Feels like home.

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?

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?

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

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

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 :(

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

Weird

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

The Sandwich 50

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

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!!!!!

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.

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

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...

...gumdrops.

Funny

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.

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.

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,"...

..."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?

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

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?

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

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.

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

***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...

...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?

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

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...

...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.

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.

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...

...GOSH.

It's all training.

Arrowhead look back.

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

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

As I wait for J-No

I had fun with the razor.

J-No

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

DNF

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.

Hmmmm

I noticed a lack or LCR racers at the prerace meeting tonight.

Preride

We just got back from a preride fully loaded. I have to send each picture as an individual post. Anyways, looks like around -15 degrees for the start tomorrow.

Legs feel good. Bike feels like I am cheating.