Backbone Race Report

Elizabeth Lessner And Food By Bike.

2012-01-19T14:59:00.000-08:00

**My order of pumpkin pasta from The Jury Room would be a struggle to deliver by bike.**

It's funny how life works. One day you are sitting in a political science class in San Francisco, and the next you are being interviewed in the roll: bike shop in Upper Arlington, Ohio. That's how things work around here. Columbus is a midwestern hub of just about every walk of life, every background, every story you could imagine. Speaking with restuaranteur Elizabeth Lessner today (it was snowing here) was like being a part of some "Seven Degrees To Kevin Bacon" exploratory mission. California link? Got it. Business partner who was a late '80's punk/rock musician..well I have one of those too (Lydia). An intimate link to the Athletic Club Of Columbus? Guilty as charged. Turns out we both love Tater Tots and bikes too. Crazy stuff.

I had first heard about Mrs. Lessner's embracing of bike culture with a simple post about a new bike rack she had installed in front of Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace. Sounds easy enough..except that it took a mountain of work to get the city to green light it. You see, her approach to a better and more green environment actually starts within her business. She's actually been responsible for changing legislation in Columbus to allow composting/recycling for restuarants! Cycling and this type of endeavor go hand in hand..and the city's cyclists FLOCK to her various joints in Columbus thanks to a tasty and creative menu, great drinks, and $1 PBR cans on certain days at the Tip Top for cyclists who ride in.

Thankfully she did not listen to the begging of instructors to stay in school in her early twenties. She followed her love of the bar/restaurant scene and went for it. I heard a rumor (wait..that's a Bananarama song)a

couple of weeks ago regarding her use of a courier service to deliver BY BIKE the amazing vittles from her latest spot The Jury Room, and asked her to meet me for an interview....

Q. You are constantly pushing the boundaries for "green" restaurant stewardship. What have been your biggest successes and highest hurdles?

A. Changing the SWACO laws regarding composting and recycling last year was a huge victory..for everyone really. It took a year of lobbying to finally get the law changed allowing everyone to do it. Up until then, all the waste generated was the property of SWACO. The big hurdle is more of a disappointment thing. A lot of my staff lives in the urban core, and travel by car is just not practical or necessary. It's an infrastructure thing. It's not seeing a more comprehensive public transportation package..you know..like light rail, better bike lanes and access and the like. When we decided to open The Jury Room, we thought "How are we going to get people to stop and eat here..there's no parking at all?" I applaud COTA for mounting the bike racks..but it's been a struggle.

Q. Having lived in San Francisco for six years, how would you describe the differences in the cycling scene there versus here?

A. It's a big reason I look for a complete plan or push here. In San Francisco, all you need is a bus pass and a bike and you can get to any place in the region. Getting to the East Bay to Sausalito to Palo Alto was easy, and you had no need for a car. Once in Columbus..it was 1996 when I moved here...I missed it. I gained a ton of weight when I moved here because all of a sudden I was driving everywhere. Having that daily excercise...which was excercise I didn't even consider..was a big loss. It disappointed me to see how things were going here at that time. I do get a little frustrated sometimes with Columbus...it's 2012 and we just started a recycling program. Things are improving, I guess it's just never as fast as you'd like when you are involved.

Q. What is your favorite pre-ride "carb-load" meal from The Jury Room?

A. I love the chicken parm....that's actually what most of the marathoners and Pelotonia folks who live downtown have been eating the night before a big training run or ride.

Q. Why did you choose bike delivery for the Jury Room?

A. Well we have been asked to deliver for years. It didn't seem like a good idea to put another car on the road...we actually thought about scooters too. Then we were approached by Ian (bike courier) to deliver by bike, and it just made sense.

Q. Will all the fabulous locations in town eventually get bike delivery service? What's the added cost for delivery?

A. Right now the test market is at The Jury Room only, but the delivery area is pretty wide..about five miles. The range goes from 5th Avenue in Grandview, to Franklinton on the West Side, south to Greenlawn and east to Taylor. delivery cost is only an added $2.00, plus tip. Beyond that range you can still get delivery, but you need to have a microwave or oven to heat it up, as it may get a bit colder on a route of that length.

Q. Tater Tots at Dirty Franks are my guilty pleasure, and the Nina West cocktail at The Jury Room would be my wife's. The candy cigarrette is a great touch. What is your guilty pleasure?

A. At my places or somewhere else? I have one at each place..like the Mac & Cheese at Betty's, the True Love Always dog at Dirty Frank's and Frito Pie at Surly Girl. I eat our stuff a ton though, so to get away from my own stuff I will come to Pho Asian Noodles on Lane Avenue (just two blocks east of roll: bikes), or I'll swing by Cup O Joe on The Cap for their grilled cheese and tomato soup. It's kind of spicy and is just perfect on a day like today. My other go-to is Blocks Bagels. I'm from a family that always had great bagels on hand in Chicago, and Blocks Bagels and cream cheese are perfect.

Q. Were you afraid of losing any weiners in the Great Bomb Squad Incident Of January 6th?

A. *chuckle* No...no..and oddly enough that was the second time I have seen the bomb squad in front of our places. We had one place shut down for an entire day as the bomb-squad's robot repeatedly grabbed, then shook an igloo cooler for about six hours before they went in and picked it up. The one across from Dirty Frank's was the same scenario.

Q. New bike racks were installed in front of Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace recently. How has that been received?

A. It's been great! It was a long battle, but highly necessary for both the staff and the downtown customers. Prior to the bike rack, people would ride and have to lock up to a meter out of view of the windows. That made people uneasy, and would even result in some not coming at all because they couldn't keep track of their equipment. Now you can see your bike from the bar, and that's a "win-win" for everyone.

Huge thanks to Elizabeth Lessner for taking the time out of juggling five restuarants to swing in and talk with me about cycling, food and the politics of Green in the Capitol City!

Here are some helpful links..

www.thejuryroom.com

www.bettyscolumbus.com

www.surlygirlsaloon.com

www.tiptopcolumbus.com

www.dirtyfrankscolumbus.com

www.roll-online.com

www.blocksbagelsdeli.com

www.cupojoe.com

www.cota.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrbuckshot/3298562597/ (Bomb Squad pix)

Brant Hatton Tears Up Texas!

2012-01-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

Racing the Rock
Up for a challenge? This event takes racers around and through and up Enchanted Rock.
By Kathryn Hunter

I wake up before light to coyotes yipping.

My head’s buried in my sleeping bag, and it’s a struggle to navigate my way out, much less find the alarm on the floor of the tent. I shut it off, but the noise continues, to my bewilderment — oh right, I set two. To the relief of the campers who aren’t signed up for the race (and at this point wouldn’t mind seeing my head on a stake), I locate the second alarm, pack up camp and wheel my bike down to the start.

This is not a typical race morning.

Glow sticks light my way as I shoulder my bike down the last quarter-mile of dirt path to the group pavilion. I’ve got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. The Rock closes in on my left, looming large and dark. The worst part, the absolute worst part, of race day is this calm before the storm.

Oh buddy, I think, this is going to hurt.

********

Enchanted Rock, rising 425 feet above the surrounding landscape like the smooth, partly submerged shell of a giant turtle, is a place that inspires the imagination. For roughly 11,000 years, people have been drawn to its granite slopes, leaving behind legends of spirits, visions, battles and gold.

Designated a state natural area in 1984, Enchanted Rock remains a magical, wild setting, though today visitors are more likely to arrive in search of a good picnic spot than mystical guidance or mineral wealth. And yet, even in the modern, civilized soul, the Rock awakens a spirit of adventure.

Since 2009, the Enchanted Rock Extreme Duathlon, hosted by San Antonio-based company Redemption Race Productions, has been held in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area the last weekend of March. A run-bike-run event, it consists of a 5-mile run on the Loop Trail, 16-mile bike on FM 965 and 1.2-mile scramble straight up the Summit Trail to the top of the Big Rock.

According to popular lore, Capt. John C. Hays of the Texas Rangers traveled part of this route in 1841. Separated from his scouting party, he ran to the summit to escape a band of Comanches, and from that position was able to defend himself against their attack until rejoined by his men. But try it for yourself — that is, running to the top of the Big Rock — and you’ll be more inclined to call the story a tall tale. Sure, the fabled Capt. Jack could single-handedly fight off a group of hostile Indians, but sprinting up a near-vertical incline? No doubt he would have figured it’d be a better idea to stop and try to reason with them.

Nevertheless, the Erock Du’s 175-participant limit always fills well in advance, and many of the same competitors return, year after year, to do it again.

What Is Multisport?
Although there’s no “typical” distance or course for a duathlon, if you were to describe the average race venue, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area wouldn’t be it. The setting presents a number of challenges — park entry is limited, parts of the course are remote and inaccessible by car, the weather and streams are unpredictable, race-day parking is located half a mile from the race start, and the finish is essentially on top of a mountain, which requires a creative timing solution or hauling up 50 pounds of equipment by hand.

But where multisport events are concerned, a quest for the ideal often takes precedence over logic and reason. Multisport is still growing by leaps and bounds, though even at the highest level there’s little profit in winning. In triathlon, a combination of swimming, biking and running, the most publicized and prestigious event is the Ironman world championship in Kona. The winner receives a payout of $110,000. By comparison, the winner of the U.S. Open takes home $1.44 million, and the top 50 golfers in 2010 each made at least $1 million in prize money. The majority of professional triathletes and “age groupers,” though perhaps some of the best all-around athletes in the world, compete more for the sake of meeting personal goals than for fame or money.

Currently, duathlon, a term used to describe any run-bike-run event (a swim-bike-swim is called an “aquabike”), receives even less recognition than triathlon. Unlike triathlon, there’s no Olympic competition or televised duathlon event. The competitors you’ll see lined up at the Erock Du’s start are there because, believe it or not, this is what they like to do for fun.

The 2011 Race
Capt. Hays would have been 24 when he ran up Enchanted Rock. In 2009, I had just turned 25 when my husband, Jack, and I first raced the Enchanted Rock Extreme Duathlon in its inaugural year. It was my second-ever multisport event, and in hindsight, the place where I really fell in love with duathlon and cycling. Jack and I have been back every year since.

In 2011, race day was the same as it had always been. The transition area and race start are located at the park’s pavilion, down a trail from the main parking lot.

For the competitors, part of race-morning prep is getting body-marked — volunteers write each competitor’s race number on his or her thigh and age on the calf. Since awards are given for male and female age-group winners in addition to the overall winners, this allows participants to determine whether another person is their direct competition during the race.

Robert Harder, the most “mature” participant at 70 years old, doesn’t have a single person in his age group at the 2011 race, but for many competitors, knowing they’re being passed by someone born in 1940 is enough motivation in itself to pick up the pace.

“I love beating the 50- and 60-year-old guys,” Harder says with a grin. Though he began competing in multisport four years ago, he explains that he’s been running half-marathons and marathons for nearly 30 years. “When my kids got older and I was no longer involved in all of their sports, I was able to contribute more time to myself and became more active.”

Harder says he’s beyond trying to set a personal best these days. Like most of the other participants lined up at the start, he’s here for the challenge and the camaraderie. But there’s also a contingent of athletes vying for the first-place finish. Members of the Tri-Sition Area team, ATC Racing, Texas Iron and the Aggie Triathlon Team are in attendance, as well as coach and former professional triathlete Jamie Cleveland, who won first overall at the race in 2009. While Harder is guaranteed to win his age-group trophy, a plaque set into a polished piece of local granite, the rest of us are surveying the competition and wondering how we’ll stack up.

But when the gun goes off at the start of the first run, there’s no more time to think. Within minutes, the race becomes a long, single-file line, the gaps between competitors widening. The 5-mile Loop Trail circles the base of the Little Rock, skirts the Moss Lake primitive campground behind the main dome and then returns just to the east of Freshman Mountain, crossing a series of rolling hills and several dry, rocky streambeds. The scenery is rugged and beautiful throughout, and it’s not too much of a stretch to imagine the sound of soft moccasins and unshod horses in pursuit just behind.

But when the run is finished, the scene goes straight from Western movie to Star Trek. In the transition area, the fastest competitors take off their running shoes, don their aero helmets and mount aerodynamically engineered carbon bikes with race wheels. The 16-mile bike course, which follows the highway just outside of the park for 8 miles east and then returns along the same route, will take most riders 45 to 65 minutes to complete.

Drafting is not allowed, so rather than a Tour de France-style pack, competitors are spread out along the length of the course, each settling into his or her individual pace.

Completing the bike portion is both a blessing and a curse. When competitors reach the transition area and put their bikes back on the racks, there are only 1.2 miles remaining to the finish, but this includes a 425-foot rise in elevation in the last half-mile. Also, where this steep section begins, there’s a timing mat marking the start of the “King of the Hill” competition, a race within the race to see who can make it the fastest up the final slope.

Race director Brian Schmidt’s motto for the Enchanted Rock Extreme Duathlon is “No Whining,” and the climb up the Summit Trail certainly puts this edict to the test. Even walking to the top of Enchanted Rock can be a challenge at the end of the race. Cleveland, who at the 2011 race finished first overall as well as King of the Hill, is one of the few who can run the whole way.

But the challenge of the setting, along with its beauty, is what makes this race so appealing. Given the length and remoteness of the course, Schmidt does not recommend the event for those with no previous race experience, but otherwise, all ages, abilities and genders are welcome, and all seem to enjoy the course equally. Whether you have one multisport event under your belt or a hundred, after 22.2 miles of racing through and around and up this famous Texas landmark, taking in the view from the top is an experience that’s sure to make the legend of Enchanted Rock part of your own story.

Enchanted Rock’s Allure
Enchanted Rock SNA is one of the most visited parks in Texas.

“It seems like everyone who doesn’t go to the beach ends up here at the Rock,” park Superintendent Ray Sierra says. “The name Enchanted Rock has an allure to it. It brings folks out here to see what makes the place so special. And it’s a special place for folks who’ve been out here before, too, people who’ve been here as kids and are back today with their kids.”

Sierra says he welcomed the idea of holding a duathlon at Enchanted Rock because it would introduce the park to a new type of visitor. And he’s not alone in his support of the idea. Multisport, cycling and adventure racing have found homes at other state parks, including Huntsville State Park, Bastrop State Park, Palo Duro Canyon State Park and Tyler State Park.

So, while a lot has changed in the 170 years since Hays’ famous ascent of Enchanted Rock, it can also be said that the sense of exploration lives on. Our state and national parks are our last piece of the Texas frontier, so it’s only fitting that in a place like Enchanted Rock, you should find both endurance athletes and day trippers testing themselves against the granite slopes for a glimpse of not only what lies in the distance, but also what lies within the deepest part of themselves.

********

I slowly inch my way up the Big Rock, wheezing like an asthmatic moose. A woman along the trail takes pity and urges me on. “Only a quarter-mile to go!”

“Only?!” I think. “Are you kidding?!”

The mountain is so steep that I can’t see the finish line. After each rise I think it’s the end, but no, there’s another, and another and another.

By the time I see the flags, I wonder if my vision is failing, but they’re no mirage. The final 50 yards to the finish are, ironically, flat. I can’t muster a spectacular sprint to the line — I’m officially cooked — but I’ve made it. Happily belly-up on the granite, I feel as if I’ve just bested Kilimanjaro.

Randy's Racers and Chasers Report!

2012-01-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

Chris,

Well Saturday was a fun race day with Robert's racers and chasers crew down at Balboa park right next to the Velodrome. I did this race two years ago and it is a blast so even though I am not in top race shape I had to go race.

Race time was changed from 9:00am to 10:00am because there were so many people there so that gave another hour to get ready to go (which I needed) so after warming up I headed up to the start and this is the only thing about how Robert runs the races I kinda don't care for, he runs all the sports together (all class's) which means we had like 80 or so people taking off together but luckily this course can handle it, it's a long long wide straight.

So off the start I am going to just play it safe and cruise so I don't burn up because we are going to run 4.5 laps with each lap running about 4.5 miles with only 300 feet of climbing per lap. I have no idea were I was at position wise at all during the race with that many people and no leg marking for age's so I just wanted to be consistent and finish were I finish.

This course has a half lap which runs threw a very slow chicane were the scorers are so on the fist half lap we get into it with everyone totally bunching up (kinda like the first lap at sea otter) and this f-ing douche nozzle stats passing people in there then nock's this girl off her bike trying to pass so I am thinking ok dude I will find you out on the course! and I did and had a few words with him and told him if he had a problem come find me after the race.

The problem with this is I was around this a-hole the hole race! on the third lap I was kinda gassed and he passed me and I was like no way is this going to happen so I kept him in sight and rested at the same time. On the last lap I pushed it and passed him along with a few other guys and ended up finishing 8th out of 14 guys so it was a good day and a fun one also, the only problem was Kim was in AZ! it's aways nice when she's with me.

I also want to say thanks to all of our sponsors Kenda, Amino Vital, Sigma sport, 661 sunline, Tomac bikes, Ryders eye ware. We have the best sponsors who stay behind this team so a big thank you to all of you.

It's off to Fontucky for round two of the winter series next weekend and then Robert has another race the week after at black mountain. check out racers and chasers web-site for all his races it's cheap and a good time.

Talk to ya next week,

Randy

Columbus Winter 2012

2012-01-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

It's hard knowing that back home in sunny So Cal it's in the low 80's today...in January. To be fair, the last week here in Columbus has actually been the nicest lead-in to Winter we have had in the past four years. It's slated to be mid 40's again today, and the sun is out. Saturday was actually in the mid fifties, and I had Luka out at the Metro Parks all day playing in what seemed to be early Fall bliss in a week that usually invloves at least an hour of shoveling white stuff every day.

**Luka strolling across the ponds at the Audubon Metro Park in Columbus Saturday.**

My road bike was placed in the trainer a week and a half ago, and amazingly enough it was quite premature. I have been rocking the hardtail with Kenda Kozmik Lite II's for the past two weeks now as a road bike replacement since I refuse to take off that son of a bitch trainer tire.

**Luckily, the mid-40's temps were just enough to melt the ice on the exposed bridges along the Olentangy Trail Thursday.**

People here in the Capitol City have been all atwitter with daylight and walkable sidewalks, and the ability to ride outdoors without seventeen layers of clothes on. The historic North Market(typically a ghost town in January) was jam-packed with humanity Saturday.

There wasn't a dog owner in town who wasn't out walking their animal. Seeing Vegas Bob's pics of the Ortega Mountains during his monster ride Saturday was great, but certainly doesn't help my abject grief over the featureless terrain of the
area here. Timari Pruis posted a nice shot from the Backbone Trail looking west out to Catalina Island, and the photos coming in from Dorothy Wong of the So Cal 'Cross Series show little in the area of icy bridges on bike paths.

**Ara rocking "The Stouche" at the So Cal Cross races.**

It's coming...slowly but surely the steely grey gloom of old man Winter is encroaching like a fast moving glacier on me. The thought of turning mindless crank revolutions on the indoor mag trainer in the low ceiling of the basement makes me want to gouge out my eyes.

I am resolving myself to slip into my AmFib tights and shoe covers every chance I get until the roads are too frozen to ride. I'll be out this afternoon again thanks to a day off, then our indoor group BYOT class Wednesday..which is only slightly less disgusting than a basement workout and ONLY because friends come to suffer too. It helps that beers follow at 9p.m.

**Burm #1 after dropping in to the top of Backbone Trail in Sycamore Canyon S.P.**

The trainer sessions typically involve me closing my eyes and dreaming of blasting down that scrabbly-tight section of Backbone Trail inside Sycamore Canyon State Park after ascending Guadalasca Peak Trail. Having the bike wide open, hands nowhere near the brake levers as you plummet down that baby-head strewn sliver of dust is all that keeps me alive at times. I ride it in my dreams, along with other favorites like San Juan Trail, SART, JPL and Thunder Mountain Trail.

Old helmet cam footage from a decade ago doesn't hurt, either. I only wish I had some footage of the Rock Store road loop starting at Malibu Creek State Park and heading out to Leo Carrillo State Beach, or two hours of reels from riding the mind-blowingly scenic singletrack run from Tunnel 1 on Kanan Dume Road in Malibu across the mountain top into Malibu Canyon. Poor Abel Vaca has suffered many a near-fatal crash on the savage descent back into the canyon.

It's those now-twenty-two year old and newer memories of riding and racing with people like the Klawitter brothers back in the old Conejo Bikes days,

**The ol' Conejo AP/5 ready for NORBA's**

and the great group at Checkered Flag Racing (that would eventually become most of Backbone Adventure Cycling) that keep me motivated to ride when the mercury hits the single digits here. Camp-N-Rides in the Big Laguna mountains, races in Brian Head, the team condo in Big Bear..all of it I try to recall as often as possible this time of year.

**Val and Karl Kleinbach arrive with baby Cody to the Camp-N-Ride in ventura County, 2007.**

It helps to have rider-submitted reports from home to keep me going, and Facebook posted pictures of sunny and dry singletrack make me end my indoor workouts with one-leg drills instead of stopping early to watch T.V.

Please keep them coming for the next three months....my psyche will thank you for it.

Winter Pic From Columbus.

