Makin' a run for the Cup! Update for US Cup East #4 & US Cup East #6!

Well, it appears that I'm well over-due for posting an update, eh! LOL Things have been crazy busy with work and life leaving little time for racing or trying to post to my Blog! Anyhow...

I left off with the US Cup East #4 which took my team mates and I to Ducktown, TN. following the Hobby Park Wednesday night training series race. I was feeeling great following the race, but not looking forward to yet another muddy venue. We rolled-in to Ducktown in the early afternoon with plenty of time for the planned pre-ride. It was tough to get motivated due to the non-stop rain, and I was not looking forward to the ensuing clean-up from the pre-ride. However, running singel speed it is a requirement when you have never ridden the trail as you would have no idea of what kind of gear is possible. Once on the bike I was ready to go to get it done. It was chilly at first, being that it was only in the 50's, but the start climb had things warming up quick. The trail was in great condition, and surprisingly it had very little mud...needless to say this set me up for a rude awakening race day! Finally finishing the pre-ride I was confident that the 2:1 gear ratio was acceptable, and off to dinner we went.

Race morning we were up and out to the course ready to go with about 1hr to warm-up. Upon arriving at the venue at 8:30AM we quickly noticed that the river had risen numerous feet! We were seeing the bottom with all the rocks less than 12hrs earlier, and now it appeared to be Class-5 rapids! Then just about 1/2hr prior to the start they announced a delay of at least 1hr and that the race was changing. The park directors made everyone move to the opposite side of the river due to the water level, and part of the original course was under water! The course/race was now to be a XC-TT!! 1 lap for all classes, roughly 11 miles long! The start was crazy, with a patch of asphalt for about 10 yards, leading to a drop-off of a few inches, only wide enough for 2 bikes, and into a single track ridge climb for a couple of miles! At the start 1 rider spoke-up and stated he would be letting the other 3 of us go (smallest turn-out yet due to weather). So that left 3 of us jockeying for position. As we took off the rider next to me gave me a squeeze so I backed-off knowing I had a bigger gear for the duration of the race. Then I noticed the 2nd rider, on the far right, having trouble clipping-in to his pedals. I attacked and passed him on the edge of the ridge quickly bridging-up to the leader who pushed me over off the line. After just about 400yds into the climb the leader suddenly sat down on his saddle dropping his cadence. It seemed like we were climbing up a river with all the water coming down the trail. The one good thing about this was that the water washed-away any mud that might clog-up the working of the bike, but it created extra effort and kept the feet and legs cold never allowing them to warm-up. I quickly called-out my pass and increased my cadence to blow by him in a split second! After a few bends of the climb we came to a short false-flat where the trails ascent decreased for about 40yds allowing for a short breather, and for me a pedal strokes in the saddle to get a drink and look back at the competition. I found I had a good gap and quickly stood back on the pedals and increased my cadence again. By the time I crested the first major series of climbs I was out of sight and passing those classes which started minutes before us. It wasn't until the last series of steep climbs that the previous leader finally pulled me back. Just after I let him pass me, to sit on his wheel, we came to a tight/steep switchback. I was dismounted for the entry as he started the climb. 2 steps into the climb he lost traction and momentum and came across the trail in front of me almost crashing. He then dismounted and walked following me up the climb. Once we made it to the final steep/slight right bend to the top I re-mounted and hammered it out cresting the top. We were now on the final crazy decent which would include a mix of gravel road jeep trail and slick single track! We passed a couple of riders, then my glasses began to fog-up. As I pulled them off to place them in my back jersey pocket he attacked and passed me. It was short-lived, as he went into a corner too hot and just as he began to slide-out his tires grabbed! This was pure luck, as instead of sliding off the edge of the mountian down into trees it shot him up hill into the enbankment full of trees. I heard a crack and immediately slowed-up to yell back to see if he was OK. As I watched I saw him pull his bike back out of the trees, so I continued on knowing he was OK. He soon puled back up to my wheel and I kept him there through the nasty single track where we both nearly slid-off more than a few times. (Crazy thinking a couple of single speeds racing downhill!!! LOL) Once at the bottom it was a mile to the finish on asphalt along the road. I encouraged him to take the lead and joked with him that we both knew I had the bigger gear, which he laughed back in acknowledgement. Then with about 50yds to go I gave a sprint and took the WIN!

US Cup East #6 took my family and I to Jackson, GA for the holiday weekend! This would be #4 of 7 required races for the overall series title that I would be competing in for 2013. We arrived early afternoon once again for my pre-ride of the course. Shortly before I was ready Matt finished-up his pre-ride and came over to tell me to put on a bigger gear! So, after chatting with Matt, Robert, and Chase, I chose to do it and swapped-out my 17T rear cog for a 16T cog. This put my gear ratio at 2.13:1. This would be the biggest gear raced yet on a 29er for me! The pre-ride went great, even though everyone was complaining about the bumpy course ridden with roots and rocks. It was a lot like the Greensboro trails and seemed normal to me. However, once back I returned the 17T cog to the bike. My decision was made due to a few short steep rocky/rooty climbs where I knew I would be trying to pass riders I always catch on lap #1. I figured the lower gear would allow for any slow climbs and fast acceleration for passes, and I also figured that no one would be running bigger than 2:1 gearing.

Race morning started with kids races! As I prepped for my race Thane took off in the 7-8yo class at 8:30AM. He went into the woods in 3rd place for 2 laps of what was the final short loop of our race course. It had a few sharp corners and a couple of short climbs with 1 being a little steep. Coming out of the woods to start lap 2 he was in the lead! He had a good gap as we cheered him on. Apparently the leader stepped-off his bike on the steepest climb and Thane blew by him. He held it to the finish and took the win, his 1st US Cup race and his 1st win! Then it was Nic's turn in the 3-5yo class. He was super excited, but as usual he got timid and let others go in front of him into the trail. He eventually passed a few and on the final decent 2nd place crashed and he was able to squeeze by. Finishing strong with 1 other closing the gap quick he managed to take 2nd! Now it was my turn...

