16 Years

Rachelle and I celebrated 16 years of marriage with a little get away that included spending the day in the Wasatch backcountry. Yep. I married a rugged mountain chick. Of all her outfits (and she has a lot of them with the shoes to match), my favorite is when she gets all done up in her ski gear.

We started at the Spruces campground in BCC and hiked to the top of one of the Days shots. I didn't set my watch but I think it was close to 2,500 ft of vertical climbing.

Rachelle putting it into high gear on the climb. We had already passed a guy on tele gear. She can hammer.

We both like to put in a good playlist and suffer on the up. Stopped once for a water break but other than that, it was pretty much head down and upward.

Once at the top, we paused for a group photo at 10,000 ft.

Last year, I made Rachelle traverse around a cliff band. She hated it. This year, we found some steep pitches. She hated it and loved it.

Shelle skiing the steeps

A week after the last storm and we found plenty of untracked light powder. We had to hunt for it but it's there.

I enjoy getting out with the guys but having a wife who can hike and rip the downhill makes me happy.

After the skiing we hit one of our favorite places- The Porcupine Pub & Grill.

I hope to be doing this with Rachelle when we are well into our 60's. Although, one of these years, I should probably book a trip to some place warm and sunny.

"Let Me Ask You Something...."

"Does this look right to you?"
















I found this picture in an old photo album of mine. This was taken in 1977 and is a picture of my twin brother and me with our "swim coach".

There are so many things wrong here. Let's forget the speedos. That's a whole other bag of issues.

I ask you. Would YOU let your children play in a pool with this man? Holy crap. I'm calling my parents right now to give them a piece of my mind.

Fly Bibs

The Fly bibs are in. Heading out now to do a test ride to see how they fit.

If you ordered some, I'll be shipping them out on Monday. Keep an eye out for them.

There are a few left if you still want some.

DNF

Saturday was UTCX #11. The last real race of the season. Double points (that means nothing for me but I felt the need to point that out). It was cold, wet and windy- very windy. miserable conditions for racing bikes in lycra but for some reason, the more miserable the conditions, the more I want to ride/race.

I showed up about 30 min before the start. Made my way to the registration window and noticed the window was closed (it was one of those metal rolling type windows) but had a sign posted that said "registration open". I knocked on the window and the guy inside the booth opened it and said:

"Seriously? What are you doing here? Don't you have anything better to do on a Saturday?".

Needless to say, conditions were not ideal for racing, watching, or putting on a bike race. I responded:

"I've spent the past 5 days sitting in a conference room for business meetings. I need this".

I paid my money and went to go warm up.

At the start line, there were 5 guys including me and 1 girl in the singlespeed flight. I looked around and noticed all 4 of the guys were guys who are faster than me. Bo Pitkin (coming off an impressive result at CX Nationals last week), Ryan Ashbridge, Steve Wasmund, and Christian Johnson.

Perfect I thought. I'm officially racing for last place. I didn't care. I was on my bike and the course was wet and muddy. I love racing in the mud.

The first lap I was holding my own switching between 3rd and 4th place. But Bo was behind me (probably eating a ham sandwich or reading a book). Eventually, he came around and started passing everyone. We all stuck together for the first 1.5 laps and then Bo put it into gear and took off. I found myself fighting it out for 4th place with Christian. We took turns pulling and kept a fast pace for 3 laps and then my rear brake cable snapped and my wheel locked up. Race was over.

You know the best motivation for the winter? Finish the season with a DNF and replay that race over and over again in your head.

It's killing me. I want redemption.

A New Look

It's going to get weird now isn't it?























You know that scene in "Meet The Fockers" when Ben Stiller borrows the ex-boyfriends speedo? He's in the dressing room staring at it while he eats an entire pack of nicotine gum trying to get himself to put it on.

Wearing a skinsuit is kind of like that.

One more CX race to go. I'm hoping the skinsuit gives me magic powers.

UTCX #9

Saturday was the first snow cross race of the season. I didn't race well but had a blast on the course. Both Bob and Daren smoked me. They are both much better bike handlers and on a snow packed course, it's more about staying upright than about going fast. Bob took 2nd and Daren 4th and I ended up with a 6th place finish in the SS group.

