Durango Devo Short Track

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

Sol Vista, Colorado National Championship

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"

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

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.