Jo Mama VS. The World

'F' yeah!

2012-01-31T17:24:00.012-06:00

Note:I'll add more pictures as I find them.

For the last two years I watched riders cross Elephant Lake to reach the halfway point of the Arrowhead Ultra 135 mile winter race. I watched in jealousy as bouts of asthma had me watching from the sidelines, so as I turned my phenomenal 907 bike to go onto Elephant Lake this year I gave no prior thought when I yelled "F*&^ Yeah!" doing my best Jersey Shore fist pump. I was high on life at that point because reaching this point was my sign that this was the year. (Unlike 2010 and 2011)
(picture from a previous year)

Our 7am start was off to a blazing start as Jay Petervary took off like a scared rabbit with 2 or 3 riders in tow. A large second group formed and a hard pace was set. I took note that my body did not feel up for the challenge quite yet, but lungs were better than the past 2 years. Doom, Dittmer, and Jensen seemed to push it the hardest in the group. A soft section would ramp up the breathing, so back I dropped to get control. Farrow would fall back as well. Soon I was going good again into the 1st check point. I was surprised to see the group I was with but also Group Petervary returning from the out and back. Three and a half hours in, 100 miles left.
(The start thanks to Allison Long)

On I went, picking up Josh "I never met a Bette Midler song I didn't like" Peterson. As the trail become hillier I would see three more riders not far up. I thought about working hard to chase'm down, but the lungs would flare up every now and then, causing me to slow way down or completely stop. Eventually I would catch Francis Lambert, passing him before the 1/2 way point; reaching the cabin in 7th place. The cabin would hold a departing Dittmer, a dejected Jensen (mechanical), and Doom. I was in and out in 7 minutes having filled the camelback, drank a glass of pop, and downed some bean soup. Doom and I would depart together, Lambert soon after I guess. Eight hours in, 65 miles left.

There are some good sized hills soon after that 2nd checkpoint, Doom and I would talk some and yo-yo some. It was when my lungs went nuts and I completely stopped that he left me for good. Lambert would soon pass as well for the same reason. After a flat section of trail we came to the nasty stuff just as the sun went down for the night. I heard stories, but until you are out there trying to push nearly 50 pounds of bike/gear up crazy steep hills over and over again for hours in soft snow you cannot appreciate the effort. On these hike-a-bike sections again my breathing went absolutely crazy. I had a hard time with every aspect of this part of the course and expected 8th place to roll up on me. Almost 6 hours later I found the Teepee that marked the last checkpoint. A quick downing of a bunch of cocoa/cappachino mix from Whizanator and friends and I was off like a rocket. Fourteen hours in, 24 miles left.

The majority of the last section of the course is fairly flat and I was going great, lungs and all. I heard that Lambert was 15 minutes up on me at the Tee Pee and it was not long before I would surprisingly see his blinky light. I continued my strong pace and opened up a gap. My lead over Lambert was several minutes when the lungs decided to mess with me one last time. I would stop briefly twice, get going, and still had a gap. Then I got dizzy, weak, and needed to stop. Lambert checked on me as I stood there dizzy, but I just needed to work it out. He continued at my insistence, stopped a 1/4 mile later to look back and make sure I was still upright and rode on. He let me know we had 2 1/2 miles left at that point.

I would finish 10 minutes behind Lambert for 7th place (just shy of 17.5 hours) after being 5 minutes up with 2 1/2 miles left. Because of just one of my many flare ups out there I lost at least 15 minutes, so yeah, to only be 92 minutes behind the leaders has me happy not just with finishing, but with how well I did, and I FINALLY FREAKING FINISHED ARROWHEAD!! F(&^ YEAH!!!!!!

Notes:
-The bike was awesome and awe inspiring.
-I firmly believe that I was able to minimize and control my flare ups because of the Cold Avenger that covered my face the entire time I wasn't shoving food down the gullet. THANK YOU GUYS!!
-I saw a ton of wolf tracks in the inch or so of snow the area received the night before.
-J-No's race ended early, I'll let him explain, but it involved a horse, motor oil, and a human sized doll of the Cat in the Hat.
-I have already been planning for next year to make me faster. I am hoping to maximize my strengths and minimize the weaknesses.
-I learned a few lessons about gear set up, nothing that cost time, but my many skin abrasions will stick with me for a few days.
-The little snow up there made for a much less spectacular looking race, oh, and much bumpier course.
-There is nothing not to like about this event. Hard course, great organization/volunteers/fellow racers/course markings/etc.
-You can make a drinking game out of this blog post. Reread it, and everytime I mention my lungs or breathing take a drink. Seriously though, I focused more on my ability to breath more than following the right line, my competition, the cold (or lack of), the pain in my body, or even the sleet hitting me at the end.

Finally!!

2012-01-31T16:01:00.002-06:00

Full recap to come, but I finished. Lungs were my biggest problem, but with care and my mask I warded off plenty of asthma flair ups. Considering how often I had to stop or slow down to calm the breathing down, I am stocked with my 7th place, 90 minutes back of the leaders.

It starts soon...

2012-01-27T14:13:00.003-06:00

Today I pack for the big race. Tomorrow I leave with J-No and do race check in. Sunday we go to the prerace meeting and engage in fun times with other racers. Monday morning we start the 135 mile race across snowmobile trails from International Falls to Tower, MN. Where it goes from there is another story. If history is any indication I will DNF about 4-6 hours into the race with an asthma attack. If the prerace buzz is any indication I am one of the front runners.

It wasn't until after I won the Tuscobia 150 that I thought about my history in endurance races. I tallied up in my head how many endurance races I have won; 12 I think. Those include races in 12 hour, 24 hour, 100 mile mountain, 100 mile gravel, 75 mile snow, and now 150 mile snow formats.

I don't know how I will do up at Arrowhead. I don't know if I will finish. I don't know if I will be able to breath well (the air is a lot drier up there). What I do know is that if all my systems are going strong I intend to make someone else winning as hard as possible (of course with the idea of finishing first and formost). I can also tell you that winning this race would mean far more to me than any race I have done well in.

So if you would like to see how the race is shaking out on Monday the powers that be will update either here, here, or here.

In the mean time I will be posting some short posts until race day with pictures. Wish me good luck or bad luck, but that is what fills much of my mind right now.

Later

Arrowhead predictions...

2012-01-22T18:54:00.004-06:00

So The Legend went out and listed his favorites to win this year's Arrowhead in the local paper up in I Falls. As those in the know read through the names they stopped on one in particular; "Charlie Tri, isn't he that guy who has raced twice and can barely make it past the first checkpoint?", they think in confusion. Racers across the world give a collective "What The F###?".

I figure I have been first to drop out at the checkpoint #1 the last 2 years. Is he just confused?

Trying

2012-01-19T08:28:00.001-06:00

Up at 4:30am in search of the chillest temps. Met up with Kuske for some predawn big name training. We are supposed to get some real snow tomorrow which will be nice to take the 907 out in conditions it is meant for.

The wind was chilly, but I ended thinking a little less on the head would have been nice.

Revelate Seat Bag On test: First Impressions

2012-01-16T08:22:00.004-06:00

We all know any monkey can buy or get a hold of some product and pretend they are some big time reviewer of said product. So I have taken deliver of a Christmas present that needs to be "tested" and "reviewed". Here are my first impressions. My review is not biased in the sense I do not know the owner or any employees of Revelate, nor do I link there blog to mine, nor do 1/3 of my blog links go to riders they sponsor, nor do I spend time at their house, nor do I take pictures for them specifically and post them on my blog, nor do we meet for rides, nor have I professed my love for their business, nor can I spot their house from 1,000 feet in the air. Also, this is not a discontinued product that I borrowed from someone and I am using for a short period in conditions it was not really meant for.

First off, construction is top notch. I was shocked with with how many different materials are used to make the best possible bag. Not only does it look like it will last a lifetime, but it is really light and purposeful. The amount of space you can hold is adjustable, and there is a strap internally to help separate and hold gear in. The design of the bag assures that your gear will stay nice and dry. Originally, my intention for this bag is bike camping, mostly winter camping (assuming we get more snow). I will not need the space of this bag for my Arrowhead attempt, but if I did, I would be in good hands.

This bag can hold a ton of stuff. Now that I fully see and appreciate how much, the bag will take on double duty. My parents live 5 miles away, and sometimes I drop the newborn off to hang out with the G-parents. Well, I can now make that commute easier with this bag. Big enough for Seely, but some of her diapers and a change of clothes as well! This bag will get put through it's paces for sure.

I went to CX nationals.

2012-01-11T08:04:00.004-06:00

It happened to work out that I went to CX nationals this last weekend with the wife and youngest daughter. We got to see quite a few people we knew (including Charlie "I don't need no mountain bike" Melk whom took the following pic).

Highlights included seeing Barry Wicks duck into the porto john for his prerace "weight loss" and abusing my child (see pic).
My cold is wrapping up. Looking to tie up my fitness in a nice bow for January 30th's assault on the Arrowhead trail. Just need more snow up there and some down here. It seems silly to ride a fully loaded snow bike with 29'er wheels on gravel.

Come get some.

2012-01-10T09:49:00.004-06:00

So I hear it almost on a daily basis, "Charly, you are so amazing, how can I be as fantastically fantastic as you are?". Of course, after I tell them I am in fact not as great as they think I am, I have to mention my sponsors (Trek, Bontrager, 907, Coldavenger, Rochester Cycling)(yes, yes I have no shame, but I also don't endorse products I don't love) Now you can have your piece of greatness.

For Sale:
$4,500
2011 Trek Superfly 100 Elite w/ Sram XX and custom carbon wheels!!
This is actually better specced then the 2012 Superfly 100 Pro that retails at $7,350. The bike saw little use this year as my racing season basically ended at the end of May. There is a ding in the paint on the top tube, a scratch on the handlebar (clear coat), and some scratches on the cranks from my shoes. This is a fantastic bike and I am anxious to ride the 2012 model this coming summer (little has changed on the new model).

Frame

OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame & swingarm, Carbon Armor, ABP , Flow Mold Carbon swing link, G2 Geometry, E2 tapered head tube, replaceable derailleur hanger, 110mm travel

Front suspension

RockShox SID XX 29 w/Dual Air spring, remote lockout, rebound, E2 tapered steerer, 9mm QR, 100mm travel

Rear suspension

Rock Shox Monarch RT3 shock

Size

17.5"

Wheels

DT Swiss 240 hubs (rear hub unlabeled, front relabeled Bontrager), DT Supercomp spokes, Bontrager carbon XXX lite rims 1,500 grams!! I cannot remember the last time I trued them, but they are spinning super true still.

