It’s been super hot here for the last several days but the forecast called for a cold front to roll in on Saturday night. Having spent time in the heat preparing, I was kind of hoping for it to stay hot, but I’d say that would put me in the minority. Another concern going into the race was the fact that a Forward Motion race was going to be held on Saturday and many of us decided that if the conditions were anything other than perfect, that the MHSC crowd would basically be getting “left-overs”.
We rolled in just before 5:00 on Saturday and it was still 95’ish. By the time we got the camper and van jockeyed around and settled in, I was drenched in sweat. I got my mountain bike out and took off on the course and found an almost entirely new trail from past years. The conditions were unbelievable and I could only imagine how bitchin’ the race was going to be. The best part on the mountain bike ride was getting to the creek section and cooling off.
So after my ride we sat down for supper and Dad informs me that he thinks it needs to rain a little bit. I responded with “are you high?” and a quick “it does NOT need to rain”. So I ribbed him a bit and said, “if we get your rain, you’re gonna be a one lap wonder – you ain’t gonna like it”. There were probably as many log crossings as I’ve seen in a trail, at all different angles and of all different sizes. A bit of moisture on them would make them truly haggard.
So of course, it rained.
I sat my mashed potato pot from supper outside so I could see how much and by morning we had ¾”. Oh, thanks so much Frank! I put my MX31 Dunlop’s on and headed out for practice. I hated the conditions. It was really slippery and the roots and logs were no fun. I came back and tried a trick that Peter from Yamaha NZ emailed me about this week to help find traction and then I tried to find some way to convince myself this would be “enjoyable”.
“GO TIME”: There were 13 guys on the front row and I entered the trail in about seventh position. I was nowhere near comfortable and was just kind of riding along and trying to not crash. Pretty early on I got by Mark Gay and then I came up on “Little Mickie” Kirkness who had wadded up over a big log. He got going just in front of me and then I got to watch him do a big triple dab washout over a slick root. In his defense, I don’t think he saw it on his “sight lap” and didn’t know it was there (I gotta be careful what I say since he may read this and will probably refuse to speak to me – or offer me pizza again).
So that put me in fifth and before the end of the lap I was in second with Caleb Wohletz leading the way. I actually thought I was further back than that so when I got the pit board I was a bit surprised. On lap two, some of the trail was better and some wasn’t so I was just trying to ride within my limits and not take any chances.
Aaron Shaw caught up to me on lap three and I figured he was going quicker so I gave him the preferred line and he went by. It turns out he was fighting clutch issues and our pace didn’t change much. Near the end of the lap he stalled and I passed him then he passed me when I stopped for clean goggles and a splash of fuel. By then, I was feeling a bit better and choosing good lines so I closed back up to him and went by and I tried to pick up the pace.
Then I lost the front end and went down giving him second position back. I reeled him back in and when we got to the corn field section I gave a glance back and saw that Ken Yount had caught up to us. Then I heard another bike back there and I saw Brandon Forrester. So it was pretty much like the last round now. There were four of us together all battling; the only difference was that Wohletz was out front, all alone.
When Shaw was trying to pass a lapped rider in a fast field I went to the other side of them and got them both to take over second. I had pressure the whole rest of the way. Sometimes it was Shaw, sometimes Yount, and sometimes Forrester, but there was always someone right there, providing the heat. For the last lap and a half I kept trying to hit my lines and get through traffic as quick as possible.
We got to the final creek crossing and I stuck with the safest line while I heard a four stroke pinned to the stop behind me. I came up the muddy bank on the other side and I could still hear it but I managed to get to the field blast first and ride error-free the last half-mile of trail to finish second. Forrester was three seconds behind me and Yount was one second behind him. It was pretty intense that last 40 minutes or so.
OTHER STUFF: It turned out to be a good day for me; especially considering how crappy practice went. It’s not that the course was that bad, it’s just that on Saturday I saw how good it could be, and then after the rain it wasn’t nearly as good. But it got better and I got to battle with some guys again, so it did turn out to be “enjoyable”.
Steve Akers and Chad Vaught went with me to the Michigan OMA last weekend and this week they battled it out to go 1-2 in the “A” Intermediate class (8th & 9th overall – best ever results for each of them, I think). Todd Corwin got third and after the race told me he got beat by my “little buddies”. I asked if he wanted to go to the next OMA in Wisconsin and he said “no” so I told him they would probably beat him at the next MHSC round, too. There, Todd – you have been called out!
