EndoMaster Dano

One more week

2010-11-07T16:51:00.006-07:00

3rd Annual
Cutthroat Cross

Photo Credit: Steven Sheffield

When: Sunday November 14th 2010
Where: Hunter Park, 3600 South 6000 West, West Valley City (Parking on 3500 South side of park)
Why: MORE CYCLOCROSS!!!
Cost: $20, Day of Registration Only . Registration opens at 9:45am.
Directions: Highway 201 Westbound, left on 56th West, right on 3500 South, Hunter Park on the left.

Schedule: Mass start for each group
10:30am “C” Juniors, Beginner Women, Sufferin’ Men (30 Min)
11:15am “B” A & B Women, Slower Men (45 Min)
12:30pm “A” A & B Men, Superfly Women (60 Min)
You choose your category, but here’s your chance to STEP IT UP.

Remember to leave your UTCX number plate on your bike but if you forget we will have a number for you.

Raffle Prizes for All !!!

For More Information:
www.cutthroatcross.blogspot.com

Summertime Craziness

2009-07-17T12:54:00.003-06:00

Is it too much to have 2 work email addresses, 2 personal email addresses, 3 blogs and a facebook account? It's time to simplify things for sure. While waiting for that to take place here are some things bouncing around in the brain.

1. When will Astana implode? After seeing Contador sprint to the K.O.M. line today against Armstrong I don't think it will take too long. Since they lost Leipheimer this morning I think the train is gaining speed towards the end of the line.

2. Since Hamilton already agreed to an 8 year ban, why does WADA feel it's necessary to kick a man while he is down? The guy has enough problems as it is and do they really think he is going to make a comeback at the ripe age of 46?

3. Nationals is going to be crazy and it's too bad I won't be there to scream my brains out at all the hot action. XC and Short Track will be incredibly tough, the Downhill Course looks ridiculous for the pros and the 4x course is unreal.

4. Cyclocross is on everyones minds and if it's not you don't know what you are missing. Hopefully the new bike is going to be built and painted by the middle of August so I can have plenty of time on it before Vegas Cross.

5. It's damn hot out so run for the high country.

Tour of Battenkill

2009-04-20T15:49:00.002-06:00

"Team OUCH’s Floyd Landis, expected to take the start Sunday, did not make the trip to Cambridge, after suffering a laceration on his shin Wednesday. In a statement posted on the team’s Web site, team medical staff felt it would be better for Landis to stay in California to recover."

That better be one hell of a laceration or maybe he is coming down with Tyler's "Bronchitis".

In happier news, Tim Johnson gave em hell for a while at Battenkill. Nothing like sending the cross racer to the front to crack the whip on those pure roadies.

Hamilton Retires

2009-04-17T09:23:00.007-06:00

It looks like Tyler has finally thrown the towel in on his racing career. Having been a fan of both Marco Pantani and Tyler Hamilton, I would hope that Tyler gets the help he needs before somebody finds him dead on a hotel room floor too.

Finishing 2nd at the Giro with a broken shoulder was pretty incredible. Then to top it off, the next year he ground down his teeth at the Tour because he had a broken collarbone from stage 1. I guess we will never know if he did it on his own or had a little help from the juice. I always hoped he did it on his own power.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2009/apr09/apr17news3

Oh yea, my damn links still won't work.

Spring/Winter Time

2009-03-25T09:06:00.002-06:00

Well one day you are riding in shorts on dry dirt and the next you are thinking about busting the skis out. Spring time is always a good time. The past few weeks have been spent visiting family in Colorado, working, working and trying to get out and play when we can.

Since the riding has been sporadic, it's time to really kick things into gear and make a trip to Moab. Nothing like a White Rim day trip to move things to the next level. It will be a good way to judge the legs and see how they feel about the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde in May. Of course I will have to work a couple of days while I am down there so watch out for me cause I will hit you up to buy something.

Tour of California

2009-02-20T14:01:00.006-07:00

Well the 2009 edition of the T.O.C. is off to one hell of a start. Rain, wind and enough wrecks to last the whole year have been a blast to watch on tv. The racing has been great, tons of big names on every team and the crowds have been out despite the weather. One question on my mind is where has this guy been or have I just completely missed him this year.

There has been some dorky version of the devil but that guy is no Didi Senft.
http://www.tourteufel.de/

I tell you what, Fox could give anyone a run for their money.

Big Maggy Retires

2009-02-06T09:58:00.003-07:00

As one of my favorite riders Magnus Backstedt didn't need to work hard to stick out while riding in the peloton. Best of luck to the big man and his future endeavors. Now all my cheering will be for George Hincapie with the hopes that his luck will finally change at this years Roubaix. Check out the article on Velonews.
http://www.velonews.com/article/87355/

I really gotta figure out why my links don't connect.

