Pics

Post stage wrap!

……..coming soon!

In the meantime,,,,

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=SF3xMOmYXu4

Or type this into YouTube,,,,,
Gerry Cody rips the last DH into town La Ruta Stage 3.m4v

Stage 3,,,, done.

Bit of a tactical error on my part, I was told today’s stage had a super knarley technical descent. I chose to ride the full suspension…slow climb, but pretty close to balls out on the downhill! Managed to pass 3 guys there, but lost time to Alexander Sanchez who now sits in 9th, bumping me to 10th. I hope to have great legs tomorrow to get the job done! Almost there,
Btw, check out cyclingnews.com for a quick interview that I got to do. I feel like a real pro! Lol
Nighty night!

Stage 2 in the bag

Not sure where to even begin. Let’s just say if you live in socal, like myself, and you are a mountain biker, consider yourself lucky. We have amazing conditions. Before arriving here, I had a heck of a time just trying to find a pair of mud tires. (I ended up getting some here) trying to find a mud tire in l.a. is like trying to find a renegade or a small block 8 here in Costa Rica. Practically extinct. Today I rode through terrain that was indescribable. Mud, thick sticky globby red clay mud. The stuff that bricks and clay pottery is made from. I rode up trails that made Fargo St look like a speed bump. How do you train for this???? I’m racking my brain. I’ve had high speed near misses with:
(mom, don’t read, just scroll down)
A back hoe
Countless jeeps and trucks
A dozen motorcycles
An old lady
At least 20 mangy village dogs
2 horses on a narrow mossy bridge
And a goat!
All at speeds exceeding 35 mph.
It truly is, a jungle out here! Still haven’t seen any monkeys though…..
Today’s stage shot out of the start with a 1k fast warm up, into some super, super steep pitches. The descent was beyond technical. I consider myself a good descender. Today, my spandex could have been a huggies diaper!
Hot and extremely humid to top it off. Once we hit the first climb I managed to stay with the lead group for a little bit. Before I knew it, they rode off into the thick green foliage leaving me in what is called “no man’s land.” nobody in front of me, nobody behind me. (except for about 240 racers) I was sitting in 11th place, and was content with riding my own pace, and being smooth like butter on the descending. I DO NOT want to be changing a flat on a mud caked bike, nor do I want to walk countless miles with a broken wheel. We hit 6,800 feet of climbing in the first 10 miles! With 5,400 feet still to go! Today was referred to by the locals as the easy day! The people here are truly amazing! I rode through tons of towns and villages to hear screams of “go go!” “bein- bein!” I even heard a few “gringo loco’s!” made it to the finish line in 9th, cold shower and off to the hotel. Pre race dinner at 7.
Tomorrow is the volcano day! 1 hr long descent! Not sure about how much climbing. Oh btw, I’m in today’s National newspaper! I’m crossing a river with my bike in the air. Photo coming soon,
G

Quick update:

Stage 1 over. Toughest day on a bike. Unreal. Amazing people here. Feels like tour de France meets Indiana jones! Sitting in 8th at the moment. Mud ravaged my drivetrain early on and I was only able to use my big ring for about 10 miles. Tomorrows stage climbs 6800 feet in the first 10-12 miles. 10k total climbing. Today was 12k!!!!

Goodnight!

Costa Rican Ticos!

The people here are so hospitable! I’ve never been to a place where so many total strangers will open up their hearts, homes, and possessions in efforts to help someone in need. Maricio gave us a ride to the hotel, even though he was in a hurry to get somewhere, or Guilly from Cyco Guilly loaning me front brakes and lever to return after I finish the race. I met three more friends today, Glenn, Ben, and Maybar. My other friend Jose Espinoza helped me today and is another new friend. He has raced La Ruta numerous times, and was giving me some great tips for the race. Bikes are now prepped and race ready. Time for bed. I can’t wait for this race to start!

