Happy Birthday Mom!

(I meant to do this in the morning...)

It's that time.

After a couple months of less riding, more desserts, and even more time with friends, I'm getting back into action. This is always a funny time of year for me. I look around and see people dreading the indoor trainer and making comments on how everyone else is starting their 'training' WAY too early. I actually do think that 6 hour slug fests in November may be a little too much, but hey, whatever floats your boat.

For me, I love training. I love having goals and I love feeling like I'm hand crafting my upcoming season. I understand that I won't have this motivation forever, but for now this is what I love to do and it's all part of the journey as my roommate and I frequently discuss. Well, it's December and I'm slowly getting into the routine again. Whether it's indoor or outdoor, it feels good to be back on the bike consistantly.

I have a feeling in the near future I will have some exciting news regarding a team for next year. I'll surely be writing a post with an announcement. Until then...

Coming Soon

February on PBS.



Air dates and times TBA soon.

The Spirit Award goes to . . .

This has been a long time comin'. Josh and I have had many tough battles in the game of 'Foot Down' over the last two years. The game is simple: From the very beginning of the ride to the very end, the rider who touches their foot to the ground the most times loses. Well, anyone who lives and/or rides on the Colorado front range knows that there are several opportunities to either make mistakes and fall from grace, or triumph over the large rocks, loose climbs, and obstacle-filled trails.

I have lived (literally) on these trails and have figured out every single line on most of them. This isn't to say that I don't mess up - I do all the time! However, When Josh lived in Boulder, he would commute to Golden to be my training partner and the game of foot down got real. To this day (and I'm lucky I can say this) I have not been beat. (Great, now I'm done for...) The thing is, Josh lived in Boulder. In a way it's not really fair, BUT this doesn't take Josh off the hook. The man is unbelievably talented and judging by our last few games, It's a matter of a couple rides before my streak is over.

Ex: Josh and I rode for 3 hours one day on pretty technical trails. The score at the end of the ride was 1 to 0... Needless to say, that's close.

This brings me to the reason for this post. The last ride Josh and I did, we were locked in a close one. We approached a section where Josh has been making it through - and I have not. (I know this game sounds less entertaining than I'm making it sound, but it gets really interesting when you're sometimes riding as hard as you can - and then you have to ride harder to make it over a section of rocks!) Josh proceeds to get about halfway over the crux and he stalls out. At this point he's about 6-7 feet up on a pile of rocks.

The man is committed. He keeps going for it. Well, he couldn't quite get the wheels rolling again and he plunges 6-7 feet down, arm stretched out. I'll save the details of the rest of our ride/hike out of White Ranch, but in summary he broke his wrist.

Josh has been an incredible and beneficial training partner. Because of the time on the trails with him, I'm stronger and better at riding technical sections than I was before.

Well, I just got a report from 'Mantana' (as one race promoter calls the state) where Josh currently resides. He's back to riding and racing and training to beat me at foot down. It's only a matter of time.

The Best slice Of Life

I want to say a huge thanks to my parents for not only supporting my cycling financially this year, but more importantly for believing in me and the crazy things I do. I have never heard the words, 'you shouldn't be doing that', 'you can't', or the questions that usually come forth when one decides to do something with the probability of success being minimal, at best.

Thank you.



As of last weekend, my bike racing season is over. I've had a great season racing on a great team and I owe thanks to Trek for keeping me on board after last year. I can spend more time with friends and spend time exploring the creative world without having to 'sneak in' a 3 hour ride. Not much 'sneakin' going on there if you know what I'm sayin'. I hear a lot about 'missing out' on the greater things in life when you are a committed athlete. Well, at least for me, I feel like I'm living plenty of life, and a great life.

Gearing up for a 24 hour mountain bike race requires a ton of training, but also a healthy dose of relaxation. Welcome to 'Baker's Acres'.




Ward and Heidi were top-tier hosts and wanted to try out their new Empanada recipe that Ward picked up on his latest surf trip to Mexico. I arrived to to see the couple in mid-baking, from scratch! If I were to rate the food, ambiance, and conversation - of course it's a 10 out of 10! A quality night of friends, veggies, and Empanadas was a perfect way to relax before the big weekend. Thanks Ward, Heidi, Rob, Melissa, Bergs and Fin Man!




24 Hour National Championships



I've written about the race HERE, so I'll spare the recycled words and focus a little more on the aspects that made this race such a great experience. Well, the people make the difference! A couple people who were in Moab in spirit:

Nick - you are a man of absolute generosity and your undying commitment to helping others, (myself being a benefactor!) has inspired many to prosper. Thanks for taking so much time to help me and push me to be better for all these years.