At the line it was choas as usual with all the Sport class riders squeezing in front. I eventually yelled out to them to hold-up as we took our place in front of them behind the Pro/CAT1 women's field. I was fealing pretty confident with my gearing, but the guy next to me pointed to a young guy on the far left stating that he ran away with the race the week before. As we took off I quickly saw that rider attack the inside for the lead, but I held back as we started on asphalt which dropped onto gravel, then back to asphalt with the start of climb #1 which was a couple hundred yards before cresting and dropping into the single track.

As I continued to increase pace I began to pull away from the field into the lead. Once I hit the asphalt climb I stood on the pedals and attacked! As I crested the climb I released my lock-out on the fork and peeked back to see a nice gap to the field with 3 of the remaining 8 giving chase. Knowing there was limited passing in the tight trail I held an easy pace. I figured that if they pulled up to my wheel I would attack again, as by then the legs would be warmed-up and ready to go after recovering from effort #1. Then on a short rooty/rocky up in the trail I felt something in my left hand pop and a short quick pain shot through my thumb/wrist/forearm and then it disappeared. I quickly looked back wondering if this would mean trouble. The chase wasn't closing...so, I attacked on the 1st technical decent. Quickly I was out of sight. I continued to hammer while lookin back in areas of trail where it doubled back, but I never saw the chase. Just before completing Lap #1 I came up behind riders on a minibike. It was Dave giving Robert a ride out!! As I passed I noticed it was him and called out asking if he was ok. In classic Robert I heard, "Yeah, Yeah!" LOL  Then I continued to hammer on hoping he wasn't banged-up too bad. Lap #2 was more of the same, and the body felt even better. However, I forced myself to hold-back so as to not make any stupid mistakes. Yet, I still pulled-in numerous riders from the CAT1 classes that had started before us crusing by them in the tight technical sections. Finishing the race I felt great, good enough to take another lap even! But then it was time to start packing up for the return trip to my parents' as my wife was getting the kids ready.

Taking the podium Dave was kind enough to allow me to have the mic. I stood on the top as everyone hushed to hear my words. "Thank you, Dave, everyone! Today in honor of Memorial Day I chose to not wear my team jersey in memory of my friend SCSWO John "Dusty" Marcum, KIA 9/11/08, and all others. Who was the leader of the team DEVGRU which his remaining team mates ultimately killed BinLaden! Thank you!" The crowd then broke into cheers and claps! It was a great response. Only bummer was I missed spraying the champagne! LOL But I already took enough time from Dave's agenda and thanked him again! :)

A couple of hours later, while driving home, the left hand started to ache. Before long it was getting unbearable! We made a stop for gas and some food and Iran into McD's to get a bag of ice. It didn't help, but also it never swelled-up which was odd. However, while getting gas we had a laugh as a moron woman next to us drove off from the pump in her Mercedes ripping the hose off as she left it in her tank!! Her 2 daughters quickly popped up with their cell phones to video it as their mom made the stupid comment of how she didn't break it, that they were made for people who do this! LOL

Race prep for this week.

Wednesday this week brought the Triad Mountain Bike Race Series to Hobby Park in Winston-Salem. Being so close to work it was hard to not go to this one! Arriving at the venue about 1/2hr prior to the 6:15PM start I got registered and tried to get loosened-up while also trying to get in some hydration and nutrition, as I was pretty hungry from the stressful day at work.

Bantering with a few racing friends, I tried to coerce them all into racing in the CAT1-Open class with me (I was still on the single speed of course, as it is my only bike); however, I was unsuccessful. On the start line there were 10 of us in the class, which is pretty good for a training series race, and as expected I was the only one riding a single speed. Running a 2:1 gear ratio (34/17) I found myself behind a few riders off the start line as they clunked through their gears. Then we finally made the sharp left-turn to start the climb up the dreaded soap box derby hill. I found myself in 4th position as I tried to get into the front riders' draft as they continued to clunk through their gears as we approached the pitch up the hill. Then, as I was hoping, they all started clicking away again shifting back down to smaller gears for the steep paved climb. I quickly looked over my left shoulder and swung out to hold my spin. just as they all set into a rhythm spinning up the climb my spin took me blowing by them at pace. Just after cresting the climb I took another look back to see a good 40yd gap to the leaders of the chase! I had once again succeeded at taking the lead into the single track.

This small gap remained the same with little change +/- for the entire 1st lap of 3. Each technical climb they were able to gain a few yards, but each flat/technical descent I was able to gain a few yards or more. Lap 2 was more of the same, but with just about a mile to go Gabor appeared on my wheel out of nowhere!! I gave a yell back asking where he came from, then told him to not tell anyone I was getting tired! LOL His response was that he was no longer racing due to a flat, and now he was just going to try to hang on my wheel. With that it became a more relaxed/fun time as we chatted and continued to shred the trail. Then he was gone just as quickly as he had arrived! (He unfortunately suffered a 2nd flat in the same trail location as the 1st.) Now I started to catch lap traffic on my 3rd and final lap. I also started to feel some cramping in my right calf. I quickly swallowed a GU and took a drink to wash it down with hopes of holding it off until the finish. It seemed to work! As I approached the final clearing to re-enter the final section of single track I couldn't see anyone in sight. After passing a couple more lap riders I was bombing the final descent to roll across the finish line with a minute or more gap back to 2nd place. Wow, was I toast! The legs were spent, but it felt great!

Now I'm preparing to head to Ducktown , TN in the morning for US Cusp East Race#4! I'll be carpooling with my teammates, Matt and Tyler, again with a trip start time of 9AM from Greensboro. We've got a hotel room and plan for some good rest after a pre-ride to check out the course. Really hopin it isn't another mudfest like Columbia last Sunday as it is no fun re-building a bike after a mess like that. Especially if it means replacing damaged components!

South Carolina 3-peat success!!!

Last weekend took us to Columbia, SC for the Race to the River. This was race #3 of 3 for the SC State Championship. The boys and I drove down Saturday afternoon following their soccer games. We arrived at Harbison State Forest around 4PM. My parents met us, as did my teammate Matt Jones. My parents took the boys so I could pre-ride the course before finishing the drive to their place which is about 20mins from the venue.

