Breathing through a straw!

I raced the train on the way out of town along the bike path.
I beat it, thankfully, as it goes about 10 mph a top speed
A view over the Animas River Valley from the top of the cliffs.
The La Platas towering above Durango

After I scarfed down a muffin at Bread this morning I decided to hit up the hills in the Durango area and do some sprints. For my first workout back from the dead it went pretty well. I rode up the newest climb "The Cliffs" to start things off. Being back at altitude is tough and I don't think my body is used to it yet after sea level for a month. I was breathing through a straw and almost yacked at the top after giving it a solid effort on the climb. The Cliffs is an average of 13% grade for over 3 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing up to 9,000 something feet. It hurts. It is also probably going to be off limits to riders soon as the billionaires continue to by out the millionaires. There are new signs on the road saying it is Private and you can't go up there without a Realtor. I hope we can get away with sneaking by the gate for another year or two. So far so good.

It is still hot here in Durango, but not unbearable like the East with the humidity. I have actually enjoyed the training in the heat. Mountain biking is another story though, it just gets to hot out there on the trails.

Not much else going on. B.C. Superweek is not far off, hope I can do something there. I am still not sure about Firecracker 50. The altitude today was allot for me, and racing on the 4th would only give me 9 days back at altitude and Breckenridge is higher. The race goes up to 11,500 feet! Talk about breathing through a straw, maybe not even breathing at all. I am still toying with the idea of the mountain bike comeback for one race to get my ass kicked.

Tomorrow, epic mountain bike ride up the Colorado Trail again but further this time. Hopefully I won't run into any deer looking to trample me on the way up there.

Ever been charged by a deer?

The View from the top of Gudy's Rest looking toward Durango

Colorado Trail: Runs from Durango to Denver
Zach and I on the Bridge before the ascent to Gudy's Rest
The steed for 07 MTB Adventures

I kicked the virus for the most part after anothe long day of couch time. I felt pretty normal today. Most of my energy is back, but still taking it easy. Very easy! No more sore throat or aches and pains.

This morning I got up early and met Zach Valdez and his friend Trisha for a chill ride up to Gudy's on the Colorado Trail. This was just what I needed. Some mountain biking, easy and fun. On the last switchback just before the top I heard something coming through the woods down a super steep slope just above me. At first I thought for sure this was going to be a mountain lion or a bear. I couldn't see what it was but it was coming right at me and very fast crashing through the woods. The noise got louder and I could see brown flashes and branches and leaves flying everywhere. Finally I saw my attacker, a huge Buck with new antlers only half grown and in velvet. I don't think he was actually charging me but something above him had spooked him. The buck was coming right for me and I could see the fear in its eyes. I don't even know if he saw me until about 10 feet away when he turned so quick and bolted down and across the hillside. At this point I had stopped breathing and my heart rate had reached 190. I have had allot of encounters with animals, Grizzly Bears, elk, Bison, deer. This was by far one the most bazaar. So watch out for the rabid deer attacks on the Colorado Trail.

Zach just started mountain biking and this was his second ride. He is either a natural or completely out of control. I think it is a bit of both. Riding behind him was cracking me up. He would go flying into switchback, completely blow them and end up out in the weeds. For the most part though, he was doing really well for a new rider.

It was great to be out on the mountain bike. Tomorrow I think I will be able to get back to the training 100% and give it some good effort. I am still not sure about the Fire Cracker 50. I guess I better decide soon, I think it fills up quick. Either way, I will be doing an epic ride to celebrate my independence.

The Viral Funk Attacks

Say Aaaaaaaaahhhh!

After Philly week the entire team came down with some viral funk. We all haad the same symptoms and were all laid up for a few days. Luckily we were all resting anyway. However, we were not the only team to get sick. Most riders who did the Triple Crown in the Philly area were sick. This brings up the question of what is up with Pennsylvania? Is that place just a giant infected area or what? The second theory I have is that someone new we were all going really well and sabotaged our bottles infecting them with a virus, and that is why we didn't win the races. Hhhhhmmm.

I have gotten sick again! I just got back from the Doc and it appears I have a Virus. Possibly a relapse of the "Philly Funk" that never totally went away and has returned for one last attack. My plans for fun recovery rides and ripping Mountain bike trails have been postponed. Right now it is all about getting healthy. I am not to far behind in the training and rest is always best when you are battling the virus.

