Im not sure were to get started

 I would like to get support in opening the recreational path that travels through Dow junction, (considered by some, one of the most dangerous sections of highway in the world) connecting Eagle Vail to West Vail in the winter months. Currently it is only open for the non-snow months. This is the only safe way for people commuting to get from one side of Dowd Junction to the other. The only other way is for commuters to travel in the winter is by getting on the Interstate 70 and using the shoulder that is snow covered and inhibited by very large snowplows.

 

I just can't under stand this. The world is currently working on being green, I believe a large part of this movement is cutting down on the amount of fuel we use. One way to do this is by commuting on Bicycle. More and more people are using their bicycle for green travel, and a safe route is necessary.

 

I have talked to people in the Vail, CO. community and the consensus was that the reasons for the recreational path not being maintained and locked off for the winter months are:

 

Elk Migration 

The Path runs along side the highway and apparently the Commuters scare the elk, and the automobiles, big rigs and snowplows don't. Hmmm, it just doesn't make sense to me? There has to be another way to assist the elk in their travels across the path without commuters scaring them. 

 

Maintenance cost

This is a major way to becoming more green in the Vail Valley and there needs to be something worked out. Maybe donations, Vail covering the cost, the town of Vail adding this into its costs? I don't know?

 

Here is a story of a Vail local, amazing person, and bike racing legend named Mike Janelle. Mike did not have a car and would commute by bicycle everywhere he went, year round. He lived in Avon and worked as a ski/snowboard instructor sometimes having to commute to Vail to teach lessons. As I explained earlier, the only way to Vail is by getting on the highway (I70) and riding in the shoulder. One-day mike was doing so and a snowplow ran into him throwing him of the rode nearly killing him. He did make it to work that day, but not without major bruises and being very shaken up. If only the path was maintained he would have been on it and this near death experience would not have happened.  Mike is no longer with us as he passed 1 year ago due to acute heart failure.  If we could get this path opened in the winter months I would like to see this done so in his honor.

 

Mike I will never forget you Bro. Peace!

Than race day part 4

   
I felt good, my legs seamed to be well rested. Since we still needed to set up our stuff (race food, #plates on bikes, lights ready, explain to our crew our secrets...etc) , Kris and I arrive early that day to our pits. Before we could say "jackhammer", it was time to get suited up, apply the Dr. Naylors udder balm to the chamois area to prevent any chafing, which could be a disaster, apply the nuun tattoos, and to the start line. At the start line the announcer introduced all the solo racer's by name and country representing. I think that this adds a nice touch to the event. There was a Le Mans start, while I left my Raleigh XXIX at the pit we had to complete a 500 yrd run before jumping onto our bikes to complete the 10 mile course. The course is tough, super tough, hands down the toughest yet. There is roots, roots, and more roots. This course required much upper body strength, this is were the coined word "Jackhammer" was derived. To be quit honest it tore me apart mentally. I hung in there with last years leader Greg Martin for a couple laps but he was just on fire and I just couldn't maintain that pace in the virtual root forest. Greg is a Firefighter from Ketchum, Idaho, so his upper body strength was there! He also has a blog check it Greg Martin

Here is a post from Roy Wallack 14 hundred or so hours into the race: 

BEN FRANKLIN: "GEARS ARE PROOF THAT GOD LOVES US AND WANTS US TO BE HAPPY"

Vic Armijo
Okay, so that's not quite the quote attributed to dear old Mr. Franklin...he's reputed to have said "beer," not   "gears." But your roving reporter wouldn't even think of riding this course without a full range of gears and his "easy button."   But there are four riders out there right now in the darkness who have only one gear. No, they didn't bash their derailleurs on the rocks and roots. Nope, these guys didn't have any to begin with. They called "singlespeeders." 

Perhaps one day medical science will find a cure for these truly sick individuals. Until then the 24 Hours of Adrenalin crew will continue to provide these guys with a means of dealing with their maladies.

SINGLESPEED STANDINGS
1. Greg Martin, (USA) 13 laps, 14:47:46
2. Brenden Den, (AUS) 11 laps, 13:32:54
3. Dereck Fish (EARTH) 10 laps, 14:03:19

4. Matt Koerber (AUS) 8 laps, 12:17:22    

I like the fact that i am from (EARTH) funny shit!

