Hard Year

Not many updates since Ohio, the crash has f&%^$ my season and I am struggling to get back on the pony and with GT moving to Connecticut my motivation has really tanked. I am continuing to take bikes to events, update our sites, and will continue to help out Williamson Bikes at the Mega Sales, so am I hoping to get back in it by just chilling out and having fun next weekend at the 24-9, I am gonna hit it on my single fully rigid so that should force me to have fun or kill myself.

12 Hours of John Muir

My return to racing was less than stellar, but I accomplished what I set out to do this weekend. After over a week off I pulled my stiches out on tuesday, rode 3 days then raced the 12. My goal was to see what the competition had for a lap or two then shut it down and put some miles in for the remainder of the day. The morning started with rain (of course) leaving the trail a greasy rock strewn and very scary situation for my return, but I hung in with the leaders for the first lap then decided to back off and get miles in. The first 6 hours were cold and muddy, but turned beautiful and fast later in the day. I just kept it slow and steady all day, stopping just once for the most beautiful and delicious brat I ever had. The guys next to me offered one up to me hot off the grill and I just couldn't refuse. When I left the pits I knew it was either the best or worst thing I had ever done, but turns out my laps got faster from that point on. Living in Wisconsin has definitely redefined what my body uses as fuel. In the end I put in 110 miles for 5th place, probably my worst finish in a couple years, but I feel good to be back on the bike and able to get that distance in.

I would really like to race sans mud someday. 4 races and only 1 dry one.

Just a small section of Pit Row, this races is one of the largest in the WEM Series.

Black Hawk TT

It's that time again, Black Hawk Time Trials, every Wednesday. Pre-ride starts at 6pm. Riders are sent out at 30 sec. intervals for 2 laps of gut wrenching intensity. Just be aware that this is a park for mountain biking and xc skiing so you will need to join before you race.

Just because I can't race doesn't relieve me of my job. I packed up the Sprinter with demo bikes and brought them out for folks to thrash around on. I even turned wrenches for a couple riders before the race, god help them the duck tape held and they managed to finish without a problem.

Pictured, GT Marathon 9r, GT Marathon, GT Peace 9r, GTR Type CX. If you are in the Madison area and want to test ride one of these just drop me a line and I will make it happen for you or your team.

Mohican 100

Lets start at the back and work forward. 22 miles into the race I got bounced 10ft on to some very hard rocks, looked down to my knee and saw a gaping wound pouring blood. I was lucky enough to be only a mile from Aid station 1. The EMT's directed me to the nearest hospital some 30 min North of the race. I caught a ride back to town loaded my bike in my truck and headed North to get stitches.

(Above)
We are in the backwoods of BFE and my buddy, who shall remain nameless, comes back in 10min with Valum for me, I didn't take any and I didn't ask where he got it.

If you ever need an ER it might be faster to fly down to Ashland, Ohio. This same thing took me over 4 hours here in Madison and less than 2 there.

Thanks to everyone at Good Samaritan, I hope to never see you again.

Day before the Race Scott and Mark Cole on their hefty weighing S-works. Can you say 21.5lbs.

Steads at the stable

Pre dawn self portrait. The start of the race was again a very beautiful foggy morning. Great day to race or spend in any ER.

Careful where you step!

Happy as a lark here, not so much the next day. I am happy to report that I can finally bend my knee and managed to ride around my block yesterday. I am going to take it slow so I can freakin start this season.

On the Rode with Cole Bros

God help me I'm on the road with the Cole Brothers, that's Mark in the Corner and Scott showing off the Golden Bike in Bicycling. We just landed about 45 min outside of the race central and are now all suffering from a steak coma compliments of Outback, but that's not going to stop us from downing some free freshly baked cookies from the lobby and of course more beer. As I compose this Scott has just returned with hot cookies so I gotta go.
Scott and Mark have matching S-works that weigh in at a hefty 21lbs. Crazzzzzy lite. More pics of us in action tomorrow.

Mohican 100

Wow where does the time go I just got done posting for one race and its off to the next. This next one is a fun one for me. I will be accompanied by Scott Cole and his brother this year which promises to be a good time. Last year I broke a chain at mile 50 so I am really excited to get back and see the rest of one of the most beautiful courses I have ever ridden.

Quick up.

Here is my buddy and partner in DC crime Sarah. Just a couple good filler pics for todays blog.
Who are you looking for and your name please. Knew receptionist throws my GT VIP status to the ground and stomps on it. No more just running in until she learns who I am and by that time the HQ will be in Connecticut.