Into thin air......... Pierre's Hole 100

Up, Up and away!!  That is pretty much the Pierre’s Hole 100 in a nut shell.  THis race was one that I was looking forward to all year as I knew that it would be one of the most challenging that I would undertake due to what seems like unlimited climbing and of course the fact that we start at 8000’ and I live 51 weeks out of the year at 800’ altitude.

Driving to Pierre's Hole @ Alta,WY

After spending my week in Spearfish, SD (see previous post for pictures of that adventure)  I headed over to the Wyoming/Idaho border for the PH100 on Thursday.  After learning last year to not drive through Yellowstone, I arrived pretty early in the evening and had lots of time to set up my camp.  Having camped all week this took little to no time in order to set up. I had grabbed dinner in Jackson Hole before heading up to the venue at Grand Targhee Resort so after camp was up it was to bed after all day in the car.

Driving to Pierre's Hole @ Alta,WY

Driving to Pierre's Hole @ Alta,WY

Waking next morning I had only one plan on the day, pre-ride an easy section of the course to get the body use to the altitude, as much as you can in a day, and then enjoy the views.  I was able to ride Rick’s Basin which luckily is the last 8 miles and has over 1500’ of climbing on it.  This is easy for out here!!  After the hour long pre-ride, I had the day to spend up on top of the mountain.  This year I decided that I should buy a lift ticket and head up to the highest point at the resort.  This resides at around nearly 10,000’ and wow, I should have done that last year for sure!!!  Check out the photos for the beauty!!!! 

Valley to top!
2 road climbs in the race!!  All the way from the bottom up.

Sunrise over Tetons from road overlook (Aid 2)

Me posing with the Tetons. Boy do I feel small!

More Teton Shots! 

Honey Bees were in full force making the mountain beautiful!

Valley view of Driggs,ID

Well I had my fun checking out the majestic Tetons, it was back to camp to get the bike set up. I did my normal cleaning that I do before a race and man am I glad I did before this race.  As I was checking over the rear wheel I noticed that I had a pretty dinged up rim, so much so that my tire would have easily blown off if it took another hit.  So it was to the back up set of wheels.  Also while cleaning and tightening down the rear end I stripped out the adaptor to my rear brake.  After scrambling down to Driggs in search of the part (12 miles down mountain), finding nothing there, I scrounged up one in my tool box that would work for what I needed.  I got the bike ready, a little later than wanted, bottles prepped, and every thing set out for the early morning wakeup.  

Race Day!!

Well awoke at 5:00 a.m. for the 6:30 race start. Got ready in no time and was set to go by 6.  I took Bailey out for her morning bathroom break and then it was into the tent for the day, where she is getting use to spending the day at races.  I got to some warm-up riding as it was a cool 40 degrees at start and then to the line.  3,2,1.................

Race is a go!!

I knew going into this race that I had one person I wanted to watch and that was hometown boy A.J. Linnell.  Well that is exactly what I did, watch him ride away from me up the opening climb.  This race is unlike any other race out there I do in that it climbs for the first 5 miles, climbing just under 1000’ in the opening climb up to the highest point in the race of around 9000’!!!  Ouch this was going to hurt. I knew that if I stayed with A.J., who was riding with the leaders, there was no way I would finish this race!  So I sat back and settled on a pace that I felt comfortable riding at.

Decending 38 Special 1st Lap

After topping out,  it was the most welcome part of the race, the 7 mile descent which would take us around nearly 40 switchbacks to the lowest point in the race!! Down we went passing over 38 special and Mill Creek, this is literally around a 30 minute ride that you barely touch you pedals with any type of power other than to spin them just to keep your legs loose.  This descent took us down to the first of 2 road climbs. Up the road climb 4 miles, as last year I felt very comfortable spinning at a good 11-12 mph clip up them tapping out a rhythm to get to the next screaming descent down to the sheep farm.  Through this all I had pretty much held my own, going back and forth with 4 other geared guys.  I knew at Aid 2 that A.J. was about 1 min. ahead which wasn’t bad at mile 13 or so in the race.  Still had a chance, NOT!! 