Tires

Brand New Bontrager 29-1 Team, 29x1.9"

Shifters

SRAM XX, 10 speed

Front derailleur

SRAM X0, direct mount

Rear derailleur

SRAM XX

Crank

SRAM XX, 39/26

Cassette

SRAM XX 11-36, 10 speed

Pedals

n/a

Saddle

Bontrager Affinity 3, chromoly rails

Seatpost

Truvativ Noir Carbon, 31.6mm, 20mm offset

Handlebar

Truvativ Carbon Noir T30, 700mm width

Stem

Truvativ Stylo T40, 31.8mm

Headset

Cane Creek

Brakeset

Avid XX hydraulic disc brakes

Grips

ESI Chunky Silicone

New Year's Day Ride, and random bits.

2012-01-04T14:47:00.007-06:00

Photo is representative of my ride, but not me. It was taken from this site and was taken by Kathi Merchant during the Iditarod trail race.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day sees a lot of group rides. Many are like the one here in town; a group meets, rides the same amount of miles on pavement as the temp is outside, and then huddles in a coffee shop congratulating themselves on a job well done. The first day of the new year and I was sick with a nasty cold. Lots of snow tempted me as we had decided to spend our time up in Cable, WI at the cabin. Several inches dropped while the year clicked over and I thought my sickness was clearing up, so off I went into the sunset.

During my 3 hour ride I went rather slowly as I was not 100% and the trails were chewed up from fresh snow and fresh tracks. However, I did cross off something on my to do list; crossing Lake Namekagon in the winter. It is an odd feeling when the temps are in the teens, your riding over a wide open frozen lake, it is night, there are sleds going by in large groups, and a nasty cross and then head wind is causing lots of drifting snow.

Halfway through and my cold was getting the best of me plus I was on a 5 mile section of trail that was especially chewed up, but I managed to finish my intended loop with just a small section cut out to save time. I figured the temp when I left was about 20 degrees, and my mileage was 20, so hey-0! It may have not been the same type of ride many New Year's rides that day were, but I did the same mileage. Bad thing? My cold retaliated with a vengeance (or revengeance?). I am trying to get back to health now, slowly.

Random Bits

With this cold and my desire to get in lots of hours on the bike I may be skipping my intentions to race the Triple D in Iowa (plus with no snow what is the fun?). Next week hopefully will be fulled with lots of long rides. A few 4 hour rides are going to do me better than worrying about racing well in Iowa.

I am reading about others planning on summer races. Weird. Brendan Moore (the Bad Boy of MN mountain biking) is saying he is scaling back next year. He is debating 2 "teams". The rumor is one involves him racing sport for the Peace Coffee team, the other is he'll ride a steel single speed while sporting a cutoff denim jacket covered in PBR patches.

My Superfly 100 with Sram XX and carbon wheels is going up for sale, interested?

I had a talk with the Dave "the legend" Pramann. Sounds like Arrowhead may be heavily populated with strong riders. I guess we'll see how that shakes out.

I am sick of coughing and using up Kleenex after Kleenex.

On the first day of the new year...

2011-12-29T15:15:00.003-06:00

...your true love will give to you a 907 fatbike. My time on fatbikes is not as great as my years on mountain bikes, but I love absolutely love this bike and consider it hands down better than the pugs that once graced my stable. The flattop 80 rims are fantastic, and I am surprised how much I love the alloy fork. I dig my bike! BTW, this is a picture of my bike after finishing up the Tuscobia 150, pic stolen from the CCC's facebook page.
P

My day on the Tuscobia Trail

2011-12-20T10:54:00.007-06:00

As I looked out on the trail with my headlamp, the frost crystals that had formed on every little twig would sparkle and change like they were paparazzi cameras flashing and I was Britney Spears going commando. It was quiet, very quiet; and late, just not sure how late. And plenty dark except for my little headlamp, the brilliant half moon, and bright stars.

Well, earlier that day I set out on the Tuscobia 150 race with fellow idiots looking for a challenge. The night before was our prerace gathering and it seemed with only a month to prepare, these new race organizers sure were on the ball. While it was still dark, us bikers, the odd skiers, and even more odd ball runners pushed off from Park Falls 6am that morning. The goal would be to ride 75 miles on the Tuscobia Trail, turn around, and do it all over again. Mandatory 2 stops in each direction and minimum gear requirements were there to keep us safe. The trail itself was mostly snow covered, but not enough for grooming or much traffic, making conditions tough and rutted. Add in the warm temps leading to the start, there was not much of a hard surface.

J-No, Charlie Farrow, and I spent the night before snuggled in a motel room and we now led the start. Absent were last year's big pace setters Big Buff (gone crazy and is training for running) and Lance Andre (rumored to be wind tunnel testing his newest fatbike set up). After a mile or few I squeezed to the front on our rutted portion of course. Soon I would notice that there was no light casting a shadow behind me. I figured those two had dropped back just a few feet. Quickly, we would approach the most annoying 20 mile section of trail. There was about 3 inches of snow with a shallow hard crust and soft snow beneath. To bust through the crust meant dramatically harder riding. I was almost rimming out the Flattop 80 rims in order to maintain a moderate amount of float over said crust. I knew Farrow and Novak were probably having a harder time as their rims were not as robust, nor their tires as "big and fat". I did not see them when I stopped to air out the sweet 907 bike.

Into the first checkpoint at mile 30 (4 hours in), a quick grab of peanut M&M's, a pump of the tires, and I was off. The checkpoints were just off course in motel rooms, and I had yet to see anyone else when I hopped back on the trail. The course just before that and most of the rest of the way had some traffic at points, so the tires were allowed to remain semi hard unlike the slog most of the way to the first checkpoint.

Well, onto the 2nd checkpoint and there was a bridge out. After following "the official" trail reroute to dead ends and false leads for roughly 30 minutes, I just forced my way onto the trail and soon found why there was confusion from our instructions and what we found. Novak and Farrow would end up following my tracks to the same dead ends, so I guess it was no real hindrance. Just before CP #2 I ran into one of the many great volunteers, Lisa. I was told that my lead was somewhere in excess of 5 miles, and I let her know about the bridge out problem. She took this pic as I approached, trying to ride within the lines.

Into the CP #2 (8 hours, and 65 mile in), a fill up of the Camelback, a handful of peanut M&M's, an act of war against the toilet bowl that had been brewing since the start, and I was out in 10 minutes. I would learn that my lead at CP #1 was 30 minutes. Londell the volunteer there would snap this picture of my departure back to the trail.
From there to the turn around and back the trail was only about 2/3 covered with snow, and the fastest section. I would get to the turn around and then started counting mile markers (no computer for me) until I reached 2nd place J-No just past mile marker 8, thus 16 miles in the lead. We stopped and talked about the bridge and Farrow's absence. A few miles later Farrow would talk of bad seatpost and chain when we crossed paths. I would stop into CP#3(which is the same as CP#2) 11 hours and 75 miles into the race and find I had been 90 minutes up when the others passed through. I was in and out with my M&M's and back on the trail in just a few moments and in time to watch the sun set for the night.

The trail to the last checkpoint went well for the first 10 miles, then the next 25 were a downhill slide as the length of the race and the time of day would get catch up with me. I would stop and chat with the rest of the bikers and witness the 3 runners left in the race. The CP#4 would finally arrive 120 miles and 15 1/2 hours in and the thought of the beef stew had haunted me long before arrival. The latest update was I had almost a 3 hour lead into CP#3. Armed with this info I sat and consumed stew, M&M's, chips, pop, and coffee. I felt pretty miserable and tired as it had been about 16 hours of riding in not so great conditions. After about 45 minutes of chilling I realized it wasn't going to get easy, so I figured since I was in the lead I should act like it.

Back on the bike and I felt much better for awhile. Shivering for the first 10 minutes I headed towards Park Falls, hoping for better trail then what we encountered at the start. Soon I would find things in a miserable mess. The trail was now badly rutted from runners and walking bikers and fresh snow mobile tracks were very soft. I spent about 20 miles fighting the trail. Lisa would catch back up with me at about midnight as I walked for a bit to ease the constant beating the trail dished out. She walked with me for a few minutes as I vented about how tough that section of trail was. Anyways, the frost crystals on the trees, bushes, my bags glistened brilliantly. The stars were big and bright, the half moon glowed.

Slowly, I would arrive where I started, almost 22 hours later. The finish was lit with candles...

....and a lit finish line. Probably the coolest finish I have ever seen.
Lisa met me at the finish, Greg, the owner of the Chequamegon Canoe Club (our start and finish) was fantastic in helping with whatever my heart desired. In fact, the CCC really rolled out the red carpet for the racers. A shower and a nap, then waiting for the arrival of Farrow in second and the details on J-No's DNF.

The trophy. I have a cute picture of the girls holding the trophy and prize (locally made maple syrup), but I can't find the cord to transfer the picture.

First and second place. Gotta love Farrow, combined with J-No we had a lot of fun.
BTW.

On the 12th day of Xmas...

2011-12-17T08:08:00.001-06:00

...your true love will give to you an entry into the Decorah Time Trials. I have been making it down to this race in Decorah, IA when possible for a long time. Upon our move into the new house I got a bike room in the dungeon. I took out what race awards I had kept over the years and noticed this, plaques from the past and more present versions of this race.

Fun race, free food after, great people, fun awards = Fun.

Tuscobia 150

2011-12-17T07:14:00.001-06:00

Done and won. I hear J-No has quit at the last checkpoint, but can't find details.

On the 11th day of Xmas...

2011-12-16T08:12:00.000-06:00

...your true love will give to you an entry into a race that will worry you. I will be over 2 hours into the Tuscobia 150 when you read this. That is 150 miles on snowmobile trails in whatever winter throws at you. It was not all of a sudden I decided to do these types of races, but a gradual progression. Learn to enter races that push your comfort level. Maybe instead of that XC race you always enter you'll find your self up North with a snow bike loaded up with gear ready to ride all day and night. It is worth it.

On the 10th day of Xmas...

