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Dusting Off The Cob Webs

2008-11-06T10:27:00.001-08:00

You know it has been a long time since your last update when you have to reset your password and blow off the cob webs...

I couldn't resist sharing this with the world (By world I mean my Mom and those that still have RSS feeds from this site).

Trek/VW's Xterra superstar, Brian Smith, can't ever pass up the opportunity to take his shirt off... Halloween is no exception.

In other news, I have to give a shout out to "Rad" Ross for continuing to be "Rad" and taking home of the largest animals I have ever seen.

Tubing Is Not A Crime

2008-06-04T15:05:00.001-07:00

With the Teva Mountain Games coming up this weekend I thought I would bring back a blast from the past with a hilarious video from Rattle Can Productions....

Domestication

2008-05-29T16:07:00.000-07:00

Domestication.... not to be confused with Californication.

The Martin family got a little bigger this weekend. This little poop factory's name is Norman and thankfully he is just below the legal limit for cute....

No riding to speak of, just chasing this guy around the block.

And the Winner is...

2008-05-15T12:06:00.001-07:00

You have to admire David Millar's form on this one... he must have caught at least 3 feet of air.

Everything In Moderation

2008-05-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I stumbled onto Mexican soil and haven't returned to reality.

So check this.... Make sure you watch it all the way to the end, doctors orders.

More To It Than Good Looks Alone

2008-04-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

It takes more than just standing on top of a podium to be "rad".

Ross just makes it look easy...

The Trek/VW team has some new faces this year. Some are just a little hairier then others....

Then there is the Trek VW veterans, take B-Man for instance... they just get better with age.

The More I Write....

2008-04-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

... the less they read.

Check out one of the worst examples of sportmanship I have ever seen. (note the real action happens at about 3:28 sor fast forward for optimal viewing!)

I read a quote by Bob Roll once that said if you ever plan on throwing a punch while in your cycling kit, make sure you take of your shoes... you can't land a punch with carbon fiber soles....

Hustler Hall Of Fame

2008-03-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

Better hide your sister, Friedberg is on the prowl and he busting out his moves left and right.

Note Mike far right, throwing down his signiture amped hand signs.... I have to admit, I would be a little excited too partying down with Mickey, (the guy in the hat that looks like a girl but gets more chicks than Ellen Degeneres) and the crew....

World Champ, Eric Carter would just be the icing on the cake (yep, there's that super amped hand sign). Note, Mike is still amped....

But there is always that "fro in the face" but still amped moment....

You can't blame Mike for being amped.... he was under the influence of the circus that follows Mr. Avalon... if you are not familiar, check this and get with it.

With Moves Like This

2008-03-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

Don't send a lame eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Who cares if you can't wheelie.

Feel Good Lost

2008-03-14T17:18:00.000-07:00

Moab, one of those places I love to visit...... one of those places I love to leave.

When T Brown asks if you want to "scope out this underground Race Loop" in the morning.... you don't say no.

Unfortunately my eyes were bigger than my legs.... 7.5 hrs later I was in the middle of a 3 hour bonk that had me thinking I was honestly gonna have to be helicoptered out....

Moab is one of those places that can tear you apart just as quickly as it took your breath....

BTW, the secret to Eatough's "bigger than life" appearance on the Trek/VW team posters lies behind his pre-game pushups....

Escape The 9 To 5

2008-02-22T11:44:00.001-08:00

Hours can be lost in the depths of You Tube... So I will save you some time. This is one of the funniest things I have seen to date.

Enjoy

This one comes our of Nat Ross's bag of tricks... hilarious!

The State I'm In

2008-02-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

No single track for miles but these guys are pounding pavement in style.... Next up, fixed gear wheelies?

In Transit

2008-01-29T11:52:00.000-08:00

For the start of the new year I jumped on the resolution band wagon and aimed to pedal to work rain or shine.... The heated seats of the Touareg can be a little spoiling and since my hours in the saddle have been cut back I can use every chance I can get.

It's amazing what you can see when your not pinning it through life at 10 mph over the speed limit.

Besides, it gives you a chance for mother to remind us who is in charge.

I think I need to cut back on my nightly viewings of "Lost".... Lately the sky has been messing with my head.

Stingy With Words

2008-01-24T17:18:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a month since my last update, that's pretty much eternity considering Ranno has gotten at least 5 tattoos in that time....

Lately my adventures have revolved around a keyboard, strangled by the 9 to 5. I'm not whinning, I simply have developed a stong sense of respect for those who can stay in shape and still work 40+ hours a week. I can't even imagine the level of commitment it takes when you throw the responsibilities of a family in the mix.

When You Rest, You Rust

2007-12-24T13:39:00.001-08:00

I knew it's been a while since I hit the grindstone but I guess I am even rustier than I thought....

The Air Up There

2007-12-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

Trebon was dealt a little bit of bad luck this past weekend at Cross Natioanls...

Feel for ya brother.

This same scenario happened to me back in the day and I still get flash backs.

Rest easy

Children of Mother Nature

2007-12-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

Guess the equation is simple... rays + beer + babes = healing.

Much Love & Respect

2007-11-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

Life has a way of throwing curve balls when we least expect it..... unfortunately today the world lost one of its best, someone who's love for life was an inspiration to everyone around him and his smile will always be engraved in my memory.

I first got to know Mike Janelle as a competitor during 24 hours of Moab as Brian Smith and I were battling it out year after year with the dynamic duo of Jay Henry and Mike. In a race that breaks you down and builds you up, it was Mike's resilient positive energy that I will never forget. It never mattered that it was 3 am and 5 minutes separated us, Mike always had a smile on his face and was always there to cheer you on. We never beat Mike and Jay..... but it never mattered, they were friends and we learned a great deal from them.

Mike was 40 years young and managed to pack more life into those 40 years than most could in 100. His enthusiasm for life, his hilarious stories, his dedication and his smile will never be forgotten. You will be missed Mike, may you rest in peace....

Where The Climate Suits My Clothes

2007-11-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

Since my last update, I have sought out the comforts of good tequilla, SPF 4 and the diamond sea.

Somewhere at the tip of the baja coast, the Ferguson's have managed to find a little piece of paradise with an ocean view.

