Burn 24 Race Report

This past weekend was the Burn24. I'm not sure  which type of burn they were trying to imply with it's name. They could be referring to the insane heat and humidity down in N.C., or perhaps to the burn inducing, gnarly single track that the course was mostly comprised of, or maybe the constant, steady climbing. One thing's for sure-they got the name right. It burned, churned, and challenged for 24 straight hours.

Jason left Syracuse early Friday morning and grabbed me, then we stopped by Buffalo to pick up Ben's stuff on our way down. Since he's VIP he flew down, and it was our privilege to transport his gear (if you know me then you can probably smell the sarcasm stewing in that last line, but if you don't-then no sarcasm. For real, it was our privilege). I lost count but sometime about 13 hours later after driving though some zero visibility fog, hurricane like storms, and just one missed turn we arrived in Wilkesboro, N.C. at the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir; home of the Dark Mountain Trail network.

Scotto and his crew had already arrived and set up most of camp, although with the way Scott tackles a camp site it could also be referred to as a full on cycling fortress. We unloaded pretty quickly and afterwards it was nice to catch up with the guys at our first 24 of the season. We had a "team meeting," - some brews and an evening grub fest, exchanged all the usual one liners and called it a night.

Me being the early riser I am; I woke up at the crack of dawn as usual and pressed some coffee, had some breakfast, and took in what has become one of my favorite parts of camping at the races-watching the event come to life. Some day i'll set up a time lapse camera and capture the excitement as the sun rises and a quiet, almost dreamy tent town transforms into a hectic, festive, adrenaline filled small city in just a couple of hours.

Since it was a 3/4 mile lemans start and Trevor's the runner of the group he teed off and did very well, tagging off to Jason with just a few teams ahead of us. I spotted a guy in track shoes looking way too relaxed at the start line and figured he'd win the run-he did. Jason ripped off a great lap and then it was my turn. After myself the rotation continued onto Ben, then Trevor. I felt so bad for Ben because he was coming down with something aweful and this type of course was right up his alley, but he had to keep it pretty conservative since he was sick. Probably caught some sort of death virus on the plane ride down....

The course was very well designed as were the trails-about 6.5 miles and just under a thousand feet of climbing. It was a little damp and peanut buttery early on but nothing much to speak of. I have never ridden trails before with such crazy amounts of roots for such a distance. There were some sections of trail that were just pure root gardens. At night after the dew set in the roots (as well as our entire camp) became fully saturated and turned the course into more of a pinball game then a bike race so I thoroughly enjoyed it. The network was a mix of incredibly technical roots that went on for miles with a healthy dose of ripping flow mixed in, and plenty of climbing to bring on the burn. It ended with a jump littered downhill course that dropped riders onto a gravel track at the edge of the camp area, which fed into a churn and burn field section just before the finish line.

 There was a sweet rock garden just before the downhill section that was pretty intense although short. Picture a really hard core rock garden about six bike lengths long with a 90 degree turn into some uphill, off camber roots and you've got it. I think I gave the photographer a heart attack when I drifted through it. He said "oh sh*t" and jumped out of the way just before I hit it-I think he thought I had no clue the turn was there...lol. He was poised on the outside of the turn and was not expecting anyone to hit it like that, but I found that if you applied some gonzo (gave it way too much speed and just let the roots and rocks throw you) it propelled you right onto the trail after all was said and done.

All in all we finished 12th out of 133, 5th in our class. It was Trevor's first 24 and he handled it like a seasoned vet so mad props go out to him for showing up ready to roll with super consistent and confident lap times. People either get their butts kicked and cry about it, or they get their butts kicked and beg for more, and Trevor was definitely the latter of the two so I see some great 24's in his future. I was really happy with my riding because I was able to keep it just below threshold and have a blast, as opposed to last season when i'd have to about kill myself towards the end of the race just to finish. No cramps, no puking, just fun.

I doubt I can tell this story as funny as it was in person but i'll try. We're all just sitting there, the night laps underway when Trevor arrived back at camp adrenaline still pumping from his first night lap. He had just crushed the course and rolled into camp with some heat, weaving his way through and avoiding everything. When he finally slowed up he couldn't get his foot unclipped and wrecked all over the place, landing on a Colman grill full of freshly cooked steaks. Immediately Ben and I showed our concern and jumped out of our seats to rush over...and check on the steaks! Then we're both like "oh crap are you okay?" Luckily the steaks were un harmed and Trevor was too.