2011-12-15T07:45:00.004-06:00

...your true love will give to you a blog. The world is becoming to connected. I don't want people to know where I am, what I am doing, and what I am eating at all points of the day. A blog gives you a large opportunity to post whatever you want with lots of pics without people being too connected to you. I don't want to feel like I have to constantly be looking at my phone (which does not have Internet and won't anytime soon) to see twitter updates and such. I want to live my life, not a virtual life.

The latest to enter the blogger world? J-No!

On the 9th day of Xmas...

2011-12-14T07:39:00.002-06:00

...your true love will give to you a subscription to Mountain Flyer magazine. There have been many magazines that have graced my bathroom over the years, but this is most definitely the best. Sure, it is focused on the western mountain states, but it is supposed to. Great pictures, great articles, some road, mostly off road, racing, bikes, events, worth the little extra over Mountain Bike Action (who can't find a Specialized bike that is the best ever), Dirt Rag (A little to into the beer/fixie crowd for me), or my #2 Velonews (too focused on road and cx).

This picture was taken off their website.

On the 8th day of Xmas...

2011-12-13T07:33:00.002-06:00

...your true love will give to you a rocking Trek Cronus CX. Want to feel like you are cheating? Laterally, this thing doesn't want to move, but still smooths out the bumps. I dig it, a lot, thus it is on the list. The only thing I wish I could change was to widen the q factor as it is narrow for my birthing hips. Again, I am a shill for Trek, but I speak the truth on these products.

On the 7th day of Xmas...

2011-12-12T07:30:00.002-06:00

...your true love will give to you a Reba 29er fork with remote lockout. I am a big fan of a remote lockout for my forks. Again, compared to my Fox fork experiences, this just seems to glue to the trail better, not blowing through unnecessary travel. I dig'em!

On the 6th day of Xmas...

2011-12-11T07:26:00.001-06:00

...your true love will give to you Avid Ultimate CX brakes. I have tried many different brakes on cross bikes. These old school XT canti brakes have been my favorite. Yeah, yeah it is a bad picture, but it fits the whole theme of the blog.

On the 5th day of Xmas...

2011-12-10T11:24:00.000-06:00

...your true love will give to you ESI Chunky silicone grips; comfy, decently light, and colors. What is not to like?

On the 4th day of Xmas...

2011-12-09T14:14:00.002-06:00

...your true love will give to you a Rock Shox Monarch RT3 rear shock. I have ridden Fox rear shocks for several years and I was led to believe it was the bar to which others strive for. This Monarch shock is much nicer than RP23 in that the rear wheel just stays glued to the ground without blowing through travel that is not needed. My Fox shocks would always blow through much of the travel on g-outs and such. The Monarch shock took the Superfly 100 up several notches. I really dig it, as such, it made my little list here.

Some things aren't worth it.

2011-12-09T06:58:00.003-06:00

This is the main reason why I am tempted less and less to ride on the road. I have been passed many times with the driver never looking up from their phone.

On the 3rd day of Xmas...

2011-12-08T23:00:00.003-06:00

...your true love will give to you cheap $20 "gauntlets" from Fleet Farm. My yearly revolving door of truly awesome carbon chi chi bikes from Trek are only funded by the selling of the previous year's ride (btw, looking for a Superfly 100 with carbon wheels and Sram XX?). The accumulation of winter gear has been long and economical. With that, these pogies work awesome, have a lot of room for food and such, and are only $20 at Fleet Farm, look in the ATV accessory area. I believe these can be found at Cabella's and other places under different names.

I modded these some btw. I sewed the opening a little smaller. Also, I attached the outside to the plastic bar end plugs with a simply screw. This keeps the whole thing from flopping around to much.

On the 2nd day of Xmas...

2011-12-07T00:47:00.002-06:00

...your true love will give to you a Trek Superfly 100. I love this bike. Yes, I am biased as I ride for the 29er crew which means I am always cashing big sponsorship checks and flying off to exotic locals for promotional events. This is one bad mamma jamma.

On the 1st day of Xmas...

2011-12-06T01:12:00.000-06:00

...your true love will give to you, Suntour 8spd XC Pro thumbshifters (nice pic, eh?). So, I have ridden a lot of stuff over my 18 years of mountain biking. I'll be highlighting my favorites over the next several days. If you have been good this year you may see some of this stuff under your tree. These shifters are/were/still the best around, and I modded my der to use this shifter on my 9spd fatbike drivetrain.

Yup, we got snow.

2011-12-05T00:32:00.002-06:00

So, instead of showing you pictures (that I didn't actually take) of our massive inch or 2 of snow and how my 907 eats it up like no bike could ever before, I will give you this. This picture is my built up crazy awesome (really, it is) fatso bike. I've got me several rides on said monster and am really digging the new frame and their alloy fork. And yes, it is very metro sexual with the fancy colors and such.

Less than 2 weeks until Tuscobia 150. Yummy.

McDonald's Employee Steals Bike!

2011-11-18T16:45:00.002-06:00

This is the McDonald's employee stealing this green Raleigh cross bike. More info here. Last I checked there is a $250 reward.

My living room ceiling

2011-11-14T13:06:00.001-06:00

Me on my knees so so she can get more air. Even then the fan has made contact from 9 feet in the air.

Fat bike rant/Cross race fun

2011-11-11T23:19:00.002-06:00

Fatties
You ever been out and you see the annoying group of teenagers. You know, the ones that are simply giddy that they are all out together without adult supervision. Everything they do is met with a group reaction that just seems so over the top. They can't just relax, they are ready to burst at the seams with excitement for simply the reason that they are not being watched. Times like those remind me of Barry Sanders; the man did not spike the ball or show boat his TD's. The philosophy is that instead of jumping around acting a fool, he acted like he had been there before.

And that is how I see so, so, so many people riding fat bikes for the first time; teenagers. Yes they are fun. Yes they are cool. So are lots of bikes. Fat bikes serve their purpose and do it well. Suddenly people are blown away that they can be ridden off road, or on the road, or wherever else. Really? Did they think the bikes are like cross country skis and only able to effectively work on snow?

I don't know about them, but when I got my 907 (shameless plug) I realized the effect 4" wide tires would have in conditions other than snow, and I appreciate how they work. I guess I just had the Barry Sanders approach.

CX Race Fun
Tomorrow I enter my third cx race of the year. I am rolling a bad mama jamma Trek Cronus CX and thought it needed race action before the hills of Red Wing next spring.

My first race went better than expected. Having not seen a CX start line in four years I wondered if the popularity had increased the speeds, indeed they had. I am considered a Cat.3 so that is where I found myself at the "Cross at the Y" a few weeks back. My only goal of making the front selection worked well for most of the first 2 laps until a flat stopped me right after moving into the top 5 of that front group. We had just passed the pit containing neutral wheel hand ups, so I rode the entire lap with a flat front tire that did not allow any type of bike leaning lest you crash. After a wheel hand up I worked my tail off to go from dead last to finish 3 minutes back of first (22 of 36 racers). I figured it is not out of hand to guess I lost close to 3 minutes on my nervous trip around the course, so that was a positive.

I'll recap the 2nd race later. For now here watch this video by Brady Prenzlow of the race. You can see yours truly making the pass at 6:42, and then flatting on the sandpit edging at 7:06. I guess I should have ran the pit like most did. Proving I am not very smart; I continued to ride instead of run the pit the rest of the race.

Goodie, goodie gum drops.

2011-10-27T20:05:00.002-05:00

Go big jump!

2011-10-03T12:10:00.000-05:00

Ride the best.

2011-09-30T14:34:00.001-05:00

I have had the great pleasure rocking and rolling around on my Superfly 100 the last 2 years. What, you never been? Well sir, here is your chance!

Yup

2011-09-29T20:55:00.001-05:00

She does open her eyes, but rarely right now.

Laid back

2011-09-28T13:01:00.001-05:00

Mommy and baby are at home absorbing life. Meanwhile, Daddy is getting more free time, so "The Comeback" is in full force. Looking to get some base riding in and then testing the cyclocross waters.

I am just watching Winnie the Pooh...

2011-09-25T19:27:00.001-05:00

...with my "friend".

1 day old.

2011-09-24T13:56:00.001-05:00

Chillaxing.

Sisters

2011-09-23T19:36:00.000-05:00

One more

2011-09-23T19:13:00.002-05:00

Another pic

2011-09-23T19:13:00.001-05:00

Face shot

2011-09-23T18:04:00.001-05:00

Tattoo'd

2011-09-23T16:55:00.000-05:00

Temporary at least.

Say hello to my little friend!

2011-09-23T16:47:00.000-05:00

Seely Katherine Tri says "Leave me alone, I'm eating here!". She is plenty healthy at 7 pounds 2 ounces and can't wait to meet her big sister! More pics to come when done eating.

Off to the hospital

2011-09-23T11:55:00.000-05:00

Boy or girl? We'll find out soon!

Th guessing game

2011-09-23T08:56:00.001-05:00

When baby #2 comes out this afternoon, will it be a boy or girl? Double bonus is you can guess the name.

Is that a bird? A plane?

2011-09-22T12:14:00.004-05:00

No, it is the Cold Avenger! Alright, so I am not the biggest fan of body wrecking asthma attacks. After last year's Arrowhead attack I set out looking a fix. I think I have found it. I have purchased the Cold Avenger last year soon after the race and then used it in 2 subsequent shorter, but much more intense events. After my agent sifted through all the endorsement deals that are brought forward, we decided this would be a great product to put my name behind (sorry Nike).

Here is my conclusion. This thing works! I started using it just as an experiment, not expecting much. I read online that it seems to be the mask with the least resistance to the constant inhaling and exhaling. There is an adjustable yellow thingy inside that determines how much warm air and humidity is captured. Looking for the least resistance and to play with the "settings" I actually removed the yellow thingy (one of the options). Boy was this mask nice. I felt no resistance to breathing except for when I would be totally red lined. At that point I could feel resistance as I exhaled, but not inhaled (Bill Clinton, are you reading this?). The 2 races I used it for, Hillside and the Decorah World's, went swimmingly. The mask only came off for the hardest of efforts, and that was simply pushing it down below my face. The air I was breathing was noticeably warmer and more humid, JUST WHAT I WANTED!

I purchased this mask in desperation assuming I would use it on the coldest of days. After experimentation, I found it is a definite benefit whenever it is cold. Soooo, it will get use whenever the temps dip below 30F. I would recommend this mask for anyone out in the cold, not just those with breathing problems. It really does work that well.