Once reaching the sheep farm, I knew this was the most dreaded part of the race!!!  a 2 mile climb that went up around 1000’ over that 2 miles!!!  OUCH!!  Last year I climbed this thing 4 times so knowing that I was only going up it 3 times put a little smile on my face. Well this year unlike last year, I decided to take it easy up this as I was able to climb most of the climb on my 32x20 that I brought this year. Got up this mother of all climbs in pretty  good shape and then to road #2!  3 more miles of road again very comfortably, pulling all the geary’s back in that I was riding with and then it was out to Rick’s Basin.  I knew every time that I reached this point it was only 8 miles to the end of the lap.  Well lap one came and went and I was a mere 40 secs. down on A.J.

Climbing the Peakes Climb 2nd Lap!  Hurt so good!

Unfortunately I didn’t know that I was only down this and had resided myself to 2nd already.  It frankly wouldn’t have made much of a difference for the remainder of the race but would have possibly been a little more motivation.  The next lap was the same as the first, a little slower up Dry Creek Climb (2 miles of Hell)  but at the end of the lap I was in a world of hurt.  I was severely bonking!!!! I needed calories!! I chowed down as much as I could at Aid 1 and it was into the final lap. I was in mere survival mode knowing that if I held my own on the last lap I would be able to keep my 2nd place position and overall standing. 

Race Director Andy meets Team Noah!
Guy puts on one heck of a race and
some great trails @ Grand Targhee

Well I was able to do it after eating more junk food at every Aid station, I cam over the line in a respectable 9:38 and 2nd place in the singlespeed category!! Not bad when the winner of the singlespeed got 2nd OVERALL!!  Kick butt A.J.  This category is becoming tougher and tougher with the winner now fighting for the overall at almost every race I have been to all year!!! My time was good, would have liked to went sub 9:30 but have to admit I am lucky I finished in that good of a time because after finishing, I didn’t do as I normally would have done as far as chatting with the other finishers.  I was still bonking badly so I went straight into the cafeteria and got a plate of whatever mexican food I could, found a chair and stuffed my face.  Never before have I ate a post race meal still in helmet, gloves, and all my race gear!!! First for everything though.  

Singlespeed Podium!!

Buckle Shot!!

Well after I finished getting my legs back under me by eating, it was showered, and up to awards!! I honestly like sharing the podium with such great guys and am getting use to standing up there with some of the best riders in the nation on Singlespeed’s!!  Another accomplishment that I missed by 12 minutes last year was getting a BUCKLE!!! Oh yeah that was a major goal this year. Got to give a shout out to A.J. for another great win and I look forward to him  going to Park 2 Park race and hopefully taking a win so he can head to Fool’s Gold and give the ‘Pfluganator’ a run for his money.  A.J. is riding unbelievably strong late season here and should provide for some great fireworks!! 

Like to also give a mention to over Master’s champ Marland Whaley, who some how knew my name the whole race and I had no clue who he was!! Come to find out Team Noah Foundation is become well known!!  Marland rode with Peat, Dwayne, and Brett for most of the Tatanka 100 and we had a nice chat about how us Team Noah rider’s never shut up!!!  Got to love it, we are known for liking to talk through all of our 100 milers, joking, singing, and just having fun!!! Have to say that is what we are about and it makes for good times!!  Wish I had them at this race as it may have made me smile a little more over the last lap!! Oh well.

Well that is about it.  I will let the pictures speak a little more that my writing’s this time!! Hope you enjoy the visuals as they are WAY BETTER IN PERSON!!  Suggest getting out there sometime for all that read this.  That is it. OUT!

Parting Shot of the Tetons
Start of the 1200 Mile journey to Iowa

Spearfish Week in Pictures

Well instead of me regurgitating the week in words, lets let the pictures do the talking!! Enjoy!

Camp@ Spearfish City Campground

Cookin a steak on the Biolite Stove and Grill!!
Got to love this wood burner and charger!!
That is right, charging phone and cooking.

