newz youze kan uze

well, for those that care, sswc09 will be here before you know it. looks like jan 4th there will be aps at this web site. i lucked into a spoke card, so my stress is a bit on the low side.... especially since there's 3ft of snow in my front yard holding my bike ransome untill the snow melts.... or i shovel the door to the shed out a bit.

the folks hosting sswc this summer are a neat bunch. it might be a long drive to durango co, but if my truck will make it, i'll be there.

happy new year.

waiting

days blend together. fuzzy blur of christmas/new years holiday craziness in a ski town.
working. lots of working. fitting boots. tuning skis.
no time to ski. comforted by the fact that the snow insn't too good right now. warmish days weren't friendly to the snow we had christmas day.... in fact, it's the total opposite. melt freeze cycles turned the 3ft of blower powder we had into a frozen tundra unless the sun hits it juuuusssst right. even then, it's only so so.
so, we rest. recoup. watch some movies. recharge until the next phase of winter blesses us with its next batch.

well.....

..... that was interesting.

Snowblowing the driveway took waaayyyyyy longer than anticipated. The berm at the bottom of the driveway was up to my chest with the rest of the driveway so deep it was alllllmost over the bucket on the blower. To add to the fun I decide I would get just a little bit closer to the woodpile while snow blowing the deck munching the corner of the tarps in the process. That's a fun (not) experience I hope to never have again.

Once dug out, Megan and I decided that even though it was 12:30 we'd still try and sneak a quick lap on Jakes or Hidden peak. After an epic drive we arrived at Hidden to see some parking spots plowed out but no existing skin track. Typically I don't mind breaking trail, but since it was approaching 2 bells, we continued a few minutes south to try our luck at Jakes. We arrived to see one car in the parking lot, skin track installed. BINGO! If you drive a white Astro van with a camper conversion.... THANKS HEAPS!! We owe you one.

Nice hike up. Still snowing. Heavy at times. Turns on the way back down were everything you would expect from waist deep, bottomless blower pow. Moments of no sight... no problems. We stayed to the skiers right of the skin track leaving the steeper chutes to the left for another day when we had more than an hour of daylight left and maybe a little more coverage. Gotta stay smart out there. Even though Tommi will find this slightly amusing, things are still a little thin out there for us in Tahoe.

Ho Ho Ho

and Merry Christmas.

It's days like these that really make me realize just how convenient skiing in the backcountry really is. With over 15" of snow on my deck, driveway, car, and everything else that stands between me and skiing today, there's also that little thing called Christmas. Additionally, getting Megan (my girlfriend) a pass at the resort today would be an exercise in futility as ski areas understandably "tighten their proverbial belt" on cheap tickets during the holiday season. And even if I could get Megan a ticket, we'd need to be at the resort early to ensure some descent skiing as fresh powder disappears faster than a cold 6 pack after an epic ride with your buddies.

Ahh backcountry skiing. Show up early. Show up late. It doesn't matter! I'm going to have AT LEAST one more cup of coffee before snow blowing the driveway. Then I'm diving into that pile of neatly wrapped boxes of who knows what under our tree to see what Santa brought me this year. Then I'm doing some more diving, but this time it's going to be pancakes, an egg and maybe another cup of coffee just for good measure. THEN I'll head out for some turns. Sure we'll see some other tracks, signs that someones been there before us. But who cares! While folks at the resorts are scampering around trying to find a turn or two of untracked powder, we'll be leisurely hiking and skiing our way into contentment by the days end.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is: if you're a slacker, backcountry skiing could be for you.

thinking back.....

While kicking and gliding my way along today on the XC skis, it got me to thinking back about just how all, or at least most, of this ski stuff started.

In the mid 90's, Pennsyltuckie received a HUGE dump. I'm talkin' about two feet of cold, beautiful snow. The normal crew (which was anything but normal) all headed out on our cross country skis to a place called Kings Gap. We kicked and glided our way through the park eventually finding ourselves at the top of a descent hill. Not too steep, but definitely to the point of not being able to just straight line it. Some traversed their way down while some tried to make turns. All told, I probably linked three turns in 350ft of vertical, but the seed was planted. I went back the next day with a buddy of mine, Kurt, to give it another go. The results weren't much better, but we knew we were on to something.

Kurt called early the following day and told me about the skis he'd just ordered and urged me to do the same.Within a couple of days, the shop called and I was mounting bindings to a fresh pair of Fischer E99's in my kitchen. Once again, we made plans to head to Kings Gap to give it another go. This time... THIS TIME we made some turns. Don't get me wrong, we did our fair share of crashing, but MAN was it fun!