I was up, I was down, I just couldn't get into a rhythm. Greg pulled away further and further and ended up winning again. Good job Greg Martin.  Over all I ended up finishing 3rd in a super strong field  of 4. 

Although the past two years attending this event I had fun and meet many great people, I will not be back next year to race in this super expensive 24 Hours of Adrenaline race. The organizer of event Stuart Dorland chose to have it next year in Australia, which is awesome! I would love to see OZ. 

Peace Out

24 Hour solo worlds part 3

Than back to the condo to check in and relax with the legs up.  We were assigned to the Cougar suite. 

24 Hour solo worlds part 2

We drove straight to the nordic center and unpacked Kris' truck which was riding low. Set up our tents and left most of our race supplies under the tents covered by a tarp. Which included the race machines, Raleigh XXIX single speeds, each equipped with a set of Magura Marta brakes which were needed for the very root filled course, nuun tablets ( The key to keeping the electrolyte intake to the max), and  Dr. Naylor  udder balm, which is the product I use for anti saddle sore. ( it is amazing , I only have to apply once and it takes care of me for an entire 24 hour race).

24 Hour Solo Worlds

Well Its been a whirlwind of a trip! We packed up Kris' truck to the hilt on Tuesday , 5 bikes, all our gear, picked up our man Tadius at Orange Peel, stuffed our faces with BCP and started driving. We made it to the Canmore nordic center in three days with two hotel stops along the way. 

The Don ride

This 4th of July Kris and I went to Salida, CO., to partake in an annual ride that has been going on for about 20 years. Everyone who rides, meets at Don McClung's house/shop at 4:20 am. This year was Don ride # 3 for me. There was about 40 characters who showed this year, with the majority of them riding single speed.  The ride is Monarch Crest as a loop and consists of about 90 miles with 10ooo Ft. of climbing, mostly on dirt. We had dropped a cooler full of food and water at about 2/3 s the way through. This point is tough cause there is pavement leading back to Salida or to continue the ride there is about an hour ahead of hiking. To be honest this year I contemplated  taking the pavement back.  As Kris is super tough she helped me get through this feeling of quitting. We ate refueled and continued on. We ended up back to Salida in a solid 12 hours. We each took an ice bath and barely made it to watch the fireworks. This was one of the last big pushes before competing in Canada at the 24 Hours of Adrenaline solo world championships. BRING IT!  

  

THE REASON I FEAL BEING POWERED BY 29 INCH WHEELS IS FOR ME

• Faster rolling. Once you get them rolling they roll fast and long.
• Less resistance. When the tire contacts an object, the angle is less rolling smoother.
• More tire to ground contact. This aids in soft sand, soil...etc. helping the bike float. Also giving the bike more traction in cornering.
• Longer spokes. Giving the wheel a bit more flex acting as sort of suspension.
• Bigger wheels and frame. Putting the bike to scale for taller riders. 
• Conrad Stoltz inspired me to write this check em out. He is the man! 
• I ride a Raleigh XXIX. Check it out.  
• Wikipedia 29 Check it.     
• Peace

Colorado Springs to Aspen

This past weekend was the 4th annual single speed only rode ride from Colorado Springs, CO. to Aspen, CO. I joined it last year for the first time. Its a tough one. 168 miles, 4 mountain passes, 6 Colorado counties, 5 cities, and 10,000 + feet of climbing. I have been riding alot lately so my legs were far from fresh but I got it done and it was the mental challenge I was looking for. We had two sag vehicles, so only needed to carry 2 water bottles and a small amount of food. The weather has been very rainy this early summer here in Colorado, but we got a good break. The rain stayed away until the last 12 mile descent into Aspen. It started pouring and got super cold but since we had sag we were able to layer up and stayed somewhat warm. Overall a sweet day with 9 other strong, fun, crazy single speeders. 