During the ride I started having chain jumping issues. This was the beginning of what would be a very stressful night. Once we arrived at my parents' place we had dinner and then I went straight to the garage to work on the bike. It also started to rain. After about 2 hours it seemed that I had finally fixed the issue, and the rain continued to fall. Morning came and it was still raining. I reviewed the radar and forecast for the day and it was showing a clearing and rain stopping just prior to our scheduled race start time.

Arriving at the venue it was still raining, although it was a light rain. I got registered and started to get organized for the race and my warm-up. As they started the CAT3 racers the rain finally stopped and as predicted the sky started to clear. I started thinking that this would definitely be a good day for racing. As I warmed-up the bike was also still functioning great without any issues.

At the start line I took my place in the front and tried to get the promoter to change the race by having us do 2 full laps (for SS they run the same as sport which at this venue is 1 full and 1 half lap). They refused to change it, and announced the start. Off we went! Initially I had some difficulty getting clipped into my pedals (rarely happens) as we flew down the gravel road to a 90deg right-turn continuing down the road and up a slight climb. rounding the corner I finally clipped-in and gave a short sprint. Looking back I had opened up a gap. I quickly sat down on the saddle and held my pace knowing I could easily take the lead into the single track. Then the problems commenced!!! WTH!!! The chain started to skip on the cog again as I road through the soggy pine needle trail. Any effort at all created a skip of the chain on the cog. Frustrated I looked back to see 2 riders closing the gap quickly. Somehow I managed to hold them off until the single track, but then I immediately had 1 of them within a few feet of my rear wheel. I was able to hold him off by opening a gap in each technical section. Noticing this after the 2nd slightly technical sections I started to attack each one harder. By the time we reached the big switchback climb leading up to the famous Spider Woman Loop the chain finally seemed to settle back in and quit jumping. Now my confidence was growing and I began racing full-out again! Not holding back, I almost lost the trail 2x's as I gave out a yell of excitement. The mud was slick as ice in areas, and in others it was slightly tacky or soupy throwing mud everywhere. Not having glasses on I found myself wiping mud from my eyes numerous times. I also made the mistake of leaving the ends of my GU packs hanging out of my short legs which kept me from using them. Luckily I did not feel the need to use any, as my gap had grown beyond line of sight as I continued to pass slower traffic from the start waves before us. Crossing the line I gave a sigh of relief...I had held-off the competition with a huge time gap to retain the SC Single Speed Title for the 3rd year in a row!

Revisiting the podium... re-caps for US Cup East #2 and MSCS#3 & #4

OK, I guess I can bring myself to post an update this week. I was rather disappointed in my performance, gear selection, at Tsali 2 weeks ago. This was part of the reason I didn't post a race re-cap. I've been kicking myself over the event, which I haven't done in a long time.

Tsali, Bryson City, NC - US Cup East #2 / MSCS #3: I think I was did this as I had set myself another high goal of winning the overall US Cup East Series this season. The weekend of Tsali was a 2-day race event. Saturday afternoon was a time trial for bonus points towards the series overall with a max of 5pts up for grabs, and a min of 1pt. The TT loop was the 2nd portion of the race course last year, and knowing it had the toughest climbs I opted to gear down a bit from a 34/17 to 36/19 (as my 34 ring was destroyed from use in 2012). The TT blew-up my lungs and I definitely found my current new MaxHR of 205bpm! I hit this mark 3x's, and near the middle of the course I thought for sure I was about to blow chunks and pass out as I became dizzy and nauseous. The gear choice was perfect, as during the 3 big climbs of the loop I found myself torquing the bike to its max as I crested each of them! As I crossed the line I watched for the following SS racer who started behind me. I was confident I held him off as I had not seen him within the 1min time gap during my course checks. Sure enough I had over a couple of mins time gap. What I didn't know was that there were other riders who chose to wait until much later due to the non-structured event. When I checked the results after all were done I found I was beaten by 28secs! This resulted in a 4pt bonus. I contributed this to the lack of pre-ride warm-up, as I had approximately a 30min standing wait after my warm-up to my TT start. Even with this result I chose to keep the gearing I used for the XC on Sunday. This was my mistake, as at the rider meeting they announce the course change. I assumed the SS course would remain the same which had numerous short climbs off the start. Instead they took us almost 3x's further up the gravel start jeep trail before getting into the single track. I immediately found myself spinning-out to stay on the leader's wheel as we gradually created a small gap to the field. He was obviously running a 2:1 ratio which I had used last year for a commanding win. Then as the course raced-on I knew I was in trouble as 2 other riders eventually passed me as I was spinning-out on the long fast sections of trail. As I crossed the finish they surprisingly announced I was 3rd. However, upon posting results my recollection was right with a 4th place. Another reason I was disappointed was that this was my 1st weekend racing with Cycleworks, of Mt. Airy, NC, and at the same time I had not made the podium for the 1st time since 2010!

Now on to this weekend!! 