Word in our group spread like wild fire and before we knew it, there were a good handful of us with skis that would handle anything Kings Gap had to offer. Even the steepest 30 degree pitch was no match for our gear and determination.

Kurt and I had the place dialed and we had a day up there that I'll never forget. There were about 6 of us.... the perfect number for car shuttling. We took turns driving. One guy would give up his run to do the driving while the rest skied. At the end of the day, the place looked like a ski area. Most particularly the area where we shoveled snow onto the road so we wouldn't have to stop part way down the "run".

There would be other storms. Other days on skis that would stand out. But not like that Saturday in January.

day 1

Skied today. First time out this season. 3ft of amazingly light powder on a base of dirt & rock. Gave the rock skis a nice work out. I think I hit at least one rock per run. Colder than all get out. In the teens something or other. I didn't last long. Cold toes.

Also checking out my new work place ~ Best Fit ski boots. Best Fit is a custom boot shop one the slopes at Sugarbowl. The owners a hoot, passionate about skiing and a damn good bike rider to boot. We should get along juussst fine.

So, I wouldn't say it's "game on" just quite yet, but old man winter has finally arrived in Tahoe. Another significant storm and we'll be pretty much good to go.... and I'm ready.

wow

My how time flies. It seems like only yesterday I was zipping around in the Mighty Mobile truck with the appointment book open in the passenger seat, tools clanging around in the back and doughnut crumbs in my lap while I was on my way to help out someone with miscellaneous this and thats on their bike. However, having actually looked at my appointment book and my bank account recently I've realized I haven't been really doing much in the way of work in quit some time. Sure, there's been a fork re-build here and a brake bleed there, but for the most part....... I'VE BEEN RIDING!!!!!

And why not. Just like last fall, the trails in the Tahoe area have been "off the hizzy" as my friend Tom Miller would say. (Note: off the hizzy = good trails) Along with countless rides right here in good ole' Truckee, some highlights lately have been Santa Cruz, Downieville, a slightly shortened version of the 4-20 ride and a visit to the freeride trails up at....... let's just say their close by. Yesterday while riding Tahoe Donner trails I was once again trying to fill every bike loving nook and cranny with the feeling of being on the bike because while surfing some weather the other day I saw......

...... the snow icon!!!

Now, I'm OK with the fact that I've been refered to as "a biker living in a ski town". I truly love to ski, but I'll be the first to admit that I'm not into "searching out the goods" weeks after that last storm to try and find good snow to ski. I ski enough to know when "it's good" truly means it's good. To some people, "good snow" means that they linked three turns in succession in favorable conditions. What they didn't tell you is that they spent most of the day skiing broken crust, bullet proof snow or otherwise "variable conditions" to find those one or two spots on the hill where the skiing was truly "good". On days like that, you'll find me with a bike in the back of the truck heading down to the foothills where the trails are in perfect condition and the weather usually calls for shorts allowing you to get some sun on something other than just your neck and face.

But, if it's gonna snow....... BRING IT ON!!!! It seems like only yesterday that we were.......

Bea-u-ti-ful Santa Cruz California

Click picture=See entire album

Spent Thanksgiving in Santa Cruz. Expanded my knowledge of single-track radness in that little part of the world. I was gluttonous both at the dinner table Thanksgiving day as well as the local trail system all week long. So many trails, so little time.


Thursday: Campus trails, Hery Cowell park, more campus trails. Oh sooo good. Thanx for the tour Pete!
Friday: Soquel demonstration forest. Or as the locals say..... Demo.
Sat: Delaveaga Park. Short but sweet. Fazzio (pic above) as tour guide.
Sun: More campus trails.... cause there are sooooooooo many.

Got time to kill?

If you've got two and a half minutes, check this out.

Saddle Sores

Anybody that rides a bicycle for long enough will find him/herself cursed with saddle sores. Usually a few days off the bike will let things clear up a bit and life continues without a hitch. But, what if you need to ride. Say you're on a bike tour. A multi day stage race. Or, the trails are just so good that you can't say no. Stay tuned folks, the answers are coming up!

Ask around and you'll get advice with everything from ointments to putting a raw steak between you and your shammy. I've been doing some searching on the internet machine here at the home office and found some outstanding ideas that just may help.