Sushi party for Fish

Last weekend was the fundraiser to help me to get to the 24 hours of Adrenaline world solo championships in Canada. I felt a bit awkward  with holding an event like this for myself. My friend Dogger is a sushi chief  and donated his time with his fish supplier (Mountain Valley Fish and Oyster) getting us product at cost. My friend Brian works for the New Belgium Brewery and donated 5 cases of beer. The nuun and Vodka was also flowing. (Stay hydrated and full of electrolytes to feel fresh the morning after getting your drink on) Some of my sponsors donated items for a silent auction. Raleigh Bikes gave a women's cruiser, Magura gave a set of  Marta brakes, nuun gave some electrolyte tabs, and a couple of other small items. Although I was a little worried with the amount of people that would show, the party had a great turn out.  Many friends showed for the Sushi, pixi races and fire jumping, even the cops showed up. They were pretty cool though, they just asked us to keep it down. I think they were just upset we did not invite them. I am very lucky to have such amazing friends providing me with such awesome support.   

Post Infection in da ankle

Yesterday, I went to check out a new trail in Fruita called Peak A Boo. This trail is located in a secret spot off 18 Rd. I started in town and packed for 12 hours not knowing really what to expect or how long it would take. I packed 2 PB&Js, Fig Newmans, Peanut M&Ms and 180zs of water with nuun electrolytes. I got a later start and not knowing how long it would take I mounted up the light system to the Raleigh XXIX and off I go. 

The trail is sweet! It starts with a STEEP double-ish track climb! at the top it overlooks 18 Rd, which is an amazing site. Mostly in the trees Peak A Boo climbs up and descends several peaks, as the trail is new there are some sections that must be hiked due to soft sand and newly dug soil, it will get better the more it gets ridden. There were some Mountain lion prints in the mud from the last rain 5 days ago. I was probably being watched, I had the I pod cranked, was in the zone and didnt much care. After 15.5 miles the back door dropped me onto the Edge loop climb which is another STEEP double track climb, so steep that i've seen tanker trucks getting a pull from another truck! it hurts! The Edge was washed out due to the heavy rains Fruita had recently, none the less it was still fun. Just before the single track descent down to the wash, there were two motos in new condition leaning in the bushes covered in clay turned to cement. They must have got stuck in the rains and had to leave their bikes and start walking out. Damn! They were 15 miles from anywhere! The single track descent was fun and fast down to the wash which is generally sandy but was wet and packed which made for a fast escape around the rappel to lower Chutes & Ladders, over to 18 Rd and back to town. 

Before going home I stopped at the gas station and grabbed a 20lb bag of ice, threw it over my shoulder and road home with my lights on, I had them on my bike the whole 9 hours but only needed them for about 1 mile in town. Oh well, I like being prepared and its like training (as Courtney says) "Rocky Balboa style". I got home, filled up the tub with ice, cold water and took a 5 minute bath. BRRRR! Than put my legs straight up for 1o minutes. I believe taking these two steps make for rapid recovery.    

In fact my roommate Dogger had salmon and a fresh spinach salad ready for Robo, who is an OG snowboarder from Montana, Doug, who is the cat now living in the backyard and actually built Peak A Boo, and Myself. 

Awesome day! 

Peace                 

18 Hours of Fruita

   

 

This was my third year at this race in Fruita, CO. I won it the last two years. Starting at midnight this an 18 hour race. The laps were about 6 miles long and they took about 30 minutes. I ended up with 35 laps bringing the total mileage to 210. DAMN! 

I arrived at Highline state park on Friday 7  hours before the start to organize, set things up, and relax a bit before the race start. 

The first several hours of the race went smooth after Tad, from Orange peel in Steamboat Springs, CO. fixed my Bottom Bracket. I was keeping a consistent  pace on my Raleigh XXIX. Than the rain came!, the soil on this course is bentonite and while its raining its fine, but when it starts to dry out it becomes clay and just sticks to everything not allowing the wheels to roll,  so running with the bike than becomes the next best thing. Good thing I had a spare bike and an amazing pit crew so that every lap start I had a clean bike. I felt strong through out the entire race never going into the lull that normally I find my self in mid way through these long races. I think it had allot to do with eating wright and the nuun tabs I was consistently having my crew add to my water. I never got any consistent feed back on the results, so I never really new were I was place wise. I just kept eating and pedaling. At the race end I thought I had finished 2nd. I was stoked with this result thinking I did single speed nation proud even though I had wanted a win for the three peat. While in the showers a friend came over to let me know that I had actually one! Since I finished 5 min behind the guy I thought I was chasing I was confused as to how I possibly had one. After looking at the results I than saw I was actually about to lap who I thought was leading and was  actually 25 minutes ahead of him. YEAH! I GOT THE THREE PEAT!    