A place where the morning gently fades into the afternoon and the color of the horizon, not Jay Leno, lets you know when it's time to hit the hay.

At this moment the farthest thing from my mind has been the bike....

That is of course until our car broke down.

Here, the only "base training" that matters involves cocunut oil and aloe.

Short For Radical

2007-11-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

Rad: adj. Slang, Excellent; wonderful. [Short for radical.]

There are many reasons why "Rad" Ross has earned the title "Rad".... I could go on and on.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Then, last weekend at the US Cyclocross Grand Prix here Boulder, a week after his beer binder in Germany, without ever doing a cyclo cross race before, he manages to scape his way into 13th at one of the biggest cross races in the US.... punk.

Check out this video of Wells (who only beat "Rad" Ross by minute) teaching Ross how to mount/dismount.

One of these days, somone will end up in the drink.... until then, we will just keep saying "you first".

Live To Ride..... Ride To Death, pretty much sums it up.

Summer Left... And No One Said A Word?

2007-10-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Colorado is burly turf.... one minute your shredding bone dry single track.

The next, you are drying your vans out by the fire.

You know you don't have an internet connection when....

So "Rad" Ross just got back from Oktoberfest... we had a chance to check out his sweet ride before he left on his adventure....

Click here for his side of the story.

This Whirlwind Tour

2007-10-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

For your viewing pleasure....

Click here for that "as if I were there" experience....

I know I promised these wedding fotos a while back but they are finally here.... and Mr. Zap Espinoza, thank you for everything! This would not have happened if it were not for you.

Real Smart.... Real Smart

2007-10-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

We headed up to the mountains for a little man time and Pete's bachelor party....

You get a little cabin fever when it snows a foot and all you brought was a hoodie.

Will may have just won the Univex Grand Prix but his stove surfin skillz could use some work!

I Read More Maps Than Books

2007-10-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

Is the daily grind of the 9 to 5 keeping you off the saddle? You are not alone....

Two years ago I started a company specializing in helping pro athletes, outdoor reps, and enthusiasts clean out their closets and put their gear into the hands of those who would put it to use.

For 4 years I raced with out a 9 to 5... eating powerbars and selling my worldly possesions online.

Today, I have a desk, a business card, 5 employees and a rolodex of clients. Check out The Pro's Closet and save our seller id as our inventory is constantly changing.

Click here for today's featured product.

Changing Of The Guard

2007-10-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

It's legit, fall is here and in Colorado this means dealing with the unpredictable mountain weather.

One minute your sweating from your eyeballs... the next your stealing newspaper from random mailboxes and stuffing your jersey for warmth.

Tis' the season when you come back from your ride and:

Your hands are too cold to turn the door knob or to unzip your jersey

When your body itches for a good 10 minutes as your body temperature raises in the shower

Or you have felt your kidneys shake for so long, you start to laugh out loud....

Good times!

It's Happy Hour Somewhere....

2007-10-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

Nat Ross shows us how he continues to be a fan favorite.... and we are not talking about his hair folks.

Drink more beer.... it's the off season

Control + Alt + Delete

2007-10-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

It was nearly 3 weeks since my last day in the saddle and within 10 minutes of my ride I was consumed with visions for next season....

The bike has a way of grabbing your soul and not letting go. It's stems deeper than the ride itself. It's the conversations, the adventures, the daily escape from reality that gives us a purpose. When you start to stray away from it, it slowy finds a way of creeping back into your life and grabbing you by the nuts.

We intrupt this program......

Viva Mexico

2007-09-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

Whewwww, talk about a whirlwind tour! First comes love then comes marriage.... then comes Mexico.

The good news is, the tan lines are nearly gone... The bad news is I haven't ridden a bike in two weeks. 'Tis the season...

At a certain point, the Corona began to taste like water.....

No worries, just follow the American way and buy it in bulk.

I will make sure to post some photos from the wedding too, first I need to sort through all this laundry and slowly work my way back into reality.

Until then, eat your heart out Interbike....

Now that I'm married I guess it's "business time"....

Rhymns with Carriage

2007-09-16T03:57:00.000-07:00

I interrupt this regularly scheduled program to let you know i will be out of touch, working on my tan along the baja coast with my gorgous new wife......

I'm leaving all technology @ home, so Sager promised to blog twice a day to keep up with the demand.... Until next week, best of rides....

Style Points

2007-09-05T22:37:00.001-07:00

Now that's what I'm talking about..... (photo by Fred Drier)

A Roll of the Dice

2007-09-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

I would rather work for a paycheck then wait to win the lottery.....

With that being said, I was feeling a little lucky as JHK and I rolled out for a ride I don't think I will hit up again for a while....

I will let you in on a secret, I am afraid of heights and head on trains in dark tunnels. Call me crazy, just a little fear I carry on my shoulders.

So this section of "trail" as JHK calls it is really about 4 miles of brain juggling train tracks with 10 active train tunnels (one you can ride around, yippee) with the longest two tunnels about a quarter mile long....

The hard part once you get over the fear of death is that you simply can't even see your hands in front of your face it's so dark. Just this blurry vision of the holy grail ahead.....

Way too much excitement packed into one day for this cat.

Rollin On 29's

2007-08-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

This is the kind of enthusiasm that our sport needs.... not more butts, just a little enthusiasm goes a long way.

This year I finally got to sport a coveted low number plate, a lot of hard earned miles chasing the NORBA dream.... maybe next time I will live up to it.

I think I have to start training with people a little slower than JHK... my confidence is starting to dwindle. The other day I witnessed another one of those "you know your pro when" moments....

You know your pro when your mechanic personally delivers your new bikes and takes the time to get them dialed in to your measurements....

Look for JHK to be the first to fly the 29er flag at either at Worlds or the coming World Cup....

Leave The Fantasy's At Home

2007-08-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

This separation between us has been getting a little old.... I appoligize but my absense can be summed up in two words "bachelor party".

With only a couple weeks of my bachelorhood left, I retreated to the high country of Crested Butte with a group of my closest brothers for a weekend of beer, bikes and ?????

Como te yamos? Me yamo "Rad" Ross.

Walker shows us what happens to your depth perception afternight of hard drinking.

There arn't many places like the Butte.... With views like this, it's hard to pay attention.

Around every corner is another kodak moment.....

