It's a good sign

I've struggled over the last few weeks in my post-Moab down time. If you (the reader of my ramblings) take training and racing to a scientific and analytical level - you may want to skip the rest of this paragraph... I couldn't wait to get back on my bike after nationals. As soon as my hands were healed enough to grab onto the handlebars, I was out on the trails doing what I love. I'm not one to burn out on riding my bike. It's always been a funny concept to me when people cringe at the thought of training. This isn't to say I don't have times where I'm tired, but I don't blame the bike. I just take a day and when I walk by the bikes in the basement, I always want to feel good enough to get back on - and usually can't wait until I'm rested. This happens to me during the season as well, and I'm sure I've entered a plethora of races where I was a little tired. Oh well. Needless to say, I'm back on the trails and feel right at home!

I just read this article written by a Boulder, CO friend, Judy Freeman. I'd say this is the shortest, most comprehensive explanation of what it's like to be a pro mountain biker today.

In other news, it looks like Music Voyager will be hitting the road in about a month. Although I can't confirm plans just yet, I can say that our producer of the show, Farook, has been traveling the world putting all of the puzzle pieces in place to make season 2 a good one. I also just found out the show is now airing in my home state of North Dakota.

We're staying busy over here at the Taxi II building - and that's a good sign for sure.

The Badger State

I'm home from a whirlwind trip that took me to a few fully-packed days in Waterloo, WI and San Diego, CA. Although I'm unable to mention (or post photos from...) the cool things I was doing for another couple months, I can say that I was able to visit with some of the good people from Trek.

I met Trek's president, John Burke, when he invited a group of people to his home for a soiree. My introduction to him was made extra-special due to some kind words from Paul Rogers (creative extraordinaire at Trek) and Michael Browne (marketing extraordinaire and the reason I was on the Trek team in 2010). I felt at home being in the company of these guys and a few others in the room. As I looked around I realized how lucky I am to have been on such a great team for the last 3 years. (wow - it's been 3 years?!)

I don't know what next year holds for me, but I can say that the last 3 years have helped shape my cycling career into an experience that I would have never dreamed of - not to mention the teams and people that helped me during the years previous. The task of getting into the Trek organization wasn't easy. It took the right people and the right timing to happen. I just knew that when it did happen, the hard work was just beginning, and not because I was told this, but because I wanted the relationship to last and be successful. It's easy to work hard when you look down at the logo on your jersey and you get a feeling of pride. I've pedaled harder in the last few years than I ever have and will continue to do so for the next - however many - years.

The 2010 cycling season is over for me and I'm satisfied with the results. Not only the placings, but how I trained back in January and how I raced through October.

I've had some down time (along with cheeseburgers, pizza, desserts...) and now I'm ready to start shaping my plans for 2011. It's not just about racing, but about riding. As I've said before, I race so that I can ride my bike - not the other way around.

24 Hour Nationals

To be honest, I lost some sleep on the days leading up to the race. I knew the form I had to be in leading up to it, I knew the competition was going to be insanely fast, and I knew what I was about to put my body, mind, and crew through. I was losing sleep because I knew everything was in place and I had a shot...

I become a little overwhelmed when I think about the generosity of the people on my crew. Their undying support and willingness to suffer along with me is totally crazy. We had some familiar faces in the camp as well as a few new ones. Bethany and Chris R came back for round 2 of nationals while Matt came out to wrench for me for the first time this year. I also had good friends Jen G, Chris S (aka Showtime), Dave G, Dave O, Justin (who shot these photos), Amy and Chelsea lending helping hands. We were also posted up next to good friends, Wes and Ann. Wes knocked out 9 laps before his knees called it an early (actually late) night on his solo attempt.



From the gun at noon on Saturday, I knew I wanted to create some separation from the other soloists. I feel confident about my cross country race pace and the ability to 'settle in', so I kind of went with that plan. I also knew that Josh Tostado (yep - the head to head battle continued again this year!) was going to be there no matter what and I just prepared for that. The first few laps were pretty crazy. Josh and I were actually attacking one another pretty much until it got dark. We're friends, but we love to have a good race going on so we're usually putting it on the line. I think the decisive move for him - from my point of view - was the effort he put in on our first night lap. I just remember him going so hard at times and thinking to myself - 'he's gotta pay for that at some point.' I decided to back off a little, but try and keep the pace consistent. I truly believed I would be able to reel him in later in the race if I saved a little. The reality is that Josh didn't slow down - at all! I just kept telling myself to keep pushing and not give up. I came to this race to win it and I was tearing myself inside out to do just that.

