2005 is one and done. It was a good year. There were good races, there were bad races. But all of them were great times. I finally got serious about keeping up a ride journal (this blog) and I thank you all for taking time to read it, leave comments, and link to it. It has been fun to share my stories, and it has been especially fun to read yours. I hope in 2006 this blog will continue to be a fun place for people to read up on my (mis)adventures on the bike.

I am looking forward to 2006. There are several events on the horizon that have me already excited. I hope that each of you reach your goals this coming year. That is, unless you and I find ourselves lined up at the same race. Then I hope you are tired early, have bike problems, crash out and DNF. Kidding! Kidding! Actually I hope that some of these crazy endurance events we like to do will bring opportunities to meet the people behind the great blogs I enjoy reading each day. In 2005 I was able to meet a few of you, hopefully 2006 brings more of these meetings.

So, here's to a great 2006. May you find yourself light in the saddle and the wind always at your back.

There has been some discussion latley about the different types of endurance racing. Some claim that the epic point to point races, such as Trans Iowa, or the Great Divide Race are the premier type of endurance events. Others claim that traditional 24 hour races (ha! I bet you never thought we'd be talking about traditional 24 hour racing!) are the better form of self inflicted suffering. I think both are excellent race formats, and both offer unique challenges.

Lap after Lap

Riding in a lap based event such as the 24 Hours of Moab is difficult. Even on a team, it is a real challenge to the mind, body and machine. Going solo at a race like this is mind numbing. I have done it and each time have been taxed to my limits. However, there are some things about these types of races that make them...easier?...than say, the Kokepelli Trail Race. The first and most obvious is support. Solo 24 hour races are amuck with pit crews, spare bikes, chefs, RVs, propane heaters, generators...and the list goes on. Not to take anything away from Chris Eatough's amazing abilities, but did he really need 47 bikes in his pit at the 2005 Whistler event? OK, I am exagerating. The point is however, that the support crews can get out of hand, and some feel that this goes against the spirit of "going solo." Of course, the rules about number of support crew, number of bikes, etc.. are vague or non-existant. So if it is within the rules, it is within the spirit of the race. Right? You see how this gets people fired up.

A clear advantage that lap to lap races have over the point to point race is also what some believe is its biggest weakness. The fact that it is around and around on the same course all day and all night. It can get tiresome to ride the same loop 10, 15, 20 times over the course of 24 hours. However, the lap format makes all the above support options possible. Which makes these races appealing to the masses. Well, if not the masses, then at least riders who are interested in trying out a 24 hour race. And new racers at any event are never a bad thing. Being able to gather a team of friends together, ride the race at your own pace, and have a great time doing it is the biggest strength of lap format races. They take on a festival type environment and becaome a weekend of fun, rather than survival.

Get to the finish. If you live that long

I have never done a point to point ultra endurance race. Not anything like what I will most likely be attemtping in May. But there is a certain appeal to these races that the lap races do not have. The epic "trans" races are usually low key, without the hype of sponsors and entry fees and support crews. You show up, you ride, you survive. You need something? You better be carrying it in your pack. I have to be honest, I have been reluctant to try one of these rides. They sound like absolute torture. And yet, each year more people are lining it up and testing the limits.

That is what it comes down to. Testing the limits. Just how far can a person ride a bike? Will the man or the machine wear out first? The appeal to endurance racing is less about the number of miles, or the number of laps. I do love to compete, and am driven by competition, but I have as much fun out on an 8 hour "training ride" as I do at any race. In many regards they are the same thing. That is, they both are a great time dong something I love to do.

In the end, we all just want to ride our bikes. And keep riding them, and keep riding them. In circles or over the mountains and through the woods, it doesnt really matter. I just want to ride my bike. And then ride it some more.

Today I beat myself up pretty well on the weights. Nothing really to interesting about that, except the unusually high number of hot chicks at the gym today. I need to go in the middle of the day more often.

In case you were wondering where I will be at 3AM on May 13th, 2006, I will most likely be at the Slick Rock trail head for the start of the Kokopelli Trail Race. I think this event looks like the perfect entry into the world of self-supported races. The distance is daunting, but doable. I hope. I have been looking for an early season endurance race, and this looks to be the perfect fit. The $0 entry fee also is appealing. This race will give me something very concrete to train for early in the season. Most of the endurance races here are later in the summer. They have to be, as many parts of the high mountains are still snow covered until July.

I have more to say about these type of races, but I will wait until tomorrow to do so. In the mean time I hope this warm winter holds out a bit longer. I need more miles in the fresh air.

Got 3 hours on the road bike today. It was a sunny warm day, that felt more like March than December. I am sure we are not done with Winter by any means, but these warm days in December are nice bonuses.

The living room is full of unwrapped toys, the kids are no longer restless with anticipation, my taste for sweets has diminished, my legs are recently shaved, I am registered for a race, and 2006 is knocking at the door. It must mean only one thing. The race season is fast approaching.