Stump Jump, Spartanburg, SC - MSCS#4 / SC State Title race 2 of 3

This weekend, as most know, was the inaugural race for the new race rig, a custom built Raleigh Talus Carbon Pro 29 SS!! With just 3 rides on this bike prior to this weekend I was excited to put it through the ringer! Earlier in the week I had to travel to Atlanta, GA for work. Doing so by car allowed me to make a pit-stop at the trail for a pre-ride at the halfway point to stretch the legs. The web-site talked about a new course, so I took a map and made sure to scope it out. Saturday afternoon I returned to the race venue for 1 more pre-ride, which was a good thing, as I then discovered there was no course change as they ended-up marking the same course as the last 2yrs. The new rig has a 34T Q-ring with a 16T cog. After discovering the course to be the same as before I chose to stay with the taller gear as the Q-ring brings "Free Speed", well for me it was free climbing! I was ready, as was the rig! My only concern was the fact that I had a sinus issue creep-up Friday, and during my pre-ride Saturday I was coughing so hard I came close to up-chucking while trying to ride on more than a few occasions, now I was worried... Race morning I ate my oatmeal after showing Bradley, a teammate  the start climb and descent into the single track, and downed some liquids. On the start line I was again coughing-up phlegm as we were getting last min instructions from the official. This included NOT riding on the asphalt after crossing the road at the start of the lap (about 300yds), but riding the asphalt to the finish (only about 100ft). As we took-off I easily took the lead and tried to settle-in to ease the coughing that had commenced. However, this was short-lived as an unknown rider attacked and took the lead up the gravel road and across the asphalt into the grass shoulder. I jumped on his wheel, and before I knew it he was back up onto the asphalt! WTH?! I yelled out at him that we were not to be on it and that he could be DQ'd. He quickly looked back and coasted to let me by then immediately jumped onto my wheel. From this point he hung-on to my wheel like a darn slinky! I quickly learned he was a strong rider, but he lacked the technical agility. So, with each technical section I attacked to create a gap which he would then gradually claw back onto my wheel. I was still coughing, but not as bad, during the 2nd lap and I was desperately hoping he would just CRACK! I was even successful in using lap riders on 3 occasions to open a gap for additional stress. Still he crawled back! Finally, as we approached the last mile of the race I slowed-up to try to entice him to take the lead. He never did. I then wondered if he was even going to attack as I had called him out with his course DQ at the start. We were then on the final approach to the finish...A slight descent down the gravel road we climbed at the start. I held back not pushing the pace. He rolled-up on my left, inside line, and hung briefly just behind my shoulder. Then he attacked, game-on! We were in a dead sprint side-by-side when he finally landed more grip and pulled slightly ahead. Then the final left-turn off the gravel into the grass! I swung wide recalling that the inside pitched-up while the outside had just a couple small dips. I stood on the pedals and yanked the bars. As I took a peek to my left I saw him make a slight twitch and lose speed as I continued to accelerate over the small knoll of grass smoothly. He recovered, but he went from a bike length out front to barely holding the rear half of my bike as I lifted my front wheel in victory over the line!

WOW, that was the closest finish I can recall in my career! Definitely one of my favorite finishes now, even though he could've been DQ'd, he was a great competitor and pushed me the entire race! Being back on TOP of the podium never felt so good! Now I'm excited about the SC race #3 this next weekend in Columbia, SC. I just hope this sinus thing gets the hell out! Still, there is limited pressure, as all I need to do is finish the race to retain my SC State Title!

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I?! Till next week....

A BIG thanks to Robert Marion, for the speed racin' machine!

US Cup East - Race #1, Ocala, FL

This past weekend took me back to Ocala, FL, where I was just at a few weeks ago for spring training in a 6hr endurance race. However, the course and the bike were different on this trip. This trip was all business and no play, well at least the race, the hanging-out with the American Classic/Cycle Works clan was a different story! LOL The endurance race was on gears with the trail ran in the opposite direction and slightly longer.

We arrived early evening Friday with time to set-up before dark, then it was off for dinner with the Clan. Saturday morning we all moved to the race site, the Vortex section of the Santos trail system. This section uses a quarry area which houses some short steeps and rocks to provide some light technical trails for the race. Once camp was set-up I got registered, changed into my riding gear, and hit the trail for a pre-ride. As noted, the trail was all ridden in the opposite direction except for the first section of the Vortex. This created a much better flow for 2 of the more technical rock formations and kept me from even thinking about a possible foot-down scenario when clearing them. The course was easily 100% rideable, and super-fast! Once I completed 2 laps it was time to cool-off as the heat/humidity was generating added stress to the body as it tried to keep cool resulting in the need for heavy hydration for the remainder of the day. Then, once again, we were off to yet another buffet with the Clan for dinner and major laughs as we were all splitting our guts open and crying from laughing so hard!

Sunday morning brought some wind and clouds with a few peeks of sun. However, as we stood in que for our start the sky started to hint at rain with a few sprinkles, and before we knew it the bottom dropped-out! Luckily this only lasted for about 3mins and it was quickly gone. During this wait time I was trying to locate, and introduce myself to, my would be competition for the series. I found a couple and we had a short talk which included gear ratios chosen for the day. So far I had the largest gear ratio, 36/18, where the next largest was 34/18.

As always my plan was to take the hole-shot and set a steady pace. Off the line I re-calibrated my plan, quicker than Google maps re-routing, as one of the competitors exploded off the line with all of us in-tow. The start was a quick 40yds to a 90deg left-turn, then another 40yds to a 180deg right-turn with about 50yds into the fast sweeping single track. With each acceleration I found myself digging deep to keep on the leaders wheel. Just as I caught him we were braking for the next turn as it took me slightly longer to get up to speed with my bigger gear. I quickly thought to myself, "This is gonna be a great race with a show-down finish!" As we rounded the 2nd turn and accelerated from the 180 to the trail entrance I looked over and wisely let the leader take the lead into the trail. As we raced through the winding trail splitting trees and jumping logs I took a look back to see just 2 others from the field trying to bridge-up to us. I then yelled to the leader, "Hey, we have a small gap, but 2 are bridging-up, lets pick it up!" I received no response and we kept the pace which just held the gap consistent. Then it happened! As we approached a cut-through, placed by the promoter to shorten the trail, I saw the neon arrow indicating the 180 right-turn over to the return trail to the Vortex. I started to check my speed just as the leader yelled out, "F-word! Damn-it!" as he grabbed both brakes and commenced to slide sideways to a stop nearly going off-course. I immediately yelled out, "On your right!", and attacked! I put in a huge effort thinking that I could possibly end the race before it could even get started if this attack worked! I kept my head down and hammered out of every corner of the trail. Whenever the trail switch-backed I was looking across trying to get a time check. Each check appeared to produce a slightly larger gap. Then I was finally to the entrance of the Vortex....sweeeet!!

Entering the Vortex my excitement quickly began to subside as I then found myself running-up on the rear wheels of the Pro Women who had started just a minute ahead of us! I gave out a couple calls stating I was the SS race leader and what distance I was at hoping they would accommodate my quick pass. It worked! Just as we started the first ascent one went right and the other held left as I split the difference to the crest of the first up where there was a 180 right-turn. I yelled out a thanks to both and quickly hammered on up the remaining series of initial ascents. I then quickly, and as easily  caught and passed the remaining women within that first mile of the Vortex. This entire time I was trying to keep focused while my mind kept wondering/hoping that the others were getting bottled-up in the traffic.