The last 24 hours have been misery. Sitting on the couch all day when it is so beautiful outside. The night sweats are the worst and I woke up completely soaked last night. I weighed myself and I was 150lbs in the morning. I lost about 3lbs of water overnight. I don't think I even lose that during hard races. The good thing is that I am feeling better already. Not as achey today and the fatigue level is better. One more day of couch time in the blanky and the Philly Funk should be gone.

Maybe tomorrow I will have an update about a sweet mtb ride, an easy one of course coming off of being sick. I just want to have fun while I am here in Durango and maintain the form. Alright, I hope everyone stays healthier than I am! More later!

Durango: Home sweet home!

Of course I went to Bread the bakery this morning before my spin in the Valley.
All the organic goodness!
I even managed to catch the Baker himself, Rob, for a coffee and chat.
Then I cruised solo out to Bakers Bridge and back.

I made it back to Durango yesterday. It is so nice to be back and able to sleep in my own bed. Durango has been pretty hot the past week or two and it is definitely starting to look a bit dry. I rode in 90 degrees today and it felt great after being in 90 with humidity is so much nicer.

The plan to head up North to Idaho and Wyoming to see the family has changed. There just isn't enough time and I don't want to be on the road for another week after just getting home. I am toying with the idea of racing the Fire Cracker 50 on the 4th in Breckenridge. It is the US Marathon Mountain bike national championships, but even doing a two day trip sounds like to much. We will see. Right now I am just glad to be home and enjoying my rest. I feel a bit tired but the legs felt good today on my spin.

The Animas river looks like it is flowing pretty well and it isn't murky. I checked out the fishing holes that I hit up and I think it's time to break out the fly rod and do some casting. It is a nice way to mellow out after good training days, it's good for the legs and such a rush when you land a nice trout. There are some big fish in the Animas River.

I am really looking foreword to going to British Colombia in a couple of weeks. The legs finally feel like they are strong. A little tuning up and resting here at home, I should be flying in BC.

Cath ya's

"My skirt got caught in my chain"

My skirt go caught in my chain today pretty much sums it up. Hoppy made this comment about people who explain what went wrong with their race. You either have it or you don't. The sob story that follows is just an excuse. This is where the saying about your skirt comes from.

I rode a great race until 5 laps to go in the crit today. Probably one of the better days and I totally blew the opportunity. Not because of bad legs, just bad positioning and day dreaming. I was so caught up in saving energy and using just enough to get over the climbs so that in the end I had enough to go that I lost track on how many laps were left. When Jesse came on the radio and said your at 5 laps to go, I looked back to see how many guys were behind me, none! I thought I was sitting mid pack, but I was dangling. I started to move up and David was coming off the group, still battling for the Best Young Riders jersey. I brought him back to the group along with Neil. I saw the move starting to go I just watched thinking it would come back together. It didn't and I got taken off the back of the race on the next climb by one of the Colombians. Chased back on only to come around the final corner before the last climb to the finish to with a Jelly Belly rider sliding on the pavement into the curb with and Chris Baldwin next in line to stack it on top of him. Nailed the brakes, sideways skid, just missed it by the skin of my teeth. That was it thought for me. A wasted opportunity in my mind. I had great legs, just didn't ride smart and didn't capitalize. My Skirt........got caught......in my chain!

That is a wrap on the Nature Valley GP. Back to Durango tomorrow. Wow! I am looking foreword to that. It has been far to long since I have been home. Can't wait to ride the mountain bike and just enjoy my training at home. Then it is of to Canada to race in British Colombia. Thanks to everyone for cheering out there today. It was awesome going up the climb. Lots of fans.

Nature Valley Time Trial: Dissapointment!

The Nature Valley T.T. was a disapointment. Only 5 miles, I started a bit to slow of course, but felt like I gave it a good all out effort. I actually felt like I was lacing into it pretty well for most of the race. I even thought I managed to sneak a top 10.

My ego was crushed with disapointment as I actually failed to even do a sub 10 minute tt. I don't know what I was smoking, but my best effort only brought me in a 44th place. Sucky! I guess not riding the old TT rig since Tour de Georgia has a bit to do with it, but not much. Whatever?
David continues his dominance in carrying the team. This kid is 19 and smoked so all of us in the time trail, and is wearing the best young riders jersey. Awesome!

One more race today at 7:45. The downtown criterium. Another sleepless night to come after racing so late. Sorry for the negative post, just a bit bitter today. Good luck to my bro who is making his NORBA comeback tomorrow at the Wild Flower Rush Mountain Bike race in Crested Butte.