Tinton Rd. Climb

Little Spearfish Creek running through city park.

Right Trail- view from the trail!

Another Right Trail shot.
Pretty much what the trails look like out in Spearfish!

Dakota Ridge- Be here in less than a month again!!
This time racin hard @ Dakota 50

Iron Creek Trail- Rode up this with Perry (Photo's later)

Bailey enjoying the long grass!

Waterfall @ Iron Creek Lake

Me and Bailey @ Iron Creek Lake

Found a friend @ Iron Creek Lake

Wildflowers are in bloom in SD!

Rode with the man himself- Perry Jewett!!
Getting the low down on Dakota 50 and other Spearfish Happenings!

Never seen this during the Dakota 50 but it is there.
Along Recovery Ridge.
Thanks for pointing this out Perry!!

Well that is about all the photos that I wanted to share. Got some more but this should wet your interest in visiting this gem out in South Dakota!! On to the race report!

Black HIlls Back40- More riding in Majestic South Dakota

View from the saddle!!
Crows Peak @ Spearfish,SD (Not from race but Dakota 50 Pre Ride Monday)

Back in the good old state of South Dakota for the 2nd Black Hill Back 40.  This race is the start of my week long visit to Black Hills for a well need vacation.  I have been looking forward to this weekend all summer as I love coming out here for the beauty and the great riding that this beauty provides.

The race this year again was on tap to provide a good jump start to the week.  This year I came out one extra day early and decided to go straight to Spearfish to set up camp for the week and get a little R&R before the race.  After setting up camp late on Thursday the Spearfish City Campground, it was off to bed to rest up a little.  Well that night didn’t provide much rest as a wicked thunderstorm rolled in and dumped piles of hail on the camp as well as providing a great light-show!!  

Tinton Rd. Climb Views!

On Friday I woke up to a soggy camp spot, but bright blue and sunny skies.  I knew that it was going to be a good day.  I decided that I needed to open up the legs a little so I headed out to climb up Tinton Rd.  This road doesn’t look like much on paper but is about a 2000 ft. climb over the 10 miles up. Pretty good for South Dakota,huh!!!  I felt good as I went up at a gentle pace and topped out to the beauty of Crow Peak.  After enjoying the view and rolling some of the roads on top I never have went down, I flew back down to camp where I spent the rest of the day relaxing and visiting the downtown.

Race Day!!

Well since Thursday didn’t provide much rest, I was hoping that Friday night would prove different and it did as I was able to get a pretty good rest in. I woke up at 5:30 with the race start at 8:00 to start the pre-race check.  After kitting up immediately out of shear need for warmth (50 degrees in the morning!!), I got the normal breakfast for the year and then it was load up time and off to Rapid City.  The nice 45 minute drive allowed my body to wake up and arrived at the venue at around 7:00 which was perfect for the pre-race routine!  After getting the final touches I took off up the hill and down to the church camp for the start.  Pre-Race meeting normals, greeting of many people I now know out here and it was time to start.  Ready, Set..........

Race ON!!

Bill and I during opening 10 miles

This race is very similar to many of the races I do now these days as it starts straight up hill for about the first mile.  This same opening, I took the lead up last year and set the pace for the group as I was geared pretty well for it last year.  This year was a different story. I was not going to be setting the pace this year as Jim and the Team HoneyStinger overall winner (forgetting name right now) took off ahead of me.  I knew it would kill my race to follow the pace so I settled in and just tapped out a rhythm to get me to the top.  I was able to hold my own up the opening climb and entered the singletrack around 6th.  Fine with me as I knew that i was sitting just fine with who was in front of me.  The opening 10 miles of this course are absolute hell for a single-speed. Lots of punchy climbs filled with loose rock and many boulders to hop over. Being a single, I generally like to be riding with opening trail in front of me but I unfortunately was following 1 or 2 others through this section and it provided 2 different endo’s in the first 4 miles of singletrack due to slower moving gear riders in front and large boulders with no momentum to get over them. Oh well, thus is racing a single-speed.  After settling myself down from these mishaps it was into the DH course (so much fun!!!) and to the split that took us out onto course.  From here the course was pretty straight forward, climb lots, descend a little and climb some more!!!!