Once through the women I started working on the 50+ CAT1 Masters. After a couple of riders I finally saw my friend Matt Jones. As we approached the next climb I yelled out, "Here I come, Matt!" I was then quickly on his wheel waiting for a response/acknowledgement from him as I announce I was ready to pass. Then all of a sudden I watched his rear wheel lose traction as he spun-out on a root...I quickly came to a stop so I wouldn't take us both down, but I couldn't get out of my pedal and over I went! It took me 3 attempts of twisting my left foot, as I struggled to get up, to get it to dis-engage from the pedal. I was then back on his wheel again announcing that I was once again ready to pass. He then finally helped me get by at the top of a climb and I hammered-on as I joked with him about the incident.

It wasn't but a mile later that I had my 2nd incident. As I was making a left-turn off one of the ridge lines the trail took us across some black rock which was found to be slick from the slight rain, actually, it was like hitting a patch of ice! As soon as my front tire hit it sent the bars into an immediate left dive as the wheel flew out to the right. Luckily I was at a slower pace and didn't go completely down as I caught myself with my hands, but for the 2nd time my left foot was pinned under the bike as I had difficulty un-clipping. I again regained control and hammered-on continuing to eat-up the ensuing lap traffic.

Lap 1 (~5.5mi) came to a quick end at just over 25mins. This was more than 3mins faster than my fastest pre-ride, and this had me feeling good! To top this, I looked back as I cleared the Start/Finish area to re-enter the single track and did not see any other riders in the area. I then quickly forced myself to put in another hard effort for the following 2 miles to the return of the Vortex for Lap 2. Then, just before the final run into the Vortex I saw what appeared to be the initial leader's jersey flashing through the trees across the switchbacks! Hammer-Hammer-Hammer, went through my head! I needed to hold them off until this point on the final lap at a minimum to ensure they would not be able to pass!

Once again I had success navigating the Vortex while blasting through lap traffic. Again, through the transition area, I saw no one in sight as I started my 3rd and final lap! I continued to keep the pressure on, but then I started to hear what sounded like someone gaining on me! How could this happen? I saw no one near when I took my last look prior to entering the Vortex! Were they pre-riding? This forced me to push even harder, as I was not going to be caught or passed before the finish line! Then it happened, he was on me on the last group of technical climbs of the Vortex. I yelled back, "What group are you from?" I grabbed a glimpse of his number plate as he responded...it read 500! This was a 19-29 CAT2 rider. I still continued to push-on not letting him get close enough to pass even though he was no threat. At the finish we chatted and I had told him he needed to CAT-up, as he was the first to catch me from behind in a race. He told me he was thinking about it. LOL

Then David Berger, the race promoter of Gone Riding, came over with his microphone. Dave: "Hey everyone, the Single Speed winner, Bart Wellisley, has just finished the race! Bart, could you tell us how the race went and how it compared to the 6hr you did a month ago on these same trails?" So with that, I offered a few highlights. Me: "The flow was much better in this direction creating very fast lap times. There was 1 specific rock formation that I cyclocrossed in the 6hr due to having to foot-dab in my pre-ride, but in this direction it was a breeze." Dave: "Would you like to give a shout to your sponsors?" Me: Sure! I'd like to thank Spooky Bikes (pause for breath), Rudy Project (another breath), and GU Energy." Dave: "Well, I think you'll need an inhaler to go with that energy the way it sounds." (both of us laughing) - Later on the podium... Dave: "And in 1st place, Bart Wellisley, riding for Spooky Bikes! Just don't look at his bike!" (More people laughing!) Yes, I have Spooky stickers covering the Trek logos on my Trek bike frame!! My custom AL Spooky frame is in-process of being built. ;)

Thanks go out to my sponsors, Spooky, Rudy Project USA, GU Energy, GEAX. Thanks to the race venue sponsors supplying the awards, Leroy's Bike Works and KMC. Thanks to Christie Burnett and Gone Riding for the photos! Thanks also to Cycleworks Bike Shop (Robert Marion) for their hospitality and the loads of fun had with them throughout the weekend, can't wait until US Cup East #2 in Tsali!!!

Garmin race data

Bouldergeist, San Lee State Park 03/17/13

This course is a BEAST, and if you aren't ready/able it will try to eat you and your bike!

The last 2yrs this race has been in the rain. It once again looked to be the same this year as it started to pour late last night. However, I knew there was a chance it did not rain once I was awakened in the night with the moon shining in on my face as I was facing the window. As I approached the venue this morning it was clear that it had not rained a drop in Sanford, NC. I was glad, as I was hopin to get to ride this trail dry for once as everyone else was wanting.

Temps were great once again as we were warming-up. I initially used my wind jacket, but then after just 10mins I removed it and went with just my shorts, jersey, and long-sleeve under armour. As last week, we (SS) were greated at the start line and given the 1st wave start. 2yrs ago, in their 1st running of the event, we were placed behind the sport class which had us weaving through the riders ahead of us until we had passed them all. However, just as last year, we were once again up-front and were given clear trail to fight it out.

Again, I chose to run the similar gearing as last year which was the same as last week (36/19). Taking off at the start I heard a fellow racer, Josh Miller, yell out "OK, boys. The race isn't won in the 1st 100yds. Oh, wait, Go Bart!" LOL I looked back and gave a smile as I blasted up the steep road climb which is ~100'+ over 1/10"mi with 3 speed bumps and loose gravel as you crest the top just before entering the single track! A few checks over the shoulder assured me of my gap goin in, then it was all about recovery for the next mile as I wasted the legs as usual to ensure myself of the lead.