One thing often overlooked is the size of the saddle on your bike. Got a saddle sore, think more surface area for your backside. Get yourself out of the "saddle" category and put yourself into something that's described as more of a "seat". This model (below) will definitely let you use your whole butt and is probably IDEAL for a road bike or commuter application. However, this model may present some issues when trying to get behind the seat during a steep descent on a mountain bike. It's probably also a bit on the heavy side.

To address the weight issue, there's the half moon saddle to satisfy all you racer types. This little beauty will let you disperse your cheeks over a bigger area and is a little more stylie than the previous model. But we still have the issue of getting behind the saddle on the ATB. (that's All Terrain Bicycle for those not in the know) Ahh, the search continues.

Enter The Spongy Wonder Seat. Light weight with good looks (comparatively). Those wiley Canucks sure did their homework on this one. With four models to choose from, the sky's the limit. Get one for each bike in the quiver. I'd consider this an "equal opportunity bike" kind of seat that will work well on everything from road to mountain.

Don't like the looks of any of those seats? Why not try a recumbent bike? This design lets you get your whole ass on the seat.... reminiscent of a couch. Plus their soooooo cool. Don't take my word for it, just look at this guy! Seems happy enough.

Plus, if you ride a recumbent, it will take you back to your formative years. Even if you don't currently ride bikes, you surely remember the infamous Big Wheel! Ahhh, plastic wheeled freedom at its finest. I logged more that a few miles on mine when I was just a wee lad and I never ever remember having saddle sores. You?

Still not satisfied? Ok. One more for ya. The Flying Squirrel Bike". I think this could really be the answer. It requires a commitment of some special clothing, necessitates that there be someone available to "rig you up", limits you to road rides and certainly won't climb that well (I actually don't even know if this can climb at all) but it takes all, and I mean ALL of the pressure off your "nether-regions". Isn't that what we were going for in the first place?

So, there you have it. The choice is yours. So many ways to avoid the all too common saddle sores.

Ed Note: The opinions expressed in the above story are soley that of the author and are not to be taken seriously, lightly, mildly or really even taken at all. The author, authors girlfriend, authors dog, authors friends and riding partners hereby exquibe all exquibeable abilities to hereon postedness within thusly.

NOT shut down....

So....... forget that post from last week. I was out "snooping" in the Tahoe Donner area and we've got some trails open again. Buff. Very buff. Traction like you read about!

Nevada City Trails

Rode off Hwy 20 today up from Nevada City. It's good. Real good down there.

Rode Pioneer from Conservancy Camp Rd to just shy of Omega Rest stop. Good conditions. The moto trails are just a weekend away from being the fast, tacky, bermed out love that everybody heads down there for. They were a little muddy and soft today. If you moto.... now's your time!!

This site is a good place to look for beta if you're new to riding down there. It'll get you the basics. There's also the Nevada City Ranger Station in Nevada City. Take Hwy 20 to JUST before N.C. and make a right on Hwy 49. The Ranger Station is about a 1/4 mile on your right. Once you get there, grab yourself a copy of the South Yuba Recreation Guide. It's got enough to keep you occupied for plenty of riding when the trails are snowed in around Truckee.

Cross Eyed

Headed down to Reno this past weekend for some cyclocross action. Hard. Real hard. I can tell I haven't been in "suffer mode" in a while. This race was part of the NCNCA series and the turnout was amazing. Lots of riders. Lots of neat bikes.

I spent most of my race suffering just inside the top 10. My last four laps were my best and I can only hope the riders I was catching were in my class. If the race were only another hour longer. I'm guessing I ended up 5th or so. The officials were a bit confused by something or other and as of this posting, there are still no results. Hmmmm.

Shut Down

No big surprise really. "They" said it was coming... I didn't wanna believe "them".

I should've know better. Instead, I left the hose out. The corners of the wood pile uncovered. The shovels in the shed... far away from the front door. The snow blower..... no gas. "They" warned me not to do that, but I did it anyway.

When I shut the lights off Monday night and to get some sleep, it was already snowing. The forecast of 4-6 in town and 10" + up high. "They've" been wrong before and I was hoping "they" would be wrong again. As I awoke Tuesday morning, I realized I owed "them" an apology. "They" had hit it perfectly. Actually, "they" were a little off as the reports came in of 16" of the white stuff up high.

We're in that period of seasons where you either get out the rock skis or load the bikes and head down the hill to quench your thirst for single-tracks. Until "they" say it's gonna snow again, I'll see you on the trails.

Vacation's neat

Haven't posted in a while. Been back in "the mother land" (Pa) visiting friends & family and, of course, riding some bikes.

