So Fools Gold was this past weekend and it marks my first overall finish in the NUE series. I have no clue were that overall is and it will probably take another couple months before I know. It is not the most organized run series out there, but luckily there are races within the series where the race directors are on top of things which makes for a fun time. This is one thing that we are spoiled with in Wisconsin with the WORS scene.
Anyway this past weekend went all right, minus what I am blaming on the ingesting of some horse left over on one of my bottles. I felt fine and actually was in the main group. I did fall off the group right after this crazy downhill that dumped right into the first section of single track. This basically caused the splits. I did chase back on with Christian on the next ascent but it was only in time for the next tech, steep climb that put me over the edge and off the back. I rolled into aid 2 in around 6th spot and only down a minute or so. Then when climbing out of aid 2 I started to have some crazy stomach things start and the next thing I know I'm off the side of trail emptying my stomach. In a normal race I would of pulled the plug, but in a 100 miler you are so far out that the fastest way out of the woods is to always just ride. So I did and by the time I found the bail out point I was almost 50 miles in and starting to feel a bit better. I started getting back some spots and riding well then I found RK at our 2nd time past aid 2 at about mile 60. I rolled in just as he was about to pull out but he decided to wait even though my intentions were to have a picnic there. We rolled out together and he kept me going for the next 10 miles or so as the cramps started. After a couple handfuls of endurolytes, 4 or 5 oatmeal creampies, and some water I finally started feeling good again at about mile 75 which is also when the rain started. Either way RK and I rode together till the finish and kept the pace good enough for 10th and 11th.
So with the NUE done, next up is a flight from Atlanta today to the other side of the the country, Bend for the US Marathon National Championships. I am really excited to be back in Bend for some good racing and I am excited for the course cause even though I have raced here 3 times, two of them being 100 milers, there is still a trail in there that I have never ridden. The other plus will be the return of some good coffee, Georgians idea of coffee is Folgers with flavoring. Not cutting it for me.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
6-1-1 Record
So this past weekend was a lot of fun with one of the best races in the midwest to cap it off, The Copper Harbor Trails Festival. This year was a little different than in past years though, cause we actually raced! Usually it turns into more of a hard workout, but each of us seemed to give a go minus Brian who was content to sit back and just enjoy the day, except for him going to the front every so often to get some Go Pro footage:)
So the weekend. Krayers came to our house on Thursday night for an early morning departure to meet the McFaddens at the Tech trails. On Friday morning we loaded up the Audi with 6 bikes, 6 people, and even had the rocket box busting at the seams!! As we were packing RK made the all time rookie mistake and noticed he forgot his shoes! Luckily for him, Scott has the same size so we had to make a detour to pick up Scott's spare shoes. Even with the detour we still made record time to Houghton thanks to the backroad passing power of the Audi! I only saw 100 mph a couple times so not too bad:)
We hit up the Tech trails for a bit then decided to play around on the tech loop. Maybe not our best decision cause Lisa had a pretty good spill on the corkscrew. So bad we were starting to try and figure out how to get a car back to her to get her out of the woods. Luckily she was able to make it out and in the end was OK minus some good bruises and a possible concusion. After the Tech trails we loaded up our stomachs with beer, fish bowls, and tosatado pizza at Ambassadors. Yum!
We finally rolled into CH around 8PM and checked into the 5 star establishment known as the King Copper. To our surprise, they finally got new carpet! I must admit, kind of missed the blue shag under my feet.
On Saturday we opted to skip the enduro and just ride bikes and hang out for the day. It was awesome and the trails were as fun as I can remember!! We even ended up finishing the day with more pizza and beer! Great pre race meal!
Race Day. Ended up fixing Big D's rear wheel cause he broke a spoke during pre ride so that took up most of the morning. We did get a bit of chill in there but was quickly overcome by it's time to get race ready.