2012-01-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a rare nice day for January the 5th. At 43 degrees and sunny, it was almost like summer here in the Cap City. With the mountain bike in "Dual Sport" mode thanks to the road bike being hooked up to the trainer in the basement, I headed out in cold but stark beauty of the afternoon. Rolling up alongside the Olentangy River I couldn't help but notice how great the bike felt. Kenda Kozmik Lite II tires at 80psi were quiet and FAST, and my rotors were NOT dragging thanks to the stupid-light and well designed Formula R-1's. I would enjoy their phenomenal "feel" later in the ride while breaking through icy sections of singletrack off the paved path..hence the name "Dual Sport." My ROX 9.0 Sigma computer works STILL (after four years) flawlessly even in the near zero winter temps here too..which is nice.

Today, we are enjoying the last warm day (50 degrees) before it dips back intop the low 40's and below. Vacant was the bike path and adjacent trail network save for the migratory waterfowl that had been duped by late warm days. In three more nights any goose left on the river will likely have his flippers frozen for good. I took a picture, because from here on out, the basement will not be NEARLY as nice to look at.

Tookie's Inro To Winter.

2012-01-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

Hey, Chris
We had a three day break in the weather down here and when I say, a break, I mean three days with out rain or sub 20 degree temps. Friday was great, but muddy Saturday was a little harder with a lot of hiking my ass up hills because of the 12 horses traveling the opposite way mulching the trail up for 10 of the 16 miles. Sunday with my legs numb and a cold front moving quick I was just happy that I was out on the bike for the new year and with a lot of help from double scoops of Amino Vital that I made it through the long weekend ride.
Talk later,
"Tookie"

Mark and Fuzzy Racing 'Cross in Griffith Park!

2011-12-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

Hey Chris,

The Santa Cross race was this past weekend over in Griffith Park, next
to the Greek Theatre. Short course but with a long steep climb and
twisty downhill turns. Perfect for a mountain bike, especially my Tomac
Type-X Carbon hardtail.

Mark Thome raced on Saturday morning with a 20th place finish. The man
is getting stronger and stronger with each event.

I raced on Sunday only (sinus cold) in the Class B with my best result
of the season 10th out 34. Power of the moustauche!

For fun my brother, Gabe, Gabes daughters AJ, and I entered in the costume relay race. Dressed in turn of the century gentlemen clothing, good times!

Cheers,

Fuzz

Fuzzy's LACX Race Report

2011-12-05T07:03:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful day in Southern California with clear blue skies and
temperature in the mid 60's. Racing cyclocross at the Los Angeles State
Historic Park is amazing. You have the Downtown skyline in the
background, Elysian Park with Dodger Stadium to the right, and the
light rail Metro passing by every couple of minutes right next to the
course. This used to be the site for the Southern Pacific Railroad
River Station in 1875 then turned to the Union Station Railroad Depot.
The greatest part of it all is the bike ride down the LA River BikePath
from home. Good warm up and fueling up with Amino Vital to have those
muscles ( or lack there of) to fire on all cylinders.

The course was changed since the last time which made it really fast
and flowy. Couple of more stairs and uphill runs, the first half of the
course was really choppy. Spinergy Xcyclone Disc wheelset with PBO
spokes dampened alot of the chatter. Very dry conditions, loose dirt,
but really green grass sections. Ryder sunglasses came in handy to
block the rocks and sunlight. Xpedo pedals took another beating
clipping in and out over hurdles but still work like new. Choosing my
Tomac Type-X carbon hardtail was a good decision on the rough terrain
and the quick rolling Small Block 6 1.75 came in handy on the tight
turns, but lost some time on the fast straightaways. Team mate and
overall Jolly Ol' Fellow Mark Thome was in attendance and was the first
to go off. With Montana still in his belly, he threw down some hot laps
and beat Forrest of PMBC ( had put my money on him) and Rod from Surf
City Cycles. Mark's Sigma Computer registered his two final laps his
fastest, the DEISEL! Eventually Mark had human fluids coming out of
every hole on his head, now thats pushing yourself. By the way, Mark
has the loudest cow bell. Still cant hear anything.

Started in last place in the Class B race and had to work my way up the
field. Todays goal was to work on my flat terrain speed. Always have
trouble in MTB races where there is a slight downhill or if it is
totally flat (climbing is what I do). Felt strong overall. The
regiments of leg and core workouts with my dad are starting to pay off.
Had to chase down Adam for much of the race and eventually passed him
with couple of turns to go but he nicked me in the sprint finish. Had
my highest placement in Class B this season, feeling pretty good. The
bike ride home with Piper and Rob of H+S bike shop of Burbank was a
nice end to the day.

Side notes : Mr. Margve's daughter raced in the Junior class and did
well. She races in the SoCal High School MTB league and using these
races to get into racing shape.

Thank you again to our sponsors that support us : Kenda Tires and tubes
( thanks for the hollers Roger), Tomac bikes, Amino Vital, Ryder
Sunglasses, Sigma Computers, Royal MTB clothing, Voler apparel,
Spinergy Wheels, and everybody cheering and having fun out there
together.

Fuzz

TOMAC Interview With Backbone Adventure Cycling!

2011-11-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

Team Spotlight: Backbone Racing
.by Tomac Bikes on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 9:14pm.When did you start Backbone?

I started Backbone Adventure Cycling back in 2004, but didn't officially launch it until the 2005 season when we had our new clothes, website etc ready to go.

How long has Tomac been a sponsor?

Tomac has actually been a sponsor TWICE in our history! They actually were our very first sponsor, back when Tomac was run by American Bicycle Group in '05. Our first bikes were half Litespeed bikes that had been "painted over" from the RLX POLO team, and the others were legit Doug Bradbury designed Tomac hardtails we got from Dave Weins after the RLX team disbanded. World Famous Vegas Bob still has Susan Demattei's very decorated old RLX team bike in his quiver...And we also have one of Dave's and one of Jimena Florits still as back up bikes! We were without them for a couple of years while it was "reorganized," then met Joel at ODD in Vegas about three years ago, and we have been with Tomac ever since.

What makes Backbone stand out at races?

There are a few things that make us stand out races, like the "Glendale Heavies." These are long-time friends and supporters of the team whose massive Armenian bulk would make Magnus ver Magnusson jealous. We are also no strangers to Vegas Bob racing in a chicken suit or Star Wars costume. There's typically a large amount of drinking that happens before, during and after events as well. Mark Thome is always surrounded by strippers, and Jeff "Tookie" Williams brings his friend from the hills of Kentucky who has a bad habit showing his scars-in-unhappy-places during 24 hour races. Ara will often shave his nose hairs on the starting line, and quite frankly I'm just certifiably insane.

How far would you go to have a 2012 Type X 29 in your garage right now?

Jeff Williams has already sold what was left of his crunchy, cajun-blackend soul for a new Type X 29. I'm holding for the red-coated fat-man to stuff that custom 'cross bike they made for Interbike a few years back into my chimney.

Just how famous is Vegas Bob?

World Famous Vegas Bob rules a crowded nation inside his mind, and is desired by every woman across the globe with limited options and eyesight. He has always been famous, even as a fetus...we don't ask why, we just bask in the glow of The Bob.

What’s on tap for Backbone in 2012?

For 2012 we have some amazing changes on tap! Ara Movsessian, who has been with us from the beginning, is stepping in to take over the west coast team's day-to-day operations. I am REALLY looking forward to this, because Ara is everything we love about cycliong..except for the unibrow. We also have our Pro DH racer Charles Libolt attending The College Of London, and will be throwing down some gravity races on his Primer and/or Vanish on a few choice dh races in Europe!

Thanks guys...Love our Tomacs!

Love & Hate; Chestnut Ridge Trail.

2011-11-11T16:14:00.000-08:00

**The 26" wheels on the hardtail (blasphemy, I know) were the right tool for the job at Chestnut Ridge.**

A 9a.m. visit to the chiropractor should clearly be a sign that I am aging rapidly. Having a rare Friday off (and with weather holding in the near-forty-degree range) I decided to make the trip out to the new jewel in the crown of the central Ohio mountain bike trail system. With expectations low (it's Ohio..what do you want..CLIMBING for Christ's sake?) I loaded up the truck with my newly re-organized spine and hit the road. It's a rare occasion that I struggle to find a place, or wish I had a GPS unit. I made the woeful assumption that there would be some trail of breadcrunbs a-la-a-sign-somewhere near the freeway that would guide me in. I was armed with a map. A very useless Google Map.

After a series of wrong turns through a somewhat isolated section of Canal Winchester, I finally found Winchester road and drove east. Pulling into the park, I couldn't help but notice the complete lack of cyclists/cars with racks. I came across a ranger who less than politely told me I had to exit the park, drive back a mile or so to a non-marked, unsigned and totally innocuous street off of which the mountain bike trail was to be found. Grrrrr. At least this lot had some familiar signs of dirt-bag mountain bikers....although the tall-grass field had no visible signs to indicate where the trail actually started. I rode around for a minute or three and found a large clear-cut that rolled out and down into a gulley. There may have been a sign post, but I never saw it.

**The Formula R-1's saved my ass numerous times today on the often-ridiculous sharp-turns-for-no-reason.**

The wide, fire-road style cut in the field quickly yielded to a well packed and mostly root-free singletrack. A FAR cry from the abjectly shitty and worthless Alum Creek trails, this one seemed to have some semblence of enjoyment embedded into it's freshly hacked dirt. "What is this..a SMILE?" I said as the bike darted deftly between the saplings. I was actually ENJOYING an off road bike ride in central Ohio. Was it the spectre of lowered expectations...or something else? Nope..it was genuine happiness. One of my many bitches about riding dirt here is the lack of climbing. There are also few natural technical terrain aspects, lending the builders to add often odd man-made features to "spice things up." This trail didn't need any of that crap!

A couple of miles in, I was met with gruelingly steep switchbacks..the kind that make you jam the nose of your saddle so far up inside your chocolate starfish to keep the front wheel down, you may have to wipe the fecal matter off the seat once the turn is made. It reminded me of home, and that made me happy. I haven't ridden a single, reasonable switchback in the entire time I have lived here..and now I have ten of them back to back. With the 80% sheer joy I was feeling, I had a 20% frustration rate with this section. Let me preface what I am about to say with the fact I have built a butt-load of trails in California.

I understand it when someone who didn't help bitches..I get it..I really do. That being said, the pitch on those switchbacks was only do-able because of the recent rains, and very, VERY tacky dirt (and 2.1 Slant Six Kenda tires at 30psi). This trail network is brand new, and they had the ENTIRE park to build this thing. Why make this section so steep that in the spring, the rains will make it unrideable, and in the summer the ruts that will have developed from the spring rains will create 6' deep troughs to constantly fill in? There was no need to make such an unsustainable set of turns...and that's coming from a man who found them to be the most favored portion of the entire 7.5 mile trail. They'd be allright out west, where it's all granite and rocks, but slick and greasy mud will make that section useless for most of the year.

The trail reminds me a lot of a long cyclocross race...a ton of loops and turns to maximize mileage in a relatively small area. I actually found that up until about mile 4 or so, I was VERY pleased with the vast majority of this trail. At a certain point, you reach a hilltop on the western slope that borders the road you take in to the parking lot. It gets really fun there thanks to a handfull of technical rock outcroppings that appear out of nowhere (take the INSIDE line on the first one, the outside line has a pretty unrealistic right turn apex that is mostly unrideable without trackstanding..which sucks..because you essentially have to stop moving to clean it.)with hidden baby-heads lying in wait under the leafy detritus.

**Jeff Williams pictured actual size.**

There is a Yin & Yang thing here though.
While I thoroughly enjoyed watching my heart-rate spike, and having to force rock-pile navigation when I least expected it...the rare chance we get around here for our computers to exceed 20mph is completely blown to shit thanks to some of the least intelligent design I have ever had the misfortune to ride through. Long meandering meadow descents are met with off-camber (except for a small handfull of properly banked), rotor warpingly abrupt 90 degree turns that force the rider to all but completely stop the bike to make. Again..for no reason..plenty of space out here on the blank canvas to let the wheels run for a bit longer and make more sweeping, gradual turns. The severity of the tree-lined cuts will prove a disaster later next year when deep braking bumps will fill with water and create epicly large G-Outs that will certainly end a number of riders' cycling endeavours for the summer. Some were so bad, I found that at this point all the good JuJu I had felt was starting to be stripped away layer at a time by what can best be described as a movie that ran out of money and just had to be finished. I'd rather see a mile less trail winding back on it's self and have a longer, more flowy set of descents to bring some much needed speed to the trails here.

The tight-turns-for-no-good-reason aside, the trail was in stellar shape. With rarely a root to deal with, my 26" wheeled hardtail (THE HELL YOU SAY!)was actually of great service. With the steep incline of the switchbacks, steep drops, and needed ability to quickly accelerate out of said turns, the 26er was just the ticket. Blasphemy, I know, but a 29er would have changed my whole thought on the trail is it was today. Around mile mark 5, there was a butt-puckering little drop that hits your medula oblongata after a reasonably quick descent. BAM! With the saddle supporting what will one day be my chest, and my hairy bean-bag being rattled by the small but frequently-placed knobs on my Slant Six tires I threw the bars out in front of me in an effort to bias the weight out back. It was over quickly, but a gnarly little up-tick on the other side of the wash took every ounce of momentum I had to clean. Fun for sure, but there has to be a better way to make that transition.

Another fun, well constructed and rolling section follows until one of the
most forehead-slappingly, astoundingly stupid sections of trail I have ever seen looms in front me. A hard right at mile mark 5.5 takes me across a water filled stream and up one of the greasiest, steepest pieces of work I have witnessed...again for no reason. All the room in the world..a chance to get it right the first time..and then EPIC fail right near the end. The severity of the ascent coupled with wet tires/mud mean a completely unsustainable trail feature. Such a shame. I really have such mixed feelings...in one hand I had the best ride I have had since moving here five years ago..and in the other I was dumbfounded by the thoughtlesness of certain sections given the blank slate that was handed over for trail creation.

My hope is that the trail is new, and that with time the lack of needed bridges in some spots, more sustainable gradients in a few pockets, and about 15 turns that were horrid in design and execution can be "adjusted" and make Chestnut Ridge a race and ride destination that will inspire future Ohioans to take their cycling to the next level. I'd have to say I'm 70 to 30 like to dislike, but that's far cry from the 98% dislike of Alum Creek. Will I ever go to Alum Creek now that I have Chestnut Ridge? Nope. Will I work with the trail builders whenever I have the chance to make the whined about improvements? Yes, indeed.

I won't be able to bitch if I haven't done any of the work...MAN I hate that. :)

Ara's So Cal Cross Report; Mud In So Cal? What The What?

2011-11-09T06:16:00.000-08:00

Socal Cross Race Report :

Cyclocross and mud go hand in hand, that is how it started in Europe decades ago where the racers would train in the winter season. Destination is El Dorado Park in Long Beach, forecast is rain. Injuries have healed except my bruised ribs who do not let me do any core work which means back pains.

Driving down to the race it was raining cats and dogs, Shortstack had a late night but Gabe Margve came along for support. As soon as we got there the rain had let up but the course was wet and muddy. Decided to race in the Class B and borrow a real cross bike. Topped off with Amino Vital for the 45 minutes sufferfest and off we went. Had a slow start but picked off a bunch of riders after getting used to the bike and tires. Wish I had my trustee Kenda Tires because I was sliding around everywhere. Crashed once right infront of my Rich and his girlfriend, who were awesome enough to drive out from Burbank to give their cheers, and it was all caught on video.

Overall, had a good time out there. Hurt alot, but a great racer once told me (Bert Blanchette) you have to race to get into race shape. It was a good workout and getting ready for the homefield race at the Turkey Trot Cross race in Glendale.

Speaking of the Devil, Bert Blanchette was at the race to support and throw in some laps for fun. Very excited to see him and the family is doing very well.

Till the next race at the end of the month, thanks to all the sponsors... Amino Vital, Ryder Sunglasses, Roger with Kenda Tires, Spinergy Wheels, Tomac Bikes, Sigma Computers, Xpedo Pedals, and all the supporters.

Fuzz

Sean C.'s PA Race Update; 2011 Is In The Can.

2011-11-06T14:54:00.001-08:00

Hey Chris I just wanted to let you know that I went to PA last weekend to race , the course was wet and rocks were slippery. I placed 11 out of 17, not bad considering all that is going on around here. I want to thank all our sponsors for an awesome job your doing, if it wasn't for you guys we wouldn't be racing, and looking so good out there. I also want to thank Chris for putting up with me going to him with last minute things to fix on my bike, thanks a lot dude your awesome, See you next year. Sean

Cuyahoga Valley Awesomefest!

2011-10-31T07:14:00.001-07:00

What began as a simple getaway for Lydia, Luka and I quickly evolved into something much more awesome. You see, we don't get out much. Everyone we know, we know on such a superficial level it's really quite disgusting. In an effort to be better friends to the folks we know, we thought it might be really cool to open up our little weekend hide-out to any roll: customers who were insane enough to buy in at the rock-bottom and non-refundable price of thirty dollars.
The Cuyahoga Valley Awesomefest was born. Siobhan Blake and I met clandestinely at Cup-O-Joe in Lennox Center to plot the numerous routes that would send riders throughout the only National Park in the state of Ohio.

The e-mail was sent via the store's Google-Groups group-ride e-mail list. Here's the pitch...
"Anyone wanna come up and stay with us in the historic Stanford House B & B for the last weekend of October? It's $30 bucks, and I'm not babysitting any one of you." In six hours, we had forty two people fighting for twenty nine spots. Luckily for Chris Blumenschein, after a two month wait..there was a cancellation. He was in so fast it was scary.

With a sales pitch like that, who wouldn't want in? The entire house was rented for the weekend. It was done. Sweet baby Jesus help us. I'm bad enough on my own, but sprinkle in Shanna from Graeter's Ice Cream and Steve Priest, and we have problems. Deep seated, emotional problems. Be patient...we'll get there..

Meeting at 8a.m. in the Lane Avenue parking lot, what assembled in the thirty one degree temps was far from the Justice League..more like the rag-tag bunch of misfits from the A-Team. I'm B.A., by the way. Siobhan is "Face Man"...you know..minus the "man." We made like a baby and headed out towards the sleepy town of Boston Mill. I think the Headless Horseman lives there, but don't quote me on that. Arriving by 11a.m., we quickly poured ourselves into Spandex and split up into three different groups.

The bulk of the house headed up and out to the "paved" bike path at the edge of the park, where they split in two and some went north towards Lake Erie, while the rest went south towards Akron. Lyd, Luka and I chose the scenic and historic tow-path trail to Akron.

Chris B. blew a rear tube at mile 1, and "Spray and Pray" Barry Jackson busted a spoke on his brand new Ksyrium Elite's. Everyone managed to handle their bid'ness, and the riders kept going. I love it when a plan comes together (flagrant A-Team reference, get it?).

Lyd and I stopped with Luka in tow at Botsam station. Turns out, this weekend was the last for the year that the historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Train picks up bike riders for a paltry $3 and will carry them in heated comfort back to the nearest train station from whence they came. Perfect.

Train staff are always very pleasant, and to get to snack on a massive hot-dog and beer from the trains' food car is always better than it sounds after riding for hours on a thirty one degree day. They let us ride both ways for the price of a one way ticket..so I bought the guys a six pack as a thank you on behalf of all the cyclists for the season. Nice.

The roll: Element was clutch in the ferrying of Awesomefest participants to and from the Winking Lizard restaurant in the nearby town of Peninsula. With ages ranging from two to sixty-five years old, the Lizard was a perfect spot for a large group with feral children. Having ridden all day, beer and anything fried was the order of the evening. Upon returning to the Stanford House, everyone began to settle in for the night.

After a failed attempt to start the massive fire pit, Siobhan Blake and Chris B. channeled their inner Rambo and siphoned jet fuel from a nearby passenger liner to "accelerate" the process. I miss having eyebrows. Shanna and I reminisced about the Golden State, and Lydia broke out the Martin acoustic and played some music for the house in the cozy and acoustically sufficient living room. roll: customer John Scott arrived late with his wife and two kids, but made themselves part of the group quickly.With a raging and presumably deadly inferno outside, and Lyd playing inside, everyone seemed to be quietly rolling in to that fuzzy area between wiped out asleep and "let's stay up all night." I had made the mistake of strapping on the lights and hammering out an extra thirty miles, rolling north past the historic Frazee House before turning around. Holding an average speed like that on a mountain bike ain't easy, and I paid for it on Sunday.

Sleep came quickly to all who got horizontal. The beds are amazing in the house, and nobody failed to mention how all-enveloping the snooze-a-riffic comforters were on the beds. Nighty-night hit about midnight. Everyone was up and ready Sunday a.m. by 8. The temp was just below freezing, so the decision was made to wait until 10a.m. to begin riding...so coffee and lies about how fast we are quickly filled the house.