Took advantage of my proximity and headed to West Virginia & hooked up with some peeps to do 2 EPIC days of riding.

"The crew" (18 of us) heading up the first climb of the day. We spent the entire day riding south on a ridge that eventually took us back to camp.

Who says there's no climbing on the east coast.

Pete's steamin' mad that he's the first to flat. He wouldn't be the last.

You just know we stopped here for a break.

Classic east coast fall colors

Riding back to camp (Seneca Rocks) after 7ish hours.

Fire Jenga

Fire Jenga..... late night

New day. New ridge. Yesterday we were on the far ridge you can see.

Jake, you better ride light.

Lunch anyone??

Riding in deep leaves. Not for the timid. Use "the force"

Tomi. Navigating some of West Va's finest.

One last view before the "oh so sweet" descent to the valley floor.

Stats day one:

• Length: long
• 18 people
• many flats
• many smiles

Day two:

• Length: longer
• 22 people
• more flats
• more smiles

All pics posted here

Stone Stomps, Perkins Proves Persistent

Words by: Seymore Butts
Photos by: Oh, there are no photos


Outalw crossers were treated to a brand-spankin' new venue this time around but familiar faces would stand atop the podium.

The womens race would see the ever persistent Cass Perkins (Truckee) throwing down a pace akin to something you would see at the Bonneville Salt Flats on a Sunday afternoon. "I heard the CHP was called because traffic on Highway 80 was getting held up from all the dust that girl's kickin' up" said a spectator lucky enough to witness the event. "Mm hmm" mentioned his wife. 2nd place would be awarded to newcommer Marain from Reno and the "future Mrs Boyle" would take home 3rd.

The mens race would start fast and furious. Gregg Stone and his evil twin, Kenny Burt, would eventually get a small gap on the rest of the field and battle throughout the entire race. Burt, fresh off a 2nd place at Brians Head Super-D, would follow Stones wheel the entire race. It seemed like he was trying a last lap pass on the "freeway section" as he got up really tight to Stones wheel, but the Mighty Mobile rider would prove too strong this day and Burt would settle for another 2nd place. The fight for the final podium spot was a good one between last weeks winner, Monte Boyle, Matt Larsen and newcommer John Hotop. Larsen, staying true to last weeks "heads are gonna roll" comment, put a strong move on the group on the "freeway section" that looked like it was going to work but instead left the Reno rider with flat tire far from the pits. Then there were two. Boyle and Hotop would challenge each other throughout the remaining laps with Boyle getting the advantage with a lap and a half to go.

Thread Repair

Here's a neat little repair that can be a big savior on juuussst the right part.

This is a nice bike. Custom steel. (Reynolds 853 to be exact) I've had the oportunity to do a couple of rides on this bike and gotta tell ya... it's a solid rig! The comoponents are a mish-mash of newer and older stuff that still works great. Disc brake up front, rise bars, lock on grips.... the list goes on!

It's got a nice, standard 5mm seat bolt on one side, with a......
.... what the heck's that janky thang on the other side! A nut? You must be kidding! You can't have a nut on there. Forget that this is a custom bike. Why on earth would you ever want to have to use 2 tools to adjust your saddle height? Don't know??? Me either. Why not just thread the seat clamp?

Introducing: The Thread Repair Insert!

The parts from left to right are:

1. Drill Bit
2. Tap
3. Steel Coil (the new thread)

4. Insertion Tools
   
   

So, drill the seat clamp... thusly.

Tap the part.... as such

A little dab will do ya. Permanent thread locking compound on the threads you just made will ensure that when you loosen the seat clamp bolt only the bolt turns.... not the steel thread repair insert you're about to install.

Install the repair coil into the clamp with the super-neat-o insertion tools.

The insertion tools (#4) really are super-neat-o. They keep the steel repair coil (#3) spaced perfectly for the desired thread pitch.

Acquire a new bolt of the proper length and..... Bang... you done got'cherself some new threads! The end of the bolt is just below flush with the clamp when it's tight... just like it's supposed to be.

(Note: If this is your first time doing this, don't... I repeat... DO NOT try to fix something expensive on your bike first without first testing this in something like..... anything else really. Just not your Thomson stem... or your brake caliper mounting threads in your fork lowers)

This used to be the common fix on Rock Shox Mag 21 lowers. The brake boss bolts would strip allllllll the time on those things. It's a handy trick for expensive tid-bits on your ride. Not only will you be up and running WITHOUT having to buy a new XTR crank arm, it's something that can have you back on the trail in no time.