After a really short warm up, which consisted mainly of talking to Brian and Andrea, it was time to hit the start line. Big D and I ended up backing it in on the front row, even thought it was tight. I am glad we did cause sure enough, there was a crash on the pavement lead out. Road lead outs always make me nervous! After cruising through town being led out by Big D and Tom Carpenter we hit the climb up Brockway. There was one roadie that went at the bottom but could tell he was going no where since he was riding like a Chick-a-dee, always turning around to see if there was anyone there. We caught him about half way up the climb and then either Pete, Big D, or Tyler seemed to be setting the pace. I finally hit the hammer just before the turn into the flow trails so Pete did not get there first! That kid has some mad downhill skills and I was not going to let him lead, I mean drop me on the first descent!! When I turned in I noticed that another 212 jersey, whch ended up being Scott, was on the front of the next group so I chilled to see if they could catch on down the flow trail.
We exited the flow trail with a group of about 8 riders. Big D then decided to get up close and personal with the trail by throwing himeself on the ground to get a good feel of the soil content! He blocked the entire trail so I set up to wait for him to get back up and let the group come back together. The group was pretty chill up Garden Brook to the lodge and then back down Her We Go. Once we rounded the bottom near Stairway I decided to give it a go. I hit the climb pretty good to just see how everyone was feeling and gave me the results I thought it would, Brian, Tyler, Big D, and myself. We finished out the lap with Jan catching back on down the red trail.
Then on lap 2, Brian took over so that he could get some Go pro footage. He also decided to lead us the wrong way, OK there was someone pointing us in the wrong direction as well. Once going the right way Tyler took over and led up Woopidy Woo. Pete came back on this climb as well to make our group 6 strong.
The rest of the lap was pretty uneventful minus Big D ribbing Tyler as Tyler picked the pace up while going up to the golf course for the last time. We then entered the Red Trail with Big D taking over the pace setting. Unfortunatly the lap traffic was really bad and we were not able to really let it rip. I think if we could Big D would of walked away with the race cause he had gaps on a couple different occasions! At the base of the Red Trail we came out onto the pavement with Big D up about 10 seconds, with Tyler chasing, me sitting on Tyler, and Brian on me. Tyler reeled Big D back in just before making the left into the field area and then the games began. Tyler made the first jump but was quickly covered by Big D. Then as we were coming into the final turn, Big D and Tyler swung wide to take the corner leaving the inside line open so I jumped. I knew the finish well from years past and I immedialtely got a couple bike lengths. Tyler tried to turn and grab my wheel, but washed out and had a pretty spectacular crash from what I hear. Brian had to avoid Tyler and ended up in the sand box but luckily stayed up right as to avoid any injury before he starts his cross campaign. So with the dust settled, I came in 1st, Big D 2nd, Brian 3rd, and Tyler 4th. This gave me my 6th win here, one tie with Big D, and one defeat to Big D. The paper article can be found here:
After the race the party started with Bells beer, a cookout, and some live music. It was great to catch up with everyone and is always great to hang out with everyone we race against, minus one DB about mid evening!
Next up. Michelle, RK, and I fly out tomorrow for the NUE closer in Georgia, The Fools Gold 100.
So the weekend. Krayers came to our house on Thursday night for an early morning departure to meet the McFaddens at the Tech trails. On Friday morning we loaded up the Audi with 6 bikes, 6 people, and even had the rocket box busting at the seams!! As we were packing RK made the all time rookie mistake and noticed he forgot his shoes! Luckily for him, Scott has the same size so we had to make a detour to pick up Scott's spare shoes. Even with the detour we still made record time to Houghton thanks to the backroad passing power of the Audi! I only saw 100 mph a couple times so not too bad:)
We hit up the Tech trails for a bit then decided to play around on the tech loop. Maybe not our best decision cause Lisa had a pretty good spill on the corkscrew. So bad we were starting to try and figure out how to get a car back to her to get her out of the woods. Luckily she was able to make it out and in the end was OK minus some good bruises and a possible concusion. After the Tech trails we loaded up our stomachs with beer, fish bowls, and tosatado pizza at Ambassadors. Yum!
We finally rolled into CH around 8PM and checked into the 5 star establishment known as the King Copper. To our surprise, they finally got new carpet! I must admit, kind of missed the blue shag under my feet.
On Saturday we opted to skip the enduro and just ride bikes and hang out for the day. It was awesome and the trails were as fun as I can remember!! We even ended up finishing the day with more pizza and beer! Great pre race meal!