But all good things must come to an end.... stay tuned as I my hard drive is full of photos that have a story to be told.

Pleasure and Pain

2007-08-15T16:08:00.001-07:00

Ah, a little place I like to call Aspen....

Last year my view was a little less cluttered... I guess you reap what you sow.

I still hold true the famous words inscriped on my old Gary Fisher top cap: "All work and no play is no good at all".

It can get a little out of control when you mix a bunch of skinny cyclists with low alcohol tolerances, high altitude, 80's gear, and an end of the season party... just ask the Aspen PD.

Adam was sure proud of his carefully manicured dick broom.... If I start now I might pull one together by this time next year.

Life is too short, live it while you can.

The Will To Fight

2007-08-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

You miss three NORBA's and people think you died.... It's kind of like a band of gypsies searching for the their next exercise induced endorphin high. It's good to see you guys....

Adam Craig wants the world to know that he has stepped up and single handily volunteered to bring sexy back.

The XC was another story.... I had a lot of time to do some serious soul searching. It's like trying to take a test without doing any homework. I knew I was in for a rude awakening but this one brought me to my knees. Suffering when you are in shape hurts, suffering when you are out of shape is a slow and painful death.

By the time I saw the sign I had my tail between my legs and my heart on my sleeve. Scratch it up to another character builder....

One Day We Will All be Sober

2007-08-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been reaching for a bottle of Fat Tire over the normal bottle of Cytomax.

Its that time of year when when we can easily be distracted!

This weekend I am attemping to jump back on the NORBA wagon.... I haven't lined up since May and it feels like like a world away.

If you crunch the numbers this weekends course's average grade is 10%?! Talk about jumping in the deep end.

Virgin Territory

2007-07-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

Talk about shooting in the dark.... Sager and I decided to try to make it back to back urban assault wins this weekend, only this time it was in Denver, a city neither of us knows anything about. I took us nearly an hour of navigating just to find the start.

Sometimes a photo can just come together at the right moment. The views from within these city walls are a welcomed break from the 100 degree mountain climbs I have been getting used to.

It's a culture brought together by the freedom of two wheels. Whether you are a cutter....

.... or a lover. The bike has its own universal language.

Make sure to swing by Sager's to get the other half of the story.

On a side note "Rad" Ross swung by this weekend in his new VW sponsored ride. He may be on the injured reserved list but he sure is'nt slowing down.

Pounding Pavement

2007-07-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

I rolled into this weekend knowing I was going to be part of something a little bigger than bike racing.... part racing part family entertainment, the Subaru Urban Assault Series.

How can you combine Ranno with Stilts, slip & slides and beer and not crack a smile....

The competition was stiff.... no seriously, it actually really was. We battled with the dynamic duo of Fuentes/Swift till the last couple checkpoints when It came down to local knowledge. Finally all those bike path miles are paying off.

Swing by urbanassalutrace.com to find out when the series is making a stop in your neighborhood.... Ranno and I took home a pair of sweet New Belgium Fat Tire cruisers for our efforts, and Ranno's been cruising ever since.

Distracted By Something Shiny

2007-07-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

While most of our fellow lycra super heros are back in Vermont chasing the NORBA dream..... Ranno and I were scoping out the routes for this week's new adventure, Subaru's Urban Assault Race.

Stay tuned as Ranno and I try not to get hit by another car....

No feed zones, no lap count, no canadians.... just 9 check points and mapquest.

Now I am a Volkswagen fan by nature, not default.... With that being said I do have to give Subaru props for learning the art of carcuss hucking.....

All this scouting pavement has left me listening to a little too much punk rock... you have to hand it to Green Day for staying core.

Punk's not dead.... it got a desk job

Rhymes With Carriage

2007-07-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly a year since I shocked most of my friends and family with the news of my three day courtship to engagement last fall.... Well my days as a single man are numbered and I couldn't be happier. In the mean time Tracy and I have been doing some white circus recon to see how it all goes down....

Singlespeed guru Jesse Lalonde, is next up on the marriage block. This swobo poster child made sure his last day as a single man didn't slip away without some blood shed. Check out creepyfriendly for the entire story....

In the mean time I have traded in the smell of Colorado's high country for some of Wisconsin's finest dairy air.

It doesn't matter where your home is, whether you have one gear or 30, your next adventure is right out your door. Pedal.

There Will Be A Light

2007-07-09T09:44:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Schalk and Eatough for holding down the fort for the Trek VW squad up in British Columbia's epic Pacific Traverse. Schalk has made huge strides in the right direction.... from complaining about his lack of technical skills to jumping into what has been dubbed the "most technical race in history" with Mr. "Technical" himself, Chris Eatough. Nice work guys....

We were about ready to sacrifice a goat if things didn't start to turn around in the Trek camp.

Call it a hunch but I think a gnome with a pipe is more mother nature's style....

This past weekend's Firecracker 50 was a quick reminder that I need dig deep within myself to find my "will to suffer". Some call it a "broken motivator" others call it "the pain cave" some even refer to it as the "check engine soon light". Whatever your lingo, once you loose it, it takes some serious soul searching to bring 'er back.

It isn't easy when your passion is a sport that can literally bring you to your knees week in and week out.... you would think after 10 years of racing I would have it figured out?

Jay Henry on the other hand doesn't seem to be suffering from that problem. Getting married and winning the marathon national championship in only a matter of a couple days.... talk about ultra endurance.

Standing Up To Murphy's Law

2007-07-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

In Colorado the 4th of July means the annual Firecracker 50.... 50 grueling miles, 12000 vertical feet of climbing and roughly 4 hours of pain. Since it has been a solid week since I last saddled up, I am predicting a world of hurt that I haven’t felt in a while. Take Jeff’s drool and multiple that by 10....

Lately the Trek/VW squad has been dealt a string of misfortune. “Rad” Ross’s crash back in Park City has left him in a full leg splint and about 3 weeks off the bike... To pass the time he has been pickin’ his banjo, breakin' in his new pair of Carharts, and getting caught up on his secret fetish for romance novels.

On another note, our teammate Bruce Muhlfeld hit the deck pretty hard in Crested Butte and was taken out by Flight for Life to the Grand Junction Hospital where he is expected to be for the next couple weeks. At 50 years young, Bruce is one of the toughest guys in the field and I am confident he will be back to his adventurous self in no time.