Boyle & Perkins victorious at opener

Uninsured, barely organized, never serious but always a good time October kicks off Outlaw Cyclocross season in the greater Truckee area. The past few years have turned into a Truckee/Reno battle royal that's sure to be the best ever for 2008. Join us.... if you dare.

Monty Boyle (Ridley Bikes) showed the Truckee Outlaw cyclocross series just how it's done at the season opener last Thursday. "Yea, I guess I won. I don't know if I'll win the series, but someone from Reno's gonna do it" Boyle casually stated after the race.

Matty Larsen (Stable Quiver, Reno) showed good form early and was leading for the first few laps. He would succom to the pressure from Boyle and settle for a second place finish. "I was just riding along today" mumbled the mid westerner afterwards. "I'll be bringing my A-game next week and some heads are gonna roll" he went on to say later.





John Svahn chased hard and would emerge third when the dust settled. "I would've won if I had a carbon seatpost" stated the Norwegian afterwards. "I've been doing some top secret training targeted to peak just after mid season" he went on to say.




The woman's race would see two new faces in this years series. Cass Perkins appears to be the one to beat as she outpaced Annie for most of the race. It was rumored later in the pits that Annie didn't want the weight of the points lead on her shoulders this early in the series. Is Perkins unbeatable or is Annie a master tactician.... only time will tell.


It's anybodies guess as to what the season will bring. Reno is definitely in it for the fame, glory, money and everything else that comes along with winning the Outlaw series. Truckee is down a man after last years series winner, Andrew Hall, moved back to Australia to start an organic vegemite operation. Some regulars were also missing from the morning race.... scared no doubt.

Something new

If yer hankerin' for some new trail this fall, you should head up to the Tahoe Rim Trail and ride the last section heading south into Tahoe City.



Formerly called "Glass Mountain" because of the sound the shale covered riding surface used to make under your tires, the new re-route is far less rocky with sooooo many good views of the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe. This new section is, well.... new. This being the case, expect the trail to be a bit soft in sections. Next spring, this section WILL be rad! Radder that it is now.



I tried to ride this section last Thursday after work. I can tell you that it's dark... DARK in the woods @ 7:15! We stayed on bikes until the bitter end. Then we started the walk of shame that I've done far more times than I'll admit to here in this post. Nothing left to do now but yell "HEY BEAR!"

Meet Jim. Jim is often times the driving force behind anything Rim Trail related. Jim was explaining to us that the main reason for the re-route was drainage and protecting an owl habitat. I think it's because the old section was too rocky for most folks. Whatever the case, the new trail is worth a look.

Megan sets her sights on the lake. This is probably a mile from the end of the trail. This is also right about the point where we started pushing our bikes in the dark last week. I like the trail much better in the daytime.

Carefull!!!

While wrenching away on a customers bike the other day, he was telling me about an experience he had while in the parking lot at the Sage Hen Creek trail head. Apparently a lady had parked there for a quick hike and upon returning to her car found that it had been broken into and her lap-top was taken!!

I hate this kind of stuff. Your best defense is to keep as little as possible in your car and keep it as out of sight as possible while you're out and about. Even a pair of shorts laying on the floor in front of the passenger seat is probably enough to entice some low life scum bag to see if your wallet is still in one of the pockets.

Actually, I guess your best defense would be to ride from your house and just leave the car at home.

Our turn

Ahhh vacation. Isn't it grand. You get to sleep in, eat out and take life slow. You normal day to day schedule can be thrown out the window with reckless abandonment as you explore a new place, meet new people and get to try new stuff. You've worked hard... or at least hard enough to deserve some time away from the rigors of the "daily grind" and by damned, you're gonna make the most of it!!


If you live in Tahoe, or any other vacation destination, you know the routine. Friends call, ask if you're going to be around, make flight arrangements and before you know it, their in the spare room with luggage strewn about asking you where the best breakfast spot is.

Well, early next month it's our turn! My bea-u-ti-ful girlfriend and I are heading to the Oregon coast. It's our turn to couch surf, sleep until noon, make left turns from the center lane, drive 10mph under the speed limit..... don't honk at me.... I'M A TOURIST DAMMIT!!!!!

Figuring to drive to Bend, do a ride. Then pop over The Sisters the next day to the McKenzie river trail for another sampling of single track. Soak in some hot springs. After that, head further north to Portland for some more couch surfing. Then work our way out to the coast where we'll start to head back south in as lazy of a manner as possible until we run out of time.