Mickie raced the National Flat Track event in Lima, OH and then drove all night so he could come play in the trees with us on Sunday. A couple of weeks ago he rattled his cage at Peoria and this was the first time since then he had ridden in the woods. He said he couldn’t see very well and fell off about 15 times. I think by the end of the race he had retired (again) but I reckon he’ll be ready to ride again by Wednesday or so.
The guys at www.offroadchampions.com and www.theorc.com have been posting my reports lately so a big thanks to them for getting the word out about my world.
Continuing the surge of athletes joining the team this year, Hydrapak announces the latest addition to their ultra running family: 2009 TransRockies Women’s Champion Devon Crosby-Helms
“Joining the Hydrapak team was an easy decision,” says Devon Crosby-Helms. “I believe in the products. For me, the Gel-bots and Soft Flasks are an absolute part of my essentials now. I am able to stay on top of my nutrition and hydration needs easily, without having to fuss with wrappers or packages. Using Gel-bots and Soft Flasks saves me minutes and seconds in getting my nutrition in while racing. That may not seem like a lot, but during 50 and 100 mile races it can make a huge difference. To me, the details matter and Hydrapak covers two of the most important, hydration and nutrition.”
“Hydrapak provides ultrarunners an edge by providing the newest and most innovative products for a sport where efficiency matters” said Jim Vernon, Team Manager at Hydrapak. “With Devon supporting our mission, we have another highly regarded athlete, with extensive nutritional expertise backing up strong performances, spreading the good word.”
After bursting on the Ultra scene in ’07 with many impressive finishes, including several course records, Devon has continued to excel and is now recognized among the world’s top ultra distance runners. In 2009, she held the ultra running world on the edge of their seats as she and her running partner, Caitlin Smith, battled seasoned veterans to win the Gore-Tex Challenge Stage Race through Colorado. She then went on to crush course records in several races including The JFK 50, the oldest and largest Ultra race in the country.
Devon’s upcoming schedule includes: the Napa Valley Marathon, March 7th, Lake Sonoma 50 M, March 27th, American River 50 M, April 10th, Big Sur Marathon, April 25th, Ice Age Trail 50 M, May 8th and the Western States 100 M, June 26th.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world. More information can be found at www.hydrapak.com or by calling 510.632.8318.
Curiak attempts to ride the Iditarod Trail: Watch his progress
Mountain Biking legend Mike Curiak is once again riding the 1,150 mile Iditarod Trail this winter. This year however, he’ll be attempting to ride unsupported, carrying all his gear and avoiding any warm cabins that may draw him in for comfort.
He’ll be leaving a few days before the mushers who will be quickly gaining on him as he tries to beat them to Nome.
Adding to the deep pool of current team members, Hydrapak is proud to announce the signing of Mountain Bike Hall of Fame nominee Mike Curiak, who is currently attempting an unsupported, 1150-mile ride, along the Iditarod Trail of Alaska.
“There are very few pack makers out there producing a pack that makes me want to plunk down my hard earned green,” says Mike Curiak. “Of these, only Hydrapak has consistently shown that they’re interested in meeting the needs of epic riders and ‘bikepackers’ alike. The attention to detail, organization, and durability of Hydrapak’s Morro and Jolla I’ve been using has been nothing short of super, super impressive. I contacted Hydrapak about a year ago in hopes of joining their team. My goal? Simple, to get hands-on involved in producing the best and ‘baddest’ packs on the planet.”
Industry veteran, Mike Curiak began successfully racing mountain bikes in 1989. With initial success in the XC and DH disciplines, he transitioned into long distance racing that offered more challenge and matched his adventurous edge. 100 mile and 24-hour events only spurred his interest to go even further. Events of unbelievable magnitude were just over the horizon. Once there, he secured his spot as a pioneer within the sport of mountain biking.
Mike has set course records at the most difficult and challenging races known including the Iditasport Impossible (1,150 miles), Iditarod Trail Invitational (350 and 1,100 miles), Grand Loop Race (340 miles) Great Divide Race (2500 miles), and Kokopelli Trail Race (142 miles). These events push the boundaries to the cusp of what is humanly possible on a bike.