The deal was this. Ride the perfectly groomed tow-path to Botsam Station near Akron, board the last train of the year, and ride it north the stop above Boston Mill, and ride back before heading home. One mile in, Barry blew his spoke. Again. Barry is not a large man. How this happened is still a mystery...or IS IT? Colonel Mustard WAS seen in the study with a candlestick, so who knows. Letting out the rear brake and removing the pads completely, Big B finished the ride tough-guy style. Barely making the north bound train by minutes, everyone was overjoyed with the prospect of warm grub and a final push home. The tow path can occupy an entire weekend with all the historic placards explaining the locks, mills, boat yards and stone quarrys in the area. Highly recommended.

We disembarked at Brecksville Station. Five miles back to Boston Mill. It was on. Siobhan, Chris B. and I pinned it with no rest stops at all..two mountain bikes and a BMC Street Machine.
It was fun averaging 19.5 m.p.h. on a fat-tired mountain bike with Siobhan for that entire run.

Chris has been riding a lot, and has learned to go with every attack just to get faster. It paid off, and we found ourselves pace-lining back to Boston Mill. Lyd and Luka were there awaiting our return, and after recovering and talking about all the endangered species we could eat with cheese and bacon on the top, we split up and everyone called it a weekend.

Some things to ask people about for the week....bother Chris B. about how he grabbed a stray black cat by the neck in attempt to get the two park rangers from wasting three more hours of tax-payer funded gas money waiting for the animal to enter a cage.

Be sure to ask Lydia about the much longer than necessary hugs she was finding herself involved in with Barry. Then ask Barry about how he beat up that kid's fist with his face on a road ride the day before we left.

Ask Shanna to perform a cheer for you from her san Diego high school. Really..she will totally do it.

Ask Siobhan how she managed to start a raging inferno..in the rain..with nothing more than a cel phone and a Whiffle Ball bat.

I'd like to personally thank all who took the chance this weekend and made the Awesomefest a really memorable weekend escape. I hope that all of you sign up for the next one, which I'll begin planning right now...

Ara's Near-Death Temecula Race Report

2011-10-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last race of the season, the one day State Championships, over at Vail Lake Resort in Temecula. Mark Thome and I represented Backbone with only a handful of other racers. Turnout was low but the place was nice, hopefully we can have more races there in the next season.

The weather was warm, especially for a 1:15 start time, so hydrating was key before and durning the... race. Topped off with Amino Vital Endurance and Shortstack would be the feeder of great performance drinks during the race. Sadly, I limped in only to complete one lap of the three.

Had a good start, Tomac Type-X was running greatl, Kenda Karma and Small Block 8's were gripping great on the loose soil, until that faithful corner on one of the canyon descents. Came into the turn way too hot and caught a hidden rut under the sand and PLOWED into the ground. It happened so fast. My shoulder popped out (2nd time) which I luckily popped back in, wrist was mangled, handlebar was totally twisted and I couldnt get it straight. After a few minutes of catching my breath and doing a 100 point inspection, I really thought I had broken ribs as I tried to ride to the finish line. Could not grip or put pressure on my right side. Eased into the finish line and called it quits. The medic there was nice enough to check me over and clean up a massive gash on my forearm. Ribs are not cracked, but really bruised. Knee has a hole in it. Too keep it short my whole right side hurts. Always wear a helmet, saved my noggin.

Royal signature gloves held up and did not tear. Testament to the boys over in Colorado and the work that they do. Sigma Rox computer did not break or shatter, held up and still working. Spinergy Xcyclone wheels are still true after some knarly crashes. Roger at Kenda is a great sponsor that works for the peoples. Ryder sunglasses are still usable and not even scratched. Shortstack for making the trip out there and supporting the crew. Everybody else that I forgot to mention because of the mild concussion.

Going to take a few days off, maybe a week, but will recover and ride in some cross races. Had a good season despite the knee injury and crashes, looking forward to next year and improving more and more. It is all good and fun. Enjoy!

Thanks to all ,

Fuzz

SIGMA EVO Lights In Dirt Rag Magazine!

2011-10-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

The current issue of Dirt Rag Magazine is out, and SIGMA's new EVO light system got top nods for their bright-as-a-solar-flare bar mount light offering. If you see Tookie at night, ask him about his SIGMA lighting system!

Charles Libolt Sends Greetings From London.

2011-09-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Chris!
So it has been a while since I contributed to the blog, so I thought I would send you a little write-up on how things are going over here!

I've been in London since the 6th, and while I am still without a bike, I plan on fixing that by next week! Bringing a bike amongst all of my other baggage seemed like more hassle than it was worth. Fortunately, being a sprawling urban city, there are a handful of bike shops all within walking distance from my little apartme

nt. But now the questions is - what kind of bike do I get? Road? Cyclo-cross? MTB? Trendy neon-colored fixie with no brakes and extra-narrow handlebars? Whatever I end up with, it will definitely have a sticker on the handlebars gently reminding me to KEEP LEFT when on the street.

As for my living conditions - If anybody has ever seen the first Harry Potter movie, they should be familiar with his little "cupboard" under the stairs that he was forced to live in by his evil relatives. If you haven't seen it, I suggest searching for it on YouTube. My London apartment is about the same size as Harry's little cupboard. My bathroom is small enough that I can sit on the toilet, brush my teeth over the sink, and shower all at the same time. Not that I have tried this yet, but if I am ever running late, it is a good emergency option to have. My kitchen consists of microwave and a "hob." It took me a couple of days and a Google search to figure out what the hell a hob is... I'll leave it up to you to do the same.

And speaking of food and kitchens, Britain has gone through a sort of "food revolution" of sorts over the last couple of years. Gone are the days of crappy, laughable English fare consisting of black pudding and greasy, stale fish and chips. Now, restaurants serve an endless variety of foods. They proudly advertise that they work directly with local farmers to purchase fresh, seasonal ingredients every day. This is seen everywhere from the local bakeries, coffeshops and pubs, all the way up to Gordon Ramsay's Michelin starred restaurants. Very little is imported, and almost everything goes right back into the pockets of the local farmers and butchers. Most importantly though, it makes for some delicious food at reasonable prices. My only complaint is the lack of quality Mexican food. There is a place up the street that claims to offer "Authentic California Mexican Food." However, three of the four words in that claim are misleading. It is neither authentic, Californian, or Mexican. Not bad, not really good either. But, they seem to have the Brits convinced that it is authentic, as the little place is packed every time I pass by.

My classes start in a couple of days, so before I disappear into academic oblivion for the next year, I will try to send another little update and some photos of whatever sort of bike I end up with.

Taylor

Ara's So Cal 'Cross Report!

2011-09-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Raced in a CycloCross race for the first time on Sunday and it sure was fun. Thanks to Joy, who runs Big Wheels Training, for letting me borrow her cross bike and giving a small clinic to beginners before the first race of the day. Getting a lesson on the proper way to dismount and remount was crucial to competing in Cross races. Thanks again Joy!

Luckily I lived close enough to the event in LA that I biked there and back home. Good warm-up and cool down. The course was long compared to other cross events (was told) and had some techie sections. Going to get some slack for this but I did sandbag and entered the Beginner 4 race. Never been on a cross bike, never raced in cross, I was essentially a beginner. With family and friends there we lined up and took off, all 74 of us!

Had a decent start in the top 30 and slowly started to pick people off after the first lap. Did not trust the bike and tires on those hairpin turns. Second lap felt much better and more comfortable on Joy's bike and started to move up and compete in the top 10. On the 3rd lap, with a shout from my brother that told me I was in 5th, I knew I had a chance to get atleast top 5 now. My endurance is good and had good power, all I had to do is open up some space on the technical sections because they were catching me on the flat straight aways.

Broke away from 6th by couple of yards and started to put the hammer down on the steep short climb when BAM back tire pops! Not only was the tire deflated so was I. Took it with a grain salt, its all good, had my fun, and I guess it is karma. Shouldnt have sandbagged.

Overall, it was a great experience. For sure I'm want to do more Cross this season to get more power for mountain bike season. Thanks to the core workouts we've been doing my lower back had no pain at all ! Gotta work on my flat terrain speed.

Thanks again to Joy for letting me use her Cross bike. 17 month old nephew had a blast out there throwing a Kenda Water Bottle everywhere (quality testing), Mr. Margve and Mr. Sarquiz for supporting us all. Vegas Bob showed up also, had to ride home before he raced. Bummer.

To all our sponsors : Amino Vital for keeping us hydrating and primed. Sigma computers, Xpedo pedals (talked to Kevin), Royal Clothing and gloves, Ryder sunglasses, Voler team clothing, and Kenda Tires.

Until next time, love you all....

Fuzz

OMBC Race With Tookie & Sean

2011-08-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Alum Creek was in surprisingly good shape on saturday for the pre-ride. Jeff and I never expect much from the shit-box Phase 1 trail, even on good days. Who knew? Not nearly as exposed as it had been all summer, the trail was fast and swoopy despite it's traditionally crappy state. With just a pair of greasy holes on the six mile lap, the pre-ride helped Jeff wrap his brain around a trail he's only ridden three or four times in five years.

We met Sean C. at the start, clear across the lake Sunday morning. Jeff for once had his poop in agroup and his bike was actually ready...flip to Sean, who had an atypical morning of struggling with a drivetrain that wasn't up to snuff. With a slightly tweaked derailleur hanger and no time to replace it, he had to suck it up. Gun went off, and the boys hit the dirt! Once across the dam, Sean was leading his group through the first section of trail at a smooth and brisk pace. It's tight in the trees, and smooth beats speed every time. Jeff's group was right behind Sean, and the guys finally were riding together by lap 2.

Sean finally dropped a chain and Jeff got around him, but Sean would rally and the guys would ride together for a while. Jeff finally pulled away at the end of lap 2, and Sean fell about 40 seconds back for the final three miles back to the finish line. Jeff was solidly in 3rd until he blew a corner, then just could not bridge the gap to regain his top 3 spot. Sean would hit the line in 16th place, thanks to shifting system that was NOT happy to stay any the gear he was asking for it to hang out in...but he still finished despite the crappy drivetrain, so nice job not DNF'ing!

Biking With Brutus!

2011-08-10T15:18:00.000-07:00

OK, so Monday I was fortunate enough to be asked to come hang out and ride around the OSU football field (inside the famed "Shoe") with the "Biking With Brutus" fundraiser folks! Not one for normalcy, I thought I'd best do this in style. The fuchsia Electra Townie 7d was just the trick. 6:30p.m., enter 500 kids with bikes. Now let's ride with them (and Brutus Buckeye) around The Shoe's turf...and maybe a little bit ON it..Super fun! The event was a great success and everyone seemed to have a blast. Who else can say they have ridden around..and ON..the field inside the OSU Stadium? Me, that's who.

Busy August!

2011-08-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the month's show schedule! Hope to see everyone out there!

Gaswerks on August 12

Grandview Mayor's Picnic August 14

Maria Durant's Pelotonia Fundraiser at The Venue at Smith Bros, August 17th

Brother's Drake Meadery, August 19th

Franklin County Children's Services "FamJam" August 20th, Columbus Commons Park

Grandview Ave Farmers Market, Aug 27

The Art Of The 24 Hour Turn-Around

2011-08-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

**Lyd's left hand held our salvation, a bottle of Amino Vital Endurance!**

The weekend was a blur. Lyd had to be up and out by 6:30a.m. Saturday morning to play for all the athletes at the Giant eagle Tri For The Cure. Done by 10a.m., we then had to pack it all in, drive home, unload...RE-LOAD the outdoor gear and hit the road. The clock starts now, 12:20p.m. The drive north from Columbus to Ohio's only National Park only takes an hour and a half..not bad considering the alternatives. Destination? Not really sure....because it's "Adventure Time!" We were packed and prepared for anything. Be it primitive campground, sleeping under a bench, B&B, or a nasty little road side motel...we were ready for anything. After a short stop for lunch, we landed in Boston Mill at about 2:30 and took a walk. Stopping by the visitor center, we learned that this little town was once a busy trade center and shipyard along a major canal system heading to Lake Erie from the Akron area. Turns out, the Cuyahoga River flows NORTH..a very rare thing..to the lake. A flood in 1913 wiped out the entire shipping/canal industry here, leaving numerous little Victorian towns and villages in the lurch until decades later. They would be re-born as the National Park took over. We lucked out and were standing at the office door to Stanford Farm (call them for a reservation at 330-657-2909, ext 135), a recently renovated 1856 home that is now a B&B along the trail to Brandywine Falls. One room left...we'll take it. No a/c in these rooms, but well-positioned in the park to allow you to ride to just about anything you could ever want to see or do, and it's always more fun to crash in historic homes anyway, right?

The trail is well marked. It begins crossing a tall-grass meadow and then crosses a bridge into the woods. You ascend for about one and a half miles along the creeks and hillsides until you reach a split in the trail. Recent work has left the shortcut off limits..so the hike is now about twice as long, if not more. Carry water and food, as there are no places to refill and it gets extraordinarily hot and humid in the woods. Don't even get me started on the mosquitos. The trail is in good shape, and the pay-off at Brandywine Falls is well worth the trip. On the way back, be sure to make like Tarzan and swing from a vine or two. I'm about 215 pounds, and they held my carcass just fine! While the hiking trail is off limits to mountain bikes, you can take the tow-path along the old canal system for HOURS through the park. The path goes from gravel to pavement, crossing beautiful bridges over the river and often times right over the top of the old locks used to float boats up and down the waterway. This is what most people come for, and bikes can be rented in Peninsula at Century Cycles (info at www.centurycycles.com) and typically begin their rides here. The road rides are breathtaking, and you can actually get in a ton of climbing here if you so desire. Loops abound through the park roads and highways, and there are so many places to stop and eat/get water/sight-see, you'll not be bored at all. Oh...and at peninsula you can buy a train ticket and ride the historic train BACK from wherever you end up along the route in air conditioned comfort. Tickets run about 12 bucks and are WELL worth it.

The trains are comfy, and they even have a snack car that has everything from candy to hot dogs, Gatorade to beer. There is a slight upcharge if you want to take the scenic "Sky Dome" car, but tired legs don't really care, so we chose the regular coach fare for our round trip to Akron and back. Look for the large brass statue of the canoe-wielding native, that spot marks the Continental Divide where water flows either north or south. We spotted numerous deer, birds, and brightly colored roadies wearing their full-yellow "LiveStrong" kits spinning along the tow-path and highway.

We departed the train and headed down to the covered bridge south of Peninsula. The Burning River 100 trail run/race was on that day, and the bridge was an aid station for the runners. Gaunt and near death, we saw the top 5 runners come through and none of them looked very happy at mile 55. I wonder if they know the wheel was invented a loooong time ago? We managed to find the one cut-in below the bridge that would allow us to play in the creek (highly recommended on a hot day), and took full advantage. Giant trees with roots exposed littered the rocky creek bed. A recent storm had decimated the watersheds here, and it was clearly visible.

Dinner at The Winking Lizard was inexpensive (as were all food places we visited), and very filling. We made haste back to the Stanford House and hung out by the large outdoor fire pit and told stories. It was amazingly serene and quiet here, mostly because the campsites were well off the Stanford Trail in the woods, and the house was down the road from the small village about a mile or so. The lights from the kitchen looked eerily "Civil-War" as the embers roiled in the fire pit. I scared Luka bad enough with the tale of The Headless Horseman, he wanted to be in bed before midnight so as not to "lose his head."

The house had a stellar breakfast of fruit, yogurt, granola, coffee and sweet breads ready for us in the morning. A nice chat with other house guests and then we made for the door. Luka enjoyed the train tracks, Lyd was dying to ride the tow-path, and I enjoyed planning my next visit with the bikes. Upon our return in the fall, we plan to ride from Boston Mills to Akron and return on the train. Anyone down to come with us?

OH..and by the way..we arrived home at 2:30pm, just 24 hrs after arriving in Boston Mills...

The Fuzziest's SLO to Glendale Ride.

2011-07-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Hey Chris... finally sending you the report.

The next bike trip of the summer got me from San Luis Obispo to
Glendale in two days.

The Amtrak Surfliner dropped me off at San Luis Obispo around 1pm which
gave me about 7 hours to get to Santa Barbara before getting dark.
Riding solo meant that I had to pace myself and feed on the fly. The
118 mile leg was harder than expected. Harris' Grade was an average of
9% for a good 30 minutes, even though it was tough it cut out a chunk
of PCH 1 riding through Vandenburg Air Force Base.

Quick stop in Lompoc to fill up on water and Amino Vital Lemon
Endurance (nector of the Gods) and was back on the road. The stretch
from Lompoc to Highway 101 was tough. Up and down the inland coast
hills. Another quick stop at the Rest Area on the 101 where I met a
nice couple riding down from Monterrey. Continued on the 101 along the
various beaches; Gaviota, Refugio, and Capitan state parks. Once in
Goleta, knew the end is coming up. Got to Santa Barbara in 7hours
10minutes with the sun disappearing over the horizon. After asking for
lodging at various cheap hotels, all were booked, settled in at a
pricey resort right on the beach. Its all good when you have dinner,
breakfast, and nice jacuzzi in your room (I'd rather camp tho).

The next morning I felt pretty good even though the pace was high the
day before. Enjoyed it more because I had the whole day to make my way
down south. Stopped in Carpinteria where I chatted with the owner of
Rincon Cycle again, nice guy. Ate some gourmet chocolate from Chocolat
du Cali Bressan. Big Al had told me about this place and I was not
disappointed, again price was high but great handmade quality
chocolates. Even bought a box for my brother and his wife. Stopped at
the Ventura Pier to have some good ol' fashioned fish tacos. Chatted
with a guy who had divorced his wife, kids are all in college, and sold
his house to buy a Sprinter Van. Now he lives up and down the coast
where he surfs and bikes his Specialized Roubaix on a daily basis. Next
thing I knew I was riding through the busy streets of the San Fernando
Valley back to the house. This part of the leg was 124 miles long and
took 9 hours 20 minutes.,

Total mileage : 242 miles

Total time : 16 hours 30 minutes

Things I have learned on this trip :

1) Eat healthy and keep drinking fluids. Best for me is a timer. So I
wont forget I sipped on my bottles every 10 minutes. Sigma Rox 9.0 has
a sweet timer setting to keep me on schedule.

2) Surprised at the amount of people asking me what kind of powder I
was pouring into my bottles. So many have not heard of Amino Vital and
were willing to try it. Trust me, they will be amazed how well it works.

3) Riding with a 15 pound backpack is not a good idea. Shoulders start
hurting and puts alot of pressure on your tail bone. Panniers are the
way to go for next time.

4) Its great to get out on the open road and ride. The sights, smells,
feelings, and the rhythmic pedaling is a great feeling. Best way to
travel.

5) Roadies are rude, I'm just generalizing. So many times I said hello
and just got a stare back. I hope your 9,000 dollar Cervelo cracks in
half. Riders on bike tours are really nice.

Again, thanks to all the sponsors who support us on our adventures.
Whether it is racing or doing major riding, the products are great and
gets us to where we want to go.

Take a trip,

Fuzz

Glendale To Santa Barbara With Fuzz..RIDE ALONG!

2011-07-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

The summer of long distance riding continued on Friday by heading north on the coast. Last month we rode down the coast to the Mexican border (160 miles), but this time Mauricio and I decided to ride up towards Santa Barbara. After last weeks Angeles Crest ride (Glendale to Waterman : 98 miles with 10,000ft of elevation gain) my knee took a good beating again. The route to Santa Barbara is fairly flat so the knee would hold up.

Packed the essentials in my saddle bag, loaded my bottles with Amino Vital, zip-locked the necessary 6 scoops of Amino Vital powder, and clipped in my Sigma Rox 9.0. Riding out from Glendale through the San Fernando Valley was a breeze as we cruised along the Chandler Bike Path towards Topanga Canyon. After a short climb up the Santa Monica Mountains we bolted down the flank towards the big blue pool called the Pacific Ocean. The smell of salty air . This is where we met our nemesis for the remainder of the ride - WIND. No tailwind, not side wind, but full facial head wind at a constant 20 mph. The rolling hills of Malibu became like peaks as we both took turns in the front at a max rate of 12 mph. Once we made the turn towards the flat agricultural grounds of Oxnard the wind died down to a good 15 mph. By the way, prevailing westerlies should be called prevailing North In-Your-Face Westerlies... darn you Coriollis Effect.

Oxnard into Ventura was not as bad. The next batch of Amino Vital kicked in quick and got me going through miles 50-70 easy. Great to be able to ride at a good pace and make some ground. Sigma computer registered us at an average of 21 mph for this stretch. The views from Rincon and PCH is unbelievable. Stopped in at Rincon Cyclery in Carpenteria to load up on water and snack. Scooped up more Amino Vital into my bottles. Had a good chat with the owner about the wind and bikes. He was dumbfounded to see me with mountain bike shoes and mountain bike pedals, Xpedo's kick ass no matter what bike their on. Hey Roger, I know what your thinking, but I keep it real foo!

Our plans of sneaking in Casitas Pass, which would have been a good 25 miles detour, was scraped thanks to the headwind. So, we continued on towards the gazillion dollar homes of Montecito. It was great to fly by stopped cars in bumper to bumper traffic on the way in to Santa Barbara. That is the beauty of bike travelling. It takes a long time to get there, but efficient at the same time.

