How About Them Apples?

Here's to keeping it real and standing up for your rights.

Pounding Pavement

It is 11 a.m in Boulder Colorado.... Raise your hand if you have a job? Anyone?

See if you can spot Tyler Hamilton in his new team kit... These group rides are out of control but nothing is as priceless as their faces when you roll up on a dual suspension Fuel. "Ahh hey guys?!"



This is going to be Scott Moninger's 28th season racing professionally! Talk about an original gangster... Let's see, in my 28th season I would be 52 years old! Cripes.



Turn OFF your speakers on this one... Once again, this mystery noise doesn't make for an enjoyable You Tube experience. This kind of pavement is more my speed. Trek's demo guru, Bicycle Bob, pretty much smoked me in a friendly game of burning rubber back at the Trek factory this August.

Loop Hole In My Dreaming

The vibration of the knobbies pounding Florida's pavement, combined with the chilly thoughts of the Colorado's recent storm fronts, has been helping me pass the time lately. Staying on the MTB all year long, weather it's sick singletrack or 4 lane traffic, is going to be my secret weapon for the seasons to come. Train in the position you race in....



I came across this picture the other day in my archives and it brought back a flood of thoughts considering the huge changes in the structure of the Trek squad next season. No matter what your profession or passion may be, each of us as someone who has paved the path before us and left an impact that we can only dream of coming close to. For me those two people are Zapata Espinoza and Travis Brown.



Zap has arguably done more to shape and progress modern mountain biking than anyone. Through his passion and commitment to the sport as well as to his family, he has left a permanent impression on my career. Over the course of the last two seasons I had the honor of working closely with Zap and his ethusiasim for the culture and the sport was nothing short of contagious. Having someone like Zap in your court reminds you that you are not crazy for chasing your dreams. Much respect Mr. Espinoza.

Tattoos Of Culture

... Tan lines that is. I know I talk about them an awful lot but only someone embedded within the cycling culture really understands. The darker the lines,the more time spent in the saddle... Much respect. For some reason the folks on the beach just don't understand?



I wish you all the best this holiday season. Sorry for my distant updates, my mind has been on other things lately... Somewhere in between wedding plans and this beautiful woman.

Spin To Win

What can I say, despite his 6 ft 4 stature and unusually deep voice, Ranno is quite graceful. In the words of Bob Parker, Spin to win baby!



This is the time of year when I start to seek out the warmer climate and this year is no different. Today I am flying out to Florida for a week and then it is off to Santa Barbara with Rad Ross and JHK to start working on our tan lines.... Stay tuned as I dodge traffic on the gulf of Florida....



To show my appreciation for each and every one of you for logging in all season long and listening to my antics.... I am giving you the gift of this picture to print out or save as your desktop wallpaper. Don't forget to wear your helmet.... except of course when you are having a good hair day. Best of Rides!

Moab Underground

There is a new "underground" style of racing emerging on the scene. Not for those looking for awards presentations, entries fees, or a race license..... just the will to compete and a sense of adventure.

The date is March 24th and the route is looking to be Moab's epic White Rim but stay tuned to "Moab's Underground for more info" Moab Underground for more info. You know the drill, one big unsupported 105 mile loop. That's right, no scribbling your name on your waterbottles and looking around for your friend's girlfriend so she can be your trusty feed for the day.

So this year as you are paging through your Joe Friel Bible and figuring out your plan for 07, mark your calendar and join us for something new.... (check out the comments section for an email to get more info).



Each of us has his/her own stories of treasures you find along the roadside while peddling through the motions. Wallets, cellphones, cigarettes, nothing too crazy.... But if you have been trying to get a hold of Ranno lately and have come up short, it is because he struck it big on yesterday's ride... Let's just say it is down the lines of "Debbie Does Dallas".

Like The Setting Sun

You can only hide indoors for a day or two before you start pacing back and forth. The roads may resemble more of a muddy slip and slide than a canvas for training, but it's a tough job and someone has to do it.



That is until Ranno had to "number 2".... When it hits, it hits.... The more I laughed, the more Ranno had to poo.



A good friend always takes photos.



As an athlete, the greatest compliment is for USA cycling to say ...."We think you are doping and you need to report to anti-doping all season long". I can't wait for the day..... In the mean time, I swung by "Boulder Cycle Sport", the founders of Dopers Suck, and one of the best bike shops I have ever seen.

Listen To The Trees

Funny how nature has its own way of reminding us who is in charge.



With the ground covered in a substance that I could easily go without, I ventured into the slow and painful realm of hiking. What's amazing is that even if you are a professional athlete, something as simple as a hike can totally work you over.



This year's stocking stuffer is a no brainer. I can't wait to see the front line of next year's Nationals with "Free Sager"bling all over the place.