I sat down on the saddle and tried the best I could to spin, given the terrain, to help the legs and lungs recover from the huge effort. Even while doing this I noticed my gap growing quickly as the trail switched back-n-forth on itself through the 1st technical ravine. As I climbed out my gap was already nearing 30secs. So again I forced myself to control my pace just a tad bit longer to ensure a full recovery. After about the 1mi mark I let go of the reigns and let the pistons start turning. Blasting through the trail I quickly discovered that this course being dry is far more technical than when it is wet!! I was drifting in almost every bend in the trail, and the rocks were grabbing the tires. I'd really need to keep my focus to ensure that I didn't slice a sidewall again like last year!

By the time we hit another of the numerous long switchbacks I again did a time check in my head back to my chasers. It was now over 1min! I just kept pushing-on, as I did not want to be the "carrot" hanging out front. I wanted to be "out of sight, and out of mind!" Before long I was, and I was no longer able to see my chasers. Now it was focus to keep the power going and not let them pull me back. Then it happened....As I ripped through the digestive system of the Rockness Monster, and prepared to exit its tail, I lost my focus just slightly, and with that, my speed. As soon as this happened I was making the sharp dropping 180 right turn and my front Geax Gato tire grabbed a rock with its claws jerking the bars to the left and over I went as the Monster reared its ugly head around to bit me!! The spectators watching went from cheering to yelling "Are you OK?" as I was picking myself, and my bike, up off the ground to continue. With them asking a second time I yelled back yes, as I sprinted away. I was lucky I was going slow, but I was unlucky in that my right hip had landed on a rock!

As I pushed on I started to feel the egg developing on my right hip. Glancing down I noticed a pinkish color developing in the white side-panel of my Rudy Project shorts, but there were no tears so I figured it couldn't be too bad. Then I came upon more new trail, this time it turned into a BMX course! I've never really tried doing doubles or table tops so I took it easy so as not to make any stupid mistakes. I cleared it all while still holding a decent speed. I also took it easy with the 3 water crossings, and somehow stayed dry except for a little water spraying up on my rear and back from the tire.

Coming through the transition area I was just 56mins in starting lap 2. This is by far one of the toughest courses! I immediately asked how many laps I had as I couldn't remember if it was 2 or 3. I kinda figured it was 2, as they confirmed, as it would mean a 3hr race! As I crested the start climb I looked back and again confirmed no one was in sight. I only looked back a couple more times to further confirm this, then I was focused on the lap traffic. This lap was already going better! I was hitting the lines I made mental notes of as I had missed them on lap 1, I was blasting through the water crossings completely drenching myself and the bike, and I even opened it up in the BMX section easily clearing the doubles while having a blast doing it!!

Finally, I was again on the climb up to the finish. This last climb was just 1 more punch in the thighs as it was the 3rd for the race, starting at the bottom and finishing at the top! LOL As I rolled to a stop I started the recovery while waiting for the chasers to come through. After about 4mins 2nd place rolled up the climb, then it was smaller random time gaps to the remaining riders. This turned-out to be a great race despite how my legs and lungs felt after the start climb of the race. Now I'm really feelin good aboot the start of the US Cup East series starting in FL next weekend!!! Time to put the hammer down!!!

Garmin file

Danville, VA 2013 State Championships 03/10/13

With temps rising the race was lookin to be a good one. The course was completely different from 2012 as it was ran in the opposite direction and only used a few of the same sections (backwards). It was a great idea driving up the evening before with Matt Jones to pre-ride. I ended-up goin with a similar gear ratio (36/19). The climbs were dialed-in and were fast. The course was 99% dry which made for fast lap times.

Sittin on the start line I was gettin ready to tear it up. Then a rider comes blastin up in front of us sliding to a stop with a tail whip...it was Wes Richards! Well, there goes my shot at the win! :( Wes is a great/strong Pro rider being 13yrs younger, probably aboot 40lbs lighter, and having aboot 40hrs more of training each week than I!! LOL

Takin-off at the start I easily took the hole-shot and set a good pace into the first long/fast set of climbs. Looking back it was Wes on my wheel then a huge gap back to the remaining field of 10+ single speeders. As we continued flyin up the climbs the gap kept growing. At about the 1/2 way mark there were 2 huge climbs back-to-back. These had me grinding hard on the cranks and pullin up on the bars with each step on the pedals. I had previously chatted with Wes yelling back to him saying, "You know you can take me, eh!?" To which he replied, "Yes, but I'm also racing in my normal class after this." Well, this 1st climb was the climb he decided to take control, just after I told him it appeared we had 1 or 2 riders bridging the gap. He acknowledged this and rode by as I took a line to the side allowing him the better line. Then, just as I was about to crest the 2nd of the 2 huge climbs one of the other riders succeeded in catching me. His first attempt to pass failed as he couldn't maintain his speed. However, his 2nd attempt was good just as we hit the top to begin the fast decent. Hindsight  I would've fought harder to hold him off...as soon as he passed I was on his wheel and having to scrub speed numerous times as he was not as smooth or skilled. I yelled a couple of times for him to stay off his brakes. LOL Then as we swung a 360 around a by-passed bridge he made a bobble and went wide on a nearly 180 left turn. Being on his wheel I quickly dove inside as I yelled out, "Inside line!" I'm not sure what happened after that, but I put in an attack to give myself some breathing room for the next couple of climbs and when I looked back I had a huge gap of at least 300yds.

As I continued to push-on, I ended-up getting a glimpse of Wes! It was clear that he was on a quite smaller gear (when asked at the start he told me he didn't know what he was riding LOL) as when we hit a few sections of trail that required pedaling I was pullin him back. As he was approaching the last climb, on the lead to the transition area, I was droppin into the ravine and yelled across to him, "Hey, Wes! You need to wait-up!" Then, as I crossed the stream  my gears started skipping when I started puttin power to the cranks for the climb. I started gettin worried, as in-front of me was the tightest/steepest climb on the course. It was a 180 steep left with a root in the middle creating 2 lines. This climb required tons of power and momentum. I wouldn't have made it had I not pre-rode it. Then the clicking of the chain stopped and I chose to go for it. I hit the climb on the inside and pulled hard on the bars while being fully prepared for the worst (chain jumping, chain breaking, or the frame exploding like the SS Trek frame last year! LOL). SUCCESS ! As I rounded the corner I nearly came to a stop as I mashed the pedals down then started to accelerate up the ridge. As I dropped out onto the gravel road to the transition area to start the 2nd lap I saw Wes just aboot 30secs up the road.