Curiak continues his passion for mountain biking operating LaceMine29, a successful 29” custom wheel building service from his Grand Junction workshop and documenting his extraordinary adventures through images and words on his blog at lacemine29.blogspot.com.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world
World 24 Hour Endurance Cycling Champion Rebecca Rusch Inks With Hydrapak
Hydrapak has once again raised the bar on its cycling athlete team roster, by signing one of the sport’s most prolific mountain bike and adventure race competitors, World 24 Hour Endurance Champion Rebecca Rusch.
“I chose Hydrapak because they make the absolute best reservoir in the world…strong, light, easy to clean, simple to use,” says Rebecca Rusch. “On top of that Hydrapak has worked hard to be innovative with their overall technology, bringing the packs and new Surge bite valve up to the standard they have set with the Reversible Reservoir II. I love the simplicity of the whole system and that Hydrapak listens to what their athlete’s want.”
“Top endurance athletes like Rebecca require all their systems dialed for success, says Hydrapak Team Manager Jim Vernon. “Rebecca dedicated time to review our gear before she could honestly endorse Hydrapak. Having her on board signals to us that we are on the right path.”
Since turning to pro in 2001, Rebecca Rusch has proven to the world she has what it takes to execute above and beyond during the sport’s most brutal adventure and mountain bike races. Drawing from her background in adventure racing, Rebecca has a deep well of skills: paddling, rock climbing, biking, navigating, skiing, and more.
Rusch moved to California from the stark plains of Illinois after college to pursue rock climbing. She soon racked up ascents of big walls from Yosemite to Zion. Paddling was next as she rose through local competitive ranks to race with the world-famous Offshore Canoe Club’s women’s outrigger team in the brutal Molokai crossing. Adventure Racing was the next challenge. The first race she entered was a qualifier for the Australian Eco-challenge. “We ended up winning the race. The rest is history,” says Rusch.
In the nine years since that first adventure race, Rusch has become one of the strongest female captains in the sport and garnered an incredibly deep résumé.
In 2006, Rebecca successfully turned her talents toward endurance solo mountain bike races while continuing to compete in the toughest adventure races. In 2006, she won the Solo Mountain Biking Nationals, and took second in Worlds. 2007 was a banner season for Rebecca and she started her climb to the top of the sport. Winning the 2007, 2008, and 2009 World Solo 24hr Championships cemented her into the history books, as well as putting her on top of the podium next to cycling great Lance Armstrong at the grueling Leadville 100. With no end in sight, Rebecca will continue to push herself and others in endurance racing to be the best.
Rebecca was featured in “Race Across the Sky,” a documentary about the 2009 Leadville 100 event. Beginning February 25th, she will be touring with the film and will host pre-parties at select retailers. For more information on dates and times check out her website at www.rebeccarusch.com.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world. More information can be found at www.hydrapak.com or by calling 510.632.8318.
Photo Credit: (c)Dan Campbell/Red Bull Photofiles
Musto Starts the Season off with a Win at the White Tank Whirlwind
Danielle started her season off nicely with a win at the White Tank Whirlwind race in Arizona last weekend.
Here is her race report:
In Arizona, racing is already in full swing. Jason, Juli and I arrived at the race venue about an hour early to find a pretty big crowd of people. The marathon race started at 8 a.m., and the rest of the regular XC races were going off a half hour later.
The lines were moving pretty quickly, and when I picked up my race number and timing chip one of the volunteers asked me to step on a scale. I was like, “wow, they are really serious about their races here.” She led me over to it, and it was right in front of the registration line. Talk about intimidating. I asked her why she was weighing me and she was like, “aren’t you racing in the rock crusher division?” In Michigan we refer to that division as Clydesdale. I immediately decided to put a ban on Nutella for at least a week.
Hydrapak Athlete Rebecca Rusch Interviewed on Ketchum 7
We’d like to congratulate Rebecca Rusch for dedicating herself to the pursuit of endurance challenges, across many disciplines, and inspiring so many people along the way. As one of the main characters of Race Across the Sky, the Leadville 100 Bike documentary, she continues to be a strong spokesperson for endurance sports.
Here is a recent interview from Ketchum’s Channel 7 that will get bikers fired up to start training for 2010 today.
It is always nice when some peers like what you already think is cool. This happened over the weekend with Bike Rumor….they seem to dig the gel-bot for fast group rides when you don’t have the time to reach in your jersey pocket to rip open a gel-packet.