They now sent me all 3 models to play with; the Classic (what I already had), the Pro (nicer version of the classic), and the Balaclava. I will get to be testing more soon, and I couldn't be happier. BTW, the balaclava fits nicely and seems gangsta warm. All 3 seem very well put together and very durable

Not proof enough? Read more here. Overview of products here. People use these masks for many different purposes in the cold, and I can see why.

The crazy warm "balaclava".

The high end "pro". I am guessing I will be using this a lot.

The "classic".

The inside with the yellow "thingy". To gain more warmth and moisture you turn the yellow do hicky, but that in turn increases resistance I assume.

You got it? Good.

Deja vu

2011-09-22T09:34:00.000-05:00

Back in the ring. 135 miles in the snow at below zero temps.

Follow up.

2011-09-20T13:56:00.004-05:00

A view of the same race from a different angle. Our high flying expert takes off at 1 minute in, with added slow-mo. Looks like he reached down too late for the top tube and never got a good grip. BTW, that is Greg Heath, whom I had the pleasure to ride and work with in my years in LaCrosse, getting air on the ramp in the first heat.

I believe I can fly....

2011-09-19T22:45:00.000-05:00

I believe I can touch the sky.

Looks like his hand slipped off the top tube and then....ouch!

The Hangover

2011-09-18T23:34:00.000-05:00

After hours of chaos and present opening, we have this. A three year old, hunched over in her chair passed out; never wanting the party to end. Abi would have continued sleeping like this if Dad had not hauled her up to bed where she slept more comfortably.

Smile...

2011-09-17T23:59:00.000-05:00

...if there is a birthday party for you turning 3 tomorrow. Lots of people/kids should be coming, lots of chaos expected.

Winter races a coming.

2011-09-16T20:45:00.002-05:00

Oh, so much fun to be had this winter.

First starting with the Tuscobia 150 miler in late December, then the famous (and bitterly cold) Arrowhead 125 in early February, and wrapping up with the new Tour De Cheesehead 300 in early March. Then somewhere in there is the Triple D in Iowa I'd like to sneak into. This winter will be "off da hook" as the kids say.

Also, for the new year comes a new frame. Can anyone say "excited"?

BTW

I wish I was done.

2011-09-15T20:04:00.000-05:00

Well, I thought my update I sent out yesterday worked, but I guess not. So here it is again, predated.

So my projects have been time consuming, here is a picture giving a better scope of the work done.

The entire house was painted beige when we moved in, now the dining room that you see is a slate blue (with some extra patching that will be painted soon), kitchen is "fun yellow". This is the only area I had help, thanks Dad!

There is no window to the outside in the kitchen, but a large set of windows in the dining room. I cut the hole you see here in the wall (and then sheet rocked/mudded) and installed a concrete countertop. This added counter space and lets in a lot of light from the dining room window. If not for the return vent going up through the wall, I would have made this opening bigger.

The kitchen got the concrete countertops as well (replacing the beige laminate counter tops), plus a magnetic steel back splash (replacing the beige tile). The dishwasher holds Abi's magnetic letters and dinos.

The dining room in the foreground had beige carpet. I am not sure why people thought carpet in a dining room was a good idea, but I ripped it out and installed slate tile. I need to reinstall the trim and grout at this moment.

Now, all of these improvements have been done on the cheap. The slate tile was a craigslist find. The countertops are relatively inexpensive when you do them yourself. I think total I have a little over a grand invested in all this. Considering hiring someone just for the counters or the floor would have gone well over that and there is less beige in my house, it was well worth it. The rest of the house is still beige, as well as the tile at the front and back door. I have just enough tile to do the rear entrance and plans to paint more of the house.

And since this blog is mainly about bikes, I should add something bike related. How about a prediction? Twentynineinches.com will include at least one Salsa product as there best in show recap. Not exactly a wild guess with that site though....

BTW.

T-minus 4 weeks.

2011-09-14T13:07:00.000-05:00

I am not going to go into details here, but we have had some small complications with Sea Monkey that look like they are in the past. Looks like baby will be arriving approximately October 10th. The baby's momma is kicking pregnancy's butt.

Bike round up, slight rant.

2011-09-13T12:15:00.001-05:00

So my bike stable is mostly in a state of disrepair. This is the canabalized snow bike, 9:ZERO:7. My time on fat bikes has not been great, but compared to the Pugsley I rode for awhile this is a rocket ship! You see it pictured with my modded 29'er rear wheel and the Flattop 80 rimmed wheel on the front. 9:ZERO:7 has a new frame design that looks to be even better, and I am lucky enough to have my name on one of the new frames coming in! I am not sure the fate of this frame (and possibly fork), but looks like it may be up for sale soon.

Here hangs the Superfly 100 all dished out with XX. It is crazy fast on mountain bike trails. This bike will be for sale soon as I make way for next year's model. This bike blows me away with it's awesomeness.

This is the beater bike; a repainted GF rig. I need to work some on the front wheel, so a Race X-lite was brought into service. When I say beater bike I truly mean it. If this bike were a child, social services would have it in a foster home by now. This is actually the only bike I can literally hop on and ride without any work at this moment.

This is the newest bike to the clan. The carbon Cronus Cx is redonkerously fast. I hope to regain my former glory at Ragnarok on this beast, while taking a stab at Transiowa. Thanks to a stick at the practice cross race it now waits for a new der hanger, rear der, chain, and wheel true.

I am a fan of not acquiring bike after bike, so usually when I buy a new bike an old bike has seen a new home. In all reality, this is the only way I can afford to get nice bikes.

Now, the new 2012 stuff is being test ridden in Las Vegas. It takes me a good hour of fiddling with most bikes before I really start getting it dialed for me and noticing the benefits/drawbacks. The "test loop" our faithful reporters are riding is a washed down, rolling, 20 minute test loop (1/4 on the gravel road climb). Bootleg canyon has a ton of fun trail, but the test loop is certainly not one of them. I had the opportunity to get led around some of the great trail there by MN's bad boy of mountain biking. The good trails take significantly longer, thus, these editors ride the test loop (plus that is where the demo area tells you to ride).

BTW.

Post a thon

2011-09-12T12:00:00.003-05:00

Sometimes a person just needs to get back into old habits, and for me that is getting out the good word of me. Soooo, what do you think about a post a day for the rest of the month?

Anyways, I have been a busy beaver. I am in full time stay at home dad mode for the school year. In between fixing pb&j's, "playing", walks, etc I have been working on the new house. As a reminder we bought a foreclosed property not too long ago and I set about with projects. It is bad enough that Abi asks, "Dad, are you doing projects?".

So this is a taste of some of my work lately...

You are looking at a poured in place concrete countertop, steel back splash, and new faucet. All of this I did myself, none of it had I done before. I still need to caulk the base of the back splash, and yes, that is a gel flask holding dish soap.

BTW, for now.

So with no racing...

2011-08-21T21:33:00.002-05:00

...means the cabin is available for both the Seeley Prefat and the Chequamegon Fat Tire (hint, hint).

Right now my next race may include getting my rear end on some fat rubber. The 907 beckons and I must answer the call.
I have been having fun destroying and reassembling parts of my house this weekend. The wife is gone with the camera, so pictures will have to wait. I have some work to do before attacking a project I am really looking forward to.

Pro or local schmo

2011-08-20T18:10:00.002-05:00

Long time readers of the blog, God help you, may remember the contest to figure out if the rider pictured is a Professional or just some local guy. Well, when possible, we will play again. Today is a new round.

So I ask, is this a Pro or local schmo?

The return to more frequent blogging.

2011-08-19T13:12:00.004-05:00

Alright, so here is the deal. I am in a new house with lots of to do projects I want to take care of. I also have a new baby that will be here shortly. Sooooo, I am not exactly "training" as I don't plan on racing anytime soon. However, that won't stop me from an update about random stuff. I plan on some more frequent updates as we go along.

Bikes
I have a new one, and possibly another in the works. More on those later, but it is always nice to have fun toys.

Walmart
I visit here very infrequently. The store annoys me, but the inconsiderate customers drive me nuts. For some reason I stopped in there today and found one highly redeeming quality now. You can play my favorite game "Big Buck Hunter: Pro" for $.50 for a hunt, or $1 for a full hunting adventure. Which leads me to...

Big Buck Hunter: Pro
I am not a video game guy. I am not a hunter. However, I have a hard time walking by this game and not throwing up the cash to knock down some bucks. The pro version has some quality graphics and is more interactive. I can shoot me a mountain lion, birds, squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits while picking off the bucks. Just don't shoot the does!

Tuscobia 2011, Arrowhead 2012, Ragnarok 2012, Transiowa 2012
I plan on being on those start lines in fine form.

Free Gravel Races
There is a small movement for these races. People think racing gravel just isn't cool unless it is free. Well, I hate to tell those people that these races are not free. There are always expenses. Guiter Ted and Chris Skogen run the most well known of these races with Transiowa and Almanzo (a race that may someday work out for me). THEY are paying their own money to run these races. Chris puts on a fantastic event and must have considerable expenses with said event. I say let them charge a fee so that race promoters are not shelling out their own cash so others can race. I will never balk at a fee to do an organized event like these.

I'm taking a break..

2011-07-22T08:54:00.006-05:00

I am taking a break from filling every free minute with work. Instead I am getting back on the bike and logging some hours. The work needed on the rentals is now a small amount and I don't have a super short timeline to work with. Yeah me!

Yesterday was our 10 year anniversary. Becky, Abi, and I celebrated with a trip to the Como Zoo and one of Abi's favorite activities...BIKE RACE! I raced my bike poorly and managed to locate a tree to crash into hard. My body was not firing with the same horse power as earlier this summer plus I had a hard time focusing. I was all over the place even before I checked the stability of a good sized tree (my knee is not so happy about this FYI).

Abi rocked the kids race and seems more and more determined to go fast. This was really the first time that I gave her almost no assisted "biden handups". She rocked it and even knows what candy in the bin we'll let her hoard.

Today we planned on a night out to celebrate as a couple. Instead, we are taking that money and using it for another purpose. I encourage you to do the same.

Read, do as you will.

2011-07-20T08:19:00.005-05:00

We all get entrenched in our own lives, but try take time to care about others as well. Now would be a good time.

Feels like home.

2011-07-06T09:03:00.002-05:00

With so much to unpack still and organize, it feels comforting that I can finally make my own coffee (took awhile to find all the needed stuff) and explore all my pressing needs on the Internet (ie cycling sites and blogs). Funny, I felt like my move was sponsored by Trek with all the marked boxes we used from the shop.