Race update:

La Ruta de los Conquistadores
‎(LaRuta2011) Start gun will go off Wednesday 2nd at 05:20. Tune in to follow detailed coverage of the race. Minute to minute text coverage, plus images, videos and audio every day! Welcome to Costa Rica, welcome to the adventure! LAM.
(this is on the main la Ruta website)

First pre ride of day 2

Okay here we go……. My new friends Dax and Luis came to the hotel to meet me for today’s ride. Luis comes from Columbia, and Dax leaves here close by. We went up some steep steep steep climbs. Did I say steep? Haha
Coming down the descent I rode over a patch of rocks and heard “throp!” (it’s like pop and thud at the same time) instant flat. The tire was slashed from the center, down the sidewalk, and stopped at the bead. It was hard to believe. I’ve never seen a tire get sliced like that. Luis had a gu wrapper, and we combined it with a rubber sidewall patch. We were in the middle of almost nowhere with a good chunk of pedaling still to go. I limped it back home with the help of my two new amigos! Gracias! Just had dinner, now I’m ready for bed. (I also got to meet Ben Sonntag today. He was the winner of last years La Ruta)

Costa Rica!

All settled in, and adjusting to the Costa Rican scene. (which is easy to do) Pops and I opened the boxes and built the 2 bikes yesterday. Somewhere between lax and Mexico city, someone danced the coo coo racha on my bike box. My shifter paid the price. Manny may have an extra one for me, and that would be awesome.
Going put today to recon stage 2 with my new friend Dax. Riding my bike through the city is exhilarating! Nobody cares that you are on a bike, it’s survival! Haha.
Enjoy the pictures, more to come.
(to my nephews, I haven’t eaten any bananas yet, or seen any monkeys, pumas, or tucans!) …… But I haven’t gotten into the jungle yet!!!!

Fat tire 50 at Vail Lake

It was already a warm morning for the start of Saturday’s Epic Fat Tire 50. Jason and Heather Ranoa went all out with providing an amazing venue for racers and spectators alike. I knew the layout of the first 35 miles very well, but the second “Lolly-Pop” was a bit cloudy. The race began and the lead group found itself dicing it pretty quickly as we headed out of the park, and onto the dry dusty fire road. We hit “The Damn Climb” and as I suspected, Tinker went to the front and pressed the pace. I did my best to hang with him, and not long after we started climbing we were both left with our respective teammates just behind us 30 yards or so. I knew from previous experiences that Tinker is a beast both climbing and descending, so my plan was to ride and pace with him for as long as possible. It’s nice knowing that the kind hearted warrior will still talk to you in the middle of a race. We took turns at the front, and made our way
through the roller coaster single track. The temperatures climbed. In fact, a friend told me that temperatures on the back stretch were in the triple digits. The water in my bottles became hot. Countless squirts, and water dunks seemed useless. While climbing up one of the steep shoots, I missed a shift and threw my chain. Tinker cleared the climb, and I scrambled up the hill on foot. He looked back one last time, and that’s when it was over. There was no chance of me catching him. I was cooked. He put it down, like the great cyclist he is, hard! I came in about 4 or 5 minutes after he did and went straight to the cold shower. I sat under the nozzle, still wearing my helmet, gloves, and even glasses. Sitting there, slowly cooling myself back to life,,,,with a big smile on my face! (Side note, Snow cones should be a must at any mountain bike race!)
And a very special thank you to my Grandpa, who was my race support and made a successful high-speed bottle hand off at the perfect time! (his first time too!)
Until next time!
Codyman

Everest Challenge Wrap Up

Another amazing weekend for local California cycling! A huge thank you to Steve Barnes for putting together such a fun, grueling event. The weather was great, the bike was great, and I felt great,,,,,,,,, then I won. I really wanted this win. I continued with training after Leadville was finished, and it was worth it. It was awesome having my Pops with me all weekend. It made the tough parts a lot easier to deal with knowing that I’d see him with a bottle at some point. Thanks Pops, I love you.
Thanks also to SeanT for letting me barrow those tubulars. Those things fly!
Lastly, a big thanks to Diego, and Cynergy for hooking me up with the bike!