The area of Santa Barbara County on the coast has been compared by many to the French Riviera. It is lush with flowers and palm trees. Riding into the town along the beach had a really soothing and relaxing effect. Got to the Santa Barbara Train Station with 10 minutes to spare for the next train heading home. Washed up in the restroom, made my recovery drink with Amino Vital Amino Acid Recovery and enjoyed the calm train ride back home with my legs up and a million dollar view out the train window.

Trustee Sigma computer registered the ride at 125 miles in 7 hours 26 minutes.

Major thank you to Molly at Amino Vital for the best performance drink out there. My body could not have felt any better during and after the ride with Amino Vital.

Kenda Konstrictor tires ran with out any punctures or flats. The Dual Tread compound is great for long distance riding.

Sigma Rox 9.0 worked flawlessly and recorded huge amounts of data every turn of the wheel.

Voler shorts literally saved my behind. Did not have any discomfort or pains throughout the long journey.

Ryders HIJACK sunglasses are super comfortable on the bridge of the nose and on the ears.

Until the next trip ...

Fuzz

EASTFORK & The Spasms

2011-07-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

Sounds like a sweet band name, I know. It was however the latest installment of Backboner Jeff "Tookie" Williams' OMBC race schedule. Set just north and east of Cinci at Eastfork State Park, the drive for me in Columbus was about equidistant for Jeff from Kentucky. Knowing that both SIGMA and KENDA sponsor these races..how could we not represent?

It was ninety two degrees yesterday for the noon start time, but thankfully our friends at the COMBO/roll:/Whole Foods Market team were in effect with canopies and repair stands. Jeff's Carbide needed a lot of work, but he arrived later than advertised to address all but a quick swap of the KMC chain from my bike to his (his new one is trapped in the mail). A fresh slathering of grease, and Jeff was ready to start.
His wife wrangled Luka and their daughter Lanie and rolled out to the enormous lake for a day at the beach while Jeff and I got down to bidness. The Nikon D-80 in hand, I was tasked with nabbing some pix for a new XPEDO ad coming soon to magazines near you! Jeff went out hard in the sweltering steam-pot that is an Ohio summer day. Riders began to drop like flies in the first five miles, but with the help of Amino Vital Endurance Formula Jeff managed to stay on task. Sitting squarely in second place, he was on his last lap. From the pump-track style heavily wooded singletrack he emerged onto the last climb...on pavement..to the finish. Bottom bracket wailing like a Harpie (we didn't have time go change it), Jeff's back decided it was done racing and the seizing of all muscular assets began. Within sight of the finish line, the pain was excruciating, and Jeff had to watch as the third place rider squeeked him at the line by just four seconds...and second place was the cut off for a cash payout. Pisser. The third place finish was still great, but with a Race Face crankset on his Carbide circa 1993, the boy could certainly have used the money for new parts. It was a fun day at the races, and I had a blast wrenching for Tookie and the COMBO team!

**COMBO race team's Heidi "Shorty-Fire" Schilling before the race**

Looking forward to seeing what XPEDO comes up with..

Dropping The Hammer In Maryland.

2011-07-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

The first thing I noticed was heavy brown paper covering the table. The aroma of pepper and cumin fill my nostrils. A sharp "WHACK" prefaces the spray of warm crustacean innards on my wife's blouse. We are in the heart of Maryland Crab Country, and it's about time to drop the hammer. That of course means the small wooden crab-splitter in my meaty paw, sprung back as though I were about to drive a ten inch railroad spike through a creosote-soaked timber. God knows I'm in no shape to actually "drop the hammer" on the road bike, it's vacation time!

Bike riding along the Maryland coast between Rehoboth Beach and Assateague Island is an exercise in aerodynamics. Dead flat with the exception of two bridges, you really only saw two types of cyclist here. Tri bikes were the dominant species, and while I would typically advise against it unless you already own a dedicated road bike, I can completely understand why I saw so many here. Coastal winds ramp up quick, and with no natural cover you would pray for any advantage you could get. Nary a traditional road bike could be found anywhere along the coast. The rare exception was a lifeguard riding a beach cruiser north to his or her daily station post.

Ocean City is the big vacation destination..or at least it has been since a 1930's hurricane blew a gaping hole in the narrow sand-shoal that makes up the island. The small town of Berlin was the previous destination, but with a new harbor inlet that market dried up quickly. The boardwalk in the Victorian sector of Ocean City is the big draw here..but don't get "locked in" to this area if you are looking to ride.

The various vendors and old rickety Carnival rides are fun, but no match for the numerous 100-plus mile scenic rides that exist here. Don't lose your head, there are some suggested routes that are worth a look!

There is a spectacular ride called the "View Trail 100" (full map at www.visitworcester.org). It is a patch-work of smaller rides that all add up to the big enchilada (not unlike the Lake Hope mountain bike loop that utilizes various smaller trails to create a larger course) for a day of hammering through some historically significant countryside. A short drive to Berlin from OC and the ride starts. Take LOTS of water, and slather on the chamois butter with a plaster gun...it's humid and not many chances for fresh water exist between towns. Tunnel vision from dehydration looks a lot like this view (below) from inside the Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum. Drink often.

Riding out from Berlin you head south through the towns of Iron, Basket Switch (WHAT?), then out towards the bay to Spence. Rolling along Assateauge Bay, you head into Boxiron and down to the state's southern border to Stockton and Cedar Hill. You will soon be heading north, and crossing the Pokomoke River. Towns like Whitesburg, Furnace and Whiton await..once you get to Libertytown, the ride is almost over. Make sure you stop and read some of the Historical Site markers along the way, and once back in Berlin you may wish to book a room at the famous Atlantic Hotel's "Garden Bungalow." It's a separate house off the hotel property, with a great coffee house across the street.

Other smaller, but enjoyable rides would include a jaunt from the visitor center outside the town of Trappe out to see the wild horses on Assateuage Island. These descendants of settlers' animals roam the entire island freely, and the park's bike paths are as wide as the road used by cars. Watch out for "Assateague Island Cookies" though, as they are selfishly left for you to find with your bike tires by the island's equine inhabitants.

The long stretch of flatness from OC to Rehoboth was a favorite amongst the locals, and why not? Rehoboth Beach is a beautiful little spot that is less touristy than OC. The boardwalk lends itself to post-ride fried treats and salt-water taffy...and more candy stores than your glycemic index can tolerate.

The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel (302-227-7169) is right on the beach, and is just far enough past the arcades on the boardwalk that you would actually get some much needed sleep for the ride back to OC the next day.

Before leaving Ocean City, be sure to spend some time on the Boardwalk. Reminiscent of the 1930's, it's slimy "skill game" hosts begging you to part with your money and Victorian architecture are always a treat. If you like to SLEEP at night, though..I would recommend staying in a condo well north of this area (near 100th street). It's more expensive, but a cyclist needs his sleep, y'know? Noisy high school seniors on break make the boardwalk area less than family-friendly most summer nights, so unless you like hearing "Hey bro!" I would suggested staying to the north and VISITING the south.

Oh..and Spring Breaking seniors? Try not to emulate the fellow pictured below, ok?
Thanks so much...

Gold In Tahoe, Bronze In Ohio.

2011-06-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Well, let's just say when I woke up this morning and checked the weather channel and it showed a giant blob of green over the entire state of Ohio, I was thinking that figures I just shined the Tomac up from a nice muddy ride earlier in the week. The lake hope course can take a little rain, but 6 hours of rain and over 300 rides I knew this was going to be 17 miles of mud soup.
I suck at starts in the rain my leg felt like dead tree stumps, so I tried to set back and ride smart, I kept saying don't slide into a tree like you did last year and wait to let your legs warm up a little.
By the time my legs wanted to work I was dropped back to ninth place of so in my class, so I had to go with the riding smart plan. The course was muddy, sticky, slippery and just plan shity. Everyone was fighting chain suck within the first three miles, my Ryder glasses were caked with mud to the point that wiping them off with my mud caked Royal gloved wasn't helping, but I'm here to say that my SlantSix tires are the best tire I've put on a bike, and they helped in every muddy corner with no sliding what so every and dug in on every climb keeping the Carbide glued to the ground. The Tomac looks a little rough after the race but it made it through mud caked KMC chain and all, I battled back up through the pack riding smart with no wreks into a thrid place finish. Let's do it again in two weeks.
Later Tookie

Vegas Bob and Timo Pruis teamed up in Lake Tahoe this week, and worked hard together to grab the GOLD! With Timo's recently acquired swimming skills, and VB's mad short-track skills..they managed to best their field for the win! GREAT JOB to everyone this week!

12 Hours Of Capital View With Tookie!

2011-06-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Chris, I wish you were there at this race last week, but I know you needed a vacation (excuse to drink more beer than usual) even from all things bike related. I tried to facebook between every lap about the race, but that only worked when I wasn't shoving food and Amino down my hole. This was the most fun I've had racing in a long time for one I was sooooo out of shape from 11 weeks of student teaching where I could only find time to ride on the weekends. So, I asked my friend Josh to race it with me, yes the same Josh who I bloged about four months eariler
who just started riding.
I rode the first lap of the race, I didn't want to throw Josh in the fire yet, with all the tire rubbing that comes with first lap racing. Josh took over on the 2nd lap and took off like a scared deer, at the half way point of his first lap he was on pace to turn a hour lap on a course that expert rides were riding in 55 minutes a lap. I was freaking out!!!!! That boy was riding the rubber off his small block 8's. Josh finished his first lap in 1:05, but there was still ten hours to go.
We rode out the rest of the day with an average lap time of 1:08, Josh had one bad lap were he had a flat and broke a chain (not a KMC chain) and had to run the last 2 miles. It was a fun race with no expectations, but just to finish we didn't even know how we placed until they called us up for 1st place in the sport class with a 102 miles complete.
I can't wait to race another with Josh at the end of the season, maybe I'll ask him to race a 24 hour race with me, now that's suffering.
Talk later
Tookie
And after the chain broke on Josh's bike we switched out laps on the Tomac carbide that stayed of the race course for 7 hours non-stop, talk about a beat down.

Kenda Kup West Final in Big Bear, CA!

2011-06-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Backboners all ascended on Big Bear, California last weekend to slug it out for the last round of the Kenda Kup West series, and we came out with some really great races and over-alls! Here's how it all stacked up..

Overall / Final Standings for the 2011 US Kenda Cup West Series; here's how all the Team Backbone racers wound up on series results:
Vanessa Humic, 1st O/A Cat 1 Women 30-39
Humberto Castro, 5th O/A Cat 1 Men 30-34
Vegas Bob Snyder, 5th O/A Cat 1 Men 35-39
...Ara Movsession, 8th O/A Cat 1 Men 25-29
Mark Thome, 5th O/A Cat 3 Men 45-49

Additional Team Backbone racers overalls for the 2011 US Kenda Cup Series:
Eric Bradley, 10th O/A Cat 1 Single Speed
Manuel Perez, 11th O/A Cat 2 Men 15-16
Matt Thome, 15th O/A Cat 2 Single Speed
Randy Rush, 28th O/A Cat 2 Men 45-49
Jaime Espinoza, 39th O/A Cat 2 Men 45-49

160 Miles With the Fuzz..

2011-06-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

Chris,

Hope all is well with you and the family.

We completed the Los Angeles to the Mexican Border ride on Saturday. What a great journey! Starting out from home and making it all the way down to San Ysidro was an epic journey for me because it was the longest I have ever ridden in my life in one shot. Passing through all the historical sites and the beach towns was incredible. Climbing up Torrey Pines on mile 128, racing into Old Town San Diego, and then through Downtown San Diego was my favorite part. The adrenaline rush of the thought of actually finishing the ride gave me a boost for the last 20 miles or so. Out of the 16 riders that started this journey only 3 of us made it to the end. Mauricio, Cuban Juan, and myself.

This personal achievement couldn't have happened without our proud sponsors. Personally would like to thank Molly Thompson from Amino Vital for her support and ongoing work she does for our team. Without Amino Vital I would have never had the amino acid supplement and recovery to ride 160 miles in 10 hours. It is still amazing to me how fresh I felt throughout the whole ride. Never had a notion of cramping up or fatigue. Actually got stronger after the 90 mile mark where we had stopped for lunch and I refueled with Amino Vital Endurance Lemon. The day after I actually went on a ride around San Diego for a recovery ride, felt that good! The other riders were even asking me what that white powder was and many of them tried it out during the ride with great results. Most of the riders had Cytomax, Hammer, or Gatorade-like drinks but Amino Vital blew them out of the water.

Thank you again...

Until the next Epic ride coming very soon...

Fuzz

Ara's Amazing U.S. Cup Race Report!

2011-06-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the Race Report!

Clay, silt, cow pies, grass straws, and water make great Adobe buildings. Or if you were racing at the Santa Ynez Valley Classic, 6th stop on the Kenda Cup Series, you'll know it makes a 20 pound bike race bike into atleast double that.

Never had great success at this venue.
Quick power climbs with long flat areas. Found myself in a ditch in 04' , encountered a very annoyed bull on the singletrack in 06' , and the beer-a-lap fiasco of 07' (75 miles and six-pack = *&%#). Felt confident going into the race because of the Big Bear race two weeks ago. It was drizzling a little on the way there but nothing to worry about, yet!

Had a horrible start like usual. Tried to stick to a wheel as much as I could but didnt want to blow up. Caught the group on the first climb which is steep and has some cruel switchbacks, the dirt at this point wasn't bad, made it through. First lap was going well, Humberto and Vegas Bob came blasting by in matter of minutes. I had the rival rider in my sights the whole first lap, caught up to him on the short climbs but kept on losing him on the flats.

Second lap starts off, finished off my first bottle of Amino Vital and topped of with a new one, felt alright... didnt have the legs I needed. Then it started. Light drizzle started on the first downhill section off the backside. In a matter of seconds my Kenda Karma were caked and down I go. It happened so fast, I just remember smacking myself on the muddy dirt and my wrist throbbing again. Jump back on the bike and few yards later BAM down I go again. This time I couldnt even walk in the mud, slipping and falling.

At one point on the 2nd lap I had to flip my back over 3 times and take off the wheels just to get the mud and straws out of my derailleur. The wheels would not turn. Walking and carrying the bike was the only way. I see my rival coming down the trail, he was done, going to head back. After some encouraging words to him he turned around and headed back out. Do I regret doing that? Hell no! It became more than a race at this point.

Finished the second lap, now the third. I actually stopped and thought about it. Would Teddy Roosevelt give up? No! Would Garfunkel quit? No! Simon would have ... I aint no Simon.

Third lap was much better because all the dirt was on everyones bike and body. I was even able to clip in my Xpedo pedals!! Finished it, cleansed my bike and soul, repent for my sins.

The scary part was the assessment of the carnage after the race. During the crash I lost my Sigma Rox 9.0 computer and my Ryder Sunglasses. I went back to the sight and there they were. Sigma computer still worked! Ryder sunglasses caked with mud, minus some scratches, is still wearible.
Royal gloves used to be white, but no tears and finger grips still there. My poor innocent Tomac Type-X, what have you done to deserve this? After 5 hours of stripping the frame and regreasing everything, its back and still has her white shine.

When I spun the rear wheel after washing it off at the hose station we noticed a massive wobble. Thought to myself "After 2 seasons the Spinergy Xyclone Disk Wheels have popped". Hold up, under the inch of caked mud I noticed my tube was bulging out of the side wall of my Kenda Karma. The wheel is still perfectly true and the tire itself kept together because of the hardened mud. Dude... how cool is that?

All in all it was fun... just like kids playing in the mud... literally. Thanks to all the sponsors for getting us to the finish line. Amino Vital, Kenda tires, Spinergy wheels, Xpedo pedals, Tomac bikes, Sigma Computers, Royal riding clothes, KMC chains, and Ryder Sunglasses.

Shout outs to Humberto for getting 3rd in Cat 1 ! Vegas Bob, Mark Thome, and Vanessa. Like always... Roger for doing what he does.

Thats not mud... thats doodoo baby !
Fuzz

U.S. Cup Santa Ynes! MUDBUTT.

2011-06-06T09:18:00.001-07:00

Humberto's medal from Sunday's race!

RESULTS FOR THE TEAM;

Vanessa Humic, 2nd place
Humberto castro, 3rd place
Mark Thome, 5th place
Vegas Bob and Ara both with 6th place finishes!

The Fuzziests' Big Bear XC Race Report; DH Skills take The Win!

2011-05-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Round #5 of the Kenda US Cup was in Big Bear which means high altitude with sustained climbing. Got up there early Sunday morning to blue skies and warm temperatures. Did not go out the night before and actually rested. Humberto, Vegas Bob, and Vanessa were there also to race.

The course is suited for my style of riding, long sustained climbing in altitude. For first time in a long time, especially in Cat. 1, I felt good and was competitive during the race. It is a fast course with mostly fireroad but the singletrack downhills for the Long Course were sweet. Instead of going down 1E01 we had to climb it up which kicked some butt.

On the way back to the finishing downhill I had some cramping in my hamstrings which slowed me down a bit. Pushed really hard on the climb out because one of my category riders, we've been battling all season long, passed me but got him back. As soon as I hit the downhill section to the finish he passed me again. In the passed I would have given up but no way, not this time. Rallied back, stuck to his wheel, hamstring cramping like a mofo. Technical downhill was next, Fall Line, and I knew I could take him there. Years of riding on the same trail gave me the advantage. Came around a corner, slammed the door, and took off with out looking back. All the way to the finish line. Talking about an adrenaline rush, white-knuckling it down with no brakes, the trail was freaky but at the same time thrilling.

I know the other racer in my category is going to be gunning for me at the next race at Santa Ynez. He is a really good guy and we're both enjoying the competitiveness but with respect at the same time. Got more work to do this next two weeks.

Finished 6th, which is my best result of the season, best result in Cat. 1 ever! The Tomac Type-X worked flawlessly, felt like I had suspension. The Kenda Karmas hooked up perfectly in the various sandy/rocky sections. Xpedo pedals did not get caked with mud and the Ryder glasses got splattered but nothing in my eye. Bike was caked with mud and dirt, but the Sigma Rox 9.0 worked flawlessly. Royal gloves are very comfortable and never missed a shift because of the tackiness of the finger tip rubbers. Spinergy wheels are still true even after a year of riding them hard. Couldn't have done any of this without the support of the sponsors.

Missed Roger this weekend. Humberto got top 5 finish! Vegas Bob blew up. Crazy Irish. Mark Thome is my hero after driving down straight from Sacramento and still ripping it. Vanessa needs to eat another burger, you still rock though.

Thanks to all, until next time ...

Fuzz

Charles' New TOMAC VANISH 160!

2011-05-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

Yo man,
I just got this back from my local shop a little while ago. I am pumped on how my Vanish 160 looks! And for those wondering, UPS still has yet to explain what happened to the first frame I was sent. Anyway, I haven't ridden it yet because my week is a little hectic, but I plan on breaking it in this weekend. Initial impressions are that it looks just like my old Snyper 140 (which was awesome), only it has an extra inch of travel and is almost a pound lighter! This is exactly what I always wished my Snyper could have been since I will be using this for Mammoth, Big Bear, and mellow DH courses. And yes, I'm well aware of the extra chain rings in the front. Don't worry, I will have them removed as soon as my chain guide arrives. Until then, I will have to contend with having a shifter on both the right AND left side of the handlebars...

-Taylor

The Norcross Loop

2011-04-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

**Jimmy and Joe checking for trout this morning on the Chatahoochie.

Coming from a long and grey Columbus winter, my eyes struggled to adjust to the sparkling and blissfully clear Georgia afternoon. Here for four days thanks to Lyd's sold-out shows, I decided to bring the new Giant TCR and roam the Norcoss, Georgia area where we are staying. The home of a former elected official here in the greater Atlanta area, Neely Farm is a spectacular place to be able to call home for a few days. Reading the owners recently published work of poetry "Red Clay," one gets a much better idea of what it must have been like to grow up on an enormous dairy farm in the land of peach blossoms.

Inspecting the tire pressure before departure on my KENDA C2C's, I am happy to leave while the wife is meeting with former band mates to go over the game plan for the weekend's shows here. I'm not much of a music aficionado. I was the guy who had all the Howard Jones CD's, and still knows every word to Neneh Cherry's "Buffalo Stance." It's best if I leave. My mind on the team out in Monterey at Sea Otter, I yell "Come on Jimmy, let's go Joe," as the dogs get worked up to tag along on the short and sketchy gravel road that exits the property.

**"Ants. Why does it always have to be ants."

History abounds here. It's hard to even leave the property without that being the apparent reality. Farm equipment that spans the last hundred and thirty years lies strewn about the property. A 1927 Rolls Royce lies hidden in the studio, it's bulbous headlamps having not seen the light of day since about 1945. Just down Frank Neely Drive there is an Antebellum era home, perched right in the middle of what is now a large tract of expensive custom homes where cattle used to graze. It is one of only about five plantation homes that General Sherman
spared on his march to the sea. It's hard not to push pedals past it and wonder what was promised in order to keep that home from being burnt to cinders.