Now as I finally get back on the bike, I hope to regain some fitness in a respectable amount of time. My workload at the properties is decreasing, so my ride time should increase. Looking not to embarrass myself, I will be skipping my 3rd planned MN series race this weekend. Looking forward to toeing a start line soon though.

BTW.

Where is Charly?

2011-06-26T10:39:00.001-05:00

First off, early this year a Nate H. commented on this blog. Nate, if you are reading, I may have something for you. Email me at charlytri(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Second, June is pretty much a write off for me on the bike. I've got LCR guys even emailing me concerned that they have not seen me lately. I am back to work at the shop, plus catching up on years of neglect on the to do list before we move out and rent our place has seen me on the bike about twice a week. The Red Wing race today was planned for, but I am bailing. Buck Hill is no longer possible when I work until 7 on Thursdays. Pending final approval on financing, we close on our new place on Thursday.

Third, a recent spring trip to NC to see Mr. and Mrs. Tri Guy included a stop at the beach. I found a nice set of tracks from a pair of Surly Endomorph tires there. Even with gorgeous weather, I find myself dreaming of rolling the 9:zero:7 in the snow.

Fourth, I still need to remark about my equipment this year. When I have more time...

Working hard or hardly working?

2011-06-06T00:19:00.002-05:00

The last many days for me have involved a lot of staining, painting, sheet rocking, mudding, taping, caulking, breaking, burning, disposing, cutting, slicing, hammering, screwing, ripping, and fixing. Notice the no mention of riding?

My last ride was Thursday night, Buck Hill #3 for me this year. Got a warm up which was great for the breathing, but legs were really stiff and tight. Backed off with a lap and a half left as to soft pedal the rest of the race and the legs "woke up". Got going again and managed to catch and pass one rider, almost caught another; both had been pulling away. Weird. My ladies were not present that night, so no throw down in the kids race.

Oh, so you may ask why the lack of riding and following up on a to do list that has been neglected for years. Well, it appears we may be moving into a new to us house (as opposed to the old to us twinplex). We are taking advantage of another person's misfortune by purchasing a foreclosed property. There are numerous benefits to the new place, but best of all will be the bike room!!!! What, what!!! Anyways, we are pumped.

On another note, do you know anyone looking for a really nice 3 bedroom place with 2 car garage and great private backyard to rent, preferably on a 2 year lease(plus nothing on the to do list)?

Anywho, back to projects...

Buck #2 for the year

2011-05-27T10:17:00.000-05:00

No warm up, lungs filling up with gunk the farther we went, course that was very difficult to pass on, horrible start, and legs may not have been recovered from the weekend had me thinking next week I could do better than 7th, but happy overall.

Abi had a bad race as well. It was like she forgot she needed to go forward on her Strider to get to the candy. She did join the run heat mid race so she could sneak more sugar.

Now I go show apartments and continue to cough up yummies from the lungs.

Chequamegon 100

2011-05-23T09:05:00.004-05:00

First off, thanks to "Meiser and The Whiz" for putting on such a great/fun race. BTW guys, you can use that title for your future radio show. Super fun course, relaxed atmosphere, and great post race get together.

This is the race that I have wanted before it was even introduced, 100 miles of racing in the Cable, WI area on all of it's fine singletrack. Last year's inauguration I would miss, but not this year. I pulled up to the start with a big poo eating grin on my face; no matter how I felt, or how I was doing, nothing but fun trial lay before me. Having ridden just about every inch of the course at one point or another(I have a rentable cabin up there ya know), I was not concerned with the que sheets, my gps, or even a bike computer. Just time to "JFR" the trails.

The start on Rock Lake Road would be short before our singletrack entrance. I set off to get to the trail first for 2 reasons; not to be held up, not to have my single track fun distracted by a rider in front of me. Joe Curtes (whom I met in the race) and Heath Weisbrod would join me and we would chat during our singletrack fun, not trying to kill ourselves in the first 10 miles.

And away we go.

Who got the holeshot? I got the holeshot! Party on!

Along Rock Lake Road we cruised, Heath spinning away his SS all the way. A stretch on a 4 wheeler saw Heath drop back. Joe and I would hit the Esker Trail together and start the Ojibwe out of site of the rest of the riders. Soon after we hit Ojibwe's fun twisty stuff I lost my riding companion and found myself alone with about 75 mile to go.

Cruising along service roads we would end up climbing the infamous Firetower hill. I would crest the top with no one in site and the legs clicking over nicely. It is amazing how much easier it is to climb this when not going all out in the Chequamegon 40.

Dear Firetower, I own you.

Off to the OO trailhead and then down the awesome Makwa Trail, down on the good time Hatchery Creek trail, and then the feed point at the Hatchery Creek trailhead. I would load up more water and fuel and leave before anyone else showed up. At no point did I know how far back anyone was besides the fact they were out of site.

Up Hatchery Creek to the Mosquito Brook Trailhead and I still was smiling, but starting to feel a little tired. Onto the Janet Road and then the Birkie ski trail. The Birkie trail was miserable, thick grass, soft dirt, and steep hills. Combine a tiring body and I ended up wishing for caffeine as I looked over my shoulder again and again waiting to finally be caught.

No one would show as I got back on to service roads, perked up, and headed back onto super fun singletrack that is Rock Lake, Patsy Lake, and then the Namekagon Trails. After riding the nastiest stuff long before, I thought I was home free. Then in an unassuming section I ripped a tire. A panicked tube install and hurried start still no one had caught up.

All along the trail I was tiring and slowing. I had not drank enough and my stomach was upset. In fact I would take in 320 calories the last half of the race. Still though, the trail was a blast and I kept on keeping on knowing I would soon be done and could survive no what is still in the belly. Soon I dumped out onto Rock Lake Road and headed down to the finish. There waited "Meiser and the Whiz", Ms. Whiz, beer, and snacks. The rain had started 20 minutes before I finished, but started to come down nice and hard after I stopped. Twenty minutes later Trek rider Todd Mcfadden would roll in for second place.

This was a super fun race and a race that I hoped to do well in this year. I have been looking forward to it since last year, but after the Sandwich, I thought my fitness was no where near what I needed. Luckily, I must have been in a short lived rut, as every race I seem to get stronger and stronger.

Oh, and the bike? Simply amazing. I felt like I was cheating on my Superfly 100 with Sram XX, Rock Shox f/r, Bontrager wheels/tires/seat, and Truvativ bar/seatpost. Simply awesome! I'll dive deeper into that later.

To the victor come the spoils, er, hostess cupcakes.

Got a flat :(

2011-05-21T17:45:00.000-05:00

And the win :). Tons of fun was had on my Trek SF 100 Elite turbo'd with full SRAM XX and shocks.

Weird

2011-05-20T15:55:00.000-05:00

I am jealous of myself. Off to race the Cheq 100.

The Sandwich 50

2011-05-18T23:36:00.006-05:00

Gett'n ready to run

Alright, we are finally catching up on my racing career as of late. The last/first race in this catch up is the Sandwich 50. I along with Matt "Kuske" Kurke (defending champ) organised this race for the second year. This year we declared it the MN Enduro Championship. Seven laps on world class Eastwood Park singletrack.

And away we go!

Leading up to the race I had felt like poo and that would carry forward through the race. Lack of sleep and upper back problems had been kicking my butt for several weeks. Matt was fighting a bad cold, but was anxious to show McDonald's why they are sponsoring his 2011 racing. Brendan Moore, the bad boy of biking, was set to appear as well. This was always in question after what happened last year.

Micky D's Rider Kuske at the front of the prologue. I am rolling it in second.

The Le mans start was fun and somehow I got the "holeshot" into the singletrack, take that B. Moore! I felt like poo, but I forced my body through the paces of the first few laps, hoping it would come around. Matt and Brendan would sit in my draft, soaking up the benefit, refusing to pull. I guess some people don't believe in fair play and would rather play race tactics. Kaleb Himli and Jon "I raced the first world's and know Adam Craig" Finoff would trail about 30 seconds off our pace. At the beginning of the second lap Brendan would finally stop sucking wheel and pull through. His constant drafting had left him fresh as a daisy and he established a gap that would only grow through the day, no thanks to all my hard work on the first lap.

Operation Holeshot succeeded!

On the third lap Matt would pull out the old "mechanical" excuse and Jon Finoff would drop due to back problems. I would slow my pace, monitoring my gap to Kaleb all the way. I only felt worse during the race, but my pace was enough to hold off Kaleb for second place.

How far they have fallen. Here I pull in for the finish, and Micky D's rider Kuske heads out for another 2 laps.

So there you go, I was second for the second year in a row. If for some reason "BB" Brendan can not fulfill his obligations as the 2011 MN Enduro Mountain Bike State Champion, then I will be here to step in and hold the crown.

OH! I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Hobo Camp. Last year 2 homeless guys appeared, handing out bacon and beverages to the racers in the middle of the woods. Because of the economy, there were close to ten guys out there this year doing the same, cheering with much voracity. I would stop for a bacon hand up on the last lap, coughing up some charred bits 10 minutes later on that same lap. They were a HOOT and made the race that much more fun.

Buck Hill Thursday Night Throwdown

2011-05-17T13:51:00.007-05:00

So I am working backwards on the latest 3 races in my "career". Tomorrow you'll hear about The Sandwich 50.

Race #1
Leading to last Thursday I was anxious, excited, and pumped for a race. Just not mine. You see, my wife visited the Sandwich last weekend with Abi, the uber cute 2 1/2 year old daughter of ours. When they pulled up to the Sandwich, Abi yelled "Bike Race"! All week she talked about wanting to "race my bike".

Thursday night rolled around and the 45 degree temps and mist in the air would not deter my little one. She spent a good 30 minutes on her Strider, getting warmed up for the showdown. On the start line the competition was thin, likely riders were fearing the weather. Despite most of the children being much more mature (she races the 4 and under group) she rode with all her heart; placing in the top five, she collected her prize as can be seen in the video. (NOTE: I AM NOT SURE IF THE VIDEOS ARE NOT WORKING OR NOT)

Race #2
I felt like poo during and after my race the previous weekend at the Sandwich. I was expecting nothing but a good way to get in an intense effort at Buck Hill. Some of the big dogs were absent, including Brendan Moore, the "Bad Boy of Mountain Biking". "Hairy" Barry would take off to the front at the start and slowly pull away. I spent the entire first lap in second place gasping for air, partly because my warm up could be measured in seconds. No one would pass me on that first climb which really puzzled me as I felt like I was going slow.