Leadville Photo Follow Up

Here are some of my favorite photos/moments from Leadville.   A big thanks to Gerry for letting me tag along for the 3 week adventure and to everyone who made the trip so awesome.

Sean T

Everest challenge next up!

This time last year I was gaining back weight that I had lost at leadville, and enjoying the last bit of summer with beer, and bbq’s. This year, I’m staying on the throttle. It hasn’t been easy, but I must say that my current fitness is pretty good. Plus with this new bad boy compliments of Cynergy Cycles,,,,,

Post Race Report

Okay here we go,,
Race day morning:
After tossing and turning for most of the night, I managed to wake up feeling pumped and excited to kick some butt, and of course suffer.
I didn’t really have an appetite, due to just normal pre race jitters, but managed to eat some toast, oatmeal, and a half of a banana. I got dressed, had a little warm up, and headed out to the starting line. My Pops had been standing with my bike for about an hour making sure I was in a great starting position, and that my bike wouldn’t get stepped on in the early morning staging insanity. The starting line rope is removed, the countdown begins from ten. “Nine,” I squeeze my brakes, “seven,” I’m shaking my foot which is clipped in to my pedal, “five,” I make a last minute helmet wiggle, take a final breath, then “one!” The long pointy shotgun from Ken Chlouber’s clinched fist sounds the alarm of the swarming stampede of blood thirsty bikers as we set out on our 103 mile death march. Then silence. 10 seconds of calm, stone cold silence. “It’s here, I’m here, it’s happening!” Cold morning air stinging my face stiff. Numb hands beneath riding gloves. Pedaling frantically to stay warm, and to secure my position in the peloton. There is a group of hot headed racers to my left that want to show the other 1700 racers how hard they can pedal for the first mile. Up to the first climb, St Kevin’s, Nate and I are positioned in the first 20. This 8 ft wide path will soon be jam packed with the other racers fighting for every earned pedal stroke. This is where the first division occurs. The faster group will tear off into the distance and leave the other groups to form in various amounts in attempt to bring the lead group back. I was in this second group when I realized that up ahead was Todd, Alex, and a few others pressing the pace. Jeremiah was in front of me and in front of him was Tinker. My initial reaction was that it was way too early for a breakaway to stick, and based on last years tactics, the group would reconnect at the base of Powerline. That was a mistake. Jeremiah Bishop and myself ended up at the bottom of Powerline with the lead group of four riders ahead of us by a little over a minute, and a group of about seven scattered behind us with about the same time gap. This is what is called being in “no man’s land.” We decided that we would soft pedal, eat some food, and regain composure until the bigger group caught us. We could then utilize the power of numbers in the group and hopefully reel in the initial attack from Wells and company. We reconnected with the group and it included strong riders like Nate and Lakata. We rode through the “flats” as a group for the most part, but nobody really had the speed and power to match Lakata. Lakata, Bishop and myself rolled into the twin lakes dam together, and then they both rode off into the sunset. Lakata must have been insanely strong because he ended up catching up to wells by the top of the climb. Manny Prado caught up to me about 3/4′s of the way up the climb, and put about 10 seconds and me at one point. We descended together, and regrouped at the bottom with 2 other riders.( Stig Somme, Greg Krause, and Peter Glassford I believe.) The 5 of us rode back to Pipeline and were kind of disconnected after the inbound feed. We regrouped momentarily at the base of Powerline, and then we were spread out again within the next mile. Manny kept a strong lead on me throughout the hot dusty climb. It wasn’t until a fast risky Sugarloaf descent until we would regroup. Once we reconnected, the seventh and eighth place guys had gone up ahead, and we were actually closing in on them. At that time, the eleventh place rider (Scott Tietzel) had closed in on us and he looked very strong. I started to fade a bit climbing up to St Kevins, but after a Coke and another bottle of Prolong, I was comin’ around on my third wind! I let it hang out pretty good on the descent, passing