Making a left and heading up Spalding, it's a short ascent to the left turn at Peachtree Corners Circle. Be advised..EVERY street here has the word "Peachtree" in it. This place is hell for a Fed Ex driver. The undulating nature of the roads make you wish your heart rate monitor had no zone alarm. Luckily, the TCR climbs like Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and the rollers flow under the smooth shifting Ultegra 6700 crankset. Birds of a million varieties and colors dart past your face as you steam through the quiet neighborhoods. Another left at West Jones Bridge puts you within striking distance of a new Flying Biscuit, one of the most lusted after breakfast spots in all of Atlanta.

A quick right at Jones Bridge Circle, then another right at East Jones Bridge puts you into a bit of traffic for a mile or two, but after crossing 141, you make a left on Bush Rd and just disappear. Crowded neighborhoods give way to large manor homes, and tree-lined avenues lead you to Berkeley Lake. A turn in either direction puts you on the circumnavigatory (not a word) lap around the lake, on Lakeshore Dr. After three laps of this I'm finally ready for my Flying Biscuit breakfast. Grits, biscuit, eggs, sausage, bacon and whole wheat French Toast sound REALLY good right now.

**This kitchen table sketch morphed into a beautiful painting...

...created right on the farm, and mounted in the living room.

Squeezing back into my bibs was no easy feat after that gut-buster breakfast, and I'm fairly sure I heard the Fruit Of The Loom guys snickering. I felt compelled to ride a bit further on the way back, since everyone else I know is out killing themselves for a podium spot at Sea Otter.

Arriving back at the Farm, ol' Joe and Jimmy were wriggling about in excitement at my return. Ride groups here on weekend mornings are thick, and finding a great route near your hotel or friend's house is easy via the MAP MY RIDE website. Be sure to stop by neighborhoods like L5P (Little 5 Points) and Virginia Highlands either on the bike, or after the ride while in town.

By the way..I'm in heavy negotions to get Ms. Hoffman to let me carve a stellar Short Track loop through the log-strewn property here...if I get that worked out I'll let ya know.

Charles Takes 3rd At Woodward.

2011-04-15T12:35:00.001-07:00

First, apologies for the delay, but I seem to have contracted some sort of alien virus. Whatever I caught is so vile there is no possible way it came from this planet. I still don't have a voice, but I am feeling a little more functional today, so I finally got this cranked out.

Attached is a YouTube link with one of my practice runs from the morning before the race. I tried to record my first race run but apparently I set the camera to "photo" instead of "video" when I was in the start gate. All I got was a series of snapshots every 10 seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr6_dYdSFyA

So this weekend turned out to be quite an adventure. Instead of the usual race report I decided that faithful followers of the blog should be privy to some of the adventures from this weekend.

With about twenty miles to go on highway 58, ominous clouds started to appear on the horizon. Closing in on Tehachapi, and Woodward, snow started to fall all around me. The road became icy, and I thought to myself that this couldn’t be a good sign for the race this weekend, which is normally dry and dusty. Just a mile away from my hotel, the snow became so thick that I started to suffer from a bit of vertigo. My view turned into something reminiscent of Star Wars – wherein the Millennium Falcon jumps to hyperspace with brilliant beams of light and stars whooshing past. Of course, I was nowhere near hyperspace. I think I was closer to 12mph and trying desperately to see the lines on the road while listening to my GPS unit scream that it could no longer find a signal.

By sheer luck, or act of God, I arrived at my hotel near the top of the Woodward race course. After locating my waiting friends through the fog and snow, I stumbled into my room, clutching a tall can of Sapporo that I had picked up before rolling into town. The seal on the can lasted about twenty seconds upon entering the room, which, to say the least, was an adventure in itself. Two bunk beds were against the wall, each holding a twin size rubber mattress. Sheets were not included. A brief inspection of the bathroom delivered equally grim news – soap was also not included. The toilet seat appeared to have been submerged in water for days on end; the protective coating of paint on the seat was bubbling up in places, exposing the particle board underneath. Fortunately, I had planned ahead for such an adventure, and brought my winter sleeping bag. The bathroom situation, however, is something I would have to figure out in due time.

Day one of practice was a bit of a scramble. I had made my tire selection ahead of time, and based on previous year’s races, I spent over an hour turning one of my Kenda Excavators into a semi-slick. This was no longer a viable option for muddy, snow covered race course. I frantically threw on the spare that I brought. The course was different from years past- the start took riders around the back of the hotel, over the crest of a hill, and into a semi-blind double-jump, about 8-10ft in length, which forced riders to immediately land in a berm at high speed. This first jump alone seemed responsible for taking out about half the field in practice. Two out of my four practice runs on Saturday, I reached the lip of the jump at full speed only to hear “RIDER DOWN!” Of course, once I was in the air, it was impossible to avoid the unlucky rider laying at the bottom of the jump. I have no idea how either of those two riders lived to tell the tale. I am sure all they saw was a large “Tomac” logo flying towards their face. As a side note, I would like to remind any course marshals who might be reading this that part of their duty is to alert persons on course to a fallen rider or hazard. This alert should be given with sufficient time to AVOID a collision. Alerting me to the presence of a fallen rider while I am midflight at 25mph does NOT count as sufficient warning time.

The entire course was relatively short, and for the sake of dwindling attentions spans, I’ll let my onboard camera explain the race course for me. The footage is from my first practice run on Sunday morning. It was freezing, but the course had dried out squite a bit compared to the previous day. I had to very consistent runs on race day, pulling a 1:04 on both runs. My combined time was good enough to land me in 3rd place overall!

US Cup Report From Vegas Bob.

2011-04-12T05:21:00.001-07:00

Hey Cap'n!
Last Sunday was number four in the Kenda Cup West series at Sycamore Canyon in Riverside and it was a great race. I headed out to the course on Saturday evening and although not in time to pre-ride I did get to hang out with Randy and Kim in their "Master Suite on Wheels" for a while before grubbing and settling into my "World's Smallest Tent" for the night.

I was woken up early by the BBQ truck pulling in, but luckily still got some good sleep. The Cat2/3 race didn't start until 10:30 so I had plenty of time to eat, check in with Rog & Co. at the Kenda spread, and then run a pre lap of this completely new venue. Ara showed up with Big Al just in time to join me. It was chilly and overcast in the morning, but it warmed up quickly, especially on the back side of the course. And what an amazing course it was! Lots of ups and downs, lots of twisty hardpack singletrack, and a bunch of great technical rock sections!

I finished and since my race wasn't until 1:30 I had plenty more time. I sat down and helped Vanessa hand bottles to Mark and Cheyne while Kim took charge of watering Randy. I guzzled some Amino Vital and chowed a banana and before long it was time to warm up, so I hit the course again. A good thing, too, because I had missed one of the two "Pro/Cat 1 only" sections on the first go-around. More singletrack and rocks, yay! I did however have a run-in with a fairly big greenish-yellow and black snake that was starting to cruise across the trail as I came by. Luckily he didn't like me and the tick-ticking of my freewheel and he made a 180 back into the rocks. I later learned that it was King Snake and not to be feared. Ah well, better safe than sorry.

I got back just in time to grab my Gel-Bots and head to the start line. As always it was a quick start, but it was a wide track and I thought passing would be fairly easy. Not so. There was definitely a faster line that was faster because of the shorter distance, and lack of gravel or grass. Unfortunately the upcoming singletrack would soon negate any chance of passing so I had to make a choice. And I chose to ride as hard as I could through some pretty horrible lines! It paid off, though, as I jumped into third before the singletrack. 1 & 2 had a few bike lengths on me, but it was good because we could all rail the swoops without slowing down. The rest of the group was right on my bike tire, though. I couldn't hesitate for even a split second. The one time I did, for a gulp of water, I was passed. A few climbs later I was able to get back by, though. Near the end of the first lap 1 & 2 were a good chunk ahead of us, but I couldn't keep my heart rate where it was so I slowed for a breather and was passed by a group of 3. I kept them in sight, though. and the second lap was a bit easier and I could take in fluid and gels more easily. On the 3rd lap it got a little more crazy, as some of the gnarly-fast Juniors behind caught up to us, and we all started lapping the slower riders. With lots of tech and singletrack, finding a place to pass became a creative endeavor. Our sort-of group of 4 played musical chairs a bit on that lap, with our leg markings cause for inspiration when he saw it was someone in our own class making the pass. I was definitely riding at the limits of my fitness and the edge of traction. By the end of the 3rd lap I was running 6th, but right on the bumper of 5th. As we crossed the start/finish and I got my last bottle, he slowed a bit and I decided to make my move the same place as the 1st lap. I pounded around him up the first stinger and was into the single track a few bike lengths ahead. The last lap was still a grunt, though. because he was back there the entire time and I knew if I let up he would capitalize on it. The 4th lap was going mostly uneventfully, I was trying to stay ahead and not get tangled up in traffic, when I came around a corner and Mr. King's horrible cousin Mr. Rattler was waiting for me! Luckily I was going horrendously fast and his two feet or so of angry was coiled up ready to strike and rather than try to brake or swerve or bunnyhop I just plowed over his hissing head and didn't look back. I yelled "Snake!" as loudly as I could and hoped that he was either dead or scared enough of bikes that the next riders wouldn't have any trouble. Two turns later I could see them still frantically chasing me and knew that they didn't have a problem.

With my near-traumatic experience out of the way, about halfway through the lap I saw Humberto, and he was definitely a carrot-stick in front of me to catch. I had finally done it, just before the last set of big climbs, but Humberto would have none of it. He kicked in the turbo and I had zero to match! My quads were on fire and I knew if I pushed any harder I would break. I kept him in sight though, and even spotted 4th place in my class as we rocketed over the last rocky sections and into the doubletrack to the finish. But I definitely couldn't make any ground on them. I did manage to stay 30 seconds ahead of 6th, and was only 50 seconds behind 4th, so ultimately a great finish. I can't wait for the next round!
Vegas

Randy's Sycamore U.S. Cup Race Report!

2011-04-07T06:26:00.001-07:00

Chris,

So after racing last weekend at Fontucky I got the itch back and being as I have never ridin at Sycamore canyon in Riverside I was defiantly in for this one and it helps that it is only an hour and a half drive from home. So Kim and I headed up on Friday night and after sitting on the 215 freeway for over an hour because of construction we rolled in around midnight. When we arrived I found the gate locked going into the parking area so we parked on the road, had a beer and hit it.

Saturday morning we woke up to the sho-air rig pulling in team big bears trailer and for anyone that hasn't been there you go threw the gate and UP a dirt road to the flats now I walked this on Friday night and didn't even think I would get my trailer up there because my truck is only two wheel drive. So the tractor trail rolls up and right at the crest he starts spinning and I'm saying shit I won't make it but he locks all four wheels and gets up there. I went over and talked to Tom from TBB and he said he would get me in, so Kim and I get the truck and get a run at it and in the same spot start spinning so they come over hook a strap up and pull us in.

We get camp all set up and Kim says unhook the truck I need it I'm rolling to the casino for the afternoon while you go out and pre-ride. The course was on the north end of the park and being as you grew up riding those trails you know what I'm talking about so I'm pre-riding thinking shit this place is fun as hell not a lot of climbing (more on that later) some really fun single track and some techy rocky downhills this place is a kick.

Race day is kick back because my start time isn't until 10:53 so I get warmed up and to the start I go. We take off and I am in the same boat as last week saying holly shit this pace is f-ing unbelievable I am going to suck!!!!!! but I settled into my slow pace again and rolled with it. As I said before didn't think there was a whole lot of climbing but in race conditions it sure felt like legs were saying WTF but it was just plain fun loved the course. I got thirteenth out of eighteen I believe but had and absolute blast and heard nothing but good reviews from everyone I talked with and I talked with Tom Speigal a little and hopefully we get to go back there again. In fact I am taking some guys from our Wednesday night group up there in a few weeks to just go riding I liked it so much.

I would like to also say a BIG thank you to my wife it was very nice to have her at a race again and she did a great job in the feed zone for me. Until the next one I'll talk to ya later.

Randy

Randy's Race Report; US Cup Fontana!

2011-03-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

Chris,

Well dude I guess I came out of a semi hiatus from bike racing this last weekend for the national at Fontucky! after listening to Kim telling me to go and have some fun I finally said ya what the I'll get spanked but go have some fun. So Wednesday night I signed up for super-d and x-c and Thursday off I went. Got up there and set up camp and sat and watched NCAA basketball oh and drank beer. So Friday morning I talked to Roger to find out when he would get there so I could help set up the Kenda truck then go out and pre-ride the course. I met the new guy Tony he seems pretty cool but not into the Mnt. biking just the BMX but I got to say he busted his ass the whole weekend and like I said way cool guy.

OK enough of the B.S. Saturday was super-d day so I went out to pre-ride the course and I have heard nothing but great things about this years course BUT not for me it is some what of a D-H course with rock gardens and some technical stuff and my tech skills are not up to snuff so I pulled out (did I just say that) instead of possibly getting hurt. So Sunday rolls around and I find out we are doing four laps instead of three and I'm saying right on six rides in six months and we are doing four laps boy this is going to be fun....

So off the start I was near the back and a half mile into it I am thinking holly shit if this is the pace I am fucked because I can't do this for a half a lap let alone four laps so I just settled in to a comfortable pace (SLOW) and just wanted to Finnish. Well half way threw the second lap my back is screaming WTF I thought we quit this!!!!! and I'm thinking I can't quit I have never quit a race yet and I'm not starting now so I finished and ended up getting eighteenth out of twenty three so I was happy because no way was I getting last.

It was sooooo nice to be back at the race's and hanging out with everyone I had a lot of fun and the course was unreal with the little rain that came threw made the dirt so rad it was unreal. I think I will be going to riverside this weekend (and Kim's going with right on) for the next one and looking forward to it. I also want to say thanks to all of our sponsors ( sigma,kenda,Tomac,hydrapak,KMC chains,661 sunline, and Ryder's eye wear) because with fuel going up like it is I wouldn't be able to go without there help.

Talk to ya next week.

Randy

P.S Thanks for all your help and support Roger!

Chuck-T's US Cup DH Report.

2011-03-29T07:51:00.001-07:00

Yo Cap'n!
So I was hoping that pictures from the weekend would be posted a little quicker, but I'm still waiting on my usual websites to get them posted. As soon as they do I will send you some updated race photos.
It was a great weekend at the Fontucky Derby (AKA Kenda Cup West). Donny and the Southridge crew put together a great new race course. The track had a great flow from top to bottom, and even had a tricky steep section about half way down. The weather held off with only scattered showers throughout the week, and some drizzle in the morning before the downhill race. The course was tacky and FAST!
I decided, after much deliberation, to race expert/category 1 this year. I haven't had much time for riding and training so I felt this was justified. Despite not riding much over the winter I pulled off a 7th place finish in the expert downhill. This was my first time on my DH bike since the early fall. I had a smooth but cautious run, and am looking forward to participating in the remainder of the California State Series this year. Hopefully, with some more riding and training, I can turn that 7th into some podium finishes!
Also, I just emailed Joel at Tomac... I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my brand new Tomac Vanish 160! I plan on racing this bike (which is over 10 lbs lighter than my Primer 220) at Woodward and other short and smooth downhill courses this year. I will send pictures as soon as it arrives and is built!
-Taylor

US Cup Fontucky and Jeff Eats S**t!

2011-03-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend, the 3rd stop on the US Cup West lands in Fontucky, CA. Look for inbred trucker girls and the radiation plume from the nation's first "Super-Fund" toxic clean up site (thanks U.S. Gov't and ROHR Aircraft for that one)..and you'll find the race course! Best of luck to all who are set to race this weekend..

In other news...
Backbone team endurance rider Jeff "Tookie" Williams is out with possible broken shoulder from a stick-wedge in front wheel during yesterday's ride. News coming from the E.R. soon..

Tookie's Day Off

2011-03-21T18:56:00.001-07:00

Chris,
I'm sure this happens to you all the time. Sometimes at work when people find out that I ride a mountain bike, they tell me how they used to ride here and there when they were younger, and I always offer to take them out for an off road spin. I've only had a few taker in the past and most realize after a few miles our sport is a hell of a lot more demanding then they willing to put their body through.
So my friend Josh from work wanted to try mountain biking today, I set him up on my old hardtail, went through the basics of shifting, wheel tracking and warnings of how bad his legs, arms, back and ass was going to hurt.
I'm here to say Josh kicked ass!!!!!! Riding through mud, rock gardens and root walls fearlessly. Josh also got a short clinic on trail repair when he snapped his chain with about 8 miles, but he just kept spinning and hung in for the whole 15 miles with about 1800 vert. of climbing.
What I enjoyed the most today was sharing our sport with someone else who wasn't afraid to saddle up, put forth the effort, push through the pain and ride it out.
Welcome to the fold Josh!!!!

US Cup Bonelli; Ara's Race Report

2011-03-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

Capitan,

We always called the Bonelli race "Smelli Bonelli" from 2004 when there was a dead fish in the Raging Waters runoff which we had to ride through. We all dreaded this race because the whole thing was a fireroad circle where it usually reached 100 degrees on the freeway side climb. Things have changed and have changed for the better. The course was awesome. Plenty of technical singletrack with obstacles that smacked our chainrings and twists/turns to make us dizzy. Cat 1 had to do 4 laps of 5.1 miles. Those steep power climbs got tougher and tougher.

I was personally looking for redemption from the Sagebrush race. Getting hammered the night before was not a good idea. This time I turned off my cellphone at 8pm and was in bed, daylight savings time came early for me. With my trusty sidekick and all around good guy Shortstack we drove out in the dark towards Bonelli for the 8am start. It was nice and chilly with a good marine layer banked in. For the first time I felt prepared getting to the race course. The 5 race bottles were topped off with Amino Vital, the bike was in perfect condition with the # already zip-tied on. For the first time I wanted to warm up on a trainer, dude, that was great. In just 10 minutes I was sweating and by the end of the warm up I was feeling loose. Roger dialed in my tire pressure just perfect.

Got to the start line little late so I was stuck in the back of a large pack. Could see my category scattered around the other categories, eyeing them up. A couple of familiar faces from the past couple of years and new ones. Gun goes off and we're gone. Felt good because of the warm up and pass a few on the first steep climb and settle in the line for the first singletrack section. The singlespeeders were right behind me and ahead of me so that gave me motivation not to slack off.

I found my nemesis for this race right on the first lap. Bearded guy (I was jealous) with the Giant jersey. I passed him and then he came right back and passed me. For the first two laps were were just going back and forth. For a bit I had lost track of him in the twist and turns but fought through and reeled him back in. The Karma tires were hooking up really well on the descents. The Tomac Type-X was a dream again on the ups and downs. All of these factors gave confidence and ability to be competitive. The Rage was coming out. Mustered some motivation and passed him hard on a climb and didnt look back. That was a personal victory for me that day.

The last lap was the most painful. I felt the first twinges of cramping in my hamstrings. Didnt want to slow down too much or stop because of the bearded Giant rider, so I chugged the last of my Amino Vital and kept spinning. The last twist and turn climb near the finish nearly did me in, any second my legs were going to seize up but managed through and finished strong.

In the end, I was hoping for a top 10 finish but got 13th. Was a little disappointed but felt much better physically and especially mentally. Still got alot of work ahead of us. The word is Fontucky is going to be really tough in two weeks with a new extended climb. Hamstrings are "toiwght like a tiger" right now.

It was great to have everybody there for support. Shortstack feeding me bottles, Mr. Margve and his family cheering us on, and my brother, his wife, and nephew was great to see. Big Al made a cameo appeareance at the end. Christie and Greg Pleiss were there also to support Carolyn. Mallory is 18 months old with Christie due in the next month with a boy, awesome seeing them again.

Major thanks to Roger again for the work he does setting up the easy-ups and looking after us. Humberto is an animal with his new Niner, 7th place ! We all missed Vegas Bob's ginger hair on Sunday. Cheyne had a bad ass handle-bar mustache. Vanessa needs to drink more beer. Mark Thome is my hero.

Finally thanks to our sponsors. Tomac bicycles, Kenda tires, Amino Vital, Xpedo pedals, Sigma, Spinergy Wheels, and Ryder sunglasses. Thanks to Jay and Jim at Royal for the gloves and socks for the race. Anybody else? God? Sacred Elephant? Mom? Chris?

Seriously, Bob?

2011-03-13T07:24:00.001-07:00

World Famous Vegas Bob's weekend;
Saturday...8hrs 38min. 40sec. 10,500ft of climbing. 14th place. Ultra Quest '11 in the books.
Today? Defending his top 5 placement in the U.S. Cup series at Bonelli Park.

Lydia Brownfield Nashville Short

2011-03-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

Just wait for the Chevy Lumina part while we had stopped for gas in Kentucky. Jeff, you are responsible for this, it's in your state!

Vegas Bob's Sagebrush Report.