Rocking Team Noah!!

In this middle section of the race, it was pretty much status quo for the majority of the next 20 or so miles. This section of the race is absolutely a blast.  There are many long (10 minutes or so) climbs throughout with some downhills every once in a while.  It really does feel like we are climbing this entire time though.  I got to thinking at one point that there is no way we can go up any more and just to spite me the trail would turn a switchback and head up again.  The beauty of this section of the race though is completely worth the effort that had to be put in.  There are so many times, not only in this race out here, but also the Tatanka 100 and Dakota 50, that I will be riding along and nearly wrap myself around a tree because my head is swiveling around so much taking in the breath taking views. The riding out here completely reminds me of why I race a mountain bike.  

Back to the race.  During this section I was pretty much all by myself.  I was able to see people every so often and could get a pretty good idea at the time gap that I was holding over them or that I was trailing them. At one point I did come up on Bill (local) who was on the side of the trail fixing his chain.  This provided some motivation for me because I knew that I had just moved up a overall position so I put in some extra effort to try and hold on to this.  It wouldn’t last though as we came to the multi-purpose trail climb, I was surprised when Bill who I thought I had some good time in on, came riding up next to me.  I was able to hold his wheel up this very long two track climb and hit the singletrack knowing I was about 1 min. down on him. Throughout this entire time I was mentally trying to pull him back but also had somewhat resigned myself to my position as I was just putting in the motions to get me back to the finish. 

After bombing down from the last aid station into the church camp, I knew that I had about a mile ascent and then it was down the DH course again into the finish area.  To my surprise I actually was reeling Bill back in and got within 10 secs. of him before he got scared and took off like a bat out of hell.  That was fine, I thought about putting in the effort to chase but I had no gas and legs that were rocks at this time.  Oh well, finished the climb (which is singletrack off to the side of the opening road climb), hit the DH course and into the finish.  I was able to pull off my 2nd Single-speed win in the 2nd year of the event with a time of 3:57 or so and a 8th Overall.  The competition was great this year with some solid fast guys coming out to play.  Hopefully this event only grows from here as this is a kick butt event just like the others out here.  The support that these races get and give back to the racers is unparalleled in all the races I have done.   My support is that I have been able to upgrade my GPS every time out here as I walked away with a Garmin 705 along with my other winnings!!!  Not bad for such a small race that will hopefully get bigger and bigger, helps to have Quarq in Spearfish!!  

Black Hills Back 40- GPS and Data

On a side note I would like to give a shout out to Liam Porter (16 year’s old) from Spearfish,SD.  Liam took 3rd Place in the Juniors Category for the 40 miler and this was only his second Mtb. race.  Got to talk with his family about Team Noah Foundation and Liam’s struggles early in life with a heart condition.  The future is always bright with young riders out there kicking butt and over coming these obstacles.  Way to go Liam!!!  

That is all from the bright & sunny Spearfish,SD.  Check in next for the Pierre’s Hole 100 report and pictures galore!!  Out.

Riding a Bull through the Black HIlls!

Tatanka 100

Beauty of the Black Hills (Roughneck Falls)- Saw this all weekend!!!

The theme of the race was “Ride the Bull” and it was definitely what it felt like if you have ever rode a bull before. I have not felt this spent after a race but one time in all my years of racing. Sturgis,SD was the setting for this great race.  This race was one of my goal races going into the year because I love the riding out here in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Started the weekend out by making the trip out with my dad to Sturgis on Friday.  The 660 mile drive pretty much all on I90 is actually a pretty easy drive and I have come to enjoy the scenery on the way out, especially once past the Missouri River in SD. One thing different from this race than others this year is that I would be staying in a hotel the night before.  Thought that this may give better sleep but still awake most of the night as usual.