and gapping the eleventh placed guy and catching back on to Manny. “Let’s drop this dude!” I yelled. “Okay,” Manny exclaimed, “Don’t look back!” He added. I knew that we could potentially have the top ten locked up as long as he didn’t catch us again. I tucked into my lowest position and gave it everything I had. I rode all out, running on empty and wanting to make sure that I left everything I had, out there on the course. (After all, the race isn’t cheap, and you gotta get your money’s worth right?) We traded back and forth maybe twice in the last five miles. With about one mile to go, Manny became quiet and wasn’t talking. He then made an attack on the pavement coming into town. I pulled back up to him and we rode side by side for about 30 yards. Very similar to something you’d see in a velodrome style pursuit race. We were only 15 seconds from 8th place and probably could have worked together to get him. At that moment, seeing the finish line made me want to finish the race strong and get off my bike! I pedaled all out, down the final approach into town. Manny gave me a little push on
my back and said, “go for it!” It seemed odd but I took it as if he was telling me to grab 9th and he’d grab 10th. With about 100 meters to go, I saw his shadow come around me and next thing I knew we were both sprinting for the line. He got me by a half a bike. It was a funny way to end the race. The truth is, Manny is my friend, and racing is racing. That is the competitive spirit. Fight anyway you can, for every position. It was my mistake to get caught off guard, and after the race, it was all smiles and high fives. Note to self, keep a small little snap left in the tank, for when you really need it! When it really counts!
It was an awesome day, I managed to take 11 minutes off of my best time from last year, and I had no mechanicals! That to me, is a success! There’s still a few big races left for me this year before the 2011 season is in the books. Stay tuned!
I could not have made it this far without the help of the following:
God, for giving me this body that functions, and allows me to ride my bike. My pit crew, Amber, my beautiful babe, thank you for your support and cheers not just on race day, but year round! Pops, thank you for always being there and willingness to do anything that helps make my race prep and race day easier. Mom, thanks for driving 16 hours straight to Leadville the day before the race to see me. Scotty, thanks for driving out, the bottle hand offs, and hoots and hollers! Trishy, Bryce and the Boys, thank you for the phone calls, and all the prayers and encouragement, next time! Peter, thanks for your willingness to jump in and help out with the team. Dave, thanks for snapping all the pics and coming along for the ride. Wayne and Connie, thanks for your phone calls and well wishes! See you next year! Sean T, thanks for all of your help from driving, to race strategy, etc. You’re an integral part of the pit crew makeup, and I’m very appreciative. Team Imai, thank you for your continued support. Get well Stu! Jim, Diego, Eric, and the gang at Cynergy Cycles in Santa Monica, thanks for the bikes, and support, huge help, and I’m so thankful! MOJ, John, and the Herbalife 24 gang, thanks for supporting athletes in our quest for greatness! Thanks for making great products, and thanks for letting me stay in the “Sheriff’s Office!” Nate Whitman, training partner and friend, thanks for putting everything together, thanks for including me, and thanks for another great year of hard work, and pushing each other to see how far we can take it. To my friends in Leadville, Christy, Cycles of Life, Proving Grounds, Chris, Kathy, Brian, Beth, Sue, Troy, Kate etc I miss you guys already. To the big red ambulance, you purred like a kitty, a very warm kitty with hot hot heat. Thank you to the BikeBlood Gang, one and all!
Codyman

…..tomorrow

The day before race day, prepping gear, bike, bottles, etc. Oh yeah, and doing this while trying to relax and stay off of my feet…… Excited, pumped, ready!

2 days to go

The town is buzzing,,, cyclists everywhere. Not sure what the population here is exactly, but with 2000 plus racers, you can imagine what the ratio is like. Sitting in the local cafe, and hearing at least three different conversations about the race. I need to get back up to the house and relax.

Photos from today

Here’s some photos from today,,, pretty cool scenery and really unique terrain. Dinner was awesome too.

SeanT does it all!