2011-03-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

Yeah Chris, the season opener at Sagebrush Safari was interesting to say the least. I was picked up by Mark with PMBCer Sean on Saturday afternoon for the trip down past San Diego. It was super sunny and right around 70 degrees. After we passed SD and started east, though, it wasn't long until the temp dipped. The sky got darker and soon it was raining, then a bit of hail, and ultimately we got to the snow. Cars slowed to a creep as we were enveloped in a white blanket normally only seen by Southern Californians on TV. As we queued up in the line behind the snow plow, yes there was that much snow, Mark busted out the Christmas mix from his iPod and Dean Martin completed our winter wonderland experience.

We got to the registration tent and the bundled up girls gave us our new resource-saving "one number plate all season." The small propane space heater they had fired up was a great idea, as were the Girl Scout Cookies they were hawking, and none of us could resist picking up a box of before we headed back out into the snow and to the hotel.

Sunday am didn't come too early as the start was scheduled to be at 11, except for Roger who had already accompanied Jim Wannamaker out to the course for set-up. We got texts from him with pics of the 4 inches of snow on the start line and it was a bit before he confirmed that the race actually wasn't cancelled because of the weather.

It was actually fantastically sunny, but it was still pretty cold and of course there was a layer of snow on everything at the venue. They postponed the start to noon, which I myself couldn't complain about. That gave plenty of time for me to get a good warm-up with The Fuzz and to decide how many layers to wear. As it got later and the sun got higher it warmed up quite a bit but there was still a chilly breeze. I decided to go *with* a vest, but *without* winter gloves that make pulling the brake levers a little more difficult. It proved to be the perfect setup.

The start was horrible. You would think that since there were much fewer racers because of the strange weather it would make the start easier, but throwing different age categories together combined with the delayed start time and apparently a lack of event staff, it was a certified mess. The staff holding the category signs weren't spaced enough apart, or weren't spaced apart at all, and were holding multiple signs, so the Juniors who should have been behind us with the Seniors had mixed in in front of us, and the next sign holder wasn't far enough back to keep us from all being smashed together. When the "Go" was given, the mahem ensued. Half of the Juniors knew that they were supposed to be behind us, so they just sat there and half of us struggled to get around them without putting a skewer or a foot into the guy's wheel next to you. The other half of the Juniors who didn't know any better started pedalling with us, but then slowed when they started realizing what had happened. We were quickly on pavement, which made moving around easier, but with huge puddles, tons of potholes, and lots of racers it still made making headway very sketchy.

After the first big turn back onto dirt we were on what is normally the final stretch of the course, where the stream crossing is. With the intense weather, the stream crossing was close to three feet deep, and it was crazy! The first lap we made it though pretty easily, but subsequent laps proved more difficult as we mingled with the less experienced classes and also ourselves became tired. The loose stone lining of the bottom of the stream, invisible from above, moved underneath your tires and made keeping your momentum difficult. Needless to say the water was freezing, but I think after I got halfway dunked on the second lap the initial shock actually jolted me into riding faster!

The rest of the course was basically cyclocross conditions, with slippery mud, hard packed fireroad, and grass. My CX season definitely gave me an advantage, as well as my Kenda Short Trackers which acted like road tires on the pavement and hard pack, and like mud boggers though the muck. It was super tricky flying through the course, with the multiple laps and all categories on the course at the same time forcing you to keep focus and keep dodging obstacles and other riders. My xpedo M-Force Ti/Ti pedals were amazing, I never had trouble clipping in or out even after having to run through the thickest mud section after getting caught in traffic. Unfortunately my SIGMA computer was covered with slop for the entire race, but still got all the stats and was fine after a good hose-down. I used my Amino Vital to replenish my electrolytes after the race, as well as wash the mud out of my teeth. Thanks to all the sponsors, it's great to start a new season with great back up.

All in all it was a blast! Especially seeing Ara upon his reappearance after winter hibernation. I think he saw his shadow though, and there's gonna be 3 more weeks of hard training (and drinking) before he shows his face in sunlight again. And definitely thanks to Mark for hauling us out there through the snow in his 4X Ford with the heater on.

Lates,
VB

Abel Vaca In Hit & Run "Accident" Saturday.

2011-03-06T17:28:00.001-08:00

Our very own team member and all around swell guy Abel Vaca has some very sad news for us all today. Yesterday, while riding from Pacoima across the Valley to reach the Santa Monica Mountains, Abel was winged by a car's mirror on the road. Smashing into his elbow, the impact flung him across the shoulder. His bike (a 2010 Tomac Carbide) had initially survived, until ANOTHER car came barreling down the road and crushed the front Spinergy disc wheel. Abel was out getting in some training mileage for the next installment of the U.S. Cup series at Bonelli Park, where he was hoping to throw down his first race of the season. Please be sure to hit Vaca up and make sure he's ok this week..hopefully he'll be out to see everyone next weekend!

CRAZY WEEK!

2011-03-05T08:37:00.000-08:00

*Bonelli U.S. Cup pre-ride and photo shoot this weekend, contact Roger for details!

The season opener for the U.S. Cup went down last weekend in San Diego, CA. Called the Sagebrush Safari, it was set in the Big laguna Mountains at Lake Morena. Always a favorite, this year the venue would see a number of white and snowy inched fall the night before the race. Making the usual course unsafe, they modified to more of a short track set up. Backboners are good at short track. Vanessa was so good, in fact, that she took second in Cat 1 for her age, and landed on Cycling News' race coverage.

Vegas Bob may actually have WON his race, but he came in a lap too soon after leading it out most of the way. They gave him 5th as a consolation prize. Cheyne and Mark both landed a top ten finish, and had Ara not boozed up in the Gas Lamp district the night before the race, he wouldn't have DNF'd and blown chunks.

Yesterday was also cool, because I found out Vanessa is being used in a HUGE wall for XPEDO's booth at the Taipei Trade Show coming in two weeks. That's awesome, because that booth will likely end up at Interbike, as well. She's also in a large ad for XPEDO, to be used in mountain bike magazines all over the U.S.!

I was looking for magazine Lydia was in this week, and saw the new glossy Decline Magazine and picked it up. On or near the back page was a neat thing. It was a FULL PAGE AD for XPEDO, featuring Charles! WOW, that's two BIG Charles ads in Decline in 6 months! that kicks complete ass. Thanks to Ken at XPEDO for all the help.

Probably the BIGGESt news this week is the departure of KENDA's Jim Wannamaker. After years of teasing his leaving the post of North American Marketing Director, the self-procalimed "Hardest Working Man In The Bike Industry" has finally left for Vee Rubber. Jim has been all things to the U.S. grassroots and Pro cycling world, and nobody is really sure of how deep the impact of his leaving will affect us all. KENDA attends more events than anyone, and with the season JUST beginning, KENDA is going to need a big personality to fill an even bigger hole...a.s.a.p.

On the home front, my new radio show kicked off this week, with episode #1 airing yesterday morning at 8:13a.m. Mark Dantzer from MIX 107.9 is an avid cyclist, and roll: bikes of Columbus was kind enough to grant me the time to go set all this up and get going. Our first guest was City Of Columbus' Neighborhood Services Coordinator and spin class instructor Bruce Black, who oversees the City's Bike Safety Program. I am hoping the podcast will be available by Monday, and the station's website is http://www.themix1079.com/..look here to the blog for the podcast when it's available.

On the home-front, Lydia was also in another magazine interview this week! Just out yesterday, Lyd had a great 3 page write up inside Tri Village Magazine. You can read the web-article here http://www.columbuscityscene.org/kid_rock.html
The printed version is much nicer looking, but at least the article is in it's entirety on the website. Also, Lydia and I have to leave for Nashville Monday, for a great show at the Hotel Indigo!

Just to add a bit of sweetness on, I also got a call from ABC's Maria Durant, asking for Lyd's help at a huge city-wide fundraiser coming in the summer. Seriously? I couldn't be happier right now..especially since I'm typing this from a brand new HP laptop. :)

DON'T FORGET! Team pre-ride at Bonelli, and Ken from Xpedo wants you all to "LOOK SEXY!"

Jim Wannamaker Leaves Kenda Tire For Vee Rubber

2011-03-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

The self-proclaimed "Hardest Working Man In The Bike Industry" (next to Roger, of course) has finally submitted his resignation from KENDA Tire. Our beloved and hairy submariner will be the honch at Vee Rubber. Jim has toucheed nd changed so many peoples lives in the cycling world, I'm not too sure how it will ever recover. I don't know a single person at a single company that makes the efforts to get to as many events (and away from the office) as Jim does. Although we will miss him greatly at KENDA, we love and support his decision and wish him the best.

Bike Radio Show On MIX107.9!

2011-03-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

Friday morning at 8a.m. the first installment of my new radio show (Thanks to D.J. Mark Dantzer for allowing it, and hosting it!) goes on the air! The spot shed light on the roll: bicycles chain of stores, the local cycling community and on all-things-cycling here in Columbus, from the politics to the people involved. Our first guest is City Of Columbus Neighborhood Services Coordinator Bruce Black, who I work with in Mayor Michael Coleman's Neighborhood Pride Bike Safety Program. It's REALLY great to be able to bring in guests and talk about EVERYTHING cycling, providing the listening public with a great expanded view and dynamic look into the cycling lifestyles here in Cbus. With so many great events going down through roll: and all the stellar city-wide events, the show will be jam-packed with fun, interesting and entertaining material. Visit http://www.mymix1079.com/pages/4084151.php for the podcast later Friday afternoon, and be sure to tell Mark how great it is that he hosts cycling material on his show!

Fuzzy's Sagebrush Safari Report.

2011-03-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

The Fuzz has been kind of absent from normal team shenanigans for a couple of years now, and apparently all that clean livin' has made his liver a bit "vulnerable." One night of drinking before a race clearly managed to affect him, which is going to put him on "Heckle-Watch" for at least the next 4 weeks.

Hey Chris,

This is my race report.

I lost my balls somewhere in a San Diego bar around 2am so I DNF'd. Easiest way for me to put it. Felt horrible during the race. I had to work extra on the first lap because I missed my start even though I was at the start line. Popped on the first lap and that was it for me. First DNF for me.

Punished myself today on the bike for being an idiot on Saturday night. Gearing up for Bonelli now. Gotta shake it off and focus. Sorry to all who were at the race and sponsors. The Tomac Type-X worked great through the mud and the Kenda tires. No trouble with the X-Pedo pedals clicking in and out. Sigma Rox worked throughout the mudfest. Amino Vital, plain out love you guys (best hangover drink).

Searching for his nads,

Fuzz

Vanessa Humic In Cycling News!

2011-03-01T12:54:00.001-08:00

Check out the current Cycling News Sagebrush Safari coverage! Right there in full color is a GREAT pic of Vanessa bringing home silver for the US Cup series opener! Great job V, on a COLD and mucky race course.

Sir Harry and The Chateau

2011-02-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

There are some really quirky people, places and things here in Ohio. As a lover of all things quirky and odd (you have seen my wife, for example), I packed up the family last weekend for a half day tour of three of the Buckeye State's kooky places.
Way down in the southeast corner of the state just above Cinci lies the life-long pursuit of a very interesting fellow. His name is Sir Harry Andrews, and for a guy who was clinically dead just after the turn of the century he sure managed to do a lot.

Harry was stationed inside Fort Dix just before WWI when was stricken down with cerebrospinal meningitis. He was one of seven thousand soldiers who contracted it there, and one of only TWO who survived the outbreak thanks to a new medicine called adrenaline. Stabbing his chest with the new wonder drug, his heart began to beat again. He was blind and paralyzed, but alive. He was given a day or two to live, but instead managed to eat after weighing just eighty nine pounds...surviving by eating six times a day. His blood would later be used as a vaccine to cure others of the same deadly disease.

A short time later he was stationed in France at a forward army medical post in the southwest, located inside the magnificent Chateau La Roche, pres Razac-sur-l'Isle. After the war, he studied architecture in Toulouse. He returned from France hoping to bring some the magnificence of the French countryside with him, and started to build.

Harry bought a large chunk of land along the Little Miami river in 1927, near Loveland, Ohio. What began as a place for local boys to camp and fish (until the tents were too worn-out to use anymore) became a small stone building with two rooms. From this, the "Knights Of The Golden Trail" were born, wherein harry instructed the lads on the ways of the knight. Thing is...knights need a a castle to meet in, right? RIGHT!

In 1929 he and the boys got to work. His architecture degree being put to good use, he drew up plans for said castle. The Civilian Conservation Corps would syphon off much of his young-lad labor, and the endeavor would be put on partial hold until he retired and had time to adequately get to work. By the way, Lyd and I were not able to find any information on ANY females that were ever involved in this isolated undertaking on private land. made us both wonder if this wasn't in fact the first Neverland Ranch. He never had a girlfriend or wife, was an only child, and had no choice to live in what he could build alone. Constructed of concrete "bricks" made with milk-jug forms, he used light bulbs and normal garbage in many of them for their insulating properties. While building the Chateau, he is said to have hauled over 56,000 pails of stones by hand out of the river to build the home.
Cost to build the place? About twelve thousand dollars.
Upon completion, Harry had numerous women offer their hands in marriage, just so they could live in the castle. While we were there it was about 45 degrees outside..and about 28 degrees INSIDE, so maybe they should have thought that one through. No matter, because he would never marry any of them. Oddly enough (because this story isn't odd enough) he had applied for his military pension many years later, and had to fight like mad to convince the pentagon that he wasn't DEAD, based on the initial 1915 paperwork from Fort Dix!

It gets a little more crazy, and one more reason to hate polyester pants is coming your way right now. On March 14, 1981..at 91 years old, he was out on the property burning trash. Wind picked up, and embers caught the woods on fire. Running to the fire, he began to stomp out the flames in his super-awesome disco-style polyester pants. They promptly caught on fire, and immediately melted to his legs. He was taken to the hospital and told he would need to amputate both legs, but ol' Harry never built a single lift, ramp or elevator at the Chateau..and refused medical treatment. He would die soon after of gangrene on April 16th 1981, never wanting to part with his legs.

OH...and about that title of Knight? Well, rumor has it that he saved the son of an English nobleman while in France, and the father knighted Andrews for his service. While a little beat-down from neglect, if you have a small child or two and don't REALLY want to fly to France this weekend...drive the hour and a half to Loveland and visit the Chateau. It's $3 per person, and yes Margaret, there ARE ghosts there.
It's also located just across the river from the beautiful Little Miami River Scenic Bike Trail and I can't wait to go ride that thing!

On the way home, we stopped by the birthplace of the Banana Split (they were closed) in Wilmington, Ohio..then we went to a little known place in Sabina, Ohio. Last stop? The final resting place of "Eugene The Mummy." I'll save his story for another day, but he lived quite a life for a guy that died in 1929 and wasn't actually buried until 1964!

Fuzzy's Palm Springs Report!

2011-02-14T06:08:00.001-08:00

Capitan,

Hey Chris, hope everything is well in Ohio with the family and all. Just wanted to send a word to you about our first event of the season, the Palm Springs Century. Last year we had 5 riders in our group but this year we only had two, Mr. Osgood and myself. My brother is getting over the flu so he was bummed out not to join us in the desert. This is a great ride because it is easy enough to do as a training ride or just go balls out. We decided to take it easy and do it in 6 and a half hours. Felt great at the end of it, I actually rode this morning as a recovery ride. Overall, feeling really well on the bike. The core work is paying off, the lower back pains have eased up. Threw in some sprints and pulled a massive train a couple of times during the century.

Thanks to Sigma for the data we got on our computers, Kenda Kriteriums, Expedo Pedals for easy clip outs at the crowded sag stops, Voler for comfortable riding shorts, Amino Vital for the Endurance Powder and Royal for socks and gloves.

Two more weeks until Sagebrush.... the Rage is coming.

Talk to you later,

Fuzz

Randy Hits Cuyamaca

2011-02-07T19:08:00.000-08:00

Chris,

Damn dude, no word for months and now two in two weeks! Anyhoo.. this weekend the group went up to Cuyamaca to ride and I have never ridden there so I was excited to go. The group I ride with goes up there once a month to ride "sweep" (whatever that is) but four of them are volunteers with the Forest Service so they ride there quit a bit.

I know you have riddin and a lot of the team has ridden there a lot, but I never have ridden there. When you had the Camp and Ride at Pacacho that was when I first met everyone but didn't ride that Saturday. So we went up Saturday morning and rode the Grand Loop on the north side and also added the Lucia trail. It was about a mile and a half out and back to the Grand Loop, and man when we rode that coming back I just kept thinking this would be a very fun super-D course.

So anyway back to the Grand Loop.. man that thing is an ass kicker! We did 27.5 miles with 2700' feet of climbing and it was fun as hell. The fire road down the back side is about 3.5 miles long and there was still snow on the ground. I have never ridden in that before but it was a kick.. and if there wasn't snow there was eight inches (insert comment) deep mud and that is a fast downhill. That place was so much fun I will be going back with these guy's once a month for sure.

Thanks to ALL our sponsors because without them I wouldn't have all the equipment that I have and be able to do the riding that I get to.

Peace out!

Randy

Randy Rush Sagebrush Pre-Ride Update.

2011-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

Yo Chris,

It's been a long while since I've had anything to send ya so I thought I would send a little write up on last weekend and just check in. I haven't been on a bike in over five month's because I have just been busy with life in general, but one of the guy's from the Wednesday night group ride called on Friday and said they were going down to ride Sagebrush on Sunday morning and he knows how much I love that place so I told him your dam straight I'm going.

I've never ridin there on anything except my race bike so I was excited to get the Snyper ready and head down. So I'm rolling down there and around pine valley I looked at my thermometer in my truck and it reads 34 degrees and then flashes ICE and I'm thinking oh F-ing great because we all know what a pussy I am when it gets cold out (OK this is where you, tookie, and Sean start laughing) but I'm there so I got my ass out dressed as warm as I could and was ready to go.

We had a group of nine show up and left the trucks at around 8:15 and it was 36 out. We get about a mile up the pavement and my cheeks and ears are hurting like a bitch but by the time we got to the top at four corner's it was good so on to the fun we went.

Now we had a lot of rain in December and no one new what to expect on the course but let me tell ya it was in the best shape I have ever seen it it was soooo fun and it was great to be on my bike. We added a piece of single track that they took out of the course a few years ago so we did right at twenty miles but did not do the pro climb and downhill because some were tired and the rain was coming. Anyway I wasn't planning on racing there this year because I haven't riddin and I'm not in great shape but I'm better than I thought and how in the world can I miss Sagebrush HELL NO!!!!!!!!!

Well the Tomac Snyper was awesome the Kenda's hooked up great, the Rox told me we did two thousand feet of climbing and my Hydrapac Laguna kept me hydrated and held my PB and J for when I got hungry so it was a GREAT time.

Hopefully it won't be so long until I have something to check in with and I can't wait till the race.

Peace out!

Randy

Cave Crawl With Tookie.

2011-02-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

Hey, Chris
The winter adventure weekend down here in Carter Caves, Ky was really cool and I don't mean temperture, although it was fairly nice once it warmed up to 43 degrees and the sun melted the 2-3 inches of snow in a matter of five hours leaving mud and ice patches every where.
The winter adventure weekend used to known as the cave crawl-a-thon, which numerous caves were closed off 3 years ago because of white nose bat disease, some of the non bat caves are still open, but not to the extent of why the crawl-a-thon got its name.
So now all the cool stuff happens above ground. Cater Caves put together every thing from hiking, canoeing ( over ice flows at times), extreme tree climbing, repelling, winter surivial camp, horse backriding, bluegrass music and the "squeeze box" competition.
I tried to do as much as I could in the two days and although there was no mountian bike I was still able to show off some of our sponsors gear like hydrapak on my winter mud hike, although some people still like carry their stuff in wal-mart bags.
I didn't go anywhere that day with my ryder sunglasses which got a lot complements and one brite ass headlamp from Sigma when I went on a 1:00am cave crawl with some friends in a private cave system,
while trying to squeeze my ass between rocks the height of end table, thinking I'm glad I'm not claustrophobic because this would be a real bad time to find out.

Sagebrush Safari Next Month

2011-01-26T06:12:00.000-08:00

Wow...that sure was a short winter off, right? Although it's cold and snowy here in Jeff, Sean and I's neck of the woods, out in California the rest of you are likely making some final preparations for next month's season opener in the Big Laguna Mountains of San Diego. I have many fond memories of what quickly became my favorite race course. The time that Jim and Ara shaved their heads outside Jim's camper. Riding over the top of all the broken bodies and bikes at the bottom of that large boulder drop on the back side of the course. How about various members of the Glendale Heavies beating drums and heckling you all?

Watching people who have never seen a hike-a-bike on a mountain bike course struggling up the wall of boulders and sand before flying across the ridgetop singletrack. There was even a time when I was pre-riding the course with then team-mate Teresa Hill after a torrential thunderstorm...she and I were flying down the backside fireroad when all of a sudden..nothing. No teresa anywhere to be found. She had manualed into what she thought was shallow pool of water at about 50mph, only to discover that it was about 6 feet deep. She was hurt bad enough that I had to race back to the car and go pick her up.