A great example of Nick's passion in what he does can be found HERE. (this is a good read)

George - You're in the same category brother. Thanks for the years of morale and confidence-boosting conversations. (Not to mention the 24-Hour tested bike fits...)

And then there is the crew...

Ryan - you're a great cousin and support man. Thanks for flying out just for this and taking care of me! I still can't believe you drove us home straight after the race.

Bethany - Another year and another adventure. You were amazing as usual and although this gets said too much, it rings truer than ever here: I could not have done this without you.

Chris - Even though you own a bike company that's not called Trek, you were a staple in keeping me runnin' - and runnin' fast! I appreciate that you brought the Maverick rig out to the desert and set up camp for me. I learned a lot about you over the weekend and let's just say I wouldn't have done as well without you there. Thanks for busting my chops when I was there for more than 30 seconds...

Tracey (and Carla) - You're the best brother. It meant a lot seeing you out there and finally getting a chance to share this side of my life with ya. Thank you both for being there.

And Libby! - I speak for many men when I say some of the best inspiration comes from trying to impress your girlfriend. (However, I'm not sure how impressive it is when your boyfriend is wearing spandex, is covered in sweat and has food all over his face...) You were clutch in my success and I can't thank you enough for staying with me for 24 hours in the hot/cold and windy desert.







I had one of the best races of my career. I came into this event being the fittest I've ever been, having all the inspiration an athlete could ask for, being surrounded by the best crew, and being challenged by a guy with the nickname, 'Toast'.



Josh Tostado and I battled it out for the duration, exchanging 1st/2nd, keeping each other on our toes. Josh is a great guy who was a tough competitor, but one I respected. I know this guy is a fast, mentally strong athlete who knows very well how to win. He and I would exchange friendly words right from the beginning. I enjoy racing when I race against classy competitors and Josh was one of the classiest I've raced.

Throughout the race I would see a lot of friends out there. Some I would pass, and some would pass me. Some even drug me along in their slipstream for a mile or two in hopes of giving me a slight break. A guy who I really only heard of, Greg Martin (also single speed solo world champ) rode near me when my lights went out to help me get through a technical section, that I would otherwise be navigating in the pitch-black night. I saw Chelsea McGowen out there on her singlespeed as she was soloing - and I thought I had it rough!

I would come in for my pitstop after each lap and see my crew eagerly waiting to shove food in my mouth, tell me encouraging things - tell me I had 10 seconds left to drink that ensure - tell me my mom says great job, and then shove me off. I'd hear Libby tell me she loved me and then I'd disappear into the night.

Winning and losing becomes less important - at times - when you've reached a limit. You go on auto pilot and think about random things. I'd see people that were on their 2nd lap and hurting. I'd see people on their 4th lap and in the lead of their team's category just flying! Then I'd see Eszter H (eventual solo national champ) with dirt all over her face just pedaling away with a smile or my friends from North Dakota who were on a 4 person team. Whoever it was, they pretty much always said something encouraging.

I'd worked harder on my fitness this year than ever before. I came to this race to win, to wear a national champion's jersey, to frame it and give it to my parents. This would not be the case, and I would finish 2nd again in one of the biggest 24 hour races. Josh Tostado raced an incredible race and he was too strong to beat. I gave it all I could and I'm proud of that.

At the end of the day, we want to do things we love. For me, it's working towards having experiences that will last a lifetime. I consider myself lucky to have so much love in my life. I was fortunate enough this last weekend to be included in the plans of the people around me. For you, I kept pedaling in the darkest moments.





Thanks for reading,
km

CB Classic

I have certainly been fortunate enough in my bike racing career to have won a few races. However, I remember like it was yesterday when I was just starting out and couldn't hold onto anyone's wheel, not to mention my pre-race breakfast!

When Dave Ochs sent me a photo of the Crested Butte Classic trophy - which is put on display at the Brick Oven in downtown CB - I realized (as I do often) how cool the sport that we participate in is. To be sharing the same space with Dave Weins, not to mention ALL of the other names on there, is an honor.

The Good, The Bad, and a PhD in Momentum

We'll start with the bad luck and progress from there.

I raced the Dakota Five-O a few weeks ago and I brought a few people with me...



What started out looking like an all-out Battle Royale with Josh B and I,



turned into a 20 mile run for Josh and a 2 mile hike for me. Unfortunately, we had some mechanical issues that took us out of contention for the win, but one of the best poeple I've met this last year took top honors - and it was well deserved. Congrats Dave O!

I had such great form coming into this race as the week before I was fortunate enough to win the King of the Rockies in Winter Park. I had a good battle going with Scott Tietzel - strong pro road racer - but I managed to edge him out. (He may have been a little tired from his stage race the week before) I was truly bummed to hear that the next day he broke his fibula and tibia in a road race near Boulder. Wishing you a quick recovery Scott.