When he’s not eating whole chickens, driving the moto, or taking great photos, Sean can be found taking in some Leadville culture…

First blog post from the ol iPhone

Alright, fancy blogging on the fly,,,,, now can I post pics? Hmm?

Update from Tuesday

Good morning bike fans, up and awake on another bright sunny day in Leadville Colorado. The last two years had pretty consistent afternoon rain showers around this time. This year, it hasn’t rained in almost a week. What does this mean,,,? Dry, dusty course.
(I would attach a photo, but I am experiencing some technical difficulty with this website at the moment)
I had a thought yesterday that really made me think. Currently I have a full time job and I average anywhere from 50-60 hours a week. I took my two week vacation to be up here to acclimate to the elevation, then compete in the race at the very tail end, leaving me a day or so to get back to work. The bummer part of this, is that I anxiously await race day, and my “vacation” is gone in the flick of a booger. Bam.
I may experiment next year with coming up a day or two before the race, then having the remaining week and a half to enjoy a “vacation.”
I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Since I am unable to post any pics or video at the moment, here is a link to a website that is doing ton of coverage on this year’s race.
There’s about 4 videos with some brief appearances by yours truly. There’s also some photo galleries with some really cool shots taken by a new friend of mine Sam Wells.
Here is the link,,

http://singletrack.competitor.com

In the center of the page, there will be a small preview screen, and under it will have little thumbnails of different Leadville videos.
Now it’s time to get back to breakfast….
Have a great day!
G.

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5 days until showtime

Excuse me while I type a “test blog.” I’m having a heck of a time updating the blog lately, so this again, “is only a test.”

8 days away….

This weekend is the annual “Boom Days” in Leadville. A great time for family and friends to gather and watch events take place around the city involving motorcycles, donkeys, funnel cake, beer etc. For me, I am taking it reeeeeeal easy until after I cross the finish line. Then I will celebrate, with a Boom!

Check out this link to some pre race interviews that we did this week,, pretty funny. Click on the Leadville videos,,, http://singletrack.competitor.com

It’s been great having SeanT out here too, he knows the course, and likes to talk strategy. I am very grateful for the love and support from my family friends. It makes things like this possible.

Goodnight,

G.

10 days of Leadville

Here are some photos f the trip so far. If you have seen me at any local races in the last year and a half, you most likely saw a faded red ambulance in the parking lot with sirens, lights and a loud speaker rooting on fellow racers. Well, “The Little Engine That Could” has a new paint job! BikeBlood graphics wrap coming soon…. (feel free to submit your visual concepts,,,,Hahaha

10 days away from the big race and still just trying to breathe. It’s getting better, but sleep is still not totally dialed in. More photos to come showing my Leadville Team Kit.. Very cool stuff.

G.

Back to Leadville

A year later, and I am back in Leadville! Feeling fit, and ready, it’s a matter of luck at this point. Bad luck can happen to anyone, hopefully not me. Eleven days to go! ……I will write a proper update tomorrow. I am super tired. Sean T says hi.

See you tomorrow.

eat my dust…..

said sean to gerry. and gerry said “ok” with a frown

BikeBlood meets Rocky Mountain Highwheels

Sometimes in life, certain people are supposed to meet. Sometimes you can make a right turn, a left turn, even a U turn and meet somebody that could have been your friend your whole life. Amber and I were rolling down the road when out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a hot pink Highwheel. “What the……..?” We turned around immediately. I went into the shop, and met Paul Rust, the owner and operator of Rocky Mountain Highwheels. Had I been sitting, I would have fallen out of my chair. He gave us a tour of his shop, and his “Team Bus!” We were the same people. People who fell in love with a two-wheeled, human powered contraption, hopped on, and let it change their lives. Paul and his brothers have been all around the world on their handmade works of art. “My brothers and I have ridden our ordinaries up and down every mountain pass around here. (Highwheels were known as the “ordinary” when the “safety bike” was created. The “safety bike” being the bikes like yours and mine. ) As some of you know, I have a Highwheel at home, but I must say, that this bike that Paul has made is of another world. It can probably comfortably hold someone twice my size, and still manage to out roll, out perform and out class the cyclist next to you without you ever noticing it. Luxury and performance in one. When I ride my bicycle from the Santa Monica Pier to the Statue of Liberty, you better believe it will be on a Rocky Mountain Highwheel. Check out his website, and if you’re ever in Colorado Springs, do yourself a huge favor and drop by to witness this piece of cycling heritage for yourself. http://rmhwonline.com/