Starting lap 2 I blasted back into the single track hopin to keep Wes in sight as long as possible. I was thinking that if I could keep him in sight I could chase him down with the bigger gear at the finish. Then, as I flew around a bend cresting the first climb I was on him! He was just getting back on his bike!? I yelled at him, "Dude, I was kiddin aboot waitin-up, but thanks!" LOL He yelled back that his front wheel came loose and blamed me for sabotaging it! LOL We then paced up the climbs as we did at the start. Once again this only lasted until those 2 punishing climbs! He once again started to pull away. I put in an effort to delay it, but it was futile. He was gone by the time I reached the decent. However, looking back I wasn't seeing anyone bridging-up this time. Now I was focused on my only plan of trying to get him in-sight for a show-down at the finish.

With legs on-fire, I mashed the climbs hard as I could and rarely used the free-wheel to maximize my power and speed. I was even pedaling while simultaneously braking to scrub speed for the tighter corners just keepin the pedals turning and the rhythm going. Once again I finally got a glimpse as I started dropping into the final ravine. This time he was already past the monster switchback climb. At this point I accepted defeat. As I approached the climb out I was prepared to dismount if the chain made any hint of potential issues. It did not, so I chose to ride it again. Luckily all went well and I was off to the finish... 2nd across the line my legs were toast! As I rolled to a stop next to Wes I congratulated him on a strong race and relaxed as we waited for the remaining racers who were minutes behind us. He was able to hold a 30sec lead to the line...I have to be happy with my performance, just bummed that I couldn't defend my VA title, as I called him a "Sandbagger!" LOL!

The Killer 3 strikes again...

The Killer3 in Sumter, SC was the venue for race #1 of the Maxxis Southern Classics Series again this year, as well as race #1 of 3 for the SC State Championship title. My team mate, Tyler, and I arrived Saturday afternoon to set-up camp and get in a pre-ride of the course. It was essential as the course was noted as being completely different with a lot more climbing. Last year I ran a 34/16 and I was debating running the same again this year. However, I was not able to get my bike set-up with last year's components. I have not yet received my new race bike, my 2013 sponsor is The HomeTeam by Spooky Bicycles, so I had to convert the old geared bike into an SS. The frame geometry kept me from being able to use a singulator so I used an old XTR rear derailleur  This is where my problem began, as the XTR's cage is too narrow to run the PC-1 Sram SS chain. So, I began digging through my bike cases and finally found a 36T front ring, 18T and 19T rear cogs, and a Sram PC-99 Hollow-Pin chain that all fit/worked together. All other cogs were deformed from the non-stop abusive torque it was subjected to last year (until the SS bike frame imploded! LOL ). Now I was a bit nervous, as this only gave me a 2:1 gear ratio as my largest option (36/18).

Following the pre-ride my nerves settled a bit, as I realized that the 2:1 would be big enough due to the new single track having numerous short steep climbs and most not having a lead-in to carry momentum! I actually thought about putting on the 19T cog, for a split second. hahaha  Also, the course was not entirely new. The last 2 miles was the same as last year using a dirt/sand road to return us to the start/finish, so the bigger the better for gearing!

Race morning was waking up to chilly 38deg weather, but the sun was out! By race start it was in the low 40's, but it would never make it over 50. Everyone was debating layers for warmth. I opted for my bib-knickers, 3 base-layers of Under Armour, short-sleeve OTOF jersey, Gore Tex socks, winter gloves, and a head cap under the helmet. After about 20mins of warm-up I finally broke through the chill from the wind, all but the nose and eyes, but I was feeling good. That was until we, the SS racers, were told we were starting at the rear of the CAT2 class!! Now, not only would we be chilled-down again before the start we would also have to fight our way through the huge field of riders!!

With 18 riders on the line we prepped to go, lookin over the field I saw 2 other riders I knew would be tough and a third I didn't know. As I exploded off the line, anxious to get this first race under wraps, I quickly verified I again had a good gear (just a touch bigger than all the others). This kept my strategy in place. Getting the hole-shot I attacked the first 1/4mi of climbs and found just 1 other rider that could hold my wheel. I yelled back "How ya feelin'? I think we got a gap!" Mostly to hear the voice tone/strength and to find out who it was. It was Tom, the runner-up to to me 2yrs ago when I just got back into racing. Immediately I backed-off a touch as I knew he had just come off of a very strong cyclocross season, while I was foolin' around building trails! LOL

My plan went into affect as he eventually decided to pass. I jumped in behind him and let him hang off the front about 40yds pulling me through the trail. He kept looking back at me about every few hundred yards. I kept varying the gap to further the mind game! hahaha  All was good until about 1/2 way through Lap 2 of 3...

We had just passed a large string of CAT2 riders and I was bombing down a slight decline on a left-bending ridge-line, which then turns into a 180 right into a steep climb, when just as I rocked the bike to start the right-hand turn a woman jumps out to cross the trail from behind a tree.......BAM!!!! The moron took me out! For a split second I thought I had missed her as I watched my front my wheel graze the back of her leg. Then we were crashing to the ground! My left bar-end grabbed her backpack and pulled her down on top of me and my bike! Out came the expletive f-word! as I crawled out from under my bike and lifted both up. I heard a small crack sound, and upon spinning the wheels and giving a look-over of my bike on trail-side, I saw it appeared to just be the stem moved left making it off-center from the wheel. I was losing the leader! "F-word!" Yup, I was a little pissed...Every time she said sorry, or a rider passed by that would come out. It took about 2 minutes to get the bars straight and locked back down, well almost, as I quickly discovered upon re-mounting the bike and taking-off that they were now slightly off to the right, but rideable.