Next up was the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival in Wisconsin. The venue is around 3 hours from Minneapolis so I decided it would be a perfect opportunity to visit my Uncle Pat, Aunt Sandy and cousin (and crazy soccer star) Carly - who graciously gave up her room so her cousin could get his pre-race rest.






They took great care of me and when 3:45AM rolled around the morning of the race, I was delighted to see that Pat was ready to hit the road with me. What an Uncle! He pretty much did all the driving and we had a great time catching up on the drive to and from the race. Speaking of, the race went well, but was very hard! I never have - and never will - underestimate the strength of the midwestern rider. These guys and girls know how to keep the momentum up rolling hills, AKA punches, and it wore me down! I lost contact with the lead group, but still had a good time. This event is huge. Here's what 1,700 racers looks like...




Finally, this last weekend was the Crested Butte Classic 100 mile race. This is one of my favorite events because being in CB during the Fall is an absolute treat!




The race pretty much whittled down to 3 of us: Local legend Jeff Irwin, Josh B and myself. We rode the first two laps together and then a little miscommunication resulted in Josh losing contact with Jeff and I. This race is unmarked so you either need to have the knowledge from riding these trails, or follow the local legend... Josh didn't see Jeff and I take a turn and it cost him a few minutes. (again, sorry Josh...)

Jeff and I started the 3rd and final loop and I felt really great. At this point, Jeff was giving me instructions so I wouldn't get lost and I took off up Kebler pass. Well, I ran into some questionable trail options and decided I would wait to get Jeff's direction. After getting a little oxygen in my brain and thinking about the situation, I used my better judgement and decided the right thing to do would be to wait since he is the only reason I didn't end up riding to Aspen. In the end, we had a gentlemen's agreement for the finish. We crossed the line together and split the victory.



Josh came in a little after us and I'm bummed for him because he was riding so well and could have been there with us at the end.

Well, I'm gearing up for Moab now. One more hurrah for the season and then it's time to rest for a while.

Thanks for reading.

[ CB PHOTOS www.xavierfane.com ]

Living the full life

When I get a chance to do laundry, rebuild my bike and answer some email - I'll write up a report (more pictures than words I hope!) on the recent festivities surrounding the latest adventures from the road...

Lots to catch up on!

We all can use a feel-good story every once in a while

Judy Freeman is just like one of us.



Working hard, effected by the current economy, and persistent at reaching personal goals, my friend Judy, who always offers a warm smile, got a little bit of good news.

Check it out here.

Most of us pro mountain bikers need to make a living the old fashioned way, but it never stops us in our pursuit of that special day, week, or year where we can go toe-to-toe with our peers who line the pages of cycling magazines.

Good luck in Australia!

Brand new nephew

Mr. Levi Paul



8.24.09

Giving thanks

To the people who have made my cycling career possible; Mom, Gary, Nick, George and Trek - Thank You.

The new machine...



The old machine has been semi-retired after bringing me to a 12 hour solo victory in Gunnison. She will now serve as a faithful backup.

You've been good to me...

Here we go again

After some discussion with good friend, solo 24 hour support man and newly appointed race adviser Nick, I decided I will be racing the 24 hours of Moab - this year's USA Cycling 24 hour National Champs. I love Moab and I love this race. However, a good result has eluded me every single time I've raced this race. I am going to be ready for it this year and I'll need to be as all of the big names will be there. I know how it feels to be on both ends of the spectrum:

Feeling great...



Feeling not so great...



Either way, I love this sport.

France, etc

Here are a few images from the footage we got in France. 1) Lance warming up before his first Tour start in 4 years. 2) I was able to ride the actual Madone climb. 3) Rod showing off his media pass 'credentials'. 4) Alberto Contador starting the TT 5) Riding shotgun with Paris Roubaix winner and Astana team director, Dirk Demol 6) Yaroslav Popovich ripping the Time Trial














In other news, I got a little 'redemption' this week in Breckenridge.

This Indian Life - Robber's Street: Delhi, April

(Rod might use a curse word in here. You youngsters have been warned...)

Up to Speed

A month or two can be swallowed up by a little extra work on the plate with a garnish of bike racing topped off with the longing to see your girlfriend.

A lot has happened lately. I had a great time at the Gunnison Growler, which was put on by the famous Dave Weins. He knows how to put on a great race - and more importantly – he’s a great guy. Handsome Rob and I drove out together and it was great catching up with him on his family, including the new little boy – and one on the way! As far as the race, I felt good for the first 2 hours.



Then I started to fall off the pace a bit due to a lack of food consumption. It’s never good when you read a report about the race and this is what you see, ‘…Irwin pushed through the final miles gaining five minutes over the imploding Magelky…’



All in all a great weekend loaded with lots of good people and fun.