Race Day Footage, from Alex Grant

Alex put together some great footage from this year’s Leadville 100. I’m wearing the 25 plate.

Testing At Carmichael Training

Upon leaving Colorado, I ventured down to the wonderful Colorado Springs to see some friends at CTS. I have become great friends with the staff at CTS. From the top to the bottom, they are full-pro! I can see myself making huge gains with the assistance of a CTS Coach. Coach Adam and his wife Annie prepared an awesome dinner, and were amazing hosts. The next day, I got in a mini ride before my appointment with Coach Durner and Coach Rebecca. I have been wanting to do this test for a long time! It was the first time I’ve seen my power, on a screen that is. The test was not easy. I had 3 days to recover from the race, and I thought that would be plenty. As it turned out, I probably could have benefited from another 3 days of rest before doing the test. However, I really just wanted to get a base, or an idea of where I am at the moment. Breathing through a tube while having your nose clamped is tough! A huge thank you to Durner and Rebecca for fitting me into your busy schedules! Here is a funny video of me during the test…. BTW, no freakish numbers, no extraordinary power………Yet!

Race Report is Here!

Race Report
Hey everyone,
I finally have a steady internet connection here in Durango. Let’s get to it! The days leading up to the race were a bit concerning. Why? RAIN! However, Mother Leadville gave us a break, and brought out her Sunday’s best! Clear blue sky at the starting line. No need for a vest. My Dad, “Pops” was with my bike at the starting line, so I could be at the house warming up on the trainer. If you happen to see any of the race day photos at the starting line, play a game of “where’s Pops?” and see if you can spot him. He’s wearing a beanie and reading glasses that belonged to the leader of the Hell’s Angels……. so he says. He stayed there in the thick of things, holding my bike. The day was off to a perfect start, with perfect positioning. Last year I had to claw my way up to the front, and by that time, the lead group was too far away. We headed out on the course and like a pack of rabid wolves in search for a fat white rabbit, we put pedals down, and headed for St. Kevin’s!
The guys meant business today, from what I could see, JHK, Matt Shriver, Levi, and Jeremiah Bishop were at the front and hammering. Tinker was behind me, and Dave Weins was in front of me. A rookie in a race legend sandwich, we pedaled up the loose rocky climb. The scattered field regrouped at the beginning of the Sugarloaf climb. I found my seat at the back of the bus, and was happy to be there. The pace was hotter than your momma’s brake pads after a descent from Pike’s Peak! Hot! Coming from the world of downhill racing, I knew that if I got dropped on the climb to Powerline, I wouldn’t panic. I can descend well, and I could make up lost time there.
Sure enough, that’s how it unfolded. The group of 9 guys gapped me by about 30 seconds, and before I knew it, I was coming up on a black kit that read, “Nissan” right across the ass. It was Levi! I was stoked. “I’m riding behind Levi freakin’ Leipheimer,” I said. We popped out on the pavement and regrouped. There was 10 of us, me being number 10. Not too much longer I hear, “Welcome,…….you’re in a good group today my friend!” It was Jeremiah Bishop spinning his bright yellow shoes into a glowing blur. “We are already ahead of last year’s pace!” I had to remain focused. I could have easily sat there and got my “nerd on” and started asking them questions about bikes, racing, advice, random facts on twitter,,,,, but I had to stay focused. The pack stayed together until the Twin Lakes aid station. Some of the guys had to pee, and with me being in the back, it was like trying to run through a front yard without being hit by the summer sprinklers! “Don’t piss on my bike Bishop” I thought. Then I thought, I drafted off of these guys for the past 40 miles, I guess if some pee hits my bike, I will