Early in the second lap Dave Oachs came by and then later in that lap I would get into a groove. I always come on strong in these races and hoped to catch him before our 4 laps were done. Unfortunately, he continued to pull away, as I did to the riders behind me. I would roll in, satisfied with 3rd place for the day and happy that my fitness was not as bad as first thought.

Oh, small tech note. I tried the XR0 tires from Bontrager for the first time. Holy crap they'll be used again! That is all.

Trek Demos!!!!!

2011-05-16T16:19:00.002-05:00

So I am rolling on one hell of a nice bike, more to come on that later. Now if you fancy yourself interested in a hot ride like the Treks I roll, they have a demo truck in the cities this weekend.

The truck will be at Lebanon Hills on Saturday, Murphy on Sunday, 10:00-3:00 both days.
Look for much of the local Trek Coop and Trek 29er crew team guys to be there, including myself, on Sunday. It will be off the chain yo.

Time for some updates.

2011-05-16T13:20:00.005-05:00

Alright, I have had a chance to race my bike three times in the last 10 or so days, time for some race recaps ya'll. the plan is a recap a day. Heck, let's plan on a post a day through Friday.

Cable Area Off Road Classic
I love this race. Partly because I love the area. Partly because I have a cabin there. Partly because I make it a weekend for men to get together and talk about their feelings. This year we would see Bob Marhefke show for the first time, Chris Fisher, Brendan Moore, and Jason Wenk were returners from previous years.

I would go into this race knowing that my fitness is not quite were it was last year at this time, but with a little glimmer of hope after a fun Buck Hill race 2 days before.

The start is about 7 miles from the cabin. It was a balmy 39 degrees as we rode though huge wind gusts on the rain soaked roads. Hmmm, sounds like yummy mountain biking. I put in some surges that are always painful on the lungs, but seem to really help my breathing on the starts.

The start went well, and I was happy that that either I felt better than normal, or the pace was lower. Needless to say I was not as oxygen deprived as normal a mile into the course. I hit the singletrack in around 6th place or so and we all stuck together well through some of the finest singletrack in the midwest. The pace was not terrible, so I took the opportunity to back off on the small climbs and catch right back up on the flat part of the trail. These are the little games I like to play so that I don't pop my lungs early in.

Soon after we were back out on Rock Lake road and then into the ATV trail next to Camp Four Lake (which I hear has great winter camping). When we hit the trail I saw CJ Faulkner in front of me looking down at his drive train and not at the log partially blocking the trail feet in front of him. As he hit I swung right hoping to avoid a collusion, but bike and body bounced right as well. Let's say that the ensuing collision will make becoming someone's "girl" in prison a little easier if he ever ends up there. Trying to get going I had to dislodge CJ's seat from my rear wheel as well. The combination of the stop and adrenalin rush had me holding back to keep the breathing in check. Back on Rock Lake road Arron Swanson(his recap here) would pass me giving chase to the lead 6 or so riders.. My plan was to chase together in a group, but his surge was too much for me at the time. I ended up chasing behind with a few riders mainly in tow.

(Leaving the Esker trail. Picture viciously stolen from Jay Richards and Skinnyski.com)

Eventually Aaron would drop back and join our little group. We would splash in the puddles and my feet would go numb from the water and cold. As we raced the through the course we would shuffle some in placings. A nice hard left into the Ojibwe trail was not well marked and I blew by the 2-3 riders I was with (I never heard Aaron's warning as he had prerode the course). This corner was a common missed turn for people in the race, FYI. Hitting the singletrack my body started firing on all cylinders again and the lungs were all good. Aaron's pace was a little slower than what I had hoped and when it did open up I made a pass. What had grown to 5 or 6 riders in our group broke up into Aaron and I as the pace went up.

The last several miles are open and Nathan Lillie would soon join us. Nathan would gap us in a short stretch of trail that literally saw the ground heave under our tires. Giving chase Aaron and I would not bring Nathan back. As we approached the finish I was thinking racing tactics. Aaron would pull up beside me. I didn't understand what he said, but I understood that he was up for a mano y mano sprint. That was cool, no games, just racing. I ended up winning our battle for 7th.

(After seeing the fear in Aaron's eyes I would give him a little lesson in what it takes to sprint for 7th place at 40 degrees while soaked. I would go on to open a bottle of champagne in celebration, as we all know the everyone is gunning not for first, but 7th. Picture viciously stolen from Jay Richards and Skinnyski.com)

Brendan would take the win once again. The next day Rock Lake and Namakagon got a good rogering. Every year I ride there for the first time I find tons more new singletrack. This trip would be no exception as the Namekagon now ends with miles of super fun trail.

Thanks for reading, see you tomorrow.

Decorah TT

2011-05-04T13:48:00.005-05:00

Since Ragnarok, I have had back problems that have seen me seriously lack any bike time. When I did get on the bike it was not impressive. Rolling through Easter I started getting "good sensations" once again.

Along came the Decorah TT in Iowa. This race has been going on since the early 90's and I have attended more years than I haven't. It is a super fun time, great guys, and heck, even great food at the end. This year we would attack a 6.5 mile course with about 1,000 feet of climbing, tough like always. The mid 40 temps were not doing my asthma any favors, but after lots of puffs and a hard warm up I was able to attack the hills a lot better than I expected. The legs were much stronger than anticipated, but the lungs were the limiting factor. I finished in 37 something minutes. Decorah local strong man Trevor Rockwell took another win in this race on his single speed, Kaleb Himli got me for second 20-30 seconds faster. I finished 3rd overall and 1st in my age group.

Time has been tight lately with projects galore. They are certainly getting added to the list faster than scratched off. Anyways, The Sandwich 50 is this weekend. I am predicting a fight between Kuske and B. Moore for the win and me hoping my fitness is there to not embarrass myself. Then it is off to Cable for the Classic, and then again to Cable for the Chequamegon 100 <-----Excited about that one!

Goodie, goodie...

2011-04-26T16:28:00.000-05:00

...gumdrops.

Funny

2011-04-12T10:11:00.001-05:00

So about the same time that Joe Meiser, Tim Norrie, and I discussed how cool fatherhood is during the race, my wife was taking Abi to the hospital so they could remove the pomegranate seed she shoved up her nose.

Nothing like dressing yourself!

Ouch, Ragnarok style.

2011-04-10T22:13:00.003-05:00

Thoughts popped through my head as my legs and I had a disagreement about what they should be doing on the steep ending of Lehrbach, our last climb of the day.

Was it a stronger group this year?
Am I not in the fitness that I thought I was?
Was I having a bad day?
Did I give Chipotle too much of my business?
Was the effort I put in in miles 75-85 trying to break up the group catching up with me?
Was the course that much harder?
Was the 111 miles just a little too far for me?
Did I not eat enough?
Did I not drink enough?
Was it a combination of my leg injury/lack of sleep/and back flare up leading up to the race?
Combination of all or none of the above?

No matter what on that last climb, I forced my legs through leg seizing cramps to the degree that I have not experienced in years, forced to sit when I wanted to stand, forced to watch the top four guys crest the hill in the position I wanted, forced to watch my hope for the "Tri-Peat" escape. By far the most painful of the 3 Rags I have entered.

I can honestly say that the course felt tougher. I swear the hills were not only more plentiful this year, but the front group of guys rode them at a faster pace. The front group this year was stronger and more aggressive. Heath, your hill was a SOB in gradient, height, and it's really soft surface. "Heath's Hill" came at about mile 90 and was the toughest of the day. I headed back there to snap the picture above and enjoy other racer's pain while I ate my post race meal.

The race took 30 minutes longer than 2 years ago, but I consumed 500 calories less. I had some bad back flare ups this week that historically also mess with my digestion and makes it harder to process the contents. Thursday, my chiropractor was marveling how 3 of my vertebrae were so messed up they were tender to the touch. They were the same 3 that have been a problem at times before (in the upper thoracic region for those interested). So did I consume less from neglect or inability? I am not sure. I do know that my upper back hurt more on the car ride home then anything else on my body.

With the legs hinting at cramping just 60 miles into the race I was glad to make it to the bottom of the last hill in the front group. Brandon, Eki, Joe, Jeff, and Buff were strong and impressive as we hit that last climb and it was an honor to fight for the win with all of you (results). Although I crested that hill in 5th, I was able to rally and take 4th by passing Jeff, a guy I thought had the race won when he gaped us all on Heath's hill. I commend you all on a job well done and warn you that I will be back to try for the third 'Rok win in 2011.

The Superfly hard tail was absolutely amazing in it's performance. Torsionaly, I have have never been on a bike so fricking stiff and ready to attack. It has not been off road yet, but that will come Tuesday and I am excited for that ride.

Oh, and I highly recommend this race. Great/hard/scenic course and great organization make this a race to attend. See you next year!

Checking in, preaching.

2011-04-08T15:29:00.002-05:00

So I have one ride in on the new bike that I'll be racing for 111 gravel miles tomorrow. Questioning fit with stem/bars....

Congrats on Ian Stanford on his National TT Win! What,you didn't hear? Another doper down. No remorse here. I can't tell you how pissed off I would be to find out someone aided by drugs beat me. Pathetic.

BTW.

"Easy boy,"...

2011-04-07T13:38:00.001-05:00

..."save it for Saturday".

If I can make the bluffs of Red Wing echo the chants of "Tri-peat", this is the bike I will do it on.

Faking it?

2011-04-02T22:02:00.000-05:00

Maybe you can see the swelling, maybe not, but you can skin the cuts on the skin. Those I don't even notice. The muscles above and to the inside of the knee are tight and very sore. Ibuprofen is helping, 100% or not, I will still be there to try for the Tri-peet at Ragnarok.

Crap

2011-04-01T17:55:00.001-05:00

Nursing a DEEP muscle injury. Tight, mucho pain. I have a hard time this will be healed by next weekend. Grrrrrrrr. Oh, and it was done on a borrowed 26er in a secret local. Stupid small wheels.

Is she getting fat?

2011-03-28T12:59:00.006-05:00

Here is an update on my life and thoughts lately in short bursts:

-I knocked up the wife again. Due date Oct. 15th, not finding out the sex until then. My boys are strong swimmers. I guess I need to ride more.

-Abi wants to "race my bike". Buck Hill racers better watch out!