Worlds

2009-02-04T09:37:00.002-07:00

There was definetly some great cross racing this past weekend. The U.S. womens team really raced well and had the best overall finish as a group. Katie Compton took it to the field but Voss either raced a tactically good race or was just a wheel sucker to take the win depending on how you look at it. Gould, Lloyd and Butler all had stellar rides. All four were in the top 17.

It's great to see that the juniors and u23 guys have some incredible talent to build on. Geoff Proctor's Euro Cross Camp is really helping to get the young guns some great experience at the world cup level.

What can you say about the mens' race? How is it that Trebon gets hit by another rider at the Nationals last year and then gets hit by a camera boom this year at Worlds. Maybe he needs to "My Name is Earl" and figure out what's up with his karma.
Page had a rough go at it after his ordeal, Powers seemed to put in a good effort and Shriver and cross may really hit it off.

Only a few more races left and then we have to wait until September. Cross your fingers that Vegas Cross will become a World Cup Race.

Artic Cat Alley Cat

2009-01-26T16:06:00.008-07:00

For all you fixed gear freaks and hipsters out there, this Saturday their is going to be an Alley Cat race here in Salt Lake. http://saltcycle.com
Of course I do not admit or deny that I have ever participated in an Alley Cat, broken any law or ever drank a cold PBR in public.

In other news, Fatty has a great article on the necessities of becoming a cyclist.
http://www.fatcyclist.com/
Be careful cause this article may cause you to shoot coffee out your nose and onto your computer screen.

No breaking news here but Page has been selected to the Worlds Team. No word yet if he is going to race or not. The U.S. ladies are really ramping things up and look to lay waste to the rest of the field.

This year seems to be the year of the comeback. Armstrong, Basso and Landis. Next months Tour of California should be a real go getter for sure. There will be plenty of old dopers, admitted dopers, accused but not admitting dopers and I am sure those who have thought about doping. No matter what it's going to be a big race with a lot of big names there. It has been announced that Versus will be having a nightly recap of the days race which is huge for the U.S. crowd.

In case you missed the news, the air here in the last couple of weeks has compeletely sucked. I quite riding to work because my throat hurt and I had a headache.

This picture is just the start and it got a lot worse.

Worlds Team Selection

2009-01-15T08:31:00.002-07:00

One would assume at this point that Jonathan Page is still under "investigation" for missing a pee test. Velonews announced this morning what the final Men's roster will be for Worlds. It's a good that they are dragging this out as long as they can. Call me crazy but maybe they could have named the men's team in December like the other teams so that racers could properly prepare?

The U.S. team for the 2009 UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships
Hoogerheide, Netherlands
January 31-February 1

Elite men
Ryan Trebon
Jeremy Powers
Brian Matter
Matt Shriver

Elite women
Katie Compton
Georgia Gould
Rachel Lloyd
Laura Van Gilder
Sue Butler

U23 men
Nick Weighall
Nicholas Keough
Daniel Summerhill
Bjorn Selander
Will Dugan

Junior men
Luke Keough
Zach McDonald
Gavin Mannion
Eric Emsky
Chris Wallace

I will consult the magic 8 ball one more time to come up with predictions.

Season Ender or Starter?

2009-01-06T10:53:00.003-07:00

After spending the holidays in Colorado we got back in town just in time for a nice rain storm. Of course that turned to snow, making Wheeler Farm prime for one last cross race. The air was crisp, the course snow packed with concrete like braking bumps and everyone ready to have some fun. Of course everyone was there to have fun but there was still some racing to do. Things went well, I felt fast and I left with only one softball size bruise on my thigh. Hardpack snow and ice are not too forgiving for some reason.

The Nascar themed party was great and we supplied free beer. If this party would have been in Colorado the beer would have been gone in a matter of minutes. But being in the conservative place we live in, the beer lasted all night.

It's a shame cross season is over but it was great while it lasted. I will have to whip up some sort of season ending wrap up.

I stole this picture from somebody online but it is at a Utah Cyclocross race. We sat and watched the Mens' B group go over this log and it almost made you cry to see all those beautiful wheels get beat down. You can tell who is a mountain biker and who isn't pretty quickly. Remember if you are going down, do it in style.

Nationals Wrap Up

2008-12-15T13:14:00.005-07:00

From what I have read and seen, this years nationals was bigger and better than ever. Huge fields, great racing and big surprises everywhere. My predictions were not too bad and we will see how things go for worlds.