The barriers were set up on the fastest part of the course. It made for a tricky dismount on the snow/ice. I was glad I had my spikes in.






























































Thanks Jason and Annie for sticking around, for the cheers, and for taking the pictures. They both raced earlier in the day and took 1st and 2nd respectively. Not a bad day for the White family.

Out Of Office

I'm currently out of the office. Leave a message.
(photo credit- Grizzly Adam)

The Ritual

I was up late last night at a friends house mounting some new skis (well, new for me anyways). As we worked in the basement, I could hear the wind howling outside. I like that kind of wind. It means a storm is coming. It felt like working on skis late at night was a ritual to welcome in the storm. I had good dreams last night.

The CX Remount

I'm getting more comfortable with the cyclocross remount but every time I do it, in the back of my mind, I hear a little voice that says "don't land on your nuts".


















View a larger pic here: This picture (ripped from Grizzly) sums it all up. If you're a guy and you are looking at this picture and you don't get a little uneasy, something is wrong with you. There is a lot that can go wrong here.

UTCX State Championship Race

Saturday was the UTCX State Championship race. This was the first time I've seen them bring in a drumline and I really like it. All cx races should have a drumline going forward. (of course, by the time the SS and B's go, everyone is gone)


Racing on a golf course was one the highlights of the 2010 season for me. It was just fun. Roller coaster type course, almost all grass, a nasty climb, some off camber corners, and some barriers.

I've come to accept that I'm usually racing for scraps in the SS group. Podium finishes are pretty much out of reach. Coming in 4th or 5th is the goal.

I managed to squeak out a 6th place finish and was mildly happy with that.

I don't consider myself an experienced cross racer and I really haven't put in the right kind of training to be good at it. But I could see that changing next year. The addiction is getting worse and worse with each race.

The races are cheaper, more family friendly, shorter, and the bikes (at least mine) are much cheaper. What's not to like about that?

UT State Championship Course

Saturday is the Utah State Championship CX Race. I'm not going to miss the chance to legally ride on a golf course. That just sounds too fun to pass up.

The course looks great. Check it out here: (stolen from Church of the Big Ring)

Lunch Ride Without The Ride

For several years now, the UC crew has been getting together for lunch rides during the work week. The rides usually turn into races and that's fine. It's good training. Painful but good for the body.

Today was the first time we got together for lunch. No ride. Just lunch.

Miles without a helmet just doesn't look right. Brandon wearing a shirt with a collar aint right either. And Rico's legs don't intimidate as much in jeans. It just didn't feel right. There was no trash talking. Nobody got dropped. Too much talking and not enough suffering.

And yes. I felt very ashamed for ordering chips and a soda with my meal while Miles and Brandon both went without chips and had water/juice to drink.

I can't wait to get back to normal and go ride during lunch.

The Future

I have no idea if my son Seth (8) will take up cycling when he is older. He is eight and still rides a SS which is a good sign. But if he ever decides to race, I look forward to a switching roles and paying him back for all the support over the years.

Here he is giving me a handup during the UTCX race #7 on Saturday. And doing it like a pro.

Cycling Merit Badge

Somewhere on that sash is my cycling merit badge.

Double Dip

Lunch ride in the UC followed by a night ride with the Suncrest crew. Not the best way to taper for Saturday's cross race but the weather pattern next week is showing snow/rain. Our season could be coming to an end. I'm trying to squeeze in as much as possible.

I probably ate close to twenty moths on the night ride. Hopefully they are packed with protein the help with the recovery.

UTCX #5

UTCX # 5 dished out more rain and mud racing but this time with costumes.

Here I am making a pass (or maybe getting passed?) by a guy in a full body ski suit and ski helmet. He also had on real ski boots with the bottoms cut out so he could clip in with his cycling shoes.

The race announcers kept calling me an Eagle Scout as I'd come through on my laps. I almost stopped and corrected them. I'm not an Eagle Scout. I'm a Life scout. Let's get that straight.


Gotta love cyclocross.

Hell-O-Ween 2010

It was like this.....

About 30 of us lined up at the start line at the shooting range in Orem last night for the 2010 Hell-O-Ween Night ride/race. There was a Belt at stake and a purse full of cash. First one to the top of the jeep road climb would take the goods. For most of us, this would be the only chance we'd have to get paid to ride. Pressure was thick.