Morning of the race

Got up at 3:30 a.m. local time to get ready for the 5:00 a.m. start.  Pretty much same central time zone starting time of 6 a.m. that all the races are but just never like seeing those numbers 3,2,1 in the hour slot!!!  Got smoothly down and some bagels, and it was  off to the race start at the local track.  2 mile trip down proved to be a pretty good warm up but was not nearly enough as I would find out at the start.

Start of the Race

Boys and Girls ready to "Ride the Bull"

Took the line again as now is customary on the front line and greeted the normal folks around including A.J. Linnell this time from Jackson Hole, WY.  Gerry, Ryan H.,Dwayne, Peat, and some others included at the start. Time to go, and we were off with a police escort out of town on the local highway heading towards the actual race start on a gravel road.  Thing here in South Dakota, when they decide to go up, as I have found out in the many races I have done out here, they go up!!!  No fooling around with worrying about how steep it is!  

The gravel started the day and we were booking up it.  I was feeling as little nervous going up the gravel as I was at my max already as far as heart rate and it was only 2 miles into a 103 mile race!!!  Keep going though as the local from Quarq in Spearfish put the pedal down even further.  I was eyeing Gerry and A.J. as I knew that they would be the ones to watch this entire race.  Well eyeing is all I was able to do because they were gone from my view not to far into the race.  As we took the turn into the singletrack, a little bobble by Doug Andrews ahead of me over a cattle grate and I ended up having to dismount as well.  Did so badly and stuck my foot into the grate and nearly broke my ankle in the process.

Well after holding up the whole race at this point. I settled into the singletrack, still trying to get my heart rate down.  Opening 13 mile climb wasn’t going to let this happen. Able to keep the leader in sit until the singletrack got think and then it was pacing time.  I was able to ride with Cheryl Sorenson for couple miles in the opening climbs as she was setting a good pace and making me settle down. After a while I got past and was off in search of Doug, Gerry and Peat. Got to Doug on a wicked downhill about 10 miles into the race as he was riding rigid.  Come to find out he had been riding with A.J. and Gerry but the downhills were not treating him good.  I was able to put in little attacks over the next 10 or so miles and opened up a gap.

The opening 20 miles were some of the toughest I have ridden so far in a NUE!  They are also some of the most BEAUTIFUL!!! There was a couple times that I nearly was hitting trees because my eyes were wandering taking in the canyon walls, waterfalls, or vastness of peaks surrounding me. The opening 50 was all up and down the beauty never stopped. 

Over the first 50 or so I was pretty much alone in the world as I had no body around me. I felt that I was putting a pretty good gap into Doug and holding 3rd place Singlespeed pretty secure. This first 50 was just punishing with some steep enough ascents that I was off walking wondering if I was going to be able to walk my bike up the hill let alone ride it. Of course with a steep ascent you get a awesome descent and these were great. The Black Hills gave a good mix of very rocky trails, open grass lands, and buffed out singletrack. You never knew what kind of descent you were going to get.

I knew that at mile 50 the trail was going to get a little easier and it couldn‘t have come soon enough. I was pretty gassed when I rolled into the Silver City check point 50 miles in. From here it was onto the dreaded Rail Trail section!! I was looking forward to this for the breather from climbing but NOT looking forward as I was running a pretty easy gear and was doomed to be spun out for the next 27 miles!  Off I went and the opening section of this part of the race was great, more singletrack rail than anything, going over old walking bridges and riding right along the stream. Beauty once again!! about 6 miles into this the trail pointed right.  I was confused because this was a wall and wondered where we were going.  Forgot about the mandatory hike a bike!

Hike A Bike from HELL!!

Scenes like this along the Mick
were the only thing keeping me going strong!

This Hike A Bike puts all others to shame.  You are pretty much climbing straight up over granite slabs, with nothing to hold onto other than trying to drag your bike with you.  Reason for the hike a bike was were needed to get over what felt like a mountain to the other side where the rest of the rail trail was.  Well I got up this after some swearing and rolled down to the MIckelson Trail where I would come to hate myself for the next 20 miles!!  Brett Huering from Team Noah, doing his first 100 mile would find this hike to be a little harder as he decided to pull my turtle move from Boone and land upside down in a 6 ft. hole filled with rocks on the steep part of the hike!!  He’s ok and finished is first hundo though!!