just have to be thankful. Haha! We climbed Columbine to mile 50. Well, I shouldn’t say “we” so freely. Levi and JHK ignited the jets and were moon-bound. Bishop and Weins followed suit. Jay Henry, Matt Shriver, and Alex Grant were up there somewhere too. The climb seemed endless. I just tried to stay in my own world and race my own race. Once the descent came, I was back in my element and felt comfortable again. Getting in some fluids and Gu was tricky but mandatory. I had a top speed of 49 miles an hour down Columbine on the section near the “Hot Dog salesman.” At the bottom, I found myself passing at that time, a tired Matt Shriver. I know that sounds weird, how can Matt Shriver be tired?  At Twin Lakes aid station inbound, my brother in law gave me a great feed handoff. No need to stop. I met up with Alex Grant, and we rode together for approximately 10 miles. Low and behold, the galloping thunder-hooves of Matt Shriver were approaching. He joined us, and we all worked together to try to bring in Jay Henry. That guy was on a mission because we never even so much as got his dust. He was gone. The three of us rode together until halfway up Powerline. Super steep, and packed with fans, it was a burner. Matt slowly pulled away at his own pace, and Alex began to fade a bit behind me. Strung out again. I was alone for a while after that. Approaching the Carter Lake, mini aid station, my buddy Sean T said that he had me by 2 minutes. Riding through St. Kevin’s I felt recharged knowing that the finish line was quickly approaching. I felt fast. While riding down the second to last descent, I came into some shade and didn’t see the sharp rock that bent my rear wheel and punctured the tire! “Unbelievable” I yelled. I pulled the wheel off, and through in a tube. I left my arm warmers there too unfortunately. I was back on the bike after a 5 minute detour. I just had to be cool, watch my lines extra close, and get home. With 2 miles to go, the tire went soft. I stopped and hit it with the remaining air that I had in the can. It lasted for about 100 yards. I was now riding on the rim! Lance style! With the finish line in sight, Alex passed me and said, “Oh that sucks!” Yes Alex, it did suck! Hahaha I limped in and High-fived my two nephews that were waiting for me at the red carpet. It was over. 9th place. Last year, 25th place. Success. 7:02:47
There are so many people that helped me this year that made this possible. I am going to now attempt to list em,,,,,

First off I thank God that I even have an able body that can take on such challenges. The truth, straight up. My girl Amber who is cool with all of my riding and training 90% of the time, every time…..haha. My Pops who taught me not only how to ride a bike, but what it means to be a Mountain Biker. Mom, Bro, you’ll be here next year. The Murrill’s, you stepped up huge and delivered above and beyond. Wayne and Connie, the Love and support from you guys means so much to me, thank you! SeanT, thanks for having my back man, the advice, the laughs etc Get well man. Josh Martin from Party-Fit Inc. Nate Whitman, it was an awesome year of prep, strategy and implementation. Great job man, and thanks for everything! Don’s Bikes of Rialto for the bike, and for picking up the tab on the race entry’s! Tim, the Libby’s, Chris, Cy, Lisa, Jeff and the rest of the Don’s team, thank you. Get well Bender! Adam, Durner, Patrick, Daniel and the rest of the Carmichael Training Crew, huge thanks!  Brian, Chris and Kathy from Cycles of Life in Leadville, you saved my arse, numerous times up there! Thank you to Sue, and Christy for the great food at Zigg’s. Thanks to the La Grange gang back home for the training, Velo 605, PAA Remax, Foes Racing, Team Imai, Sylvain, Hillary and Bella, Hobey Smith you rock! Last but not least, Thank You to YOU for checkin’ in and reading up on a guy, a regular guy, that wants to just ride his bike as fast as he can! Until next time!

“You’re better than you think you are, and can do more than you think you can!”  -Ken Chlouber,