I lined up next to a pink dress, a cock roach, a tutu with wings, a guy with a disturbing thing in a box, and several guys with capes. Most of the costumes were rated PG but Aaron Smith took it one level deeper and went rated R. With big risks come big rewards. Aaron walked away with best in show for the costume. (Aaron, I'll get you a prize).

The Utah County crew brought their top brass including Phast Dan from Racer's Cycle, and Dan Z. (winner of the PCP2P singlespeed div), Brandon Smith, first Night Race Champion, and Rico who was looking strong as usual.


































































































After a few min of nervous chatter, we were off. It was full on sprint pace. Cold turkey start. No warm up. The next 5 min were some of the most brutal 5 min of my life. I could actually taste metal in my mouth. My lungs felt seared. I left my 18t cog on thinking it would give me an advantage but I paid for it. I ended up in 4th about 3 seconds off the podium. The podium spots went to:

1) Phast Dan N.

2) Dan Z.

3) Matt S.

(Note: If I ever had another son, I'd name him Dan out of respect. It's a fast name)

I haven't felt that cooked on the bike in many years. Completely redlined.

We re-grouped and kept the pace as mellow as we could be but we were riding in the UC which means steep, sustained climbs.

We made our way up Betty, over to Belt, to Mouse, to the Altar, then Upper Frank to Dry, down Dry (where several smoked the pipe), down to BST back to the shooting range.

The temps were perfect and the trails were tacky and fast.

Post ride chill was at the Orem Denny's. Good times sitting around telling stories and laughing.
























I got to bed by 2am. At work now suffering from a post night ride hangover.

Thanks to all who made it down to the ride. You guys are all hardcore.

More Video and pics from Miles here.

Hell-O-Ween Night Ride Tonight

We are on for the Hell-O-Ween night ride tonight in Utah County. We are meeting, ready to ride at 9pm from the shooting range in Orem (just above the Orem Cemetery).

To get there from I-15, exit at the Lindon 1600 North exit and head east for several miles until you are at the base of the mountains. The road will curve right and turn into 800 East. Just before the Orem cemetery, turn left up a steep paved road. At the top of the road turn left and you'll see a parking lot (shooting range).

















**Bring $2 for the cash purse. First one to the top of the jeep road wins the cash and the Night Ride Championship Belt. After the initial jeep road climb, we will regroup and ride casual pace for the rest of the ride.















The route will probably include a race course loop or two, Crank to Ireland or Belt to Altar to Ireland (depending on conditions and what the group decides).

Post ride breakfast at the local Denny's.

Found this photo from last year's ride......

Today Was A Good Day

Up at 4:45am. Back at it.

Poker Face

Some guys can hide the pain. I have no poker face. Tongue out. That's how you know I'm suffering.

And here I am after one of my many "power naps" during the race. I rolled around in the mud 3 times.
















(thanks Jdub for taking the pic)

Someday

If this thing comes to Canada or the US again, I'd really like to be there. Someday I'll participate.

Until then check out the anthem for the 2010SSWC.

HLAH - official anthem SSWC10 from Singlespeed Worlds 2010 on Vimeo.

Granny Gear

During our UC lunch ride the other day, we got to talking about granny gears and what people name them. Out of respect, many of the riders name their granny gear after their grandma.

I guess that means my granny gear would be called "Juanita".

What is yours called?

Hell-O-Ween 2010

The FLY jersey makes its way onto the top step yet again. Thanks Daren for flying the colors and congrats on another win. That makes 3 in a row if my math is right.


















Also, time to start thinking about your costume for the 2010 Hell-0-Ween ride.























I'm thinking we should do this Friday the 29th at 9pm. Does that work for most of you? (**Update, we are thinking Thur the 28th would be a better night**)

As much as I like keeping it close to home and riding Corner Canyon, I think Glenwild, Flying Dog, 24-7 would be a cool venue.

Thoughts?

The Fire Jump

The fire jump (pic ripped off from Rich).

Just another reason why the 24 Hours of Moab is such a cool race.

24 Hours of Moab 2010

The stats.....