Well onto the MIckelson by myself. I tapped out a fairly good rhythm trying to hold around 14 going down the trail.  Did very well for about 12 miles doing this but the monotony finally started to add up as I was all alone, gradually up hill, into a head wind. Finally I looked back to see 3 riders coming up quick.  I saw the short riding style of Cheryl, another guy who I never caught his name, and oh no DOUG!!  Oh well someone to ride with at least. They caught me and the pain was about to begin.  They were moving and I was in a bad place. I hooked onto the back of this train and held on for dear life many time over the next 14 miles wondering if I was going to die. I yoyo’d a few times always working my way back on.  I felt bad because I wasn’t able to take many pulls because I was so spun out on the trail and the pace always dropped once I took the lead. 

Well we finished the Mickelson together and made it to the last drop bag site at Englewood.  From here I knew that we were going to go back to climbing and descending all the way into Sturgis. Right out of the aid the other 3 got a gap up a hill as I was just setting a pace to finish.  I was running low on gas and didn’t want to loss it all!! I was able to keep them in sight seeing them on the longer doubletrack climbs that were common in this part of the race.  The first 50 of the race was the singletrack and second 50 was doubletrack. I was figuring Doug had me as he was riding strong even with the tough gear he was running. Came around a corner at about 85 in and who do I see but Doug on the side of the trail fixing a flat.  Checked if he needed anything and once he said no I was off like a bat out of hell!!! This was my chance and I needed to go as hard as I could. 

You would think after my debacle at Lumberjack 2 weeks ago I would take the downhills a little easier but no. I was flying down the hills, launching over rocks, ruts and just trying not to flat or fly into the woods. Every climb was dreaded in this section as my head wanted to fly up them but my legs had nothing left.  Every climb I also was hoping to see the Sturgis white letters on the hill and know it was all downhill to the finish.  Well after suffering over the next 17 miles of rutty, rocky, and often loose trails I finally saw the sign and knew I needed to ramp it up and put everything down.  Going down the last downhill my race almost was ruined as I took a corner to see a 4x4 coming straight at me.  Luckily I got over just enough and got around and it was smooth sailing into the town. The race finished in awesome style taking us down into the flood control area and allowing us to fly through town with no worries of cars or crossings.

The Finish

The finish line in sight I pushed it a little as I was able to reach my goal of under 9 hours and finished in 8:55 on the day.  Wondered if I would do this as much of the race was spent around a 10 mph average but long open trail and screaming downhills at the end proved enough to get that average up.  I will for sure be back to this race as I have already asked for a lifetime pass!!! The Black HIlls have beauty I have yet to see anywhere I have ridden!! A.J. proved the man to beat today as he took the top single and 2nd overall, Gerry was 2 spots back in 4th and Cheryl kicked my butt and took one spot ahead of me.  Never complain about a woman beating you if they are wicked strong riders.  Congrats to them!!

Peat (6th) and Dwayne (5th) pushing the opening miles!

Overall I finished in 3rd Singlespeed and 11th Overall. Team Noah Foundation once again proved we are a Team of top notch riders with Dwayne finish 5th Singlespeed and Peat finishing 6th Singlespeed right with him!!!  Brett finish his first 100 miler in 10:10 which is wicked respectable and Adam finished his first 100 in sub 12 hours which on this course is a feat all in it’s own.  Mad props to those two and Dwayne and Peat because this was one tough race!!! Well I have wasted enough of your time reading this!!  July is off for me and my next race is right back out here for the Black Hills Back 40.  That’s all!! OUT!

Adam looking strong in his first 100

Peat may be the most photogenic of the whole of Team Noah!!  Classic!

Dad came with along with traveling pup Bailey!!!  

Bailey is oh so photogenic!!  Peat needs to give her some lessons!!

