UTCX #2- Ft. Buenaventura Ogden

On my way to a mid pack finish in the Master A's.  Cross is a different beast.  Some day I will figure this thing out.

Learning To Bunny Hop CX Style

Baby steps

Sweet Pic

Crusher 2012

It was hard. The climbs are long and steep and the descent was just as hair raising as described (at least on a cx bike it was).  But probably the best supported race I've done.  The people of Beaver are Buena Gente and were so cool to come out and support the race. 

I like this sequence of shots because it shows me descending while my EFS gel is about to fall out of my jersey pocket.  Those washboard sections rattled it out.  I guess I should be happy I didn't lose a tooth.  I would need this EFS gel on the 2nd big nasty climb.  I would reach for it and discover it was gone.  With the next aid station over an hour away, I knew I was in trouble. 

1977

And this is how it all started......

Draper ICUP 2012

I wasn't planning on racing the Draper ICUP on Monday when I saw the original course.  But when the IMBA folks stepped up and finished the last phase of the Rush trail and the course was changed to include Canyon Hollow/Rush, I perked up.  Now THAT was a course that sounded fun.

It's been a while since I had raced.  Almost 3 months.  I guess Strava has been satisfying my cravings.  I decided it was time to come out of hibernation and face my fears.  I left my SS at home and lined up with the Expert/40+ geared crew.  There are some salty old dogs in that group.

3 laps - 33 miles at race pace made me a bit nervous.  My longest ride so far this year is something like 38 miles and that was on my road bike. 

After a terrible start position (15 or so out of 20), I spent the first and second lap passing and playing catch up while trying to leave something in the tank for lap 3.  As I came through the start/finish area to start my 3rd lap, I heard my kids, wife, and Jay cheering.  That gave me a big boost (along with Bob S. heckling me.....All I remember is Bob pointing up the course and saying "hey Rick, the race is up there....").

I had some good legs on the final climb and made up a few more positions before the downhill.  I managed to stay on my bike and avoid any mechanicals and finish 3rd.

It felt good to stand on that box again.  But what's up the ghetto podium at the ICUP's?  I'd pay an extra $1 for Ed to get a real podium instead of the plywood boxes.  (but I do like the tweety chair).

Congrats to Corey L and D. Bagley for a 1, 2 finish in SS.  Rico with the Expert 35 win, Daren C with 2nd in the 50+, and Whitney taking the Expert Women win.  I have some very fast friends.  I'm so glad I don't race against them anymore.

Ponytails and Arm Warmers

My wife looks great all done up in a dress with heels but something about this look I really like.  A ponytail, sleeveless with arm warmers. 

My Favorite Race

If I had to pick, it would be the Friday morning AF canyon group ride.  It's a ride but it always ends up being a race.  A weeks worth of bragging rights among friends is better than any podium.  This race includes the KOM, regroup, followed by a crazy fast, twisty descent for the sprint at the guard shack.  In short, it has something for everyone.  Don't feel like hammering the climb?  No problem.  You can save your legs and try for the sprint.  But if you are feeling good, go for both. 

And with the Kneaders at the base of the canyon.  For $5 you can enjoy all you can eat french toast and pancakes with a side of trash talk.

Early Lessons

My son plays competitive soccer.  Tryouts are coming up.  He is 9 going on 10.  A few weeks ago I took him outside and said "Son, sometimes you gotta fight to be a man".  And we played real soccer.  The dirty kind that nobody likes to talk about.  I think it will help him make the team.

KOM

If you are on Strava, you know what this is:

It's the KOM icon.  They are not easy to get.  But oh so satisfying when you do.

Wed in Corner Canyon

Wed morning group ride in Corner Canyon according to Dug.  I hope to see you all next Wed.

Date Night

Ghost Falls, Corner Canyon. 

I Tried Strava, Tasted Metal, And Turned It Off

I tried Strava today.  I picked the steepest, hardest climb I know of- The Waterford climb (Foothill).  I pushed myself so hard I tasted metal.  Got to the top of the segment, and turned it off.  I'm not sure I like riding against the clock like that. 

Jon R., Dan Z., Rico, Bagley, Brandon, Dave G., Ben B. Aaron S., Mark A., and all you fast UC guys....Tag you are it.  3:15 is the time to beat.  I have no idea who this Montague dude is but I don't want to meet him.  Crazy fast.

This is why I get out of bed at 4:30AM on a weekday

One of the best days of the year in the Wasatch Backcountry. Chad, Justin, Scott, Me.  Up to the Black Knob, dropped in the north side, over to Cardiac, then back over to Black Knob down Little Superior.

Thanks Chad for putting in the skin track. 


Cardiac Bowl March 2012 from Chad Ambrose on Vimeo.

Dr. Dre and Me

Just Dr. Dre and me on the ride today.  I could listen to him tell stories all day.  A postcard from the Altar. 

"This Town Is Getting Too Rough For Me"

The Utah County lunch ride crew is getting too fast.  Lunch rides are now lunch races.  I love it and I hate it.

By the way, I'm serious about this bus thing.  Leave a comment if you want to pitch in and be part owner of the cycling bus.  Maybe we could get it together in time for the Crusher race?

ICUP #1 2012- Desert Rampage

ICUP #1 - Desert Rampage was Saturday.  The conditions couldn't have been any better.  60's, sunny, no wind.

Rachelle and I left the kids at home and drove down Friday after work.  So nice to road trip it with my wife.  She brought her knitting and a comfy chair and hung out in the sun while I raced.  And she executed a flawless handup of CR333 for my final lap.

I lined up with the 40+ Expert category.  I think those salty dogs are some of the fastest guys I've raced against.  I didn't have the best race but it wasn't terrible.  Laps 1and 2 I couldn't get myself to go super hard but by lap 3 I felt great and finally found my speed.  A little too late.  I managed a 10th place finish.  Meh.

Some of these guys are clearly over the line.  

My support crew. (Thanks Rachelle!)

shameless pic rip off from the zazoosh site