The good, the bad, and the kankle

I've had this agonizing pain on the front of my ankle (or 'kankle' if you will) for the past couple of weeks. Now before you read on, I should warn you that I may get a little graphic...

I went for a couple of walks with my parents just after the Race to Sunset and as they dropped me on the road climb in front of the house, I just kept thinking, 'Man, I must have nailed a branch or something.' Well, after a little self examination I diagnosed myself with tendinitis. I was feeling some grinding on the front of my ankle when I'd bend, push and pull my foot back and forth. It was also red and majorly swollen. The funny thing is that you can also hear this grinding and it actually sounds like squeaking. I've heard horror stories about people actually rupturing their tendon - and I'm not one to gamble when the stakes are high.

I ended up taking some time off the bike and did what I was supposed to. Ironically, I was hired to shoot a spot for Trek down in Durango with Travis Brown. I was a poor excuse for a mountain biker as I complained and limped my way through a 25 hour (straight through) shoot. I'm very happy with the end result - which I can't post for a couple weeks until the product is released. It was also super fun shooting with Travis and our crew - Dave and Jeremiah.

This last weekend, I decided it was time to race again. I went to Winter Park for the XC super loop, lined up with the familiar faces and we were off. I felt incredible and a bit feisty from the gun. I put in a few attacks right off the bat and I found myself a little gap on 2nd place.



I kept on it all the way until about 2 miles from the finish - where I punctured my tire! As disappointing as this can be - it happens to everyone at one point. I'm just really happy I'm still feeling strong after the break from the bike.

Next up is the MTB Marathon Nationals in Breckenridge if I can find my way into registration. (I procrastinated on this one...)

These sunsets never get old

Although I don't have any great photos of the North Dakota sunset, I did snap this blurry example of what was out my window as I grew up in the plains of ND.



Last weekend I raced in the annual Race to Sunset, (speaking of sunsets). I love heading home and seeing grandparents, parents, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Every year this trip reiterates how important the people whom you surround yourself with are. Now that I'm back in the swing of work (and tendon recovery!) I feel lucky as I look back on last weekend. I have an absolutely undying and unrelenting support crew in my family as well as a network of good friends within the ND cycling community. I learn a lot about generosity and grace from weekends like this last one.

My aunt Sandy and uncle Kelly open their home up to me every year the night before the race to get some rest and do last minute prep on the bikes. This year I was ready to do the time trial, (which went really well - probably due to a new bike this year and some SUPER light tires) eat and then go straight to bed. The bikes were ready. However, before I knew it, Kelly and I were in the middle of a Stan's NoTubes mess trying to seat a set of tires that I wanted to try out. After firing up Kel's air compressor and a few loud 'pops' the tires were seated and I was actually ready for bed. My cousins Hayley and Kayla showed their support by showing me the jerseys and t-shirts they were going to wear the next day in support of their bike racing cousin. (and support they did - in style along with my mom, Alexis and the rest of the fam!) I might give them a nickname like the 'cowbell clan' or something...

Just after the TT


The 10 hour race started at 8:30a in some very cool temps and under some precarious clouds. The temps stayed cool all day and I felt the best I've ever felt. My main support man, Ryan, kept the calories coming in and the liquids full. Ryan has seen me in all sorts of scenarios and can read where I'm at. He kept me calm and consistent all day.



One of the best challenges is to see how long I can stay competitive with the four person teams in this race. Make no mistake - these guys are fast! I had pressure on me all day by the Grimsley's Garage team (including Sydney, John, Jon, and Alex) and I could see certain points on the lap where I would gain a few seconds - and lose a few seconds. This would happen all day long and I thought that maybe I could hold them off. With about a half hour left in the race I hit a major wall! I had gauged my effort all day and I knew it was going to be close at the end.

A little tunnel vision and a little extra burning in the legs - topped off with the fact I was seeing the G Garage guys pulling back major chunks of time finally did me in! The rain never came, but the inevitable 'catch' did. As Sydney passed me we shook hands and exchanged a 'great job!' and I conceded the lead. Those guys were flyin'!



I really couldn't have asked for a better day - or better people to have out on that trail. From the super fast guys like the Garage guys, Epic Sports teams, and more to the people out there just finishing - I saw so many people encouraging one another. What an awesome day!

Which way to the South Boundary Trail?

First off, I need to acknowledge that my dashboard on blogger.com informed me that this is my 100th post...

Really?

Anyway, the past few weeks have been filled with rich and strengthening experiences. From races to fun projects at work (see below), there is no shortage of adventure - maybe just a little sleep!



I raced in Angel Fire, NM this last weekend and outside of missing my girlfriend the entire time (NM always reminds me of the beautiful, blond damsel), it was pretty much a perfect weekend. The thing about being a mountain bike racer is that races are actually a great excuse to travel and stay an extra day to ride some of the best trails in the world. The South Boundary Trail is a famous and extremely fun trail that goes from *somewhere near Angel Fire to Taos. After receiving mixed messages from a few different bike shop employees (that may or may not have been inhaling some extra curricular herbal medicine), and an equally mixed up map, we scratched our heads and left to ride the SBT.

*

I had great company on this bushwhacking adventure through the mountains of NM. South Dakotans, Dave, Jasper and Justin were my com padres as we guessed our way through Trail 1 on our way to the holy grail, if you will.




Just behind me would be the climb that would ultimately lead us to the South Boundary trail.



The trail would, too often, have sections where there actually was no trail - and no signs - while other obvious parts were marked with numerous signs. As we ran out of water we reached South Boundary. The decision was made by Dave and I to go forward, while Justin and Jasper probably did the smart thing and headed down the mountain and back to the condo. (We still had a hearty chunk of trail to bite off)

Dave and I ripped through the trail and had a blast.

Just below is the town of Taos. We were in for a real treat down the descent.


Actually, that was until Dave burped his tire... And my compressed air can was a dud...




I'm still a bit disappointed that the the guys didn't join us, but in the end it all worked out. On their way back to South Dakota, the fellas stopped in Golden for some more shredding on Apex and Chimney Gulch trails and great food from Ali Baba.

All in all, a great weekend of racing, riding, and hanging with friends.