-My dog won't stop licking my arm as I type this.

-The hypocrisy with Obama and Libya is laughable. Along with that the divisiveness in politics, it is getting really old. Every political side has something to add to this country, but they would rather just yell at each other and nit pick. They are like a bunch of junior high kids. For the record, I am glad they are helping the people of Libya from their own government.

-Gas prices have been gone up. Along with that you have the self righteous pricks cheer because "I never drive a car because I ride my bike everywhere". Good for you, but that is your choice and wishing ill on others because of it is sad.

-Been busy this weekend. Chiseling pavement for a sump pump install, refinishing hardwood floors, and half the riding I wanted.

-Ragnarok 105 (105 mile gravel race) is coming in a few weeks and I am not feeling all that confident. Frankly, I question how good of shape I am in, but we'll find out more soon. I would really like to "tri-peat" the race, but I also would like a lot of things that I am not getting. Bike is almost ready, carbon Superfly with some new changes to set up that I need to try. Ek, it is lighter than yours:)

-The licking is getting really old.

-With my life as a stay at home Dad I have happen to see a few shows on tv that day workers do not. Just to let you know Tyra Banks annoys me with her stupidity and hypocrisy every time I have seen her on TV. She is so flipping annoying, but what is worse is she has such a strong following.

-Going on the TV theme, I tend to like syndicated tv shows. I discovered "Scrubs" this way. It happens that it is on when I put Abi down and I eat my lunch. The following shows I did not like until they went into syndication; "90210", "Seinfeld", "King of Queens", and "Scrubs". I am sure there are more that I can't think of.

-Are you still reading all this stuff?

-I really don't watch much TV at all, but I am on a roll here so stay with me. Up at the cabin we get a channel called "Retro TV". It often times has cool old shows like "Night Rider", "The A-Team", and "Magnum PI". I wish we had that channel locally, minus the old black and white westerns.

-Stupid dog keeps licking, errrr.

-If you are going to be punched in at work you should probably stop reading blogs.

Pugsley World Chamipionships

2011-03-09T10:00:00.005-06:00

Well, down there in Decorah, IA those crazy cats self appointed themselves as the holder for the World Championship Fat Bike Race. Me with my itching desire to get in some fun in the snow and with $500 to the first guy across the line I figure the free entry and cost of gas for the 90 minute drive was more than worth the fun.

The conditions in the area had not been ideal. Leading up to the race there had been a rash of warm weather and little snow to the point that snowmobiles had not been allowed on the trails for the past week or 2, leaving the trail very hard to distinguish. Trevor Rockwell got to the front right away and I took up the caboose in our 5 person front group (Me, Trevor, Hollywood, Ben Shockey, and Ezra Taylor). My forgotten inhaler and lack of warm up and me apprehensive for the first 30 minutes, despite th use of my new breathing mask (more on that in another post). Riding next to a river in the trees the trail was easily visible and we plunged down hills only to plug back up the other side. Soon we were crisscrossing fields and weaving through patches of trees. This is where the trail became almost completely unrecognizable. Twice either Hollywood or I got to the front looking to increase the pace a tad and twice we went the wrong way. Thank goodness Trevor was there or we would have been wandering the Iowa countryside for days.

Action shots stolen from here. The start.

At some point the front group got down to H-Wood, Trevor and I as we headed through the checkpoint. We would soon hit the "snow dunes" on a flat straight part of trail. This trail had only seen a little foot traffic, but plenty or drifting and icing over, leaving us a very difficult task of trying to ride through. Out onto the a gravel road and our group of 3 was now 4 with the addition of Ezra and his modified fat Big Dummy.

Coming into town for the checkpoint. I am the one in the Darth Vader costume.

Because of the COMPLETE shut down of the rest of the snowmobile trails, our last 1/3 of the race was almost all gravel, unbeknownst to me. The style of power output taxed the cardio system more and my breathing had a hard time keeping up. I was not a fan of this and thought we had more sled trail to cover soon. My plan WAS to make a move on the next snowmobile trail as it seemed that is where I was riding best. Up over a small gravel rise Trevor attacked with H-wood on his tail. My breathing had gotten ramped up and I chased down the backside. My der must have jambed because I could not get in the smallest 2 cogs in the back and we were facing a very long slight downhill. The hill was steep enough that I needed the extra gearing to pedal, but not steep enough to coast and keep up. Ezra passed me by and caught up with the lead 2 riders.

As we went down the long twisty descent the top three smelled my blood in the water and stayed on the gas as I watched them fade away out of site. Resigned to getting 4th I plugged along until around a corner I saw a chance. Off the gravel was our last piece of snow trail up a larger switchback hill. A little lay into the gas and I made up a lot of ground by the top of the climb. With the finish in site we were all laying it out. I was able to pass Ezra and closed some on H-Wood, finishing in 3rd place. Trevor took the well deserved win.

With 3rd I got me a sweet trophy. I realized something; over the last few years I have had the privilege of obtaining so pretty cool and unique awards. So here is a pic of the bling from the Pugs Worlds, and then a shot of the award I snagged at the Tuscobia 75 miler snow race (all modeled by a future female pro mountain biker). Literally, these kind of awards would be a driving force for me to return to these races and compete.

Thanks to the guys in for Decorah for doing your part to keep mountain biking cool. See you at your TT in late April! Oh, and thanks to 9:ZERO:7 for making a bike that leaves me with no excuse not to do well!

Pugs World Championship 3rd place.

Tuscobia 75 miler 1st place.

Arrowhead set up.

2011-02-27T08:13:00.003-06:00

So riding buddy Juicy Peach is in the long term planning stages of an Arrowhead attempt. He saw this picture and wanted to know how I had everything so compact. For my own info for next year and your curiosity I'll describe everything. I am too lazy to take pics of it all, so too bad for you.

First off, you are familiar with the bike. This 907 bike simply kicks butt, and it disappoints me I could not take full advantage of that at Arrowhead. I felt really strong right before hand and that feeling has finally started coming back. The 80mm rims are just as much meaty as they are light and zippy. Me likey.

The frame bag is a homemade number that I measured and cut and then my Mommy sewed up. The pogies are $20 jobs from Fleet Farm. I modified them by sewing the enclosure a little smaller and putting a screw through them and into the bar end plugs to keep them on better. You can't see so well in the picture, but a larger triangle handlebar pack sits on top of the bar/stem area. The seat bag was actually not used in the race.

Frame bag contents:
-1 pint stove pot. Inside that was a homemade alcohol stove, matches, lighter, 6 ounces of fuel, and duct tape.
-Another 6 ounce flask of alcohol
-3000 calories of peanut butter stuffed in the bottom corner
-Compact rain/wind pants stuffed in front corner
-Compact rain/wind jacket
-Outer mittens to go over wool gloves.
-Thermal hoodie (very warm)

Handlebar bag:
-Extra balaclava
-Head Band
-Tube
-Multi Tool
-Heat Packs
-Light wool gloves
-Warm hat

Inside the Pogies:
-I think 3 or 4 bags of food.
-Thick wool gloves
-Flasks of gel (one that does not seem to freeze so far)

Compression bag strapped to the front of bars:
-(-)20 degree down bag inside my bivy
-Sleeping pad
-Another thermal hoodie

I had riveted the fork to accept the Salsa anything cage, but I only used those bolt holes to hold a mini pump.

So I guess thanks for looking. Any questions for a guy fully experienced now at getting to the first checkpoint in the Arrowhead 135?

BTW

Fatbikefest

2011-02-24T10:11:00.006-06:00

***First things first, the Superfly 100 now has the options of wheels! See previous post.***

Fatbikefest was this last weekend in Elk River. I guess the best way to describe it would be the MN state championship race, only on snow and ginormous tires.

Elk River is foreign to me, so as Kuske and I rolled in my eyes met new sites. A drive down a narrow road opens up to the parking lot complete with large firepit, registration, and the coolest podium I have ever seen (cut into a giant snow bank).

We has just shown up and they announced the BullMoto race. It was free and I needed to warm up the lungs so I joined in. Slipping and sliding around I was just able to avoid getting girled, ending I think 2nd overall. It was all in fun.

The big race was soon after. My breathing was suspect so for precation I threw on my new breathing mask. Two laps around the BullMoto run and off on the trails. The race would represent several "firsts" for me since about October. The first time I rode with a front brake, first time getting in the "red zone", first time using my new mask, and first time riding anything remotely close to singletrack. I would hit the trail in 4th place, I think. After a few miles I started getting the hang of how Elk River winter racing is done, OUTSIDE on those icy corners, grrrrr. I would start to get in a flow. The shifting under tension showed the weakness of my thumbshifter and skipping shifts and a chain in the spokes became common and frustrating. By the end of the first of 2 big laps I learned how to ride the trail and not to shift in the 34 in the back. Somewhere out there my lungs would finally open up and I removed the mask.

With my bike problems I would move back and work my way up. By the end of the first lap I had things figured out and had worked my way up to 3rd after a little push from Larry "Pipes" Sauber, right behind Heath "Pretty Bike" Weisbrod and a healthy distance behind Brendan "KC" Moore. Near the beginning of the second lap Heath took a "b" line over some ladders, which I think was his way of letting me pass, thanks Heath.

I finished out the lap for 2nd. I didn't exactly come into this race knowing much except the date and probably time on the trail. It was nice to get "in the money" considering I didn't know money was even an option on the way up. A super cool "check" some t-shirts, and a new wireless computer later and I was leaving with every intention of making it back to future races. Rich knows how to make a fun event.

Below is my super sweet 907 with my Arrowhead bags (not used in the race). This looked like a smaller version of Hollywood's bike that came in 3rd, and Brendan's 907 in first. What is that you say, the 907's took the top 3 spots? Well yes, yes they did.

Quite possibly the coolest 2 year old ever holding one of the coolest awards I have ever received. Yes, the shirt speaks the truth.

A couple of videos of the race scene. Note the 4 riders lining up were for the final run of the BullMoto race. That is me on the far left.

I be the guy in the mask at the start.

So you wanna be a player...

2011-02-22T15:57:00.010-06:00

...but your wheels ain't fly? You gotta come to my house, and get a pimped out ride.

Yo playa, some foo juz rolled up wid a wad o franklins and swiped dis bike, ya hear me. So iz all sold now, ya hear me.