 

Exhilarating, Unbelievable, and Catastrophe!!!

Lumberjack 100

Fast group ready for the start!!

Well this write-up has been eating me up as I didn't really want to write it as I am still a little bitter from last weekends race in the Northwoods of Michigan.  To start the Manistee Forest trails up in Michigan have to be some of the fastest rolling singletrack trails that I have ridden and this years race was again going to be a quick one as you will find out in the rambling that follows.

I drove up as is customary on Friday. I am getting really good at getting thru Chicago without any real traffic delays as I have figured out when to pass through.  An uneventful drive, other than the traffic delay in Coast Guard City,U.S.A. I was up there in no time and ready to find my sleeping digs for the night. This would be the first big race of the year for Team Noah as Dwayne, Pete, and I were all there and out for blood on the trails.  We staying in an interesting shack for the night getting quite cozy in the one room cigar box of a room.

Got my normal lack of sleep the night before the race and woke up bright and early at 5 a.m. for the 7 a.m. start.  My plan was to be at the starting area by 5:30 in order to get the pit set up and my body ready for the race ahead.  This race is a little different than others as it is a 33 mile lap race. I like this format as I am able to not worry about what I carry on course and focus on the race at hand.

Start
Well the start was looking good as I rolled down the 2 mile highway to the start line chatting it up with new found friend Daniel Rapp from Toasted Head Racing.  These guys were rocking the Team Noah Socks, THE WHOLE TEAM!!  This was an awesome and unbelievable show of support from a great team of racers. When we got to the start I slotted in at the front which is becoming more customary for me as I know where I finally stand amongst the racers.  This start was really worrying me coming up as I knew that last year we rolled out at 30+ mph and down the highway into a pile-up at the start of the race.  This years race was going to be different though.....

Me checking out Barry Wicks!  HAHA
Super fast Singlespeeder and Overall Sprint finish Winner!!

Mike Montabano led us out on his singlespeed and to all's surprise, non of the gear guys seemed interested in ramping up the pace.  It did help that the singlespeed crew for the race had essentially set up a road block on the front row and set the pace of the race early.  Rolling into the singletrack, I was around 15 people off the lead and felt great where I stood. All singlespeed racers were accounted for and I began my push to the front. By the top of the opening climb, as separation had been established and I was now located in the chase group of around 8-10 riders.  We were moving along great as most of us were singles and we know how to keep the flow, even up the steep climbs. Over the opening 10 miles or so, Dwayne, Pete, and I were all there and having fun as we do when we ride together, chatting it up and throwing in the occasional joke. I think this helps us in races as some people don't like this and it effects them in a negative way.  Our look on it is we are having fun and enjoying the experience in the woods with great friends!!

FireTower Climb with Jan in pursuit on Lap 1.

Well before the mid point of Lap 1, a separation had occurred and our group was dwindled down to around 6 riders (Dwayne, Myself, Jan, and 3 geared riders).  We created the separation through some wicked quick riding up some steep single track.  I took the lead through alot of this as I like riding at the front rather than behind folks.  The status really didn't change for the first lap as we cruised, and I mean cruise, around 14 mph. on singletrack coming through lap 1 at around 2:15 and feeling great.  A separation right before the lap count with Jan and Greg( gear guy #1) getting a gap on Dwayne and I.  I was loving riding with Dwayne in that we ride pretty much identical in every manner. We got out of the pits together and we felt that we had to be in 1st and 2nd Single and 6, 7 overall.  By the end of the race we would find out that this is where Jan had escaped as he didn't pit at all in the whole 100 miles and was off on his own somewhere in front of us.