Congratulations to all those Utah folks who made the trek and it looks like things went well for all. Since they haven't found a venue for the 2009/2010 Nationals maybe Utah should throw their hat in the ring. We might be lacking a classy venue that can handle that kind of traffic but I am sure we could some up with something nice. That new Rio Tinto Soccer stadium looks real nice and since it sits empty half of the year they mine as well put it to use. Plus they already have bleachers, food and beer available.

It finally started snowing so maybe I can make some turns before the end of the year.

DFL

2008-12-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

That's right and for those who don't know that means Dead F*&%$#! Last. I started the morning off by spending 5 hours at work trying to get 160 kids, coaches and parents organized with Jr. Jazz. Next I rush home, grab my bikes and gear, get everything into the truck and Emily and I head down to Draper. I barely make registration and thankfully the folks at SportsBaseOnline let me sneak in at the last moment for which I am grateful I think. If they would have only said No, I could have drank beer, hung out with Em and friends and rang a cowbell. But of coure not, they let me in so I could suffer.

The short story is I didn't really warm up, made a lap around the course, had an uphill 1/4 mile or longer start, hung in there for a lap and then completely exploded. My back felt like I had someone punching me for the whole race, I couldn't respond to any attack, I flatted and swapped front wheels, the weather was hot, the uphill climb sucked and someone needs to call the wambulance.

Too bad things all fell apart for me since this is the first race Emily has seen me race in this year since she has had rehearsels on Saturdays all fall. At least she got to hang with the girls in the sun drinking a beer. Thanks to Karen for running around yelling at me and way to go Jason for putting the hurt on me.

All in all it hasn't been too bad of a first full season in the A's. Ton's of room for improvement and it's great to know what's possible. "Last Call Cross" is in a few weeks and hopefully the weather will be crappy.

Best of luck to all of those out racing at Nationals in Kansas City.

Cross action a go go

2008-12-02T13:53:00.004-07:00

With only one series race left and the Last Call Cross Race in January I guess it's time for a little update.

So far the season has been great and I have been getting worked pretty good running around for 60 minutes with the Men's A's this year. I have been single speedin it up until last weekend. I finally have gears and what a difference it makes when you want to ride some of the runups or cruise a little faster on the flats. I am not giving up the single speed since I love the challenge and the benefits too.

Cutthroat Cross was a big success and everyone loved the course. Thanks to Team Rico for the course design.

It's great to have a new course around and hopefully we can pull off another team race.

For my cyclocross race predictions I have the following.

U.S. Nationals
Men Todd Wells, Tim Johnson, Ryan Trebon
Women Georgia Gould, Katie Compton, Sue Butler
U23 Danny Summerhill, Mitchell Peterson, Adam McGrath
Juniors Connor O'Leary
Mens 60 Lew Rollins
(you gotta chear on the locals)

Other Utah folks that are gonna ride strong and place high:
Bart Gillespie, Ali Goulet, Art O'Conner, Matt Ohran, Eric Rasmussen, Tanner Cottle and everyone else I have forgotten

Worlds
Men Sven Nys
Women Katie Compton
U23 Danny Summerhill (One can hope)

At some point it may snow and we may get to ski, so pray for snow.

Cross Action

2008-10-22T11:42:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago was the first cross race of the season around these parts. It was up at The Canyons and ran before the Jeep Dual Slalom Race. It was warm, Jon G. did the best he could with the course with such a short notice and the beer was flowing. Why take the first race so seriously and especially when you know you are not really ready to go get em?

Fast forward to last weekend and it was the 3rd race of the series and my first since I had to work during the first couple of races. The race was in Ogden and was a new venue. The damp ground quickly start to dry out pretty quickly and while pre-riding the course I picked up my first goathead. I say first because during the process of racing I decided to find four more of the damn things. So four flats, three different bikes and 60 minutes later I finished second to last. Oh yeah, I finshed in front of someone.

So while I was screwing around with flats and trying to figure out how to go faster I missed this.

I don't mind getting my arse handed to me and especially by Bart Gillespie who was seventh at nationals last year. I just wish I could catch a glimpse of this kind of magic. It can be such a great learning experience to get a few moments of riding behind someone who is so damn smooth.

The season is young and I have more than plenty of room for improvement. The new frame just showed up in the mail so I better get that thing built up and ready to rumble.

A little like Fall

2008-09-16T11:19:00.004-06:00

Time is just flying by but their sure has been some good times. A couple weeks ago I had to pleasure to spend some great days back in good ole Gunnison Colorado. Of course getting together with a lot of great friend to celebrate the wedding of our friends Kain and Steph is what brought us all together. We rode as much as we could, drunk our weight in beer and tekilla, pulled ourselves toghether in the mornings at the Firebrand and got ready to do it again. The wedding was incredible, seeing everyone was amazing and I am psyched I got the chance to go.

