Off to Bootleg

No pit crew for this race. Just didn't work out, but we are going to do our best to minimize lost time in the pits mixing bottles and refilling water. Hopefully our tires will hold up on the sharp rock in Southern Nevada.

My hand is still not 100% but is manageable and really only an issue at odd angles...

12 hours of round and round. Bring it on! Parts of the course are pretty technical, so I can usually take some time out of the other guys when it's rough.

Race report and pictures to follow after the race. I wish I was able to bring one of those sweet GoPro cameras to this event, as there will be some great shots to be had, for sure. High speed descents, questionable passing, maybe even some crashes.

That's all for now, gotta hit the road...

I like Divide Loop again

I don't think i've ever done a lap on Divide loop at a race pace until today. With all the extra options, too. Popped a new cassette on and headed out. Didn't see a soul until almost done with the return on Connector. Really help the avg speed.

The plan was Manzanita to Tinkers, up Clementine, out Connector, do the loop counter-clockwise, Connector to Culvert, and back up Stagecoach.
30.98 miles, 10.8 avg, 2:50 door to door. Could have shaved another 10-15 minutes off that by not taking it easy over to the trail and not having to mess with my earpieces frequently. I'm very happy with todays effort, though.

I didn't really realize the North fork canyon side, with all those garland - style turns could be so much fun. I used the terrain to my advantage better today and could use those to accelerate, though I was climbing.

I was also pleasantly surprised how many of the descents on both sides, could be rolled with zero brakes all the way through. I was hitting the same speeds in places, as going down Stagecoach.

The Rattlers are out in full force. Nearly ran over 2. Need to get a snake bite kit soon! The life you save may be your own

GoPro onboard for 2008!!!

I want to thank my newest sponsor GoPro helmet cameras! Small, waterproof, helmet mount, COOL! Can't wait to give the cameras a try. Thanks GoPro!

24 hrs Old Pueblo Recap

What a roller coaster this trip was. It was raining when we got there, and Jen and I were thinking it was going to be a mud fest. Unbelievably, it began snowing at the venue upon arrival, and by morning, we had about an inch and a half of snow on the tent.

Doing our best to stay dry...

Jen trying to avoid cabin fever while it rains outside...

This is the last thing you want to do at Old Pueblo. Somebody told me these were called "Teddy Bears."

Once the race started, the clouds parted, sun came out, and the course got nice and tacky. Not very muddy at all. We stayed right around 3rd for a while, but by nightfall, we started having some challenges. First Jennifer had 3 flats in 2 laps, (a flat at OP? imagine that...) then the cold temps began to play a factor for both of us. We have learned a couple of good lessons about how critical it is to maintain our core temperature.

After being sidelined for around 4 hours, we were back at it, and ended up 6th. Or so we thought. To our surprise, we were called to the podium for 5th place. Something about the team ahead of us being DQ'd (never got the details why).

I made it through OP without any mishaps or flats, and then, while taking photos for the shop, I crashed on the "option." At first I thought I was just a little banged up, but later realized that I probably broke at least one bone in my left hand.

All things considered, it was a great time. OP is one of the events I think about all year. Hats off to Todd for another Epic Event, and for having a coed Duo class. Not many promoters offer a coed class, and I know a few couples who might come out to these races if they did.

Most of '08 Jennifer and I will be racing Solo, but hopefully pairing up again for TransRockies (if we get in!).

See You at the races!