On Lap 2, Dwayne and I settled into our pace, chatting and loving life on the trail.  There is something special about cruising around the wood with a great friend and not even really realizing that you are in a race.  After the long opening section of climbs, the trail opens into double track and we cruised down this at a good clip and by the end of this 2 of the gear guys (Greg and other guy) had caught us.  I took up the lead again going into the middle section of singletrack and tried to set a good tempo as we pushed around the woods. I loved this part of the race as we were all moving smoothly through the woods and enjoying our ride. The rest of the lap was status quo as we all were feeling great and pushing along at the same pace up and down the fast ripping trails.  I did have a bout of mid race fatigue hit me and knew that I needed to stop at the pit for 10-15 seconds longer at the end of the lap to try and get a little extra fuel in the tank.  So I did and took down a banana after lap 2.

Time for the Lap from HELL!!!!

Somewhere before disaster crushing it on Lap 3!

Well the 3rd lap started off with me taking the lead up the opening climb due to everyone else deciding it was a great time to take a bathroom break. Nothing like riding through the middle of 3 guys pissing off the side of the trail, endurance cycling at it's best!!!!  Well over the opening climbs, we dwindled down the group to Dwayne, Greg and myself and we were feeling great and working great together, taking our turns at the front to keep the pace hi.  I feel that this race I spent alot of time at the front as I was feeling good on the trails and liked my own tempo and no one else seemed to mind.  We rolled the opening climbs, jumped in behind Greg on the double track to get some speed and went into the middle singletrack with again me taking the lead.

Disaster Strikes.
Well we started to catch lapped traffic in this section which was no problem at all and we worked our way through them all.  After passing a tandem up a hill we made a left and climbed up a steeper section of trail that had a nice downhill on the other side and a perfect place to catch your breath.  Well rolling down the hill, what is still a mystery to me, CRASH!!!!  Somehow I ended up on the side of the trail pressed up against a tree. I quickly came to doing my quick body check and feeling fine, I grabbed my bike and was ready to go.  Well the bike had other plans.  Quickly I looked down and realized the reason that my bike wasn't rolling forward was that my wheel was now bent in half around my fork and my race was OVER!!!!  I was more than a little disappointed, I was IRRATE!!!  I am sure everyone thought I was a lunatic and I sort of had a right to be so. I had ruined a $500 dollar wheel on a portion of trail that had nothing to cause such an incident. Still don't know what had happened but I quickly realized that not only was my race over and my chance at a Overall Singlespeed win but also that my NUE series was now finished as I am no longer able to complete 5 races.  As we discussed on trail, no clue why 5 is now required but oh well it is and I am out of the series hunt.  Sucks!!!  Well I walked about 1/2 a mile down the trail, threw my bike a few times, loaded it up in the back of a van and hitched a ride to the finish.

Well this race was a series of 1st's.  This was the first time I have had a mechanical on trail (knock on wood) of any sort and I made sure to make it a doozy!!!  This would be the first time in 10 years that I DNF'd a race, other than the muddy boone race.  This would be the first time that I had a chance to win the overall and due to conditions outside of my control be kept from this accomplishment!!!

I have taken a few positives from this race after having a week to fume over it.  One positive is that I wasn't hurt in the crash.  After seeing my wheel, I could have easily had my season ended with a broken collarbone, broken arm or ended up in the hospital with the speed I was carrying.  Second positive is that I am going to be able to fix the wheel for less than $500, only $200 as I have gotten the spokes ordered and already have a rim at home. Third, my wheel was the only broken part on the bike and I feel confident that it is ready for Tatanka 100 this next weekend.  And the last positive is that I am finally on a Team that actually cares.  Team Noah, especially Dwayne and Pete, have proven to be true teammates and have helped me draw out these positives and give me a reason to go back out there and push for it again beyond personal goals!!  Team Noah Foundation is riding for a cause bigger than biking and looking forward to spreading the word and message of the great foundation. Shout out to Dwayne and Pete on great finishes with Dwayne again taking the 2nd step on the podium and Pete just outside of the Podium.  Would have loved to see Team Noah take the top two steps but the trail gnomes had other plans!!

Well look for the next write up in a week after hopefully Dwayne, Pete, Brett, myself and others of Team Noah Foundation go out and tear up the Tatanka 100 in Sturgis,SD!!  OUT

Lumberjack 100- 80 miles ridden on bike, 7 in a car!!!