  

   

Checking out the new trail in GJ

This is trail is located to the right, of the top of Holy Cross and climbs up to little park road, a great way to access the Ribbon.

Notice the new Raleigh  jersey, sweet! Would look good with a black Raleigh XXIX SS under me. 

This was the first time I had a chance to ride Ergon grips I got the GP1 in size Lg and they were honestly amazing! They have lots of surface area and spread the weight of your palm. Riding long distance, my wrists take some abuse and get lazy, these grips give the wrists much needed support. The grip is also solid for lifting the bike.    

The new ride is here! Check It!

This season I am lucky enough to be Sponsored by Raleigh Bicycles out of Kent, WA. My new bike arrived recently, and I just finished building it up with some of my own parts including a White Brothers  Magic 80mm Suspension fork.  Im thinking it came out awesome and am so excited to take it for its first ride. Skeet!

Solid 4 days!

I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Fruita, CO. The riding is prime there wright now.  The first day I rode all of the trails in Loma. I started with Rustler and made my way over to More Fun, riding the loops clockwise. It took about 5 hours. The second day I rode Out in Rabbit Valley, here I rode Zion Curtain to the Western Rim. This took about 3 1/2 hours.  The third day I went back over to Loma and again did all the loops this time riding them starting with More Fun and working my way over to Rustler, riding all the loops counter clockwise. This way took about 41/2 hours, a bit faster this direction. When I finished these loops back at the parking lot, there was a group of guys whom Ive ridden with before, getting ready to go out for a night ride, I decided to join them. I put my lights on and off we went to ride Horsethief Bench and the new Wrangler. Adding this night ride on made it a solid day in the saddle. The Fourth day I was starting to feel a bit worked so I decided to go over to the Lunch loops trail head in GJ and ride Holycross which took a little over an hour, and was a perfect ride for the last day.     

Stopping Power

Thanks to my friend Jude at Magura, I will have plenty of stopping power in the cock pit this season. Jude and Magura decided to help me out this season and send me some brakes. Not exactly  sure what model they will be. We first talked about the Marta SL which is Magura's top o the line light weight XC brake set. As I ride 29 inch wheels and am a bit heavier I opted for the 180mm rotor on the front, and a 160mm rotor in the back. I am very excited about this and look forward to riding with Magura in 2009. Check em out click here.

10 hours in 3 days.

The last few days were a great surprise. I found out on Friday that I wouldn't have to work again till

Monday. Friday afternoon, after a quick pack and a 3 hour drive, I found myself riding my Single Speed road bike in Colorado Springs CO. 

I rode for 3 days but Saturday was by far the highlight of the trip. My buddy Jon who lives in the Springs and whom I stayed with, has been wanting to ride from there to Pueblo CO. So, we got it done! 8o miles and 67 Degrees to top it off.  In January? Only in Colorado! Awesome!   

SWEETNESS!

I just picked up sponsorship from nuun.  (pronounced noon) These tablets have saved me in many of the races were I have placed.  nuun is a sugar free, no carb electrolyte tablet. I like them de-solved in a small amount of water for a quick shot, in a 16 oz bottle, or beacause noon is sugar free these tabs make for a refreshing taste and will not gum up in any hydration pack. They will bring you from the dead!, well not really but they work! After rides I like the nuun

margarita, or the nuun and Vodka. Check em out click here.       

Its time to start spinning and spinning and spinning!

Well, its now nearing the end of January. The temperature in near by Denver CO. are reaching the 60's crazy! But, since I drive there several times a month I am going to start riding on the road there a bunch. On the days that I cant make it there, I will be hopping on my Surly Steamroller attached to the trainer for multiple hours. I will not work hard, and I will be just spinning and spinning and spinning! light and easy. The bigger the base the stronger the season will be! This year I am confident will be a solid one!    