Make sure you swing by Bruce’s site and give him some positive words of encouragement as he heads down the road to recovery.

Jumping Hurdles

2007-06-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Piictures are worth a thousand words, and this one is no exception. My misfortune lately has left me feeling like I keep running into that same fence. On the brighter side...... that fence could be a lot wider.

Since I am dumping those thought provoking photos down I thought I would let you take a stab at this one...... The older I get, the faster I was.

Sager has officially caught the Boulder bug, he already has three hours in before I even have my morning coffee..... early birds I tell ya. He's making me feel soft.... its as if he has a 24 day race next month in France or something.

Check out Mark Weir's new landscaping! XC guru with skillz to boot. Guess I better start diggin....

A Little Help Please?

2007-06-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

I knew I should have knocked on wood....

My knee was nearly healed and the singletrack was just starting to heat up.... literally.

Maybe I was a little too anxious and jumped the gun early when I lined up at Boulder's own Wednesday night short track. You can't blame a kid for loving to ride his bike.... Well two laps into it I ate my famous last words, "I just won't crash". Opps.... sorry Mom.

Well my stitches bursted like a phat guy in a little coat and I now am left torn, battered and bruised....again.

Running Red Lights

2007-06-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

It's official, I made it one week without riding my bike. It is easy to fall into the programed mindset of a cyclist where training is the only way to get faster.... This week off has done more to ignite my spirits than any amount of training could have.

Guess these stitches were just what the doctor ordered.... literally.

In the mean time I figured I would do something productive and visit my friends over at the Boulder Center of Sports Medicine for a bike fit tune up. Sure new bikes and shoes are great but I dread the adjustment period when millimeters matter. Best investment you can make for your cycling.... Thanks Todd.

Shot of the day comes from my bros down in the southern hemisphere who aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe. Check this shot of Cam, in full Doper's Suck gear, giving Floyd and company a little piece of his mind! Cheers mates.... (double click pic for a better view)

Soldier Down

2007-06-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes nature has his/her own way of letting us know it is time to slow down. Lately I felt like a 27 year old stuck inside an 80 year old's body.... I guess this was nature's way of saying "time to take 'er easy".

I guess it is inevitable.... a trip to the ER that is. When you are out doing what we do everyday it is only a matter of time. I have been blessed in my career to have a pretty weak collection of scars. Well today I picked up one more and signed up for a week on the couch with a Sex and the City marathon.....

The News Has Left Me Paranoid

2007-06-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

With the reset button firmly pressed, T Brown and I headed out on one of those rides that reminds you why you got hooked on Mountain Biking in the first place.

It's amazing what you can see when you step back from the view of your training partners lycra clad backside.

This is one of those new scratch and sniff digital pictures. Ah the smell of the high country aspen groves, it doesn't get much better than this....

Well on second thought.... Not sure what the Joe Friel program has to say about keeping up with these girls but I fell for it hook and sinker.

Rad Ross is currently in a state of denial and could use all of our support.... He has been working on his TT technique and has been turning down mountain bike rides to "stick to the program". A card, an email, a phone call, a bouquet of balloons.... anything helps. Let's let Rad Ross know that we care.

Cure For The Common Cubicle

2007-06-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

It felt empowering to pull to the start line with a clean conscious as we lined up against the current "Tour Champion" this past weekend at the Teva Mountain Games.

Back in my semi pro days I would thrive off of the struggling pros that I would catch and pass as they faded off the back. Feeding off of their pain was what kept me motivated.

Well it looks like I threw back a little taste of my own medicine as I struggled to find my legs and mingled with the Semi Pros. Glad I could help....

In a false attempt to boost my ego, I entered the Big Wheel competition..... Lesson learned, size doesn't matter.

Time to sit back, hit the reset button, install a new motivator and look to the light at the end of the tunnel.

At least someone in red is hitting it big. Rad Ross has officially reached rock star status and I wouldn't be surprised if pretty soon women were throwing their bras at him on the start line. Dream big....

Such A High Standard Of Living

2007-05-30T13:02:00.000-07:00

Maybe someday I will stumble accross some skillz..... knumb chuck skills, computer hacking skills, magic skills, wheelie skills, at this point I will take whatever I can get.

Wondering what World Champion Walker Ferguson has been up? He has actually been training to play professional Flag Football.... wish him luck, I hear the competition is stiff.

So this weekend I am off to Vail for the best event of the year, the Teva Mountain Games. Yes, the same Vail that rhymes with Jail and Bail. I guess Floyd is going to be in the Mtb race.... If I am lucky I might get my picture with him?

Thought I would introduce Sager to his new home in typical Boulder fashion, 3 inches of hail and 1 load of laundry later.

One More Cup.... Then I'll Go

2007-05-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

It was already 1 pm and since we had managed to let the day nearly slip away..... Ranno and I thought we would salvage it with an epic...

The countless miles of old mining dirt roads that litter the mountains above Boulder offer a perfect escape from the daily grind. Here the only thing you will find higher than your elevation is your heartrate.

Don't be fooled by the buffed out singletrack. Somehow we were on the verge of biting off a little more than we could chew. If you ever have to knock on someone's door because you simply need to seek shelter.... you might have suffered from an epic.

Within minutes of this shot we were forced into complete survival mode. From screaming out loud, to walking our bikes downhill, to sitting on someones front porch waiting to think on plan "B", to finally flagging down a jeep to rescue our frozen lycra clad bodies.... we managed to get home. Hey it could have been worse..... Ranno and I might of had to snuggle for warmth.

You can't blame Alan Obye for his perma grin! Maybe it's because he found out he was awarded a full ride to law school.... Maybe it is because he has been vacationing in Park City on the weekends. Or maybe he is just stoked because he is finally having a good hair day.

Destination Dreams

2007-05-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

They may speak english but their southern draw is contagious. Playing tour guide this week to the Aussies has helped remind me to appreciate my surroundings. It's always refreshing to see your home through another person's eyes.

Now the Aussies have a saying, well actually they have a lot of sayings but " we ain't lick'n stamps here" pretty much sums it up. They have all graduated from the school of Paul Rowney and they always make sure the ladies remember their accents.