With fall in the air that means a few things: the cross season is close, 24 Hours of Moab is around the corner and you can once again ride around here without worrying about heat stroke. Don't get me wrong I love the warm days of summer but it's the stagnant, dirty air that I can do without.

This weekend is the unofficial start to the cross season. You can stay local and race in Park City or head up to Victor Idaho.

Due to a low budget I am sticking around and due to a large amount of money spent on the truck a couple weeks ago I am racing the single speed again to start the season. I am going to run with the A's this week and see how things go. I will eithter race with the A's or B's for the official season. Either way I ain't ascared.

So get your bikes ready, warm up the cowbells, get ready to run in the mud and drink some beer.

Racin

2008-08-05T09:53:00.002-06:00

Well their hasn't been too much on this front lately but in the past couple of weeks I have hit up a couple of races.

#1 I went up to the Chalk Creek Road Race and since I have flatted at 2 out of 5 races this year I was a bit skeptical. Well 1.5 miles into the fun I get pushed into the middle of the pack and then hit a pothole at 20 mph. The first thing I think is wow I didn't flat. Then a few seconds later I realize my computer flew off my bike into never never land and my rear wheel is dragging. So I say f$%@# it and keep riding. Thankfully we got held up behind some cows on the road and I have time to beat my wheel against the asphalt in hopes of straightening it out. That helped but it still was dragging, so I continue to push on and finish the 50 mile race with a wheel dragging on the brakes almost the entire way. Either I am real determined or am just a dumb ass. I just kept telling myself that it will only make me stronger for cross season.

#2 So a few days later I decided I needed some redemption and headed up to the Solitude Weekly MTB Series. I just raced my own raced, passed people, held off a chaser and finished fourth. It may not have been some glamarous race with a huge field but it still felt good. Better yet it feels good to know that I am on track for cross and am building up strength without over doing it. Now I just have to work on my starts.

Little Belgium Movie

2008-08-04T17:42:00.001-06:00

This free movie is worth checking out for sure. People will be jumping up on their seats, screaming for September to get here quicker.

Chuck Norris vs Le Tour

2008-07-18T13:22:00.000-06:00

Once Chuck Norris crashed in the Tour. The road got Chuck Norris rash.
Chuck Norris doesn’t need to be aero because the wind gets out of his way
Chuck Norris sweats pure EPO.
Chuck Norris once challenged Lance Armstrong in a “Who has more testicles?” contest. Chuck Norris won by 5.
Chuck Norris doesn’t chase down breakaways. Breakaways chase Chuck Norris.
All 21 switch backs on Alp d’Huez are called Chuck Norris
Hors catégorie is French for Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris finished the Tour de France yesterday.
When they screen the riders’ blood for performance enhancing drugs, they’re looking for Chuck Norris.
Edit: Another one …

Greg Lemond accused Chuck Norris of doping. No one knows what really happened but they have agreed to call it a hunting accident.

Saying Goodbye

2008-07-17T10:55:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago a good friend, John Taliaferro, unexpectedly passed away. It was especially hard to take since John is the older brother of one of my very best friends, Will Taliaferro, whom I have known since middle school. It meant a lot to be able to attend John's Memorial Service and to share that with an incredible group of people. Without the support of my family I wouldn't have been able to make it there and for that I am extremely grateful. So every time I hear CSNY playing I will think of you John and know that you are in a good place. Your influence on all of us will always be there and I am so very thankful for the times we got share together. We miss you brother.

Gunnison Times:
Well known Gunnison resident John Taliaferro died unexpectedly in his home sometime late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. He was 37.

Gunnison County Coroner Frank Vader reported that Talieferro was found in his home Thursday morning, June 26, after he didn't show up for work. Vader said the cause of death is unknown, but that by all appearances he died of natural causes. Foul play is not suspected, Vader said, adding that an autopsy will be performed.

Taliaferro grew up in the Penrose and Canon City areas and moved to Gunnison in the early '90s to attend Western State College. To help pay his way through school, he got a job as a cashier at High Mountain Liquor.

That is where he continued to work until his untimely death. He originally worked for former store owner Ralph Black and then for several years managed the store for current owner Terry Marrow. He was also the former manager of the Brick Cellar Wine Bar in Gunnison.

Taliaferro was a popular resident and active in community affairs. He was a member of the City of Gunnison's Planning and Zoning Commission. In fact, he attended the planning commission's regular meeting Wednesday night as normal. There was no indication that he was experiencing health problems.

Funeral services are expected to be held in Gunnison sometime next week. Arrangements have not yet been made.