• 2nd place Singlespeed/Open

• 14th overall (out of 318 teams/solo riders)

• 20 laps completed

• 1 broken pedal

Our team at the 24 Hours of Moab this year was solid. Rico, Kenny, Corey, and me (or is it "I"?).

Nick Rico- gets the award for turning in the fastest overall lap times for our team with an average of 1:13:50 over 5 laps. Solid. He also kicked it off with a top 10 run during the Le Mans start. Turns out, he wasn't lying about being a football star back in 88. The dude can run (and can pedal a bike.)

Kenny- gets the award for turning in the fastest lap time of the group with a 1:08 (and did it twice). And I've never in my life seen someone change out a pedal in the dark as fast as he did. During one of his night laps, after climbing all of the 1st technical rocky section, Kenny shattered his pedal and had to turn around and ride back to camp with one leg, find his replacement pedal, swap it out, and start his lap over. After all that, he still managed to keep us in contention for the lead. If we had to pick one guy to have a mechanical, I'm glad it was kenny.

Corey- Was hand selected for his superior night riding skills and being an all around nice guy. I've never seen Corey on a bike during the day. He rides early morning or late at night. The perfect guy to have on your team for a 24 hours race. Even with 2 flats, he posted a 1:15 night lap. Crazy fast. Oh, and he did this all on a borrowed bike since he cracked his frame the week before the race. Imagine what he could have done on his ultra light race bike.

Me- I was just happy to not be kicked off the team coming off of hip surgery 3 months prior. I didn't have the race of my life but was happy be racing again and to post a 1:10 lap time and 3 sub 1:20 night laps.

For our efforts, we walked away with a box of Hammer Nutrition bars and a womens Hammer Nutrition cycling jacket....yeah, that's right. They gave us energy bars and a womens jacket for our prize. Cuz the first thing I crave after a 24 hour endurance race is another energy bar. But I can promise you that womens jacket will make an appearance or two before the season is over.

It's still my favorite race and I will go back again and again.

Thanks Rico, Kenny, and Corey for a great race. Good times all around.

P.S. Special thanks to the Mad Dog crew for letting us poach their camping area and for the support. Those guys have the 24 hour race system down. Impressive.

Cool pics of the race here.

The Bike Race Mobile

For the next 3 days, this will be my home. Pretty sweet set up but it could make getting out of bed for the night laps that much harder.

24 Hours of Moab- Here we come. We'll be racing as Team Adobe in the single speed open division.

Much Needed Rain

Good lunch ride with Miles. We got hit with some rain but the trails are in prime shape. Tacky and fast.

Remind me to always keep a towel in the truck. I had to use a carborocket t-shirt to get the mud off my legs so I could go back to work.

I Hope It's A Fast Number

Tomorrow is the first cross race of the UTCX series. I've ridden my cross bike once in the past 6 months. I could be in trouble. I hope to see some of you out there. Something tells me I should leave my HR monitor at home. It's going to get ugly right from the start.

The Number Plate Stays

I recently built up a loaner/back-up bike with spare parts. A bike I can use when my good bike is in the shop. Or a bike I can lend to a friend in need. But here is the rule. You can borrow the bike but you MUST ride it with the number plate attached. Think of it as a rental or fleet number. A way to keep track of it.

I like that rule. It's a good rule.

Getting Ready

Night bike practice tonight. Getting ready for this.

Have I mentioned how creepy Corner Canyon is at night when riding solo? I stopped to pee and found myself peeing in a circle so my back wasn't exposed at any given side too long.

Thursday Night Breakfast

The Thursday night rides should really be called the Thursday late night breakfast feast cuz that's the part I really look forward to. It's the best type of post ride chill.

Maybe next time the email will thread will read:

"Hey everyone, we are meeting at Village Inn for breakfast at midnight...Oh, and if you want, let's meet a little earlier for a ride."


Did you know about the V.I.B deal at Village Inn? It gets you any get 4 items of food for just $6.59? I went with the follwing combo: Pancakes (2), bacon (2), eggs (2), and hashbrowns

I was too tired to shower so I went to bed dirty but with a full stomach.

The Hell-O-Ween ride is just around the corner. Do you have your costume figured out?

Should we do this in Draper, the UC, or Glenwild? Or somewhere else?