In mountain biker terms, living the dream pretty much boils down to traveling in an RV for the summer and ripping endless singletrack with your mates. Some call all it procrastinating the real world.... we call it living the dream.

Strangled By The 9 To 5

2007-05-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

It was back to the roots this past weekend with a little local racing back home in Colorado. There is no such thing as a "easy" local race here in the Rockies. The pace is always NORBA caliper but the atmosphere is nothing short of relaxing.

Thanks to Dales Pale Ale, the beer flowed like wine and the chicken.... well the chicken tasted like chicken.

The Aussies are calling Colorado home as they continue their pursuit of the endless summer. Their tan lines easily gave way their motives.

So far this season I have been taking a pretty solid beating on the national level..... The hardest part of racing is staying on top of your own confidence and not losing the will to fight. Thankfully this weekend I had a little reminder that my legs still work like they should.

It's A Slacker Lifestyle

2007-05-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

Our new team vechile is in.... I guess VW has been short on Touaregs this year. Don't ask any questions if our team looks a little suspicious and has a perpetual case of the munchies.

I have been catching a little slack for my lack of updates lately.... Sorry folks, like anything in life it has its ups and downs. I caught the crew over at Velo News playing hooky (or maybe it was "product testing") out on the mountain roads today... looks like I am not the only one slacking.

We may be united by the love for two wheels but this is a totally different sport.... This guy catches like 3 feet of air. Laying it all out... much respect.

Concrete Jungles

2007-05-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Rad Ross has been doing sit ups every night and is anxious to show off his new 3 pack. Ladies please direct all fan mail directly to Ross at rossschnell@yahoo.com.

Fontana, California.... not your typical mountain bike destination. Despite the course being littered with gang signs, homeless shelters, and empty bullet shells, the single track actually rips. Not that I would want to live and train here but once a year isn't too bad.

And besides, where else do you get to warm up on the freeway and fly by cars backed up in bumper to bumper traffic. California dreaming baby....

And for your random viewing entertainment....

Boulder STXC Practice

2007-05-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again and despite my reluctance to wake up early and blow out the lungs .... I have opted to round up the troops and get after it. The morning short track crew is meeting up behind Vics on Wednesdays at 8am and the evening troops are meeting at Cutting Edge Sports at 5pm. Two chances to get your Short Track on....

Somehow Ranno and I have talked T Brown into lending us his two prototype 69er Fuels.... Hands down the sickest ride I have ever trown my leg over.

You can't really reinvent the wheel but this bike will change our sport. Travis may have to come knock on my door to get this one back...

This Stray Dog Freedom

2007-04-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I felt absent, as if I was suppose to be doing something, somewhere, anywhere but here. For the first time in two years I skipped a stop on the NORBA National tour of champions. I know, I know, big deal right... well in the world of bike racing you are constantly haunted by the harsh reality that "you are only as fast as your last race".

I have learned to swallow this reality and move on.... at least for this weekend.

BTW, I have been rolling on a rigid hardtail this past week and all i have to say is that I am thankful this sport has progressed. Give Paul Turner a high five next time you see him....

My "A" Game Is More Like a "C-"

2007-04-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have finally come to the realization that I am not Lance. Sometimes you just need a huge sign to remind you how slow you really are.

I had Pabst with my dinner last night.... not Lance

I haven't had a massage in a year.... not Lance

I don't have Sheryl's number.... not Lance

My lightest bike is 24 lbs... not Lance

Since I still can't do the wheelie and my jumping skillz are worse than Napoleon's....I have resorted to practicing my superman (my leg extension could use some work).

It's crazy the life lessons you can learn in a bar. This winter Mike learned how to ride a Uni and didn't even flinch at the chance to show off his new found skillz in full Giant kit. Maybe next time he will leave the pole behind...

Man am I a dork... This is why I don't post many pictures of me, I only have 5 minutes of game. It's all downhill from there.

Art Is Hard

2007-04-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

This self inflicted pain is becoming too routine....

Unfortunately, this past week I have been way too busy attending to my annual Sea Otter inflicted dose of poison oak that riding managed to slip to the bottom of the priority list. Next year if you see me riding in a full length body bag you will understand.

I don't know what's worse, the 40 hour round trip drive or the constant itching that ensues... Don't be fooled by the tight singletrack and the flowers.... they will infect your misery.

At least my rent is paid....

Quarantined In This Californian Dream

2007-04-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

Blue bird skies and sun block wouldn’t be right, it's Sea Otter. Instead we stuff our bike boxes full of mud tires, poison oak scrub and rain coats. Glamourous I know....

What is the daily allowance of Vitamin “M’ anyways? I might be in trouble if this stuff is fat soluable.

The man of the weekend was the always humble Chrus Eatough (pronounced Eat-Off), starring in the world premiere of “24 Solo”.

The power of the human mind leaves me in awe. Amazing film.... I mean come on, one of the hero’s of this film gets carried off by the camera man! Hollywood couldn't even make this stuff up...

Much respect to anyone who has ever finished one of these insane events.

All I can really say about my Sea Otter showing is that “I finished”. Sometimes just that is enough to go home happy. The last 5 miles of that race took a solid year off my life.

With that, I’m out. I have a 20 hour road trip ahead of me.

Organized Chaos

2007-04-13T23:28:00.000-07:00

As I kick back in our team hotel I can't help but think back to my first Sea Otter experience 6 years ago.... Somehow I managed to sleep in the back of my Volvo wagon in Safeway's parking lot and not think twice. Nothing but my bike, Joe Friel's Training Bible and jar of peanut butter. Glory days....

The complete chaos that surrounds this event can be nothing short of overwhelming. I got lost somewhere inbetween dodging the downhill grommits, the free beer tents and the short shorts.

Consider this a gift....A little something to replace that same old wallpaper you look at everyday as you log on. Gary Fisher has something figured out....

Running Out Of Turbo

2007-04-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

This week I have been playing victim to mother nature. Nonetheless I am proud to say that my annual trainer hours still holding true at 0.

JHK took Ranno and I on one final death march before we head out to the infamous Sea Slaughter....

Contrary to popular belief, even the top dawgs wash their own bikes. Pimping ain't easy.... it may look easy but it ain't easy.