Headed to Worlds

2008-06-11T21:40:00.002-06:00

My good friend Kain Leonard has been selected to represent the good ole USA at the upcoming MTB Worlds. Thanks to Mountain Flyer for the picture and you better buy a subscription. Best of luck to Kain and I am sure he is gonna tear it up at Val di Sole, Italy.

Turning a new leaf

2008-06-11T21:32:00.002-06:00

Well it has been quite some time and to catch up it's gonna take a list.

1. A two week road trip with the lady was just what the doctor ordered. It was amazing and anyone thinking of visiting the Boulder Mountain Lodge and Hell's Backbone Grill should not hesitate. Get down there, it's worth the money.
2. My prediction list isn't looking too bad.
3. Most days feel more like April than June right now.
4. The Giro rocked, the Tour is going to be better, and can Contador win the Vuelta?
5. The Olympics are around the corner and let's start making bets.

Spring came and went and I raced around some roads. It was a good time and even tried to go fast on dirt. I didn't go too fast but it's still fun.

Summer is here and I don't know where it's at.

I am gonna give this thing another go as I get ready for the upcoming cross season so stay tuned.

Start of a New Season

2008-02-19T13:28:00.003-07:00

Well 2008 has barely gotten underway and it is building up to be a good one. While some are in the middle of their hell weeks of base, others are hitting the dirt and pavement of this years races. Of course to all those junkies who like to slide on snow, the season has been too good to just let it go withtout enjoying it. It may not be the same as riding the trainer but it's a hell of a lot more fun.

Of course their are those who have already pinned on the numbers. Big props to all the folks from Cutthroat Racing who braved the elements and had a great time at 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo. Also, congratulations to Jason Sager for winning the Mas O Menos race on Saturday.

2008 is going to be a big year and here is my first Top Ten Watch List.(I reserve the right to change this thing up throughout the year.)

1. 2008 Summer Olympics (Hopefully with Marc Gullickson at USA Cycling we can do a better job of supporting our riders and not have another "Offroad to Athens.")
2. Astana gets the big no go to Le Tour.
3. Endurance events are going big and are popping up everywhere.(Good or Bad?, you choose)
4. Both of the Single Speed World Championships will be in the U.S. this year. Cyclocross in Portland and Mountain Bike in Napa. Remember it's both world class riders and drinkers.
5. Mike Curiak peddling his monster bike across the fozen tundra of Alaska.
6. Slipstream Chipotle is gonna tear it up this year.
7. Barry Wicks is headed to the World Cup Circuit.
8. Will the winner of the 2008 Summer Olympics Men's Mtn. Bike race be on a Cross bike? (Sven Nys thinks it can be done)
9. Big Maggie is gonna come back and win Paris Roubaix.
10. American Cross racing will only continue to get better. You better get ready for the Industry Race at Vegas Cross, cause I am.

2008: Get Ready To Rumble

2008-01-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

With the holidays come and gone now is the time that I need to send out a bunch of cards for the Chinese New Year. I know I suck when it comes to holiday cards and at least it is nothing new in that department. On Saturday was the Last Call Cross Race and it was a kick in the pants. Having not been on a bike in a few weeks, it was nice to get out and get muddy. More pictures to come when I get them.

In the world of politics, the Iowa Caucus has passed and New Hampshire is on the way. I haven't decided on a candidate but after seeing Mike Huckabee's speech, I might have to go with him. I am no Republican, but anyone that has Chuck Norris in there corner deserves some serious attention.

I just want to know who everyone else is going to counter with. Maybe Hulk Hogan or Linda Carter(Wonder Woman)?

Cross Rules

2007-12-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

What a better way to spend a Saturday than to try and ride your bike around in 5 inches of new snow while it continues to puke snow. Thanks to Seth Gunderson for the photo. http://sgunderson.blogspot.com

You can check out the video too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuxnUZyzs30

Pray for snow out there if you want to slide around on it or hope that it freezes enough to make the trails ridable again.

A little help

2007-11-06T17:01:00.001-07:00

On Saturday was race #6 of the Utah Cyclocross Series. Granted this was only my third cross race since August but I had one hell of a time staying on my bike. The conditions were dry and fast instead of the preferred cold and crappy. I know that if my fitness level is not where it should be that I can usually hang in there with my riding skills when things get dicey. Of course not last weekend and I will spare all the details but here is a short synopsis. I went down on lap #2 in silly corner, did my best impersonation of super man after running over the barriers and landed right on the saddle, and of course two stops to straighten out the bars and put the brake cable housing in. As the saying goes, I looked like a monkey trying to #$%^ a football.

Hopefully this weekend I can stay on the bike a little more and use my energy to try to stay up front rather than chasing and passing the same people over and over. Here is a reminder that Vegas Cross will be on tv this Saturday on the Versus Channel.