When morning rolled around, Josh had put some more time into me and it was looking like I would finish 2nd - again - to Josh. I really can't think of a better guy to see in that stars and stripes jersey. Did I want it? Yes. Did I do everything I could to try and win it? Yes. Josh just rode out of his mind and earned it.



As one of my crew members said to me, 'You brought your A game, but Josh brought his A+ game.' I couldn't agree more. Every time I race against Josh, I have more respect for him and the fact he pushed me to 18 laps was remarkable. I was told only one other rider has ever done that in the 16 year history of the race! I think we both like racing one another, because we know that neither one of us will ever give up - which is frightening - and means you better bring your A+ game if you want to win.

Congrats Josh, Cary, Ben, Ernesto - and all the other riders out there. It was one hell of a way to spend 24 hours!

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Paying some moral bills

A little pre-Moab shout-out:

Mom and Gary (and the rest of my family) - Thanks for the continued support, which without, I wouldn't have the gusto to stay motivated to do everything I love.

Libby - Many kisses. I'm going to miss you out in the desert.

Trek and Bontrager - What can I say? I still think it's crazy that I get to ride with your logo on my back, chest, and other various placements...

Ay-Up - You light up my nights. Thank you.

Human body - I'm sorry, but bear with me on this one. We're in it together.


Hope everyone is enjoying their Fall.
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'Exorcism via shredding'

Thank you, Mr. Chorlton, for the kind words in your article about the CB Classic 100. It was certainly a great way to spend a day; riding in the beautiful fall colors in and around Crested Butte beside some of the best people I know.

The lead-up to the end of my 2010 cycling season has been a ton of fun. I've been doing some new races and spending time with new, as wells as familiar, friends.

A couple weeks ago I traveled to Sundance, WY to race the Bear Lodge Mountain Classic with friends, Dave and Kevin. (both from the Sturgis/Spearfish area) With extremely steep and loose climbs and a pretty unnerving descent, this race was hard! Making it harder was Dave Olson looming right around me! In the end, I escaped with some scrapes from what must have been a humorous scene of me hitting the deck - hard. Dave rolled in 2nd and we thought we'd pull our fast Chilean friend, Christian, onto the 'podium' for a quick pic.



Last weekend was the CB Classic - a race I look forward to every year because of the trails, weather, and most of all, people. Dave Ochs, ride organizer and team director of Team Alpine Orthopaedics, makes this event. His good natured vibe and general passion for putting this event on makes it worth the trip alone. Every time I see Dave at races, you know you can expect to see a smile.




The route takes you out on 3 monster laps on the trails outside of Crested Butte, with the home-base being the Brick Oven in downtown CB. Each loop is different and the total elevation gain is roughly 13,000 feet - over nearly 100 miles. Ouch. The race went well sans a few 'foggy' areas on the last lap. Brian Smith was knocking on my door near the end, making it a pretty close race!


(Thanks for the photo Fred!)

Brian is a good friend of mine and ex-teammate, and I know how fast he is. He just came back from a major injury, with the Classic being his first race this year. Man, you were flyin'!



One of the coolest parts of the weekend was hanging with my friend, Wes, who was essential in getting me into bike racing. Wes taught me many lessons as he would drop me up climbs - and down descents - when I got into riding. My first 24 hour mountain bike races were spent trying to hold up my end of the deal in our duo category attempts. Those were the days Wes!

Next up is Moab. I'm humbled by the support from my family, Libby, friends, sponsors, and the crew who are making the trip out to the desert to help me out. Next weekend is also a big weekend for a few friends...

Chris Lieto and Julie Dibens (as well as a few other Trek K•Swiss athletes) are gunning for the Ironman world championships in Kona Hawaii. Chris and Julie - good luck out there! I'll be getting reports Saturday afternoon.

Eszter Horyani (US solo 24-hour champ) is in Australia aiming to win the solo 24-hour world championships. Keep on pushing E! I'm bummed I won't see you in Moab, but you'll be flying in OZ.