Speaking of pimpin... Alan Obye just moved into town and signed with Jamis for '07. Too bad his new ride doesn't have a bike rack....

PS: If you thought the FRS challenge was impressive wait to you see what's next on our Road Trip Challenge part II.

What Would Sager Do?

2007-04-07T09:43:00.001-07:00

Nothing very productive ever comes out of sitting in a car for 14 hours with four other guys. This is a perfect example! Now before viewing these video the folks here at ridewithnickmartin.com would like to say that we do not recommend or condone such behavior. This is just a product of boredom!

For some reason our lips and words don't sync up in this movie but then again it didn't seem to slow godzilla down!?

History: FRS Plus is a concentrated antioxidant energy drink packed full of green tea extract, vitamins and quercetin. I use it daily but like everything in life is only good in moderation. One bottle contains 16 servings, 1600 calories, 3200% of most vitamins but is meant to be taken in 2 oz portions, not 32 oz.

Now the aftermath contains a little vomiting so if you are sensitive to such actions I would recommend rolling over to Sager's site for a little PG entertainment.

I'm Not Fat, Just Big Boned

2007-04-04T22:16:00.000-07:00

Everyone was busting out their shiny new toys for the opening NORBA. Trebon on the other hand was busy showing off his new bike fit. I guess he apted to shorten his reach for a little more control. Bold move, but it seems to have paid off.

The Trek camp had a shuffling of the guards this off season. Head wrench Zack Vestal got bumped into the hot seat, taking on the role as our new team manager. Life on the road will dull anyone's edges. A little jitter juice is like photo shop, brightens everything up.

Somehow the DMV gave this man a license to drive a rig. Dusty, our new head wrench, got a tool belt and a set of allen keys for christmas...... Be careful what you wish for, now he is our go to guy.

When it's hot we dream of the cold. When it's cold we dream of the heat. This is what we get for racing on April Fools.... 40 painful miles. Decker's skinsuit may be drenched in salt and sweat but his skin is soft and exfoliated (Not that I know.... that's just what I heard).

One road trip down, 20 more to go.

Looking for another site to surf before you have to leave the cube and refill your coffee mug? Swing by Cycling News and check out the rider's diaries.... Nick who?

On Your Left

2007-04-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Most of yesterday was spent getting caught up on a winter's worth of day time television.... waiting for our 8 pm start time. Is it just me or are commercials making my IQ drop?

I think I picked the wrong time and place to ride like a small child. With permanent dust clouds, loose gravel corners and the largest stxc field to date, my evening was starting to look a little less predictable.

You let off the gas for one second or make one false move... you're gapped. You let that happen once and pretty soon it happens twice.... Before you know it your motivation to suffer is fleeting. It's a lot easier to bury yourself when you are fighting for the top 10 vs the top 30. Ahhh bike racing, this lung cookie is for you.

On a side note, T Brown has been at the drawing board all winter coming up his latest 69er Fuel. I was lucky enough to take 'er for a trail ride yesterday and I can't wait for it to hit the market. Stable front end and a rear end that accelerates like an XC machine.

Anything that Travis puts his stamp of approval on, is worth checking out. Make sure to swing by the Trek tent at Sea Otter for glimpse.

Shoes Tied Tight

2007-03-30T22:48:00.000-07:00

It's official, the traveling circus is back at it again. I love how 100 of your closest friends from around the country will converge upon random places around the globe and it's like you just saw them yesterday. "So what have you been up to? Riding.... Yeah me too.... Sweet"

First race of the season is always pretty standard really, it's like the first day of school. Everyone's clothes are crisp and clean, their shoes bright white, and their legs even whiter.

Check out these fly custom kicks that Nike made up special for each of their top athletes....

They told Ross to pretend like he was wearing a cape... "Like this?" "Yeah perfect" (Photo credit John Laptad)

Laptad has been working with Trek for years shooting their latest lycra super heros. I think his photos speak for themselves....

One big happy family. (Credit John Laptad)

Men In Uniform

2007-03-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

I think "Rad" Ross and I are going to start a band....

Well Tristan rolled into town again. He continues to live the dream, surf'n one couch at a time. I love taking flat landers on their first ride in the mountains.... Call me insensitive, but hey, you have to take it when you can get it. Oxygen isn't cheap up here.

Call it a hunch but I am starting to get the feeling that Arizona is going to feel more like an easy bake oven...

Punk Rock Is Making Me Soft

2007-03-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

In an effort to break up the monotonous ways of day to day bike practice... I hit up Lyons for the only organized mountain bike group ride in the area.

Swing by Redstone Cyclery every Tuesday @ 6 pm for a piece of the action. Don't be fooled by the size of the shop, what it lacks in huge floor space it makes up for in character.

That John Denver guy really wasn't full of @!%&.

Riding at night can give off that priceless feeling that time has somehow stopped. The cars have diappeared, the senses heightened, and the trail belongs to you. Good cure for those days when the mind feels like a freeway.

On a random sidenote, the ever creative has put together cycling's version of Myspace, yourcycling.com. Swing by and check out the interview we did last week as I gave away all my secrets.

Rolling On Twenty Six's

2007-03-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

With only two weeks left until the opening NORBA National.... Ranno and I have been cramming like a couple of college kids for finals week.

So if you are wondering why my "blogs" are spaced out so far... I apoligize.

The Comforts Of The Day

2007-03-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

The other day was a perfect example of how quickly things can change... One minute you are sweating through your eyeballs, the next minute your motor skills have shut down and simply trying to add becomes impossible.

Sure we saw the treatening clouds but in the moment it was 70 degrees. 20 minutes later we found ourselves in the midst of an unexpected epic adventure. Dressed for Arizona we were stuck at 10,000 feet with 6 inches of wet snow and now where to go but down.

Read the body language and multiply that by 100.... welcome to our world.

About once a year I have to get a "ride" home from my ride. I burnt this match early. What started at 9:30 am at 70 degrees ended at 5:00 pm at 40 degrees. Looking back and laughing.

Tomorrow Turns To Yesterday

2007-03-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

It is amazing sometimes how quickly a day can fly by. Today it finally hit me as I was struggling through my first intense efforts of the year.... there is NORBA in three weeks! Cripes!