Check this photo out of Wells pushing his bike for a full lap in Boulder since he broke his chain right after the pits.

Now isn't bike racing fun?

Moab Part Deux

2007-10-24T10:20:00.001-06:00

Getting the opportunity to race my first 24 Hr race solo with a great friend was an awesome experience. Wade and I rode the first 4 laps together and even started our 5th together. At some point I remember him being there and then he was just gone. I didn't see him again until around 5am, I think. Wade ended the race by going out for one more lap and finished 5th. That is an incredible accomplishment and this was only his second solo race. All I have to say is that the man is fit and is one hell of a good guy. Thanks Wade and hopefuly we will team up for another adventure together soon.

So I didn't really follow anyone else into the Timing Tent until my last lap. I road in the last mile or so with Chris Eatough and about a quarter mile from the tent somebody yells "good luck # 12". I was a little perplexed and a little foggy at that point and for those of you who don't know who Chris is, he is the Lance Armstrong of 24 Hr Solo racing. Chris and I both had a strange look for each other and obviously the person yelling at us thought I had a snowballs chance in hell of hanging with that guy.

Which brings me to a crucial part of the 24 Hr experience. When you are out there wondering where you are, what time it is and if that last scream you just heard was the Chupacabra, every little bit of encouragement helps. I would like to say thanks to all of you out there who I chatted with and those who gave the little pieces of encouragement.

As the mental and physical healing wraps up I start to wonder what is next. Winter is around the corner and I am actually excited to get out and to start checking out the backrountry. Skiing in the backcountry will keep the fitness up and is a great way to take a mental break from the bike. Hopefully it helps with 24 Hrs of Old Pueblo coming up in February. That's right there is another one on the may already. Until then, bring on Cyclocross and crappy weather racing.

Moab Part 1

2007-10-19T09:31:00.000-06:00

What a kick in the pants is all I can say. It seems like it came and went by in a flash. Overall I feel great and only have a few scrapes from the weekends festivities. I survived the night, watch one of craziest whiplash endos I have ever seen, got to ride next to and behind some amazing riders and I can't wait until next year. Being that this was my first solo 24 I think it was a really positive experience. I had a goal of 12 laps and ended with 9. I could have squeezed another one or two in maybe but decided to end on a really good not rather than competely destroying myself. Our support crew was amazing and I couldn't have done so well without all the help. I have more for later but wanted to let all that didn't know that I was still kicking. I even have a few photos to share also. Hope the week is treating everyone well.

Southern Migration

2007-10-10T12:17:00.000-06:00

Well tomorrow morning I am joining the growing herd of Solos to hit Moab. I know Dave is on his way and Ernesto is already there. The rest of the heavy hitters will be rolling in soon. Of course I will be there to make motorcycle noises when ripping out of corners and to sing songs out loud at 3am. I have had a complete lack of photos lately but will have plenty after the weekend.

I wanted to give a big shout out to everyone who has been part of this. To Emily, the most amazing partner and even though you can't be there you will be on my mind. To the Roaring Fork and Salt Lake Crew, I couldn't do this without your support and I thank you a hundred times and give you tons of beer. (It kicks ass to be sponsored by a Uinta Brewing) To Mom for making the drive out and hopefully I don't puke on myself in front of her. To Mom and Dad, and I hope you enjoy your 25th Anniversary celebration and thanks for all the support over the years, even when you couldn't quite figure out why the hell I was doing all those crazy things. To Scott and Debbie Fifer, thank you so much for the card and I will do a little turn and burn for you Scott. Hopefully it's not over the bars at 2am though like last time I was at this race. To Jason Lloyd, for keeping my all my bikes together and fixing things after I screwed them up and sorry you can't be there. To Backroads Utah(Bill and Bob), for the constant support and giving me work when I need to pay for silly bike stuff.

Finally a shout out to Wade, I am super psyched to be doing this with you and we are going to have one hell of a time.

I will have spotty cell phone service but will make calls on Sunday to let you know I am ok and that my ass is really sore. Love all y'all and have a great weekend.

P.S. If you see a truck with bikes and a lot of crap in it moving well below the speed limit, that's me. I thank you all for the constant reminder that I drive like an old man.

Cold & Flu Season Sucks

2007-10-08T09:41:00.000-06:00

Of course a week and a half before the big day I come down with something. I guess that is what happens when I work in a giant petri dish, aka community center with a daycare program. So I took some additional days off that I didn't expect but I am at about full strength again. I guess it is a good way to get some rest in and heal up at the same time. After almost a week off of the bike tonight will be a welcomed spin to move some of the junk out of the legs and lungs.

