It's kind of the same old story. Some days you're the bug, and some days you're the windshield. That doesn't change - even with years of experience.
I have put forth some lofty goals when it comes to cycling and not all of those goals are strictly to win races. Make no mistake, a lot of those are, but I'm also realistic. I've always had the goal to be appreciative of the people around me, my fellow racers, friends, and family. It's a selfish sport and requires a lot of attention on yourself and demands a lot from the people mentioned above. Another goal is to work towards a balance in life. That's a moving target and some wiggle room must be built in. Free weekends and social activities are certainly sparse during the bike racing season and I often ask myself, 'Is it really worth it?'
My answer to that is yes. That doesn't come as quickly as some would think, but what this lifestyle has given me has no accurate measurement for the quality of life it has provided. A good friend of mine, Nick Ybarra, once said, "If you have to ask, 'Why do something like this?', then you wouldn't understand my answer." I think that rings true. (even though he was referring to a 150 mile jaunt across the Badlands...) I'll plug it in to being a pro mountain bike field.
This season has been, like most others, a great and challenging one. From food poisoning a day before the Tatanka 100 in South Dakota, to winning the Maah Daah Hey 100 in scorching heat - and everything in between - it's been an adventure. Through all of it, my friends, family, and wife have been there the whole time in full support mode, caring less whether I win or not. And more than anything - worrying that I stay safe. Nothing can come close to that feeling of appreciation.
It was Rachel and my good friend Rob Batey who had to deal with me being stubborn about racing in South Dakota after throwing up all day before the Tatanka 100. (as well as at the racer's meeting)
A mutual agreement with Rach after my promise to 'make good decisions' saw me toeing the line in front of Mount Rushmore on race morning. My cousin Ryan, Sara and their girls came to SD to support as well and it was extra motivation to get on the horse and do the best I could. All was spectacular until about halfway into the race when someone hit the light switch and it was game over for me. I had absolutely nothing left to give after that. I pulled the plug, citing my promise earlier that morning and all was good. I guess you can't race 90 miles on 6 saltines and two bottles of ensure during the 24 hours leading up to it.
I bounced back and had a great race in Winter Park at the Colorado Freeride Festival. Crazy good talent and big 'Happy Gilmore' style checks made that race one to remember. It was also a great confidence booster going into one of the hardest races of the year, (in my opinion) the Maah Daah Hey 100.
The MDH 100 is a puzzle. It took me 2 years of trying to figure it out before I finally cracked it on my 3rd try. And even then, I can't exactly say how to solve it. Everything needs to be in it's right place for the day to go well. Physically, mentally, mechanically... it all needs to be in place. (especially the 'mentally' part)
The course was perfect this year and I had the legs and mind to try and pull off an 8:30 race time. There was also a helicopter filming the race and I felt like I was in the Tour de France. This gave me such great motivation to keep hammering. However, the sizzling temps in the Badlands zapped my vigor and altered my plan. I was eating PB&Js, drinking some ensure and having some sweet treats like Honey Stinger chews during the race, while drinking a ton of water. This was a great plan, but the heat took over around mile 70. It's like I was a miniature in a doll house where a child decided to grab a hair dryer, put it on 'super hot' mode, and blast me in the face for a few hours. It got hot. Real hot. I could barely make it to aid 3 and when I finally did, I knew my race was over - uness I could bring my body temp down. I had my cousin, my aunts and uncles, and my mom all dousing me with ice cold water and piling ice cubes down my jersey for about 5 minutes. I felt like a new man. That was THE key moment of my day.
I sped out of aid 3 in pursuit of the finish. I knew at this point that going under 9 hours wasn't likely due to the time I bled in the last 6 or 7 miles. It surely wasn't going to happen after my body temp rose again and I had to scrap my way to the finish. I did make it, but no new record was set. However, I'm very happy with how it all turned out and my family certainly saved the day. Everyone out there on that trail that day had to deal with the same thing and I'm proud of everyone who finished - AND everyone who made a smart decision to pull the plug and save themselves some bodily harm. I always try to remind people that it's not only you who has to deal with your broken self - it's your family and friends, too!
Back here in CO, (I'm writing this from a temporary studio in Breckenridge where we are editing our film, 'They Called Us Outlaws') I'm recovering from a great weekend of racing in Steamboat Springs where my team, Honey Stinger, puts on the Steamboat Stinger. This is absolutely one of the premiere events in the US, hands down. The level of competition here is very high and the organization of the event is unparalleled. There's even a rowdy aid station at the top of one of the final climbs where you are offered whiskey, bacon, PBR, shots, no water, and a few slaps on the ass. (I still have a hand print on mine...) I mustered up enough strength to do a wheelie through the PBR can 'beerymid' they set up.
To top it off, Larry Grossman, (the voice of CO cycling) was there calling the action. He makes us all feel like we're stars. Can't thank you enough, sir. Although I had great climbing legs, a crash early on totally got in my head and I fell apart on the descents. I bled minutes on the downhills. I wasn't pumped about that, but I was happy to be out there and seeing Rachel halfway through the race and hearing her yell for me was certainly a highlight. I'm lucky she's been patient and graceful with me as I ride circles in the dirt while wearing these tight clothes.