For Sale: SUPERFLY 100, $2,800 without wheels, $3,400 with brand new 2011 Bontrager Race X-lites

This has a combination of my 2010 Superfly 100 and brand new 2011 gear. The main frame is the brand new, never ridden 2011 model thanks to circumstance, I will be keeping the old main frame just in case it comes in handy later on. Brand New items are in bold. The chain, brake pads, and chain rings saw very little action so far. The color combination on the frame is really cool looking, even to the wife.

The fork is the Reba XX with remote lockout. The remote lock is so nice to have when getting out of the saddle. Handlebar is the super cool and light CARBON race x-lite. Sram XO throughout.

The only reason I am selling this bike is to replace it with the 2011 model, something I do every year. This is a smoking fast bike and I relish the fact that I get to own it.

There are some scratches on the crank and on the underside of the chainstays.

charlytri (at) yahoo (dot) com.

New, never ridden items are in bold.

Frameset
Sizes	MD (17.5")
Frame	2011 OCLV Co-molded carbon main frame and 2010 rear swingarm, G2 Geometry, E2 headtube, ABP, topswing carbon link
Fork	Rockshox XX Reba with REMOTE lockout.
Rear Shock	Fox Float RP23, 110mm travel, Boost Valve, air pressure, 3-position Pro Pedal, external rebound, 7.25 x 1.75" custom race tune
Drivetrain
Shifters	SRAM X.O Redwin
Front Derailleur	Shimano XT Direct Mount
Rear Derailleur	SRAM X.O Redwin
Cassette	SRAM PG990 11-34 9spd
Bottom Bracket	BB 95 Integrated Cartridge Bearing

Wheels
Wheels	Optional: 2011 Bontrager Race X-lite Wheels.
Tires	Bontrager 29-3 Team Issue TLR 2.0", 29-3 Team Issues TLR 2.25"
Components
Crank Set	Truvativ Noir Redwin Carbon, 44/32/22
Saddle	Bontrager Race X Lite, superlight hollow titanium rails
Seatpost	Bontrager Race XXX Lite Carbon OCLV, Carbon Shaft, infinite adjust Carbon Bontrager head
Handlebar	Bontrager Race X Lite CARBON Big Sweep, 660mm width
Stem	Bontrager Race X Lite OS, 7d rise, 31.8mm, 90mm
Headset	Cane Creek Frustrum E2 1-1/8"-1-1/2", semi-integrated, cartridge bearings
Brakeset	Avid Elixir CR hydraulic disc, 160mm 6 bolt rotors front and rear

Need a place for the Birkie?

2011-02-17T08:41:00.002-06:00

So my friend Rob rents out our cabin that is within the boundary of the start because it sits only 1/2 mile away. No taking the bus in, just roll up to the start at your convenience. Well, someone that was going with him backed out so he has space for one more. Leave a comment with your e-mail and I'll make sure he gets it. I'll post when it gets filled up.

For more info on the cabin see here. Full kitchen, bath, place for waxing skies, and super close to the start without actually being on the busy Telemark road.

News and Views from Me-big whoop de do

2011-02-16T14:07:00.005-06:00

BUSH LIED!!!
Um, no, looks like this guy did. When you have an oppressive regime that has used illegal chemical weapons on neighbors and its own people more than once, invaded and looted a neighboring country, refuses to prove it got rid of the WMD, promises to bring down the "infidels", voluntarily gave money to the families of the 911 terrorists, continually played a cat and mouse game with the UN inspectors, and there is info like this saying there is a secret program creating more WMD, what would you do? Make Saddam pinky swear that he doesn't have something up his sleeve?

The Bush ultra haters are a lot like Obama ultra haters now that say B.H.O. was born on another planet, like Wisconsin. Get over it, Bush didn't plan 911 and Obama doesn't pray towards Mecca twice a day (we should be praying towards him according to some).

Contador is CLEN! I mean CLEAN!
The guy is dirty, but hey, so are most of them. I blame Obama for the recent doping, Bush for the doping pre 2010. Listen to Floyd, not the old Floyd, the new Floyd. I won't hold judgement against his past transgressions, but he is sure trying to make up for it now. Floyd, you are welcome to crash at my place anytime. Way to "now" give the doping establishment the big middle finger. You need to grow your hair out and do Kid Rock impressions for extra cash.

It's coming, it's coming!
My super charged pimp mobile should be here soon. Thanks to secret backroom dealings, it will get stripped down and even more super pimped. I like to call getting the bike "Tiger Woods'ed" out. That means my sweet 2010 Superfly 100 will be up for sale soon. Simply the best mountain bike I have had the privilege of riding.

Prince William is gett'n hitched
Just about every news broadcast has updates on the wedding plans. Why this is news is beyond me, but know this: if you are closely watching the plans unfold and/or are excited for this event then we can never be friends. People who care about this are lame, and I don't keep lame friends.

The Arrowhead 135 is done
I am done dwelling on what happened, but not done working on next year's race with the uber fast 907 bike. Instead the "eye of the tiger" is on this race, and then this race, and then this race. Looking forward to trying to Three-peat the Ragnarok 105. Wait, that term is copyrighted by the Bull's old basketball coach. I am looking to Tri-Peat in April (copyright in process).

Gett'n back work
You have spent over a minute reading this latest posting of mine. Chances are you were not only paid for that minute, but your employer paid for the computer and internet connection. I think it is time for you to start making the company money, not spending it. Soooooo, get back to work.

Another year...

2011-02-14T10:54:00.003-06:00

...of living the dream. Dirt, gravel, and pavement tremble at the thought of me and my Trek/Fisher bikes. This summer I will relish every minute back on the Superfly hardtail and dually. Zoom, zoom.
BTW

40+ degrees for a few days.

2011-02-13T12:31:00.001-06:00

Time to put on some Bontrager rubber and
attack gravel with the 907. I just hope I have enough mud clearance.

Race to the top.

2011-02-13T09:24:00.000-06:00

You think your Chipotle burrito is big? Using techniques I learned from a life time of living on the street, I was able to manage this. They had to get another foil as this was not even close to full closure. The burrito artist marveled at the shear size. So to summarize, my burrito is bigger than yours. I win.

Oh my...

2011-02-08T15:32:00.000-06:00

...GOSH.

It's all training.

2011-02-06T20:38:00.001-06:00

Arrowhead look back.

2011-02-03T11:47:00.003-06:00

Frustrated, upset, mad, helpless, and baffled would describe how I feel as I digest my Arrowhead experience.

It started last year. I wanted to try this race they call the Arrowhead 135; 135 miles on snowmobile trails in the "Icebox of the Nation", famous for it's cold temps. Last year I simply wanted to finish, but undiagnosed asthma flared up and attacked, ending my day. This has to be one of the funnest most unique races I ever lined up for. After getting hooked up with meds, I dreamed about my return all year long. For the first time I was excited for the snow to come.

Leading up to the race I was lucky enough to get from support from the best snow bike company out there, 9:Zero:7 from Chain Reaction Cycles aka Fatbikes.com. Combined with their roomy and very light Flattop 80mm rims I was in awe. My gear set up also improved and reduced in weight. The Bontrager bits gleamed in the sun as well. I came into this race riding just about the most ideal set up you could ever have. My training leading up to the race went swimmingly and the week leading up to the race I was simply giddy with the fitness demonstrated in shake down rides. The fitness I showed in my win at the Tuscobia Ultra 75 miler seemed nothing to how I was riding now.

J-No and I arrived in International Falls 2 nights before and got to chat with all of our favorites prerace. A shake down ride on Sunday went well and I had high hopes. As I left our little oasis for the start on Monday morning the lungs were suffering for the first time in about 3-4 months despite my now usual prerace puffs. Undaunted, I moved on with inhalers handy in my breast pocket.

The start was a little fast and I followed the leaders closely, hoping to wait out my lungs' reluctance to fully function. As we made our way across the landscape the lungs didn't seem to come around. In reality, I was working at a 60-70% ability level and hurting for it. The one thing I had for me was my ability to suffer and my fitness. I knew that despite everything, I could put up with the breathing and subsequent pain from weakness for the rest of the race. I would just start the inevitable pain process earlier, and put up with it longer. Temps dipped down to -20 around sunrise, but I felt good with my gear.

About 25 miles from the start, and soon after another few pulls on the inhaler, the attacks started from Lance Andre with the group responding. I would slowly pull this group back, doing what I could considering I could not "push" it. Well, soon after another regrouping, we hit a hill and my lungs "popped". Breathing got more rampant, legs became more week. It was not a full attack from my body, but more of a building revolt. I stopped, added air in my rear tire as it felt like I was dragging a bag of bricks; no help.

So, I limped along at a very reduced rate, looking to my lungs to rally and continue forward. I rolled through the 1st checkpoint as planned, afraid to expose the lungs to the warm air inside and then the cold again, a past trigger for me. A few miles down the trail and I could tell it was getting worse. A u-turn back to the checkpoint was made to regroup, so I could at least finish this race. The situation worsened. Draped over my bike, I gasped for a full minute, preparing the strength just to make the 20 foot walk to get inside. Once inside I had uncontrollable breathing. I sat, too weak to stand.

After a a long period a few words could be muttered, forced between rapid breathes. Luckily J-No was there so he could explain to the "EMT" what was wrong and that I indeed use inhalers. I think I sat there for 30 minutes before I even felt the strength to stand. Jokes were made to cover the emotions I really felt. The frustration of all the work I put into this event only to have it taken from me by something I felt helpless to. It seems the instruction manual for my body is in Chinese, and I am not quite bi-lingual yet.

So that is that, my race was done. I loaded pictures onto the blog and bummed around the finish waiting for for J-No to come in (I am expecting his race report soon). Currently, I am working with the Mayo Clinic's finest to figure this whoole thing out.

Oatley, Biuffington, Dittmer, Peterson, and Doom all had great races, taking the top 5 spots. Congrats to them on a job well done. That being said, I hope to return next year, determined to drop them all down one spot on the podium.

All done

2011-02-01T12:44:00.000-06:00

Here is folks after his adventure last night in -30.

As I wait for J-No

2011-02-01T09:42:00.001-06:00

I had fun with the razor.

J-No

2011-02-01T09:39:00.000-06:00

He is on his way from the 3rd checkpoint! This is from the halfway point.

DNF

2011-01-31T20:06:00.000-06:00

The dry air got the best of me again. By the time I got back to the checkpoint I could barely stand. After 15 minutes of uncontrollable gasping, severe weakness, and whole body tingling I was able to get some words out to my audience. More to come later.