So the countdown begins and the next few days are going to fly by. Since I was under the weather for a few days I am going down on Thursday morning now to try and find a prime site for our camp/pit. Of course in the past week the registrations have been flooding in so that means the mass start will be as fun as ever. Hopefully I won't suck in too many pounds of dust. It looks like the rain has hit Moab some this past weekend so hopefully that has helped out.

A couple days of work and a lot of packing so I better get to it. Best of luck to everyone out there doing the same.

Let er Rip

2007-10-01T10:04:00.000-06:00

As a preperation for yesterdays season opener of the cross season, Emily and I watched Transition on Saturday night. She is working on a short documentary for school and has decided to make her film about cyclocross. Being that she hasn't been to a cross race before it was good preperation and a motivator for me. Of course we both agreed that Geoff Kabush's alter ego Deaner was the best part of the film

So Sunday rolls around and the weather is awesome and the course wasn't a complete mud pit considering it just hammered most of the day on Saturday. We had a big turnout in the single speed class which is great to see. The course was short and twisty with some good logs to bunny hop and a triple set of barriers. All in all it was fun race and went really well. For the first time in a while I feel like I really earned my spot and finished 2nd with my teammate Steve finishing first. We will have to see about next week and I am a little hesitant to go out and race the week before Moab.

Less than two weeks to go now and I am sure everyone is making final preperations and going through there gear on a regular neurotic basis now. It's time to go tear down the race bike and make sure it's ready. The single speed is ready to rumble now and will be waiting in case I need it. Almost time to start packing. Yeee haaa.

Bombs Away

2007-09-25T21:13:00.000-06:00

On Saturday my buddy Jason and I took a little stroll out in the desert west of Salt Lake. Of course the storm that was taking it's time moving up from Vegas hit us about halfway through the ride. It ended up being a nice 6 hour stroll covering 56 miles. The wind was a good time again and we figured we were in a headwind about 2/3 of the time. One thing you can count on here is the wind and it didn't let us down. If you can't get enough climbing in than you just throw in a whole bunch of wind. Other than dealing with the wind we were on the lookout for any munitions that the government may have left behind. If I found a grenade or any anti-tank bombs I was gonna put it in my jersey pocket and bring that baby home. Speaking of bombs, there are a bunch of wild horses out there in the desert that seem to have the habit of crapping in the same place. By the looks of it you would think that there was some gigantic Budweiser Clydesdale out there. Jason got the pictures of the wild horses running so when he is back from Interbike I will get them on here. There was one poor pronghorn that obviously thinks it is a horse cause it was trying to run with the horses but they weren't having any of that. So between the wind, rain, and gigantic piles of horse crap it was best to just keep your mouth shut and not think about what was flying off your tires.

2 1/2 weeks to go till Moab and I can't wait. Hopefully the new shoes get here tomorrow so I can try to break them in. I might have to wear them around the house but I don't think Emily is going to let me wear them to bed. Time will fly so I better stay on track. It looks like fall is shaping up nice and cyclocross race #1 is on Sunday so see all yall in Ogden. As Sly would say, get ready to be tossed in the pain cave. .

4 Weeks and Counting

2007-09-18T09:21:00.000-06:00

One momemt the time seems to be flying by and the next it seems like it is in slow motion. The training continues to increase every week as I build up for the pleasant slowing down when the tapering process begins. Fall is in the air and mother nature finally slapped me in the face, telling me to pay attention before it is gone. The fall colors are coming around and it's nice to enjoy it while I ride everyday. Emily and I got a chance to get out for a hike this past weekend to enjoy a little time outside. Before you know it I am going to want to start stinking up the house by waxing skis in the basement.

Before that though their is that little race in the desert and I can't wait. The crew seems to be coming together and on Friday I am making the last call for gear. Thanks to a whole bunch of long climbs and tons of hike a bikes in the past couple of weeks I am feeling really good. It hasn't always been what some would call the traditional training schedule, but I don't necessarily fit into the traditional crowd. I would rather get out, bust my butt and see some new areas.

Bike Commuting Tip #1
When riding in a commercial area remember that if the truck doesn't hit you, their just might be a trailor or two or three that might be coming after you next.

When time is a premium, remember to take care of yourself and those that you love.

Why Bike Commute?

2007-09-05T11:51:00.000-06:00

That's a good question and one that I get asked from those who can't understand. Of course there are the obvious answers. It helps save money, it's one less car on the road dumping emissions into the already sometimes lousy air conditions here, and it's a healthy workout before and after work. The other sides are that it helps me add plenty of miles every week into my training schedule and I personally like taking my life into my own hands by trying to ride acrosss this crazy city. In the past week alone I have been run off the road by a trash truck, almost got hit by three cars in one intersection who failed to notice my bright red shirt and flashing headlight, and had to change a flat across the street from a very angry pit bull. I wouldn't last long if I had to run from that thing on my single speed since it was barking like Michael Vick had been beating on it for a few days.