Next up was a trip to Alabama. Yep, good ol ‘Bama. I was down there for work and decided to bring my bike and do the national. However, my bike didn’t actually make it to Alabama until after the race. Since Trek owns Gary Fisher Bikes, the team mechanic Matt Opperman hooked me up big time and let me race on his personal ride. It was a sweet bike that weighed nothing and ran perfect.



Rolling on 29-inch wheels, I felt pretty good on my warm-up. The rest of the guys at the Fisher trailer were also very accommodating as JHK gave me some advice on the course and the rest of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ guys carried water bottles and gels up to the feed zone for me. I still can’t thank them enough.

Unfortunately, I would not need any assistance in the feed zones as I sliced open a tire on the first lap of the race. I was so disappointed to have had all that support and then not show any result for it… I guess that’s the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.

I thought I could get my vengeance back home in Vail for the Teva Mountain Games. I was feeling pretty good and hungry for a chance to make up for a dismal showing down in the South. Now, this year has been very difficult for me in the sense that I can’t get into a rhythm. Every time I feel fit, I take a trip somewhere for work and lose a little ground. The Teva games was to be my platform to prove to myself that I could overcome it all! To prove I could do anything! To prove that I could still ride as a fast pro!



Nope. During the race I felt like I was running on 3 cylinders. I would go hard up a climb only to feel the guys behind me getting closer. What?! How can I be losing ground on a climb?! Afterward I hit the wall. It was a looong ride home by myself. Changes were to be made. (I’ll spare the details)

1- More sleep
2- No more over-committing
3- More sleep
4- Balance out life a little more

Next up: Filming in Boise for the new Trek time trial bike. This was a trip I needed. My job was to film Chris Lieto riding the new machine in the Boise half Ironman.



Chris and his brother, Matt, are great guys and it was refreshing to hang out with them. In a way, they’re teammates since they race for Trek, but they have many more sponsors because they’re both world-class triathletes.




They both started out doing really well. Matt actually had major cramps in the swim and had to sit on the Kayak for a while, but managed to get on the bike and go faster than even he planned on. He even crashed in the middle of the rain-soaked bike course – which in the end would be his ultimate demise as he had to pull out of the run. Chris, however, set a new record on the bike (the new bike!) and started the run 6 minutes ahead of the current world champion, Craig Alexander.

Over 13 miles of running, the world champ started pulling time out of Chris, but he still seemed poised to win. That was until Craig ran a 4:48 final mile to beat Chris at the line! These two are incredible athletes and it was inspiring to watch two champions battle it out.



Finally, I just got back home from my annual racing trip to ND. This year I had to go solo as the gang from last year had a commitment to race in CO. As usual, the race was a ton of fun and I had a great time. I was able to bust out the skinsuit for the time trial. (sorry – I don’t have any pictures…) I had a better time than I posted last year, which surprised me a little bit. My aunt Sandy, uncle Kelly and cousins Hayley and Kayla put me up for the night and I got some good sleep – which was going to be needed. Saturday was a nice long effort. The racing scene is growing up there and I was pleased to see a lot of familiar faces and some new ones as well. Quite a few fast girls and guys were there. I always know that a few teams are going to run me down over the course of ten hours, but it’s always fun to see how long I can go without that happening. At one point I was juuust about to get caught, but I had a good attack in me!



So, I went and had a good few laps until I completely blew up! I had to pull into my pit area and have my cousin Ryan shove food in my face. Ryan is pretty experienced these days having been to a number of these races to help me. He was even at the world champs in Canada where he saw me have a pretty bad go… The rest of my family was also a HUGE help with the cowbells and cheering. My mom is always an inspiration and it put a smile on my face to come around every lap and see her cheering for me. Going home for a race is such a good experience. All said and done, I couldn’t do this without my parents, Ryan and whole family.

On the drive home, I stopped in Spearfish where my friend, Dave Olsen, treated me to some sweet riding. Dave and I raced together last year at the Dakota Five O where we went 1 and 2. I was pretty nervous starting that race next to him as he had the number one plate, course record and his family there.



Luckily for me, I had done a 4-day stage race the week before and that fitness carried me to good day in Spearfish. Fast-forward to a year later and we’re riding together having a great time. He might have been having a better time than me actually – the ten hours on Saturday were still in my legs and I was suffering up the climbs! Dave is a very talented guy and he’s getting faster and faster. This year’s Five O should be a good one…

Okay, up to speed now… Just in time to go to France and then Jamaica. I better get into running shape!

km

(PS. I need to give photo credits here: Thanks Sinjin, Zack V, Perry and Dale/Jodi)