Good friends, good race, good times

Just got back from the Original Growler race last night - and I'm moving pretty slow this morning! I've mentioned that this is one of my favorite events of the year and the 3rd running was no exception. I drove down with Rob and Dave, who are pretty much the best travel partners you could ask for. An easy road trip makes for easy preparation leading up to an event like this.



Fresh off of the first ride on the new top fuel 9.9, my 2nd ride would be in the Growler, which is the ultimate test on your body and equipment. This bike is so light and responsive that it made my job a whole lot easier. Bontrager sent some prototype tires and I was set for the race. The bike worked perfect - which made for an incredible day in the saddle.






I had a few cohorts for the first 32 miles, including Travis Brown and Jake Wells. We were pushing pretty good and came in after the first lap together.



T Brown had to mess with his tire, while Jake and I took on fluids and some food. Out of the start/finish I started pushing and realized I was having one of those days where the legs feel pretty dang good considering the mileage. I just kept pushing through the 2nd 32 mile lap, nervously looking over my shoulder every once in a while. I was fortunate enough to keep that lead all the way to the end.



I owe a big thanks to Heidi Raylea for handing up bottles for me so I could keep pushing - and her boyfriend (and good friend of mine) Ward, who's just always a good guy to see at the races.

Travis and Jake are truly good guys who are perfect ambassadors for the sport of mountain biking. I'm lucky to race with such classy guys.

km

(All photos were taken by a great photographer named Rob O'Dea. www.robodeaphotography.com)

The new Trek Top Fuel 9.9

. . . Is by far the best bike I've ever ridden!

I have one ride on it and words don't do the bike justice. Bontrager XXX Carbon wheels, XX drive train, and just general superior geometry make this the fastest race machine I've ever thrown a leg over.

I'm on my way to Gunnison for one of my favorite, albeit extremely tough, races of the year - The Original Growler. I'll be heading down with good friends and road trip buddies, Rob and Dave.

Have a good weekend.

Cousin, good guy, friend, support crew - and newly added - DAD!

My cousin Ryan just added a little one to his family...

Ryan and Sara - Congrats on your beautiful little girl! Julie Ann Steinman

Lowell Pelton

I received word today that a friend had passed. A sudden and unexpected accident changed the dynamic of a family who have been paramount in the direction my life has taken over the past 15 years.

Each member of this family has a magical talent for inspiring. From the music I listen to, my love of cycling, my passion for art, and general openness to new exploits in life - I can trace these roots back to late night conversations as a young boy in ND, lying on a trampoline under the biggest sky of the brightest stars.

Mr. Lowell Pelton - the father of my late best friend and 5 of his truly great siblings - has passed away at too early an age. It's hard to even write these words as the usual dreamlike feeling of this news 'not being real' is clouding my mind.

My thoughts go out to Lowell's wife Kathy and the entire family.



Mr. Pelton, you will be missed.

If it weren't for coffee...

It's been busy around here to say the least. There's been a lot of travel, a lot of training and a lot of work with approaching deadlines. I wouldn't have it any other way I guess.

I've recently met with a top-notch mechanic named Matt Wiewel who works down in Golden at Peak Cycles, (and who is also getting married this Thursday). There are certainly high quality mechanics around these parts, and Matt is no exception. He lives in my neighborhood so it's a good fit to have him on board for my racing needs. Last night, he picked up the new bikes and is off to build them up... Can't wait for that first ride!

It's here...

I have to say, when the UPS truck showed up today I couldn't really grasp what was comin'...

A couple bikes and a bunch of goodies! What a way to make a Wednesday shine. It's days like today that remind me why I train the way I do and make the sacrifices on the dietary front. I'll never take for granted the support I receive to have fun and race bikes.

Thank you Trek.

km

The two best things about lunch at Trek...

1) The food

The cafeteria food at Trek is great. Even better is the price. Think Whole Foods, but about 1/5 the cost - literally. Every day I would get a huge bowl of fresh fruit and a massive salad. I'm talkin' every vegetable imaginable with turkey and chicken, etc. Like Whole Foods, you pay by the weight. Total would be somewhere around $3.50. (1.00 even for the bowl of fruit and about 2.50 for the salad)

2) The rides

I was fortunate enough to sneak out for a couple lunch rides with some good friends over the lunch 'break'. I would just grab food and eat at a desk after the ride - saving the traditional eating time for some riding time...

I owe a huge thanks to Chris Clinton form Bontrager (and new friends Jay, Sam, and Keller) for a ride and some sweet new tires!



I also owe a thanks to Michael Browne for getting me squared away with some bikes and nutrition needs. He deals with the real deal Trek World Racing Team, so for him to take time out and hook me up is much appreciated. I also got word that my lights were sent from Andy at Ay Up and will arrive in about a week!

And finally, my parents - as always - make my season easier by supporting my 'side career' of mountain bike racing. Their generous support always helps my travel, extra gear, and the hidden costs of racing through the season.

With such great people and support, I'm going to do whatever it takes to make sure I bring home some victories this year.