The World At Large

The first step to recovering is admitting you have a problem. Maybe it is the way the wind feels as it blows through my hair, or the way the icy hot tickles my freshly shaven legs.... Alright, alright, that was the line and I crossed it. Here's to having a singletrack mind.



During my last visit to the Trek headquarters, I got the "special" tour from none other than Treks demolition guru and regional Trek manager, Chris Shaw. (Who btw has the greatest job on earth and spends his days trying to break high end bike parts for a living!)



If you have ever questioned ripping down a mountain side on a crazy trick carbon handlebar that weigh less than the shirt on your back, fret no longer. This handlebar has to get tweaked over 200,000 times without breaking before it gets the Trek stamp of approval.

Sorry about the sound on these videos? Something went wrong on my end but I think you get the point!



Here is what happens to a wheel after a 40 mph head on impact! Pretty much the highlight of my day (once again sorry about the sound).



And one more for your viewing pleasure.... Here is your super light carbon road fork under heavy front breaking and load. A little confidence booster when rallying into that high speed corner at 60 mph.

When your life is in the hands of the product you are using, it feels good to know that someone went above and beyond to stress test it before you. Earned never given.

Slow Like Daytime Drama

One minute you can be rolling down the street minding your own bizness and the next minute a car is blowing up in front of you. Here's to staying on your toes kids. You never know when chaos is going to knock on your door.

The Contrast Of White On White

I am working on a new top secret solo hour training approach. I can't release the full details until after my Moab explosion but the word on the street is that involves 10 days of urban assault in downtown MN followed up by multiple rounds of tequila shots with your future brother in laws.



So if anyone is in Minneapolis and looking to show some shaggy lycra super hero the ropes, drop me a line. Until then I will be getting in touch with my Midwest roots, one local bar at a time.

You've Had Too Much To Think

Sometimes we spend so much energy trying not to die that we forget to appreciate life.



As of late, my energy levels and willingness to get out there and pound out the miles has been fleating. Chasing the NORBA circuit around the country can do that to a brother and this is that time of year when my "check engine" light comes on.



Nonetheless, if Dave Harris asks, you heard that I am out there logging crazy big miles in preperation for Moab, with my power hovering somewhere around 300 watts.

With One Eye Open

So apparently I didn't have enough extra energy to bring you the exciting play by play updates during this weekends festivities.... Please forgive me. Or maybe it was due to that bottle of Tums I managed to polish off.

No matter how many 24 hour adventures I have under my belt it is always the same: Somehow I forget how bad they hurt within two days but I always remember within the first two hours.

Random observation: You spend the entire day before the race packing, cooking and cleaning. After a long drive you arrive and set up a mini city in anticipation. Then at noon the next day you saddle up and race for 24 hours straight (the easy part). Then at 3 pm the next day, you tear down your city, repack your set up into your now trashed vehicle and drive back home with one eye open. Finally you spend the next three days sleeping, cleaning, unpacking and recovering from your "24" hour race.... time elapsed, 144 hrs.



In regards to time, Kona was a humble precursor to what Moab will be like... I have the feeling however, that Moab will leave me with the motor skillz off a drunk 3 year old.



When the dust settled we took home the dubs but it wasn't without a fight. Kona put together a strong squad that left us racing right down to the final lap, much respect.

When it comes to 24 hour racing, your support crew is everything! Thank you Brian, Andy, Tracy and Alex, we couldn't have done it if you hadn't kept our bikes dialed, legs massaged and bellies full.

Talking To Myself

8 hours down.... 16 to go....

Regardless Of Circumstance

If 24 hour racing isn't hard enough already, try doing it through non-stop pouring rain. As of right now it is looking like we may be in for a little more than we bargained for. It has been raining all day and the all faithful weather man is calling for snow and sub freezing temperatures tomorrow night with an 80% chance of showers through out the day...... Bring it.



Regardless of the circumstances, the festival atmosphere is a much needed break from the intense NORBA XC scene. Every year around this time, as the leaves start to change and the smell of the aspen trees start to take over, I am reminded of why I define myself as a cyclist. This is as good as it gets....



Stay tuned as I will be updating throughout the Kona Global 24 Hour World Championships here in Granby, CO as we try to hold on to all 10 toes and 10 fingers.

Quick shout out to my boy Barry who never forgets let the beat drop and kick it full throttle.

Rhyme Or Reason

I am at that point in my career where I pick up bike magazines just to scope out my friends and see who's grill is out there for the world to see.

Exhibit A: It's about time Douglas got a little respect around here. The facial hair trend is off the hook right now.... Which totally sucks because I still have about 5 years before I can jump aboard that train.



Tis' the season when my mind shifts from the overall NORBA rankings to thoughts of 24 hour epics. I have done 24 hours of Moab as a duo for the past 4 years and have been haunted by Jungle Jay one to many times.

This year I am attempting to join the ranks of the chosen few who have pushed their minds farther than most with ever understand, the soloist (Mom is stoked!).



In the mean time Ranno and I went out for an epic today which left me cramping as I walked up my stairs 7 hours later. This weekend we are descending upon Winter Park, Colorado to try our hands at the Kona Global 24 Hour World Championships.

Last year it came down to 5 minutes after 24 hours of racing.... talk about stressful. This year I am just going to enjoy watching Ranno roll through the his first 24 hour experience.... priceless.



This will be Tracy's first mountain bike experience....Wish me luck. The stilhettos may have to be retired for the weekend!