Seeing the pain on rider's faces as the came out of the back side of the course, hanging on for the twisty and steep descent to the final finish line run was always fun. There was even a day when we all were hanging out at the awards ceremony (2005 I think?), and Jim Roff's daughter saw a guy in dolphin shorts w/out underwear sitting in the grass facing her. She leaned over to us and asked us what it was that "looks like chewing gum rolled in cat hair?" coming out from his shorts. I still use that line to this day.

So it is that another season begins for the Backboners. My hope is that I will be able to make it out to a couple of races this year with family in tow, and maybe even bring Jeff with me to race with you guys. Make sure to ride hard, be as safe as possible, and most importantly, have fun. Good luck everyone!

GYNAMIC!

2011-01-23T06:58:00.000-08:00

Wedged somewhere between Dynamic and Gigantic lies a shadowy realm finally named last night for the first time. Who knew that a late night trip to Westerville would yield the birth of a new way to describe something's sheer awesomeness. With the overuse of terms like "extreme" leaving us with little to utilize in the off chance that something is in fact beyond the norm, drunken nights with friends sometimes yield literary gold.

While absorbing pints of Guinness at Jimmy V's last night after Lydia's show, my friend Dave Tabron was attempting to explain how gargantuan something was....but gargantuan apparently wasn't getting the job done.
As the beer mixed with sparks in his brain (and a wet fart or two mixed in at the same time) Dave slurred a word that I will be using for the foreseeable future. It started to form on his lips slowly as he feverishly scanned the dark recesses of his mind for the right word. Watching it evolve was hilarious in it's own right.

A couple of years back Dave had taken a nasty fall on his mountain bike and seperated his shoulder.
Not having gone to the doctor right away led to what was used by the local Med School instructors as a case study in how bad a shoulder can get when left unattended after an accident. I am postive that the resulting prescriptions for pain medication left lasting residual pharmaceutical damage to his brain. Roll it all together and you get my new favorite word.

Gynamic.

It's not just any word. It's like a new class of Superword that the Government hunted for years and now has locked away in a rotting hanger in the Nevada desert,
waiting for the time to unleash it on an unsuspecting enemy during our greatest hour of need. My fear is that once unleashed on the population it will spread quickly and overpower us all, just like television's over-use of Beyonce in advertising.

Will we be at Sea Otter in April and see every new bike brand using some dopey new acronym to set their product apart from the others with names "EGT" (Easton Gynamic Tubing) or "Gynamic Suspension Design?" I hope not...but at least if it DOES happen that way, you'll be able to tell all your friends where it came from. Just do me a favor, and if it gets so big you hear Beyonce say it during a commercial for Shake-Weights just choke me out and toss some rocks on my carcass so I don't have to see it devolve any further.

KENDA Slant Six and Chucky-T

2011-01-17T13:55:00.001-08:00

Yo Chris,
Just a quick blog update for ya! So Ive been laying low still, contemplating my next move, and just stoked that I graduate this quarter! I'm also looking forward to having a few months off and spending a lot of time in Mammoth/Tahoe this summer. We've been very fortunate with the weather lately- after the major rainstorms that washed away a major road in Riverside, we've had unusually warm temperatures. I went out for a late afternoon XC ride yesterday in Sycamore Canyon, and got back to my car just in time to watch the sun set on another 80 degree day. Besides pointing out the wacky warm weather we have been experiencing in Southern California, I also want to plug the new Slant Six that I tried out on my ride yesterday. I'm a fan of the Small Block Eight, as are a lot of people I know. The Slant Six is slightly more aggressive, and handles loose and moderate terrain better than the Small Block Eight, while rolling just as fast. I ran them sorta high, around 50psi front and back... but thats just because I'm lazy, out of shape, and needed help on the climbs! But even with the high pressure, they hooked up leaning into corners! So thats it, just a quick plug, and hopefully I'll make it out and see some of the team folk at the races this winter. Later!

KENDA KOMMANDO 29er Tires!

2011-01-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Kenda just dropped by a pair of the sweet new KOMMANDO 29er Mountain tires, in the 2.20 variety. Meaty but light, they just may be the ticket for those nice new TOMAC DIPLOMAT 29er bikes out there...info at www.kendausa.com, or just hit the link to the right!

It Starts Anew

2011-01-10T07:41:00.001-08:00

It starts anew. 2010 was a killer year for the Backboners..and it's funny, because I feel like I say that every year. Vegas Bob moved up quickly in 'Cross category, and managed a 12th overall in the U.S. Cup. Vanessa won the U.S. Cup West and took home the bronze for the U.S. Cup unification race, Claudia killed in all of her UCI races last year and took two gold medals in U.S. Cup races, and third overall in her category as well. Jeff Williams managed a bronze overall in the Ohio State Series, after missing two races and having a double flat in another. Sean Cavalluchy had a horrific wreck that ended with a back injury...which he bounced back from immediately and continued his OMBC racing season.

Cheyne managed a 4th overall for his U.S. Cup West series, and a 9th during the unification race! This year we also saw the Fuzziest return to racing.

Ara moved up a category, and STILL managed an 11th place in the Sagebrush Safari. Charles Libolt was accepted to The College Of London, and after a GREAT season again as a Pro DH racer, will be the first Backboner to race in Europe! Humberto Castro took a bronze medal in the U.S. Cup race at Bonelli, and even ended up with a 10th overall for the series. Austin Benge blasted his way to a 6th place finish at Plattekill's Gravity open DH race too. Mark Thome landed inside the top 5 for every race he did last year, earning himself a silver medal for the U.S. Cup West overall series!

Claudia's father Jaimie also did quite well, taking home 13th overall for the U.S. Cup West series in a VERY well stacked field.

Couple all of that with a team that lost not a single sponsor from the previous year, had riders featured in numerous catalogs/print ads, and I'd say we had a great season! I have to tell you all that you owe Roger a HUGE "thanks" for all the work he puts into this team...with zero in return. If you guys were smart, you'd maybe pay his house payment for a month or something, seriously...I'll help.

Jim Roff and Jay Schippers are doing great with the ROYAL product line out in Colorado, and I am personally loving my Royal gloves. Ken at XPEDO's boy is growing like a weed, and Ken even rode SIXTY miles on a "high-wheeler" bike with no frikkin gears for charity last year! SIGMA's James Keller also is a proud new daddy, and everyone at SIGMA is moving to a new facility as you read this. POB no longer works for Amino Vital, but he also has new baby he is enjoying being home with for now.
TOMAC continues to grow with great new products like the Diplomat and the Supermatic 120.

All in all, everyone seems to be rebounding and 2011 looks great. I hope that those who took 2010 off from racing will return to the ranks this year, and Lydia, Luka and I are hoping to get the time to come out west more often to help out and cheer you guys on. The team's XPEDO pedal order is in, the tire order from KENDA has shipped, and all I need to do now is pay all the damn taxes to the City Of Los Angeles. HELL..I even managed to get on T.V. a couple of times, and have a radio show coming next month on MIX 107.9! I look forward to the epic tales of rides and races, and don't forget to send in some pictures for me once in a while! Much love to my peeps at Backbone Adventure Cycling, you guys are the breast.

Eye of The Tiger-Bob

2010-12-20T18:34:00.001-08:00

Check out the intensity on Vegas Bob after his CX race last weekend! That is EXACTLY the way I look at fried clams, and the way Vanessa looks at moon-shine! Crap Bob, even if you didn't win they should still have given you a gold medal for "Best Glare."
Bob blasted through the last 100 yards of mud/feces to take 7th place by one second...

ROYAL RACING Products Ready To Ship!

2010-12-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

**Jim Roff's Tomac Primer alongside the Royal van in Colorado.

Jay graciously shipped out my two new pair of ROYAL gloves last week, and they are TITTIES! OK, they aren't made from actual titties, but they about as nice as your average PAIR of titties. Sure, you put your hands IN the gloves, and you place your hands ON titties...but they are still super nice.
I have the Royal "Crown" gloves in blue, and the Royal "Victory" gloves in black. I'm pretty sure they the finest gloves I have ever seen.
Fit is perfect, with no bunchy crap on the fingertips, and the .8mm LEATHER palm is as smooth and silky as titties. The wrist closure on the Victory pair is sweet, too, wrapping in a way that you don't feel the compression of the strap at all. I can't wait to get out and get my hands on them...uhhh IN them...crap...what were we talking about?

**No actual titties were harmed in the making of these gloves.

Check out royalracing.com for styles, colors and prices on the the sweet new outdoor apparel...available NOW, just in time for Christmas!

Lydia's MIX 107.9 Podcast Is Up!

2010-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Use this web addy to copy/paste in your browser for the Lydia Brownfield podcast of the full interview from this morning's Mark Dantzer Morning Show!

http://www.mymix1079.com/pages/4084151.php?

Vegas Bob's CX Update!

2010-12-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

Hey Chris!
Last weekend was a cyclo-cross double-header in the SoCal Prestige Series. And it was a great one for me.

On Saturday it was down to San Marcos . On the way to San Deigo, it was a quick 45min from the house. Yes, this actually allowed me to show up well in advance of start time! I was able to get registered, run one pre-lap, warm up on the trainer, and since the races were actually running a bit late, another 2 pre-laps. I’m totally serious. Stop laughing.

I hadn't gone to the three previous races because of big drive times, so I had been knocked out of the top ten in the points, but was still able to get a good starting spot in the second row. It was a beautiful West Coast day, with high clouds drifting across the sky and a perfect 70 degrees. The starting bell rang out and with my good warm-up I was able to speed up the long grass straightaway and into third place. We angled into a sweeping left and then over the only set of barriers. After that was a hairpin right and another long straight. The rest of the course was mostly a soon-to-be construction zone for the UC campus’ athletic fields, which meant lots of hard-pack dirt, but also some super-slow speed tight turns over gravel.

After the first gravel “S” and another hardpack fast section was the “run-up”. It was only terribly loose on one side and I had successfully ridden up the other side every time in practice, but with my heart rate over 190 and the other riders it was much more difficult and I only made it ¾ up before I had to awkwardly dismount while someone passed me. After that we wound between trees in a complete bed of gravel. Unfortunately, in the last of these turns, the second place guy spun out his back tire and flopped to the ground right in front of me and the 3rd place guy. We were able to skirt around him, but only barely and slowly, allowing first place to get a big gap on us. I got a little jump being first one out of the turn, but the guy who crashed was angry at himself and strong on the flats and was able to bridge to me and leave the now fourth-place guy well out of our wake.

We tried to carry our speed through the next section, a crazy little mix of bmx whoops and almost-dried wheel-sucking mud, it was a toughy. One of my friends in another race later snapped his aluminum downtube in that section! Luckily without any injury, as the intact top tube kept everything together. Before figuring it out it was a complete frame fracture, he actually thought he had a flat tire.

After that were the most turns of the course, with switches from dirt to sidewalk to grass to parking lot asphalt, to gravel to dirt and then back to grass for the last chicane before a sweeping right to the finishing straight. I kept 2nd across the line for the start of the second lap, but after the barriers my cohort did a couple massive attacks on the straightaways and passed me. I stayed a bike-length behind though, and even after trying unsuccessfully to ride the run-up again I was right behind him. Unfortunately, yes, this was gravel-impaired guy and he on this lap he tried again to take us both out in that same turn. Track standing and creeping, I was able to barely get ahead of him, but again he attacked like crazy and caught me. He apologized profusely, too, by the way. This was how every lap of the race went, however, with him unleashing a mad attack on the straightaways, getting in front of me just before the gravel section and then flailing again.

With first place well distanced from us, and not willing to pop my eyes out with a heart rate over 200, I decided it was best to let him continue to do his thing. We did 8 laps, and ¾ through the race it became clear to me I could capitalize on this consistency. On the last lap I waited until after the whoops and decided to make my move. The first two turns were 90 degrees, and with a two foot high embankment on one side and a chain-link fence on the other it was impossible to get around. The next was onto concrete and then an “S” into a singletrackish dirt-between-grass. He swung wide for the first turn and I had plenty of room on the inside to brake late and make the pass. I swung a little wide into the next one, trying to keep my momentum, and then stood up and gave it everything as I bumped up onto the lumpy grass. I shot out onto the pavement and then took the last gravely section at the very edge of traction, trying to maximize the gap and not let him draft behind me. Midway through, I caught sight of the race leader. He had seen us though, and stepped up his pace. I flowed through the last turns as fast as I could, my heart pounding, trying to figure out whether I had to worry more about trying to stay in front of 3rd, or if I could catch 1st. Immediately I realized that these two required the same solution: stomp on the pedals! Around the course barriers of the last turn I couldn’t see first so I did a quick look-back and knew I had second locked up, but kept on the gas. As I got to the finishing straight I saw 1st, but wasn’t close enough to challenge. I ended up 4 seconds behind him, 8 seconds in front of 3rd, and very happy!

Ryders Eyewear On The Backboners.

2010-12-08T09:21:00.000-08:00

So, I'm not sure about anyone else out there (I am, that's just a joke) but I must tell you how much I LOVE my new Ryders Eyewear sunglasses. I happen to have the "Stealth" model, and they are better than anything else I have tried so far. Great wind deflection, color separation, depth, and they stay exactly where I want them to no matter how hot it is outside. They haven't scratched, and the rubber nose and ear pieces have not come apart a bit. Jeff LOVED his, until a German Shepherd attacked him while on a ride in Greenbo State Park this year. He's expecting a new pair any day now.

Vegas Bob uses the Ryders Eyewear "Tread" with great success. Bob races 'cross, XC, and just about anything else he can find..even ostriches! Looking extra Gangsta in his murdered out lenses, VB looks fast just standing still...which he's likely to be doing at any given race thanks to the world he lives in where alarm clocks don't exist.

Even Randy's wife Kim enjoys the Ryders performance advantage. Randy drinks heavily, and when he does, he gets naked. Now, he's MOSTLY extra tanned and leathery, but there are a couple of very small white areas on his body, and Kim needs the added protection of her Ryders lenses to keep her retinas from exploding. She can also pretend she's paying attention to him while he's talking, but with the darker shade of her sunglasses, she can actually take a nap.

Lydia has four pair, and they all get used for shows, photo shoots, driving AND riding her bike. Lyd prefers the "Ho-Go" style, you know, the ones that cover your entire face..like the "Duchess" in white. Team riders Matt Thome and Vanessa Humic also love their Ryders Eyewear, but they reserve them for racing the U.S. Cup Series, Sea Otter Classic, Cal State Series and other West Coast throwdowns. We all love our shades, and woould like to say a big ol' THANKS to RYDERS for the help!

Tookie Takes Bronze; The Year In Review

2010-11-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

Alright, it's official. I placed third overall in the OMBC series this year in my class. Heading into the championship race I was three points ahead of third place. After racing 20 miles I finished third agian, but the time gap between second and third was too much and I lost second place overall by ONE point. When they say every point counts it does, and the entire season for me was all about fighting for that one point.

My first race this year was in the middle of a monsoon that dropped 5" of rain in a 24 hour period, and a wreck late in the race put me out for the next three weeks with lower back pain. After missing the next two races in the OMBC series, I got back on track with a couple of podium spots and heat stroke just to remind me how hot this summer was here in the East. By mid summer things were getting better with another third place finish to put me in the top five in the series, but as you know I pulled a "Bob" and showed up one hour late to the Alum creek race (Didn't check the website for early start time, because all the other races in the series started at 1:00, why because the slower riders would slow down the lap times of pro/expert riders on the short 6 mile loop).
I got the monkey off my back this year at the Lake Hope race with a second place finish, but clipping a tree in the first mile of that race messed my shoulder up for the next two weeks. Soon the season was drawing to an end and I needed to pick up another race for the NO SHOW at Alum Creek.
After spending the next couple of days with Captn Chris in Columbus, I went to Dillion Sate Park recharged and ready to race a tough rocky and rooty 18 miles, after finishing 1st at Dillion it put me in the top three in my class for the overall series.
By this time of the season everything was looking great. I was getting ready to go on a short vacation, come back and race a 12 hour solo in WV just to keep the legs loose for the championship in a few weeks.
Then as we all know from being mountain bikers... shit happens and life continues in multiple directions. So in that short period of time before the championship race the rear end on my Tomac cracks, and I start on a two week remodel of a new home I'll be moving into the week of the championship race. Fun times!!!! Fun times!!!!!!
Yet, Capt incredible Chris gets the Tomac put back together the day before the race, and in the three week period I had been on my crossbike maybe four times so lining up at the series championship with a 3 point lead over third place it was time to race, not for me, but for all the people that helped keep my season rolling along.
So I want to say thanks to Capt Chris (The Man that was the glue of my 2010 season), thanks to James at Sigma (Don't worry man I'm going to run the hell out of the night lights in some 24hr.races next year), thanks to Jim and Matt at Hydrapack, Ken at Xpedo (Third year on Ti pedals now!!! that a stress test of product), thanks to Jim at Kenda, Thanks to the guys at Ryder sun glasses (Sorry I lost my glasses, I was also bit by a dog that day and had to bush whack though 2 miles of thorns to find my way back, so I think I know where the glasses are, I'm just not ready to go back for them), thanks to the guys a KMC (This is the first season I didn't break a chain durning a race), Thanks to Pete at Amino Vital (I wish you the very best, and I'm glad I had the chance to hang out with you guys), and Thanks to Joel at Tomac (The speed and effort you put into getting a replacement rear end, you think I was JOHN TOMAC, thanks again). Well its starting to turn cold here and my Thanksgiving day ride will soon be here and we start getting ready for next season.

Talk later
Jeff "Tookie" Williams

Bike Fight!

2010-11-22T06:46:00.001-08:00

O.K., so you have to understand how awesome the '80's were. Dubbed-over-multi-language fight scenes, quick-edit-cuts from the actors to the stunt people (clearly on vivid display in this film), and purple anodized everything. Here's a short clip for your viewing pleasure, showcasing how deadly your old Kuwahara BMX bike can be in the hands of an all girl ninja assassin squad. These guys never knew what them..except for the plastic mag wheel pieces embedded in their forehead! "So, you wanna be a Kung-Fu fighter, eh?"

Supercruise.

2010-11-11T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F22 Raptor. The United States' most technologically advanced fighter aircraft. It has a radar-elusive coating, an airframe so advanced that it can only stay aloft with computer assistance, internal armament to decrease it's radar signature, and something else....

"Supercruise."

Supercruise is a term used to describe a top secret engine technology that allows the aircraft to fly at a rate of speed that is just short of a full blown afterburner cook-off...but with the fuel economy of a Yugo GVX. Thanks to its' Pratt & Whitney F119 turbofan engines it can fly faster, farther, on less fuel.

Turns out you have Supercruise too.

*Jr.Olympic Gold Medalist Claudia Espinoza on her way to another win..clearly in Supercruise mode.

There is a magical blend of power output, gear ratios, calorie intake and cadence that give you your very own version of "Supercruise." It's that sweet spot between effort and speed that you can sustain for what seems like forever. For me, that usually ends up being somewhere around 92 on the ol' SIGMA ROX 8.0 cadence meter. At that point, I'm not blowing up my heart rate monitor, but my average speed seems to be "pursuit mode" high. It's a great feeling to be in that zone, and while in Supercruise mode, you feel unstoppable.

*U.S. Cup West Champion Vanessa Humic racing in Fontana, CA. Supercruise in full effect.

On the mountain bike, Supercruise allows you to flow over and through the obstacles before you even remember where they are. On the road bike, it ends up allowing you to TRUCK over mountain passes at a speed that just sucks other riders in and discards them behind you, at a pace that you feel could continue forever. Supercruise is a state of mind.

*2006 Super D National Champion Bert Blanchette in Los Olivos a few years ago racing Pro XC in Supercruise mode.

Find your Supercruise with the help of a new SIGMA wireless computer today. Be sure it has at LEAST cadence...better if you can lump in a heart rate monitor. Ask your friendly Backbone racer for help in dialing in the perfect SIGMA computer for your riding needs, and show your friends what Supercruise looks like...even if they only get to see it for a second.

Flume Trail Makes Nat Geo's "Top 100 American Adventures."

2010-11-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

National Geographic Magazine has a doozy of a website. If you love travel and do it, or if you love travel and can't do it, their pages and site allow you to really feel as though you are there. They have a segment now that points out their "Best 100 American Adventures." On that list? Mountain biking the Flume Trail in Tahoe. This region also has some amazing road rides, like the ride around Lake Tahoe and up the old two lane road to the summit of Donner Pass.

*Meet Mr. Keseberg. He ate the members of his party who froze to death during the ill-fated Donner Party trip over this mountain. If you get caught in the cold, don't stop...he might still be hungry.

Along that road ride, you can get off and walk amongst ancient petroglyphs that sit below abandoned 19th century gold-rush train tunnels. Mountain biking those tunnels with lights on yield spectacular finds, like subterranean waterfalls and the occasional large mammal (not me, bears).

*Pro endurance racer Timari "Booty" Pruis calls the Tahoe area home, as do many other top ranked pro cyclists.

A quick drive from the Flume Trail will take you to Northstar Ski resort, a mountain bike riders Mecca in the Sierra Nevadas. This area is so full of epic rides for both road and dirt riders, the trip is well worth it. Just up the mountain from Sacramento, or a mind-blowing drive from L.A. via 395 (where you'll pass the entrance to Death Valley, Mono Lake, Gold Rush towns, and the historic Manzanar Japanese internment camp) lies this "complete vacation package" for cyclists of any type or ability. The Nat Geo article is listed below!

