful tiny flowers. South of the trail in a granite area.

Raphael coming down the last section of trail at the end of the ride.

Billiam riding a granite spine with some air at the end.

Billiam almost cleaning a very techy section of the trail.

Billiam taking a 4' or so rock drop at high speed.

Billiam making this big rock, just a small obstacle. Amazing!

On the Giant Trance X1 accompanied by The Believer, Superwoman, Billiam and Raphael. Great ride and NO SMOKE!