For the next full lap I pressed on passing by all those that had passed me again for the 2nd time this race. Then I finally got into new riders as I approached the front of the CAT2 field. Still no sighting of the Tom, the leader, so instead of completely blowing-up the legs I decided to back-off. Luckily no other SS'ers passed me during the crash. I then caught my team mate, Tyler, as we popped-out onto the road for the sand-race to the finish. Soon after passing him I I heard a yell, "Here comes a single speed!" Then the rider came by on my left. As soon as he passed I jumped on his wheel to implement my initial plan of attack for the win. I would pedal few revs then coast letting the clicking sound of the hub rattle in his head. After about 1-1/2 miles we approached the last bit of downhill which ended with a sweeping left turn to a slight climb to the finish. I then attacked, sprinting past him I opened a gap before even hitting the decent. Then I was into a tuck position allowing gravity to further propel me off the front, due to my weight advantage, and by the turn I had about 400yds. I then went into a spin at about 75% until I stopped at the finish line to tell the promoter and official know that they "forgot to tell the spectators to stay off the course!"

For the 2nd year in a row I took 2nd place at this venue...things will need to change for next year! LOL Now I'm focused on this weekend's race in Danville, VA at Angler's Ridge. Once again this is a single race for the VA State Title.


......No Pressure!! ;)

2013 Race Season to get under way!

My 1st true blog update today...and it is now PUBLIC!

This weekend starts my 2013 race season which will be race #1 of the Maxxis Southern Classics Series (Southeast Regional Championships), which I am currently the Single Speed Champion 2yrs running for the series as well as NC, SC, and VA. (insert "No Pressure" LOL)

This season brings yet another change in support. We have continued with my great relationship with Rudy Project USA (www.e-rudy.com) and a new relationship with Spooky Bicycles with a team name of "The HomeTeam". The team's objective is to provide support and leadership to U-23 racers of our team across the nation. This was the vision/mission of Mickey Denencourt, owner of Spooky Bicycles. Myself and my team mates from 2012, Tommy Rodgers, Brent Lester, and Tyler Graf, have chosen to join Mickey's mission for 2013 and beyond.

Anyhow, this weekend takes us to Sumter, SC for the Killer3. The course has been drastically changed since last year so it will once again require an early arrival to set-up our campsite to get in a pre-ride of the new course. Our departure will need to follow the completion of Thane's (8yo son) 1st soccer game Saturday morning.

I'm kinda nervous about the season start, as I'm still waiting for my new race bike. So currently I'm using my geared training bike from 2012 (name of mentioned CRAP bike mfg'er not to be mentioned, and it is covered on the bike with Spooky decals - LOL) converted to a SS using an old XTR rear derailleur  Last Sunday did not help my confidence, as during a local winter short-track race I dropped the chain 3x's in a rough section of trail. I also found the gear, which was the only gear I was able to get to work, to require a little more effort/torque/power than I'd like to have. However, it is a good gear for this 1st course and I'll just need to "power" through it! ;) Last year I finished 2nd after numerous mechanicals due to the frame geometry using a very poor sliding drop-out design, which reared it's ugly head throughout my season! I somehow finished the race after 4 chain drops and a front flat. On top of that, I discovered after the race that I had broken-off 4 teeth of the 17 tooth cog I was running in the back!!

Last night I got in another ride on a pretty rooty/ruff trail after taking out an additional link from the chain and placing the front derailleur back on the bike as a "chain guide". It seemed to work as I had no chain drops! As long as they don't find any rough rooty/rocky sections for the new course to traverse I should be good to go, as last year's course was pretty tame from what I can remember.

I wish I had more ride/training time in at this point of the season, as I've spent ~70hrs building a new mountain bike trail for the Town of Oak Ridge, NC in the town park! However, I am feelin' somewhat prepared as 2 weeks ago Tyler and I, and our good friend Matt Jones, traveled down to the 6/12hrs of Santos near Gainsville, FL. I had a tire issue after just 1-1/2 laps causing me to have to stop and use CO2 to add air to get back to our pit area and make a change, ultimately I had to put in a tube. Even with this I was still able to get a respectable 7th place finish in the Elite-Male 6hr category. The ride was by far the longest this year as my average distance has been ~10miles/ride! LOL

So, I'm hoping to provide another good result following Sunday's race. Especially as this is also race#1 of 3 for defending my SC single speed title. -----Stay tuned! Thanks for following!

2013 Beginnings....

WOW, figured I'd revive my Blog for 2013 instead of posting to Facebook. I'll give it a try, and I'd like to ask for your feedback as to which you prefer!? THANKS!

So, it appears I haven't posted here since well before Nic was born, going back to Dec 2008!!! A lot has changed, and yes, I was drug in to Facebook with the rest of the world's fools! LOL My hope is to bring a better atmosphere to following my mountain bike adventures, while also being able to promote my sponsors, as well as share a little of my family life.

My 1st post will be coming soon as I will be travelling with a couple friends to the annual race in FL promoted by a great group known as Gone Riding (Dave and Terry)! I've always looked forward to their 6/12hr event to help build my training for the start of the season. Now more than ever, as in the past it was to get outside for some dirt riding instead to the usual snow back in MI. I usually had a couple of additional months following to continue my training, but now being in NC the season starts just 2wks later!!

Once again I'll be racing Single Speed in 2013. I will be expanding my exposure beyond the Southern Classics Series to the South Eastern Regional Championships. I figured I needed to increase the competition after taking the SS class by storm upon returning to racing following a 4yr hiatus in 2010. The SCS included NC, SC, and VA, for which I won the SS title for all 3 states and the series both years. This year the SERC series will add TN, GA, AL, and FL to the mix!!! Should be a fun time!!!

I will also be racing with my team mates from last year on a new team, The Hometeam presented by Spooky Bicycles! Our team's focus is to support the U-23 racers on the team which is a national team. We will be riding custom bikes. My bike will be built as an AL 29er frame with an eccentric bottom bracket and fitted with the latest and greatest Cannondale Lefty. Tires will be provided by Geax, shoes will come from Mavic, lids/eyes from Rudy Project USA, energy from GU, and others to be named soon!!

Please follow along and enjoy my ramblings. Let me know your thoughts and if you can come out to join in the fun, riding or supporting!!!

Thanks!
Bart