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.