Sock Guy Team order

Im super psyched!, cause I just placed my Sock Guy team order. The product im most excited about is there classic base layer tank. These things are amazing! They wick away moisture very well, keeping the core cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Including myself at first, folks think that in the summer heat these base layers would be very warm, but that is not true. These base layers actually keep the core cool and are essential to my every ride!  

The silent killer.

 The product that is really unbelievable to me is  PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED OIL. PHO is an inexpensive preservative that was invented in late 1890 and patented in 1902. 

 PHO is made from a process in which the molecular structure of oil is changed. In this process the oil, whether it be soybean oil, cottonseed oil etc... is introduced to very high heat, a metal and bleach are also added. When this process is finished the oil is the consistency of butter or crisco. YUK!  

 This product is than used as a very cheap (mind you that I only use the word cheap when I mean it) cheap! preservative with a consistent taste. 

 PHO is one of the major causes of obesity and coronary heart disease in America. This Trans fat is very hard for the bloodstream to remove and only very minute amounts can stay in there and form like plaque. 

 Ive heard people say: everything in moderation, I can eat whatever I want I exercise, I am skinny I can eat whatever. I say BULLSHIT! PHO is a silent killer like inhaling cigarette smoke. 

 Until recently  there was not much talk about it. In fact PHO is a form of Trans fat. Companies will advertise on there packaging that there is 0 grams of Trans Fat. Guess what there is less than a gram of  Trans Fat but turn the product around read the ingredients, I bet 99% of the time they will have PHO in them. Some how these companies can legally advertise this way. BULLSHIT! If the product has no Trans Fat or PHO it will say NO PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED OILS.

 Its not always easy to stay clear of products with this silent killer, but with a little effort spending an extra couple minutes in the store reading labels it may save your life in the future.

 Peace Out

Dreaming

     I have talked to Releigh a little bit and I think it would be awesome to be riding these bikes in 09.

I have embraced winter!

A month ago I would have made something similar. Now that winter is in full  swing I can honestly say that I have fully embraced it. 

Soft shoulders

 Well, today at the Vail Nordic Center was a bit challenging, the shoulders on the nordic track were super soft from all the new snow Vail received. If I would glide to much, it felt at times I was falling of the earth. I would also really have to concentrate and dig my baskets into the snow, others wise my poles would slip out from under me. 

 Although I have been feeling a bit stronger, and felt pretty strong today, not to say I am the best, but I did get smoked by two skate skiers and one classic skier today. A little humbling I must say! They were stronger than I, it was cool to see, and now I will work even harder to achieve there skill and speed. Well at least the two skate skiers, for I do not inspire to be a great classic skier. Although when done correctly it is amazing to watch.     

 Tomorrow is a early morning, I have to be at the place of my pick up for 4:15 yup! thats AM. Going to the Denver Airport. Getting up this early and staying going all day is good endurance training. 

   

Skating in the pow!

I had a day off today! Yippie! I started the day at my favorite coffee shop Loaded joes with four shots of espresso, yum! After gettin a good buzz, I headed out to Vail Nordic Center for a skate ski. It was super fun today the course had 6 inches of fresh snow. An hour and a half of pure cardio pleasure!  

I'm over it, and will start over!

Well started a Blog about 2 months ago and somehow couldn't log in so it took me a little while to get over the frustrating feelings.

I like my new blog name better anyway. 

The last time I blogged I was starting to work. I drive for a luxury transportation  company. I drive A 2009 Chevy Suburban 2500 back and fourth to the airports  over two mountain passes through extreme conditions on some of the most dangerous stretches of roads in the world. I really like it. Big money in a short amount of time.

I had taken some time off from any form of exercise till about 1 month ago. I waxed up the skate skis and have begun skating just about every day.  Im starting to eat very healthy again as well, for I ate just about what ever I wanted to in the month of November. It was needed but I generally don't feel so good when I do this.  

I will continue to stay off the bike for the rest of January than start getting on the trainer and putting in some long and short easy base miles. The analogy I like to use is: the base miles are like a block of cheese and  interval rides and racing are like a mouse, there for the bigger the block of cheese the more the mouse has to nibble at. 

Well I hope to keep this blogger name and will continue to update this blog with my crazy life.

Peace out