Rad Ross just got back from his New Zealand hiatus. He must have done something right because he preceded to worked me over like a rag doll, complaining about the altitude the entire time. I am hoping it was just placebo effect from celebrating "New Bike Day".

Time to start looking on the brighter side....

Flavor Of The Day

2007-03-03T21:58:00.000-08:00

Forget the bike... the internet is amazing and You Tube opens up a whole other can of worms.

Check out this flavor of the day! Restrain from laughing at all costs till the very end of the video....

It's A Way Of Life

2007-03-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

All to often cyclists get a bad wrap for being selfish exercise junkies whose time in the saddle is more important than anything else. Now in some cases this may be true however these moments of solitude can be the only time in ones day when we actually get to unwind. It is amazing how many things you can figure out when there is nothing to distract you from your thoughts except the open road.

Without trying to sound to much like your typical Boulder neo-hippie..... This "moving meditation" is what keeps me creative, alive, and in touch with who I am and where I am going. The bike, It's a way of life....

Will Race For Food

2007-02-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

Ah the high rolling life of a professional mountain biker. All these fancy cars and big ballin cribs. If you spend more on entry fees in a month than you do on rent.... you might be a pro.

Well the winds have shifted and for the first time since California I have been able to get my fix of singletrack.

With these early season rides does come some random set backs.... One minute your grinning ear to ear, the next you are literally knee deep in snow.

Speaking of winds.... each year Boulder has its fair share of horizonal disaster. This year has been no different. This trailer was its most recent victim..... if it can do this to an oversized load, imagine what it feels like on the bike.

I Need More Snare In My Headphones

2007-02-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Last year a lot NORBA's top athlete's started working along side this new site called "Charity Mix" in an effort to combine music and cycling for a good cause. I was all over it like Ranno on a case of wine.

Swing by and check it out if you are looking for some motivation to pull you through the rest of the winter months, your Ipod will thank you!

These Ruby Red Slippers

2007-02-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

Maybe if I click my heals three times and think really really hard.... this white nonsense will disolve or transport me to a happy place where singletrack is a way of life and the sun actually shines....

At least the roads above 9000 feet are still plowed. The hard part isn't going up, it's coming down.

After 3 hours of climbing and sweatly through our 6 layers of lycra, you have no choice but to point and shoot back down to reality. Talk about the "pain cave", I feel like my hands are going to fall off daily.

I got word that Rad Ross not only cleaned up down at his first race in New Zealand.... but he beat NZ's legend, Kashi Leuch's course record. Ahh crap, someone's getting in shape.

All Work And No Play

2007-02-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

Bike maintenance has become a thing of the past. By the time I stumble in from the days journey, there is very little energy left to even remotely clean up the trusty steed. By the end of the week I am lucky if I can even clip in.

JHK can't expect to pull something like this out of the wardrobe and not have me comment on it.... Teenage Mutant Ninga Turtle? I guess this is some kind of new winter prototype helmet....

I once heard someone say, "All work and no play is no fun at all".

For those of us dealing with whatever cards mother nature throws our way: "Rad" Ross just wanted to remind us what the view from the other side of the fence looks like. Singletrack.... Seems like a million miles away right now.

It's A Slacker Lifestyle

2007-02-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

If you can drink enough coffee, your heart rate can hover around 140.... This little trick can help you justify coffee shop intervals as training time...

Speaking of slackers... Rad Ross has mastered the art of not having an official "home" and rolling from one plane ticket to the next... He has once again left the country and will be chasing summer down in New Zealand until the first NORBA. Just a thought but I see a podium in the forecast.

In the meantime, we are dodging explosives and singletrack to keep our skillz fresh. Nothing gets your heartrate up like land mines....

Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

2007-02-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

Don't be jealous.... This pain is self inflicted.

Today the weather channel warned of "sever and threatening weather" featuring 50 mph winds....

Most would sit inside drink coffee. Luckily for me, I fed off of JHK's motivation and chased him around the mountains for 5 hours. I have had to relearn the humble feeling of getting dropped over and over again... joy joy!

Sitting high above the weather strickened town of Boulder lies a little piece of paradise that keeps me moving. Inside you are sure to find organic coffee, squeaky floor boards, true mountain conversation and the precious wood burning stove. The Gold Hill General Store.... check it out!

Cracked

2007-02-01T20:48:00.000-08:00

I'm strugglin folks.... Apparently I have some bad mother nature karma coming my way. The temps are hovering around 5 degrees and the bike looks about as appealing as Ranno's cooking. JHK has been out there racking up his man points, putting in hardcore 4 hr rides in the elements. I have nothing...

Diamonds In The Ruff

2007-01-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

Today's entertainment is compliments of Walker Ferguson's very own photo archive. This sport can turn us into world travelers over night and what better way to tell the story than through photos.

Function over fashion baby. Norba's "power couple" shows off next year's top fashions!

Upon arriving in Belgium for his euro road stint, Walker's bike apparently might have "shifted during the flight". No joke.

Name that World Champion??

It was in this moment that idea for Trek's "69'er" was born.

A Reason To Believe

2007-01-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

Join me in offering congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Eatough on their new baby girl, Emerson Ruth! If she is anything like her Dad, then they are going to be up all night....

The winds are shifting and Colorado has been calling. Thanks to our teammates Bruce and Tommarra for opening up their castle doors to us!

These roads have treated us well and have been nothing short of motivating...

If you haven't heard already, it snowed in Malibu on our final day in Cali! Seems like the only crew getting the upside of global warming are the east coast hardcores. Rad Ross actually had to use a life line and call for help.... Getting picked up while riding in CA, so soft or so pro? You make the call...

"Hello this is Sager? Yes baby, I know its windy outside.... No I didn't use all of your shaving cream again."

Ross and I had to make a pit stop in Park City to see what Sager was up to.... Business as usual. Sager's winter tip that actually makes sense: Rock the snowboard helmet with built in headphones for optimal winter warmth and ipod compatibility. Survival of the fittest.

For a little office comic relief make sure you check this out!

Coming To A Theatre Near You...

2007-01-16T22:42:00.000-08:00

Since Rad Ross has been bumped up to the big time this season, he decided it was no big deal to take his new $6000 Madone 6.5 out for a little trail ride and test it out. It appears that the 55 gram OCLV doesn't seem to mind the brake bumps at 30 mph.... Just an FYI.