*Pro DH racer Charles Libolt taking 8th in the Kamikaze, just down the road from Tahoe.

By Doug Schnitzspahn
Encircling the largest alpine lake in North America, the 165-mile (266-kilometer) Tahoe Rim Trail just may be the singletrack with the greatest view in the United States. More than 80 miles (129 kilometers) of the trail are open to mountain bikes. In fact, the riding here is so sublime that the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) named the 21.8-mile (35-kilometer) section between Tahoe Meadows and Spooner Summit as one of its Epics, an honor bestowed on trails that epitomize the best that mountain biking has to offer.

*Another area pro gravity racer, James Schwanke (dual slalom) is pictured here in blue getting WORKED by Brian Lopes. Sorry Schwanke, had to burn ya!

For good reason: The trail takes in gritty climbs and fast descents with spectacular views of Tahoe to the west and the Nevada desert to the east. Nine miles (14 kilometers) in, you’ll split off onto the adjacent 22-mile (35-kilometer) Flume Trail, which starts at the Spooner Lake campground. Though not officially part of the Rim Trail itself, it’s the signature ride here, and it requires a decent climb and a bit of singletrack to get down. Just remember, it’s tough to keep your eyes on the trail with all those eye-popping views of the lake. One of the best things about the rides on the Rim Trail is that it can be just as much fun for novices as it is for fat-tire vets.

*Nor Cal's Jr. World Cup racer Austin Benge airing it out in Tahoe.

Need to Know: Some sections of the trail are only open to bikes on certain days. Many local bike shops provide shuttles for the point-to-point rides in the Rim Trail. Rent bikes and check in on trail conditions at Flume Trail Mountain Bikes (www.theflumetrail.com). Bike rentals start at $45 a day; shuttles from $15. Read about the trail at www.tahoerimtrail.org.

*Chucky-T. Seventy Miler Per Hour, south of Tahoe in Mammoth. Full tuck.

Sad Day. Tutus Closes.

2010-11-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

*Team photo from 2006 (by Michael Darter), with all the new bikes from Tempe.

I was perusing the electronic pages of MBACTION.com and came across the headline "Titus Calls It Quits." Wow. That just really kinda hits home after having been a Titus backed team for two years (2006-8). The people that work(ed?) there are so awesome, and were so much fun to hang out with it was hard to believe.

*Lydia wearing a Titus "T" titanium necklace they gave her at Sea Otter.
We would go as a team out to Phoenix for the Scottsdale NMBS race each year, and we always made it a point to go hang out and tour the facility in Tempe (it has since moved).

*Randy and Vanessa after their races in Scottsdale.
Our sales rep at the time was the incomparable E.J. (short for "Evil Juicy"), and he would have us hang out for the afternoon and learn how the carbon process was done, watch the designers creating the next generation bikes, test ride some of the "Franken-Bikes" they had created for themselves...and generally drink a crap-ton of beer after they were closed.

*While still at Titus, E.J. was one funny mother-f****r. This is him, hammered, wearing a wrestling mask the night I showed up on my trek East.

When I was moving from L.A. to Columbus, I stopped in to Tempe to visit with the guys on my drive to Alburquerque, New Mexico to pick up Lydia at the airport. All my crap in tow, we rode beach cruisers from EJ's place through town and got quite hammered. The next day's drive from Tempe to Flagstaff, then on to New Mexico was a rough one...but something I'll never forget. The Titus peeps were great.

*The Scottsdale race was always a great place to see friends you don't normally get to see, like Mary Mac! Well, I can only hope that someone other than Pacific Cycles will step in and take over the brand, because I would hate to see it all disappear. Good luck to everyone at Titus, we all wish you the best...

*Service? Yeah, they had that. While at Sea Otter, Ara's bike (his beat up old race bike, not a Titus) was a total loss. The guys at Titus stepped up and loaned him a brand new Racer-X for his race.

Saturday At COSI's FIT FEST

2010-11-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

*Laura Miller, of Followmekids.org.

This Saturday is going to be a blast! Up early and loading the truck, I will be heading downtown to the children's science center here in Columbus (COSI). Friend and founder of Followmekids.org Laura Miller asked me to hang out with her for the day inside the cavernous and fun spot. Located inside the room where the Titanic exhibit has been for the past few months, Laura will be there to fight the good fight against childhood obesity..which is what her organization does.

*Luka enjoying the great outdoors. He loves parks that don't have a theme.
By educating the parents and the kids, she has made a tangible impact here in Columbus. With tips on proper nutrition, exercise, outdoor and indoor play, local parks and facilities that promote active lifestyles, cooking tips and much more, this is an organization I am always happy to help out.

I'll be there on behalf of roll: bikes to set up a killer "Parents vs. Kids Speed Trap," talk about the importance of wearing a helmet, proper bike fit, rules of the road, etc. ALSO, Laura asked Lyd to show up and sing her kids songs to the throngs from 10 to 11a.m.

*Lydia Brownfield being interviewed earlier this year by NBC 4's Monica Day.

I'm trying to get her to belt out "Puff The Magic Dragon," but I'll probably be the only one who has any idea how that song goes. I think they call that "old."

Stop by the COSI building Saturday! Just a few things to expect:
- Join us for the first Family Fitness Walk at COSI ( by Asics & Fleet Feet)
- Inflatable bounce house, obstacle course, joust, slides & more
- Participate on a scavenger hunt for your Passport to Health
- Free interactive activities for the family held every 30 minutes
- Meet & take pictures with former Ohio State athletes
- Cooking demonstrations and sampling of healthy foods

For more info go to http://www.familyfitfest.com/

**Thanks to SIGMA for providing the computers for the Speed Trap!

Garmisch By Bike.

2010-10-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

Friend and fellow Kenda family racer Tom Wehe grew up near Garmisch, Germany. While he is way too old now to ride this stuff (he was actually around to help build the Temple Of Athena at Delphi), in his advanced age of racing Vet Masters/Pro he still vaguely recollects having the kind of fear-management skills it takes to navigate such difficult slabs of rock. He sent me this link of riding in Garmisch from his home in Durango....reminds me a TON of the riding in and around Nevada City....good times....

A Steep Trail with KaptnFR from Big Col on Vimeo.

Sean C.'s PA Race Update.

2010-10-26T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Chris, getting back home from a long weekend from PA, I managed to place in the top 10. That's awesome for not being used to the "mountains" out there. I still hate all the rock gardens out there, but the Carbide managed to sail through them. Well I'm done for the season, hopefully I'll get to do a lot more races next year. Glad to hear Tookie's ass end is all back together again, somehow I knew you would be behind him getting it all tight and lubed up for him.

See ya!

' Luchy

Tookie's New Ass End.

2010-10-24T11:07:00.001-07:00

* "I don't think my rear derailleur is shifting right." Gee..ya' think?

The phone rang that evening with a noted sense of urgency. Ever get those calls? Something about the way it rings is different..you know it's some s**t about to go down. On the other end is a noticeably urgent Tookie. "Dude, I was out on a training ride tonight, and I think the rear derailleur is fucked up. I'll be up next week, can we get it fixed?"

Of course.

Then it rings again.

"Dude. The Carbide blew an ass. Colossal frame failure on the swingarm. What do I do?"

* The Tomac Carbide, sans-ass.

A quick phone call and follow-up e-mail to Tomac's Joel Smith, and within three days a brand new and massively updated/upgraded Carbide swingarm arrives. That was fast. With Jeff being solidly inside the top 3 in the OMBC mountain bike series here in Ohio, he's in dire need. The bike has been raced non-stop since that day in Sycamore Canyon four years ago, when the frame arrived for the team Camp-N-Ride in Los Angeles, destined to be Vegas Bob's race-bitch for the next three years. It has spent the past season here in the East/Midwest having the shit kicked out of it by big Jeff Williams...a dude who's legs are the size of giant redwood trees. It's amazing to everyone involved that it lasted this long.

* The Tomac Carbide with a BRAND NEW ASS!

The new ass-end that arrived was markedly different from the old one. Beefier, cleaner looking, and with gussets, she was ready to rock. Jeff and family arrived late Friday night from their new home in Kentucky to hang out and help me empty my six pack of Sierra Nevada. The next morning, however, was to be busy. We had to wake early and race to the shop to pull apart everything...all in enough time to get Jeff to the horse show, then out to set up camp for today's race. The pace was frantic Saturday morning, but in just an hour, we had replaced the swingarm, cables, bearings, cranks, housing...everything...for Sunday's final series showdown.

* Tookie slides in a new derailleur cable to match the new swingarm.

After a few quick and final torque-spec-checks, we set the sag on the rear end and rolled her outside..new ass-end shining like a freshly minted quarter. Behind the store we have a plot of jagged, nasty, unevenly spaced baby-head rocks to showcase what suspension can really do for the unwashed masses. GREAT place to test the Carbide for play. As expected, the bike's new rear end was tighter than a preacher's pants at a choir boy convention. Jeff packed it up, ran back to grab the family, and they headed off for the rest of their very busy day. Surgical strike. Awesome.

* It's all good. She's ready for the front wheel and a test ride.

It's always great to see Jeff and the family. NOT so great sharing my Sierra Nevada (kidding). Best of luck to Tookie, and I hope to hear from at any moment as to how all that last minute work held up!

* What better way to test the new rear end install? The rock-garden test facility behind roll: is great for checking lateral play.

Lydia Brownfield and The Busy Calendar.

2010-10-15T08:03:00.001-07:00

It's funny how things work. You think that winter is coming, and things might begin to slow down a bit. You look at the calendar on a Monday and see that the next gig booked is in Atlanta...in December. Then POW! All of a sudden the phone starts ringing and the facebook mail box is full.

Now it appears that Lyd is gong to be very busy. First up is a photo shoot on the 23rd at the North Bank Condos. Looking for something along the lines of "Ziggy-Stardust meets Blade Runner," Caleb from Ely Brothers Photography and Mel from Virtue Salon in Clintonville will be busy helping out with this project. The shoot will take place in our friends Peter & Linda's place, and it's a stunning upper-story condo with a wall of glass facing downtown.

*Lydia Brownfield during a photo shoot inside the historic Southern Theatre.

After that (at least for now) she has a really great kid's show going on at COSI on November the 6th, requested by Laura Miller of Followmekids.org. In the old TITANIC exhibit hall, Followmekids will have a fabulous display of healthy things for kids and parents to do, and Lyd will be singing from 10-11a.m. The vent is called "Fit Fest" and will feature Columbus' first Family Fit Walk.

*Lyd and Megan at a gallery opening in Olde Town East.

On the 12th, Lydia Brownfield partners up with writer and artist Megan Burkholder for a night of art and music at CLAYSPACE in German Village. CLAYSPACE is located at 831 South Front Street, near Whittier Avenue. Megan is a rising star on the art scene, and this show will likely end in the sale of anything she will have hanging on the walls that night. Don't miss this intimate evening of art and music!

*Jodi Miller took this great pic for Lyd's article in Columbus Alive! Magazine.

Lydia also has been requested to return as the "Celebrity Judge" and singing coach for Mayor Coleman's Neighborhood Pride Talent Search again for 2011. With Neighborhood Services Coordinator Bruce Black at the helm, it will surely be a fun project to be associated with again next year. The final show will likely be back at the King Arts Complex, so look for the date!

*Mayor Coleman hanging out at one of Lyd's shows at The Vonn Lounge.

December 4th, Lydia Brownfield returns to Atlanta for an extraordinary night of music at the now-famous Music Room at 327 Edgewood Avenue. While in Hotlanta that week, she will also be meeting with one of her old record producers (Neil Fried) and discussing the production of the new adult cd..and maybe the new kid's cd as well.

*The Music Room show in Atlanta a couple of months ago was a huge hit.

Saturday April 16th will be the much anticipated and long awaited return to Eddie's Attic..the place where it all began. I certainly hope that some folks from Columbus will make this trip with us and see this show...

*Eddie's Attic acoustic show, Atlanta, 1992.

That's all for now, but I'll keep ya posted!

Return Of (614) Magazine!

2010-10-06T10:06:00.001-07:00

My phone rang a couple of weeks ago, and on the other end of the line (if there is a "line" anymore, with cel phones?) was (614) Magazine's Travis Hoewischer. He was working on a HUGE story for the now-out magazine that was to bring to the forefront all things cycling here in Columbus. After a lengthy discussion about the rules, rites, politics and people that dictate the two-wheeled culture here, I was very happy to be one of the people who had been asked to contribute. The article was enormous, and THANKFULLY very well put together. It had to be difficult meeting the deadline for this piece, since every person interviewed had revealed a hundred other layers of virtual onion to add to the already bursting story line. You can read the article in whole by visiting their website, at

http://614columbus.com/magazine/10-01-2010/two-wheel-revolution

Thanks to Travis and (614) Magazine for asking me to be a part of another great story in their media pages!

Something I Need To Do.

2010-10-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

**My grandfather posing for a shot somewhere in the Pacific with his flight crew, in front of their very decorated B-17E, "Tugboat Annie," tail number 41-2599. He is the guy in the middle, back row.

This is entirely unrelated to cycling, but it is something I have been working on for decades. I have finally found out what happened to an aircraft (one of three) my grandfather was assigned to during World War 2. Part of a Texas-based bomber school, John H. "Swede" Lindgren was destined for the Pacific Theatre of operation. From what I can gather he was not assigned originally to the B-17E, serial number 41-2599. Knowing that his various crews had been shot down three times, and he was one of only two men to survive from his original crew, it's not unusual to see a man get moved from one plane to the next. Of the three original photos I have of his aircraft, this is the only one with a traceable tail number. '

Some info on this bomber;
It was originally assigned to the 19th Bomber Group, and eventually would also participate in campaigns with the USAAF, 5thAF, 43rdBG, and 65thBS. Nicknamed "Tugboat Annie," she apparently had met with a great deal of luck to have lasted so long.

Built by Boeing, she was flown overseas via Fiji in June 1942 to Australia by 1st Lt Bruce A. Gibson. Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group. Later, she was transferred to 43rd Bombardment Group.

On September 11, (weird, right?) 1942, this B-17 was flown by pilot Jack Thompson with co-pilot Crawford on a bombing mission against two destroyers 20 miles east of Normandy Island. A B-17 scores a direct hit on the stern of the destroyer Yayoi, which sank later.

**Destroyer "Yayoi" at anchor in Japan, February of 1923.
Yayoi had a very decorated history, fighting every conflict from Kwajalein, Wake Island, Rabaul, Gasmata, Kieta, and The Coral Sea battle. Later, as the Allies would begin to see victory, the ship was destined as a troop transport for evacuations. She was hit by the "Tugboat Annie" while on an evacuation mission in September of 1942 on Goodenough Island. She would sink eight miles northwest of Vakuta Island.

**The "Yayoi" under attack from B-17's.

She was "winged" during a second bombing run attempt due to faulty bomb bay doors, and ditched close to shore between Lae and Buna with all hands surviving on January 16th, 1943.

**Aerial view of the airfield on Lae Island, 1943.

Her original crew manifest consisted of these men;

Pilot 2nd Lt Harris N Lean, O-726270
Co-Pilot 2nd It Albert L Fair, O-661822
Navigator 2nd Lt Ruby E Johnston, O-790247
Bombardier 2nd Lt Alfred Retzhy, O-728513
Engineer Pvt Louis A Wells, 19004774
Radio Pvt Minor C Smith, 6960170
Gunner S/Sgt Russel E Owens, 36199496
Assist Engineer Pvt Wendell D Revers, 36336232
Assist Radio Claude W Robinson, 35376879

Sorry to bore you all with this, it's nothing more than some personal closure on info I have been searching for since I was about 16. Thanks to Justin Taylan at Pacificwrecks.org for all the help.

The Diplomat, Part 2

2010-09-28T10:21:00.001-07:00

Here's a shot of a pre-production TOMAC DIPLOMAT frame. Pretty frikkin cool how it can go from this...

...to THIS! this the new 29er full-susser from TOMAC BIKES. Jeff "Tookie" Williams has been quietly greasing himself up like a hog
in anticipation of this bike. I am quite sure he will be asking for this one for Christmas..

Vegas Bob's 'Cross Report.

2010-09-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

*Thank you for supporting this prime demographic! :) Vegas Bob post-race.

Backbone's World Famous Vegas Bob didn't earn that name because he's normal. Far from average, VB's race calendar is also far from average...like never-freaking-ending not average. He races everything, every weekend, and typically spits in the face of the common "recovery" idea. Racing and medaling everywhere from Sea Otter to the U.S. Cup, Cal State 'Cross to the Tour Of Utah, this Ginger is mucho-loco.

The only time you won't see him on fabulous Tomac Carbide is during cyclocross races. There he runs a beat down and highly bastardized (read as "modified") road bike. Last weekend he was out tearing it up short track style during a So Cal 'cross race, and aout of a field of OVER 100 RIDERS, he took 10th! How frikkin' awesome is that?

Check out the wicked "Pirate Cut" sleeves on VB's 2009 team jersey...makes ya wanna' swab the Poop Deck! OK, maybe not.

Thanks to everyone for the help looking after the team...they earn your loyalty every day!

Vanessa's New Clothes

2010-09-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

*Vanessa Humic pictured at Interbike's Outdoor Demo, behind the Tomac/Backbone Team Booth. She won the Cal State Series this year, and landed third overall in the U.S. Cup!

Vanessa is not your average Cat 1 lady mountain bike racer. That's why love her. That's why Roger always has a puke bucket and some Tumms nearby. That's also why she WON THE CAL STATE SERIES, YO! Hard work and hard play can sometimes converge and create "The Perfect Storm." Vanessa's race season was just that this year, placing 1st in Cal State, 1st in U.S. Cup West, and 3rd for the U.S. Cup Series National Title! That's frikkin rad.

Wearing the Cal State Series Champ jersey (pictured below) is like wearing a giant target on your back..but that's cool. We are kinda used to that around here....Thanks to all of our amazing sponsors for the help getting this rag-tag group of should-be-prison inmates to stay out the stoney lonesome...even if only for a little while.

Sean C's PA Race Update; Dueling Carbides!

2010-09-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

Chris, I wanted to let you know that I went to the race in PA, I placed 12 out of 30. That's freakin awesome. I hit some trees but nothing too serious. The Tomac Carbide was awesome! Nothing broke and had no flats. We were waiting for start, and somebody behind me asked a guy if that was the same bike, to my amazement, right beside me was a TOMAC Carbide XC2. Holy Shit! Anyway, he loves his.. that guy placed 15 ha ha ha ha. Talk to you later.

Lydia Brownfield And Stephaniesid!

2010-09-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

TONIGHT...after Lyd's solo show at CIRCUS and before STEPHANISID's show in Cinci...they will be at the House Party associated with Mr. Jeff Tobin. Stephanie is playing a warm-up super-awesome private show for those in attendance, and Lyd will be playing as well (I'm sure Jeff will rock it out, and who knows? Maybe others?)! It's going to be an amazing night of music, and I look forward to hearing some killer Indie action in German Village tonight. See you at Circus...and then?

The Fuzziest Race Report!

2010-09-13T22:17:00.001-07:00

Hey Chris,

Finally got to race the Tomac Type-X at the Kenda Cup Final at Bonelli. Finished personal best 7th out of 13.

First of all the course was really good with some rough singletrack. The course was shortened to just over 4 miles long but suited for powerful riders. Steep short inclines with steep short declines. We had to do 5 laps and the late race start time was going to have a major affect on the riders.

First two laps were brutal for me. Super-fast start and being stuck in the back does not help. Moved up to mid-pack but fumbled behind a rider that had slipped his rear tire so we both went down on the steep climb. On the downhill went way too fast and blew off the course, didnt crash tho, but had to hike a bike back to the course. Blew myself up trying to catch up. 2nd lap was recovery.

Third, fourth, and the final fifth lap were much better. Slowly caught a couple of my category riders who were struggling in the heat. Many had dropped out already and it was super hot on the exposed areas.

Felt good to be competitive again. Got alot of work to do in the offseason but this boosted my confidence tremendously. Never been in the top 10 of a Cat 1 race, always been in the back.

The new bike is amazing. The carbon hardtail Tomac Type-X is responsive and quick on the accelerator. It was amazing to have a working front suspension and gears that shift whenever you need them to. XX shifting and the 2X10 gearing is perfect.

Thanks to the sponsors : Tomac- bad ass carbon racer, Spinergy Wheels - PBO technology is amazing , X-Pedo pedals, Sigma Rox 9.0, Amino Vital, Royal gloves and socks, and of course Kenda Tires.

Shout out to Roger for again feeding us each lap. Shortstack for chillin with us. Big Al for scaring the crap out of me when he was cheering. My brother, his wife,and my 5 month old nephew at his first mountain biking event. Mr. Sarquiz and his two daughters for the support.

Oh yea... Vegas Bob was late for his race start even though it was at 1:54 pm!

Fuzz