Nature Valley Stage 2: MY RACE OVER!

The second stage of the Nature Valley GP was a complete junk show yesterday. It was really hard fighting for position in the cross winds all day. Constantly fighting for wheels with people. It was a tough day.

I knew it was going to be hard when the "Neutral Start" was going 27 mph and it was super sketchy. Within 5 miles there was about a 40 man pile up taking out 5 of the 7 riders we had in the race. Luckily myself and David the Quebexican managed to stay out of it. It eventually came back together.

With about 1 mile left till we hit the circuits I moved into perfect position with three of my teammates all up front for the dirt section. We hit the at the front of the group and within 200 yards on the gravel section I blew my tire. RACE OVER! The dirt section is only about 500 yards long and I flatted on it. I hit the radio to request a rear wheel from the team car, but before the car got there here comes Hoppy my teammate. Jeff swapped wheels so fast with me all I saw was a flash of orange and some wisps of the flowing red mullet. He got a wheel just and quickly and we chased back onto the circuits. Our day was over though and we would lose 15 minutes. Aaah! David pulled on the best young rider jersey and Big Evan continues his pursuit of a podium as he came closer with a 5th place.

So here I am in the same position as last year at this race. Completely out of any GC positoin. From here all that I can do it be opportunistic for a stage win and help my teammates anyway I can. This race holds some kind of grudge against me.

This morning we have a time trial and then later we do the infamous downtown criterium. Another one that is fast as hell with 6 turns in a 1.2K circuit. Surely, it will hurt again. Hope the weather holds up this year and there isn't any rain. Wish us luck!

Nature Valley GP Stage one

Good old Minnesota eh. Wrapped up the first stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix. A super fast downtown criterium in the evening. We didn't start until 7:00 pm, but with Summer solstice just a few days ago and being almost in Canada it doesn't get to dark here until about 10:00. The team looked pretty good. I think some of us were a bit sluggish at first after doing Philly week and not racing since then. It took me a good 40 minutes to feel normal. The course was a bit dicey and lots of corners. Only a 1K course with six turns and a small hill. Lots of coasting on the fast back section and then everyone pins it on the little roller.

Evan ended up getting 6th and Ceasar came in 7th right behind Evan. I hung on and tried not to lose time, but somehow I managed to lose a bit of time. The legs feel good though and I am looking foreword to tonight's stage, a short road race with lots of cross wind and a dirt road section. Last year I flatted on the dirt road, RACE OVER!

Anyway, this update is a little weak and not very entertaining. Just woke up from a night off tossing and turning. I am looking foreword to getting home for a bit. More later......

Olympic Mountain Biking

I have been laying low in Athens, GA for the last week since Philly. Athens is a pretty happening town. I would even go as far as that I could live here. The town is pretty cool, the people seem friendly, and there is allot to do for fun. The road riding is great with endless roads in all directions. The bad thing is the humidity. It gets pretty hot and humid. If you aren't used to it like me, it can definitely get to you at first.

Yesterday my teammate Cody Stephenson and I went over to Conyers, GA to ride the 1996 Olympic Mountain Bike course. We rounded up some sweet mountain bikes from @ the Hub, the local shop in Athens, and headed down there with big John Erwin. John is our mechanic and works at the shop. John organized a Father's Day ride and Cody and I seemed to be a main attraction. I guess people will take any opportunity they can get to come out and put the wood to the roadies on the dirt. I rode a sweet 29er for the first time and Cody roosted a new Fuel. It was a blast and felt great to be out in the woods on mountain bikes.

The Olympic course was actually much more challenging than I thought it would be. I remember watching it on t.v. and seeing the Granite Slick Rock sections, which by the way, pummeled my hands. Cody and I had no trouble cruising through the trees with our road kits on and even riding in road shoes and our Speedplay road pedals. As for the 29er. I think I am still sold on a short travel full suspension with 26 inch wheels. The 29er just doesn't accelerate as well. You can definitely get away with rolling over big things and laying it into corners with a bigger wheel. It just felt a bit sluggish and harsh on the pot holed rock section.

I ended up catching a bit of a cold after Philly. After racing in the rain in Lancaster and all the crap on the roads in PA, in general, it is no surprise. It seems that many people have become sick. I am not the only one with a head cold. Whatever, I feel strong on the bike so hopefully I can translate that into something next week in Nature Valley.

Today I head out to Minnesota for the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Lots of racing in 5 days. Even a double day stage with a criterium and a time trial. Last year I ended up crashing out of the race, so I hope to at least finish and would like to score a result there for the team if not for myself.