Despite all the negative sides of commuting by bike, I still keep riding everyday I can to work. It helps me clear my head of all the crap that collects all day long. Plus, I just love riding my bike. It's great to belong to a team that has so many fellow bike commuters and hopefully more people will catch on to the idea and join in. Of course there are so many bike racers here but not that many of them bike commute. Go figure? We will see how the winter goes since every time it snows here the streets department dumps truckloads of salt on the roads. My bike might rust right out from under me by the end of winter.

Only 5 1/2 weeks to go to Moab and I am trying to keep hammering on. Check out Wade's progress and stories here.

Worlds Collide CX

2007-08-27T12:47:00.000-06:00

Well on Saturday was the official first Cyclocross race of the season with the Worlds Collide race in Heber. There will be 2 more races this fall at the fairgrounds and it should be plenty interesting if it rains/snows. Saturday was plenty hot with the temps still in the high 90's and that ain't exactly cross weather. With a new schedule this year, the singlespeeds lined up after teh c's, where my man Neil put in a solid effort for his first cross race. My game plan was to hang on with Steve and Racer and see what happens. Well when the gun went off if suddenly changed my mind and shot off like a rocket. I won the first lap prime, made it half way through the next lap and proceeded to drop my chain on a bumpy grass section. In the cluster #$%@ of trying to put my chain on I was passed by the top 5 and only managed to chase back number 5. Of course I dropped it again and then I new that was all she wrote. The top three were Steve W., Matt O., and Jason L. Jason held in there strong for a solid third place in front of a hard charging Racer G. So I took a little break, tightened the chain up and lined up at the back of the A's. After 25 minutes of hotter than hell heat and eventually getting lapped by Bart G., I threw in the towell. All in all a great workout to complement the volume and endurance training. I don't feel too bad considering most of these guys have been racing since March and this was my 2nd and 3rd race of the week and the year.

Only 7 weeks to go till Moab and it seems so far away. Thankfully on Sunday Emily and I got out for a ride in Park City. You can't beat a Sunday morning ride on great singletrack with your partner.

Way to go on Saturday Suedo and way to hang with the young gun.

24 Hour Circus in the Desert

2007-08-24T09:25:00.000-06:00

In an attempt to keep my family and friends a little more up to date on what I am doing, I am going to try this route. By no means am I claiming to be a professional blogger but hopefully I can share some stories and photos of my adventures as I get ready for the 2007 edition of the 24 Hours of Moab. After giving the whole Solo 24 Hour race plenty of thought over the past few years, I have laid the cards on the table and am going for it this year. I'm already registered, so that means I am committed this time or that I should be committed. It all depends on how you look at it I guess. So between now and October 13th I will attempt to keep you all a little more informed about what I am up to. This is my first 24 Hour Solo attempt, so it's gonna be a kick in the pants.

Oh yeah, I am truly working on the article and hope to be finished early this fall.

Renewed Motivation

2007-06-20T08:34:00.000-06:00

After a bit of down time since starting the new job a few months ago I am back on the path of finishing this story. I had the chance last Sunday to check out the Deer Valley National and was psyched to see Kabush rocking the Dopers Suck wristbands and pink socks. I have to give a shout out to my good friend Kain Leonard who finished in the top ten of the Pro Downhill. Another shout is due to Ross Schnell who was letting it rip in the Trek one piece suit during the short track race. I went to high school with Josh Ivey, who at the time was racing with Travis Brown and that one-piece looks to be of that vintage.

I know it looks like I am slacking on this thing, but please keep the emails coming back. I am kicking it into gear and again thanks to everyone who has shared their stories and humor with me.

Keep em coming in!

2007-04-05T22:01:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all of you who have replied so far and I hope to get back a good number of those still floating around out there. So far I like what I see, so I will keep this thing going for a couple more weeks.

The Great Sideburn Debate

2007-03-20T17:09:00.000-06:00

I have taken it upon myself to study, collect data, and compile my findings into an article discussing the benefits of sideburns in the cycling world. My survey is hitting the streets today and I will keep you all informed on my progress.

Welcome to My World

2007-03-16T15:24:00.001-06:00

In the upcoming week I will be sending out my survey to the cycling world. It is my hope to get a good percentage of those back so that I can get the data together and finish my article. Thanks again to all of those of you who humor me by filling out the survey. Feel free to drop me a line to endomasterdr@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments.