GT DIRT COALITION

Cyclocross

2009-10-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Leaves are on the ground and freezing mornings are here!
That means 'cross is here too. We had our first training/race at Fort Lewis this morning. I think we had about 20 guys/ gals show up. 'Cross is like a loooong short track race. I felt fairly good but was lacking the snap.. I used it on my 2 hr ride on Saurday. I was able to hold my own though so that was good. I'll be going to Boulder for Oct 31st and Nov 1 st races. They are UCI races...there will be at least 60-70 guys in my class. These are great races to use as a gauge and to get used to a big pack in the start. The nationals in December ( Bend, Or) produce big classes...last year in KC we had over 140 guys I think.

Road Apple Rally Farmington, NM--1st Place!

2009-10-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I had to wait until my last mtb race of the season but I won one. It was great to do it at the longest continually run mtb race in the country. We had a lot of Durangoans down there and overall we brought home the most awards. I got my wife to motorpace me Fri night and then got a light leg massage by Jenna at the Sports Club. All the massage therapists there are awesome.
Warming up before a race will usually tell you how you're legs are going to perform for you.
Mine felt really good today. The start pace was brutal and a few times I was wondering if I was going too fast to last 30 miles at that speed. It all worked out. I know the long 4-5 hr rides last winter helped my endurance this entire season. I am believer in building endurance. Ned won the pro class. At 53/54 he is amazing.The course was 30 miles long and required pedaling the entire way. The hills are short and steep so not much resting on descents. It has several miles of whoops that require concentration so you don't case one and eat it.
This was a very fun and satisfying mtb season. I thank GT once again for the Zaskar. I cant say enough about that bike.
The Dirt Coalition program got GT back on the radar. The 2010 line up looks very sweet.
make sure to check out the new site @ http://www.gtbicycles.com/.
....now it's time to 'cross a bit.

PICTURES OF THE RACE ARE COMING TOMORROW

Lance is coming

2009-10-03T20:19:00.001-07:00

Lance Armstrong will be in Durango on Oct 20th for the showing of the Leadville 100 movie.
Tickets sold out in 14 min on line! He is making good on his promise to come to Durango after Matt Shriver helped in Lance setting the new record at Leadville. Ticket sales will benefit
the Fort Lewis Cycling Team.
Should be a great evening!

Squash Blossom Classic Was Awesome !

2009-09-29T20:11:00.001-07:00

First let me say that sometimes races that are not as well known kick ass on larger races. From the course and markings to organization and schwag. Everyone was having a great time.
I will look forward to attending next year. I hope to bring more D Town boys too. The Gallup cycling community does it right. I am impressed. It is a cool town.

My next to last mtb race of the season went well. I placed 3rd in the 40-49 Cat 1 group.
Going in to the last 2 miles of a long 30 mile race my quad started to cramp so I backed off a bit.
That is where I went from 2nd to 3rd. Still really jazzed with the result. After over 45 days off from hard racing I can't complain. I'll be racing Road Apple In Farmington , NM this Saturday.
I did the Tuesday Night ride tonight..took the sprint and felt really good. Recovered pretty well
since Sat's high desert screamer.

...'cross is coming..we got the 4 Corners schedule. Races will be held in Cortez,Durango, Dolores, and Aztec, NM .

Squash Blossom Classic Gallup, NM

2009-09-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday will be the first race I have done in a while. I have taken my break and took to some running and leg work in the gym with some fun rides. I like the break but hate the way my legs feel. They are roached ..I got a massage tonite and hope that helps. I am looking forward to the race for getting back to that pain mind set that racing requires and then will race Road Apple Rally in Farmington, NM the following weekend. That will be it for mtb racing until next year.

My Gt Zaskar has been a great bike and I'm really thankful I got this opportunity. I did my best to spread "the word".

Last Devo Short Track -'Cross is coming

2009-09-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

The leaves are starting to change their color. It's the sign that winter is on its way. With that comes our much anticipated cyclo cross series. I have been back at the weights and have been running a few miles at a time. It's been a welcomed change to my cycling season.

The Durango Wheel Club Championships are this week. The MTB TT was Tuesday. It's during weight lifting-running week so I have been helping as a course marshall and will help get gift donations in town for the winners. It's nice to be a spectator sometimes.

Last night was our last short track. They have been a blast. Once you get in the rythm of that kind of discomfort and breathing it's not so bad. It's been great for improving my starts and sprints .Matt Shriver..who was Lances point man at Leadville showed up as well as Joey Thompson and other extremely fast guys. Rotom, who is a Phenom at Fort Lewis, took the win. This kid is incredible and rides for Jamis bikes. My race was good for a training race, I felt strong and made sure I was a head of some of the college guys at the finish.

The Single Speed world Championships will be held in Durango this coming week and weekend.
There is a buzz in the air as we expect thousands to show up to race and watch. I rode part of the course...I have always thought single speeders were a special group...after riding the way so technical course I KNOW they are! It's wild.

I am hoping to race in Gallup NM on the 26th then the Road Apple Rally on Oct 3rd. After that it;s all cross baby.

Taking a Break

2009-08-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

I've been on the road bike a bit, taking a break from the mtb. Our local Durango Wheel Club road rides have been very fast and competitive and it's been great to catch up with my friends. When you live in Durango and race...you usually have to drive 7 hrs to any of the big races in the state. So I've done a lot of driving since April... and now am appreciating staying at home. I have noticed that the suffering I did at all the mountain bike races has really helped. I am looking forward to The Road Apple Rally..which is one of the oldest on going mountain bike races in the U.S. will be on October 3rd....it's in Farmington New Mexico and is just over 30 miles of high desert racing. Until then I will take a week off and then go back to the weight room for legs and start (easy does it) running a bit for 'cross. My son starts his jr year at Fort Lewis college so we plan on riding our KTM's a little too.

I am meeting Dan Rivard from GT tomorrow. I arranged a meeting with him and one of the bigger shops in Durango. I think they'll put a deal together so we can have local GT dealer.
I am pretty jazzed about that!

Broken Chain but still a fun time

2009-08-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

"That's racing" is all I could say after breaking a chain that was not repairable while in 5th place at the Colorado State Championship Race in Snowmass Village, Co . I must have tweaked it while shifting the front deraileur is all I could figure. The high light was that Lance Armstrong was there and won the pro class by 3 minutes. There were so many spectators who you could tell have never been to a bike race but heard LANCE was there! He was doing some last minute racing before he competes in the Leadville 100 MTB race this weekend. I hear he has enlisted Travis Brown and Matt Shriver (Fort Lewis Collegiate Cycling Coach and Pro MTB) to help pace him during the race. Anyway my wife and I had a great time going to Aspen for dinner and just walking around. Tonite was a club ride in Durango so I vowed to work myself and all others since I didn't get to complete my race..I succeded and went off the front for a long while..by the end of the ride the last hill was not real popular with my quads..I sat down and spun home easily!!

Lance racing by my GT Dirt Coalition Tent!

Lance in Snowmass!

2009-08-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Lance Armstrong to compete for Colorado State Championship
in Mountain States Cup #5 Blast the Mass
The icon of cycling, Lance Armstrong, will be competing for the Cross Country Colorado State Championship in Snowmass Village, Colorado this weekend, August 7-9, 2009. Blast the Mass is the fifth stop on the Mountain States Cup tour, the Rocky Mountain Regional Championship Series, and will have regional, national and World Cup pros battling it out for state championship titles in cross country, four cross, downhill and super d.
Should be a great event.
Leadville 100 will be spectacular as Lance will be racing Wiens again..plus I hear Lance "may" be accompanied by some "pacers"....
I've been resting more this week as a taper than in the previous races this season...still riding with some efforts but low volume... I am feeling a long hard mtb summer...but it's been fun.
I plan on getting on the podium for this Colorado Championship race. We will see.

Hermosa Off Road Classic

2009-08-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

As more of regional race, Hermosa drew plenty from the surrounding towns.
It's a woodstock style bike race where we all eat lunch after awards and many camp
over night. Russell from Durango Cyclery brings the retro mtb movies for night time entertainment. Watching Ned race a totally rigid Schwinn in the late 80's is funny.
Two racers in that particular race broke frames....doesn't happen nowadays!

There were 2 distances...38 and 21 miles. I always do the shorter as it
is less time..and distance than the usual Mountain States Cup races.
It allows me to really ride hard the entire race and not hold back a bit for fear of finishing in the "limp mode". At the start I took the hole shot from the fire road to the single track. I placed 2nd and was almost 7 minutes faster than last year. Partly due to less mud and better fitness. My Zaskar was awesome as always.
Next weekend I travel to Snowmass/Aspen for "Blast in the Mass".
It's a climb a thon.
I'll be posting some pictures today......

Durango Devo Short Track

2009-07-24T17:23:00.001-07:00

Wednesday nights are short track night. After the nationals I realized that I need the "spinach" of training...it hurts...and yes it's ugly..but what doesn't kill you will make you stronger!

More Pictures from Sol Vista Nationals

2009-07-24T06:43:00.001-07:00

Sol Vista, Colorado National Championship

2009-07-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

Racing at the USA Cycling MTB Nationals is a great experience. To qualify, you have to have placed in the top 10 in a USA Cycling recognized event.
Our course was tough and a bit technical...but very fun!
I heard it was 4000 ft of climbing in our race..Cat One 45-49. I took a 9th place and although I wanted to be in the top 5, I know I gave it everything I had..during the entire race. The field was very strong this year. Next year I will be racing the 50 yr old group...I'll be ready!
I went by the GT Factory Team "mini" trailer and met John the mechanic..great guy. Also checked out the new Fury downhill rig...awesome and a piece of art!
Tomorrow I'll post some pics of the venue.

Getting Ready for Nationals and "Odin"

2009-07-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with my real estate business as our real "season" starts in June and goes through September. With the interesting economy we are experiencing, I have had a bit more time to train...so that is the positive out of all of it.
I am tapering my training and will be doing my last long session tonight with a 90 minute moderate mtb ride with 6 -1 minute hard efforts.
I read that the course is climbing intensive with some new singletrack descent that is bumpy..not great for a hardtail...this is when I yearn for a Marathon Team in the stable. I have had both FS and HT bikes in the past and plan on it for next year.
My goal in this race is to podium and will climb out of my skin to get ahead of any crazy descenders and hopefully that works out.
My son and daughter..20yrs and 16yrs were dressing their little brother in some of my vintage GT garb. As you can see ...he has a nack for modeling the latest in Doggy Cycling attire.

Long Summer Rides

2009-07-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

I've been taking advantage of the great weather we are "finally" getting in Durango.

Last Saturday I rode Log Chutes which is below the Colorado Trail and holds a lot more for those who love descending. You climb for quite a while and are rewarded with

downhill singletrack that includes jumps and woops.

Very popular with the local downhillers.

As if this wasn't enough..the next morning I was pedaling with Ivan (The Tool)

from Animas Valley up to Durango Mountain Resort. From there, we rode around DMR's backside and took the upper Hermosa Trail back down to the valley. All in all, I think our ride was 50 miles easily. It's like we have to get as much of the trails as possible to last us through the winter. It's been fun.

My training is going well for the Nationals...I registered early this am so I am committed.

Crested Butte, Co

2009-06-22T20:52:00.001-07:00

This last Saturday I raced in Crested Butte. The race starts at the bottom of the ski resort and just goes up from there. I checked my Suunto watch and was hoping it was wrong: 9400 ft at the start! Anyway, the race began a long distance from the single track..great idea by the race promoter..this gave us time to string out the group. My wife told me I was top 7 at the single track and by the next lap in top 5. I was excited and riding well.
As I was climbing at the start of #2 lap I noticed the nose of my saddle was pointing up like a downhiller rig!! I could barely touch my pedals.
I jumped off and hammered the nose down and jumped back on. Unfortunately , this game went on the whole race...I "found "a wrench, while countless riders went by, frantically tightened it down. After more riding it began to move back and forth..to the point that I was ready to call it quits..I was mad but remembered Lance saying "quiting lasts forever" I finished but back of the pack.
Later that night I had some beers with some of the racers I had raced against that day. They were surprised I didn't pack it in. Glad I didn't..
Next big race will be USA Cycling National Championships in Granby, Colorado. That great stars and stripes jersey we all would love to wear. I going to try.

Start of the race

Knowing when to not expect too much from yourself...

2009-06-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

From the start I knew my head wasn't in it.

My real estate business was "interesting" last week with some long days... I was a bit worn out. The course was technical and I was all thumbs..and had no stamina.. but I didn't really connect the rough week with my dissappearing skills or power...after the first relationship with a huge granite rock..I thought ..better to go for an easy spin and call it good. I don't have many races like this but when I do ..it's one to forget about.

I got home last night and was thinking that my skills suck and my fitness must have escaped me! I went to bed figuring I needed to stay off the bike for a while...but this morning I was curious.... I went for an easy ride for an hour and then started feeling pretty good..so I thought why not do some hard efforts? It became a great training ride ...I rode very well...and had no problem pushing my cardio limits. My mind was finally clear and I was in tune with my body. This goes to show how much our "head" makes a difference in our racing. Crazy work schedules or stress from job or family all make a huge difference. Family and work are realities so we can't take these out of the mix.. but knowing that you may not ride like you usually do is key..It is important to not beat yourself up if you are riding poorly..and thinking your fitness is out the window...It may not be a lack of training hours. That is what my ride today showed me. The connection of mind and body is more than we know.

On a better Note:

I met Ryan Amirault yesterday..great to meet a fellow GT racer. I think he ended up doing well in the XC. Good Job Ryan!..I feel old saying this but what a nice young man ( I wish I was your age again!).

Joe

My wife saw these baby racoons playing with each other while she was walking down the street! Almost don't look real.

Getting Ready for Colorado Springs

2009-06-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

It's been great to be able to re focus on just the mountain bike! I couldn't ask for a better hardtail ..the GT Zaskar is incredible. This coming weekend I'll be traveling to C.S. to race in the Sho-Air Western Finals. I've been doing some serious climbing up the Colorado Trail each weekend and am looking forward to testing my fitness...feeling good. My weakness has always been time trialing so I really put an emphasis on that this past winter and spring...almost to the detriment to my climbing. I think I am back on track.
I will make sure to get some great pics.

Then comes racing in Crested Butte...

Iron Horse Results

2009-05-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day concluded the exciting days of racing in Durango/ Silverton.
In it's 37th year the Iron Horse set record attendance and will continue to do well due to the efforts of so many Durangoans. In a town of only 16,000 people..it's amazing. The build up for this race really starts in January for many racers in town...the buzz just continues through ...leading up to the events.
I placed 16th/118 racers in the race to Siverton and took a 6th today in the TT.
Today's race was roughly 15 miles and finishes with a 1 mile hard climb up Old Shalona Hill....I was cross eyed the whole way!
I now can look forward to getting back to the dirt on my GT Zaskar...Crested Butte June 20th. ...YAHOO

Rollers in May?

2009-05-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I cleaned the garage mess from a long winter. I took the rollers and the fan out of the house...thinking spring is in full swing. That must have been what made the weather change. This week we have had rain and possibly light snow on the passes.
The Iron Horse Road Race is saturday, crit sunday and TT monday.
Last night riding the rollers in the basement with my ipod made me think
I was back in the winter mode. Weather in the mountains can change so quickly.
I hope it's clear for tomorrow's road race..we have well over 2500 racers in town. It can be dangerously cold at 10,900 feet at 9 in the morning..even at the end of May!!

Iron Horse Race training

2009-05-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well, this last week I talked my wife in to motorpacing me down county road 250..it's "the" road ride that Durango is known for.
I got up to about 43 mph. Last time I did this was last fall for 'cross.
I forgot how awesome it is. To be able to ride at that speed and have your body
working at that level is so cool. What's even better is that your legs are not nearly as wasted as they would be if you were doing 22-25 on your own!
My group ride today went very well. I was leading the B+ group up to Purgatory..felt pretty good.

Durango to Silverton and Back

2009-05-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

I did my annual 100 mile ride today. Climbing 10k feet at up to 10,900 ft of altitude. There must have been 100 riders out riding various legs of our Iron Horse Classic course! It's 50miles and started years ago when 2 brothers bet each other that a bike could beat the Durango -Silverton Narrow Gauge Train..well the bro on the bike won...
As for me...I was talking to myself to keep the pedals going on the way back.
I stopped at the Needles Store near Durango Mountain Resort and got a cold Coke! Gu's..etc..nothing works like a cold Coca Cola to bring you back.
I'll see how I feel manana!

Chalk Creek Result

2009-05-03T19:52:00.001-07:00

A little under the weather from a sinus infection didn't keep me from racing this past saturday. I had planned this race in my schedule and knew that I wasn't going to do great but if I could get a top ten I would be happy....well' I hit 9th so I'll take it. Almost every spring..between the winds, dust , and my allergies, I get a good sinus infection. ..I am so glad that I'm almost rid of it! I had a great time camping with my wife, Heidi. We have a cool camper and found a nice spot on a creek.