Well, I am off and running to the Atlanta Airport today. Bigger news is that I am not doing Tour de Toona this year. Instead I have been assigned to do the British Colombia Superweek. I am very excited. New races are always a good time and new country. Until next time.

Philly, fastest race ever!

Wow! What a race. 160 miles, attacks all day, crashes, and the fastes finish time ever for that course. It was an incredible day with good weather and the usual 60,000 fans lining the streets and Manyunk Wall. Everytime up The Wall it was insane. The fans are probably just a couple beers short of needing to be carted off to detox, they are smoking cigaretts, dope, and who knows what else, screaming for all the riders as you put yourself into difficulty again and again. It was awesome!

I felt pretty good today up to about mile 120, then the legs just shut down. CRACKED! I would have died, had it not been for Cody Stevenson, my teammate. He got us bottles all day, endless amounts of bottles. Every time the team was in need of food or drink, Cody pulled through. All of the guys killed it today. Neil Shirley won the KOM Jersey. I tried to go for the KOM on the first lap. Didn't work!

Annyway, made it through 3 crashes. I don't know how, but I rode right through a crash. One guy was on the ground skidding next to me while another was in the air on the other side of me. Huge pile up. I weaved through it. Unreal. It was one of those moments where you are just in the zone.

Off to Athen's tomorrow. Thanks for stopping in. Thanks to everyone cheering for us and the team. See you on the road.

Don't Tune in!....Documentary Cancelled!

Well, as of yesterday we found out that the Bean Team Documentary on Versus has been cancelled. Something to do with, not the right fonts for the subtitles. I am sorry to get every one's hopes up. We actually got to view it last night as a team, it was a pretty good piece of work.

I am getting ready to depart the hotel and head out for some serious racing. 6 hours of suffering today. Lots of fast guys and 10 laps up the WALL as they call it in Philly. Should be a good one.

Report later!

Triple crown day 2- in

Triple crown day 2- in the books. Actually felt like myself today, Went up the climbs fast, covered lots of moves. Off to Phily tomorrow!

Don't forget...this Sunday

Howdy folks! Just wanted to remind everyone to tune into the Jittery Joe's Documentary film that will air this weekend, Sunday! I won't be able to watch it right away because we will be racing in Phillidelphia. I am curious to see how it turned out.

Tomorrow is the second stage of the Triple Crown series. I compeleted the race last year, it was a fun race and a tough circuit. I am feeling pretty strong after a few days of rest. I must be the fittest I have ever been, at least according to the heart rate as it was 35 this morning after a cup of coffee. Lowest I have ever seen it. Alright, that is enough of the training squawk. Hoping to perform well tomorrow. Just have to get my suffer face on.

The riding here is awesome in the Amish country. I did a great ride yesterday with the Teammate Tommy Nankervis and the youngster we are staying with Zac. Zac took us on a great ride and we saw the Amish farm from the movie "Witness" with Harrison Ford.

I get back to Durango on the 25th of June, then I think I am going to head back up to the North to vist the parents for a week if the funds are there. Even eyeing the WYDAHO Mountain bike race at Targhee. I have to find some races that will be fun to keep the fitness while on the road.

Anyway, I am going to get a little nap in. Rough life huh, yeah, we have it pretty easy sometimes, until you have to race with sketchballs on narrow tires in the rain. More later!

Results @ CSC and Langcaster

Well yesterday was the first day of Philly week in Langcaster, PA. I pretty much picked up where I left off last season, sucked! My legs felt pretty shitty after the CSC 100k criterium. However, I can't complain because CSC was the first race in a while where I felt like I was a bike racer. I was able to hang in there the whole race which was very hard and helped get big Evan up to the front to have a go in the sprint. I am not in the results for that race though, I popped anyway after helping Evan out.

Here in Langcaster, I cracked on the 8th lap. It was pouring rain from start to finish. I turned into a complete softie (imagine that!) Covered a few moves on the first couple laps and then sat in the back, which is the worst place to be. I finally pulled the pin. I am a little bummed, but didn't expect much since after racing CSC in 92 degrees and humidity. I pulled out of the race but the results say I finished in 22nd. Sweet! Put that one on the resume.

Anyway, I hope that I feel a bit better in the next stage on Thursday in Reading, PA. Lots of uphill which should be alright if the legs agree. I will update more later from Amish country, just kind of over the site at the moment. Thanks.........