Race Day. Ended up fixing Big D's rear wheel cause he broke a spoke during pre ride so that took up most of the morning. We did get a bit of chill in there but was quickly overcome by it's time to get race ready.
After a really short warm up, which consisted mainly of talking to Brian and Andrea, it was time to hit the start line. Big D and I ended up backing it in on the front row, even thought it was tight. I am glad we did cause sure enough, there was a crash on the pavement lead out. Road lead outs always make me nervous! After cruising through town being led out by Big D and Tom Carpenter we hit the climb up Brockway. There was one roadie that went at the bottom but could tell he was going no where since he was riding like a Chick-a-dee, always turning around to see if there was anyone there. We caught him about half way up the climb and then either Pete, Big D, or Tyler seemed to be setting the pace. I finally hit the hammer just before the turn into the flow trails so Pete did not get there first! That kid has some mad downhill skills and I was not going to let him lead, I mean drop me on the first descent!! When I turned in I noticed that another 212 jersey, whch ended up being Scott, was on the front of the next group so I chilled to see if they could catch on down the flow trail.
We exited the flow trail with a group of about 8 riders. Big D then decided to get up close and personal with the trail by throwing himeself on the ground to get a good feel of the soil content! He blocked the entire trail so I set up to wait for him to get back up and let the group come back together. The group was pretty chill up Garden Brook to the lodge and then back down Her We Go. Once we rounded the bottom near Stairway I decided to give it a go. I hit the climb pretty good to just see how everyone was feeling and gave me the results I thought it would, Brian, Tyler, Big D, and myself. We finished out the lap with Jan catching back on down the red trail.
Then on lap 2, Brian took over so that he could get some Go pro footage. He also decided to lead us the wrong way, OK there was someone pointing us in the wrong direction as well. Once going the right way Tyler took over and led up Woopidy Woo. Pete came back on this climb as well to make our group 6 strong.
The rest of the lap was pretty uneventful minus Big D ribbing Tyler as Tyler picked the pace up while going up to the golf course for the last time. We then entered the Red Trail with Big D taking over the pace setting. Unfortunatly the lap traffic was really bad and we were not able to really let it rip. I think if we could Big D would of walked away with the race cause he had gaps on a couple different occasions! At the base of the Red Trail we came out onto the pavement with Big D up about 10 seconds, with Tyler chasing, me sitting on Tyler, and Brian on me. Tyler reeled Big D back in just before making the left into the field area and then the games began. Tyler made the first jump but was quickly covered by Big D. Then as we were coming into the final turn, Big D and Tyler swung wide to take the corner leaving the inside line open so I jumped. I knew the finish well from years past and I immedialtely got a couple bike lengths. Tyler tried to turn and grab my wheel, but washed out and had a pretty spectacular crash from what I hear. Brian had to avoid Tyler and ended up in the sand box but luckily stayed up right as to avoid any injury before he starts his cross campaign. So with the dust settled, I came in 1st, Big D 2nd, Brian 3rd, and Tyler 4th. This gave me my 6th win here, one tie with Big D, and one defeat to Big D. The paper article can be found here:
After the race the party started with Bells beer, a cookout, and some live music. It was great to catch up with everyone and is always great to hang out with everyone we race against, minus one DB about mid evening!
Next up. Michelle, RK, and I fly out tomorrow for the NUE closer in Georgia, The Fools Gold 100.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Update version 1.2
So as if there is not enough happening!
At 212 we lost our email server and have been running on a virtual one for about a month. During the process of updating to a new server we also needed a new rack. Well I also needed one at home since mine was over crowded and I had equipment laying on the floor behind it. So I decided to take my rack from home and use it at 212 and buy a new rack for home. Well last night was tear out:
Started here:
Ended here:
Next up is the addition of a new Middle Atlantic 40 U rack and an update to Elan G from my old S12. Work in progress..........
At 212 we lost our email server and have been running on a virtual one for about a month. During the process of updating to a new server we also needed a new rack. Well I also needed one at home since mine was over crowded and I had equipment laying on the floor behind it. So I decided to take my rack from home and use it at 212 and buy a new rack for home. Well last night was tear out:
Started here:
Ended here:
Next up is the addition of a new Middle Atlantic 40 U rack and an update to Elan G from my old S12. Work in progress..........
Monday, August 27, 2012
Must get moving on............
Things have been really hectic for the last couple months and it is nice to finally start to turn the page and move forward with some positive progress. It is also nice cause in times of turmoil you really learn who your true friends are and you become even more thankful to have them. Thanks.
Besides the life thing, the race scene has been in full force with Ore to Shore, Subaroo Cub, and this past weekend was the Reforestation Ramble. I am sure that you have already seen the results so I will save my keyboard from the hunt and peck abuse it would receive if I typed it all out. The short version, mechanical at Ore, Good legs at Subaroo Cup, and good enough at Green Bay.
Next up though is one race that I cannot miss!! The Copper Harbor Fat Tire Festival. Michelle and I look forward to this race every year cause we get to spend time with Todd and Di as well as a majority of the team in a very relaxed atmosphere. I know that I have won this race on multiple occasions, but this is not at all the point of this race. It is more just to hang out, eat bad food, and maybe drink too much!! It is also nice to see this event grow each year but that mentality still is there. This year the lead group is looking like Big D, Ryan, Brian Matter, Tyler, and hopefully myself. Sorry if I missed someone, either way we will see you there. The lead group usually consists of a fairly fast group ride with lots of talking and it just sorts itself out late in the race and hopefully this year is no different. The big question will be if I finally get Brian to have a beer with me??? Sounds like it is pretty doubtful but I keep working on him. If he won't, I know there are several other accomplices that will:) See everyone in Copper Harbor! Can't wait!!
In the meantime I have another fun thing to do today. I am taking a youngster out mountain biking. He is super excited to ride and has even started going to some of the races. This is always a joy cause it is so much fun and it also reminds you of why we ride bikes!
Besides the life thing, the race scene has been in full force with Ore to Shore, Subaroo Cub, and this past weekend was the Reforestation Ramble. I am sure that you have already seen the results so I will save my keyboard from the hunt and peck abuse it would receive if I typed it all out. The short version, mechanical at Ore, Good legs at Subaroo Cup, and good enough at Green Bay.
Next up though is one race that I cannot miss!! The Copper Harbor Fat Tire Festival. Michelle and I look forward to this race every year cause we get to spend time with Todd and Di as well as a majority of the team in a very relaxed atmosphere. I know that I have won this race on multiple occasions, but this is not at all the point of this race. It is more just to hang out, eat bad food, and maybe drink too much!! It is also nice to see this event grow each year but that mentality still is there. This year the lead group is looking like Big D, Ryan, Brian Matter, Tyler, and hopefully myself. Sorry if I missed someone, either way we will see you there. The lead group usually consists of a fairly fast group ride with lots of talking and it just sorts itself out late in the race and hopefully this year is no different. The big question will be if I finally get Brian to have a beer with me??? Sounds like it is pretty doubtful but I keep working on him. If he won't, I know there are several other accomplices that will:) See everyone in Copper Harbor! Can't wait!!
In the meantime I have another fun thing to do today. I am taking a youngster out mountain biking. He is super excited to ride and has even started going to some of the races. This is always a joy cause it is so much fun and it also reminds you of why we ride bikes!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Mountain Biking Team Adventure 212/Specialized Advocates for Sport
Mountain biking team Adventure 212/Specialized advocates for sport | Wisconsin Outdoor Fun Wisconsin Hunting, Fishing, Camping| Wisconsin Hiking, Biking, ATV | wisconsinoutdoorfun.com
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Still in state
Feels like I travelled across the country but stayed in Wisconsin this weekend. I started it all off with a good trip to the twin cities of Denzer/Leeland. Or the spiced up version of Le Dahnzahr. Went down to spend time with RK since the girls were up at the Firehouse 50 doing the 4 person TT, which they rocked and finished 2nd!
For RK and I we started out with a Wisco Fish Fry at some place that had a creepy one armed statue standing in the corner watching me eat. It made me feel so nervous that we then had to move on and look for things to add security. Now this is not my norm, but in Leeland it is, we went to Jrs. So supposedly the story is that Jr is grandfathered in to be able to sell alcohol and guns at the same location?? Hmm, wonder why they got rid of that idea? I just went with it.