Next up: The Famous Iron Horse Road Race on May 23rd..time to hit the passes. Each year I look forward to my training ride to Silverton and back. 100 miles with 10k feet of climbing..after that... this 50 mile race doesn't seem so bad.

Chalk Creek Stampede-Nathrop, Colorado

2009-04-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 2nd is the second race of the Colorado Mountain States Cup Series. Made up of multiple laps with a lot of double track...it holds some real road racing strategy. Every time I have raced it, we've experienced wind to the point that an actual paceline is created. I keep checking the weather..up to 70% chance of precipitation. Either way I'll be there.

Getting up this morning and feeling the work week...I thought about Working and training . ..I'll tell you what...We as riders look up to the pros with their abilities
to ride so darn fast....It really inspires me...but the art of balancing time for spouse-kids-career-training/recovery is really something too! Hats off to the art of scheduling!!!

HAPPY B DAY TO JOEY JR ! the big 20

Zaskar Stretch

2009-04-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

We have so many interesting commuter bikes in Durango.
I just saw this bike today next to my office. Wonder how many miles this one has seen....

First MTB race of the Season

2009-04-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Fruita Colorado is an epic place if you like high desert technical riding. That was the place for our first Colorado Mountain States Cup race.

Cat 1 and pros raced a very long 27 mile loop.
It had a bit of everything from big sprocket double track to quad burning climbs/ steep descents ... sprinkled with a few rock drops.
2hours and fifteen minutes later I arrived at the finish with a 6th place. For my 1st race of the season I was pumped. I had 4th place up to the 2 hour mark but my legs started to protest so I had to back off a bit.
My Zaskar performed awesome. I was descending with the best of those suspended guys! I can't believe how stable and neutral this bike is. The geometry is killer.

Fort Lewis Squawker Classic Road Race

2009-04-12T16:14:00.001-07:00

The first race of the season is always good. No matter how you do..the key is that you are introducing your system to hard efforts and a sample of what it will be experiencing throughout the season. It can also be a gauge as to what you might be missing in your training regimen. Dave Hagen who is one of the collegiate coaches always puts together a great race.
The venue is at the college just above town. The course has a mixture of high speed descending, quad burning climbs and open -wind in your face -riding. The race started out at a good pace and progressively got more difficult as one of our local talents was committed to giving us "free" intervals on each climb. I ended up with a 6th place and was happy. Next weekend is Rabbit Valley... in Fruita, Co ... my 1st mtb race of the season....
Some short "race start" intervals are in order for tomorrow.

Dawn 'Till Mud...n...Snow

2009-04-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

I was really pumped about racing my first 12 hr with Travis. Unfortunately, we woke up to snow. The race organizer delayed the race a few times in hopes of the course drying out.
Didn't happen. We did get to ride a lap Friday night so that was 1 lap more than most!
I'm back in Durango so I'll be doing the Fort Lewis College Squawker road race tomorrow....
...weather permitting. Come on...summer

Dawn 'Till Dusk

2009-04-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, this past winter I thought that I would try new events to keep things fresh. Well, I am racing in the Dawn 'till Dusk 12 hr race in Gallup, NM. It was last minute and I couldn't find a partner...I was prepared to ride it solo and just count it as great endurance training. I've done some 5 and 6 hr rides this winter and know that if I played it smart I wouldn't make a total ...out of myself. Travis Brown from Trek e mailed and said his race partner had to cancel. So here we go... GT and Trek. Travis has always been so willing to answer questions from all of us locals over the years. It's great to have that wealth of knowledge riding in the pack or at the local 'cross races, he has the answers to tire pressures , geometries and more. I am sure I will have plenty for him regarding this endurance stuff. His wife Mary Monroe heads up Trails 2000 which works on trail advocacy and actual trail maintenance. There is a great group of volunteers that make this happen.

Sunday Ride

2009-04-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, after the snow and winds on Friday and Saturday we were
treated to some sunshine! I rode with Andrew Ferguson who
rides for the Trek regional team. He was sporting his new Fuel.
Andrew and I are both late 40's and well matched in abilities... so depending on who's feeling the best, the goal is to make the other suffer. It is always a crapshoot on who puts the hurt on who...
in between the hard efforts we manage to get some good coversation in.

I'm half hearted to do the Dawn 'Till Dusk 12 Hour in Gallup this Saturday.. a little late for planning but I am having so much fun on the GT that I think I'll skip the road race at the college this weekend and continue to work on getting to know my Zaskar.