Since we had so much fun and the trails were such a blast to ride i'd consider it a succuss. The ear to ear grins we all dawned after each lap spoke for themselves. I love 24's because if you do them with the right group of guys it's always an event to remember-much like a party, but with a sufferfest thrown into the mix. You get to tackle the same course over and over again, and since i'm more competitive with myself then with anyone else this aspect of the race really appeals to me. With each lap I can evaluate my lines, gearing, plan of attack, nutrition, ect. and then go out each additional time with hopes of bettering my technique. I always learn more about myself and about racing in one 24 then I do in an entire season, and i'm sure that applies to most others as well.

Up next-a 90+ degree spin this aft. Can't believe that I brought both the heat and humidity back with me.

Oh yeah...sorry for the lack of photos. I'm bumming because I left my camera in Jason's car but I didn't want to wait to put this post up so i'll add some photos as I get them.

Farmall Hill Challenge #3 Race Report

The weather could not have been better to wrap up this year's spring Farmall Hill Challenge series. I was hoping for another adventure race like last week's mud fest, but with blue skies, a calm breeze, and plenty of sun I think everyone else there was pretty content with the conditions. Chelsea finished up school  for the year yesterday and was able to come so I was stoked about that. It's always more fun when she's there cheering me on. She snapped that sweet pic to the left too (and she pretends she can't take pictures).

That course is just silly fast when it's dry. There are some hills that turn into launch pads, and some descents that become blindingly fast. A couple of the steep climbs were a little peanut-buttery from last week, but thanks to my Specialized Fast Trak rear and The Captain front I was able to ride very aggressively, confident that the tires would be the last thing to hold me back. The captain is so predictable up front that it almost steers for you, and the Fast Trak is super quick, but has better traction then seems possible for such a low rolling resistance tire. Not to mention-they carve like parabolic skis. That combo is hands down my favorite ever for any conditions anywhere. I prefer Specialized Renegades for perfect weather and trail conditions, but when there's uncertainty in play the Captain/Fast Trak is my go to combo.

At the start I blew off the line like a homade bottle rocket and held the lead for almost two laps...lol. I felt like a Zebra being chased down by a Lion, haha. Eventually Andy August reeled me in and I spent the rest of the race chasing him, keeping him just barely in sight. He gaped me though while I was recovering from my start and I came close but just couldn't catch him. After seven grueling but wicked fun laps I pulled 2nd overall and 1st in my Category so i'm stoked. I can't wait to give it another go at the August series.

Up next-Burn baby burn!!! Headed to the Burn 24 with a couple of teams to represent Crankskins this weekend. The southern heat is going to be brutal, but from what i've heard and read both the course and venue is excellent. 24 hours are my favorite kind of racing so i'm really happy to be going! Not happy though about the spike in gas prices since we planned this race so long ago, but hey,  you only live once right? Almost packed, got a dinner planned with Chels tonight since i'm heading out of town, beautiful weather, can't wait!!!

Farmall Hill Challenge #2 Race Report

What a fun race! My knee was kind of sore at the start but I just rode it off. The weather was actually decent for the race, but with the past week of grey, rain filled days the mud made it's presence known from the get go. Farmall Hill mud is not drivetrain friendly! One hill was literally un-climable. Not a single racer cleaned it. I was actually more covered in mud tonight then after the Rambler this past Sunday.

 I managed to not make any major mistakes until my last lap, when I tagged a tree head on. The mud down this particular windy and steep decent was just too treacherous for the speed I carried into it. I think because it was my last lap I just got a little overzealous and carried way too much heat into it's last little twist. Note to self-don't be stupid! I'm happy with my finish too. Honestly I think that if a certain some one had been there I could have put up a good fight, I pulled first over all. :)

I quit my Garmin cold turkey tonight!!! I realized after this Sunday that while the Garmin has done amazing things for my training habits I am just not the right personality to have all that data in front of me while racing. From now on it's going to be out of site for races. It's such a great training tool and I can not imagine training without it, but the last thing I need while racing is something beeping at me telling me i'm trying too hard.