Nice review of the Jolla in this month’s Mountain Biking UK……. Here is what they say: “The Jolla’s not cheap, but the performance, comfort, and tech can’t be denied.” Want to read more…click HERE
Note however, the price is only $129.99
Big Sur gets some Love from the UK’s MBR Magazine
MBR Magazine, April 2010
Continuing the surge of athletes joining the team this year, Hydrapak announces the latest addition to their ultra running family: 2009 TransRockies Women’s Champion Devon Crosby-Helms
“Joining the Hydrapak team was an easy decision,” says Devon Crosby-Helms. “I believe in the products. For me, the Gel-bots and Soft Flasks are an absolute part of my essentials now. I am able to stay on top of my nutrition and hydration needs easily, without having to fuss with wrappers or packages. Using Gel-bots and Soft Flasks saves me minutes and seconds in getting my nutrition in while racing. That may not seem like a lot, but during 50 and 100 mile races it can make a huge difference. To me, the details matter and Hydrapak covers two of the most important, hydration and nutrition.”
“Hydrapak provides ultrarunners an edge by providing the newest and most innovative products for a sport where efficiency matters” said Jim Vernon, Team Manager at Hydrapak. “With Devon supporting our mission, we have another highly regarded athlete, with extensive nutritional expertise backing up strong performances, spreading the good word.”
After bursting on the Ultra scene in ’07 with many impressive finishes, including several course records, Devon has continued to excel and is now recognized among the world’s top ultra distance runners. In 2009, she held the ultra running world on the edge of their seats as she and her running partner, Caitlin Smith, battled seasoned veterans to win the Gore-Tex Challenge Stage Race through Colorado. She then went on to crush course records in several races including The JFK 50, the oldest and largest Ultra race in the country.
Devon’s upcoming schedule includes: the Napa Valley Marathon, March 7th, Lake Sonoma 50 M, March 27th, American River 50 M, April 10th, Big Sur Marathon, April 25th, Ice Age Trail 50 M, May 8th and the Western States 100 M, June 26th.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world. More information can be found at www.hydrapak.com or by calling 510.632.8318.
Curiak attempts to ride the Iditarod Trail: Watch his progress
Mountain Biking legend Mike Curiak is once again riding the 1,150 mile Iditarod Trail this winter. This year however, he’ll be attempting to ride unsupported, carrying all his gear and avoiding any warm cabins that may draw him in for comfort.
He’ll be leaving a few days before the mushers who will be quickly gaining on him as he tries to beat them to Nome.
Adding to the deep pool of current team members, Hydrapak is proud to announce the signing of Mountain Bike Hall of Fame nominee Mike Curiak, who is currently attempting an unsupported, 1150-mile ride, along the Iditarod Trail of Alaska.
“There are very few pack makers out there producing a pack that makes me want to plunk down my hard earned green,” says Mike Curiak. “Of these, only Hydrapak has consistently shown that they’re interested in meeting the needs of epic riders and ‘bikepackers’ alike. The attention to detail, organization, and durability of Hydrapak’s Morro and Jolla I’ve been using has been nothing short of super, super impressive. I contacted Hydrapak about a year ago in hopes of joining their team. My goal? Simple, to get hands-on involved in producing the best and ‘baddest’ packs on the planet.”
Industry veteran, Mike Curiak began successfully racing mountain bikes in 1989. With initial success in the XC and DH disciplines, he transitioned into long distance racing that offered more challenge and matched his adventurous edge. 100 mile and 24-hour events only spurred his interest to go even further. Events of unbelievable magnitude were just over the horizon. Once there, he secured his spot as a pioneer within the sport of mountain biking.
Mike has set course records at the most difficult and challenging races known including the Iditasport Impossible (1,150 miles), Iditarod Trail Invitational (350 and 1,100 miles), Grand Loop Race (340 miles) Great Divide Race (2500 miles), and Kokopelli Trail Race (142 miles). These events push the boundaries to the cusp of what is humanly possible on a bike.
Curiak continues his passion for mountain biking operating LaceMine29, a successful 29” custom wheel building service from his Grand Junction workshop and documenting his extraordinary adventures through images and words on his blog at lacemine29.blogspot.com.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world
World 24 Hour Endurance Cycling Champion Rebecca Rusch Inks With Hydrapak
Hydrapak has once again raised the bar on its cycling athlete team roster, by signing one of the sport’s most prolific mountain bike and adventure race competitors, World 24 Hour Endurance Champion Rebecca Rusch.