Vintage GT

2009-03-31T18:08:00.000-07:00

I am not much of a picture taker but thankfully my wife, Heidi is...and has been over the years. This past weekend she was on a mission to find our old race photos. Here are some from the early 90's on my old Zaskar then later ..on my RTS in Moab...always loved that blue! Check out the one of Julie Furtado at Mammoth in 1993 (the hidden kid in the baby sling is my now 16 yr old daughter, Joey j.r. goes to Fort Lewis College here in Durango). Lastly, we went to Colorado Springs several years ago and checked out the "Project 96" bike.

Nostalgia

2009-03-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

I've got my Zaskar dialed and rode Horse Gulch today thinking..it's so cool that I am riding a GT again. I was sailing thru the singletrack and came up on a few guys ... they asked about the Zaskar ...one of the riders was telling me that his first bike was a GT Karakoram and how much he loved it. GT Bicycles is making a resurgence in first class style. This is Odin..he's a Mastador we got from the pound. ..turned out to be a great dog...camps like a trooper.

ZASKARIFIC !

2009-03-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

My Zaskar came in late this afternoon. I have to say that photos do not do this bike justice.
The carbon weave against the yellow is sharp!. I assembled it and rode around the college trails ... immediately noticed how well the Zaskar handles. What's so cool is that it rails like my old aluminum Zaskar but a lot smoother. This frame is retro. I can't wait to do some hammering this weekend....maybe Phil's World.

" Wheel Club Shifts Group Rides to Saturday"

2009-03-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

This morning's article in the Outdoor section of The Durango Herald was very satifying to read.
As a member of the Wheel Club's board, we have worked together over the last year to accommodate a growing town with more motorists and riders. I am sure that many non cyclists will read and realize that we "are" being proactive for the safety of all concerned.
Team work was the ingredient on this one.

GT GOLDEN BIKE MISSING....

2009-03-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

From Cycling News :

GT's intriguing Golden Bike series is set to kick off the first leg of competition at next month's Sea Otter Classic but one lucky 'winner' may have already taken home the prize.
According to GT marketing man Robb Zbierski, one of the company's specially finished GT Zaskar race bikes was lost in shipping last month - while the shipping label arrived at the intended destination in an envelope, the bike did not. In addition to the flashy gold paint job on the frame, the bike also features a custom gold finish on the Shimano XTR drivetrain, Mavic Crossmax SLR wheels, and Ritchey bar and stem.
Just as was the case with Lance Armstrong's stolen - and recovered - one-off Trek Equinox time trial bike, Zbierski is hoping the bike's distinctive appearance will hamper any potential illicit sale and will lead to a quick recovery.
Nonetheless, GT is offering a US$3000 reward for the bike's return.

Dead Squirrel TT and Bicycle Bob

2009-03-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those rare times that I was able to take off for some training with nothing pressing at the office...I had a grin ear to ear as I suited up with my TT garb for the last Dead Squirrel. The weather was chamber of commerce stuff!
Anyway, my legs felt so much better after the much needed break . I'm thinking that sometimes it's more the work load than the ride load that fatigues the body.
Bob Gregorio is back in town! Bob is part of US cycling history as he was a wrench for Team USA as well as Team 7-11 and wrenched @ The Tour De France. Later wrenched for his good friend John Tomac. Bob was inducted in to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame back in 2006 .

So after the TT here comes Bob on one of his classic Italian steeds..complete with fenders etc. The surprise was that last time I saw Bob, he was leaving Durango and going to Costa Rica......by bike!! He got there five months later and shared tidbits of his trip with me as we road back to town. You hear of people doing these things and after hearing his story, I can see why. His clarity on life seems clearer than most, for sure. He will be in town until May and then back to Costa Rice where he conducts road and mtb tours.

Where's my Zaskar...?

First DWC ride of the season

2009-03-14T14:29:00.001-07:00

We had some snow last night..Spring is always such a fickle season...some days it's still winter and others seem like summer is not that far off...It was cold but sunny and fortunately, the snow melted at least on the roads so we had our 1st DWC ride .