I even picked one out..... A little Dirty harry style:
We then took a ride in RK's Mustang:
and then went to bed early to get ready for the Saturday Beat Down. Not before saying good night to Mark's creepy girlfriend though:
She might not do dishes, but she doesn't say much either. Guess it works for them?
The next morning we got up and had some farm fresh eggs from the Krayer chickens and got ready for the daily ride. Not your normal ride though. It was 2 top 10 NUE guys out to tear each others legs off, in the search of what Ryan calls the best Dr Pepper ever, and the most roads that go up! At the end of the day we ended up with 98 miles, sore legs, 4400Kjs, 8500ft of climbing, and a little over 5 hrs. What a fun day of riding!
After the ride and some local Mexican I loaded up the truck an headed towards Big Ds house. I stayed there for Saturday night to get ready for a beat down from Big D! Luckily for me he took it easy on me as we really could not put the hammer down due to practicing our ducking and weaving through the unmaintained Ema connector trail. Suck! We did make it over to John Muir and ripped off a couple laps then decided to just ride the road back to the car. This time a more chilled 3 hrs on the MTB.
Thanks to RK and Big D for the rides this weekend! We are lucky to have such a fun team!!
See everyone at The Ore this weekend.
For RK and I we started out with a Wisco Fish Fry at some place that had a creepy one armed statue standing in the corner watching me eat. It made me feel so nervous that we then had to move on and look for things to add security. Now this is not my norm, but in Leeland it is, we went to Jrs. So supposedly the story is that Jr is grandfathered in to be able to sell alcohol and guns at the same location?? Hmm, wonder why they got rid of that idea? I just went with it.
I even picked one out..... A little Dirty harry style:
We then took a ride in RK's Mustang:
and then went to bed early to get ready for the Saturday Beat Down. Not before saying good night to Mark's creepy girlfriend though:
She might not do dishes, but she doesn't say much either. Guess it works for them?
The next morning we got up and had some farm fresh eggs from the Krayer chickens and got ready for the daily ride. Not your normal ride though. It was 2 top 10 NUE guys out to tear each others legs off, in the search of what Ryan calls the best Dr Pepper ever, and the most roads that go up! At the end of the day we ended up with 98 miles, sore legs, 4400Kjs, 8500ft of climbing, and a little over 5 hrs. What a fun day of riding!
After the ride and some local Mexican I loaded up the truck an headed towards Big Ds house. I stayed there for Saturday night to get ready for a beat down from Big D! Luckily for me he took it easy on me as we really could not put the hammer down due to practicing our ducking and weaving through the unmaintained Ema connector trail. Suck! We did make it over to John Muir and ripped off a couple laps then decided to just ride the road back to the car. This time a more chilled 3 hrs on the MTB.
Thanks to RK and Big D for the rides this weekend! We are lucky to have such a fun team!!
See everyone at The Ore this weekend.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
I what?
So we are back in Wisco and I will work on getting the pics together if I get motivated. In the meantime I saw a t shirt in the airport this weekend and thought I would work on everyone's creativity on a Monday morning. I know Krayer and Phillips won't disappoint! So fill in the blank, all the front of the shirt said was:
iSuggest _____________
iSuggest _____________
Monday, July 23, 2012
High Cascades 100
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Must be summer
I have ignored this place since life is in full swing and all sorts of things have been happening.
Quick recap:
-lost our email server at 212
-been working on our Dryaire/cooling for our pool area
-got a new bike
-celebrated Michelle's birthday in Madison
-built a firepit and paver brick patio for the Fraziers
-took a week off from training, then last week started training again and even threw in a WEMS race. XXCmag coverage here. Had to laugh, can I handle the distance, must not be paying attention to the NUE race results.
- next up, WORS Franklin followd by a quick turn around and a flight to Bend for the best 100 miler race out there!! The High Cascads 100!!
-now back to work!
Quick recap:
-lost our email server at 212
-been working on our Dryaire/cooling for our pool area
-got a new bike
-celebrated Michelle's birthday in Madison
-built a firepit and paver brick patio for the Fraziers
-took a week off from training, then last week started training again and even threw in a WEMS race. XXCmag coverage here. Had to laugh, can I handle the distance, must not be paying attention to the NUE race results.