We had a good Christmas. The kids had a great time opening presents. We spent time with friends and family, and over the break I actually got to go see two, yes two movies. With three kids it is a rare occasion to get to the theater anymore. I gained 47 pounds over the weekend...OK, so that is not true. But after a few days of not working out, I feel fat and sluggish. I am really looking forward to getting back into the rythm of training.

Slight change of plans for Old Pueblo. Insteadof a 4 man team, we are fielding a 5 Person Coed team. Should be a good time. I had thought about going solo for this race, but the idea of riding on a team was a good one. I think the race will be a nice early season indicator to see if my winter stair master and weight time has paid off.

It is also time to start doing some real planning for what races I will attend in 2006. I would like to try some new/different races this coming year. Iftime and funds allow I may try and do a bit more traveling, if not, then the local scene has plenty of great rides to offer.

Allright, I am out. Happy training, and yes, today you should feel guilty eating that cookie or drinking that egg nog :D

Have a great day and a Merry Christmas! Don't feel guilty about eating those cookies, or drinking that egg nog. I know I won't :D

The Vegas trip was fun. The Bowl game didn't turn out how I had hoped, but it was still a good time with family and friends. Speaking of...I hope this weekend you are able to enjoy your friends and family in what ever Christmas traditions you may have. I know without my family's support the crazy ambitions I have about mountain biking would only be pipe dreams (maybe they are anyway :D). So, give your wife, or signifigant other a big hug, tell your parents "thanks" and give your bike a good heartfelt cleaning.

This week I have been taking it easy. I am leaving today for Las Vegas, to watch the Las Vegas Bowl. Old Pueblo is official. I'll be racing on a 4 man team. That is it. Not much happening as far as riding goes right now. Monday after Christmas everything will rev up again.

Hope all is well, happy training!

Today is my 100th post on this blog. I am to tired to really write much though. After the last 2 days of tough workouts I am moving like a little old granny. Today I went out with Chris and KC and had a great time climbing Sqaw Peak Road. It took more than twice as long doing it in the snow than it does in the summer. But the snowy wipeouts on the way down were more fun than wiping out on the road in the summer would ever be. I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking.

The X-Cal enjoys the view from the top
Chris slogs on through the snow
KC nearly at the top
The view from the top reveals only the soupy inversion below

I daydream when I workout. I put myself in an upcoming race, a past race or sometimes some unkown future race. The terrain is usually vague, I am tired, the sun is going down, or maybe it is coming up. I might be leading the race, or chasing the leader. Inevitably I come back to reality and realize I still have 45 more minutes of stair master grinding, or more reps on the weights, or still yet many more weeks until those daydreams become reality.

I kicked my own butt today on the weights. I am going to be feeling this one for a few more days to come. But it felt good to push hard. My abs almost bursting or my calves nearly collapsing under me were good signs. The pain hurts. But it is pain that will be revisitid at 4 AM on some future morning. A ghost in the dark will be chasing from behind, while another faceless ghost speeds on ahead. It is pain that melts away with the rising sun, that wonderful sun that during the night, you convinced yourself would never rise again. Pain hurts, but it never enough to stop you from coming back for more.

I went out this morning and rode some familiar trails, but this time they were covered in snow. The snow was a lot softer than it was on Saturday, and so that made for more difficult riding. Several times I was forced to hike through sections. The North facing slopes were still pretty firm, and much easier to ride.

It was a pretty blah day outside. A typical wintery grey day. We need a nice storm to get rid of the gross soupy inversion. From up on the hill, looking down into the valley I could see a thick haze just hovering over the city. Not real ideal conditions for outside excersize. I guess the inversion is a down side to living in the mountains. They trap all that dirty air in, and only a nice windy storm seems to get rid of it.

This hill can be a tough climb in the summer. Today I had to hike it for a bit, but I was able to ride most of it.

Finally got back to the gym tonight. Time was tight, but I managed to get most of my weights done. I am already starting to get sore. Can't wait until tomorow morning to feel the full effects. Speaking of tomorrow, I have some time off in the morning, so I think I may try to get back out on the mountian bike and go for another snow ride. If the weather is crappy then I guess it is back to the stair master for 2 hours of climbing to nowhere.

I am still recovering from the cold. I took some medicine last night to help me sleep and the effects still are not wearing off. I have been a zombie today. Nodding off at work, day dreaming of sleep. It just adds to the ambience of being sick. So tonight, I am hitting the sack early and hoping to sleep off the hangover.

Looks like it is all systems go for a 4 man team for the Old Pueblo race. I am looking forward to getting out and competeing early in the year.

Allright, I am off to the blanket show.

Today I got in just what I needed to get over the after effects of the lingering cold and the winter blahs. I went out and enjoyed some snow. My plan was to explore some side streets, but then I decided to check out the access roads on the upper shelf. I was pleased to discover that numerous ATV's had smashed down the snow, making it perfect for the 29er. For 2 hours I enjoyed the sunshine, the snow and the mountain bike.