So, if you're in Oregon in early October and there's a green Toyota driving way too slow turning right with its left turn signal on.... don't honk. Just remember.... it's our turn!!!!

Tahoe Sierra 100

What a day. I can't say as I've ever ridden 100 miles of fireroad before. Can't say as I'll ever do it again. Somehow though, the Tahoe Sierra 100 was a pretty good time.

Tomi. Shake-down ride. Tahoe Donner trails.

We loaded up the mighty truck and headed out.

My dog, Lewis, know this scene all too well.

This race was epic in all aspects. Even the drive to the race venue (French Meadows Reservoir) was nothing to be taken lightly. We took a "short cut" using Yankee Jims road out of Colfax. This road is dirt, rocky and has soooooo many ways to go wrong.

Cows. In the middle of friggin' nowwhere.

Talk about coming out of the woodwork! Burly... keepin' it real.

Tomi McMillar. Early in the day. All smiles.... for now.

Cheryl, womens open race winner, chases early in the race.

After the first climb, the picture taking kinda took a back seat for me. You can check out a ll the pics on the slideshow at the top of the page. The pics are from the race as well as a few rides in Truckee.

Mens open podium.

Womens open podium.

Mens singlespeed.

Womens singlespeed.

NUE series winners!

My race: Of course I show up late for the start and go to the back row. In a 100 mile race, this isn't really a problem. I wasn't planning on winning this thing anyhow. If I were able to beat Chris Eatough and Jeremiah Bishop, I probably wouldn't be fixing bikes and drawing house plans to pay the bills. My mission for the day was to not get passed by anybody. Starting in the back will help me accomplish my goals. After things sorted out in the early stages of the race, I would only see one other rider pass me at about the 2/3rds point of the day.

First climb. People everywhere. Dusty. People are in good spirits. This will change. At the top, I've already downed a bottle of mix. This is a good thing. Stop at an aid station and refill. Next, fireroad descent. This is the point where I'm really glad I have a 4" bike. I pass people with ease. It's dusty. Really really really dusty. As we start climb #2, I take a quick "p" break. I start the climb with Dicky. We chat. He drops me. I re-catch and return the favor. I get stuck behind someone on the only skinny part of the course and eat dust for about 1,000 vertical ft of descending. White thorn everwhere. I could ask him to let me by, but it's early in the race. I'll sit back and relax for now.

We go up the first climb again about 30 miles into the race. I feel pretty good. I also know that at the top of the climb my drop bag awaits and there's music in there. Lots of 80's & 90's tunes to keep me going. I stop at the aid station staring at the table of food for waaayyy too long. Fill bottles, another 100oz of water on the back, grab some pbj's and I'm back on the bike. After a short climb out of the check, we start a nice descent. I've got Van Hallen in the ears and things are going well. Again, my 4" bike is treating me right.

The course starts to roll and I keep an eye on the mileage remembering the 20 mile climb at the 60 mile mark. The climb came and actually wasn't too bad. We arrive at another check at the 85 mile point. Mark Tiessen is there with words of encouragement. Unfortunately, he really needed to be a few more miles up the course. The next 1/2 hour would be spent climbing a disgustingly loose, soft tiering climb. I'm slummin'. I've not budgeted energy for this part. Damn! I fumble with the track button on my mini disc player (yea, I'm old school). I settle for some random hip hop to help me up the last climb of the day. The climb get steeper, looser and more depressing as it goes. The climb can't end soon enough.

Finally it comes, the last descent. I catch a single speeder on the way down. The descent is rough. Earlier in the day, I was glad I hadn't brought the one speed, but this section is the most reassuring. Loose, rocky and some sections where it sure was nice to be able to pedal. As the descent starts to mellow, I'm within' a few miles of the finish. Damn glad too. My wrists hurt, my feet are sore and my ass.... let's not even go there. I see another rider. It takes me almost a mile to actually catch him. I tuck in behind and use his draft for a minute to recover slightly. I slingshot around him in hopes that he doesn't have the energy to counter my move. If he does, I'll never beat him. I cross the line in 8 hrs 26 min for 12th place. I'm pleased with the day, especially now that I'm done.

Swimming in the reservior felt amazing despite the burning sensation in my nether regions. Other riders wade around the water, dazed, staring into space like zombies. The guy that I'd just drafted and passed approaches. I'm sure he's gonna kick my ass, but instead gives me a high five. "Nice one" he says in a tired, raspy voice. The normal "where you from?" and "what other races do you do?" talk ensues and starts the apres' race rituals. This folks, is why I race.

Results here if yer into that kinda thang.