Time to get back to work here and plan some high country adventures for the week.
Only a few more races to go this season. Can't thank my family and friends enough for the encouraging words and support. The Team Kelly vehicles at the Maah Daah Hey were super pro!
I have put forth some lofty goals when it comes to cycling and not all of those goals are strictly to win races. Make no mistake, a lot of those are, but I'm also realistic. I've always had the goal to be appreciative of the people around me, my fellow racers, friends, and family. It's a selfish sport and requires a lot of attention on yourself and demands a lot from the people mentioned above. Another goal is to work towards a balance in life. That's a moving target and some wiggle room must be built in. Free weekends and social activities are certainly sparse during the bike racing season and I often ask myself, 'Is it really worth it?'
My answer to that is yes. That doesn't come as quickly as some would think, but what this lifestyle has given me has no accurate measurement for the quality of life it has provided. A good friend of mine, Nick Ybarra, once said, "If you have to ask, 'Why do something like this?', then you wouldn't understand my answer." I think that rings true. (even though he was referring to a 150 mile jaunt across the Badlands...) I'll plug it in to being a pro mountain bike field.
This season has been, like most others, a great and challenging one. From food poisoning a day before the Tatanka 100 in South Dakota, to winning the Maah Daah Hey 100 in scorching heat - and everything in between - it's been an adventure. Through all of it, my friends, family, and wife have been there the whole time in full support mode, caring less whether I win or not. And more than anything - worrying that I stay safe. Nothing can come close to that feeling of appreciation.
It was Rachel and my good friend Rob Batey who had to deal with me being stubborn about racing in South Dakota after throwing up all day before the Tatanka 100. (as well as at the racer's meeting)
A mutual agreement with Rach after my promise to 'make good decisions' saw me toeing the line in front of Mount Rushmore on race morning. My cousin Ryan, Sara and their girls came to SD to support as well and it was extra motivation to get on the horse and do the best I could. All was spectacular until about halfway into the race when someone hit the light switch and it was game over for me. I had absolutely nothing left to give after that. I pulled the plug, citing my promise earlier that morning and all was good. I guess you can't race 90 miles on 6 saltines and two bottles of ensure during the 24 hours leading up to it.
I bounced back and had a great race in Winter Park at the Colorado Freeride Festival. Crazy good talent and big 'Happy Gilmore' style checks made that race one to remember. It was also a great confidence booster going into one of the hardest races of the year, (in my opinion) the Maah Daah Hey 100.
The MDH 100 is a puzzle. It took me 2 years of trying to figure it out before I finally cracked it on my 3rd try. And even then, I can't exactly say how to solve it. Everything needs to be in it's right place for the day to go well. Physically, mentally, mechanically... it all needs to be in place. (especially the 'mentally' part)
The course was perfect this year and I had the legs and mind to try and pull off an 8:30 race time. There was also a helicopter filming the race and I felt like I was in the Tour de France. This gave me such great motivation to keep hammering. However, the sizzling temps in the Badlands zapped my vigor and altered my plan. I was eating PB&Js, drinking some ensure and having some sweet treats like Honey Stinger chews during the race, while drinking a ton of water. This was a great plan, but the heat took over around mile 70. It's like I was a miniature in a doll house where a child decided to grab a hair dryer, put it on 'super hot' mode, and blast me in the face for a few hours. It got hot. Real hot. I could barely make it to aid 3 and when I finally did, I knew my race was over - uness I could bring my body temp down. I had my cousin, my aunts and uncles, and my mom all dousing me with ice cold water and piling ice cubes down my jersey for about 5 minutes. I felt like a new man. That was THE key moment of my day.
I sped out of aid 3 in pursuit of the finish. I knew at this point that going under 9 hours wasn't likely due to the time I bled in the last 6 or 7 miles. It surely wasn't going to happen after my body temp rose again and I had to scrap my way to the finish. I did make it, but no new record was set. However, I'm very happy with how it all turned out and my family certainly saved the day. Everyone out there on that trail that day had to deal with the same thing and I'm proud of everyone who finished - AND everyone who made a smart decision to pull the plug and save themselves some bodily harm. I always try to remind people that it's not only you who has to deal with your broken self - it's your family and friends, too!
Back here in CO, (I'm writing this from a temporary studio in Breckenridge where we are editing our film, 'They Called Us Outlaws') I'm recovering from a great weekend of racing in Steamboat Springs where my team, Honey Stinger, puts on the Steamboat Stinger. This is absolutely one of the premiere events in the US, hands down. The level of competition here is very high and the organization of the event is unparalleled. There's even a rowdy aid station at the top of one of the final climbs where you are offered whiskey, bacon, PBR, shots, no water, and a few slaps on the ass. (I still have a hand print on mine...) I mustered up enough strength to do a wheelie through the PBR can 'beerymid' they set up.
Time to get back to work here and plan some high country adventures for the week.
Only a few more races to go this season. Can't thank my family and friends enough for the encouraging words and support. The Team Kelly vehicles at the Maah Daah Hey were super pro!