I was just cruising along when I came around a corner and saw this deer laying in the frozen canal. I stopped and watched it for a bit. It was barely moving. It followed me with its eyes as I moved around, but other than that, it hardly showed any signs of life. I have no idea how the deer ended up in this predicament, and I have no idea how long it had been there. But I doubt it will survive the night if it does not move. From the looks of its legs, I am thinking it slipped on the ice and broke a leg or otherwise injured itself. Who kows, maybe he just found it relaxing, but I doubt it. One of the strangest things I have come across on a ride no doubt.

I have been taking it easy the last day or 2. The body has been crying out for rest, so that is what it is getting. I am nearly over this cold, which will be nice. I hate colds. I think with all the peple in the gym using the same equipment it is a breeding ground for germs and filth. Clean your machine!

With the recent snowfall, and the sickness, I am starting to feel the winter blahs. I start day dreaming of hot summer days, races, night rides....ah well the winter has its own charms. I should be able to get out for some XC skiing soon. I am thinking of Sundance or Soldier Hollow this weekend. I need to find out if they are up and running.

The Mad Dog team meeting is coming up soon. Those are a chance to get everyone on the same page for 2006, see people I havn't seen since Moab, and lock down our goals, sponsors, etc. Kieth does a good job keeping a 30 man team running smooth.

If I don't ski this weekend, anyone up for a ride? I am thinking of heading out onto the unplowed back streets with the 29er. Might be sort of fun? Lemme know if you are up for it.

That is all. Thanks for reading.

I did 90 mins on the stair master Monday night. Felt pretty good. Woke up feeling like crap. Stuffy nose and ears. My kids have been a little sick the last day or two. I must have got what they had. Scheduled for today is weights, so I should be ok to go through the routine. It is snowing out today. High is supposed to be 24 degrees.

Monday nights at the gym are the anti-thesis of the weekends. Every cardio machine was being used when I walked in. Both stairmasters were occupied. I was nearly ready to tell the mananger that someone was on my machine, but just then one freed up. Because the stairmaster is elevated, I can see the goings on in the whole gym. It makes for entertaining observation at times. There is the guy who spends 5 minutes trying to figure out the computers on the treadmill, then finally gives up and walks away, there is the dude doing curls in front of the mirror, just staring at his bulging biceps, there are the chatters, usually girls who just stand around in the weight area and talk....and talk....and talk. I am also seeing a new breed of gym goer. Well maybe they are not new. I think the cold weather is exposing them. These are the what I call "the tuffies". These are usually High Schoolers that work out in tank tops that are to small, long running pants (sometimes jeans also) and snow hats. Stocking caps, touques, whatever you want to call them. They wear a lot of jewelry and they ONLY do bench press and arm curls. In front of the mirror if at all possible. I like the tuffies. They are good entertainment to help those minutes tick by on the stairs.

And finally, on a totally random note....you must see this blog! You may have got a taste of these guys when Nick Martin posted a link. Well now the whole collection is up and running. Enjoy.

As you can see, the snow fell and fell today.

I was back at the gym this afternoon. I was just not in the mood to brave the cold. It snowed a bit this moring, but the temps never got above 30 or so. Saturday afternoons at the gym are slower than Friday nights. I did 30 mins of the stairs, then started my next phase of weights. I am moving away from the machines that I used in the prep phase, and using more free weights now. I am incoprporating more core muscle work as well.

I picked up some Hummus this afternoon. I have been meaning to grab some for a while. I had never tried it before my trip to the Middle East last year. I didn't really like it at first, but it grew on me, and now I really like the stuff. Today I smothered it over Whole Wheat flatbread for a quick and tasty lunch.

I am not looking forward to waking up sore tomorrow. I know I wil though. I worked heavier weights, and new muscles today. The last month has been spent just "warming up". Now the hard painful stuff begins. But hey, pain in December is made into podiums in July right? Right? Anyone?

Allright, the wife's homeade pizza is almost ready. I am out.

The gym was pretty empty. Must be Friday.

So yesterday I asked about your favorite foods. Here are some of mine:

Yogurt
Whole Wheat cereal
Oatmeal w/ honey
Banannas

Sandwiches (Turkey topping the list)
Soup (I love soup...all kinds of soup, I get hungry watching The Soup Nazi Seinfeld)
Pasta

Tacos
Burritos
Grilled Chicken
Pizza


These are just a few of my favorites. I also have foods that I love, but I know I should never eat. Does that stop me? No. I am a sucker for Burgers. I love them. Fast food burgers are death. Fries are super death. I don't eat'em often, but I get weak sometimes. I feel guilty eating them, and almost without fail feel like I have a brick sitting in my gut afterwards. I try to always remember that brick when I get the temptation :D

The high tomorrow is supposed to be 34 degrees. Ouch. If it is dry I think I will brave the cold. If it is wet, forget it. I will hit the trainer or the gym I guess. Let's just hope it is dry. I can handle the dry cold. There is serious talk of heading down to AZ for the Old Pueblo race. I will most likely ride as part of a team, but there is a chance of going solo. Details will be forthcoming.

Hopefully the weather is cooperative where you live, and you get some good weekend miles in.