- next up, WORS Franklin followd by a quick turn around and a flight to Bend for the best 100 miler race out there!! The High Cascads 100!!
-now back to work!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Confusion..........
I heard once that you should always surround yourself with those that add clarity to the day to day issues and avoid those that choose to clutter the path:
Thanks friend:
Thanks friend:
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Nuts and bolts of it.....
So 100 miles on a MTB.... Hmmm never thought I would say that. But been saying it more these days and I seem to really dig it. Makes all the travel seem worth while to me and I guess it puts my body into such a calorie deficit that I get to eat what ever I want! Not that it has stopped me in the past. Gaining weight, diet? Nope, ride my bike more! 6100 Kjs this past go round at the Mohican 100. I was actually shocked by the numbers for this past weekend that I received thanks to my Quarq powermeter.
So do you want to know what it takes for me to finish in the top 5 at a 100 mile race. I say me cause it would be so different for everyone. I know people that have the same numbers that I do and cause of difference in powermeters and more so mental state while racing they will beat me everytime. It could have something to do with me talking to much on the course?? Sorry to anyone who has ever ridden with me and been annoyed by that, but we are supposed to be out there having fun! Which I do, cause I love to ride my bike!
So the numbers....
I will start with the typical, you know you are on the gas when the KJs are ticking away at 1000KJs/hr! Especially at my weight! Thats when you know the hinges will be worn out on the pantry door cause you cannot keep up with the jet powered metabolism you have kicked started. Well, that is where I was at the 4hr mark. No wonder I was getting tired and was starting to think about the 3 hrs left to go:
Now during the 100's, this is usually the way I break it down in my head. I pay no attention to my garmin till I am at least 4 hrs in. This is usually over the half way point and in my mind I like to think it is downhill from there. Usually works for me and it keeps me motivated. That doesn't mean that the demons never talk to me telling me to get off the bike and just take a nap in the ditch till someone comes to pick me up. The 7AM start does not help that much either!
So now the 2nd half?? Survival, that is the only way to sum it up. You have already either made the selection or which usually seems to be my case..... chasing. It is always weird cause the fatigue sets in the thoughts of the post race bad food spree that is going to happen as you reward your mind with burgers, ice cream, and beer. Once those thoughts hit, you just push to get the race over with. So the 2nd half numbers always seem to look worse than the first:
I usually get a bit of a spike towards the end as the moral improves and the finish line seems to be within reach.
So the overall numbers: Ouch! A Tss of 512 and 6106KJs. As Ryan would say, that is getting right after it.
So do you want to know what it takes for me to finish in the top 5 at a 100 mile race. I say me cause it would be so different for everyone. I know people that have the same numbers that I do and cause of difference in powermeters and more so mental state while racing they will beat me everytime. It could have something to do with me talking to much on the course?? Sorry to anyone who has ever ridden with me and been annoyed by that, but we are supposed to be out there having fun! Which I do, cause I love to ride my bike!
So the numbers....
I will start with the typical, you know you are on the gas when the KJs are ticking away at 1000KJs/hr! Especially at my weight! Thats when you know the hinges will be worn out on the pantry door cause you cannot keep up with the jet powered metabolism you have kicked started. Well, that is where I was at the 4hr mark. No wonder I was getting tired and was starting to think about the 3 hrs left to go:
Now during the 100's, this is usually the way I break it down in my head. I pay no attention to my garmin till I am at least 4 hrs in. This is usually over the half way point and in my mind I like to think it is downhill from there. Usually works for me and it keeps me motivated. That doesn't mean that the demons never talk to me telling me to get off the bike and just take a nap in the ditch till someone comes to pick me up. The 7AM start does not help that much either!
So now the 2nd half?? Survival, that is the only way to sum it up. You have already either made the selection or which usually seems to be my case..... chasing. It is always weird cause the fatigue sets in the thoughts of the post race bad food spree that is going to happen as you reward your mind with burgers, ice cream, and beer. Once those thoughts hit, you just push to get the race over with. So the 2nd half numbers always seem to look worse than the first:
I usually get a bit of a spike towards the end as the moral improves and the finish line seems to be within reach.
So the overall numbers: Ouch! A Tss of 512 and 6106KJs. As Ryan would say, that is getting right after it.
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