“I chose Hydrapak because they make the absolute best reservoir in the world…strong, light, easy to clean, simple to use,” says Rebecca Rusch. “On top of that Hydrapak has worked hard to be innovative with their overall technology, bringing the packs and new Surge bite valve up to the standard they have set with the Reversible Reservoir II. I love the simplicity of the whole system and that Hydrapak listens to what their athlete’s want.”
“Top endurance athletes like Rebecca require all their systems dialed for success, says Hydrapak Team Manager Jim Vernon. “Rebecca dedicated time to review our gear before she could honestly endorse Hydrapak. Having her on board signals to us that we are on the right path.”
Since turning to pro in 2001, Rebecca Rusch has proven to the world she has what it takes to execute above and beyond during the sport’s most brutal adventure and mountain bike races. Drawing from her background in adventure racing, Rebecca has a deep well of skills: paddling, rock climbing, biking, navigating, skiing, and more.
Rusch moved to California from the stark plains of Illinois after college to pursue rock climbing. She soon racked up ascents of big walls from Yosemite to Zion. Paddling was next as she rose through local competitive ranks to race with the world-famous Offshore Canoe Club’s women’s outrigger team in the brutal Molokai crossing. Adventure Racing was the next challenge. The first race she entered was a qualifier for the Australian Eco-challenge. “We ended up winning the race. The rest is history,” says Rusch.
In the nine years since that first adventure race, Rusch has become one of the strongest female captains in the sport and garnered an incredibly deep résumé.
In 2006, Rebecca successfully turned her talents toward endurance solo mountain bike races while continuing to compete in the toughest adventure races. In 2006, she won the Solo Mountain Biking Nationals, and took second in Worlds. 2007 was a banner season for Rebecca and she started her climb to the top of the sport. Winning the 2007, 2008, and 2009 World Solo 24hr Championships cemented her into the history books, as well as putting her on top of the podium next to cycling great Lance Armstrong at the grueling Leadville 100. With no end in sight, Rebecca will continue to push herself and others in endurance racing to be the best.
Rebecca was featured in “Race Across the Sky,” a documentary about the 2009 Leadville 100 event. Beginning February 25th, she will be touring with the film and will host pre-parties at select retailers. For more information on dates and times check out her website at www.rebeccarusch.com.
Hydrapak is a leading global supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment. With deep roots in cycling culture, Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak components are also found on top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. Brought to life in 1996 and located in Oakland, CA, Hydrapak products can be found in major retailers and sport specialty stores throughout the world. More information can be found at www.hydrapak.com or by calling 510.632.8318.
Photo Credit: (c)Dan Campbell/Red Bull Photofiles
Musto Starts the Season off with a Win at the White Tank Whirlwind
Danielle started her season off nicely with a win at the White Tank Whirlwind race in Arizona last weekend.
Here is her race report:
In Arizona, racing is already in full swing. Jason, Juli and I arrived at the race venue about an hour early to find a pretty big crowd of people. The marathon race started at 8 a.m., and the rest of the regular XC races were going off a half hour later.
The lines were moving pretty quickly, and when I picked up my race number and timing chip one of the volunteers asked me to step on a scale. I was like, “wow, they are really serious about their races here.” She led me over to it, and it was right in front of the registration line. Talk about intimidating. I asked her why she was weighing me and she was like, “aren’t you racing in the rock crusher division?” In Michigan we refer to that division as Clydesdale. I immediately decided to put a ban on Nutella for at least a week.
Hydrapak Athlete Rebecca Rusch Interviewed on Ketchum 7
We’d like to congratulate Rebecca Rusch for dedicating herself to the pursuit of endurance challenges, across many disciplines, and inspiring so many people along the way. As one of the main characters of Race Across the Sky, the Leadville 100 Bike documentary, she continues to be a strong spokesperson for endurance sports.
Here is a recent interview from Ketchum’s Channel 7 that will get bikers fired up to start training for 2010 today.
It is always nice when some peers like what you already think is cool. This happened over the weekend with Bike Rumor….they seem to dig the gel-bot for fast group rides when you don’t have the time to reach in your jersey pocket to rip open a gel-packet.
Nice review of the Jolla in this month’s Mountain Biking UK……. Here is what they say: “The Jolla’s not cheap, but the performance, comfort, and tech can’t be denied.” Want to read more…click HERE
It is always nice when some peers like what you already think is cool. This happened over the weekend with Bike Rumor….they seem to dig the gel-bot for fast group rides when you don’t have the time to reach in your jersey pocket to rip open a gel-packet.