Ross and I have had to enforce a new training proto-call these past couple days.... The "do or die" double chamois. If you don't know, then don't even ask. Don't worry Mom, that whole bicycle seat vs. impotency theory got thrown out the day Mr. E-Tough announced he was a soon to be father.

Speaking of Eatough, the crew over at Gripped Films has the new trailer for "24-Solo" up and rolling. It is already a given that this movie is going to make me cry more than "The Green Mile". (Photo, www.kobilis.com)

From the award winning producers of "Off Road To Athens" comes a film that not only captures the emotion of 24 hour racing but also captures the power and discipline of the mind. Make sure you join me for the films world premiere at this year's Sea Otter Classic. I haven't been this excited since I found out Ben and Jerry's made a low-fat frozen yogurt version of Cherry Garcia.

Title And Registration Please

2007-01-13T12:22:00.000-08:00

Somehow even the simplest tasks, like grinding the coffee, has turned into a huge project. Just when I thought I was crawling my way into shape, JHK had to take us out and unleash a huge dose of reality. 6 hours and 6000 feet of climbing later I crawled home with my tail between my legs....

"You guys know how fast you where going back there?"

Even Johnny Law thought we were going a little hard....

We escaped with a warning... and I was finally given a moment to catch my breath and remove my tongue from JHK's rear wheel.

It is amazing how one minute the world is completely surreal....

And the next minute the whole world is blowing up around you.

Going For The Gold

2007-01-12T09:32:00.000-08:00

Instead of showing off my tan lines I thought I would drop a little comic relief your way to break up the desk job. Life isn't all bikes and babes. Here's to the wonderful world of You-Tube...

California Dreaming

2007-01-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how quickly a day slips through your fingers when your only mission for the day is to ride. Something along the lines of: Coffee, Ride, Eat, Eat, Eat, Wine.... Sleep.... Repeat.

If wealth is determined by the quality of life and free time then we are all millionaires.

We dropped in on Ryan "Treefarm" Trebon fresh off his European stint and received a guided tour of his home turf in Ventura CA... 5 hours later, on the brink of a bonk of epic proportions, Heather was awarded all the man points by rolling with the guys on her mtb.... Grit.

Treefarm is the only rider in the pro field who's bike is even too large even for my 35 inseam. Even with his high center of gravity he has torn apart the US cross scene and raised the bar for all the other long sleeved skinsuit super heros.

Don't let Sager fool you with his rants about not being able to ride and the frigid winters of Park City.... Plumbing of this magnitude doesn't come stock on snow birds.

Lucky Free

2007-01-06T22:27:00.000-08:00

Through a successful attempt to seek out warmer latitudes, Ross and I stumbled upon a little piece of paradise. Southern California.

A place where beer flows like wine and holding a line isn't an option.

Who is this guy they call "Lance" anyways?

Another day like today and Ross and I might be in danger of getting in shape.

For those looking for motivation in the clutches of winter.... check this out for size.

Heading Westward

2007-01-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Somewhere in between the coffee shop and 9500 feet, I lost all feeling in my toes. The ride is no longer a ride but a mission. The conversations quickly switch from talk of training camps to complete silence...

And somehow your teeth always appear whiter after a face full of dirt

We are in the middle of no where but somehow still manage to run into 10 of our closest friends.

Back on the bike path I ran into Bama, outfitted in carharts, workboots, and a sweet argile sweater,was kind enough to remind me that I still don't have any skills.....Or style.

Fred on the other hand, has more style than he knows what to do with.

How About Them Apples?

2006-12-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

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

Pounding Pavement

2006-12-27T13:23:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

... 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

2006-12-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-01T17:59:00.000-08:00

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.

Ode To The Off-Season

2006-11-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

Another perfect example of a picture that is worth a thousand words. I call this one "Ode To The Off-Season". I am officially too soft to go out and ride today. The temperatures have dipped below freezing and the comfort found in another cup of Joe are all to alluring.

And to that woman who ran past my window at 7 am when the roads were still ice..... "Your crazy, man!"

Sight For Sore Eyes

2006-11-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

The video below contains graphic content that is not suitable for those with a light stomach. Don't say I did not warn you.... if you are looking for some G rated stories, log onto Sager's blog.... With that being said, I know that curiosity killed the cat.

I don't want this site to just be footage of all my training partners eating it big but for some reason they are all blowing up around me. Off-road triathalon guru, Seth Wealing, got to a know a spectator a little more than he would have liked to....

Seth managed to finish the race, despite not being able to remember it and the woman was in critical care for three days. Everyone has fully recovered but it goes to show you once again how long an instant can really be.

Letting It All Hang Out

2006-11-21T11:12:00.000-08:00

A while back I was on a ride with Jeremiah on his home turf in Harrisonburg Virginia. He said something to me on that ride that still rings in my ears, something along the lines of: "This season as I pulled to the line, I could honestly say that nobody out there trained as hard as I did this off-season".

Those words can give you a little insight into the grit and determination that Jeremiah brings to the sport. Much respect JB, for letting it all hang out down in Costa Rica! I am glad that you are on our side.

Another Clumsy Chord

2006-11-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

NORBA Points leader or not.... Ranno made sure JHK knew what it was going to take to beat Trek/VW this year. Get down and give me 20.

Imagine if we lived in a world where our kids could sign up for cyclocross instead of baseball. A place where the air smells of freshly brewed coffee and Ned Overend is a household name. Don't get me started....

Well after the huge turnout for the US Grand Prix here in Boulder, the city may consider building a permanent cyclocross course. Take a minute to help take action and sign this petition to get some cycling in our culture... Ranno would but he can't stop smiling.

The Endless Static Sea

2006-11-16T06:34:00.000-08:00

Six hours down, 394 more to go. Base is really the only time of year we get to mingle with the roadies and their clean drivetrains. It's refreshing to actually hear new stories of the season past.... Crazy how similar our lives are but yet so different.

I have said it before and I will say it again, safety first kids! There are a lot of crazy drivers out there, so error on the side of caution.

Since Sager is being treated like a criminal in this police state, I thought I would share one of those "feel good" stories to brighten up his day. Check this out.... Ride Free!