The famous "Tuesday Night Worlds" enjoyed much notoriety locally and in the bike world. Durango has grown quite a bit ... so has the number of drivers and members of The Durango Wheel Club. Anyway...we decided to have these rides on Saturdays for less impact on our roads
and motorists. I think it will be a lot safer than at 5:30 Tuesday night..but I will miss them. It wasn't the most popular topic when it was motioned to change the ride day/time but I think most riders at least understand why. I'm sure Tuesday will still see some group rides but not the numbers we had before. Todd Wells and Ned Overend showed up, which always makes for a great sufferfest. It was weird to see Todd wearing Red and pedaling an S Works. Since I have known him he has been a GT racer...although he started with Specialized originally. I know he will have some great results this season.

My ride was fair at best..I can always tell when my legs need rest when I walk up the stairs at home...

GT "Dirt Family" is posted!

2009-03-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

The Gt Dirt Coalition members are now listed on Gtbicycles.com. Its great to see where everyone is from. I look forward to meeting the Colorado crew at some races and hope to have the opportunity to meet the other Colation members sometime.

I did the Fort Lewis "Dead Squirrel TT" today...it's about a 22 minute effort...a great way to suffer into shape! I have always thought of mtb racing as a TT with intervals so this is good stuff. I had a business meeting right after so had no time to cool down. I can't wait to feel my legs in the morning...

Zaskar on the way / Race Schedule for '09

2009-03-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

I just got word that my bike and race kit are shipping on March 11th...so I should be riding it mid next week. Very fitting that the 11th is my B Day....

Here are the mtb races I will be doing :

1-Rabbit Valley, Fruita, Co TT and XC April 17th-19th
2-Alien Run, Aztec, New Mexico XC April 26th
3-Chalk Creek Stampede, Nathrop, Co XC May 1st
4-Wild Flower Challenge Crested Butte, Co XC June 19th
5-USA MTB Nationals Granby , Co July 16th-19th
6-Blast The Mass, Snowmass, Co XC August 7th
7-Dirt Lovers Rally, Durango, Co XC August 23rd
8-Sol Survivor, Sol Vista, Co XC September 4th
9-Road Apple Rally, Farmington, NM XC Oct 3rd

I hope to get to Breckenridge for the Fire Cracker 50 on July 4th (make it a family deal and do some camping)
Hermosa Off Road Classic here in Durango June sometime..mucho epico!
Tour of Durango September 20th, a first annual MTB tour of all the trails we have in D town.

I'll be doing some road races too like the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic May 23rd
and Sandia Crest RR on May 31st

2009-03-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

I was recently contacted by GT Bicycles and informed that I am on the Dirt Coalition Mountain Biking Team! The Dirt Coalition will be made up of like minded die hard racers who love mountain biking and all the experiences that come with it. Expect to see a GT tent at various races, we will be ready to answer any questions about the GT line up and will have printed material and brochures.

I Started riding GT bikes in the early 90's . It's great to be back , I remember racing my Zaskar at Mammoth Nationals (Jeep Grundig Series) back in 93. The days of John Tomac and Julie Furtado! Those were some great times in US mountain biking! I have a feeling that companies like GT and other organizations (new US Cup Series etc) are working to that end...bringing
the fun back to the amateur racing level.

This week I will list the races I plan to compete in...mostly Colorado Mountain States Cup races mixed with some pretty epic Durango races and the US Nationals in Granby, Co.
I race Cat 1 and will be the ripe young age of 49 this week.

I am hoping the bike comes in soon so I can get riding it. The Zaskar carbon Pro hardtail will be ride.

I race some road races and hillclimbs and love that 'cross! For the last couple of years Fort Lewis College Cycling has put on a pretty sweet 'cross series, this year it should go regional. We Durangoans travel to the Boulder Co. Cups to really dial it up and then go to the Nationals....that's a gas! We have a small Durango at the Nats each year.

The weather in Durango is starting to look like spring so the lower trails around town (6400 ft) will be getting used as soon as they dry a bit.

Being less than an hour from some New Mexico single track makes getting to lower elevation and riding high desert a fun "day trip"...

Training:
After a good 45 days of no bike after 'cross nationals I enjoyed snow shoeing with my wife and dog. Since then, I have been laying on the miles and doing some good 4-5 hr days. I've been in the Durango Sports Club working the legs hard. ..complimented by plenty of recovery time !
Dave Hagen at Fort lewis College just started his TT series to get the collegiate racers ready . They allow Masters to compete as well so this will be in my training mix . Recently, Lee Unwin posted some nasty looking interval sets that I think I might try...looks painful though!

I'll get some pics of my new bike up as soon as I see it myself. This will be a fun adventure for sure.