I had so much fun tonight just riding my bike. All the stresses in the world were swept away for a couple hours, and I remembered that's the reason I ride in the first place. It's such a great escape. It just feels so good, so incredibly euphoric. Not a care in the world. I just rode in the moment and gave it 110% without worrying about exceeding thresholds or maintaining a proper cadence, pace, ect. I hucked a few things too, and I think that even though catching some air is slower then keeping the wheels grounded; for me to have fun i've got to ride my own way. I'm really glad I got all this sorted out. Back to the basics, just ride!

Up next- the Highland Hex six hour. Last year's Highland Hex was my first ever solo endurance race and I managed to pull a 1st for my category. This year the competition has become fierce so i'm ready to really dig down and give it my best effort. The forecast as of now looks great-70's and sunny. Now that I flaunted that i'm sure it will be 40's and rainy lol. Last year it was so hot. Just brutal sun and heat. After the first couple laps it was 0 fitness and pure will power to even keep the pedals spinning. I fell more times then I even remember due to pure exhaustion.

Ramble Around Prattsburgh Race Report

Another sweet Rambler went down yesterday. Jim and EJ (my chofers) and I met up at my place and we took the Crankskinsmobile down for some rainy day fun. It was warmer then last year, but man were the conditions epic! Wind, rain, and plenty of mud to go around. For some strange reason I actually really enjoy racing in mucky conditions. I don't know why, but it just puts a grin on my face. The Prattsburgh muck is unique-it wreaks like a fish market, but it's really moist and viscous compared to some other courses. Just tons of fun and not too hard on the drive train. It must have something to do with all the cow pastures...

I pulled 2nd mtb overall, a step down from last year. Not too happy about that, but I had tons of fun so i'll take it with a grain of salt. At last years race I was too busy trying not to die so I really got to enjoy it this year and that made it even more fun. 

I've gotta stop with the stupid mistakes though. If I had half as much stupid then i'd do five times as well. I also should have run some less knobby tires, but the mud tires were all I had. My biggest mistake was going way too soft for the first 15 miles. I kept it under zone 3 after the initial climb with plans to go all out towards the end, and looking back on it I should have just ripped the entire thing. All this zone riding and pacing crap has officially gotten on my nerves. No more of that! It's certainly done wonders for me as far as training goes, but I enjoy ripping it too much to sit there patiently and watch my zones, worrying the whole race about exceeding thresholds, ect. Time to start just riding in the moment when it comes to racing.

The knee wasn't happy, but it did it's job and didn't complain at all. I lost so much time when I hung a right down a hill rather then a left up a hill. No sign or anything. I came to a complete stop at an intersection looking for a marker but it must have blown down. After that I just couldn't regain sight of the lead pack no matter how hard I cranked. They made some wicked time despite the brutal headwinds. A farmer (Okay maybe it was just a guy near a farm...lol...can't verify he was a real live farmer) gave me this dumbfounded look as if to say "do you realize you're covered in mud and going the wrong way?" and pointed towards the opposite direction, so I pulled a u-turn and was back on my way. 



Photo-Noelle Warrick-Jeremenko

I missed another turn early on when I was leading overall that a bunch of other riders missed as well. I'm actually glad I missed that one because after I hopped back onto the course I met up with a sick rider from GBC, Matt, who knew the course like the back of his hand. It was my pleasure to rip some of the crazy descents with him and it was fun to have someone to talk to rather then hang out in no mans land like I usually do.

As for the rest of the team...Katina took first overall woman with a super fast pace while Jeff rode a Fatback, got a flat, and still finished strong. That Fatback must have been awesome in the super muddy sections. Only Jeff could actually crush a course like that on such a rig. 

Jim and EJ managed to hold hands the entire race, and this picture of them at the finish line confirms it.

All in all it was another sweet race. You know you did a Rambler when you've got more mud under your shorts then on the outside! Even in those conditions the country vistas are breathtaking. I can't wait to give it another go next year with all I learned this time around.

Up next for me is tomorrow night's Farmall Hill race #2 of 3. The weather has been horrible here the past couple of days and the outlook's not too great tomorrow either so i'm looking forward to a rainy, mucky, brutal Farmall. That course is so much fun when it gets wet. The hills are steep and their entrances usually inhibit the preservation of momentum on a dry day, so throw in tons of riders and tons of water and you get mucky, near impossible, churn and burn climbs that are second to none. To quote Scotty Hetsko, it could be "raindiculous!"

Fast Food

Oh baby!

(*disclaimer: Organic 0 additive PB with uncured/no nitrates added bacon of course) 

Still whining about my knee

Gonna see if it works later. Still kind of swollen but feeling better. 

Farmall Hill Challenge #1 Race Report

BUMMER. I could not be more bummed. I just can't seem to shake the bad race karma for some reason. The course was bone dry, but very choppy. I was having the best race of my life, feeling so strong and actually keeping Andy August (one of the best racers around) in sight without killing myself.  I was way ahead of anyone in my category, and I was confidently holding 2nd overall behind him. He was flying though and I was using all my training I did this off-season to keep on his tail.

The start went great for me-I was slow to clip in as expected with the new pedals but my start practices this off-season really paid off. I clipped in a few seconds late and rode past everyone until I found myself behind Andy and I stayed there the rest of the race. I wasn't too eager to try and pass him because i'm smart enough to know that he's always got more left in his tank, and moreover, chasing him is as close as i'll get to private lessons from a pro. It's not just about going fast, the strategies he employs during a race can only be learned from years of experience, and even though EJ tells me all the stuff anyways I just have to see/experience some stuff for myself before it really clicks.

We lapped everyone pretty quickly and settled into an excellent, uber quick and consistent pace. With a couple laps to go I was pedaling up a hill and my chain just dropped. I could not make it happen again if I tried. My rig is so dialed in...there is just no reason at all for it to have happened but it did. When it dropped I was torquing up a very steep hill and smashed my knee into my fork so hard I could not even hold in the scream of pain and a couple other choice words. I then ran up the hill, clipped back in and realized that my leg was 100% useless. I found myself slowly tipping over into a bush in excruciating pain unable to even clip out.

To make things even worse I just plain old couldn't make my leg walk. Believe me I tried, but in the end I had to give up and a nice man named Bob marshaling the race gave me a piggy back to the cart where Doug (race director) met me and drove me back to the line. I then sat there and watched the rest of the racers finish while I iced myself up for the drive home. I like to keep pretty low key...so all the drama I caused was pretty uncomfortable let alone the injury.

But wait...there's more! 

My keys were in EJ's van, and in his defense he checked with me multiple times to make sure I had all my stuff together before he left, but I forgot. So I gimped to my car ready to just get home only to realize that I had no keys and my cell was in my locked car! Geez! Come on!  Seriously?? Lucky for me my friend Doug had not yet left and let me use his cell to call Chelsea to call Cher to call EJ to turn around. What a crazy night. Now i'm just sitting here icing the knee, hoping when I wake up in the morning it's just bruised. If it would stop spasming i'd not be so stressed about it but man is it twitching and man does it hurt. 

So in short...DNF. Yep, I just used all those words when a simple "DNF" would have sufficed. 

It doesn't look like much. Pretty swollen in person but in the picture it hardly looks like anything happened at all. The skin and hair Jim pulled off the lockout knob speaks for itself though. I hope it stays that way. If it looked as bad as it hurts i'd be in real trouble, so i'm going to take it as a good omen.

Farmall Hill Challenge kicks off the local season

Only those who have experienced this is can truly understand the burn. Sometimes 

I wake up in the middle of the night in a panicked cold sweat, etching this profile 

onto my bed frame while muttering "just a couple more laps!"

The Farmall Hill Challenge is a sweet way to kick off the local race season. It's like fire...it looks so cool, but man does it burn, and it's not to be played with! I doubt my legs are ready for ~3000ft of climbing tomorrow in under 13 miles but i'm stoked to test out the new rig and see if I can hold on. It's also going to be fun to see everyone for the first time in quite a while. I learned my lesson last year after making the mistake six times in a row of blowing up at the start...but learning a lesson and using it's knowledge are two entirely different things...lol. 

You know you're going too fast when...

Gotta love it when a tree jumps out and grabs ya! Hope to get this patched up in time for Farmall Tuesday. Just gotta find that extra olive...

Looks like my complaining worked

Come on again?

Another week of pavement from the looks of it

Repelling Bugs With The Essence Of Grapefruit

I'm always eaten alive no matter what kind of repellant I use. I can be standing in a group of 10 people, and i'll get more bites then everyone there combined...guaranteed. It's just crazy. I've tried all sorts of remedies, every brand of everything ever, and no luck.

Repelling Bugs With The Essence Of Grapefruit (article)

On a side note...if anyone needs to get pumped up for their ride, just watch this video. It's sure to do the trick!